Log:Rift Crisis II, Scene 15

Rift Crisis II 2019/05/24

Artemis Icon Moonshadow The Stranger Wesley Ettinbrand

15

Chronologically, this scene happens well after Scene 16.

Its a perfectly normal day, round about lunchtime. Traffic runs smoothly down the broad Golden Sands Road. Until suddenly it doesnt. Theres a patch of road where the cars vanish when they enter - and in that patch a man is standing. Standing about 50 feet tall, in fact. His hair is a fiery red, and indeed seems almost to be made of flames, and he is heavily muscled.

He looks about then bends down, pointing his huge finger at an unfortunate shoppers head. "You there," he booms. "What world is this?" Presumably the man answers, because he asks again, "And is this the city of Colonial Bay?"

Then he stand up to his full height, flexing his muscles and grinning. "Heroes of Colonial Bay! As was foretold, I, Ettinbrand, strongest of the fire giants, have come to your city! Word of your might has spread even to my distant world, and I would try your strength against mine!"

Laurel is taking a break from work, walking from Bridgend toward Chinatown, where she's planning to shop for spices.

When the fire giant appears, she ducks out of sight to do her 'Wonder Woman spin' and change to Moonshadow.

The cars that disappear reappear again maybe 50' down the road, and ironically are harmed less than those that swerve to avoid the giant.

Wesley is flying about and testing their new wings when the giant suddenly appears. He quickly swerves and changes cource to get a more steady footing, faceplanting on a nearby roof. Still needing to get landing part down. He picks himself up quickly, rubbing his head, the draconic man looking about to see if there's any other heroes nearby first.

Nohrbor Nanuran Surryx & his Battlebound Sister, Althea Constantine of the Ashildr are a bit further along the beach locked in a race to the bottom of two buckets of ice cream to prove that these 'brain freezes' mean little & less to the Godflora of Beta Orionis when the fire giant breaches the wall between worlds.

Both Galactic Gladiatiors look up from their ice cream with wide, jubulent eyes. This is exactly the kind of thing they live for.

Without a word both drop their spoons and race straight for the fire giant, eager to prove their mettle.

It isn't long before the pair get as near the fire giant as they dare.

"We will meet your challenge Giant! The Bloodlit guard this world of men- if these mortals will not, then take heart for we will battle to the very end." Artemis (Althea) says confidently.

A step behind her The Stranger, still guised as a human laughs ebullently.

Ettinbrand grins and laughs merrily. "Well spoken! I sought but sport, to find a worthy adversary, but if you wish is to fight to the end, so be it! The choice is yours. But be warned, I have come hither because none in the Harshlands is my equal in strength!"

Traffic on the street is stopping. Pedestrians are beginning to flee.

The Stranger grins but puts his hand on his Sister's shoulder as they float eye level with the Giant. "Death is no end for beings such as us, but still- the Hu-mans of this world prefer that we keep things... as you said." He nods to Ettinbrand. "...'sporting'. Though, the end will taste much the same in either case because it will be seasoned with your defeat." He grins at the Fire Giant as if fear weren't a word in his or his sister's vocabularies.

Artemis looks a little too eager to test herself against the fire giant. Her shield is already in hand. It's then that she considers her teammates advice. "For sport or not, let us not involve the mortals and find someplace fitting a clash of titans!"

Wesley hops off the rooftop eventually, gliding down to the others. And landing a little better this time, even if he stumbles a bit. He glances at Artemis, seeing that they already suggested it, and chiming in, "Yes, would be better to fight outside the city, I think, if you really want to."

Ettinbrand shakes his head. "Is is foretold that the wall between our worlds will soon be restored. My time here is but short."

Moonshadow takes to the air and flies over to the others.

"It is not a matter of 'want'. We would do our guest a great dishonor if we declined his challenge." The Stranger says to Wesley.

He turns back to Ettinbrand and says, "Then worry not friend. We will make haste. Let us do battle!" He says, not at all concerned with property damage or it would seem, restoring his form to that of his true self.

Ettinbrand prepares himself for the fight, taking a stance like a boxer's. "I am ready!"

Artemis draws her sword. Cyan blue ley lines light up along the blade. "'Tis no sport if you would battle amongst homes of mortals."

Ettinbrand frowns. "Are the homes of this land of heroes so fragile?"

Nohrbor Nanuran Surryx looks around and then back to Ettinbrand before shrugging to him. "Aye, the Battlemaiden speaks true so let us move so we can bring Honor to our worlds." He doesn't answer Ettinbrand's question purposefully.

Wesley explains, "Usually we don't have, uh, giants appearing in the middle of them." He just stays off to the side, somewhat nervous, not entirely sure how much damage will happen if fighting does occur here.

Moonshadow says, "The island yonder is a suitable location."

Icon floats across the rooflines, an amethyst psychokinetic keeping him aloft. He seems more interested in the architecture and streetlamps than the situation.

"Then let us be off!" The Stranger says before arcing around the Giant, sizing him up before bee-lining straight to the island.

Ettinbrand nods. "Then let us repair to yon island. I have no wish to destroy homes. And even if the wall is restored on my absence, 'twould be worth it for a true opponent."

Moonshadow says, "If such should happen, we shall find a way for you to return to your home."

Ettinbrand strides off toward the island, following the roads to avoid the obstructions of the buildings.

Moonshadow flies towards the island.

Artemis flies along, smiling merrily at Nohrbor. "At last, this should be glorious!"

The bridge shakes strangely as Ettinbrand crosses it, but it holds. He goes to meet you in the sandy midst of the island.

"What rules do we fight by?" asks the giant.

Wesley sighs in relief. Well, that seems to have worked out... better than it could have. He flies after the others, heading towards said island with the others. "Idly wonder if the architect of the bridge made sure it could support that much weight, huh," he quietly comments about the bridges resilence to the weight of said giant.

The Stranger turns and looks at the Mortals among them to decide. Death means little to the Bloodlit of Beta Orionis.

"Should you ask to surrender, we shall honor it," Artemis vows to the fire giant. That's the only rule she thinks she needs.

Ettinbrand nods. "As I shall honour your surrender."

Wesley adds, "Also if someone is unconscious, leave them alone. No need for anyone to die, I think. ...and no fighting people who don't consent to fight, but I think everyone here is okay with that right now."

Ettinbrand asks an important question, "And do you propose to fight me all together, or do you trust enough in your might to fight me one to one?"

That question makes Artemis smile. She glances to Nohrbor her eyes gleam with a competitive edge. "I would be more than fine to test myself in a one on one fight," she mentions to the Stranger to egg him on.

The Stranger is already nodding his head in agreement. Afterall, the are Gladiators.

Artemis weighs Wesley's words and sighs. "Well, if the mortals think themselves not up to the battle without the Bloodlit at their sides, maybe we have to fight as a group." She sounds like someone ruined her birthday.

Moonshadow says, "Perhaps we 'mortals' can serve to prevent others from interrupting your battles."

Artemis raises her sword to the giant. "I will face you in one on one combat. The others can decide how they will face the challenge for themselves!"

Ettinbrand is getting a little impatient. "One of you or all, I care not, but let us do battle!"

Ettinbrand says, "So be it!"

Artemis flicks her wrist and her sword separates into segments, connected by a string of energy as it turns into a swordship. She flies at her opponent and shouts a challenge, "May the best Bloodlit win!" It's meant as a taunt at the Stranger. She swings her arm forward, the whip lashing out at the giant.

Artemis has her shield held at an angle as if it, too, is a weapon rather than just additional protection. Ready to strike at anyone who gets near enough.

"As Bloodlit, we cannot turn down a challenge but the Mortals would do well with them by our side. Unless the Great Enemy has taken root in their heart. It matters not- alone or as an ensamble Nohrbor Nanuran Surryx will fight all the same."

He looks a bit disappointed when Artemis gets the opportunity to go first, but after a momentary glance of jealousy he begins rooting her on with all the boisterousness one might expect.

"GIVE HIM INTIMATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE ASHILDR WALL, SISTER!" He cheers. "THE DAY WILL STILL BE MINE NONETHELESS!"

The giant laughs as he rolls to his feet again. "A mighty throw! It's a marvel one so small could unbalance me so!"

Wesley stays out of the way for the moment, tapping claws nervously together as he watches. Still unsure about the one on one thing. He gives a glance towards Artemis's companion, looking confused at what they're talking about.

Ettinbrand runs toward Artemis and tries to squash her between his hands.

Swatting flies isn't always so easy. The giant strikes only a glancing blow.

Artemis gets swallowed up by Ettinbrand's massive hands. It looks like it's all over already! But as the giant's hands part, Artemis laughs merrily. "Well struck!" she says, tossing her shield at his eyes. It smacks him in the bridge of his nose and bounces back, returning to Artemis' grip.

The giant blinks, but shows no sign of being blinded.

In case the giant is good at faking, Artemis flies around to circle Ettinbrand to end up on his left. Getting within ten meters of him, she throws out her whip in an attempt to snag it around the giant's massive neck. There's a reason the Ashildr's swordship is so long!

The giant grins and charges at Artemis, trying to administer a head-butt.

Artemis loops around and out of the way of the headbutt.

Wesley is actually impressed Artemis is doing fine on their own like that. Tries to stay out of the way when the giant charges, standing a dozen or two meters off to the side.

Artemis tries tightening the whip again to choke the giant.

"YES! SHOW HIM WHY THEY CALL YOU THE UNCONQUERED FLURRY!" Nohrbor Nanuran Surryx shouts as he lifts a ball of sand into the air before him. He compresses it with his telekinetic power while he awaits his turn to battle the great Giant.

Once again the whip does some damage - but it's working against some pretty strong neck muscles!

The giant turns about, kicking up huge clouds of sand, and attempts once again simply to run into Artemis.

Nohrbor merely slides to the left to avoid the oncoming sandstorm. His eyes never leave the battle.

The headbutt misses by a whisker. Literally. One of his chin hairs glances against Artemis.

Artemis strafes and lashes her whip at the giant's legs.

The giant actually goes 'OOF!" as he land face down in the sand.

Ettinbrand grins as he rolls back to his feet. "Well done, little one - a solid blow! Where I am from, there is a proverb about how big opponents fall hard - never have I felt it as much as now. But surely it is only a matter of time till I land a solid blow...." He charges Artemis again.

Nohrbor cheers on, eyes wide with excitement as his pulse pounds in his ears.

He throws his hands up as Artemis is barely missed by the blow. He whistles loudly before throwing his hands up in to the air as she yanks him off his feet.

He laughs merrily as the ball of sand spins ever faster nearby, being compressed to sandstone as he waits. As the pressue on the ball increases the ball begins glowing red with the telekinetic energy imposed on it.

Artemis raises her shield and prepares.

Artemis brings up her shield as the giant crashes into it with a might clang that echoes across this part of the island. She barely gives up a meter as she exerts her strength against the giant. And then she stops before trying to use her shield to twist aside her opponent as her sword follows through.

The giant goes "Oof" again as he hits the ground.

Artemis isn't all that shook from the headbutt she took, and dishes out in return. "You fight well, Ettinbrand. Perhaps another opponent would be more to your liking," she offers kindly.

He grins still as he regains his feet, but has clearly felt some pain now;

Ettinbrand says, "As do you, liitle one! But if I can fight more than one warrior of this world, I would choose to do so!"

Wesley ehs. He's kind of reluctant to but... "I can fight with others here, if you want."

The giant looks about at the others.

Nohrbor (The Stranger) laughs heartily as Artemis proves her battle prowess with strident courage, confidence & grace. "Well fought, Sister. You do the Ashildr a great honor, even here on this far shore." He says to her proudly.

He turns to Wesley to say, "Fear not Man-Of-Drakes, Nohrbor Nanuran Surryx will help you face the mighty Ettinbrand. We cannot let the Battlemaiden have all the Glory before the walls between worlds close once more."

Artemis drifts aside and to the ground to spectate. "Your turn, Brother. Fight well," she smiles and watches his performance.

Ettinbrand nods approvingly. "Then come and fight me!"

Moonshadow takes a picture

The Stranger tosses his hoodie off yet it vanishes into thin air before it can hit the ground.

He uses the dramatic flourish to signal his charge at the Fire Giant, his own eyes alight with spiritual power.

"Facing my Sister as you have- Giant, speaks volumes of the pride you must inspire in your kinsfolk." He says leaping in to the fray happily.

He laughs heartily before throwing a roundhouse kick at the giant's face.

The giant hardly seems to notice that. "Your sister is perhaps the stronger of you two?"

The Stranger narrows his eyes at the Giant as Artemis laughs from the sideline.

"Oh we both have our Strengths- but there is little fun starting out at my full power, especially since I have assistance." He says, cutting his eyes at his Battlebound.

Moonshadow circles (flying) around to the giants left side and fires off a Shadow Bolt at him.

Charm grins at the Stranger after Moonshadow's hit. "If you say so. But this one also hits harder than you."

Ettinbrand seems to take Moonshadow as the greater threat: at least, it's her he tries to swat.

Wesley winces at seeing Moonshadow g etting smacked like that. He starts to jog towards the giant, mentally remembering that fire giants from what he knows definitely wouldn't be singed well by his magical fire. So he jogs towards the giant, trying to pick up a boulder on his way there and lobbing it at the giant.

The giant looks at the being that just threw a stone at him. "Ho there, little one. You are wyrmkin, no? You are fighting one who has wrestled with a true dragon."

Wesley flexes his claws, actually surprised with how easy chunking the boulder was. "Yeah well, give me a few years on that 'true dragon' part..."

The giant laughs again. "Excellent! I would fain wrestle a dragon once more, when you are ready, friend."

Moonshadow wonders where Natasha is...

The Stranger that tears it. Nohrbor frowns at Ettinbrand's comment, his eyes still glowing- this time brighter than before.

"FINE GIANT- THEN THE DIE IS CAST!!!" He shouts as a ball of energy is called into existence into his hand while his feet come to ground for the first time since this all began.

"Let us see how you fare against Nohrbor the Shademarked! I will show you how I brought the Tarisdrake of Tanimar to a shivering puddle!" He exclaims before flinging his arm out towards the Fire Giant. The ball of energy flows between them.

"Feh. Sorcery. This is a test of strength, not of art!" The giant sounds disapproving.

Moonshadow flies back toward the giant, not getting quite a close, and sets off another Shadow Bolt.

The giant's disapproval is dhow by his attempt this time to slap the Stranger.

"We have seen worlds beyond number... fought in the pits of arena's that stretched across whole star systems." Nohrbor says of the Giant's disapproval. "What I have learned is that strength is strength, it is only a matter of application. My Sister's shield is unmatched as is my Mind." He says proudly- just before the Giant swats him. He laughs.

The Bloodlit is sent flying through the air- bouncing along the shoreline as he goes.

Before coming to halt he rolls to his feet deftly, still laughing.

Wesley is not sure this is the best of ideas. However, is particularly curious if this will actually work... after the giant punched the Stranger away, he strides up, before focusing as much of his mana as possible in his fist. Aiming for a powerful haymaker with his mana-infused fist on the giant.

The giant is rather surprised to be knocked back as much as his full height!

The giant laughs. "Well hit, little dragon. Truly, the stories of the heroes of this land are true. To be thrown about by such childlings!"

Wesley grins after the punch, energy crackling on his fist after the punch. "Still have a lot of the strength of a dragon, too!" He actually didn't expect that to work.

The Stranger merely walks forward as casually as anyone strolling idly along the beach. From the looks of him you'd have to wonder if he remembered there was fight going on at all- only his glowing eyes are locked on the melee ahead of him.

He feels the sproutling of illusionary power in the Fire Giant's mind. So as he strolls, he feeds it power so it may grow.

Moonshadow swoops around, and just to shake things up, uses a Radiant Bolt this time.

The giant climbs to hit feet only slowly - and so he punches at the closest hero, Moonshadow.

As the giant's huge fists swings toward her, Moonshadow drops below it.

Wesley frowns after he realizes how far the giant away is from him due to that punch. Dang. He jogs back after that, doing like before and picking up another boulder on the way. He puts extra effort into it this time as well, heaving it and putting his all into it, forcing the giant to either get smacked in the face with it or move out of the way.

The boulder *shatters* agains the giant's skull.

Having a boulder cracked over his head doesn't seem hurt the giant much - or has it? He's looking of a sudden rather transparent.

Wesley slows down to a stop, blinking a bit in confusion at the transparent giant. "You okay there? You're looking a bit... weird."

"Logrund's crevasse!" swears the giant. "I'm being drawn back to my own world - and the fight is not yet settled!"

Nohrbor suddenly starts rushing otwards the fading Giant. "Oh I believe it was certainly settled. But if you want a rematch- take heart, the Bloodlit will keep this world safe for the day of your return." He laughs haughtily and his sister joins in from the sidelines.

"I will find a way back to your world - so we can continue this sport in earnest. This I swear!" says the fading giant.

Wesley frowns. He suggests, "We might could find you again eventually, I suppose?" He glances to the side at Nohrbor, quirking a brow at them.