The Catacombs - Dance Floor and Bar

Dark and serene, this place exudes an aura of calm even while the music is blaring. Most of the lighting comes from faux candles scattered about the tables, flickering away. Ironwork bats adorn the ceiling, giving a chilling presence with their skeletal forms while drapes of burgundy velvet cover parts of the otherwose cold stone walls. The bar itself is a stainless steel affair, the shelving behind backed with the same.
The dance floor is wide open, several coloured lights flashing at random to illuminate the writhing mass of bodies, the sparkle of a mirror ball playing acrossthe walls. A large performance stage dominates one end of the club, a DJ booth behind that for the every day operation.

Jet Stingray [RF]

Obvious exits:
South <S> leads to The Catacombs - Nightclub Entrance.

Jet Stingray currently is seated at the bar, having his popular drink of choice. Sipping his Roy Rogers, an expensive Cherry Coke, the Stingray of Justice sits at the bar alone for the moment, not sad or angry... But thoughtful.

The bar gets a new customer tonight. The Repliforce fire cat strolls in, a more somber than usual look on his features. It's hard to tell what he's thinking exactly. Flare is normally rather cheerful, even in the worst of situations, but now he just looks... out of touch. Finally his features change a bit as he notices Jet, and walks over to take a seat next to the Stingray "Hey Jet."

Jet Stingray looks over from his drink, nodding to Flare as he does. "Hey there, dude... How you doing?" Jet's voice is just enough to carry over the usual crowd, the stingray's voice a little more distant himself. Turning back to face his drink, he continues. "Take it you've heard about Ayla and Marou."

Flare Feline shakes his head, not in a 'I don't know' way, but in a 'that's terrible' way "Yeah, I know. It's awful.... I'm sorry Jet, I know you've been hanging around Ayla a lot lately, it must've been hard." He sits down next to Jet "All this over those stupid pendents... and now what? That should be all of them, what happens next?" He sighs "Everyone who's gotten them seems to have changed from what I've seen... and now Ten..." He pauses "...who knows what'll happen to her.. she has Sunstar's pendent, who knows what's going through her mind right now..."

"Don't worry about it... I'm not counting her, Marou, or anyone else out of it yet. After all, Rock, General, Twila, Wily, and Sigma died at Judgment Day and they are fine and kicking as we speak. If or when I find out it's not the case... well... I'll deal with stuff like that then." The Stingray of Hope pauses a moment, clearly dealing with it now, but as usual, tries to keep things optomistic. "As for the Pendants? We get ready, and wait... No matter how much waiting stinks. Maybe something big will happen, and maybe not. Regardless, we have a job to do and make sure people are safe, right? We might have to fight some bad guys with pendants... Or even good guys with pendants." The stingray sighs and places the straw chain that he has made around his faceplate as he takes a sip of his drink.

Flare Feline nods "You're right... but still, this whole crisis has just been... bizzare. I wasn't around when the Stardroids first showed, so maybe that's why this seems so strange to me." He shakes his head "All we can do now is prepare I guess... but still... I don't like the idea of fighting our allies, pendents or not... especially Ten." He narrows his eyes at the bar "Then again there's the Robot Masters, Gemini Man, Enker and Ballade, the three of them seem to be... I don't know, but I certainly wouldn't want to have to fight them either..."

Jet Stingray pulls the straw away before stirring his drink, which is almost finished. As the ice cubes rattle about, the stingray is silently thinking for a few moments. "Well, dude, we just have to take it as it comes. I'm not up for fighting Ballade in Stardroid mode, but if it means getting revenage for Ayla's death, assuming she is really dead, I'll do it. In life there are rarely easy races. It doesn't mean that you should ever give up in them though. Those who give up never win and winners never give up. Not sure if we will have to fight our friends. It's a really uncool thought, but it's better to be ready for it now then to have it come as a surprise later, right?"

Flare Feline sighs "I suppose you're right... but Ten... she seems to have changed a lot, I wonder if she'll ever be herself again?" He rests his elbow on the bar and rubs his temples with his fingers "I know how you feel though Jet, about Ayla. For Ballade to get that pendent... it shouldn't have cost Ayla her life."

Jet Stingray narrows his optics faintly, perhaps angry at Ballade or himself for not protecting Ayla... Regardless of why and how, Flare defintely not helping the situation... But Jet makes that clear with the next words he utters, "Dude, I know you mean well with all that you are saying, but drop the death of Ayla thing, okay? As I said, I'm not admitting anything until I'm certain. The Stardroids are freaky things to deal with. With their tech, a lot of things are possible."

Flare Feline closes his eyes "..I'm sorry Jet. I'm just confused by this whole situation, I've never dealt with the Stardroids before." He shakes his head "I guess all I can focus on now is being a Repliforce officer. I'll have to do my job... no matter who I have to fight" The thought of having to fight Ten makes Flare cringe, not because she's now hellishly powerful it seems, but because Ten's done so much for Flare in the past, Flare doesn't know if he would be /able/ to try and fight her.

Jet Stingray nods slowly. "Don't worry about it... We all have our probs to handle. The best thing to do is just take it like a reploid and move forward." He pushes his drink to the barkeep, who starts making him another. "It'll turn out okay... Just got to keep hoping. Nothing wrong with being too hopeful, is there?"

Flare Feline manages a chuckle "I guess so. We'll just have to keep our eyes open and see what happens. We'll deal with it, and we'll succeed like we always do. ...with as little sacrifices as possible." Flare pauses to think some more. He would order something to drink, but if you recall, Flare has a nasty reaction to alcohol in his systems. So the reason he comes to bars is for the atmosphere, so he can think.

Jet Stingray nods slowly, remaining silent for awhile. Finally as he gets his drink back, he tries to bring up some normal conversation. "So, you done anything kicking like go out on a date or something lately?"

Flare Feline blinks, that was an odd new topic. "Date? Er, not really, I haven't had time for that with the situation lately. What I've been mostly doing lately was going out with Ten on these pendent hunts, and... well... no, no dates." He falls strangly silent for a moment.

"Well, when we figure out how to bring everyone back to normal and bring them back, make sure you ask out Ten. At the moment, I don't think she would be too kine on going somewhere with you." Jet's tone is matter of fact, like he was talking about things that would be considered normal.

Flare Feline eyetwitches, a bit embaressed "Ask out... Ten? Err... I... ah...that is..." He stammers for a moment, before clearing his throat. He's clearly not used to talking about things like this at all.

Jet Stingray nods. "You have until things are back to normal until you have to ask her. If you haven't by then, I'll tell her to ask you out because you have a massive crush on her. If you need help, just ask me." His tone would suggest a smirk if he can make those. Not only does this shift the tone to lighter things, it might be helping his friend in a odd way. There is a reason why Jet is called the Stingray of Love.

Flare Feline suddenly turns redder than normal "A crush? Er... what are you talking about?" He chuckles and rubs the back of his head, similar to the way anime characters do when they're embaressed "We're just good friends is all.. .good friends." He sighs "She's helped me out a lot with some problems of mine, and helped me with coming to grips with a few issues in my life. I owe her a lot, but... I wouldn't call it a crush."

Jet Stingray gives Flare a 'yeah, right' look, smug in his ways. As he crosses his arms, he offers, "Is that so, dude? Well, then it can be a friend date thing. People go on those. And if you /do/ want to become girlfriend and boyfriend, it can go from there. You just seem to need a little push in the right direction, that's all. Test the waters and all that good stuff."

Flare Feline stammers again "I.. I don't know, I mean.. it... I..." He sighs again "Well... I can't do anything until this whole matter is resolved anyway. Hopefully, if things work out for the best, then, maybe..." He pauses, thinking about Ten's current condition, IF things work out for the best.

Jet Stingray nods. "As I said. You get until to figure it out. And if /two/ days pass and I don't hear anything about you asking her out, I'll tell /Chi/ you have a mad crush on her." The last threat is proof that while Jet and Anthem are far from alike, that the Repliforce femme has effected him at least slightly.

Duga! Flare eyetwitches again. But lucky for Flare, Chi doesn't have a player right now, dar! But that's OOC knowledge and he doesn't know that "Err, well.... we'll wait and see what happens. I guess."

Jet Stingray nods and takes a sip of his drink. "Good." And with that said, contend that he has done a good deal and rather distracted from the entire Stardroid affair, happily takes a sip of his drink.

Flare Feline sighs. He's still worried about facing Ten. Just how changed will she be? Who's side is she really on now? Will she become another Sunstar? Will they have to destroy her? No, Flare can't think like that, he has to be positive. And above all else he has to make sure Ten won't forget who she is, that's probably the most important thing right now.

Jet Stingray watches Flare, and after a few moments returns to his own drinks. Even with his self made fun, the stingray's mind begins to dwell on Ayla's apparent death as well. Anthem is sure ready to kill him for it... And he couldn't even do a thing about it, he was busy healing from the dramatic battle with Guts Man. The one he lost. Lowering his optics, now back to exactly where he had started, Jet puts a hand to his helm, making a radio call as he does.

Jet Stingray sends a radio transmission.
Jet Stingray receives a radio transmission.

There is probably a greater purpose to all this. Something that involves the Stardroids on a deeper level than what is apparent. There is likely some answer in their mysterious origin. Unfortunatly all that stuff is far too complicated for Flare to comprehend. He wasn't even here in the first Stardroid attack. About all he can do now is follow orders, do what he can whenever a crisis pops up, and if he can, keep Ten... Ten.

Jet Stingray sends a radio transmission.

Iris arrives from The Catacombs - Nightclub Entrance.
Iris has arrived.

Jet Stingray merely talks to someone that he has been there for in tough times and has done the same for him. Jet has been through a lot in his life. The Judgement Day, the time when Kasier Sigma almost destoryed the world from another universe, the Siege on Repliforce Island... And he has done his best to remain himself. Something he tries to do right now. Looking over to Flare, he offers, "Dude... Whatever happens, just do the best that you can. In a race, I've learned you can't control the weather, you can't control the other racers... But you still control you. So, just keep going for the gold, okay? And if you need help, know the 'ray is here for you." With that, Jet finishes his drink and looks like he is getting ready to get up. Settling the third glass down, he begins to pull out some money from his belt.

Iris strolls in quietly, and looks around.

Ahh Jet with the ol' race analogies. They're predictible, but comforting. Flare nods "Yeah, you're right. I'll do whatever I can to help resolve this situation, and if there doesn't seem to be anything I can do, I'll keep trying. Thanks Jet." It's easy to say those things, but deep down, he's still worried about Ten.

Jet Stingray just nods, putting down the needed money plus a good tip. "That's all I'm asking, dude... See you around." With that, he turns to go when he sees Iris making her way around. Giving a cheerless chuckle, Jet remarks, "Should have figured there was a reason why she asked to where I was."

Noticing Jet and Flare in the club, Iris grins and waves, heading over. "Hey guys! How's everything?"

Flare Feline sighs "Been better, but not bad. How're things going with you?" He sort of asks that as a conversational reflex, or something. But at least he's not totally downed like he was before.

Iris heads over to have a seat next to Flare. "Not too bad...um, Dr. Cossack did a neural-net disgnostic on me a few days ago, and since then things have been pretty good!"

Jet Stingray just waves with a "Hey, Iris...", rubbing his beret as he does. He was about to say more, but he just listens to Iris as she continues to speak, though her reply causes him to quirk an unseen brow.

Iris grins warmly at Jet. She knows a little bit about the whole Ayla situation...or has heard, at any rate, and she's decided that it would be best to NOT bring up that particular topic. If he wants to bring it up, that's fine, but she's not going to. "You have to leave?" she asks him.

Flare Feline nods at Iris. "Well that's good." He'd ask 'why Dr.Cossack' or 'what was wrong', but Flare's still not exactly in a good conversational mood. Jet's given him a lot to talk about, but still. there's a deeper problem that won't be resolved until this is all over.

Jet Stingray just stands there rubbing his beret, not sure exactly what to do. He felt like leave and now he feels like staying... He decides to revisit what he wants to do in a few minutes. Being in a pondering state always makes Jet a little slow in the 'here and now', one of the reasons he doesn't do it too often. However since Flare doesn't bring it up, Jet does. "A net scan? What for?"

Iris orders a Coke, then turns to look over at Jet. "Umm...well, Rock had...revoked my privilege to enter Light Labs, as well as removed me from their radio frequencies, by Zero's suggestion. Just recently, they let me have the privileges re-instated...however, the mind-scan was a precautionary measure."

Phoebus arrives from The Catacombs - Nightclub Entrance.
Phoebus has arrived.

Flare Feline finally decides to order a drink himself. A Pepsi. No alcohol for him, he has a nasty habit of shutting down violently if he consumes any alcohol. He listens to Iris and Jet, but doesn't say anything himself yet.

Jet Stingray is currently standing up, since he was getting ready to go before Iris arrived. As he debates staying or going, the 'ray figured that he'll at least stay long enough for one drink. And what will that drink be? "Fuzzy Naval, please." Well, it seems that the non-drinking phase of the night seems to have come for Jet. At least it came now instead of a few hours ago. "So, everything patched up between you and the Hunters then? And why did you need a scan to get back in good standing with the Hunter dudes?"

Iris makes a so-so motion with her hand, and as her Coke arrives, she plunks a straw into the glass and sips from it. "Well, things are 'sort of' patched up. I'm allowed back in their base, but only under escort. I'm privy to some communications, though I've not been given their new radio frequencies. As for the head scan, it was to...make certain that Psych hadn't done anything..." She smirks, the very idea is ridiculous to her. "You know, like planted a bomb in there or something."

Ring Redwing arrives from The Catacombs - Nightclub Entrance.
Ring Redwing has arrived.

Iris is sitting up at the bar with Flare, and she's sipping a Coke as she's turned, talking to Jet.

Flare Feline is drinking a Pepsi. Not saying much. Seems to be lost in thought. OOCly He's playing MegaMan5, mwar!

Jet Stingray nods, removing his faceplate to tuck at his side. Perhaps in a less self conscious mood with everything happening, Jet removes his faceplate to drink from the glass directly. While the bar area isn't too well lit like most of the establishment, the silhouette of Jet's lower lip can be seen under the dim lighting as he downs the entire Fuzzy Naval. While even the color of his synth skin is unknown to those that would be watching him, the fact that he has a lower lip gives the few that wonder what lays underneth Jet's helm at least some knowledge, how ever small it might be. Lowering his head, perhaps to avoid a strobe light or the like to shine upon his facade, Jet is hardly his usual self. He does try to hide it though, for what it's worth.

"So I take it things are better between you and Zero then?" the Stingray of Unfrequent Drinking asks. A question that he brought up once before... A question due to an untimely systems failure went unanswered. That's what one gets for trying to have lengthy conversation after having a near death experience.

Iris nods. "Well...well yes," she mentions. "We're in the process of trying to, um...to sort things out." She gives Jet a sidelong glance, then folds her hands in her lap. Why this particular topic is giving her 'nervous butterflies' is a mystery to her. "Whether it's going to work out for the long-term, we, um...we don't know yet."

Ring Redwing heads into the Catacombs through the Nightclub's entrance, dressed in her Civvie outfit for the moment, since she likes the way the Catacomb's dark lighting scheme and everything makes her outfit stick out even more.

Jet Stingray nods slowly, pausing to think for a long moment as he settles his glass down and nudges it toward the direction of the barkeep so that he can get a refill on it. "I see... That's um... cool, I guess." Jet's tone is far from hardly excited, though not angry or disgruntled. He pauses as Ring comes in, offering her a nod as he does. Considering that a few Repliforcers are here, the stingray decides to take a seat and stay. One of the few times he feels old, the stingray finds comfort that this was like the way things used to be. Before Anthem got too busy to come out to bars, before Sentinel turned Maverick and went crazy.... Those were the days.

Iris glances over as Redwing comes in, and she waves her over. "Hey!! Long time no see, how've you been??"

Jet Stingray gets a refill as Iris' attention is elsewhere and -big surprise here- finishes it off with a single sitting just as easily as the first. The stingray doesn't even flinch. He is a bigger reploid after all, and as one that has been in the more rough and tough Repliforcers like Megalith, has learned to hold down his drinks when he wants. Setting the glass down, he says, "Now that I've done that, I can move on to the 'Drink Across the World'? Setting his glass down, the barkeep seems to know what Jet is talking about, setting various glass down with various ethic drinks in them. Vodka, Sake, French Wine, Foster's Beer... A drink for most areas of the world and it is clear that the stingray intends to finish them all. After all, Jet isn't the kind of reploid that gives up after all.

Iris' eyes get rather big as she sees all manner of booze being brought over for Jet. She can understand a drink or two, but THIS...this seems like overkill to her. "Uhhhh..."

Ring Redwing notices a few familiar Repliforce faces drinking at the bar, so she makes her way over casually. They might not recognize her at first given her disguise but those who know her well will probably recognize her after awhile. "Hello minna-san! What's up?"

Jet Stingray looks over to Iris. "Something wrong? Oh yeah, we aren't sure if Marou is alive or dead..." Glancing to the barkeep with a "When you are done pouring the first, can you do a second?" he turns to Ring. "Hey, how you doing?" he offers sans his usual cheery happy self.

Flare Feline blinks as Jet continues on his drinking spree, and even blurts out that fact, which no time ago he was unconfortable talking about. Take his drinks huh? Well Flare isn't one to criticize, he can't drink a drop of alcohol wihout shutting down.

Data Mantis arrives from The Catacombs - Nightclub Entrance.
Data Mantis has arrived.

Iris says nothing -- she simply drinks down her Coke in silence. Though her mind's definitely made up; she's not about to sit here and watch Jet drink until he passes out.

Ring Redwing smiles back at Jet's greeting but detects something wrong in the stingray's demeanor. "Is something bothering you, Jet?" No need for formal titles at an informal setting.

Data Mantis deactivates his stealth mode.

Iris receives a radio transmission from Zero.

Jet Stingray merely takes the first beer and takes it down, and moves to get some freaky exotic drink when he looks over to Iris, then puts the drink down. He is breaking his promise right in front of the person that he made it to. Merely summoning the Marine side of him and just knocking over the rest of the drinks with a broad stroke of his hand, the stingray once again pulls out his wallet, this time setting out a much larger wad of dough to pay for the drinks, over twenty he never even touched.

"Fine... Just fine," he offers, his tone rather gruff as he sets his faceplate back on. "Maybe losing a friend that I swore to protect because I couldn't move and most likley losing a 'forcer that I prompted to join up... Couldn't be better. I can be hopeful that I don't have to worry about anything else... Oh wait, I do... Anthem's apparently flipping out because I could do anything to help Ayla despite the fact that she saw me get pounded by Guts Man." He stands up rather fast, looking to the door as he comes. "Listen, I'm just being a buzzkill here. Have a good time, chill, talk and all that good stuff. I think I going out... Don't ask me where because I don't know." Poor Redwing... Getting all that for just trying to be nice. The 'ray will likely feel bad about it later, he would right now if he didn't have enough on his mind.

Data Mantis scuttles along the ceiling, clicking to himself happily. he didn't get blown up, he is nearing the completion of his plans for a RBNG (Ruddy Big Nerf Gun), and he's got some time off duty. Life is good. the bug stays on the ceiling for a moment until he's closer to the bar, then drops, clambering up onto a chair near it so he can see over the counter top. and looking at the menu, eyes wide (well, as wide as normal, anyways) and wondering what to get...as an afterthought, he tucks his hat back on. for it is a mighty hat!

Iris sends a radio transmission to Zero.
Iris receives a radio transmission from Zero.

Iris watches Jet sadly, and she's at a loss as to what to say. There's NOTHING she can say that will bring Ayla back. She just watches him, looking heartbroken.

Ring Redwing's eyebrows rise in a sympathetic expression. She doesn't stop Jet from leaving if he really wants to be alone at the time. She plops down with a sigh. o 0 (Yeah, Major Anthem's probably being too hard on Jet.)

Iris sends a radio transmission.
Iris receives a radio transmission from Zero.

Flare Feline is still drinking his Pepsi. It's not alcoholic, but you'd almost swear it was by Flare's expression. True Ayla's death was tragic, it shouldn't have happened. But there's something more important on Flare's mind now. That's now much Ten will be affected by Sunstar's pendent...

Iris sends a radio transmission to Zero.
Iris receives a radio transmission from Zero.
Ring Redwing has disconnected.
Ring Redwing has connected.

Data Mantis erms. and looks about. the mantis is out of touch...and blinks. what to do, what to do? AH! The solution! the mantis orders himself a cream soda. and an orange soda. mmmmm, soda!

Pallbearer arrives from The Catacombs - Nightclub Entrance.
Pallbearer has arrived.

Iris sends a radio transmission to Zero.
Iris receives a radio transmission from Zero.
Iris sends a radio transmission to Zero.
Iris receives a radio transmission.

Jet Stingray is about to go out, when stopped this time not by Iris or anyone else, but his own 'Jetness' preventing him from doing so. The various remains of drinks dripping from his fist Turning his head so that Ring can see of a profile for the 'faceless' 'forcer, he just offers a "I'm sorry for exploding at you... Just not feeling the best right now... Just need some time in the training room or something, I don't know..." The Stingray of Justice sighs as he looks down for a moment. "I'm /so/ not acting myself. In any case, if you need me, I'll be there. The New York Training Room. Later." With that, the stingray begins to make his way through the crowds.

Data Mantis blinks. and watches the stingray leave. and chugs down his sodas and scuttles off. then scuttles back, pays for them, then hops to the ceiling and scuttles off after the stingray. Hooray! the mantis is on a mission from Nerf!

Data Mantis enters The Catacombs - Nightclub Entrance.
Data Mantis has left.

Ring Redwing waves as Jet moves on. She turns towards the others, "So, what's everyone drinking? I remember that one time I came here and drank too much wine. Hmm, it's been awhile since I drank tea actually." Calling over to the drink server, she orders a cup of red tea.

Jet Stingray enters The Catacombs - Nightclub Entrance.
Jet Stingray has left.

Job arrives from The Catacombs - Nightclub Entrance.
Job has arrived.

Iris is seated up at the bar, with a plain Coke...though she doesn't seem to be much in the mood for drinking it anymore...not since she saw the sort of mood Jet's in.

Flare Feline is in an equally down mood, though not because of Jet. That potentially one of his closest friends now possesses the power to destroy the planet if she wishes. Who knows what's going on in her mind?

Iris receives a radio transmission from Jet Stingray.
Iris sends a radio transmission.

Job wanders into the Catacombs, looking much better than he did last night. It seems him being crushed like a bug by some of the stone guardians of Sunstar's pendant was just another illusion. Job makes his way for the bar glancing about the bar as he moves.

Ring Redwing takes the tea from the server gratefully. She's trying to be cheerful, but it seems that most of the other Repliforcers are in a somber mood after Jet's announcement.

Iris receives a radio transmission from Jet Stingray.

With a look of profound sadness on her face, Iris leaves some money on the bar and heads back out toward the exit.

Iris enters The Catacombs - Nightclub Entrance.
Iris has left.

*Some time later...*

Ten sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Flare, are... are you there?"

[Radio] You send Ten a direct message: "*brief pause* ..yes"

Ten sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Um, how should I put this... would you mind coming to the Ural Mountains in Siberia for a little while?"

[Radio] You send Ten a direct message: "...alright. I'll be right there."

Ten sends you a tightbeam radio transmission: "Thank you."

You enter the Ural Mountains.
Ural Mountains

This the high cliffed Ural Mountains area. Erosion hasn't seemed to effect these Asia/Europe borders, they still stand tall and proud, daring those below to pass.

Ten [Main] [RF]

Obvious exits:
West <W> leads to European Russia.
East <E> leads to Siberia.
Up <U> leads to Sky Above Russia.

Ten is sitting at the foot of a mountain near the southern edge of the Ural Mountains. She doesn't look cold at all. Quite the opposite, Ten is glowing with a small amount of the pwoer of the sun, and there doesn't appear to be much snow around gher, it having all melted and evaporated. Anybody who comes near Ten will find it feels like Summer in Florida. Ten looks highly troubled, she is glancing about frequently, and sighing frequently.

Ten receives a radio transmission.

Flare Feline hikes along the mountain paths. He came here on foot from Hong Kong, thankfully he can close long distances really quickly when on land. He's cold, but not considerably so. Just a few days ago he was in the North Pole in a failed attempted on Pluto's pendent. This is nothing. Flare heads towards Ten's location, he left base without telling anyone. He probably should have, but he's doing this for his own reasons. He spots Ten easily enough, and heads in her direction "......Ten?"

Ten sends a radio transmission.
Ten sends a radio transmission.
Ten receives a radio transmission from Spiral Pegasus.

Ten looks up and sees her friend approaching. Ten manages a smaile, but it isn't her usual, highl;y cheerful smile. It's just a moderately cheerful one. Ten speaks, but her voice isn't filled with it's usual cheer. "Hello, Flare."

Ten sends a radio transmission.

Flare Feline nervously approaches Ten, glancing for a moment at the pendent she's wearing. He has about a million questions to ask, and is almost afraid to utter any of them. "...how're you feeling?"

Spiral Pegasus arrives from the European Russia.
Spiral Pegasus has arrived.

Ten looks into Flare's optics. She seems unable to decide whether she wants to look sad, or happy. She looks somewhere in between. "I'm, I'm great and terrible at the same time. It's rather difficult to explain."

A mere speck on the sky quickly grows into the airborne form of the other Aerial pendant-bearer, Spiral Pegasus. Landing, a short distance from the other Repliforcers, he says to nobody in particular with a wide grin, "I could just zip along the ground in my molten form, but sometimes ya just gotta have the feeling of wind underneath your wings."

Flare Feline looks at the Pendent again "I can't imagine what's going on in your mind right now. I know who's pendent that is, and I know the things that person has done. But still... you're you." Flare clenches his fist, she IS Ten, right? He glances back at Spiral, but doesn't say much else.

Ten looks to Spiral Pegasus and says, "Hello, Spiral." While she does look somewhat happy to see him, she seems to lack her usual cheerfullness and enthusiasm. Ten sighs, and says, "There... there is something I think you both need to see. Spiral, you look strong. Do you think you could carry Flare?"

Flare Feline blinks, and glances back to Spiral again, then back to Ten "..see?"

Spiral Pegasus blinks as well, pointing to the other Repliforcer. "... carry Flare?"

[Radio: (A) Repliforce] Lieutenant Spiral Pegasus transmits, "What's up at the Taj Mahal?"

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Zero transmits, "Hey Repliforce, you actually, going to do your jobs, or you know.. chase pendants?"

Ten nods. "I won't be able to put my mind at ease over something up in the mountains until I show somebody." Ten stands up. "Well, will you both come with me?"

[Radio: (A) Repliforce] Captain Iris transmits, "Sounds like the Masters are being themselves, doesn't it. Anyone deploying to investigate?"

Flare Feline pauses, and nods "If I can get there, I'll come."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Iris transmits, "Checking for you, Zero, one moment."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Rigger transmits, "OOC: Uh, duh Zero? There are no pendants left."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Rock transmits, "OOC: He's being smart. :>"

[Radio: (A) Repliforce] Lieutenant Spiral Pegasus transmits, "Commander Ten is going to show me and Flare something. I'll deploy out as soon as I can."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Commander Silver Mane transmits, "What are the Masters up to, Zero?"

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Iris transmits, "Spiral will be en route shortly."

[Radio: (A) Repliforce] Captain Iris transmits, "Okay, thank you."

Spiral Pegasus shrugs. "Lead the way, Ten." He puts his hands together, and they merge and reform into a miniature seat. "Hop in, Flare and enjoy the ride," he grins.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Zero transmits, "Just trashing the Taj Mahal, having a grand old time. I can handle it by myself, tell the impulsive horse to keep his aft at home, I don't need someone that can't choose sides out here."

Flare Feline blinks strangly at Spiral. And shrugs. It's an odd, and neat power. He sits in the 'seat'.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Blaze Dalmatian transmits, "I'll come Zero."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Blaze Dalmatian transmits, "I'm not a screwup, and I'll prove it."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Commander Silver Mane transmits, "I'm enroute now, Zero. ETA.. 10 minutes. That's the best I can do."

Ten manages a slight giggle at Spiral's antics. "Um, okay guys. Follow me." Ten spreads her wings, and flies up toward the area above the mountains.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] RF Lieutenant Spiral Pegasus transmits, "... who said you were a screwup, Blaze?"

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Blaze Dalmatian transmits, "I got Marou killed. I'm going to make up for it."

Spiral Pegasus says, "Hold on to my arms and lean back, just in case." With a burst of wind, the pegasus takes off into the air to follow Ten.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Rock transmits, "I'm enroute. ETA three minutes and counting."

Flare Feline grasps the seat as they rocket upward. High... very high.... He shakes off his nervousness and looks around for whatever it is Ten's going to show them.

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Zero transmits, "Can we debate this.. say, after we kick the Robot Masters asses?"

[Radio: (A) Repliforce] Lieutenant Spiral Pegasus sighs. "Blaze, no. You didn't get Marou killed. She's a soldier, she knew the risks. And she's not dead. Don't go out there and get yourself killed over this."

[Radio: (C) RF/Hunter-Com] Commander Silver Mane transmits, "Enough chatter, people. Corporal Dalmation, any assistance would be invaluable."

Spiral Pegasus hrms. "Wish I knew how to form seat belts."

Ten leads her friends to a series of cliffs where large amount of snow and ice have been completely melted, avalanches have been caused, and various other bits of destruction. Then something truly disturbing can be seen. A series of what appears to be the charred remains of small buildings grouped together on one particular hill.

Spiral Pegasus blinks at the sight. "I sense Gemini Man must've been here. Hang on tight, Flare, I think we're going in."

Flare Feline stares. In disbelief. "Ten... did... the buildings... you?"

[Radio: (A) Repliforce] Lieutenant Blaze Dalmatian transmits, "Look, just because I don't have super powers like you doesn't mean I can't handle myself, okay Spiral?"

Ten sighs, and slowly nods. "I found an old abandoned village that nobody was using. Since nobody was using it, I... I did what the pendant wanted me to do." Strangely, Ten doesn't sound entirely sad about that. If somebody really pays attention, they might catch a hint of elation in her voice.

[Radio: (A) Repliforce] Commander Silver Mane transmits, "ENOUGH! Lieutenant, Corporal.. cease the radio chatter. If you two have something to say, I'll meet both of you later after we take care of the Robot Masters."

Spiral Pegasus's flickers an ear as he cocks his head at Ten. "Ten... what does the pendant want you to do?"

[Radio: (A) Repliforce] Lieutenant Spiral Pegasus transmits, "She doesn't need to see me, Commander, she needs to see Hymn. I'm out."

Flare Feline is a bit relieved to hear it was abandoned. But still, it's worse than he thought. She hasn't had the pendent for barely a day yet. What'll happen to her in several days time? "Ten... it..." Flare trails off again, he doesnt' really know what to say.

Ten seems to need a moment to think about the answer to Spiral's question. Finally, she answers. "While... while I wear this pendant, I feel a desire to destroy anything and everything. I can fihgt it off, but only if I destroy some things. Moreover, when I destroy something, I feel like I'm doing something good. I feel like destruction is what I should be doing." Once again, Ten sounds disturbingly okay with what she just said.

Spiral Pegasus's eyes grow wide, as he looks aside. "Oh boy." Taking a deep breath, he puts on his best game face. "Then I can see why you don't want to be near RHQ. Or near anyone for that matter. Have you reported this to Colonel and Anthem?"

Flare Feline clenches his fist, to hide the fact that they're lightly shaking. Urge to destroy? This is bad. If it's only light now, what'll happen as time goes on? Flare's worried, very worried. He can't even think of anything to say.

Ten shakes her head. "I have thought about reporting to them, but I feel like if I tried to, I'd end up saying something I'd later regret. It's part of the effect the pendant is having on me. Maybe when I gain a little more control over Sunstar's essence." .oO(If I get a little more control over Sunstar's essence!)Oo.

Spiral Pegasus shakes his head. "I'd do it now. Anthem's back and now that all of Repliforce knows you have the pendant, she's bound to ask questions." His foot starts tapping, "Um, can you take Flare back down? The longer I wait, the better the chance that the Masters are going to do damage to the Taj Mahal." Yes, my own pendant demons are coming to roost too.

Flare Feline listens to Ten's words. Control? Maybe. She might be able to. When Enker first Saturns' pendent he became a raving lunatic. Though some time later it seemed he was partly normal again. Same with Spiral, he also seemed to get control as time went on. Still, Sunstar is a powerful influence. "What.... what are you going to do until then?"

Ten shrugs. "I guess I'll ride it out for now. I'll try to gain more control over what has happened, and try to master the pendant. Oh, I think I could land safely with Flare. I'm kindof small and don't havegreat strength, but I should be able to slow his fall and let him land safely.

Spiral Pegasus blinks. "I'll take Flare back down then. And Ten, if you need anything, even someone to talk to, let me know, OK?" He puts a hand on Ten's shoulder. "You -can- beat this."

Ten nods to Spiral Pegasus. "I'll remember. Thank you both!" For a moment, Ten smiles cheerfully, and actually looks like her old cheerful self.

Flare Feline ponders over Ten's and Spiral's words. Can she beat it? Flare knows for sure if it were him with Sunstar's pendent, he'd be out destroying half the world by now, he just doesn't have the self control. He's silent as Spiral brings him down to the ground, as he steps of the 'seat' "You can go on, I'll... make my own way back."

Spiral Pegasus pauses to glance at Flare, though his eyes eventually light up. "Yeah, Flare. Take your time. It's a scenic view. Well, then." He snaps a salute. "I'm off to save the world. Call me if you need me!" And with a gust of wind, whoosh - the pegasus takes flight.

Ten waves to Spiral and calls out, "Good luck!" Then she looks back to Flare. "Thank you. Thank you for coming out here to talk to me."
Ten also lands first. Sorry.

Flare Feline sighs again. "So, what are you going to do now? Are you going to stay here? Or go back to Headquarters?"

Spiral Pegasus enters the Sky Above Russia.
Spiral Pegasus has left.

Ten looks about for a moment, and then looks back to Flare. "I already tried going back to Headquarters once. I find myself tempted to start sending blasts of solar energy at it. Luckily, the knowledge that I would be overwhelmed and torn to pieces stopped me. I'll go back, as soon as I am ready." Ten pauses for a moment, then says, "Flare, there is something else I have to tell you."

Flare Feline blinks, and simply asks "What is it?"

Ten is about to speak, then she shakes her head. "Nevermind. It's... it's best if you don't know."

Flare Feline pauses "Oh... really..." Another pause "Well.... you'll have plenty of time to tell me in the next few days... I'm.... not going anywhere."

Ten shakes her head. "I'm not sure I can tell anybody. Thank you for talking to me, but there are some things about this I dare not say."

Flare Feline clenches his fist again. "Ten I'm... not going to leave you alone. The most important thing right now is for you to get control of your power. But if you were left alone with nothing but your destructive urges... but I'm... going to try to keep you... you."

Ten shakes her head again, looking somewhat desperate. "Flare, while we were talking, I briefly felt an urge to incinerate you. Worse yet, I still can't fully force myself to feel guilty about having that thought."

Flare Feline shakes his head. "I... don't care. It only shows you need help to beat this. And I'll do that. Ten, months ago you helped me overcome what was holding me back in my life, I owe you so much, we're close friends. I'll stay and help you beat this. I'll leave this place when it's together with you when you've overcome it, or.... I won't leave at all." A slight quiver can be heard in the last sentence, though Flare still keeps a brave front up.

Ten is about to try to talk Flare out of it some more, but she honestly doesn't think she will be able to. The phoenix weighs her options for a moment, then finally makes a decision. "Flare, let's go back to RHQ. The pendant hasn't made me suicidal, and the knowledge that to try to destroy anything in that area would result in getting fragmented will keep me in line. I'll find a way to deal with this." A slight pause, "Oh, and thank you."

Flare Feline nods, slowly "If you're sure. Alright. Ten... you'll make it, I believe that." And with her last comment, he smiles "Anytime."

Ten is about to follow Flare, when she decides to take care of one last thing first. "Um, one more quick thing before we head back."

Flare Feline stops and turns back to her "What is it?"

Ten says, "I should probably go ahead and make sure the pendant is sated for now. This won't take long." With that, Ten begins flying upward, toward an icey, rocky mountain top. As she does so, she begins to glow brightly with the power of the sun.

Flare Feline looks up at Ten and takes a few steps back. She's not going to do what he thinks she is...

Ten does what Flare probably probably thinks she is going to! Ten points both hands at the mountain top, and sends forth a massive blast of solar energy. The blast melts the ice, and sends boulders flying. a resulting avalanche can be heard rather loudly. Moreover, some of the stone on top of the mountain has actually been melted! A large cloud of steam now rises from the mountain, the result of of the melted ice being evaporated almost instantly.

Flare Feline takes another step back, hands clenched, utter shock across his eyes. oO(That is.....) He grits his teeth, and buries his expression oO(...she needs to overcome it. For the sake of everyone, and herself...) Finally relaxing, he steps forward again "...you're not alone Ten. I'll be there for you, as will most of Repliforce. You're a strong person, you'll beat this. I promise."

Ten, now back on the ground, nods to Flare. "I think I've done enough destruction for now. LEt's go home." Ten starts to walk in the direction of China, since there is a teleporter there.

Flare Feline nods, and walks with Ten on the way. Here's hoping the urge doesn't strike her again for awhile.

Ten enters the Siberia.
Ten has left.

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