Editing Forgotten Freedom:77

[[Forgotten_Freedom:76|Last Plot]] -- [[Forgotten_Freedom:Plot_Lines|Plot Line Home]] -- [[Forgotten_Freedom:78|Next Plot]]

----
After the Wedding....

Jarlot's Bedroom

Arianji: IT IS TIME JARLOT.

Jarlot: Who the Hell!?

Arianji: I AM Arianji.

Jarlot: Say what?

Arianji: I AM THE SUPREME LEADER OF THE LORDS OF DUST.

Jarlot: And that's supposed to impress me Tony the Tiger?

Arianji: I AM HERE TO HELP YOU FULFILL YOUR DESTINY TO CONQUER ALL LIVING THINGS.

Jarlot: I've heard that before.

Arianji: MOCK ME AT YOUR PERIL.

Jarlot: How do you get everything into caps anyway?

Arianji: I SHALL BEGIN MY GUIDANCE WITH A LESSON ON ATTACHMENTS...

*[[Forgotten_Freedom:Aerith|Aerith]] stirs beside the Captain*

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Aerith|Aerith]]: Jarlot, what's going o....

*[[Forgotten_Freedom:Aerith|Aerith]] is stabbed then by a Soul Sword that appears in the Rakahasha's hand*

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Aerith|Aerith]]: Jarlot....

Arianji: FAREWELL.

Jarlot: [[Forgotten_Freedom:Aerith|Aerith]]!

* The Solar Devas' wings slowly crumble around her form as she stares upwards while caressing his cheek......and only Brianna's dead form is in Jarlot's arms*

*The scream that echoes is sincere*

Jarlot: NOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

----
It was amazing so soon after the joyous wedding of [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]] and [[Forgotten_Freedom:Lisa|Lisa]] that there would be a tragedy but [[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]] insisted.  The Necromancer arranging for the body to be embalmed and entombed on an island south of Sharn that the crew often used to refuel.  The Captain's look was weak and numb from the magntitude of his loss even as all attempts to ressurect, raise dead, or even reincarnate the two women were for naught.

A terrible storm brewed over the funeral and it matched the mood of the airship.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Satnak|Satnak]] - .................This ends now. Give me the sword if you want to exist in the next second you cretin.

----
At the funeral [[Forgotten_Freedom:Norbaz|Norbaz]] thought about what Areith had said to him some months ago...about his actions in Thrane during their frame up.  He sighed and contemplated a these proceedings, and further considered the ship's new foe.  As usual, [[Forgotten_Freedom:Satnak|Satnak]] was intimidating empty space waiting for the Rajah to show itself so she could merely destroy it.

But what about everyone else's desire for combat or revenge.

This foe sought to destroy extraplanar forces that could stop it...hmm...

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Volrath|Volrath]] was at risk as was Savor.

A trap needed to be sprung, and a plan needed to be put into action.  As the rain started to fall, the half giant removed an umbrella from his pack and walked to the monument as many of the other crewmembers were returning to the ship, a few other stragglers standing and lingering before the grave for their own reasons.

Curled beneath the marker's shadow was the Captain...destroyed by this death at the base of the monument the crew had erected after the service.  An empty bottle of something in his hand as he lay.  [[Forgotten_Freedom:Norbaz|Norbaz]] extended his hand keeping the rain off of the captain.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Norbaz|Norbaz]]: Captain...I think its time we began planning our retailiation for this tragedy.

Jarlot: ...

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Norbaz|Norbaz]]: Captain, it should be your hand to strike down the Rajah.  We are all behind you for this act of revenge.  [[Forgotten_Freedom:Michael|Michael]] is already gearing up as are several others begining efforts to track our prey.

The captain releases the bottle and slowly stands to full height.  A strange aura of dignity and cold calculation about him.

Captain Jarlot: Gather the crew on deck and prepare to depart, I have orders to give and we need to be back in Khorvaire yesterday.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]], [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]], [[Forgotten_Freedom:Lisa|Lisa]], Chalky, Slip, [[Forgotten_Freedom:Doog|Doog]], Pholly, and [[Forgotten_Freedom:Norbaz|Norbaz]] now surround the captain: Aye Captain!

----
[[Forgotten_Freedom:Kithle|Kithle]] - This cannot stand. One of our own has been slain beyond our power to revive. The Raksasha will pay.

Slams Deathpaper (blade form) into the table tip down.

Kanatash - I agree this is intolerable. 

Stabs a pointed dorje in next to [[Forgotten_Freedom:Death_Paper|Death Paper]].

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Savor|Sa'vor]] - We must have Vengeance.

A kama joins the golem and the dorje in the center of the table.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Satnak|Satnak]] - No one attacks my home and goes unpunished, but we must get the sword. Brianna might still be in that thing.

A deep scorch mark from [[Forgotten_Freedom:Satnak|Satnak]]'s focused gaze completes the centerpiece.

----
Chalky - Raksasha Rump Roast.

Roosevelt - Hand me the de-sanding paper.

----
[[Forgotten_Freedom:Lisa|Lisa]] and [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]] sit on the bed in their room, [[Forgotten_Freedom:Lisa|Lisa]] regaining her composure.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Lisa|Lisa]]: What do we do now?

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]: This is too big for us to just leave. We'll postpone our honeymoon till after all is said and done. 

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Lisa|Lisa]]: There's no guarantee that any of us will walk away from this...

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]: There never is. But rest assured, I will not go down easily. Our life together has just begun. I will not let some demented bastard stand in the way.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Lisa|Lisa]]: Nor will I. There will be time to grieve fully later. Right now, we have a Rakashasa to hunt.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]: That's my girl. Let's go.

----
Jarlot: *has glasses on as he goes through his scrapbook* And there's us at Seaworld.  I'm poking Shamoo with a stick.

*[[Forgotten_Freedom:Ketler|Ketler]] is with [[Forgotten_Freedom:Michael|Michael]] beside him*

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Ketler|Ketler]]: Captain, really, everyone is expecting you to lead the charge against the Lords of Dust.  You really can't just go sitting around reading about your old photos of [[Forgotten_Freedom:Aerith|Aerith]].

Jarlot: I'm not going to order a counterattack.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Ketler|Ketler]]: Say what?

Jarlot: This isn't a group of flunkies [[Forgotten_Freedom:Ketler|Ketler]].  This is the LORDS OF DUST.  They are an organization older than anything else on the planet with the exception of Khyber. They engineered my birth for crying out loud.  Do you think we're going to walk away from attacking them without more causalites? Whose next?  It could be you, [[Forgotten_Freedom:Michael|Michael]], Jaela....you're my friends and family.  I don't want to lose anymore.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Ketler|Ketler]]: Damn...

Jarlot: I just need some time alone.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Michael|Michael]]: Dad....

Jarlot: Go away [[Forgotten_Freedom:Michael|Michael]].

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Michael|Michael]]: Fine.

*It was then the door opened*

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Aerith|Aerith]]: Jarlot.  I'm here! I'm actually alive and want to tell you that....

*Jarlot threw a knife beside her head*

Jarlot: [[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]], I am NOT in the mood for your games.

*[[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]] drops her polymorph self*

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]]: Oh please Jarlot. SOMEONE had to take drastic measures to convince you to get out of this ridiculous funk.  Do you think you're the only person whose ever lost someone? I'm a freaking NECROMANCER.  How do you think I got into this business? It was trying to bring back people that *I* have lost in the past.  Believe me, there's no one else who understands pain and suffering from death more than a member of the Blood of Vol.

Jarlot: I don't need you or the advice of your freaking Emerald Claw brethren.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]]: Fine, shut yourself off and become a demented introvert like most of the people onboard this ship.  Kanatash will have a field day with all that pent up Angst.  I bet you'd even LIKE it with all of the masochism that you seem to wallow in whenever someone you really CARE for dies.

Jarlot: DO *NOT* bring up....

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]]: Remember [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]'s mom? Remember how before she went off to retire with her brats how she was a member of our group?  Remember her father?  I know you like to pretend we're still in our twenties but I remember them.  I also remember how he DIED just randomly there on the battlefield after a hundred victories.  I know how you blamed yourself...

Jarlot: I don't need this. AND IT WAS MY FAULT.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]]: Death happens Jarlot. It happens RANDOMLY and without warning.  Just like...

*Jarlot cocked a pistol at [[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]]'s head*

Jarlot: Like this?

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]]: Would it make you feel better? Cause killing does that.  It gives you control back of your life. It's the side to Necromancy that gives us a bad name. The power to heal and the power to destroy.  [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]'s mother Diana could never stomach that with her Gatekeeper beliefs.

Jarlot: Shut up.

*he then forced a kiss onto her, one she didn't resist*

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]]: You know I'm already spoken for.

Jarlot: And the one person I care for is dead. Now let's get to it. *his eyes on the verge on tears*

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]]: Just promise me when its over we'll spill some blood.  I hated [[Forgotten_Freedom:Aerith|Aerith]] but she deserves that much.

----
While the crew has gone back to the FF to prepare it for launch, Jarlot still stands by [[Forgotten_Freedom:Aerith|Aerith]]'s grave.  Presently he notices the small, black, winged rabbit standing around.

Jarlot: Come to pay your respects?

Bunny: No, I've been here making you all grieve.

Jarlot: What?

Bunny: Bluntly?  I'm making all of you die a little inside.

Jarlot stares in confused horror.

Bunny: I'm a death god. :blink: What?

Jarlot: You…your making us die?

Bunny: I'm supposed to.  If I don't, the world falls apart.  I can't be nice to you just because I hang out with you.  I mean, I killed [[Forgotten_Freedom:Aerith|Aerith]].

Bunny is not in the least surprised to find itself picked up by the neck in what would be a stangling grip on someone who breathed.

Jarlot (eyes blazing): You're telling me that you—

Bunny: You're interpreting wrong what I said.  You're seeing it through the mind of one who lives.

None of this seems to get through to Jarlot.  But as he stares the hand he is holding with begins to decay, then the decay climbs up his arm, and, as he drops Bunny, it starts on his other hand.

Jarlot: WHAT IN KHYBER IS GOING ON?!

Bunny: Just showing you my true form.  And this time it really is.  (he nodds in one drection)  Look at her.

Jarlot looks over to see Silver standing next to the grave.  But now he can see that she's just and image, and realizes that she always is.  When she says she doesn't exist she isn't just stating fact: she's defining her "existance".  Then he looks back at Bunny.  And he has to turn away.  Because while there is no rabbit there is its true form: life.

Jarlot: What's going on?

Bunny: Silver is just an idea, a conveniently labeled piece of myself.  "Birth" doesn't exist.  It's all death: energy moves from one form to another, and it looses a bit of itself with every transformation.  The universe lives by getting a tiny bit closer to death in every moment.  Mortals don't "live": they just die very slowly.

Jarlot looks down to see that the decay of his arms is gone.  But he knows that it was just an image to show him what his body was really.

Jarlot: Why are you showing me these things?

Bunny: :bored: No reason.

Jarlot: Then why—

Bunny: You asked.  I'm just here to make sure that even things such as your happiness die.  It is a kind of death, after all.  It's part of your instinctual communal bond: if you feel bad when one dies, you try harder not to have that happen again.  If I just let go then who knows who else'll die.

----
Now sitting in his office, Jarlot tries to think of a plan to take on the Lords of Dust.  But his mind has wandered back to that conversation with Bunny.

Jarlot: What did that all mean?

Bunny: Having trouble?

Jarlot: Should I be surprised you're here?

Bunny: No.

Jarlot: How do I do it?

Bunny: I'd destroy the whole universe.

Jarlot: Should I even ask?

13: My method.  If everything dies than nothing can hurt you or hurt anyone else.

Jarlot (looking at Bunny): You too?

Bunny: I'm not really the god of this universe.  I've just been contracted to do this ship so long as I'm here.

Jarlot: Can it be done?

Bunny: Killing semi-divine beings?  Of course.  No death=no life.  Outsiders aren't really immortal.  They just live so long it only seems that way.  Gods too.  Everything.

Jarlot: Why?  Why does evil exist?

Word Being: It's a product of the power = dumb ratio: beings grow so powerful that they can't think any more about how the world would be just fine without them.  They become control freaks.

Jarlot: What about this ship?

Word Being: Every evil person on this ship is all wrapped up in their own overly complex plans to such an extent that it's as if the plans are really the living things and they've just brought this machine into being to give them a plaything.  What do the good people do?  Just sit back and occasionally bust heads.

13: That's why [[Forgotten_Freedom:Savor|Sa'vor]]'s dead: he exists more for prophecy and whatnot than for himself.

Jarlot: Why is all this helpful to me?

Bunny: Because if you kill the Lords of Dust it doesn't do anything to the thing that's really living: the plan.  Kill the plan, and the Lords will be the ones crumbling.

----
[[Forgotten_Freedom:Kithle|Kithle]], [[Forgotten_Freedom:Savor|Sa'vor]], Kanatash, and [[Forgotten_Freedom:Satnak|Satnak]] are still sitting around the table, planning their attack against the Lords of Dust.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Satnak|Satnak]]: So what's the status of the rest of the crew.  Who can we count on to stand with us.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Savor|Sa'vor]]: Practically everyone.  Arieth wasn't the most popular crewmember but for most of the crew this ship is their home and the crew is their family, no matter how disfunctional.  They don't take attacks on either lightly.  The biggest problem is the captain, some of the others are trying to get him motivated.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Kithle|Kithle]]: Well if he won't stand with us we will move without him.  These actions require retribution.  (pauses) Do we know where we should make our strike?

Kanatash:  Not yet but I believe [[Forgotten_Freedom:Caralot|Caralot]] is doing something about that.

----
The scene cuts to the pokemon dimension where [[Forgotten_Freedom:Caralot|Caralot]] stands on the balcony of a massive tower looking down upon an assembled army of mutant pokemon.  The army writhes beneth her, it's number at least 10,000 strong, as she speaks to them in a magically magnified voice.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Caralot|Caralot]]: Hunt them down. Do not stop until they are found. You do not know pain, you do not know fear. You will taste demon-flesh.

A vast corous of miscellaneous Pokemon cries echo throughout the dimension as the army, each individual marked with a white palm print, begins to march through the portal to the forgotten freedom so that they might search out the Lords of Dust and learn all they may for their master.

----
Jarlot: Thanks.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]]: Sokay.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Marish|Marish]]: *YAWN*

Jarlot: Okay, that's creepy.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Marish|Marish]]: I like sleeping on my master when she's asleep.  It's especially fun when I stick my claws out.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]]: Do you think we should tell [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]] about her father?

Jarlot: And add further fuel to this problem? Besides, she'd never believe us.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]]: Her mother died only 250 years ago....

Jarlot: That's a long time for naturals.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]]: You're half fiendish. I'm a Necromancer...aka I LIVE FOREVER if I'm doing my job right.  Why shouldn't she believe we're a few centuries old.

Jarlot: You never did like [[Forgotten_Freedom:Aerith|Aerith]] though.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]]: I'll miss her.  Good friends are hard to keep up.  I don't want her soul kept by a monster like the Lords of Dust anyway.

Jarlot: What I want to know is what they've got planning.  This is pretty abnormal behavior for that group of regenade demons.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]]: I don't think we need to find out...because they won't live long enough to do it.

Jarlot: Well the bunny said that Demons on Eberron weren't immortal if you knew how to kill them right.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]]: Say what?

Jarlot: Errr nevermind.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]]: Still [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]] is a smart girl. She'll figure out the truth of Gaia eventually.

----
The half Giant cooky approaches [[Forgotten_Freedom:Michael|Michael]]'s room and knocks.  From inside [[Forgotten_Freedom:Michael|Michael]] replies.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Michael|Michael]]: Yes?

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Norbaz|Norbaz]]: I've gathered my full stock of Khyber Shards, it won't be enough to bind more than ten lords of dust long enough for us to kill them.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Michael|Michael]] creeks open the door.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Michael|Michael]]: What do you suggest.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Norbaz|Norbaz]]: We need to find the largest vein ever and harvest it for the cause.

----
Cardinal Krozen finally arrives back at Flamekeep, free of those psychotic pirates. His departure and return had been done in utmost secrecy, but such events cannot be fully contained. Already, whispers about him floated through the streets. He returned to his chambers, hoping that a good nights sleep would clear his mind. It was going to take quite a lot to keep this incident under wraps. Upon entering his room, he sees a rather unwelcome sight.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]: Took you long enough...

Krozen: You! What do you want?! I did as you asked, now leave me be!

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]: You misread my intentions, Cardinal. Or should I call you Father, now? :devil: 

Krozen: *cringing at her implications* What do you want, then?

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]: I just wanted to say something. Despite the fact that I had to scare you to even get you to show up, threaten incomprehensible pain to get a half-assed apology for a horrific act out of you, and one of my friends had to coerce you into walking her down the isle...thank you.

Krozen: ...huh?

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]: The simple acts of acknowledging her as your daughter and apologising to her have made her happier than she was before. You were exceptionally rude when you left, but she got more than what she expected.

Krozen: *relaxing slightly* What are you going to do now?

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]: Nothing.

Krozen: ...you're serious, aren't you?

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]: We may yet meet again, but for now, I'm going to leave you alone. I have said my piece. I cannot speak for the others, but I will not bother you again unless you give me reason to. You know what those reasons are...

With this, she fades back into the shadows, leaving him alone again. She seemed sincere anough about letting him be, but he knew there was a catch. There always was with people like her. He just had to figure out what it was. Oh, well. He'd start on that tomorrow. Just as he falls asleep, a memory surfaces...

"Daddy? What are you doing...?"

----
[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]]: ([[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]] smiles and turns to Sa&#8217;vor.) Excellent.  I had hoped you would understand.  Now then, let&#8217;s proceed shall we? ([[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]] raises his left hand and the chains spring back to bind Sa&#8217;vor.)

Sa&#8217;vor: Wha&#8230;!

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]]: I won&#8217;t lie to you.  This is going to hurt like h*ll, but I need you conscious to do this.  I can&#8217;t do anything about the pain either but it&#8217;ll be worth it.

([[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]] draws a long dagger from the inside of his cloak.  The dagger glows a faint green in the darkness and white symbols stand out along the blade.  [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]] spins the dagger almost casually in his hand then plunges it into Sa&#8217;vor&#8217;s chest, cutting through his ribs from his collar bone to his navel.  

Sa&#8217;vor&#8217;s screams echo throughout the lab and [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]] grins slightly as Sa&#8217;vor stares at his open chest.  No blood flows from the wound and Sa&#8217;vor watches his own heart beat for a moment.  The sound of its beating magnifies such that it fills his ears drowning out his echoing screams.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]] draws a sliver needle from his cloak and holds the orb in front of him.  The orb hovers in the air slightly as [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]] threads the needle with silver string.  He then thrusts the needle through the orb piercing it and drawing the red and black swirl along the string.  

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]] leans over Sa&#8217;vor&#8217;s body and his four chains rush out to hold open the wound he&#8217;d made, exposing the beating heart even more.  Sa&#8217;vor screams rise even higher as [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]] plunges the needle into his heart.  [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]] draws the string tight and plunges the needle in again and again, crisscrossing the thread into an intricate symbol.  


The symbol is finished and only a short length of string is left.  [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]] pulls it taught on Sa&#8217;vor&#8217;s heart and the symbol glows with a black light.  [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]] wraps the string around his right ring finger and breaks it.  

Sa&#8217;vor&#8217;s screams stop and he throws his head back, clenching his teeth as he fights against the pain.  [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]] presses his hand against the still beating heart and black energy emanates from it.  Sa&#8217;vor screams anew and [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]] grasps the open flesh and draws it together, speaking words to seal it.  The flesh mends as Sa&#8217;vor&#8217;s vision fades into darkness.)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

(The darkness fades and Sa&#8217;vor awakens.  Immediately his hands fly to his chest, running up and down, feeling for the gaping hole that was there.  The flesh is mended and no new scar mars his skin.  Then he notices the black pulsating symbol on his chest, identical to the one that was sewn on his heart.  He runs his claws over it absentmindedly and looks around the room.

Then he realizes it; everything looks different, almost as if his entire world was shrouded in darkness and he had just now been lead to the light.  Sa&#8217;vor sat up.  He felt different too, like he&#8217;d been energized.  He felt strong, stronger than he&#8217;d ever felt before. 

Sa&#8217;vor stood up and thought with a clear mind.  No more fragments of himself vying for control, no more chorus of voices fighting to win the eternal struggle for dominance in his head.  His mind was his own once again, whole and unfragmented.


Sa&#8217;vor stared around the room, taking in all the depth of vision he&#8217;d been missing.  He noticed his reflection in a glass tube and walked over too it.)

Sa&#8217;vor:  Green.  My eyes are green.  (Sa&#8217;vor&#8217;s eyes glowed solid neon green; no white or pupil or iris broke the sea of green that was his eyes.)

([[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]] appears in the doorway behind Sa&#8217;vor, unnoticed as Sa&#8217;vor stares at himself, mystified by his own appearance.)

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]]: Yes, well, some minor physical changes are to be expected.

(Sa&#8217;vor whirls around at the sound of [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]]&#8217;s voice.  He stares at the man and for the first time realizes the perfection of the being.  Sa&#8217;vor feels his gaze drawn to the man&#8217;s eyes and stares into the obsidian orbs.)

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]]: Amazing isn&#8217;t it?  I feel that way every time I devour a soul; as though I&#8217;m suddenly complete again.  ([[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]] strides into the room and peers at Sa&#8217;vor.) I envy you.  Would that I were able to reclaim my soul so easily.

Sa&#8217;vor: What?

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]]: I&#8217;m a soul eater.  I have to devour souls to replenish my own.  Souls are a frail thing.  Once broken they are nigh-impossible to repair.  My soul was shattered by a dark demon lord.  I devour the souls of others that I might maintain mine.  Without other&#8217;s to replenish mine, it would fade away and I would be as a shadow upon the world, worse than you were at your darkest moments.  I envy that your soul can be returned so easily whereas mine is forever broken.  

([[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]] pauses and closes his eyes.  Sa&#8217;vor stares at him as he seems lost inside his own mind.  Then [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]] jerks his head forward, as though to shake the thoughts from his mind and looks at Sa&#8217;vor.)

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]]: But let&#8217;s not speak of me.  I&#8217;m sure you wish to know the price you paid for having me bind your soul to you.  

(Sa&#8217;vor nods as every muscle in his body tenses, testing his new strength.  Why hadn&#8217;t he asked the price before?  He still didn&#8217;t trust this man, no matter how charismatic he was.)

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]]: I thought as much.  You paid the price of power.  You can feel your body and you can feel new energy coursing through it.  You are more powerful than you were before, but less so than you would be had you never given up your soul to begin with.  The energies that you feel are your own, but they are now also mine.  You are forever linked to your binder, and your power is my power.  The stronger you grow, the stronger I grow.  I can reach to you whenever I wish, and take as much of your power as I wish, though I doubt that this will be necessary.  Merely being connected to you increases my own strength so that I don&#8217;t have to draw on yours.  Likewise, you will feel some of my power in you, though you may not draw more as you wish.  In truth, this was but a small price to pay, and I could have taken so much more.  But I am content.  And never forget this favor I have bestowed upon you this day.  You are in my debt.  Now, return to the ship, we are needed; I&#8217;ll be along shortly.

([[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]] waves his hand as Sa&#8217;vor&#8217;s about to speak, but is instead teleported to the ship.  

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]] smiles to himself and feels his new power coursing through is veins.)

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]]: Hmm&#8230; what&#8217;s this?  Psionics?  I didn&#8217;t expect that&#8230;  That gives me an idea&#8230;

----
As [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]] returns to the Forgotten Freedom, Liam comes up to talk to him.

Liam: Hello. I don't think we've met. I'm Liam d'Ghallandha. And you are?

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]]: I am [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]]. Why are you introducing yourself to me?

Liam: I've been doing a study of the various people (in some cases, I use the term very loosely) aboard this ship, and the effect this group has on the fabric of reality. I've gotten most of the crew interviewed, except for a few redshirts and, according to my records, you, Mr. [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]]. When could I schedule an appointment for you to come down?

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]]: Just "[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]]." No "Mr." And I'm quite busy at the moment. Could I just drop by sometime later?

Liam: That would be fine. As I said, I'm almost done with the interviews. Thank you for your time.

With that, Liam waves goodbye to [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terrek|Terrek]] and returns to his room.

Liam: Not only are the interviews done, I think I almost have the device that detects the various weirdnesses aboard. Next step is harnessing the weirdness. I may need some help on that part.

Liam pulls out some paper and begins to write.

MEMO
To: All ship board artificers and those that enjoy item creation.
From: Liam d'Ghallandha, B.S. Magi. Sci.
Re: Research Project help

For those that may not have heard, I am performing a research project involving the general weirdness and insanity that pervade the environment of the Forgotten Freedom. My first two phases of the project have been completed: cataloging, analyzing, and categorizing the crew by expect weir/insan output, and constructing a device to measure this output. The third phase will be constructing a device to harness this power, to be put to use power the construction or functioning of various artifice. Anyone wishing to help, meet me in my room tomorrow.

P.S. For those thinking my timing on this memo is a little ill timed considering the major loss the crew has suffered, consider this: The entire reality warping force of the insanity on this ship, harnessed, channeled, and focused through the Mi-Go Cannon. 


Putting down the pen, Liam steps out the door.

Liam: 13...

13: Yes?

Liam: Could you please spread this memo throughout the ship?

Liam hands 13 the paper.

13: Will do. See you later.

Liam: Thank you. Good bye.

----
[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]], Jarlot, [[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]], and [[Forgotten_Freedom:Lisa|Lisa]] sit in the Captain's quarters. [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]] has her head buried in her hands, [[Forgotten_Freedom:Lisa|Lisa]] quietly listening as Jarlot tells them about [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]'s parents. As part of it, he has several photos and image crystals strewn about the desk.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]: Wait...wait...it simply doesn't fit. You say my father died and my real mother disappeared. Then who was it that we fought?

Jarlot: That confused me as well. He didn't recognize me, and he had a different name, but I know it was him.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]: What did he call himself before?

Jarlot: We knew him as Beren. 

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Lisa|Lisa]]: *looking at a photo* This woman...she looks just like you.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]: That's my mother. I can only assume the baby is Haru.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]]: It is. Diana was so happy. Her first son. And her second child.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]: Second? But wasn't it just...?

Jarlot: *picks up another photo* Your big sister, Amelia.

In the photo is an elven girl of about 5. Beren carries her on his shoulders as she reaches for butterflies while Diana carries baby Haru.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]: I...had no idea. All I ever knew about was Haru...

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]]: Perhaps it has something to do with what happened to your parents.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Lisa|Lisa]]: Why haven't you said anything before?

Jarlot: I had repressed most of it till recently. I've never forgiven myself for his death...

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]: How did it happen...?

Jarlot: That's what bothers me the most. We had just finished a skirmish with some hobgoblin raiders when something drove your mother's horrid ape berzerk. It gutted him before any of us could properly react.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]: ...my mother was a Gatekeeper?

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]]: And a damn good one. I don't know why it took me so long to put it together that you were her daughter. On top of being her twin, you have her talent.

Jarlot: We tried to raise him, again and again, but to no avail. By all accounts it should have been possible, but...

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]: *her brow furrows for a moment, then*...I think I may be able to find out more.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Andrea|Andrea]]: How?

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]: The description of his death is quite similar to something else I've read. Only from another perspective.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Lisa|Lisa]]: You mean...Theronas?

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]: *nods* That part made little sense to me the first time through, and the work was painstaking enough, so I skipped it a bit. Looks like I'll need to decode the rest of his diary...

Jarlot: Guys keep journals, n-

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]: Not diaries. I get it. *she starts to leave*

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Lisa|Lisa]]: *following her* Is there anything I can do?

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]: Yeah. If this is going where I think it is, I'm gonna need your shoulder again...

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Lisa|Lisa]]: *smiling softly* It's always open. Just don't push too hard. You're no good to anyone if you run yourself ragged.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]: *lays her head on [[Forgotten_Freedom:Lisa|Lisa]]'s shoulder* I love you...

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Lisa|Lisa]]: *leaning on [[Forgotten_Freedom:Terra|Terra]]'s head* I love you too.

----
[[Forgotten_Freedom:Satnak|Satnak]] is meditating alone in a stone chamber. She is wearing her full suit of spiked armor, and is hanging from the cieling by grasping it with one hand.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Satnak|Satnak]] - I will not allow this.

If Brianna can be saved, then I will see to it that she is.

If she is gone, i will destroy those who aid the one responsible.

And that one will wish I had granted him the same mercy.

I am coming for them.

I am almost ready.

I am the Breaker Prime, and I will not be denied.

The pearl flashes once from beneath the armor.

----
 Kantash enters [[Forgotten_Freedom:Caralot|Caralot]]'s room to find her packing a small travel bag.  The white wolf has awakened by now and is watching [[Forgotten_Freedom:Caralot|Caralot]], but reacts predictably to the presence of Kantash.  Quench is zipping about yapping, as usual.

Kantash: What's going on?

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Caralot|Caralot]]: I'm going home.

Kantash:  :eek:  :confused: Wha………Why?  Is it me?

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Caralot|Caralot]] turns to Kantash and gives him a kiss despite his incorporeality.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Caralot|Caralot]]: It's only until this whole thing with the Lords of Dust blows over.  *Khyber-deep sigh*  It's just that this Eberron is very tiring.

Kantash: Tiring?  You'll have to be more specific than that, it's not like living on this ship is anything less.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Caralot|Caralot]]: So many factions want to destroy the world here, or force it under their terrible rule.  Back home it's not that bad.  Some of the rakshasas are actually really nice people, like Tony here.  (the look on her face is a mixture of fear and wonder, perhaps not at the same thing)  When I came here I wasn't prepared for how bad it could be.  Now I see that my world is a world where hope still lives, and not just perhaps in a few places but all over.

Kantash: So there's not danger?  No Dreaming Dark, no Emerald Claw, no Mournland?  I can't believe that they'd be peaceful.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Caralot|Caralot]]: :mad: I've already told you, the Mourning never happened on my world.  I'm not saying it's perfect, but it's not like here where fully 87.5% of the world is obviously out to get you and the remaining 12.5% probably is but you can't tell yet.  (OOC: My true feelings about the Eberron Campaign Setting.)

Kantash: So what is this, a tacticle retreat?  If you feel you need to, go ahead.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Caralot|Caralot]]: Yes.  I'm taking Saberiel with me.  She's been devistated, and maybe my world can bring back her will to live.  ([[Forgotten_Freedom:Caralot|Caralot]] has turned back to packing.)

Kantash looks over at the white wolf.

Kantash: What about him?  You still haven't said anything about what he is.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Caralot|Caralot]]: Oh, he's coming with me.  There's something in my world he needs to see, make him feel better about himself.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Caralot|Caralot]] closes the bag and then slugs it over her shoulder.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Caralot|Caralot]]: My family's used to me being gone for long stretches of time without warning, but I really want to get back.  To tell them about you, the ship, the crew.  I mean, I not the only one here from an alternate reality, but the rest of you can find a part of this world that is yours.  Me, I have you, my work here, but nothing else.  I need to see my home….

Kantash forstalls [[Forgotten_Freedom:Caralot|Caralot]]'s stream of words by bending down and giving another kiss.

Kantash: Alright.  Go.

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Caralot|Caralot]]: I've left instructions with 13 on when and how to find me.

----
At the sight of [[Forgotten_Freedom:Aerith|Aerith]]'s grave, now alone, a waver appears in the fabric of time.  Two beings steps out.  One is a wolf about the size of a horse, it's fur a patchwork of black and pastel blue.  The other is a rather attractive teenager of a humanoid body structure, with two small horns and wasp-like wings, with a wtinger tail.  She is dressed in a motly collection of furs and what are probably cast-off clothes, but sporting a jaunty purple beret.

She takes of the hat, kneals in the grass of the grave, and presses her forhead to the ground.

Lady: Father.

----
[[Forgotten_Freedom:Naz'roth|Naz'roth]], [[Forgotten_Freedom:Savor|Sa'vor]], [[Forgotten_Freedom:Tara|Tara]] and Feal-Thas are arming themselves for the hunt to come. [[Forgotten_Freedom:Naz'roth|Naz'roth]]'s face has become grim and determined. but in his eyes burns an anger that the world has never before seen since the age of demons. an age where the very gods trembled at the might of the Daemon lords. now one of the Rajahs was getting a bit to uptious. this was a time of mortals, the immortals should not be able to walk the earth. a balance had to be formed. [[Forgotten_Freedom:Tara|Tara]]'s pale face was burning with an unholy fury. her black robes fluttered around her in an etheral wind. Feal-Thas stood with his squad. The Shadowsteps . he raised a cloth with Rajah blood on it. the Sqaud sniffed it, and bared their teeth. Feal-Thas snarled and let out a warcry. 

[[Forgotten_Freedom:Savor|Sa'vor]] was serene. his mind foucused  once more with a cold and calculating power. he could feel his emotions coursing through his viens. but he bent them to his will. there was time to feel sorrow another day. now was the time to plan, to fight. to hunt down this Rajah. a twinge of concern burnt at the back of his mind, Jarlot needed to come out of this flunk. [[Forgotten_Freedom:Savor|Sa'vor]] shook his head, he wouldnt try and bring the captain out of it. the captain needed to find the strength within his self. [[Forgotten_Freedom:Savor|Sa'vor]] drew an obsidian dagger from his belt and slashed it against his arm. he took the crimson blood that flowed from the wound and placed the Valenar hunters marking's upon his brow. then he donned his armour. the knowledge of his various spells, Invoacations and powers flowed into his mind. the wonders clammered at the back of his mind, he silenced them. and selected a few words of dark speech. he drew a black crystal from a pouch at his belt and whispered them into the crystal.



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