Time In Between

[zemalia]

Setting
Let's start off with something generic shall we? Such as... now? I know we have a real life RP set in the current era, but we won't be there for long. We'll pick up some characters and move on. Currently on a busy street downtown. There are lots of shops lined up on both sides, and although there is a street, it is mainly used for pedestrians. Set in the UK... for now.

Info
This was posted in the other thread, but I'll put it here again for reference.

• Time travel and period where characters will end up will be controlled by two twin NPCs. People can suggest the new place to warp. Every time we go to a new period, something of the traveler must be given in exchange to travel. Otherwise, they will remain in limbo.
  
• Characters can come from the past, present or future.
  
• Please keep to actual historical periods for the past and plausible for the future.
  
• Please have some character motivation.
  

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Ailya walked along the busy street, keeping her head in her notebook as she went along. Her calculations for the next time shift suggested she only had about another 5 hours left before she had to get moving again. Thankfully, she hadn't spent long here. The busy city of the 21st century wasn't really her place. She preferred her lab: quiet, orderly, hers. Not to mention free of pollution. She hoped that the next place she would be off to would be from the past. Or even better, where she belonged.

It wasn't her fault that she had become caught in the time warp. An experiment that she was working on in the lab went wrong, apparently, and put her in the warp. According to her calculations, she had been traveling to random time periods for about two years.

Not that time mattered to her. The first thing that she had to give up was her age. She was stuck looking like this for ages. Why they had wanted her age was still somewhat of a mystery. Every time they had demanded something new of her, sometimes from the time she had just come from. Maybe they were bored and she was their new play-thing, to be stuck warping around for eternity. She did not like the sound of that.

Checking her digital watch, Ailya sighed heavily. She was supposed to be meeting the other member of her crew in five minutes outside a small jewelry shop. She stopped in her path, noticing she had already gotten there without paying attention and leaned against the glass windows. It shouldn't be too long. Unless they had decided to get into trouble... again.

[moroiiangel]

She scurried along the pavement. Late late late late late. Rachel had a mantra going in the back of her head, and it went something like this: You're late, you're an idiot. You're late, you're an idiot. It was Rachel's second day at this new job, and she was already late.

Ever since she broke ties with Malice, she hadn't been taking good care of herself. She had moved back into the aparment with her aunt, and she hadn't eaten in two days. Rachel was rushing along, trying to pick up the pace in her short heels, and was at the same time rummaging through her purse to find her date book. What was she late for? Was she missing a meeting? What if she had an appointment first thing this morning and-- Wham.

Rachel reeled backwards and she caught sight of the lady whom she had hit, all purple hair and flying notebook. A second later, Rachel was looking up at the sky from the sidewalk, with eyes wide open. She hopped to her feet and began apologising profusely.

"Oh my goodness, I am so sorry, I cannot believe I've done this! Are you hurt? We collided pretty badly, did you break anything? I'm so sorry, I'm such an idiot, and I really don't know how to make this up to you! I'm so so so ever so sorry." Rachel's british accent burst out in full bloom, a sure sign that her stress levels were bubbling over.

[Nuklearlad]

670 years ago from that very moment, Rivalen was sitting peacefully on a rock in a clearing. His horse, Tantrum, was grazing and Apollo was perched in a nearby tree.

"Anyone nearby old friend?" Rivalen asked the proud bird as it's head twitched around, "No, I thought not. Those bandits are long gone by now. Perhaps I'm simply too old for this game. I should leave it to younger nobles, go watch a tournament or something equally dull..."

He laid back, looking up at the clouds. His breastplate shimmering, his muscles aching...

38 years old, and well overdue for a rest. This field was as good as any place to start.
Lying back, he looked at the sky.
Old age was going to be peaceful
Old age was going to be restful
Old age as going to be dull

[zemalia]

"Calm down." Her voice was strong and authoritive, yet quiet. Ailya hoped that the girl wasn't in the mood for making a scene since she didn't have the time to deal with calming her down. She helped pick up the things that the girl had dropped and started moving towards an alley which was out of the way from sidewalk traffic.

She motioned the girl over to hand her the things she had collected off the pavement. "Here you go." She hoped the girl wouldn't notice her lack of accent and mistake her for a tourist. She had had enough tours around the town in the past three days. It was hardly worth swiping the new clothes to fit in. "Now, if you don't mind, I'm on a bit of a tight schedule-"

But she was cut off before she could finish her sentance. Behind her, at the end of the alley, a warp had appeared. It was simple enough looking, nothing fancy. The brick wall look like it had twisted. "Shit.." Ailya whispered to herself. How had her calculations been off? No time to bother with that now, she had to get going.

"Look, don't worry about the fall, I just need to go." And she turned around to head for the warp, knowing it would close in about five minutes time. She didn't want to cut it close.

(( OOC: to anyone who wants to be my partner in crime that I mentioned in my first post, nows your chance to show yourself. ))

[moroiiangel]

Rachel stared at the whirling portal in complete and utter awe.

Behind her, Henry burst around the corner, looking frantic. "Ailya? Don't leave me!! HELP!" He ran past Rachel, catching her wrist in his hand as he made a rush for the portal. "Come on!! We'll miss it!" And Henry pulled Rachel after him through the portal as it closed behind him, just in time to disappear before the police who had been chasing him turned the corner as well.

[Nuklearlad]

Sleep wouldn't come for Rivalen. His restlessness saturated every part of him. He twitched and tensed as he attempted to calm himself into peace.

Which is why it was a very welcomed disturbance when Apollo started violently calling out. The screech was a rare sound to come from Apollo and it immediately grasped Rivalen's full attention.

Apollo! What is it, old friend? But it was no use. Apollo was in a panic.

Drawing his sword and pulling himself to his feet, Rivalen looked around cautiously. A million possibilities ran through his head, but none of them explained Apollo's unusual behaviour. A quick scan of the clearing brought very little to his attention. He stepped forward, sword lowered but still in his hand.

Aha! That was it, movement in the bushes. No wait... the bushes weren't moving at all. It was the air itself that was moving! The air was quaking, rippling like a pond.

What madness is this...? Stepping back from the distortion Rivalen whistled sharply. Apollo immediately snapped out of it and landed squarely on Rivalen's shoulder.

Go Apollo, the nearest town is Bexhill. There's a mage there on the hill, east side of town, Dibin. Bring him here and waste no time. This is truly the strangest magic I have ever seen.

As Apollo flew off toward the south, Rivalen leaned on a nearby tree. He sheathed his sword but his eyes never left the hazy illusion.

=======================================

Dibin stood quietly on the roof of his hut. From this vantage he saw Apollo from some distance...

Ugh... I'd know that golden chicken anywhere. That idiot Armeyne must need help and of course it's me he bothers. Well, let him suffer and let that wild turkey of his squawk all day, I'm not going anywhere.

Apollo drifted closer, it would only be a few more moments now....

Although... I've told that fool knight more then once not to bother me. He's at least clever enough to not annoy me. Perhaps something of importance IS going on.

As Apollo landed, Dibin went inside without acknowledging him. He had supplies to prepare.

[zemalia]

Ailya glanced behind her as she heard the boy (and, oh no was that the girl she had collided with?) halt. Here, there was very little to stop anyone from moving; it was surprising that there was a ground to stand on at all. Everywhere she looked it was the familiar blue-green hue of sky. It was neverending. She knew, she had attempted to get through it on her own once.

The guardians were no where to be seen. Most likely since there was a new person with her. She would have to formally request their presence.

Turning fully around to Henry, Ailya scowled. "What the hell were you thinking?" She thrusted him back with her mind. She was going to make sure that he didn't do something this stupid again. Did he even bring something to sacrifice? "You've just endangered another innocent's life! I swear to... I don't even know why I brought you along in the first place!" She had him dangling mid air now, her narrow eyes fiercly looking upon him.

But she did know why she brought him along. Ailya wasn't much of a pickpocket and in this line of work she needed that ability.. badly. He was handy and had gotten her out of tough situations a couple of times. Problem was, he was sometimes more trouble than he was worth.

Ailya dropped him to the floor and sighed. "Well, we might as well get this over with." She turned briefly to the girl she had encountered and added, "I hope you have something valuable to give. Otherwise, you'll be stuck here." Grabbing her glaive out of her magic she spoke loudly to the air. "Great gatekeepers of time, I come to you in hope to search of another era. I have brought a gift so that you will humbly let me travel." She ended by bowing slightly, but rested her right hand firmly on her glaive.

A light shimmered, forcing Ailya to squint, and left the twins in its place. "We welcome you travellers." Although short, they stood above them, forcing even tall Ailya to look up. "What gifts have you brought us?" They spoke in unison, creating an eerie stereo effect.

Ailya produced a book out of her bag, which looked slightly aged. She put it towards them with her mind. "This is acceptable. Boy, what have you?"

==========================================

Ostrick scrambled about the lab like a bird let out of its cage. His master was in a rush to gather supplies and was hurling orders at him for what to bring in a seperate bag. While doing so, he knew he was expected to bring his own supplies as well. Dizzy, yet obediant, he hurried out the door after his master, hearing the hawk cry above their heads.

[Nuklearlad]

Rivalen was, unsurprisingly, growing restless. If he had lacked patience before, now his eagerness was unrelenting. This was adventure floating in front of him, there was no question in his mind. He was pacing around the odd rift, looking at it from every angle. It was flat, as though it was hanging on a nonexistant wall and it was constantly moving. But there was no colour to it, no smoke or sound as one might expect from magic. Dibin had told him once that unassuming magic was often the most powerful and that most mages were "smoke and mirrors". Rivalen hadn't known what to think of that at the time and Dibin was often untrustworthy in his angered ramblings, but still, the memory came to Rivalen and made him unusually cautious.

Shaking his head and stepping back once again from the rift, Rivalen turned his head and clicked his tongue on his teeth. Tantrum, his steed, looked up and sauntered over, apparently disinterested in the magical events. Reaching into his saddlebag, Rivalen searched for inspiration. Surely he didn't have to wait for that short...tempered mage. His curiosity was too great. Finally he settled on the ring. It was gold, with a smooth black stone in the centre. When he had first started hunting the bandits, one of the victims had insisted on paying him with it. A knight of course, if forbidden from accepting such payment, but the woman had been so forceful. If he lost the ring, he would only be unburdening himself a little shame.

Pulling Tantrum by the reins back into the edge of the clearing, Rivalen breathed deeply. Magic was unpredicatable, why risk anything by hurrying? Dibin may yet show up and simply solve everything....

But why should he have all the fun?

Rivalen tossed the ring into the rift, and watched intently...

[rabidusfossor]

The sky was clear as ever and the sun was high and bright, making the air warm, but comfortably so. A gentle breeze blew over the grass which rustled pleasantly in response.
These were Skyie's favorite days, the days of early summer. He sat on the edge of a large pond watching the wind move across it's surface. His legs were crossed and he was twirling a rock in his hands.
An observer might think his mindlessly enjoying the beautiful day, but Skyie was waiting. He was measuring the ripples. The rock he was holding was changing into a gem, ruby to be exact. It's colour reddened and the opacity fell away, leaving the boy with a small ruby.
He brought the ruby to his mouth and breathed on it. Then, casually, he tossed the gem into the pond. A ring of ripples echoed out from where the stone broke the surface. He saw the stone sink and a faint glow was given off momentarily.
Skyie watched the ripples, his gateway to his next adventure. He hoped one of the twins would come to his call.

[moroiiangel]

Henry stuttered and stumbled. "I ... uh, I well. Um. He looked around. He had managed to get a nice string of rocks off of a jewlery store in town, and they were probably more than enough, as they not only looked expensive, and were sparkly enough to catch the eye of any girl, but they were old too. But he wanted to pawn them.

Then, he remembered the girl he tugged along with him, and got another one of his "bright ideas". "I've brought this girl. She is... um... Well, go on, tell them what you're good for." Henry gave her a little push towards the twins, smiling faintly.

"Good for?! I'm not good for anything, and I'm certainly not going to be your gift!" Rachel huffed, and stomped her foot, her hair going every which way after being tossed onto the sidewalk and yanked through a portal and throwing a minor tantrum. Plus, Henry's british accent was bringing out her accent, and she HATED her accent. She was angry, to say the least.

"Not good for anything? You've got to be good for something. Tell the nice ladies what it is." He gave her an intense do-as-I-say look. Rachel didn't bend.

"No. Bring me home."

[zemalia]

The twins glowered down at the boy and his 'gift'. "This is not a gift, boy, but a trick. Present something worthy or you will remain here." Mei, one of the twins, looked upon the girl with disgust. She brought forth her staff and aimed the key tip at the girl. "You cannot go home," they spoke in unison, "and therefore you must provide a gift or remain in limbo. Think hard, girl, it must be something of great value. If you cannot think of something sufficient, we will take it of our own will or you will stay here."

Ailya had stepped off to the side, waiting for the others to finish up with their business. She shot Henry a dirty look, knowing that he had to have something up his sleeve. In the long run, he was causing more trouble for the both of them by trying to trick the guardians. She waited, impaitenty tapping her staff with her long nails.

The guardians suddenly turned around, their attention caught by something else. "Another has requested travel." A flash of light brought another man to their little scene. "It has been long since we have last seen you." The focused on him instead of Rachel and Henry, momentarily distracted. "However, your gift is insufficient, you have been away from us for too long. Provide us with something else."

Ailya noticed a small shine in her peripheral vision. Knowing it was best not to move towards it during such a tense moment, she turned her head in the direction of it instead. Through her better eyesight Ailya found the ring. It was fairly plain, although it had come from ancient times. She summoned it over using her power and caught it in her hand. Thinking, she noted that it could either be used to get Henry or the girl out of their prediciment. The new arrival she didn't much care for since he was of no consequence to her. And the new girl should have to sacrifice something as great and every first traveller does. Perhaps, just this once, she would bail Henry out. It would mean he would owe her a favour, which she could always use. With a single thought the ring was in Henry's hand. Hopefully he wouldn't be a dumbass and know what it was for.

[Nuklearlad]

As expected (or as close to expected as possible when magic was involved) the ring didn't make it through the distortion. It vanished completely. Unfortunately that didn't provide Rivalen with many more options... Was the ring destroyed, or simply moved? Curiosity gnawed at Rivalen like a thousand little mice. Every fibre of his being wanted to simply leap into the rippling air...

"Where is that little magic using old coot? He could probably tell me exactly what it is..." Rivalen said to himself.... and the old man, relatively young assistant, and golden hawk behind him.

"Old COOT am I Armeyne?! Apparently not so old that you get on without my constant aid! And next time don't send your pathetic sparrow to fetch me either! I am not some fat useless noble or flithy sleaze innkeeper to be bothered whenever a knight has a....problem"

Dibin's annoyed rambling ran out of steam as his eyes fell on the magical rift. He immediately pulled 3 books out of his bag, all apparently written in different languages and layed them on the grass. He began reading with his eyes making lightning quick movements across the page, up to the rift, and then back to the page. He paused, with held breath.

"Well then Sir Rivalen... you can go. I can assure you this won't endanger anyone. It does however require further study. I suggest you go on with whatever important business this is distracting you from."

Rivalen's jaw dropped a good 3 feet. Dibin never referred to ANYONE as sir, the man had addressed kings as "You there, idiot". If he was being so cautious and polite, something of fantastic importance must be going on... but Dibin also didn't want him involved. Being forceful with the old man would only bring back his miserable temper... perhaps subtly could solve the problem.

"Yes, well, magic is your business Dibin. The bandits are mine. I suppose I'll be on my way." He clicked his tongue, summoning Tantrum. Climbing into the saddle he whistled a sharp, and unusually high, note to Apollo who took off nearly straight up. "I leave this in your hands."

Rivalen galloped off and came to the next clearing over. Concentrating in the serene peace of the forest was easy, it was time to see what Dibin was up to. Seeing though Apollo's eyes, he looked down on Dibin and Ostrick. Dibin was clearly yelling at Ostick and was very excited. Apollo was too far up to make out any specifics though.

"Down just a bit, maybe that treetop to the south, it's only a dozen yards from them... quietly my friend..." Said Rivalen softly to the empty clearing.

And the view changed rapidly as Apollo came to a near silent landing just a little ways behind the mages. Focusing in with eyes that usually were only meant to catch prey from incredible heights Rivalen managed to read the words off Dibin's over-expressive lips. He was speaking quickly, excited to the point of madness.

"Hurry you idiot! This is a tear in reality itself! Imagine the power of it! Why, whoever created this is a mage beyond even legend! I will need defenses if I am to begin unravelling it's secrets. Prepare them! This is what I've been waiting for! This is my chance at true, unrivaled power!"

Rivalen awoke, his vision now his own.

"I never knew Dibin had such a thirst for power... if this thing really is so dangerous, I can't simply hand to Dibin. I don't trust him. "

Rivalen paused, and looked to the sky. He sighed deeply.

So much for rest.

And he rode back toward Dibin...longsword drawn.

[rabidusfossor]

Skyie smiled into the portal at the subtle chatter between the twins. They had heard him.
The boy stood and took a short run before leaping off the edge and into the pool. The water portal's magic came up to greet him, bringing him to stand in front of the twins.
He came out the other end of the portal and landed on his feet. He looked up to the twins and smiled.

[Nuklearlad]

Rivalen came back into the clearing without gaining the attention of the very distracted mage. Rivalen took the unexpected advantage to survey the scene with his own eyes. Things were already beginning to happen although not all of them were within the grasp of Rivalen's comprehension. Dibin was standing inside a pentacle drawn out on the ground out of a strange red sand. Dibin's eyes were fixed to a book and he was muttering to himself. Ostrick stood just outside the pentacle looking worried. Sword still in hand, Rivalen dismounted and stepped quietly behind Ostrick. He placed a firm hand on Ostrick's shoulder and pulled him back. Rivalen spoke quickly, forcefully and above all quietly.

"It's time you went home, apprentice. I have matters to discuss with your master about his discovery."

Ostrick opened his mouth to protest. He stopped as his eyes worked their way down to blade in Rivalen's hand. He did not bother to collect his things before leaving. As he did so, Dibin held out his hand expectantly without looking up. When no object was laid there he glanced up sharply preparing to yell. Then he saw Rivalen standing there alone. He was quiet for longer then Rivalen had ever seen him. There was no frustrated anger or impatience in eyes as usual. There was a calmness to him that shook Rivalen to his very core. When he spoke, it was quiet and clear and deadly serious.

"I was polite before Armeyne, I suppose that was mistake. Your head is so full of rocks and dung that the only thing you can understand anymore is the threats of petty bandits and calls for help from ignorant peasants. Let me say it in the manner your accustom to. Leave me to my studies or I shall restock my bone meal supply with your grindings of your skull."

Rivalen felt a drop of sweat form on the back of his neck. Idle threats were not uncommon from Dibin, but this was the first time he'd ever believed it. What was this magic? What was it's power? Was it the Devil's work enticing Dibin with demon calls? Or was it simply so powerful as to awaken an ambition Dibin had always possessed but had hidden in weakness? Rivalen had to know more if he was to do anything. Fighting Dibin was dangerous, and an unpleasant prospect. Though loathe to admit it, Rivalen respected Dibin's audacity and found it amusing.

"Come now mage, where's your civility from a moment ago? Listen, I may not be versed in magic, but I can tell this...rift, possesses great power. It should belong to local Baron or King. Whoever's property is falls on. After all, it could be dangerous."

To that, Dibin laughed... actually laughed. It was a wheezing, sickly sound that unnerved Rivalen more then any threat. It occurred to him that he'd never heard Dibin laugh before.

"Don't be ridiculous, you idiot. This is power of which you cannot begin to understand. No king could be entrusted to it. Why, someone with control of this rift could easily topple the entire known world and beyond! Let me explain something to you Armeyne. What do you know of time?"

"I'd say it's about midday why? What does that have to do with this strange magic?"

"Argh! You're too stupid to even have it explained to you! Not the time of day you fool! Time, itself, as a thing. As a concept, as a power!"

"Time is not a thing to wielded Dibin, that's impossible. It is not a blade or a bow, it is a fact. It simply passes. It wears down men to the dust from whence they came. It is undeniable, unrelenting and without conscience. No man, no king and certainly no power hungry mage has the right to meddle with that."

Dibin raised his hand, as tiny embers began forming in the skin on his hand. They multiplied slowly until his hand was covered in them like fiery bees and his skin glowed softly like a dying fire.

"You're not QUITE the fool I thought you were Armeyne. Yes, Time is unstoppable. But you're wrong. I can wield it. I must. I've waited too long, toiled too hard. Now ulimate power will be mine!"

And with that a blast of fire erupted from Dibin's hand. It flew swiftly and connected solid with Rivalen's breastplate. A shower of fiery sparks flew in every direction out from Rivalen's chest. He was propelled a good four feet off the ground and landed hard on his back. As Rivalen spasmed in pain on the ground, Tantrum whinnied harshly and leapt away into the forest. Apollo screeched and took flight. Rustling through his things Dibin brought out a staff with the oddest shape on it's headpiece. It looked to be a key, but it's teeth were too complex and sharp. It could almost have been a weapon.

"I've been awaiting this day too long Rivalen Armeyne. A true form of power. One of the purest of all powers. Perhaps the strongest of powers is within my grasp. Watch as I bend time itself to my whims. "

[moroiiangel]

Henry felt the ring appear in his hand. Beside the completely strange feeling of an object appearing unbidden in his palm, he was full of complete joy. A gift he could give. Lord knows where it came from, but it was a blessing.

"Of course, a gift, I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting. This here is my gift to you, and I can only hope that it is enough." Henry sunk to one knee and supplicated the twins, holding the ring high on his palm. He had always had a little streak of the Shakespearian actor in him, and if he knew it (or cared) he might of made a fabulous, if not sarcastic, career. As it was, the only audience he'd ever had was this lady, Ailya, and now the twins.

Rachel heard the call of an eagle, and whipped her head around to try to find the source. It was no where to be seen; the world around her was still the opaque, sky-like colour it had been when they arrived. She was beginning to be unnerved. She disliked this inability to see around her, and she didn't trust any of these people. Why had she been pulled into this? Why was she the one chosen to lose her job, her life? She hadn't asked for this.

"Haven't I given up enough already, coming here? Haven't I already given up my life, my job, my home? Isn't that enough for you?"


~*~*~*~*~

[glow=black,2,300]"Enough."[/glow] A voice called over the body of Rivalen, from the skirts of the forest. A snowy owl flew close to Dibin, landing between him and Rivalen on a now-smoldering stump.

[glow=black,2,300]"If you value your life or your powers, you will stop this recklessness."[/glow]

[Nuklearlad]

Dibin twitched at the sound of the owl's voice. His own speech, currently harnessing unknown energies stopped short. He turned with new found levels of frustration.

"What is it with Armeyne and birds! Now's he's got a talking owl! What what do you know of recklessness? Time may soon be under my control, but it isn't yet! Others will come to relieve me of this if they can..."

He stared at the bird more intently, paranoia bringing new thoughts to mind. Fear burst into Dibin's crazed eyes.

Of course! You're not at all with Armeyne! You're a magician of some kind! A shapeshifter! You won't stop me, won't take what's mine! Even without this rift I have formidable powers! And soon, Time itself will be my weapon!

Chanting to himself quickly and quietly, Dibin raised both his arms. He began to complete the protection spell meant for his pentacle. With a burst of flashing light, the edges of the pentacle began to glow brightly and hum loudly. His magical shield rising. As the red glow around him grew steadily, it was suddenly reflected in every direction by a golden bullet. Apollo streaked down from the sky, talons locked on Dibin's vile looking staff. As the two struggled in the centre of the pentacle, the edges' glow faded. Dibin, distracted, started cursing madly at his raptor adversary and was using his other hand to shield his face from Apollo's furious beak.

[zemalia]

"Pitiful creature," murmured the twins as they looked at the girl before them, "you are not listening to our words." The twins moved closer to her, although remained taller, seemingly floating above the 'ground'. As the bent down towards her they whispered, "Travelling through us is a priveledge, an honour. You treat it as if it is nothing. For that, we will choose the gift you give."

They pointed their keyed staffs at the girls, bringing a pale green light to her throat. It exited from her mouth and travlled into the space between the twins. "This will suffice. Next time, we suggest you are prepared." The light snuffed itself out.

They turned away from the girl to face Skyie. Recognizing him, their faces softened from the harded glare that they had used just seconds before. "As we said, you shall have to sacrifice more than the jewel. We will take the first number on your wrist."

Ailya had steadily walked over to Henry as the commotion continued. He was safe for now, and more importantly, he knew why. A small portal had appeared behind him, signifying that they were permitted to move on as per all of the sacrifices had been made.

"All right you two, let's move." She pointedly looked at the portal. "Henry, you and her first. She's your responsibility now."

[rabidusfossor]

Skyie rubbed the tattoo on his wrist. He liked his numbers, they made him feel special. I guess on number was worth the next adventure. He gave the tattoo a pat and held out his wrist to the Twins.
"Just a zero. I like the others more."
He turned his head away not wanting to see the number vanish.

When the number was gone, he looked up again and smiled nervously.
"Now that that's over....where are we going?", his nervous visage brightened to a child's smile.

[moroiiangel]

Heather shook her feathery head and soared above Dibin and Apollo. This was a sad display, that a man need be taken down by a bird. A very intelligent bird, however, and she admired its courage for attacking something so large without fear.

[glow=black,2,300]"Time is no weapon. Time can be controlled by no man, and you would do well to learn that quickly. The rulers of the land you are trying to reach will not be pleased with your actions. It would be wise to stop now, before you exhort yourself and bring wrath upon your head."[/glow]

Henry fell out of the portal, directly into Dibin's magic, and the struggle between him and the bird. "AUGH!" He had pulled Rachel along with him, the same as he had the first time, and she stumbled along behind him.

There seemed to Rachel to be almost a pause in the turn of the earth for a few seconds. Everything slowed to a stop, then immediately jumped into action again just in time for her to feel a familiar tickle in the back of her throat.

She began violently hacking up a lung. Frothy specks of red came out of her mouth. She pulled her handkerchief out of her pocket and tried to cover her mouth, but after pulling through the portal she had run right into the pile of limbs and feathers that had once been an epic fight. She was coughing and hacking and blood was coming like it hadn't in years. It seemed everything she had begun to tolerate, all the pre-emptive measures for the removal of her disease was taken away.

Meanwhile, Henry was getting tangled in Dibin's staff and legs, and feeling a nasty burning sensation from the protective pentacle. "What do you mean by this, setting up camp infront of a doorway? What kind of a bloke do you have to be to set up some kind o' death trap for unsuspecting travellers? Who do you think you are?"

[Nuklearlad]

Rivalen stood up. He was shocked he was capable of it, actually. He expected Dibin's magic to be the end of him. Looking down he saw a violent scorch mark on his breastplate. Still, wasn't too bad. He looked up at Apollo and Dibin. Things had gone... well... first of all Dibin had far too many limbs. There were about 3 strange looking people over there. One woman, who looked ill, one young man, Dibin and Apollo who finally seemed to be tiring of his attack.

Rivalen knew what he had to do. He whistled his commands to Apollo who flew back into the safe cover of trees. Rivalen then took his blade and marched up to Dibin. Dibin looked ragged, confused and was bleeding. Despite his anger, Rivalen couldn't bring himself to kill his old friend, especially while he looked so pathetic. He brought the hilt of the blade down on Dibin's head. Then stomped on chest hard. Then he turned to strangers... was the woman being hurt by the pentacle? Not for the first time, Rivalen cursed his lack of magical knowledge....

He ran over grabbed the sick girl and carried her quickly away to otherside of the clearing. He then grabbed Henry and dragged him away. The girl was still coughing. Perhaps she was just ill? Trying to think of a way to help her, Rivalen turned back to the portal, looking for inspiration.