Greetings, from Celadon!

classic Classic list List threaded Threaded
Locked 284 messages Options
1 ... 1112131415
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Greetings, from Celadon!

Celadon's Penultimate
Administrator
It was strange to imagine that a day ago, Savior and the Penultimate had been in the presence of the whole Olympian Pantheon. Even more strange was imagining the reason they had been there. Savior was still a bit sore from the run those five sent everyone on. She stretched, paused, yawned, paused again, rubbed her eyes, and eased herself up in bed.

She'd definitely have to ask the Penultimate for a quick rejuvenation; there was no way she'd be able to enjoy herself on this vacation as tense and stiff as her muscles and joints were. And speaking of feeling rejuvenated, just as she began to wonder where her breakfast was, Nikolai and Bridgette entered the room, cheerful and smiling.

"Good morning, Savior." Bridgette said warmly.

Nikolai headed over with the breakfast tray, "You've got a big day ahead."

Savior chuckled to herself. Around here, when was a big day ever not ahead? Though, she had to admit, she was still a bit curious about one thing.

"Hey, guys...where did the Penultimate say we were heading off to?"

Nikolai and Bridgette exchanged glances.

"The Penultimate said not to say anything." Bridgette answered, "He said he'd tell you when you finish your breakfast."

Naturally, Savior took that as a hint to wolf down her breakfast, and hurry to get ready as soon as possible. Her food was gone in six minutes flat, she rushed the servants out of the room so that she could get ready for the day, and then bolted downstairs, just as the Penultimate made his way into the parlor to ask where she was.

"Oh, Savior, there you are." The Penultimate seemed to have brightened up since the previous day, "Dyndron and Zei are packing your luggage as we speak. Have you had breakfast yet?"

"Yep." Savior grinned, "So tell me, where are we going? Arboralia? Gongolania? I've been brushing up on my Gongolanian, and I think I can almost say a couple phrases without getting tongue-tied--"

"The Dog Star." The Penultimate interrupted with a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth, "We're going to Planet Sirius, known in the Solar System as The Dog Star. You...do like dogs, right?"

"Yeah!" Savior couldn't help but smile, "Puppies are so cute!"

"Uh, sure...yeah. Just...just hold onto that thought when we get there...", The Penultimate snickered to himself, just under his breath; aloud, he said, "Well, everybody who's coming, if you're ready, then follow me. The teleporter is in Techne's lab."
“…Judge not what a man has done, but judge what he could have done if he was a different bloke altogether. For art thou a leper? And a leper can changeth his spots…”   --Rudy Wade, Misfits (Series 4, Episode 8)
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Greetings, from Celadon!

ParallelanPrincess
Techne's lab was as impressive as Savior remembered. There were a lot sorts of machines making odd sounds. Tweet. Click. Bloopdewhoop.  

There were monitors with numbers swirling down them Matrix style. On desks and carts there were small handheld gadgets in various stages of completion.

"Don't touch anything," the Penultimate warned as Savior's hand hovered over a small metal box.

"I wasn't gonna. I'm just looking," Savior said defensively, stuffing her hands in her pockets.

"Look with your eyes not your hands," the Penultimate ordered.

"Should've told that Brutus," Savior murmured.

"What was that?"

"Nothing. Nothing"
Student, Secret Agent, Princess
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Greetings, from Celadon!

Celadon's Penultimate
Administrator
Savior hummed nonchalantly (she couldn't whistle), getting as close to Techne's various inventions as she could without touching. Since Techne had allowed her to ride that hover-scooter, and since Computress had promised her a look at Techne's perpetual motion device one day, Savior couldn't help but be fascinated with all the shiny metal things that populated seemingly every corner of the handsome, sterile laboratory.

Shoes clacked rather cleanly on the white tile floor. Robots spoke unintelligible gibberish in the distance. Gears clanked and clunked, systems buzzed and beeped. Machines whirred to life simply as Techne passed by them, and as they followed, Savior marveled at each.

The tesseract she'd designed from Dwarven Mine Quartz. The shrink ray she had designed, which was a big help in designing the prototype for her first line of nanobots. The time machine. The cloaking apparatus. The replicator. The various superpowered articles of clothing she'd come up with, in the event of superhero emergencies and fashion emergencies. And finally, down toward the end of the aisle, right before the part of the lab closed off for renovation...there it stood.

The teleportation device. It was tall, with an arch at the top, like a huge door situated alone on the sturdy, metal platform. On the left, there was a small keypad and screen, a perfect fit for Techne's hands. On the right, indiscriminate buttons and levers and switches.

"Step up to the platform." Techne gestured, "This'll only take a minute."

The Penultimate, Savior and the servants did as they were told, and the Tech Elf input the coordinates of the distant planet. Pushed a couple buttons. Pulled a couple levers. Twisted knobs. And suddenly, Savior heard a low hum. The platform pulsed with a barely-perceptible vibration, which built to an uneasy shake, which gave way to a threatening growl.

The empty space in the center of the door seemed to slowly, gently tear. Light peered through on the other side, and the rip built from a tiny hole until it filled the doorway.

"You ready, Savior?" Bridgette smiled, looking up at the teleporter's arch.

Savior wasn't sure, but she answered with a pleasant smile of her own, "I think I am...I hope I am."

The Penultimate only flashed a grin to Nikolai and Zei, who returned nervous smiles. They hoped she was ready, too. And if she wasn't ready, they hoped she would get ready, and soon. Techne announced that the teleporter was ready, and the Penultimate volunteered to go first. Zei followed. Nikolai went next. Bridgette after them.

Savior took a last look back, to see Techne waving a warm goodbye. And then she, too, stepped forward.
“…Judge not what a man has done, but judge what he could have done if he was a different bloke altogether. For art thou a leper? And a leper can changeth his spots…”   --Rudy Wade, Misfits (Series 4, Episode 8)
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Greetings, from Celadon!

ParallelanPrincess
Savior was more or less used to a specific style of teleportation. She was accustomed to the poof-you're-there! version Aphrodite and the Erotes used. There had many times Savior found herself teleported to her room after one snappy comeback too many. God style teleportation was gentle with a sweet caress you were whisked to your location.

Techne-style teleportation was nothing like this. The feeling of teleporting was like being head butted in the stomach by a drunk minotaur. There was an acute lack of gentle whisking and an abundant amount of violent pulling. Savior felt her body being dragged across worlds like a ragdoll. It didn't exactly hurt, but it was uncomfortable.

If Savior's eyes had been opened she would have seen the many vortexes and dimensional portals she was traveling through. Unfortunately, Savior's eyes were shut in fear.  
Student, Secret Agent, Princess
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Greetings, from Celadon!

ParallelanPrincess
This post was updated on .
"I'm starting to worry...," Bridgette said, pacing back and forward. "Savior should have arrived by now. I'm positive she entered right behind me."

She frowned; hopefully, Savior hadn't ended up elsewhere.

"No need to worry. If it's taking too long, it's because of Savior." The Penultimate said, placing a calm hand on Bridgette's shoulder, "Gods and goddesses have a tendency to...fight the teleporter. They're used to getting around on their own and sometimes subconsciously resist being teleported by any other means."

Bridgette turned around to the Penultimate with a furious look in her eyes, "You knew this could happen?"

"Of course. Calm down! She'll be fine. It should only take a few more minutes." The Penultimate chuckled, "Besides...if she ends up somewhere else, it's a sign her powers are awakening."

Before Bridgette say another word, a portal opened overhead and Savior flew out and landed directly on the Penultimate.

"I'm here," Savior said weakly. "What did I land on? A rock?"
Student, Secret Agent, Princess
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Greetings, from Celadon!

Celadon's Penultimate
Administrator
The Penultimate groaned, "...Yes. If, by rock, you mean superhuman reality bending ruler of Celadon. If THAT'S what you meant, then yes, you totally landed on a rock. Now get the heck offa me!"

The Penultimate teleported from underneath the girl, allowing her to land roughly as he dusted himself off. He and Savior menaced Bridgette, saying simultaneously, "Not...a word."

"What?" Bridgette stifled a smile, "I...I wasn't going to say anything."

"Of course not." Zei smiled quaintly, "At least not about you two, right, Bridgette? If I had anything at all to say right now, it'd be about this beautiful place. I've...I've never seen anything quite like it. It's quite lovely, Master Penultimate, don't you agree?"

"Oh, definitely." The Penultimate crossed his arms, and shook his head with a smile, "Take a look around, Savior. Take in all the sights and smells and sounds. With the Ruler's okay, we'll be here for a very pleasant week. What do you think of that?"

Savior brightened, "That sounds awesome! But...what Ruler? I thought you were the Ruler of all these territories."

The Penultimate shook his head, entertained, "Nope. The Dog Star isn't under Celadonian jurisdiction. That's why I can't just teleport to and from here as I please. I need special permission, and monitoring just like any other tourist. But no worries. We'll meet the Ruler and his Wife, soon. I have a feeling you'll get along great."
“…Judge not what a man has done, but judge what he could have done if he was a different bloke altogether. For art thou a leper? And a leper can changeth his spots…”   --Rudy Wade, Misfits (Series 4, Episode 8)
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Greetings, from Celadon!

Celadon's Penultimate
Administrator
This post was updated on .
The trek through the woodlands of the Dog Star almost made Savior happy that the Dog Star King was so far away. Above normal-sized trees, there were trees so enormous, they seemed they might furnish some of the best tree-houses in the world.

The meadows and fields seemed endless; they rippled with hills perfect for rolling around on. Dog-trodden paths wound neatly through them. And all about were scattered streams and watering holes, deep enough for them to drink from, and shallow enough for them to play around in.

The sky was such a soft and deep blue, Savior was struck silent, wondering if it was even real. Winds blew ever-so-gently, and the clouds visibly drifted into the wild, blue yonder. And on those same winds was carried the soft smell of puppies' breath. It brought a smile to Savior's face without her knowing.

"Sire, do you hear that?" Nikolai perked up, "Is that what I think it is?"

The Penultimate smiled, "I...I think so. And if it is, they're right on time."

"Wha-huh?" Savior looked around, "What are y'all--?"

Bridgette and Zei heard it now, too, and grew silent. The Penultimate put a finger to his mouth and shushed Savior. He ducked low, gesturing everyone else to do the same. The sound soon grew more apparent, until Savior could hear it, too. She raised an eyebrow, wondering. Bulls stampeding? Buffalo? Had they stumbled onto some alien Serengeti?

The Penultimate looked over to Savior and the servants, and chuckled at their amazement, when at last they could see the source of the thundering. Out from the giant forest, through the lesser, normal-sized trees, bounded a pack of...dogs. Hundreds and hundreds of dogs, all shapes, sizes and breeds. Savior and the servants found themselves dumbstruck.

When he turned his attentions back to the sight himself, however, he didn't seem so impressed.

"Aw, dang..." he rolled his eyes, "That's not what I was expecting at all!"
“…Judge not what a man has done, but judge what he could have done if he was a different bloke altogether. For art thou a leper? And a leper can changeth his spots…”   --Rudy Wade, Misfits (Series 4, Episode 8)
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Greetings, from Celadon!

Celadon's Penultimate
Administrator
This post was updated on .
Savior turned, still wide-eyed, "You mean something else on this planet makes that sound?"

The Penultimate nodded, "Oh, most indubitably. The dog Laelaps, and the Teumessian Fox. If you haven't already read about it, I'll have to tell you the tale some--"

"Hey!" A call interrupted The Penultimate, "Did you hear that?"

The group fell silent, and ducked back behind a patch of fragrant bushes.

"Yeah, I heard it out this way." came a second voice, "And that smell? Do you smell that?"

"Not buffalo." the first voice confirmed, "Smells like...what is that? Never smelled it before."

The group remained silent, and listened out. Whoever they were, the group wanted badly for them to leave, so they could watch the pack of dogs. Hopefully, they wouldn't scare the poor things away. The Penultimate put a finger to his lips, and gestured that he would take a look to see who was among them. He slowly craned himself up from behind the bushes...and came face to face with a bloodhound.

The dog snorted in his face, and the Penultimate looked back when he heard Savior cry out. She and the servants were surrounded by dogs, too. And they didn't look nearly as nice as they had when they first came bounding out into the field.

"Um, hello! Penultimate!" Savior backed away from them slowly, "Do something! Please!"

Bridgette pulled her close, "Just...just stay calm, Savior. I...I'm sure they won't hurt us--"

"Silence!" The bloodhound called past the Penultimate, "No talking, invaders! Lord Sirius will want to have a word with you! And we suggest you come quietly. We don't want to have to resort to magic."
“…Judge not what a man has done, but judge what he could have done if he was a different bloke altogether. For art thou a leper? And a leper can changeth his spots…”   --Rudy Wade, Misfits (Series 4, Episode 8)
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Greetings, from Celadon!

Celadon's Penultimate
Administrator
This post was updated on .
The Penultimate put up no fight; he made no sudden moves. He simply put his hands up (the dogs did, after all, seem to be a police force), and allowed the bloodhound and his cohorts search him. They sniffed him over, nosed through his possessions and gave him a magic pat-down. When they found him to be clean, they checked through Savior and the servants as well. All clean.

"Hmph." The bloodhound snorted, "Finding no weapons doesn't mean we trust you. Just means you're cleverer than you look. That's not saying much, though. Tell me, stranger, just who...and what...are you?"

Zei volunteered, "We are human, Sir Dog. Or, er, at least mostly. I am Zei Vanderlin, of the Hintervale Province of Gandrei. This fellow is Nikolai Kresjyn, also of the Hintervale Province of Gandrei. This lady is Bridgette D'Arrisson, of the Hairyan Province of Gandrei. We are citizens of the Planet Celadon."

"Ah, yes, hyoo-mans. I've heard of your kind. Upright two-leggers, but not divine like Lord Sirius." the bloodhound looked to The Penultimate, "And you? You're not human?"

"Well, I am." The Penultimate conceded, "I'm also The Penultimate, though. Vested with supernatural sponsorship by the rulers of the Elemental Plane. I would think their capabilities bestowed upon me would make me something more than human."

A Saint Bernard looked confused, "So, uh...you're divine, like Lord Sirius?"

"No. I was born to no pantheon. Just a plain old human without my abilities. " The Penultimate assured with a shrug, before turning nonchalantly, "Now, Savior, on the other hand...she's full-divine. Raised human, but as divine as they come. She's why we're here. We thought her cousin might be willing to let us spend a little time here. To cool off from some stress at home."

The dogs turned simultaneously to Savior, cocking their heads to the side.

"Hehehe, this puny little pup...she is related to the Master? To the glorious and brightly shining Lord of the Dog Star?" The bloodhound could barely stifle a chuckle, "Hehehe...surely you jest...But, uh, ahem, no matter. We shall see soon enough if the Dogfather recognizes your royal blood. Come. Follow us."
“…Judge not what a man has done, but judge what he could have done if he was a different bloke altogether. For art thou a leper? And a leper can changeth his spots…”   --Rudy Wade, Misfits (Series 4, Episode 8)
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Greetings, from Celadon!

Celadon's Penultimate
Administrator
Walking back with the dogs was silent, part nervous and part anxious. After all, what exactly did one say in the event of being taken prisoner by a pack of sentient, talking, magic-wielding dogs? Savior wasn't quite sure, but she knew that if any such etiquette did exist, she had yet to get to that part in her extensive studying material.

Not to mention, when finally Nikolai did stumble upon a question in his mind that he figured would not offend his furry escorts, the words were struck from his mouth anyhow, by the scene that lay ahead.

Surrounding forest foliage waned slowly by slowly and, as though cut short by an invisible barrier, finally tapered off into the precise, beautiful ambiance of a castle scene. Where the rough and wild green trail ended, a new wide path began right away, lined by thick hedges that reached up to the Penultimate's shoulder. The path did not curve, and there were no side paths where it deviated. A straight shot took the group up through the high hedges, and arched out into a quaint garden, full of flowers that varied in color and state of bloom. At its edge, just ahead of the wall of hedges running perpendicular to the garden nook, there was a wide body of water; Savior couldn't tell, but it looked perhaps to be a river.

The bloodhound cautioned that the humans (and their non-human counterparts) stand back. Then he barked to the Golden Retriever and the Chocolate Labrador that stood post on the other side, on either side of the castle's drawbridge. They barked back, and then up to a pair of Akitas situated on the walkway just above the bridge. Their lunch break cut short, the Akitas hurried to their posts. They disappeared on the other side of the stone wall, and suddenly, there was a deep, wooden groan.

Metal clinking cut the suspense, and as the great wooden bridge drew nearer to the ground, the succession of clinks grew louder and quicker. It came down with a great frightening thud, like a giant imposing his power on lesser beings.

The bloodhound turned to the Penultimate's party, his expression unchanged, "...Well? Don't waste what precious time the Master has, on gawking at his estate, like a wary lot of cats. Get a move on!"
“…Judge not what a man has done, but judge what he could have done if he was a different bloke altogether. For art thou a leper? And a leper can changeth his spots…”   --Rudy Wade, Misfits (Series 4, Episode 8)
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Greetings, from Celadon!

Celadon's Penultimate
Administrator
Everyone passed through the arch of the hedge wall, and Savior noticed as she looked down, the water was not a river, but a great, beautiful bluish-green moat. She looked closer, and her eyes widened.

"What the heck? What kind of fish--? Are those sharks?"

The bloodhound chuckled, "Not just any sharks, whelp. Dogfish sharks. True, they may not get large as the rest, but they're surprisingly energetic, and great at playing fetch..."

Savior looked up to Bridgette. She wanted to ask just what the heck a whelp was, and why the bloodhound kept calling her that, but something told her to keep it to herself until she reached inside. For now she would just admire Lord Sirius' knack for theme.

Not only was the castle itself stylized like so many old cartoon doghouses Savior had seen in the past, but as the group reached the cold iron portcullis, she noticed right away that its grid was patterned with dog bones. The portcullis was raised, and as they entered, the security dogs' resting tents were doghouses, each easily the size of a trailer home. Small doghouse booths populated the inner ward as well, and inside each, a dog was cooking meaty treats, or fitting collars or doggy clothes, or playing a song for the security dogs in their native Canine.

As the Penultimate and Savior chuckled at Elvis Pugsley's cover for 'Hound Dog', the bloodhound led the lot up to the great double doors of the main estate. A slot opened at doggy-door level. The bloodhound howled, soughed, whined a password, and stood back as the double doors opened outward.

A bark rang out from within, and the bloodhound led the way into the Great Hall. Its walls were populated with a host of amazing canine art works, many of which were canine renditions of human works. Only Dogs Playing Poker remained unchanged; otherwise, the Mona Lisa was now the Mona Lhasa Apso, Venus De Milo was Venus De Maltese and Michelangelo's David was Muttelangelo's Dalmatian. Though, hilarious as the names sounded, the Penultimate and his servants had to admit; the renditions were amazing.

Still, the bloodhound would not let them idle long. Lord Sirius' throne room was just up ahead.
“…Judge not what a man has done, but judge what he could have done if he was a different bloke altogether. For art thou a leper? And a leper can changeth his spots…”   --Rudy Wade, Misfits (Series 4, Episode 8)
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Greetings, from Celadon!

ParallelanPrincess
As they neared the throne room, Savior mentally prepared herself for her meeting with Sirius.

'Please, don't have a dog head. What if he does?  Oh Zeus, he probably does!  Ewww....He's gonna look like Anubis mixed with a centaur!' Savior frantically thought.

What if he bit her for staring at his muzzle? Would she need the god equivalent of a rabies shot?

The door to Sirius' throne room was a large doggie door. The dogs held up the flaps and ushered the group inside.

 In the center of the large room was a man playing with a group of puppies. The puppies were the small and fluffy variety that Savior adored.

"PUPPIES!" Savior shouted and ran towards the man.

"Get back here you-!" the bloodhound shouted.

His protests fell on deaf ears as Savior hurried to the man's side.

"Can I pet them?" Savior asked as the puppies turned their attention towards her.

"By all means," the man said with a smile.

Savior crouched down and began petting the puppy closest to her, a green eyed dalmatian.

"Who's a good dog? You are! Yes you are!" Savior gushed.

The Penultimate sighed. He stepped forward to correct his pupil's faux pas.

"Sirius," he addressed the man who was instructing Savior in proper belly rubbing techniquees.

"Penultimate! Always good to see you! Come on in and play with the newborns. That is assuming you're not still a cat person." Sirius said with a barkish laugh.
Student, Secret Agent, Princess
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Greetings, from Celadon!

ParallelanPrincess
Savior nearly dropped the dalmatian she was holding. This was Lord Sirius? And she'd just run up to him without so much as a greeting? Bridgette was gonna kill her!

Savior gently put the dalmatian down. She brushed off the dog hairs and stood straighter than a ruler.

"Lord Sirius, it is an honor to make your aquaintance," Savior siad with a curtsy.

Sirius let out another barkish laugh.

"A dog person and well mannered. I like this girl. Where in the cosmos did you find this one, Penny-boy?" Sirius asked.

The Penultimate repressed a grimace. Even though he was the ruler of a planet and a god, Sirius preferred to be as informal and relaxed as possible. On another note, Sirius not recognizing Savior as the new Tyche confirmed his suspicions. There were many gods and goddesses who hadn't gotten the memo.

This could be beneficial for Savior. Alliances between the gods and goddess were more often than not based on three things: family lineage, abilities, and gossip.

Savior hadn't been claimed by any parents, mortal or otherwise. Her Luck Powers were flourishing and would only grow stronger. Her probationary status wasn't widely known.

Yes, Savior had an advantage. Aphrodite would be pleased.
Student, Secret Agent, Princess
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Greetings, from Celadon!

Celadon's Penultimate
Administrator
And the Penultimate didn't seem so disappointed, either, as Sirius called he and his servants over to play with the newborns. The King of the Dog Star handed the Penultimate a smaller pup, half-German Shepherd, half-Rottweiler. He was what Sirius' attendants called a runt. Though, the Penultimate didn't see it quite that way.

"A runt?" The Penultimate smiled, pulling the puppy close until the two were nose to snout, "No, he's perfect for his age and size, I think. Too young to be a king, too small to be a prince...but just right to be a duke. Isn't that right? That's your name, isn't it? Duke?"

The whelp sniffed and licked its mouth, whimpering softly, and the Penultimate cradled it close. Bridgette looked up from the cocker spaniel she'd taken to, to the Penultimate and that puppy, "...Cat person, eh?"

Sirius chuckled, "Hey, what do I know? Even a seasoned old bloodhound misses the mark every once in a while. Isn't that right, Miaiphonos?"

He looked over to the bloodhound, who now looked thoroughly flustered, "Ahem, sir, I thought you and I agreed we would never talk about that. And, besides, um, er...wouldn't you like to introduce your guests to your lovely wife, the Queen--?"

Sirius perked up at the mention. He had nearly forgotten. Yes, indeed it was, in fact, time for the humans to meet his beloved Lady of the Dog Star. And so he stood, mindful of the puppies as he strode from their lavish doggy bed, to the door at the back left side of the throne room. He spoke in Canine to the weredogs standing post, and they called through the door down its echoing corridor, before he returned to sit with Savior, the Penultimate and the servants.

Shortly after, there came a subtle thump, and everyone went quiet. The Queen was on her way.
“…Judge not what a man has done, but judge what he could have done if he was a different bloke altogether. For art thou a leper? And a leper can changeth his spots…”   --Rudy Wade, Misfits (Series 4, Episode 8)
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Greetings, from Celadon!

ParallelanPrincess
"Her Royal Majesty Lady Maira, Our Beloved Lady of the Dog Star," Miaiphonos announced.'

Lady Maira ented the room accompanied by two pink poodles. She wore a golden mask that covered a majority of her face and a long, flowing black gown decorated with a golden pawprint pattern. Lady Maira had long nails that had been filed into sharp talons.

To Savior, Lady  Maira appeared exotic and eccentric. To the inhabitants of the Dog Star, Lady Maira was the epitome of beauty and high fashion.

"Good afternoon, everyone." Lady Maira said in a soft voice.

Savior and Bridgette curtisied while the Penultimate and the others bowed.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Lady Maira," The Penultimate said as he rose from his bow.

"Likewise. It has been many moons since you last visited, Penultimate," Lady Maira said.

"Ruling a planet is very time consuming. There a few opportunities when I can take a brief vacation," he said.

"Understandable. I have been meaning to visit Celadon, yet there are always more pressing matters to attend to."

 Lady Maira did not walk so much as glide to her husband's side. Sirius took her hand and planted a slobbery kiss on it.

"My Lady," Sirius said with a wolfish grin.

"Husband," Lady Maira responded with a small smile.

"What brings you to the Dog Star, Penultimate? Is this a simple social call or a matter of politics?" Lady Maira asked, turning her attention once more to the Penultimate.

"A bit of both."

Student, Secret Agent, Princess
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Greetings, from Celadon!

ParallelanPrincess
“Is that so?” Lady Maira asked, her lips curling into a smile.

“Indeed,” the Penultimate responded. “You may not be aware, but the Pantheon has gained a new member.”

“No, it has not,” Lady Maira said with an amused smirk.

The Penultimate was momentarily confused. It was official. She and Sirius were extremely out of the loop. The Penultimate would have to explain the situation without undermining or humiliating her.

“It has, Lady Maira. As you recall, a century ago one of the agents of Fate mysteriously disappeared,” The Penultimate began.

“And now she has reappeared,” Lady Maira said with a small nod.

The Penultimate felt relieved. Maira understood where he was coming from.

“It was kind of you to bring her along,” Lady Maira gestured to Savior who was cuddling one of her poodles.

Savior was only half listening to the exchange. Pink poodles were distractingly adorable.

“Come here, child,” Lady Maira beckoned Savior to come forth.

Savior gently released the poodle from her grip. Savior rose, making sure to brush off any stray dog hairs and walked to Lady Maira.

“It’s nice to meet you, my lady,” Savior said staring at the directly into the eye holes of the golden mask.

“Likewise. Tell me, child, what is your name?”

“Savior NineOhEight,”

“No, child. Your true name,” Lady Maira said patiently.

Savior slightly tilted her head to the side. Her true name? Was Lady Maira referring to her full name? No, that wasn’t it.

 Savior looked at the Penultimate for guidance. He gave her a slight nod as if to say “You know what to do.” Savior nodded back. She did know what to do.

“My name is Tyche, ma’am. I’m the Goddess of Luck.”
Student, Secret Agent, Princess
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Greetings, from Celadon!

Celadon's Penultimate
Administrator
This post was updated on .
"Good girl." Maira patted Savior on the head, her smile still ironically feline, "Yes, I must say, it's quite nice to see you again. And you, Penultimate and friends. Though, Sirius, if you'll remember, we had plans, prior to their arrival. The Earl of Birdwell has already arrived, and I don't think it's very fair to keep him waiting."

Sirius blinked golden eyes, ran a hand through jet black hair, and sighed. He walked between Zei and Nikolai, and wrapped his arms around his wife's waist, pulling her in for a kiss on the cheek.

"Yes, you're right, love." He finally admitted, pushing back his regal robe to approach the door Maira entered through, "We should get going. I trust, Penultimate, that you, Savior and your servants would like to come along. Unless, that is, you would prefer Miaiphonos give your tour of the lands?"

The Penultimate turned to Savior and the servants. Nikolai, Bridgette and Zei exchanged glances of shared dismay at the thought, and responded simultaneously, "We'll go with Lord Sirius."

Miaiphonos huffed in annoyance at the response, but it was decided. And if Lord Sirius decided he could handle babysitting these strange upright alien beings, then by all means; who was a mere mortal bloodhound to protest? With that, Miaiphonos bid them respectful adieu, and then retired to the canine barracks. Seeing him gone, the weredogs opened the doors in perfect lock-step, and held them open. Lord Sirius locked arms with Lady Maira, and the two passed through the doors, followed by the Penultimate, his servants and Savior.

Down the red carpet of the modestly-ornate wood-paneled hall, the procession was effortless and unceremonious, yet it filled Savior with such anticipation, she could barely contain it. Still, she wouldn't say any of that to the Penultimate. She was in no mood to be scoffed at, or to be told how silly and immature she was being.

And her silence was most appreciated by the Penultimate. He would feel like such a hypocrite in teasing her when he, in fact, was just as giddy, if not more. It had been so long since he last saw the Duke of Birdwell.

Reaching the great wooden door at the end of the hall, one of the weredog guards barked once to attendants on the other side, within the kennel port. Barks, whimpers and whines temporarily died down to excited murmurs, and the door opened for everyone to enter. Crowding in among the handsomely-clad canine throngs, steeling themselves against doggy breath and wagging tails, the Penultimate, Savior and the servants looked to one another, just as bright-eyed and eager.

"Can anyone see him?" some in the crowd asked.

"Is he here yet?"

"I can't wait to meet him!"

"Me either!"

Though, the chatter was soon silenced on hearing a loud thump that shook the room, followed by three more thumps of the same room-shaking heaviness. A bark came from the outside, louder than anything the attendants could muster, and the crowd turned simultaneously to their right, to the port door. Sirius nudged Nikolai in the rib, as the portcullis began its slow rise, and a dog called out from the other side.

"LADIES AND GENTLEDOGS!" came the nasal cry of a loudmouthed young chocolate lab, "PRESENTING...OUR HONORABLE DUKE OF THE ISLE OF BIRDWELL...CLIFFORD THE BIG, RED DOG!"
“…Judge not what a man has done, but judge what he could have done if he was a different bloke altogether. For art thou a leper? And a leper can changeth his spots…”   --Rudy Wade, Misfits (Series 4, Episode 8)
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Greetings, from Celadon!

ParallelanPrincess
Clifford was, in fact, a big red dog. A famous big, red dog. Savior had watched hours of his television program as a child. She loved Clifford because he was adorable. Eros hated Clifford because he distracted her from her chores. Here he was, an icon of her childhood and all Savior could say was-

"PUPPY!" the child goddess gushed as she rushed over to greet the huge canine.

Clifford easily rivaled Mr. Fluffums in size. His left front paw alone was three feet tall than Savior. The girl stopped in front of the massive paw and craned her neck to make eye contact with Clifford.

"Can...can I pet you, please?" Savior asked, making it clear that she didn't consider 'no' to be a possible answer.

"...Of course you may," Clifford said. He was quite used to random children asking to pet, hug, and ride him. Such was the burden of being a high ranking diplomat with a interplanetary syndicated educational program.

Bridgette suppressed a sigh at Savior's antics. Dog or not, Clifford was still a duke and she had spent a good four hours on teaching Savior how to converse with foreign diplomats.

Nikolai chuckled when he heard her barely muted groan; "Give her time", he said.

Bridgette turned to him.

"How much time?" She quipped.

"She's a little immature, but she's only eleven."

"Twelve."

"Exactly," Nikolai laid a hand on her shoulder, "Savior is going to be an amazing...goddess, someday. And she will have you to thank. Until then, relax; be patient. Even the Penultimate took awhile to adjust to his position."

Nikolai lowered his voice to a whisper.

"Between you and I, he had the exact same reaction when he met the political delegation from Krypton."
Student, Secret Agent, Princess
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Greetings, from Celadon!

Celadon's Penultimate
Administrator
Bridgette was on the verge of response, when the Duke turned from Savior's affectionate embrace and addressed the rest of the crowd, "All right, then, I think business is done here. Let's get on while we still have daylight, shall we?"

"Indeed." Sirius and Maira agreed simultaneously.

And so, they were off. With a final goodbye and a final raucous outcry of yipping, barking and howling cheers, The Lord of the Dog Star and his Lady led the procession, followed by their servants, the Duke and his servants, the Penultimate and his servants and Savior. Though, the slow and regal walk would only last a short way.

On crossing the back drawbridge, and reaching the bottom of the hill to the east of the Castle, the Duke bent down to the Penultimate's retinue, "Master Penultimate, the humans in your midst would certainly grow weary to walk the entire way. Would any of you care for a lift to the School?"

Savior and the servants agreed, and that lift was exhilarating. Savior hugged Nikolai close as he clung to the back of the giant dog, by his long, bristly red hairs alone, and galloped full-speed, across an endless sea of perfect green grass. Having to dodge occasional blobs of slobber as the Duke's huge tongue flopped in the wind was totally worth it, Savior thought, closing her eyes to feel the breeze on her skin.

The wind in her hair...

The wind in her ears...

The wind dying down to a peaceful whisper, as canine footsteps grew sharper...

"Savior!" Bridgette's voice came all of a sudden, so sharp that Savior jumped.

Looking down, Savior saw that Clifford had come to a complete stop, and the ground now drew nearer as the Big Red Dog lowered himself for them to get off. Her feet were a tad wobbly after the ride, but the smell of the fresh grass brought Savior back to life quick. As soon as she took in that great, refreshing breath, though, it seemed it was gone again.

There before her, surrounded on all sides in lush green hedges, doorway guarded by two life-sized statues of dutiful weredogs, stood the most exquisite-looking doghouse-themed boarding school that Savior had ever seen in her life.
“…Judge not what a man has done, but judge what he could have done if he was a different bloke altogether. For art thou a leper? And a leper can changeth his spots…”   --Rudy Wade, Misfits (Series 4, Episode 8)
Reply | Threaded
Open this post in threaded view
|

Re: Greetings, from Celadon!

Celadon's Penultimate
Administrator
In fact, words seemed to escape everyone except the Duke of Birdwell.

"Well, everyone..." Clifford nodded, "There before you is the First Royal Obedience Academy of the Dog Star. It shall home the very finest in your army, sire. All the best and brightest, most shall study in its halls. And only the most learned educators will enter its doorways. In fact...ah, here come some of them now!"

Minding the smaller beings beneath him, the Duke stepped forward, and led the way to meet a group of peculiar dogs who had made their way out onto the front steps. The first was a brown Great Dane with black spots on his back left leg, and a green and yellow collar; he was flanked by a gray Great Dane in a red hat, and a small Great Dane pup standing upright. The second was a gray dog of unknown breed, with a white muzzle and a futuristic green collar. The third stood upright, too; his fur was pink, and his expression was uneasy, as though expecting misfortune. The last two were a great Saint Bernard, and a great Golder Retriever. Clifford sat beside them and introduced them in that order.

"Everyone, I would like you to meet among the most revered scholars of this hallowed institutions. Scoobert Doo is our Deductive Reasoning and Critical Thinking instructor (who also doubles to teach cooking); these are his assistants, Scoobert Dum and Scrappy Doo. Astro Jetson is our Computer and Technology instructor. And this is Courage Bagge, our Paranormal Studies instructor. And Beethoven is one of our Obedience teachers, while Bud over there is our sports coach and Physical Education instructor."

And after the introductions, after Savior had finished gushing and petting each of their heads and scratching behind each of their ears, the tour was quite impressive. The school grounds were expansive, the rooms spacious and well-equipped, with luxury and technology any school on Earth would envy. Especially any obedience school.

Savior had to remind herself of that as she passed by the handsome bedrooms, the prestigious classrooms, the impressive mess hall, the auditorium, the gym. She was, in fact, inside an obedience school. Only it happened to be an elite obedience school, for dogs and weredogs to train up their best and brightest, in hopes of joining the vanguard of a canine star-god's armed forces. And Savior happened to be a cousin of that canine star-god, as well as his supermodel-material wife.

A smirk crept across her face...her life was awesome. Weird, but awesome.

"Hey! Hey, stop!" a country accent interrupted her happy thought from down the hall, behind her; turning to the voice, the group saw a short upright blue dog in a hat. He ran down to meet them, and introduced himself as Huckleberry Hound, a Humanoid Studies instructor, "And I'm lookin' fer a Mr. Penn Ultimate? Some feller from Planet Sell-A-Bomb?"

"Yes, yes, Sir Dog. We're from Celadon..." Zei offered.

"And you're looking for Master Penultimate?" Nikolai added.

Huckleberry nodded, "Yep indeedy. Some gal named Techie contacted me on mah laptop in mah office, an' said I needed to find y'all right ASAP. Some business about Grim? Brim--?"

"The Drym?" Bridgette offered.

"Yeah, yeah, that's it, The Drym! Said he had a meetin' with you, right pronto-like." Huckleberry drawled, "You know 'im?"

The Penultimate said he did, and that meant that now was about time to cut his little tour short. He would have time to do little more than teleport back to the Castle. None needed accompany him back to Celadon, he assured; this was really more Savior's vacation than his own. He simply wanted to pick up one final thing from the Castle on his way out.

The air between Sirius and the Penultimate rippled, split open and gave way, pouring the group out into the center of the Castle’s throne room like water pouring from a bucket. They stood, and the Penultimate walked to the bed where the puppies lay on their plush bed. Sirius walked over, looking down to the sons and daughters of his subjects.

“You’re set on taking one of the puppies home?”

The Penultimate met Sirius’ gaze, “The dogs seeing their pups going to live with a human…that’s not offensive, is it?”

“They search for jobs here on the Dog Star otherwise.” Maira chuckled, “Go on, take your pick. If I were their mother, I doubt I couldn think of a greater honor than for them to start life as foreign ambassadors.”

No more needed saying; Savior rushed over and chose a beagle for his selection; Bridgette suggested one of the Dalmatians; Nikolai picked up a pug; Zei volunteered a schnauzer. Though, the Penultimate already had one in mind; in fact, two. The runt he had met before would be his little Duke. And the white Havanese pup next to Duke, a fluffy white puffball, would be Shaggy.

Nikolai cocked a curious eyebrow, “Any particular reason, Master Penultimate? Those two…those two are runts, aren’t they? That’s what I heard them called before…”

The bloodhound Miaiphonos almost seconded the protest, but Sirius put up a hand, “…You never cease to amaze me, Pen. Your choice of pup is rather superb, I must say. Miaiphonos, you see the man’s choices. Go send word to their parents. The Penultimate has made his selection.”
“…Judge not what a man has done, but judge what he could have done if he was a different bloke altogether. For art thou a leper? And a leper can changeth his spots…”   --Rudy Wade, Misfits (Series 4, Episode 8)
1 ... 1112131415