Lords of Creation, The Second Age

[Gentleman Vaultboy]

"You do know you have a name, right?" The Reasonable calls to the ship from the front of their strange little cavalcade.

The giant blinks in surprise and the Reasonable points to one of his shoulders. Upside down, the letters clearly read FORTUNES GLORY.

"Just thought you should know. This must be very strange for you."

"IT IS. I HAVE NO IDEA BY WHAT STANDARDS THAT CREATURE GAVE ME FORM."

"Well that's hopefully what we're going to find out." He says, letting the power around his finger die. The thing, as if released from a spell, floats around aimlessly in the arid landscape. The Reasonable scoops up a handful of sand and throwing it at the creature. Some passes right through, but most of it seems drawn into it's pace, glowing and adding itself to the tail.

"Interesting reaction." he says. "We definitely don't want it going into a shopping district."

He looks up at everyone. "Any ideas on tests we could run? I have a few, but I want to know what you think."

[Philote]

As the reasonable moves away, the cloak of power is pulled off him in a cloud of smoke that condenses back into Murozond.

Meanwhile, Nova thrashes on the table but is eventually calmed down by a combination of Anima's and Babysitter's words. She tenses up but falls back into a deep sleep.

"It seems the hold on her mind has been broken" Anima says "I thank you. Full recovery will require more rest and care though."

[Gentleman Vaultboy]

"I'm sorry I can't help more." She says, looking down at Nova. "My other little brother would be able to help her in no time, but he's off checking something out for me."

[Philote]

"Would you mind if we...." Anima starts

"If THEY" Murozonds interrups

"If we could stay here for a night before we return to Eternus" Anima finishes

"I'll be taking my leave" Murozond continues "The girl lives and Murozond's work is done here. My avatar may do as he wishes."

[Gentleman Vaultboy]

"No problem. I'd have to be completely heartless to refuse you. Oh, wait a sec!" She gently slides herself out from under the other girl and goes digging around in her cloak. "Come on, come on, I know I have one in here somewhere. AH-HA!"

She withdraws a small fluffy creature from the cloak, like a cotter ball with legs and a face. It's little horns curl inwards like a rams, and it almost floats right out of her hand. It slowly changes colors, purple, then red, the blue, constantly shifting, and through it all it snores gently. She places it under novas head, and the little thing twitches once or twice before settling down comfortably.

"There. That will at least make sure she has nice dreams."

[Tsubasa & Wen Tien]

Gravas replies, "This might be a desert, but even here, there is water, thus..."

As she trails off, the air seems to change in feeling, simultaneously, the boards of wood on Fortune's Glory's deck begin to dry out as the moisture for a short distance around concentrates in a sphere above Gravas' hands. She then launches it up and it spreads out over the petal and falls in the form of extremely localized rain.

[Gentleman Vaultboy]

As the water drips off the petal down into the desert sand a single thorny rose pushes its was out of the mud, the red of it striking against the surrounding sand. The entity looks down at it, circling it at all angles.

The Reasonable walks over to the flower and stoops down to its level. "A desert rose. These started showing up within the last one hundred and fifty years, wherever blood had been shed underground. It's so hardy that it can live for up to a year with no water at all." Then another pops up. And another. He sighs and lights his finger. "Come on, over here. This way."

Safely out of the way of the rose, Fortunes raises an arm. "I HAVE AN IDEA, SMALL PERSON."

"Be my guest."

The ship reaches over the the entity, the thing floating up and investigating his hand, before clamping down over the main petal as tight as he can. There's a great tingle in the air as white light begins to leak through his fingers and his hand begins to tremble.

"Let it go." Says The Reasonable very quickly.

"VERY WE-" Fortunes starts, but the explosion of light cuts him off. Sand around them is blasted away as the ship is sent tumbling away across the sand, the entity remaining where it was as though noting had happened.

"I AM UNHARMED!" He calls after a moment, and as he stands the sun glints off of him and it is clear that he is more than just unharmed. The wood of his body has been renewed from its weatherbeaten state and is like new, the mast flapping behind him completely restored to the vibrancy of its youth. The small anchors hanging at his sides have doubled in size and the rigging holding him together has been bleached white. Finally, as he walks back it is clear that he has been trimmed in gold.

"SHOULD I ATTEMPT AGAIN?" He asks.

"I would rather you not." The Reasonable says flatly, who couldn't help but get the impression that he had actually gotten larger.

(Create hero)

[Tsubasa & Wen Tien]

Gravas grins, "This is actually quite interesting since we don't know what's going to be made. Magnas, you have any ideas on what to try out?"

Magnas shakes her head, "Even if I did, I don't have anything on me right now.... I know! Reasonable! Let's get Crav over here, he might be able to make some interesting stuff with this petal."

[Marvelous Miscreant]

"You've done your job well Doctor," Stohlen remarked, patting Dr. Thadius J. Withers on his frail shoulder as he inspected the low, flat building before them.

The Doctor grinned, his silver plated teeth glinting in the shade of the alley, "It was child's play to acquire. Abandoned buildings like this go for pocket change. A few falsified documents, a few bribes and it slides right off the proverbial paper trail. Now, we've got ourselves a nice little base to work from."

Dr. Withers motioned respectfully for them to step inside. The two, followed closely by Morlanna, entered the building.

"Have the others returned yet?" Stohlen asked as they stepped into the brightly lit interior.

The Doctor nodded, " All except Ryen. Hunt and Lean Fingers arrived awhile ago with their squads."

"Excellent. Tell them to prepare for a feast. We have lot's to celebrate. I'll be in my quarters until then." Stohlen commanded as he turned to leave.

"Yes, sir..." Dr. Withers replied, a little confused at what they had to celebrate only one day into their stay in Spectropolis. But one did not question the leader of the Raven Cloaks...not if they wanted to keep breathing.

Stohlen didn't speak a word as he stalked down one of the halls and entered his quarters.

[Celadon's Penultimate]

Through the midst of all the festivities, Gammara all in an uproar of jubilee, a single figure remained unturned. This singular scowl in a sea of smiles and laughter, not to mention the particular billowy nature of the black and midnight-blue fabric that trailed behind him, made Jissei more than noticeable in the crowd.

Fortunate for him, he hadn't the slightest care to that end. The joy, the pure, unmitigated exultation was utterly maddening.

His path and his pace were steady, unbroken by who or whatever happened to be in the way. Pushing aside men, women, children, Jissei simply had to seek out asylum from all of this idiotic frivolity. He wasn't quite sure where he was headed, but wherever it was, it would have to be away from all the deafening celebration, and the blinding-bright auras of love and joy and hope that radiated from these insipid lesser species.

Past another row of paltry, unimportant shops, booths to peddle mortal junk, stands to tell futures and spread gossip.

Further down the streets the Dark One trudged, his loathing pounding in his ears like so many celebratory drumbeats. Past all the buildings, bedecked with every color of the rainbow--as though he didn't get enough of that simple-minded motif back in Boquabia--and such rubbish drawings and paintings which the children paraded all about, showing just how little they knew of the celebration in which they partook. Worse yet, while those diminutive monsters scampered about the town streets, grinning and laughing like crazed lunatics with their pathetic attempts at art in tow, the absolute worse cesspool of smells barraged his nose from all sides.

As air was expelled from either end of the obnoxious mortals bodies, and steam wafted into the air from all manner of foods, and flowers exuded their fragrant scents in weaker portions than did collected heaps of trash, Jissei found himself not on the verge of nausea, but of absolute and utter rage.

With a hint of lust also in the air?

Jissei stopped, his face colored with menace, and whirled around, whispering through gritted teeth, "You vile wretches, reveal yourselves...now."

The air was still, silent for a second, but when it seemed Jissei's patience had all but totally gone, seven familiar forms made themselves visible again to their angry uncle's attention.

The Sisters' reply was a uniform attempt at nicety, "Greetings, Lord Jissei."

Jissei's expression was unchanged, "Greetings, indeed. Any of you mind telling me just what in the deepest depths of doom and damnation are you doing following me? You're nearly as bad as your nosy busybody mother!"

The Sisters exchanged glances, and then took a uniform step back, leaving Vai closest to face Jissei's temperament, "The Sisters and I...we felt your presence...dark...angry...frightening, but compelling...and we followed. It seemed a safe guess that you might be up to some mischief."

From behind her, Nasta volunteered, "We want in."

Jissei would have laughed in each of their faces, if not for the utter annoyance at the humans drowning out his disdain for his nieces, "Stupid girls. Petty mischief-makers, you are. Go find a child to trip and make fall in the mud. A garbage can to turn over. A puppy to kick. I have no need of you, and even more, I have no want of you..." he turned in a huff, but would soon stop short; looking just slightly over his shoulder, he soon added, "That is...not as silly, juvenile pranksters. If you're to be my companions, you'd better believe it, you've got some work ahead of you."

And so that was that. The lot of them could follow as their doting hearts desired, but only if they acted to Jissei like proper apprentices; silent unless addressed, and obedient without question. That having been agreed on, Jissei resumed his pace up the street, past tacky houses, drab vendors, ugly beggars.

Before too long, Jissei the felt his throbbing in his head subside, the slightest bit, and with it, his anger. It was as though his body were relieved of some heavy weight; the sounds and sights and smells of celebration had faded now to a bearable level--less than half of what he would have to tolerate in person. In fact, in this part of the town, the houses had been almost entirely abandoned, by all but the sneakiest thieves and bandits and cutthroats; like the sweetest savor, he could smell their wrath and greed and lust and pride with the most pleasant ease.

"Here, Lord Jissei?" Vai raised an eyebrow, "If you ask me, sir--"

"Oh, but I didn't ask you, did I?" Jissei snapped, whirling around to meet his young acolytes glance, "No, I didn't ask you a single bloody thing. I'm telling you...that house right there." He nodded his head in the direction of a dilapidated, dirty old hovel, and his lips almost curled into a smile, "Something lies inside there--I can feel it on my skin, like a mortal feels the wind--and I'll tell you something. It's a whole hell of a lot better than taking candy from babies..."

Marv: The girls are outside, and about to come into where Stohlen currently resides. Feel free to react to their entry.

[Marvelous Miscreant]

Inside the Raven Cloak's base was a hive of shifty characters all engrossed in some activity or another. A group of thieves was bent over one of the more intact tables rolling dice, exchanging bets and shouting back and forth at one another. A couple men were throwing various knives into a crudely painted target on the wall. Others lounged about on any surface they could find: on banisters, broken chairs, even the ramshackle chandelier that clung desperately to the ceiling. The room was filled with rancorous laughter, angry voices and the general clatter of rambunctious activity.

"HEY! What are you doing in here!" A voice shouted, cutting through the noise and bringing the attention of everyone to the door.

A small man held his knife towards two ladies that had just entered. He sneered at them and continued shouting, "I said, What are you doing in here?! Don't you know? You're likely to get yourself killed in a place like this."

The others grinned, and a few chuckled menacingly. The man raised his knife, ready to strike, as he inched closer. He snarled  and prepared to stab the women when...

"MR. GUNNY!!! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU"RE DOING?" a deep stern voice bellowed from the shadows beyond the stairs.

The man stopped, a look of terror plastered across his face. He mumbled to himself before answering, "I-I was just making sure they didn't..."

"MR. GUNNY FACE ME WHEN YOU SPEAK TO ME!", the voice interrupted.

Mr. Gunny lowered his knife and slowly turned to face the voice, as he turned he began to explain himself again.

"I was just trying to ma-Ugh!"

His sentence is cut short as a sharp steel blade whistles across the room and embeds itself in the Mr. Gunny's throat. It is followed quickly by two more, into his chest. He gurgles and slumps to the ground dead in front of the two ladies feet.

From the top of the stairs steps Stohlen, several daggers clutched in his right hand. He contemplated the blades, turning them over in his hand as he descended the staircase. The room was silent, all eyes on him.

"Mr. Gunny's first mistake was assuming that he acted on my behalf," Stohlen mused loudly to nobody in particular.

 "His second was mistaking out visitors as poor souls who got lost. No sane person would wander in here. So I take it..." Stohlen turned to address the two,"...that you are here for a reason."

[Gentleman Vaultboy]

Fortune stands at attention. "MASTER, HE IS MUCH TO SMALL TO BE LEFT TO WANDER ALONE. ALLOW ME TO SEARCH FOR THIS PERSON."

"That won't be necessary, I can," he says quickly, before pausing and looking the ship up and down appraisingly. "Actually that's not a bad idea. Walk in there." he says, pointing to the walls of the city. "You'll find a gate if you go along that wall. Be mindful not to step on anyone. He's sure to come to you."

The towering behemoth strides off into the desert, toward his destination.

----------

"Here you go, two doubles." Said the Yukionna, putting the two ice-creams cones on the counter. "By the way, nice costumes."

"Thank ya' kindly." Said The Veteran, picking both up and carrying them over to the Watchman. He looked down at them.

"This is why we had to detour?"

"C'mon boss, I been out in the desert all day. I need this." He replied, offering one of them.

"I can't even eat this." The Watchman said, waving it away. "And you know that."

The Veteran grinned like a fox. "Oh well, more for me." he said, and took a big bite. "Sides," he said chewing, "I never get tired of being complimented on my costume."

"Did you know I once entered the costume contest myself?" The Watchman replied.

"No foolin' How's I never know that?"

"Because I lost. To another Watchman."

The Veteran almost managed to choke on ice-cream before the two of them heard great stomping footsteps. A giant was walking down the main street, calling out. "CRAV! CRAV! COME OUT CRAV!" in a booming baritone that rattled windows.

The two watch as it stomps past, calling out. The Watchman just shakes his head. "I swear, these Durhian costumes get more elaborate every year."

[Celadon's Penultimate]

One of the young girls, draped in purple, was more than happy to respond first, "We are, indeed. Vai's the name--ow!"

Vai recoiled from a blow to the forehead by another girl, in red, scowling at her companion's desire for attention; the second girl added, "You're dang skippy we're here for a reason. Whatever Lord Jissei likes. And if you put up a fuss or try anything funny, there's plenty more of what I just gave Vai, waiting to be given to you."

"Ow, Nasta, that really hurt!" Vai was still holding the spot where she'd been smacked, hoping in earnest that it wouldn't bruise.

In reply, Nasta just crossed her arms and stuck her tongue out at her sister, feeling contented to the utmost. Though, it was not long before a voice made itself known to cut through her catty sibling assault.

"Now, now, girls...That's not how we introduce ourselves." Jissei's voice chided; the door slammed open again, at his beckoning, and he entered, with the other five Sisters in tow; he addressed Stohlen, "Pardon them, please. Those are The Sisters--Vai, Prasim, Eda, Desra, Nasta, Slomna and Indiva-- and I am their Master...Lord Sidius Iaissavatra. And I must say, your activities about these lands...they intrigue me."

[Philote]

Anima lifts his sister and keeps the pillow creature under her head and moves through the city, hiding their presence as best an avatar can. He travels to where his temple was built in the previous age and finds a place to settle in and rest.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Murozond retracts back into his lamp and flies out of Spectropolis's border.

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The golden spirit walking Spectropolis' streets comes across one of the Watcher's during his workings.

"Excuse me, would you be interested in doing business?"

[Tsubasa & Wen Tien]

"Nice to see you again, Anima."

A few minutes after the avatar entered the temple, Illusia steps through the doorway and looks at both him and Nova, "I see that you've returned... albeit with less power than you had before. Regardless, I greet you back to Gammara if no others have done so. Many things have changed, but I at least have managed to keep the temples of those lost in the Nightmare Invasion intact. May I inquire as to the name of the one next to you, since I will have to maintain her future temples?"

[Philote]

Anima looks startled at the Spirit's sudden appearance, but settles down, realizing that he was still relatively safe within Spectropolis' borders.

"She may not have her former presence back to her yet, but she is Nova, one of Gilgamesh's eight. Her temple should be situated amidst her brother's. May I inquire your name?"

He was aware of a Spirit residing over temples from the days of the first age when he was charged with reconstructing the lands of Eternus and building the temples within, but he had never known her personally.

[Tsubasa & Wen Tien]

Illusia smiles as she looks at Nova. She'd heard of four spirits who could combine themselves by that name, but, "Nice to meet you then, Nova. Even if you can't hear me, feel free to come and go as you please. These temples dedicated to your creator and his progeny after all."

She looks back at Anima, "I am Illusia, Goddess of Temples and Illusions. Sadly, there was never a temple dedicated specifically to Nova, only to Gilgamesh, you, Bahamut, and all of the others with major power along with the Sprites, which as I recall fused together to become Nova in times of need. If you wish to stay here then feel free to do so. I have always allowed those in need to use the temples for safety and have asked all priests to do the same."

She looks around the area, "Gilgamesh's temples have always had many offerings from those who wished to see their gods return to Gammara. I do sincerely hope that all of you return as Gilgamesh's temples have always felt kind of ... lonely."

[Marvelous Miscreant]

It wasn't hard to notice the booming voice and rumbling footsteps that crashed through Spectropolis. In fact, it was impossible not to notice.

Crav sighed wearily and mumbled to himself, "Never a moment's rest..."

Carefully he turned about and headed slowly down the street towards Fortune.

"Yes, Yes...Down here big fella!" Crav called out as he waved towards the walking ship to catch his attention.

[Marvelous Miscreant]

Stohlen's smile fell and his eyes narrowed. For the first time, he regarded the intruders with his full attention. The blades in his hands gleamed eerily as he clenched them tightly.

"And what would you know of my activities?" he questioned in a low voice.

Everyone held their breath...

[Celadon's Penultimate]

The mortal's bravado entertained Jissei. He liked where this seemed to be going. And so, in return, the Dark One feigned shock at Stohlen's suspicion, and with it, disappointment, "You mean...you still have to ask that question? You mean...everyone doesn't already know your name and work?"

His tactic was unfamiliar to Nasta, but Vai caught on quick, and added, "Oh, Lord Sidius, perhaps he cares not to be remembered. After all, not every man aspires to glory and honor. This life, to some, is petty and small, but undoubtedly to him, it is endearing to remain obscure to history."

Her nonchalance was expert, but it got her sisters tittering among themselves as they, too, caught on. Now murmurs among them arose, questioning whether this was even the right Stohlen they'd found, perhaps the great and ruthless rogue they'd heard so much about was somewhere else, or even entirely made up. Indeed, this couldn't be all there was to be said of Stohlen...

Yes, that was it, they all decided shortly. The Stohlen they were searching for was elsewhere to be found, they were sure. It must have been someone else whose auspicious presence had drawn their attention. Humblest apologies, they offered, they would be swiftly on their way now, to find the one truly destined for greatness. Jissei offered a gentle flourish of the hand, beckoning the girls back to his side, and then turned, slow, to head back out the door.

Marv: This next part depends on Stohlen's outrage at his reputation being at stake. He has to be intrigued with finding out who these folks are...