T - Kitty, Xenon, Nako, Bee

[Callypso]

The voices quickly grew louder. Emery stayed behind the others, crouching and peering between the wolf’s legs to get a proper view of the scene ahead. A woman, Jossigy by the looks of her coloring, popped in and out of the air, brandishing a deadly looking sword. Her battle combatant was a man with an eye patch. A Lowland cow, bleeding copiously from one of her legs, with a variety of children was sucked into a bright circle of light. Then, the light glowed orange and faded completely.

What had just happened??

He heard other voices, but couldn’t make them out from his position. Gaurin turned to Trix, clapping a hand on her shoulder, and gave her a short, but surprisingly sentimental speech before bursting forth from their hiding place.

So that was Cale.

And this was war? Well, there was a Jossigy and now two Lowlanders locked in battle, anyway. Three Lowlanders. There was a man face-down on the ground as he unleashed...

His eyes widened a bit as a giant – ice? Glass? Whatever it was, it came from somewhere around the man to attack the Jossigy woman, whom cursed and disappeared. The others formed small circle, backs to each other, as their eyes searched out their enemy. Well, at least they had some combat sense…

Emery lifted his poker hand and rubbed his forearm against his forehead. Their cover had been blown, but the Ace wasn’t about to rush out into a situation of which he didn’t have a full grasp. An Ace was an Ace. He may have had some tricks up his sleeves, but that wasn’t any excuse to act careless.

He would wait for an opening, an opportune time to insert himself into this mess.

Then, then he would get his answers – one way or another.

[Vyn]

Trix smirked. "Not a problem, Gaurin. I volunteered, I'm willing to deal with it. To be honest, I'm used to dealing with thick-headed morons." She snickered for a moment before her gaze turned a little dark and she let a toothy grin overtake her maw. "You're just lucky you called dibs. I'd have given him a good kick in the head myself if I'd gotten half the chance."

What sort of world was there where corpses moved and Aces talked down to you!?

Still, she was glad to be where she was. And she was equally glad to hear Guarin rip into the boy. Oh he did have a knack for that foul mouth of his, it made her tail wag every time.

And look at that, Mr. Todd was back in the game. She arched a brow as he suddenly seemed to snap to and focus the group. Once they made up their minds, she turned promptly and headed off after Gaurin. She trusted them to be able to keep up.

The orange glow came into view far sooner than Trix expected but it was a welcome sight. A few more corners and suddenly they walked out onto a horrid, grisly scene. More dead Lowlanders, more still fighting, and the horrid remains of Cards so mangled she couldn't quite tell what they were. The portal flashed suddenly, a strange creature tore into the fray... It was all horrific to behold but Trix didn't seem as much phased as she was enraged.

And then Guarin was speaking to her as he pulled them all into the shadows and anything the Barber's group might have said was blocked out entirely. She grinned and clapped the man back. "Tis an honor, I'm not going anywhere. So don't get all sappy on me until we're dead, got it?" Nothing in the world that could hold her back from helping out now that she was here. There wasn't anything worth doing if you couldn't be willing to put your life down for it.

As they rushed in together, Trix watched with dark satisfaction at Gaurin's dagger hit home and the woman... vanished?! Her grin fell instantly, eyes wide with surprise before narrowing back into wary slits. She pressed in with the group, back to back and waiting.

The fuck sort of woman was this?!

[carcinoGeneticist]

When it began to seem like it was all over even before she could burst, a miracle happened. Mirai had never known that she would see Lowlanders as a miracle, but in this instance, she did. There was a sense of strong denial about it - she had told Viast who her sister was, and Viast had told Cale, and that meant that Nevi would be safe with them.

It was better that the little Dog-Deer didn't know her sister's true fate.

Viast stood, and Mirai clung to her as tightly as she could manage. She had no idea what would be on the other side of that portal, but the sweet Heifer had told her there would be ice cream (enough for her sister, too), and a doctor. For both of them, but mostly for Viast. As time had passed, the girl had only become too aware of her own fate. But if someone else could live, that would be enough for her. She squeezed her eyes shut tightly, felt the flare of powerful magic, and braced herself.

Soon. Soon, this nightmare would be over.

[/|/afamere]

Menefer from his defensive position looked to Cale quickly. He really didn't want to be brought into this, but because of him so woman was tearing him apart. It just wasn't fair. . . how come every time he tried to help someone, that someone else got hurt or ended up sploding? He couldn't wrap his mind around this but if Cale were to fall right now then that would spell disaster to the felines already too stressed mind. He was emotionally damaged and if Cale were to die because of the damage that he had inflicted on him then that would only mean that it was his fault.

"Cale! I'm Sorry... don't die." he said as he rubbed his jaw a bit and looked shamed. He couldn't believe that he had done such a thing, even going as far and attacking someone when they could have talked it all out. Maybe with words they could have come to a agreement and walked away without either one of them getting hurt. He spoke up once again... "I... how can I help?" he said looking up at him, though quickly remembering what he was fighting for and moved back to the strange new-born. He couldn't leave his charge.

[Nathalia]

((Gaurin gave Trix a fierce grin and sprinted out into the fray.
"Soon as we're dead then, I'll keep it in mind, my Lady!" He cried, whipping out his pole-axe and unable to help the burst of laughter as he swung it at the Human woman, who vanished before the attack hit home.
Cale gave a delighted cry when one of his scouts burst out of the shadows with reinforcements; a snarling Canine of some sort, looked female, by the mane. He nodded to her as they both joined up.
"Gaurin! Stupid, old bastard, where've you been?"
"Feckin' tryin' t' find survivors, wasn't I? Seen Viast?"
"She just went through with some kids."
"Damn right."
When Morpheus spoke, Cale and the Bird mix nodded, though neither had any clue what he might be referring to, Gaurin only half paying attention, eyes flicking about desperately for the enemy, wherever she might next appear.
Trembling with anticipation, and Cale with fatigue, they waited.
Menefer called out to him and Cale spared the Cat a glance.
"Too late for that, get the kid, take it over to the side in the shadows. Hide!" He shouted, hoping the Feline would have the sense to do so.

The only clearly visible Josiggy body among the wreckage was that of the poor little Deer, her head, at any rate, was lying in the middle of the plaza, eyes glassy, her ruptured body mangled beyond most recognition, and the unconscious new child lay prone and unaware behind Menefer's protective form.
The gore from Fate's body is no longer recognizable as Josiggy, the explosion caused by Morpheus's glass attack upon her making her flesh blow into so many pieces that the largest still remaining was her head and ribcage, both of which Remi ran off with.
The other bodies, one decapitated Lowland Canine mix, and what looks to be two dead Lowland fighters pushed far off to the side against a building, are all that can be seen currently.



Evan burst out of the mirror shoppe, worry etched onto his features and eyes on the battle, as he rounded the side of the building and collided with the group hidden there.
Stumbling hard over Emery, breaking the little tail underfoot, (14) he bounced off of the wall with a confused bark and whipped around to face the rest of them.
Mr. Todd was already at his throat.
"You! You did f'his!" The Barber yelled, dispelling any form of cover they may have had as he clearly lost his marbles once again, taking a swing at the Josiggy with his razor and taking off an ear. (13)
Evan yelped and stumbled away, lashing out at the man in desperation and catching him hard enough in the chest to force him to stumble back. (6)
The Barber snarled, wordless in rage as he charged again, ignoring any outcry from his fellows as he thundered toward the other Wolf, eyes intent upon his throat. (1...oh, shit.) Evan, experienced in battle, side-stepped and swung a punch. (15)
It connected directly with the Barber's face. Mr. Todd slowly stopped, dropped to his knees, and fell forward, face-down, completely pole-axed. Evan balked, looking shocked and disturbed. He gazed up at the rest of the motley group in surprise. Focusing on Orrin, he shrugged. "Uh...Sorry 'bout yer crazy friend. You here t'help? Thank Gods, come on, lad!" So saying, he whipped out two daggers and charged into the fight, watching as Resta appeared off to the side, called his name once, and vanished again.
Letting out a howl now that his opponents were in full view, he couldn't even remember why he'd been trying to get to Resta.
He could only see the Lowlanders, and remember the way his brother had been skinned alive; mounted on their front porch like some sort of display...
Throwing one knife at the Weasel (19!!! wtf? Use your brain-space ability on him!!!!!) and the other at the Human (9), catching him in the arm with the deadened hand, he heaved himself, claws and teeth first at the Bird mix and Canine, eyes red and full of rage. (6)

The fight's continuation was suddenly distracted, for all parties.
The portal reappeared, in a whirr of completely blinding light, it opened and spat forth people.
Screams and cries rent the air, Viast stumbling at the front, looking as though she had never put her cargo down and her mouth open in a silent scream.
Lowlanders poured out of the opening, about 30 of them. Ten looked horribly burned or otherwise wounded, the majority were children and teenagers.
Behind, them, raging out of the portal; was fire.
Horrible, massive scorching fire, sending heat spilling across the plaza and hot enough to actually melt the stone for a foot directly around the portal itself.
Spotting the group, Viast gasped to them, still clutching Mirai, Chicken, and babies.
"Cale! There was a Fox- Fire, Cale! Everything's on fire!." Her voice choked on a sob. "Dead, Cale...they're all dead, what do we do?!"
He stared at her, completely nonplussed, as she began to sob in earnest, limping away to the far side of the plaza with a good number of children and flopping over.
"Mirai, Mirai, honey, I'm so sorry." She whispered, nosing the girl gently, and trying not to break down completely.
"It's gonna be o-"
She got no further.
The tiny fiery Fox streaked out into the square as the portal raged and then shut, he hunkered down and, obviously terrified, his ears flattened to his head as about ten of the people who had spilled through caught sight of him.
And gave chase, all tearing off into the night down a deserted street, their cries and the yelps of the tiny Fox fading faster than would have been imagined.
About a minute later, Mirai gave a shuddering gasp in Viast's arms, and burst. She died instantly, smoke inhalation already leaving her exhausted and dizzy, her small body rupturing over the babies and Ace as something flopped its way out of her and into the Cow's lap.
Viast couldn't even scream, she just stared, eyes huge as the thing slowly sat up, shaking its great antlered head and seeming to have been far too massive to have ever been in that little girl.
"Oh, my God..." She whispered, tears spilling down her face.
And she meant it.


ID: SD 488
Name: ----
Suit: Spades
Rank: King
Gender: Male
Animal: Canine (German Shepherd) / Reptile (Crocodile)
Region: Lowlands/Avington
Dealer: Xenon
Parents: Mirai x NPC

Notes: This amazing little child looks almost exactly like the Lowlands God of legend, Death. He has knowledge of the Lowlands Religion (though he could know more), and an average intellect and knowledge of Card culture and normality. Born at the age of 21, he is a full adult and a sensible, grounded creature, though he is prone (on very rare occasion) to fits of violence if provoked...probably from his Crocodile heritage.
He does not know how he was born, only the direct aftermath and; though he feels deeply sorry for what became of his Mother, he is intelligent enough to know that this was no fault of his and, knowing nothing of her, feels little sorrow for the situation.



Basic Magical Ability: He can run up to 30mph in sprints and 20mph for up to an hour in extended runs.
Moderate Magical Ability: When activated, he can see black-and-white clearly in the dark. This can be activated and deactivated at will. Should he look at a moderate to bright light with this ability activated, however, he will experience intense pain and be left with a splitting headache for up to one day.
Strong Magical Ability: When activated, he can create up to two gallons of drinking water up to three times per day.
Powerful Magical Ability: When activated, he can call forth and dismiss a small familiar that is unique to the individual.

ID: ST065
Species: Slithey Tove
Gender: Male
Notes: This odd little Tove seeps purple mist from his eyes 24/7. Once a week, he is able to cause another Card ranked Jack or lower to vomit up thick, smelly mist for a full minute. The mist is thick and soupy and eeks painfully out of their nose as well.




Jack's Ability: Once per week, when very hungry, he can close his eyes and whisper a request to an all-seeing power for food. A bowl of tropical fruit pudding appears in front of him with a 'pop'! It has the same caffeine content as three standard energy drinks and wires him for hours on end. For the next ten hours, it is physically impossible for him to fall asleep, magically or otherwise. When he crashes, he crashes hard and will remain unconscious for up to twelve hours as his body attempts to recuperate, barring magical interference.
King's Ability: Once per week, he can sacrifice some of his sapience for super-powered physical abilities. Becoming the mental equivalent of a standard pet canine, he is suddenly able to utilize super-strength, move in short spurts of of fifty miles per hour, and leap up to twenty feet from a stand-still. This ability will last for a full minute and he cannot stop it until it's through. He's still aware of friendships, enmities, and loyalties held by his sapient self during this time.


The new boy...man, raised himself onto his haunches, gazing about in bleak disbelief, giving the whole group a good look at him.
"That's...impossible..." Cale whispered, mouth dry as he gazed upon the apparition...almost exactly like legend said...Was that-?
Gaurin's jaw had dropped and he tore his gaze away with some difficulty, staring about for any sign of attack.
Resta stood, hidden in shadow, looking from the Lowland group, to the new creature staring around.
What the devil was so important about it?... Aside from the fact that it had just exploded out of a little girl.
Deciding that this must have been enough, she vanished again, reappearing behind the Weasel and punching him hard in the back of the neck (16), and slicing her sword downward at the Bird mix. (4)))




~Nathalia

[carcinoGeneticist]

In her last few moments of consciousness, Mirai looked up at Viast, at the sweet face of the woman who had tried so hard to save her. She was only dimly aware of her surroundings, at that point, of the pain that rocketed through her tired form, the heat that they sweltered in and the vague smell of burning hair and flesh filling the air around them.

Tired. That was a good way to describe how she felt.

She raised her head, licking Viast's cheek softly. "'m sorry," she mumbled, feeling her body swell, her brain start to fade out. It was too hot for her body to handle. "Take... take care of it?" What it was, she never had a chance to say. Unconscious took her only a moment before Death came.

The large creature rose out of the gore that was blanketing his body, shaking his head and coat to loosen some of the grime. It took a moment for his brain to catch up with his body, a brain that was far too old for how long he had been in the world. He was aware of the people staring at him, and it made him slightly uncomfortable, until he caught a glimpse of his own reflection in the rapidly pooling blood that had erupted from his mother. The knowledge of his heritage kicked in, and he understood their stares.

Such a curious thing...

"My apologies,[/b]" he said to the Cow in a deep, rumbling voice, gingerly stepping out of her lap. Then he glanced around again, quickly getting a feel for the situation. He was, largely, surrounded by Lowlanders, though there were others present as well - one of whom, a human woman, who was attacking on of the Lowlanders.

His people. A lip curled over a long row of pointed teeth, and he let out an enraged bellow. He had only the slightest grasp of the situation, but one thing he did know was that the persecution of his home realm?

He wasn't going to tolerate it.

The boy-man summoned his Tove and directed it at the attacking human, giving it a growl that served as a command. The creature dove for her, activating its ability. Hopefully, that would slow her for long enough that the others could regain their composure after his sudden appearance.

Powerful Magical Ability: When activated, he can call forth and dismiss a small familiar that is unique to the individual.

ID: ST065
Species: Slithey Tove
Gender: Male
Notes: This odd little Tove seeps purple mist from his eyes 24/7. Once a week, he is able to cause another Card ranked Jack or lower to vomit up thick, smelly mist for a full minute. The mist is thick and soupy and eeks painfully out of their nose as well.

[Callypso]

It was too late for Emery to have fully turned around by the time the intruder smashed into him. He had heard a crash on the other side of the building, but he had foolishly assumed it was another scuffle out of his line of sight. Pain seared through his tail and up his spine as a sickening crack split from his tail as a large Jossigy wolf crashed into the Ace and tumbled into the wall.

AAAHHH!!!

Tears streamed from his eyes as he righted himself, fully away that his fuzzy tail was broken, and winced as he adjusted his poker in his hand. The barber had already lunged at the newcomer, yelling his fury and slicing away one of the man’s ears. The man was Jossigy.

Emery balked and shouted a warning to his ally, but Mr. Todd was too far gone in his rage. The man collided directly with a hefty punch from the stranger and fell flat on his face.

Dammit! He wheeled around to find the Jossigy urging the bull to join him and leaping neatly into the fray.

Orrin, get them out of here!! He jerked his head away from the building and back towards the city. It was clear that the fighting was going to reach a head, and he didn’t want any of them - Alohilani, Karrock or Orrin - to be anywhere near this mess. Back to the bakery. NOW!!

Panicked, and in pain, Emery ran around the side of the building, unsure of what to do. Clearly all these people were bigger and more powerful than he was. He sure as hell hadn’t come out here to slaughter people, which everyone else seemed to be trying to do.

Trying to decide the best place to step in – suits, there were too many! – an orange glow burst from nowhere, stopping everyone in their tracks. The Lowland cow with the children spilled out of the circlet of light, followed by over two dozen other youngsters. In the background, a fire raged, flickering tendrils leaping out to scorch and melt the stone around the portal. A fox leaped out, terrified, and sped off down the street, smartly pursued by a group of those spilled from the portal.

He tore his eyes away from the space where the portal had suddenly closed to snap upon the Lowland heifer – the child in her arms had exploded, leaving a strange horned crocodile mix in her bloody wake. It looked… big. An adult even. The Villa/Highlander gulped, eyes bugging as he gaped. What the hell was going on?!

Emery shook his head and felt his heart pounding in his chest – there was too much going on, too many things to keep track of. He had to get to the children – there were children for Hearts’ sake!

Clamping his beak decisively, he charged into the center, trying to ignore the agony from his broken tail, and shoving his makeshift shield up hard at the Jossigy woman who had appeared once again from nowhere to chop down at Gaurin(17). Using the woman’s body as leverage (13) he pushed against her and sprung away. He stumbled to an uneasy landing (10), his tail smacking smartly on the cobblestones, he winced and thrust his poker under his shield arm to grab the butcher’s knife he’d taken from Mrs. Lovett’s and whipped it smartly at the Jossigy wolf’s ankle(8). He didn’t want to hurt anybody; he just wanted to slow them down enough so he could get through the battle to the other side. The Ace took hold of his poker once again and charged through.

Wincing, Emery skidded to a halt in front of the children and coughed, trying to clear his throat. Suits… He looked to his side, cringing from the ache from his tail, to see that the odd crocodile mix had removed itself of its bloody birth. Enraged, it called forth a Summon, ready to attack.

Great. Just great.

He resumed a defensive stance with his poker and ludicrous shield and glanced over his shoulder at the terrified group of children.

Is everyone all right?

[/|/afamere]

Menefer didn't quite know what to expect at the present moment. He was at a loss for words as people started attacking one another and watched as the blood started to fly, then all hell broke lose as he saw the portal start to flare and people running out and a fox? He watched as the poor boy tore down the street in a rush. It was oddly laughable in his minds eye.

Then... another girl exploded and another child rolled out of it, and for some reason he felt like this time it wasn't his fault at all. So maybe just maybe this was all not his fault for exploding children. He guessed that then he couldn't explode and quickly grabbed the young lady by the neck and moved her towards the buildings, quickly checking to see if the nearest door was even open so that he could stow her away in there and have a better place to protect her from harm. He didn't even bother looking to see what type of store/house that he was entering.

[Kitty]

Evan's arrival didn't register into the mix's mind until a sharp, burning pain shot through his shoulder and made the fingers of his right hand tingle oddly. The force of the throw not only wedged the, thankfully, short blade into his flesh, but he was pretty certain he'd felt the joint slip from it's socket. A sharp exhalation of air escaped him as he reached up and yanked the dagger from his shoulder, cringing as the second dose of pain almost outweighed the initial blow. Thankfully for him, he happened to be one of the few people who were left handed versus right.

He scowled and turned, tossing the dagger back(5) at the wolf. However, he was a lover of the low blow and aimed as such. He was no marksman, but he certainly hoped to hit a tender area., unlikely.... but wouldn't it be fun to neuter the bastard right then and there?! But no.... he aimed a little too low and missed entirely.

He thought briefly about changing his plan to incorporate the wolf instead, but he didn't seem to be flitting in and out of sight at the drop of a hat. He had quite a bit of confidence that his fellows could handle that one on their own. No.... the woman, she was definitely a bigger threat so he held off.

When the portal reappeared he paused and brought a hand up to shield his eyes for a moment, the screams then caused him to lower said hand. At the sight his eyes widened. no.... no they were supposed to be safe! The hairs along the back of his neck bristled as his vision locked on Viast, her cargo and Mirai. no... this just couldn't be!

And then it happened, the little Avington actually burst right before their eyes. His jaw quite literally dropped at the sight. Not only did she burst, but what came out of her body looked an awful lot like that God his mother had told him about. He'd thought the whole concept of religion as a whole was a crock of shit.... until now. That.... had to be one hell of a coincidence, right?!

Cale's voice broke him out of his stupor and that ever present voice in his head directed him back to the task at hand. She wanted to play, desperately, and waiting somewhere farther back in his mind to do so.

But he thought he heard something, just a little whisper of movement (15) and tilted his head in time to see Resta moments before her fist collided with the back of his neck, causing his breath to catch before being expelled as a rather harsh cough as well as throwing his balance off completely. After a moment to recover; he'd managed to land on his hands and knees and just after she swung at the bird-mix, he activated his Queen's ability(17).

The moment the ability was activated, his body would slump almost lifelessly the rest of the way to the ground. His breathing was shallow and his pulse slowed as his entire system went into autopilot. He had no idea what he'd be appearing into, but he was prepared for something just as bat shit crazy as the woman seemed to be.

When the jossigy wolf appeared, she jumped back and jarred her shoulder, hissing in pain before looking to see what happened... and what had the barber all worked up yet again. Her ears instantly pinned themselves against her skull as she watched the rather short little fight. A look of disbelief appeared on her face when saw Mr. Todd drop so fast, truly surprised.

When the new wolf was gone she limped over ot the barber as quickly as she could, sat back on her haunches and shook him with her good leg., trying to rouse him.

He hadn't been forced to pull the razor out or help fix up Orin and herself earlier, and she sure as hell wasn't going to simply run off and leave him here for who knows what to happen. She looked over at Orin, her expression just as pleading as her voice.

Orin! Help me please.

This day just seemed to get worse and worse.... what if the fighting moved from the square to here? None of them were all that fight for fighting right now. Orin and herself were injured, Karrock looked a little too.... er, frilly to be much of a fighter, Gaurin and Trix had run off, Todd had been felled and Emery was an Ace. This definitely was not a great situation.

[[ Rolled to see what arm he'd get hit in, Evens Right, Odds Left and he rolled an 8. Also assuming his Queen's ability hit since it rolled rather high, I'll fix it if need be. =3 ]]

[Nako]

Orin was shellshocked when he saw the Jossigy appear out of the shop. There was a sudden flurry of movement as the two wolves collided… but the Jossigy bested the barber quickly and knocked him to the ground. Then he addressed him…. and Orin just stared. Fight? He didn't sign up for no war!

But there was a great conflict within him. He didn't want to fight.. but to not do so felt like betrayal to everything that he was. Everything.

And the Selkie girl was crying out to him for help. Her expression was desperate. His own face was wracked with horror as he battled with his own inner demons. Lowland scum. Not worth the hide that swathed them. Filthy and miserable and taking up space.

And then there were Lowlanders everywhere. Screaming and in agony and on fire. And a woman with children in her arms, sobbing and falling to the ground with a wounded leg. Time seemed to slow. His ears stopped picking up noise and it all just moved like a cliche war film in front of his very eyes. So much pain and agony. And children were dying. Children were exploding.

Things came back into focus, and it was Karrock screaming in his ears.
"Orrin! Help us!" The eagle mix was already to the barber's side, but he did not have the strength of the larger bull.

(Rolled an 18 on a morality check in the favor of going against his Jossigy bias. Thank his mother for being a relatively unbiased Torque, I guess.)

He surged forward, positioning himself so that the barber may lean against him if he needed. His wounds were painful, but the adrenaline in his veins made it only a passing thought (Rolled a 20)

"Sir, we need to get out of here and help the wounded. Getting yourself killed won't help anyone."

He gestured to the Lowlander cow and the large amount of children she carried. He could hardly tell their realm any more; they were covered in gore. "We need to get those… children to safety." He said those words as if they tasted somewhat off on his own tongue, his expression truly pained with conflict. He was willing to help. But… 15 years of learning to hate Lowlanders with every fiber of his being was a hard thing to cast aside.