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Post by Neo on Dec 17, 2014 18:58:17 GMT -6
Ethan smiles a bit, impressed. "Unfortunately, Elia, what you're sensing is barely a fraction of my real power. Being forcibly pulled across dimensions tends to be a bit draining. If I had my full strength, the device likely would have imploded. But as it stands... That little stunt of mine only served to weaken me further."
Eon plops back down on the bed, as a thoughtful look crosses her face. "Actually, it may have done more than that... We now know what their trump card is. If we can destroy that device, then we could pull a coup d'etat, and place you on the throne. Then, we could divert all the necessary resources into finding a way home. I like that plan much better than blindly following orders and hoping they show us the way home."
Ethan nods in agreement, and he smiles proudly. "Atta girl. Good thinking." He turns to Elia, who still appears grief stricken. "I too have another child back at home, a son, as well as my wife. Believe you me, I understand what you're going through. But we must work together, if we wish to return home. What do you think about my daughter's plan? Do you have anything to add?"
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Post by GX1997 on Dec 17, 2014 19:33:23 GMT -6
"Possibly. A few things are on my mind. If you nearly pushed that device to it's limits, then do you believe there's a chance the three of us could all use as much of our power as we can, and overload it, even temporarily? And my take on the design of this palace... I would say it's fairly likely that there are many ways to get through it, if it's anything like the ones back home."
Motivated by her new allies' plots and determination, Elia began to pace around the room and analyze what steps it would take for them to be able to carry out their plans effectively. "We'll need more allies. Even if we get rid of that device, they'll probably have more like them stored away somewhere if they're smart. And no matter how much power we have, there are only three of us. We need good, strong allies. Whenever we have a chance to recruit people for our cause, we'll have to take it. Even..." she stopped and swallowed hard, not because of her pride, but because of her past, and almost choked on her words, "Even if it means doing so while fulfilling their demands. We'll actually have to aid them from time to time if we want to even have a chance to find help."
I believe Ethan has the best chance of being able to tell them no and get away with it. Even though their device worked this time, I doubt they'll be itching for the opprotunity to tempt fate again so soon. The more threatening they perceive us to be, the more we can pursue our own agenda and not further their's.
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Post by Neo on Dec 17, 2014 22:00:11 GMT -6
Ethan inclines his head, clearly satisfied. Good. The more she focuses on productive thoughts like those, the less time she'll have for sorrow.
"Precisely what I was thinking. There are always flaws in technology, even the most advanced. I'll act as the liaison between our new overlords and ourselves, and I'll deliver their orders back to you two. I can also use the time to gather more information about them. The more information we have, the better. We don't have any orders yet, so take this time to rest and scout the palace. Remember, they need our help as much as we need theirs, perhaps more so, or they wouldn't have summoned us in the first place. You two have free reign of the palace, as long as you have an escort, and you are free to venture out into the city proper, as long as you're with the Sorcerer himself, or one of the Elemental Generals. If you wish to head out into the city, tell me and I will make the necessary arrangements. Unfortunately, due to my little stunt, my own movements have been restricted, so I'll need you both to act as my eyes and ears while I recover."
Eon's eyes suddenly widen. "That's right... I completely forgot! You still have mother's blessing, don't you?!" She suddenly laughs, a dark, triumphant laugh. "Niiice... Oooh, we have one hell of a trump card now. How long do you need?"
Ethan ponders that for a moment, and then smiles. "Not too long, thankfully. A couple months at most."
He then turns to Elia, but instead of speaking normally, he projects his thoughts directly into her mind. "Forgive me for this Elia... But I cannot risk our captors overhearing my secret. It's an ability of sorts I have, thanks to my wife, who happens to be even more powerful than I. No matter where I am, I will always recover my powers, though it takes some time, especially if I've lost as much as I have now.
His smile widens as he looks around at the room finally. "By the way, what would you like to do about our sleeping arrangements? It would probably be smarter to stay together, just in case, but if you would prefer more privacy, Eon and I can go stay in our room. We're just next door, so we won't be too far away. There are certainly enough sofas here to accommodate us though."
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Post by GX1997 on Dec 17, 2014 22:37:23 GMT -6
"I'll leave that up to you."
I don't think quiet meditation will help me focus right now. I think the quiet would just let my fears and my memories take over. I can't afford to lose it right now, I have to at least try to keep a clear head... I think it would be good to have someone else near me for now, to help distract me and so I don't feel lonely and vulnerable, but I don't want to inconvenience them.
Elia seemd to try to relax after a moment, then looked around the room, her eyes moving rapidly from one object to the next. She had seen very similar things before, and it was that particular familiarity that seemed to be the reason why she refused to really look at anything. And when finally forced herself to actually study her surroundings, her reaction wasn't all that different, except for the addition of an uncomfortable sigh. High quality linens, silk, velvet, detailed paintings, several furnishings that seemed to her to have come from a far away place. The list of things that made the room so luxurious went on, which while indicating that they should feel well cared for, only served to unnerve Elia. She shook her head a little, trying to clear her thoughts, but she only felt tired. Seeing several different places where she could sit, she purposely choose the cheapest looking chair in the room, which was in the corner with the least amount of decorations, and sat down in it before staring at the wall across from her.
"It still hasn't really dawned on me that I'm not in my world anymore. It probably won't for some time... If it ever really does, considering the effects being in this kind of environment has on the mind," she said.
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Post by Neo on Dec 18, 2014 0:26:49 GMT -6
"Try not to think about it too much," Ethan says gently, moving over to the nearest sofa. He takes off his large fur cloak and drapes it over the sofa, leaving him only in a sailor's clothes; a simple white tunic and brown leggings. "Take it from someone who knows, Elia. Bottling up your emotions is never wise, nor is trying to deal with everything on your own. We'll stay with you tonight, and from now on, so don't worry. You aren't alone. You know... You really remind me of my Eona, when she was younger."
Eon blushes a bit, but she quickly hides it. "Come on dad... You're getting a little too mushy."
He laughs, a big, boisterous laugh, and walks over. "Aww, is my little cub embarrassed?" He ruffles her hair affectionately, and she glares at him.
He only laughs harder, and walks away. "Fine, fine. I'm going to go shave this monstrosity of a beard off. There should be a fully stocked bathroom around here somewhere..."
Eon softens considerably as she watches him stumble around the massive room. He finally locates the bathroom and shouts a happy exclamation in old Dragontongue. She shakes her head and smiles, turning to Elia.
"Sorry about that. He's not usually this crazy. Although... I guess it means he trusts you, in his own odd way." Her smile turns reminiscent, even nostalgic. "It's odd, really, to think how far we've come... When I realize how many years have passed since we met, it doesn't feel real. It feels like just yesterday we were fighting to save our own world, and I was the most bitter and hateful woman alive. I was even cruel to my own family. And even my old man... He wasn't always such a wise, caring man. It's still so surreal how much we've both changed. How much everything has changed. When you live as long as we have, you begin to see things differently. I guess... That's why we can cope with all this so much easier, despite having families back home. My mother, my brother... My fiancé. And all my many cousins, aunts, uncles, and even my grandparents... I know they'll wait for me. And I have absolute faith in my father. To me Elia, this is just another step in the wonderful and terrifying journey that is life."
Eon's smile widens, and she turns to Elia. "My father is right, you know. You can't bottle up your emotions. He would know best, since he lived on his own for well over a thousand years, without trusting or talking to anyone. So, tell me about your world. I'm a great listener."
You aren't gonna fool me, old man... I know you love that damn beard of yours, and I know why too. You just wanted to give Elia some room, in case she needed to cry, didn't you? You knew she would be much more likely to open up to me... You silly, sentimental old fool...
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Post by GX1997 on Dec 18, 2014 14:38:09 GMT -6
"Austur is beautiful. It's not as technologically advanced as this place, if that device is any indication. Or at least, not anymore. But anyway, we have as many different types of environments and cultures as you can imagine. There are humans, dragons, nymphs, werewolves, and even various types of immortals. They all usually get along very peacefully, and there are places where you can find a few or even dozens of dfferent creatures living together in harmony. I mean, don't let it fool you, it's not perfect. But it's a long way from how it used to be. Humans once had enemies, very powerful ones at that, and a war nearly lead to humankind's extinction. The story of how they survived is truly miraculous, though that's a story for another day. That was a long time ago, and ever since then, the focus has been on rebuilding and finding stability."
I still remember the old stories so well. I will have to find the time to pass some or most of them on to Eon, so she can picture my world better.
"What is your world like, Eon? Do the people there have lots of stories about it?" Elia asked.
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Post by Neo on Dec 19, 2014 11:35:50 GMT -6
Eon smiles fondly at the memories, as she leans back on the bed and stares up at the ceiling. "Sure we do. But you know... Your world doesn't sound all that different from my own. Our world is a beautiful place... Filled with wonders and magic. Some call it the Home of the Gods, as the five largest nations in the world are each ruled by immortals. Technology has advanced by a tremendous amount over the past few hundred years, but like your world, we don't have as much as the Ancients did. Our world... Asgard... Has experienced a great many wars over the ages, and humanity has been repeatedly pushed to the brink. But the last war... The last war was far worse. It nearly destroyed all of humanity, no... It nearly destroyed our entire world, our entire universe. If it weren't for my Grandfather and his allies... I wouldn't even be here right now."
Eon's smile suddenly widens, and she rolls over onto her stomach, shifting her gaze to Elia. "Oh, I wish I could show you the Floating Mountains. It's the most incredible sight I've ever seen, on any world. You mentioned your world has dragons? What kind? I'm a dragon too, you know."
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Post by GX1997 on Dec 19, 2014 11:57:03 GMT -6
"They're incredibly powerful in my world. They too, like yourself, have human forms, and they can swap between them whenever they like. Their normal forms come in many colors, sizes, and appearances. They live for a very long time, but most of them live alone, rarely interacting with other people. And even when they do live with other people, it seems they have trouble adjusting to that. But when they do adjust, they're actual very social. And they have so many crazy, interesting stories, usually all true," Elia chuckled at the last part as she recalled some particularly funny ones she had heard from Silver, and then continued to smile. "And they're very loyal and trustworthy. I sincerely hope that you're similar in that regard too. So far, I really believe that you are."
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Post by empireoffire on Dec 21, 2014 2:56:50 GMT -6
St. Elne -- Queendom of Yuleia -- Palace -- Glinda's Sleeping Quarters
After either personally tending to or having the best person available tend to the important businesses around the capitol, Glinda entered her personal quarters, thinking to herself about the fact that her royal guards will likely begin following her almost everywhere beginning tomorrow; partly because of the possibly unpredictable nature of the outsiders, mostly because of The Witch being able to attack the capitol with such force without anyone noticing the presence of her forces prior.
After locking the door behind her and a moment's hesitation, Glinda raised her staff to open a rift and stepped through.
St. Elne -- Queendom of Yuleia -- Royal Tomb
The amethyst pillar behind Glinda dimmed as she closed the rift behind her. Vowing not to take too long, Glinda tread into the chamber where royalty and high-standing military generals and mages were laid to rest after their passing. The air was chilled, and erect glowing stones would be all that lit the area were Glinda not using her staff as a light.
She entered a large circular chamber with a lone stone coffin against the wall. The plaque at the coffin's base read the name of the corpse resting inside, as well as a short biography of his personal life, deeds, and accomplishments. A portrait drawn of him at his prime (which in this case was not too far from his time of death) was placed on the wall above the coffin. The coffin itself was painted with many symbols and insignias. The flowers from Glinda's last visit laid on top have already wilted.
Glinda placed her free hand on the stone and slowly slid her fingers over her husband's casket.
"...Vance, my love", she said. Her tone of voice was neither formal nor strong, as she had no cause to withhold her true emotions. "The ritual was performed... But there was an attack by The Witch... No one saw it coming until it was too late. The ritual was interrupted... scattered the outsiders across the realm. Cia... has gone comatose; though a spring beneath Yggdrasil's branches may hold the cure for her ails."
Her fingers continued tracing the adornments on the coffin, not caring about the dust they were collecting. "...Ephesus continues attempting to advance their borders and the amount of skirmishes with them increase with each passing day... Cia's intervention was the only thing preventing The Witch from irreparably crippling the capitol... And yet, I still ask myself whether I have done the right thing summoning these outsiders here. The morality behind it is up to question, but is this truly the best chance to protect our people from extinction? Will it be enough? Shall we soon no longer spend every passing day fearing for ourselves and our loved ones?."
She clenched her fists as she continued speaking. Tears were beginning to form in her eyes, as much as she tried to fight it.
"Forgive me, it's just... I do not know what to fear most: the possibility that I am not putting forth my best effort, or the possibility that my best effort is simply not enough to protect this realm... Your realm. Every report of a casualty; every camp, outpost, or village destroyed -- every death, every failure... They tear at me so much."
She fell to her knees beside the coffin, this time openly weeping. "I... I'm sorry! I'm a weak ruler! I don't belong in this position! I'm an insult to your legacy! I'm..."
Useless without you.
Suddenly halting her weeping, she turned her glance to her shaky, dust-filled hand. She then turned her gaze toward the casket beside her, then outward, as if looking through the stone walls to see the other coffins laid around the chambers.
Realizing what she was considering, she fearfully stood up, opened a rift, and returned back to the palace.
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Post by Neo on Dec 21, 2014 14:36:28 GMT -6
Ethan grins slightly as he steps out of the bathroom. It was a boyish grin that, when coupled with his freshly shaven look, made him look thousands of years younger. The only details preventing him from looking like a twenty something fresh recruit were the stress lines on his forehead, his weathered brow, and his ageless eyes which belied ancient wisdom. All in all, he looked every bit like the powerful Emperor he used to be.
"Don't let her fool you," he says jokingly to Elia. "She's the worst kind of dragon. She's only trustworthy when you feed her."
"Hey!" Eon shouts in protest, laughing. She tosses a pillow at him, which he effortlessly catches with one hand.
"I merely speak the truth, milady. But thank you for the gift. I shall use it as the centerpiece of my new lair."
Eon rolls her eyes, as she sits up on the bed and returns her father's devilish grin. "You do that, dad. Would you like me to fetch you some fresh sheep while you're at it?"
He appears to seriously consider this for a moment. "Hmm... Well, it has been a while since I had fresh sheep... But it's no fun unless we go raiding villages together."
Eon laughs and shakes her head, before turning to the only non draconic occupant in the room. "Sorry. Draconic humor is an acquired taste."
Ethan gives a very loud snort and plops down on the sofa, which sinks beneath his massive frame like a capsized ship beneath a tidal wave. "You can say that again. It took me almost two thousand years just to understand one of my father's jokes. Now he was a master of obscure draconic humor."
He suddenly stretches out over the sofa like a giant cat, and yawns dramatically. "Well then. Tell your old man another story, Eona. Your stories always help me sleep."
She throws another pillow at him. "You're such a jerk."
He laughs, and the pillow stops in mid air. It then proceeds to slowly back up towards the bed, all by itself, while he makes odd beeping sounds. She merely snatches the pillow out of the air, and rolls her eyes. Again.
"You're so exhausting, you know that dad? Dad...?"
Quiet snoring answers her, and she softens. Asleep already? That's just like him. She shakes her head and turns back to Elia. "Don't mind him. He's a bit eccentric, but he's a wonderful man."
Eon's eyes suddenly take on a wistful, melancholy quality, as if she's a million miles away. "I just wish I could have been a better daughter to him..."
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Post by empireoffire on Dec 21, 2014 17:22:36 GMT -6
"Queen Glinda will not be available for some time", replied the guard. "Following your breakfast tomorrow, she will come to speak with all of you outsiders, where she will explain our current situation and answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, please relax. The public guest room is available for you to sleep.
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Post by empireoffire on Dec 22, 2014 18:42:36 GMT -6
"I'm afraid that because of a recent attack on the palace, we are currently under a lockdown of sorts, and only certain personnel are allowed to roam at the current moment. If you have something in particular you want that can be delivered to you, ask and we will do what we can."
The guard paused a moment and lowered his voice. "...And my opinion does not express the general viewpoint of the queen or her queendom, but there isn't any real guarantee one of you outsiders -- if allowed to roam freely before the queen may speak with you-- won't map out the palace defenses, knock a few guards out, and run for the hills."
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Post by empireoffire on Dec 22, 2014 20:21:22 GMT -6
"I said it was my personal opinion. No matter what you say about it, protocol says I can't let unauthorized peoples roam the palace until further notice", retorted the guard. "And in case you haven't noticed, we know very little about you all. We don't anything about your home world, your social standings, or what you are all capable of. For all we know, that slightly deformed human in red over there is another necromancer gone psycho who wants a kingdom of his own. Excuse us for practicing caution, right?"
Realizing he lost composure, the guard cleared his throat. "If you want food, simply say so. If you have an aversion to any kind of food in particular, like meat, you may say so as well."
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Post by empireoffire on Dec 23, 2014 18:58:12 GMT -6
"You're in luck", said the guard. "Looks like our worlds do share some produce. Cherries, I mean.
...But what do you mean by bare meat? Like, meat without condiments?"
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Post by GX1997 on Dec 25, 2014 22:58:22 GMT -6
Eon...
"It's obvious how much respect you have for your father. That's the most important thing to a parent, that, and knowing that their child is happy. The past is past... What matters is the present."
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Post by Neo on Dec 26, 2014 17:57:15 GMT -6
Eon gives a sad smile. "You're right, of course. I know that. But... It's still so difficult, especially when you have a past like ours... And when it keeps coming back to haunt you."
She suddenly stands and stretches, yawning. "Well, I'm gonna hit the hay. Us dragons need a lot more sleep than most. But don't hesitate to wake me if you need anything, hmm?"
She walks over to the sofa across from her father, and starts to lay down, until she notices he doesn't even have a blanket. You silly old fool... You never change, do you?
Eon drapes his fur coat over him, using it as a blanket, and steps back. She bites her lip, hesitating for a moment, then snuggles in beside him. She lifts his arm and places it over her shoulder, using his other arm as a pillow.
"Don't say anything," Eon says jokingly over the sofa, to Elia. "Even someone who's thousands of years old is allowed to be a little girl once in a while."
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Post by GX1997 on Dec 26, 2014 18:57:57 GMT -6
"Thousands? I hope I look as young as you when I'm that age," Elia said, apparently finding her joke very funny for reasons she knew Eon wouldn't be able to guess. After that, she sunk farther into her chair so she could rest, and then closed her eyes.
I can't sleep, so now I'm still going to be alone. And no matter what I do, I'm going to be so homesick...
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Post by Neo on Dec 26, 2014 23:32:35 GMT -6
"Are we sure this is wise, father?" Aris asks quietly.
Vincent had been asking himself that same question ever since encountering the Yuelian patrol near the forest, a few hours ago. And he reached the same conclusion every time. "There is no alternative, Aris. We can't just wander around and live off the land forever. We need to find a way home, and the best way to do that is ask the person who summoned us."
She nods, turning quiet. "Unfortunately, that won't be possible," the Patrol Sergeant interjects. "Chancellor Cia was rendered comatose from using too much of her power in a recent attack. However, Her Majesty, Queen Glinda, will be addressing the Outlanders on the morrow. Please feel free to rest at the castle until then. We have rooms and board already prepared, including food and drink should you require sustenance."
The? So that means we weren't the only ones summoned... Interesting. "There are more who were summoned, then?"
The Sergeant inclines his head. "Indeed. There were many more summoned, but most were scattered in the attack on the castle. Only a few of the Outlanders have managed to find their way back to the castle."
Again with that nasty word... And he's not talking about the word 'Outlander'. "You mentioned an attack? Is the castle safe?" Because if not, he has no intention of bringing his children there.
Again, the Sergeant nods. "Yes, it is now. You have no cause for worry. The majority of the damage has been repaired, and the capitol is on lockdown. Our defenses are on high alert, and the Witch lost a great number of her forces and power in her little raid. She won't attempt something like that again, at least not for a long time."
Witch? Castle? Well, well... It seems we stepped right into the pages of a fairytale. However, that does make him feel better... If only a bit. "Very well, I will take you at your word. Lead the way."
The capitol, as it turned out, was a marvel of wonders and technology, unlike anything in Austur. Even Gorgath in its prime paled in comparison. So a fairytale with futuristic technology? Well, that's new...
Vincent expected the palace guards to give them trouble, even deny their entrance outright, so he was quite surprised when they admitted them entry with only a few words from the Sergeant, and a few promises from him. Nothing special, just the usual. Don't attack anyone, don't go on a rampage, practice good manners, blah, blah, blah. If he didn't know any better, he'd swear they were taking lessons from his wife.
He felt a pang of pain at the thought, but he pushed it aside. However, he did almost miss a question from one of the guards. "Pardon?" He wasn't sure he heard them correctly.
"I need a small demonstration of your power," the guard repeated. "You are clearly an Outlander, since you do not appear in the city's personnel register. Your clothing, appearance, and vital signs also give your identity away. However, just to be certain, I need something a bit more. We can't be too cautious in this day and age. For all I know, you could be an Ephesian spy."
Well, so much for passing through easily... "I don't think you truly understand what you're asking," Vincent replies dryly, slightly amused. "My power... Is not something to be trifled with. I'm afraid I cannot grant that request."
"You will if you want to sleep in a bed tonight," the guard warns. "Or in the capitol at all, for that matter."
So Vincent gave him a demonstration: a city wide blackout that lasted for a few minutes. Even with all their technology, every single light source still went dark. Then, they flickered back on like nothing had happened.
"That enough?"
The guard gives a shaky nod. "Y-yes.. O-Of course. Right this way. I'll show you to your rooms."
"Room," Vincent clarifies. "My children stay with me."
The guard nods again, and leads them inside. Within a few minutes, Vincent was tucking his children into a very large bed, in a very large bedroom. They were asleep in a moments.
Vincent however, stayed up. He was used to sleepless nights... And he didn't like the feel of this place. Not one bit.
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Post by Golurkcanfly on Dec 30, 2014 15:19:25 GMT -6
"Wooaaaaah, duuuuuuuude..." Arcturus fumbled around in a road in the middle of nowhere in a transdimensional stupor.
Before aimlessly tripping over his own feet, he sped up his personal time to examine the dust flying before he faceplanted.
Weeeeird...
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Post by empireoffire on Jan 3, 2015 3:23:51 GMT -6
John Doe was barely able to open his eyes at first, but then bolted upright immediately after remembering what had happened to him. He was pleasantly surprised to see himself in a well-kept room, but clenched his fist and struck the wall after noticing the force-field keeping him in the secluded section of the room.
Dammit! A cell's a cell no matter how you--
He was about to bring his hands to his face when his mask suddenly turned thermal vision on and off without his say-so.
Wait...Rotom! Then...
He stood up and looked at his shadow. It waved back at him and Grinn's hand poked out briefly and left a device on the floor. Doe bent down to pick up and reactivate his Cosmic Drive.
Rotom? Grinn?
"Papa!"
"Damn, are you lucky us ghosties don't need to breathe!"
Doe took a breath of relief at the fact that he wasn't completely alone and confused.
What happened? Where are we?
"Knockout gas, obviously", said Grinn. "The guards confiscated yer stuff -- having no idea what they were -- and apparently called the queen to this joint over. She had you carried here to this holdin' cell in a palace with some food over there. I managed to sneak the Cosmic Drive with me when no one was lookin'. Nothing else after that; me and the kid took shifts during the night to watch and make sure."
John Doe looked to where his shadow was pointing at.
...Sorry, but I'm not eating something when I don't know what they are. Did you get the reason why she did this?
"No", said Rotom. "But she did say some interesting things, like those cards with mama and the others being used for 'summoning'."
Summoning?
"That's all she said about them", said Grinn. "Also said she wanted to speak to you once you wake up, though. There's a little bell next to the food over there, like the kind you use to call for someone at the front desk. She'll presumably come when you do. Said that no harm would come to ya 'if you cooperate'."
John Doe examined the bell, then the forcefield keeping him in and the other items Grinn couldn't smuggle past that wall.
That forcefield looks electrical... What do you guys think? Should we play along, or should Rotom open the cage, I get our stuff, and we run like hell out of here?
Grinn was the first to weigh in. "They'll probably expect somethin', seeing as they don't know exactly what we can do, but know you can walk right through the front gate. 'Sides, there're guards out there armed to the teeth and not lackin' in numbers, either. Might not be worth the risk."
"That, and..." Rotom hesitated. "Thing is... the queen and the guards... they don't seem like bad people. We passed through the town, and the place seemed so... normal, all things considered! Since it looks like we are from another world... Maybe they need our help for something! Can we at least hear what they have to say?"
...Alright. I'll hear them out for now. But if anything happens, be ready to attack and we at least try to get out of here.
John Doe walked over to the desk and rang the bell.
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