Journey of the Elementals RP (Pm if Interested, Started)

[Mr. Omega]

Drew smiled at all of Fei's questions, happy to have something familiar to deal with after how the last few hours had gone. "This place is pretty interesting, all things considered. I don't think they'd be able to get a letter back home, Fei. But we can tell them all about it once we get back. It shouldn't take too long before we're able to head back." How am I going to explain this to the folks... He then tried to ask his next question as calmly as possible "Now you're sure that you're feeling alright after what happened? Then again I don't exactly feel that much worse after my own deal..." He turned away and started mumbling halfway through.

"So, you never did complete your thought. What did you do Drew? Might as well have a chat while we...well, wait for things to go." "Oh yeah. Never did actually finish up. Just made the exchange that changed..." However, he was interrupted by the arrival of Nydia.

"Good day to you all. It's a pleasure to see you all unharmed after our trials."
He replied to her bow with one of his own. "Hey, no need to try and impress us. You're among friends, no need to be so formal. And it's good to see you're ok as well." He fidgeted a bit in the elevator, checking to see if anyone else was on their way and moving back once Raven arrived. Fei's wings certainly weren't helping with space, and he nudged past the group once they reached the ground.

He noted the one Light mage from before standing before him. "Oh, hey... uh... you. Good to see ya."

 

[Mr.Ivebeenframed]

Cale was only able to get an apple before being told by the guards that their presence was needed at the armory. He bit down on the apple on his way there only realizing that this was the only food he had eaten in some time.

Always one thing after another... Cale thought as he was led into the elevator where a number of the mages were and probably back from the trials as well. He looked at them, wondering what they had traded to that shadow. He swore that the girl was younger and also didn't have wings either which meant she must have brokered a deal. Once again, Cale thought about what would have happened if he had made a deal himself. Nydia was also there and no doubt a bit bothered by his response to her shadow. He sighed and bit down on the apple once again.

"I wonder where they get their apples...." Cale thought aloud, savoring its sweet taste.

 

[Lambi]

Silvana woke up, and noticed her newfound shadow to still be standing guard over her. Didn't really seem like it had changed position. She'd been able to sleep somewhat soundly, and had managed to rest up, but it was still weird to have another figure in the room now, one that didn't seem so far to want to chat. "Well, I guess it's time to go, then. Wonder what the others are up to right now." She took a bit of time to brush her hair, as it had gone all over the place a bit while she slept. Then she left her room in search of the others, her shadow not far behind her.

It didn't take her long to find the others, especially with all the shadows she saw around them, who seemed to be ready to go. Seems I woke up at just the right time. She took a place near everyone, trying her best to ignore all the shadows she saw so she could watch the real figures behind the shadows.

 

[UnusualStranger]

Seth almost burst out laughing as Nydia stepped inside the elevator, cutting off Drew yet again, and also greeting them as they prepared to go down to their destination. He agreed with Drew that the formalities were a little much, but then was also familiar with her behavior, so simply gave his own small bow in response. At least some things stayed the same even after the trials.

Regardless, he could almost feel the...cooperation? General distaste? Whatever it was, he could feel it as everyone had patiently waited for the elevator to reach the floors they were supposed to go to. Even Alexander was there, which was an interesting thing in itself. He recalled that Alexander had been with the Prime Minister last he had checked, so he might have a plan...or at least had been informed of one.

As the elevator arrived, everyone quickly stepped out, spreading out to what seemed to be a makeshift collection of weapons, some odd armor looking things, and a few guards. It seemed that they were expected to arm up before entering, which Seth could appreciate. Though he was well prepared, the options for everyone else seemed to be a good one. Even looked like there were some bags of supplies or something. That would be even more handy, since he hadn't really given that kind of thought to this. As Cale spoke, Seth couldn't help but go for it.

"I would guess trees, Cale. But then, I can't exactly say that with complete confidence." Seth replied to the odd thought that Cale had, chuckling as he looked over the few things. "Then again, I frankly don't think I could say for certain where any of the food we just had came from. So, we have that going for us. I'm guessing we are all ready for this? Cause if not, it looks like we got a bit of a prep station here. Before we do...whatever it is we do. Right Alexander?"

Seth realized it was a bit of an assumption at this point, but figured that if anyone knew what the Prime Minister had planned, it would be the one who stuck with him. Hopefully.

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The guards regarded the mages for a moment, some seeming to judge them as they did so, making assumptions as they looked onward. The head guard from before, Aaron, stepped forward to greet the mages, giving a small wave as he did so. Putting down the few bits of papers he was looking over, he seemed intent on giving a bit of a tour of what they had, those his gaze paused when it swept over Fei. He recovered quickly though.

"Hello again, my good mages. It has been a while, but as you can imagine with the recent problems I've been a little...busy. So, here are some of the things that I figured you would be able to make use of. Crossbows, some light armors, and other such things. Feel free to look about...oh, and we have a small pack here as well, near the door. Has a few things for you all, such as a few rations, water if there isn't any over there, and just a couple of other survival things." Aaron explained, waving about to the other items as he did so.

"As soon as you are ready to get going, just...head on into the room. Prime Minister is waiting inside, and is probably a little anxious to get going."


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With everyone finally grouped together, all the Shadows were finally able to get a good look at each other as well. While Nydia's continued with the attitude of showing little trust towards the different shadows and the situation around them, the others seemed to be more along the lines of taking inventory on what they all looked like. Of course those with the most changes, specifically the Shadow of Alexander and Lilim. Though, oddly enough, not a word was spoken within the group, seeming to be some sort of silent agreement between them all. They did, however, seem to group based on some criteria. Alexander and Lilim grouping, Drew, Raven, Seth, Cale, and then Fei, Gabriel, Nydia.

Meanwhile, the door to the chamber remained open for now, inviting in some way the mages to enter once they were ready. To step through the portal that had appeared to confront and hopefully change what was happening on the other side to keep the storm from growing.

 

[blaze96]

"Alexander, and it is good to see you as well Drew." He said as Drew stepped off the elevator before being addressed by Seth.

"That is correct Seth. While you went into the trials, I spent time talking to scientists and a librarian trying to learn what would lie ahead. It is by no means pleasant in any sense of the word. Whatever is causing that storm to grow is connected to the portal. And the portal..."He very noticeably paused, trying to find the right words before finally settling on being blunt.

"...is connected to The Reaver, God of the Void. We have to go through the portal and stop whatever is causing the storm to grow, and the portal accepts only two people at a time. I've thought of an order based largely on what I was able to observe of all of you. With Seth and Cale going first to create a strong line of defense, followed by myself and Nydia to be able to act as support in whatever capacity is necessary, then Drew and Fei since you two seem to not really want to get separated. This would then create enough confusion in any defenders that might be there for Raven and Phebe to take full advantage, and then lastly Gabriel and Silvana because I have been able to observe little of the two of you making you wild cards I can't really fit anywhere else." He gave the plan a little time to sink in before continuing.

"Now this, of course, assume that there are defenders and we aren't just going to walk into a field of wild flowers or something. However I'd prefer to plan on heavy resistance, and so I want to know all of your opinions on this plan." He finished.

 

[Lambi]

It only seemed fair to Silvana that she'd be placed last. She didn't know much about them, they didn't know much about her, so she wasn't exactly going to demand to be put in first. It did sting a little, though, to be put last because she knew how powerful she was, and had been given more power thanks to the trials. But she wouldn't complain.

"The placements sound alright to me." she said, her shadow obviously didn't agree with her as it stood there with arms crossed and lightly shook its head. "Being last also means I could give support from afar with some tricks I know, along with my various magic attacks if needed."

 

[Mr. Omega]

"Sounds about the closest I can think of to an optimal plan. Some things have changed between when you last saw us and now, but based on what I've seen, I wouldn't change the order." Drew said, running a few scenarios through his head. With his new abilities, he'd make a decent enough second wave of attack, but he was still unsure of most of the people who would be following him. "So I trust that all that time you spent in the library you cooked up a way to stop the storms? I know we're dealing with forces beyond normality, I've seen plenty of that in the trials, but I don't want us going in completely blind."

 

[UnusualStranger]

"Well, that sounds...a little ominous. Possibly going to the realm of a god and all. But, the plans sound solid to me, and I have no problem stepping in first. Just don't complain if there is nothing left if I have to do some work." Seth said with a small smirk. "Besides, sounds like you have this all plotted out properly anyways. Just a quick thought with Drew's...any idea what lies on the other side? Can I be expected to meet the god right away?"

Seth was happy with his spot, though moving forward with Cale was going to be interesting. He knew the man could fight, and that was good enough usually, but moving into something unexpected like this had a lot to be desired. Still, the stone walls might prove handy, and he did have to admit that he couldn't stop everything if they were facing a lot.

"Course, I don't mind if you don't know. Adds to the excitement, right?" Seth let a little bit of fire dance around his hand, happy that he might have another chance to let his flames fly. Hopefully on a wide scale.

 

[NeoAC]

The appearance of the other member of the Light Brigade was met with derision, but at least it appeared all his sucking up to the higher ups had paid off. As he described what exactly was supposed to be on the other side of the portal, it was proving to be as daunting as Raven thought. A god. So we're going to kill a god. Hey, that's great. Sounds definitely possible.

Not only did he have the info, the mage apparently had a battle plan as well, but as it got laid out, Raven grew cold to those details as well. Why should Seth have to go first? We don't know if everything you've said is true! You could be sending him in for a certain death!....and Cale too I suppose. Still there has got to be a better method. How do you know that it's only two at a time!

The questions were quelled when Seth spoke out in favor of the proposal. He seemed excited to be sent in to face whatever lay on the other side of the vortex. Oh Seth. You crazy bastard. I can't believe you're not even frightened in the face of this.

"I guess I can go along with this attack arrangement," she finally spoke. "If somehow there is something left other than scorched earth when myself and Phebe go through, I'm sure we can choke the lifeforce out of it. Even if it is Death himself. It's about time I gained dominion over him." If Seth can still be brave and cocky, then so can I. As long as he's still standing on the other side when I get there, we'll be fine.

 

[CounterAttack]

Me? A wild card? Please. There's nothing I can do that anyone else here can do better.

To avoid immediately speaking his mind, and thus throwing the rather harsh-sounding thought to the wolves, Gabriel approached the rack of crossbows. It couldn't hurt to try his hand at one of these again... with luck, anything hostile on the other side would move slower than those dragons from the airship conflict. The armour, however, he wasn't entirely sure about, so he skipped taking a set for himself. With the weapon in hand and a pack of the rations and survival things that Aaron had mentioned, he rejoined the group, using the time it took to do so to think over the situation and consider the commentary from the others.

So... we're going through there. The place I dreamed about that one time. Does that dream still hold relevance, or is it unimportant now that we all know what we're up against?

"I, er, have some questions," he piped up after a pause to gather other thoughts. "Um... is there a guarantee we'll all meet up on the other side? Is it even possible to get back once we're over there? Does the Reaver even allow such things? Does anyone know if it's hostile, or just as mystified by the portal and the storms as I am?"

 

[blaze96]

"I have told you all that I can say I know for sure. I don't know how to stop it, and I can't guarantee anything on the other side or that returning is possible. In fact all evidence would suggest it may very well not be, or that if it is then anyone who has gone through has met their end. I wish I could share in the confidence that Seth and Raven seem to show, but instead I will have to settle for the fact I have to try. The storm is expanding even more rapidly than before, and if something isn't done soon then everything we have ever known and cared about will be gone.

I can't force any of you to go through and I won't try to. All I can say is, even though I don't know what I can do or what I will face, I do know I have to try something. So I'm going through the portal because it is the only chance everybody has got." Alexander replied solemnly. It was honestly the best response he could think of. It wasn't some lie that everything was known and all would be ok. In fact he hated the prospect of going through, but at this point he honestly had nothing else. He just hoped he had possibly convinced the others to at the very least follow him and what appeared to be Seth and Raven.

 

[Fragrance of Mtn Dew]

Nydia listened intently as Alexander explained the situation and his plan for entering the portal, putting aside her concerns about her shadow's new behavior for the time being. The news that the Reaver awaited them on the other side of the portal and that two of the people she held dearest would be the first to enter such a dangerous place had her very worried. They had already faced incredible peril in the trials but now they were possibly on their way to battle a god?

And yet she would be following soon after to back them up. She still had not tested the extent of her new powers yet she could feel she was much more up to this task than before. Seth seemed confident in his abilities as well, almost excited even to be going in first. If he wasn't worried than Nydia resolved to not worry as well. "This arrangement is perfectly acceptable to me. By your logic, this is how I would prefer it actually. On my honor, I swear I shall do my best to see us all safely through this." She said with a smile. She felt the others may not be quite as confident and she wanted to help raise their spirits in any way she could.

 

[UnusualStranger]

"With a fate like that, how can we refuse?" Seth replied, looking over the weapons one more time before deciding that none of it would be better than what he already had. It was a grim situation, and he knew that it might be a very quick trip if when they went to the other side they were greeted by...well, most things. However, Seth wasn't about to back down from something like this, especially when he had already come all this way.

"Once in a lifetime situation, right? I'll be...well, guess I'll be waiting for when everyone else is ready to start going. In the meantime, guess I'll go wait by the door. So second you all get what you feel is the best equipment for the job, I'll take the first step into the world and...well, do what I can." With a chuckle he couldn't suppress due to the formality that still Nydia wore like her cloak, Seth gave a small bow. "And I would expect nothing less of you, Lady Nydia. Just don't be disappointed if there is nothing to do, as I imagine Cale can clean up anything I miss."

Making good on what he said, he stepped over to the doors, and peered inside. The portal still looked unsettling, and the statues didn't look quite like he had remembered them. However, he had nothing to fear yet, so there was no reason to be uneasy now. For a moment, he was almost certain that Raven would have said something about him going first. But, her agreement made him smile. Confidence in him was something that he could appreciate at this point, especially from her.

Seth made a small note of the Prime Minister as he stepped away, waving to his guards, he guessed. He still wasn't sure about the fellow, and had not been with him enough to really make any kind of judgement about him. But at the same time, if his information was correct, Seth couldn't really care. They had something that needed to be done, and this...king, was the best way Seth could see him, was of little consequence at this point.

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The Prime Minister smiled from the doorway as he listened to Alexander. A leader, even if he felt that the one first to agree was more made for the job. He had read the reports well, and knew that while it was possible for Seth to lead, he figured the odd Pyromancer would be better suited to be supportive rather than leading. But in any case, he had a job to do, and also had to make sure that the portal was secure. At least on their end.

He gave a small signal to his metallic guards. They would stand by him if things got out of hand here. Most likely the end if things followed the mages back through the portal. Which he could hope was not the case, but he did not get this far on hope. He got this far by doing everything in his power to be ready, and at this point he had to be ready for the mages to go through...And to throw in a few things after them.

"A small base camp at the entrance would do nicely....even if they could not take it with them." The Prime Minister muttered, tapping one of the metal soldiers on the shoulder, who went about to gather the necessary supplies.

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As the small commune of the shadows seemed to end, there seemed to have been some...disagreement, if one could call it that. Seth, Raven, Fei, and Drew's shadows all seemed to have gotten into opposing something, while Alexander, Nydia, and Lilim seemed to stand on the other side. Gabriel and Cale's shadows seemed to be largely playing some kind of peacekeepers at this point, or at least keeping largely out of the gazes of the two opposing groups. Oddly enough, Silvana's ghost seemed to spark a passing interest in the fight, but only slightly as she continued to linger close to her mirror for now.

For the moment, it seemed that Alexander, Nydia, and Lilim had decided against further discussion, and stepped back towards their respective people, with the other shadows upon noting this doing the same. Seth shared a look with his shadow, but both didn't seem to acknowledge the event at all.

 

[SkyeNeko]

[small]"So there's not going to be any flowers inside the portal?"[/small] All Fei carried was one of the supply bags. She didn't want to lose anything she had brought from the Academy, so that was packed up under her bed. She was happy she'd be going with Drew though, at least. Even if there weren't any flowers. Maybe they could grow some. Maybe the Rock guy could help make flowers. Could they make seeds? Then she could just water them. Then there would be wild flowers. She rubbed her hands together in glee. She'd ask him when they got through the portal. It wasn't going to be too hard.

 

[Mr.Ivebeenframed]

Cale gave a sigh as he looked on at the portal. Once again they were go undertake another task but Cale felt at odds at about it. When he told the great spirit that he looked only for adventure he had a different interpretations of what said adventure would be. He didn't want to go back on what he was saying but he only looked at the bad things so far, making him cynical of everything.

No.. I must do this. Cale thought to himself. Its true that this might not be the adventure he was looking for but the Prime Minister needed them including Cale. He might not have to enjoy it but perhaps it is knowing that it needs to be done is all Cale really needed. He wrung his wrists, anxious of what is in store for him next. He wasn't anxious if he could complete the task, that much he had faith in. He was anxious of whether or not he would make the right choices. Cale's sense of regret struck him again but he looked to his shadow compared to the other shadows. The changes weren't cosmetic but he felt like they were different compared to his. Cale gave a quick nod to his shadow and his shadow happily responded.

With that, Cale followed the others once more.

 

[UnusualStranger]

As Seth stood at the doorway, he noted that Cale had stepped after him to get ready to go forward. As the others seemed to gather what they were looking for, Seth regarded the portal in its entirety. The thing was...unsettling. Seth couldn't claim he had fought ghosts, but he imagined that this would be kind of like walking through one. Yeah, thats a thought Seth. Walking through ghosts. Lost my damned mind and I haven't even stepped through this thing yet.

"...Ready Cale? I'd rather make sure that I have someone to watch my back when I stepped through this...thing." Seth asked, standing before the strange doorway. "So...be ready with those stones of yours, because we are not going to be taking too many from here."

Taking a quick glance behind them, he noted everyone else. They would be depending on them, so he had to make sure that it was a smooth entrance. Make sure this plan of Alexander's went off without a problem. With a small grin at Fei and Raven as he glanced over them, he brought his attention back to the shimmering portal.

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As the shadows drifted back to their similar individuals, Alexander's was apparently the most annoyed, and spoke with him directly. "The damned....fools. Can you believe the others? Damned fools most of them. They would rather stand by and support those who they work with. They have no idea what could come of the situation, or what they might do! Could blow up in their damned faces." The shadow paused, realizing he might have been venting a bit too much and bowed.

"Apologies, Alexander...but I would rather not risk anything that I do not have to. And those other shadows would rather stay with those who they are like. Do not misunderstand, it is just...I would rather not stay here for all time."

Lilim had made her way back to Phebe and gave a small shrug to the girl, obviously not all that involved or interested in what had been going on before. She did, however, have her own small trinket to give.

"Can we be trusted? Is there something that I am aware of, or not aware of?"

 

[blaze96]

"No, I understand. Or at least I think I do. You have a personality and will of your own, even if it is possibly my own in the future. In any case however, that will has its own expression and I'm guessing you would rather not follow me into something blindly when it has a chance of destroying you. Again I'm merely guessing, I didn't exactly hear the fight. But my guess would be that you would perhaps rather not follow me into the portal.

If that is true I'm perfectly fine with that. You have free will no matter how you came into being, and the fact you have such a will is enough that I would respect any decision you come to. So far as I am concerned anything I had said to my fellow mages would be extended to anything that would or could follow me into said portal.

And if I perhaps misunderstand and it is some other separation you are talking about then my words stand. So far as I am concerned, I am not your master anymore than you are mine. While we may share a distinct connection we are not beholden to each other, we are in the end two entities capable of making our own decisions." Alexander replied, still clearly confused as to what specifically his shadow was talking about but thinking on some level he understood.

"Though if I am yet still wrong I still respect any decision you have come to even if I do not understand exactly what you mean. For now though I know the portal is something I must enter. If only for the sake of others." He said as he walked into the room containing the portal with the others.

 

[Fragrance of Mtn Dew]

Seth's confidence helped to reassure Nydia, though she highly doubted things would be sorted out so easily, it was a pleasant thought. Seth had the strength to back up his boasts though, and Nydia felt she now had the strength to at least back him up. Cale seemed much less confident however. Not that she could blame him. Their task was daunting and she wasn't sure what words, if any, would be of comfort to him.

Instead she simply followed the two into the room containing the portal. She had to be prepared to follow after them after they entered and support them as best she could. As she waited, her shadow returned to her side. Nydia had noted the gathering of the shadows, and that they seemed to almost be arguing about something though she couldn't begin to imagine what. That her shadow was not getting along with the others was a bit of a concern to Nydia. Was this too a result of her deal? "And what was that all about? It did not look very pleasant." Nydia inquired of her shadow quietly, though she knew better to expect a verbal answer at this point. But any sort of clue was better than nothing.

 

[Mr.Ivebeenframed]

"So...be ready with those stones of yours, because we are not going to be taking too many from here."

"If my childhood fairy tales serve right, maybe you could shine some light on them." Cale said trying to break the nervousness with some humor. Something that served him when he had a chance or otherwise blow up in his face. "But no doubt, I will support you. I give you my word, no matter what you think of that either."

Cale readied himself, remembering back to the days when Master Hoch would give them exams on their powers. Cale was very much worried by them as they often meant to him that he had not trained hard enough but it was Hoch himself that told Cale to have faith in his skills as a Mage. So now, Cale looked back at Hoch's meaningful words and brought confidence in himself along with the powers that would help with the task at hand.

 

[UnusualStranger]

"I give you my word, no matter what you think of that either."

Seth turned to give Cale a bit of a look over when he said that. Checking his sword one more time, and looking at the doorway they were about to pass through, he couldn't help but give what could possibly be his last laugh.

What a strange thing to say. But its a little late at this point!

"Lets go, Cale. No better way to prove one is ready than to jump into the darkness. See you on the other side everyone!" Seth said, and just like that, jumped through the portal.

It was strange at first. A feeling of absolute...difference. Like it wasn't him that was jumping through the portal, it was someone else. A king in one instance, a thief in the next, a shadow in another, and then a dozen more. It wasn't until he felt the hard earth meet him as he landed as he suddenly realized he was still himself. That was the only thing that really got him back though, as it was absolutely dark in....whatever they were in, if they were in anything.

"Cale...? Ya there?" Seth muttered, ultimately preferring to stay quiet as he created some flames standing up. Portal was a little bit...higher than he would figure it to be. He was slightly surprised that the damned thing didn't give off any light, but then a lot of things were probably going to be doing that in this world.

Looking around, he noted that there was movement outside of the light that he was making. A lot of movement that he didn't really appreciate, but wouldn't dare move from the portal till everyone was through. Drawing his blade, he ignited it himself in fire and began to step around the portal, letting the flames trail behind him. It was more of a show than a deterrent, but sometimes showing you were dangerous was enough. And the extra bit of light could always help. As he stepped, he found that they were actually surrounded by a bunch of flowers, which was even odder when they seemed to grow a bit bigger when the light reached them.

Damned things better not come alive. Not in the mood for burning the first bit of beauty that I run into around here.

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The shadow Alexander gave a small sigh as he looked over at the portal as Cale and Seth stepped through. "I wish it truly were that simple, my good Alexander. There is much I would like to do with this new found life, and I would rather not....see it wasted. Of course, I would rather not see you waste your life either. Just...well, I likely won't be able to advise when something happens, so just think clearly."

The shadow seemed slightly off from his usual speak, as if half of it was from memory, and the other half from frustration from the argument with the others. After it was clear that the two starting mages were not simply coming back, he sighed.

"I guess that means it is time for us to go. Just keep in mind the strange god doesn't much care for...well, anything natural. The other side is his for a reason, and we are likely not going to get a warm reception..."