Recursion of Fate[TEXT] (HIATUSl)

[Malrone]

Do the phone thing.

[mysticCharlatan]

>Victoria: Answer.

Since you are blindfolded, you cannot use the caller ID on the phone to identify who it is (its not as though you can taste the screen to see it or anything).

You decide to just pick up the phone and hope it's not someone you'd rather not talk to.

Phonelog:

show spoiler

hide spoiler

Hello?
hey vicky!
Oh, it's you.
Good.
what, you could not-
are you walking around blindfolded again?
Yes.
weird.
Indeed.
Is there a reason for this call?
just wanted to check on you.
you seemed a little down last time I saw you.
Thank you for your concern.
you doing alright?
Fine.
you know, you should talk about your problems.
instead of just trying to deal with them yourself.
are you still having the nightmares?
is that what is bugging you?
...Yes.
That is exactly it.
see, you're still holding out on me.
i can tell.
but that is alright.
you talk when you are ready.
I will, I assure you.
...
How are you then?
oh, I am fine.
just sitting here with a cup of coffee.
Indeed?
I'm having tea myself.
well cheers.
yeah, i just got a little worried about you is all.
i wanted to make sure you were not doing anything... stupid.
Stupid?
well, you have been really depressed lately...
And you are interpretting my mood as suicidal, is it?
well no, it is just...
i mean, you do not exactly have the happiest life...
wait.
damn.
that is not something i should say.
if i am trying to talk you off the ledge.
Don't worry.
I am in no danger of harming myself.
oh.
well.
now i just feel silly.
Thank you for being concerned, however.
It's touching.
okay.
just stay safe, alright?
Certainly.
You do the same.
hey, i am not the crazy, depressed one.
Alright.
I'll see you soon.
yeah, see you.

It really is sweet how much he cares for you. Not in a "she's a cute girl, maybe if I'm nice to her..." kind of way, but in a genuine, even pure way.

And how can you blame him for leaping to conclusions? It isn't like you talk about what is bothering you. You generally stand apart from everyone else, and you do sometimes fall into fits of depression, so you can easily see how someone could jump to that conclusion.

You will be sad to see such a sweet guy get caught up in all of this.

[mysticCharlatan]

==>

You continue sipping your tea, thankful for a quiet moment with which to sit and thi-

Blo0d.

Defi#@$tly a |ot of bl)@0d.

You look @bout Chester$## ro%^&*om. Other than the tr@%#ail of blood leading to the stairs, ther%$^ isn't m&$%ch out of place.

Y^%^ look at the hole in the w@#$%#ll. You look toward#$s the hole in the w$^%&ndow.

You line up your vision, checking the path that the bullet travelled. It seems the sh0#$%ter stood quiet a distance away, @#n that hilltop there.

Now that you hav-

Never fails.

And now you've spilt your tea. Perfect.

But this is a rare occurence. You have had a vision that is both relevant to your current concerns, and possibly soon enough to act on it.

Looks like you are going to have to cancel your plans today.

You send a quick note of appology to your friends, and then get ready to leave.

Time to get st#$$%$%-

[mysticCharlatan]

>Suburban Sniper: Strike again.

You cannot strike again, for the sole fact that at the current point in time you have not stuck at all.

You are now the Supernal Swordsman/Suburban Sniper. You are currently waiting for your target to appear, so that you can get this job over with and go home.

You are looking throught the scope of what your associate calls the EXTENDED RANGE EXECUTION DEVICE, although you have spent enough time in this place to know that it is called by the locals a SNIPER RIFLE.

You personally don't care for this weapon. You would much rather use one of your swords. But you have been told by your superior that would attract too much attention, and despite making the damn thing your associate can't aim for his life, so this dull task falls to you.

[simon.clarkstone]

> SS: Observe disgusting creatures approaching the target's house.
> Victoria: interrupt, moments too late.

[Malrone]

>Plot: proceed in a dramatic fashion.
>SS: grumble about the ones you have to work with while doing your job.
>Things that have already happened: Happen from a different viewpoint.

[trulyElse]

>Plot: proceed in a dramatic fashion.
>SS: grumble about the ones you have to work with while doing your job.
>Things that have already happened: Happen from a different viewpoint.

+1 vote.

[mysticCharlatan]

>SS: Grumble about the ones you have to work with while doing your job.

You cannot believe the freaks and idiots you've had to work with. The one you're working with now is a stunted little thing, childish, and despite being technically minded, is none too bright.

And he isn't the worst you've had to deal with. You still remember the behemoth you had to work with a few years back, even slower than this one, and obsessed with pairing everybody up.

You try and think back to the last person you worked with that was tolerable. That tall fellow, what was he called? Whatever he was called, he was at least intelligent, even if he was a little full of himself.

>SS: Observe disgusting creatures approaching the target's house.

There are two individuals approaching the target's residence. Perhaps they are gathering to perform some arcane ritual? It doesn't matter to you. You ignore them, disgusting though they may be. In fact, if your superior's information is accurate, this should mean that your target will be in position soon. You take a deep breath, and prepare yourself. It's time to end this and go home.

>Plot: Proceed in a dramatic fashion.

The target. You see him briefly in the window, but not long enough to line up a shot. You wait. You didn't become the Supernal Swordsman by being impatient.




















Damn it, how long is this kid going to take?

Alright, there. He's coming to the window. Exactly as you were told. Now it is time to end this. You line up your scope with the spot just under his obnoxiously red fur patch. One shot. One shot and this kid's head will be chunky salsa. One shot, and all of this, working with the idiot who can handle explosives, taking orders from a boss that thinks less of you than of dirt, of lying here in the dirt getting wet from the dew, will be worth it.

Sorry kid. Nothing personaohcrap.

>Victoria: Interupt, moments too late.

You shot goes of target, and you didn't even see if you hit the damn kid.

Then again, you managed to not be cut in half by a crazy chick with a pair of swords, so it about evens out.

[Malrone]

STRIFE

[simon.clarkstone]

> Flashy sword-fight.
> More realistic and fairly quick sword-fight instead.
((Victoria has a massive advantage.))
> SS: rapid exit.

[mysticCharlatan]

>STRIFE!

You size up your opponent, while this inexplicably plays through your mind. The girl has short green hair, which you would find more intriging if this wasn't a typical hair colour where you're from. She holds two swords, the sign of either a master swords(wo)man, or someone who had no clue what she's doing. She raises a blade, a silent threat written on her face.

Leave. I don't want to hurt you.

You smile, shedding your cloak. You light leather armor drips with dew. You reach behind yourself, reaching to the handle of your longsword, revealing it to the world, letting it see the sun for the first time in the Nine only know how long.

You couldn't if you want to.

You charge, attempting to catch her off guard.

She raises a blade to block, bringing her second around, barely giving you a chance to dodge.

A master swordsman it is.

You smile. You left "master swordsman" behind years ago.

[Xindaris]

>Assassin: Make a dumb mistake and lose, because that's what happens to people who are overconfident in their abilities.

EDIT--Clarification: By "dumb mistake" I mean specifically missing something that even a novice would instinctively realize if he were paying the right kind of attention.

[Malrone]

or perhaps...
>Victoria: lose by being unable to appreciate the skill the one who stands before you. Be saved only by foresight.

or even maybe
>Victoria: stunning moment of prophetic clarity. Claim victory by knowing how the battle will progress.

[The NL Penguin]

No commands for now, but just finished catching up, so.... +1 reader get!

[mysticCharlatan]

==>

The air fills with the sound of clashing metal, the flash of the sun on steel. The twin blades of your opponent dance, slicing through the morning air, far outweighing the slight reach your own blade gives over her.

And yet still you gain ground.

Credit where credit is due, this girl is giving you a better fight than you've had in years. You are especially impressed by her blindfold; every move she makes is base on hearing and touch. Without it, she might not be taking two steps back for every step she gains.

Yet despite your clear superiority, you cannot land a single hit. It seems that, while she cannot best your offense, you cannot penetrate her defense.

Clearly, it is time to try something clever.

[simon.clarkstone]

> Exposit disturbing facts.
> Contact associate.
> Retreat.
> Back her up against a tree or a cliff.

[Malrone]

. . .

==>

[trulyElse]

> SS: Supernal Swordstech 13 - Crimson rain

[Xindaris]

>Victoria: Blind-Dual-Swordswoman-Tech: Suddenly no lights in the room.

[mysticCharlatan]

==>

You were warned before you came here. You were warned that things were different, that your more powerful Concepts might not function the same here, or at all.

But it would seem you are out of options. And a swordsman who takes no risk is a mere tourney knight, no true warrior at all.

>SS: Swordstech 13

Bladestorm!
Swordstech 13, in its most basic form, is a flurry attack. You doubt it would be enough against this foe. So little something extra is required...

Class XII Variant: Crimson Rain!
A red glow coats your blade, as though all the blood that has ever touched it seeks to make itself known through the light. You jump backwards, surprising your opponent with your retreat, causing her to momentarily lose her balance. With you right hand firmly clasping the sword's grip, you draw the blade to your left side, with the tip pointed down and behind you as though you have placed it into an imaginary sheath. Your left hand rests on the blade, right where it meets the pommel. Then in one fluid motion you draw the blade away, passing over the palm of your left hand.

Drops of blood fly up from the blade as it makes its arc. As they loose contact with the steel, they take with them the strange red glow that now fades from the metal. Suspended in the air for less than a moment, the drops multiply and reform into barbs as sharp as arrows. The transformation complete, the crimson barbs fly in an arc towards your foe, whose confused reaction is delayed. The innumerable projectiles strike with force enough to send up a cloud of dust.

As the cloud disperses, you find your foe against a tree, one of her blades lying to her left as the matching arm hangs by her side dripping blood. Her other weapon is held loosely, and is easily knocked from her grip as she tries to bring it up.

>SS: Exposit disturbing facts.

You press the tip of your blade against her throat, effectively pinning her in her position with minimal effort. Your attack has caused her to loose her blindfold, and she now glares at you with green eyes filled with...

Hatred? Determination? You have a hard time reading faces, and that's when they belong to your species. You really can't tell what's going through this things mind.

Dialog:

show spoiler

hide spoiler

SS: You fight well.
AI: For a girl?
SS: Is it unusual for women to fight in this world?
SS: Man or woman matters little to me.
SS: I gave you a compliment. Take it.
AI: Thank you.
SS: And she has manners.
SS: I have to say, your world will be losing one of its best today.
SS: And you didn't even stop me, did you?
SS: You were to late to save your friend.
AI: Who says I was saving anyone?
SS: So you make a habit of attacking random warriors?
SS: Interesting.
SS: Regardless, I'm afraid our business is concluded.
SS: When you get to the other side, tell the Lady that the Supernal Swordsman sent you there.
SS: She should be able to show you how many have preceeded you.
SS: Maybe you could form a support group.
SS: Well, goodbye warrio-

A device on your belt makes an obnoxious sound.

You only have one device on your belt that could make that sound.

>SS: Make a dumb mistake.

You turn your head slightly, grabbing the device with your left hand.

This is all the distraction your opponent needed.

Her left hand- the one attached to the arm you thought unusable- springs up, pushing your blade away from her neck and recieving quite a gash for its trouble. Thankfully, she seems to be in no shape to continue this battle.

Apparently she agrees with your assessment, snatching up the nearest one of her swords in her right hand and fleeing. You would chase after her, but you have bigger problems right now.

You sheath your blade on your back again, then reach for your communication device with your right hand while your left hand holds the noise emitting machine, which has now grown silent.

Comlog:

show spoiler

hide spoiler

SS: Come in.
??: 'Yello.
SS: Did you get those readings too?
??: Yep.
SS: That can only mean one thing.
??: Sure. He's made it through.
SS: I'm almost certain I hit him.
SS: He couldn't have gotten far.
SS: That means the portal is within or nearby his dwelling.
SS: Are you in position?
??: Yup.
SS: Then proceed with Plan B.

You put the communication device away without awaiting an answer. You look around and notice the blade that your opponent left behind. Picking it up, you run your fingers over the ruins etched in it. As non-native to this land, you have no clue what they mean, but you can descern their basic form.

V. I. C. #$#@$)#%#$^#$^#

[mysticCharlatan]

Well well. It appears we're crossing signals somehow.

Might as well ride this through and see where it takes us.

>Be US.

Ah yes. One of the last unknown factors.

You are now a sixteen year old girl, and you are MOST CERTAINLY not crying.

Okay fine, maybe just a little. While you chatted with your friend about it. But you are over it now.

What could such a MATURE, IN CONTROL YOUNG LADY be named?

[trulyElse]

Liz Dugan

[Malrone]

Actually, I agree. But "Dougan"

[Xindaris]

All instances of "Liz" must be short for "Elizabeth", or, at the very least, "Eliza" or "Elise." Otherwise her parents literally meant to name her 'lizard', which would just be terrible.

Otherwise I concur.

[mysticCharlatan]

You are now ELIZABETH DOUGAN, or LIZ to your friends. You have long black hair and thick rimmed glasses hiding icy blue eyes. You have just finished chatting with your friend Kaylyn about what a meany-poophead Chester is (it should be noted that that is exceptionally foul language for you).

You are an AVID READER, as is testified by the quite large bookcase in your room. Your prefered genres are ROMANCE and MYSTERY, the latter of which is probably due to your high respect for your FATHER, who is a POLICE OFFICER. As a child, you would imagine that he would be solving cases much like the one's in your books, always putting together the clues perfectly at the end of the day and unmasking the bad guy, presumably while looking through a magnifying glass and spouting some clever one liner. You have since realized his job is much less glamorous than that (he doesn't even own a MAGNIFYING GLASS, unlike you), but that hasn't stopped you from being impressed with him or liking your books. You even still pretend to be a detective sometimes when you are bored.

Your primary interest, however, is LOVE. Your ROMANCE NOVEL collection has recently overtaken your MYSTERY NOVEL collection, and you have seen so many different stories you can pratically predict the ending to any TRASHY ROMANCE BOOK you pick up. Childhood friends, the girl next door, the chance encounter, you've seen and read them all. Because of this, you consider yourself something of a LOVE EXPERT, and constantly try and pair your friends up (it was in fact you who suggested that Kaylyn ask Henry out- of course he didn't ask her). Most everyone else considers you something of a CRAZED SHIPPER.

You are currently sitting in at your COMPUTER in your room. A large BOOKSHELF boasting your large MYSTERY NOVEL COLLECTION and expansive ROMANCE NOVEL COLLECTION stands on one wall, while another is filled with posters of various ROMANCE MOVIES, and one large self drawn poster sporting several names and various pictures, lines, and scribbles between them. A pile of STUFFED ANIMALS sits in one corner, a testament to your enduring love of CUTENESS.

Inventory:

show spoiler

hide spoiler

Apparel: Cute Outfit, Thick Glasses

--------

show spoiler

hide spoiler

Wow, I introduced the shipper on Valentine's day. Weird coincidence.