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Rebirth: Part Two June 5, 2003 Soul(Everything After): ((Alright, before I fill this in too much - Could someone please fill me in on two things? First, did they moon-bridge in? Second, what sept are they headed to? I know it's Uktena, but I don't know if someone's already established the name or not.)) Martin *Quickflash* Kurst (S-E-D): ((sorry to bother but did Marty ever get an answer on his question on if he could come or anything or did you guys just leave and that was it?)) Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ((Since this was set up by Twomoons, it'll be the Flathead Lake Uktena sept most likely)) Gabrielle Tureck: ( Yeah Jason says yep that it) Brad Mullins (Thug): *trots up to them, catching up* Ladies ladies ladies..... *G* Soul(Everything After): ((Alright. Off we go.)) The shimmering moon bridge opens its other end on the outskirts of the Uktena's bawn. It's a breathtakingly beautiful night, the natural beauty of the area lush and wonderfully pleasing to the senses. Gabrielle Tureck: * she takes a deep breath and grips her rugsack and glances around* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): ((Poofs into the scene)) Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *With hunnin chained to her back, and both knives resting securely in their sheets she steps out of the moonbrindge next to Brad, trying as best she can to hide her anxiety* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Okay, we're somewhere I've never been exactly, but I can probably figure it out by looking at the mountains over there. Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks to Val* would it be wise to like do a howl introducing we're here? Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Takes the time to gaze up at the starlit sky* Wow, look at that...don't ever see that shit in the yard *said almost reverantly* Brad Mullins (Thug): *follows behind the group, whistling to himself* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Looks to Gab* Yeah...a howl of introduction is appropriate. Best to lay our weapons at our feet as well, a sign of respect and submission to the gaurdians. Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Of course. Care to join me? *Puts her hand down for balance and shifts leisurely to Lupus, then calls out with a howl, naming herself.* Gabrielle Tureck: * she nods and sets her bag down and shifts as well and howls with Val introducing herself* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Her weapons disapear as she shifts to Lupus, and makes the appropriate howl* Soul(Everything After): The crescent moon shines down on the ruggedly beautiful lake, making the water sparkle slightly. The Garou all feel...Something, something deep and primal, stir within themselves. They feel watched, surrounded by nature. Brad Mullins (Thug): *shifts to lupus too, and howls* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Stands still in the darkness and watches the surface of the lake where the moonlight touches it as if expecting something...maybe.* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Takes the time to sniff the air deeply, almost savoring the power of the wyld forces in this place, and knowing from experience that the stink of the city they carry will not be well received by the gaurdians* We reek of the city, they aren't gonna like that. Gabrielle Tureck: * she stops and lifts her muzzle sniffing * Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ~ws~ Speak for yourself Cassy. *Lies on her side and pushes along with her hind legs in the fresh soil and moss to remove what city essence she retains--having spent time cleansing and wandering the hedgerows earlier with Eisen-Stark* Soul(Everything After): From beyond the range of even their keen vision, the Garou here a clear and unmistakeable sound - the sound of arrows being nocked, from at least six bows. The Garou see, and smell, nothing out of the ordinary, and one gets the idea that whoever is readying the bows wanted to be heard. Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Follows Vals lead and does the same, trying to lose as much of the scent as she can, though she wonders how much good it'll do* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Rolls from her side to her stomach and remains still, huffing *~ws~ We are the ones expected. Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Her ears perk, and she looks up to the horizon suddenly alert, and oriented, she moves herself in front of Gab or Val, whoever is nearest because after all...thats why she is here* WS- here we go... Soul(Everything After): A voice rings out, clear and sharp, a male speaking in English. "You are the ones we were told to expect? Prove it." Gabrielle Tureck: * she cocks her head* ws~~ we is being watched with arrows....quit moving Gabrielle Tureck: * she shifts back up* Twomoon's sends his love? Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Watches the horizon somemore, albeit with a her muzzle somewhat lowered in a non confrontational fashion* Gabrielle Tureck: * she grimaces wishing her mouth didn't operate without a driver's manual sometimes and really hopes these guys hava sence of humor* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ~ws~ We've come to ask the help of the Uktena with a troublesome spirit. Twomoons sent us. Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks over to Val...yeah she'll be the one to speak from now on* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Is in silent agreement with Gab, figuring Val is probably the best one for the talking* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Slowly turns an ear in Gabrielle's direction* Soul(Everything After): The voice rings out again. "Then come. There is little time left, and we have been expecting you." After a few moments, a tall, straight, very serious-looking Native American man of no more than 18 steps out of the darkness, bearing in his hands a bow decorated with glyphs and covered in brightly-painted symbols. Behind him, five more youths step out of the dark, young men and women bearing similar bows and looking distinctly nervous. Gabrielle Tureck: * she relaxes a bit noting how nervous they are now she doesn't feel so bad* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *She shifts up, and naturally surveys the group approaching them, also still trying to hide her own tension* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Rears up and resumes Homid form* Thank you. *Sets off to follow him and the guides* Gabrielle Tureck: * she's already in homid and follows the rest* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *She follow the group, still trying to soak up the night sky* Soul(Everything After): The six young Uktena turn and move off at a quick pace, not waiting for the other Garou, more seeming to expect that they'll follow. As the Garou follow them, they feel the spiritual charge of the area begin to increase as they approach the holy caern. They start to see other signs of life - some people gaze at them without even attempting to hide their suspicion and distrust, and there are signs all around them that there are more Garou that just aren't making themselves obvious. Finally, they come up in front of a small wooden building about the size of a conference room, built with nice-looking wood set at odd, slightly offputting angles. There is no door, and flickering light can be seen inside. Gabrielle Tureck: * she takes a deep breath and the feeling of energy overwhelms her a bit and she grips her rugsack and glancing at the others * Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Along the way, more businesslike demeanour has kicked in and most of the Junkyard social tension has washed away in the cold night air. Stops in front of the door and waits leave to enter. Looks about for a purifying smudge also.* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *her eyes float over the various sets of eyes layed on her, but she does not stare. If she didn't feel it before, now she defenitally knows they are fucked if things go bad* Soul(Everything After): Val sees what she is looking for next to the door, tucked away in a neatly concealed hollow built into the frame of the strange building. Gabrielle Tureck: * she stands there lookingat the building quirking aborw at the no door* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Turns her attention back to Val, following her cues since she seems to be somewhat in her element here.* Soul(Everything After): The serious-looking young man who spoke before gestures to the building. "Well, go on. They won't wait all night." Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks at the man and looks at Val * Okayyyy Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Still taking her cues from Val, although she does step closer to the building itself.* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Wafts a little smoke across herself with her hand and steps inside* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Also performs this routine before entering.* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): ((Me thinks Brads PC took a dump)) Gabrielle Tureck: * does whatever and follows the others and enters the building* Soul(Everything After): As they enter the building, the Garou see a small group of Native American people gathered around the fire in the middle of the room. They are talking quietly to themselves, but fall silent as the Garou enter, turning to look at them. All the people around the fire are roughly middle aged, but their eyes carry deeper wisdom than their physical age would indicate. Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *She nods to those around the fire* Rhya's...I'm Cassy "Reeks of Fury" Nix, Cliath Gibbous moon of the bone Gnawers. Thanks for having us..*bows her head in respect*. Brad Mullins (Thug): ((sorry, was AFK)) Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Elders, we're grateful for your hospitality. And we bring this, and hope you'll find it useful. *Takes the package from inside her shirt; Awakened Tanzanian Peaberry, shade-grown organic coffee. Lays it in an appropriate place* Gabrielle Tureck: * she starts to look at the buildings inside looking a bit distracted* Brad Mullins (Thug): *bows his head too* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *When the others have introduced and she can speak again* I am Valerie Karydikrotos, Fostern Theurge and Black Fury in the Order of Our Merciful Mother. We've come with the hope of help in naming and overcoming a destroying spirit. Gabrielle Tureck: * she blinks and comes out of it and bows her head and digs her hand in her rugsack and pulls out a necklace with small stones weaved into it* I am also thankful for your hospitaility and I present and hemp necklace with some of the stones of our pathstone weaved into it * she lays it near the coffee* I am Gabrielle Tureck claith theurge of the Bone Gnawers * takes a stap back* Soul(Everything After): One of the men, a weary-looking older man, speaks up quietly. "We thank you, Rolling Blackout. We know who you are and of the object of your search. There is much we need to discuss." Another of the elders, a woman who was probably quite the beauty when she was younger, interrupts. "I smell the city. You did not cleanse yourselves before coming to this sacred place?" Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Rhya, we cleansed as well as time allowed. A full Rite would have been preferred, yes. I assure you though, these people are clean in their hearts. Brad Mullins (Thug): *shit, he was supposed to bring something?* Um.. I'm Brad Mullins, "Smack Down", Cliath GW Ahroun, House of Rightful Justice... Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Is about to speak, when Valerie cuts in, and thankfully so because her words were far more articulate* Brad Mullins (Thug): *resists the urge to sniff his armpit* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Standing next to Brad, she can almost feel him cursing hiself too, much like she is* Soul(Everything After): The woman frowns. "Do not think this will be forgotten. We will expect payment for this insult. From you who stand before us and your sept, as well. We do not look kindly on Urrah polluting our places with their stink." The man who spoke earlier holds up a hand, sighing. "Matilda, please. There are more important matters to discuss." He looks to all of them, quickly looking them over. "You come for information on the Devourer, yes?" Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Inclines her head to acknowledge Matilda's displeasure, then addresses the man* Yes. Attempts thus far to discover his true name have failed as he was able to injure our bodies through the meditative dream while we searched. Gabrielle Tureck: *she gulps hearing th woman and makes a mental note cleanse before entering any sept...* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Looks a little ashamed an emberraced for not having cleaned up more, wishes she was told of this earlie. When the elder man speaks she mentally files away the name "devourer" along with the other list of names this thing has been reffered to as* Brad Mullins (Thug): *is glad Val's doing the talking.... cause he would've responded with "you bet your ass we are"* Soul(Everything After): The man nods. "Good." He pauses, then calls something out the door in a language none of the Garou present are familiar with. In a moment, the serious-looking young man comes into the room, bearing a huge bow no human could ever hope to wield and a single arrow, completely fashioned from a jet-black stone. The younger Garou hands it to the elder, who then stands, shifting into Crinos form and holding the bow at his side. He then speaks, in the High Tongue. "I am known among the Garou as Walks in Dark Places. I am Athro Theurge of the Uktena. You know that there is a price to be paid for this information?" Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Of course. Knowledge is won dearly and its cost should be respected. Brad Mullins (Thug): *nods... can't help himself* Gabrielle Tureck: * she shifts her feet wondering what they'll except as payment* Soul(Everything After): The old Garou bares his teeth, speaking as quietly as the tongue of the war-form allows. "This information...It is dangerous. If it were to come into the hands of a group of irresponsible cubs who misused it, the consequences could be beyond what any of us imagine. I must prove your devotion to this cause." He holds up the arrow in one hand, making it look small in his massive paw. "This arrow, when fired, will strike whoever it hits dead. Who among you is willing to sacrifice their life for this information?" Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Takes a deep breath, and her eyes go wide, no way she is willing to allow Val to take this bullet, being pregnant as she is, is several moments to work up the courage, but she steps foward with her chin raised* I will rhya... Brad Mullins (Thug): I will Cassy Nix (S-E-D): ((Will throw a WP in there too, because of the weight of that action)) Gabrielle Tureck: * she steps forward as well not hesitating* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Looks along the length of the arrow, then up at the one who holds it* My life to save the thousands of spirits and more...it would be a simple answer. But there's another life inside that I don't own. I'm sorry. Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: I can understand the weight of this, but not the waste of a valuable Garou. A price that would benefit someone, this is not. Do you guarantee the value of your information if I come forward? Brad Mullins (Thug): Gab, yer a Theurge... we're gonna need you.... Cass, yre packs gonna need you hardcore... *steps up* let me... Brad Mullins (Thug): Val, don't even think about takin this Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *She turns Gab* You're skills are needed back home far more than mine at present. Brad>> yours too...please...*takes a deep breath* Let me do this. Soul(Everything After): Walks turns to regard Val with weary, sad eyes. "This is the way it must be, Rolling Blackout. If the knowledge you seek got into the wrong hands, all could be lost. We must judge your sincerity." Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Turns to Brad* No way Brad...My pack is solid right now, you are a warrior, far more than myself...go back, make sure they both get back safe...common now... Brad Mullins (Thug): Cassy>> Yer in Linda's pack... she's assistant warder... she needs you.... right now I ain' even got a pack..... I'm doin this... if I gotta beat all your asses, I'm doin this.... I'm gonna help our caern... if it kills me....... Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Looks downward at the beginnings of an expanding abdomen* Walks> I can't ask the others to do this, and can't ask the little one either. Carry the unborn spirit safely to the Homeland, and I'll do it. Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Sneers with Brad* Don't be foolish Brad. You are a need gaurdian, especially if this doesn't work out...you wanna beat my ass, we'll settle it in the after life, but there is no fuckin way I'm lettin you take this bullet just so you can prove yourself. Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks to Brad and Cassy* We are all needed for our own reasons....* she looks to the man* if you do not help us all is lost...isn't our trek to humble ourselve to seek out your help ...sincere of our intentions.We seek to destroy something which will ..well you know what this thing is capable of...please will you not beleive we are sincere... Soul(Everything After): Walks thunders, "Choose! Time is short!" Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Turns, and actively stands in front of Valerie, and looks up at Walks* I will not allow Valerie to pay this price, I'm sorry if she will not ask one of us too, then I'll offer to. Gabrielle Tureck: * she hears the man and steps in front of the arrow before anyone can react* Do it now if you have to! Brad Mullins (Thug): Cassy>> the only person I'm provin myself to is me.... I'm gonna help th' caern.... you guys are all needed... I'm expendable... now back off... I'm doin this.... *turns to Walks* I'm ready Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Frowns at Cassy and shakes her head "no"* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *And Gabrielle too* Soul(Everything After): Walks snarls, "Enough." He shoves Gabrielle out of the way violently, then, in one fluid motion, draws the night-black arrow and fires. It streaks towards Brad, and then strikes...Passing cleanly through Brad's body. There is no hole. There is no mark. The arrow vanishes. Brad is quite alive, and feels none the worse for the wear. Walks returns to his homid form and nods. "Your sincerity has been proven." Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Frozen in place for the moment, scrutinizing Brad for signs that he's no longer himself, or hidden damages* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Jumps for Brad but skids to a hault after the arrow passes * No-....*stand with her mouth agape, not finishing the sentence, her head floats back to Walks in confusion* Gabrielle Tureck: * she stumbles a bit* offff * she is wide eye as she watches andholds her breath and then blinks* Oh wow Brad Mullins (Thug): *blinks when the arrow disappears...... dammit, it didn't even hurt... can we have a do over?* Soul(Everything After): Walks strides forward, resting a hand on Brad's shoulder. "You have great honor. You would sacrifice yourself for the good of your people." He looks among the other Garou slowly. "You would all make that sacrifice. This is a rare thing in this day and age. You have all proven yourself worthy of the information you seek." He pauses for a moment. "Unfortunately, I do not have it." Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Shakes her head softly in disbelief, only really hearing the last part of that statement* wha-? you don't have it? Brad Mullins (Thug): *touches the non-existant hole in his chest, frowning.... then looks at Walks when he compliments him.. and bows his head* Thank you Rhya... Gabrielle Tureck: * she softly sighs and mentally kicks Jason and the grand elders ass and that brings a smile to her face strangly* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Nods, eyes half-lidded just soaking up that delicious Native irony a little cynically* Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks to the mna* Please tell me you can point us to someone who might..some kinda clue ..anything to help us ..please? Soul(Everything After): The old man holds up his hand, sensing the anger well up in the others. "No one has this information. It is not to be had on Earth. However. I know who can point you to where the information is. I can send you there now, if such a thing is acceptable." Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Swallows and smiles a touch* We'd be grateful if you would, rhya. Gabrielle Tureck: * she nods* Please..where is this place? Brad Mullins (Thug): Walks>> Hell ya, let's go.... I mean... yes, uh.. please, Rhya... *oops* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Grits her teeth, but swallows her frustration, one of her best friends just risked his life to pay the price for information they didn't even have. she keeps he mouth shut, for if she opens it she will probably not leave this hut in one piece* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Grits her teeth, but swallows her frustration, one of her best friends just risked his life to pay the price for information they didn't even have. she keeps he mouth shut, for if she opens it she will probably not leave this hut in one piece* Soul(Everything After): Walks smiles at Brad. "I respect your exuberance." He pauses for a moment. "Know this. The one you are going to see...Does not look as you will expect. However, you must not react in fear or disgust to his appearance, or your search will end. You must do exactly as he says at all times. And know this - He will only answer questions. He is bound to not reveal information without being questioned first. Sometimes, he may answer your question in a way that does not seem to answer what you ask. Simply accept this, because it is his way." Matilda steps forward with a bundle full of torches. "You will need these." Walks nods. "But do not light them until he has given you leave. Stand in the dark until he tells you otherwise." With that, Walks closes his eyes and begins to chant. After a moment, Matilda joins him, and after a little longer, a shimmering space opens in the air, large enough for the Garou to walk through. Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Excepts a torch and takes few deep breaths as she raises her head, and enters the whole either first, or behind whoever makes it there before her* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Takes a torch from Matilda and holds it down by her side before walking forward into the unknown* Gabrielle Tureck: * she takes the torch not liking not knowing where there going but eh it's not like she had alot on her social calander* Brad Mullins (Thug): *takes a torch* Soul(Everything After): The Garou step through into a place that completely lacks light. They are utterly in the dark. Something moves in the distance. They smell the tang of salt, and an earthy smell. Anyone with any experience can immediately tell that they are in a cave deep beneath the Earth. Brad Mullins (Thug): *blinks a couple times... trying to get his eyes to adjust to the dark* Gabrielle Tureck: * she feels for a wall to guide her * Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Stands and simply breathes, relaxing and preparing to shunt aside whatever shock may follow* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Brad can feel her lean into him just a little. As tough as she acts, this is all very new to her, and she takes several inward, deep breaths, and does her best not to be fearful, and to prepare herself for what she is going to see* Gabrielle Tureck: ( let see how much wp will gab blow for this...ooo can we say all of it..I think I can *G*) Soul(Everything After): There is no wall for Gabrielle to grab onto, no light to help Brad's eyes adjust to the dark. After what seems like forever, a voice finally speaks. The voice sounds different to all who are present. Each Garou hears what they imagine as the voice of wisdom. Whether that voice be male, female, old, or young, that is precisely the voice they hear. Somehow, it is reassuring, as it says, "I was wondering when you would arrive. You may light your torches." Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Fishes the cheap plastic lighter from her pocket and flicks it to light the torch* Brad Mullins (Thug): *feels around for Gab... he knows she smokes and should have a lighter* Gabrielle Tureck: * she finally stops when she hears the voice and is comforted by hearing someone and proceeds to light her torch..she don't care if this person is like the elephant man she hopes that they can help them* Brad Mullins (Thug): *scratch that... spots Val's torch and holds his up next to hers, lighting it* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Hears the familiar voice of her old mentor, and almost calls out to her, but knows that this can't be possible, instead she accepts what she hears as a mental trickery, and carefully uses her cigarette lighter to light her torch* Soul(Everything After): Val's torch flares to life. The room is suddenly filled with light, and not from the torches. The light cast from the torches has revealed a strangely beautiful scene. The Garou are standing inside a chamber deep beneath the earth. The light of their torches is reflected a million times by hundreds and hundreds of large, round gems that are embedded in the walls of the thirteen-sided chamber. Each gem burns like a miniature star as the light touches it, glowing from within as well as without. Sitting in the middle of the large, strangely-shaped chamber sits the source of the voice. It is what appears to be an eight-legged newt, easily the size of a horse. It sits in the middle of a group of huge salt deposits, towers of salt nearly up to its knees. It silently regards the Garou with reflective, deeply intelligent eyes. Gabrielle Tureck: * of course her face is filled with an awe* Oh wowwwwwwww * she's gone like a ferret in a room with lots of neat stuff* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Gazes around the room, almost in a trance, deeply affected by the beauty of what she sees* my god...*she says almost inaudibly, before letting her eyes fall on the giant lizard. She doesn't even so much as flinch. It wasn't as bad as she expected after all* Brad Mullins (Thug): *looks around at the gems... mouths 'wow'.... then spots the newt thing... eh, he was expecting worse after Walks' warning... so he's not shocked* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Almost entranced by the beauty she turns halfway circular in admiration before tearing her eyes away from the walls to the "host"* Thank you for allowing us here. *Has seen freakier spirits, indeed, so this isn't too bad* What is the true name of the devourer we've come to ask you about? Gabrielle Tureck: * she turns to look at the rom and then her eyes gaze upon the giant ..newt and she bows her head* Soul(Everything After): There is only one entrance(or exit, perhaps) to this disorienting room. Three walls, apparently those that would have been fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth have collapsed, debris and shattered gems spread across the floor in manic patterns. A gaping hole is left by their absence. Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Watches the newt with reverance, hoping that he has the answer they seek* Soul(Everything After): The newt-thing blinks slowly, watching Val. "I do not know the true name. I do know where it can be found. You get right to the point, don't you?" It blinks again. "Know this, wolf-children. I am old. I know much. Many secrets I possess, about your enemy and other things. But I cannot freely give these secrets. You must ask the proper questions." Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks to the Newt* How much time do we have before the creature will be released upon the city? Brad Mullins (Thug): Where can we find the true name of the Devourerer? Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Nudges Brad a little, in a "best to let the theurges who know what they're doing talk" fashion* Brad Mullins (Thug): *looks at Cassy..... damn theurges'll dance around the point... he ain't got time for that* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: My apologies for hastiness. Your importance made me wish to waste none of your time. But now, I am too curious to avoid the next question; where can the name be found and how do we get there? Soul(Everything After): The thing turns to regard Gabrielle. "Not long. The Devourer's rebirth is at hand. It is close to fulfilling the purpose it was assigned so long ago. Fascinating story, that." It then turns to regard Brad. "It is in the Spirit. There is a realm there that reflects the way Gaia used to be, before the coming of the darkness. In that realm, there is a temple so old that even the Devourer has forgotten it. Within it you will find the knowledge you seek." Brad Mullins (Thug): Newt>> Can you draw us a map? er.. give us directions er somethin? Gabrielle Tureck: * she nods and asks another question* What shall we call you? Soul(Everything After): It chortles softly at Brad. "I have given you directions, honorable one. You are not listening hard enough." The newt-thing bobs its head at Gabrielle. "You can call me whatever you wish. My name was lost long, long ago, little wolf." Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Takes out her pencil and well-used pad to make some notations* Gabrielle Tureck: * she nods* is the realm one of the 13 realms? Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Bows her head* Is there something you require from us in exchange for this information Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: What ~is~ the purpose of the devourer that it's close to fulfilling? Brad Mullins (Thug): Newt>> Can you help us get there faster? Open a pathway or somethin?... I don' think we got a lot o' time... Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks to Brad * Soul(Everything After): It looks to Gabrielle first. "You misunderstand the purpose of the walls, little one." It then looks over at Cassy. "You came here. That is enough. Few know of this place's existence." It looks over at Val. "It is a harbinger of the Apocalypse. Its rebirth signifies that the end is nigh. If it is reborn, then it will reawaken its siblings, and the Wyrm will move ever-closer to victory." Brad Mullins (Thug): *looks at Gab, as if to say "what? I'm allowed to ask ain't I?"* Gabrielle Tureck: how can we prevent this even with the true name? Soul(Everything After): The newt then looks over at Brad. "No. I cannot. It is not within my power. I am the keeper of memories and mourner for the fallen." As if on cue, a strange thing happens. On one of the walls - a roughly-hewn red wall - one of the spherical gems comes loose, falls to the floor, and cracks open. The newt turns to look at it for a moment. "Fights-Bears. She was one of my favorites." Large tears well up in the creature's eyes, and it begins to cry softly, mournfully. Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Wonders if she is the only one who thinks these questions are redundant* Brad Mullins (Thug): *mourner for the fallen.....? holy shit... he looks around again* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Fixes her eyes on the fallen gem, understanding, silent, respectful of the moment* Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks to the newt and her eyes soften wanting to comfort it* Soul(Everything After): The beast cries for a few minutes, the tears falling on the pile of salt, and suddenly it is very clear where the strange piles came from. Finally, it looks up, blinking away the remainder of its tears, looking at Gabrielle. "The answer there lies in the Devourer's past." Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Watches the gem fall, and the newt speak, and suddenly the weight of where they are at, causes her to spin around looking at everything she sees, trying to digest what she has just been told...* this place...this- *Every story, every fallen brother and sister, all of them. Their stories are all told here...every last one...* Brad Mullins (Thug): Newt>> *still looking around* Can one of the fallen's memories help us? Gabrielle Tureck: * she softly sighs a bit* How can we go to this realm? Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Does her best to remember burn this image into her mind, forcing herself to remember what she witnessed here, for she know she will never see this place again* Soul(Everything After): It looks over at Brad. "One could have, I think. Had he not fallen. But as it is, only my memories can help you." The newt smiles, truly a bizarre expression. "I told you I am old. I knew the Devourer, long ago. Before he went mad." Brad Mullins (Thug): Newt>> Can you share any memories with us? Show us? Anything that would help... Soul(Everything After): It then looks over at Gabrielle. "It is in the Spirit. It is not difficult to find. There are jungles there. And creatures that no longer walk the physical world. I do not know what your kind calls it." Its eight legs unfold it, and it heads to a certain wall, this wall dark, shot through with yellow streaks. It taps one of the gems with its tail, then nods. "Ah. Yes. Pangaea." Gabrielle Tureck: * she smiles breathing a bit easier* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Blinks* wow...thats is old *remembers vaguely what pangaea is from all those days she sat stoned on the couch watchin the discovery channel* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *To the others quietly* We can get there. Soul(Everything After): The newt moves back to its position, then regards Brad. "My memories, or the memories I see? I can share whatever you wish me to, honorable one." He pauses for a moment. "What could help? I could tell you the story of the Devourer, if you ask it." Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks to Newt* what kind of language will the answers be in, in the temple? Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Turns to the newt* Do we have that kind of time rhya? *So what if she doesn't know how else to refer to it* Soul(Everything After): It bobs its head again at Gabrielle. "They speak the primal language. You will understand it. They already know you are coming, you see. At least some of you." Soul(Everything After): The newt bobs its head at Cassy this time. "Perhaps. Perhaps not. I can tell you that I do not think the Devourer will be reborn this evening, or tomorrow." Gabrielle Tureck: * she blinks as that's what the big bug told her to * How do they know some of us are coming? Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: What's the Devourer's story, please? Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Listens to Gabs question then adds* Do you know which of us will not be going, and why? Soul(Everything After): "You and you..." It indicate Gabrielle with one foreleg, and Val with another, "they know. And the others, as well. They worship you as demigods. You were there when the Devourer was freed and played a direct role in that freedom." Brad Mullins (Thug): Newt>> *looks away from the gems for a moment* they worship all of us? me too? Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Looks over at Gabrielle* Gabrielle Tureck: * she blinks and looks to Val not wanting to ask this question but just to confirm it* We freed it when we were at the island? Soul(Everything After): It looks to Cassy, and smiles a little. "I do not see the future, little one. I only know the past. Memories." It looks over at Val, unblinking for a moment, then speaks. "The Devourer is ancient. Not the first spirit born after the Sundering, but close. Originally, it was a spirit of Gaia, for is not decay a natural part of the cycle? The Devourer, though it was not known by that name then, was truly beloved of the Mother, and he loved her deeply in return. His work nourished her, allowing the rebirth of the whole of the world. However, the rest of the spirits did not like the spirit of decay, and resented the godlike power Gaia granted him. They were jealous, and whispered foul lies about it. I counseled them against it, but I was merely kami, not truly a spirit, so they disregarded me." Soul(Everything After): The newt sighs, continuing on its story. If it hears the other Garou, it isn't clear. "The Devourer heard these whisperings. He was a kindly spirit then, gentle in his dealings with the others. He did not understand their jealousy and their hatred, or why they feared him." The newt sucks in a long breath. "These whispers went on for ages. Finally, they began to poison the Devourer's heart. Who were these beasts to question him, to say such awful things about him, he asked? Did they not know they could not exist without his work? He grew angry, and bitter, and he changed. Whereas before his change, he released the spirits he broke down back into the cycle, now he hoarded them, keeping them jealously. It was not long before he figured out how to absorb them. To devour them, to add to his own already considerable might." Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Nods and mentally absorbs this while trying not to be overwhelmed with all the questions she'd love to sit and ask for years and years...* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Turns on her mental filing cabinet so that one day she may retell this story* Soul(Everything After): "These dark deeds did not go unnoticed. Before long, the other spirits rose against him. Even a spirit of his power could not defeat the whole of the spirit world, and he was sorely wounded. He retreated into dark places, and it was there he joined with the Wyrm. He became one of the Great Serpent's agents. More than that, his fate became tied to that of the entire world. He cannot be completely destroyed, you see, until the Apocalypse. He can only be bound." Another deep breath. "He was no longer a pure spirit of decay. He became a spirit of corruption, and he fashioned his own children. He called them corruption elementals, and they combined the worst traits of Gaia's insects. With these children and his own might, he might have destroyed everything eons before the Apocalypse with his siblings at his side, had not many Garou heroes given their lives to bind him. And he was bound, awake but unable to do anything, for millenia. Until the one you know summoned him." Gabrielle Tureck: * she whispers the name* it was Alexander Williams ? Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Just stands there...soaking it up, like a damn sponge* Soul(Everything After): The ancient Kami nods at Gabrielle. "The fallen Garou would have ended everything, had not the angry spirit of his wife intervened. I know not how, but she managed to bind the thing to herself. They were connected in a real way - as long as her spirit didn't rest, the Devourer could not rise." The newt finally finishes, falling silent for a moment in reflection. Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: What is the best way for us to control or bind him? *Indicating the four Garou as the "us"* Brad Mullins (Thug): *listens... wandering around, looking at the gems... gazing into a couple to see if they show anything* Gabrielle Tureck: * she groans knowing for no uncertain terms she was right about what they did at the island unknowingly* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Looks toward the ground, knowin that Marty will never forgive himself should he ever hear about this* Soul(Everything After): The newt nods at Val. "The proper steps will be found in the temple. I can only tell you this. Do not engage it in combat unless there is no other choice. The spirit cannot be destroyed, and it grants its host strength and speed beyond even that of your kind, little wolf. It will kill as many of you as it has to to finish the rite of its rebirth. It must be bound." Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Looks to Val, and asks the question she has been thinking about for some time* How fast can you get us there Val? Soul(Everything After): Brad sees nothing within the gems except some internal illumination, a faint glow coming from somewhere inside the beautiful, multifaceted sphere. He gets a headache if he tries to focus on it too hard. Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Cassy> Pretty fast with a little help from Chimera. Brad Mullins (Thug): *touches a couple of the gems lightly... not wanting to accedently knock any out* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *She looks toward the newt* I of the gibbous moon, and my dutie is to remember the fallen as well, would it be permissable if I may take a single piece of one of these stones, so that i may always remember that even those who's names are not remember amongst garou, are not forgotten? Brad Mullins (Thug): Newt>> If we get more questions... is there a way to contact you? Soul(Everything After): It smiles at Cassy. "I will give you a gift before you go, little one. All of you." It turns to regard Brad, then shrugs. "You will be here if you are meant to be." Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Nods silently, feeling very touched just by being in this place where everyone has a name* Gabrielle Tureck: * she just looks a bit deep in her thoughts* Brad Mullins (Thug): Newt>> I have one more question..... *looks around at all the gems, it's kinda overwhelming* which one of these is me? Soul(Everything After): It laughs softly at Brad - not mockingly, but warmly, comfortingly. "Ah, then it is time for the gifts." The newt moves with lightning speed. First, it steps up to a wall that appears to be made of shimmering, just slightly smokey, quartz. It looks for a moment, finds a certain gem, then taps it with its tail. A piece of the gem chips off - as the gems themselves are nearly the size of baseballs, the chip is big enough to fit into a ring or perhaps a pendant. It brings the chip to Brad. "Here. Look within." It holds out the chip with one limb. Gabrielle Tureck: * she reaches for a question to ask * Why is the host body stealing certain books? Brad Mullins (Thug): *peers into the gem* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Smiles at Brad a little, and watches as the newt does his thing...* Soul(Everything After): The newt looks over at Gabrielle as it hands the first chip to Brad, then moves towards a wall that looks, for all the world, like fossilized bone. "He enjoys learning. He always has." It finds two gems, taps them with its tail once each, and two more chips fall off. He moves and hands them to Cassy and Gabrielle, then heads back to a wall made of smooth black stone. Again, he finds a gem, taps it with its tail, and takes the resulting chip, this time handing it to Val. Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Fingers her gem reverantly, peering inside, as best she can* Brad Mullins (Thug): *looks at the walls...* Holy shit.... the tribes.... *points to the walls* these are the 13 tribes.... Gabrielle Tureck: * she nods and holds the gem* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Carefully accepts the gem fragment with wonder in the way she follows the Kami's movements to the actual touch of the gem itself* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Nods...she figured that much a while ago, and just continues to finger her gem, with a soft glow about her* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Smiles at Brad. He's thick in the head but a good friend* Brad Mullins (Thug): *chuckles as he peers into the gem* I remember that.... Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Why have you given us these fragments? Gabrielle Tureck: * she doesn't do anything but hold it* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *A single tear streams down her face, as some unsean memory is unlocked deep within her, spurred by whatever image is presented to her by the stone* Thank you rhya. Soul(Everything After): The kami gives Val another strange-looking smile. "Too often in this life, we forget that which we should be fighting for. I return that to you." Brad Mullins (Thug): *moves around the cave... mentally naming off the tribes accordng to how the wall looks.... pauses at the GW and BG walls...* wow.... Gabrielle Tureck: * she listens to the answer and doesn't want to look at the gem * Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Softly* I keep telling people that but don't walk the walk myself often enough. *Gazes into the gem* Thank you. Soul(Everything After): The spirit looks over at Gabrielle, then speaks, voice gentle. "You can look, Gabrielle. It is yours." Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Looks up at the newt* With your permission I would be honored to be able to tell the story of what happened here to my people one day, is that acceptable? Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks nervous* I'm not sure of what I'd see....* she opens her hand and closes one one and kinda slowly peers at the gem eith both eyes* Soul(Everything After): ((Not spirit. Kami. The KAMI looks over at Gabrielle.)) The newt-thing nods at Cassy. "Memories - especially memories that bring joy - should not be hidden. They should be shared." Brad Mullins (Thug): Newt>> I... have a friend... who needs to be reminded why she's fighting... she's been hurt recently.... can I... trade my piece for a piece of hers? Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Nods* Ok...*She then turns her gaze to Val* Should we be going Valerie? Soul(Everything After): The newt smiles at Brad. "You are honorable. I believe I know which friend you speak of." The kami moves to the fossilized bone wall again, finds a gem, then taps it with his tail, taking the chip back to Brad. "It will not function for anyone but her." Gabrielle Tureck: * a pained expression comes over her face* Memories? *and as the image she's given makes her eyes well up and a sad smile and she blinks back* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *A private smile as she bemusedly stands sunk in memory of a deed and the results* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Turns to Brad* You are very honorable Brad... Soul(Everything After): The kami moves to its spot in the middle of the salt piles again, settling in gently. "The exit is through the place where the lost once stood." Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Cassy> We should. Time's wasting and we have something to do. Back to the Sept first. to report. Gabrielle Tureck: * she stops looking at the gem and looks at the newt mouthing the words* Thank you Brad Mullins (Thug): *smiles at the newt* thank you... Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Turns to the Kami, then to one of the holes in the wall* Do they all lead to the same place *because there are several holes* Soul(Everything After): The newt cocks its head to the side slightly, as if listening. "I do not believe I shall see any of you again. Promise me that no matter what you hear when you leave, you will keep walking? It is all I ask in return for your gifts." Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *She nods to the newt.* I will never forget your kindness, so long as there is a breath in me...*Will follow Val which ever way she goes* Soul(Everything After): The newt shakes its head at Cassy. "No. Thank you for reminding me." It gestures towards one hole. A scent of decay wells up from somewhere far away, a gust of charnel wind coming out from the entrance. "Do not take that one. Even I do not know what lurks down there." Brad Mullins (Thug): Newt>> the gem you got this piece off of... *holds his piece up* ... keep an eye on it for me *grins* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: You have that promise. *Bows her head and oddly, would embrace the kami if it didn't seem impertenent* Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks to the newt and can't help but hug the creature...... if she can and then she quickly leaves Soul(Everything After): The kami nods at Brad, eyes sad. "Someone will, I assure you. I always did like that one." The strange creature allows Gabrielle to hug it, then watches the group of Garou leave, eyes filled with deep sadness. Brad Mullins (Thug): *shakes one of the newt's hands... then heads out with the rest* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Follows suit, since Gabrielle went and did it first, then goes* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Bows to the newt, and removes a small lanyard that she had around her wrist. She lays it at the newts feet, as a gesture of respect, and then leaves quickly with the others* Soul(Everything After): The Garou walk down the tunnel for a while. They feel...Sad somehow, as though the very walls emanate loss, noble self-sacrifice. And then, from behind them...They hear a series of sounds. The sound of a moonbridge opening. A low murmur, a voice not the voice of the kami. The kami then murmurs in return. Silence for a moment, then the voice of the ancient creature cries out in agony. Thankfully, or perhaps ominously, the cry stops abruptly. The sound of the moonbridge comes again, and silence. Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Wonders where the Ronin's gems were on the way out, but it hardly seems important now* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Walks onward stiffly, jaw clenched and eyes forward* Brad Mullins (Thug): *hears the sounds... then remembers what it said.... "someone will watch it"... he sacrificed himself for them.... holy shit* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Almost stops when she hears the crys, her own heart cries out in grief, and confusion. It is all she can do to keep walking. Tears actively streaming down her face* Gabrielle Tureck: * she keeps walking her eyes welling up again and she whispers* Damn it Brad Mullins (Thug): *spots Cassy and wraps an arm around her shoulders* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Repression is a _good_ thing while keeping a swift pace toward their goal.* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *In an uncharacteristic gesture she leans into Brad tighter as they walk. A connection was made down there, wether it was between the group, or the Kami she doesn't know, but she'll never forget this moment, or the sacrifice that was made* Soul(Everything After): Eventually, the winding tunnel leads the Garou upwards. They walk for literally miles, and then something shifts. Suddenly, they are coming out of the stairs of a subway stop in Necropolis onto the street above. The Junkyard is only a few blocks away. ((And that, as they say, is that. Thanks for bearing with me, folks. I'll post Renown and XP to the list, but as to the pieces of gem - they're perfect to be fashioned into a ring or pendant of some sort. Whenever the Garou look at them, that memory will replay. However, the effect is different. If the Garou meditate on the image for an hour or so before they sleep, then they can regain an additional point of Willpower when they wake up.)) Back | List of Archive | Next |
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