Forgotten Freedom:48

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Terra: No way in hell is Captain Jarlot my father, Marish. You lose that bet right now.

Marish: Awwww....

Terra: And give me back Not-Walter. I don't like you tricking him into assuming his alternate form for that reason.

Marish:  :weep:

Jarlot: Say what now?

Terra: Go look it up yourself, Mr. D&D. [SIZE=1]Whatever that is...[/SIZE] Use one of those Monster Manual things you claim to have.

(later)

Jarlot: (finding the entry on Half-Farspawn Broodling Kythons) Ok, I know that ability...that too...ah! Here we are...

• pause*

Jarlot:  :yuck: EWWWWWW!!!!!

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Satnak - Guess what jarlot (brutally gut punches jarlot) I'm still a lot stronger than you.

Jarlot - Wheeeze

Satnak - Now tell me how to unbind this things hold on me, or I'll give you a Kithle's skylight special, sans speed, precision, and quick death. Also I have a meld for Sense motive on so don't even think bluff.

Jarlot - How do you know about that.

Satnak - Apperently you made a few mistakes filling out my sheet, you turned me into a guy you sick freak. On top of that I'm not a demi-god thats divine rank 0. I don't have divine ranks. Further more I'm not an aligned force I'm a conceptual force, DEICIDE if I was a demi-god it would the a demi-god of destruction, and deicide. I Had to figure this whole system out just to find out what you did to me now fix it!!! Getting my focus wrong was on thing but fix the gender first Marish keeps hitting on me, and I'm starting to like it!!.

Jarlot - OK bad mental image there, the fact that your face hasn't changed makes this worse somehow.

Satnak - Your darn right it does.

Jarlot - OK lets go over this thing and fix it.

A few hours later.

Satnak - Ok thats everything major fixed, but I should be taller.

Jarlot - Must have smudged it fixing your gender.

Satnak - Now Unbind it from me.

Jarlot - Thats Ketler's department, I dunno how to sever these safely.

Satnak throws jarlot through the walls into tifa's room.

Tifa - Out kids.

Door closes, roosevelt begins nailing boards over the hole in the wall.

Jarlot - Oh no.

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Satnak - KETLEEEER!!

Ketler - Yes maam.

Satnak - Unbind this thing. NOW

Ketler -  :eek: Yes maam

Satnak - I'll be looking over your shoulder the entire time.

---

On the fore deck a little after sunset.

Satnak - Finally thats done with no more papers messing with me.

Rikku, Yuna , and Paine wander on board.

R - Where are ...

Y - we gonna...

P - sleep tonight.

Satnak - Ugh I forgot Tifa had you 3 sprats around these days. Lemme guess she kicked you out when the cpt. Fell in.

YRP - Yep/yes/yeah

Satnak - Gah, Nalfien its your turn at watch.

Nalfien - Fine :rolleyes:

Satnak - Ok your three You can use the Spare rooms in my Suite.

YRP - YAY/Thank you/ok

Nalfien - Wait you get a suite?

Satnak - Most of the outsiders on board are more than willing to help me out with little projects like extradimensional rooms in exhange for not ever touching them with the arm.

Nalfien - Don't you have complete control of the zorching mechanisms, and its capable of doing a fair number on humanoids too.

Satnak - Of course, just guys like naz'roth get really weird vibes from it.

---

Satnak - a few rules, do not wake me up, do not eat the chili from the mini fridge, the spoons are fair game just wash them when your done, if you have to do something messy, stay in the kitchen, and no waking me up. Yes i mentioned that one twice. Good night.

Satnak exits the lounge and locks the door to the primary bedroom behind her.

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Nalfien is in Mickey's room, standing next to Volrath, along with Paine, Rikku, and Yuna. P/R/Y: *humming the Jeopardy song* Nalfien: Please! Volrath remains comatose. Nalfien: Come oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooon *breaths in* Come ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooon. Volraths eyes fly open. Volrath: Shut up! Volrath picks up Nalfien and flings him through the nearby wall. P/R/Y: *Begin humming various Rob Zombie songs*

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Terra smacks her forehead.

Terra: Of course, Igor. He's encountered basically every evil thing in the known universe. He must have some knowledge of this thing.

Silver: Wait, Jarlot has a daughter? I'm a goddess of life, how could I not know this?

Crow: Sope-opera causality. Unexpected relatives show up. Like Tifa's trips. Your knowledge will just back-date itself.

Silver: Whew!

Crow: But what are we going to do about Satnak?

Silver: Why are we going to do anything?

Crow: Her deicide arm makes it nearly impossible for any interesting power villains to take on the FF.

Silver: But we aren't going to do anything about it.

Crow: Well, yeah. Who likes super-powered villains?

Silver: They have no style.

Amidst all the falling bodies descends a small black shape, only perhaps a foot tall, but with a tail twice its height. It floats until it comes to the level of the leader, above the stake and the girl. It’s possible to catch its shape if outlined against the dim light from the torches in the church above: two pointed ears on top of its head, a tapering muzzle, and legs and arms more like the limbs of a canine. The tail whips about, snapping in the air and sending small shockwaves down against those sitting around the arena. The creature opens its eyes, and there is a visible red glow.

Suddenly the creature has picked up the leader by his skull. It is a deadly situation for the leader: his neck is now supporting his entire body.

Creature: [COLOR=DarkRed]WHAT IS IT THAT YOU SEE? WHAT IS IT THAT YOU SEE THAT I CAN’T SEE? WHAT IS IT THAT I SEE THAT YOU CAN’T SEE?[/COLOR]

A look drawn from the depths of horror appears on the leader’s face, the same look that the dead bodies wear. He stops breathing. He’s dead before his neck stretches beyond living.

The creature lets the body fall. The leader’s companions edge back. Even the paladins below, veterans of crusades against foul evil, don’t move against the creature. But one lone priest, somewhere midway up the arena side near the leader’s box, stands defiantly.

Priest: Know, foul fiend—

The creature looks at the priest. The man crumples in mid-sentence.

---

Volrath and Terra sift through the tomes in his library as Igor stands nearby. Not-Walter stands guard at the door, growling at Nalfein as he pouts just outside.

Nalfien: C'mooooooooooooo-

Igor: I'm thorry, mith. But I haven't worked with him directly, so I don't know hith name.

Nalfien: -oooooooooooooooooo-

Terra: Anything you know would be most appreciated.

Nalfien: -oooooooooooooo-

Igor: From what I gathered, he ith indeed related to Glabrethu demonth. However, he ith more powerful and theemed to command them.

Nalfien: *deep breath* -oooooooooooooo-

Volrath: More powerful in what way?

Nalfien: -ooooooooooo-

Igor: The thadow abilitieth mith Terrra'th brother dithplayed were one example. He liveth darkneth and moveth freely within it.

Nalfien: -oooooooooooo-

Terra: Why would someone like this wait until now to come after me?

Nalfien: -oooooooooooo-

Igor: I can only athume you are needed for thomething thpethific. Thomething in which timing ith important. That, or he wath thimply unable to thearch for you for thome reathon.

Nalfien: -ooooooooooonnnnnnnn!!!!!

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Volrath: It could be a Glabrezu/shadow demon hybrid. Often when two different types of demon cross breed the child is more powerful than both of the parents. How ever they are unable to reproduce, keeping their numbers small.

Terra: I guess.

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Naz'roth: a demon hey? must be of a newer generation. being trapped in a crystal prison does that to you, all the demons begin to stop respecting you. thats why i've always prefered devils really. they know the chain of command, and only your equals or those slightly below you try to stab you in the back. just like politictians ( especialy Labour politicians).

Tara: whats the difference between Demon and Deamon?

Sa'vor: Demons are the personifcation of Chaos and evil, Deamons are more Lawful evil, but Deamons are always powerful. they're the ruling elite of the fiendish world. fourtunatly theres only six of them left, three of Naz'roths power level and two of the lesser Deamons.

Slip: what about Asmodeous and the Dukes? arnt they Deamons?

Naz'roth: No, back in the day The Dukes where Devils, only a fraction of the power of one of the Deamon lords. they controlled portions of the world about the size of countries, Deamons controlled whole continents. The continent of Khorvaire was ruled by me, though i dont really count on being able to get it back. my time has passed

Tara: dont Deamons get reborn like demons and other fiends ?

Sa'vor: no, their power gets divided up to create millions of lesser fiends. sometimes their spirits are able to be housed in new bodies, similar to the method a Dracolich uses. somtimes the make pacts or bargins to return in a lesser state and slowly they regain thier former power.

Slip: so wheres the other two Deamon lords? the ones of equal power to Naz'roth?

Naz'roth: ones buried in Sarlonna, the Inspired and qouri keep an eye on him. the other in Xendric, though their well gaurded and we dont whant them escaping.

Sa'vor: why? wouldnt they make great allies?

Naz'roth: lets just say they dont share my attitude, the what to take their lands back by force. and i doubt the Dragons would let them do that, they keep a close watch on me as it is.

Sa'vor: lets just hope we dont have to content with any of them. i ahve enough trouble stoping all us ubers from blasting each other apart as it is, and kithle wouldnt be pleased if we started fighting. and Satnak's even moodier than usual with all the millions of jarlots running about

Slip: what the crew need is a good fight, you know, a attack form an armada to unleash all their stresses and emotions. that or a party.

Tara: i thought it was a party every night on this ship?

Naz'roth: that was just the recruitment poster

Tara: stupid posters, lying to me all the time.

---

Nalfein is still trying to get into the libary.

Nalfein: COME OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!

Everyone is still ingoreing him.

Nalfein: PLEASE!!!

Volrath: (sighs) Fine, bu-

Nalfein: [SIZE=4]YAY!!![/SIZE] :D

Nalfein then runs over to Volrath.

Volrath: I'll let you read it, but you need to get me something first.

Nalfein: [SIZE=3]ANYTHING!!![/SIZE]

Volrath: I need a Book of the stilled tongue.

Nalfein: OOOOOOK, wait a minute. That book is not even in this campaign setting.

Volrath: [SIZE=4]DON'T BREAK THE FOURTH WALL!!![/SIZE] Anyway, I can get you to the right plane, but it will take a day.

Nalfein: Ok, but I need to leave someone here that will make sure that you don't double-cross me.

Volrath: Who, I am your only friend and even I don't like you that much.

Nalfein: Oh, I got it covered. My winter wolf familiar will watch you.

Volrath: Wait, you have a familiar?

Nalfein: Yes my winter wolf.

As he says this, a big winter wolf appears next to Volrath. Volrath takes a double take.

Volrath: :eek:

Volrath then jumps 3 feet in the air and lands on top of a bookshelf.

Volrath: When did you get that?!?

Nalfein: I have always had it. His name is Cuddles.

Cuddles: I told you, my name is spleen eater.

Nalfein: Awww, your so cute!

Volrath:  :uh-huh: So I'll get started on that.

Nalfein: (Drums his fingers together) Exellent :plotting:.

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A brawl breaks out in the bar.

Jarlot (entering at this most inopportune moment): What in Khyber is this? I get lost, decide I'm dying for a drink, and then I end up here.

Lucky and Roosevelt step out of the chaos like ninjas out of a cloud of smoke.

Jarlot: Why was I never informed we had a bar?

Roosevelt: I got you to sign the release form. Slipped it in with my last wood requisition.

Jarlot: Okay, I'm putting a stop to this RIGHT NOW!

Roosevelt: Had Weascal deck it out with all the legal nooses. They are god-binding.

Lucky: Besides, you've been getting a cut.

Jarlot: So that's where that extra money came from. But why do we have a bar?

Lucky: We—that is, the Lesser-Used crew—decided that with all the interdimensional portals opening up and lost of random beings wandering through that we could make a mint.

Roosevelt: And it keeps the weirdos off the regular crew's decks.

Jarlot: Well…Kithle and Satnak will be glad for that.

Lucky: We provide something for the crew to do besides get on each other's nerves. Mr. T and Bruce Ki are bouncers.

Mr. T: I pidy to foo who don't pay his tab.

Bruce Ki: I shall show you the error of your dishonoring that serving lady.

Lucky: Erks the barkeep. When you don't have time to speak thousands of languages or cast a permanent tongues, a guy who gets along by gesture is perfect.

Erk rumbles something from behind the bar across the fight.

Lucky: We've got Jingo collecting from those who try to slip out. And Tony the Tiger is our cook.

Tony: It's GRRRRRRRRRRREAT food!

Cabin Boy: And I am here to help those who's spirits are broken regain.

Jarlot: Whoa! You dug out some seriously unused talent for this one.

Roosevelt: Even some of the regular crew come down here. Norbaz has a great singing voice. Ketler designed all our stills. Terra contributes ingredients. And Marish—

Jarlot: Trust me, I can guess. But how come I didn't know about it?

Lucky immediately starts sweating. But Roosevelt handles things in his usual blunt manner.

Roosevelt: Igor mentioned something to Tifa about the power of bars to hook desperate men up. That qualifies you. And we seriously don't want to mess with Tifa.

---

Norbaz mulls over a drink in the crew bar, Erk cleaning a glass boforeh him.

Norbaz: I just don't know...it...maybe that's why I keep coming down here. Maybe I'm scared to actually confront her about it...probably why I've been avoiding her the past two weeks.

(scenes of Norbaz seeing Andrea turn the corner towards him and clinging to the ceiling to avoid being seen...Hiding behind the misenmast, dissappearing, and doing other ridiculous & dangerous things to hide in these mundane avoidance situations)

Norbaz: Am I suddenly turning into a coward over this. Just because I'm worried I told her I respect and admire his skill, talent, and beauty? Bah! Maybe...maybe...If I wasn't so sure I would die I would have never written that letter. But...I need to say something to her, or at least know what her response is. Sigh.

The half giant goes to the stage and picks up the mic...that which follows is some kind of Eberron equivalent of Frank Sinatra. Marish approaches Erk at the bar.

Marish: Well, has he gotten enough liqour yet?

Erk shakes his head no.

Marish: Well, give him this, I'll get Andrea down here and well see what happens.

Marish gives Erk a bottled labeled "Liquid Courage"

As Marish walks off Erk looks down at the bottle.

Erk: *Bah! "Liquid Courage"? He'll never forgive us or himself if I use this. Forcing someone to admit their innermost secrets when they don't want to is the surest way to make them depressed. But maybe…*

Erk grunts at Lucky and points to the bar. Lucky nods in understanding, taking up Erk's place. The Minotaur ducks intot he bar's back room. When there he opens the secret door in a wine barrel (There's always a scret door in the wine barrel—Igor), stepping through into a dark room without walls or cieling. In the center is a large book, the cover made of stone and carved with deisgns that are inscrutable to all but Erk. It basically says Puzzle God's Guide to Ways to Trick People.

Erk searches through the tome for about an hour. Finally he comes upon the entry he needs:

"Making a Very Competant Person Think They Have Courage"

Yes, this would be much better. And when it was over, Norbaz would know that he had made the decision himself.

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Late one evening, a pair of grotesque bird-like humanoid forms fly about the ship. One lands next to a porthole on the lower decks while the other keeps watch. A Redshirt opens the porthole and begins speaking with it in a hushed voice.

Vrock 1: What news do you bring of the target?

Redshirt: She seems to be trying to stack the deck in her favor. Most of what we've learned indicates she has regained most of her memory and is using it in an attemt to fight back.

Vrock 1: So she does not intend to go peacefully. Master will be most pleased. He has always enjoyed the strong willed type. Continue your reconissanse.

The Vrock lifts off and the two prepare to return.

Vrock 2: Why do we need to come all this way? Why can't we just spy remotely?

Vrock 1: Master said the Psions on board would be alerted to such a thing, and we must remain as hidden as possible.

The bloody scream eminates from the ship. They look back and see Kanatash floating there, looking rather pleased.

Kanatash: Seems we caught on anyway...

Vrock 2:  :censored:! (to his companion) We cannot be caught like this! GO!

Turning to flee, they see another form, this one is Terra.

Terra:  :devil: Hi there.

They split up, trying to get back to the portal they arrived through. Kanatash easily out maneuvers his opponent and Psionically freezes him in midair. Terra throws a mindblade at her's, slicing off a wing, followed by an arcane blast that disintigrates him.

Kanatash: (shaking his head) Messy, messy, messy. You really need to have more fun instead of just killing them.

Terra: Just releasing some pent-up frustration. (looking at the still-frozen Vrock) What are you gonna do with your catch? Perhaps I could learn a few things...

Kanatash: I wouldn't suggest it. Most of what I normally do would probably drive you insane. Breaking a demon's mind requires a bit more effort on my part.

Terra: *shudders* Remind me never to get on your bad side...

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Satnak - Hey when did terra get soulknife levels? Is it part of this memory thing?

Terra: No, that's the second soul part. I just haven't been using it.

Satnak: Is this another one of those Narrative Element things? Or has Jarlot been messing with our 'character sheets' again?

Terra: Yes.

Satnak: "Yes"? That's not an answer!

Terra: AAAAHH!! Run away!

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