The front gate, The monastary is locked

[randomguy]

A large bell stands naer the door. You ring it. A hooded man peeps out a large window. Sorry, we don't allow guests. Our beautiful master is very cautious about outsiders If you need anything, we'll be glad to serve you out here. However, if you have some business here or if you are interested in joining us, you are welcome to attend. Our services include:
1. food handouts
2. hire an alchemist or druid
3. school of the elements
4. visitation previlages

Anything we can help you with at the moment? If not please be on your way.

[paladinchambers]

"Sir, I am General Dobson of Noma. These are my allies." said Lindsay as she respectually bowed a knee to the druid.

"Ah, Noma, we have heard much sorrow has plagued you" said the man.

"Sir, we must see Dryad. It's a matter of urgency."

"I don't know. The Master wasn't expecting visitors today and that man isn't allowed here." The druid pointed at Paul. "You fiend, polluting the land and people's hearts with fear and evil. You even attempted to attack our Mistresses a year ago. It was forunate that they crushed your offense and forced you to flee"

"Ack!" said Paul embarresed when the others turned around. "IT'S NONE OF YOUR DAMN BUSINESS!" he said angerly. The ackward situation continued for just a second more, just then, reality seemed to lag. Sakura became alert. She noticed that the man suddenly got a look of shock. He seemed speechless and dumbfounded. "Baby Lily..." said the druid. Lindsay shot a look at Sakura, who returned it and nodded. Both women gave Baby Lily suspicious looks also. "You three, show me your heads" He was pointing to Paul, Lindsay, and Rukia. All three lifted up thier bangs and the Druid nearly fainted when he saw the three marks. "Yes, please! Enter at once!" said the druid as he scrambled down. He opened the gate, allowing the entire party to enter. All the while he was prostrating. "What was that all about?" asked Siren. "What's with the humily all of the sudden?" At that moment, the air seemed to cool and refreshing. The fragent air of the mansion seemed just a little more sweeter. The party took it all in. A calming feel started to overtake them all. "You must be tired. Please, let me treat you to some sweet water in my quaters" said an angelic voice. Everyone turned to thier left. Walking toward them were six females, four teens and two twins. The twins were immediatley recognized as Elemental Master Dryad. To her right was her sister, High Priestess Lauren. The group stood still, in awe of the majesty and pure power of the women.

[paladinchambers]

The party was shown to Dryad's and Lauren's chamber by thier assistants, the famous elemental charmers, Aussa, Hitta, Eria, and Wynn. The harpies however decided to fly around the central plaza where a wooded area seemed to be growing. The normally stern harpies were flying around joyfully. Ayane stayed with them as well. She still held Baby Lily and Ayane was chatting with the Charmers when they joined her in the garden. Dryad and Lauren entered in about ten minutes later with the sweet water. They served everyone to a generous glass. Once again, thier presence was definatley changing the environment. It was making Paul kind of figity though. "Before we begin, please accept the Monestary's apologies for not coming to Noma's aid" said Lauren, "I'm sure you're aware of our complete neutral status in this realm."Please, it's okay. Don't mention it" said Lindsay. "So are things getting better. How is Kanna?" asked Lauren. Everyone shot Rukia a quick glance. Dryad noticed Rukia's sudden sadness. "Your aura...you are Rukia, are you not?" said Dryad as she rose up. "Um, I guess I haven't introduced all of us yet. This is Rukia Kuwinska. She is indeed one of the daughters of the late Kanna Kuwinska." said Demetra. "Kanna is no longer of this world" said Rukia with some spite in her voice. "I'm sorry" said Dryad. "Just forget about it okay! She died bravely while fighting off that bastard! She wouldn't want us crying for her!" yelled Rukia, her eyes welling up with tears. Dryad embraced Rukia. Rukia seemed upset at first, but then she started to break down and cry in her arms as well. "I guess Rukia would be feeling pretty insecure right now." said Hybrid to everyone else. "It's hard to be strong in today's world" said Demetra. "Even for a woman like Rukia who chooses to continually immerse herself in hate. She reminds me of myself too much." "I guess I'll start talking business while my sister is busy" said Lauren. The first thing I want to discuss is those marks on your head..."

To be continued...

[Paul Grimm]

Paul took a seat, sitting on the ground with his legs crossed. He laid the Masamune, in its sheath, down on the ground next to him as he did so.
"Then lets cut to the chase. What are these things, and why did they apepar on our foreheads?" he said, impatient as always.

[paladinchambers]

"If I'm not mistaken, a man named Rictor Avalon came to visit Noma as well as another man named Yom Mutan. Am I correct?" asked Lauren.

"Well, yeah. Those two came to help out with the conflict. I asked them to." announced Sakura.

"Well, those two men were two of the legendary Heroes of Time. Rictor Avalon, the first and Yom Mutan the fifth.

"But Yom didn't have a mark. Only Rictor did." said Demetra.

"Well that's because Rictor Avalon wasn't Human. He was actually from the Hylima dimension, where exist a race of beings that were created from the fairys themselves. As the story goes, Rictor was the prophet of Empress Taelia and also her lover. Yom was a Hero of Time too, but he was simply human from a different dimension. He never formally met fairys from any tribe. The Second Hero, Samantha Armas didn't have a mark either, as she was also a normal human in the same dimension, only from a different time period. Now how did you three get those marks?"

"Well, I'm not quite sure about mine, but I think someone gave me mine, but the face of the person is blank. I can't remember" said Rukia.

"As for mine and Paul's, our's just appeared not that long ago. It happened after that battle with those Tyrants and Euu." said Lindsay.

"But what does that mean, "Hero of Time" " asked Paul, seemily annoyed.

"I'll explain" cut in Dryad. "According to ancient Hylima and Guardian tribe fairy lore, "There was civil war in the kingdom of the fairy's between Empress Taelia and Empress Zeal, with thier followers fighting along with them. In short, Zeal lost and was banished to the Shadow Realm. The Artifacts that were forged during that time became scattered, one being those two swords" said Dryad as she pointed to Paul's Masamune and Lindsay's Phoenix Blade. " It was during that time, the Grandfather Artifact, the Stone of Ages, was formed, which both Zeal and Taelia had to make using thier own power. It was punishment from Fianna, the Diety of the Fairys and the Empress' mother. Both Empresses lost thier bodies with the stones creation, but Zeal cursed the stone with the power of the Seven Sins: Lust, Gluttoney, Envy, Sloth, Greed, Pride and Wrath. Those would become the Tyrants which plauged the multiverse; one each time a wish was made on the Stone of Ages. Realizing this, Fianna sacrificed herself, leaving a prophecy that when the Sins pollute mankind and oppresses it, that the Virtues would come and wage war. These Virtues would become the Heroes of Time, or sometimes known as the Heros of Eternity. "The First, Rictor is the Avatar of Faith and Courage. The Second, Samantha was the Avatar of Peace and Humilty. The Third, Ash, was the Avatar of Wellness and Compassion. The Fourth, Paul here, was supposed to represent Justice and Truth." Some snickered at this saying, but quickly stopped when Paul shot an intense look in thier direction. "The Fifth, Yom, was the avatar of Friendship and Honor. The Sixth, Lindsay, according to Legend was the avatar of Wisdom and Grace. The last Hero, you Rukia, were the Avatar of Charity and Hope. Those Tyrants, those abominations, were already killed by the Avatars of the Past, but somehow they were resurrected. I witnessed the weaker ones being destroyed again earlier, but themost powerful Sins: Lust, Sloth, Pride and Gluttony are still out there. It's already confirmed that Euu Avalon, aka Danny Chambers and the Son of Rictor Avalon is indeed the Sin of Pride.

"That's some story you got there woman, but what about the Fairy's Grave?" asked Paul.

[paladinchambers]

Dryad finished her story.

The Fairy's Grave lies in Chuzu. All the ghosts of Fairys, either killed or used for magicite were sent there. In addition, that is were the Father Artifact, the Lance of Longius, as well as other powerful Fairy artifacts are. In addition, the deceased espers also sleep there. Also, upon my visions of the area, there is a mysterious and malnevolent being there that has power equally that of a diety."

"Hmm, doesn't seem any different from a typical place in Merak" said Hibryd. "I mean, we all know what we've dealt with. It can't be much worse then that."

"Oh no, it does get much worse" said Lauren. This being is hell bent on destroyng everything. It has little reason and only lives to destroy. It is a pathetic being that has been driven insane by the painful and violent memories in there."

"What does that mean?" asked Demetra.

"Inside the grave, there are places in which one could see visions of the fairy's cruel and gruesome history. Upon witnessing these visions, the viewer usually starts off becoming cold all the time and jumpy. Next, they start having trouble concentrating or being happy. Continually induldance can lead to insanity."

"How do you know all this?" asked Lindsay.

"My sister and I go into traces alot. The Fairy's Grave has been the subject of alot of these visions. The most interesting have been of that destroyer. We drew a picture of him." Lauren went to a folder againest a chest and pulled out a beautiful constructed portrait. The face belonged to a scarred man with wild white hair, ghostly pail skin and dark circles under his bloodshot eyes. His eyes looked as if they didn't have eyelids. A very bonechilling sight. When Hybrid saw the picture, the demon inside of him became excited. *It's him. It's that face!* it said to him. Hybird didn't say anything. He didn't want to let anyone know that fact yet.

"And these marks, what do they do?" asked Lindsay.

"That's easy" said Rukia. "These marks increase your spiritual, magic, and chi energy so that it's enchanched and increase. It also increases strength, dexterity, agilitity, alertness and also seems to help shielding you from pain.

"Hmm, I want one" said Hibryd, holding his injured arm.

"Back to the grave" interrupted Dryad. "I had a vision today" Orbs of light came to Noma"

"You know about that?" asked Lindsay. "Tell us! What happened?

[paladinchambers]

"Don't be alarmed" said Dryad. "Those orbs were the ghost of fairys, straight from the Fairy's Grave. They took the spirits of your deceased amazons and took them away. They also put the residents to sleep, and took them from to the Grave."

"And we are not supposed to be alarmed about this?" asked Lindsay irritated.

"They are fine and safe. In fact, they are better then ever. Those fairy's are healing the trama of the horrors to the amazons and the spirits. They are in a place were there is plenty of food, clean water, beautiful atmosphere, and also shelter from the deadly realities of this world. They are also free from sickness and aging there. They are indeed in Eden. Don't worry about them. You should concentrate the task ahead of you."

"And what is that?" asked Rukia, feeling better. "By the way Dryad. Was my mother there?" Dryad smiled sweetly. "Yes child, your mother was there and was comforted. So was the late queen of Noma, Alice Chambers. As for your task, and keep in mind, it's optional. But Zeal has possessed the Avatars of Nature and sent them to the Grave to find the Lance of Longius. She can't use it, but she wants to prevent you guys finding it. In addition, she will no doubt be trying to recruit the espers and fairys in that grave as well as gain more powerful artifacts. You most certainly don't have to deal with the grave, but it would be in your best interest. After all, there is another pressing matter at Chuzu and other parts of Tornel. It involves the crystal shards of a great dragon which Atrentis, the provoker of fear in this world. The dragon rulers in Chuzu can tell you all about that. Whatever you plan to do, please, go with my blessings and take whatever you need from here. Unforunatley, my powers will do no good againest fairys since they are embodiments of nature. By the way, if you plan to go to the grave, keep in mind, magic will be forbidden unless you have that mark. Even then, magic will be dangerous because it will attract spector vamperic fairys as well as the ghostly espers, not to mention, possibly the Destroyer. If you kill or hurt one of those fairys too, they will most certainly hunt you down. Pleae take care, the Espers are one thing, but if the Destroyer finds you, you are already dead. Also, remember what I said about the memories and emotions. There is a substance called Enpowered Sunshine that grows on a flower. That will not only act as a sanity preserver, but it can also help you cheat death. But you can only have 12 in your system in a lifetime. Please my children, take care. Now if you don't mind, please send that young priestess Ayane in here with Baby Lily." Dryad and Lauren dismissed them. The others went to fetch Ayane and talk about what they were going to do, leaving Lindsay, Paul and Rukia alone. "Well, Paul, what do you think? What's your move?

[Paul Grimm]

Paul was sitting, crossed legged and crossed armed, eyes closed. There was a small tapping sounds as one finger his the metal armor. He opened his eyes and took a breath.
"I swear, I can't a normal day ever. Just the way I like it. As for what my move is, I am heading back to Karthenos Zal. Before I go anywhere else, there are a few things I need to prepare. However, this grave sounds ver interesting, and I'm interested in trying out what this mark can do." he said, but stopped as he thought about it.
"On second thought, I won't head back to Karthenos Zal. I left it in good hands, it will be fine while I'm gone. I guess I will head out to Chuzu." he said as he craned his neck to the left, getting a loud pop.

[paladinchambers]

"I want to see my mother again. I'm going to the grave." said Rukia quickly.

"I don't know about me. Dryad did say that Atrentis was plotting something big. He's a wanted criminal. Plus, Baby Lily and Ayane are going to need protection."

"Don't worry about them. The master has already left them in my care." said a voice. Rukia turned around suddenly and nearly fainted at the sight of the person in front of her. "Syriana? My sister? But how?" stammered Rukia.

"What, no hello after all this time? I missed you baby sister." said Syriana as she held Rukia close. "My, you have grown. I thought for sure you were dead yourself after what Sakaki did to you."

"Syriana, you have been dead for 3 years. What is the meaning of this?" asked Rukia, still in shock.

"Why, I went to heaven of course. It was nice up there and it was there that I learned that you survived. Are you still in that tin can shell that you went to the Southern Continent for?"

"No, it's really me. I got a new body, a real one. What are you doing here if you went to heaven?"

"Shinato sent me back down here recently to help at the monestary. As you know, the ways of alchemy and nature worship are a division the relgion of Merak. They are not much different from the paladins and priestesses of that place. In fact, it's said that Dryad is part angel anyway and is just as powerful as an archangel. Anyway, Lauren just assigned me to protect Baby Lily and Ayane until Danny Chambers or rather, Euu Avalon is caught and executed. So, please, all of you go to the Fairy's Grave. Together, you three may have the kindness and strength to right the wrongs of that place. Hey little sister, let's go catch up some more. Come on, there's an awesome spot near the pond." Syriana took Rukia's hand and lead her away quickly, Rukia struggling to keep herself from being dragged. Both Paul and Lindsay watched them go off. Well, it's settled then. Kanna once told me that she had two daughters. I trust her if she is recommened by Shinato and Dryad. We should prepare. I'm going to get some supplies from the alchemy district. Paul, regroup and I'll leave it up to you how to divide the group. If Hybrid and co want to join us fine. If not, whatever as so long he's involved somehow. See you in an hour and a half.

[hibryd]

A small note. Danny, you keep spelling my character's name wrong. There is no capital, and the "I" and "Y" should be switched, making it "hibryd." That is all. Also, he couldn't have crossed his arms. One is currently broken from the last battle.

hibryd walked back to Paul after he finished talking with Ayane and the others. He kneeled in front of Paul and said, "Paul Grimm, you have fullest support of myself and my mage Palin Majere. We are willing to follow you, whatever task you choose to perform.

I would like to inspect the grave, myself, as the portrait aroused something in my mind, but if you choose the other way, I will follow you there as well."

Paul stood up and said, "Well, consider yourself lucky. Me, Rukia, and Lindsay were going to the grave regardless of whether anyone chose to go with us or not. However, I would recommend that Palin not follow us there. It's a place where he wouldn't be of much use. As Dryad said, magic won't be usable by anyone without a mark, and even then it'll be dangerous.

If another group doesn't form to go to Chuzu, I would say he should stay here, or better yet, head back to Noma and see what use he'll be there. he won't be much good in a place where he can't even give us light without dying, much less fighting with magic."

hibryd rose from his kneeling position and prepared to tell Palin some news that would surely hurt his ego, if not his feelings, as this would be one time where he would not be able to accompany hibryd into battle, nor be sure if his master would even be coming back alive. . .

[paladinchambers]

Lindsay was gathering some food and medical supplies around the monestary. The residents were already instructed to give her anything they needed for free. Everyone that Lindsay met praised her for wanting to help the fairys and begged her to save them. After feeling comfortable with what she had, she headed to the central plaza. Siren noticed her and flew down. "Oh general, we feel so at home here! It feels just like home!" she said. "Was the chaos of Noma too much for you Siren?" asked Lindsay with a smile. "Well, it was all worth it with Danny there, but now me and my sisters just don't know what to think or do. We are feeling pretty vurnable right now. Lindsay paused for a moment, deep in thought. "Siren, I want you and the harpies to stay here."

"What? But why?" asked Siren shocked. "We are part of the Noma guard. Are you not satisfied with our help?"

"It's not that Siren. I saw you. I haven't seen you and your sisters smile like that in months. You were never happy in Noma. You only stayed with us because you four were so devoted to Danny. You are happy here and you'll be well taken care of."

"But Lindsay..." started Siren, but she couldn't finish her setence.

"You know I'm right. The druids of Noma are on the same spirtual wavelength as animals or humanoid creatures, like yourselves. With Danny gone, we can't provide for you and your sisters. You harpies have been so loyal and kind to the people of Noma, you deserve rest and you deserve closure." Lindsay took Sirens taloned hand.

"So, that's it. You're just going to dump us here? So we are like broken tools or something?!" Siren started to become very angry.

"Siren, look around you." said Lindsay as she turend Siren around. They saw Lola by the tree chasing butterflies. Both Curtain and Sidney were watching closly as a friendly druid was making a beautiful flower bloom. All the three other harpies were laughing and felt very much at home.

"You belong with us Siren, but not until we bring happiness back to our world. I swear, if you four ever want to return, we will take you back with loving, open arms. Please, let us do this." Lindsay was nearly choking on tears.

"Do you swear to come back for us? Do you swear to save Danny?"

"It don't know if I can promise either Siren, but I will try my best. Me, Eatos, Nepthys and the Phoenix Blade promise that. Is that okay?"

"I guess that will have to do." A moment of silence followed. "I guess you better get going General Dobson. "Yeah" Lindsay stood there for another moment and turned away, getting ready to regroup with Paul, Dryad and the others.

[paladinchambers]

Lindsay met up with everyone. Rukia returned in a pleasant mood. Paul was stern as ever. Dryad met them with a big smile on her face.

"Well, I guess it's that time. Okay, a few things. Lindsay, Ayane has already left ahead. We have a portal that connects this place to Wintersong Village. Both Syriana and Ayane are meeting an old partner of Syriana's who will also act as a guard and guide. Now, those who are going to do anything regarding Atrentis should immediatley head to the Castle of Mist. I already contacted with the Dragon Rulers and they will be expecting. If you plan on going to the Fairy's grave, the way to the grave is locked by several locks. To open these locks, you must find the fairy lore around the village and recite those sayings in the Forest Chapel in Wintersong Village. Now for each lock you pass, you will be blessed with a fairy artifact. These are powerful by themselves, even if you only manage to get a few and dont' get into the grave. The people of Wintersong are peaceful enough. Just watch out. There have been reportings of frequent attacks by a renegade group of warriors. Please take care. Rest here tonight and you guys can leave early tomarrow morning.

The next morning, Lindsay awoke with a generous breakfast awaiting her and her friends. "I wonder what's taking Rukia so long" said Demetra. Only seconds after, Rukia entered into the room. she was a sight to behold. She was wearing a loose, crimson kimono. Beneth it, she was wearing elegant, revealing, blood red armor that had scorpians imprinted in various places. "Wow, looking sexy there Miss Kuwinska!" said Hibyrd. "Today marks the return of the Scarlet Scorpian to my home, Wintersong Village"

An hour later, the group prepared to go. The group learned that some time ago, Rukia was a famous warrior in Chuzu. Despite her being an outsider, she was taken in and trained in the arts of Ninja and Bushido. It was there that she met some mysterious masked warrior whome she feels she knew. But the group also learned that a cruel samurai broke Rukia's back and nearly killed her. She was saved by the masked warrior and took her to the Southern Continent to get a cybernetic body. The rest was history as they say.

If you are prepared, please be on your way. May the gods of this world protect you on the great task ahead of you. Please take care." With that said, Dryad and Lauren, as well as the residents of the Monestary all bowed to them. Lindsay noticed the harpies in the audience. Lindsay wanted to say something, but Siren held up her hand and mouthed the words "We'll be okay" All four waved thier goodbyes. Lindsay looked back once more and went to the front of the group. "If any of you have any last matters here or you want to stay behind after all, please do so quickly. I'll meet you all in Chuzu." Lindsay stepped into the portal and disappeared.

(for any other RP'ers, make any last posts you need here or any othe appropriate place. Once you are finished, make your first post in Wintersong Village under the Chuzu board.)

[Paul Grimm]

Paul watched the event and as Lindsay went through turned and waved a hand. As he did the air warped and a small portal appeared. On the other side was a throne room of some sorta. A man was sitting there, dressed in something close to religious garb. He looked up the second the portal opened.
"I'm heading to Chuzu to check on something. I'm leaving my orders standing for the moment, with the following changes. When Reno returns, tell him I want him to report to Noma to help with its defense ASAP. Also, Ralos seems to have dissappeared. When he turns up, the same orders stand for him as Reno. That is all." Paul said, and the man gave a bow. Paul gave a wave of his hand and the portal closed. With that he walked through the portal into Chuzu.
{Topic Left}

[hibryd]

Palin, having realized that his turn to darkness had been making him feel slightly sick, decided, against his best wishes, to leave the monastery and help defend and reconstruct Noma.

hibryd ended up leaving with Paul and Lindsay.

[Katsuya Takeshi]

Katsuya appears in the monastery in a rush of dark energy.

"His apprentice in Noma pointed me here. Where has the man who calls himself hibryd gone from here?" He addresses one of the harpies who were left behind. The monastery doesn't seem to affect him at all, despite the amount of dark energy pouring out of him.

"He went to Wintersong Village with General Dobson and the others, but from there I don't know, I heard there were two destinations. Now, would you please leave me be? I've been enjoying my stay here with my sister harpies."

Katsuya nods, steps back, and disappears in the same rush of dark energy as he arrived in, leaving no trace that he was ever there.