Dusty

Avatar: the Legend of the Lost

The Middle Ring

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The Inner wall was proving much harder to infiltrate.

Huo Ling sat crossed legged on the roof of an accommodating Ba Sing Se restaurant staring up at the massive walls that separated the second-class Middle Ring from the estates of the city’s elite. Her unprecedented seat gave her an excellent view of the imposing barrier keeping her from traversing on to her ultimate destination. She sat, ate, and contemplated the irony of having a third and presumably even a fourth wall literally stonewalling her best efforts. Entering the great outer walls at all had been difficult enough, what with the recent abdication and hostile takeover leaving everyone on edge. Lucky for Huo she was resourceful enough to find a place on the earth bender powered monorail riding all the way up to the Lower Ring, though somewhat devious means. From there the plan went cold, at least until Huo miraculously found herself the owner of a significant sum of money, which bought her a ticket to the Middle Ring and an averted gaze from the teller. So far she’d been playing the game by instinct, following the wind and seeing how far luck would get her. A surprising distance admittedly, but even Huo’s luck ran dry eventually. She’d nearly been detained at the monorail station having been caught trying to bribe the tellers into letting her traverse one layer further. It was unfortunate to say the least, there were too many of An’s troops watching the monorail entering and exiting the Inner Ring. Spread thin as they were trying to control all of Ba Sing Se they still formed a bolstered defense around the sensitive Inner Ring, keeping out even a determined figure like Huo. If it hadn’t been for them Huo would’ve put money on the notion that she could’ve bribed every single official she happened across right up to the royal palace itself. An’s men however proved far more loyal then the underappreciated city guard for Huo’s meager offerings to placate them. Instead had to be thwarted by swift feet and a good ability to dodge projectile rocks.

Coiling back Huo hurled her gumjua fruit core into the lawns below her, slumping back down with a disgruntled sigh. When it came to clever plans and inventive schemes Huo lacked the necessary forethought to strategize on any grand level. She was more of a go with her gut kind of girl, and her gut, although comfortably full for the first time in weeks, wasn’t giving her any bright ideas.

At that moment a slight breeze picked up, playfully stirring her black braids and bringing up with it the murmur of conversation from down below. It was a pleasant enough day, and the privileged citizens of the Middle Ring were busy pretending all was fine and harmonious within Ba Sing Se; by enjoying a pleasant meal with their families. Sticking their heads in the sand like a herd of ostrichorses seemed like a common trait of the city’s residents actually. Huo swore if patrols of An’s troops didn’t march past every half hour or so the laymen would have thoroughly convince themselves that nothing at all had changed. Their denialism didn’t extend much further then that however. All through her meal Huo found herself the target of many a disapproving glare or muttered word by the restaurant’s other patrons, all for her crude manners and ragamuffin appearance. It grew to such a point that Huo abandoned their den of judgment altogether and retreated up to the roof to enjoy the last of her supper in some semblance of peace. Also, because if she had to hear one more person complain about how she smelled she might’ve burnt the whole place to the ground.

The muted speech of the diners infiltrated Huo’s not-so-great attempts at formulating some semblance of a plan. The considerations of disguise, giant catapults, and straight up climbing the wall with an ice pick subsided and subconsciously the Fire Islands teen began casually eavesdropping, listening in on the random tidbits of talk that rose with the midday breeze. For the most part the dialogue was on anything from the weather to a favorite tea shop and everything in-between. Excluding mentions of An’s invasion, and not one word about the upcoming coronation. Nothing much of real interest. At least it wasn’t until Huo caught the low rumble of a man’s voice making a rather particular complaint to his friend. Leaning down Huo placed her ear to the green-colored roof straining to make out every last word.

“So I told him, I don’t care how many air benders rob your cart, if you keep losing money I won’t be investing with you anymore. That’s exactly what I told him. Its disappointing to, as he’s usually quite successful, but now he wants loans for new watchmen as well. Said his got the snot beat out of them by the thief. The nerve of some people is astounding. I asked him, why do you have private security you’re a lychees vendor?”

A second voice asked something but Huo couldn’t quite make it out. Nevertheless her interest was piqued. An air bender robbing fruit carts and then attacking the guards went against everything she knew about the nomads. She’d considered them inconsequential before, but couldn’t air benders fly?

“That’s right. Odd isn’t it. Apparently he wanted to be hired or something. Probably a wannabe mercenary, though the first of his kind that I’ve heard of.”

Without a moment more of hesitation Huo grabbed the edge of the roof swinging down onto the open windowsill. She landed as light as a cat, peering into the sunlit spaces of the restaurant. The two conversing men were seated right next to the window, reacting poorly to Huo’s more unexpected entrance.

“Great spirits above girl!” One of the men, a large dumpy looking fellow jumped, spilling his soup onto his lap. His associate, a finely dressed merchant in his middle years jerked as well, but less violently. Saving himself the displeasure of hot liquid drenching his embroidered robes. Huo’s bright eyes flicked from one man to the other as all three stared at each other in an awkward silence. The man who’d spilt his meal rang a little bell, before launching into a reproach of Huo’s sudden drop-in. “Miss, please come down from there. This is rather undignified way to appear, you near frightened me to death. Run along to your mother and father, and make sure they know that you’ve been fooling around and scaring people. You certainly look old enough to know better.” The man sniffed in disdain and fluffed out a silk napkin, dabbing halfheartedly at his lap.

Huo ignored him, narrowing her eyes at the merchant, who shrank back a little, looking very uncomfortable. “Where did it happen?” Huo demanded unceremoniously.

“I beg pardon miss?” The merchant had a gaunt face and he pursed his lips at this unexpected intrusion. Clearly he wasn’t used to this sort of tone from anyone.

“The air bender who’s up for hire. Where was he last seen?” Huo cast a baleful glare towards the oncoming waiter who was flanked by a bull of man, whom she could only guess by his clothing and bulging muscles was both head chef and acting bouncer. They had a clear intent to force her from the premises, which meant the conversation needed to end now.

“Were you eavesdropping on our conversation young lady?” The merchant proclaimed in outrage, not noticing the strange look on Huo’s face. “How uncivilized, you ought to be ashamed of such unladylike behaviors.”

Growling in a very unladylike manner Huo snatched ahold of the merchant’s collar, pulling him closer. A ball of flame materialized in her free hand and she held it close to his face, the fire crackling merrily and giving off a cheery glow that contradicted the intense atmosphere. The room had grown very silent as most of the people present assumed they were watching a robbery take place right in front of their eyes.

“Just, answer the question before you get burned.” She held the flame a little closer to his cheeks, allowing a few silver hairs to singe and crumple.

“In the Lower Ring, in-in the merchants quarter by the little fountain! Gonshu usually sets up his lychees cart there, yeeeee don'tburnme!”

Huo laughed waving her hand and putting the small fire out. “See that was easy wasn’t it. And don’t look so worried, that’s all I wanted from you. Enjoy the rest of your lunch.” Huo leapt clear just as the chef reached the table. The large man brandished a vegetable knife, leaning over the table to stick his head out of the window.

“You ever come back here and bother my customers again I’ll Sautee your liver in a pan of boiling oil you smelly vagabond- aaagh!” He jerked back, just in time to avoid a blast of fire that splashed against the restaurant’s outer wall washing over the grass turning the lawn black and brittle. The building was well built, but dry and old proving to be the perfect kindling for a burgeoning fire. Snickering the arsonist deserted the scene before any soldiers arrived, jogging back the way she’d come towards the monorail station. She’d have to reenter the Lower Ring, but it was worth it in the end. Perhaps her luck hadn’t run out after all. She trusted her gut, and her gut was telling her that if an air bender was really looking for the highest bidder then that person had to be her. And if she enlisted the help of an air bender, well, who cared about walls then?

Miraculous America

Taking the fire escape steps two at a time Serpentine descended the five story building as fast as she could. Each rusty step creaked and groaned and more than once Serpentine thought she’d fall straight through. The normally heavy ladders felt light in her arms thanks to her new powers and she navigated the structure with reasonable ease. Nevertheless it took her several minutes to reach the ground and run out of the ally way, scattering a small pack of cats in her mad dash around the building’s corner. A few screams sounded in the distance, and numerous car horns were blaring. Something bad must be going on up ahead. Speeding up Serpentine sprinted past a group of young pedestrians charging right up to the front steps of Luna’s Luner Lounge. Behind her glassy eyed students wandered haphazardly across the streets and roads causing a dreadful traffic jam and snatching random people off the sidewalks. The police who hadn’t been turned were completely overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the disaster, but were doing their best to regain control. A few of the zombiefied kids seemed to be standing guard at the entrance, wearing karate GIs. Uh oh Serpentine thought coming to a screeching halt. These minions seemed capable of completing individual tasks, and they were everywhere! Mr. Johnson must have gone on a rampage with his whip and collected a horde of followers to do his bidding. Somewhere along the way he must have learned to control them better too. Stepping onto the raised concrete curb Serpentine approached the GI garbed minions cautiously, watching for any sudden movements. Their stoic faces turned towards her menacingly and one raised his calloused hand, doing a mocking ‘come here’ gesture.

“Alright then.” Serpentine whipped out her battle fans going into what she hoped was a fighting stance. “Come and get it.”

The glassy eyed karate kids needed no second bidding. Leaping forward four of them surrounded Serpentine, delivering a series of kicks and jabs in rapid succession. Serpentine did her best to dodge and repost but the karate kids were too fast. Dishing out swift punishment they would flip away before she could respond in kind, allowing another karate kid to launch in and attack from her flank. Serpentine’s augmented speed and durability was the only thing keeping her in the fight. At least until one of them landed a powerful round house kick to her jaw. Tumbling backward Serpentine tripped over the concrete curb and crashed onto the asphalt. A few normal minions surged forward reaching to grab her with their grubby hands. One snatched at her miraculous and just missed, brushing the charm with his fingertips.

“Oh no you don’t!” Serpentine lashed out catching the glassy eyed teen in the throat. He reeled back, falling into the growing crowd. Rolling back onto her feet Serpentine blocked a few incoming punches before pushing off, propelling herself over the dull eyes of her assailants and preforming a spectacular backflip in midair. Landing light as a cat Serpentine scurried off smashing through the unguarded glass doors of the Lunar Lounge, and right into the waiting arms of many more minions. We need an army to fight all of these guys! Serpentine struggled to bash her way through but there were to many. Further away Talon, Furitta, and the new girl were in a similar situation fighting against Mr. Johnsen and. Rouge-Bat!? They were battling bravely, but ultimately outnumbered. We need a distraction and an army! Serpentine’s mind raced as she fought. Defeat seemed imminent. She knew about Rough-Bat from her father’s articles praising the hero, he could probably best all four of them on his own, let alone with Mr. Johnson and a horde of his mind controlled minions. What could they possible do?

And just like that an idea popped into Serpentine’s head.

Closing her eyes to concentrate Serpentine let the glassy eyed weirdos size hold of her. One tried to snatch away her miraculous but Serpentine interlocked her fingers over the charm protecting it. They tried prying her fingers open but Serpentine resisted their efforts, clenching her hands tighter, focusing, and concentrating.

“MIRAGE!”

Suddenly Serpentine was everywhere. She bounced from the walls, swung punches at Rouge-Bat, dodged away from the karate kids, and formed a protective ring around the other heroes and herself. The many Serpentines moved like greased lightning and the fought the perplexed minions by dodging and rolling and diving around them with ease. They swung their battle fans and kicked as well but no blow ever landed. They were just light and sound after all. Very convincing images, but never more than just that. Images. Serpentine laughed aloud and a hundred Serpentines laughed with her. It was very surreal and chaotic as Luna’s Luner Lounge was now packed to bursting. Throwing off the minions that held her Serpentine shouted, her voice rising from a hundred throats.

“Quick, get the whip so we can purify the akuma! This will only last five minutes!”

Animorphs: The Reckoning

@ayzrules Thank you! We can go anywhere you like. Preferably somewhere where they could collect first morphs and test them out in reasonable security.

Avatar: the Legend of the Lost

Fine by me

Avatar: the Legend of the Lost

Huo Ling

"They say the best revenge is loving your enemy. I say its a fire blast to the face - who will love them now?"

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Age: Sixteen

Gender: Female

Power: Fire bending, Huo is a powerful bender but lacks finesse and consistency. Her skill level is Competent.

Other: Beyond her bending Huo is unarmed. She carries with her very little besides a haversack for food and gear and a string of coins to purchase anything she might need. When she first started out Huo was ill prepared for the toils of her journey, and many times she was force to learn from her mistakes the hard way. Over the past year she's learned to forage for supplies, ride an ostrich horse, fish, and build a makeshift shelter. _{Could've sworn one rule said to add some line or another here, but it ain't there no more.}

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Personality

Raw passion and determination are hallmarks of Huo’s personality. She possess a fiery spirit that cannot be doused and a fierce resolve to see things through to the end. Huo isn’t one to back down from anything and was by providence blessed with incendiary talent. That being said Huo is not much of a strategist, preferring to blitz her in and out of any situation and overwhelm the opposition through speed and willpower alone. Her lack of formal training leaves her without direction or control and often she finds herself stuck with nowhere left to go. Her fire is fueled by the desire for vengeance, and the emotional turmoil that such deep set hatred brings with it. Despite this vehement rage Huo is a likeable figure, charming in her own way. She can be very cheerful and optimistic in her opinion of others, but occasionally she has few moral qualms, and she finds deep personal attachment painful. Huo thinks she needs to continually prove herself worthy, and is terrified others might see her as worthless or weak or vulnerable. She hates thinking about her past and family much less talking about them. To her there is no greater shame then the generations of failed attempts to restore the family name, or her own mother’s cowardice and refusal to see what needs to be done. In that same sense Huo’s personal motivations for finding and protecting the Avatar are kept well disguised from everyone else. She plays it off as a desire to defeat the Warlord An, which isn't necessarily a lie as she openly admits the Warlord An murdered her father.

History

Four generations ago well before Huo Ling was born, the rich and powerful Couzu Ling ruled over the Fu Valley within the fire islands with an iron grip. Subjugating his people to his cruel whim without mercy for his own selfish benefit and power. His reign was that of fire and terror and all those who lived in his lands were forced to pay high tribute or face Couzu’s terrible wrath. Now Couzu was a scheming man, and he saw that the small island of Angu Cavi upon which he ruled shared two other fiefdoms. To the east was the lands of Kun, and to the west was the territory of Li. Neither of three could ever conquer the other two and so the three minor kingdoms sat in a perpetual cold war eyeing each other with suspicion and vitriol.

In the middle years of his rule Couzu devised a strategy to bring the entire island of Angu Cavi under his thumb. There, in the dead of night Couzu sent forth warriors of great stealth into the lands of Kun and Li on a mission of devious intent. The following day after the successful completion of the mission both the Kun and Li clans discovered a terrible truth upon awakening. Children from both kingdoms had been treacherously kidnapped in the night, and a sandal from opposing warriors was found at the scene of the crime as evidence. A Li sandal in the Kun village, and a Kun sandal in the Li village. Furious at such an unprovoked atrocity, and not caring for the risk both kingdoms rallied their full armies and marched upon each other, meeting in the center of the island within Fu territory. They clashed in a terrible battle that lasted two days and two nights. The flames from their fire benders scorched the earth until the rock itself burnt black. The swords and spears of their warriors clashed and shattered with the ferocity of their blows. Shields splintered, armor melted, and arrows littered the ground. On and on it went until on the morning of the third day a horn sounded from the south. The Fu army surged down from the southern mountain falling upon the exhausted and battle worn forces of Li and Kun taking them in the fire of the rising sun.

Victorious and with his rivals kings in chains, Couzu Ling marched first to the west, conquering the village of Li, and then to the east sealing the control of the Ling dynasty permanently on Angu Cavi. The proud people of Li and Kun resented the tyrannical rule of the Ling family but could do little to overthrow their new monarchs. Some brave folk attempted to stage rebellions but they were rooted out, and their entire families imprisoned. Men, women, and children too, Couzu was a man without mercy. At last, fearing for their freedom and lives the people of Li and Kun pacified, and bowed to Couzu offering him tribute and their loyal service.

Deeming there would be no further threats Couzu rested and grew old in his seat of power, wearing the triple crown of Angu Cavi as his trophy. However, not all was well in his lands. Angry spirits of unknown origin terrorized the kingdom of Fu. Driving livestock mad, possessing lone travelers, and rampaging through fields. It was thought that these were the spirits of the families broken that night by Couzu’s orders, come back to find vengeance. Fear ran rampant as the attacks continued and the people of Fu pleaded with their ruler, begging him to double his efforts in finding a way to drive the angry spirits away. Couzu scoffed at their pleas, turning them away and mocking the idea that his enemies would return to cause trouble for him. Refusing to see evidence placed directly before his eyes. Until that fateful night.

The spirits came for Couzu in his bedchambers, snatching up the king with their vengeful hands, burnt black like the rocks of Couzu’s greatest victory. In desperation Couzu fought off the spirits, barely leaving the encounter alive. Finally, Couzu decided that enough was enough. In all his arrogance Couzu summoned the Avatar herself to the island of Angu Cavi, demanding she rid his kingdom of these dangerous spirits once and for all. The Avatar agreed and left from Couzu’s capital journeying down to the burned battle grounds to find answers. For the better part of a week the Avatar journeyed the island, but despite her efforts the spirits only doubled their relentless assault bringing despair and destruction with them. On the seventh day the Avatar returned to Couzu, and the king banished her from Angu Cavi, deeming her useless and accusing her of treachery.

That proved to be Couzu’s final act as king. Rising into the air the Avatar cursed Couzu, reprobating him for his cruel treatment of his people and the underhanded tactics he used to achieve victory. Enraged by such words Couzu ordered his army to slay the Avatar outright, but then from the woodlands came a terrible cry. Spirits and men alike from the Kun and Li clans descended upon the Fu nation putting them to the sword. Couzu battled the Avatar but proved no match for her power. To his last breath Couzu battled on until he was inevitably defeated by the Avatar. The Ling family was rooted out by the angry citizens of Li and Kun and thought to be extinct. But not all the Ling’s fell that day.

Forced from their island home the surviving Ling’s vowed vengeance upon the Avatar and the people of Li and Kun. From that point on the Ling family lived amongst the swine and mud, preparing for the day when they could rid the world of the Avatar. One by one the prospecting members of the Ling family line attacked, and again and again they were defeated. For three generations and two avatars this vicious cycle continued until the last of the Ling family were thought to have been wiped out. But three remained. The grandson of Couzu, his wife Shu, and their young daughter Huo Ling. They were the last hope to restore the Ling family to their former honor and glory.

Cai was a mighty fire bender, young and powerful. All his life he had trained to defeat the Avatar and he instilled this burning passion into his daughter Huo Ling. His kind hearted wife, Hou’s mother, pleaded with him to forget the oath of vengeance and restart the Ling family in hiding. After all the Avatar had been gone for years, and no new one had been discovered. Cai however refused to forget the words of his grandfather and swore he would not rest until the Avatar lay dead at his feet. Fate however, is a fickle thing. In her stories to young Huo, Shu explained how her husband was treacherously slain by the Earth Warlord An while he quested to locate the new avatar. Ending the lifetime feud and extinguishing the Ling family permanently. Shu’s cautionary tale however did little to staunch the fiery blood that flowed in little Huo’s veins. In fact, it did quite the opposite. At a young age Huo showed the signs of a burgeoning fire bender like her father. Her skills and power grew swift and strong, and raw talent fueled her flames to a burning orange. But something else grew as well. A sense of loss for her beloved father, and a desire to seek out the Avatar and restore her family name. Perhaps she truly was the last of the Ling dynasty, but Huo grew more determined by the day that she would bring about the final duel as it was meant to be. An Agni Kai between Ling and the Avatar at full power. Her destiny was set, and despite the tears and upset from her mother at age fifteen Huo Ling set out to do just that. To find the Avatar, ensure they are prepared to fight in an Agni Kai, and then slay them by fire. The vow of vengeance would be settled and the spirit of Couzu, her great grandfather and all the Ling’s who came after him could at last rest in peace. Of course Cai needed to be avenged as well, and Huo Ling made her own personal oath of vengeance, to bring low her father’s murderer the Earth Warlord An!

Sample Post

It was a true melting pot of the four nations; the crowd ebbed and flowed like the tide allowing slight pathways to form and close periodically through the colorful jumble. Traders, merchants, shoppers, tourists, vagabonds, and official looking men all squished together in a boiling soup of humanity. It took a fleet footed and sharp-eyed individual to notice the patterns and navigate the crowded train station without jostling the passerby. Hou Ling however was not one of these people. The fire islands teenager bumped and shoved her way across the arrivals platform trying to find a break in the sea of chattering folk, gagging helplessly on the clogging stench of Ba Sing Se. The name meant impenetrable city, and Huo Ling was starting to think that it wasn’t just because of the oversized walls. Battling towards the exit Huo finally broke free of the claustrophobic press of the crowd, allowing herself to relax at this small victory. The smell didn’t improve, but at least she wasn’t getting touched by the sweaty bodies of so many people. Placing her hands on her hips Huo took in her surroundings, cringing at the bleak colors and shabby architecture. For a city so revered Ba Sing Se was a true let down. It was large yes, but that was really all it had going for it. Perhaps further on into the sprawling metropolis the atmosphere would improve.

Setting off down the nearest road Huo went about three feet when a young boy no older than ten or eleven sprinted towards her, colliding full force into her. Grunting Huo set her hand against the boy’s forehead and shoved him away, a moment later snatching ahold of his wrist with her other hand.

“Ha, caught you!” Huo boasted, wrenching him around and giving him a sharp kick to his buttocks to send him on his way. “That’s what you get trying to pick pocket me brat.” The boy sprinted off, turning around only long enough to stick his tongue out at Huo before vanishing. Huo grinned rolling her eyes at his antics. He’d tried and failed to cut her purse with his mock crash, not that he would’ve been rewarded for his efforts. Huo had used her last coin purchasing a ticket for the train. Grinning Huo prepared to set off again when a guard ran up and pointed at her, raising the hue and cry.

“There, that girl! She’s got it, she must have been the one to steal it from Master Lifong!”

“What are you on about?“ Huo glanced down at her waist where the man was pointing, eyes widening in surprise at the sight of an elegantly embroidered pouch, a full one at that hanging like a ripe apple for all the world to see. The little boy must have tied it there without her knowing, a feat worthy of great admiration. But also one that was about to get her in serious trouble. Raising her hands Huo backed away from the angry guard, protesting all the while. “No I didn't, there was an urchin he must have attached it to my belt, really fast, somehow...”

Not heeding her babbled excuses the guard lunged forward grabbing at Huo with his clumsy hands. Reacting without thinking Huo lashed out, catching the man across his jaw and then slamming her knee into his gut. The guard dropped like a stone and the crowd gasped in unison.

“Guard down, guard down!” Someone shouted but Huo wasn’t sticking around to find out who. This time the crowd parted for her and Huo ran like the wind, dodging around guardsmen and leaping over loaded carts scattering fruits and vegetables in her wild flight. She was young, fast, and in good condition and before long the cries of her pursuers were lost to the general chatter of the bustling streets. Slowing to a walk Huo panted raggedly, bouncing her new, bulging purse in her palm, grinning like child who'd just gotten away with swiping candy. It was kind of the little cutpurse to abandon his ill-gotten wares on her. A rare stroke of luck, for her anyway. Huo was fairly certain anyone else thrust into that situation would have been caught and tried as a petty thief. She wondered how many other innocents had found themselves victimized by the street urchin’s tricks. Still, she couldn’t deny it was a clever strategy to throw off pursuers, and resolved to remember it. One never knew when such ploys could come in handy.

Avatar: the Legend of the Lost

Here it is @Bluetommy and greatly PG-ified as requested.

Huo Ling

Huo Ling

Miraculous America

I've decided to use a color for Tonya's speech. Just so y'all know.

Miraculous America

“Good luck Talon.” Serpentine managed before the winged hero took to the skies. For a few moments Serpentine sat still, staring off after Talon with a goofy grin on her face. The others were actually heeding her plan, and it was working out so far. The bad guys had taken Furitta to Luna’s Lunar Lounge where Mr. Johnso most likely deriving the bulk of his new army before spreading out further into town. All they had to do now was locate and isolate Mr. Johnson and defeat him. It should be easy, they already did it once before after all. Waiting for Talon’s call was agonizing, and as the minutes ticked away and the two girls stood awkwardly together on the top of the building Serpentine grew more agitated. Growing impatient Serpentine opened up her battle fan and fiddled about for a minute until something beeped and a screen materialized hopefully sending a call to Talon. The fan beeped for ten seconds, then twenty, then a full minute with no response. Something must be blocking her signal, and of course Serpentine didn’t know what. This was the first time she’d used the odd communication device and for the life of her she couldn’t imagine what would block a magical skype call. Folding the fan up Serpentine reattached it to her belt, only half listening to the new girl.

“Yeah, yeah we probably should… I’m not getting any response from Talon or Furitta, they could be in trouble.” Serpentine was about to suggest using the fire escape when the new girl, gifted with her power of immense leaps, bounded across the gap separating the two structures as easy as you please. Shutting her mouth Serpentine reached up and pulled her hood low over her eyes, grumbling something about flying and jumping and swinging on wires before calling across to the new girl. “You go on ahead, see if you can’t help Talon out. Remember to look out for karate kids, Talon said Mr. Johnson wouldn’t try and control them but I’m kinda skeptical. I’ll be right behind don’t worry.”

Animorphs: The Reckoning

@Holly Get well soon, whenever you come back I'll have Mason work up the courage to go speak with Emma's parents about her "disappearance" and then discover that's she been there the entire time.

Now, is anyone willing to time skip us to the next location with their post?

Wrath of Darkness

Corporal Andy Tabbet

“Roger that sir, see you on in V-1.” Snapping her clipboard down Andy jogged off calling her operators to accompany her. Behind them the team seemed to be getting to know each other a little better, as a few loud mouths began speaking in turn, or maybe out of turn. Either way Andy had a job to do, and she didn’t have time to waste listening to everyone ironing out the kinks in the chain of command. Delivering the signed papers to the quartermaster Andy Tabbet and her fellow operators parted ways, each one climbing into the driver’s seat of the four transports. Andy cleared the space between the suspension rig and the treehouse opening up all the doors to the QRTV allowing her passengers to board. Slipping on her helmet and mask the intrepid Corporal gave Commander Cross a respectful nod as he took the seat next to her. A press of a button later the QRTV’s engine roared into life rumbling and growling like some great hungry beast. Adrenaline rushed through Andy, and she grinned wildly, flipping a few switches on the command board.

“Copy Commander, engines are live. Proceeding drop on your command.” Waiting for Commander Cross’ say so Andy pressed a button on the dash, holding it down until a little light flashed on. “Ahem, attention crew of KV-73 V-1 this is your Corporal speaking.” She called, her voice amplified three times over so that even the man seated in the very back could hear her over the thunderous engine. “I’ll be your operator over the course of this trip. Please be advised I am a professional driver and I have only rolled seven QRTVs in my career. Now if you look out to your starboard side, which you can’t because it’s an up-armored bulkhead and isn’t transparent, you would see the technicians about to release the chains holding us in the air. Once the final safety lever is released we shall proceed to drop one hundred meters, say over three hundred feet in twenty seconds give or take a second. Don’t worry, most of the time that up-armored hull you can’t see through will remain intact. The suspension will catch the vehicle and we’ll bounce. Most of the time. It will still be rather shocking, and might cause mild nausea to the weak-of-stomach. So I advise you hold on, and strap into your seat belt. We should be released any second now…. Maybe…. Almost…. Ah ther-“


Andy unconsciously sucked in her breath as the chains were released and the entire metal rigging dropped from the sky, plummeting downward at a barely controlled speed. The Quick Response vehicle was just that, and the engineers who designed it weren’t interested in slow, safer descents. Still, no matter how many times Andy rode the drop she still hated the sensation of weightlessness that caused her stomach to lurch. Honestly most of the occupants of Vehicle-one probably rode the drop more than she had, and hold their lunch better as well. Being veterans of the wilds and everything.

Sure enough in roughly twenty seconds the vehicle came to a very sudden stop taking all the force on the chains and suspension, and more importantly the giant springs suspended way up high in the tree tops. The occupants barely felt anything besides a strange swishing sensation and the weirdest sort of bounce. For a few moments Andy let the chains swing, allowing the wildest movements subside before hitting the release switch and flooring the gas. The metal rigging opened up swinging away as the wheels spun free, connecting with the ground a heartbeat later. This time everyone felt to collision and anyone who wasn’t buckled in was thrown from their seat no matter how tightly they were holding on. A moment later the chains swung back clanging off the sides of the QRTV as it chugged forward bouncing over roots and fallen logs that cluttered the forest floor. Behind them the three other QRTVs suffered through similar scenarios before falling into formation behind V-1.

“Welcome to the ground.” Andy wheezed, sounding a bit queasy but otherwise cheerful. “Next stop, the wilds.”