to prove yourself

[fallingdream]

Who: Medrau, Amy, semi-open
What: Medrau's after the last Fallen World. Amy's job is to get it first.
Where: Land of Dragons
When: Saturday night
Notes: Just so you know, I won't stop anyone from joining in if you really wanted to follow Amy here.
Also I apologize for slowness. I seem to have no energy this week.

Medrau waited at the foot of the mountain path, humming a tune that wrote itself as it went. She'd been here for about a day now, just to be sure a sure someone didn't slip in ahead of her. She was pretty much certain the Fallen World stone was just up this mountain. She could feel its Darkness pulling at her, and it would have been simple enough to go up and get it herself, but this game with Awiergan was simply too great a temptation.

She still wasn't certain if it was her unwanted compatriot coming, or her inconvenient Other, but the latter would be just that much more fun. What she hadn't warned Awiergan, or known herself at the time, was that something else had been drawn in by the stone's miasma. If Awiergan didn't come to help, then Amy could serve as a needed distraction. Either way, Medrau had it all figured out.

At least, she liked to think so.

Comments

[shadowchaser]

'Awiergan' stepped out of the portal some distance from Medrau, and hastily closed it behind her before calling a purple-tinted flame to light her way. She'd left Seph back in the Corridors, and was trusting him to use his own judgment on when (or if) he had to help her. If she ended up needing to call on Ray too...

Then you're weaker than I thought. A dark little voice spoke up, but Amy ignored it.

"Should've guessed you'd be skulking around ahead of me." She called to Medrau. Awiergan had been all for looking like herself without the aid of the pendant, but Amy felt she was giving her too much control as it was. So the pendant swung from her neck, the light from the flame hovering near her shoulder making the red stone appear almost black.

Waiting around... yay

[creepy_son_of_a]

Seph almost couldn't believe he'd let himself get talked into this. But, here he was.

It was difficult to tell what was going on beyond the corridors. Not impossible however.

The darkness swirled violently around him. Perhaps responding to his foul mood. He hated waiting like this.

[fallingdream]

Medrau was actually surprised to see Awiergan instead of Amy. That just went to show how little she trusted... well, anyone.

"I don't like waiting." It wasn't a complaint, since she'd been the one to set the time. It was simply her excuse for being here ahead of time.

Turning sideways, she gestured broadly toward the mountain. "Care for a hike, or shall we just portal up? I'll warn you, I'm not too sure what effect an open Corridor will have on the stone's protections. I'd be up there already, otherwise."

[shadowchaser]

Don't trust her because of Song.

Awiergan's voice whispered through her mind. Amy fought not to roll her eyes and won.

Duh.

"I don't have a problem walking if you don't...well, even if you do, actually. Besides, I don't feel like being bait tonight."

She smirked lightly and waved Medrau to go ahead of her - not that she really expected her to. Both Amy and Awiergan could feel the Darkness from the stone, but while it excited her darker half, it only made Amy feel sick. She adjusted her shields just a bit, resulting in the sick feeling all but disappearing. Her magic hadn't been the only thing she'd been practicing.

Is there anything I should know here?

[creepy_son_of_a]

Dark Corridors may not be a good idea close to the stone? Hmm, that was troubling considering where he was at the moment.

Perhaps he'd wait for a bit more information before deciding to risk leaving the corridors.

Honestly, he could probably make it before either of them got halfway if he wanted to. He could even fly if needed.

The question was whether he should.

Nothing at all~

[fallingdream]

Without so much as a nod, Medrau shrugged her jacket tighter around her shoulders and, as if to spite Amy's expectations of her, took the lead.

Hiking was boring, in Med's opinion. She passed the time turning the gears in her head double-time, trying to decide whether this was Awiergan or a pesky trick. It wasn't as if she could trust her either way, but it would be nice to know which tactics to use if she needed to do her manipulation thing. If that became the case, she'd rather it be Amy. The girl was a wreck and had an obvious weakness in Song herself. Medrau could play-act too.

Of course, it might not come to any of that, but if Med shared one thing in common with her Other, it was the tendency to plan everything in advance.

"I'm surprised you're here, really," she spoke calculatingly. "I'd expect your loyalties to remain with our Mistress."

Riiiight

[shadowchaser]

Well, isn't that a surprise.

Perfect opportunity to use Barrier and Fire on her, you know.

No. I need her.

Her or Song?

Shut up.


She followed after Medrau, trying to stay aware of her surroundings while she tinkered a bit more with her shields. There was the stone, yes, but she thought she'd felt something else, just a faint-

If you say something about it, she might know it's you.

Like you haven't used my abilities before.


Amy was almost startled when Medrau spoke up, having been visualizing the Darkness she felt as two separate strands that were beginning to wind together. She didn't know if it was an accurate representation or not, it was just how it felt to her. She focused on the figure ahead and gave a derisive laugh.

"Look who's talking."

:| I do need to know if there's something he might be able to sense or see or something

[creepy_son_of_a]

Aria's sense of humor must be rubbing off on him.

The strange idea of popping out and demanding to know where 'Mother' is was definitely something she would think of.

Hmm... perhaps he should have a chat with Maleficent.

Waiting like this must be getting to him for either of those thoughts to cross his mind.

Fair point. There might be some kind of dragon guarding it. Nothing important >>

[fallingdream]

Medrau flashed an amused glance Amy's way. "What, you think that just because I'm a suck-up, I can't attempt to surpass my mistress? Maleficent's only continued use to me was as a source of power and knowledge. There are greater such sources to be had."

With that, she picked up the pace a bit, pretending to be uninterested in further conversation.

[shadowchaser]

"Oh no, that I was expecting." Amy muttered, more to herself than anything. She hurried after Medrau, fighting Awiergan's urge to flip the other woman off behind her back. She couldn't help grinning a bit at the idea though, but she squashed it as they got closer to their destination. There was definitely something else here besides the two of them. The hell with any suspicions Medrau might have. Awiergan had used the vibe ability before, after all.

"There's something else here besides the stone, but you probably know that already."

She wondered how bored Seph was, waiting for things to blow up in her face.

[creepy_son_of_a]

Surpassing Maleficent was not going to be an easy task. Seph assumed the stone they were currently on a path to was supposed to be an important part of that.

Hopefully this whole thing wouldn't lead to him having to kill Medrau. He hadn't even told Amy that the thought crossed his mind.

He was going to need a drink before this day was over.

[fallingdream]

"Oh yes," she answered matter-of-factly, "I was counting on you to distract it while I take the stone."

Medrau may have retained some of Song's inclinations toward honesty, but only when it amused her.

Blinking into the mountain wind, she hunched forward a bit and pulled her jacket collar up. This human body was such an annoyance sometimes.

"How large an enemy can your defensive magic handle?"

[shadowchaser]

Bitch.

The flame over Amy's shoulder flared in response to Medrau's comment rather than the wind. It took her a second to get it under control. She adjusted her coat, thinking fleetingly of the two bracelets hidden under her right sleeve. The first, Awiergan's restraint; the second, her bracelet of Holding. She hadn't been dumb enough to come with only her magic to rely on. Of course, once her sword or slingshot was brought into play, the gig was up for sure. The glamour pendant would keep the bracelets hidden even if she was forced to remove the coat - until she willed it not to, anyway.

She mulled the question over in silence for several seconds. She'd been asking herself that for a while now.

"Something the size of a Large Body, probably. Someone should've been focusing less on motherhood and more on her magic, and no, I'm not including myself in that."

As the words left her mouth, Amy flinched. That had been-

Don't. Don't do that again.

Whatever you say~

[creepy_son_of_a]

He could picture several ways this might go...

If it turned out he ended up distracting a dragon while the other two fought over the stone with the end result being Medrau gets away with it anyway... Well, fuck the universe he'll quit. Maybe destroy a world or two since that seems far easier than keeping them safe.

Perhaps if he stared into the darkness of the corridors long enough he could convince himself he'd actually go through with either of those things.

[fallingdream]

Medrau aimed a flat glare at the path in front of her. She didn't even want to hear about motherhood right now. "Well, let's hope this is a very small guardian, then."

It wasn't.

The dragon wasn't technically a Heartless, but it had soaked up so much Dark energy it may as well have been one. It was still set on doing its duty as a guardian of this mountain, but the dark taint had twisted it, making it cruel and indiscriminate. Any living thing that came near was a threat and therefore was to be slaughtered.

Medrau stopped well outside the monster's lair.
"Right then. When it comes, I suggest you move very quickly if you don't think you can shield yourself. I will portal in and out as fast as I can."

Hey Aria, it'd be really awesome if we could let Evil win this time. >____>;;;

[shadowchaser]

"With my luck, I doubt it." Amy muttered. The flame almost went out as she stepped up next to Medrau, glaring at her.

"By portaling 'out' I suppose you mean far away from here, and not back outside to make sure I'm not dragon chow."

The anger in that statement wasn't her's, and Amy took a slow breath in.

Not now! You can be pissed at her later, we're in deep shit here!

No, you are. I refuse to play anymore.

Awiergan!

Amy took a step back from Medrau as the flame completely vanished. Shit shit shit.

Just kidding~ Maybe.

To Amy's immense relief, the flame reappeared, and she schooled her expression into one of annoyance, which wasn't hard.

"Let's get this over with."

[creepy_son_of_a]

He knew it would come to this. Amy would have to fend for herself.

He was going after Medrau.

[fallingdream]

"I'll spare a moment to let you know it's time to go," she said disarmingly. "Why waste such a cooperative ally?" It was hard to tell if there was sarcasm in that remark or not. Her default tone of voice was sarcastic, after all.

With no more warning, she shot a bolt of lighting at the cavern, scorching the rock before the entrance and, more importantly, producing a loud crack of thunder.

There was an echoing rumble from the depths of the cave. Medrau waited one moment more, until a second growl confirmed that the beast was coming nearer - meaning it was leaving its treasure behind. Without another word, she snapped open a dark portal and stepped into oblivion.

The dragon emerged, snuffling angrily and scanning the mountainside until its beady eyes fell upon the only intruder visible.

[shadowchaser]

Kiss my ass, you pretentious little bitch.

Amy didn't even smile at that one, too busy closing her shields tight. This was as close as she wanted to get, metaphysically speaking.

When Medrau's spell hit the rock, Amy took another step back. At the beast's rumble, several more.

I should've kissed Jale 'goodbye', not 'see you later'. She thought despairingly.

Once Medrau vanished, two things happened; Amy dropped the glamour so she looked like herself again, and almost had a heart attack as the dragon emerged.

"Oh holy fucking shit-"

She might've found a lot less swear words to use if the dragon hadn't noticed her.

Barrier! Now!

With hardly a thought, a translucent sky-blue shield spread in front of her, high and wide enough to block any flame the dragon might breathe - or, failing that, it's mouth if it tried to take a chunk out of her.

As long as she could hold the spell, anyway.

Amy had been shoving up her coat sleeve and summoning her sword from her bracelet when her attention switched back to the roaring dragon. A blast of dark fire impacted the shield, and she felt the hit. It burned, but not nearly as much as it would if her spell failed.

Fuck. Where was Seph? Why wasn't he-

Probably went after Medrau. Awiergan suggested helpfully. We're on our own.

Amy wasn't sure who had just gotten the shorter end of the stick.

[creepy_son_of_a]

Seph hoped Amy could last a few minutes without him. Or perhaps someone else decided to follow.

This stone, whatever it actually was, may somehow grant Medrau a great deal of power. He'd have to prevent her from getting it. What he'd have to do to accomplish that was yet to be seen.

He got his sword out while he followed her... or more stalked like a predator. Same difference.

She'd used lightning to get the dragon's attention but, he wasn't worried about that. Aria didn't call him 'Mr. Resistant to Everything' on occasion for nothing.

[fallingdream]

This was pretty straight-forward, once the dragon was out of the way. Not unlike the one Medrau ha retrieved on Earth, this stone was housed in a small nook at the back of the dragon's lair. She didn't hesitate as she reemerged from the Corridor, taking the two quick strides to where the stone lay and snatching it up. Her attention was focused on the muffled sounds of the angry dragon. The last thing she expected was for someone to slip into the cave along with her.

[shadowchaser]

Amy had learned within the first twenty seconds or so that using a sword against a dragon wasn't going to work. For her, anyway. The beast was big, and pissed, and practically overflowing with Darkness, and she really didn't want to get any closer to it than she had to. Plus it was difficult concentrating on swinging and dodging while she held Barrier in place.

Not to mention, Awiergan wasn't much help.

You know, why don't you just drop the spell and walk into it's mouth? Make it easier for everyone.

"Fuck you," Amy breathed, skittering back far enough that she could exchange her sword for Stop ammo. Maybe it would work?

Doubt it~

Amy ignored her Shadow, retrieving a handful of the small glowing steel balls, then moving close enough to throw them. They connected with the dragon's side with a solid thunk, and

Nothing happened. The ammo bounced off and rolled away, leaving Awiergan cracking up. Amy rolled her eyes, strengthened her shield, and called Blizzard instead. She'd give Seph a few minutes If you're still alive by then and then she was portaling in.

[creepy_son_of_a]

Seph hadn't expected Medrau to find it quite that quickly. Drastic measures then.

The darkness was so thick in the area his own corridor's presence behind her was unlikely to be noticed. Even if it was there was little chance she could react to his strike quickly enough to avoid it.

Incoming ridiculously long sword. Not currently going for vitals but, if she moves...

[fallingdream]

Medrau sensed... something, only a moment before the sword struck home. There was enough time to shift her weight, preparing to turn. Then a strange, hot pressure at her shoulder froze her in place. The pain didn't register until a full second later, and then she was awash in it.

She should have been afraid, but that part of herself was locked away in exchange for the magic that might save her now. Still, pain was as paralyzing as fear. Medrau and her Other were very good at avoiding major injury... and therefore had very little experience coping. It was all she could do to keep her knees from buckling. That wouldn't end well if she was still suspended on the blade.

[shadowchaser]

Amy had to agree with Awiergan on one thing; she wasn't going to last much longer. Even having access to the Darkness it was tough going, mostly because Amy's spells were still only on the first tier. Sure, the Darkness gave them a good boost, but they weren't as powerful as they could've been if she'd studied more.

See what happens when you throw your potential away in favor of that idiot you call a husband?

I'm ignoring you. Amy thought back, which she obviously wasn't. She was getting tired of this game of Freeze and Dodge, especially since it took the dragon all of four seconds to unfreeze it's feet or tail or whatever she'd managed to hit.

Barrier flickered just as the dragon sent a stream of flame her way, and suddenly her coat sleeve was on fire.

"Damn it!"

She slapped at her sleeve, putting the fire out with her magic as she began to open a portal. Screw this, she was going in.

[creepy_son_of_a]

"My apologies. I don't know what you think to do with that but, I can't let you have it." A pause. "I'm sure 'Mother' would be quite displeased whatever your plans." Yeah, he was kind of messing with her. Hanging around Dark Corridors too much did strange things to his sense of humor.

He pulled his blade free and prepared to take the stone. Of course he never dropped his guard. If she was in any condition to try to attack him he'd be ready for it.

He'd worry about whether she'd survive in a bit.

[fallingdream]

Medrau stumbled away from him, catching herself against the cavern wall. Still struggling to assess her situation, she turned to face him, putting a considerable amount of fury into her glare despite the effort it took to catch her breath and stay upright. The idiot had gone for her right shoulder, no doubt trying to spare his friend. Medrau shuddered and clutched at the wound. She'd surely be enjoying the irony if it wasn't so inconvenient. Here Song had always bragged about her odd little defect, claiming that anyone aiming for her heart would miss. She'd not taken the opposite into consideration.

He had not pierced her heart, but the wound was close enough to be an issue. She was losing focus by the second, and could think of only two options. If she feared for her life, the obvious choice would be to surrender the stone now. Trouble was, she didn't.

And she was a exceptionally vengeful creature.

She knew she couldn't escape him. He'd follow her into the Corridors and catch her within moments. But if she could force him to attack her further... to go for the kill, even...
It wouldn't be pleasant, but the thought of Seph bringing that news back to the others was just about worth it.

She lifted her hand as if to drop the stone, and opened a portal between them instead. Propelling herself off the wall, she staggered through and put all her will into moving. She only had to look like she was running away...

[shadowchaser]

Amy tripped out of her portal, singed and having forgotten to restore her glamour, just in time to see Medrau clutching her shoulder as she staggered into a portal of her own. As quick as it was, she didn't miss the blood, and found herself wanting to set Seph on fire.

"What did you do?"

Awiergan was too busy giggling to point out that Amy was wasting valuable time questioning him. Oh, this was fun.

[creepy_son_of_a]

Seph completely ignored Amy and chased after Medrau. Not to attack though. He wasn't stupid. He could see that attacking further wasn't necessary. Even if she fought back he could restrain her and take the stone easily enough.

The chase would likely be brief.

Hmm, perhaps he should have told Amy what exactly he'd been willing to do...

[fallingdream]

Medrau stumbled and fell almost as soon as she sensed Seph enter the corridor behind her. Turning in a last ditch effort to provoke him, she fired off another Thunder spell, ignoring whatever effect it might have on the sometimes unstable Dark Corridors.
Being captured rather than left for dead was not an ideal outcome.

[shadowchaser]

Well. This was beginning to suck. Amy shook her head as Seph disappeared after Medrau before eyeing the entrance to the cavern warily. The dragon was likely to come back to roost soon, considering that no one was outside anymore. Not such a great thing, just now. Sighing, she ran a hand through her hair and bit her lip, wondering if she could block off the opening until Seph caught Medrau...if he caught her.

"Still oughta at least torch his hair." She muttered to herself before gesturing to the entrance. It took only seconds for Barrier to flare into existence, and just as short a time for her to let it drop. Now she was getting tired. Brilliant.

You give up so easily.

The spell returned to life with a vengeance, but instead of it's usual color, it was purple tinged with black. Amy grinned in spite of herself.

Thank you~

Shut up.

[creepy_son_of_a]

Seph took the Thunder spell with barely a flinch and almost no loss of momentum. He's had experience... as a moving target for Aria's Thundara practice... yeeaah. He's nuts. At least he doesn't consider it foreplay. *cough* >.>;;

He's closing in fast and Medrau shouldn't have much time to react.

[fallingdream]

That was it. She couldn't muster the strength to attack again. She knew as much without even trying. Giving up was easier. It would delay and inconvenience her, but she'd find a way out... later... When she didn't hurt quite so much.

Medrau slumped in defeat, still clutching the stone.

[shadowchaser]

Awiergan was doing such a good job holding the spell all on her own that Amy was leaning against a wall, letting her mind drift a bit. Not the best thing to do.

Wonder if he's killed her yet. If he has, are you going to take care of that brat of her's? I bet you will. Surprised you just don't steal her right out from under-

"Oh, don't even start. I'm too tired for your shit. You're not fooling me anyway, I know how you feel about Larkin."

Amy glanced around the empty cavern and sighed. She was feeling less like hurting Seph and more like sleeping for a week.

[creepy_son_of_a]

Seph stopped just in front of Medrau. She didn't appear to have any fight left in her and no space to flee.

That didn't mean he wasn't going to take the stone from her. He would... He just had no clue what he was going to do with it later.

He wasn't just going to leave her here either... So probably going to carry her. And he wouldn't be surprised if she bit him for that...

and must make sure Amy hasn't been eaten by a dragon.

Definitely going to need a drink.

[fallingdream]

Why hadn't he just taken her already? Surely the obvious thing to do would be to drag her back, stone and all, and lock her up in Rainbow's End until she let Song come out. At this point, Mabry's healing magic was starting to seem worth the failure.
Unless he had gone Sephiroth, in which case he might just take the rock and leave her. She didn't think that was the case, though. Sephiroth shouldn't have been this hesitant.

"Well... Seph?" The words came out heavy and breathless. She winced and curled in on herself a bit more before continuing. "Would it be easier for you... if I just gave you Song now? Let you... have fun... dealing with her in this state?"

[shadowchaser]

The dragon had returned and was clawing at the magic in his way. Amy scowled, her fatigue starting to drain away as she pushed herself off of the wall. Grand. Freeze and Dodge all over again, but in a smaller space.

"Seph!" She yelled into the empty air. "Time to go already!"

She really hoped he could hear her somehow.

[creepy_son_of_a]

"It hardly matters. The destination will be the same. Leaving you to die would make things difficult for me." All the deadpan. He's had just about enough.

Relieving her of the stone and hauling her to go get Amy out is the next step.

After getting Amy the destination will be Rainbow's End.

[fallingdream]

She spared him a smirk. "Wouldn't it just?"

Vaguely, she weighed the pros and cons of trying to throw herself on his sword.

Instead, she passed out.

At least, that's how it appeared, only her appearance began to shift as soon as her eyes closed.
A beat passed... and Song let out a very confused whimper.

[shadowchaser]

If Awiergan had been in charge, she would've been gone ages ago. As it was, she was getting tired of helping out. So it came as no surprise to Amy when Barrier began to weaken and change back to it's normal color. Swearing under her breath, she forced herself to hold it in place. Just a little longer, she was sure. Just a bit more and Seph would be back, and with Song, and they could get home without being eaten-

Okay, maybe she was being overly optimistic.

[creepy_son_of_a]

Seph put his word away and picked Song up.

"Be calm." Though he was failing miserably at using anything resembling a comforting tone.

A portal is opened to where Amy is. "Let's go."

[fallingdream]

Slowly, Song registered the generous amount of blood soaking her right side, and the very obvious fact that it was her own. At a complete loss, she simply gave up and curled tight against Seph.

Someone else could make sense of this mess and explain it to her later. Her brain adamantly refused to puzzle anything out just now.

[shadowchaser]

"Oh thank you!" Amy darted into the portal, letting Barrier fall. "I could kiss you! Wait, no, definitely hug, but thanks."

From wanting to torch him to that in such a short time frame? Yep, she was weird. Her attention switched to Song immediately, and she almost freaked again. She did not like blood. Especially not this much. They were headed home, but she couldn't let Song suffer for even another few minutes. She was suddenly extremely grateful she'd learned Cure from Mabry. At least it was something.

"We're going home now, Mabry'll fix you right up." She cast the spell, then brushed a strand of hair away from Song's face. Between pushing her own limits and the blood, Amy was probably going to faint. Better to try and save it for home though; Seph didn't need the extra work.

[creepy_son_of_a]

Seph opened the portal to Rainbow's End in silence. He fully expected to be lectured for his actions once Song was taken care of.

And he would have to decide what to do with the stone. It was not something he was going to leave at Rainbow's End and he wasn't sure it could be destroyed safely.