Oz: Crossroad of Legends

Bowser refuses to stop with his barrage of flames seeing that he was attacked. Rosalina overheard someone yelling for Bowser to stop so she walked over to Bowser and tapped him on the head with her wand. "Hey what was that for Peach's space daughter," Bowser huffed.

"I think you made your point," Rosalina said as Bowser rubbed his head. "Besides we been through this multiple times we have no proof that Peach is my mom," Rosalina reminded him.

"But she started it I was minded my own business when she attacked Kamek," Bowser huffed.

Peach sensing the situation decided on a way to get Bowser's attention. "Bowser you seem to know this place better then me why don't you and Mario help me out,". "You know what would really help right now if you could help me find a cook or kitchen so I can bake a nice big cake to celebrate our reunion," Peach said to Bowser and Mario.

"Will you bake me an extra big slice?" Bowser asked in which Peach responded by nodding her head yes. "Well since you asked and because there is cake on the line, I guess I can put up with Mario" Bowser reluctantly agrees to help Peach and Mario to look for a kitchen or cook.

"Sorry Mom... I mean Princess," Rosalina said to Peach

"No worries it couldn't hurt to walk around and keep Bowser busy," Peach said leading Mario and Bowser away.

"Right, good," June says.  "That's... good.  Summoning carefully.  I was planning to rest a few minutes before doing the others anyway, so I'll watch over you while you summon it.  Just in case."  She takes a position a bit behind and to the side of Mystic, her axe placed far enough away to be non-threatening.  She motions to her children, then points to the newcomer.

They nod in understanding and go to check on her.   They find her doubled over and panting heavily. Rand offers her a hand and she shakes her head, choosing to rest a while longer.  "Are you OK?  You didn't get burned, did you?" he asks.

She shakes her head.

"Good.  Well... I guess you probably have a lot of questions, but I don't have many answers for you.  All I really know is that we were all summoned to this world for some reason, but several of us were trapped in cards.  They're working on a way to send us home, so we're trying to get everyone out...  I think," Rand says.  He looks to Lily for confirmation, and she returns a nod.  "The sub-commander's going to give us a proper explanation in a few minutes, but did you get all that?"

"Summoning cards..." she says, starting to catch her breath.  "How archaic."  She places a hand on the floor and glowing-blue runes begin to appear again.  Lily pulls Rand back as they expand into a circle around her, then stop.  She concentrates for a few seconds, but nothing seems to happen as the glow slowly fades and the lines retract into her fingertips.  She groans, then starts to stand.

Lily quickly rushes to help her up.  "What was that?" she asks.  "I've never seen those symbols before..."

"Teleportation magic.  It should have taken me home.  It would appear this dimension doesn't function quite like mine.  Until I figure things out, it looks like I won't be able to tap into my full power..."  She trails off and glances at Horatio, stunned and dripping, as he slowly picks himself up off the floor.  "That should have blasted a hole right through his chest."

Rand's eyes widen in surprise.  "Isn't that a bit of an extreme reaction to-"

"Suddenly being pulled somewhere?  Not in my experience, no.  Creatures strong enough to grab me usually don't have the best intentions."  She sneers at Horatio.  "But I assume he's not the one who summoned me proper, just the one that let me out of the card?"

"Yes, I think he was also summoned here," Lily says.

The woman looks Lily up and down coldly, then her eyes fix on the tomes at her hip. "Ah, a fellow mage?"  Her lips curl up into a cold smile.

"Ah, yes.  I'm Lily, and this is my brother, Rand."  She offers her hand.  "And you are...?"

"Waite," she answers, taking Lily's hand.

Lily pauses.  "...OK?"

Waite's smile vanishes.  "Gods damn my father for this accursed name..." she mutters under her breath.

Once Irving saw that the next couple of moments would be spent simply waiting for stuff to happen, Irving quickly wiped the blood from his eyes and hands with a rag he found and went to go wander outdoors.

He looked around. Aside from the Legion soldiers surveying the area, there was no evidence of the previous battle. No blood, no bodies, no weapons or used ammunition littering the place, no craters or burns on the grass, nothing.

"Do not intefere with our operations, lest you find yourself in an unfortunate accident," Irving heard someone say. He turned to see the larger Legionnaire general approaching him.

"I wanted fresh air," Irving said. He said "fresh", but in reality, there was something about the air that smelled different from St. Elne or anywhere in Austur, and it wasn't something he would describe as particularly pleasant. "Deal with it."

"...Your prowess in battle has my attention", Alexus said. "Yet, I can sense that there is more within you. It would be a shame if one with potential such as yours would be squandered if my men were to fire on you, mistaking you as a hostile remnant."

"Nice to feel 'preciated fer once, at least," Irving said. "...Unless yer sayin' that 'cause you want something from me. I don't care for being buttered up."

"To the point, then," Alexus said. "You may be of considerable asset to my Legion. I have seen your commander: a naive weakling who would attempt to barter with the enemy when they are bringing the axe upon them. A wench like that would only hold you back. The Legion finds value in strength. To tear our foes apart, to revel in their pained screams, to find glory in combat... That is our purpose. I think you would do better with us."

"Hm... Sounds like my language", Irving said. "Can't say I'd like bein' a passerfist either..."

Irving got briefly distracted by something getting thrown out of the tree by a gush of water. That's one of Bowser's, ain't it?

Irving smiled. "Tell ya what: I'll think about it. For now though, I'll give this company 'nother chance."

Irving walked past Alexus, pushing him with his shoulder, just because he could. Alexus watched him reenter the tree, smiling to himself. He knew the Outlander would learn soon enough.

---

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN LEONARD'S ESCAPED?!"

That was the first thing Joshua and Yancy first heard upon entering the castle's clinic. Their first impression was that the apparrent chaos here would feel familiar enough.

"I-It was more like he just... walked out, actually?" said a meek looking man.

"WHY?!" shouted the woman he was talking to.

"H-He heard that the men at the Royal Tomb were diverting power from their magic seal into general electronics, which were damaged from the invasion, so he got up and went to... probably... discipline them?"

"HE'S NOT SUPPOSED TO BE WALKING YET, MUCH LESS 'DISCIPLINING' ANYONE! C'mon, we have to stop him!"

The woman ran past the two of them out the door.

"D-Doctor, wait!"

The man followed as best as he could.

"...Just like Realgam?" Joshua asked.

"Almost," Yancy confirmed.

The two of them awkwardly stood there, looking for someone to speak to, when a younger girl bounced in, followed by a cheery-looking dog. Joshua thought she looked familiar, but couldn't recall from where.

"Excuse me?" he said. "We've heard that a summoner named Cia is here? Do you know where she would be?"

Mystic shrugs and throws the last card out of her inventory. "Time to summon the DRAGON!" Kitty stands at her side, raising one paw in the air multiple times while letting out rhythmic meow cheers. In a similar fashion to the last summon, a bright light shines from the card before the faraway sound of roaring can be heard. In a matter of seconds, a dragon covered in flames blazes out and smashes into Mystic, launching her off to somewhere else in the tree.

Charizard stands in place and lets out a victory roar, flapping his wings. It's then he notices that this is definitely not a Pokemon stadium. A trainer wearing purple clothing stumbles out of the light. Charizard looks around in confusion before his eyes settle on the trainer. He lets out a questioning grunt. Purple takes a second to take in his surroundings. "This definitely isn't anywhere the cemetery used to lead to."

"Whoa!" Dino comes charging in and begins inspecting every inch of Charizard. "Oh, it's just a dragon. I thought you had a dinosaur with you."

Frey then gently picks up Dino and places him on the opposite side of her and the Charizard. "That's a Pokemon. A familiar looking Pokemon. Purple?"

Purple walks out from behind his Charizard, looking over at Frey. "Frey? What are you doing here? I haven't seen you since the fight with the Black Lanterns."

"Well, we found a portal that mysteriously opened up in Selphia. We were pretty sure we heard someone calling for help on the other side, so we went on in and this is where we are." Frey looks over at Kitty, who is now swatting at Charizard's tail with her paw. "It looks like Kitty got here too. But I haven't seen Ringabel anywhere."

Purple shrugs. "I was kind of in the middle of a champion battle. How long are we going to be here? I shouldn't keep my challengers waiting."

Dino sighs. "There aren't any fossils in the area..."

Frey ignores him and continues speaking with Purple. "I'm not entirely sure on all the details, but apparently we were called here by this world because it's in danger. The woman over there with the axe says we'll get a better explanation later."

Walking back in after getting launched away, Mystic shows up, mumbling something about stupid cards.

Poulterpup sees a kitty swatting at the tail of a large lizard like thing. He's more curouis then anything so he turns into his ghost form and slides out of Luigi's hands. He then runs over to the Kitty and flaming lizard and lets out a couple of playful barks at the Kitty and Lizard thing.

Poulterpup looks at the Cat trying to swat him. He looks confused for a moment and just tilts his head and lets out a couple of confused barks at Kitty. As each of the cat's paws went right through Pup he then got on his hind legs and put his tail in the air. Pup then proceeded to pounce on kitty and lick her a couple of times before jumping off and running in a circle around her.

---

Lana was skipping down the hallway in very high spirits when a familiar looking face called her. "Oh hey Josh, how can I help you and oh who's the beauty standing next to you," Lana said to Josh.

Josh then asked about Cia and if Lana knew about her whereabouts.

"Oh Mama Cia me and Mom are about to get her ready,". "The Outlanders that were here have taken the World Tree and we can finally heal her,". "Oh why not come and join us, Josh and ummm," Lana said unsure of who the lady was next to Josh.


Charlie looked at both Josh and the divine beauty standing next to him.

June looks panicked as Mystic and the... not-quite-dragon start running around. "I said to not damage the tree! And there's wounded soldiers in he- Sophie, Ann! Can you two deal with this?"

June leaves the sheep situation to Sophie.  Horatio finishes picking himself up after Waite's sucker punch.  He sees her having a pleasant chat with Lily about magic.  She gives him a sideways glance and a wiggles her fingers at him in a taunting wave.  He frowns, and takes out his other card.  June groans and gets ready to deal with this one.

He calls out the older woman in the proper business outfit.  A grey jacket and skirt, stockings and fancy heels.  She appears in a sitting position, as if signing some document... with no chair.  And immediately plops over.  She picks herself up, dusts herself off, and looks around.  She adopts an annoyed posture with her arms folded over her chest.  "And what, pray tell, is the meaning of this?" she asks in a stiff, no-nonsense tone.

Horatio smiles at her and gives a slight bow.  "I apologize, but first allow me to say I'm in the same position as you are.  We've been summoned to this world against our will.  The vice-commander over there will answer your questions in a few moments, once the rest arrive.  Hopefully we can return to our homes soon."

The woman inclines her head ever-so-slightly.  "...I see.  Very well, then.  I suppose introductions are in order in the meantime.  I am Marian Vallast of the Vallast Trading Company.  And you are...?"

June turns away from the scene.  They seem to be getting along well.  She realizes this is probably not a good thing.  She sighs and pulls out her other cards.  The farm boy doesn't look very threatening, but those shadowy monsters behind him...  Then there's the flirtatious-looking one with a knife.  Then there's the creepy one with monsters and a knife.  That one's definitely last.  June makes sure Gale's ready, holds up the less-threatening woman, and concentrates...

And a woman appears dressed in a loose white shirt and pants, with matching headdress and cape, perfect for traversing the desert.  She's got a tan overcoat lined with several small knives.  She winces for half a second.  Her hand twitches almost imperceptibly and one foot slides back an inch before she stops herself and instead shifts into an unguarded stance.  She plants a hand on her hip and smiles at June expectantly.  "You need to hire a mercenary, hm?  Talia al Alhasifa, at your service."

June's caught off-guard by the accepting response.  "Er...  June.  I'm the vice-commander here.  You see, you've been sum-"

Talia waves her hand dismissively.  "I do not need to know all the details.  June, hm?"  Talia sizes her up.  She winces noticeably for a moment, then the smile returns.  "You have got a rather friendly face.  I believe you will make a fine employer."

"I'm... not the one who summoned you here, I'm afraid.  I suppose you could speak with Alvis about payment?" June says.  "For now, do you mind waiting a few moments while we do some introductions."

"Oh, there is no rush."  Talia looks around the room.  Her eyes lock on a pair resting off to the side.  "No rush at all...  If you will excuse me?"

"Oh?  Of course."

Talia slinks over to the familiar figures, moving with near silence and creeping up from the side.  She wordlessly takes a seat next to the sleeping Catie and holds a finger up to her lips, signalling Baron not to wake her.

(Aw, Talia wanted to cuddle Catie)

Talia tilts her head and gives Baron a concerned smile.  "Seven years?  We only met yesterday, Baron.  And I don't recall you mentioning any children."

---

June decides that went pretty well.  Just two more.  Maybe the others won't be so bad?  She pulls out the young man's card.  Concentrate for a moment, and...

A young man in a white t-shirt and blue jeans appears wearing a straw hat.  He falls over on his back and immediately begins scrambling backwards while stammering in panic.  He mentions something about witches, and a rat, and a fish...

June holds up her hands and tells him to calm down.  He continues to panic and pulls out his phone.  Gale leaps on him and knocks it away.  Which does not help his panicking situation.  Gale pulls him up, dusts him off, and cautiously hands him his phone.

He stares at her blankly for a moment before sheepishly rubbing the back of his head.  "Er... Sorry, Miss.  I, uh...  Sorry, are those... rabbit ears?"

"Yes?"  Gale answers.  "Wanna touch them?"

"No, no, that's fine.  Are you... some kinda demon?"

"I don't think so?  Well...  Lily might disagree."  Gale grins and glances over his shoulder at Lily and Waite.

George turns and sees all the rest of the people here.  "This... uh...  Wait, I think I know that lady over there...?"  He turns back to Gale, takes off his hat, and continues scratching his head.  "Are all these people... er...  I'm mighty confused.  D'ya mind explainin' what's goin' on here?"

Gale gives him the simple explanation and he lets out a low whistle.  Gale winces in pain.  "Huh?  Oh, right, rabbit ears...  Sorry," he says.  "I guess I ain't got no choice but ta stick around and hear ya'll out.  Ya seem nice 'nough, anyway.  Oh, right!  Hang on a tick."

He checks himself and finds his hand-crank charger.  He nods satisfactorily, then opens his phone.  "Error," a robotic voice says.  "Can not connect to server.  Demon auction unavailable.  Cathedral of Shadows unavailable."

"Well...  That's a problem...  But I still got m' demons, so-"

"Harmonizer function offline."

"...That... on th' other hand, is a problem..." George says.

"I'm sure it's fine," Gale suggests.  "C'mon, let's go look around while we wait!"

"Uh-"

She grabs George's hand and drags him off to poke around the area.