Worlds Apart

[Tantrikenetic]

Jack

Jack was getting more and more angry and he didn't even know why. He didn't even feel like he was controlling his own voice.

"Look, this is getting us no where!" Jack said. "Why don't you guys just shut up?"

"Why don't you shut up? Besides, who put you in charge?" Kelly asked.

"You did, you thieving ditz." Loki said.

"Watch your mouth, boy!" Dan shouted.

"Well it's her fault we have a schitzo leading us." Jasamine grumbled.

"What?" Jack asked, getting mad. "You'd be dead if it weren't for me!"

"I think she'd prefer death to being around you!" Kelly pointed to him.

"Oh, stay out of it!" Loki sneered at her.

"Just shut up all of you!" Jack said, then he turned to Sorian, who was trying to concentrate. "And what the hell do you think you're doing?"

Suddenly, Mic stepped in and slapped me. Then a slap war broke out. By the end everyone was laughing.

"Now what in the world happened?" Jack asked. "One minute was okay, the next, we were arguing. What is going on here?"

 

[Emotionless]

Dan could almost see the anger and frustration in the room rising with every passing moment. His was rising right along with it.

Jack was leading the tirade at the moment, and Dan was willing to let the whole drama play itself out without getting involved, but Jack went and called Kelly a ditz.

"You watch your mouth, boy" Dan said angrily and took several steps towards Jack, clenching his fists. He would have gotten a whole lot closer had his progress not been interupted by a stinging slap accross the face from Mic.

Her slap brought Dan back to reality. Jack was presently asking Sorian what the hell he was doing. Dan looked around the room "What the hell are any of us doing?"

 

[silverwolf]

sorian

After everyone snapped out of it and i felt the pressure lift conciousness left me thwe last thing i heard was"what the hell are you doing"and thats when i collapsed in a heap on the floor

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Jack

Jack turned back to Sorian in time to see him fall. "Sorian!" He yelled and went to his side. Jack shook him, but he wasn't responding. He noticed Mic join his side.

"I think he needs to rest." Jack said. "This does not bode well." He rubbed the back of his neck and froze. The pain was back and he was beginning to get lightheaded. "Something....isn't right...." Jack's eyes rolled up into his head. He thought he heard someone call his name, but it could be him hallucinating. He wavered a bit, then fell face-first onto the ground.

"Jack?" Mic asked, looking at his downed body. She noticed the two bite marks on the back of his neck. "Bite marks?"

"The snakes!" Loki suddenly remembered. "He was bit by these flying snakes! Do you think they infected him with something?"

 

[kamalw1]

As they were walking through the passageway, Loki was trying to take in his surroundings. As he was doing this, a weird feeling had come over him. He startd to feel a little annoyed and angry. He couldn't figure out what was causing the feligs, though. The next thing he knew, jasamine was asking if theykne where they were going. For some reason, the sound of her voice annoyed him and, before he knew what he was doing, he responded. An argument started amongst em and, though he knew there was something wrong with that, he couldn't stop it.

As he was about to really get into the argument, he felt a hand come swiftly across his face. The blow was so unexpected that he got knocked off balance and fell on his ass. He shook the cobweb from his mind and heard Sorian chanting something. That's when he saw Mic extending a hand towards him. He thanked her as he stood up. They were all sharing a laugh when Sorian dropped to the ground from exhaustion. As Jack went over to help him, he hit the floor too. That's when Mic noticed the bite marks on his neck. Loki told them about the fight the two of them had with the flying snakes that attacked them when they first started their trek through the woods.

 

[SecretDesires]

Kelly was rubbing her jaw and shaking her head, wondering what the hell had happened when two of the party members went down. She was just about to ask why they had gotten so annoyed with each other when she heard someone say that Jack was bitten by a snake.

Looking through her vials, she produced one that was an anti toxin. She supposed that theives used venom in some of their poisons so they would have an antidote as well.

Shoving the vial into Jasmine's hand she shrugged. "I don't know if it will work or not. I don't know what kind of snake bit him and I honestly don't know anything about these vials even though I seem to be the one that mixed them. I don't think he has a choice in the matter though."

Stepping back, she bumped against Dan and looked up at him, worry in her face. Placing a hand on his arm, she took him aside.

"Jack is out of it and you are the best one to take over leadership. We need to have the mages rest. At this rate they will be useless, as will we all, if we don't make camp somewhere and rest. I can go ahead in the passage and scout out a suitable place but you need to gather them up and get them ready for when I come back."

 

[silverwolf]

sorian

"Where am i"i said as i looked around.then hearing a voice "i brought you here."then a very old looking man cam out."i brought you here to teach you, to tell you exactly why you weere chosen to come to the island" i looked down at myself and i seemed too shimmer in a bluish aura"you are a wizard sorian,i wizard who seems to be able to use a sword quite well.You have the ability to modify your spells to suit your purpose.Like the burning hands spell.That should only encompase your hands yet you made it go over your sword and staff.Your spell can be used on your party members to.Just keep that in mind in your journey."after he said that everything went black and i felt a little at ease.infact i almost smiled

 

[Emotionless]

Dan nodded to Kelly. "Good idea. Go look around now and I'll make sure this lot will be ready to go when you come back."

Kelly in turn nodded and turned to make her way down the tunnel. "Hey!" Dan said to her back causing the thief to turn, "Be careful." he said with a serious look.

Kelly smiled and simply said "I will." and set off down the tunnel. The soldier was inclined to believe her.

Turning his attention to the others, Dan made his way over to the group.

He stood beside Loki and looked in turn at Jasmine who was tending to Jack and Mic who was looking after Sorian. "How are they?" he asked.

"Sorian was looking pretty pale a minute ago, but his colour is returing. I think he may come out of it soon." Mic advised. Dan smiled and nodded.

"There is no change in Jack, though," Jasmine was saying. "Why didn't he say anything earlier? We could have helped him then."

Dan just shook his head, and Loki offered "Just stubborn I guess. Say, where did Kelly run off to?"

Looking at the whole group he explained, "She's off looking for a place to set up camp so we can get some rest. You magic users are being run ragged, just look at Sorian, and you'll eventually burn out if we don't get some rest."

The group all voiced theier agreement and Dan continued "We have to be ready to go when Kelly gets back, so incase our friends are still out Loki you'll have to carry Jack and I'll carry Sorian since there's nothing to make a litter out of. Now we might as well sit down and have a bit to eat while we wait."

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Jack

Jack swung his sword around in an arc. It let out a metallic ring as his blade severed the heads of small goblin-esque creatures. They were coming at him in large groups, but Jack cut them down as they came. The silver blade hummed through the air, drawing blood before it ever touches the victim's neck. Jack's malicious grin grew as blood splattered on his face and clothes. The symbols on the sword grew red with spilled goblin blood.

We make a good team don't we, Jack? The Metamune spoke to him. Jack nodded in agreement.

The dead bodies of the goblins piled up until there were no more standing. With a dark grin, Jack kicked the bodies aside and crushed the heads like rotten melons. He sheathed the Metamune and walked over to the girl that was cowering in the corner of the room. Her clothes were slightly ripped, and it was obvious he had saved her from the invading goblin horde. Jack knelt by her trembling form.

"Are you okay Jasamine?" He asked. The woman turned to him, her eyes still dancing with fear. Jack put his hand on her shoulder. "It's okay. I'm here now."

Jasamine's lip quivered. She broke down and threw her arms around him. "Jack!" She cried, holding him close.

"It's going to be alright." Jack whispered. He moved her head so that he was staring right into her eyes. He wiped the tear from her face. They held each other's gaze for awhile, then Jack moved in and kissed her. Their lips locked and they closed their eyes. Jack smiled. This was like heaven. The sword seemed to glow at his side.

Take her. You know you want to. She wants it too.

Jack ignored and continued to kiss her. They moved away simutainiously for air. She was panting slowly.

Take her.

Jack pulled her back close to him and he kissed her neck. His hands held onto her back, holding her to him. She let out a small gasp. She pressed her mouth to his ear and whispered his name breathlessly.

Take her.

Suddenly, Jack felt a large hand grasp his shoulder and pull him away. Jasamine suddenly disappeared from him. He turned around to see his father staring down at him menacingly. Jack's eyes widened. "F-father?"

"What the hell were you doing?" His father snarled.

"I-I..." Jack tried to back off, but his feet were glued to the spot. He tried to draw the Metamune, but his father was too quick. The back of his hand met with Jack's cheek. Jack fell backwards and hit the ground hard.

"No woman is going to like you!" The father growled. "What woman would go for a pathetic little boy like you?"

"I...I..."

The father kicked Jack in the ribs. "How much did you pay for her? How much of my money did you spend, you little rat? Did you drug her?"

"No, father! I didn't..."

"Bull shit! How many times do I have to tell you?" Another kick. "You are worthless!"

Kill him. The Metamune called.

"Father...I know father! Stop kicking me!"

"Awww. Is little Jackie gonna cry?" The father laughed. "Is the little girl gonna cry? C'mon Jackie. Show me what a girl you are."

Kill him.

"Stop it, Robert." A female voice said.

"You stay out of this, Brigit!" Father growled.

"Mother...?"

"Shut up, rat." Father snarled and kicked Jack again.

"Stop it!" Mother said.

"God dammit!" Father yelled. He pulled a bottle out of nowhere and shattered it. Jack's eyes widened.

"No! Not mom again!"

Father glared at him, then turned to Mother. "Now, bitch. I'll teach you to talk back to me."

"DON'T FATHER!" Jack screamed.

Kill him.

Jack jumped to his feet and drew the Metamune. A scream echoed through the darkness.

Rage. Rage. Rage. Kill him.

Jack ran up. "FATHER!" He screamed and brought the sword down in an arc.

More bloodshed.

****************************************************

Jasamine's look of concern deepened. "He's tossing and turning." she sighed, pointing to Jack.

"He's probably havin' a nightmare." Loki said.

"Most likely one brought about by the fever.'" Mic added.

Jack rolled around some more and groaned. Suddenly, he arched his back and his mouth opened, letting out an earth-shattering scream. "FATHER!" Then, his body went limp again and he tumbled over onto his side.

 

[silverwolf]

sorian

Slowly i came to my senses.looking around i sat up."well that was intersting" i said as i ot to my feet.Walking off to a corner i reflected on my dream.

 

[intriguess]

Mic

I was glad Kelly produced something to help ease the fever and I could see the poison working its way through his body. I nodded and picked a position apart from the group. My eyes felt heavy and I was slumped over in sleep before I knew it I was dreaming.

**************************
I stood in a simple dress and the cloak I now wore and I was running from something or towards something. I didn't know and then I was there, wherever it was that I was heading and I saw her falling over the edge of cliff. I reached out but my magic was weak as I moved to the edge in time to grasp her hand. It was a struggle and I looked down and saw Jasmine I blinked for a second and my grasp slipped and she fell.
***********************

"Nooooooooooooo," I woke up in a sweat yelling a single word.

 

[cremebrulee]

Jasamine

***hey,all~not feeling too well, sorry. I'll try to get back asap***

 

[kamalw1]

Loki saw everyone sitting down to get rest. He walked over and sat next to Jack. He hoped that Jack would pull out of the fever soon. In the back of his mind, something was telling Loki that they would all need to be healthy in the near future. He gently patted Jack's shoulder and stood back up. He decided that he wouldn't go to sleep, but would just sit and relax. This would also give him a chance to watch out for trouble.

 

[SecretDesires]

Kelly moved along the passageway, almost instinctively melting into the shadows as she moved. She would stop every so often and listen to the sounds around her. Where most would not hear such small things, she could hear the scrabblings of small animals within the rocks and something told her she did not want to meet up with whatever was making the noises.

Smells came to her, dank and dark and smelling of decay. As she moved along the tunnel she felt an almost oppressive air close in about her. It was almost unnoticable at first but soon it weighed heavy upon her like a physical weight. By the time she came to where the passage branched off into three ways she was having to gasp for air and lean against the stone wall of the cave.

As she stood fighting for breath, she thought she could detect a laughter in the distance. The sound was evil and as decayed as the air surrounding her. The mocking sound made Kelly angry. In fact the anger she had felt before with her companions was nothing compared to this. It welled up in her stomach and spread through her like a fire. Pushing up off the wall, she forced herself to walk forward at an almost stumbling gate.

Something told her that this was foolish. That she needed to use her thieves instincts to proceed, but the anger was commanding and it drove her blindly on. Moving into the tunnel on the right, she forced her shaky legs keep going. As she walked, the air seemed to close in tighter around her and her heart was beating as she fought to draw breath, the anger being almost forced from her as she became dizzy. She had to stop and she did, almost sinking to her knees. Her hand brushed against a stone outcropping as she sought something to hold onto...and suddenly gave.

With a cry, Kelly realized that the floor was crumbling beneath her into an inky. A voice inside her told her that if she fell, she would die and instinct took over, the anger disappearing as fear and adrinaline took it's place.

Somehow, her hands found handholds where none should have existed and she breathed a silent thank you for whatever talents this form had given her as she clung to the wall, hearing the clatter of what used to be the tunnel floor resounding off the sides of what now was a pit.

Pressing her face to the cold stone for a long moment, she wondered if anyone back at the group had heard the noise and, deciding she couldn't hold onto the shallow handholds for that long, she forced her arms to have the strength to pull herself up and onto the ledge that now overlooked the pit.

Scooting back on her butt away from the darkness beneath her, she leaned against the wall...after checking for more traps...and closed her eyes, breathing harshly. She wondered if that was a cry of frustration she heard in the distance and she gritted her teeth.

"Not this time, Bitch," She said harshly and stood on knees that threatened to collapse beneath her. "One way or another I am going to survive to see you fall."

Moving back out of the ruined tunnel, she stopped for a moment, letting her emotions calm down and viewing the other two passages carefully.

The one to her right, now that she stood at the first tunnel's entrance, she sensed more of the fetted, oppressing air. When she moved to the one next to it...the one on the left as she entered the crossways, she suddenly felt cool, refreshing air blow across her. It was not much of a breeze but the scent was pure and clean.

Moving cautiously into the tunnel, she checked for traps and found none. The sound of water splashing upon rocks came to her ears and she stepped forward into a faintly lighted cavern with a pool and water that splashed from above it, probably fed by an underground spring.

The air of oppression was gone and Kelly felt as if a weight had been lifted. She smiled a grim smile. Whatever they were up against didn't want her to find this place which means it must be a place she couldn't get to them for a bit at least. Kelly didn't question the feeling that somehow she had found a pure place amongst such evil. She knew that somehow she had. Maybe it was a place that had not had time to undergo the metimorphisis of the rest of the island. Whatever it was, it was a good place to camp and rest up.

Kneeling to splash some water on her face and taste it with caution in case of poisoning, she found it light and refreshing...and pure. In fact, Kelly could feel her energy return as if the water contained some kind of power to heal and refresh and, when she stood, she found she no longer felt weak and unsteady.

Hurrying back to the group, she also noticed that the air about her was no longer a weight though the evil and stench was still about it.

 

[Emotionless]

Dan lounged on a large, flat rock in such a way that he could see everyone in the group and could keep watch over the tunnel. He didn't know why he was worried, Kelly could certainly take care of herself. Maybe it was the idea of her being off one her own. Bad things seemed to happen when the group is spread out.

He was inspecting his sword for any knotches or other dammage when he thought he heard rocks falling from down the tunnel.
"Did anyone hear that?" he asked.

"Hear what?" asked Loki

"I thought I heared rocks falling." Dan replied

Blank looks and shruggs were all he got in response.

"Maybe im hearing things" he muttered.

It was a little while later that Kelly finally returned. Dan hopped off his rock and moved over to her.

"Are you alright?" he asked when he noticed she was covered in dust.

"Im fine," she said "I almost fell into a little hole is all."

Dan realised he was holding his breath and let it out slowly.
"Did you find anywhere suitable for camp?"

"I found a place not too far from here that has a fresh spring. The water is very refeshing, it will do us all some good." she replyed.

The others has gathered around to hear the news. "Alright, folks. Lets move out." Dan said. "Kelly will lead, obviously, since you know where we're going. Loki, you take up the rear this time. I'll carry Jack. Jasmine and Mic, stick close to Sorian in the middle."

The group gathered up thier grear and arranged in order. Dan bent over and scooped up Jack on his sholders in a fireman's carry.

"Lead on." he said to Kelly

 

[intriguess]

Mic

I stood up feeling more tired than before. "What happened to Gorleb?" I asked looking around for the toad and realizing he managed to escape in the turmoil. I recalled my vision and it had felt so real as if I had lived a whole different lifetime and was only now had access to it.

 

[silverwolf]

sorian

Taking the middle with mic and jasmine by my side.I felt a wierd kinda feeling from mic.Like something of our energies had been intertwined at some point.But then as usual it passed.I started to sing something my father had song when he would go for long walks.

"The road may lead us
to our death
but to me it seems
that its the best.
i will not run away from peril
fear will no leave me to die.

i walk along
into the forest.
and it seems
a defferent whorld
there i found my armor and sword
these boot i wear
were there to.

i belive it may be majick
or just something to tickle my fancy
but when i wear i feel no pain
i feel as tho i was a feather."

I could swear ppl were looking at me funny
it looked as tho they wanted to ask me where i learned it.i was just waiting for them to ask.

 

[cremebrulee]

Jasamine

*Sorry , still down with the flu. Hope to be back soon.*

 

[Tantrikenetic]

Jack

The sound of singing brought Jack back into consiousness. He let out a groan, lifting his head. What had happened?

"Jack?" He heard Jasamine's voice. He opened his eyes, but everything was just a blur of color. He squinted, trying to make anything out. "Jack?" he heard Jasamine say.

"Jasamine?" Jack asked. He felt the back of her hand on his forehead.

"He still has a fever." She announced.

"Where are we going?" Jack mumbled as he realized he was being carried.

"To somewhere safe." Jasamine said. "Get some rest."

Jack let out another groan and let his head sink back down. Jasamine conveyed a worried look to Dan.

"I'm sure he will be alright." Dan said. "Let's just concentrate on getting to the safe place."

 

[kamalw1]

Loki, being at the rear, had his focus trained behind them, but he brought his attention in front of hm as he heard Jack slowly coming back into conciousness. He heard jasamine say that he still had a fever, but he figured that the worst was probably over. As they kept walking, Loki said out loud, "About how much farther do we have to go? I don't want to run into anymore trouble with the group in this condition."

 

[intriguess]

Mic

One foot in front of the other, that's all I focused on, trying not to think, just breathing and stepping, stepping and breathing. My focus was so intense I didn't even realize we had stopped as I stepped into whoever had been in front of me. It was like being waken from a long meditative dream. I took a deep breath, the air was so pure like a pocket of space untainted.

She knelt down and began to pray, the focus of before becoming more intent. It was as if the the plan of the universe bloomed before her eyes and then zoomed in onto this island. I could see the changes and was told what could be done to return the evil to it's source. Everything was explained to me through a haze and when I finally came out it felt as if my head was overly full and I would only be able to sort things out in time.

 

[SecretDesires]

OOC: Sorry for not posting regularly. I have been working nights and just pulled my first mid tonight. I should be able to post alot better from now on.

IC: Kelly waited for all to form up before her and she took off carefully down the passageway. Her eyes looked around sharply for tricks and traps even though she had been here once before. The toad had escaped again and there was no telling what he had done with his freedom. Thankfully, she did not feel the oppressive weight she had felt before.

They arrived at the cavern with the pool safely and, once there, it seemed as if the quiet, tranquil feeling she had felt earlier returned and she heaved a sigh of relief.

Looking over to Dan she caught his eyes and approval of the area she had found and she nodded. She wondered just why his approval seemed so important. But for now she was too tired to figure it out.

Moving to help set up camp, she felt a good night's sleep would do them all good. She just hoped the delay would not be a costly one for she knew whatever was changing this island was not going to stop while they rested.

 

[Emotionless]

Dan wearily entered the cavern and gently set his burden down. Streaching his back, Dan grumbled "His heavier then he looks."

He made sure Jack was still breathing and someone was looking after him, several of the others were crowding around, before he looked around the cavern.

Fresh water, clean air, defencible in a pinch...it was as good as they could hope for in this place.

Turning to Kelly he smiled and nodded before heading to the spring for a drink.

"Not bad," he declared. He lept across the stream and started a more thurogh search of the cavern.

He walked the perimeter looking for any hidden entrences that sneeky little toads could get in or out.

He made his way back to the stream finding none. Just one opening on either end.

Jumping back across, he told the others "Someone else can take first watch tonight. Im beat."

He picked a spot a little apart from the others and lay down to rest.

 

[cremebrulee]

Jasamine

For so long I listened, observing the others and my surroundings. I was concerned about Jack, he had a fever and I could tell he was being tormented in dreams by the twisting of his face and the rise and fall of his chest. I had come to the realization that I was starting to care deeply for him and was intrigued by getting beyond the tough barbed-wire interior, but for the time being I just wanted him to recover. I had a feeling he was going to make it just fine, but not without a struggle. It was a nasty bite.
I watched Dan, weary from carrying Jack, as he lay down to rest. He was a strong spirited man and I felt he could be trusted. Loki was quieter, more of a mystery to me, but he was tough and dependable and had an honesty about him .
Kelly was a strong woman, I admired her for her confidence, perseptiveness and quick response to the other's needs. Mic was very close to me spiritually and we both depended on each other at times when nothing else would work.
We were all tired.
Looking around I realized something else. Somehow or another I was part of the cause for each of their suffering. When Gorleb had asked Sorian and me to enter the cave with him it was because we were the ones that "she" wanted. Now that all of us were there she would not stop until she had weakened the rest to the point that it was only Sorian and I after all.
I watched as Sorian offered to take Guard watch.
"I will too." I added, " I have some things to sort through and Jack needs someone to look over him. I won't sleep anyway, I may as well."
plus, I have to get alone with Sorian to discuss this with him I thougt to myself. Now if only the others would let us.....

 

[kamalw1]

Loki was happy when they finally reached the site that Kelly had picked out. He started feeling refreshed as soon as they stepped into the area. He saw the stream running through it and sighed happily.

As everyone rested and the guard set, Loki knelt at the water and took a drink. He immediately felt his energy returning to him. He thought to himself that this might be one of those sanctuary-type areas that were in video games he had played. When Jasamine and Sorian offered to take the watch, he knew it was a good idea, since he had to get some much-needed rest. Loki found a spot to lay down and quickly fell asleep.