Session Start: Sat Mar 04 16:12:20 2006 [resume session] The two remaining guards are looking nervous now - they're completely outgunned, and they know it. The one by Taki and Darkmoon is falling back towards the inner door, while the other one, in the midst of everyone else, is simply freaking out. * LadyNightshade isn't going to let him go though, she turns towards him menacingly letting her fists and kicks do the talking. Her attacks fly so fast, he doesn't have time to fall to the ground until she's done. By the time she stops, he's nothing but a mass of bruising and blood. * LadyRoyal pulls back and lets a card fly at the remaining guard. Lady Royal steps back, whipping a card at the maniac with a gun. It slices into his shoulder, actually cutting the fastener there for his armored vest, which sags somewhat... then blurs and expands, swirling into a full suit of black armor with one pauldron knocked off. The room is suddenly brightly carpeted again! Goddamn it. * LadyRoyal swears under her breath. Reality lies under this mask. Proceed to the inner chamber. ... this is getting annoying. * LadyMallet mutters something. "Fuck it." And hefts the Mallet. "Mr. Steel, meet Mr. Wood!" * LadyMysteria seems to half-have her voice back. * LadyMallet swings the Mallet at him, not giving it her usual gung-ho. Though it's still plenty enough to feel. The armored figure is bashed across the room, clanking mutedly into the carpet on the back wall. * LadyMallet is charging to finish him off as soon as he goes flying, and does something particularly acrobatic, using the Mallet to vault a short distance to close, and brings it slamming down at him before he has the chance to move.... LEENA LEENA PANCAKE STRIKE! * LadyRoyal winces. * LadyNightshade groans. And the armor shatters, the building shakes, and the (admittedly just drywall and paneling) wall behind him collapses backwards into the room beyond. No need to use the door now... Thank you Leena. * LadyNightshade steps through the hole into the room. * LadyMallet curtsies cutely. "You're welcome." ^^ * LadyRoyal steps through, following Nightshade. * LadyHeat pulls a water bottle off her belt. Never change, Mallet. * LadyRoyal doesn't say a word. * OldMan is standing (stooped over a cane) on the far side of the room, looking strangely resigned. * Lady_MakeBelieve follows, after making sure Moonglow is ok. * LadyMallet walks into the (new) room. * LadyMysteria takes a moment to scan about, then keeps to the rear, leaving the fight to the others. * LadyHeat keeps her eye open when she walks over the rubble into the room. Found yourself some new friends, did we, Lady Makebelieve? Not even made-up ones. * Lord_Darkmoon strides in, flicking his sword to tessen form and back to shake the blood off. "Subdue him. Let's-- what?" * Kenichi coughs, appalled by the rubble. * LadyMallet looks about the room. Then looks curiously at the speaker once she mentions Make Believe. * LadyHeat twitches. Oh what the fuck. Not again... I'm realer than you are, old man. * LadyNightshade runs up and grabs him by the arm. "Who the hell are you?" * LadyRoyal narrows her eyes, but then checks the layout of the room. ... where is Sato? That, Sailor Moonglow, is an interesting argument. You know, that vaguely sounded like an insult to me, old geezer. ... what in the world. And bad things happen to people who insult my team. * OldMan looks pityingly at Taki. "I'm the Dragon King, dear, or what's left of him." What happened to you? * OldMan coughs, and waves the settling dust away from his face. * LadyMysteria pauses, almost as if struck. "Waitasecond. If that's the case... what in the hell are you doing here?" Great. *she turns to the others* I'm going to kill him now, okay? * LadyRoyal looks out through the rubble-hole, thinking. You didn't think the Dragon Lords were really that powerful, did you? Certainly the traitor wasn't after he came over to your side. Sato is our target. This... is probably Make Believe's. Maybe he'll turn into Sato when this goes away. It doesn't matter. This is distracting us from our ACTUAL job. He willingly forsook his corrupt powers for the side of good! ... I was feeding them my power, making them stronger. But you have defeated them... and destroyed that which I loaned them. * LadyMallet blinkblinks. Then.... we've won? So, does this mean you're gonna give up? I don't trust him... * Lord_Darkmoon holds his sword out in front of Nightshade. "If this -is- Sato, we want him alive." Does it look like Sato? Make-Believe. Rope. Immediately. We need to move. Was it Sato last time? * OldMan lifts his hands. "Can I defend myself as I am now? Does it look like it?" Or any of the times? This is just more made-up crap. Yeah, the last dragon I met was disguised as a cloak filled with endless darkness. Well, you'll probably gain some kind of power at the last minute and then try to kill us. One of those dragon lords became Haga. And I guess you're forgetting the part about how dragons have always had the ability to disguise themselves as men. He didn't become Haga. We killed the dragon and then you killed Haga. So what, are we taking THIS guy to the Palace? ... why are you just giving up.. it doesn't make any sense. ... my point is, looks can be deceiving. Let's see you bleed a little bit. * LadyMysteria looks to Kenichi. "Well? Is he?" * LadyRoyal steps out of the room. I have no clue what's going on here. * LadyMysteria points to the man. "Is this Sato." Only if he is Sato. MakeBelieve, if this is your enemy, deal with him as you must. Quickly. Before Nightshade or I deal with it for you. We are out of time. The outer room still looks the same - strange carpet, black knights strewn about... You ever read a book and then the book started mixing itself up with reality? That's basically what's going on. No, Sato isn't this old. * LadyRoyal continues tracing their path back. This might be an older brother, but... Some similarities, then? * Lady_MakeBelieve looks at Moonglow... we have to destroy him. * LadyNightshade pulls out her gun and levels it at the Oldman's head. "Stop the magic." Don't look at me. You're the goddess. You always knew you would have to seal him. * LadyMysteria groans, trying to think. "We need *Sato*." * LadyMallet pulls out her gun simultaneously with Taki and points it at him. Nightshade, that won't work. * LadyRoyal growls, and heads back. If he's mortal as he says, then why not? Well if it won't work then he'll just attack us anyway. We don't have time for this shit. He'll just come back.... I have to do it. It's why I was born. Then do it. Then do it. Quickly. Nightshade's right. If he's weak, we win, if he's not, let's start the fireworks, and not let him. * LadyMallet opens fire! * LadyHeat has a drink of water. * LadyMysteria jerks, not having actually expected Leena to shoot the guy. Yet. * LadyRoyal speeds up at the sound of gunfire and quickly returns. The bullets don't... quite... hit him - he seems to blur, and they definitely make holes in the wall behind him, but he looks like he's been punched in the gut. ... I guess I'm really not on your plane. * LadyMysteria cocks her head to the side. "... Make-Believe? All yours." I told you it wouldn't work. Can't hurt to try, can it? * LadyHeat coughs. He's not from your world. He's from mine. * LadyNightshade twists his arm behind him and forces him towards Makebelieve. Just hurry up and deal with it. * Lady_MakeBelieve has conjured a knife. While her other creations have looked translucent and dreamy, this one looks perfectly real. * LadyMallet looks between the Dragon King and Haruko for a moment. Then it dawns on her when the knife appears. * LadyMysteria simply stands back and watches, rubbing at her still-raw throat. * Lady_MakeBelieve brings it hesitantly up. Let him go Taki. * OldMan looks scared for an instant, then smiles. "You actually *care*..." * LadyNightshade pushes him to the ground. "Leave her alone." You say that like it's a bad thing. * OldMan waits for it. ... everyone deserves to be happy... * Lady_MakeBelieve helps the old man up, and steels herself. Those who are close enough can here her whisper "May I forgive myself for this" Before she slams the knife home in his heart. ... * OldMan goes straight down, and doesn't move at all as the blood pools around him. It's strange blood, swirls of red and gold. * LadyNightshade waits for everything to go back to normal. * LadyRoyal gets a card ready and does the same as Taki. * Lord_Darkmoon looks at MakeBelieve emotionlessly. "Is it done?" * Lady_MakeBelieve 's arms drop limply to her sides. It's over. Fine. Send us back. Good. Let's finish our mission. Now. * LadyMysteria takes a moment to check the time on her cell. "Time's not on our side, no." And the room swirls around you one more time... revealing a somewhat debris-strewn executive parlor. * LadyMallet frowns. "Haruko... I'm sorry." It... had to be done. There's about 14 minutes before Squeegee shows. * LadyNightshade looks around for Sato. * LadyMallet still has Mallet and Gun out, one held in each hand. He would have recovered given time, and this whole thing would have started again. * LadyHeat waits for Sato to be dead, or something stupid. * Sato is standing in the back of a room holding a phone, dressed immaculately, though in somewhat older styles. Oh good. Fourteen minutes. Let's go. Fearless Leader. Ribbons. * LadyNightshade leaps straight across the room to him, ripping the phone out of his hand, and restraining him around the neck. -wall caved in, but nothing... Oh. Never mind, they're here. * Lord_Darkmoon walks straight at him, sword out to his side. * LadyMysteria promptly raises the wand and fires said Ribbons without a word. * LadyHeat menacingly holds her water bottle! * LadyMallet tosses the Mallet away into thin air above her, and walks at a steady pace to Sato. * LadyRoyal checks the other room to make sure backup isn't following that call. * Sato is crunched, ribboned, and threatened. Move out! It ends here, you bastard. Can it, Mallet, we don't have time. * LadyMallet grabs Sato unceremoniously, and slings him over her shoulder. Let's go. * LadyRoyal starts heading out. Yes, my Lady. *turns on his heel, and starts back the way they came* * LadyNightshade nods gratefully to Kenichi. "Thank you for your help." * LadyMysteria turns to move as well, keeping a wary eye out. * LadyMallet walks, carrying Sato- she's not quite enough to carry him fully off the ground, and he drags a bit. Nightshade. Wanna take point, or shall I? Sir! You were conspiring with dragons?!? * LadyHeat heads out after the others. * LadyNightshade follows Mallet. ...what? I'm keeping an eye on him. Right. The dragons have nothing to do with any of this. * LadyRoyal moves forward of the group. Yes, he was conspiring with the dragons. Moonglow, you should report back that the Dragon King has been dealt with. The building is entirely normal now - no funky carpet, no odd furnishings. * LadyMysteria seems to think on that, looking at her cell before tucking it away. ...the fire alarm is going off, though. May I ask where you are taking me? No. Shit. Can we still get out? * LadyNightshade says that to Kenichi. Huh? Shut up. *smacks Sato over the head* * LadyMysteria looks to Sato. "You'll find out when you get there, sir." I will... and I'm sorry. We're taking you to Disneyland! * Sailor_Moonglow fades out in a flash of silvery radiance. * LadyRoyal calls back along the hall. "Guys! A little quicker, maybe?" It's full of happy children and happy families and lots of money and ic3e cream and rides and puppets! Why don't we just head out of one of the windows? Uh, I can't jump five stories. We're a few floors up? And how do we get to the ground without everyone breaking their legs? I can only move one or two of you at a time, and that would take time. * LadyMallet GRINS. No ones ever heard of rappelling before? * LadyMysteria frowns. "More than what we have, probably." I'll hold the rope up here. Taki, you go down first, secure it, then Kyo, you go down with our cargo. I'll go last.. Okay... * Lady_MakeBelieve starts spooling out lengths of rope. Alright. If it's all the same, I'll just go down the stairs... Take care, then. * LadyRoyal stops where she is and talks into the mic. "Wait. How do you expect Heat to go down a *rope* carrying a *person*." * LadyMallet puts down Sato. "Don't move or I'll rip off your toes." It's probably safer for you if you stay with us, but I won't stop you. You go on ahead. Unless you think you're going to get arrested or something for helping us... Uh, yeah... Easy, we tie *him* to the rope and just lower him down. * LadyMysteria twiddles her fingers, aiming to lift Sato with the power of her mind. I have him. * LadyRoyal rubs her temples. "...fine." * LadyRoyal heads back. * LadyMallet then picks up one end of the rope, and wraps it around herself a few times, and gets a good grip on it. But then he might try and escape. Taki, you go down first. Make sure it's clear. That's why some of us go down first, and some of us stay up here. He'll never be alone. * Kenichi turns to Sato - "Sir, you have brought dishonor upon this agency, and it was my pleasure to help remove you." * Kenichi stalks off. * LadyNightshade opens up a window and looks down. * LadyRoyal rounds the corner just as Kenichi leaves, raises her eyebrows, flicks a wave, and rejoins the group. It *is* five stories. There's not a lot of movement out there, though, late at night and all. * Lord_Darkmoon glances at Kenichi's retreating back, but doesn't otherwise react. "Nightshade first. Mallet, you follow when she gives the clear. Sato can be lowered, then. I'll rappel at the same time. Feral can catch him if he tries anything funny." * LadyMallet shakes her head. "I’ll stay up here to make sure the rope stays." Everyone else go first." I'll go after Nightshade. * LadyNightshade takes her head of the rope and hops out the window, bouncing down to the ground. Very well. * LadyRoyal steps up and gets ready, waiting for Taki's signal. Works for me, I suppose. Haruko, before you go, make me a railroad stake? I can't believe anyone this disorganized could even think of ruling the nation. Just has to last long enough for me to go down. Is he seriously still talking? It'll last longer than that. * LadyRoyal doesn't turn around. "Someone gag him, please. We don't need the distraction." Cool. But here you go. Nightshade, how's it look? * Lady_MakeBelieve offers forth an iron spike, and a ball gag for Sato * LadyNightshade looks around when she reaches the ground. * Lady_MakeBelieve gags him herself if no one will. * LadyMysteria smiles down at Sato. "Badly organized at times, maybe. But as for that ruling part..." She simply shrugs. "Gag him pleas---thanks." * Lord_Darkmoon nods at MakeBelieve. Was that approving? * LadyMallet eyes Sato for a moment. "Well, we're certainly organized enough to turn the tables on you." I wouldn't talk too much. * Sato raises his eyebrows, and looks strangely amused. Let's not get carried away, Mallet. We're not out of here *yet*. Discussion with fools is pointless, Mallet. Do not let the dishonorable cretin bait you. * LadyRoyal is still looking over the edge. It looks clear. Good. I just want to get him to justice. * LadyRoyal goes down as well. * LadyMysteria patiently waits for the others to go ahead, keeping her focus on Sato. * LadyMallet sticks the spike inside the belt of her skirt, stowing it. * LadyRoyal nods at Taki. "I'll keep an eye out here, you wanna check the area? This is way too clear, and it's giving me the creeps." Go on halfway, Mysteria. *said gently* Then get him down. Heat, you should follow her, to take Sato. Well they probably sent all their guards to the Palace. I'm sure that's what those horsemen were. I'm gonna call Squeegee and let her know we have him. He was calling *someone* when we came in... * LadyNightshade pulls out her cellphone, dialing the Princess. * LadyMysteria nods, and gets right to it, keeping Sato floating nearby as she moves. She doesn't look very strained, aside from how her eyebrows are knitted together. She gets a busy signal, but that's probably because Mysteria's phone is ringing as she goes down the rope. ... damn. The alarm stops suddenly. * LadyHeat prepares to climb down after Mysteria. Hurry up guys. Should I go now? * Lady_MakeBelieve goes to another window and tosses down more rope, deciding to climb down on her own. * LadyMysteria hurries on down, and answers the phone as soon as she reasonably can, levering Sato down in the process. Mysteria. * LadyRoyal scouts a bit, since Taki doesn't want to. * LadyHeat clambers down the rope fairly quickly. * Lord_Darkmoon watches the approaches on this floor, sheathing his sword and drawing his gun. * LadyMallet draws her gun, too, shifting her rope-grip to one-hand. * LadyHeat keeps an eye on Sato while Mysteria is indisposed, and practices being menacing with a water bottle. Now there's a bit of noise, and Taki can see guards running to their building... but towards the front door, eighty meters away and around the corner. All clear, I think. See you at the bottom, Mallet. *holsters his gun and starts down the building* Guards are going in the front. Sato is gagged right? Yeah, he is. Yes. I took care of that, yeah Mmmf. They won't see us where we are. Yet. Just hurry. We got a moment. Check him for a radio. Maya's phone is still ringing! * LadyMysteria snaps the phone open and answers, looking most nervous. Hey, we're five minutes ahead of what I thought. Three minutes? We have him. Where are you? Will be at north gate. * LadyNightshade tries to pick up the conversation. Right. There might be trouble coming your way from the looks of things. I'm just picking up your delivery. You cover the exit. Of course, of course. On our way. Good. Darkmoon, down yet? * LadyMysteria waits to see if Squeeg has anything more to say, then hangs up while looking to the others. "North gate. She's coming early. Let's move." * Lord_Darkmoon gets to the ground and waves his Tessen over the bound Sato, converting his clothing and anything else he might be wearing - like a radio - into a sweat suit underneath the binding ribbons. Leena spots some guards coming towards her - they don't seem to have spotted her yet. I'm down. Join us, Mallet. Hurry up Leena. * LadyMallet takes out the railroad spike, and quickly snaps the rope, and ties it to the spike, then jams the spike into a good, thick wall. Coming! * LadyMallet then grabs the rope, and goes out the window! ... what in the *world*. Clear over here so far. We should probably get as soon as y'all are all down, though. Don't say that. You're worrying me. The quicker we get out of here, the happier I'll be. Likewise. Alright let's get moving. * LadyNightshade starts scouting ahead to the north gate, trying to stay as invisible as she can. * LadyMallet rappels more than climbs down, impatient to get down faster, and simply shoves off the wall as soon as she can, landing with as heavy *whump* Let's go. * LadyMysteria starts moving without a moment's delay. From where you are, it's almost a straight shot to the gate across the lawns and sidewalks of the IHA campus. Little of it is well-lit, and nobody at all is around. There is a lit guard booth at the gate... * LadyMallet draws her gun, and stays with the group. Do we want a smoke screen? Haruko, Kyo-chan. Steam up the entrance? * LadyNightshade tries to see how many guards are in the booth. Sure. * LadyRoyal , lurking outside the guard booth's light range, looks back and makes sure the group is on their way before slowly edging towards it. The quicker and quieter we get by the better. One man is visible through the windows. So long as Squeegee can find us. * LadyRoyal mutters into the mic. "Taki, are you here?" * Lord_Darkmoon is keeping up, watching their backs. Yes. * Lady_MakeBelieve pulls forth a couple of smoke grenades, ready to toss them. ... better, yet. I can take him out with one shot. Shall I, or do you want to? Can you draw them out? Make a sound or something. Taki or Mina, snipe or subdue him. Quietly. Mm. We don't know if there's more in there. We don't have time to find out. * LadyRoyal lets a card skitter across the ground in front of the guard booth door. Well, we'll have to do something out him first. I'll take him out when he steps out. There's a rumbling in the distance - a large motor being pressed to its limits and coming closer. * LadyNightshade waits to see who comes out. ... that'd be our ride. * LadyRoyal waits, and sends another one for good measure, letting it rattle against the booth itself. Here she comes. Steam it up? The guard comes out, sipping at a cup of coffee. He looks annoyed. He also looks unarmed. Take him. Quickly. No smoke. Mysteria, can you ribbon him? * LadyNightshade creeps up behind him and hits him hard. Oi. Taki and I can take care of him. --- no, I don't think I need to. ...the man goes down like a sack of trading cards. Let's go. * LadyMysteria hurries on along, keeping her eyes peeled and her sputtering wand close. A blue van screeches to a halt just outside the gate. * LadyNightshade sticks her head in the booth looking around real quick before dragging his body back in there. No one else there... * Lord_Darkmoon heads out, still watching their backs while the others get to the vehicle. Is he still alive Nightshade? Probably. * LadyRoyal edges toward the van, narrowing her eyes. "Squeej?" * PrincessSqueegee throws open the side door. "Hurry, get him in here!" * LadyNightshade lifts Sato into the van, moving to crawl in after he's inside. Oh good. * LadyMallet stops for a moment to double-check on the downed guard as she passes him. * LadyMysteria lets out a sigh of relief. There isn't room in the van for Taki - there are three Ladies, Akahara- san, and a cameraman already there. ... I see you brought company. No, no, no! We're headed for the television studios - you need to stay low. * LadyMallet waves and smiles at the camera. "Hello, everyone!" ...ah. I'm not letting him out of my sight. Oh. Right, of course. Sato in, we go home. Nightshade, you're done here. You have him, Squeegee? * LadyMysteria takes the moment to reluctantly drag herself out, looking like she doesn't want to walk anymore. It's an order. Taki finds herself climbing out of the van. * LadyHeat gets back out. "Now we have to get back..." We're good. Goddamn it. * LadyMallet makes sure the camera gets a good clip of her. Hopefully it's on. ...you all did good. * LadyNightshade punches the side of the van angrily. Think we could get the secretary to pick us up, or are we on our own? Very well. *pulls out his cell phone, and heads for the building the team was surveilling from while he dials the Secretary* ... give Fearless Leader some time to recover. Call, of course, but let's get out of range a bit first... * LadyRoyal follows Darkmoon. However you want to arrange things. We gotta go! Good luck! The van speeds off even as the door is closing. DAMN IT. Nightshade, let it go. We did what we needed to do. Relax. * LadyMysteria places a hand on her shoulder. "Squeegee can handle the rest." *yaaaaaawn* We did what we were TOLD to do. * LadyMallet lets out a breath. Not what needed to be done. I don't trust her. The life of a Lady, Taki. Madam Secretary, we need a pickup. * LadyMysteria shrugs. Let's just clear out of here, reload and regroup, and wait for a ride. ...ugh, okay, where are you? * Lord_Darkmoon gives the address of the building he's heading towards. And where's my damn coffeemaker? I'll be there. If its safe to detrans, I know a late night diner we can wait out about 4 blocks from here. * Secretary hangs up. Or that building works too. * Lord_Darkmoon pockets his phone. "The Secretary's on her way." Right. Let's just move. I've had enough of this place for one lifetime. * LadyMallet shakes her head. "I wouldn't rely on our alter egos at this stage in the game." They're still probably less conspicuous than we are now. Behind you, the IHA campus is starting to wake up a little. There's a sound of distant sirens, though they sound more like ambulances than police. There are a number of SDF jeeps speeding across the actual Palace grounds towards the IHA as well. Let's just go. Move first, think later. Yes, my Lady. Let's get some rest and wait for the Secretary. * LadyMysteria trudges along, running a hand through her hair and looking suitably worn. * LadyMallet follows along. * LadyNightshade trails behind the group looking rather pissed off. * LadyRoyal was already heading that way. So she just keeps on doing so! ... Taki. What? What's wrong? The lobby of the apartment building you had been watching the IHA from looks entirely normal. No crashed elevators, no dungeons, no Vampire Queens... though Heat still does have fangs. I don't like letting him go. * LadyRoyal looks around the interior of the building, shakes her head, and sighs in resignation. If the magic is supposedly over, can I please not be a vampire? * Lord_Darkmoon stands out of the way, silently waiting. * LadyRoyal leans against a suitably lean-worthy surface. ... yeah, I wish I could be there too. But the next part needs different people. * LadyNightshade sulks against a wall maybe a bit closer to Darkmoon than she usually is. Just because the Dragon King has been sealed again doesn't mean the things his servants did are all magically erased. The night clerk wanders in after a few minutes. "Um, I'm sorry, are you residents?" As much as I hate to admit it, we're really not the ones who need to take care of him to make this all work. We have a friend meeting us here then we'll be on our way. * LadyMysteria looks to the clerk, then to the others, sighing heavily. What a day. * LadyMallet strolls right past the clerk. Penthouse! XD Mal-chan, don't go upstairs. We're not going to be here long. *dispassionately* * LadyRoyal looks at her watch. "She's probably going to be at least a little while. We might as well wait back up there." If you could wait there, please... the building has a policy about keeping the lobby empty after 11 PM. * LadyMallet has the elevator open, and is waiting. Nyah. =p Mm, understandable. * LadyRoyal joins Mallet in the elevator. Very well. *follows after Mallet and Royal, with quick, efficient strides* * LadyMysteria just moves along, not in the mood to really argue or say much else. Stupid throat-ache. * LadyHeat heads to the elevator. * LadyRoyal can't suppress a little shudder and glare at the machine as she does so, though it's a minor one. Whatever. * Lady_MakeBelieve follows everyone along, still thinking about what happened earlier. The elevator is absolutely normal. Absolutely 100% not-spooky, not- crashing, not-multidimensional. It drops you at the top floor with zero drama. * LadyNightshade follows the group into the elevator. She leans against the back wall and just sorta looks at Darkmoon. ... so, how are we all holding up? * LadyRoyal rolls her eyes at Mallet. * Lord_Darkmoon is silent all the way up, and remains so as he steps out to go stand at a window, where he stares out at the city below. * Lady_MakeBelieve sighs Geez, I'm being serious. None of us are at our best right now. I'm a little worried, and I want to know how we're all dealing. The IHA campus is better-lit now than when you were on it - there are a bunch of uniformed soldiers running around. Even the Imperial Palace grounds are beginning to wake up a little, with searchlights sweeping across the kilometers of green space. Beyond lies downtown Tokyo, and rising out of that is the old familiar spire of the Tokyo Tower. Even further is the darkness of the bay... and beyond that are a few lights on what must be its far shore, nearly thirty kilometers from your vantage point. Somewhere just beyond that shore is the Palace, and more than one of the team wonders what is happening there. Maya's phone rings. ... you know, if we take over, we should outlaw cellphones. They're a bad omen when they ring. * LadyNightshade fetches the binoculars they left in the room, looking towards the Palace, idly wondering what's going on. * LadyMysteria watches in odd silence, before she takes her phone, looks at it... and answers with a simple "Mysteria." Yes, I'm sure it's the cellphone's fault. WOOOOOOO! * LadyRoyal sits on the leg of the couch, swinging one leg back and forth. * LadyMysteria actually winces away a little from the phone for a moment. ... good to hear from you too, Sakura. * Sakura is shouting over some sort of loud noise in the background. You did it! Just doing our job. How're things on your end? * Lord_Darkmoon turns his head to look at Mysteria at the sound of someone loud on the other end. Well... ...? * LadyRoyal looks over idly, raising her eyebrows. "I see Sakura's excited." Look, I just want to say thanks to all of you. I think this was the decisive point in our battle, and I'm so proud of you all. * LadyMysteria does hazard a smile. "Sakura wants to thank us for pulling this off, team." * LadyRoyal snorts, but grins. Oh, good. * LadyHeat smiles. How's things over there, though? She can get me a bike to thank me! A really big, expensive fast one! In neon pink! I'm... well, I'm flying out of the country for a little while. I'll be back, but the Queen is waking up and I don't want to be in the same hemisphere when she puts all the pieces together. * LadyNightshade doesn't even really respond. * LadyMysteria can't help but snicker a little. "Might I ask where you're headed off to?" * LadyNightshade stops looking after a bit and just goes to sit next to Darkmoon. The US, at least for starters. Our, uh, mutual friend was able to arrange something. * LadyRoyal looks aside, and a brief flash of that pensive expression comes over her face, but she shakes it away and continues listening to Maya's side of the conversation. Ask Taki and Mina about why - tell them I said it's all right now. * LadyNightshade leans her head against Darkmoon's leg. I see! This should... Taki, Mina? Sakura said 'it's all right now', whatever that means. * LadyRoyal frowns. * Lord_Darkmoon is still standing by the window, still not really showing any emotion. And even more silent than usual. I've got to go - keep up the good work, and don't be afraid to tell the Queen if she asks. * LadyMallet blinks. ... uh. What did she say? Right. I'm still not going to tell you. * LadyMallet thinks back. "Waitaminute. Sakura was in on it too!?" I love all of you kids. Stay alive, okay? What's going on? * LadyRoyal nods. * LadyMallet *LOOKS* at Taki. * Sakura hangs up. * LadyHeat is confused. I will try my damnedest to keep us in one piece... * LadyMysteria sighs as Sakura hangs up. "Goodbye... oh. Sakura's got a trip to make. Going to the US... looks like our friends might want to work something out." Oh, dear. Mina, Taki, what are you supposed to be telling us? * LadyRoyal blinks. I said I'm not telling you. Leave me alone. * LadyRoyal looks at Taki, and raises a skeptical eyebrow. ... grr. Wait till I get a hold of Sakura. If she doesn't want to talk, then it doesn't have to come out. Right now, Sakura's happy, we've done a damn fine job, and this may be the beginning of the end. We can hope. Let's *enjoy* this moment. It won't last. * Lord_Darkmoon turns his eyes on Royal, meeting her raised eyebrow with a pitiless expectation of answers. We're probably going to die later... * LadyMallet blinks at Heat. Don't say that. There's always some other psycho with a gun or a ningyo or something. We're going to make it, each and every one of us. * LadyRoyal wasn't raising an eyebrow at Darkmoon, so doesn't notice him. * LadyNightshade squeezes Darkmoon's leg lightly. "Why don't you sit?" We're a team, and as long as we stick together, we're gonna be invincible. I do not wish to. * LadyRoyal is looking at Taki though, and frowns at that. * Lord_Darkmoon was replying to Taki. ... I look at it this way. We don't know what's going to happen. We might live, we might not. We need to focus on the moment. * LadyMysteria does catch Taki and Darkmoon out of the corner of her eyes, but her expression doesn't change. * LadyNightshade pouts up at Darkmoon. "Please?" It'll turn out ok. * LadyMallet takes a deep breath. "We just need to wait for our ride." * Lord_Darkmoon ignores her pouting, and returns to staring out the window. "No." * LadyMallet grins maniacally. It's all almost over! * LadyMallet is almost vibrating with enthusiasm. * LadyNightshade pouts more and goes back to leaning her head against his leg. * LadyRoyal frowns again, makes an attempt to wipe it from her face, and gives up. She shakes her head and turns to Maya. "Your throat feeling any better?" It'll all be over and we'll be able to go back to living normal lives and I'll get my bike and we won't have to worry about assassins anymore! It hurts when I talk, but not too badly. I'll be fine in a while. * LadyMysteria looks at her poor, battered wand. "... never pushed it this far before." * LadyHeat plays with her fangs. Oh, good. I...it was...mm. Seeing you go down like that...really worried me. Should've freed you first, instead of myself. I don't want to be a vampire... * LadyMysteria looks at Royal... and shrugs. Better than being eaten by one. ^^ It's kinda funny. It hurt... but I wasn't scared. I blame Pie. ...yeah. * LadyRoyal puts a hand on her shoulder, and grins. "You need to quit this habit of getting nearly killed, Maya, and I don't mean by making the switch to dying for real. If you let yourself get scaffered, I'm going to beat the crap out of you." * Lord_Darkmoon swallows at that. A subtle thing that nobody probably notices. I do, don't I? * LadyMysteria smiles a little, patting Royal's hand. "I'll work on it." Hopefully we'll all be able to take this easy soon * LadyNightshade notices. She just lightly squeezes his leg again. * LadyRoyal smiles back. "Good." She squeezes Maya's shoulder a little, then lets her hand drop to her side and looks over to Kyouko. ... and now we wait. Is it just the fangs, or are you feeling any different otherwise? No, I feel fine. I don't want to eat anyone. But the ofuda made it impossible to think. Yet. ...hm. * LadyRoyal takes Kyouko's wrist, and her pulse. ... I'm not DEAD. I know, I know! I doubt I'll be able to go into a temple or anything. Just seeing if you're running faster or slower than normal. Mm. Heat feels just a little warm, and her pulse is faster than one might expect... but not really abnormal. What about crosses? Or garlic, or bright light? * LadyMallet thinks a moment. "Or silver bullets?" * LadyRoyal lets Kyouko's hand drop. "Huh." I don't know... Maya's phone rings once more. Aren't silver bullets for Darkmoon? Yes. * LadyMysteria grabs it quickly and flicks it open. "Mysteria." Lady Mysteria, would you happen to know where Princess Sakura has gone? ...Who is it now? * LadyMysteria takes a breath. "She's apparently headed to the United States, my Queen." * LadyRoyal 's eyebrows flick up. ...Oh dear. * Lady_MakeBelieve looks wary at the mention of the Queen * Lord_Darkmoon doesn't even flinch, but keeps looking out the window. Ah. Safe from my vengeance, but leaving her team behind to face the music. It seems somewhat cowardly of her. * LadyMysteria blinks at that. "... v-vengeance, Your Highness?" I don't like having visions, dear. And I really don't like people who conspire to give me visions. What's going on? * LadyMysteria holds her hand up, and simply can't hide the fact that she looks immensely worried. "I don't understand." Mmm. Kept it tight did she? Though it's hard to believe that she kept if from her team leader... ...Is this what you and Taki know about, Mina? * LadyNightshade looks back at Mina. * LadyRoyal keeps her expression blank. "Is what?" ... my Queen! Sakura has, as far as I know, served you faithfully for years. I simply don't understand how or why she would try and do what you say she's done. No matter. She was in charge, so punishment will fall on her - it's hardly fair to blame a Lady who can be Ordered to do anything. * LadyMysteria bites back sounding distressed, taking a slow, deep breath. "... are you going to tell me any details, at least?" Mmm. So, I understand you apprehended the man who had led the attacks against Us? * LadyNightshade just goes back to leaning on Darkmoon. He's comfy. Yes, Highness. * Lady_MakeBelieve is just staring out the window at Tokyo Tower * LadyMallet is listening rather obviously as best she can to the phone. Your Majesty. You address your queen as Majesty. Did Sakura give you girls no instruction at all? But then, I guess it was in the things that matter in the field. Very well. You have done your duty, and more of that than anyone expected... * LadyMysteria winces at the rebuke, gritting her teeth. "My apologies, Your Majesty." ...but I have one more task for you to complete tonight. * LadyMysteria blinks once more, rubbing at her throat. "That being?" ... My cousin was... left... unprotected by the arrangements that were implemented in the last few days. Please say that we're going out for ice cream after this. What are we doing? * LadyMysteria hesitates at first, mouth opening, closing. "... what do you need of us?" ... we're not celebrating. GodDAMMIT! She was sent home... and your Orders - your team's Orders - are to go to her. I want you to protect her, and to- * LadyRoyal snorts. "Haven't you heard? The reward for a job well done is another job." So it seems. * LadyMysteria flinches, fingers curling at the Order sets in. And the view out the penthouse window goes pure white. Everyone is blinded, even those not looking straight out it... but then the light fades somewhat and the MG regenerative nature kicks in, and all of you can see the ball of light expanding in the distance. * LadyMallet blinks, rubbing her eyes. .... Norcliff. What was that? Past the Imperial Palace, past the Tokyo Tower, over the bay and on the far shore where the Palace must be, nuclear fire scorches Japanese soil for the third time. It wasn't magic. Ohmygodohmygodohmygodohmygod. .... They're all dead. Ahead of the fireball, the whitish dome of the blast front races across the bay. You can see much of Chiba ignite, then be swept away by Jovian-speed winds. * LadyNightshade stands bolt upright and clings to Darkmoon in terror. "Nooo..." ... * LadyMysteria stares dumbly the entire time. ... this isn't happening. * Lord_Darkmoon presses a hand against the glass, as if he could will that to be undone if he could just touch it. * LadyRoyal just freezes. * LadyNightshade can't stand to look and just buries her face in the Lord's shirt. ...fuck. * Lord_Darkmoon absently puts an arm around Nightshade, holding her. Possibly not even realizing who he's holding. The shock wave races towards you, barely slowing as it reaches the near shore of the bay, but it's obviously less destructive as the buildings of downtown Tokyo are not blown over - they only hemorrhage glass, and a few minor explosions kick off. * Lady_MakeBelieve hugs Norcliff close to her * LadyNightshade tears stream out of her eyes, wetting his shirt. No... ... no wonder they were so quiet. The lights in the penthouse flicker out as the shock front closes in on you... then the window shatters, and Leena is knocked off her feet and a hot wind blows gently into the building. * Lord_Darkmoon falls backwards, shards of glass embedded in his palm as he tries to shield the girl he was holding from the implosion. * LadyRoyal pushes Maya down, but stays where she is, heedless of the glass shards. * Lady_MakeBelieve turns her back to it and instinctively tries to call up a heavy blanket to absorb the shards * LadyMysteria barely even flinches, and has to be pushed down. * LadyMallet falls back, but her body isn’t registering the shock her mind is, and she curls up in a ball and rolls with it. * LadyHeat is covered in glass. Hooray. * LadyNightshade just clings tighter as the blast hits her, letting herself be protected. The sound of distant thunder rumbles through the penthouse, shaking everything, but it passes, leaving all of you watching the mushroom cloud over Tokyo Bay.