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Post by Leedzie on Apr 20, 2006 12:47:13 GMT -5
The air warmed rapidly as the squirrel descended the mountain, his armadillo companion still in tow. The two eventually made it down to level ground, but it wasn't the place Ray had started from; this area was mostly flat, with a waterfall on one side and a cliff on the other. The squirrel squinted down from his arial view; there was a structure at the cliff that he vaguely recognized as a train station. I must have come down the wrong side of the mountain, he realized silently, taking another dive in altitude. Just as well, I suppose. Maybe it'll throw those pests off my trail.Ray finally landed at the top of a small hill, not far from the waterfall and subsequent lake below it. He released Mighty from his back and leapt down to the water, splashing his face repeatedly in hopes that it would somehow cure him of his mysterious ailment. Feeling refreshed, the squirrel made his way back up to his companion, but he couldn't ignore the fact that his hands had begun to tremble beyond his control. Water on the Sol Emerald made its shimmer even more spectacular. "Now then," Ray began quietly, taking a seat in the grass and hugging his knees; there seemed to be a breeze flowing by, and his wet fur stood up with chill. The squirrel shivered and leaned his chin against his knees, glaring over at Mighty as though it was his fault. "Tell me about the Blue One."
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Sipp
Former Player
Batman
Posts: 1,576
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Post by Sipp on Apr 20, 2006 18:36:40 GMT -5
Mighty's ears twitched at the sounds, but he ignored them. His attention was fixed on Ray; and he was still somewhat creeped out. And cautious - he had to be. He didn't want Sonic to get hurt - or worse - at the hands of this new Ray; yet he wanted to keep an eye on Ray.. and see if he could get him to stop acting like this. He was in a precarious situation. "I haven't seen him for for years," Mighty told him; and that was completely true.
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Post by Leedzie on Apr 21, 2006 2:27:17 GMT -5
Ray appeared unmoved; if anything his unblinking expression hardened. "Then when, and where, did you see him last?" he uttered lowly.
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Sipp
Former Player
Batman
Posts: 1,576
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Post by Sipp on Apr 25, 2006 11:01:53 GMT -5
"Years ago," responded the armadillo, "You were there. We were kids... we went to take down Eggman... got captured... escaped. Haven't seen either of you since. I've seen Sonic on TV, and... you, now.
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Post by Leedzie on Apr 26, 2006 0:25:33 GMT -5
The flying squirrel seemed to mull over this reply, staring at the grass at his feet as he silently brooded. So he hasn't seen him personally... But apparently he makes public appearances. I bet I could gain a lot of information if I check public records... I'll need some modern technology. Ray straightened up to look around. Although I don't know how I'll ever find any here in this backwater. Maybe at that train station--Another gust of wind, much stronger than the previously steady breeze, abruptly rushed past the pair. Ray's fur had mostly dried, but the sudden force of it still made him shiver. For a brief moment he was annoyed, but his irritation quickly turned to fascination. It occurred to him that somewhere nearby, there were naturally-occurring powerful winds. Rising to his feet, the squirrel closed the gap between himself and Mighty, and quickly shook his hand. "You've been very helpful," he announced, "and you have my thanks. When I build my empire, you will receive special favors from your future pharaoh." Immediately after finishing the formalities, Ray bolted off in search of the source of the winds, heading for the mouth of a cave.
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Sipp
Former Player
Batman
Posts: 1,576
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Post by Sipp on Apr 28, 2006 22:00:23 GMT -5
Mighty slumped. What was he going to do? He had just put Sonic in potentiel danger... He weighed out his options. Follow Ray, find and warn Sonic, or wash his hands of the situation. The third was not an option at all. He could follow Ray; but that risked provoking the squirrel... he didn't know where Sonic was; or even where to start... The armadillo sighed.
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Post by Leedzie on Apr 29, 2006 18:21:30 GMT -5
Ray paused at the entrance to the cave, a steady breeze flowing out from its depths. He couldn't imagine what could be causing it, but was determined to find out. Creeping inside, he didn't have to travel far before coming to an alter on the left, and what looked like a bottomless drop. A wide, circular opening directly above the chasm allowed bright sunshine to pour into the bleak cave. Wood, leaves, and other debris floated easily in the air before him, and as he leaned over to look into the black abyss, the squirrel realized that a constant updraft held it all aloft. "But where..." he muttered, straining to see into the dark. "Where are you coming from?!" Ray turned to the alter, hoping it may answer some questions. The squirrel stepped up and inspected it carefully, noticing a groove in the base and a weak, eroded inscription at the top. Ray managed to pick out something about needing a key, but his focus derailed as he noticed, again, that his hands were trembling. "DAMMIT!!" he shouted, his angry voice echoing in the cavern. With a snort he turned away from the alter and approached the ledge once again. "It may be windy," he muttered, leaping off the side, "but I'm sure I can penetrate it!!" The squirrel floated unsteadily, bobbing wildly up and down, as this updrafted wasn't so neatly controlled as the ones he generated himself. Letting out a frustrated snarl, Ray attempted to cancel it out with a downward gale of his own, but his progress was minimal. He realized that he felt a little weaker in general, and noticed his trembling hands once again. ".... Feh, I'm just tired," he assured himself. His attention moved away from the pit below him to the skylight above. Not much was visible from his current position, but debris haphazardly whipping about was easily noticed even from the alter. Ray's brow furrowed. Perhaps that's where the answers lie. Giving the updraft he rested upon a quick boost, the squirrel inflated his fur flaps and zipped out of the cave into the windstorm above.
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Post by Mage's Brother on May 2, 2006 7:22:12 GMT -5
It was around that time that Scorra and the others arrived. One might think that Windy Valley would not be the place for Scorra....but they would be wrong. Because of his weight, he was able to maintain control of himself while leaping over the chasms. Leaping tremendous distances by being carried on the wind and updrafts made it almost look like Scorra was flying. And the further he got into the terrain the more his gems began to glow. "It's here...somewhere..."
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Sipp
Former Player
Batman
Posts: 1,576
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Post by Sipp on May 2, 2006 11:43:58 GMT -5
Mighty looked up as people came - it was a group. He recognized some of them.. from Ice Cap. "Oh! ... I'm really sorry about back there..." he bit his lip.
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L
Former Player
Posts: 435
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Post by L on May 2, 2006 17:35:20 GMT -5
Gainsboro made his way down the small mountain path into the valley. The air seemed to be getting warmer. "Make haste, folks. I haven't got all day." He called after the group that was supposed to be following him.
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Post by Jamie Lee on May 2, 2006 22:14:02 GMT -5
Despite the fact they were now back in warmer tempreture, Midi refused to unwrap her wings from around herself just yet, the chill of the cold still rooted deep in her spine in spite of the warmth around them. She glanced at Mighty as the group passed, biting her lip as Gains completely ignored him. "Yeah, so am I." she grunted.
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Post by Leedzie on May 3, 2006 0:42:41 GMT -5
Ray crouched at the crest of a steep hill, gazing about with a look of wonder and fascination. He had become so absorbed with this windy playground that, for the moment anyway, he had completely forgotten about trying to hunt down Sonic. The constant flow of air forever pushing his fur this way and that sent excited tingles down his back. He felt at ease here. It wasn't uncomfortable or annoying or troublesome like the other places; this wind haven spoke to him, and for the first time since crossing paths with the Sol Emerald, Ray smiled with pure enjoyment. The flying squirrel eagerly sprang off the peak of his hill and felt himself being swept away by the powerful currents, whipping him up and down and left and right and every which way. But amidst the rollercoaster, a dark funnel caught his eye. Ray quickly squirmed his way back to solid ground and scampered to the highest point his could find, the constant ache in his body momentarily forgotten. His eyes widened with wonder. Twirling not all that far away was the biggest tornado he had ever seen; a twister far bigger and more powerful than he could hope to generate, at least a mile wide and who knew how many tall. The squirrel could only stare in awe. "...Whoa."
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Post by Mage's Brother on May 3, 2006 7:23:19 GMT -5
Scorra walked past Mighty steadily. "Where is he exactly?" Scorra gazed out into the open-ness of the region. A fall like this meant certain death. It was easy to assume that the holder of the blue gem could fly....after all...Scorra noted tat using the Sol spirit gave himself that ability as well. He never thought they might react differently depending. Scorra gazed out ignoring any responses, trying to feel his way to his goal. A large tornado in the distance caught his eye. "He is....close to that whirling dervish. Any thoughts?"
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Sipp
Former Player
Batman
Posts: 1,576
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Post by Sipp on May 3, 2006 11:18:17 GMT -5
"You're.. very... large...." Mighty told Scorra, eyes a little wide. He regained his composure a minute later. "Ray went to investigate the cause of the winds. But it'll be very dangerous for you to progress, as this is windy valley.. where tornados are common, and Ray can control winds now," he paused, "So think carefully." He looked to Midi. "Do you know him? He's not.. normally like this, is he?"
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Post by Topaz Mutiny on May 3, 2006 15:04:46 GMT -5
After falling behind the others, Dirk and Alicia had finally caught up with them. They recognised the armadillo from before, and walked over to the group. They said nothing, for there was nothing for them to say yet.
Alicia wiped her brow. She hadn't had this much excitement in years. She caught Dirk staring at the distant tornado, and he looked torn between awe and terror.
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L
Former Player
Posts: 435
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Post by L on May 3, 2006 21:41:18 GMT -5
"He's normally a complete spaz who rides the coffee mug a bit too much for his own good, if you know what I mean." Gains said, answering Mighty's question before Midi could. "So, yeah... not normally like this."
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Post by Jamie Lee on May 3, 2006 21:54:51 GMT -5
"Yeeaahh... What he said pretty much." Midi sighed, running a hand through her hair "He's our neighbor, I've known him for a few years."
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Post by Leedzie on May 3, 2006 21:58:28 GMT -5
Suddenly a voice floated down to them on one of the many air currents. It appeared to be singing... "I'm the loooord aaaaand masteeeeeeeer..... you aaaaaaaaaall are bastaaaaaaaaards... Worship me, or I'll stab your eeeeeeeeeyes 'til ya bleeeeeeeeed.... I'm the loooooord aaaaaaaand masteeeeeeeeer...." It became clear to the group that Ray had spotted their approach, but his position was still a mystery.
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Post by Mage's Brother on May 3, 2006 22:31:20 GMT -5
Scorra smirked. For the first time...Scorra wore an expression of evil. This was a chalenge. He had been fighting this emotion for so long, and now he could at last exploit it. The emotion...rage. Anger. Hate. This emotion was unnatural. it had been brewing ever since Scorra had touched...those jewels. "I bow to no one. Make yourself known, or you will be undone. And then there will be no further mercy. I will rip you to pieces, turn them inside out, and then send them to the underealms." Oh yeah...that felt good. Scorra relaxed slightly.
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Sipp
Former Player
Batman
Posts: 1,576
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Post by Sipp on May 4, 2006 11:16:01 GMT -5
"That sounds about right," Mighty responded, "I knew him years ago. He doesn't seem to remember me. I... I think it might be that jewel. It's not a Chaos Emerald, though, is it?" He looked to Scorra. "Calm down! I realize he must be stopped... I guess the violence really is inevitable," he sighed at that, "But if it is the jewel, you need to get it away from him, and that's all! He's just a kid," Mighty conveniently ignored the fact that he and Ray were about the same age, "I'm not going to let you maim him or kill him. No one is going to die; I will make sure of that."
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Post by Jamie Lee on May 4, 2006 11:24:32 GMT -5
Midi's ears drooped for a moment before standing up straight again. A muscle under her eye twitched and her face contorted into an angry grimance. "Yeah, back off Beefcake. He's my friend and if anyone's gonna hurt him it's gonna be me." That's right Midnight. Mouth off to the angry mountain of muscle and claws who could probably squish you like a pimple. She paused. "At least let me go ahead and try to find and reason with him or something. Me and Gains know him better than anyone, and in case you didn't notice I'm the one here who can fly." she unfolded her wings in emphasis.
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Post by Topaz Mutiny on May 4, 2006 15:18:11 GMT -5
Speaking up to such an obviously violent creature seemed beyond Alicia's bravery, but she managed to agree with Midi, "I- I agree with Midi. Besides, excessive violence isn't always the answer." The pacifist she sighed, then turned to Gains with interest, "That squirrel's a caffine addict?"
Dirk, hearing the squirrel singing, smirked. He brought out his slingshot, just in case the flying squirrel grew aggressive after he says this, "Oh yeah? SAY THAT TO MY FACE YOU YELLOW PANSY!" Dirk yelled into the wind, "Or are you like your yellow belly?! Huh? HUH?!"
Alicia stared at the hare in utter contempt.
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L
Former Player
Posts: 435
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Post by L on May 5, 2006 0:13:44 GMT -5
Gains nodded at the avian. "Yes, he normally is. Though I don't think that'd help us very much right now. He's running on something a little more potent than caffeine." He unmounted his scythe from his back and held it out in front of him, the blade flat in a way one could stand on it. "Midi." He said. "Care for some assistance in your endeavor?" He arched his eyebrow to make it clear to her that he had an idea.
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Post by Leedzie on May 5, 2006 1:54:33 GMT -5
All at once the air around them became absolutely still. There was not a breath of movement, and the silence was deafening, until the sound of a footstep broke it. A couple stories above the motley crew below, Ray slithered into view... kind of. He was visible, but for the most part his body was a silhouette; the only light against his dark, crouching form was give by the cyan Sol Emerald. "I told you," he hissed, "that I am the lord and master here. You've tresspassed into the kingdom of the Pharaoh of the Winds. I demand that you all leave my realm immediately." He slowly rose from his crouch, mostly because sudden movements amplified the throbbing in his head, and he kept his fists clinched to keep from revealing the shaking that still had not ceased. With a low grunt, and a pulse of glimmering light from the emerald at his neck, the air pocket around the group disappated. Immediately following was an extremely powerful gale, intense enough to push some of the lighter members a few steps backwards toward the entrance of the valley. When the wind had finally died down a bit, the squirrel was gone, but his voice floated back to them gently on winds whipping past. "You have been warned..."
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Post by Mage's Brother on May 5, 2006 7:30:48 GMT -5
Scorra was suprised. What he saw was not what he was expecting. He'd fought great beasts and this was...a child. "Just air...Mountains do not bow to wind." Scorra's brow nurrowed, and his eyes gleamed. There was a burning smell and two holes of fire emerged from Scorra's pack. A red and a green gem hovered from them as the other contents burst into flames save for the sacred relics. The jewels whipped around scorra like a tornado and he grabbed one in each claw. "Sol...spirit." There was a flash of light, and a heavy thud. Scorra was once again using his giant Sol Spirit form. Steel Claws, green skin, glowing eyes, and he could fly. A much bigger entity than before, and with two gems he could fly. "You're not the only one who can fly, lady of the Sun." talking to Midi. "But don't worry....I cannot harm children. But this one is foolish enough to not play nice with the other kids, and therefore he will be relieved of his power, and brought before you all for justice. Fair?" Scorra didn't wait for an answer. He exploded intom the air with his tail out behind him flying in great leaps, and landing in powerful shockwaves on various rocks. The hunt was on.
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Post by Jamie Lee on May 6, 2006 17:27:39 GMT -5
Midi just starred off after the scorpion with a frazzled confused look about her. "But he--I--" she paused, letting off a long groan as she buried her face into her palm. "Alright..." she said wearily, jumping onto the scythe's blade "I swear to whatever deity you worship, Gains, if you fling me into a tree again..."
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L
Former Player
Posts: 435
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Post by L on May 6, 2006 19:14:34 GMT -5
Gains glared at her. "Oh for the love of- THAT WAS ONE TIME!" He said angrily. "Just trust me." He swung the scythe around, building up the momentum necessary to fire Midi toward the squirrel. He stopped directly facing Ray's general direction, sending a Midi into Ray as a ball of flames. "FLY, YOU FLAMING BAT! FLY!"[rand=72685838895841691264544189704972563627677483107695050111320723727]
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Post by Leedzie on May 6, 2006 20:43:57 GMT -5
Gotta keep moving... I can't stop yet... Not just yet... But... I..Ray dropped down from the air current he'd been riding and landed on an outcropping of land, closer than before to the tornado. Glancing back over his shoulder, the squirrel couldn't help holding his stomach; a nauseated feeling had been testing the waters for a while, but the flips, twists, and turns of his last acrobatic air ride apparently opened the floodgates. Back at the valley's entrance (which wasn't nearly as far away as he would've preferred) he caught the sight of the scorpion rising into the air and taking off. Ray was breifly surprised that the scorpion could fly at all, but his attention quickly changed to the fact that he wasn't being directly followed. I'm in luck, he thought, the big one's veering too far to the right. It'll give me at least a little time to rest.Ray faced forward again, squinting against the whipping winds. The bit of land he'd descended to rose a bit higher, but it looked like there was a man-made bridge going around the side. Clenching his jaw, the squirrel trudged over and leaned part of his weight onto the grate. It appeared to still be sturdy, and as Ray gingerly allowed the rest of hi weight to follow, it continued to hold firm. He followed it around the side of the outcropping, the Sol Emerald lighting his way, until he made it again to solid rock. Ray looked around; there wasn't much space between himself and the rock ceiling above him, so even if the scorpion did find him, he wouldn't be immediately accessible. Letting out a tired sigh, the squirrel dropped to the ground and leaned back against the wall, staring out at the nearby tyfoon and the pastel skies beyond it. It'll be getting dark soon, the squirrel thought, slowly closing his eyes for some much desired rest.
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Sipp
Former Player
Batman
Posts: 1,576
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Post by Sipp on May 6, 2006 21:33:01 GMT -5
Mighty took after Midnight; following her on the ground. It had been a while since he had scaled walls... but he was still as good at it as he ever was.
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Post by Topaz Mutiny on May 6, 2006 21:42:50 GMT -5
Alicia grabbed onto Dirk and lifted him into the air, intending to follow the armadillo and Midnight. Her interest had been caught, and she couldn't help herself fly into an inevitable fight.
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