Yaaaaay, btw, my response time will bottom out in roughly two hours.

(Aggron) Hey there! And alright, we should be able to get a bit done before then.

WOOOOOOOOOOOO-

HI KING

Who wants to start today?

I'll try.

(Aggron) Go ahead.

I think I very much need to read up on last time's rp XD

{Uncle Bob gave Armin a very hearty, hand crushing, handshake.}"Hello, Armin. It's a pleasure to meet you."
{At this point, Jerry pipes back up.}"So, Uncle, I've been told my parents are coming. Do you know when?"
Bob:"In about an hour by my estimates."

(King - Me too, but I'm waiting until I can get to the computer.)

(Aggron)

'Well, that's sooner than I expected,' said Armin. He glanced at Ivy, but she was hovering behind him, clearly unsure whether she wanted to talk to Jerry's uncle or not. 'Are we going to go see them?'

(Aggron)

Crowley climbed into the grate after Vitis. 'Hey, are you sure you know what you're doing here?'

(For Draco when she gets here)

Sheldon might have recognised Jerry if he looked back over his shoulder, but he didn't. He followed Tochi, curious to see just where they were going. As they walked, a shiny black limo drove in front of them, forcing them to stop for a moment until it passed.

{Bob nods.}"Yes. In fact, just about the whole family will be here."
Jerry:'What? Everyone?"
Bob:"Yes. taking out an inhuman army will probably take everyone."

(Aggron)

'You're going to take on Sargon's entire army?' Armin repeated. He looked at Jerry. 'Geez, how many of you are there?'

@Radiant
The twins dismount, their arms linking together once on the ground. Nate looks up at Ana curiously, wondering what they were needed for. He seemed to be a little more aware of what they could be needed for, since they had been asked for as Brink's proxies instead of their names.

@Draco (for when she appears-)
The lion shifter simply nods, dragging his plate out of the way as he bites into his sandwich.
"Knock yourself out."

(King)

Shifting back into her human form, Ana led the twins forward into the building. The two werewolf guards flanking the doors stepped sideways as they approached, clearly recognising her. 'This way,' she said shortly, taking them up the stairs to Sargon's room at the very top of the tower. The door there was already open, and she went in without hesitation.

Sargon turned when he heard them come in, his cape swirling around his ankles. 'Ana. I see you've found them.' He eyed the twins. 'You two have made a deal with Dark Brink?'

blurba blorba

(No Draco)

(hAHaHa I DUNNO WHAT TO MAKE TOCHI DO)

Thorn shifted to her human form and took two slices of bread, then picked up the knife and scooped some peantut butter out of the jar.

(Draco - Umm
how about go to the place they're supposed to be going?
you don't have to write them every step of the way
just skip to there)

@Draco
(I agree)

@Radiant
//Yes sir.//
Lila speaks into everyone's minds, having opened a free connection between everyone in the immediate vicinity.
//We are his and yours equally.//
The two present their hands with the mark of Dark Brink.

(King)

Ana grinned at the sight of the marks. Sargon remained expressionless. 'Then I must tell you that he has asked to see you.' He sent out a telepathic signal that he kept hidden from the twins, trying to summon the spirit creature into his room. //Brink?//

"Here we are," Tochi announced, stopping in front of a wide, deep river with trees and bushes on the other side. "Now, where was my secret way in...? Think it was by the blackberry bush somwhere..."

(Draco)

'How do you know it's in the same place?' said Sheldon. 'You must not have been here for years - aha!' he suddenly exclaimed, lunging forwards. There was a large, overgrown blackberry bush near the edge of the river. 'Is this the right one?'

"I'm pretty sure it's the right place," said Tochi confidently, going over to the bush. "Right, there should be a low-down tree branch somewhere by this bush... ah, there it is!"
She pulled herself onto the thick branch above the bush. "I'm afraid there will be a bit of climbing involved."

(Draco)

'Oh. That's alright.' Sheldon grabbed the branch and awkwardly clambered up next to her. He wasn't in the least bit athletic, but he could manage a few tree branches. 'Where now?'

@Radiant
//Right here, Count.//
The dark feline says nonchalantly, appearing sat on his desk while running a paw over one of his ears. Brink stands, stretches, then walks across the air towards the twins, grinning at them. Nate's arm wavers slightly, but Lila stays strong, even standing a little taller in the face of their master.
//You say you serve me and the good Count equally, but that's not true, is it? You've seen how your marks run red with the colour of your traitorous blood. You've gone against us, and for that, you must pay.//
As he speaks, he circles the twins, ending his speech sat behind them.
//These two are the next in line. I believe Mortikai is finding your last.//

(King)

The Count stood in silence through Brink's speech to the twins. 'Really? In that case, maybe I should go and find Mortikai.' He ran his gaze over Lila and Nate one last time. 'If I might ask, what exactly did they do that you consider traitorous?'

(Sorry, I'm back now.)

@Draco
Keenan hoists himself to sit on the counter island opposite, tearing into his sandwich hungrily.
"Man, I swear I've never had anythin' this good in my entire life! This is gonna be the thing that keeps me goin', I swear."

(Aggron - Welcome back!)

"This branch, and this one..." Tochi instructed, climbing up two more branches. "Now, if you look down, do you see that other branch that goes halfway across the river, and the rock sticking out the other side?"

{Jerry shrugs.}"Twenty in the extended family, give or take." {Bob gives Armin a confused look'}
Bob:"Clearly, you haven't heard of a war of attrition. We're not stupid enough to face down Sargon's entire army head on."

@Radiant
//They were never fully invested in my...cause, if you'd call it so. The boy was pulled into it, the sister only thinking to make them more powerful, with no blood to shed for it. Chaos, death and darkness are what fuel me, and they had none to give. They never had a plan until you brought them one.//
"That's a lie!"
Nate shouts, using his true voice, croaking and cracking too much in only three words. Lila shoves him for speaking out of turn, which he returns, ending with them both locked on each other in a tussle. Dark Brink sighs, as if he'd seen this many times before. His shape blurs into a black cloud, then reforms into the shape of a man, pulling them apart with little effort.
//ENOUGH.//
He speaks in a deep voice, almost "demonic" sounding if one was to give it a tone. The two instantly stop, falling silent. Brink forms back into a feline, the sudden mass change seeming to have almost weakened him slightly.
//Take them to wherever you hold Ryker. I must speak with my right hand.//
And with that, he was gone.

(Draco)

'Yeeees...' said Sheldon slowly, eyeing the gushing water below them. If they fell in, they'd never be able to swim against the current to get back to the riverbank. 'What do we do?'

(Aggron)

'Do I look like a strategist to you?' said Armin. 'I might not know for sure what you're planning here, but I'm sure you know what you're doing.'

Ivy came up behind him, peering around the tall vampire to look at Jerry and Bob thoughtfully. She was wondering exactly how they were going to fight Sargon, and if it would work.

(King)

Sargon nodded to Ana, who instantly moved forwards to grab the twins and lead them towards the doorway, one hand on each of their shoulders. 'Oooh, someone's in trouble,' she whispered in a singsong voice, taking them down the stairs towards Ryker's room. A healer had already been in some time earlier to treat the werewolf's injury, so he shouldn't be dead yet.

Sargon waited for her to go, then stared at the place Brink had last been. After a moment, he walked out of the room and went to look for Mortikai.

"We jump down and go across," Tochi replied, shrugging. "Look, there's a kinda bush that's all overgrown. We can hold on to it as we cross."

{Bob laughs.}"For an imortal, you're not the brightest bulb in the box, are,ya? How old are you anyway?"

(Draco)

'Ooookaaaay...' Not looking at all reassured, Sheldon carefully jumped down to the spot Tochi had indicated. Holding onto the shrubbery and trying not to lose his balance, he squinted up at her, waiting for her to follow him down.

(Aggron)

Armin took his sunglasses off and put them in a pocket, not knowing how Bob had figured out what he was, but not caring as long as the man wasn't about to try and kill him. 'Oh, 280... give or take,' he said, shrugging.

Tochi leapt down, landing lightly behind Sheldon. "You want to go first, or should I?"

(Draco)

Sheldon looked ahead and swallowed. 'Uhm, you go first. If you don't mind. You've done this before.' He moved aside to give her room to walk past him.

"Never had anything better than a peanut butter sandwich?" Thorn laughed. "Well, I mean, they are pretty good." she spread the butter on her bread.

Tochi nodded, smiling. "OK. It's not too bad, trust me."

Balancing carefully on the log and holding onto the bush, she made her way across.

(Draco)

Moving with exaggerated caution, Sheldon followed her. Once she was on the other side of the river, he hesitated, then jumped the last two feet, landing beside her on the bank and nearly slipping on a muddy patch.

{Bob chuckles.}"You'd think the wisdom that comes with those years would've helped you see the world a bit more clearly. I guess some people never change, no matter how long they exist."

(Aggron)

Armin smiled. 'Well, looks like you guys won't need my help fighting Sargon. It looks like you have everything under control already.' He was joking, of course - he wanted to be a part of Sargon's downfall for his own reasons - but he was getting tired of being picked on.

Ivy piped up. 'Hey, what about me? I want to help too. I killed a werewolf last night!'

"See? Not too hard," Tochi said brightly. "Now just through here." she headed through a gap in he trees at the other side of the river.

They emerged in a round grassy area, quite large and with a patch of sand at one edge. "Here we are."

(Draco)

Sheldon stopped at the edge of the clearing and gazed around. 'Wow,' he said softly. 'It looks... really nice. And it doesn't look like anyone else has been here.' A grey squirrel leapt into one of the trees and raced to the top, and he paused to watch it.

(*not really a clearing
just a round grassy area)

@Radiant
(Re: Well, he can, but all that extra mass takes extra energy. It's kinda like Mortikai, how transforming into bigger cats takes up more energy ;w;)
The twins barely notice Ryker, who had taken a laid position on the only couch and looking quite pale. They sit in a corner, back to back. The werewolf stares at them wearily, but guesses that they were wanted too and had heard their similar fate.
Mortikai was wandering the halls, still in search of the final two contestants that would go against each other as the final choice. Brink had found him easily and was laid across his shoulders, speaking into his ear.

@Draco
"It's really good peanut butter. And I can't remember the last time I ate."
He laughs a little, finishing up the sandwich and dusting off his hands.

"It's just how I remember it," Tochi said, her eyes fixed on the squirrel. "Honestly, I'm surprised I was able to get here when I was that young, with all that climbing and balancing."

(King)

After shoving the twins into the room, Ana left, shutting the door behind her and posting a new soldier to guard it. With no orders to carry out for the time being, she headed for the exit, wanting to fly around and explore the city for a while.

----

Spotting Mortikai ahead of him in one of the corridors, Sargon quickened his pace to catch up to the taller man, only realising when he got close that Morty was talking with Brink. He fell into step beside him, waiting for the two to finish their conversation before he said anything.

(Draco)

'Hmmh.' The squirrel vanished among the branches, and Sheldon looked away. 'Well, I guess I should try to do what I came here for.'

"'Mmkay." she put the two slices of bread together. "Wonder if the others have fallen asleep or something."

"Oh, yes." Tochi nodded quickly. She walked into the middle of the meadow. "Now, what were you feeling before you transformed?"

(Draco)

'Uhm, well, I don't really remember,' Sheldon confessed. 'I just saw you about to get taken away by that dragon, and it just... happened. I don't actually know how to do it WITHOUT you being in danger somehow.' He scuffed his shoe along the ground thoughtfully.

@Radiant
As he gets closer, he would be able to hear their conversation.
//-and he's done nothing much for us.//
"True, but what's inactivity versus constantly switching sides?"
//If we get her to respect us enough, she'll stay for good. That, I can see.//
"Well, if you're so sure, then that settles it. We've narrowed down the final choice."
Mortikai looks sideways at Sargon, bringing him into the conversation. The dark spirit's grin curls slightly before it dissipates.
"A novice necromancer with a not so novice reanimated dragonling, curtsy of Dark Brink. As you might've heard, we decided that helping the cause occasionally is better than not at all."

@Draco
"I think those two lasses have gone to sleep, dunno about the dog and the vampire though. Do vampires even need sleep? And do they sleep regularly or do they hang upside down like bats? Wait, no, he turns into a dog doesn't he?"
Keenan seems to have confused himself a little, squinting at the wall a little to figure out what on earth he's going on about.

(King)

'A necromancer. That should not be difficult. Very few in my army use necromancy, and those that do tend to stand out.' Sargon walked in silence for a moment. 'I was told that you were already looking for this person before I came to see you. Does this mean you're going to help us track him down?'

Ana passed them on her way to the exit, giving Sargon a smile on the way out, which he paid no attention to.

@Radiant
"Yes. I've spoken to a few others, and this boy has recently come in from a patrol, so he'll be around somewhere."
He frowns slightly, turning down a corridor he hadn't been down before.
"It's just a matter of where."

(That's a reminder, I need to do his ref then finish Mia's XD)

(King)

'If he's recently come in from a patrol, he should either be inside this building or reasonably close to it,' said the Count. 'Check the nearby streets and shops. He may have gone exploring. Meanwhile, I will check the troops stationed here.'

(Hey, I'm gonna head off for tonight, it's pretty late. See you all!)

aCK-
I died then came back to reply but you're goi ng
byeeee

Hey, are we going to continue this one incrementally as well?

(Aggron - Sure!)

(Ok.)
{Bob gives Ivy a look of surprise.}
Bob:"Really?"
Jerry:"Yeah, she did. She used the Gullible technique, and she's never had training."
Bob:"Wow! And you're just a civilian? That's fairly impressive."

(Aggron)

Ivy grinned, looking smug. 'I've never had to fight ANYTHING before, but I still managed to kill it,' she said boastfully. 'So I'm going to help. I want to see this Sargon guy taken down. He destroyed my city and probably killed everyone I know.'

{Bob nods with a smile.}"Ok, Ivy, but you'll need to know how to deal with a lot more than just werewolves. When everyone gets here, we'll give you a crash course in self defense against non human entities."
{Jerry was about to pipe up when his phone rang. Excusing himself from the group, he walks a short distance and answers the phone.}
Jerry:"Hello?"
Dianne:"It's done, Jerry."
{Jerry takes a moment to realize who's speaking and what she meant.}
Jerry:"All of it?"
Dianne:"It's all gone, and those numbskulls are still scratching their heads. They've sent people out to gather more, but it won't be enough. They've got a day, two tops, before they run out."
Jerry:"Excellent. Keep an eye on them and hit 'em again if necessary."

(Aggron)

'Oh, that sounds perfect,' said Ivy, giving Bob an evil-looking smile. Not directed at him, but at the evil non-humans she was imagining herself killing. 'Thank you very much.'

Armin watched Jerry walk off with his phone, his vampire hearing allowing him to know exactly who's talking on the other side of the line.

{Bob caught Ivy's evil smile and smiles back.}"You'll meet everyone soon enough. As soon as Jerry is off the phone, we'll go."
...
Dianne:"Now that that's over with, you ought to know we might have a problem."
Jerry:"What kind of problem?"
Dianne:"Last night, a new enemy to Sargon revealed himself. Turned over half of his patrols into jerky all in one night."
Jerry:"Really? And that's bad why?"
Dianne:"Because he nearly did the same to me, that's why. Under these circumstances, the enemy of my enemy is not necessarily your friend."
Jerry:"Oh, jeeze. Are you ok?"
Dianne:"I'll live. That's the least of our worries though..."
{With a crinkling sound, she takes a moment to look at a manifest of stolen items, given to her by her minions.}
Jerry:"What's wrong?"
Dianne:"Somebody broke in last night, stole a number of dangerous artifacts from my home. One of which is a curse that behaves like a plague."
Jerry:"Oh, you don't mean the-"
Dianne"Yup."
Jerry:"Liquid Death? Why the hell do you even have that anyway?"
Dianne:"You can judge me later. First, I need you to find out who took it so I can neutralize it."
Jerry:"I'm a little busy at the moment. I can come back tonight at the earliest."
Dianne:"Well, better make it quick. If I die between now and then, it'll be a lot harder to deal with."
Jerry:"Why would it matter if....Oh....that's why you had it..."
Dianne:"Yeah, it was //mine//, Sherlock. Now get your as.s back here before Shacklestone is reduced to a lifeless wasteland."
{With that, Dianne promptly hangs up, leaving Jerry to go back to the group.}

(Aggron)

'Well, that sounds like a problem,' said Armin as soon as Jerry came back. 'Even if I have no clue what she was talking about.'

Ivy turned away from her conversation with Bob, looking bewildered. 'What? What's that about there being another problem?' //God, don't we have enough problems already?//

(Aggron - Do you already know who broke into Dianne's place, or is that not planned?)

( @Radiant. I know who it was. Why do you ask? Did you have something else in mind?)

{Jerry shoots Armin an angry look.}"Didn't I tell you not to eavesdrop? Look, Dianne's part was successful, there just might be a few minor inconveniences when we get back, I'll fill everyone in once we find everyone, ok?."

(Aggron - Oh, no. I was just curious.)

'I didn't eavesdrop on purpose,' Armin objected, dropping back a step. 'And alright, if you say so. It's just that none of what I heard sounded like a 'minor inconvenience'.'

Ivy stood with her arms folded, eyeing them both suspiciously.

(Omg I completely forgot about Crowley and Vitis. XD)

{Vitis looks back at Crowley, annoyed.}"Sshh! They'll hear you. Of course I know what i'm doing, just copy what I'm doing. See? Minimal bumping noises this way."
{Vitis slowly drags himself through the ducts expecting Crowley to follow.}

(XD)

'Don't tell me what to do!' Crowley hissed. However, after a moment's hesitation, curiosity got the better of him and he crawled on after Vitis. The duct was dark and quite narrow. 'How do you even know where this thing comes out at?'

{Jeremiah just continued to frown at Armin.}"Believe me, it's a lot simpler than she made it sound. Let's just go find the rest of my family and I can explain everything."
{As soon as he finished, a woman jumped unannounced onto Jerry's back and got him in a headlock.}
???"Gotcha, 'cus! If you were a bad guy, you'd be dead!
Jerry"Eliza!!" {Jerry choked out.}"Get... off of me!"
{The woman let him go and grinned mischievously at him. She was a short woman with long, blond hair and hat that looked similar to Jerry's, only bigger. She looked to be very young.}
{Jerry speaks while rubbing his throat:"Well, there's another of them. Guys, this is my cousin, Eliza. She may look and act like she's a kid, but I assure you, she's an adult and a skilled hunter."
Eliza:"Always a pleasure to meet my cousin's friends!" {Eliza offers out her hand to shake.}

{Vitis grins, though Crowley can't see it.}"I excel at directions and stuff. I'll get us in without a hitch, trust me." {After going through for a while and making a few turns at junctions, the pair arrives at a vent cover in the ceiling above a room.}"Careful now, I'll have this open without making much noise. the trick is not letting it hit the floor." {Pulling out his knife, Vitis begins to slowly work the grate open, careful not to drop it into the room below.}

(Aggron)

Ivy, looking impressed, pushed Armin out of the way so she could shake hands with Eliza first. 'It's nice to meet you. My name's Ivy!'

(Whoops, short comment there. XD)

Crowley rolled his eyes as he crouched in the duct behind Vitis. 'I kinda hope you DO drop it on the floor, 'cuz that would be really funny.' Looking bored, he pulled his knife out again and examined it, waiting.

Re: AAAA THANK
If I wanted to/had the time and/or space, I would put all the ones I use there too XD
But the ones I put on are like the main ones ;w;

{Smiling pleasantly, Eliza Shook Ivy's hand.}"It's nice to meet you too." {She then turns to Armin.} How 'bout you, handsome? What's your story?"

(Aggron)

'Handsome? Finally, someone notices,' said Armin, grinning flirtatiously as he shook Eliza's hand. 'The name's Armin, former subordinate of Count Sargon and now working to bring him down. It's a pleasure to meet you. Hopefully, you won't decide to kill me for being a vampire.'

" Oh, I wouldn't kill my cousin's friend, vampire or not. Really? Former subordinate? Well, maybe you and I could discuss the details of your employment and boss over a bottle of wine later." {She said while dreamily gazing into his eyes.}

{Skillfully, Vitis takes off the cover and pulls it into the vent. Placing it down, he whispers to Crowley.}"I'll go down first, then you. I hope you're light on your feet." {Vitis Jumps down quietly, then looks up at Crowley.}

(Aggron)

'Hmm... why not? It would be my pleasure,' he said quietly, taking her hand to kiss the back of it.

Behind them, Ivy face-palmed. 'And I thought /I/ was a flirt.'

(Aggron)

'Of course I am, idiot.' Crowley climbed out through the hole and let himself drop to the floor, landing with only a small noise. He looked around curiously, wondering what was in this room that made Vitis want to come out here.

{Ignoring Ivy's comment, Eliza bats her eyelashes with a smile at Armin's flattering gesture. Jerry, who had been wearing an expression of "wtf is going on" the whole time, clears his throat.}"Ahem. If you two are done gazing dreamily into each other's eyes, can we get a move on? We've still got about eighteen more family members to track down."

(Aggron)

Looking a little regretful, Armin let go of Eliza's hand and turned to Jerry. 'Always ruining the moment, aren't you? Well, alright. Do we have to go looking for these family members, or are they going to find us like these two did?'

{Vitis looks about, whispering. The room is filled with metal boxes and shelves.}"So, this is what those goons were guarding? There must be a reason." {Opening a box, Vitis grins evilly. }"Jackpot! Crowley, look at this!" {Vitis lifts his hand out, showing Crowley bills, jewels and other assorted valuables.}

{Eliza giggles at Armin's reply.}
Jerry:"It's a big town. We might have to look for a bit."
Bob:"Actually, we won't. We all agreed to meet at the town hall. We'l go meet everyone there and hear the mayor's address. Follow me."

(Aggron)

'Ooooh, niiiice.' Crowley edged closer to look inside the box, picking up a large blue gemstone that was probably worth a lot. 'I bet they stole this stuff from around the town to fund their stupid army.'

Just as he finished speaking, a deafening noise filled the room. It was an alarm, triggered when Vitis opened the box. Crowley looked around wildly. 'Oh, crap.'

(Aggron)

Ivy hastened to follow him, curious to see the rest of the family. She glanced back over her shoulder to make sure the others were coming too. 'Hurry up, slow-coaches! We haven't got all day!'

Armin rolled his eyes. He glanced at Eliza briefly, then left her to follow the others.