The Temple of Inari XXXVIII

[Deadly]

Ilias sighs and carries Selene to the hospital where he tells the priests to keep an eye on her and make sure she is well.

Ayame takes Grace back to the pond. Ilias returns to the gardens a bit later, looks around and then disappears.

((Goodnight))

[Kantur]

Kantur returns from his longer-than-expected semi-coma and heads back through to the sanctuary with Lorrian.

[Deadly]

Kio walks in through the mirror and waits for Jor

[Wukei]

Jormungandr joins her, carrying the unconscious Eric.

[Kantur]

Kantur smiles and waves across to Kio and Jor
Evening

[McBish]

Eric moans a bit as he is carried. Eve?

[Deadly]

Kio waves back at Kantur and calls over some priests. She tells them what's going on, making sure to mention that magic seems to have failed curing the wounds. The priests nod and carry Eric to the hospital.

Kio sighs They'll take good care of him.

[Wukei]

Jormungandr uses prestidigitation to clean the blood from his hands and clothes.

[Deadly]

So, where to now?

[McBish]

Eric is set in a bed in the hospital wing and his bandages are changed, and his stitches redone if they need it.

[Wukei]

Jormungandr shrugs. It's still a bit too cold to just wander the streets...

[Deadly]

True. Perhaps somewhere nice and peaceful where we can get something to eat? she turns to Kantur Can you recommend any such place?

[Kantur]

Hmm, only Trog's springs to mind, I think most of the restaurants in town folded...

[Wukei]

Jormungandr frowns. We just came from there. The environment is not exactly quiet.

[Deadly]

Kio sighs and asks a few passing acolytes, one of them stops and thinks a bit "Fenric has been promoting someplace called the Sleeping Elf for a while. Few go there, except Fenric and the others here, but it's nice."

Kio thanks the acolyte and turns to Jor Sounds better than nothing to me.

[Wukei]

He nods. Sounds a lot better than Trog's.

[Deadly]

She smiles Let's go there, then.

[Wukei]

He takes her hand and leads the way out in search of the Sleeping Elf.

[Kantur]

Kantur and Lorrian head off to bed.

[Fenric]

Kazuki, Izumi, Inuk, and Krystal wake up from their player-induced coma with a sigh.

Does he always do that? No wonder Dad always complained so much about our player.

The others nod and look around to see who might still be around. Earl Fenric smirks

Yes, he always does that. Well, take care... you know where to find me.

With that, he teleports away.

[Deadly]

Deadly walks in while eating a muffin.

[Fenric]

The foxes wave to deadly. Krystal grins

Hey, Deadly. Haven't seen you for a while... what brings you here?

[Deadly]

Oh, I'm just looking around and trying some new muffin flavors. he grins

[Fenric]

Krystal sighs

Remember that big ugly castle in Ravenloft that we wandered through? The lich who used to live there has come to Town... one of his minions got Mom and Dad last night.

[Deadly]

He swallows the last of the muffin while listening Sounds like that lich needs to be taught a lesson or two, eh? he grins

[Fenric]

Krystal nods with a feral, toothy snarl

Yes, indeed. Alton, Fendran, Randan, Ishi-Bashok, my mirror, and the lich Kalzarath. It is high time for them to die... and Izumi has an answer for our little problem.

The red-eyed silver fox nods.

While our bodies are occupied, our spirits are not strictly required. As both of us are children of the shadows, we may act through that means while our bodies remain here in the temple.

Even as I once channelled the spirits of my fellow priests, so we merely need find talented channellers for our own. And both of these temples have no short supply.

Kazuki arches an eyebrow at the thought, and Inuk looks like he only understood about one word in five of the entire discussion.

[Deadly]

Deadly looks a bit confused and summons a muffin. He studies the muffin as he thinks I'm not sure I follow your plan.

[Fenric]

Krystal looks at Izumi, who nods. Izumi concentrates a moment, and shortly afterward a pair of acolytes come out with cushion lined baskets, accompanied by two priestesses.

Krystal climbs into one basket, and Izumi climbs into the other. They squirm and turn and wiggle until they are comfortable. One priestess sits beside each basket, and begins to concentrate.

Two shadowy figures appear in the air in front of the priestesses.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g265/ttstocks/ShadowKrystalHighRes.gif

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g265/ttstocks/Izumi.gif

Krystal stretches and grins

Mmm... lots more comfortable like this, too.

Izmui shakes her head

Don't get too used to it, you will have to go back.

[Deadly]

Deadly grins Ah, I do that all the time. Or something similar atleast.

[Fenric]

Krystal smiles

Not quite as convenient as just going incorporeal, certainly, but it will work just fine

Izumi looks at Krystal

And there is the added benefit that your mate need not fear for your safety. Should your shadow be dispelled, you will merely return here.

[Deadly]

And your physical body can not be harmed through your shadow?

A shadowy Deadly appears next to him, holding a shadowy muffin. It immitates his every movement.

[Fenric]

Krystal looks at Izumi, who shakes her head

We cannot. The channellers, however, take a serious risk. But since they remain here, they can be attended to by the other healers.

[Deadly]

Deadly looks up with interrest Now that's very interresting... he grins and looks very thoughtful. You're not really sure if that's a good thing.

[Wukei]

Mikhail walks in, two darkly glowing horns protruding from his forehead. His eyes glow with an eerie light and his face is completely neutral compared to his normal mirthful grin.

[Fenric]

Krystal and Izumi turn to look at Mikhail. Kazuki jumps up with a grin at first, then looks somewhat disturbed.

Mikhail? Are you ok?

[Wukei]

Traitors, he says, his voice seemingly two, the second a lot deeper.

He begins to speak in abyssal, the tone definitely having an underlying evil sound to it.

(Mikhail is casting: http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/blasphemy.htm as equal to a 20th level caster)

[Deadly]

Deadly turns around, unaffected by the spell Oh my, you sure know how to have fun around here. he grins. Both he and his shadow summon a pair of black claws.

[Fenric]

Kazuki, Krystal, and Izumi are unharmed but dazed. The acolytes and channellers are killed, though, so the two shadows are forced to return to their bodies.

Inuk is killed, and collapses in a heap.

[Wukei]

Mikhail ignores deadly, walking toward the two siblings and Izumi, drawing a pair of cutlasses.

[Fenric]

Kazuki looks pained

Mikhail! Stop this!

The two vixens struggle to get out of their baskets.

[Wukei]

Mikhail sneers at Kazuki as he stands over Krystal and Izumi, his eyes glowing brightly. Would you save them, Kazuki? Or are your hands tied...again?

[Deadly]

Deadly tries to create a Wall of Ectoplasm between Mikhail and the rest.

[Fenric]

Kazuki casts a Magic Circle against Evil around the baskets.

If you want to kill someone, come get me.

The sound of armoured footsteps echo from the portal chamber.

In Kyrian's name, and to think I was coming here to apologize.

[Merant]

A voice from the shadows chuckles at the encounter

[Wukei]

Mikhail's eyes return to normal and his horns disappear in a flash the same as when he'd been killed the day before. His smile returns, but it's sad. I see...so I'm the only one who doesn't matter...

He turns and heads toward the mirror back to Trog's.

[Fenric]

A voice that hadn't been heard in the sanctuary in some time "tsks" at Merant. A katana's tip can be heard to ground itself on the stone floor.

Karl snorts

Very predictable: Walk out on him because he's a wuss. Wouldn't want to stick around anyone who was too much like you, now would you?

[Wukei]

Mikhail ignores Karl, stepping back through the mirror into Trog's.

[Merant]

The voice addresses in general the other voice "I can come and go as I please."

[Deadly]

Deadly looks around and raises an eyebrow Odd. he mutters and summons a muffin that he eats while watching

[Merant]

The prescene in the shadow leaves

[Fenric]

Kazuki looks at Karl

You think I'm a wuss?

Karl rolls his eyes

That, and a number of significantly less flattering things into the bargian. You knew he wasn't going to appreciate your lack of help, and you dragged him back anyway.

Kazuki slumps into a chair, and Karl looks at the doorway

I may not be the celestial guardian anymore, but you really need to get over this demon thing, Kaz.

[Deadly]

Deadly finishes his muffin, waves at everyone and disappears in a swirl of black flames.

((Goodnight))

[Fenric]

Kazuki glares daggers at Karl, and runs out through the mirror.

Karl shrugs

What do you know? He does have something resembling a spine after all.

Myobu growls softly

And you have some penance to attend to. You may be the paladin of Kyrian, but you are still my sister's son.

Karl gulps

Hello, Myobu

[McBish]

Hospital Wing:

Eric slowly stirs in the bed. The healers have been using the non magical healing salve. They have been keeping a close eye on him since he was showing sings of a fever.

[Fenric]

Karl sighs and bows

Yes, uncle Myobu. What penance am I assigned for my transgressions

Myobi shakes his head

You will lead the fight at the castle, but you must also regain Mikhail's confidence.

Karl nods with the first part, then looks utterly stunned, which rapidly turns to anger.

What??? He's a demon, for crying out loud! I ought to go blow his head off just because he is even here.

Myobu looks at Karl

But you will do this.

Myobu disappears in a shimmering of light, leaving the young paladin to work it out for himself.

[Fenric]

Karl shakes his head

I am sorry, Myobu, but I am not going to go try to make peace with a demon just because he's my useless brother's lover. Not unless Kyrian himself thinks it is worthwhile.

[McBish]

Eric slowly regains consiousness and looks around the hospital.

[Nevrmore]

mZurvan walks into the temple curiously. "Looks like some sort of shrine." The ebon-skinned construct comments.

[Fenric]

Karl storms out of the front door with a swirl of his cloak.

Krystal looks at Izumi, who merely shrugs.

So it's down to us, now...

Izumi looks at the slain priests and acolytes, and then concentrates. Two shadow priests transport in and then resurrect them.

We may lack the support of the males, but we are far from alone.

Izumi climbs back into her basket, and looks at Krystal. Krystal nods and climbs in herself. A few moments later, the two vixens' shadows stand in the sanctuary.

Krystal turns to the various NPCs

Take them and us to where they will be safe.

The priestesses and the baskets are carried off deep into the temple.

( Hospital )

The healers come over to Eric

How are you feeling, sir?

[Fenric]

Krystal and Izumi turn their red-eyed glance at mZurvan

Not a shrine: this is a temple to Inari.

[McBish]

Ugh... where am I?

[Nevrmore]

Inari? Another thing I've no knowledge of. How annoying.

"Inari? Some type of deity? Interesting...I do wonder...do you have any way to research the mythos of this Inari?"

[Fenric]

The shadow-vixens look at mZurvan in surprise.

The goddess of Rice and foxes. She is well known in many worlds.

( Hospital )

The healers smile at eric

You are in the Temple of Inari.

(( I have to go soon... ))

[Nevrmore]

"I really am lacking...A tome of some sort? Anything that explains this Inari in detail? I must research."

[McBish]

I should go. Eric sits up in bed and winces in pain.

[Fenric]

Izumi looks at one of the acolytes, who pulls out a printed version of Fenric's usual introduction and hands it to mZurvan.

[Nevrmore]

mZurvan hungrily grabs at the tome and begins reading it at excessive speeds.

[Fenric]

Krystal and Izumi drift off to a side room to plot their strategy with Inuk. Who knows when Kazuki and Karl might return?

(( goodnight ))

[Nevrmore]

mZurvan finishes the book and sets it down, standing up. "This Inari sounds like a nice god. I'd like to meet her." He nods and walks out of the temple.

[Wukei]

Mikhail walks in the gate, but doesn't actually walk all the way to the sanctuary. He steps up to a tree and curls up underneath it, quietly trying to remove all the hateful thoughts from his head.

[McBish]

Eric gets up against the recomendations of the healers and starts to leave. Though they do give him a shirt. Then he goes out into the streets.

[Xaspian]

The Pigeon half-flaps, half-limps in through the doorway. His left wing is has been shot, and is bleeding.

Ow.

[Goblin Music]

with a small pop and a dull bronze cat and metakirb are standind in the temple, then cat leaves the temple with out a word

[metakirb]

Metakirb gets up, clutching his sword arm

So, im here again... nevermind

Starts to walk out but the pain in his arm is intense

Is anyone here? he shouts

[Xaspian]

The Pigeon limps forwards, leaving a trail of bloody feathers.

It hurts...

[Kantur]

Kantur wakes up and leaves Lorrian's room, heading through to the Sanctuary after grabbing something to eat from the kitchens.

[metakirb]

Forget this...

He leaves, still clutching his sword arm

[Xaspian]

The Pigeon drags himself to a corner. He tries to nurse his wing better.

[Kantur]

Kantur spots the pigeon and heads over to it, casting Cure Serious Wounds on it.

[Baeleck]

The Masked One teleports into the temple. He gives a brief bow of respect, but also glares unnervingly at the statues there.

Is anyone here a healer?

He looks over at Kantur, and notices he has just healed the pigeon.

Could you accompany me somewhere for a moment?

[Xaspian]

The Pigeon hops up.

Thank you. They... stole my home. Can I rest here today?

[Kantur]

That very much depends on where and why really.
He turns to the pigeon
I don't have any problem with it, but my voice doesn't affect much around here.

[Baeleck]

There's someone who has just been badly injured in a fight... I have administered a healing potion to him but it has not been as... effective in curing him as I would have hoped. He is currently in Trog's tavern. Shall I bring him to you or you to him?

[Kantur]

They're in Trog's? It's easiest just to go through the mirror if that's the case.

[Baeleck]

Through the mirror it is. Lead on... but be swift!

He follows Kantur.

[Kantur]

Kantur heads through the mirror

[Exachix]

Lorrian wakes and wanders out, looking around, before sitting in a chair.

Soon, she stands and heads into Trogs.

[Deadly]

Ilias walks in and looks around before sitting down with a sigh.

After a while he stands up and leaves

[Xaspian]

The Pigeon hops over to a corner, and goes to sleep.

[Kyrian]

Mike rides past on his horse, and suddenly they stop. He leaps down, the hellfire armor receding back into his body. Mike begins to wander around, until his fiery gaze rests on Mikhail. He lifts an arm and points at Mikhail with a bony hand. "Guilty."

[Wukei]

Mikhail wakes and looks up at Mike as though he either doesn't care or doesn't realize that the man's talking about.

[Kyrian]

Mike's skeletal hands clench into fists and he throws a small ball of fire at Mikhail.

[Wukei]

Mikhail stands and the fireball hits him straight on, but seems to meld with what seems to be an invisible fire surrounding his body.

[Kyrian]

Mike tilts his skeletal head and takes the chain out. He swing it around for a bit before swinging it at Mikhail.

[Wukei]

Mikhail catches the chain with the manacles that bind his hands. What do you want of me...

[Kyrian]

"Go back to hell!" The chain catches on fire and Mike pulls it violently.

[Wukei]

Mikhail tumbles toward him and punches at his face as he's pulled toward the man. You first, he growls.

[Kyrian]

Mike growls as he's punched, and the lower jaw unhinges. He reaches up and snaps the lower jaw into place before kicking at Mikhail.

[Wukei]

Mikhail grunts as he's kicked. You're a friend of Kazuki's family, aren't you?

(He uses Insanity (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/insanity.htm) DC 25 [charisma based, not that it matters...])

[Kyrian]

"I'm just here to send evil back to hell, where it belongs!" Mike gets confused for a moment, both because of the spell, and because his player's slowly declining ability to read. Mike throws another punch, behind him where Mikhail isn't standing.

[Wukei]

Mikhail pulls his manacles from the chain and steps away. What of us that have no choice but to be evil...

[Kyrian]

"The devil's charged me with sending you all back and I..." He stops and growls, grabbing his head.

[Wukei]

He smiles and bows. I am afraid you shall be sorely disappointed. These chains keep me from getting sent back. He turns and walks toward the gates.

[Kyrian]

Mike falls to his knees as muscles and flesh reappear over his head and hands, and the flames vanish. He gasps and coughs.

[Wukei]

Mikhail glances back at the man, raising an eyebrow.

[Kyrian]

He slowly begins to stand. "I think I know how you must feel." He gives another cough. "For the little it does, I'm sorry I attacked."

[Wukei]

Mikhail frowns. You're human...you have a choice. That you chose poorly was your own fault.

[Kyrian]

"Half human now, actually. Don't really possess my own soul anymore. But yes, I did choose poorly, when I was younger, to save a loved one's life."

[Chaotic Bob]

((previous comment destroyed to preserve non-existant dignity))

[Kyrian]

((....someone likes The Punisher too much, methinks))

((And methinks someone just failed when it comes to Knowledge (Marvel).))

[Chaotic Bob]

((oh right, Ghost Rider...yay I got it! Just took a minute...and some TV commmericals.))

A random bird chirps outside. It's silenced moments later by a hungry cat.

[Wukei]

He smiles sadly. My lover gave up my life for me...

[Kyrian]

"I gave up my soul to the devil to save my lover...and the devil took her away anyways..." Mike looks at the ground.

[Wukei]

He smiles. Now you see why I don't associate with my kind.

[Kyrian]

"Yea, I can see why." Mike puts a hand to his head. "I think I need to rest now."

[Wukei]

He offers a manacled hand, smiling. May I help you to an inn?

[Kyrian]

Mike steps forward. "Sure, why not."

[Wukei]

He offers an arm if the man needs support and takes him to Trog's.

[Kyrian]

Mike does need some support as he's starting to really feel the effects from his two fights.

[Wukei]

Mikhail returns and curls up under the same tree he was under before.

--------

Wukei steps in the gates, seeing Mikhail laying under the tree. She walks over and picks him up, gently and carries him out toward the Bounty Hunting Agency.

[Deadly]

Ilias walks in and looks around. He leans against the doorframe and looks out with a sigh.

[Exachix]

Lorrian comes in via the mirror, and smiles when she is through, before looking around as if to make sure she is actually here.

[Deadly]

Ilias turns around and nods at Lorrian Hi.

[Exachix]

Lorrian smiles faintly at Ilias.

"Hello. Did you work out what caused that storm or whatever a few days ago?"

[Deadly]

He shakes his head Ruby attacked Grace. I don't know why. Grace and Selene are fine again, but I can't find Ruby anywhere.

[Exachix]

Lorrian hmms.

"Oh, hmm. Where would she usually go?"

[Deadly]

Usually she stays in the garden. She rarely goes anywhere on her own. he sighs and sits down

[Exachix]

Lorrian hmms.

"Well, we'd better find her. Tried Scrying for her? Other Divinations?"

[Deadly]

He shakes his head I can't cast any such spells.

[Exachix]

Mitsuya comes in, having been listening in.

"Ilias, you are in a temple. Most of us here have Cleric levels."

Lorrian smiles.

"Ah well."

[Deadly]

Ilias smiles a bit and nods I'd be happy if you'd try, then.

[Exachix]

Mitsuya nodds and casts Scrying upon the mirror that's seemingly appeared by the stairs.

[Deadly]

The image in the mirror shifts and turns darker, the figures blurring into a swirl of gray before the entire mirror goes black. It stays like that.

Ilias raises an eyebrow It failed? I didn't know she could block out scrying.

[Exachix]

Mitsuya growls and tries again.

Lorrian hmms.

((be back after food))

[Deadly]

A wave of fire bursts out from the mirror as the spell is cast. The image remains black.

Ilias jumps back in surprise at the fire What the!

[Exachix]

Mitsuya shilds herself but is singed.

((be back after food.))

[Deadly]

((Ok))

Ilias frowns Something is not right about that. Her power is not at all focused enough that she could do something like that.

[Exachix]

Mitsuya shakes her head and scries again. This time searching for the vauge area that Ruby is in.

Lorrian watches.

[Deadly]

The scrying ends up being very vague. The mirror shows a desert, but which one, or where in it Ruby is, is impossible to say.

[Exachix]

Mitsuya sighs.

"Sorry, I can't find her like that."

[Deadly]

Ilias sighs Thank you for trying, atleast now we know she's in a desert. Oddly enough.

[Exachix]

Lorrian looks at Ilias.

"Why is that odd?"

Mitsuya smiles.

"By the looks of things."

[Deadly]

Well, she's half waterdragon. There's usually very little water in a desert. So unless she's just flying through, it really is a bit odd.

[Exachix]

Lorrian hmms.

"Ah."

[Deadly]

I just don't get why she would attack Grace. Or how she could block your scrying. he sighs There's something wrong.

[Exachix]

Mitsuya nodds.

"True."

Lorrian hmms.

"I don't meant to pry, but I want to help. Did she seem strange before this?"

[Deadly]

Ilias shrugs Not really. She's always been very reclusive and silent, always keeping to herself when she can.

[Exachix]

Lorrian hmms.

"ok..."

[Deadly]

He sighs I've always tried to get her out more, instead of her just hanging around here all the time. And I know Grace tried hard to cheer her up. Maybe she misunderstood and thought she was making fun of her, or something. Grace can be a prankster, but she means well.

[Exachix]

"Hmm, ok then."

[Deadly]

He sighs and looks around So... what to do now.

[Exachix]

Lorrian sits in a chair.

"Who knows what to do? Waiting feels too.... unkind, and we don't know where to go."

[Deadly]

But there's not much else to do, is there? he shakes his head and thinks.

[Exachix]

Lorrian shakes her head and sighs.

Soon, she heads to bed.

[Deadly]

After a while Ilias stands up and leaves

[Kyral]

The candle floats through the door and down the path to the sanctuary, looking at the scenery appreciatingly. With a smile and a light-hearted laugh, he enters the sanctuary and looks at the statue of Inari.

[Fenric]

Izumi, Krystal, and Inuk wander out into the sanctuary, looking glum.

I don't see how we can do anything. They're too powerful, and we are at the weakest we've ever been

Izumi loks out the window, her emotionless calm even more pronounced in her shadow form

I must admit that I see relatively little hope now. But we must either persist with what help we can find, or we must abandon the enterprise altogether.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*Atreyu walks down the gravel road, gripping his holy symbol amulet in his mouth, head held high, a determined look on his face, as he marches toward the statue.*

[Fenric]

The two shadows of foxes and the one ice fox turn to look Atreyu. Krystal smiles.

Atreyu! I'm glad to see you! Earin and Elya have left, and Mom and Dad are gone, and...

Krystal stops and watches him march in.

[Wukei]

Mikhail--now female (still shirtless)--walks in slowly, stiffly.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*He waves hi to Krystal and marches till he reaches the base of the statue where he stops and drops the holy symbol on the ground*
"Can't say that I blame them. Earin and Elya, I mean. I'm a little shocked that Fenric would leave, but maybe he got tired of Inari's crap, too."

*He steps on the holy symbol with a foreleg and stares angerily up at the statue*

[Fenric]

shadow-Izumi arches a shadowy eyebrow at female-Mikhail

Hello again, Mikhail.

Krystal tilts her head

Atreyu?

Then his comment settles in, and her eyes blaze red

LEAVE? MOM AND DAD ARE DEAD, YOU...

shadow-Krystal comes up behind Atreyu

[Wukei]

Mikhail loks at Izumi and looks away, not keeping eye contact. I...wanted to see Kazuki.

[Fenric]

shadow-Izumi manages to look surprised

You wanted to see him? I assumed he was with you, making up for his spinelessness. I have not seen him in several days

[Wukei]

Mikhail looks at Izumi shocked. No...he simply ran out of Trog's before I could even respond the other day...

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

"how long did she wait while that halfing tried to kill me? What then did she do? Made a deal with her that would end with Inari herself killing me!! How many times did she sit by while Fenric and Myobi and all of us were attacked and killed and injured in her very temple?

*He makes a rasping noise, the muscles in his throat shift and move as a brownish substance is pulled up from his stomach and ejected from his mouth, directly at the statue*

[Wukei]

Mikhail looks at Llama and then looks back to Izumi. It seems no one is happy with your goddess.

[Fenric]

Izumi shakes her head

He has let his emotions run away with him again. I wonder where he might be... You know that Karl returned that night? He left soon after Kazuki did: I do hope the two brothers did not do anything regrettable.

Izumi shrugs

Rice grows despite our likes or dislikes. We are disposable servants who eat vermin.

Krystal's red eyes narrow to slits as she reaches for Atreyu

Inari waited five rounds. (( Isn't that less than a minute? )) You may rest safely from that worry, Atreyu: the halfling's prediction came true. The world she came from was destroyed, and everyone died. We heard about it at from a man who was at the OmniShop recruiting people to help avenge the destruction. (( I know... I'm taking a bit of liberty, here... But only Trog's is busier than this temple. ))

Krystal attempts to grab Atreyu while dark flames surround her.

After all we have done for you, after all we have been through, after all you have seen... You have no fear of Inari. From me, however, you should tremble in terror.

[Wukei]

Mikhail's eyes glow as he sees Krystal reach for Atreyu. This temple is a sham. Good my ass! You people threaten anyone that does not hold your beliefs! You kill those that don't hold your beliefs.

[Fenric]

Izumi chuckles

You are aware that the enraged young Krystal is no priestess, are you not? Still, I expect that she will not be allowed to do what she is attempting.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*focusing his anger on the spit covered statue, the llama doesn't see Krystal until she grabs him. He tries to shake her off and summons 10 cubic feet of loose hay over her* "No! She takes pleasure in our pain. That's why she waits for us to die before rezzing us to do it again. That's why she does it. I've seen the joy Myobi takes from scaring those around her. Myobi is a part of Inari. If I wanted to serve a god who did that, I know of some who are at least honest about it."

[Wukei]

She looks back to Izumi. She still holds your beliefs. So did this 'Karl' that had me killed. That's why Inari did nothing. It was him contracting someone against a demon. So she didn't care.

[Fenric]

Izumi looks at Mikhail

You are among the classes of being who should know how binding a relationship can be. It is easy enough to forget that Myobi was an avatar, but such she was. One of Inari's own sons made that contract: she was bound by honor to uphold it, even if she would rather not. Had she not, the Celestial Emperor would have had her cast out.

As to the girl... Krystal does not believe in anything other than her magic, any more than I do. For the love of her father and the love of her husband she turned from the path of the dragon-kings: not because she believed it was wrong.

The godly hay proves impenetrable for Krystal, who sputters and stomps.

Izumi turns back to Mikhail

And some people don't even need help. The Demigod of Hay is in remarkably little danger from her.

[Wukei]

I was blamed for my binding, but you say I cannot blame your family for the same thing?

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*Atreyu grins maliciously* "I don't know what you were trying to do, but don't do it again. I've just started learning about this God thing, but I bet I could turn you into a scarecrow if I had to and I've got a powerful avatar I can call, too."

[Fenric]

Izumi shakes her head

I have said no such thing. These

She gestures at the other occupants of the temple

Are ruled by their emotions. You did what was needed: and I would have done the same. These were constrained by their obligations: and I would have done the same.

Izumi turns her expressionless red-eyed gaze fully on Mikhail

You wish to condemn the goddess for not helping: you are right. You wish to accuse her of not wanting to: you are in error. If you wish that Kazuki had died rather than you, that is your choice. Know that you may get your wish should you tarry, but that is your choice to make.

Krystal collapses to her knees and cries. Izumi turns to look at her

What an odd thing to do.

Izumi looks at Atreyu

Imagine you turning to evil. I suppose everyone falls eventually.

[Wukei]

Mikhail shakes her head. I don't wish Kazuki's death...

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*He turns to Izumi, trying to turn a malicious grin into concern* "I'm not evil! I'm just sick of it. Krystal attacked for no reason, I had to defend myself."

[Fenric]

Izmui looks at Mikhail

If you wish it not, then he needs to be found.

Izumi then sighs

But there is something to take care of first. Krystal's solution was correct, even if her reasons were wrong.

Izumi looks at Atreyu, her red eyes fading to the deep maroon they once were.

Atreyu, Head of Clerics: her parents are dead. Your friend, whom you risked your life for, has perished... and all you can do is hurl insults and accusations? Examine yourself...

Izumi's eyes burst into blazing flames, and she exerts her power as a lord of shadows.

CHILD OF THE SHADOWS, SOUL OF TWILIGHT, I CALL YOU FORWARD: FORSAKE THE MORTAL BONDS THAT COMPEL YOU TO FOOLISH THOUGHTS AND SEE WHAT TRULY IS

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*Atreyu yelps as he feels Izumi's power flow over him. The color drains from his form, leaving him a black and white version of himself, the only color on him comes from his two glowing red eyes. He fades a little as he goes incoporeal. He looks down at himself, brow wrinkled, muzzled twisted in concentration and study.*

[Fenric]

Izumi nods

It's about time.

She turns to Mikhail

It is time to find my husband and your lover, if you are interested in helping.

Izumi begins to concentrate, leaving Atreyu to his meditations and Krystal to her crying.

[Wukei]

Mikhail nods. How can I help?

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*Atreyu hovers in the air, slightly off the ground, oblivious to all, including the crying fox. He'll mutter things to himself occassionally.*

"Fenric's dead? Why didn't he come back?........................I remember the ceremony, I enjoyed it, it was a glorious celebration of his power, until Destro ruined it.................that was evil......i keep thinking its good to be evil......its fun.....but.......it doesn't seem so enjoyable now.........i shouldn't have threatened Krystal......what happened to me......what do I do now?

[Fenric]

Izumi looks up, her heands already beginning a spell

My fears are correct: Karl still considers himself some variety of holy executioner, and he has tracked my husband.

Izumi pauses and looks at Mikhail

You have an ironic choice, Mikhail: Kazuki, who could not save you, needs your help. Karl, who is the one who caused this trouble, is trying to kill him. You can refuse help, and have vengance against Kazuki. Or you can help, and have vengance against Karl.

A dark gateway opens onto the shadow-heavy glen of the Darkwood Mansion. Izumi steps through without waiting for a reply.
[hr]

Krystal looks up from the pile of hay that still imprisons her, finally making sense of Izumi's statements and Atreyu's behavior.

Atreyu: we are chaotic, but that doesn't mean we are without honor. Dad can't come back because he promised Myobu... the spellweavers caught him.

You are our friend, you have always been. I don't know what happened... but please, we need your help. As to what to do...

Can you forgive me?

[Wukei]

He frowns. Kazuki will hate me if I harm his brother...

[Fenric]

The sound of gunfire echoes through the sanctuary, and Karl's voice echoes faintly through the gate, though the words are difficult to catch.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*Atreyu looks down at Krystal* "I.......I'm confused....I don't know what is going on.....there's weird things in my mind and soul, cloaked figures where people should be, and joy from horrible things......and a desire to worship someone who's not Inari.....a deep devotion to him....that's why I came here.....I think I need forgiving, not you, but I can forgive you."

[Wukei]

Mikhail hears the sounds and runs out in the direction of the firing.

[Fenric]

Krystal smiles sadly

I forgive you, Atreyu, and I think you'll find that Inari does too.

Krystal looks around at the hay

Think you could let me out now?

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*Atreyu smiles and concentrates and the hay disappears* "Thank you, Krystal"

"I think I'm going to feel really terrible about the past few weeks if I ever follow the path of good again, but for now at least I'm neutral which is better than I was." *He looks up at the brown spit drying on the statue.* "I'm still head of clerics, right? I need an acolyte to clean up that statue. I want to see Inari's forgiving face sparkle and shine."

*Then he looks at Krystal, embarrassed, and mutters* "I...I don't think I can really turn you into a scarecrow. I'm sorry about that"

[Wukei]

Mikhail looks around, trying to spot whoever was shooting, and what they were shooting at.

[Fenric]

The night-shift acolytes jump to obey Atreyu's suggestion. The night-shift priests come up and bow to him

We are still your servants, holy Atreyu
Even if we do play pranks on you from time to time
Who would send us to work on our reflexes if you were not here?
Did you have to bring that up?

Krystal smiles and pats Atreyu, and being another shadow Atreyu feels it just like normal. She turns to the sound of gunfire.
[hr]

Mikhail sees Karl shoot Izumi rather full of holes with bullets made of light, and then turn back toward Kazuki who seems to have a spell ready but seems to have chosen poorly. Karl raises his weapons...

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*Atreyu bleats happily, nuzzles Krystal, and returns the bow to the night priests* "I know you all are. And I suppose your Suggestions are just attempts to strengthen my will save? *He grins* "I think I need it. Well, I've got a lot of thinking to do since I'm not sure what will happen if I return to my normal self. I don't want to turn evil again. I hope Pxp will be okay if I have to stay this way awhile. It's only short term, I hope." *he looks nervous, but steady's himself* "I'm gonna sleep at the statue for tonight. Maybe things will make more sense tomorrow." *With that, he curls up, floating slightly off the ground, and falls asleep*

[Fenric]

The night shift priests dispers to their duties, leaving the llama in peace.

[Wukei]

Mikhail enters, holding an injured Kazuki. A little help here.

[phoenixineohp]

Phoenixineohp and Phoenix walk into the temple.
"Hello? Anyone...." Her eyes catch on the shadow llama.
"Oh Shock no."
"Hmm? Oh... shock."

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*Atreyu's ears twitch to a familar voice, he stirs in his sleep.*

*One of the night priests hears the swearing and approaches Phoenixineohp nervously* "Miss xineohp? Don't worry, its for the best. He'll be okay. Its temporary."

[Fenric]

The night shift NPC priests come over and cast several Cure Moderate Wounds spells on Kazuki, and shadow-attenuated versions for Mikhail.

Izumi stalks back out of the living quarters

I can't believe it took them that long to put her back together enough to let me out...

She composes herself nearly instantly, and turns to Mikhail

Ah, Mikhail. Is the situation resolved?

Then she turns to Pxp and Phoenix, and greets them in her emotionless way.

Hello, Phoenixineohp. Greetings, Phoenix. I regret any trauma it may cause you to see Atreyu like this. Know that he has not been turned into a shadow.

Rather I imposed on his shadow nature to take over his body for the time being, until it can be ascertained where a certain evil influence has arisen from. Our beloved llama seems to have developed a bit of a dark side of late, to the point of desecrating the temple and threatening young Krystal.

[Wukei]

Mikhail allows Kazuki to stand when she thinks he can. Not every situation...but the one with his brother has been...

[phoenixineohp]

Phoenixineohp looks like a deer in the headlights as she hears everything. Phoenix quickly starts to try and get her to leave. Wrapping her arms around her, she starts to go to the door. "Come on, we'll deal with this later, don't react, we can work this out... Come on hun, we should go..." Apparently it doesn't work as Phoenixineohp flinches and erupts into flame.

"WHAT!"

A thick coat of flames covers her, enough to make Phoenix move back. She steps away shaking her head and raises a hand to her face. "Shock."

[Fenric]

Izumi looks at Mikhail, and bows respectfully

You have my gratitude, Mikhail.

Kazuki stands up, leaning on Mikhail.

I need to go home... the material plane is too draining for me right now...

Izumi opens a shadow-portal for the two, then turns to look at Phoenixineohp

[Wukei]

Mikhail frowns at Izumi. I didn't do it for you.

She looks back to Kazuki and nods. I...can't join you...I need to figure out how to fix this... She looks down at her breasts sourly.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*The shadowy llama rolls over and mumbles half asleep, " *mumble ....sorry...toilet lid....*mubmble* never forget again..."

[phoenixineohp]

Phoenixineohp is shaking, flames still erupting from her.

"You did what?! He... he did what?!"

"Deep breaths, deep breaths hun. Try and control the fire...." Phoenix realises it's a lost cause when she hears Atreyu. "Oooo. Now that deserves it a bit... I mean..."

Phoenixineohp turns to Atreyu.

"PARDON?"

[Fenric]

Kazuki fades into incorporeality, and drifts to the portal.

Izumi shrugs at Mikhail

As you wish. A sufficient strength Remove Curse spell is generally enough to undo such a thing. Failing that, a second application of a Belt of Gender Changing will work, though it must be a different instance of the item than the one that was used the first time.

(( And I have to be going now. This is already a lot later than I meant to be... ))

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*the llama wakes up and looks over at Pxp, looking apologetic*

*oneof the night priests attempts to cast calm emotions but is stopped by his companion.*

*Atreyu, still groggy, confesses* "I'm sorry...I spilled the orange juice. I thought I licked it all up, but the floor is still kinda sticky."

[phoenixineohp]

Phoenixineohp shakes her head and staggers backward a bit. She seems confused and starts to mouth things to herself.

"Cough, Atreyu, Cough, wake the heck up buddy. Going to get toasted here..." Phoenix nervously eyes back and forth between the llama and Phoenixineohp.


((Alright, have a goodnight. I promise not to leave burn marks that won't come off. :P ))

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*Atreyu rubs his eyes and sees his lack of color* "Oh, right. Shadow." *He immediately turns to Pxp, looking terrified and sorry at the same time.* "I'm sorry. I think I've been betrayed and manipulated by....all I remember is seeing a friend on the streets.....then some intense feelings of pain....and waking up feeling different....evil.....I think I'm evil, but if I stay like this, I'll be neutral, until I can be restored. I think they reforged my soul and twisted it."

[phoenixineohp]

Phoenixineohp falls to the ground in a heap. She starts mouthing the words "reforged my soul" again and again rocking slightly.

Phoenix sighs. "Want me to try and reach into his mind?"

[Wukei]

Mikhail sighs, looking up at the statue of Inari, still feeling betrayed...but since he was a demon, could he really feel betrayed by a CG goddess?

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*Atreyu trots over to Pxp and lays down by her. He reaches out to stroke her hair, but stops himself as he sees his ghostly, faded form. With a sad bleat, he hovers by her, feeling powerless*

"It'll be okay. We've been through worse and everything I've said and done with you is true. It wasn't affected. Well, this name tag is a lie. It was given to me by.......I can't remember....but it hides my alignment.

*He turns to Phoenix*
"I want her to know that it'll be okay. If digging through my mind will do that, then please....do so."

[phoenixineohp]

As he comes over Phoenixineohp scrambles away, starting to cry as she does. Her fire dies down a bit as she just stares at him, her mouth hanging open. She shakes her head and closes her eyes.
"You shouldn't. Maybe we can get Iames to. I've seen him do it before." her voice shakes and is low. She curls up, bringing her knees to her chest and her wings wrap around her, her head still down. She starts to rock a bit again.

"Iames. Great. Everyone needs Iames. All about Iames." Phoenix mutters something in another language as a very small burst of heat come out from her.

[Wukei]

Mikhail glances back at the three and walks out of the temple through the mirror into Trog's.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*Subconsciusly, suddenly, the llama whimpers, but his tail wags* "Please, both of you, stop saying that name. It does something to me...my mind....so many blanks, I hate it and my special mate is afraid to be near me. "

(sorry, Wu, we're the victims of the drama llama)

[Wukei]

(S'okay...Mikhail's being dramatic of his own volition right now...I need to get him fixed.)

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

( I use the word "Restored" when describing Atreyu. He doesn't care much for the idea of being "Fixed")

[phoenixineohp]

Phoenixineohp raises her head and stares at him. At the same time Phoenix raises an eyebrow at Atreyu's reaction.

Phoenixineohp thinks for a moment before her jaw tenses and she stops crying. "I'm going to bloody kill him."
Phoenix looks at her. "What, how?"
"I don't know how but the (a word in some other language) is split into three. One is Iames the Dark." She seems to spit that name and her fire rises around her.

Phoenix stares at Atreyu and frowns as Phoenixineohp gets up.


((Restored! Restored!!!))

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*At the mention of the name, out slips "all will bow before Iames the Dark" *He covers his mouth with his hoof, looking horrified*

[phoenixineohp]

Phoenixineohp turns...
"I'm going to bloody kill him." Her fire gets thicker and she disappears.

Phoenix stands there, rather uncomfortable. She crosses her arms and shakes her head. Turning to Atreyu she looks him over.
"Shadow, eh? Through a manipulation of your soul. Hmmm. That one is going to be interesting...."

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

"Yeah, Izumi took control of the shadow section of my soul and made it take over me. Its a good thing too, but I can't shift back or I think I'll revert to evil. If I stay a shadow, Pxp won't get near me. Its times like this when I could really use a feather hug and head scratch. Maybe I should try to get back to sleep."

[phoenixineohp]

"Hmm evil or shadow. She can control you in either, though I don't know which is better. Both will need to be taken care of. I'm not familiar with how to turn shadows... I usually just kill things to take care of the problem." She shrugs. "But she can't touch you when you are like this. And if you are CE, that may not work either." She shakes her head.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*The llama laughs* "She is the one in charge, but even if she can keep me under control, I don't want to be evil. I think I need to sleep I'll feel better tomorrow. Goodnight Phoenix. Please keep Pxp out of trouble for me."

[Wukei]

Mikhail finds the tree she normally sleeps under and curls up under it.

[phoenixineohp]

Phoenix lets out a bit of a laugh.
"I'm not making any promises." She grins. "Have a good sleep Atreyu."

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*The llama sleeps, but its not pleasant. He dreams of dark rituals and pain. A woman with long red hair, laughing at him*

*One of the night priests stays up with him, tries to keep him as relaxed and comffortable as possible*

[phoenixineohp]

Phoenix watches Atreyu for a while as he sleep. She looks up at the statue of Inari briefly before she turns and disappears.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*The night passes and at least one priest stays with the llama at all times, trying to comfort him during the frequent nightmares. As dawn breaks, he has a vivid and graphic memory that wakes him up with a terrible bleat. He curls up, sobbing and says to himself "I died screaming. It was horrible."

[Xaspian]

The Pigeon wakes up from a corner. He flaps out of the front door.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

(oooh, a pigeon)

*Atreyu, with a little reassurance from the priests, composes himself and tries to participate in the morning ceremony, but his mind still feels conflicted between Inari and Iames the Dark, so he can't really concentrate. *

[Kyral]

The candle, floating around silently, observes the morning ceremony and watches acolytes and other priests go to their daily duties. With a sigh, he floats into the gardens and watches the koi in the pond.

[Exachix]

Exachix wakes and wanders into the Sanctuary.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*The shadowy form of Atreyu bleats happily to see Exachix, but looks nervous and guilty too, for making Krystal cry last night.*

[Wukei]

Mikhail wanders into the sanctuary, still female, and still refusing to put on a shirt.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*atreyu waves to Mikhail, looking at her chest in confusion* "I think humanoids are supposed to cover those. Well, any fleshy humanoids anyway."

[Wukei]

She frowns at the llama. Do succubi? I think not. Besides...I plan on finding a way to get rid of these today.

[Kyral]

The candle, after watching the koi for a while, floats directly over the pond. It carefully lowers itself in, until it is comepletely submerged. Interestingly enough, its flame is not doused. Admiring the fish and plants, it floats beneath the water towards the island.

[Exachix]

Exachix smiles faintly to Ateryu and bows to Mikhail.

"Hello both of you."

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

*Atreyu smiles* "Good point, although the only succubus I've ever met was a llama. We don't have to wear anything. Ummm...did you just see a flying candle sink into the water over by the pond? (not sure if its in my P.o.V. or not, but its worth commenting on)

How are you planning to get rid of those? Remove curse? Cut them off?

*he turns to Exachix* "I'm sorry for last night. I wasn't really myself. but I'm getting better now."

[Wukei]

She shrugs. Izumi suggested 'remove curse.' But I'm not sure if I trust her...sure she's not fighting over Kazuki with me, but she's still a woman.

[Exachix]

Exachix blinks.

"What's happened?"

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

"You don't trust....women? Or Izumi? She is Kazuki's wife. That's why I wouldn't trust her. Well, I should be careful about saying that. She does have control over shadow creatures and that means me right now."

*to exachix* "Well....umm....We had an argument. Krystal and I, I trapped her under some hay and but we made up. I'm evil now. Well, whenever I'm not a shadow, I'm evil."

[Wukei]

I don't trust any woman.

...Well...I take that back...there is one.

She waves her hand, frustrated. But forget that. So...do you think that 'remove curse' spell would work?

[Exachix]

Exachix blinks.

"Oh right. So long as we arn't all unhappy with each other..."

[Kyral]

The candle floats further and carefully removes itself from the water, then lowers to place itself and the tray on the island. It sighs and watches the gardens and pond, lost in thought.

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

I really don't know what "remove curse" can do. I'm only allowed 1st level spells and I'm not sure I'd even get those right now. Its worth a try, though."

"Yeah, Exachix. We're still friends. I heard that Fenric was killed? Why hasn't he come back yet?

*he shakes his head, not sure what to make of the flying candle that he keeps seeing*

[Wukei]

Mikhail sighs, sitting at one of the benches. It seems that no one can personally help me... I don't want to be stuck as a girl...I HATE girls...always have...

[Exachix]

Exachix hmms.

"I didn't realise you could only get 1st level... interesting.

He's not come back as he has a kindof pact with Myobu. He could marry Myobi so long as he became an Avatar of Inari, the Avatar of Shadows. From what I know of. He's in training to fulfill that role. The status of that I have not been alerted of, and what happens after I do not know of. But he may or may not be back. But I'm think Kazuki and the shadow-clergy will see him often if we don't."
He hmms at Ateryu.
"Ooh, shadowy." He smiles to Mikhail. "I can try a Remove Curse if you want. How did you become female anyway?"

[Atreyu the Masked LLama]

"I can sympathize with that. I've gone through a lot of transformations that I didn't want, but we'll find someone to help you out."

[Wukei]

Mikhail nods. Thanks, that would be great if you don't mind.

Wukei's grandsons messed me up...they were playing with a belt of gender bending.

[Exachix]

Exachix hmms and casts a Remove Curse.

"Really? Ok. Seems kinda weird that."