Comings and Goings

Written by Jaffa 04-07-2002 05:41 AM

Shadowstalker let his essence slide back into the shadow world. He felt more at home there now than ever. He had always been able to see in the dark and navigate the shadow world thanks to his powers, but now his senses felt keener than ever. Shadowstalker smiled to himself as he followed the shadow figure.

Meanwhile, a portal opened somewhere near the outskirts of Tanith's domain.

"Thank you, Nobody", a voice spoke. "Be ready to port us out of here."

"Are you sure you want to do this, Jaffa?" Nobody spoke from the dimensional rift.

"Our probes picked up an energy signature here a while back, that is very familiar to me. My power signature. The matter must be investigated."

"But you need to do this yourself? We don't need to lose any key members, especially when I nearly got trapped here myself."

"Don't worry", Jaffa replied. "I haven't had any action since I returned from dimension-hopping with Tanith. It'll be good to get to put my skills to use once again."

"And if you run into your own double?"

"Him? I fought him before. He's nothing I can't handle."

"OK, then. Don't get yourself killed", said Nobody, and the rift closed.

"Alright then, let's go" Jaffa said, turning invisible. The six specially trained Ghost commandos with him followed his lead, cloaking themselves as well. Only a slight distortion in the air was visible, as the team headed to investigate the odd power signature

Written by Z-man 04-07-2002 11:09 AM 04-07-2002 11:38 AM

OOC: Nice try, but I left to go to Earth prime a long time ago. Let's just say I'm bored again and so I go back, just not in the Temptress's realm.

BlackWarMewtwo had continued to use his powers to track M-Cheeks. When he noticed M-cheeks traveling dimensions, he felt he knew exactly where Cheeks was going, it's where everyone seemed to be going. Back to there.

He would follow, but first he had to make good on his promise.

A few seconds later, BlackWarMewtwo found himself on Ravenloft, in a realm not too far away from his mistress's. He tucked a box of chocolates under his arm and started walking. Maybe there would be more power to gain on his way to M-Tanith's realm.

Written by Tanith 04-07-2002 12:20 PM

The Lady of the Black Tower was annoyed. Minor demons and other minions scrambled out of her was as she stormed through the corridors of her tower. It wasn't that things were all going wrong -- far from it, her first crystal-born seemed unflawed, and two more were ready to hatch. Even the escape by the original Shadowstalker was not unanticipated, though the demon should have known better than to get himself killed, again. Servants were so hard to find these days.

No, this irritation was not a result of circumstance. It came from a niggling feeling in the back of her mind... from the connection to her Domain. Someone had intruded upon *her* Domain, but was shielded from her thoughts. That was intolerable. All she could percieve was a shallow itch that she could not scratch, and a vague sense of direction to where it came from. She'd sent a few mist demons to investigate, but in the meantime, the itching made her very short tempered.

Suddenly, she stopped midstep. The mist demons had made contact. They send a short burst of information before they suddenly disappeared from her awareness... most likely dead. No matter, the information was enough. The Lady calmed herself and began considering the possible outcomes to *this* new development. Finally, she came to a decision.

Without further ado, she strode into her scrying room. She place her pale hands upon the surface of a black crystal shard, and made mental contact with the first crystal-borne.

Your orders have now changed...

Written by Jaffa 04-07-2002 12:59 PM 04-07-2002 01:38 PM

Jaffa and his team of ghosts continued tracking the power signature after dispatching the mist creatures that had attacked their camp. Too bad that the ghosts needed to recharge every now and then, as otherwise they would likely not have been detected by the things. Oh well, they were no match for the ghosts' weaponry.

Suddenly, one of the commandos fell down, hit by a flying boulder. The others cloaked immediately. How was this possible? Nothing should have been able to sneak past the ghosts' enhaced senses.

Then, it a shadow seemed to split in two, and a man-shaped creature separated from it. The creature moved towards the fallen assassin, whose armour had barely protected him from instant death. It tried to reach down to touch the man, but stopped, puzzled. It couldn't touch the man. In fact, it was trapped inside a force field.

Jaffa and his commandos dropped their cloaks around it.

"What the hell is that?" one of the assassins grunted.

The creature made a hissing sound, that remotely resembled laughter. Then it disappeared into the shadow cast by the fallen ghost.

"I have an idea", Jaffa said. "Get over here!" As he spoke, he expanded his force field over all of them.

Shadowstalker had been observing as the situation developed. He had not decided what to do yet, when he felt another presence enter the shadow he was occupying. What luck.

Shadowstalker burst out of the shadow as if fired from a cannon, struggling with his shadow. It was winning. The two appeared and disappeared all around Jaffa and his assassins.

"This wouldn't be the energy signature we came here to investigate?" asked one of the ghosts.

"No, this is something else entirely, and I'm not sure, what." Jaffa replied. "They seem to be ignoring us for now, though. Lets keep it that way."

The five commandos cloaked themselves, and Jaffa extended his invisibility around the unconscious one.

Shadowstalker sent a shower of rocks towards his shadow. They went right through it. "Fool. You are nothing but a memory, now", the shadow hissed. "You are obsolete. Useless." It send a boulder of it's own flying at it's former host, who disappeared into a nearby shadow.

"Useless", the shadow mocked. "I can see in the shadow world just like you. You can't hide from me."

Shadowstalker realized the truth in his shadow's words. He was severely outclassed.

Written by Tanith 04-07-2002 02:08 PM

The Lady of the Black Tower rubber her temples. She could feel another headache coming on as she watched the fight between Shadowstalker and his former shadow. It wasn't the fight itself she objected to, but the fact that they were letting the primary objectives escape. And even though the other two crystal-born would be ready to hatch any minute now, they would still arrive too late to track the invaders, who are no doubt on their guard.

Gritting her teeth, the Lady left the scrying room. There was naught she could do about that particular situation now. But she had two other crystal-born to attend to now. It was time...

Written by Jaffa 04-07-2002 02:23 PM

Shadowstalker tried to look for an escape route, but there was none to be found. In the shadow world he could at least touch his enemy, but it kept sliding back and forth between the shadows, and attacking him whenever his attention was diverted. Even in shadows there was no escape.

The shadows.

The shadows were the key. His enemy was a shadow, and shadows were his realm. The shadows were the key.

Shadowstalker slid out of the shadow world. "Come and get me then. I'll not die without a fight", he said to the shadow.

"Fool. In here you're even less of a challenge", the shadow replied. "I will savor your death." It lunged towards Shadowstalker.

"No, I think you won't." Shadowstalker replied, as he melded into his own former shadow. It was different now than all the other times, even more different than it had been after his... death. There was pain, there was a struggle, but this time, the shadow was losing.

Jaffa observed the fight from afar. The two creatures were now melded into one. The horrific figure convulsed horribly, and spiky growths protruded from it's frame. "Revenge", it screamed in an unearthly voice, and then it was gone.

Written by Tanith 04-07-2002 02:50 PM

The Lady paused in her examination of the cracking crystal chambers before her. Her eyes glazed for a moment, as the mental link to her first crystal-born faded, flickered, and then solidified anew. An evil smile graced her lips as her mind carefully tested the bond and the chaotic mind on the other side. She could feel the chaos flowing through the channel, and she reveled in it. Her own dark powers throbbed in response, melding and molding the the changes to the bond.

Yeesssss.... All goes according to plan. This will be... interesting....

With a shuddering sigh, she composed herself once more, and turned her attention to the two new crystal-borne.

Written by Jaffa 04-07-2002 03:05 PM

Shadowstalker headed for the castle of the Dark Lady Tanith. He had not planned it this way, but he felt more powerful... chaotic than ever. It was time for her to return to Tanith and destroy her... report to her. For a moment, he felt a presence in his mind, a thought so corrupt that the strangeness and hostility didn't bother it, and he was amazed. This had never happened before.

It didn't matter. He had a job to do. He was to be the sole king of this realm... by the Dark Lady's side. No, he was to crush her... love her...

...

Meanwhile, Jaffa gathered his team and disappeared into the mists. They now had a new target to track.

Written by Tanith 04-07-2002 03:24 PM

The Lady of the Black Tower took her seat on her marble throne in the inner recesses of the Tower. Her new familar stood obediently at her feet, a hypnotic humming coming from its mouth. The third crystal-borne knelt before her, awaiting its orders. Her gaze was fixed on a small scrying orb that floated above her left hand.

In the crystal, she could see the upstart Lengthy, trapped as he currently was in the prison of stone made by the Shadowstalker. He was already weak from the fight and the many days of imprisonment without relief; his mind was dull and clouded... a perfect combination for her purposes.

In a flash of indigo light, she reached out and translocated Lengthy to the floor before her. Immedately, her familiar's humming increased in intensity, trapping the still-weak Lengthy in its thrall.

So. You have lost. And now you must pay the price.

Lengthy's mouthed opened and closed in silence, as if he wished to protest, but could not. With a flick of her hand, Lengthy's eyes closed in unconsciousness. The third crystal-born picked up his fallen form and melted into the shadows. The Lady smiled a dark and satisfied smile, and turned her attention to the orb once more... she would have visitors soon.

Written by Jaffa 04-07-2002 03:35 PM

Shadowstalker neared the castle, still battling in his mind. He spotted a light in one of the windows of the tower, near Tanith's his Lady's throne room. The light cast a shadow outside, and in a flash, Shadowstalker was there.

The wall of the tower tore open, and Shadowstalker barged in. No longer bothering to move through shadows, he violently pushed his way through the castle walls, the stone twisting and fleeing from his way. His enemy friend was near.

Shadowstalker busted through the final fall. There she was, his Mistress his next victim.

Outside of the castle, Jaffa's team arrived, flying in a TK bubble at maximum speed. Shadowstalker would have completely lost them, had they not originally ported in so near to the castle.

They saw the opening in the castle wall.

Written by Tanith 04-07-2002 03:50 PM

The Lady's sinister smile increased as the Shadowstalker barged into her sanctum. The dark powers she had been patiently gathering swirled around the room, effectively sealing it inside and out. The darkness sang in the air, echoed softly by her familiar at her feet.

The Shadowstalker's eyes followed the direction of the sound. They widened upon recognition of the balloon-like creature there. This Jigglypuff, however, bore little resemblance to its original form. Instead of a bright pink, it was a dark gleaming indigo. It's formerly bright eyes now a glassy obsidian. It's formerly stretchy skin now a shining crystalline surface. Before he could react, the twice damned creature burst into song once more. Only, this song was different from before... it was a song of darkness, of corruption... and it was irresistable.

How long he was held in thrall to that siren voice, the Shadowstalker could not say. He was dimly aware of another (perhaps more?) presences within his mind... aware of the darkness of Great Powers filling him... and binding him.

When it was finally over, the Shadowstalker found himself kneeling on the floor before the Dark Lady's throne in the aftermath of the spell. Slowly, he raised his head...

Written by Jaffa 04-07-2002 03:59 PM 04-07-2002 04:15 PM

Jaffa followed the path of destruction left by his mirror duplicate. Or whatever that... thing now was. The ghosts were not far behind, their enhaced senses observing the gloomy environment.

As they got nearer to the throne room, Jaffa ordered the team to be extra stealthy. They moved closer to find out what was happening.

***

Shadowstalker looked up, and his gaze met Tanith's. His head felt like a mess. What had happened? Who was he?

"Do you not feel well, Shadowstalker. Come here and take your place by my side."

Her side. Yes. It felt right, he was destined for greatness. A ruler... but on somebody's side? No, it made perfect sense. She was his one equal superior. Shadowstalker rose, and walked over to Tanith.

"That's the spirit, love." Tanith spoke in a soft tone.

Ignoring the nagging voice in the back of his head, Shadowstalker nodded and sat down beside Tanith.

That was when, as if from nowhere, several rounds of heavy rifle fire shot into the Dark Lady's dangerous pet. It made a whimpering sound as it splashed against the wall.

A phantasmal image appeared in front of Tanith. As it became completely visible, a voice spoke: "Thank you very much, but we've come to take this specimen back for study." Jaffa grinned evilly. "Resistance, my fair lady, is futile."

Written by Ramz 04-07-2002 04:39 PM

PunRamz strides out of the mist accompanied by 3 unknown figures and 3 immensly powerful dragons.

PunRamz - "The time has come for all evil in this realm to feel the might and power that I have acquired in my travels."

Dark Lord - "Do not forget our deal PunRamz, rid this realm of the accursed mistress you lived threw the harshness of my realm, but do not think I will let you live if you fail you're mission. I have given you my best, now take what power i've given you Destroy the Dark lady."

PunRamz - "of coarse my...liege."

while the image of the Dark Lord vanishes, PunRamz secretly plans....

*PunRamz sends a mental call to M - Tanith*

"My lady, I ask for a meeting... I have a proposition for you and you're slaves. If you would like to arrange something, you know how to reach me."

Written by The Watcher 04-07-2002 05:09 PM

Admiral Markul stood on the bridge of the Super Star Destroyer Avenger, flagship of all that was left of the Imperial Star Fleet. Ever since the death of Emperor Palpetine at the disasterous Battle of Endor the forces loyal to the Empire have been slowly but surely losing the war to the enroaching Rebel Alliance. Morale was at an all time low, and more and more assets were deserting everyday, either to defect to the other side or to set up their own private fiefdoms in backwater systems. The Corporate Sector declaring independence and neutrality was a particularly crippling blow. With the Imperial Forces no longer solely enjoying the benefit of the Corporate Sector's massive industrial resources, one of their major advantages was now eliminated. The Admiral wondered whether if they would even be able to preserve a sliver of the Empire's glory, or would the entire Core eventually be conquered by Rebel Scum.

Just then the Admiral's reverie was broken by a cry of alarm from one of the bridge crew. He swung around and found himself facing what appeared to be a human figure dressed in strange clothing standing in their midst. He also caught the briefest glimpse of what appeared to be a...hole?...to somewhere else just right before it contracted into non-existence. He wouldn't have known it, but the figure looked like a spitting image of Al Pacino circa The Devil's Advocate. It looked about the bridge with an air of casual curiousity, like a trader inspecting his newest acquisition. Every member of the bridge had drawn their weapons and trained them on the new arrival.

"Who are you, and what is the meaning of this intrusion?"

Oh, I'm sorry. How rude of me. I'm your new superior and I'm here to take command of your fleet.

"I don't think so," replied the Admiral. "I don't know how you got here, but the only thing you'll be taking command of is your senses. Security, take him to the brig."

As two security sentries moved forward to take him away the figure raised a strange looking weapon and stunned them into unconsciousness. At this the others opened fire on him, which did not to faze him in the least. The supposedly deadly hail of blaster fire seemed to have as much effect as a slight breeze to the man. He actually yawned.

Admiral, please order your men to stop shooting at me. I find it distracting to try to have a conversation with people firing on me with blasters.

Seeing that the attack was futile anyway, the Admiral nodded at this and the shooting stopped.

"You still haven't answered my question. Who the sith are you and what are you doing on my bridge?"

Please allow me to introduce myself, I'm a man of wealth and taste. As to the purpose of my visit, I'm here to help you all in your hour of need. To deliver your forces from the ashes of defeat and provide them the means for victory, thus saving the Empire.

The Admiral's eyes narrowed.

"And how are you going to do this? Impervious to blaster fire or not, you are still but one man. How can you help us?"

Allow me to demonstrate.

Just then a hole just like the one the Admiral glimpsed before suddenly appeared before him. It appeared to open to the observation deck of another ship, and standing with his back toward them all appeared to be Admiral Akbar of the Rebel Alliance Fleet. Admiral Markul couldn't believe his eyes.

"By the stars!"

At that Admiral Ackbar swung around in surprise, only to be blasted by the intruder's strange weapon before he could even cry in alarm. Stunned into unconsciousness, Admiral Ackbar fell onto the bridge of the Avenger, and the hole ceased to exist.

And that was just small taste of what I can do. With my powers your forces can potentially cross the galaxy instantly, giving you an overwhelming stragetic advantage against your opponents. You could bypass Rebel territory completely and attack them from behind, forcing them to fight a two front war. I can even open up gates to key Rebel worlds, allowing you to invade them with ground forces alone. With my aid you could actually defeat the Rebellion and reunite the Empire.

The Admiral pondered this, his mind a conflicting torrent of both hope and suspicion.

"That's a very tempting offer," he said, "But what do you want in return? Surely you wouldn't have us believe you are doing this out of the goodness of your heart."

Very astute of you, Markul. I can see why your an Admiral. Quite simply, I want it all. This entire galaxy and all of its people and resources at my command. I'm not going to be spending all my time here, of course, becuse I'm a busy man and have concerns...elsewhere, so you can rule in my name as Regent. But you and all of the Empire will ultimately owe fealty to me. So, what do you think of my offer?

Conflict roiled in Admiral Markul's mind. Give the Empire to this stranger, who they knew nothing about? Who knew how he would rule. But without his help there might not be an Empire. And he did say he would moslty rule in absentia. And offered him the position of Regent. After spending what seemed like a eternity contemplating the offer, Admiral Markul came to a conclusion. There was only one logical choice if the Empire was to be preserved in some fashion.

"You've convinced me. I accept your offer. I place myself and all my forces at your command. But tell me sir, who have I pledged my fealty to?"

I am known by many names, but you may call me The Emperor.

And as security dragged the unconscious Admiral Ackbar to the brig the Meddler chuckled in triumph. Soon the Rebellion would be crushed and the Empire would be his, bringing him one step closer to multiversal domination.

Written by Tanith 04-07-2002 04:57 PM

The Dark Lady's eyes flickered for a moment, before a smug smile appeared once more.

Siren... Disable.

Before her command was even complete, the former pokemon had already floated to its feet. Strange markings and runes glowed on the surface of its "skin" as it shrugged off the damage dealt to it.

Jaffa reached out with his telekinesis. But to his horror, found that his power would not respond. He found his limbs frozen on the spot, as if held by an invisible hand.

The Lady's smile grew wider. With a toss of her hand, the shadows in the chamber seemed to come alive. Paralyzed as he was, Jaffa could do nothing as he heard the screams of the ghosts around him.

Siren... Body Slam.

Jaffa had little time to register the dark blur moving toward him before he was knocked off his feet. He fell to the ground, wheezing shallowly. Still, he could feel his telekinetic powers returning, and hope flared for a moment in the midst of his dizziness.

Siren... Metronome.

...And that was the last thing Jaffa heard before he slipped into unconsciousness.

Written by Jaffa 04-07-2002 05:10 PM

Shadowstalker watched as his Lady walked over to the fallen man, who looked very familiar. In fact, had he not himself once looked like that, before the strange cosmic force had empowered him.

"My... lady", he spoke. "Look at that." Shadowstalker pointed at the bleeping device on Jaffa's belt.

Tanith gestured andt the device flew over to her hand. "What is it? Some kind of a homing device?"

"I... recognize it", Shadowstalker spoke. "It is an interdimensional distress beacon."

"Damn. This man - I remember him now. We fought him and the others long ago, before my cursed mirror double banished me here."

"As I recall, their resources were considerable", Shadowstalker pointed out.

"That they were", Tanith mused. "That they were indeed."

Shadowstalker watched as the woman who he had such mixed feelings (feelings? should he have )about, turned to her with a demonic grin on her face.

Written by Tanith 04-07-2002 05:20 PM

The Dark Lady smiled. With a gesture, the abandoned scrying orb flew to hover before her. It glowed with increasing intensity, until it shattered, leaving behind a mass of twisting energy before her. Slowly, she shaped the energy into a circular form. The center distorted, and became transluscent. Something moved on the other side.

Ah. Sir Ramz. You would have words with me?

PunRamz: I would like to speak with you... privately, about a small offer.

Very well. I do not have the time as of this moment, but take this token of communications. When the time comes, we will... speak.

With that, she tossed the distress beacon into the swirling mass, and dissipated it with a gesture. Smiling, she turned to the Shadowstalker and slid one arm around his. As they left the room, she cast one final look behind her.

Siren... Rest.

The former pokemon merged into the shadows. As did Jaffa's unconscious body. The door to the room slammed shut.

Written by Ramz 04-07-2002 05:31 PM

*While Ramz is maxin and relaxin on the beach.....*

Ramz - "hey ladies, how about you and you're two friends over their....*beep* *beep* *beep*, what the hell?"

*as Ramz looks down on his belt, he notices his distress becon going off.*

Ramz - "oh shit! gotta find Nobody!"

while I search for Nobody on the island I think too myself, "Which one of us could possibly need help? Were the most powerful super team on the damn planet!

*as Ramz reaches Nobody's side*

"Nobody! My distress beacon just went off, what the bloody hell is going on???" Ramz notices Nobody already opening a gate, "Ramz, Jaffa's in serious trouble, he went to ravenloft to hunt down BW."

Ramz - "Damnit, why did he go alone?"

Nobody looks into the portal " I dont know Ramz, I think it was personal, Ill stay outside the gate and wait until any other members come along."

*as Ramz looks into the portal, he feels the evil swelling forth, and for once in his life, he fears for his friend*

Ramz - "I can't wait for you, Im goin' in...."

*And with that said, Ramz entered Ravenloft.*

Written by Mg_knt 04-07-2002 05:39 PM

{Mr. Grimm}
*As night falls in Spain Mr. Grimm starts peering around the world using Rhystic Scrying and Clairvoyence, as he concentrates harder he starts peering into other dimesions. He finds The Temptress' throne room and decides it is an intresting place to focus his concentration.*

Written by Jaffa 04-07-2002 05:46 PM

Shadowstalker followed Tanith's lead, even while the battle in his head was raging on. "My love (wench), what do you plan to do with the captured... man (double? ally?)"

Tanith silenced him with a gesture. "All in good time, Shadow. Come now, we have other things to attend to..."

Written by Mg_knt 04-07-2002 05:55 PM

*Finding nobody in the throne room, Mr. Grimm starts looking around other places in The Temptress' tower.*

Written by Jaffa 04-07-2002 06:14 PM

As Shadowstalker lied next to M-Tanith, his inner termoil had calmed a little. He wondered if it made any difference, but the nagging voice that old him these horrible things about his mistress seems to have weakened. As he fell to sleep, his dreams were filled with conflict, but also with Tanith's promises of great power.

Meanwhile, Jaffa woke in the prison chamber. His HALST distress beacon was gone, but it occured to him that perhaps he still retained the other. Yes, indeed he did. In her arrogance, the Dark Lady had not inspected him. Not that he could blame her for arrogance after that fiasco with the ghosts. Those men would be hard to replace.

Jaffa took the transmitter given to him by Tanith, turned it on and hid it behind a loose brick. He wondered how prison cells always seemed to have such convenient stashes.

Now there was nothing he could do but wait and wonder which Tanith would get to him first.

Written by Mg_knt 04-07-2002 06:34 PM

*He decides to leave a calling card in The Tempetress' tower. Magic enegry gathers and starts to form into a shape. Within a few seconds where there was only magical energy before, there perchs a big blue Bay Falcon.*

Written by Genma:TheDestroyer 04-07-2002 06:41 PM

Chief Defender stood in awe as he surveyed the grandeur that was Khazan. All around he observed a number of portals. Through these portals he observed a multitude of worlds. Worlds with dragons, martial artists, sorcerers, demons, and the like. The possibilities of where to go and what to do were limitless. But he had a mission to do. Only one location would suffice. And that was Nerima.

He walked around for a few moments before finding the protal that would take him there. On the other side of the portal stood Ucchans. A decent enough arrival point, it was nearby the Tendo Dojo. Defender retrieved a green orb from sub-space, Ultima Materia. That should be enough to stop anything that should oppose him.

He walked through the portal.

Written by Tanith 04-07-2002 07:01 PM

Once the Shadowstalker fell into deep slumber, the Lady of the Black Tower opened her eyes from feigned sleep. Silently, she slid from the bed, slipped on her black robes, and glided out of the room without a backward glance.

As she walked down the corridors, a blue falcon caught her eye. With a gesture, the shadows around the creature ensnarled it and brought it before her. After a moment of studying the creature and its mind, the Lady held up her hand before it. With a sudden flash, the bird was enclosed by a dark blue crystal, which she then translocated away.

Continuing on, the Lady finally reached the dungeons. As the door closed behind her, Jaffa awoke to see his captor. He had already been visited once by the demons that run the dungeons, and blood ran from thin wounds inflicted by whips and brands on his raw skin.

Jaffa: What do you want with me?

The Lady did not reply. She merely studied him carefully, probing him with her powers. His mind was impenetrable to her, but that did not matter at the moment. Then coming to a decision, she stepped close to him. The torches on the wall next to him suddenly sprang to life, casting cold, gloomy shadows in the small room.

With one final scrutiny, a small vicious smile appeared on the Lady's face as she leaned in close to him. Jaffa held his breath as this disturbing mirror of his good friend came nearer. Suddenly, pain flared through his body, and he could not help but cry out. As he finally regained his breath, he looked up to see the Lady departing with a dark shadowy substance in her hands. That was the last he saw before his previous wounds and his exhaustion sent him into unconsciousness once more.

Instead of immediately going to her workroom, however, the Lady first stepped into another room. There, under a stasis crystal, lay the unconscious Lengthy. Slowly she walked up to him and place a hand on his forhead. With a flash, both of them were translocated into her hidden magic workroom.

Two new colorless crystals now stood in the room. Into the first one she placed the shadow taken from Jaffa, and repeated the process as she did for the Chief Defender's shadow when she created her third crystal-borne. Then, she turned away from the now crimson colored crystal and picked up Lengthy's unconscious form. The second crystal opened before her, and she placed her burden into it. The crystal closed, turning dark green in color, as she place her hands upon it and weaved her commands into it. Once sure that Lengthy would not awaken and escape the process, she turned and left the room.

One translocation later, she was back in her bedroom once more, where the Shadowstalker slumbered on, oblivious to her departure. Shrugging off her robes, she slipped back into the Shadowstalker's loose embrace, and allowed herself to rest.

Written by The Watcher 04-07-2002 07:25 PM

As M-Cheeks lay prone on the ground after being thrown out of the tower the hologram of The Meddler appeared above him

Get up, lackey. I'm not paying you to lie down on the job. You've got a mission to accomplish. Now get in there and gain the Temptress' trust so I'll have an agent in place. Maybe you could become her Court Jester or something. Oh, and don't worry about her reading your mind. The psi blocker I had surgically implanted in you should see to that. And if that doesn't protect you, the magic resistance charms I picked up for you on Sigil should. Anyway, I'll check up on you later. I've got a Coranation to attend. My own.

And with that the Meddler let out a hearty laugh before calling up the door and exiting the Imaging Chamber, leaving Cheeks to figure out how to accomplish his mission.

Written by Tanith 04-07-2002 07:29 PM

Genma and Tanith stood in the busy bazaar in the middle of Khazan. Genma was stalking back and forth in irritation while Tanith browsed the materials offered by the peddlers.

Genma: Explain to me why we're not on our way to Nerima yet?

Tanith: *absently* Hmm...? Oh. Well if you want to run off half cocked, it's your business. I'd rather know for *sure* where the Kuno-wannabe's going. Say, how do you think this looks? *holds up a pair of Belldandy's earrings*

Genma: Er... fine. Whatever. *pokes finger in ear* But did'ja have to stick that fish in my ear?

Tanith: Well if you think you're going to Nerima, it would help if you could speak fluent Japanese, wouldn't it? The babel fish is the best for that. And stop picking your ear! You don't see me being uncomfortable with it.

Before Genma could say anything else, a beeping sound came from Tanith's pocket. She pulled out a small communicator and spoke into it for a while. Then, she turned to Genma with a small smile.

Tanith: That was Rommie. Her new dimensional scanners have confirmed that he's in Nerima now. *frowns* But she also says there's something... wrong... with his bioreadings. I think we need to be caref--

Suddenly, the communicator started beeping again. Frowning, Tanith pressed a few buttons and scrutinized the display.

Genma: What's up?

Tanith: That's strange... I'm getting a distress signal from Jaffa. It doesn't look like it's from Earth-Prime, and it kinda distorted. *Looks up at Genma* Looks like you'll have to go track the Kuno wannabe by yourself... I can't just leave Jaffa hanging.

Genma: No prob. I'll just pick up a few... party favors... before I get there. No matter what sorts of black magic he might have picked up in Ravenloft, I can take him.

Tanith: Okay... just be careful, okay? *gives Genma a platonic goodbye hug* *speaks to communicator* 'Port me in, Rommie.

In a flash of light, Tanith is teleported onto the bridge of her ship, the Andromeda Ascendant. The android avatar of the ship, nicknamed "Rommie", stood next to the control panel. Explaining the slight change in plans, Tanith sat down at the newly installed interdimensional sensor array consol. She plugged her communcator in and started to trace it.

Tanith: Dang. There's a lot of interference here... but... Ah! I think I got it. The signal's coming from... RAVENLOFT?!?

Written by The Watcher 04-07-2002 07:38 PM

Narrative Note: Throw Away Scene Detail With No Relevance At All To The Main Plot

In the distance rock music could be heard as Wyld Stallions took their turn onstage. Delicious smells wafted in the air from the direction of Khazan Arena. The Party To End All Parties was underway.

Written by Jaffa 04-07-2002 07:49 PM

As Jaffa sat there, he thought to himself how different the Mirror Earth's Tanith had been from the one he had known in his world. The difference, it seemed, was far greater than between him and his double. Why this was so, he could not explain.

Meanwhile, Shadowstalker slept and dreamed.

He was in a strange plain. The earth was dark blue, and the skies burned crimson. All around him shadows shifted as if alive. Maybe they were. Images of Tanith appeared and disappeared, and those ever watchful eyes recorded his every move. He would have been glad it was only a dream, but he wasn't all that sure.

"This isn't you", A voice spoke. As Shadowstaler turned around, he recognized the speaker as himself. Or, at least, himself as he once had been. "Remember who you are. Nobody must be allowed to enslave us."

"Weak little memory", spoke another voice. "You cannot win. It's too late." This was another version of him, and Shadowstalker witnessed as it attacked the first speaker.

Tanith's phantasmal faces grimaced to Shadowstalker.

Written by Tanith 04-07-2002 07:56 PM

Tanith's communicator beeped for the third time as she stared at her computer screen. Absently, she turned it on. It was an invitation from The Watcher, about his party currently taking place in Khazan. Tanith blinked, and turned to Rommie.

Tanith: Let's get this over quickly. I'd rather not catch my double's attention, espically after Nobody discovered her new Domain Lord status. Log on to HALST's network and get Jaffa's bio, and see if you can narrow things down. Use all the power you need; I'm sure we can refuel later here.

Rommie: That would be prudent. It will take me only a minute.

Tanith nods, and sends an electronic message to the Watcher, advising him that she'll be late. Soon, Andromeda finished its in-depth scanning, and a picture of an unconscious Jaffa in the dark dungeons of the Black Tower appeared on screen. His upper body was bare, revealing numerous bloody cuts and slashes.

Rommie: *frowns* Interesting. It seems that his bioreadings have the same oddities I detected off of the Chief Defender.

Tanith: We'll worry about that later, first we need to get him out of there.

Rommie: I do not believe I have the necessary power do teleport that far yet. Not until my next scheduled upgrade with the GSV Sleeper Service.

Tanith: *walks over to the pilot VR visor and puts it on* No problem. Just plug me into the sensors. I'll do the translocating.

Rommie: *frowns deeper* At this distance such an attempt will severely drain you... possible kill you.

Tanith: *shrug* It's not like I'll stay dead. At any rate, if that do happens, take care of Jaffa for me, okay?

Rommie: As you wish.

Tanith: With that, the VR unit activates, and Tanith starts to concentrate her Will. As she extends her mind, her breathing becomes more shallow until....

*POP*

Jaffa appeared in midair right above Tanith and fell on top of her. The two of them fell to the ground in a tangle of limbs. Rommie hurried over to the two of them. She checked Tanith first, and was unable to find a pulse. Gently, she placed Tanith on the command chair, where she would soon revive from the quickening. Then she picked up the still unconscious Jaffa and headed toward the infirmary.


*****


Meanwhile... back in Ravenloft

The Dark Lady grimaced from her half sitting position next to the slumbering Shadowstalker. This one was resisting more than she'd thought. Carefully, she placed both hands to his temples and leaned down until their foreheads touched. Silently, she called upon her connection to the Dark Powers and allowed it to flow through her, consume her mind, and seep into the mental bond with the Shadowstalker.

A small flicker of annoyance told her that Jaffa had just been rescued. But she was too busy to attend to the matter at present. It didn't matter anymore anyway, since she already had what she wanted from the HALST member, carefully being nurtured in its crystal chamber.

Written by Tanith 04-07-2002 08:30 PM

Jaffa slowly opened his eyes. He frowned. Since when did medieval dungeons have metallic ceilings? And why weren't his wrists chafing? And he doesn't hurt all over anymore... Blinking, Jaffa finally looked around him. He was definitely *not* in Ravenloft anymore. But neither was he on HALST's battleship.

Before he could contemplate any further, the doors swished open and a black-haired blur ran through to his side.

Tanith: I'm so glad you're awake! Those wounds must have really *hurt*! And Rommie said your bioreadings were all wacky, but she's still working on what. And then you had that weird fever which didn't even show up on the medi-scanners...

As Tanith rambled on, she reached up as if to feel Jaffa's forehead. Instinctively, Jaffa caught her hand.

Jaffa: How do I know you're you?

Tanith: *confused* Wha?

Watching Tanith cautiously, and noting her similarities and differences from the Dark Lady that had imprisoned him, Jaffa sat up in his bed. As he did so, however, the bed sheet covering him slid off his chest, revealing his now healed chest.

Tanith blushed furiously, and whipped around with a startled "eep!". Carefully keeping her eyes off of him, she stepped up to a consol and punched in a few buttons. Immediately, a set of clothes materialized next to him.

Tanith: *mumbling* Um... I let you dress.. I'll wait outside.

Oddly reasurred that this was indeed the real Tanith by her reaction. Jaffa waited until she left before dressing. He felt better than he had for weeks. Calmly, he walked out to join Tanith outside the infirmary door.

Jaffa: Y'know what... I really need to talk to you about your mirror.

Tanith: You can tell me all about it at the party.

Jaffa: Party? What Party?

Tanith: The Watcher's party! C'mon, we're already late. *takes out communicator*

Rommie. Teleport us down to the party.

And with a flash, the two departed.

Written by Z-man 04-07-2002 09:05 PM

BlackWarMewtwo was bored. Extremely bored. There were no zombies attacking him anywhere in this whole place, and absolutely nothing to do.

His senses could feel the abnormally large concentration of powered people on this plane. He knew that was where the mistress is, and he didn't want to go in unprepared. He could not afford to be in her thrall again. He searched through the chocolate box, which was really full of cards. He found the one he wanted, held it up, and concentrated.

Somewhere far away, an island sank into the ocean. Somewhere else in Ravenloft, two forests simultaneously saw all life in them die out. Not that it mattered, because now he was immune to the Temptress's tricks.Just to be on the safe side, he summoned a large firebird known as a Ho-oh. It's safeguard would protect him from any status attacks that hit him.

Now confident, he teleported into the castle. He was in the dungeons, he thought, but somewhere around there lay the familiar signature of Lengthy. He ignored it and did his best to approach the mistress. This time he would make her love him.

Or kill her and take her powers. You know, whatever.

Interlude -- Party on Earth Prime

As Jaffa and Tanith beamed down to Khazan Arena they saw that for the moment it had been turned into a beach. Right now Dazzler Alison Blaire was on stage singing while overhead she converted her music into an amazing light show. Delicious smells wafted from the buffet area as Belldandy put down another of her fabulous dishes and headed back to the kitchen. On the sand guests from all over the multiverse danced to the beat.

As the pair of super humans took this all in The Martian Manhunter walked up to them.

"Ah, Jaffa and Tanith. You've been expected. If you're looking for the Watcher he's over there."

He pointed to a figure dancing with Death of the Endless. He had his image inducer set to make him look like John Delancie as Q. Just then he caught a glimpse of the new arrivals.

"Sorry Didi, some new guests have arrived. I'll be back."

He then left the dance area and walked on over to the two of them.

"Glad you guys could make it. Why don't you help yourself to some of the spread."

Written by Jaffa 04-07-2002 09:17 PM

Jaffa waved his hand at the buffet, and two glasses filled themselves with punch. Another gesture and the glasses flew back to him.

"Here you go, Tanith", he said. "A non-alcoholic beverage", he told Rommie before the overly protective AI could say anything.

Written by KrispyKreme 04-07-2002 09:30 PM

I can see me preparing for the party right now........

KK: Let's see. Who to be tonight?

J. Edgar Hoover? No. Alan Funt? No. Tanith? Hmm... no. Althoug, showing up as a girl would be fun. Lex Luthor? Nah. Superman? Gah. I was that dork halloween.

Damn it!

KK: Maybe........ something eeeeevviiiiillllllll.

*pulls out his picture of Didi and kisses it*

KK: Maybe she'll like a red suit tonight. Or yellow! Ooh! Looking like something out of Dumb andDumber would be sweet! RAMZ!

Written by The Watcher 04-07-2002 09:31 PM

The Dazzler's song ended and she left the stage to make way for blue skinned opera diva Plavalaguna. The decor changed from the beach to an enormous hall with fabulous acoustics. After a moment of silence she broke into a rendition of the aria seen in The Fifth Element.

Meanwhile, overhead Dr. Strange manipulated illusions meant to illustrate the tale behind the opera.

End Interlude -- Back to Ravenloft

*scrys into The Temptress' tower again. Starts to play around with his magic, enchants one corrider with an Intruder Alarm which will show his face looking at whomever tripped it. Enchants some demons with Veil of Birds and enchants Shadowstalker with Veiled Apperation.*

Written by Tanith 04-07-2002 09:29 PM

The Dark Lady frowned as she felt another power intrude upon her ministrations. She did not have the time for this. Gathering up the dark energy coursing through her, she derailed the enchantment sent at the Shadowstalker and transferred it to a happless demon in the dungeons.

Then, with a mental command to her Domain, she shielded it from further magical intrusion. Whoever dared to encroach on her Domain would suffer... as soon as she gets around to it. Confident that the Dark Powers will keep the unknown mage at bay, she turned her attention back to the sleeping Shadowstalker.

Written by Mg_knt 04-07-2002 09:39 PM

*Senses interfrence from accessing the ladies tower. Grins, if anything Blue magic is up to sneaking through boundries. Now it is time to be really nasty. Casts Illusions of Granduer on himself then casts Donate to move it to Shadowstalker.*

Written by Z-man 04-07-2002 09:40 PM

BlackWarMewtwo had been here before, he knew his way to the throne room. He could sense that there was someone powerful in there. He didn't know who it was going to be, but he knew he could take them.

Written by Mg_knt 04-07-2002 09:50 PM

*frowns as the Donate spell fizzeles. Casts Boomerang to get Illusions of Granduer off of him. Thinks and keeps probing the magical shield, hoping for a temporal distortion to let some of his magic through.*

Written by Jaffa 04-07-2002 09:50 PM

Shadowstalker's sleep was disturbed by the attempts of Mr. Grimm. He awoke suddenly, only to find Tanith pressing her forehhead against his, obviously concentrating on something.

"What are you doing (doing something)?"

Tanith was surprised to see Shadowstalker awaken, but didn't let it throw her off balance.

Written by Tanith 04-07-2002 09:57 PM

The Dark Lady gave the Shadowstalker a hypnotic smile

There was an... incursion. A mage attempted to breach my Domain while I slept. I felt his enchantments touch you, and removed them. However, I fear I must spend tomorrow scrutinizing the Tower... flushing it clean of these intruding spells. But not to worry, I have shielded this Domain now. There will be no more incursions tonight.

Written by Ramz 04-07-2002 09:57 PM

Ramz has got the blue font, PunRamz gots the black.

Ramz Awoke on a hard cold floor, instinctively, he powered up, but he realized that this time... it was different, more primal, more powerful that ever before. Finally, the realization struck his, he was no longer on earth prime, all his training with increased gravity paid off, he was now faster, stronger and more attuned to his force and chi powers than ever before. His first reaction was is to head to Jaffa's locator as fast as possible, so he does. But something was wrong... could Jaffa be dead? He couldn't feel his presences anywhere in this cursed realm, even now when his mixed force and chi abilities to sense peoples life signature is at its greatest power than ever before, Jeff was now where to be found (sensed)....

Ramz - " this cant be.... I don't sense Jaffa anywhere... well, where ever this signature leads me; I will take my revenge on Jaffa's killer!

*and with that, Ramz powers up his newly acquired, ridiculous DBZ powers and flies to his destination. Ready to kill.*

Written by The Watcher 04-07-2002 09:58 PM

The Coronation At the Imperial Palace on Coruscant a ceremony of great pomp and circumstance was taking place. Legions of Stormtroopers marched in formation as overhead Tie Fighters put on an a show of expert areobatics. Half the nobility of the Core Worlds were in attendence, as were top officials from all branches of the Imperial Government. The mummering of the crowd sounded like a muted roar.

Then suddenly that mummering ceased as the Imperial March began to play. Striding into the hall at a stately pace came the Meddler, flanked on the sides by the red suited Imperial Guard. As the music played he moved steadily to the front of the hall, till he was at the Throne itself. He stopped and stood at his predesignated position, as the music came to an appropriate stopping place. He looked out into the sea of expectant faces and grinned inwardly to himself. He then watched as Admiral Markul began to address the crowd.

"Loyal subjects of the Empire. We are gathered here today to pay witness to a momentous event. To give ultimate thanks and fealty to the one who has saved the Empire from collapse. A few scant days ago the Imperial Forces were on the retreat, being slowly repelled by the despicable insurrectionists. But now, thanks to our new liege, the Empire's strength has been renewed, and our victory over the hated Rebels is now inevitable. For this accomplishment we all owe him a debt that can be paid in only one way. To swear fealty to him as the new Emperor."

With this Admiral Markul turned and kneeled before the Meddler.

"My lord, I hereby pledge my eternal loyalty and service to you. You are my Emperor, and your wish is my command."

The Meddler nodded solemnly at this

Arise, Admiral Markul, and know that I dub thee Imperial Regent, with the authority to rule in my name when I'm... elsewhere. So let it be written, so let it be done.

The Meddler took the throne as Admiral Markul walked to stand by his right side. Then the Imperial March began again as everyone in attendence took their turn to approach The Meddler to kneel and formally offer their fealty. The Meddler smiled as the ceremony progressed. It looked like the beginning of a great day.

Written by Ramz 04-07-2002 11:35 PM

within what seem to be minutes, Ramz reached his destination...

Ramz - hummm, this place looks a little odd.... I was expecting a castle, or at least a house, not a forest.

*Ramz flies down to 'inspect' his surroundings*

while Ramz is searching the forest floor for any sign of Jaffa, or his body; he feels a slight tingle in the back of his mind, something that he's sensed before...

Ramz - "Come out, I know you're around here somewhere..."

* As Ramz says this a blast from 4 different directions are shot at him, while Ramz dodges them easily, he notices that they were exactly place to get him air born. Instantly, he remembers his aerial training with his friend Krispy and flies out of the way of the oncoming danger. While out of danger, Ramz finally get a glimpse of his attackers....*

Ramz - "awe, you guys shouldn't have, a surprise party, for me? Oh PunRamz! You even brought Dragons!! You know how much I love dragons!"

PunRamz - "Fool! Stop you're jabbering! You would be wise not to attack us, you are grossly out numbered. And you are in my realm. Now let us be, this realm is full of evil Ramz, do not try to stop me in cleansing it."

*with Ramz's silence Pun know what is to happen here today, and he does something very unexpected "Leave us until I call for you're return." PunRamz says to his minions...*

PunRamz - "alright fool, come, attack if you desire...."

*with that said, Ramz attacks, whipping out his trusty lightsaber, they battle with only the force to guide them....."

Written by Nobody 04-08-2002 06:38 AM

Man, everyone just keeps using and abusing my Teleporting powers ehhh???

"Jaffa?? Well I was going try it out anyway..." I'll give you a bit of a head start, in case anything goes wrong... But I'll try to arange far a *distraction* when you need it..."

*Teleports Ramz to Ravenloft*

Bloody Idiot... Well...

*Teleports to his Corvette*

T-DOT, Prepare the D-drive!! We're moving out, to the dimensional co-ordinates!!

Yes Sir

Good... Engage drive... NOW!!!

*The Corvette which had been slowly moving towards Earth suddenly Shimmered and vanished.*

*Kahzaan Arena currently running "The Party to End all Parties"*

Sensors confirm wer are in orbit around Kazahn, Sir.

Good, I shall return.

*beams down to enjoy the Party for a while*

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