Troops Come Marching In

[stringmods]

It's finally tournament time, which means it's time for the cavalry to move on out. When the rescuers make their way to the abandoned factory that had been named as the entrance by Q, it's rather easy to spot where their destination was. In fact, they were greeted with the appearance of extremely out of place grecian columns and ancient-looking ruins, complete with a large set of stairs leading downward; there might as well be a big neon sign with arrows pointing downward and the caption "HEY EVERYONE!! HERE IT IS!! ENTER THIS DUNGEON!! WIN FABULOUS PRIZES AND LOOT!!!" It's a rather alarming testament to just how powerful rumors are in this town, if the Junes saga wasn't indication enough.

Reiko, a member of the Seven, awaits them at the entrance with her Jack Frost standing at her side, clutching two strange objects in her hands as every assembles.

"I took a look around inside before you got here," she began, a matter of fact tone to her voice, though it was still light despite the gravity of the situation. "It's something else in there! Looks like they've set up some kind of maze inside... You'll have to get through it if you want to find the others deeper inside.

"You'll split up into two groups to get through it; Eikichi, Rock, Kotoha, Ruri and Yosuke on one, and Nano, Shinjiro, Lucas, Lucina and Billy on the other. It'll make it easier for you to get through undetected, but be sure you stay together with your groups, OK?"

She moved forward with the devices in hand, handing one off to Ruri and the other to Nano. "These are courtesy of Q-- they'll teleport you and any others in a short radius back outside here, but they're one time use only. Make sure to only use them once you've found all of the others, OK?"

Once she'd handed them off, she stepped back out of the way of the entrance, her Jack Frost following at her side. "I'll stay out here and watch your back; if you need anything, you can contact me or Q over the CommLink. Good luck! And try not to get anyone killed!"

Comments

[fairyclan]

A few steps later because this is a Megaten game I mean what, a demon appears! You are drawn into what seems like a battle with an Elf, although she doesn't seem to be that angry. In fact, she seems happy to see you guys!

"Oh, hey!" She tosses her hair and waves at the group. "We have guests! And you're Visitors too, huh? Hmmmm..."

She seems interested in you guys! But also a teensy bit annoyed.

"Saaaaay, you didn't expect to just come in here and do whatever you wanted, huh? This is were we live, so you gotta be polite, y'know? Have some manners and junk!" With that, she sighs and looks at her fingernails. Her perfect, shiny fingernails.

"I'll bet you guys didn't even know you could talk to us, huh? Just gonna keep battling whoever you run into as you please...What do you think this is, some kinda RPG? Hmmmmmmm? Gonna loot my corpse when you're done? Hah! You should work on the art of conversation, instead!"

Would you like to know more?
>Yes
>No

[a_gentle_boy]

"...Um."

Lucas blinks for a few moments and momentarily ponders how this random encounter demon had appeared in front of them out of the blue without anyone noticing, the nearest corner still being a good dozen feet away. Regardless, there would be time to consider strange video game physics later.

"Oh... We're sorry to intrude, miss. We're trying to go further down - some of our friends have been kidnapped, and they're in danger."

Not that he actually knew anyone who had gone missing.

"But no, definitely not! I'm sure no one wants to fight if we can help it. The last demon I ran into didn't seem like he wanted to talk much, though. If you have any advice for avoiding fights..."

[all_wound_up]

[Nano seems more than a little surprised that the first demon they encounter is in the mood for conversation rather than combat, but she's by no means upset about the prospect. They can probably find even more out about what's going on if they can manage to make friends. So with her best polite bow, hands folded at the waist, Nano tries to back Lucas up a little.]

Yes! We're very sorry... we're just worried about everyone. Did you happen to see anyone come through here recently from the surface?

[tolight]

[ --- And the moment Lucina sees the fairy appear, she immediately tenses for battle. Her sword is raised, ready to strike at the first sign of danger, and... ] Oh. [ She lets the others explain what their situation is, only giving a small nod. Her sword is also sheathed for the time being - she doesn't want to make it seem threatening or anything like that, especially if they're about to receive help. ]

Er, do you mean to say that simply talking to some of these demons will be enough to pass through this maze without harm?

[fairyclan]

"Hmm, I don't think I saw anybody...sorry~~" But wait, this conversation isn't going to be a total loss!

"That's right! Not for everyone, obviously, but if we feel like it, we might just help you out. It all depends on if you catch our interest."



"Why don't you try it, hmmm?"

[puubuu]

"Hmm! Can I try?"

Fattycakes takes a step to the front. "I will transform into a puffski and charm you with a story!" He seems... very sure that he can be charming and not just fluffy.

[fairyclan]

The elf lady just giggles.

"Why not? Try your best, you cute little thing~~"

Seems you have the go-ahead, Fattycakes!

[puubuu]

"Very well then! Just one moment!"

Fattycakes pulls out his power gem and transforms from a human into a puffball in a flash of light. He puus out a fanfare: "Puu buu buu buu~!" Then he begins to tell his short tale. "In some places, there's a superstition that, if a family of puffskis moves into your yard, you'll have a happy, healthy family! I don't know if it's true or not, but since it gets us treated well, I think I'll take it!" With that, Fattycakes twirls and bows, waiting for the cue to either do more or to see the reaction.