Log:Dragon's Fang

Dragon's Fang 2018/18/09 Natasha Radical Jak Moonshadow Amara Black Shadow Shoro Unix Bushido

1

Aurica's Request, Chinatown
A message comes to Natasha via a magical messenger, asking Natasha to visit Aurica at the Golden Dragon teahouse in Chinatown.

Fun! Natasha always enjoys a visit to Chinatown, especially to Aurica. She leans into the door of Lucky Finds to push her way out then flies straight for Chinatown.

On Natasha arriving at the Golden Dragon teahouse, Lyyran leads her straight into the back room. There Natasha finds Aurica, unusually Aurica is in dragon form herself. "Fast wings and hot breath, Natasha." Aurica greets Natasha. "I have a favor to ask of you, and those brave companions whom you must gather to complete this task."

Natasha says, "Hard scales and sharp claws, Aurica. What is this task?"

Aurica asks Natasha to gather the companions who will accompany her, and return as soon as possible, "... when I shall be able to explain to all the circumstances that are threatening those of this world and mine."

Natasha promises to fetch them as fast as she can!

Natasha goes out into the highways and byways, or at least flies down a few streets, looking for heroes. "A task that needs heroes beckons!" she explains.

Connor is found on campus, though not in costume. He's done with classes for the day, so he grabs his gear and costume, meeting up with Natasha in short order after that.

Laurel has just finished her last morning class and stepped out into the square when a dragon (?!?) flies overhead. Ducking out of sight, she becomes Black Shadow and soars into the sky to follow (at a safe distance, of course).

Jak and Amara are about to set off on a Grand Adventure- mere seconds from teleporting to the far reaches of the globe when the sight of a flying dragon catches the Queen's sharp eye.

Jak's eye tells them it's a young dragon, so they were going to follow it back to its nest in hope of facing off against a full grown dragon, but then the beast talked- beckoning them into another adventure.

They look at each other, speaking to each other in Riddertale before agreeing to go with Natasha. Natasha hopes she has found enough heroes, if mostly not ones she knows well. She leads them (and the shadowing Black Shadow) back to Chinatown to meet Aurica.

You all follow Natasha back to a teahouse named the Golden Dragon Tea House in Chinatown. Someone seeming half-elf greets you and leads you all into a back room.

Aurica is a large snake like dragon of golden metallic hue. She bids the assembled heroes welcome and starts to explain. "Lyyran and I are refugees from another realm. We follow a way of life called the Left Hand Path that forbids our use of force and violence."

"We are refugees because our home realm is beset by a war between Good and Evil. Dragonkind sides with Good. Demonkind sides with Evil. However because Lyyran and I are here on your world, by the laws of cosmic balance two, and only two, demons can come to this realm."

"Two demons have come to your realm here. They have come for a legendary artifact, a dagger called Dragon's Fang. It is a mystical blade, said to have been carved from a dragon tooth, and to be lethal to dragonkind at the merest scratch."

Natasha stiffens in alarm. Someone has made a dragon's tooth *more* lethal?

When Black Shadow sees Amara, she lands and joins them.

Radical knows quite a lot about this blade. It comes from the earliest days of the Mongol Empire. It was lost for a long period, than found and entrusted to the Kights Templars. When they were suppressed the blade went to a hidden secret sub-order of the Knights based in the Monastery of Shapele, in Albania.

Radical raises a brow and rubs his chin as he thinks about the description of the weapon. "I think I'm familiar with the weapon. Last I knew, the Knights Templar had possession of it. Well, a sub-order of them."

Jak raises an eyebrow at the mention of knights- since he and Amara are from the Isle of Knights. He is silent though clearly listening.

There it supposedly resides to this day. Legend says the blade can only be destroyed by the breath of a dragon. And the monks turn away all who approach, unless the visitors climb to the monastery using the path of seven thousand steps and pray at each of the seven shines set along its length.

Natasha's eyes narrow. She's met a good knight, but she's heard so many stories about knights killing dragons she does not like the sound of this.

Radical contemplates it further. "Supposedly, it's in a monastery in Albania run by that sub-order. Legends say it can only be destroyed by the breath of a dragon. And the monks turn away all of those who approach the monastery unless they climb the path of seven thousand steps...and pray at each of the seven shrines along the way."

Natasha ponders. "Can the demons fly?"

The teleporting gunslinger reaches into his cargo pants pocket and pulls out a pack of gum. He takes a piece out and puts it in his mouth to chew. He's never been much for praying but getting from place to place along some mountain path sounds easy enough to him.

"Can't we just tell the Monks we want to help them protect the dagger? I can't imagine a bunch of monks are out to murder a bunch of beings who by your account, 'side with good'. Or am I miss-reading something?" Jak finally asks from his positon, leaned up against a wall with his head tilted low.

Aurica nods her scaly head, "Yes, they have wings. But only in their natural form. It is more than likely they will conceal themselves when possible, as human."

Radical shrugs and smiles. "It's hard to say exactly what they'll do. They're from a secret sub-order of the Knights Templar. Remember...the Templars were wiped out. They're not going to be that friendly to strangers. And...well...depending on how fanatical they are, they could actively hamper us."

Radical says, "In my experience, demons can be patient. They might very well go the route of the pathway."

Lyyran answers Jak, "We did not know where the Dragon's Fang was. It is most fortunate that one of you does. Thus we know nothing of these knights. But many tales of your history tell of conflict between knights and dragonkind. So we do not know what their opinions will be."

Amara smiles at Jak excitedly. "I didn't even know the outside world's knights still survived, beyond the ones knighted by the Queen of England. But that doesn't count."

Radical shrugs. "It's a secret order."

Black Shadow says, "I have heard that the tale of St. George is an allegory, and that he did not encounter an actual dragon."

Natasha quietly starts whetting her claws against her scales, in anticipation of fight with evil knights!

Black Shadow says, "And of course Fafnir was a transformed Dwarf. The only other classic tale of a dragonslayer is Beowulf."

"That I know of, of course." She finished.

Aurica says, "I ask you to prevent the blade from falling into the hands of the demons. If they return with it to our home realm many dragons will die under its edge. And the people of your world are not safe. Demons lust for killing and death. They will kill whenever they can if it does not harm their mission."

Radical nods and says to Aurica, "Were you intending for us to try to destroy the weapon? Or just secure it? Or is either solution acceptable?"

Aurica says, "If it is possible to ensure the Fang never poses a threat again that would be the best solution. However the important task is to keep it from the demons."

Black Shadow asks, "If we bring it to you, can you destroy it? Either of you?"

Natasha shrugs. She doesn't see why not, if dragon breath allegedly can do it.

Radical nods. "I think either of the dragons can destroy it. The legend doesn't say anything about how strong the dragon breath needs to be. Just that it's necessary."

Lyyran smiles, "Natasha is young but her breath is hot. I cannot. Aurica could, as can Natasha."

Amara dares to ask the question in this company, "Isn't the dagger also a failsafe against evil dragons in other realms?"

Aurica nods to Amara, "Yes, it could be. Provided you do not care that it only kills. It cannot subdue."

Jak suspects Amara will think this will take most of the fun out of dragonslaying, or her idea of it anyway so he doesn't really pay the conversation much mind.

Natasha lies down with her head flat against the floor, glumly. She's not at all sure that the this-weapon-is-only-for-killing argument will persuade humans, who often seem to think that the more deadly the weapon the better.

Radical takes a deep breath. "I'm inclined to take the weapon off the table entirely."

Aurica reaches out with a wing to cover/shelter Natasha.

"Even a scratch can kill?" Amara asks in shock. Maybe she didn't really fathom that the first time it was mentioned. Aurica nods, "That is the legend." she confirms.

Natasha says, "And dragon teeth can pierce even dragon scales."

"I agree with Radical," said Black Shadow. "Such a weapon is too powerful to allow anyone to have."

Natasha lifts her head slowly from the floor, as the humans seem to be talking sense after all.

Radical says, "So, do we know that these demons were headed to Albania?" Lyyran says, "That is where they will go when, if, they know where the blade is. How long it will take them to discover that we cannot say. We did not know of its location until you told us."

Radical nods, "My knowledge may also be outdated. I'm basing what I know on centuries-old stories."

Black Shadow asked "Do we have any way to detect and/or identify the demons?"

Radical shakes his head, "I...cannot do so any longer. I used to be able to. Perhaps Natasha can?"

Natasha says, "Perhaps, but I do not know what demons smell like."

Aurica and Lyyran both start to speak. Lyyran shuts up. Aurica nods to Black Shadow, "You will be able to detect their presence. They will taint the ground they walk on, the air they pass through. A magical taint that will linger for hours."

Natasha nods. Good news: yes. Bad news: they stink!

Lyyran nods when Aurica stops speaking, "Take nostril plugs, young draken." he advises.

Natasha exhales a couple of marshmallows such that they stick in her nostrils, to indicate this shouldn't be a problem. Not the reason she invented that trick, but it works.

Radical nods. "I guess we should get going. We can decide how we want to approach when we get there."

Natasha nods again. And sneezes the marshmallows free.

Natasha hops onto Radical's shoulder.

Radical reaches up a hand to pet Natasha. "Ready when you are, Jak. I'm afraid I don't have the range to get us there."

Jak nods his head. "Alright, sounds like now's as good of a time as any. Let's do it." He says, pushing off against the wall and walking towards the center of the assembly of heroes.

"Some of you have rid with Venture Direct before. Others are new. For those of you who are new- have fun. Now- everyone make sure you're touching me or someone who's touching me before I leap." He advises before turning to the 'quest-giver'. "I'll just need coordinates of where I'm going and we can be on our way." He adds.

Radical pulls out his PDA and comes up with some coordinates where the monastery is supposed to be. "This location."

Radical says, "It might not be exact, but it should be close."

Once he gets the location, Jak pulls the assembly there in just two quantum leaps.

Monastery of Shapele
An ancient monastery carved into the living rock at the summit of a mountain. Located near Theth, in the Accursed Mountains of Albania.

After the second Jak transport teleport, the heroes arrive at the foot of a high mountain. A rugged narrow path zig-zags up the mountain side, switchbacking back and forth, revealing sections of the path and concealing other sections. Black Shadow and Natasha are instantly aware of the foul mystical stench lingering in the air at the foot of the long path.

Radical looks up the mountain, "I think I regret the lack of cardio I tend to get." He looks over to the others, "Any evidence of our demon friends?"

Natasha says, "They have been here." She starts tracking them - but from the air, where the scent is still quite strong enough!

It's obvious to Natasha that the stink is heading up the path towards the monastery so very far above.

Natasha turns back very soon. "And they have gone up the path."

It's said that the monks at the monastery turn away all visitors unless they walk the seven thousand steps of the path and pray at each of the seven shines along the way.

The narrow switchback path winging its way up the side of the mountain is just a couple of feet wide. On one side a sheer vertical rockface. On the other a loooong drop.

Natasha hopes that the monks can't force us to take the steps. Seven thousand steps is a lot for a tiny dragon!

At first it's the keen eyes of Natasha that spots two figures on the path, about half way up the mountainside, small at that distance but looking like tourist backpackers. But when Natasha points them out Radical is also able to see them.

Natasha says, "They are far ahead. Let us hunt them where they are!"

Jak Fortune, CEO of Venture Direct LLC, the Wandering Gun & Lost Son of Riddersholm slides his sunglasses back up his nose as he looks up the path at the hikers who have ascended before them.

"Or maybe just one or two of us go. Play distraction long enough for the others to climb the path the right way?" He suggests, his tone making it obvious which team he wants to play for. He's eager for action.

He tucks one thumb behind his beltbuckle and sets the other on the handle of his gun which is tucked in his leg holster.

Natasha keeps her eyes on the two figures, to make sure she doesn't lose track of them.

Radical takes a deep breath, "Assuming it's them. We need to confirm it. I don't want to be dealing with just...two backpackers if the demons are further ahead."

Natasha nods. "But how can we tell without getting close enough to smell?"

Radical nods. "We need to get closer. Let's pick out a flat-ish area ahead of them. They'll have to come through us."

"One of the shrines, perhaps?"

Natasha says, "Then we will face the monks, too, and we do not know their aims."

Radical nods. "One of the shrines is fine. The monks won't pay us too much heed if we don't aggressively head toward the monastery proper, I think."

Radical says, "Alternatively, at the top. Then we WILL have to deal with the monks, for sure."

Natasha lands on Radical's shoulder again. "Let us hunt!"

Black Shadow puts her hand on Jak's shoulder.

Radical puts a hand on Jak's shoulder as well. "All set.

Radical takes a deep breath. "I think...if we don't try to enter the monastery, we can likely teleport to right outside of their gates. And then wait."

Radical says, "The monks will likely ignore us unless we try to enter. Otherwise, we would need to take the time to walk the steps and pray at each shrine."

Jak always finds Radical's thoughts and suggestions to be rational and quite a bit better thought out than his usual 'by the seat of his pants' style. So, he shrugs to his fellow Traveller and concedes to his suggestion wordlessly though he'd much rather take the fight to the demons directly.

Natasha opens her mouth and "speaks" in her high, soft voice with rumbling undertones, "Yet it would be wiser to intercept them long before they reach the top, so there is more than one chance."

Shoro remains quiet as this team of unknowns to him, except for the dragon that found him, make their decision. He simply observes for the moment. Far above, the two back-packers reach the fourth shine and pause to 'pray' at it.

Radical says to Venture, "How about...you take us to the top. That gives us the high ground. And we can always move downward to intercept if necessary. We need to know for sure if those two are hte demons. The demons might be inside already."

Natasha nods to Radical's plan.

Radical says, "We'd only be making further problems if we attacked two random human backpackers, right?"

Shoro finally speaks, "Does anyone have mage sight?"

Jak nods. "That's true. The rest sounds good to me, Rad." He says with a smile. Appearantly Radical knows Jak well enough to kmow what he was thinking. "The high ground will let us run them down- or startle those two climbers into needing fresh pants." He chuckles, taking all this very lightly before turning aorund to Shoro who's been quiet so far.

Radical shakes hsi head at Shoro's question, "I do not. Well, not any longer."

Moonshadow says, "I do."

Natasha says, "I do not. But I can smell magic, and these demons stink."

Shoro says flatly, "Then use it. Why are we spinning our wheels, can you discern whether those two.." he points at the hikers, "Are demons?"

Unix says, "Hmmm...." Having been reading plenty of japaneese manga and anime, the idea of being a little less dressed up and walking running or other might be fun, perhaps in a bikini... at the least she would be the center of attention from a couple of hikers.... "Is there a rule of uniform or clothing?"

Moonshadow peers upward at the "hikers".

Radical laughs, "A uniform for demons? No. I'm afraid not. They can shapechange, though. Hence looking like humans."

Moonshadow says, "I cannot tell at this distance."

Shoro nods..."Natasha, do you smell the hint of demon on those two?"

Unix says, "Alright..." She goes to a private spot hidden for several moments, returning with a backpack and wearing a tank top and short shorts, still wearing her mask as to hide her identity. "Will this do?"

Natasha says, "I can still smell the stench where they have passed here. But from this distance, no, winds carry smells around too much. I cannot say if those two are the source of the stench."

Radical says, "I'd afraid I don't have telescopic lenses. So, let's go with the original option. Getting to the top will put us a bit closer. And Natasha could fly closer as well to get a better...look? Sniff?"

Natasha nods!

Unix raises a hand to shade her eyes as she looks up. "I could leap quite a distance if someone needs me to carry them... i just hope you haven't eaten recently..."

Shoro nods, "I suggest we ascertain of those two are the demons now and move on if they are not...In either case, I cannot fly, so I will meet you there regardless of our decision." his armor melts around him, forming a look of a monk himself, deeply hooded his face hidden, and even then, if the hood were to move, it would reveal a domino mask hiding his features. He begins walking at a fast pace, bowing at every statue he passes.

"Gee you'd think he didn't like flying Air Venture." Jak says jokingly. "Alright- so he's taking the long way. Who wants the shortcut?" He looks around at the others.

Natasha says, "If someone who moves quickly could get me close to the figures, I can then fly closer and smell."

Natasha says, "If not, I'll fly there myself."

Unix says, "I can get there quickly..." she smirks "Very quickly..."

Radical nods to Jak and puts a hand on the other man's shoulder. "All set. My teleportation range is far too short."

Moonshadow puts her hand on Jak's other shoulder. She offers her other arm to Natasha as a perch.

Radical says to Unix, "Grab on if you want the express."

Natasha alights on the proffered arm, taking care with her claws.

Unix assumes leaping isn't in style with these other metas, and nods, putting her hand on his arm to be part of the teleport.

Once Jak is certain all are aboard who are going to the top via quantum entangled teleportation he vanishes, reappearing in the spot a tthe top of the mountian path, exactly where he was looking.

Unix is momentarily disoriented, having never experienced that kind of teleport. Though time didn't change, only location. Like coming out of hibernation...

In keeping with his mastery of teleport Venture arrives exactly where he aimed. However the path even at the gate of the monastery is still a bare two feet wide. Ideal for making battering the large bronze door very difficult. But leaving little to no room for others to arrive as safely.

Natasha immediately takes to the air, so as not to be putting any weight on the humans on their precarious perch. Then she takes a breath, to check if the demons have yet passed this point.

Moonshadow looks back down the path for the hikers, and Shoro.

Radical looks down the hill, "It's...really a good thing that I'm okay with heights." He lets out a long breath. The back-packers are now 600m below the group at the top of the path.

Moonshadow steps fully onto the path.

Natasha starts gliding back down toward the backpackers till she can catch their scent.

Radical checks, out of curiosity, the nearby dimensions, just to make sure nothing is lurking nearby.

Jak zips up his jacket against the cold mountain air as he watches Natasha glide towards the two hikers.

Unix notes Jak zipping up... "is it cold right now?" she asks, seems her change of clothing might be wrong now...

Natasha slows to a hover as soon as she catches the disgusting smell. An image of a sign saying "DEMONS" with an arrow pointing at the hikers appears.

Busy pretending to pray at a shine the two disguised demons fail to spot Natasha. They even fail to spot the sign Natasha creates.

Natasha starts flying in to the attack, at more cautious speeds this time, staying off the path so the demons can't reach her. If they can't fly, anyway.

Radical points out the sign. "Looks like those are our two."

Natasha glides in silently behind the demons, 8 metres off the path. She wishes she knew what demons don't like! In the end she opts for exhaling a lightning bolt at one of them.

The lightning strikes one of the back-packers. At which point it's clear these are no ordinary tourists. The scream of pained rage is primeval and even at the distance most of the heroes are it lifts neck-hairs. However, while obviously affected, the creature is not put out of action.

Shoro see's the sign from below.

Radical shakes his head, "I'll never be able to take a shot from this range." The two demons transform to their natural shape. One rips a chunk of rock from the cliff and throws it at Natasha. The other takes off and closes the distance to the little dragon. Once transformed into demon form the creatures are seven feet tall, hugely muscled, with large bat like wings, claws and fangs. Their faces are beastial. Their feet are goat like with reversed knees and raptor clawed fore and rear clawed toes. Their hands are six fingered with long sharp claws. The thrown rock slams into Natasha hurling her 30m further away from the path, and out of the reach of the other demon.

The demons continue climbing the path but at a slower rate now they are aware of the threat. Shoro is catching up quickly, and by coincidence the various groupings converge at the same point and time.

Natasha glides away from the demons until she recovers from that blow, then climbs and turns back. That hurt! She'll have to be more careful.

Jak sees Natasha's sign and the lightning bolt in the distance. "Looks like we've got Demons." He says aloud, pointing towards Natasha- at least until she's hit by soemthing and sent flying off course. "Oh God. Let's move people1" He shouts.

Moonshadow puts her hand on Jak's arm.

Radical nods. "Alright. We can give it a shot. Footing's going to be difficult." He places a hand on Jak's shoulder.

Shoro frowns in the deep dark of his hood. "Ok..we'll that's one way to confirm things." there is nothing he can currently do for the little dragon, but he is relieved as he continues to run up the hill, continuing to bow periodically as he passes shrines, when he see's the dragon regain control, and eventually recover from what looked like a major hit.

Shoro wonders what happened to the good ol' days, when he could simply turn on his electron cloak, sneak into a building steal some things for the greater good, and disappear unseen. Hack a few systems, and have people rubbing their chins wondering how they just lost their priceless tech. Now its Demons and ghosts and other other worldly beings that he finds himself entangled with. Always a little out of his depth. He sighs inwardly, and makes some fake hand signs before he teleports to the back of the nearest demon his fist already pulled back and glowing, to strike the demon's base of its skull...

The demon is hit hard by Shoro and sent tumbling along the path.

Shoro lands softly and gracefully, his fist still glowing and the soft popping sound of his teleportation almost lost in the thunderous hit to the demon..

The demon stuck by Shoro regains its feet. Clawing out a chuck of rock it throws it at Natasha. The other turns and swings a fist at Shoro.

The rock sails past Natasha and off into the distance as the little dragon dodges.

Natasha swerves aside she see the rock coming, even though it means aborting her own attack. The demon knocks Shoro 22m back along the path.

Moonshadow lets loose with a Shadow Blast at the injured Demon

The robed ninja in monk's clothing, after getting the drop on one of the demon is dropped himself, thankfully on the path, he is sent airborne, and if by luck or ninja skill, he lands on the path, down hill...bounching a bit, wind knocked out of him, before he comes to a painful stop. Stoically, he says nothing..not even a grunt of pain that he is certainly feeling...

The demon is staggered back a few steps by Moonshadow's blast but remains on the path.

Venture takes a deep breath after pulling he and his compatriots into range of the demons. He steadies himself with this breath before unholstering his weapon. He takes aim at the demon who sent Shoro flying- he plans on giving the demonic being a taste of his own medicine.

With his gun leveled, he holds his breath a moment and then squeezes the trigger.

That demon is starting to look pretty frazzled after being attacked and hit several times.

Radical makes sure to set his footing before he raises his arms toward the nearest demon. There's a shockwave as the singularity is unleashed toward the other-dimensional being.

The singularity does no damage but the impact knocks the demon back into the rock, and the rebound sends the demon over the edge. It starts to fall.

Unix arrives with the rest of the group, but unlike most of them doesn't need to be right on to get a hit in. While camoflauged her scythes deal a surprise blow before the camo wears off.

The demon already toppling over the edge of the narrow path is hit by Unix as it starts to fall and goes limp. Poor thing. That's a long way down.

The demon still on the path bounds over to Venture, digs its clawed toes into the rock of the path, and swings a mighty blow at the gunslinger.

The blow connects knocking Venture against the rock face.

Shoro was thrown back..quite the ways, and he can't even re-engage yet, so he makes it about 2/3 the way there with a full teleport, he doesn't push the fold engine, and with a audible pop and a blue flash he is closer to the action.

Jak sucks his teeth as he fights to get his breath, even as the cold snow shocks his body.

Moonshadow lets loose with a Shadow Blast at the remaining Demon.

The demon is hit but while affected it goes nowhere. The deeply embedded toe claws hold it in place.

Venture vanishes in a flash of various vector lines and yellow motes, reappearing on his feet and no longer covered in snow. He clenches his jaw and takes aim at the remaining demon.

He is characteristically quiet in combat, preferring his Thunderbolt to do the speaking for him- even after being caught by the Demon's blow. Although Venture hits the shot seems to have no effect on the demon.

Natasha flies in like a Fury at the remaining demon, slashing at its wings with teeth, claws and even tail, trying to shred them.

Natasha's flurry of tooth and claw leaves one of the demon's wings in nothing but tatters.

Radical raises his arms up again, ready to fire at the demon, "You should surrender. And leave. You are going to lose. Badly."

The demon snarls, "Your attempt to intimidate is pitiful." it tells Radical. Then flexing its torn wing, "But I am not a dumb brute. I can see how this will go. If we leave will you let us go in peace?"

Radical nods, "I am willing to. But you will never get the dagger. Know this."

The demon nods, "Others will be sent. But we will not return."

Shoro frowns.."they leave alive, they leave with Intel on their enemies.." his voice is audible, but not forceful.

Unix says, "Maybe we should fire them out of a cannon... and into the sun?"

Natasha also doesn't seem very pleased with this suggestion. She looks thoughtfully at the path underneath the demon's feet.

Jak agrees with Shoro. He keeps his weapon leveled at the Demon.

"But we can climb the stairs, praying at each shrine, and reach the temple before they do." Moonshadow replies

"We should just stop them from reporting back at all." Jak says quietly to those in earshot.

Radical nods to Moonshadow...though he sighs inwardlly.

Radical says to Jak, "Would you propose killing them, then? I will not be a party to that."

Shoro looks to the others, "These are demons, they have eternal souls, even if we "kill" them, they will simply be reborn on their plane..there is no moral high ground here."

Moonshadow says, "We should not kill them. We are better than that."

Shoro points to the demon that fell 800M "Are we?..I don't see anyone saving that one." he looks around, "I have fought demons before..." he looks at the demon, "Isn't that right? We cannot kill you, only your corporeal spawn.."

"Who said anything about killing them?" Jak asks incredulously, at least until Shoro points out the obvious- or what's obvious to him anyway.

His Thunderbolt never sways from his appointed target while he listens to the others.

The demon is looking worried, if such a face can. "I was born. I can die. Whatever the demons you fought are like, we are mortal."

Natasha hears that, and dives after the falling demon. She wants to make sure it's ok, if it's just another mortal being. Amy taught her the value of life.

"Can we strand them somewhere? At least for us to get the dagger to a safe(r) location?" Jak asks after hearing that, considering going for the demon too but Natasha beats him to it, so the Wandering Gun holds his position.

Shoro's fist begins to glow brightly, he approaches the Demon, "Where do you come from...and how do you get back?" clearly he can defend from this position, or conversely, attack. ((half move hold))

The demon backs away a little, putting its back to the rock. "A different realm than this. Through a magic portal."

Unix says "yada yada...." seeing this negotiations going on. opting to join Natasha she leaps to land down below and check on the other demon. She assumed they had things under control here

During the interlude after defeating the demons and prior to deciding what to do next, Radical receives the following text:

Phone Book Killer still on Loose.

The terror of Kingston, NJ, continues as police come up short in their search for the so called Phone Book killer. So far the murderous unknown has slaughtered five out of the six entries for the name R. Ceder in the Kingston community's phone book. Police chief Lewis has asked that the surviving R. Ceder contact the police department as soon as possible.

E.V.M.

The demons are defeated. One is in poor shape having tumbled down half the mountain side. Lucky for them they are fairly tough. The other has surrendered to the heroes. High above the monastery awaits.

Radical checks his PDA...looking at his messages. "Oh...hmm. I have another issue. But it's back in time, so I think...we can deal with this first?" He looks around. "And I'll need Timewarp's help, so it'll have to wait."

According to the best information that Radical has the infamous dragon's fang blade is secured in the monastery. Legend also states that access to the monastery can only be gained by walking the seven thousand steps of the zig-zagging trail up the mountain and pausing to pray at each of the seven shines along the way.

Natasha has gone down to check on the fallen demon - from a safe distance.

Bushido. That is the name Mieko has adopted. Her costume is simple. A skintight bodysuit with a balaclava to cover her face. However, the lower part over the mouth and nose is covered by what can only be described as an evil looking mask. It's one of those facemasks that used to attach to Kabuto helmets in ancient Japan. The sword strapped to her back was never drawn in the fight. She instead entered combat with bare hands. Since the fight is over she gazes up at the monestary, pondering the best way to approach it. "I presume we do not have time for a traditional siege." she remarks in a soft voice distorted by the mask.

Grazed and bruised, the fallen demon is out cold.

Radical looks down. "I think...we're going to need to head back down to the bottom and go through the procedure, if we don't want to actually fight the monks."

"Not sure fighting monks sounds like the best plan." Jak muses with a shrug. "So back to the bottom?" He asks since he is for all intents and purposes the shortcut just about anywhere.

Natasha calls up, projecting her illusory voice, "This demon is unconscious, but should be taken into custody."

Radical nods. "Not jsut yet. We have a demon to deal with." He turns back to the demon, "You agreed to leave if we let you go unharmed, yes?"

Unix looks at radical then down at the steps. "if i know distances with a map i could easily get to each point in a few seconds... but that does involve skipping the 'steps' part..."

The demon nods, "Yes. And my companion? Can I take him too?"

Unix says, "though in terms of actual distance it would probably be five times that...." she muses quietly.

Radical nods to the demon, "You may." He looks back over to Unix, "We have several teleporters in our group. But what we don't know is how the monks will react."

The demon grins, his fangs glinting in the mountain sunlight. "Monks are stubbon keepers of rules. That's why we were walking and not flying."

Having gone silent for a long moment, Mieko merely nods to herself. "We should not skip any part of the ritual. Respect for traditions is important. It cannot harm us to follow through." That said, she turns to start heading for the beginning of the steps, "But we should remain together as we complete the ritual."

Unix shrugs. "Doesn't really matter to me...."

Jak vanishes, reappearing in Mieko's path. "Well no sense in taking the long way down and up."

Radical nods to the demon, "As a former Cartesian, I am familiar with such." He notes...the demons could have just flown up, but that would have started a fight. That means...the demons didn't want a confrontation. That says more about the monks themselves than anything else.

Okay, having someone just -appear- before her... Mieko flinches and tenses to attack. Then she shakes her head, "Word of advice. Do not play with your powers. And there is nothing wrong with walking. It is good for you."

Radical chuckles. "Jak is right. No sense in walking to the bottom and back up. Walking from the bottom will be tiring enough as it is."

The demon speads his wings, "If you're ever on our realm look me up. We'll have a drink." He steps off the path and starts to glide down.

The wing that Natasha ripped apart now looks mostly healed, although there is still scarring.

Natasha watches as the other demon approaches. She hopes it's sticking to its bargain!

As the flying demon approaches Natasha he holds his hands out open and palm forward. "Your leader gave me leave to take my companion and depart," he calls out.

Radical takes a deep breath, watching as the demon heads down to his comrade. He says to the others, fairly quietly, "I know I'm not really the 'leader' per se, but we needed to make a decision, and there was little time to do it."

Moonshadow says, "I think the next step is to return to the bottom, and start walking up the steps."

Shrugging her shoulders, Mieko, aka Bushido... remarks, "I am fine walking down and up. I only ask that we do not use such power frivolously, and that we do our best to appease the monks inside. So we should respect their traditions. If you wish to transport us to the start of the path, that is fine. Please warn me the next time anyone plans to -appear- from nowhere."

Natasha nods permission. She's not sure she's not the leader, strictly, this time. But she isn't going to argue the point. The demon picks up his companion and flies off heading south-west. And unless anyone stops him, is soon out of sight.

Radical nods as the demons leave. "Jak, if you would...please take us to the bottom. We'll come up the hard way. And if someone wants to test, they can teleport from shrine to shrine. I'm going to walk it, though."

Moonshadow says, "I will walk, stepping on each of the stairs as I go."

Natasha watches the demons till she's satisfied they've left. Then looks woefully at all the steps. Silly monks. Silly humans. She starts a steep glide down to the base.

Amara steps up behind Jak after having long kept watch in the rear. Her helm hides her expression concerning letting the demon leave.

When they reach the bottom, Moonshadow offers Natasha her arm.

Natasha declines the arm. After all, she's supposed to walk. However tiring that may be.

The path is long and steep and tiring. Seven thousand steps. But there's no time limit and you can get breathers at each shrine. Each of the shines has a text passage carved into the rock base, extolling the virtures of honor, honesty, loyalty, etc.. And finally you reach the top. The path is no wider at the top, just two feet from the large bronze doors to the edge of the cliff. On each door is a massive knocking ring.

Natasha looks up at the inconveniently high rings.

On the way up, Moonshadow occasionally looks back to see if we're being followed.

Radical is breathing pretty heavily at the top. "I knew I should focus on more cardio. The dimensional hopping makes things too easy. Well, that and the leather coat is awfully hot."

Almost like she was meditating, Mieko said nothing on the trip up the stairs. She focused and ritualized it all internally. At the top, she glances at the rings and approaches. With a gesture, she asks silently if she should use one of the knocking devices.

Radical heads to the door, and does his best to try to move the ring. He nods to Mieko. "Please."

Moonshadow is pretty wiped out as well. "Try it in a black cloak and thigh-high boots...with heels."

Moonshadow says, "Perhaps two are better than one?"

Natasha has never walked so far before. It's a good thing her feet are as well armoured as the rest of her!

Jak too should probably work on the cardio- he's breathing heavily at the top too. He plays it down by staying to the rear of the group, facing the path they just ascended.

Moonshadow sets her hands on the ring alongside Mieko's and pulls.

As the deep bell like sound from the application of a knocking ring to the surface of a door rings out... a somber echoing voice seemingly from nowhere asks, "Have you walked the Path of Righteousness?"

Natasha supposes the monks won't be happy if she just scratches her way through the door.

Radical takes another deep breath, and then answers. "We have."

Natasha answers the silly question by exaggeratedly collapsing on the ground.

The voice continues, "Have you read the Words of Wisdom?"

Moonshadow says, "We have."

Natasha nods. Still lying on the ground.

Inclining her head at the next question, Mieko looks to Radical. She doesn't speak, but her eyes basically say, 'words?'

Radical motions back to the shrines, "The text on the shrines that we read on the way up here."

The voice says, "Then you may enter the Monastery of Shapele." The large doors open inwards. In the courtyard revealed are six monks. In monk robes but observent eyes can see they are wearing chainmail and swords beneath the robes. One steps forward, "What purpose brings you here?"

Amara's suit helps with some of the stairs, but it's still tiring by the end. She needs to take a moment to catch her breath.

Moonshadow nudges Natasha with her foot. "You're on." The faces of the monks are hidden in the shadows of their deep hoods.

Natasha nudges Radical. Speaking human languages is tiring, what with it actually involving using magic.

Radical takes a deep breath. "We are here to see the Dragon's Fang." He considers adding what they intend to do with it, but the monks might figure that out anyway, with a dragon amongst their number.

Well, Mieko is not going to be one to speak for the group. She lets the others enter before her and then follows quietly in their wake. Nope. Not planning to speak up.

The Three Trials
One of the monks steps forward. He pushes back his hood. Now revealed, his face is lined with age, yet lively. He has bright ginger hair and a mass of freckles. "So, it's the dragon's fang ye be seeking?" He speaks with a strong Irish accent. "Are ye ready to face the three trials?"

Amara leans over to Jak and whispers, "Monks with chainmail and swords? Seems more like templars."

"They were Templars... I think." Jak replies.

Radical blinks, clearly not remembering any trials.

Unix says, "hmmm... I'd wonder if they are magical or somehow technically advanced..." not sure if she'd want to start poking the chainmail or swords to find out...

Radical nods slowly as he thinks about it, "What are these trials, exactly?"

Natasha is tempted to have a peek under the robes. Though it may be that the armour is all that they're trying to hide.

"The trials be the Keg and the Pit, the Dancing Floor, and the Light of Truth. Ye can pick which among thy number shall attempt each trial in turn." the monk says.

"Any one success counts for thee group in full."

Striding forward now, Mieko says, "Radical. I would be honored to face a trial of your choice."

Unix says, "Dancing floor... i assume that means hot coals...."

Natasha perks up her head. Games! This could be fun!

Radical nods to Mieko, "Thank you." He looks back to the Templar. "We're ready for the trials."

Amara nudges Jak at the mention of Keg and the Pit. "The first two sound like your style," she jests.

Moonshadow smiles to herself at the teasing.

The monks lead you through the courtyard to the main building, and past the living area to another set of doors. Inside is a enormous chamber. Most of the floor is missing. There's a three inch wide beam extending from the near side of the chamber to the far side. Under the narrow beam is a long - long- drop into darkness. Resting near this end of the beam is a five gallon keg of beer. "Flight will not function in this chamber," another of the monks tells you. "The trial is to drink three flagons of beer and walk the beam to the far side."

After Amara's tease, Jak flashes a confident grin. "I can drink and dance all night long," he boasts, because he often does. Especially before an audience with Amara.

As they enter the temple, the temperature drops. Moonshadow shivers, and raises her hood.

The flagon laid on the keg is a 'yard glass'.

Natasha looks at the others. Walking the beam is easy. Drinking that much drink is not.

Radical sees the glass in question. "Eesh." He quickly does the math. "That's...about 7 pints of beer. Give or take."

Moonshadow says, "Make sure the bottom isn't dipping into the ocean."

Unix says, "So about 9 beers at a bar...."

Not speaking now, Mieko merely observes, waits, and mentally prepares to do her best at whatever trial is set before her.

Radical rubs his chin, "I...might be able to do it, but I'd be circumventing things a bit by folding space."

Moonshadow observes the flagon, and the beer, looking for magic.

"I can't drink that much," Amara states. Jak silently smirks to himself, knowing his Regent is, in fact, a light weight.

There's magic. Multiple enchantments, one of which is anti-flight.

Radical looks to the others, "I'm assuming that none of you are immune to alcohol? Since no one stepped forward yet?" He chuckles quietly.

"Pardon. But if any -were- immune, would that not be against the spirit of the trial?" asks Mieko.

The flaggon and keg are - not - enchanted. It's a fair trial.

Amara offers helpfully, "Even if you can't fly, I can catch you...probably. Let me put this to the test."

Radical shakes his head, "I don't think so. It's just a matter of 'You must drink this...and then walk over there'.

Amara turns to Jak and beckons upwards with her hand, attempting to activate the gravitic alteration systems in her armor to lift him up. Flight doesn't work. Maybe anti-grav can be a safety net.

"Well, if nobody is volunteering, then I shall do so." offers Mieko. "I am not immune to anything. But I am willing to make the attempt."

Natasha bows to Mieko.

Despite Amara's work, Jak remains firmly on the floor.

Radical nods, "One of the difficulties will be downing that much beer. Nothing says it can't...well, come back up."

Amara frowns as the magic in the room cancels her tech. "No safetly nets," she announces.

Moonshadow says, "Since the human stomach can only hold about 2 pints at a time, I agree."

Radical says to the Templar. "Is the person who is walking across...also required to be the one who drinks?"

The monk that Radical speaks to nods, "Yes. The rules for the trial are fair but strict."

Radical nods. "Just wanted to make sure."

Radical tests his dimensional tech...trying to teleport just...a couple of feet on this side.

Unix looks to Mieko. "I'll try this next if you don't succeed..." Radical can teleport. However the monk shakes his head, "The beam must be walked. The trial is Keg AND Pit."

Moonshadow looks into the pit.

Radical nods. "I was just thinking about retrieving friends if they fall."

Nodding a bit, Mieko strides forward. "I cannot guarantee. I am merely willing to try." she offers. And she steps over to the keg, preparing herself mentally for the task that is to come. She -is- relieved however. She'd much rather do this test than be forced to harm anyone.

The bottom of the pit is hidden in darkness. It looks a long way down.

Radical mutters to himself, "There must be no time limit on these trials if they start with this one first. Whoever it is would have to sleep it off."

Natasha stands on her hind legs and moves her forepaws together repeatedly as if in applause.

A deep breath is taken, and Meiko removes her mouth covering mask. Without doing that, this would be messy as *bleep*. So she does so and hooks it to her belt. Then she gulps down the drink required. She closes her eyes to try to keep her head and to keep her stomach settled.

Finally, she turns and lifts her hands before her, and then lowers them to her side before making her way across the beam. She moves like an arrow, straight and true. Putting off any side effects until reaching the far side. Where she hiccups.

Unix says, "More likely you can take one a day if you need to drink for every trial...."

Moonshadow steps away from the edge of the pit.

Unix applauses Mieka's excellent pass of the trial.

Radical claps as well. "Nicely done."

As Meiko steps off the beam on the other side of the chamber the missing floor instantly appears. And the doors on the far side swing open, revealing a second chamber. This has a square slabbed floor, and on each slab a number is carved. On the far side of the chamber three numbers are painted on the wall, followed by a row of dots - 4 5 3 ... ... ...

Amara raises her fist and cheers at Mieko's feat.

Moonshadow tries to read the numbers on the far wall.

Natasha runs forward excitedly to have a look to see what this next game is.

Unix looks at the next trail raising an eyebrow, waiting for an explaination...

As you look, the numbers on the floor slabs change positions every few seconds.

Radical looks at the floor, and then the wall. "Oh, how I wish I could still just...see patterns. This would have been perfect."

Radical looks to the monk, "Any explanation that goes with this one?"

The monk shakes his head. "This should be obvious."


 * Hic*. "Oh look. Numbers." mutters Mieko as she reaches for her kabuto mask and puts it on. Upside down at first. Then she fixes it.

The Irish monk adds chuckling, "Well maybe not to the lady who passed the first trial."

Radical thinks about it, "It's a sequence. It could be as simple as... +1, and then -2. But that will go negative pretty quick. There must be more to it."

Moonshadow says, "Could it be alternating sequences?"

Moonshadow says, "Maybe the sequence just repeats the first 3?"

Amara tilts her head. "This is the dance one, yes? Is this a dance rhythm?"

Moonshadow says, "No, the second group is 4, 5, 3."

Natasha says, "4 5 3 6 2 7 1 ... works - but is hardly a unique solution"

The Irish monks says, "Not unique, but actually correct."

Natasha hops onto the 4.

Nothing happens to Natasha.

Natasha hops to the 5. She checks the wall to see if any numbers have appeared.

Again, nothing happens as Natasha hops onto the slab currently showing 5. She's two slabs across the chamber.

Natasha proceeds to the 3, checking the wall again.

The wall is still showing the same numbers. Natasha is 4 slabs across, almost half way.

Natasha checks to see if 6 is in hopping distance. If so, she leaps for that. Time is running. It's only a second or so before the numbers are due to change. However Natasha is now more than half way across.

Natasha continues he sequence, 2, 7, 1, if it's possible with the numbers as they lie.

And continuing the sequence, Natasha reaches the far side just before the numbers would shift. The doors on the far side swing open and the numbers on the floor freeze in their current position.

Natasha waves the others onward!

Moonshadow hops across, following Natahsha's path. (Just in case) Inside the last trial chamber is a column of bright white light about six feet across reaching from ceiling to floor.

Moonshadow asks the monk, "What is required for this test?"

The monk who seems to be the leader tells the group, "This is the trial of Truth. Inside the column it's impossible to lie. One of you must step into the light and reveal a significant truth that you have never told anyone before."

Radical raises a brow, "Never told...anyone at all?"

The monk nods. "Yes."

Natasha wonders if "Humans are silly" counts. She's thought it a lot, but never actually said it.....

Radical takes a deep breath. "I think I can do it. I have something."

The monk gestures toward the column of light.

Radical walks forward, and steps into the light. He also pulls off his mask entirely, and runs his hands through his hair. Those from CBSU might recognize him as one of the math professors. "I...feel like a failure. Often. This gear...this outfit...this attempt to become a superhero again... It's all an attempt to try to do what's right, yes. But at the same time, it also helps me assuage my feelings of failure as the Cartesian."

Radical looks down at the ground as he continues, "My family members were the bearers of the mantle for generations, dating back to the 1860s. And it ended with me. I am the last of my family. Due to my own actions."

Radical says, "Some of that is already known to at least one person. But the fact that I feel like a failure...I'm pretty sure I've told no one previously."

The final set of doors open. Beyond is a stone block. On the top of the block is a curved dagger crafted from a dragon's fang.

Natasha walks forward to Radical and (assuming nothing prevents her) she puts a paw gently on Radical's foot.

Jak pats Radical on the shoulder once he's near. He gives him a sympathetic look full of understanding.

Stepping over to Radical, Mieko leans in and places a hand on his forearm. "Sharing your pain lets others help you to bear it. I killed my best friend because I had no choice. With the sword that I am now scared to draw." That said, she turns and starts approaching the dagger.

Moonshadow steps up to Radical and gives him a hug. "An angel once said, 'No man is a failure who has friends'". The dagger really doesn't look all that impressive. Yet legend has it the slightest scratch from that dagger will be fatal to any with dragon blood.

Radical nods to the others as they go to comfort him. He just says quietly, "Thank you." He pulls his mask back on, if for no other reason than the fact that it will help him regain a bit of composure.

Natasha has not forgotten the legend. She stares at the dagger made from a fang of a much larger relative, but she doesn't approach.

Jak isn't so eager that he needs to teleport across the room to the dagger, so instead he stands with Amara with intentions on seeing the dagger up close before its destroyed.

"And thus you see the dragon's fang." the leader of the monks says.

Moonshadow says, "Natasha? Do you wish to..."

"You have passed all the trials. You may do as you wish with the blade." The monks all nod.

Natasha slowly approaches the dagger. She's a bit nervous, but it's supposed to be dragonfire that can destroy it. She glances at the monks - and then gets permission.

Unix says, "I don't suppose... we would want to make an imitation to put in it's place, so it's legend and look isn't forgotten...?"

Now she has the ok, she flies into the air, carefully approaches the dagger and lets rip with the hottest fire she can manage.

The dagger glows red hot, then white hot... Then little cracks form - and then suddenly the dagger explodes into a cloud of tiny shards.

Amara looks to Unix. "With something so dangerous, maybe it's better it be forgotten."

"So, I am confused. We did all of this to destroy an ancient relic that could someday be useful in case of an evil dragon attack?" asks Mieko. She's a bit tipsy.

Jak shrugs at the buzzed Mieko. "Pretty much. But- the dragons are all nice now, or so we're told now that the curse is lifted. So..." He shrugs again.

There's a collective gasp from the monks, followed by a moment's silence. Then they are hugging and slapping each other on their backs, "Free." "At last." The Irish monk speaks the loudest, "There's most o' the keg left, my brothers."

Radical chuckles as he hears the monks' response. "Not...not at all what I expected."

"Hmmm- I don't think I've ever met a monk who liked to party." Jak muses to Queen Amara. "He did say there was still plenty of keg left." He raises his eyebrows.

The lead monk is all smiles as he turns to Radical, "You haven't spent the best part of your life stuck here in a cold drafty rock monastery."

Radical chuckles. "True. But...still, not what I expected."

"He did," Amara confirms hesitantly as she looks to Jak, knowing what he's thinking.

Natasha doubts all dragons are nice now. But then she also doesn't think that good enough reason to leave such a dangerous weapon lying around. She looks between the various silly humans, then jumps onto Radical's shoulder.

Natasha wonders what the drinking age is in Albania. For dragons.

Moonshadow steps over to Radical. "I have shared more with you than I have with anyone in a very long time." she says quietly.

Radical looks up at Natasha, "Nice job. I guess Aurica should be happy with the result." He turns to regard Moonshadow and nods. "I shared a bit more than I was intending to today as well."

"And now you have trusted us to know your face, a face I know." she continued.

Natasha rubs against Radical, to show that his sharing was appreciated.

Unix still thinks an imitation would have been nice to leave behind...

Moonshadow says, "A man who can trust so, and inspire such trust, can never be a failure."

Radical nods, "Well, I know I should be careful with such, but...I'm finding it's harder and harder to keep secrets as time passes."

Moonshadow nudges Radical with her elbow and nods toward the keg, "Buy a girl a drink?

Radical chuckles. "I think I can afford it, even without my wallet with me."

"Then let's go," she replied, slipping her arm through his.