Log:Enter Arion

The Regent Legacy 2014/07/11 Toby Paragon Pendragon

3

Student Quarter

The student quarter is north and west of the CBSU campus, and is entirely dependent on the university for its flavor, but its flavor is different. Much of it, especially in the back streets, is cheap housing, with students being the main tenants. On the three main roads, though - Courtland Way heading east, Harrisburg lane northwest, and Stardancer Boulevard south - are one or two grander buildings, most notably the stadium on Courtland and hospital on StarDancer. Along these roads, and scattered through the district, are other services such as students attract: fast food establishments, second-hand stores, laundromats, convenience stores, doughnut shops, and a small park.

The average age of people on the street is markedly lower than elsewhere in the city, whether walking, cycling, hoverboarding or just hanging out.

The library was closed earlier, but the librarian has grown to like Bethany over the months. So she let her stay and keep studying. It was very late when Bethany's stomach grumbled and made her aware that it was stupid late. She glanced at her phone clock and groaned. "God... class is in like 5 hours." She gathered up her books and smothered a yawn with the back of her hand before packing up the backpack and heading for the exit. It is important to her -not- to abuse Excalibur. You know, don't use it to just go home when she can easily walk it. After all, she does like trying to live a normal life.

So she's got the backpack strap over one shoulder, and is strolling towards the dorms with a hot dog in one hand and a bottle of water in the other. Yep, she stopped by 7-11 and grabbed noms.

Paragon steps out of the hospital emergency room entrance after dropping off an injured civilian. Now that the woman is in safe hands, Paragon can continue her patrol.

Toby finds herself out and about, flying over the student quarter at a (relatively) low speed. Surrounded by a pink aura, she seems to be patrolling.

The evening is unusually busy for 3:30am, but if there is going to be somewhere busy, it will be the Student district. Students and non-students alike gather in small groups, some inebriated, some not, some just hanging out. There is a young bearded hippyish red head playing some old songs from the turn of the century, pandering for tips or attention. A couple of people listen as he plays.

To Bethany, a sheer tear along the fabric of reality spills forth across the street, and a sudden gust of wind that sends caps flying and papers, cups and other light objects trailing after it, a few flower pots fall from a second floor balcony...

What seemed like a gust is turning into a gale wind, table umbrellas go flying dangerously into the air as the gale wind catches the outstretched arms of the canopies Open windows begin to rattle and shake, while the sound of doors slamming around the area can be heard, somewhere nearby the sound of glass breaking is heard, but the source is uncertain as the whipping winds distorts sounds..

Slowing to a stop, Bethany narrows her eyes. . o o O O (Seriously? Now?) she asks herself... well, not only herself. . o o O O (This is potent magic. Merlin would have named it Elemental.) says the voice in her head. She just... sags her head forward and sighs softly. . o o O O (A particular element? Or... just kind of -all- of them?) She asks as she turns and lifts a hand to afix some hair that the wind just blew out of its tied-back look. And... oh armored metal... type over there by the ER. She tenses just a touch as she sees the necromantic aura and wonders silently. . o o O O (Is that the one we saved, or the one that attacked... oh, she's coming out of the ER and the hospital is not burning to the ground. I guess I can assume it's the one we saved...) She does however... gesture to the hippie and says, "Here..." as she tosses five bucks into the man's guitar case. "Take this and go grab a bite somewhere..." she says, trying to get the guy to safety.

The fiver goes flying away...but the hippie nods, and grabs his stuff and begins to chase after the five..or maybe he's just fleeing for safety...

Paragon's head snaps in the direction of the shattering glass, pots, and slamming doors. After other recent, strange weather occurances, she takes a few steps and leaps in the direction of the commotion.

Toby recoils slightly at the wind, surprised by the gusts. And then the sound of shattering glass perks her attention. She flies in the direction she /thinks/ it came from, but with the wind, it's hard to tell. So if she fails to find the source of the glass, Toby just simply flies /around/, looking for any signs of trouble.

(Oh, there goes the money but.. at least the musician is on his way out too...) O O o o. . thinks Bethany as Arthur informs her. . o o O O (Air Magic of immense power level) Once the others make their way away... and Paragon leaps towards the ... well... generally towards the source... She takes one step towards the tear... still Bethany. By her second step, chain armor fades in around her body. It starts with her boots, and then the mild flare of magical power fades as the crown rests on her head. The fact that she was moving towards the tear... only helps it as the wind begins drawing her in. Fortunately for her though, the sword appears in her hand and somehow cuts at the air itself to limit the amount she is being drawn in by. . o o O O (I am open to suggestions Art.) she remarks mentally.

Winds start to turn into hurricane force winds, Tables begin to tumble, and people are running indoors, a few fall but with difficulty and despite the buffering winds, are able to stand and get to safety. The winds themselves seem to be drawn to a central location, it is as if some invisible source was drawing the air in to some invisible source.

Paragon remains grounded as the winds pick up and whip around her. She gets distracted by catching a table as it flies past her. Walking over to a grassy area, she thunks the table into the ground hard, trying to dig the legs in enough to keep it from flying. While doing this, she completely fails to notice the transforming Bethany. . o O (Another strange disturbance in weather. Maybe my message got through?) She feels the pull of the air and feels compelled to walk towards where it's tugging her and everything else towards.

Toby might've been able to resist some of the winds, but the hurricane force winds are too powerful. In the midst of trying to fly, at some point, the aura that surrounds Toby seems to /crack/, before shattering completely. And off she goes sailing for wherever the winds may take her tiny body! Complete with an appropriate yell, "Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!"

It's probably a good thing her body is physically tough.

The tear suddenly becomes visible, a large rift opens, it is over 50 feet across, and as it opens, the power of the suction into the rift becomes even more intense. A small car near the rift upends and flies into the rift, other items not secured to the ground also start to fly into the rift.

On the other side of the rift, a blue sky and clouds can be seen, the clouds stretch endlessly, and the blue skies are the most deep blue you have ever seen. The clouds them selves seem like a cushion as there is only clouds below and blue skies above...

Turning however when she realizes what is going on, Pendragon does her best to stay put. . o o O O (It's trying to pull us in)... (Aye. It is. You must fight it) O O o o. . replies Arthur. "I am.." she mutters verbally as she grits her teeth and leans into the wind. It's... strong, and she isn't. Excalibur cuts into the wind and the wind bites into her. "Paragon!" she calls out. Yep, she knows who that is at least. She holds a hand out for the strong heroine. She's hoping that she can be pulled free of this... but.. before any help can be given.... the Royal heroine is pulled from her feet and tumbles towards the tear. The rift... she does have the wherewithal to be sure to sheathe her blade so that it does not carve herself or anyone else by some accident. But then.. she is in through the rift and beyond.

Another small car upends, and slams into Paragon, under normal circumstances Paragon would likely not be affected, but it blind sided her, and the winds and the impact of the car sends her off balance and reeling into the rift...

Paragon's head snaps to Pendragon as she hears her name called. Her hand flings out and fingers stretch for Pendragon. And that's when the car slams into her.

As she flies through the rift, she starts to sail towards some clouds. And bounces and tumbles along its soft, cushioned 'surface' until she skids to a stop. She sits up immediately and rubs her head, looking around. "Is everyone okay?" she asks as she climbs to her feet.

Toby's eyes widen as she is carried towards the tear, still yelling. And into the rift she goes! And into the clouds! Toby rams into the clouds, finally coming to a stop. And she just stays there, laying on one of the clouds for a bit.

And after a few seconds past, she climbs to her feet, and looks out towards the various clouds. She mutters to herself, "Where am I?"

As the three enter the rift, another car comes flying out of the rift before the rift closes upon itself...

Flung through the rift, Pendragon lands just before the whole... car and Paragon combo come through. She rolls to one side to avoid becoming a hood ornament and then rolls to her feet. The sword in in her hand once more and she shakes her head. "Where are -we- is the more important question. We are in an elemental realm of air magic."

Paragon's flicker at Pendragon's words. "We are?!" She sounds excited and troubled at the same time. Almost like she was hoping for something like this. She whirls around in a circle, expecting to see denizens of the realm. She turns just in time to see Toby get hit and winces. "Toby!" she calls out too late.

Paragon takes a few unsteady steps on the soft ground before she gets her bearings, then leaps over to the car that's on top of Toby and leans down, lifting it up with one hand casually. "Toby! Are you alright?!" she asks in worry. "Please be alright..."

Toby blinks as the others drop in. "Oh uh, hi-" Toby seems to interrupt herself as she notices the car heading /straight/ for her. But she's not fast enough to react, as the car smashes into her full force! She yelps! Then she ughs, "I've had worse happen to me."

Toby gets up, and shrugs. She looks utterly unarmed. She smiles at Paragon, "Thanks." She then looks between Pendragon and Paragon, "So we're... somewhere with lots of air and elements?" Toby scratches her head, "Better question: How do we get back?"

"Well, I can't fly. You can't fly..." Pendragon says to Paragon. "At least she.." she says, gesturing to Toby just as the car slams into her.... "Um... might be able to fly?" she adds as the car is then lifted from her. Pointing off in the distance, Pendragon shrugs, "I may be able to help with that but I have a better question. Who are -those- people?" she asks as something out of Flash Gordon is indicated. Some individuals flying in a massively outnumbered air-dog-fight ... the underdog holding his own apparently.

Paragon sighs with relief, gently setting the car down besides Toby, taking a moment to peek inside to check for a driver. "Based on my week so far, I'm going with Pendragon's answer. Elemental plane of air. Given my last week or so, that sounds about right."

There are no passengers in the small european imported electric car, but its unlikely it will ever hover again..

Paragon looks to where Pendragon's pointing to and squints a little. "I'm guessing either way, we need to help keep the peace." She looks for a path of clouds that she can hop along to reach the battle.

Toby wraps herself in her pink aura, and takes to the air! Which makes her about eye-level, for the moment. "I can make all of us fly." She offers, smiling. But then she glances towards the people pointed out to her. "Uh... Good question."

Looking back at the pair, she asks, "Want me to fly you guys there?" Toby makes her hands glow a brighter pink than the rest of her body.

Flashes of light are seen emitted from the hands of the golden armored flying men and women, the emissions look more like lances or spears, one of the ladies hold a sword that seems to be made of light as well, and it glows with a harsh intensity, and looks like it would cleave a star in half..

The underdog weaves and turns with ease avoiding most of the lances of light, but occassionaly he is hit with one, and he seems to bock it, a sheen of some kind of barrier is visible, even from this distance...

Paragon gives Toby a thumbs up, smiling behind the faceplate. "I'd really appreciate it, Toby. And I'm glad you're okay." She turns her attention to the fight, her smile dropping into a grim line. "I wonder if he's another heir of the Regent..." she ponders aloud.

"Are you sure that we should interfere? For all we know.. the one on his own is a great criminal being pursued by the law enforcement of this place." says Pendragon. She shrugs and nods to Paragon. "We should go there, yes.. and investigate, but let us not be hasty in choosing sides." And she begins trying to move in that direction. "Perhaps it should be more important to retain control over our own movements." she remarks, "but I like having aerial cover." She hasn't summoned Snowmane because... well... dimensional uncertainty and all. "Either way, we need information from locals and that's the best bet either way."

In the distance, rising like a cloud bank, is a castle made of the same cloud material, it rises thousands of feet in the air, it is large even from this distance,

Toby eyes the flashes of light, and nods to Pendragon, "Yeah, we probably shouldn't uh, go charging head first into this. But yeah." Toby gestures towards Paragon, and a ray pink light shoots from her hand to Paragon. As the ray hits Paragon, it expands to cover her the same way Toby's pink aura covers Toby.

And she lifts herself and Paragon higher into the sky, and looks towards Pendragon, "You sure you don't want a lift?"

Memories flood Paragon's mind as does psychological pain of dying, but in the minds eye of the child Arania, she realizes the men and women in gold are Apollo's Golden Lances; Elite soldiers of Apollos standing army. Arania's daddy was one of them once upon a time and she think he was pretty important..

"Aye. I am sure." says Pendragon. "After all, if I cannot control my movements, then I am vulnerable." . . o o O O (Perhaps you should...) suggests Arthur, and Bethany sighs with a shrug, "Fine..." she mutters. . and the sword is drawn... mists summoned. She's trying her own extradimensional summons... from Avalon, to ... here... Snowmane is called.

A gasping, pained sound escapes from Paragon. She clutches her head for a moment as memories of dying flood her mind. "N-no...I'm...I'm not her," she tries to remind herself, taking a few steadying breaths as she gets surrounded by Toby's aura. A tear escapes and runs down her cheek, concealed by her helm, and she wishes Maritus/Porter were there briefly. "We have to get there fast. There's been a terrible mistake. The people in gold...they're Apollo's Golden Lances. They shouldn't be here. They're from the Realm of Light."

Paragon says, "But they're not the bad guys...not necessarily."

And... the massive warhorse snorts, forcing the mist to part from its head first, then the snowy white mane as a footstomp clears mist from the forehooves. Then... the horse himself strides out, complete with saddle. But Pendragon lifts herself into the saddle and gestures, "Let's go see what is going on up ahead." As she says that.. she grimaces a bit, shaking her head as she lifts a hand to her forehead. "Ow.." she mutters as the horse begins moving.

"Are /you/ alright? You don't suddenly don't, uh, look too well." Toby asks, floating in front of Paragon as she moves both of them towards the people in gold. Toby seems concerned for Paragon, but she seems less concerned with Pendragon and the said people in gold for the moment.

Paragon nods slowly. "I'll...I'll be fine. It doesn't matter. -I- don't matter. We have to stop the fighting without hurting either side if we can help it," she says imploringly to Toby. Her hands slowly drop from holding her head.

As you all get closer, the Golden Lances, 5 of them triangulate in what can only be called a well practiced manuver of team work, they surround the young man in blue, and all throw their Lances of Light at the young man, the barrier that protected him, a barrier of air, is blown away and the lances strike the air elementalist. When the flashes of light end, he is still standing there, smoking, and he draws from his hip a long baton, perhaps 3 feet in length..

Arion

A young man, perhaps in his late teens. He is considered, by human standards to be very handsome in an exotic way. Arched eyebrows, and oval asian gray eyes that are penetrating look upon his surroundings with a sense of keen observation. His Hair is dark, and hangs to his shoulders, in natural waves. His body is lithe, but powerfully built, he wears leggings of blue, and a matching sky blue tunic. At his waist is a leather belt, which holds a holstered baton like item. It looks to be made of some kind of metallic composite material, both seeming to have metallic and stone like properties.

Glancing up to Paragon, Pendragon narrows her eyes. She shakes her head and looks forward again. The king, the soldier... that is the mind that is guiding her. The goal is important... and she thunders her warhorse towards them all. When she gets as close as she can to them all, she draws her sword, rears up her sword and shouts in a voice that has been trained to carry over the din of battle, "ENOUGH!" she calls out, the blade gleaming with power, Snowmane doing his best to show off. She's hoping to focus attention on her long enough, just long enough... to speak to them.

The man in blue streaks off towards one of the armored men, going on the offensive, "You will pay for what you have done!" he screams...

The young man in blue flies up and does a nice move using his air baton for a flying attack...

Shaking her head as things continue up above, Pendragon mutters to Snowmane, "You need wings." ... and Snowmane actually bobs his head, agreeing.

The armored is staggered in the air, and begins to fall from the sky...

Toby nods wearily towards Paragon, before her attention is captured by the men in gold and the blue man. As she nears closer to them, she stops, and eyes Paragon. Looking back to the grouping of them, she announces, "We're not here to hurt either of you, but need to stop fighting. There's been a terrible mistake." Toby glances towards the falling guy, and casts another telekinetic ray of light towards him, aiming to grab him (or her?).

"We're not here to make enemies, and you guys should not /be/ enemies." Toby announces once more.

Toby's telekinetic ray spreads over the falling man, and stops his fall. She does not add to what she's already said.

Paragon finally gets a better look at Arion, recognizing his similar facial features. "Wait...he's a child of Regent. But...but why are the Golden Lances attacking him?" She raises her voice forcefully to the people in gold, adding to Toby's words. "Apollo's Golden Lances, on Maritus' behalf, I'm asking you to stand down and explain why you're attacking another child of Regent! This boy had nothing to do with Arania's death!" She clenches her fists as she tenses at the situation. If they won't listen to reason, she will make them. She's not stuck in the body of a young child this time.

The Golden Lances, all of them freeze, the Lady with the sword of light puts a closed fist up, and the Lances all fly to defensive positions, the man in blue flies and creates some distance between them and him, with his shield of winds surrounding him. He isn't sure what's going on now, but he isn't going to trust anyone.

The Sword wielder, says, "Who are you to speak of Maritus! We do not know you, and you do not know what this Airmongrel has done to Maritus, but his Golden Lances will avenge him!" she shouts.

Paragon raises her hand and points to the sword wielder who responded to her. "Toby, send me to that one," she says in a no-nonsense way. "I knew the Regent! Wait...what's happened to Maritus?" she calls out. o O (Dad...no, stop. He was Arania's father; not yours.)

Down there on horseback, Pendragon just raises a brow. "Nicely done." she remarks. She tried to get their attention, but.. she can't fly. She shakes her head and shrugs. Snowmane steps about unhappily, not sure what is going on, but -certain- that he doesn't like just standing there doing nothing. "Are we talking now?!" she shouts out at the top of her lungs.

The young man in blue still wary shouts as he flies closer to the woman on the horse, "I do not know of this Maritus! I have done nothing, but there will be vengeance for Quetzlcoatl!"

Paragon holds up her hands. "Peace! Someone tell me about Maritus. And you," she points to Arion, "Will tell us about Quetzalcoatl afterwards. And let's all go down and talk." She motions to where Pendragon is. If anyone would understand politics of succession, it would probably be her.

Toby nods, and moves Paragon closer to the sword wielder, before glancing towards the man in blue. Toby keeps on alert, and looks back towards Paragon, nodding, then the lances, she sighs a little. "Yeah. Can we move down to the ground? It's tiring to hold people up with telekinesis."

Paragon glances over to Toby. Her expression behind the faceplate is apologetic, and it carries in her voice as she says quietly, "Thank you for this, Toby. I'm sorry to put such a strain on you."

The woman with the sword levels it at Paragon, "Give us our man, and we shall Parley!"

As the blue man comes closer, Pendragon wheels her horse about to be ble to look down off one side of the horse. She sheathes her sword once more and just... nods slowly. "Speaking is always preferable to fighting. I am the Pendragon of Avalon." she remarks. "Please allow me to assist, to mediate perhaps..."

Arion looks at the armored woman. "I do not know who you are, but when these talks are done, there will be blood for what has happened. Garuda's blessings be upon Quetzalcoatl.." he says, his voice angry, but it softens when he mentions Quetzal's name.

Paragon nods slowly, letting out a relieved sigh. "Well, Toby, at least you won't have to carry that other guy." She calls back to the sword wielding woman, "Very well. We'll give you your man back!"

Toby eyes the KO'd man, and levitates him over towards the golden person with the sword. "Here, take him." She calls, but she maintains her TK grasp until she's sure someone else has a grasp on the man.

The 3 others take the fallen soldier, and they all float down to the ground, golden lances and swords of light still drawn and in a defensive stance.

"You!" she points the sword at Paragon, "You speak and tell us how you know Maritus, your lives depend on this answer!"

"Enough!" claims Pendragon once more. "None of you get to dictate terms to any of us." She narrows her eyes and squares her shoulders. "We are here to help and you will -listen-." Trying to sound authoritative and such. "Now... calm down and let us -discuss- things rather than fling threats."

Paragon starts to speak calmly and sadly. "I knew him and his family through my friendship with the Regent. I know what happened to Arania. How Maritus and Shan'ce tried to protect her. She was a brave little girl. Now please...please," her voice begins to implore and fill with dread, as though waiting to hear of bad news of a dear loved one. "Tell me what's happened to Maritus?"

Upon getting to the ground, Toby sighs and simply releases her grasp on herself and on Paragon, falling a few feet to the ground due to it. Her auras fade in a small flash of white light. But then she blinks as 'Your lives depend on it'. And not a moment later she's hovering in the air again, eye-level with most of the people here, in a defensive stance. She shakes her head, and simply watches for now.

The Golden Lances all pause..the ring of authority clearly plays upon their minds, they have fought aside gods, and spent time with the most powerful of persona's, they have seen more death and destruction in their long lives than most will see in 10 lifetimes...and They pause.

Upon hearing Paragon, they are shaken though from their moment, and the sword weilder once more levels her sword, "How could you know this?...There was only one witness, and she did not live long past the telling of the tale." she hisses her reply, almost venomous in her tones.

"...She..? Shan'ce...is she...is she and Maritus dead as well?" Paragon's voice wavers.

Arion listens, his baton still out, but clearly..something is amiss, and while he cannot forgive who ever did what they did to Quetzalcoatl, he is beginning to believe there is some kind of mistake..

"Believe me. You do -not- want to play... who has the better sword.. with me." says Pendragon, holding her hand out as the sword in her scabbard vanishes and materializes in her hand, leveled right towards the sword wielding light being. Her own blade doesn't glow so much as look as if Apollo himself were shining upon it. "Now... as I said, talk, not threaten."

Toby doesn't speak. She simply floats there, watching. She's completely clueless about what's going on here, so she's not going to try to ruin it by saying something that may or may not be stupid, as much as she /wants/ to know what's going on here.

The sword wielder, still suspicious sees the sword of Apollo in the woman's hand, "How...How do you have that sword!?" the puts another hand signal up, and the group of Golden Lances begin to back off several feet, away from the horsed sword wielder, and up off the ground..

"It is mine by inheritance. Now, you will -speak- as if to equals. Not dictate. Now..." Pendragon looks to Paragon. "You seem to know more about what is going on than I am. Perhaps... we could all compare what we know and come to some understanding of what is the actual truth of the events transpiring?"

The other female whispers into the ear of the sword holder, and the sword holder relents, finally she puts her sword away. "We made a commitment to Parley. We shall honor that..." her voice is low, and angry, but calmer..."Shan'ce died..died in the the golden fields of Valor. Maritus was already dead when we arrived, and Arania.." she stops herself and takes a deep breath, "She was..." she can't seem to continue.

The news hits Paragon harder than any villain's managed to. Her throat constricts, and her memories blur a little more. . o O (Maritus...Porter...I mean...). "N-no," Paragon's voice wavers. The memories she shared with Arania a few nights back blur her own memories, and she has trouble trying to separate her own memory and experiences from Arania's. For a few moments, Paragon feels as if she just learned her parents were killed, and remembers again her own painful death at the hands of assassins. The grief is overwhelming until she manages to remember who she really is. She shakes her head and her voice raises again, but sounds strained. "They were killed by shadowy assassins. Not this boy." Paragon now looks to Arion. "So tell us, Child of Regent. What is your name, and what has happened to Quetzalcoatl?" She waits and gives him his turn to talk at last.

Arion opens his mouth to talk, but the Swordbearer says, cutting him off, "Believe none of his lies, It was he and his lines that created the compact with the Shadow Assassins. They are the reason the Assassins targeted Maritus and his family. He and his father sought to concentrate his own powers and be the inheritor to the Legacy of the Regent!" Contempt drips from her voice as she says this.

Arion raises an arched eyebrow, "I do not know of what you speak witch, but My father and I have had no hand in these foul murders!"

Now that everyone -is- talking, Pendragon sheathes her sword once more. For the moment, she sits astride Snowmane and exudes authority... restraining the horse from his impulses like... wanting to go sniff Paragon for apples or whatnot.

Paragon points at the Swordbearer as a warning. "Everyone gets a chance to speak." She looks back to Arion. "Please, go on."

Toby relaxes a little, too, looking in between Arion and the Swordbearer. She sighs. It couldn't be easy, could it? She hmms, and looks to the Swordbearer. She speaks, "Do you have any proof it was him?"

Toby frowns a little towards Paragon, but shakes her head. Toby looks between the swordbearer and Arion, hopefully one of them has an answer?

"Quetzalcoatl was ambushed by these 5 as we approached an audience of Lord Garuda. They took his wings from him." his voice becomes uncontrolled, winds begin to whip, "They took his wings!" he almost screams.

The swordbearer speaks again, "Shan'ce told us with her dying breath, that the Shadowlord who lead the Corps of Shadow Assassins, were sent by QuetzalCoatl. That he sent his greetings and his thanks for the power of her daughter." Once again the emotions start to rise in the Golden Lance leader.

Paragon stares at the swordbearer in shock. "The shadow assassins. I assume they're from the Realm of Shadow? Just a guess."

"Perhaps... this should be a discussion we have on neutral ground." suggests Pendragon. She looks towards Arion and raises a brow. "The same question goes to you young man. Do you have evidence of -who- did such a thing? Or mere belief?" And then looking to the Swordbearer, she inclines her head, "Perhaps your friend... may she rest in peace... believed that. But, is there evidence to support it?" She's being careful -not- to imply that the dead woman lied or whatnot.

Arion answers Paragon, "Shadow Assassins are from the Plane of Shades, but are mercenary killers. Any can hire with the use of a blood sacrifice and enough gold."

The Swordbearer shakes her head, "There is no more proof needed, unless you question the dead bodies and the dead child who lain at her feet, and her own dead soul just minutes after speaking."

Paragon's eyes blink off and on. "Dead soul? You spoke to her spirit? Not her while she was alive?"

Arion is so angry, he can barely speak "P..PROOF?? Is the blood on her sword not proof enough?! Is the feather of Quetzalcoatl she carries not proof enough?!"

Paragon folds her arms over her chest. "If you were to assassinate your opponents, what tactical reasoning is there to have them tell of your involvement in hiring them?" she asks the Swordbearer. "Couldn't it have easily been someone else that sent them and had them lie to sow dissention?"

"Remember, I am coming at all of this fresh. I have no knowledge of any of these events or people you speak of. I am not someone who could look at her and know what the feather represents." Pendragon says to Arion, trying to somewhat assauge the young man. "But what I see, are two sides... each believing that they are completely justified in destroying one another. Tell me... who would benefit if you both took each other out of the equation?" she adds.

The Swordbearer looks at Paragon, "Are you Daft, or Deaf? Shan'ce told us before she died..just before she died. Shan'ce was my sister! Maritus my bother, Arania of my blood! We came at the heed of Maritus, we all served with him, he summoned us, but he was dead before we could arrive."

Toby frowns at the idea of not needing 'proof'. "Maybe someone in the plane of shadow sent them. Who would know?" Toby suggests, eying the Swordbearer. "The child might have been right, but they might not have, how would /they/ have known?" Toby nods to Paragon. Toby blunt and mildly anger in her tone of voice. But as Pendragon speaks, she hmms, curious. She looks between Arion and The Swordbearer.

Arion looks at Pendragon, his focus altering between Paragon, the swordbearer, and Pendragon.."Why don't you ask them. Ask them if they did the act. I saw it, I need no proof." The wind around him whips up again, his Baton begins to crackle with electrical energy as the wind charges it, a bubble of solid air surround him. And around his unarmed fist a ball of whipping wind coalesces.

The Swordbearer seems to falter as logic begins to replace emotions. "He would benefit by the destruction of Arania...but so would all of the other Soul Children. It has long been known that He has been trained since birth to inherit, he has been trained since birth to be the last child"

"We are not going back to fighting here. I am asking you all... who would gain from a war between your factions?" Pendragon is almost exasperated here. . o o O O (I see why Merlin went gray so young dealing with an impetuous and young king to be...) says Arthur in her head. "So... is it not possible that there would be a third player in this? Someone trying to make strife so that he or she can gain power?"

Paragon shakes her head slowly. "So have others. Every parents wants their child to be the one," she says softly. She looks to Arion. "We are from Earth; where the Regent was from. We have magics there that may be able to give Quetzalcoatl his swings back." She listens to Pendragon's words and nods. "What about the Realm of Shadows and their Soul Child? I...I don't think the Realm of Fire is behind this. But I can't be certain..."

"Any of them could've sent the assassins. And consider-the only way the child would've known is either out of suspicion, or because the assassins told them. And last I checked, assassins aren't in the business of giving away their client's information. So it's /far/ from a reliable source of proof." Toby notes, before looking back towards Arion. She shakes her head. "And to you, I know there's ways of healing that damage. It's a lot easier to fix Quetzalcoatl's wings than either of your bodies." Toby offers a nod to Paragon.

The swordbearer unsheathes her sword again..dropping it. "We took his wings. We did so." she turns her head to the rest of the soldiers, "This is not who we are...drop your weapons. We are done here."

From above a thunder rolls and a voice says more in your heads than in your ears, "Yes. You are done here!" A green humanoid with the head of a bird, wings on his back that have a span of over 25 feet fold perfectly, "Lord Apollo shall be responsible for you." in his arms he holds a feathered serpent, wings on, although the hands of both the Birdman and the Feathered Serpent are both bloody.

The Golden Lances, and Arion all go to their knees, "Lord Garuda." they all say.

Still astride Snowmane, Pendragon looks up to the newcomer. "Well, it seems that the wings have been restored." she remarks almost casually. Snowmane is a bit jittery and wants to backpedal, but her firm resolve holds him there too. "I offer the Isle of Avalon as a neutral place where you may all peacefully discuss any matters of import between all of your peoples'. It is far more important to maintain a dialogue, than to wage war for the benefit of others." Just a momentary pause, and she adds, "But... if this is resolved here and now. Perhaps a gate back to Earth could be arranged?"

Paragon glances about at the action of others. When in Rome. Or another plane of existence. She follows the other's examples and goes to her knees and repeats with them. "Lord Garuda," she says respectfully.

Quetzalcoatl flexes his bloody wings and flies to Arion, wrapping them around him, "My son..I am glad you are safe."

Arion rises, stunned, "Father, how..how is this possible?"

Garuda says softly, "The Tears of a Phoenix young Arion. I called upon Pele for her help, She sent a phoenix to help." then to the 5, his power becomes palpable. "I am known for my wisdom and benevolence...but you test that today. I pity you, for Apollo is not as forgiving as I. He is not pleased that the peace of the realms is threatened by this incursion to my realm, and of the assault of my First Citizen."

"What of -their- claims of assassins sent to -their- realm?" asks Pendragon then, since everything else she said wasn't even listened to.

Toby lowers to the ground, mimicking the others as Third has, but she does not speak. She only listens.

Garuda looks upon Pendragon, "...You are the wielder of the crown and the sword of Avalon. It has been many generations since we have seen you. Regrettably it is under these circumstances. Apollo will come to collect these fallen knights, we shall work out the details. I shall send you and your friends home..."

"Wait. We still have not addressed -their- accusations. They have dead and those dead deserve answers as well, do they not?" asks Pendragon.

"Do you believe young king, that Apollo, the Lord of the Realm of Light cares not for his own people? That he is not investigating this matter? If there is blame to be had, we shall find it, and whomever is responsible shall be brought to justice. But the invasion of my realm, it is an act of war, truces held together by the will of the Regent are all that stands between the realms and blood. Apollo investigates, but so do I." he looks upon you all. "I will send Arion with you back to Earth. He shall educate you on these matters.

Paragon looks up as Garuda makes his announcement. She had been wrestling with a tough decision...to go back home to her friends and loved ones, or stay to help the children of Regent. This news just made her decision a little easier.

"Your word is good enough for me. I had but to hear that it would be investigated and dealt with." Pendragon looks to Arion and raises a brow. "Well, it seems that you are to become an Errant." she states as she bows her head towards the young man. "I wish you luck. Earth is a world that makes little sense, is filled with chaos, and drives many mad." That said, she looks up to Garuda and remarks, "I am ready to return to Earth now."

Toby looks up towards Garuda, and nods. She then looks over towards Arion, to the lances, then back to Garuda. Well, she's not going to be stuck here. She raises, and sighs happily. No fighting today, that's probably a good thing.

Paragon looks to Garuda as she rises to her feet. "Is there any news of the Realm of Fire's soul child? Does he still live?" she asks.

The Golden Lances do not raise their heads in the presence of Garuda, and when he speaks of Apollo, they seem to quaver. In the realms only Pele is less forgiving than Apollo. They do not know what will happen, but the punishment will likely be severe.

Arion gives his father a strong embrace, "Father..I thought they had stolen you from me..." he pauses, and Quetzalcoatl says, "No my son. You may be an Heir of the Regent, but you shall always be my son, and You shall never lose me. Even death cannot top that." His wings engulf Arion again, and he says, "Be well my son. The King of Avalon speaks true, The earth is a place that will try your abilities, they are uncommonly emotional, and are not to be trifled with." He releases Arion and gives him a toothy smile, "Take care of yourself, and do not lose yourself while there."

Garuda nods, "I do not keep my eye upon the children of the Regent young one, but as of late, there have been talks." He points to Arion, "Arion would be able to answer that question."

Arion nods, "Indeed, the Heir of The Regent lives still on the plane of fire. There are only 2 others left. I can feel them."

Garuda opens his mouth and lets loose a high pitched scream, from which a vortex opens up...without notice or ability to resist, those of earth, and Arion are drawn from the Plane of Air back to earth..being unceremoniously deposited in the student quarter...

Arion looks around from his sitting position in the middle of the road, overturned cars and tables, as well as storefronts with broken doors and windows abound, it seems only moments have passed since going to the Realm of Air.

Paragon lands on her back on the street and stares up at a familiar sky. "We're home..." she says softly. She sits up suddenly. "Toby? Arion?" she looks around quickly.

Toby blinks as she's once again on earth. She sighs happily. Toby nods to Paragon, "We're home." Toby's remaining on the ground now, it seems. "That... was something."

Arion stands slowly, "This world..is strange. So crowded..." he feels the road, "So hard. has Pele been to this realm?..Gaia?"

Paragon nods to Toby. "You're telling me," she chuckles weakly. She climbs to her feet and rubs the back of her head as she tries to straighten out her memories again. Looking to Arion, she says softly, "All of them have been to this realm. This is where the Regent was from."

Paragon smiles and looks out over the city. "It's not all hard and crowded. But in this city, it is a little bit. Welcome to Colonial Bay."

Arion nods, "I see.." he looks in the direction of the clearing, "I feel something..something familiar.." he says almost to himself. He begins to lift off the ground, winds whipping around him..

Toby takes a deep breath, and hmms. "What /is/ The Regent? Or Pele? Or Gaia? What are these things?"

Arion suddenly says, "I can feel him.." and flies off..fast.

Paragon looks to Toby. "The Regent was a hero in Colonial Bay, whose power was connected to the elemental realms. There are 6 in total, and we just visited the realm of Air. He--uh oh...Toby, can you follow him?"

Toby nods to Paragon, blinks at Arion, and nods to Paragon again. She telekinetically grabs Paragon (as long as she's willing), starts heading towards Arion, and suddenly, /zoom/. Toby travels in a ray of bright-pink light (and subsequently, so does Paragon). But soon Toby scratches her head and stops. Arion is no where to be seen. "Uh..." Toby looks slightly embarrassed, floating there.