OOC: Might as well get my girl moving again =)

She moved like wildfire up the stairs, running as if to stop meant swift death. And indeed, if questioned she would have said as much. Speed was important here, as was the need to keep moving. To keep loose. To keep alert.

To keep ready.

As she came upon the next landing, Cherry darted forward without hesitation, drawing her breath in sharply as her eyes roamed over the area lit by her blade. Nothing.

It was puzzling. Jerin had gone to what she considered obvious trouble to set this up. Yet he was nowhere to be found. Granted, of late he was prone to abandoning projects before he finished them, but not something like this. Not like this.

Could be tryin' to lure me into a false sense o' security by not bein' present right away...

The echidna frowned.

...or perhaps he's leadin' me all the way up so as ta fatigue me before we battle...

A thousand other possibilities came nipping at the heels of the previous two, and eventually the lady knight shook her head. It was pointless to ponder the 'what ifs' any further. At the moment she had to concentrate on getting out of the stairwell and making her way over to the center tower so she could re-join Legs and Justin. If she ran into Jerin, she'd deal with it when it happened.

Her aggressive pace had her nearly to the fourteenth floor already. She was making for the sixteenth, as guards were sure to be watching the bridge. She could only hope security on the above floor was lighter.

Mounting the next set of stairs, Cherry continued onwards. And though her eyes and posture spoke of courage and resolve, her heart was beating furiously inside her chest as she tried not to think about facing her greatest foe all alone, without Legs to watch her back or be her safety net. She didn't want to think about what would happen if he found her like this, uncertain and vulnerable as she was.

She didn't want to think about anything, really, because deep in her heart she knew he would see it. He would pick it apart. He'd discover the truth.

And then he'd turn everything she believed in against her.

That was just how Jerin was. You couldn't lie to him. He'd know.

He'd know.

"> Hey, that sounds great! I don't mean to interrupt but Terg did say comments were encouraged. Sounds very interesting and imaginative!

Thanks for the comment! Cherry and I started the RP, but we can only rightly share the credit of the story with tho RPers who worked with us to get the story up to the current point.

I'll continue on my end, with my first section for Justin Hobbes, and Cherry's insect companion, Legs!

Justin Hobbes, a young brown-haired human, dashed down the darkened hallway, the dim red light barely making the steely walls and floor visible. Keeping pace with him was an insect that looked like a cross between a centipede and a grasshopper, with small yet powerful legs that allowed him to leap huge bounds. Okay, two down, one to go, panted the human as they rounded a corner. That Jameson womans gotta be worried now that weve gotten past two of her deathtraps, huh, Legs?

His ten-legged companion chittered something incomprehensible in reply, reminding Justin of the chirrup of a cricket, yet having a distinct voice to it that made it resemble an attempt at intelligent conversation.

Ya know, if youd told me...well, you couldnt tell me cause I cant understand a blessed word youre sayin, but say I could, if you told me yesterday about this time that I was going to be running around in a skyscraper fighting for my life against some crazy woman with a fetish for traps and mazes, with a decipede for a partner, I mightve told you that you were crazy, said Justin with a laugh. But here we are, trying to fight somebody elses war.

And to top it all off, I look like Im halfway through a James Bond movie, he thought as he considered his business pants and white dress shirt, both now wrinkled and rumpled. In stark contrast to these colorless articles of clothing were the red, gray and white sneakers that he wore, which were squeaking on the metal floor as they were still wet from an earlier encounter. I hate monkey suits, but we had to look legit to get into this place. Too bad it didnt work. Now were separated from Cherry, and-

Whoa! yelled Justin as he rounded the corner and nearly ran into a humanoid, clunky-looking robot, one of the Kaisers Watchmen. Its large camera-like head focused on him, and Justin barely managed to cross his arms in front of himself as the robot punched at him with enough force to send him onto his rear and skidding a few feet across the floor.

That hurt! growled Justin as he pushed himself back up to his feet, his forearms throbbing. Legs, take out its leg joint!

With an affirmative chirp, the tiny decipede leapt dauntlessly at the mechanical man, clinging to the open-frame robot and squeezing its flexible body between the joints and servos that gave the robot its mobility. Thats cool how he can do that, thought Justin, who was now feeling the flow of fight-or-flight adrenaline in his system as he regained his footing and launched himself forward.

With the pounding of his heart setting the rhythm of battle, Justin ducked under another swipe from the robot and kicked upward to slam the robot across its engine-like chest. In the same instant, Justin heard the telltale sound of parts falling to the floor, metal against metal, and the robot fell backward as its left leg fell apart at the knee. Legs leapt free of the machine as Justin got up and stomped hard downward with his sneaker, and a hexagonal force field flashed into place around his foot just as it struck the robots head, crushing it.

Righteous! That was perfect! whooped Justin as he swept the robots shell away with his foot, the ozone smell of burnt circuitry reaching his nose. I think weve got this teamwork thing down, Legs!

A warning churble alerted Justin and he whirled around to see the forms of three more Watchmen coming towards them with slow but relentless steps. I hate robots, he muttered as he turned back around and fled with Legs down the hallway again, where they could see the outline of the elevator door to the next level ahead of them. Skidding into the elevator, Justin slapped the elevator button repeatedly as the Watchmen advanced towards them, and Legs landed on Justins shoulder, chittering madly at him in a way that even he could understand what the bug was saying: Hurry up!

GogogogogogoGO! Justin shouted as the elevator doors closed slowly, finally snapping shut just before the Watchmen could reach the elevator. As the elevator jerked underneath them and went upward, Justin fell back onto the ground, smiling broadly and his turquoise eyes shining as he ran his fingers through his short brown hair, feeling the part down the middle that somehow had survived being submerged in the water trap they had faced earlier.

Heh, were showin em, Legs...and I bet Cherrys doin the same elsewhere, just you wait, well see her right after this last trap and Jameson herself.

Despite how cheerful he sounded, Justin found himself empathizing with Legs as the decipede let out a muted chirp. I hope Cherrys okay...I promised her Id watch out for Legs, but at least weve got each other to rely on. Until we can get out of here, shes on her own.

Here's where DL left off..

Derek had a choice right now. As Diana stood before him, flickering her eyes between him and the wall-he knew he could take a chance and try to attack her first. She wasn't moving an inch and it seemed that she wouldn't even flinch if he tried to cut her. Before he had another moment to think though, her voice broke the silence that had gripped both their minds.

"The Kaissser is a sssmart man, and trustsss only very few. I do not understand your allegiance with him, but if he requiresss an update-one ssshall be given. His component is fine, still sssafely tucked away in a place where no mortal can feasssably reach...not even you."

"Not even me? I doubt that. I'm not what you call a normal walker." He retorted, as the grip on his hilt tightened. He sensed that something was going to occur, but her unwavering form made this standoff ever so precarious.

"Yess, you are a sstrange one. It will be good to sssee how long you lassst. But even you are not invisssible in my home. Thossse Watchmen didn't defeat you, but you did not attack them unless you had to."

"So? I don't see how this is answering my que--" The comment would be interrupted as he jumped upon the desk to his left, almost slipping off it due to the keyboard his right foot tried to balance on. Wood and wires splintered and flickered everywhere, as he stared at the mass that smashed the ground where he once stood. Almost on instinct, he knelt down, hearing a whoosh above his head. Jumping up from his crouch, he tucked his body inward, in oreer to avoid the second sweep by that object. Feet extended outward and he kicked off the ceiling, landing to complete a backspring. Eyes were alert-as the sounds became apparent.

With an unseen call, the grates all slammed open, and the room was suddenly filled with two fast moving coiled serpents. They were much larger than the smaller ones he outran, and they were alot meaner. Derek just watched as the pair wasted no moment in covering the distance between the top of the ceiling, and where he stood. Sword went up in a parry stance, blocking the eight inch long teeth of the first Jabberwock as it tried to bite DL's head clean off. The second one emulated the first attack, but tried for DL's legs. Fearing that they might be poisonous, DL kicked the foe right in its mouth, and knelt in toward the first one's body. Swinging up, the biter would be flung over him by way of its own momentum. Both snakes slammed into a large computer terminal, causing the system to lose power in the room. As the moniters all went out, the light suddenly lessened heavily. The Jabberwocks began to regroup and thundered across the ground to try and take out Dl from behind.

Derek turned his head, to see Diana still didn't move. "How about you join the show?" he thought as he ran at her, anger seeping into his actions. Sword at the ready, he ran up the eastern wall in three steps, flipping to the west to avoid the first snake strike from behind. The assailent slammed into the wall with its tail, breaking the concrete mass inward. Landing, Dl would turn around to see how much damage was caused, and was forced to cartwheel in order to avoid the Jabberwock that was trying to sink its teeth into him. As it whizzed by, Dl reversed his momemntum, changing his cartwheel into a low kick. As his left leg finished the extension, Dl would push off the ground, body extended.

Sword flickered out adn he brung it down on Diana's head

That was his plan though....

Before his sword reached her shoulder, Diana's spear would spin out from her grasp and smash into his sword, forcing him to drop it. In the same whirlwind motion, she vaulted herself to avoid Dl's diving form. The motion looked almost like a ballet, as Dl landed the same time she did, only she was standing on his back when it ended, butt of the spear grounding his head into the concrete.

"...I thought you'd be a better challenge...you did ssso well against my prettiessss."

TBC...

OOC: Many apologies for my absense, my motherboard took the loss during a thunderstorm and it's taken me awhile to get it fixed. Interesting idea, to turn it into a fic. I like it when a good story has a chance to play out. Hope I can help out a little bit...

IC: Castor Troy gritted his teeth in a mixture of frustration and effort as he ran up the darkened stairs after Cherry. Stupid broad's gonna get herself killed charging up dark stairs like this. All it'd take would be a single claymore mine, and it wouldn't even need to be hidden well with the way she's running without knowin' where she's goin'... he thought. He'd considered calling out to her, but doing so would destroy whatever meager subterfuge they had left. Least she's making a good trap-finder. Nice to know the way's clear.

Castor paused on a landing to catch his breath. Cherry had stopped too, on a landing just above him. He checked the heavy attache case in his left hand. With his index finger, he squeezed a small trigger on the handle. It resisted him, pushing back. Good, it's on there correctly. With his free hand, he reached inside his coat pocket and pulled out a lighter. He ignited it and held it close to the door. "Fifteen..." he whispered. Just where he needed to be... so why was Cherry up another level? Did she know something he didn't? Or did she have another motive...

What's-his-name... She's going after the freak.

Castor nodded as he turned off the lighter and repocketed it. That had to be it, she was gonna settle her score with the freak. And oddly enough, that was fine by him. The freak was one customer he didn't want to contend with on this mission. "Best of luck to you, Cherry, but this is where we go our seperate ways," he quietly said to himself. "But I've got a contract to fulfill, and your boy ain't it."

With his free hand, he grabbed the door handle and opened the door a crack. The natural sunlight from outside was blinding to his darkness-accustomed eyes, so he let his eyes adjust for a moment before opening the door a little wider and taking a quick peek.

Empty. Not a single soul in the hallway. No Watchmen, no armed guards, no noise; just sunlight and silence to keep him company.

In short, it screamed 'ambush'. Unfortunately, this was the only way left to go, so it was a chance that had to be taken. Castor slid out into the hall and shut the door quietly behind him. With his free right hand, he grabbed his custom Sig p228 pistol from the back of his pants and held it at the ready as he started toward the bridge.

Cross the bridge, meet with the others, grease that Jameson broad, grab the part and make my escape. Fulfill the contract and I can get the hell out of this crazy dimesion.

OOC: Eep. I'm so sorry Castor x_x;; I didn't mean to move without you. I actually wanted to let your character take them up the stairs, but I kinda robbed you of that =/ I'm sorry. I won't edit or change anything cause I don't wanna slow things down, but I'll fix it up in my next post x_x Cherry wouldn't just ditch Castor without saying anything, but it could be she was so preoccupied with getting out of the stairwell she lost him in her haste or something o_o a sort of, "I thought he was still behind me," scenario. I'll make it sound less lame when I actually write it. Sorry about that again xx;;

Good to have you still in this though =) means I can carry on with another plot point I would have ditched otherwise. And you're awesome =P that too.

But yes. My next bit to come later. I'm overrun with homework at the moment x_x sorry guys. I promise the next'll be better, though =/ the last was kind of lame because I was rushing to get it up so I could do homework.

Annnndd thanks to Emerald for the nice comment =3 we try. And as Terg said, we couldn't have done it without the others.

That's all o_o cheers.

Once I figure out where my group was left off...I'll continue it.

OOC: I'll edit this later xx it's so long and stuff.

On the sixteenth floor of the western tower, the fire exit door opened ever so slightly, and Cherry O' Kidna peered into the bright, foreboding hallway beyond. It was empty, quiet, and seemingly peaceful. You'd hardly know a mere fifteen floors beneath things were in total chaos. Glancing upward, her searching eyes landed triumphantly upon a security camera, positioned inconspicuously above the door.

Pulling back inside the darkness of the stairwell, the lady knight frowned, placing her hands on her hips as she remarked softly.

"Security camera. No reason to get all bent up over it, but I spose I better hide me moreunique features, just ta be on th safe side."

When no reply came, she turned, puzzled.

"Castor...?"

He was gone.

Below her, she heard the telltale click of a door shutting. Rushing to the railing, Cherry peered over the side at the landing below. It was empty.

At first, she felt panic grip her heart. Had Jerin taken him...? It couldn't have been one of the guards. They would have gone for her as well, and they wouldnt have played it so quiet and nice. Then again, what reason had Jerin to take hold of Castor?

Then again AGAIN, reasons got little to do with th' way he operates...

She reflected. Still. The circumstances didnt hit her as such. Nothing about the situation said Jerin. Which could only mean one thing. Castor had left of his own accord.

I didn't really speak up about my thoughts on crossin' over to th center...was too eager to get the frell out o' this place, one step at a time an' all. He prolly booked when we hit the fifteenth since he didn't know what I was doin...'

Scowling, she chide herself fiercely, her earlier anxieties quickly replaced by guilt.

Idiot! I should have said sumpthin.' But no. I had to be bloody frellin Lightfoot Mcgee. And now my only companion could be in danger 'cause o' me actions.

Sick at heart, she slouched against the door, pressing her palms to her forehead.

Godswhatm I goin ta do now?

She remained in this fretful state for several minutes as her mind worked furiously, and would have remained longer had she been the type to sit around mourning her bad decisions and feeling sorry for herself. Luckily, much of Cherry O Kidnas success was rooted in her practicality, her sense of reason, and most importantly, her optimism.

Still these worrisome thoughts, wee girl. Theres nothin' ta be done fer it. I can't go after him now. That could upset whatever plan he's bankin' on. I have to keep goin,' an' hope he makes it across safely on his own. Hes a smart bloke. Hell be ok. Come to think o' it...

She cracked the door again, scanning the halls once more.

My ways prolly more likely to get him killed than anythin' he could do on his own.

Pulling the sleeves of her jacket down over her claws, Cherry neatened her hair, fixing it so that much of it fell into her face. Taking her long tail in one hand, she tucked the end of it into the back of her pants, checking to make sure her jacket covered it. Finally, she placed Luminos back inside his carrying case, capping it.

Nothin' to it...just a businesswoman goin' to a meetin'...had to use the stairs cause the elevators jammed. Keep it low key. Pick a door. Walk in like you own the room. Hope it's empty. If not, deal with whatevers on the other side when ya get there. Get yer gear together once things're quiet, an go...

Smoothing the front of her suit, Cherry opened the door quietly, and started down the hall. Her gait was confident and authoritative, heels clicking smartly against the polished floor. She didn't look back once, though she half expected sirens to start going off at any minute. She was just starting to relax when she heard voices approaching from an adjoining hallway. Darting to the right, Cherry chose the nearest door, pausing for the briefest instance to listen for any noise within. Hearing nothing, she ducked inside the room, locking the door as an added precaution. The voices grew louder, and the knight listened as they fluttered past.

"Hey, you hear about the, ah, the thing going on downstairs?"

"Yeah. Chiefs wild-eyed about it. Doubt we'll see any action here, though. He said the perps'd prolly be makin' for the fifteenth. Thats where its at. Watchmen and like, two or three special ops teams down there."

"True story. Man, what I wouldnt give for a cold brew right about now."

Could head over to Tracis once were off.

Sounds good. Wouldnt mind a bit of Traci right now, either. Shes gotta be the most beautiful woman in the world.

Yeah sure nuff. But didja hear how-?

As the voices faded, Cherry stepped away from the door, gazing around the room she had chanced to enter.

Some sort o' lab...?

The place certainly looked like a lab. Beakers, cabinets full of chemicals, high tech sinks with an assortment of knobs and faucets, clipboards, complicated machines, buttons in several different colors, knobs of all shapes and sizes, cages...

Cages.

Cherry narrowed her eyes.

Animal research.

Pulling several mirrors from her pocket, Cherry set them upon the immaculate surface of the least cluttered table she could find, careful to keep extra quiet as she opened each holding unit. Soon after she became aware of small, shuffling feet, of low whines and soft moans. They knew she was there.

Forcing her thoughts back to business, Cherry tried not to listen to the muted voices of the small creatures as she searched for the equipment she needed. Yips, yaps, mews, squeaks...and suddenly, a voice that was different from the rest. So soft, so mournful.

So alone.

"Groar."

Said the voice, sadly.

Pausing in her rummaging, Cherry turned her head, listening.

"Groar."

It was coming from a large, white cage in the center of the room. The walls were solid, but the lid appeared to be glass. Against her better judgment, Cherry made her way over, and peered inside cautiously. Her eyes widened.

"Keeper preserve..."

She whispered. For inside, pressed very nearly into the opposite corner of the enclosure, sat a small, furry creature, hunched miserably in on itself. It could have fit easily inside the echidnas cupped hands, and had long, bat like ears, small, dainty paws, and fur of a black, white, and brown tortoiseshell pattern. Cherry tapped the glass gently with one claw, hoping to attract its attention.

"Hello?"

The creatures ears perked, and it looked up, regarding her listlessly with large, brown eyes. And whether it was feminine nature or her general sense of compassion, Cherry felt her heart go out to the small critter, who was obviously in some sort of pain. Impulsively pulling the glass lid of the cage back, she reached inside.

"Poor little mate..."

Backing into the corner, the creature growled, hackles raised in warning. Cherry persisted, slowly moving her hand towards it.

"ShhhhI don't want to hurt you-"

Snarling, it sank its sharp fangs into her hand. The knight flinched, but nevertheless kept still. Biting down, the creature growled softly. After a moment, it flattened its ears, tentatively releasing its hold on her hand.

Groar.

It said, licking the bite marks clean with a large, pink tongue. Cherry smiled warmly, chuckling.

"Heh. Good lad..."

"Groar."

It answered. Reaching up, it took hold of her paw, carefully pulling itself into her hand. From there it hobbled up her arm, and onto her left shoulder, seating itself and wrapping its small arms about her neck.

"Groar."

It intoned sadly. Turning her head, Cherry regarded those intelligent brown eyes shrewdly. They studied one another, each seeking answers within the others eyes. The echidna hybrid frowned.

No mistakin' it...this little guy isn't from here. He's from the Oasis. I'm sure of it...

She addressed him softly.

"Oasis? You know o' th' Oasis, little mate? Gremlin? Yer a gremlin, right?"

The creature's ears perked. It nodded rapidly.

"Groar!"

Cherry smiled, pleased.

"I thought as much. My name is Cherry, Cherry O' Kidna. M'of the Oasis as well. I serve th' current King..."

The gremlin started to babble excitedly, but Cherry shook her head, gesturing hopelessly.

"Apologies, mate. M'afraid we don't employ gremlins in my part of the timestream as widely as we used to, so I don't speak the language very well..."

Glancing around, she spotted a sink.

"Listen...um...would you fancy a warm bath? Might make you feel a slight better, an I can explain a few things while you cleanse yerself."

The gremlin nodded rapidly, seeming much cheered by the idea. And though she felt rather anxious about remaining in one place for too long, Cherry took the time to explain why she was there and what she was trying to accomplish while the gremlin bathed in warm water and hand soap, grooming itself furiously as it tried to wash away the stink of cage life.

"...An' so'm plannin' ta cross over UNDERNEATHE th' bridge, on th' outside. I've th necessary equipment, an' once I reach th' other side, m'hoping to grapple to th' top o' th' center tower and make me way in from above. Then, hopefully, I can find the component an me mates, an we can get out o' here."

"Groar."

Said the gremlin, nodding and then shaking water from its fur. Tensing mid-shake, it sneezed, rubbing its runny snout with a pitiful whine. Cherry frowned.

No idea what this little guys doin' all th' way o'er in this part o the timestream. He sure can't tell me. But theres sumpthin wrong with him. He's caught some sort o' disease. Prolly due to th' treatment o' these daft humans. Th' rest o' th' fauna in here belong to this planet, yes, but this little guy belongs to mine, and his kind used to command a great deal o' respect round the Oasis...

She shook her head. Gremlins were not merely animals. They were mechanical, technological masterminds, much like decipedes. And not unlike decipedes, they took a great amount of pride in what they did, and they did it well if treated with respect and compassion. Even now Cherry watched as the little fellow played with the knobs of the sink, securing one almost absently as he wiped his nose. Rooting around in her jacket, she found a pack of tissues among the assorted pocket debris, and offered them to him.

"Here."

Accepting the pack gratefully, the gremlin selected a tissue, and blew his nose, going through several more before he seemed satisfied. Walking over to the edge of the sink, he then clamored up the front of Cherry's jacket, returning to her left shoulder.

"Groar."

He said, conversationally. Cherry smiled again, apologetic.

"At least you can understand me...well...here's th thing. Now that you know my plans, I can offer you this. You can tag along with me, an' after I get what I need, I know a doctor back at the Core who can fix you up, an' I promise I'll try'n figure out where it is you came from and see if we can't get you back there. Thing is, comin' with me could be really dangerous. A male named Jerin might be after me. Do you know Jerin?"

The gremlin looked frightened at the mention of her nemesis' name. That was a good point of reference. Whatever time period it had come from, it knew of Jerin, so that was less than six hundred years from the Oasis she called home. Good.

"Aye. Jerin. No worries though, m'sure one o' these vents'll take you out o' here right quick. You'd prolly be better off makin' yer own way. Jerins a tough customer."

But the gremlin shook its head, clinging tightly to her neck. She smiled, reminded of Legs.

"Groar."

It said, insistently.

Cherry frowned.

"You sure, mate?"

It nodded. Cherry sighed.

"Well, you've been justly warned, an' I know better'n to try'n stop a gremlin. So here's th' plan..."

She indicated the fire exit diagram near the door, mapping their route.

"We're goin' to take a right out o' this room, cross over the hallway here, an' take the second door on th' left. The window in that rooms right oer the bridge, so we can use it to get out."

"Groar."

Said the gremlin, giving her the thumbs up. Cherry smiled.

"Lets go."

Opening the door slowly, Cherry peeked into the hall. All clear. She smiled, pleased that she had been right about the lessened security. Her mind strayed back to Castor, and she silently prayed he was doing ok. Then she darted into the hall, making for the second door on the left. As she paused before the door to listen for voices, she heard some, though not from within. Swearing, the lady knight threw the door open and scurried inside, closing it quickly to avoid the approaching guards. Hearing a noise behind her, she whirled, pressing her back to the door.

Jerin knelt on the ground in front of her, in the act of raiding a cabinet. He stared at her. She stared at him. The gremlin tightened his grip around her neck, shaking.

And in that moment, in that silence before what happened next, she felt her plans disappear along with her exit, both fleeing in the presence of the one man in the entire building, in the entire city, in the entire world she didn't want to see. He was fully armed. No chains restricted his actions now. He was free.

She stared at him. He stared at her.

Out of every room...of every floor...in every tower. My luck really does suck bollocks.

Then he smiled. And she knew it was over.

Legs hopped from Justin's shoulder to the floor, chittering sardonically as they ascended.

Great team. Perhaps. But Cherry and I are the best team...

Glancing up at Justin, who stared thoughtfully at the elevator doors, the insect narrowed his eyes.

...and we aren't currently accepting new members.

Torn, TJ was in the power plant along with the other heroes somewhere in the plants basement, while Torn was in the central lower section of the naval base, trapped in an anti-gravity room that was just about to be filled with water and sharks. However, for the sake of continuity and making it easier to continue your story, Id say just pretend that TJ and Torn have been separated from the other characters they were with and have them continue on in their respective positions however you like. It would be extremely beneficial to use Ezmail to PM Darkest Light so you can coordinate with him for whats to be done inside the power plant, Id encourage working together to help each other figure that section out. Also dont forget the Watchmen and Jabberwocks over there, as well as Electra.

If anyone has any questions or concerns, I definitely welcome e-mails or PMs, or you can contact one of the other players directly if you want to work something out. Id like all of the participants to work together to help us all write this story the best we can, helping to achieve the goals that we have for our characters. This will take effort, but just from what Ive seen so far, the quality will also go up progressively as we do that.

Justin closed his eyes as the elevator throbbed with movement around him. Okay, just this last trap, and then were gonna face this Jameson lady, he thought, his mind trying to imagine the possibilities ahead of them. It shouldnt be too hard to tie her up or something, and then we can grab that component and be on our way...

He remembered the mission briefing, where the anthropomorphic vixen Lilian had given them their assignments, and how she had described the components. These components were parts to a machine that had been used to secrete the rebellions leader inside of a pocket dimension - a strategy that made little sense to Justin, considering that he became trapped there when the device was captured by the Kaiser Crugenhoff. The other function of the machine had been to target select individuals from across the multitude of parallel universes, the Multiverse, and bring them to this planet and time to help the rebellion.

I wonder if were really on the right side of things here, though...all of our missions that we were assigned to included sabotage as secondary objectives. The naval base was a military target, but the power plant and this financial center will probably affect the civilian population more than anything. That amounts to terrorism, and even terrorism against an evil government doesnt make it right. Im definitely going to grab the component, but last thing Im going to do is do anything to put innocent people into harms way if I can avoid it...

The elevators sudden stuttering stop interrupted his thoughts, and he opened his eyes. Okay, Legs, one more trap and well be at Jamesons floor, you ready for this? he asked as he looked down at the decipede.

For a brief moment, Justin thought he saw Legs looking narrowly up at him in what felt like annoyance. Then the look was gone and Legs merely bounded up to the elevator door button, which opened the elevator to the third and final room they would have to face before moving on. Justin tried to figure out what Legss expression had meant earlier as he pushed himself up to his feet, but he quickly dismissed the idea as he stepped out, Legs hopping to one side. I can hardly read the expressions on anthros like Cooki and Cherry as it is, no way Im gonna figure out a bugs face, he decided with a shrug.

When the elevator doors closed behind him, Justins eyes swept the room, and he was immediately suspicious. Unlike the previous two trap rooms, which were made of solid metal and had been claustrophobic, this had a wide open space across a lush red carpet. The walls were a warm beige, accented by the bright blue lighting strip that edged the corners of the ceiling, white panels forming a regular pattern. There was furniture which continued the extravagant theme, plushy couches and chairs with rich brown woodwork and velvety bright green cushions. And if Justin wasnt imagining it, his nose was detecting a subtle fragrance of strawberries and vanilla in the air. At the far end of the room was a single door made of the same wood as the furniture.

Dang, maybe shes given up on being sadistic, said Justin out loud with a shrug as he raised his hands up behind his head and took a lazy step forward. This is mega-upper-class ritz, looks like Kaiser Crugenhoff didnt spare any bucks here.

Something bounced against Justins leg, and Justin stopped in his tracks, looking down at the belligerent decipede who was waving his arms about as if to get the humans attention. Eh? Whats up? asked Justin, who bent down to get a closer look at the insect, who wasnt much larger than his own hand. I know its weird, but its a heck of a lot better than having to deal with drowning or stabbing.

As Legs mimicked the motions of a human putting their hands onto their hips and making an exasperated sound, Justin had the feeling that the little mechanic was trying to exaggerate himself on purpose for Justins benefit. But with this brief flash of insight also came a streak of annoyance as Legs leapt up at his shirt, and with a brief popping sensation Justin felt part of his shirt open up. Hey, whatre you doing? he asked, now annoyed as Legs landed back on thr ground with a tiny plastic disk clasped in its legs. Thats one of my buttons!

With all the deliberation of an Olympic discus thrower, Legs twisted around as much as his little body could manage and spun back around, tossing the button through the air at an impressive clip. And as Justin watched its flight, the button suddenly flashed and popped into a small cloud of black smoke at about neck-height.

Justin froze into place, goose bumps running up and down his back. Aw freak, lasers, he cursed quietly as he fingered his neck delicately.

Im surprised you figured it out so quickly, said a female voice over a loudspeaker set into the middle of the ceiling. Most people Ive put through this maze think theyve reached safety and end up lopping off their own heads. That is, the ones who made it past being drowned or being impaled.

There was a hiss as steam poured from near-invisible holes in the wall, and Justin brought one corner of his shirt up to cover his face. But when he felt dampness on his skin and could see the red beams crisscrossing the room through the mist, he dropped the piece of fabric and stood up. Okay, so all we have to do is get to the other side of the room?

Youre such a bright boy, said the womans voice dryly, contrasting deeply with the humid environment developing in the room. And just to make you aware, your conspirators attempting to rob the bank downstairs were successful in escaping from my men...for now. But seeing as how we know of your plans to capture the component in our possession, it really isnt hard to see who has the advantage in this situation.

What the, they knew we were coming?! Thats not good news, Lilian really botched this up. Bet one of her spies got caught and spilled the beans.

In the meantime, do enjoy yourself. Maybe youll last long enough to see your allies dumped into the same room with you.

The speaker clicked into silence, and Justin looked back down at Legs. Thanks for cluing me in on those beams, thanked Justin. I wouldve been sliced and diced by now. Now all we need to do is make it through this array and were face-to-face with Jameson, and the best part is she still doesnt seem to realize that youre with me.

Legs made a sound that, if Justin were to judge it by human standards, vaguely reminded him of regret or disappointment. Yeah, yeah, I make it sound easy, but this is a piece of cake compared to some things she couldve done, answered Justin, guessing that Legss exasperation was with the humans optimistic outlook on the situation as he stepped forward over a low-lying laser beam. And you shouldnt be complaining at all, you can bounce around these things like crazy and make it through before I do.

Heh, at least Cherry and Castor are still giving Jameson the slip. Thats definitely good news, maybe theyll get to her before I do, thought the human as he picked his way about the room, carefully going under, over and around the different angled beams of disintegrating light as Legs ricocheted from the walls to the floor to his right.

Justin reached halfway through the room when he noticed the subtle movement of one of the red lines, sweeping across the floor at him. He easily stepped over it, but then more of the beams began to shift through the air, some even changing angles as they moved.

Legs, watch out! Theyre starting to move!

Ive already spoken to Terg about contributing to this. Im not too what Torn has in mind, and I think might be working with Dark. And so, without further ado, I give you Spiners side of Crossover Heroes.

Spiner was apart of the Jungle Team, and was at a power plant located deep within a jungle outside of the city, away from any civilization but this place. He had fought sentinels, giant spiders, crazy jester girls, and jabberwockies, and the last thing he remembered was heading on down the path towards where he believed was the control room.

But, that had all changed when he had accidentally activated a trap door, and he was sent pummeling down into the darkness. He had opened his eyes, his vision blurry at first, and didnt focus at all. His ears pricked, trying to pick up on any sounds around him, and he felt a searing pain in his left eye. He let out an agonized cry of pain, as he removed the broken eyepiece, and threw it at the ground.

Spiner!

His ears pricked again, and he turned his head, looking beside him. He could only make out the fuzzy image of the rabbit which was next to him, but that was all. Though, he could instantly tell who it was by the sound of her voice. Megan Lapine.

Spiner, are you all right? Shed ask softly, extending a hand slowly towards him, but quickly retreated it.

The winged hedgehog blinked at her, his vision still not returning properly. Whats wrong? Hed ask, obliviously.

Your eye Came her hesitant reply.

He lifted up a hand, and placed a hand over it. It stinged a little, and he felt a thick substance upon it. He drew his hand back, and looked down at it, making out red stains on his hand. Blood stains. His blood. He quickly brought up his shirt to wipe away at it.

Freakin great, he muttered distastefully under his breath, and added a curse word onto it. He was too worried about his eye, that he hadnt noticed his wings were hurting like Hell. It wasnt until he went to stand up and flex out his wings that he realized that wouldnt move. He cursed again. He had prized his wings above everything else, and now he wouldnt be able to fly. GREAT.

Will you be all right? He heard Megans voice.

Ill be fine, he lied through his teeth, as he let out an irritable sigh. Hes been in worse conditions before, but not been put into a position where hes not able to fly. What about you? Are you okay? He looked back at her.

She had nodded a reply. Yeah, Im okay, she had said. Unlike Spiner, she hadnt been knocked out by the fall, and had fallen into the trap right after him, unwillingly using Spiner to break her fall.

Spiners lips formed a faint smile. Good, he said, before he had closed his eyes, and tilted his head forward, and muttering an incantation as he cupped his hands together. A bright, white light engulfed him briefly, before it had disappeared as quickly as it came. He had cast the White Magic of Cure on himself, numbing his pain, even healing his body the slightest bit, but not so that it was fully functioning.

Spiner had looked up. His vision still hadnt returned to normal, but he could just make out a tunnel, which he presumed they had fallen from. It was small, only being able to fit a person, which maybe explained how he got knocked out. He thought about their circumstance, and he couldnt even see the hole they had fallen down. Even if he could, he wouldnt be able to fly out of there.

Ive had a look around, Megan had spoken up, breaking the silence, we cant go back up, the ceiling is too high for us to reach to be able to climb back up the tunnel, she had said, before adding, we fell pretty far down, I think we might be in the basement of the complex.

Exactly what I was thinking, Spiner had shrugged, lying. In fact, he hadnt even thought about it. Which way do you suggest?

Well, theres only one way out of here, she had replied, theres a tunnel not too far from here. With any luck, we should be able to find our way back up. But, it gets darker.

Right, he had said, placing a firm hand upon Megans shoulder, Youre going to have to be my eyes, he had said, and ears, he knew that her ears would be more effective, especially down here. Naturally, her ears are far better than his. Ill be the light, he held out his other hand, and it burst into flames, and if we run into any trouble while down here, Ill be the blade.

Right, Camden had nodded. She was eager to get out of here.

That's it. It's over, Castor thought as he walked down the hallway of the 15th floor. He'd just passed his objective, the bridge to cross to the central building. He'd taken one glance and kept on walking. This plan was a wash to begin with. On the bridge, two Watchmen and three teams of security forces were lying in wait. He'd taken one look out of his peripheral vision and just kept on walking, praying that he looked enough like an employee just making his way down the hall on important business.

I knew I shoulda just walked away. The plan was doomed from the start. Too complicated. The presence of the guards meant two things to Castor: first, it meant that they knew he was coming. Second, it meant that they probably got the others already. Both things meant that there was no way Castor could cross that bridge without being killed or captured, which was the same as being killed but with more pain beforehand. The smartest thing an assassin can do in some situations is avoid the situation altogether.

Jesus, what am I even doing here? This isn't me. Castor thought as he continued to wander aimlessly, looking for an out. I don't do this super-spy crap. I keep it simple. Simple is safe. Simple is success. All he could do now is figure how to slip out of the building and disappear until the heat died down. Surely he'd been on security footage during the robbery, and it wouldn't be long that every cop in the city would be gunning for him. But first things first, and that was leaving the building and not looking back...

Suddenly, Castor stopped walking. Maybe there's another way out. A safer way out. He turned his head and found himself outside a door labeled 'Break Room.' And besides, it's been awhile since I've had a smoke. He opened the door and looked inside. Let's see, coffee maker, icebox, several tables to sit at... This'll do. He entered the break room and made his way over to the coffee maker, lighting a cigarette as he walked. He took a long drag on the cigarette as he set his attache case on the ground by the counter and checked the half-full coffee pot. Hmm, been on the warmer awhile. Oh well, coffee's coffee. Castor grabbed a small styrofoam cup and filled it with the dark brew as he took another drag from his cigarette.

Alright, time to swallow my pride... Castor thought as he pulled the comm unit he stole from one of the bank guards out of his pocket. He lifted the comm unit to his mouth and activated it as he sat down at a table.

"Attention. My name is Castor Troy, the leader of the group that robbed your building earlier. I would take to speak to Chief O'Riley."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the comm, so Castor took the opportunity to take a quick drink from his cup. Oh christ, that's terrible. Oh well, they probably don't even HAVE a Columbia in his screwed-up dimension, much less their coffee beans...

"This is Chief O'Riley. Calling to make more demands, Mister Troy?"

"No. I'm calling to discuss the terms of my surrender. Meet me in the break room on the fifteenth floor." Castor took his handgun out from his pants and set it on the table next to him. "I won't be armed, but you can bring a couple bodyguards with you if you want."

There was a pause on the other end again. Probably telling his goons to get here before he does, no doubt.

"And why would I meet you, Mister Troy?"

"Because I wanna cut you the deal of a lifetime. The kind of deal that can end wars, so ta speak. Take your time if ya want, though. Horrible gruel or not, I haven't relaxed with a cup of joe since I left home two days ago."

Castor turned off the comm and set it on the table.

And now the waiting game begins. Time to do what I do best.

OOC: Sorry for being so quiet lately x_x my storyboarding class is intense. Fun, yes, but also intense and highly demanding. I'll try'n get a post up this weekend though, ok? I want to invest some time in this one, as it's a lot of dialogue between Cherry and Jerin and I like writing dialogue between them. Still, it has to be correct. So yes, that's where I'm at o-o just to keep you all informed.

Just a heads up-I have internet fulltime here. So anyone in the Powerplant escapade , feel free to Email me or Ezmail me or whatever . I'll post sometime soon, I need time to think and plan this out slowly.

OOC: Sorry about this being up so late x_x Im still swamped with work. I wanted to do more with the Chief and Legs, but I dont want to delay things any longer, so Im posting what I have. If anyone else does need more on any end though, let me know and Ill do my best to accommodate. Thanks for being so patient, all of you.

Youre going alone, Chief?

O Riley nodded.

Alone. But not unarmed.

It aint well done, Chief. Let me send a few of the boys up with you.

Murphy, if you want something done right, you do it yourself. That's all there is to it. No more questions. Just follow your instructions and your gut, got me?

Yeah. I got you Chief. You want us to set up in the stairwell?

Yeah. Tryn keep it nice and dark, though. Lets us keep a bit of the element of surprise.

Roger. Good luck Chief. You get in trouble, just radio for help.

Right. Luck to you too, Murph.

Turning, O Riley started for the fifteenth floor. And while victory seemed certain, there was nothing smug or triumphant about his person in the least. No, on the contrary, Security Chief Clive O Riley was all seriousness. Hed gotten to where he was by never putting all his eggs in one basket. And he wasnt about to start now.

Worked awful hard just to surrender, didnt we? Still. If hell turn his companion in along with whatever information hes withholding, this just might prove worthwhileand if not

He smiled.

itll just be another one for the animals, I suppose.

Five feet.

She estimated, eyes riveted upon Jerin as he rose with practiced elegance.

He cant be more than five feet away. And thats five less than I need.

Impulsively, Cherry brought one claw to her lips, indicating they should be silent so as not to alert the approaching guards of their presence. She had no idea if he would retain enough sense to comply with such wishes. Time spent too long in the grips of quiet, peaceful little moments often brought out the worst in him. But she had to try. She desperately needed the silence, and not only to avoid discovery. It would buy her a few seconds. She needed a few seconds.

No way I can get ten feet on him in a space this small.

Pressed very nearly into the door, claw still at her lips, she studied his face, nearly expressionless in its study of her own. Then he smiled, and slipped his hands into his pockets. It seemed he would wait

Hey, did you, ah, see something move over here?

Thought so. Thats weird.

Think it could be that long eared freak Chiefs on about?

Dunno. Why would he be on this floor?

Beats me. Chief says the red onell flush the other out, though. I dont know how. Just saying.

Jerin smirked at her from across the room. Cherry glowered at him.

Dunno. Cmon, lets search the lab. Only @#%$ thing on this floor worth protecting, anyway.

She felt the gremlin shift nervously on her shoulder, probably just as eager as she was to get going before the guards discovered he wasnt in his cage. Cherry would have liked to comfort him, but her attention remained fixed on Jerin. He had better hearing than she did. It would probably be best if she waited for him to speak.

Then again.

Evenin. Whatre you up to?

Good evening. Im in the process of gathering information. Yourself?

Just passin through.

And it wasnt a lie. He quirked a brow at her, carefully slipping some papers into his pocket. When he spoke again, his voice was sharp.

I see. Forgive me for digressing so suddenly, but I re-call you hung up on me when last we spoke. That was very, very rude. I havent the time to be prattling on at no one.

Cherry drew in a deep breath before answering. His tone let her know she was in a bad place. Her next words would either further his annoyance, or rescue her from it. She chose carefully.

Aye. I did hang up on you. But fyou had been less baitin and more o the gentleman I know yer capable o bein, I daresay I wouldnt have. I was under a bit o stress of me own, and baitin comments werent exactly makin me temper any better.

The fault is mine, then?

She swallowed hard, but nodded firmly.

Aye. Yer own. FI indicated otherwise, youd know I think it to be false in me own eyes. An I dont spose youd like that anymore than my reactionary behavior to yer baitin.' My lyin would just be another point against me.

She crossed her arms, frowning.

An anyway, youve already decided not to penalize me for it. Otherwise, wed be at it already. Therefore, I can only conclude you brought the matter up to a) bait me further, or b) waste more of your time. And I daresay I believe the former oer th latter, mate, considerin what you yourself just said about prattlin.

He regarded her smilingly for a moment, before his interest shifted to her new companion. He studied the shivering, anxious creature carefully, but didnt seem altogether surprised at its presence. Given what he was, though, Cherry supposed not much could surprise him. Living for so long had that affect on you.

Who may I ask?

Cherry stroked the gremlins head comfortingly.

Rescued him from th lab down the hall. Weve not yet been introduced, mafraid. I dont speak gremlin

She paused, a thought occurring to her. Well. Jerin was very old

but youJerin, they were still employin em when you were in service. Can you understand him??

The hybrid inclined his head.

Im more for mechanical companions than those of flesh and bone. But yes. I still have an ear for the dialect.

Pleased, Cherry addressed her companion, careful not to take her eyes off Jerin.

Little mate, he can understand you. Will you not at least tell him your name so I might know it?

I find it highly amusing that the lady seems so confident in the fact that she would thus receive your correct name from me, gremlin, when she has been so inclined, on prior occasions, to distrust my words.

Cherry ignored him. The gremlin at first seemed reluctant to speak to Jerin at all, but finally responded to his inquiries in soft, muted tones. The hybrid listened with interest, ears perked. Cherry waited, gratefully using the time to try and come up with some sort of plan. After a minute, Jerin bowed his head to the gremlin, smiling.

I must say, your partner had impeccable taste...

He then looked at Cherry.

He says his name is Aeolus. Hes been here about five or six years, he thinks. He was partner to a Watcher before he was captured and imprisoned by Kaiser Crugenhoff. He hasnt any idea where his partner might be at present, but would very much appreciate your aid in finding said partner.

Cherry frowned.

I seewellsa start at the very least.

She smiled at the gremlin.

Aeolus. Thats quite an old name, but still very nice.

Aeolus smiled, hugging her neck. But the matter was not at an end for Jerin, whose observance nothing escaped.

Have you grown so tired of the bug, Red?

Cherry smiled disarmingly at him, now edging away from the door.

You know me bettern that.

Then where is he?

Yes, where?

Junk piped up, suddenly emerging from the interior of a cabinet.

Its much quieter without him around, master.

Indeed. So. Again. Where is the little noisemaker?

Not with me at present.

Jerin smiled.

Really

Aye. Really.

He sidestepped her efforts to move around him.

Youre so hopeless when it comes to machinery, red. Parting with your beloved bug was a stupid move.

The gremlin growled at him, hackles raised. Cherry scowled, staring him straight in the eye as she spoke, the fire in her heart so much alight now that she wouldnt hear of being shaken by his close proximity.

Perhaps it was. But I had little choice in the matter, and I was not attendin to my wishes alone. Unlike some, I do not think only o meself.

He leaned down, smiling.

No. You do not. Rather, you think of everyone but yourself.

How bold an certain you are in yer judgin o me character.

There is little use in the judging of what is practically common fact.

And still littler use in assumin a fact to be common merely bcause youve made up yer mind to think it so.

He narrowed his eyes. Cherry stood her ground. There was no going back now, and she had little idea how far she could push him before his temper became less than amiable.

Hm. Please accept my sincerest apologies, Miss O Kidna.

She responded swiftly.

Id more readily accept yer hands in cuffs, sir. If you would do me the further honor?

He laughed at this, pressing one hand to the wall as he smiled down at her, eyes doting on her face with a strange mix of affection and hostility. She didnt like the look. It spoke of things to come she didnt want to deal with in such a small space.

If it must happen, so be it. At least let it not happen here.

She prayed. And if her former companion was resigning himself to surrender a few floors beneath, so too did she now, though it was surrender of a different kind.

Well. Wed best get goin. Ive got a lot to do yet, an Ive no idea whatm to run across in th process. Would you prefer th roof to this room? It might offer a slight more privacy.

He smiled eagerly, and quick as lightening, closed his hand about her wrist. She shivered involuntarily. He was cold. And not the sort of cold acquired from hours spent in the frostier elements. No. It was the pure, dead cold of a body that has forgotten how to be warm. As he led her to the window, she fought to regain her hand. His grip tightened, informing her wordlessly that he should like her not to struggle. She didnt listen to it, but he seemed all the happier for her resistance. He opened the window.

Id much prefer a darkened stairwell to a windy rooftop. Given the current circumstances, though, I suppose it will have to do. The center tower?

Aye. The center. I need to retrieve sumpthin real quick, but then well get to it.

Very well. Ill call for a lift. Im certain youll find it much faster than grappling and slinking about beneath the bridge.

She colored slightly, annoyed that he should be so aware of her previous plans without her speaking a word of them. He took no notice, but smiled, pulling a set of keys from his pocket. Cherry frowned. His Cannibal shed thought destroyed, much like her sky cycle. Minutes later though, a new cycle turned the corner of the building, searching for the source of the signal that called it. Cherry made no inquiries as to how hed acquired it, no more than she made inquiries after his escape. They slid out the window, male, female, gremlin, and robot. Junk resumed his place in Jerins pocket, and Aeolus clung tight to Cherrys neck as she slid into place behind Jerin.

Youre going to need to hang on, red.

Cherry scowled, but wrapped her arms around his waist. She had no time to be stubborn. Already someone was peering out one of the windows, and more could only follow.

You all set, Aeolus?

The gremlin nodded.

Groar.

Hes good. Here we go

As they zipped through the air, climbing higher and higher, Cherry was forced to cling to Jerin very tightly indeed, much to her nemesis' pleasure. Sickened at such close proximity to a man she had spent the last three years despising, she could only thank the Gods their trip would not be a long one.

Once atop the stairwell entrance of the center tower, Junk set to disabling the security camera fixed above the door. They dismounted once the system was down, and Jerin paused to secure his new toy with extra care. When this was done, he leapt to the ground, facing Cherry, who crossed her arms, addressing him sternly.

Right. Just to review. I dont trust you, mate. But Id much rather have you with me than runnin amuck within a buildin o people who have neither the means or th wits about them to stop you.

There was little need for such an explanation.

Not little need. Little use would be far more appropriate.

He laughed.

My adoration of your wits mingles agreeably with my desire to roll up your innards and use them as billiard balls.

She didn't miss a beat.

How flatterin. My irritation at yer comments mingles agreeably with my desire to see you imprisoned for life.

Pushing the stairwell door open, she gestured courteously.

After you, sir.

Alarmed, Legs nevertheless managed to maneuver around the now mobile beams with surprising ease. He had his small size and general quickness to thank for that. It was Justin, larger and slower than he, whom he worried for. Doubling back some, he made a beeline for the human, determined to see him around the beams at all costs. Hed promised Cherry.

He'd promised...

LEGS! LOOK OUT!

Finding himself snatched from the air mid-leap, Legs chittered indignantly, squirming. Justin frowned, stepping back to avoid an oncoming beam as he spoke.

Sorry! You were about to get fried! That one changed directions. It was coming at you.

Crossing three pairs of arms, the decipede chittered in what sounded like a string of small mutters, than at last chitted out an apology, patting his hand with four of his arms. Justin smiled, ducking under another beam as he made his way towards the door.

It's all good. Look. I think I have an idea

OOC: GHYUCK!

---

"Doing so well dosen't mean anything when you can't follow through." was his statement through clenched teeth, as a set of claws wrapped around his throat. Raising off of him, but at the same time raising him up off the ground, Diana would hold the extraneously tired form, shaking him slightly as if he was a limp noodle about to be fried. "You aren't anything more..than a little needle in my plansss."

"No, this is the needle." Hand would open, spewing a gas within the air. The two Jabberwocks would hiss and fall back as the smoke encumbered their vision. Diana held steadfast, glare locked on his chest. He could feel her claws tighten, trying to slowly sear and inevitably puncture his jugular. Her other hand, or was it her tail? Or foot? He couldn't look down to be sure, but another appendage of hers was rising along his chest, trying to distinguish if he was fully tangible, or if would he just fade away.

Thought left him as he was suddenly cast aside, striking a large metal pipe with the back of his skull. Moments of consciousness became blotchy as she walked over to him, taking a deep breath...

too deep--it robbed him of the oxygen he had left to consume.

----

"Ugh." Wincing pain left his mind almost as soon as it had arrived. The spoton rush of adrenaline purposely kicked in, throwing his body upwards, and ready for absolutly nothing. All around him...was nothing.

"Alright.."he stated aloud, listening to the slight echo. Quick as a whistle, he would grasp for his coat, pulling out the electronic unit. Or what was left of it, as the screen oozed a liquid onto his hand. Angered that his video display was ruined, he quickly popped the back open, retrieved the memory card and stuffed that in his side pocket. "Surveillance gone. Best guess, I'm in the lower cavities...sure sucks down here. Took my sword too-probably didn't want me having any advantage..."

With his realization, came a sharp prick of knowledge. His life felt immedialty short-and with that realization came the first base instinct he had in a long time.

The need for help.

Okay, been a while; I've needed to post for a bit to move things forward. Spiner, I'll be contacting you soon about what we plan on doing with Spiner and Megan.

Justins eyes darted up to look across the lavishly-furnished room to the rich redwood door at the other end. The humming of the laser beams filled the moist air as he guessed how far it was from where they stood in the middle of the room.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Legs, Im gonna throw you at the door, youll need to get through it and deactivate these lasers, said Justin, looking all around to make sure he was clear before he held up the decipede in his hand. You game for it?
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Justin wished he had a camera, for the look of absolute consternation on Legss face was clearly discernible even to the human. But Legs quickly recovered and gave an affirmative nod, exaggerated so Justin could see the movement. The decipede curled up in a way that Justin hadnt thought possible, making an almost perfect sphere that made for perfect tossing.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp The pitcher winds up, narrated Justin as he drew back his arm, and he snapped it back forward as he shouted, and there it is, folks!
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Legs flew through the air, an insect fastball thrown past the killing light beams that moved all around him. Justin was afraid hed hit the door and bounce off, but the insect unrolled and landed on the doorknob, crawling to the underside of it before he squeezed through the old-fashioned keyhole.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Strike! shouted Justin triumphantly, but that turned into a Whoa dang! as he narrowly avoided one of the vertical beams that tried to slice him in half. I got Legs in, now I just need to keep myself alive! he thought as he hopped over a low beam and rolled forward under a higher one.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp The muscular human made his way past the lasers, ducking and jumping as he needed to. The beams began moving faster, as he had feared, and it was almost more than he could handle to keep one step ahead of the slicer beams. The smell of ozone and sweat penetrated his nostrils. Just gotta think of this as a practice session, he thought. Maybe a test run in the omni-suit, or heck even some funky Dance Dance Revolution game. One step, two step, thr-
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp EE! came the involuntary scream as a beam raced toward his belly from the front, and he bent over backwards as the beam cut across the front of his shirt. Justins hands braced his backwards descent, and as soon as the laser passed over his nose he bounced back up to his feet, though he noticed the lack of two more buttons from his dress shirt. Id better not have to pay for that, he thought, but he didnt have time to laugh at himself as he jumped to dodge yet another lancing beam.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp He activated his sneakers, twin streams of thrusting fire keeping him in the air long enough to dodge the set of lasers that whizzed under his feet before he landed, and he reached forward with his hand to grasp the doorknob. Gotcha! he shouted, and turned the doorknob.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Click.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Locked?! exclaimed Justin, and he looked up at the room to see just how many killer laser beams were coming at him.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp None of them were. In fact, they were all headed away from his end of the room.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Whats going on here? Legs, you there? asked Justin, shaking the doorknob as he kept his eyes on those laser beams.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp He didnt hear any reply as he looked at the wreckage of furniture left behind in the wake of the lasers. Considering how close he had come to becoming much like those pieces of furniture, he briefly sympathized before he looked back up at the laser beams themselves
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Oh, blazes.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp The lasers had joined up into a red hot grid, and moved slowly across the room in perfectly unison. It didnt take long for the lasers to reach the battered remnants of the fine chairs and sofas, which the grid quickly diced into evenly-spaced cubes of wood and cushion.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Legs? Got a bit of a situation here! shouted Justin, but he let out a frustrated growl as he took a step back and slammed his shoulder into the thick wooden door. The door shuddered, but held. Thick as a brick wall, grunted Justin, kicking the door with his foot before looking back at the grid.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp It was only a few feet away! Justin pressed himself back against the door, gripping the doorknob and awkwardly turning it. This isnt going to end like this! Im not going to be diced into so much cubed pork!
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Three feetonesix inches-
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp AAAH!
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp There was a click just as he closed his eyes, and he fell backward through the now open door, his arms reflexively jerking out to hold him from the carpeted floor. His eyes snapped back open and he saw the grid just outside the door, humming for a second longer before it blipped out of existence.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp Justin fell back, somehow not needing to hear the chittering noise near his head that Legs was nearby. You couldnt find a control panel for the lasers, so doubled back to unlock the door, right? asked Justin, hardly able to contain the smile that threatened to crack his face wide open. The pounding adrenaline of near-death made him a little giddy.
&nbsp &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp There was an affirmative chirp, and Justin opened his eyes and looked over at Legs, flashing the insect a thumbs-up. Nice timing, thanks, he said, then pushed himself up to his feet. Now lets kick Jamesons butt, take that component, meet with the others and get the heck out of here!

OOC: It's finals week here x_x I want to get another post up soon, but that probably won't happen until next week when I get back home and have a moment to relax. Luck to those of you in classes and finals =3 pleasant somethings!