[Hero-IC] Guybrush Threepwood says, "...So much for dancing tonight. You guys want me to give a play by play?"
[Hero-IC] Solid Snake says, "Fourth? Wait. How many ARE there? The ancient one, the old one, the current one...?"
[Hero-IC] Yuko Ahso says, "What's going on Mister Threepwood?"
[Hero-IC] Ness says, "I think there's an evil one."
[Hero-IC] Guybrush Threepwood says, "Link and Meis just meet up... I think Meis met Link's left hand"
[Hero-IC] The Guardian says, "Is that good or bad?"
[Hero-IC] Flonne says, "..."
[Hero-IC] Link doesn't say anything, but that hand meeting thing is heard...And it sounds like Meis just got hit by a bus...A double decker bus. WHAM.
[Hero-IC] Yuko Ahso says, "Oh my gosh..."
[Hero-IC] Station says, "Aw crap."
[Hero-IC] Station says, "Where are y'all?"
[Hero-IC] Solid Snake says, "...I think someone needs to handle that."
[Hero-IC] Guybrush Threepwood says, "You guys want me to ...try and break it up?"
[Hero-IC] Guybrush Threepwood says, "Dance Dance Club"
[Hero-IC] Flonne says, "Where's that?"
[Hero-IC] Link says, "ENDANGER MY HOME WILL YOU?! RAAAAAAAH!" ...Yep, he's on a Triforce of Power rampage. Maybe he WASN'T tbe best candidate. n.n;
[Hero-IC] Meis Triumph grunts. "....I have it.... under control!"
[Hero-IC] Station swears under his breath, in Spanish.
[Hero-IC] David Burton says, "...Uh, Meis? Run. Now."
[Hero-IC] David Burton says, "...Because I think I know what's going on, and if my theory's right..."
[Hero-IC] Adol Christian says, "This is certainly not good. Link, get a grip on yourself."
[Hero-IC] David Burton says, "...Link needs to be subdued, fast."
[Hero-IC] Gaignun Kukai Jr. says, "Link. Buddy. Calm down. Now."
[Hero-IC] Adol Christian says, "Shall I head over to assist?"
[Hero-IC] Flonne takes in a deep breath, and says, "LINK!"
[Hero-IC] Solid Snake says, "I've got tranquilizers. It can drop a elephant. I'll dispatch if you need it."
[Hero-IC] Yuko Ahso says, "I'll be there soon..."
[Hero-IC] Flonne says, "I'm coming too. It's all my fault..."
[Hero-IC] Solid Snake says, "So want me to assist?"
[Hero-IC] Link does seem to regain his sanity, at least for a moment! "...Can't...Control it...Power...Overwhelm-AUGH!"
[Hero-IC] Station says, "Snake, if y'can, do. He's not--himself, I don' think."
[Hero-IC] Adol Christian says, "There's no need to place any blame on yourself, Flonne. Let's just get this taken care of right now, then worry about everything else."
[Hero-IC] Solid Snake says, "Alright. En route."
[Hero-IC] Flonne says, "It is my fault..."
[Hero-IC] Station says, "Nah, it's not, Flonne."
[Hero-IC] Adol Christian says, "I'll say it again, Flonne. Let's not worry about this now. We need to keep our focus on the current situation, rather than figure out why and what has happened."
[Hero-IC] Station says, "If it's anyone's fault, it's mine. I had several chances t'stop this, and I trusted him a little two far. So don't get down on yourself. Let's just get Link t'calm down."
[Hero-IC] Flonne says, "o-okay..."
[Hero-IC] The Guardian says, "Tranquilizer darts."
[Hero-IC] Solid Snake says, "I'll be there in five. *ka-click*"
[Hero-IC] Meis Triumph says, "...Guys, guys... Calm down.... While his blows are really powerful, I can take a few. Maybe things will just resolve themselves if we try teh peaceful way."
[Hero-IC] Ky Kiske says, "Ky Kiske present. What news?"
[Hero-IC] The Guardian says, "Not a ... /great/ deal."
[Hero-IC] Ky Kiske says, "...But?"
[Hero-IC] Link says, "...Holy sh..." Link seems to be a bit calmer! "...oh, right...This thing.""
[Hero-IC] Station clears his throat.
[Hero-IC] Station says, "Link...I'm gonna recommend you turn that thing back in."
[Hero-IC] Solid Snake says, "Don't know your own strength, eh?"
[Hero-IC] Link says, "...I'm gonna agree Station...Geeze..."
[Hero-IC] Flonne lets out a relieved breath.
[Hero-IC] Link says, "...I didn't mean to hit Meis THAT hard...I was mad, but...Damn, I just wanted to knock some sense into him...Not THAT much..."
[Hero-IC] Flonne says, "Are you okay, Mister Meis?"
[Hero-IC] Link says, "...Letting my anger get the best of me was one thing...Not even caring how dangerous it would be considering...Ugh...Now I feel terrible..."
[Hero-IC] Billy Lee Black says, "You should pray."
[Hero-IC] Meis Triumph says, "...Been better, but I'll live. If you want to make me feel better, Triumph research has shown that kisses from ladies help heal boo-boos. And cookies and milk too."
[Hero-IC] Ky Kiske says, "..."
[Hero-IC] Link says, "...Would a healing spell work?"
[Hero-IC] Adol Christian coughs.
[Hero-IC] Ness says, "I put some cookies in the common room a while ago."
[Hero-IC] Flonne says, "Well, okay."
[Hero-IC] Flonne says, "I can get some milk."
[Hero-IC] Meis Triumph says, "...No worries, you've done enough. Just take it easy... The milk and cookies will be fine."
[Hero-IC] Flonne says, "Okay.."
[Hero-IC] Link says, "Station? Just get down here pronto. And get this thing out of me."
[Hero-IC] Lady A says, "He's busy. I can do it."
[Hero-IC] Link says, "Thank the Goddesses all I did was throw a punch..."
You head for Dance Dance Club.
Dance Dance Club
The hottest dance club in Videoland, music is always pumping here, lights and music drowning out all but the closest or the loudest conversations. The floor, the walls, and even the ceiling pulses with strobing lights and video monitors, and depending on who's there, many kinds of music can be heard, but no matter what's playing, people are dancing: alone, in groups, and in intense dance competitions under the spotlight. If you're here, people expect you to bust a move.
Contents:
Link [Link]
Meis Triumph [Normal]
Guybrush Threepwood
Bust-A-Groove Machine
Obvious exits:
[O]ut leads to Downtown.
[Hero-IC] Flonne says, "Thanks Miss A."
[Hero-IC] Link says, "...Honestly though? I think this thing shouldn't be going to someone else...It should be sealed up somewhere until we get the last piece..."
[Hero-IC] Meis Triumph says, "....Perhaps we should give it to Zelda. From what I hear, she doesn't leave Hyrule that often. That would be close, right?"
[Hero-IC] Link says, "...Problem is, if she gets kidnapped..."
[Hero-IC] Meis Triumph says, "...True."
[Hero-IC] Link says, "Which, well...Unfortunately can happen easily, due to her being a Princess..."
[Hero-IC] Guybrush Threepwood says, "I could always take it. No one would /ever/ suspect me having it. And I'm already at the Club."
Meis Triumph just shrugs. "You've been given me grief for some time. You catch more flies with honey isn't of viniger. Just ask, sheesh." He is a tad annoyed... That is for sure. But considering the situation, it might be understandable as to why.
[Hero-IC] Link says, "...I still say a vault. Where did we store Soul Edge before it got taken back?"
Lady A looks like she's far too serious of a person to be walking into the dance club. Maybe on better terms...but today, this is business, and her pace is march-steady. She's heading right for Link, and the crowd is willing to part for her.
"...Lady A, just promise me this thing will be kept safe from EVIL...And anyone else who might be prone to anger..." Link already has his hand out, he wants the Triforce of Power gone before he really does hurt someone with it...
"Lady A! You want to get down and fre- Oh yeah, your Dreamcaster's girl and he got all bend out of shape when I asked him if I could take you out. Never mind." Meis lowers his head and gives a pouty face like a five year old. Well, no one said Meis was mature.
Lady A reaches out toward Link, with her non-paddle hand, fingers extended. She gives Meis a glance, and, then, shakes her head.... well, now was not the time for this. She looks Link in the eye, and asks, "Now how do I take this away?"
"...Get ready for a rush." Link holds out his hand. oO(...Triforce of Power...I am obviously not the suitable owner for you...Go with her, and seek out another...) With that wish made...The Triforce of Power appears between the two, the mark on Link's hand fading... "...Touch it, and make your wish. Then it shall become yours. Just...Be careful with it."
[Hero-IC] Station points out quietly, "Dual can teleport into a vault. An', presumably, anywhere else we put it."
[Z-Palace-GM] Station sighs. "I shouldn' have trusted him with it, not...augh."
[Hero-IC] Guybrush Threepwood says, "Not good, in other words."
[Hero-IC] The Guardian says, "We can guard it, though. Or destroy it. *quickly* I'm just advancing ideas don't yell at me too hard!"
[Hero-IC] Guybrush Threepwood says, "Heh. I wasn't gonna yell"
Lady A glances down at Link's hand...and then looks up skeptically. She really doesn't want this one. But, if she has to carry it... She looks back into his eyes. "I won't hold it long. I don't really want it."
"...Either way, you can't carry it. You have to accept it into yourself...It's the only safe way to transport it without anyone knowing you have it until we figure out what we can do with it." Is all Link can say in response.
[Hero-IC] Captain N says, "... Bring it to me."
[Hero-IC] Link says, "It's too dangerous...I mean, I got angry, I forgot what kind of strength I had, and look what happened..."
[Hero-IC] Cody says, "I was actually gonna go after the other one...the Courage one, I got beat to the punch already. The Power one...I dunno, sounds like a dangerous one."
[Hero-IC] Lady A says, "I'm going to take it for now, Captain."
[Hero-IC] Captain N says, "Good."
Guybrush Threepwood chuckles at Meis. "YOu remind me of me when I was a kid..." He chuckles, reminising a bit as he yawns.
Meis Triumph looks to Guybrush for a long second. First to his face, then to his threads. He repeats that a few times before offering a meek, "....Don't say things like that... A kid my age needs lots of encouragement. No offense."
"Very well." Lita isn't happy about having to do this. It's not something she wanted to rely on... it's not something she wanted to use. She hopes this won't last...more than a few hours, until the Triforce can be locked away. But, while she was trying... she might as well make a wish. She closes her eyes, and touches the side of the Triforce.
Red light touches her fingertip...then, envelops her in a ribbon, surging up her extended arm. Light touches against her face, and kicks up the air, pulling her hair back around her head into a wave of rippling red fire. Her eyes open, and flash red, for just a moment, then, fade back to their usual green, as the light disintegrates. Everything falls quiet again.
Link gave you Triforce of Power.
Triforce of Power
One of the Triforce. This piece enhances the power of the wielder, allowing him to use Din's strength to keep going when all else seems lost. (Game effect... you can smash on two consecutive attacks, and stun/smash. Try to keep this to once or twice a fight. You are also now weak to Silver Arrows and Arrows of Light. Sorry.)
Guybrush Threepwood blinks. That was some show... and he chuckles to Meis as he takes out a his wallet. "See this hot little number?" He shows him a picture of Elaine.
"...You alright?" Link asks, after Lita takes the Triforce of Power.
Meis Triumph hrmms to Guy after staring at the show. He needs to get him a Triforce of Power sometime. Best look at the supermarket next time he goes. "Yeah, what about her?" he offers, hmming at the photo.
Guybrush Threepwood gives a cool smile. "That would be my wife."
Lady A sounds totally calm, and totally reserved. Other than the symbol on her hand, nothing is changed about her. "I am fine."
Link says, "...Oh, and just some advice? Put on some gloves."
Lady A raises a brow at Link... and then, she nods. "Like I said. I won't hold it long. Someone needs to retrieve Wisdom...and we can seal them up." She looks down at her hand...and shrugs. "Thank you. I'll take care of it."
"You sure are." Of course, Meis said that as Lady A gave the 'I am fine'. Looks like Meis is a swift learner of lingo when it comes to his craft. Hrmming to the picture, he tries to figure it out. "She's really attractive... You are... Um, you. That means, you are either really heroic, really lucky, or she is one of those girls that seem all nice until you are married and then you are like, 'please, please, not the eyes!'." Meis pauses a moment. "Obviously, I don't know the last from first hand expierence."
Guybrush Threepwood gives a chuckle. "Truthfully, a little of all three... but mostly because we love each other kid. Saving her life a couple of times helped too..." He puts the wallet back. "I just gotta make sure never to kill her plants again..."
[Hero-IC] Wingnut says, "Battery charged. All systems nominal. Greetings."
[Hero-IC] Link says, "...And...Everyone, I'm really sorry for messing up like that..."
[Hero-IC] The Guardian says, "We all have bad days, Link."
Lady A clenches her fist... a few times.... just trying to see if she feels any different, at all from this.
One thing's for sure. She's not the type to use this power for evil.
Is she?
Meis Triumph just hrmms at Guybrush. "I know how that is... Kinda." Putting his arms hind his head, Meis just sighs. "Where is my milk and cookies. I got gyped."
Guybrush Threepwood nods. "They don't have grog here... I feel slightly gyped myself." He streatches. "Well, I'm going for the High Score. Anyone up to facing me?"
Lady A turns around quickly, putting her back to Link. "Take some time to recover," she says. "You probably need it."
Meis Triumph looks over to Lady A, then to Guybrush. Then to Lady A again. "Could always ask her. If you do, I'll give you a couple of bucks," he offers to the powerful pirate.
Guybrush Threepwood laughs. "Yeah. Right kid. If I wanted a high powered slap, I got a wife back home." He heads to the Bust-a-Goove machine, and puts a quarter in...
Guybrush Threepwood fails to impress the audience with his lack of disco dancing skill.
Link is now helping to fix the door he broke on his way in...Not doing much else aside that...Oh, and sulking, even tho Kev said not to.
The Guardian arrives from Downtown.
The Guardian has arrived.
Lady A looks carefully at Link...checking to make sure he's all right. She hopes that he didn't seem too drained from all of this. It might have taken a lot out of him... She doesn't feel particularly different however, as of yet.
Cless Alvein arrives from Downtown.
Cless Alvein has arrived.
Gaignun Kukai Sr. arrives from Downtown.
Gaignun Kukai Sr. has arrived.
Lady A has a seat at one of the tables. She decides it might not be best for her to leave right away. Although it's typical for her to wander off to parts unknown immediately after doing her job, a moment to sit might benefit her some. The loud music washes over her ears. Considering how well she adapts to new situations, there are few places that can be considered 'not her scene,' but this is close.
Cless Alvein walks into the dance club on nothing short of a whim. The loud, pulsing music causes him to immediately wince and draw a quick mental conclusion: that is not music. The young man shivers a bit and glances around, about to start out -- until he spots a few of his acquaintances. He forces a smile and walks further into the club.
The Guardian had been wandering herself. And in her /civilian gear/, too. The Landers can complain about being squashed all that they like, but darn it, she doesn't always want to have a big old beetle shell. When she comes into the club, though, she winces visibly for a moment. Then her ears adapt. Problem solved!
Evil Otto arrives from Downtown.
Evil Otto has arrived.
Meis Triumph merely moves over to Lady A. For once, he is seemingly not looking like he is trying to hit on her. At least not on purpose anyway. "Hey... Why aren't you 'Busting a groove'? I heard you Gamemasters were good with all the reflexive stuff. Nerves of steel and all. And if you are worried about dancing poorly..." He pauses to look at Guybrush for a moment, then hears the unimpressed audience. "..Don't be."
"...I think I'm gonna hit the grill now, see ya guys." And with that, Link walks off to get some food, a drink, and maybe his mind off this mess.
Link heads towards Downtown.
Link has left.
Cless Alvein glances over at the Guardian as she enters. He barely recognizes her, of course -- the only time he had seen her before, she was in full battle gear. After a few moments, recognition sets in, and the swordsman (though without armor and in a simple shirt and trousers) blinks a few times. "Miss Guardian?"
Lady A looks at Meis with a sudden glance. The movement of her eyes is almost robotic, it's so swift. "Oh. You and I still need to search for a warp. Don't we?" She changes the subject entirely. But, as she does so, she reaches over to her right arm, and starts to unfasten the weapon she's still wearing attached there.
Gaignun Kukai Sr. walks in at the trailing end of a stream of people. He's spent the day taking in the sights. Not aimlessly, but he also has a hard time considering this work, exactly. He doesn't seem bothered by the music, regardless of it's volume. He skirts the dance floor and finds himself a small, unoccupied table. After a few moments of looking around and actually managing to find a melody over all the throbbing bass, his posture even becomes relaxed.
David Burton arrives from Downtown.
David Burton has arrived.
The Guardian says, perkily, "Hello!" to Cless. And... then she starts to make her way over to Lady A, almost magnetically. Why? Because Lady A is her /superior officer/. As well as having the keys to the beer cabinet in the Palace. "Hello, ma'am!" she calls, just a bit more loudly than she needs to. She's edited the decibel level of local sound and this is, unfortunately, a temporary artifact.
Well, there's a faint roar of engines outside, faint because of all the music being played in the club, but anyone who can see outside will notice a ship that just parked. "...Eh, some unwinding would help me anyway." Says the pilot of the Vic Viper as he enters the club. His eyes quickly find some of the Palace's affiliates, who he waves to. "Hey guys! It's me, David!" Well, not many people have seen David outside of his ship before, so...
Evil Otto bounces in through the wall, smiling happily. Meandering into the club, he waits for his Automazeons to arrive... they have to use the more pedestrian entrance.
Dreamcaster arrives from Downtown.
Dreamcaster has arrived.
Cless Alvein chuckles a bit at the Guardian, and then walks in and glances around the room. The young man stops near the table with Lady A, Meis, and the Guardian. He waves to them, a little shyly, and then glances around the room. The noise is still bothering him, though a slight melody is starting to get to his ears. It just might be catchy. "Uh, hi," he says. "How's everyone doing?"
Lady A nods to The Guardian. She hasn't quite seen Otto yet, with all the flashing lights, which is probably a good thing for both of them. "I'm ...doing fine," she says, with a glance at Cless. Probably a bit better than that, but, for now, just fine.
"Well, I've waited a bit, Lady A... I figure I can wait a bit more. Just as long as you explain to Sodina that it wasn't entirely my fault for not returning for awhile. Whenever works for you." He pauses as he notices The Guardian. If Meis' brain was a cheesy robot out of the 1950's it would go something like this.
CONVERSATION WITH WOMAN GOING NICELY. ATTRACTIVENESS HIGH. WARNING: DREAMCASTER STILL DATING HER. DANGER LEVEL HIGH. NEW PROSPECT SIGHTED. NAME? UNKNOWN. PROCEED WITH RECON.
Beaming a warm smile, he offers to Guardian, "I can't say I've had the honor of meeting you before."
The Guardian reaches into her jacket pocket and takes out something...! An action figure. Which is surrendered unto Lady A. (It's one /of/ Lady A, so it's understandable.) "Here! Finally. Don't lose the little accessories!" And then Meis is talking to her. WARNING: MALE MEMBER OF HUMAN RACE APPROACHING. KILL PROTOCOL SUSPENDED. "Same here," she says in her perpetually-chipper tone. She sticks out a hand! "I'm the Guardian!"
David makes his way through the crowds, and towards the group of Palace allies. "Hey...Oh...Lady A, right?" He says to Lita. "...Sorry about the mines...You wanna take a slug at me or something...Go right ahead." And with that, he waits for either her acknowledgement via words or a fist...Hopefully the first!
Meanwhile, Gaignun couldn't listen in on the conversation at the nearby table even if he wanted to, though he does look over each of the people gathered there calmly and casually. At least, until something knocks a hole in one of the walls. Gaigun watches, mainly to be sure it isn't headed his way.
Station arrives from Downtown.
Station has arrived.
Cless Alvein gives a glance at the Guardian and Meis, and then settles his gaze on the latter. He grins and winks from behind the Guardian for the moment at the Spirit Blacksmith, before looking back at Lady A. He is a little surprised to hear her identity, but manages to have a less obvious reaction than he did to Station: just a brief wide-eyed stare, before he nods to her. He opts for not interrupting, and instead listening.
That music /is/ kind of catchy...
*Ting!* "Seeeeegaaaaa o/~"
Amazing how Dreamcaster's managed to get nearly every door to most major establishments in SimCity to do that as he arrives, provided it's not something he does on his own. Not surprising either way, Shaun spends enough time here in his off time practicing anyway. Just a tad obsessed about missing the last tournament, and then furthermore, finding out Bogen won. As he marches through the club, he slips out of his overshirt and tosses it aside, right into the waiting arms of his trusty platonic friend slash little sister Emi. Who, is now on a rabid interception course, mouth already ablaze with adolescent gossiping.
"Ooh, hey, DeeCee! Guess what /I/ heard," the young girl says, her face covered in glitter.
"What's that, little one?" Shaun says in reply, an amused smirk on his face, he'll never get tired of high school drama.
"I heard /you/ aren't on the market anymore, and I thought you promised you'd wait for me," she mock pouts, having no intention of ever giving Shaun the time of day even if he tried.
Shaun grins, "Riiight, is that the same time I apparently told you that you could borrow my cab, oh and that time I said I'd give you five hundred simoleans for 'spotting' me while I practice?"
Emi nods emphatically, "Mhm!"
He grins at the girl and gives her a light noog on the head and says, "For what it's worth, I can certainly tell you I'm not lookin' anymore. But that's all you get, I don't need you bouncin' around to the rest of Videoland gossipin' about my business." The girl chuckles at his response and nods her head, tilting it to the side a bit curiously as she ponders who it might be. Meanwhile, Shaun hops up on the competition stage, calling out to the DJ, "Double pad arrow set, maniac difficulty, gimme something that's around 150." The DJ nods silently as he hits a few buttons, and materializing underneath and in front of Shaun are a series of arrows and illuminated floor tiles. They don't start moving however, until the current song concludes, and the next begins. Shaun takes the time to do a bit of stretching, looking over the crowd idly.
Evil Otto bounces to the tune for a moment or two, and then moves toward the door as several Automazeon Sentry robots stride into the club, red-armored soldiers highly reminiscent of Maximillian from The Black Hole. "Excellent! Disperse, listen, and assimilate information. We will have reconnaissance, and learn of 'the groove'."
Evil Otto drops Automazeon Sentry.
Lady A picks up the action figure....looks at it, and blinks. That's not her usual outfit.
She glances up at David, and, nods to him, looking now a bit less robotic, and more cheerful. "That's right." She narrows her eyes at him, just a bit, but only to say, "David. I hope we don't have these kinds of ...misunderstandings in the future."
She'd say something else, but, when Dreamcaster makes his entrance, she is distracted, looking over to the door. This breaks any dour that might be in her mood, and her eyes sparkle a bit.
Meis Triumph takes the offered hand and gives it a firm shake. "Good to meet you, Guardian... I'm Meis, Meis Triumph, Spirit Blacksmith. I'm surprised... I would think you would have a beautiful name to go with those calm blue eyes or those." Looks like Meis is starting with the classics tonight. "Still, I presume with a name like Guardian, you must be rather skiled at what you do."
"...Understood Lady A." He offers her a military salute, no, not the one finger version, a real one. David then blinks overhearing the name Guardian. "So you're /The/ Guardian?!" He says as he turns his head. "Have you thought about that Air Force proposal?" He's just saying this as he glances over, not shoving Meis out of the way or anything, he's not a jerk. =P
Cless Alvein glances over in the direction of the elder Gaignun Kukai, though he has never met Junior. The young man nods once to him and waves, though the entrance and activities of the Dreamcaster are, to say the least, a little bit of a distraction. An entertaining distraction at that. He watches for a moment, a little intrigued by this display.
The Guardian says, with a slight frown - Meis raises a good point! - "I guess I should pick some kind of regular name." KALI!! Uh, no. She'll think of something. She then turns her head towards David to blink in mild surprise. "Yessir. - Um.. I'm really more of a space specialist..." She sounds, well, surprised. She just came here to be friendly! And now she's being recruited. She also adds, "I'm already in an organization - I'd have to get permission, I think." Lita is given a glance, as if to say, 'if I drink all my Lon Lon milk, can I go blow up the Invaders before suppertime?'
Gameshark arrives from Downtown.
Gameshark has arrived.
Automazeon Sentry walks up to a random partygoer. "The humanoid must not escape. We will know the terrible secret of groove."
Gaignun turns his attention back to the group gathered around Lady A's table again, just in time to catch that glance from Cless. He responds with his typical tight smile and a slight lift of his right eyebrow. Glancing to Lady A and then to Dreamcaster, some of the information in Jr.'s recent reports 'clicks.' So, these are Gamemasters. Gaignun's observation becomes more focused for a moment, before he tears his gaze away and watches the dancefloor instead. It's rude to stare, and likely at least as rude to simply walk in on what seems to be these peoples' liesure time.
Lady A nods to Guardian. "Of course, if you want." She glances through the crowd...and looks, seeing the sentry, which stands out among the usual partygoers. She blinks a few times, perplexed. But, that didn't make sense.... She shakes her head, distracting herself by looking back to the dance floor.
"Well, seeing as the Palace has little air power, I figure it could use all the help it could get, and judging from your information, you would be an ideal candidate for an Air Force if it was formed...Not to mention your combat knowledge could make you an excellent second in command..." David grins, he appears to be sizing her up in terms of her capabilities...Like any recruiting officer would.
Yet another Gamemaster slips in the door, hot on Shaun's heels. Station, sadly, does not have a custom doorchime that follows him about--so the sounds of his entry are all but absorbed by the cacophony from within the club. Unexpectedly, he doesn't head straight for the dance floor; instead, he pauses in the entryway, glancing around before making a beeline for...the wall. He takes up the familiar holding-up-the-building posture loved by wallflowers everywhere, folding his arms across his chest as he surveys the establishment silently.
Dreamcaster stretches a few last times before his eyes catch a glance of Lita in the crowd. He fights the urge to be a big dumb idiot and make a big commotion and instead just tries to catch her gaze through the chaos to send her a quick wink. Before he knows it, though, the current song begins to fade out, and the competition siren goes off as the next one starts to fade in. He rolls his head once as he gives himself one quick shake of his limbs to losen up and hops twice, and then the song kicks in, and the arrows begin to move.
Shaun's pretty good at this DDR stuff, he's no Station, but he can pull a few tricks here and there. As the arrows start to flood the space in front of him, the tank-top laden hero begins to move his body. Even going so far as to add in a lot of motion in his upper body, which by competition rules, only apply to the Para Para tournaments. Proving himself to be a relatively accomplished pop-locker, he proves to be a rather typical Asian american raver kid, a somewhat dirty past that Shaun tends to block from his memories. Lots of petty theft, lots of pretending to be a gangster, lots of... worse troubles that would come back to haunt him later. But regardless, the dance floor never reminds him of the sad times, besides one young Shaun Felton is never one to be conquered by angst and depression, especially since it's time to shake his booty.
Evil Otto perks, bouncing higher as he hears the name of his most hated foe. "Lady A? Lady A? She is here? Oh, what a splendiforous occasion. Do tell me where she is." He bounces down next to a random patron, asking this as one of his Automazeons listens to a dancer... and starts dancing the Robot.
Evil Otto fails to impress the audience with his lack of disco dancing skill.
The Guardian nods once at David, looking thoughtful again. And then asks, innocently, "What would you need a strict chain of command for? I mean, it would be - what, maybe six or seven people, unless someone like Mr. Raynor joined, and there you would just need to have him use his chain of command!" Station is noticed, too, by Brain #2, and the Guardian turns her head to wave at him! Yay Station! Then, back to David goes her attention.
Gaignun Kukai Sr. rises to return Cless's greeting. He shakes his hand firmly, then nods, scanning the dancefloor again with that tight smile on his face. "Yes. Both familiar and... maybe a little surreal. My name is Gaignun Kukai. Pleased to meet you, Mister Alvein."
"Well, the chain of command would mostly be necessary for situations such as if we need to split into squads for a mission...Or if a commanding officer is injured and unable to perform their duties, and soforth. Contingency reasons, mostly." oO(...Man, she's cute for an android...Damnit David, you're here to ask her to join an Air Force, not go on a date with you!) David looks like his mind's somewhere else for a moment, then resumes. "Y'know, stuff like that."
Station raises a hand to give TeeGee a tiny wave, before folding his arms across his chest once more. Unlike--a large portion of the patronage, he's not making any effort to move to the beat, stomp his feet, shake his groove thang, etc. He's just standing there.
The Guardian says, cheerily, "Oh, I see. So it's more of an organizational thing! So wouldn't it be more like a co-flight leader than a strict military organization?" She is completely oblivious to being kyoot, although, indeed, she is. This is what comes from being an android. The effect is probably helpepd by dim lights that keep her from looking too plasticky. She then adds, mostly towards Lady A, "Why is he just standing over there?"
Lady A has been busy trying to figure out if that robot is...really what she thinks it is...and has been zoned out for a moment. When the Guardian adresses her, she blinks out of it, and, shrugs. "Maybe he's too shy."
David also looks towards the robot, a bit curiously. "...Sure looks out of place compared to the rest of the patrons."
"Whereas for me, much of this place is an accurate reflection of the early twenty-first century. The similarities are as fascinating as the differences," Gaignun answers calmly. His voice has a sort of mellow timbre to it which it somehow retains even when he's speaking over the music.
Evil Otto gets an answer he seems to like, and bounds toward Lady A, deftly avoiding the patrons of the bar... Otto's very existence is electricity-based, and he knows that touching people is death... so he's not about to start a fight with so much firepower obviously present. Even his robots can be destroyed by this many people. "Humanoid Lita? Lita, is that you over there? Oh, do tell me it is, for that would be a most fortuitous circumstance."
"Really?" Cless answers. The details of that go over his head, but he can only presume it must refer to a past time period in Kukai's homeland. He glances around the discotheque, to use chique words ending in 'que,' and then nods. "Well, it's interesting for me. I wonder if my homeland would have developed things like this..."
Meis Triumph merely glances over to Dreamcaster. Him, the Master Mack. The Prince of Pimp. The Lord of Lovers. At least, that is what he heard from a few of the ladies he talked to. As a Triumph, Meis must makes his own name here. And it won't be as some dude that gets kidnapped all the time, that's for sure. Moving toward where DC is doing his thing, he merely watches and learns how the 'game' is played since Guardian is talking to David, thus making her twice as hard to flirt with.
The Guardian hasn't really noticed the robots doing the Robot yet. Maybe it's a union thing. "Well, I think he's going to need cheering up. I'll talk to you later, sir!" she chirps at David, before starting to move towards Station...
Pausing to look at the... ... THING that is Evil Otto. As he addresses Lady A /by name/.
"...It's...A bouncing smiley face...What in the HELL!?" David just looks...Freaked out at the thing. He doesn't make any moves, seeing as that would be bad with all the patrons around. oO(Damn...I can't get an ID on him without a computer...He looks familiar though...Maybe he's a Faceball?)
Automazeon Sentry busts a groove.
Evil Otto fails to impress the audience with his lack of disco dancing skill.
Lady A's eyes go wide.
That voice was.... so cheerful.
She stands up out of her seat, and makes sure that her weapon is still securely fastened. As the Guardian walks off, Lita doesn't even look at her. She's fixated on the spherical mechanioid, as it bounces toward her. "Otto. You... are cheerful today."
And before Shaun knows it, the song is over, and he's already breathing hard. He catches a bottle of water that's already flying in his direction and unscrews the top, taking a rather large swig of it. As he steps off of the stage, Emi tosses him his shirt back and smiles, "Not bad, Shaun, too bad you missed those two on the far jump to the left, totally ruined your combo."
Shaun shrugs his shoulders as he slides into his overshirt, before smiling down at the girl, "The more important question is did I look good doing it." Emi hrms, tapping an index finger on pursed lips before replying with a confident, "Nope, not at all. You suck, dude." She covers her rough evaluation in a series of giggles before patting him on the back, "You did fine, but to be honest, you can't be making mistakes like that when the tournament comes up."
Shaun waves a dismissive hand, "Yeah, yeah... I know, I know. Anyway, I'm gonna go mingle for a bit, you behave." Emi smiles back at him, "You know I'm a perfect little angel..." Shaun rolls his eyes, "Riiight..." as he turns to look back at the crowd, he spots Meis and smiles, "Hey there, Meis, not too surprising seeing you here, you'd be hard pressed to find a better place for finding cute girls. I'll warn you ahead of time though, a lot of these girls are bad news. They won't hestitate to break a man's heart, but, from what I've heard of you, you keep yours well protected." He doesn't notice the commotion going on with Otto, he'd probably be freaking out and going into obnoxious overprotective boyfriend mode, but instead, he just yaks at Meis, he does however take a moment to eye Station, and gives him an inviting wave.
Ness arrives from Downtown.
Ness has arrived.
The beat echoes throug hthe Dance Dance Club, those present bathed in the riot of flashing multicolored lights, as well as the sappy, sugary J-Pop lyrics that go with the song.
Into the Club enters a splash of white, clothing a man of darkness. The riotous light reflects off of Gameshark's suit as he jukes from side to side to the beat, heading past the throngs of Sims and Heroes, towards the dance floor. He simply smiles and nods to any and all who he sees, perhaps even giving a wave during his trek.
Gaignun nods to Cless, not knowing exactly what to say to that. "In any case, it seems you're more familiar with these territories than I am." His smile widens briefly before settling back into that polite, composed expression of his. His attention is on Lady A again when the smileyface approaches her. That thing seems vaguely ... wrong, and if things escalate he's not one to stand by while a lady is harrassed.
Evil Otto bounces happily. "Of course I am. I have finally found you, Lita. It has taken many long years of programming toil and mental distress, but I have located you. I should inform you, sadly, that now that I /have/ found you, you have no chance to survive. You are the only person who ever escaped Mazeon, and you shall be made an example of." His expression doesn't change as he bounces, though the robots do their part. Another one has meandered up to the stage, joining its companion in doing the robot. "It is, of course, just as well. I have found many interesting things in the expanse of zones... things I will make certain to use in the future."
Evil Otto impresses the audience with his disco dancing skills.
"Not true, Dreamcaster... Unlike most people, when I for a girl, I go all the way. I'm looking to give the love as well as get it. Either way, I know what I'm getting into... And as I start getting used to Vidoland more, you'll see what I mean." He pauses for a moment. "So, hmm... I suppose these dancing thing is really popular?"
Station's gaze tracks to Evil Otto, resting briefly on TeeGee as she moves a little closer. He frowns slightly, returning Dreamcaster's wave in a distracted way. After a moment's thought, he pushes off the wall and heads in Lady A's direction--his eyes on Evil Otto. As he overhears what the smileyface is /saying/, his frown deepens and his steps quicken, until he's standing at Lita's right shoulder.
"Ah, I suppose," Cless answers. He smiles sheepishly at the suggestion -- he certainly doesn't think of himself as that experienced in the workings of the zones. "But Lady A, over there," he says with a motion to the woman, "is familiar with almost every zone there is, I've heard."
Lady A's eyes are fixed on Otto for a moment, but, as soon as Station moves toward her, she notices that she has plenty of people standing by, willing to defend her. She glances around the room, to Dreamcaster, to Guardian, to Meis, and to the more unfamiliar face of Gaignun, before she looks back at the uncomfortably near Evil Otto. Any shock she has, upon seeing him again, fades to a determined anger. Her hand clenches to a fist, and though the lighting is dim, a random flash of spotlight highlights the outline of Triforce on its back. Her voice is thick, and dangerous, and seems to speak out over the music. "Otto. You reeeally don't want to do this today."
Dreamcaster blinks as Station wanders off, wonder where he went off too. He tries to follow the younger Gamemaster's path, but his vision gets cut off by the larger crowd that mostly has begun to form around the giant bouncing smiley face. I mean, they see some weird people in here, but Evil Otto is sure to turn a lot of heads regardless. Before he can move to investigate further, Meis is talking again and Shaun turns to him, smiling, "Well that's good to hear, and I know how it is. In fact, I'll go ahead and note that any stories you've heard about me are probably heavily overexaggerated, especially anything positive. I'm just this guy, you know? Regular Joe caught up in some craziness he can't really explain, and in some ways understand. But, eh, this is my home now, I like what I do, and I love the people around me. I have better friends and family now that I ever had before."
Ness isn't exactly a usual sight around the Dance Dance Club. It's not the sort of place he usually tends to spend any time. Today, though? He's both curious and bored, so he may as well. He's got his usual clothes rather than anything fancy - even the backpack. And the baseball cap.
Captain N arrives from Downtown.
Captain N has arrived.
The Guardian turns to flank Station as he passes, to come nearer to where Lita is. This otto creature does not seem like Good News of any kind. She doesn't /want/ to get into a fight here, but Lita has a high defense priority in her brains. Even if she's quite able to take care of herself (which, obviously, she is.)
Gaignun's eyes widen a touch, and immediately he gives the lady Gamemaster another assessing stare. "That is an impressive wealth of knowledge..." Though, where exactly his eyes are on Lady A is left up to the viewer's imagination. He wonders if he should ask her to dance... if only a song would come up that he considered danceable. Thrashing his limbs wildly was not his idea of dancing.
Cless Alvein nods his head. He then catches sight of Evil Otto, and stops for a moment. Judging by all of the eyes that are on the situation, the logical conclusion a sap such as him would reach -- that a giant smiley face is, in fact, nice -- starts to falter. "Agreed," he replies to Kukai. He glances at him, deciding a little probing is necessary, just to be sure in event a situation develops. "So, Mister Kukai, are you on the side of the Palace or another?"
Reinforcing the threat that Lita presents, Station remains right where he is, arms folded across his chest, eyes trained on Evil Otto. His own piece of the Triforce is hidden by those gloves he prefers--but the /look/ in his eyes more than makes up for that.
Evil Otto laughs coldly. "Did I say I was doing this today, Humanoid? No, even I know better than to combat these odds. However, it would not take much, would it? With a simple touch, I could murder most of the Humanoids in this facility, and Videoland would be no worse for the loss. I see you have help, though... and I suppose that must stay my hand, yes?" Another Automazeon joins the Robot-doing conga line on the stage, to mixed applause. "Why not return to Mazeon, Lita? Finish it where it all began? You foolishly wandered into my maze long ago, and whether by the providence of some uncalculable deity or your own dumb luck, you managed to escape. You have no idea how much that vexes me."
"The Kukai Foundation and myself both back the actions and alliances of my son, who has been active in Videoland for some time. His decisions set the direction for the Foundation as much as mine do, and he has been siding with the Palace in these conflicts. Perhaps you've met Junior?" Gaignun answers Cless smoothly, with the easy formality of a diplomat.
Meis Triumph just chuckles and shrugs. "But what about the thing about dating the same girl twice... At once? Something like that. Either way, rumors have to be based on something, right?" He looks at the Bust-A-Groove machine. "So, um, dancing big in Videoland, Dreamcaster?" Clearly he is debating learning it or not.
Cless Alvein blinks a few times, and then shakes his head. "No, I haven't, but I think I've heard his name mentioned a few times." He chuckles, perhaps with a bit of relief -- yet another ally if this should get bad. He watches Evil Otto, but decides to keep focused on the conversation. "Sorry if I sounded like I doubted you. I'm glad to hear you, and your foundation, is on our side."
"I would have to be a fool to fight you on your turf, Otto." Lady A says, stern and serious admist the club atmosphere. "Then again, you would have to be a real fool to try and fight me anywhere else. Regardless: I won't go back to your prison."
The truth was, Mazeon scared her. It was nothing but torment to spend any time there... especially the days she'd spent: continually on the run, never able to cease or rest, just looking for the exit that no one else ever found. She had only one trophy from this: the blaster that hung at her side.
The Guardian says, almost conversationally - certainly politely! - "Cease all your unmutual activities, sir, or return to your home zone. If you make any attempt to harm innocent bystanders, Gamemasters, or myself, I will be forced to sanction you." This is, of course, aimed at Otto. He can bust a groove if he likes! But no talkee murder-murder. Savvy?
Dreamcaster shrugs his shoulders, "Yeah, people like to do it, if the crowd in here isn't any indication." Shaun then stands on his tip-toes, trying to see over the crowd. Just what /is/ going on over there. He frowns, his Sega Sense is all a twitter. But, he resolves that if Station /and/ Lita are here, then whatever it is, it's under contr--Lita... he's lost track of where she's at. He frowns a bit, and turns to Meis.
"Let's get out of the dancefloor and head towards the bar or something," he suggests, before continuing on with the previous conversation, "I took Samus and her evil clone SA-X out to dinner once, they only went cuz I was paying though. They spent the whole night talking about biochemicals and hating Mother Brain, and whatnot. It was pretty much a total drag. But, eh, I'm glad it went the way it did, me and Samus wouldn't have been a good couple... and I probably never would've persued who I'm with now." He smiles at Meis for a moment and says, "So what's up with you and Sodinia anyway. Doesn't she get mad that you keep running off with other girls?"
Gameshark ignores the forming drama around Lita and Evil Otto. Heck, he doesn't even manage to catch the glimpse of the Triforce. He strides out to the center of the dance floor as the song ends... And looks down, hands at his side.
As a soft siren begins wailing through the Dance Dance Club, with a rapid guitar backup. Travis begins tapping his feet, and weaving as he calls out with the vocals of the music:
"DJ, bring the beats on!
And here we go!"
Travis begins sliding in a left and right motion, giving a clap with the claps in the music.
"Down around the corner,"
A half a mile from here...
You see them old trains runnin',
And you watch them disappear..."
Evil Otto's expression doesn't change, but it seems... all the more menacing as his tone darkens, the frequency of his voice dropping subtly. "It is irrelevant whether you chose to return to Mazeon or not, humanoid. Your death was assured the moment you stepped onto Mazeon. Child or adult, I will have you killed, Lita. I will have you brought low, and drag your electrocuted corpse to Mazeon as a warning to all others who would dare defy my power." His bouncing slows, eyes focusing on Lady A. "I care not what power you claim, or what allies you have. There is no escape. We shall destroy the intruder."
Ness worms his way through the dance floor; being shorter then almost everyone else has an advantage, though he does occasionally hit people with his backpack when he turns; whenever he does, he apologizes hastily without turning around. It's like running the gauntlet, but through a swarm of people, to the spot he always takes when he is here. That spot is up on a table, thankfully empty, since Ness throws his backpack at one of the seats to hold it as he sits on the edge of the table itself to look around.
Gaignun shakes his head once. "No appologies necessary. You asked politely, after all." He shifts his weight to his left foot and stands with one hand on his hip, just observing. It looks like a stand-off, fortunately.
"Right now? She doesn't even know. Lady A is at some point gunna get me back home. Until then, I'd just be wandering from warp zone to warp zone until I get there. And Sodina understands my job and how in my heart of hearts, even if I /did/ get intimate with someone else... If like she was dead or something, that there would be a space in my heard that only she would fill. To make a long story short.... Not really," Meis gives a sigh as he follows DC whereever he goes for the time being. "Of course, girls here aren't quite as understanding as Sodina are... And heck, even /guys/ aren't understanding. The enviroment is not Spirit Blacksmith friendly, that is for sure."
Cless Alvein nods. "Thanks, Mister Kukai." He also goes about observing the actions of the smiley face and the veteran Gamemaster. He pays a glance to the dance floor to observe Gameshark, however, and raises an eyebrow a bit. The music is getting more and more catchy, however. Maybe he /could/ do this... But not against this one. They all see a little too talented for Cless's level of experience in this sort of dancing: absolutely none.
Station stands calmly at Lita's side even as Otto makes his threats, looking every threatening inch the lady's bodyguard. His gray eyes narrow slightly; his frown deepens; but nothing of whatever he's /thinking/ about the abominable smiley face. It's probably for the Lady's sake alone, though, that the bright Gamemaster is managing that amount of restraint and focus--enough that he doesn't even notice who's dancing now. He has a duty to attend to.
The Guardian leans forwards slightly. And says, to the intimidating Giant Smiley Face, "Are you capable of hearing? You can ask any of the others here; I don't lie." And then, as if to prove herself wrong, she DOES lie! "Ask them what happened to the Ur-Quan Kohr-Ah. I'm not afraid to do that to Mazeon." ... that was the name of the zone, right? She thought that was what Otto said. She could be wrong.
Lady A's hand almost moves for her gun, her whole arm jerking back toward it before she remembers, realizing: it won't work. It doesn't work at all. It's hard to tell, but, she really does look afraid. "This isn't the place for this, Otto," she says, almost at a whisper. "You may track me down. But you definitely won't catch me... especially not here."
She considers the Triforce for a moment. (Maybe I could destroy him....) But there are far too many people here, to risk that kind of a conflict.
Gameshark's music starts up, and, Lady A knows that the others have their own rivalries to handle. She gives Station a glance, nodding once, as if telling him to move along, if he needs to. Then, she looks to Guardian. "Sorry. I need to go."
More sentries climb up together, dancing to Gameshark's music. They don't appear to be privy to Otto's grim conversation... they're obeying his orders. "The humanoids shall not escape the funk."
Evil Otto fails to impress the audience with his lack of disco dancing skill.
Ness is, once again, encountering the problem of short people everywhere - you don't see very much in a crowd. He solves this by the very simple method of standing on the table. Sure, it's not very polite, but hey, he can see now (and be seen, that head's visible for quite a ways).
Gameshark fails to impress the audience with his lack of disco dancing skill.
Dreamcaster moves his way through the crowd, making sure Meis doesn't fall too far behind that he gets seperated. He nods along with Meis' words as they make their way and chuckles a bit before responding, "No, no it's not, Meis. But, I'm sure people will start to accept you better after a little while. I mean, seriously, if they haven't strung me up to dry yet, you should have no problem getting people to warm up to you." He then emerges in the area with the big commotion and instantly frowns upon the sight of Otto.
"Wonderful," he mutters as he casts his gaze at Station and then Lita for a moment, before slowly working his way over closer to them. He doesn't say anything however, nor does he take a very threatening stance. He'll protect Lita, but he'll let her fight her own fights too.
Meis Triumph just blinks at Dreamcaster, not knowing the reason for his concern. Never the less, he follows along still, just moving a hand to his sword just in case. Not like he didn't get hurt here already while being here.
Evil Otto glares. Still smiling, but you can sense that change in his gaze. "Your resolve is touching, Humanoid, but irrelevant. You will be found, you will die. Your fate will be no different than the one you feared as a child. Do you not remember? I can remind you, if you have."
With that, the smile fades out, the circle alone remaining as it dissolves to a dark maze, blue walls crackling with electricity. At first, the resolution looks very much that of an arcade or Atari, a green blocky figure blasting at robots, running through the maze. It sharpens, though, all too much. A young Lita appears on the circle of energy, running from the endless robots, avoiding the deadly walls... trying her best to make it through the mazes, the stress of the endless dungeons of Mazeon apparent.
"Without love..."
Travis begins stepping again, hopping to the tops of his shoes as he spins around, still singing to the music.
"Where would you be now? Without love..."
He comes out of the spin, quicktapping forward with a sharp rap, followed by a trio of steps as he jukes to one side, then the other as the beat goes up and down like a chugging train.
"Ooooh, where would you be right now?"
Lady A makes the mistake of looking at the transmission, and almost falls right into the illusion....transfixed by this, remembering a part of her youth she would rather not remember. At once, she wrenches herself away, shutting her eyes to keep from staring. She almost trips over her own chair in her haste to leave, stumbling with closed eyes around the table where she was sitting. She's fighting the urge to stand and fight in the crowded hall: thus, the urge to flee prevails. But in the face of Evil Otto, what else do you really do?
Gameshark impresses the audience with his dancing skills.
Cless Alvein grimaces at the illusion. Whatever it is, it looks nasty -- and the Gamemaster seems to be just a little disturbed. He glances at Station, warily, hoping the other Gamemaster may have an idea of just what this is.
Gaignun has his eyes on the Gamemaster, studying her reaction rather than the illusion Otto displays. He doesn't frown, doesn't cast a glare in Otto's direction, but his tight smile vanishes without a trace. The expression left behind is a rather aloof one. He moves to follow Lady A, ready to offer an arm in case she stumbles. /This/ is how you treat a Lady.
This, perhaps, is too much for Station to bear; in one quick movement, he drops his hand to his side, pulling a photon saber. He doesn't ignite it--yet--but the set of his jaw says he's damn near that point. All Otto has to do is give him one excuse, just one--
And when Lita turns and flees, he glances after her--then turns to Otto, gray eyes blazing. He's begun to smile, but it's not a happy expression--as anyone familiar with his darker half might be well aware. "Get out of here," he instructs the evil smiley face, tone perfectly level. "And don't bother her again." His thumb rests against the switch for the saber.
[Z-Palace-GM] Station says, "Lita. Are you okay?"
[Z-Palace-GM] Lady A says, "I'm fine. I can't do this here."
[Z-Palace-GM] Station says, "You need an escort home?"
Evil Otto laughs, cruel electronic laughter filling the room. "I will leave, Humanoid Corey. But I will bother her again. The humanoid will be destroyed. She has no choice, as you see. Flee from me or die." He begins to bounce again, heading for the nearest wall. "Automazeons, disperse. Back to Mazeon."
[Z-Palace-GM] Lady A says, "No. You have a dance to do."
The Guardian realizes - she has one of those things too! Even if it's technically a Saber Laser, not a - well, we can't say the original name. She pulls it out from a pocket -- which convienently has no bottom, and can thus be used to produce weaponry from her central weapons depot, even when it's on partial shutdown. It is, however, quite recognizable as something like Station's own weapon.
"If you do bother her again, I hope you're ready for your next form. You won't keep that one for very long," she says. And starts to activate her main power system - it's a bizatch to have to wait for it to cycle up, though. Let's hope Otto doesn't get arrogant. But... he seems to be leaving. Oh well.
[Z-Palace-GM] Dreamcaster says, "How about me?"
[Z-Palace-GM] Station says, "It's not important, Lita--it's--"
[Z-Palace-GM] Lady A says, "Shaun... if you could..."
[Z-Palace-GM] Dreamcaster says, "Certainly, Lady."
Cless Alvein glances after Kukai for only a moment, and turns his attention to Evil Otto. The others have said enough for him, especially when he is relatively uninvolved in this. He is not uninvolved enough to stand ready, and takes a defensive stance. He glances between the Guardian and Station, and then observes whatever course Otto takes.
[Hero-IC] Lady A says, "Sorry. To ruin the evening."
[Hero-IC] Station snorts. "Wasn't you. That was all Otto's bag."
[Hero-IC] Cless Alvein says, "You, um, don't have to apologize. Are you all right, Miss?"
[Z-Palace-GM] Station says very calmly, "I'm going to kill him."
[Hero-IC] The Guardian says, "Jeez. Not only is he a jerk, he's rude, too."
Dreamcaster shoots Otto a cold stare for a moment and notes after Station's words, "You heard the man, if you screw with her again, I'll see to it that smile is turned upside down." Shaun then rushes after Lita, which of course, lands him right next to Gaignun. He shoots the man a very long and intense look, even going so far as to nudge him out of the way. This is Shaun's territory, he's fought long and hard to win this girl, he's not about to let somebody else come along and ruin it now.
Lady A does take Gaignun's hand for a moment, since it happens to be a convenient way to get her balance while she opens her eyes. This is over quickly, however, as Dreamcaster runs in, and, she lets go immediately, stepping over toward Shaun and grabbing his arm instead. "Thanks," she says, seemingly to both of them. Then, she looks up at Shaun, and glances furtively towards the door.
Gaignun doesn't even get the chance to introduce himself, which is vaguely disappointing. But so long as someone is taking care of the lady, then all's well. His brows raised, he simply holds his hands up before him in a gesture of truce as he steps back. "Good evening," he murmurs to the both of them, though it's likely lost under the din of the music. He bobs his head once in farewell.
Dreamcaster nods at his Lady's words and grins, "None needed, always a pleasure." He /does/ hear Senior's words and does offer him up a smile and a nod, along with a thanks of his own in return. It's short lived however, as he turns back to Lita and says, "Alright, let's get you home." He steals just another moment to give a quick glance to Station to make sure everything else is still under control before leading Lita out of the club.
As Evil Otto leaves, Station continues to stare after the malevolent smiley face. And the PSX Gamemaster, too, continues to smile...almost calmly. But once Otto's out of sight, the smile flees Station's face. He returns the saber to his belt, turning to watch Dreamcaster and Lita make their exit. There's a peculiar possessive look in his eyes, but he only raises a hand to offer DC a brief salute as the older Gamemaster looks his way.
The Guardian, despite advanced human-interaction software, is mildly at sea here. She looks at Station with a bit of a blank look, putting her own saber away, and then asks cluelessly, "What the heck was /that/ all about, anyway?"
Evil Otto bounces away!
Ness watches for a few minutes up there before he hops back off. Retrieving his backpack - he's not about to leave it unattended, even in here - before moving back toward the main mass of people he recognizes. The Gamemasters, mostly; he's never met a lot of the others.
Cless Alvein watches Evil Otto leave, and then looks at Station. He frowns a bit at his acquaintance. "I hope he'll listen," he remarks to the Gamemaster, before catching sight of Ness. He offers a smile to the boy and nods his head once.
Lady A heads out with Dreamcaster. She's walking fine. ...Shaken, for a bit, but it won't last.
Station looks over at the Guardian as she speaks, exchanging looks with her. "Old rivalry," he says, glibly. "'Leastwise, that's as far as I know." He shifts his gaze to Cless, offering the other man a nod. "Likewise. Dunno that he will." Then to Ness, who gets a polite wave.
"Finesse, and the lyrical master!"
Travis twirls and step/claps, juking to the beat as he gets into his groove. Hopping and breaking into a floorspin, Travis seems to swich to a combination of breakdancing and other styles.
"Scream, if you wanna go faster!
Takin' a train to tha, the next station,
On the dance floor rockin' the nation!"
Gameshark fails to impress the audience with his lack of breakdancing skill.
Dreamcaster heads towards Downtown.
Dreamcaster has left.
Lady A escapes into a warp zone.
Puzzle Zone - Strategic Center
This area, moreso than the rest of the Puzzle Zone, is a normal structure, inhabited by the greatest minds in the zone. Here, strategies are planned and executed, innumerable war games, chess games, and other heavy thinking games take place, careful thought being devoted to all by the stuffy, if knowledgable inhabitants. If you have a strategic problem, this is the place to go, though it is hard to get help if you cannot take part in the abstract strategy games that are so common here. Warps to other parts of the zone are found down forgotten hallways, or down a large pit that lies just outside the building proper.
Contents:
Lady A's Office [LAO]
Obvious exits:
[P]it leads to Puzzle Zone - Falling Block Zone.
[W]est leads to Puzzle Zone - Twitch Zone.
Dreamcaster arrives from Puzzle Zone - Twitch Zone.
Dreamcaster has arrived.
The warp opens just down the hall from Lita's door, and, she seems a lot more steady now that she's in the familiar hall. She walks for her room, still holding Dreamcaster's hand.
Dreamcaster gives Lita's hand a gentle reassuring squeeze and turns to her as they walk, putting on his biggest and brightest smile for her. He stumbles for a minute for the proper thing to say right now, he doesn't really want to bring it back up, as that might upset her, nor does he watn to say something completely off kilter and make it seem like he's unconcerned. Hrrrrrrrrrm. The Sega Gamemaster finds himself in quite a quandry now, as he just smiles at her in somewhat uncomfortable silence. Finally he finds something he hopes isn't too bad in either direction and says in a jovial, yet sincere tone, "You want me to post up out here while you sleep? I could have the boys bring me some coffee and donuts, it wouldn't be any trouble."
Lady A turns to Dreamcaster, holding both his hands in hers, and shaking her head. "It's all right. I don't think anyone that doesn't know about this place can find it on accident." She glances at the clenched hands--the symbol blazing on one of them--and adds, "Besides. I can defend myself. I just wasn't sure about doing it with so many innocent people around."
Dreamcaster nods his head with a smile, "I figured as much. Not like you to back down from a fight. There's no shame in that, you did what was best in that situation." Shaun looks to the ground for a moment, before sorting through some more words and presenting them as he brings his gaze back up to hers, "Just promise me you'll be careful when you /do/ fight this guy. I know I probably won't be able to convince you to let me or anyone else come along, but... at least let me know before you go so I can make sure you're alright when it goes down. I..."
He falls silent again, but this time doesn't allow his gaze to waver, and comes with the words quicker than last time, "... I don't want to imagine a life here without you in it. I know you've beat this guy before, and I'm sure you'll beat him again, but even so, a guy worries, you know?"
Lady A smiles, nervously, sheepishly, at Shaun. "Thank you. I know. I can beat him, but... I don't want anyone else to be hurt by it. That's all. I'm sure he's trapped enough people in that maze of his. He won't claim me, but I'd rather he not claim someone I..." Lita blinks. If someone else. If Shaun, were to end up in that maze. She'd have to rescue him. That would be one way of forcing her to go back. Her face falls, and her shoulders heave once, as she contemplates, her mind forming several of the worst possible scenarios. She shakes her head. "Sorry. It's silly. I've won this fight, and a lot worse since. I'm just glad you were there to help me home."
Dreamcaster nods his head, giving her hands another squeeze, "And I was honored to do so... I'm just sorry I didn't realize what was going on sooner. It's just so hard to see through the crowd in there sometimes." He frowns a bit, but quickly it's replaced with his bright smile once more, "And I can understand how you feel... I know I at least would probably be a liability anyway, considering my sense of direction...," he chuckles briefly, "or lack thereof."
Lady A throws her arms around the other Gamemaster, hugging him. "It's okay. I don't blame you. I didn't see him at first, either. .... It's okay," she says, trying to reassure him, and herself.
Dreamcaster nods his head slightly as he wraps his arms around Lita's waist and pulls her in a bit closer, giving her a warm squeeze in his own way of reassurement for both of them. After the brief moment he pulls away slightly so he can catch her eyes for a moment and chuckles a bit, "So...," he begins, that mischevious twinkle in his eyes, "... to lighten the subject a bit... how'd I look up there? If you even saw me."
Lady A smiles again. "Yes, I saw. Pretty good." She blinks. "So...who was that girl you were talking to?"
Dreamcaster laughs and says, "That's Emi, she's like that really nosy little sister I never had. She tried to get me to hook her up with Station once before he got together with Alice. She got /real/ steamed about that one." Shaun chuckles and gives Lita's waist a little squeeze and notes, "She's far too young, far too naive, and so not my type. I know I don't have the best of reputations around here, but I can promise that I've only got eyes for you, Lita Marshall." He does chuckle a bit at one prospect, "I would say it might be kinda funny if you said something to her, but then again, everyone in Videoland would be talking about us to some degree or another, and I don't really think either one of us wants that right now."
Lady A blinks. "Well..." Her eyes get widers, and her voice gets quieter. "I think they already are." She pulls out of the embrace, slightly, now, but leans in again to kiss Shaun on the cheek. "We aren't as good about this as we should be."
Dreamcaster blushes a bit at the kiss and nods his head as his face gets a little redder, one hand pulling away from her for a moment to rub at the back of his head, "Yeah, I've done my best to try and keep it under wraps, but the rumor mill in Videoland is like ten times more efficient than any given high school in our world, and that's saying something." He then shrugs his shoulders a bit and leans in to give Lita a brief peck on the lips, "Oh well, I guess we just try not to make a big deal about it in public, and hope everyone else doesn't either. Most of the folks who /have/ called me on it, have also known to keep it quiet as well, so I don't think it should be too much of a problem."
Dreamcaster chuckles as he adds with a wry smirk, "That is, unless you're embarassed about being with me." Not being serious abotu that statement at all.
Lady A shakes her head. "Not at all." She breaks away from the hug, and puts her hand on the door. "Thanks for walking me home... But now... I should sleep. I'll figure out all these issues... one at a time."
Dreamcaster nods his head, "Certainly, have a good night, Lita. Sweet dreams and all that jazz." He starts for the way out, and pauses, turning back to her and noting, "Don't forget that I'm never too far either."