Log:The Final Resting Place of Matthew Regent

Time to say Good-Bye 2014/06/30 Exodus Chen Paragon

1

The midnight sun is out, and shining brightly over head. The penumbra of the moon casts a strange halo around it, with a muted rainbow like effect. It is a beautiful night with light high clouds framing the sky.

Chen arrives in Colonial Heights in the guise of a old model Amazon.com delivery robot carrying several packages. Walking with stiff erratic stride and making occasional beeping sounds.

Third is walking down the street with some plastic grocery bags in tow. Yutaka's kitchen was certainly fully stocked, but she wanted some unique ingredients that aren't all that common. She's angling her way towards 311 Townhouse. She wasn't supposed to be out and about on her own with some of the current situations going on, but she's not used to being baby sat.

Chen spots Third and happily beeps loudly, waving to her with a mechanical looking arm manipulator. Third waves politely to the Amazon delivery robot. She's occasionally greeted cleaning bots and serving bots, not always getting a response, but it seems only polite. They're somewhat related, if not very distantly. She gazes up at the haloed moon and smiles, with a faraway look on her face.

Seeing Third look up at the haloed moon, Chen reverts to her more usual form as fast as she can while third isn't looking her way. Then she says quietly, "It's a beautiful night isn't it?" in her normal Chen voice.

Third's mouth drops open and her eyes widen at the sound of the voice. She regains her composure and smiles. "Yes, yes it is." She turns to Chen and opens her arms wide in a sweeping motion before engulfing Chen in a hug. She chuckles warmly. "Hey, Chen...how's it going?" she asks happily.

Chen hugs back delightedly, "Fine but a bit boring. I missed some possible excitement yesterday. I wasn't told until afterwards but Albert came here to Colonial Bay. I missed my chance to insult him again." she says with a grin.

"Albert? Who's that?" Third asks as she releases Chen and takes a step back to get a good look at her. She doesn't quite recall the name. "I'm sorry you missed him, though."

Chen says, "Albert Zerstoiten. The Baron's father. He's also known as Dr Destroyer. Mega-villain. Really tough. And he's gathered a lot of the old Wolfguard people under his wing as well."

Third facepalms, the motion causing the grocery bag hanging on her wrist to sway and twist. "Ohhh, -that- Albert. When you just say it like that, it never registers."

Chen grins, "That's what I call him. He's such a grouch. It always winds him up."

The clouds in the sky begin to move more quickly, and the wind starts to pick up. In the distance, the sounds of dogs barking suddenly erupt, and over head, and from afar, a cloud of bats suddenly take flight..

Third's long bangs blow into her eyes, causing her to have to sweep them back with a slide of her hand. As her vision becomes unobscured by hair, she notices the cloud of bats. "Wow...that's...creepy," she jokes lightly. "I wonder what has the dogs so riled up."

Chen nods. "Like the opening scene of an old horror movie. Though any vampire is out of luck with you around."

It doesn't take long for the clouds to gather, and suddenly, there is chain lightning crossing within them, the sound of thunder crashes in the distance, but...even in moments, the peel of thunder is closer...

"Sounds like a storm. We should probably go inside. I wasn't expecting any rain today, but you could come inside if you'd like," Third offers, watching the clouds gathering.

Third chuckles a little. "Maybe we could even watch a vampire movie," she suggests.

The wind picks up, and the first drops of rain can be felt, but they are but the heralds of the wind driven rain that begins to fall in a deluge. Large angry drops begins to drench anything and everything that is exposed to the elements. It is as if the heavens have opened up and are angry..and sad. It is as if the gods are weeping...

Chen says, "That's like no natural storm I've ever seen, Third. I think you ought to put on the metal and we'll go look for whatever is causing it."

Third nods once and sets her grocery bags on the ground. A few drops starts to hit her cool skin, but then metal plates slide over her, encasing her in armor. "I'm sure if someone steals the food, they'll need it more than me. Let's go," Paragon says as she stands ready, trying to figure out where best to go. "Think we should follow the lightning?"

In the clouds, the tell-tale yellow flashes of lightning persist, the wind howls, the rain falls, the night seems to get even darker, a strange pall covers all. In the clouds, there are flashes of red as well..as if flames are hidden within the veil of vapor. There is a slight rumble in the earth as well. From above, a lamp post falls to the ground, and other items not pinned down begin to jump and move and fall.

Paragon stumbles a little as the earth itself rumbles, but she maintains her footing. "W-what's happening?"

"Earthquake too? This is not natural. I'm sooooo... scared!" Chen says in a small quivering voice. The *huge* eager grin on her face belies that sentiment though. Her skin thickens as she goes to full defensive mode and her feet grew a bit wider and cling to the ground to maintain her balance.

Paragon grins broadly under her faceplate. Something she and Chen have in common. "Dare you to fly us up there," Paragon says, pointing to the flashes of red.

Chen says, "You're on. Grab hold." and wings form coming out of her back and flexing slowly, changing from feather to bat like as the rain pelts downwards. When Paragon is holding tight Chen speeds the flapping of her wings and the two ascend into the air heading for the center of the storm cloud formation.

Paragon's left hand grips Chen's hand before she flies them off. At least her right will be free in case something needs punching.

There is a little known out cropping, a small clearing on that out cropping that was once a special place for a couple of people, It over looks Colonial Bay on a hill never visited, with a Vista only seen by very few. It is above that place where the greatest level of chaos reigns..and while it may not have any significance to anyone currently on this plane of existence, it does have meaning.

As the duo fly up on high, a particularly black cloud..except for the eruptions of flames, lightning, the torrential down pour of hail and ice that fly in all directions from it, and he tornado like funnel cloud that touch ground but remains extremely focused grows in height and width.

Chen points, "There's a clearing right underneath the storm center. Want to go check it out?"

Paragon nods once, calling out above the sound of the storm. "Sounds like a good idea!"

Chen folds her wings in and drops out of the sky like a hawk swooping down on prey.

Paragon tries not to be disrespectful by yelling something like 'Yahooo!', but a big smile is plastered on her face. She so rarely gets to see what it's like to fly.

The clearing is remarkably well kept, not the work of nature at all. As the two arrive the funnel cloud is striking the ground in the middle of the clearing. It does not move as normal wind would, but within the point of touchdown the same chaotic cacophony of light, flame, wind, water, darkness, and earth seem to mix, but in a concentrated manner.

Paragon's eyes flicker to red as she tries to see if she can discern any sources of the maelstrom of elements. The fire burns brightly in her thermal vision.

Chen waits until the absolute last moment before opening her wings and flapping once, twice, with powerful muscle, bringing Paragon and herself to a safe landing speed that still leaves footsteps impressed into the ground of the clearing as they land facing the spinning vortex of elements.

Chen says, "Okay... come and get it, whoever you are!"

A giant Flash of lightning, followed immediately by a deafening clap of thunder erupts as they touch ground...Retina's burn..if for a second only leaving crazed images behind, a blazing heat of like standing in front of an open furnace then washes over the two, and from behind them, arctic cold freezes them...under their feet the earth trembles again..

Chen follows her boastful words with "Oh *&$@!" as she is blinded and deafened. Fortunately nobody is likely to hear that rather unladylike comment. Not that Chen has every claimed to be ladylike.

Paragon shuts her eyes tightly at the flash, and when she opens them again, all she can see is spots. She tries to yell something, but neither she nor Chen can hear it. So she does all she can...she tenses her body and raises her fists at the ready for any possible assailants.

Chen is already in turtled up mode. Growing a second pair of arms she sweeps all four of her upper limbs around trying to feel anything that may be creeping, or charging, up on Paragon and her.

Chen stumbles, annoyed with herself, as the earth shakes under her feet.

Paragon remains on her feet just barely as the earth and elements protest their presence.

The presence of power pervades the clearing, and when eyes clear and ears can hear again, the Lords of the Elemental Planes surround the two ladies. All look upon the two with a grim look on their faces. In no particular order there are:

A woman, white of hair, beautiful in her own way, a polynesian look, from whom heat flows off of her in waves..almost painful waves.

A Giant of a man, Blue and ice and snow for hair and beard, he is dressed in heavy furs, and from him the arctic cold emanates

Another woman, beautiful, but her eyes are cold and sad. Tears fall from them, and her flowing gown seems to be made of the darkness of night itself.

A Tall bird headed man, wings on his back, extremely well built, with arms crossed stands as well. A truly godly looking man, in resplendent armor, glows here with the brightness of the sun, it is difficult to even look upon him...

Another Man, with hair that flows as if in the water, holding a golden trident, stands over 10 feet tall, heavy slabs of muscle cover his body, with only his lower body covered in a scale male that looks more organic than metal.

Finally a beautiful woman..she has a green hue to her, from tendrils of vines seem to weave a covering for her as it grows and writhes, yet seems to be her cloth.

They surround the 2 heroines, and say as one. "Are you to witness the commitment?" Their voices ring in the ears and minds of the two.

Paragon stands back to back with Chen as they're surrounded, fists still raised. And then the question is posed. A very odd question. "Yes...?" Sometimes if someone asks if you're a god, you should just say yes.

Chen stands, getting back onto her feet. She's impetuous and hot-headed... but not stupid. The whatever-they-are's surrounding Paragon and herself had plenty of time to attack when she was blinded and deafened. So as Paragon has answered she stays quiet. Yes, it is possible for Chen to shut up.

Once again as one, they speak, "Unto this land, as it was the will of the Regent, we lay upon it the Mark of the Regent. We lay upon this land his final testament. Let it be known that it was his will in his final moments that the Exodi come forth to this place, this most cherished of realms and this most cherished of memorials, His final regrets be made known." The group then begins to speak.

"Witness do I Pele, Lady of Fire."

"Witness Do I, Thrym, Lord of Ice."

"Witness do I, Persephone of Hades."

"Witness Do I, Garuda Lord of the Air realm"

"Witness do I, Apollo, Lord of Light."

"Witness do I, Neptune of the Oceans and Seas."

"And Witness do I with heavy heart, Gaia."

Paragon leans back a little towards Chen, fists still at the ready. The fingers on her right hand spread in a stretch before curling back into a fist in a cascade from pinky to index finger. She murmurs from the corner of her mouth to Chen. "If you have any idea what is going on, I'm all ears."

Chen lets her shoulders twitch in the slightest of shrugs, "I have no clue. Seems kind of somber though. I guess we watch and listen and see what happens." she whispers back.

A gentle hand is out reached from the one named Gaia..."Do you my children bear witness to what is to pass?" her voice is soothing, and the feeling of motherly warmth washes over the two..

Chen just nods silently.

Paragon slowly lowers her fists, uncertain of what exactly is transpiring, but not feeling in any direct danger now. She glances to Chen curiously.

"We do," Paragon announces solemnly.

Gaia smiles a kind smile, but there is deep sadness in her eyes as she says, "The Witnesses of this Realm bear the Commitment of Knowledge. Let the Regent come forth."

From the elemental lord, each of them once a part of Regent, and he a part of them comes a ghost like figure, from each of them the same figure in a different hue, the figure is projected from the hearts of the Elementals into the center of the clearing. The person is an exotic looking man, with arched eyebrows. He is extremely handsome, and he speaks..."My friends..I thank you for this. If this has come to pass, then I am but a ghost of a memory of one who owes you more than can be said. I thank you for following my wish, to have my spirit imbued here." He looks around, "It has not changed in my 400 years away. It is here that I have spent my most important moments of my long life. It here that I have known the greatest love. The only love. It is here that my heart has always remained. It is my greatest regret that I let go, that which is most important. I know not if they still live, they were promised such short lives. But my heart has never left here...has never left them. I hope they have known that always." he says. "I fare thee well my friends." then he looks at the two heroines, "And to you I ask you to bear a message to any who would know. The Regent died defending earth. He has never been far, He has loved this realm above all others."

Chen is crying softly. She remembers the Baron and Jessica talking on one occasion. She doesn't know if the spirit can hear her but she says in a soft voice, "Jennifer and Jessica are alive. They have retired to another realm and are happy."

The ghostly figure smiles, "The Regent would be happy. Their happiness is all he has ever hoped for. If you see them again, Please let them know what you have witnessed tonight." He then points to a single specific point in the clearing. "There..." he says to the godlike beings, "There is the point. Execute please." His final word full of finality.

The Gods nod and float into the air as one they speak once more, "As we bear witness, we consecrate this ground as the Regent's final resting place. May his soul circle the Wheel and meet us once more." the words are ritualistic, as they turn and pour their power into the spot motioned to by the Ghostly figure.

Paragon glances at Chen, surprised to see her crying. She can't quite grasp the concepts of a great love lost and extinguished, but she has lost dear friends before. She looks on to the ghost of Regent, trying to commit to memory what she witnessed. Every word of it. It seems important, especially after Chen mentions Jennifer and Jessica.

"Here at this point I found the most important thing in the universe." he says to the two heroines. "They were ever in my heart." he says "Farewell, this world shall remain protected.." his figure is then swept into the vortex of power that builds the last thing they can see of the figure is a smiling face, but one that is at peace.

Chen is weeping half turning to Paragon for a supportive hug while not taking her eyes from the final resting place.

The great powers at work, palpable washes over the clearing, until finally the Gods finish their work, a steaming iridescent square shape is left behind.

The Gods turn back to the two ladies, "Thou has born witness to the passing of the Avatar of the Regent. He has protected all the realms and we are in his debt. His life is at end, but his essence shall never be. Long Live the Regent." they all say in unison. One by one they blink out of existence, except for Gaia...

Paragon's eyes flicker off and on. She stands solidly and wraps her arms around Chen in a big sisterly hug. She watches the resting place for a moment, and looks at the Lords of the Elements as she holds her friend. The helm betrays no emotion as she acts as a pillar for Chen.

Gaia floats down and where she steps, life blooms "My Children...never forget." she cups the chins of both ladies, "Life is never extinguished, it ebbs, and it flows, but it is never really gone. I see great promise in both of you. I look forward to the future." she smiles a beautifully warm smile, "I bid you both peace and love." and she sinks into the ground, a final smile for both of them.

Chen turns to Gaia before Gaia leaves, "Can you make this place, this clearing, protected from all who do not come to pay respects to the Regent, please? I would not have people trespassing here, littering and fouling this place."

Gaia shakes her head. "My dear girl, I do not have that power...but do not worry, this place, like love itself, can never be destroyed, No matter what people may try to do to tarnish its memory..."

Chen nods and watches Gaia depart. Then she turns to look at the memorial that has been left.

Paragon keeps an arm around Chen, remaining respectfully silent after what they have witnessed. After a moment of silence, she finally speaks up. "Let's have a look and pay our respects, shall we?" she offers to usher Chen to the iridescent square left by the Gods.

The iridescent square is simple...it is made of some unknown type of material, from various angles it seems to have different qualities, but it is cool to the touch, and feels somewhat like stone, and somewhat like metal, it is difficult if not impossible to describe the multi-layered sensations that come from feeling it.

There is a symbol, it is sophisticated, and yet simple, it is a man with a halo around him, two arms outstretched, holding the hands of two identical female figures. it is as if they are all rising together towards heaven.

Paragon takes a knee before the square, as a knight would before a king. Her hands are folding on her knee, her head bowed in respect. She remains silent for a while, taking the opportunity to study the square. Eventually she rises, and when she speaks, her echoing voice is steady, solemn, and reverent. "It must have been a very powerful love to be remembered all the way until the very end. Even after all that time."

The sight of the symbol on the memorial stone finishes breaking Chen's heart. She collapses into Paragon's arms weeping furiously. "I... Please... Take me home." She asks, forgetting it was she who brought the pair here. She truly dreads the duty she must perform soon, telling Jennifer and Jessica.

Above the two the Moon reveals itself, and the clouds dissipate, once again beautiful and clear, the penumbra glowing like a halo around the head of an angel.

Paragon catches Chen in her arms, looking down protectively. "I have you, Chen," she says softly, wrapping her arms further around her in a giant hug. Giving Chen a moment to cry out the worst of it, she frees one arm from the hug and crouches down, sweeping up Chen's feet and cradling her so she can cry against her shoulder all she needs to. "Let's go home," her voice sounds soothingly before she turns her back to Regent's final resting place. Her knees flex, and with a sudden burst of speed, Paragon leaps away, carrying Chen home.