a visit from .e.a.r.t.h.

[Anthrophilus]

"A bastard sword and a bow. Not too shabby, although I am more used to impaling the objects of my wrath with a spear at close range and impaling them with a javelin at long range, but I am nonetheless thankful. We should start off soon, I must say. I have business to attend to after this quest is done. I am growing old, Forgery. So much to be done and only a couple hundred years to do them."

Anthrophilus decided not to question, resist, or whine. He was in the realm of the "gods" and he knew that Forgery had something up his sleeve. 'I mean, come on, there must be SOME kind of lore that I can gather here which may be useful in my larger quest for knowledge.'

A thought glittered in his mind. ' If the gods can die here, this is a good place for a god to come.'

Make no mistake, Anthrophilus was not plotting for the death of Forgery, he was merely hoping for it. To see that eye's last expression of horror would be the most beautiful thing Anthrophilus would ever hope to witness.

'But the Fae... why did he bring the Fae? Perhaps as insurance that Anthrophilus would not step out of line. Well, it is probably going to be a strategy which works.' Anthrophilus thought more than he spoke. And he spoke only that which was necessary and appropriate.

"I suggest We go and visit this Crick fellow, I have heard mention of the name before, and would like to go investigate. He may be able to help us navigate this, pardon the pun, god-forsaken land. In fact, I must insist on going to him first. Then we can follow the plans of the demon if the fae and angel decide that I am not capable of making decisions."

Chaos blinked and started. Two seconds ago they were in Shangri-La and now they were...well she honestly didn't know. And she had a pounding headache. Again. She absently rubbed her temple with one hand as Forgery Zaytsev introduced the place as the Khyper-Diorem. Chaos took a long look at the field. The grasses were...not green...but a pale orange. They stopped at a mountain's base and those stretched out as far as the eye can see. She was refusing to comprehend the very bright, blue fruit. They weren't standing in the grass though, but a very dusty dirt trail.

Chaos watched in interest as the Deity knelt on the ground and drew a very rough looking map of the Khyper-Diorem. Apparently they would end up at the Fortress, which he kindly labeled with an F, standing on the very opposite from where they were. How lovely. Chaos mentally crossed off going straight form where they stood. It was too open, too vulnerable. Before the could formulate any sort of plan, the others started to speak.

Chaos listened, still fighting off the developing migraine. She didn't bother adding in her two cents and just decided to let them all choose the way they would be going. If she had any complaints she would voice them. She turned her eyes back to the map, scanning it over and over again, slowly memorizing it. She wanted to make sure she could re-sketch the drawing if she had to or if they got lost.

[Solemn Creed]

Sol lifted an eyebrow at the centaur. He wasnt quite used to people refuting his wisdom. Sol could, admittably, be quite insane at most times but he had lived for centuries. He knew how to survive. Sol knew when to be cautious and when he could afford to be bold.

"If you are so insistent, then why do you not pay this... Crik, a visit by yourself? Unless you have a good reason for the rest of us to follow you on thsi potentially dangerous path? If not then I must suggest yet again that we take my route."

Sol was prepared to fight the centaur. He had little respect for this male who had yet to prove himself in any way. The truth was that Sol had a serious Alpha male complex and as such, he had trouble submitting to any authority he did not clearly recognize as above him.

Sol looked at Forgery, curious as to whether or not he would interfere if Sol were to attempt to put the centaur in his place.

((ooc: just playing my character. will edit on request though ;D))

[Varos Talantos]

Forgery Zaytsev listened to the proposal. All of the Gods had witnessed the Assemblers gather together and create a monumental, entry-less building and there had been a meeting called. He had listened to Ishtara make her proposal to go out to the Tower (as everyone was calling it) and see what it was all about. Kessor Natul eagerly volunteered, probably hungering for something exciting and new to investigate.

His naturally red lips spread in a smile aimed at Ishtara and nodded, volunteering to go. She smiled in return and looked around a last time. Locutus Ferox finally decided to join their group and credence to go forth was agreed on and the meeting adjourned. Forgery stood from his seat and walked towards Ishtara promptly. "So passionate." He flattered.

"So fawning!" She giggled quietly.

Her partner embraced her a moment with closed eyes, but they quickly snapped open and looked directly at Antoinette's watching eyes with a confusing smirk on his face. He gazed at her a pair of moments and then looked into Ishtara's face as he pulled back. "So how are we going?"


Forgery listened to the strategies formulated and pondered slowly. It was interesting, this strategy the Demon Sol had mustered and worth noting. After Sol decided to pick a fight with the Centaur, as per typical Sol, Forgery elected to speak up. "Actually, Sol, the Centaur is accurate." The Deity rose to his feet, wiping the dust from his left knee. "Crik is actually just the shorthand name for him; his full name is 'Crkikgukiktukriktuk'." Forgery paused after the mind-boggling name to let it sink in. "Crik is a member of a species we refer to as Stinging Keesh. Our language has been constant since the beginning, so we have no need for ancient languages to define our species. Anyways, visiting Crik would be an interesting experience and one of your only shots for a peaceful one in this place. Not only that, if we run into less civilized Stinging Keesh, you won't be taken aback and you could have an idea of where to hit them. Maybe Crik would even go over their weaknesses and strengths with you."

A working eye and one that was not so operative turned to Anthrophilus. "However, you are also right in asking him how he would know such a thing. No scrolls of such made it into mortal hands and no one of your particular ancestry ever would have heard the tale. Not any of you have a clue about where is best from past readings in the slightest, so I suggest using logic and reasoning instead of making up experience or knowledge." He turned his eyes to each person for a moment before solemnly noting, "It'll be your best chance of returning alive.

Forgery returned his gaze to the map. "If you go to Crik's Cavern, you can learn information and maybe a meal and a night of sleep. However, you will lose oh-so-precious time. Because nearly everything here is going to be faster than you are, speed is your greatest ally here and the longer you take, the less your chances of survival. Alternatively, Sol also makes a good point by staying near the mountains. Certain predatory creatures that will be invulnerable to any blades or weapons other than those I've bestown upon you have an impeccable fear of entering the mountains. This would be a safer route, though take a bit longer. Also, you would likely run across Wendigo. Perhaps you've heard of the myths that arose from them on your island planet."

The God of Deception moved his finger over to the middle of the map. "This is the only water source. If you don't go very fast, the jugs you have," At this point, at least one large water jug appeared on a shoulder strap around every individual. "Will be empty before you can get there." He finished. "I can give you all one jug, but Anthrophilus is larger so two is acceptable to compensate for the energy he will be exerting.If you go at a grueling pace, you can be at the Fortress in three days... maybe two if you really push yourselves, though you might want to try and conserve your energy. If you try and be stealthy, five."

The God ran his finger across the plains part of the map. "This is all dangerous, but if you go to Crik's to sleep there this night to rest up, then the Lake, then race forward to the Fortress at high speed, you might be alright." He shrugged as he finished, "They're all dangerous, really. It's up to you mortals to choose your own fate, I won't force things on you." He stated ironically.

He thought back to his quest to the Tower and mentally shuddered. Not normal. Even here. He thought briefly. He cycled through each of them with a glance as he inquired, "So how are we going?"[/size]

[Minttu Cerdiwen]

<sub>Minttu stood quietly not wishing to reveal to much of herself to these strangers. She was relieved that Chaos was there, she did like new people but was not enjoying the circumstances of meeting these ones. Minttu was already beginning to understand the others more and more, an advantage being quiet can have.

She listened to the strategies wishing she could give some input but she honestly did not know the area and was not trying to get anyone killed. The Demon seemed very taken back that the Centaur had his own ideas on where the group should travel. He seemed very sure of himself and hostile, Minttu was not sure what she made of the Centaur. He seemed sure of himself as well, maybe even more than the Demon.</sub>

Chaos rolled her eyes at Sol's hostility. She shot him a look saying 'is this really the time?' They were in a dangerous place with dangerous creatures, limited supplies, and a pretty lengthy route ahead of them. Basically, they were on a mission borderline suicidal. She didn't think now was the time to try and exert power over each other.

Besides, from what Forgery had said, it seemed as if the centaur's idea had some usefull-ness. The god even went far enough to somewhat merge the ideas to appease both sides and make up a pretty strong survival plan. What more could they ask for? Chaos let her eyes wander over the map once more as Forgery started talking time limits. She herself preferred stealth and would've taken the five days. However, she wasn't sure she wanted to be here any longer than necessary. She would wait until the others had spoken their opinions.

[Solemn Creed]

Sol sighed. He could not deny the lure of information. He wanted to know everything about anything and everything having to do with this place Forgery Zaytsev calls the Khyper-Diorem. Chances were he wouldnt be back for some time and nto much about the place was known back on Earth.

[glow=red,2,300]"Crkikgukiktukriktuk..."[/glow] Sol said, feeling the way the name sounded. It most definately contained way too many ks for his likeing.

Sol stared out across the Khyper-Diorem for as far as he could see. Time was a wasting, they needed to get moving.

[Varos Talantos]

They had gathered necessary equipment and met 29.5 hours later at the gate that would lead to Kessor's demise. Ishtara had taken the lead (being the one who initiated the expedition) and the others followed dutifully. It wasn't long before they had reached the tower because they were all able to sprint the distance easily. What would have taken a mortal a day or two took the band of deities only six hours of sprinting (fortunate in not running into any creatures on the way there, odd though it was).

After circling the base and finding no way in or out, the pack trained it's collective eyes on the top of the building. Ishtara looked at each one of them as she said, "We will go to the top, each of us on a different side to watch for an entry point on the way up." They each gave their consensus and positioned themselves at four different points of the base, opposite to another. "Make flight." Ishtara bellowed loudly enough for them to all hear and they left the ground in a slow ascent towards the top of the tower, eyes darting for any openings.

He looked around at the mortals yet again. So indecisive. They were taking far too long to decide which route to take and if this continued they were sure to be discovered soon. Forgery sighed. "I said this is a dangerous place. Figure out which way you would like to go and let's get out of here so you can all return to your normal liv--" Forgery was cut short by a high-pitched, screeching noise that came from behind him that reminded one of nails grinding furiously on a chalkboard. He turned quickly, not allowing anything to have any more time in his blind spot than had already passed. His eye finally found the Banshee in question, it's form floating towards them steadily, black orbs staring out eerily.

"Company." He looked to the females. "Your weapons will do nothing. Stay behind those with armaments if you desire to live past your first hour in the Khyper-Diorem." He glanced at the Demon as he continued. "Or try and get an extra from your friend here." He turned to face the Banshee fully, apparently unarmed. His face was indifferent and his arms rested casually at his sides as the creature approached. Deja vu. Again.

[Solemn Creed]

Sol sighed. True he would never die of old age, but at the rate those around him were moving, he almost wanted to. No one other than he and the centaur had even voiced an opinion which was annoying in and of itself.

Forgery began to speak once more, but he was interrupted by a high-pitched screeching noise. Sol cringed and brought his hands up to his ears. He looked for the source of the noise and spotted a ghostly feminine figure floating towards them.

He turned to Chaos [glow=red,2,300]"Please be prepared to heal me if i am hurt too badly, if that is not too much to ask."[/glow] With that said he tossed her his bastard sword and he tossed the fae his mace, so they could protect themselves or take the offensive.

Sol's eyes widened and his nostils flared. He had heard legends about such things. Spirits that could kill with a scream, Banshees they were called. Suspecting this was one of their major forms of attack, Sol quickly shifted into his true form. He grunted slightly as his bones reshaped but onece finished he ripped strips of cloth from his shirt and he stuffed them in his ears.

As prepared as he would ever be, Sol hefted his greatsword with one hand, which was now more like a regular longsword to him, and he charged. The makeshift earplugs wouldn help him much but they were better than nothing.

Prepared to dodge at the slightest hint of an attack, Sol lifted one hand and shot a gout of flames at the banshee while slashing at her with his magical sword. He wanted to end this quickly.

Chaos was slightly annoyed. She had held her tongue for the time being, letting others decide where they were going because she thought less arguments would arise and they could get on the move faster. Apparently whether she voiced her opinion or not didn't matter; they were still going at a snail's pace.

Chaos opened her mouth to say something when a blood-curdling scream pierced the air. Chaos winced at the sound and immediately brought her hands to her ears as she took a step back dazed. Shes spotted a ghostly figure of a woman. Banshee. Forge said something that Chaos faintly heard, there was a dull ringing in her ear. Sol asked for healing if necessary and tossed her one of his swords.

"Got it." Chaos shot back at Sol.

Chaos caught the sword by the hilt effortlessly. She wasn't the best with a sword, but defending-wise, she wasn't the worst. She watched as Sol made the first move, and though her body had tensed up, she would wait until she was needed. Getting in people's way was not what she wanted to do. She turned to see what action the others had taken.

[Varos Talantos]

Forgery watched the Banshee, eyes glued on her mouth to see if she was going to attack. The floating white spectre moved gracefully in slow, swaying motions towards them, coal black eyes looking at the group with a disinterested look on it's face. Perhaps she was full and they would be able to speak with her.

Then Sol attacked and whatever little hope there had been of avoiding conflict was lost. The Banshee was engulfed in flames suddenly and Sol swung his weapon furiously against the she-being and Forgery watched him hack her into a few seperate pieces. "Well, I suppose that takes care of that." He walked over to the crisp remains and prodded the ash pile with his right foot. "We discovered that they're particularly susceptible to fire." Forgery turned and looked at the mortals. "You've no more time to ponder, though. When one dies, more come. Though Sol was more than enough for one, three would probably keep him busy. If he kills them, nine would be enough for the group to manage. If you succeed with them, the cry of death becomes stronger and we'll see how you all fare against 27."

He need not explain further judging from the expressions on their faces. If they did the math, they would know that even if they survived a wave of 27 Banshees, they would be squashed by nearly 100 others shortly after.

"Choose your path." Forgery said flatly.[/color]

[Solemn Creed]

Sol stared at the pile of ashes, in his human form once again. His greatsword was resting on one of his shoulders while he held it with one hand. he could not help but feel that killing the banshee had been a little too easy. He had thought that one of the creatures of the Khyper-Diorem would have been a bit more formidable.

He turned to Forgery Zaytsev and listened, after pulling the peices of his shirt out of his ears of course. He put them in his pockets, knowing that he may need them later. Sol could probably kill a great number of the banshees, but he couldnt kill them all. Eventually he would be overrun by hundreds of banshees.

Sol thought for a moment. he was still irritated that no one else had formed an opinion on which path to take so he made the decision to decide for the rest of the group since everyone seemed either indicisive to the extreme or they just didnt care that much.

[glow=red,2,300]"Since no one else seems to want to form an opinion, I say we take the path to the home of this Crik you mentioned."[/glow]

Chaos watched as the banshee turned to ash. Too easy for her tastes. She listened as Forgery proceeded to tell everyone that they multiplied. She grimaced at the thought of hordes of banshees swarming around them. They were susceptible to fire, but she wasn't a fire type. And she didn't think anybody else had a fiery gift. So she readily agreed with the god when he said to quickly choose a path.

Nobody spoke. Chaos opened her mouth to speak, but Sol beat her to the punch. That was fine with er, she didn't like making decisions for the entire group. He suggested they go visit the Crik person. Chaos nodded. That was a pretty good idea, and she didn't bother waiting for someone to agree before she did. Waiting was no longer an option.

"Sounds good, everyone okay with that?" She looked at everyone for an opinion.

[Varos Talantos]

A pin drop could have seared the heavens into an inferno with the sound blast it would have created in the silence. The whole of the cosmos was truly stunned and nothing happened for a moment. Then things clattered to the floor. A faded red knapsack, a stout stick, an intricate Meson pipe, a body.

Whispering so as to prevent the tsunami of chaos that was sure to fill their senses in a moment, Forgery Zaytsev breathed, "Run."
The sensation was supreme. It were as if one stood, unknowingly, in the center of a planet-sized drum and somebody had taken a club to it. Complete calm, sitting on unknown tension that blew up the very air around you.

---

Three figures leapt from the top of a building. Why? They couldn't know. All that was known was that they had decided on a desperate run; they would even jump off of towers to get away. What sort of lunacy had overtaken them? Ishtara's arm slung out to dig her fingers and nails into the wall to keep from splattering on the ground that had snuck up on her in her thoughts. She levitated suddenly, jerking to a halt below the tops of grass blades.

---

Locutus was all senses. Survival-of-the-fittest had kicked in and the wolfen being had emerged to keep Nature alive yet again. Claws sank deep into the earth, feeling the warmth and moisture of it. A worm must have passed through recently, in fact. The air was crisp with scents and every insect was revealed by his first movement in the eyes of Ferox. Coils stretched through his bestial legs and a moment later, fifteen feet flew below him.

Survival of the fittest.

Forgery turned and walked along the path that lead north. He knew they would follow... who wouldn't want to be next to the experienced person in a place like this? The scenery stretched for miles, a sort of hollow feel to the place. Hidden nearby, they would find Crik's home and walking was wasteful when it was planned for them to stay and converse for a while anyways. "We've got five miles, let's go." Forgery threw over his shoulder.

Besides Anthrophilus, who would have no trouble keeping up, everyone here could fly. He lighted from the ground smoothly and was off, moving as quickly as a sprinting Human. The trail twisted now under him and Forgery was pleased. They would be there in about seven minutes at this rate and Forgery adjusted his flight pattern for another slight curve and jerked to the side. Another damned Banshee. A flick of his wrist and a flash of light shimmered from his hand to the Banshee too quickly for identification. The top half of the creature's head hit the ground at the same time as the body. Forgery shrugged at the mortals and flew off again in the same direction. Hopefully no more got in the way or their movements might become known. Then they would surely be hindered and a fight would cross their hands...

A bad one.[/color]

[Varos Talantos]

Forgery slowed to a walk as the entrance of the cave came into sight. "No need to surprise him." Cupping a hand, Forgery announced "Crkikgukiktukriktuk! It is I, Forgery, here to pay you a visit," he glanced behind him and added, "I've brought friends." A shuffling was heard echoing from within the domicile and a rumbling, straining voice came out at them, asking who the God had brought with him. "Mortals from Earth. They--" Forgery was cut off by the Stinging Keesh's rusty speech. "MORTALS? From EARTH?" Crkikgukiktukriktuk made an odd sound lying as a mix between a horse's neighing, metal clanging, and leaves rustling with a breeze. "Quickly, bring them in! The Khyper-Diorem is no place for their kind!"

Forgery looked over his shoulder and nodded reassuringly. "Good so far." He stepped with long strides until he was out of the light and inside Crik's Cavern. The inside was a reflective, lustrous yellow that reminded one vaguely of gold but the patterns of the rock were more akin to limestone. Naturally ocurring emeralds shone through the brilliance of the walls in between the bone-framed tapestries of orange grass. The cave extended back about 20 yards before the back wall and all along the sides were treasures of gold, diamond coalstone, and sapphire neatly placed and organized in a very appealing fashion that really showed off the place. A matted red fur pelt stretched from the entrance to the back of the cavern and it was on this particular decoration that Crkikgukiktukriktuk stood, watching his visitors enter. In a ring around it lay twelve benches carved from the stone floor, each with a blue pelt draped carefully across it.

Forgery promptly removed his gold-clasped, obsidian boots and placed it to the left side of the entrance before proceeding to take a seat on one of the benches. "These, Crkikgukiktukriktuk, are the mortals. We come to take peace with you and perhaps sup." The creature wagged his head in a nod slowly. "Mortals from Earth. I am Crkikgukiktukriktuk." A string of clicks came with each 'k', slightly different from one another. "You may call me 'Crik', however, as it seems that even the residents of Shangri-La struggle with the exact pronunciation." His beady eyes flicked towards Forgery for a moment (who chuckled lightly at the jab) before continuing, "I ask you to remove your footwear and be seated. I am interested in knowing more about you and your distinctive races. I've never met an Earthzoid before, after all. Tell me, what are your names and what brought you here?" He said and his lips split to reveal countless rows of sharp teeth.[/size]