Her heart went out to him as she glanced down at the lepoid's tear stained face, though she was initially uncertain as to whether she should respond or remain silent. Ottilie had dealt with all kinds in her three years away from the Oasis. Some were dangerous. Some were crazy. Some were lost. Some were broken. Some were all of the above. This wasn't the first time someone had sadly (absently) asked if she or anyone present (or not present for that matter) would like to know some of their secrets. Most of the time she would try to stop the other from telling with a warm word, some type of re-assurance, etc. Source knew she had enough secrets of her own she couldn't divulge without carrying those of others too. But there were other times, she had learned, when creatures and people needed to talk. Not because they wanted to exchange information, but because they wanted to redeem the feeling, or at the least be not so alone in it. It didn't matter who listened, so long as someone did. She thought maybe this was one of those times. So she leaned closer so he wouldn't have to strain his voice, and said softly.

"Only as much as you wish ta tell, mate. Take as long or little as ya need, an' don't exert yerself. I'll listen."

She covered his paw gently with her own, smiling.

"I am listening."

"Story like that takes years to tell. It's hard to fit in, I don't even know if you believe in aliens. Do you?" The comment seemed a ramble, as if she was missing half the conversation. But the question presented was clear enough, to get more answers about this guy and his injured cohort he seemed to want to know if she believed other worlds were inhabited.

Ottilie inclined her head in acknowledgement.

"F'you refer ta the thought that there are other planets than this capable o'sustainin' life an' doin' so, I believe it. Never really liked that word meself, though. Always felt it pushed us an' those we were referrin' ta further apart than however many lightyears."

"It does." The rabbit said rather quietly, "What if I told you I was one such creature?"

He seemed to be pausing before continuing, almost as if he feared a negative reaction.

Ottilie was surprised by this revelation, though not unpleasantly so. She'd heard stories from her older relatives and instructors about encounters with beings from other worlds, but they were few and far between, and she had always supposed such a thing would never happen to her during her lifetime. Naturally she had a million questions, but checked herself firmly for Tobias' sake. This wasn't about satiating her curiosity, after all.

"S'pose I'd tell you that's one I haven't heard, mate. Makes little difference ta me where yer from, though. All that matters s'that yer a decent sort while yer here."

She replied, her smile no less warm.

"What I did back there. Suppose you think it was dangerous, but you don't know half of it. I wish I could explain it, but it would just sound completely insane. Sorry.. There ain't no way to do that, the story is just too long and complex. It's like if all the bedtime stories you were ever told... all the unbelievable faithy happenin's priests told ya... it all suddenly fell into your lap, and in the worst way." The rabbit shook his head, "Even that sounds outright psycho. Maybe you can start to believe me a little, once you see that the poison that was in those thorns isn't going to have any effect on me." He looked at his injured hands and wrinkled his nose.

"Henry... It may sound sappy and cliche but he's saved so many. He's the reason I don't do what you saw back there, bad things would happen if he left. Bad things could happen to 'im if he stays." He sighed, his gaze moving back to the sleeping child. "Innocent and meek right now, but he's more street worn than me. Wonder if my brother ever felt this way, probably spent a couple'a nights watching me like this. Trying to think how someone like him could pull it off. A kid I mean."

Resting her head on her paw, she winked at him.

"Said tell only as much as ya wish, didn't I? Source knows ya don't need ta prove yerself ta me. I believe ya."

She chuckled, turning a teakuu nut over in her claws.

"Right glad ta hear 'bout the thorns, actually. Least one o'us'll be spared natures greatest failin' in the taste department. As fer the last..."

She paused, wondering if she was saying more than she ought. Looking away, she continued softly.

"...well, can't say m'envious."

She looked back at him then, her expression serious.

"But y'know, s'a noble thing yer doin,' fightin' whats bad in ya ta show Henry here sumthin' good. World would be so much lovelier f'we creatures an' humans alike tried ta do half as well by our own kits…er, that is ta say, this world, mate. Can't speak fer yers o'course. M'sure yer brother knew yer bein' with 'im beat the alternatives though, even f'it was hard fer both o'ya at times."

She lay back, staring into the thicket of thorny branches overhead. Here and there solitary stars twinkled within small patches of visible sky, not yet driven from sight by the fast approaching dawn. Glancing over at Henry, she smiled, moving to tuck her blanket more snugly around him.

"An' fer what its worth, ya seem ta be doin' a good job o'erall. He's alert, attentive, active, an' moves like a wee lightenin' bolt. In a few years he'll prolly be fast as this other bloke I know..."

He found himself starting to fall back to unconsciousness, it'd taken a lot of what he had left to maintain himself this long, he'd have to stop soon. The rabbit sighed and nodded. The people he talked to seemed to always paint him in a positive light, why couldn't he see what they did? "Guess there is one thing, since we're along.." He seemed a little hesitant but only for a moment before continuing. "We're not traveling through here for whatever reason I gave you, can't even remember what that was now."

He paused and looked at Henry again pulling himself over beside the boy, "Gotta stay low. Kid does have a dad, and not a fella you wanna exchange with. Mosta my thoughts on it are ones Henry let loose of." He laid back, staring up, "Average guy, human. Hair like Henry's, brown and scraggly. Crazy looking gray eyes too, wild, feral." He seemed to shudder a little, "He comes to talk, run or shoot to kill. Anything between ain't worth the effort."

She nodded.

"S'ok. I understand better'n you might think."

Noting his fatigue, she rustled in her satchel hastily, producing a small, capped gourd.

"Now, ya best be gettin' back ta sleep f'ya want ta go anywhere in a few hours time, which is when m'plannin' ta be off again."

She glanced over her shoulder warily, unscrewing the top of the container.

"I dare not stay here longer'n that..."

Shaking her head, Ottilie turned back to hold the gourd to his lips.

"Here. Drink some o'this before ya nod off. M'sure yer thirsty after all that excitement, an' it'll give ya back some strength. That's the last thing I'll ask o'you."

OOC: My you've been busy while I was absent! In case you're wondering, a mass of college work slid into my path & I had to dig my way through it!

IC: Aurora considered Jerin's question carefully before answering it. "I might know as many as six different stories of the Eulerian Complex myself," she said eventually, "but nowhere near as complete as the ones you know. I heard rumours about the place but rumours only. And given the people who were circulating the rumours I thought I'd better find the thing quick, before there was nothing left of it to make rumours about. Ordinarily I'd have done my homework on a location before heading off there, but not this time. Which means that the sum total of what I do know about this place is made up entirely from the rumours I did hear & from my own observations since arriving". Jerin digested this information silently. "So what do you actually know then?" he asked.

"The rumours held that the Eulerian Complex was built centuries ago, for the rulers of Algos by a gifted individual," Aurora replied, "a Creature with a mind for intricate gadgetry, cunning traps & trickery. And apparently blessed also with considerable personal charm. Given the budget he allegedly requested for building costs & the fact that it was granted- according to the rumours anyway- I'm inclined to believe that last bit," Aurora informed Jerin. She paused before continuing. "That's about all the rumours told me," she admitted, "the rest is drawn entirely from my own observations & speculation. I believe that the Eulerian Complex was created to contain something extremely valuable, or possibly extremely dangerous. Or both. I know that something has caused a renewed interest in this place, or that perhaps the exact details of what the Eulerian Complex was made to hold were never fully known. If the latter, then there has been an information leak, somewhere pretty high up. Most likely in Algos since that's the nation the complex was originally designed for. I'm certain that a number of things have changed since the Complex was first built. Aside from a cave-in here & a flooding there, I'm certain that an entire ecosystem has developed in here or is in the process of developing. Which makes the Complex at least twice as valuable now as it was when it was first built," Aurora finished. Then almost as an afterthought she added, "oh yes & adventurers of every type from miles around will soon be streaming here in droves as the word spreads".

Jerin chuckled. "Very astute," he said, "for someone who's going entirely on rumours & observations you seem to have the gist of events pretty well nailed. Perhaps you should've been a reporter". Aurora appeared to scrutinize the suggestion carefully. "Perhaps one day I will be," she told Jerin, "it's one career I haven't tried yet. But today I am an oddity: A mercenary demanding payment from no-one & simply trying to get some peaceful exploring done inside a deadly labyrinth that shall soon have every rouge in the world descending upon it with precisely the opposite intentions!" Jerin's laugh joined Aurora's as they continued down the path together...

OOC: No worries Gem =) it's cool!

Also, I should be making a large-ish post tomorrow for both Jerin and Ottilie. It's already written, I just want to go through it once or twice more so I can maybe post here without editing it eleven or so times =P

OOC: Sorry I'm late. There was some impromptu drinking after work last night and we're gearing up for Saint Patty's over here =)

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As their laughter subsided, Jerin's smile vanished, his ears standing to attention. He raised a claw, pointing upwards.

"Hear that?"

Aurora paused.

"What?"

He frowned.

"I apologize. I forget my range sometimes. Give it a few minutes."

She did...and sure enough, there it was: a steady droning that resembled what one might hear in his or her head during quiet moments. Only it wasn't inside her head. She looked back at him. He stood with his arms crossed, staring in the direction of the noise, which grew progressively louder with each passing second.

"What could that be?"

The mercenary wondered, though it was more or less a question directed at him. The former Oasis resident chuckled, stretching before glancing down at his left pocket. Tugging the fabric outwards with a claw, he called into it.

"Junk, if you please?"

The small robot poked its head out.

"Yes, master?"

"Ball and Jacks, I think."

"Grand."

He said dryly, slithering up to take his place on his shoulder. Jerin smirked, winking at him.

"At least you don't have to get wet."

Before Junk could retort, the source of the droning rounded the corner ahead of them, a group of twenty-four robots flitting through the air like a cloud of angry wasps. Each was no bigger than one of Jerin's paws, and Aurora saw immediately where their name had come from, for they were shaped like jacks, a kits toy usually accompanied by a rubber ball. Each consisted of a central sphere that was either red or black in color, eight whirling shafts that attached to that sphere, and eight smaller spheres, one attached to the end of each shaft, which simmered in the air. The creature's eyes widened as she realized they were red hot, one hundred and ninety two tiny 'pokers' whirling round and round twenty-four central control spheres idly. She frowned. As if that wasn't troublesome enough, Jerin had said Ball and Jacks, hadn't he? Searching the air for anything out of the ordinary, a flicker of movement from the ground finally drew her eye. A black and red striped sphere rolled to and fro over it at an impressive pace, seemingly leading the others. Locking onto Aurora and Jerin's thermal signatures, the group split in half, the reds rushing him and the blacks her. The striped Ball remained several feet away, droning thoughtfully.

Jerin regarded the incoming threat with the same widening eyes he'd gazed upon the now decimated Whirligig with. He had used the basis of this, the Enforcer Two model, codename Jack, several times in other designs, and was particularly fond of it. Junk's tail crackled maliciously with electricity as he remarked.

"I do hope Miss Ottilie appreciates what we're going through to reach her."

He responded softly, amusement in his voice.

"She'll be sorry she missed it..."

Dropping to the ground, he rolled backwards to avoid the first wave. Afterwards there was little time to do anything but dodge. Jerin badly needed all the speed he possessed to avoid accruing any damage, but he wasn't alone, so he held back. It cost him the flesh of his upper left arm, a whirling Jack burning through the fabric of his coat as it whizzed by. He winced, but remained silent. He knew the small robot hadn't done its worst. The goal of a Jack, you see, was not to go around a creature's body, but ideally through it, scorching the victim's internal organs, muscles, etc. Luckily there was a discernible weakness in the system for those who could remain calm enough to observe it.

As if to demonstrate this to himself he lashed out at the nearest Jack. It re-acted quickly, breaking off its attack to pull its shafts into a narrow diamond formation. When his paw had swung past, it returned to its original shape and dove for his wrist, clattering off a wire reel. The whole process took less than five seconds. Jerin grinned. They would protect their sensitive control spheres above all else. But was it because that was where their A.I. was located, or because it was the area where they received their orders from an outside source? The first was plausible (as well as true to a degree), but he found the second interesting in that it lent itself to a more succinct conclusion to his current predicament. Seeing as a robot capable of transmitting strategy to multiple receivers would be essential to the survival of the entire group, only one question remained: which mechanism was the furthest from danger? Jumping back, he maneuvered expertly through the swarm to make several passes at Ball, which zipped and zagged away from his grasp as all the Jacks (even the ones that had been after Aurora) descended upon him, droning angrily. Jerin was forced to step up his pace when this occurred, or else be run through with one hundred and ninety two burning orbs. Finally he seized the striped sphere, whereupon he threw it at the ground. Instead of shattering, Ball bounced into the air, turning over and over while every single Jack simultaneously halted, hovering in mass confusion. Jerin and Junk struck together, the former shattering the central spheres of two of the robots, the latter electrocuting a third with a snap of its tail. Taking advantage of the situation, Aurora sent the bot closest to her flying into a wall with a loud SMASH! All four dropped to the dirt, sparking. Before they could take out more, Ball hit the ground again, and the Jacks resumed their attack. Jerin laughed, dodging them as he called to her.

"Your turn."

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Capping the gourd, Ottilie waited until she was certain Tobias was sound asleep before allowing her collected demeanor to drop. Now visibly overwhelmed, she pressed her forehead to her knee guards. Though she'd accomplished her goal of calming the creature to the point where he could rest (comfortably?) again, there was still a great deal more to be said before any of them could go anywhere.

Brought out of her thoughts by Legs shivering in her tail, she turned and scooped him gently into her paw, placing the insect inside her open satchel and covering him with the edge of a spare bandanna. He chirped softly in his sleep, something about diodes. She smiled briefly, then grew serious again. Standing, the creature fell to pacing, allowing the motion of her paws to match that of her acute mind as it laid out a plan.

First, she would need to speak with Tobias in three hours time, when he would hopefully be a bit more alert (she still wasn't entirely certain all he'd told her hadn't been the manifestations of a delirious mind). She would recommend that he and Henry leave the Complex to seek professional medical attention. If he refused, she'd take that to indicate that Henry's father was close by, perhaps even awaiting their departure on the side of the maze they'd come in on. Ottilie hated to think of dragging them further into the intricate death trap when they were already injured, but if there was danger on the outside and on the inside, she supposed it would be better that they remain with her, where she could at least lend a paw if something happened. It would be more of a distraction, as Legs had said, but she'd be just as distracted if she forced them to part from her, worrying after their safety.

She frowned then, unhappy with what she would have to do if Tobias decided it was better for he and Henry to stay. She hated prying into the personal problems of others, but when so much was at stake for her, she needed to know if there was a good chance that what had happened to the lepoid in the pit could happen again and what course of action she, Ottilie, should take if such a scenario presented itself. The Oasis creature couldn't reveal anything more about her mission or its importance in case Tobias was lying about...well, everything. She didn't think he was, but to appease Legs, she would need to play it safe. Pushing a strand of fur from her eyes, Ottilie decided she would indicate that the person she was retrieving the treasure for was a young boy who badly needed something to believe in. Perhaps if the lepoid knew this he would understand why she had to ask about his condition, if only to ensure she could return to Algos with something that had more than monetary value to its prince.

Once their exchange was complete, she would have a private conference with Legs regarding her decision. Needless to say, it was not a conversation she was looking forward to. The insect was patient, but she had seen firsthand that he would only indulge her so much when he thought her actions were in poor taste. That Ottilie trusted most she met and Legs trusted no one he met was the source of most of the contention between them, and she was secretly terrified that if she decided to allow Tobias and Henry to remain with her he would leave. She glanced at her companion, sleeping soundly, and that knot of fear in her chest tightened. She was always afraid. Tobias had spoken of being afraid to face Henry, about how the boy would be in danger if he left him, but also if he stayed. She had to wonder though if he too was afraid of being left alone.

Even so, I can't think only o'me mission an' personal desires here.

She reasoned.

I have to at least try'n assist those who need it. S'what the Oasis an' da would want. I can only hope m'not askin' too much o'meself.

Ottilie paused, having paced several lengths down the path, to stare at her reflection in a puddle of water.

Bollocks, life was so much easier ta navigate when I was younger...

She had to smile at the thought.

An' I never doubted anything I thought up then. Really, I still can't remember a time when I haven't seen my goals and just went fer 'em. Now though m'searchin' inside fer sumthin' ta tell me what I've always been sure o'before...

She sighed, crossing her arms forlornly. She remained this way for several minutes, lost in a flurry of negative outcomes, all of which could stem from her making the wrong choice. Yet anyone who knew Ottilie O'Dethburr knew her unexpected success in the world thus far was not rooted in her competence (though it would be unfair of me not to indicate that she possessed this in spades) but in her confidence, her ability to use what she was given to its fullest, and her stubborn refusal to yield to injustice.

A minute later she scowled, somewhat disgusted.

Enough. I know I can do this. Henry an' Tobias've already proven ta be capable. Even f'they decide ta continue on in here, I'll help 'em get through ta safety, an' they'll help me too m'sure. Or who knows, maybe I can't trust 'em, but I've no proof o'the fact, so there's no point jumpin' ta conclusions as o'yet.

She rubbed her forehead tiredly, hating to think of the last.

An' f'I lose Legs, so be it. Nothin' I can do 'bout it now, n'any case. The die is cast.

It was then what she was starting to refer to as The Feeling crept up on her once more, foreboding, dreadful, closer. This time though she blasted it away with a burst of renewed confidence. Smiling, she pressed a claw to her cheek, thoughtfully regarding her likeness in the water.

You've climbed the highest peaks, crossed the biggest oceans, seen the greatest cities in the world, pursued one o'the most dangerous creatures in history, earned a bit o'his respect, an' now yer ready ta give up? HA.

Turning with a flourish, she strode back to check on Henry and Tobias' injuries. When this was done, she sat between them again to meditate, the closest she could get to rest while still keeping watch.

OOC: No worries; good things come to those that wait!

IC: Aurora nodded as Jerin called to her. She'd paid attention to the way he'd attacked the things. So the Ball was the key to the equation was it? In that case she decided, as the Jacks began to attack again, it was time to step up the pace. True, Jerin had moved swiftly to attack the Ball & Aurora suspected he might be capable of greater speeds, but she'd yet to meet the creature that could outpace her. Shifting up a gear, Aurora became once more a near invisible flicker, eluding the Jacks with comparative ease. Taking in the passageway at a glance, she locked onto & went after the Ball. If it had had little chance of escaping Jerin's clutches, it had less chance of evading Aurora, as she swept past & scooped it up. Casting a glace back over her shoulder, she saw that the Jacks were swarming after her as they had pursued Jerin when he went after the Ball. Her strategy was a little different from his however. Instead of bouncing the Ball as Jerin had done Aurora turned & with a beautiful over-arm action, threw the Ball straight at the oncoming Jacks.

As she expected, the Jacks cleared left & right to let the Ball pass through them unharmed. And in that brief space of time Aurora leapt, hurling herself after the Ball. As a ballet dancer Aurora had learned certain skills vital to dancing & combat both. Speed, precision, co-ordination, the ability to maintain equilibrium & the methods of preventing dizziness. That last had been essential for anyone who wanted to master a pirouette, or spin. She put all these skills into practice now, as she followed a split-second after the Ball. Twisting as she moved through the air (and through the swarm of Jacks) Aurora struck with hands & feet- and the claws attached to both- with her tail coiling and striking like a snake behind her. She would, she knew, only tap them as she passed, but at the speed she was travelling it would be like getting clipped by a moving vehicle. The effects were as she hoped.

Each Jack she hit swerved violently, knocking into others and throwing them off course. As a result of this, they bounced off almost every surface in the corridor, some knocking into each other again, some less fortunate receiving another blow from her tail. For several seconds after she landed chaos reigned. Then, as the Ball regained control, she was able to assess the damage she'd done. Another three Jacks wouldn't bother them any more and lay helpless & sparking upon the floor. Six more beyond that were damaged; half of their whirling shafts no longer red-hot, their flight now more erratic than ever. The remaining eleven seemed to be undamaged, or at least, to have sustained nothing more than a few superficial scratches. As they began to attack again Aurora called to Jerin, "how's the arm? Need any medical aid?"

"I'm fine thank you," Jerin called back, "it might look bad, but it'll heal in no time". Aurora nodded; Jerin had always been a fast healer. "In that case," she called back, "it's your turn again".

Jerin inclined his head agreeably, evading two Jacks as they dove for his chest.

She should have been born a Raider.

He mused. Raiders were the sand colored, vulpine-like creatures that inhabited the storm stricken desert surrounding the Oasis. They would also be (to Jerin's knowledge) the fastest beings in the world if ever given the choice to exist there on a permanent basis. It had been their duty since the beginning to prevent outsiders from reaching the mountain range that contained the Oasis, and they were very, very good at their job. Despite this they were not violent creatures. Most were mute, and the rest rarely talked. Aurora would do well among them, given her quiet nature and supernatural agility. Unfortunately, admission was granted only to those born into the role. No exceptions. He scowled. Later. He would think of this later. Right now he had an audience and it wouldn't do to perform with a sour face.

"Junk, I suggest you hold on. Tightly."

He warned. The robot wrapped its tail around his good shoulder in response. Dropping to all fours, he stalked Ball like the hunter he had been at one point, every movement and ten after it thought out, every step, calculated, precise. He paused for a second, then struck like a bolt of lightening, seizing the small robot in his mouth and dashing down the path. Once more he was thankful for his acute hearing, for it told him there was water nearby. He glanced back to make sure the Jacks were following. They were. Good.

"Master, what are you doing?"

Junk inquired, annoyed. His mouth was full, so he merely winked at the robot before allowing himself the freedom of unfettered velocity for a quarter of a second. Changing directions abruptly he turned into another passage, ears perking to listen as some of the Jacks crashed into each other behind him. The path he was on now was actually a dead end, but at that end was a fountain, trickling water from the jug of an ornate scene carved in relief on the wall into a tiled pool below. Getting to his feet, he tossed Ball in with a splash! The six damaged Jacks followed after immediately, not operating well enough to know any better. Four more joined them (he suspected these were the ones that had been crashing into each other a moment ago), and the fountain sparked and danced with the crackling of tiny, electric convulsions, so much so that Jerin had to shield his eyes. Pleased nonetheless, he turned his attention to the remaining seven, seemingly the cream of the crop in terms of A.I., for instead of diving after Ball they had paused over the water, hovering.

He could have taken them out then and there and been done with it. But Jerin hadn't programmed the small bots to do anything except attack and follow Ball and its orders, meaning what they were doing now was something the Jacks had learned on their own or were learning out of necessity. So he sat on the edge of the fountain, watching as they held a distraught conversation in binary. If Aurora objected to this, she didn't say anything, perhaps just as curious as he as to what they would do next. Junk on the other hand, taunted them rather spitefully.

"Inferior mechanisms. It is a wonder all of them didn't end up in the water."

Jerin chuckled, raising a brow at him.

"Really. Usually you're so positive when it comes to anything..."

He broke off before saying 'I do,' smirking. His metallic companion said nothing to this, not wanting to give hint to the fact that his master was their designer. The creature pointed a claw now, excited.

"Look. They've figured it out."

Two of the robots had fetched a large leaf off one of the vines, and were dragging Ball through the water with it. A third seemed to be directing them. When they reached the side of the fountain, they angled the leaf under the bot and pulled upwards. Ball rolled back over the side and dropped to the ground, unharmed thanks to its waterproof rubber casing. Their mastermind safe, they immediately turned their attention back to Jerin and Aurora. The former grinned at the latter, indicating their assailants with an upturned paw.

"If you can take out the rest, I'll be very, very impressed."

"And I always try to impress my teachers," Aurora replied before turning her full attention to the Jacks. Once more, the Jacks had placed themselves between their targets & the Ball. Thinking quickly, Aurora came up with a suitable strategy. There was no point trying the same trick as last time; these Jacks would be ready for that, but she had another idea that might work. As the Jacks swarmed forwards again Aurora started to run- towards them. Just milimetres from making contact with the searing-hot shafts, Aurora leapt up & over the Jacks in a forward-flip , before landing cat-like on her feet. Without breaking stride, and before the Jacks could change direction, she captured & lifted the Ball again, tucking it under one arm. Then, she sped off down the corridor, back the way Jerin and herself had come, with the Jacks in hot (no pun intended) pursuit. Having put a considerable distance between herself & the Jacks Aurora turned. Making sure the Ball was securely positioned, she began to run back the way she had come, even faster than before. The Jacks continued their advance. Clearly, they predicted that she would attempt to leap over them again. This was a grave mistake.

As they raced towards each other, Aurora altered her footwork, and went into a pirouette. Even at ordinary speeds, a well-executed pirouette is both fast & impressive. At the speed Aurora was going the pirouette became a minature tornado. Smaller but no less deadly, the vortex she created drew the advancing Jacks into a fast orbit, whilst Aurora struck from within, using her free arm & her tail. When she finally slowed down and brought her pirouette to a halt, the only evidence of the seven Jacks were pieces scattered for some length down the coridor. Strolling back to where Jerin still sat at the fountain, Aurora tossed the Ball to him and asked, "so what do you think sir? Do I pass the test?"

His smile was full of its usual mirth as he responded, catching Ball, yet his voice carried equal parts fondness and (strangely) a sort of melancholy longing.

"Always..."

His attention was drawn to the little robot then, squirming indignantly in his grasp. He frowned, addressing it.

"Console yourself, small one. You can't be that dumb considering you weren't beaten too swiftly."

Ball continued to wiggle, droning pitifully, pleadingly. Jerin looked thoughtful, then smiled, dropping it to the ground suddenly.

"Why let it go?"

Aurora asked, puzzled. He chuckled, getting to his feet.

"Lets find out."

They trotted after it quickly, but didn't have to go far. For though Ball had promptly rolled back onto the Eulerian Path, it halted several feet from the passage opening and remained still. Jerin strode towards it, curious. It didn't move an inch, even as he drew nearer. Hearing a rustling overhead, both creatures looked up. One of the Jacks was still active, apparently having been thrown upwards and into the overgrowth by the force of Aurora's spinning. It was tangled in the vines, trying to extract itself even though several shafts appeared broken. That is what Ball had sensed, an injured comrade. Taking all this in, Junk inquired with dark pleasure.

"Should I eradicate this unworthy one for you and Miss Aurora, master?"

The rogue Oasis member glanced at him.

"No. Shut it down and retrieve it for me."

Junk's head swiveled to look up at him.

"You have a plan."

He crossed his arms, smiling.

"I always do."

Nodding his metallic head eagerly, Junk slithered up the vines and made his way over to the ensnared Jack, which was trying to burn through the thick stems to freedom. Jerin frowned, watching these proceedings alongside Ball and Aurora.

"Junk."

The robot looked down. He spoke severely, wagging a claw to punctuate each word.

"Be quick about it. I don't want it to have time to call for reinforcements, understand?"

His counterpart nodded again. It understood more than he had said. Satisfied, Jerin scooped up Ball again and fell to looking it over intently. He already knew how to turn it off. But he pretended to search for a way to accomplish this for several minutes, as Aurora looked on. When he reasoned enough time had passed, he smiled, acting as though he'd found the answer, and twisted both halves in opposite directions. Ball droned slowly, a series of decibels that declined rapidly in pitch, then lay still.

"Careful master. It is still capable of burning you."

Junk warned, cutting the now lifeless Jack free. It tumbled to the ground, and Jerin caught it on his left reel. Looking up, he grinned at his co-conspirator.

"Thank you Junk. Now come down. I have need of your special talents."

Aurora spoke up, inquiring with a slight smile and a pointed finger at Ball.

"Something of interest to you I take it?"

He winked.

"It is always good to have allies, no matter how small."

Holding a robot in each paw, he returned to his seat on the fountain edge.

"I am going to rest here. Daylight is coming and Ottilie will move no further tonight. You, of course, are free to continue if you wish."

Having said as much, he removed a small box from his pocket, out of which he took several miniature tools. Stripping off Ball's rubber casing to reveal an intricate metal sphere, he set the small bot beside Junk. Lashing his tail, the latter plugged into the former and began to search for information. While this occurred, Jerin took up one of the tools and started to repair the Jack, unsure if the mercenary would join him. He could only hope all he had (or rather, hadn't) told her of Ottilie and the mysterious nature of his own business there would peak her interest enough to make it so. You see, Jerin did not want Aurora to leave (at this point) for two reasons. First, she was insurance. O would never attack him when he was in good company. She would consider that rude. Second, he genuinely was enjoying his time with her, as it had been six months since he'd had anyone to talk to besides Junk.

"I believe I said I'd stay until we reached ground I'd already covered," Aurora replied to Jerin, "this part of the Complex isn't familiar to me and I plan to stand by what I said. However, since it seems relatively safe here, I'll venture to scout ahead & see if there's anything we need to worry about". Jerin inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement, his hands moving over the Ball & Jack even as he did so. Aurora watched for a moment before turning & exiting the dead-end & stepping back onto the path they had been following. Even as she strode forward along the passageway, her mind was on other things. Jerin had demonstrated that he needed little by way of help in this place: He seemed to know his way around & between himself and Junk appeared to be perfectly capable of handling whatever the Complex could throw at him. In fact, it might soon be a case of more than just Jerin & Junk- and herself of course. For the moment. Jerin had told her that it was always good to have allies no matter how small. This meant he had a use for the Ball & Jack. Probably the information it contained would shed light on the way ahead, but perhaps Jerin planned to have it scout for potential dangers as she was now doing? Or maybe to seek out the present location of Ottilie & her group? Aurora allowed herself to dwell on the latter possibility for a moment. It would certainly make sense. She might know where Ottilie had been some while ago, but not where Ottilie would be now. And though she doubted she'd have too much trouble picking up the trail (if necessary) it would save on the total time spent by simply sending one or both of the droids to pinpoint Ottilie's new location whilst Jerin & herself took some rest.

Aurora continued to ponder her theories. She felt the urge to consult the small, compact computer she kept with her, but even at this range Jerin's ears might pick up the near-inaudible sounds it made & wonder what she was up to. Plus, there was no gaurantee that she'd be able to pick up a signal in here. She was beginning to suspect that she needed more concrete information on the history & construction of the Eulerian Complex, and needed it now. This wasn't only because of the dangers that might yet lurk within the labyrinth. Remembering the way the creator of the Complex had been described & the half-mythical Jerin Jestwood her research had revealed to her, Aurora had to admit that a number of key factors seemed to tally. Add to that the fact that Jerin seemed to know his way around & that he was gifted with an understanding of technology and he seemed a strikingly close parallel of the creator of the Complex. But the Complex was centuries old! How old was Jerin? The stories of Jerin Jestwood went back 300 years at least & like herself, Jerin was fast-healing and long-lived.

Aurora was roused from her musings by a strange sensation. Like most other Creatures (like Ottilie herself had she known) Aurora could sense things in the ambient environment. Right now her sense was telling her danger. Aurora smiled slightly. Unlike other Creatures, when Aurora sensed danger she tended to head straight towards it. This perhaps was due to the fact that in her present occupation, nine times out of ten, if you were headed for danger you were heading in the right direction. Allowing the feeling to direct her, Aurora found another passage that branched off from the path she & Jerin would be taking tomorrow. Steam was issuing from it; steam which became thicker the further Aurora advanced, until it was like a warm, white fog. Ahead of her she could hear a sound like distant thunder & an enormous kettle on the boil.On either side, she could hear curious rustlings, as though the vines which had spread through much of the area they had so far explored were here animated & moving. Suddenly the walls on either side fell away, the steam thinned and Aurora saw that she had entered a large, round room. From floor to ceiling vine-like tendrils covered every surface and they were moving, in a slowly undulating, continuous dance. Looking closer, Aurora observed that the things didn't seem to be simply vines. Just beneath the greenish, translucent surface, a delicate tracery of circuitry showed. Whatever they were, all the vines converged at the centre of the room. Aurora decided to have a closer look.

Going over, she saw that a smooth-sided shaft had been cut through the floor and ceiling, like an elevator shaft, although what might use it now Aurora could only guess. Above and beneath her the vines flowed into the shaft, disappearing into steam-hazed darkness. As she continued to look into the shaft her sense of danger suddenly began to increase rapidly. Danger! Danger! it screamed, close & coming closer fast! It seemed her instinct wasn't the only thing that was agitated. The vines were moving far faster than before, and flashes like lightning were coming from far off up the shaft. Deciding it wise to retreat until she knew more Aurora ran lightly from the room. Just as she exited the steamy corridor, there was a rushing sound, as though something large were travelling very fast nearby. Then for a brief moment, the whole steam-haunted corridor was illuminated, then the sound of the fast-moving something faded, along with the light.

Aurora made her way back to where Jerin had decided to rest. He seemed to be meditating rather than actually sleeping. He smiled as she approached. "How did the souting trip go?" he asked. "Pretty well for most of it," Aurora answered, "but I think there's one room we should consider avoiding for now...,"

OOC: My, that post took longer than I expected! Sorry if it's a touch long!

OOC: Oh gosh Gem, think nothing of it! If anything, it makes me feel better. Plus you're still concise by comparison ;D

Also, seeing as how there're only three of us, I've been thinking of throwing some NPCs in to raise the stakes and give the characters more to interact with/against. I was considering a mercenary from Rithm and a knight from Algos to balance things out.

Thoughts/Suggestions?

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Jerin nodded impassively.

"So long as Ottilie does not reside therein, my curiosity is not such that I would segue simply to enjoy unnecessary risk."

Aurora smiled at the idea that anyone would enjoy unnecessary risk, but her amusement quickly turned to puzzlement as she surveyed the area.

"Where are your small allies?"

She got her answer not a second later as something small and round bumped her heel gently. Starting, the mercenary turned to find Ball behind her with Jack close by. The striped robot seemed more whimsical than before, and made swirls in the dirt once it realized it had her attention. After getting over what seemed initial excitement, it wrote 'Hi!' She had to laugh, and glanced back at Jerin. He grinned at her from his new seat at the base of the fountain, shrugging.

"I like robots that don't take things too seriously best."

Here the mercenary raised a brow at Junk. He chuckled in response, rubbing the bot's head roughly, but fondly.

"Junk is the exception. Besides, he's only cranky because I have zero work ethic."

Junk shook his head, offended.

"Master, I am not cranky! I am not anything."

Jerin rolled his eyes and chose to ignore to this, nodding instead at Ball making more swirls in the earth while Jack followed it attentively.

"They'll be of great assistance. I updated their software and re-programmed them to be more energy efficient, the practical upshot of which is that Jack will only burn if it's in attack mode now."

Aurora seated herself against the wall, watching the pair thoughtfully. Ball immediately came to explore her, making figure eights around her feet. She smiled again, and got the answer to another of her queries as Jerin called the Jack to him.

"Leave this passage and turn left. Move further into the Complex, scanning for the bio-signature of Ottilie O'Dethburr. Once you discover her location, return to me with the coordinates. Do not let her see you. Do you understand?"

The Jack droned compliantly. It understood. As it flew away, the mercenary spoke carefully.

"You asked me before if I knew anything of the Complex. If you don't mind revisiting the question, how much do you know of its creator and history?"

Jerin didn't say anything. A minute passed. Feeling she was to receive no answer, she added.

"I was only curious, seeing as you mentioned you knew at least six stories of the place."

He responded at last, softly.

"I apologize. I did not mean to disregard your question. I do know several. Most are tragic, some are triumphant. The creation myth is the most tragic of all."

Aurora listened intently as he continued, stretching out.

"But, you don't want to hear that one. It's inappropriate in terms of a bedtime story."

"I don't mind, really--"

Aurora said, trying not to sound too eager, but Junk broke in then, batting a curious Ball away from itself.

"--Master, your inferior robot is trying to talk to me."

Jerin scolded him playfully.

"Be nice to your new little sibling."

The robot's eye flashed.

"It is no relation of mine!"

Jerin shook his head.

"Where was I...? Oh yes, the Complex. My favorite story about this place is triumphant, not tragic. Would you like to hear it?"

Aurora laughed.

"When you speak in that tone, it seems I haven't much choice."

He winked at her.

"Indulging me will get you far in life! In any case, this tale takes place thirty or so years ago. Algos was still one country then, and its king, newly dead. The current prince was too young to assume the throne, so the dead king's father, King Abelian Calculus III, resumed power."

Jerin lay back, closing his eyes.

"King Abelian knew his country was changing, and he feared it might be for the worse. That was when the brothers showed up, two creatures of mysterious origins with no place in particular to get back to. They claimed to be explorers."

He yawned.

"The older was called Oillill. He was sensible, levelheaded, and diplomatic. He knew his way through the world and spoke so well that peasants and emperors alike would tell him their deepest secrets."

Here, Jerin opened his eyes.

"The younger had none of his brothers know-how or experience. He was impulsive and his actions were often irrational. But his intentions were pure, and his good cheer and confidence in his abilities, undeniable. He was called Oisin."

He sat up, turning to look at her with an eager smile as he got into the story.

"The pair told King Abelian, 'we have come to aid you. Although we cannot stop what may occur at present, we will provide you with the means to end future quarrels.' The king was surprised, but consented to assist them in any way he could. He had few other options."

Jerin gestured here, paw sweeping the air to encompass the Complex.

"Oillill proposed the creation of the Treasure, and also indicated they would hide it in this very structure until such time as it was needed. The development required the participation of the one who had built the place though, so the pair sought out the architect."

Ball rolled in front of him at this point, and appeared to pause to listen to the story. Jerin grinned, leaning down as though he were telling the tale to it in confidence.

"The architect, however, had no interest in riches or power, instead putting forth this offer: 'My complex welcomes only death and tragedy. If you desire to save lives bad enough to lose one of your own, I will acquiesce to your request for no payment whatsoever.'"

Ball drew a question mark in the dirt. Jerin sat up, lifting his shoulders in a helpless shrug.

"Well, what could the brothers do, little one?! Oillill decided to return to Algos to find another to accomplish what they desired. But brave, foolish Oisin stole away and challenged the architect, who laughed at him, seeing only the creature's youth and inexperience."

He looked away, a fond smile drawing across his features.

"...But, Oisin was confident, as I said, and he loved his brother, Algos, and its king enough to risk himself. In the end, he gave the Architect what he really wanted, and kept his life."

Aurora spoke up curiously.

"What did the architect want?"

Jerin winked.

"Ah, only Oisin knows. In any case, all three returned to Algos, where he crafted that which would save it someday. In addition, this architect offered to give Oillill and Oisin a map that would lead them to the heart of the Complex where they intended to hide it."

"Did they accept it?"

Jerin laughed.

"No. That's the joke. The brothers departed soon after with the completed treasure, and as far as anyone knows, hid it away before disappearing altogether. No one ever saw them again, which is one of the reasons some discount this particular story as pure legend."

He lay back down then, smiling.

"Still, it's my sentimental favorite, and the only one involving the architect of this place aside from the creation story."

As she took all this in, Jerin yawned again, curling up. Ball rolled about for another minute, before bouncing over the crook of his arm and nestling in beside his snout. He smiled at it a little from under half closed lids.

"Feel free to sleep if you wish. Junk will keep watch."

The robot nodded.

"Speaking of, master, shall I set yours to wake you?"

Jerin didn't answer, but shifted, removing a small pocket watch that hung around his neck from inside his coat. It was burnished silver in color, round, and very old. The hands rested upon small, intricate pen sketches of mazes, moons, and peculiar looking signs, and there was a long crack in the crystal of the face. He twisted the dial of this device several times, laying it next to his ear. The mercenary commented softly.

"Pretty watch."

He traced the crack fondly, as though caressing a lover.

"It was a gift."

"Oh? Who gave you such a trinket?"

But he said no more, eyes closed in sleep.

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Meanwhile further along the path Ottilie had taken up The Canterbury Tales, an ancient piece of human literature she had pulled from the shelf of the library of a distant city. Her intention was not to steal it, but the structure it belonged to burnt to the ground before she found time to return it, so the creature had adopted the tome as her own. It confused her immensely given that she had difficulty understanding human behavior, and this was one of many nights she had spent trying to extract some sense from the writing.

Though engrossed, she looked up upon hearing a soft drone. Searching the area with a frown, she caught the slightest glimpse of what looked like a jack-shaped robot flitting through the air. Getting to her feet, she pursued it with haste, but when she rounded the far corner, the bot was gone. Deeply troubled, Ottilie returned to her companions.

Probe droid I'd wager, given the size an' way it fled without so much as tryin' ta attack. Someone or sumthin' will know we're here shortly...

She started to shove her belongings into her pack, much to Legs' chagrin.

Best thing ta do is be somewhere else!

The decipede hopped out drowsily, dodging The Canterbury Tales as it flew over his head.

"Kit...? What's wrong...?"

She swung the satchel over her shoulder, adjusting the strap quickly.

"Probe droid. We need ta move."

With that she knelt and shook Tobias' good shoulder gently.

"Tobias...Tobias, wake up!! M'sorry mate, but we need ta leave! Now."

His eyes opened, not like any sleep she'd ever seen, it was like he'd never fully lost consciousness. "It's shiny, had enough time." He stated pushing himself to a squatting position, "Kid's a sound sleeper, he'll wake in a bit." He muttered picking the youth up over a shoulder.

OOC: The NPC ideas sound fine to me. If I some up with any suggestions I'll let you know!

IC: Aurora settled herself more comfortably & decided to try to get some sleep. Closing her eyes, she listened to the ambient sounds drifting through the Complex. Water dripped somewhere, a gentle yet cold wind whistled mournfully through some narrow passage & distantly, she could still hear the sound like muted thunder & a kettle on the boil. Nothing though, gave any sense of danger at present. A slight droning sound reached her ears- the sound of the Jack on it's way back? If so it had found Ottilie & her group quickly. But then, the small droid probably knew every nook & cranny of the place- that it should find something so quickly shouldn't be surprising. As she drifted towards sleep, the story Jerin had told her ran through her mind. The two brothers-where had they come from? They had certainly made a timely appearance.Where had Aurora been at the time that she hadn't heard about them, since the events Jerin had related to her had ocurred only thirty years ago? Ah yes; high in the snow-fields of that mountain range known as the Roof of the World, helping some lost explorers find their way to safety. The brothers had vanished again after making their offer to the king of Algos- where had they disappeared to? People who appeared from nowhere & vanished to nowhere probably had a somewhere they stayed between such acts. Where could that somewhere be?

Almost asleep now, Aurora half-dreamed half-remembered something about Jerin. He had never said exactly where he came from. He spoke Babylonian, a tongue not common to the rest of the world. And once he had used a peculiar expression in Aurora's hearing: 'Oasis and Earth preserve me!' When she had asked him what that meant, he'd simply said that it was an awful expression he was trying to give up using & one she'd be better off not repeating to anyone. What, she wondered still, had that 'oasis' bit been about? Her mind still full of half- formed theories & questions both unasked and unanswered, Aurora finally fell completely asleep...

OOC: Definitely let me know if you think of anything =) in the meantime I'll work with the ideas I've got a little more before doing anything.

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"Right."

Leading the way while Tobias kept pace behind her with Henry, Ottilie smiled to herself. Alien or oddity, she was grateful for whatever gave the lepoid his fortitude. The Oasis creature could only hope it would continue to work for instead of against her.

Some time passed as the group proceeded down the singular path. Finally Ottilie paused as it branched off in three different directions. Legs shifted on her shoulder, frowning, and crossed two pairs of arms.

"Which way?"

She tapped a claw against her lower lip.

"Can't take the right. S'another--"

"--trap door."

The rabbit-like creature finished for her, smirking. She chuckled.

"You noticed the grounds off colour in those cases too. M'glad--"

"--Lets not congratulate ourselves yet, we still need to pick one of the two. Kit?"

Ottilie fiddled with the bead around her neck absently. She was leaning toward the center path, but what if it was the wrong choice?

"We'll re-trace our steps."

The decipede answered her unspoken worry. She nodded, pointing a claw at it.

"Legs' right, we can try this one an' f'its off kilter we'll turn 'round an' come back..."

Tobias inclined his head obligingly, and the quartet made their way down the middle path. Eventually they came to a point where it turned sharply to the left. As they approached, the group was confronted suddenly by a loud crunch! Starting, Ottilie crept forward slowly and peered around the corner. After a minute she pulled back, shaking her head. The lepoid held Henry closer, whispering.

"What is it...?"

She shook her head again and indicated they should return the way they'd come. When she deemed them out of harm's way (for the moment, at least), she explained.

"Brightly coloured insect o'the grub persuasion. Quite large too. Was just eatin' a nut o'some sort off the ground, but I've no desire to engage a livin' thing that doesn't have any quarrel with me. We'd better--"

The soft drone she'd heard before cut her off, whizzing by over their heads. The robot (if it was the same robot she'd seen) was lost to view due to the thick vegetation, but both she and the lepoid followed the progress of the noise with their eyes as it faded into the distance. Tobias frowned.

"I don't like this. Lets go back and take the other passage."

Ottilie agreed, casting a troubled glance over her shoulder.

"Aye, don't much like the vibe here meself..."

Departing quickly, they turned at the split and started up the left path.

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Before Ottilie departed from her previous location, she and Jerin had roughly a two-hour walk between them. The Jack cleared this distance in only one, being smaller and able to pass over walls via narrow crevices in the thick overgrowth. Returning to Jerin, it hovered above his sleeping form, droning a polite greeting. When he didn't respond, it droned again a little louder, puzzled.

Regarding the smaller robot with a degree of loathing, Junk addressed it in binary.

"Do not pester my master. He is resting. Did you discover the location of Ottilie O'Dethburr?"

"I did, but she has since departed from the coordinates."

The Jack responded. Junk sounded almost smug as he retorted.

"Not surprising. The probability of little more than a kit's plaything going undetected was low..."

Moving to Jerin's head then, it intoned in his ear.

"Master, wake. We have a dilemma."

"Sleeping..."

He murmured. Junk prodded his neck with his plug-like tail insistently.

"Master, it is Miss Ottilie. She is moving."

He opened his eyes slightly upon hearing this.

"Too bright..."

"I know that as well as you, but unless your inferior robot is wrong, she departed, probably upon spotting it."

He didn't move at first. Then he bolted upright to confront the Jack, Ball rolling round and round one of his paws before dashing out a rapid 'good morning!' in the dirt.

"Is this true?"

The small bot droned guiltily, shrinking into itself. Jerin scowled, blinking multiple times at the bright shafts of sunlight that pierced the vines. Despite mostly being able to predict Ottilie's behavior, she still had her share of erratic moments, or else ended up in highly bizarre situations that even his mind couldn't predict. For instance, he had thought she would be sleeping through the night while her bug kept watch, or vice versa, and that neither would pay too much attention to a slight drone, especially when no danger was present or presented itself thereafter. Apparently that wasn't the case, or else the Jack was particularly bad at hiding.

He frowned. Come to think of it, his adversary was probably feeling quite paranoid given how many people might be after her...

"Map."

He said. Junk cast a glance at Aurora, who appeared to be sleeping. Cross and impatient due to his untimely awakening, Jerin drummed his claws against his forearms, drolling tensely.

"I'm waiting for a reason, I assume. What is it?"

Without further hesitation the robot projected the Complex diagram into the air in all its entirety. His long eared master knew it was only being cautious, but he also knew his possessing a map of the Complex did not make him the architect. He could have stolen or bought such a diagram from any number of powerful people or creatures. Hiding the fact from Aurora would only make him seem guiltier of more than bribery or petty theft, at least in his opinion.

Indicating the projection, he asked the Jack.

"Where was Ottilie when you found her initially?"

The robot contemplated the layout for three seconds, then drifted to a particular spot and indicated it with one of its orbs. Jerin traced the path to where it forked three ways. He studied each of these, then smiled, following the course of the left hand passage.

"Fly over the Complex until you reach this spot. Ottilie will not take the right hand path, or else if she does it will detain her further. All I ask is that you make it impossible for her to proceed down this middle corridor. Do you understand?"

The Jack droned compliantly once more before drifting upwards and squeezing between the vines. Yawning, Jerin flopped back down while Ball rolled about, buzzing thoughtfully. Still gazing after the Jack, Junk slithered up by his ear again.

"Master, why didn't you send me? I am far more capable of deterring Miss Ottilie than that thumb tack."

Jerin held up a paw.

"Sleeping."

Meanwhile, the Jack shot through the air above the Complex until it arrived at the spot Jerin had indicated. It hovered for a minute, pondering how to accomplish what its master required. Establishing a link with the waiting Ball, the pair conversed briefly, forming a plan. First the Jack scanned the area to see what they had to work with. A large, grub-like creature armed with sharp spines and three rows of teeth quickly caught Ball's interest. It appeared to be searching for food. Acting on the striped bot's orders, the other zipped to and fro before finally selecting a heavy brown nut growing from the tree of another area. Returning slightly slower due to the added weight, it squeezed the nut between two vines and dropped in front of the massive insect.

Smelling food, the grub lifted its head, curious. The Jack pulled back. The grub inched after it. The robot pulled back again. The insect crawled after, a little faster this time. Soon the little droid was speeding along with the bug closing in fast behind. It seemed to grow more and more annoyed the further the bot led it, gnashing its many teeth. The Jack had intended to drop the legume right at the first turn in the center path, but due to the weight and the speed at which the creature behind it was moving, it had to release it slightly beforehand.

Flying back up through the thick branches, it hovered in place while the grub started to eat, cracking the hard shell of the nut with unsurprising ease. Shortly Ottilie, Legs, Tobias, and Henry came along, and spotting the fearsome creature, turned and re-traced their steps as quickly and quietly as they could. Maneuvering over their heads, the Jack selected another secluded spot to watch from as they turned down the left path. Once it was certain they were on their way, it started back through the air, droning triumphantly to itself. Beside their master's head, Ball wiggled excitedly, taking up the celebratory tones.

Jerin didn't move. But he smiled in his sleep.

As Aurora slept, her mind continued to stir, turning again & again to the mysteries surrounding the Eulerian Complex. In her dreams she led the lost explorers into a cave to shelter them from the snow, only to find that the Eulerian Path was inside the cave & the explorers had become Ottilie & Jerin. In the dream, both wandered off down different passages, apparently unable to see- as Aurora could- that both paths led to the same door & the door looked as tightly locked as any door ever could be. Vaugely she wondered what was behind it. The Treasure perhaps? What was the Treasure? The scene shifted again, and she & Jerin were playing chess, with the people of Algos & Rithm as the pieces, whilst Jerin reminded her that the board was the most important component of the game & shifted it beneath the feet of the unsuspecting pieces. The two brothers had said that the Treasure would grant the king of Algos the power to end any future quarrels. Did that mean that the Treasure was powerful or dangerous- or both? In the dream Jerin shifted the board again & new pieces started to emerge from the board itself. These new pieces started eliminating both sides without prejudice.

Aurora shifted slightly in her sleep & the dream shifted as well. Now she moved through the abandoned ruins of a city- like many she had seen affected by war. Always before her, something sparkled and glowed, forever beyond reach and never anything more than an elusive, lumious shape. If you took the description of the Treasure- vauge though it was- in context, then it didn't seem to be dangerous in that it might threaten the future and stability of the world. It would also seem to end any quarrel or war in the favour of the one who wielded it. But what if Rithm got hold of it before Algos? Could the Treasure tell one from the other? Or would it work its power for any hand that laid hold of it? If the answer to the last question was yes then it had some pretty grim implications. What if Rithm got hold of it? What if criminals did? Or what if a mercenary like herself took it & awarded it to the highest bidder? Then there was no telling where it might end up. The dream changed yet again & Aurora saw a world filled with chaos & instability, whilst on a far horizon the glowing object sparkled, beyond the reach of anyone now. Aurora woke from her dream and looked around. Some hours seemed to have passed since she fell asleep. Jerin still slept where he had then & the Jack had returned. Recalling her dream Aurora wondered; whom should she help to take possession of the Treasure? Ottilie? Jerin? Or should she insure that the Treasure was never found at all? Perhaps it belonged here more than anywhere else. Aurora came to a decision. For now she would stay with Jerin. If she left later, she would observe Ottilie & Jerin both & see who got to the heart of the Complex first. Only when she had seen the Treasure with her own eyes would she decide if either Ottilie or Jerin should take it- or if neither should. Besides, it would certainly be an interesting journey. After all, who knew what else they might encounter the deeper into the Complex they went?

OOC: Ok, I've put together more information regarding the NPC idea. I'll open by pointing out what is probably a given: if we get anywhere near the end of this thing Ottilie and Jerin are going to have some sort of final confrontation. What I was thinking is we could do something along those lines with these NPCs, having each geared to a different one of your characters, so that everyone gets a moment to shine against a specific opponent. Here are my ideas so far:

Mercenary for Rithm: This character would be in direct opposition to Ottilie's interests. Aurora might already know him or her as well since they're in the same line of work.

Paranormal Investigator: This character adds a fresh element of tension to the story and would allow us to delve deeper into the alien aspect of Tobias, which I personally feel is too interesting to ignore. It also puts more pressure on his character, seeing as he wants to remain in the Complex and a P.I. will probably be trying to remove him from it (and by proxy, Henry).

Knight of Algos: This character would obviously be for rather than against Ottilie's cause. I just think it would help further the storytelling if we had someone representing Algos more directly than her (seeing as she hasn't been involved in their war until recently).

Let me know if you guys have any ideas or if you want anything added to what I've got here. If not, I'm already at work on bios for the NPCs and I'll start inserting them into the play as soon as I'm done.

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Jerin drew in a slow, deep breath, completely at ease. He was a kit again, taking a brief respite in the oldest forest (his forest) of the Oasis. His subconscious shifted, colors and sounds running together in uneven, designless patterns, too subdued or gelatinous or out of focus for him to accept them as reality. Now he was talking to Aurora (no, wait...it had been Jeanne at the time) on a balcony of the Laplacian Academy.

What language is that?

Nothing practical. A tongue that exists only sometimes. Like those who speak it.

It's very pretty. Musical, almost. Would you teach me?

It was her voice, but from the mouth of a Raider. She should have been born one, right? The desert that kept the mountain that kept the Oasis that kept his forest safe...he was back then, leaning against a tree, and it was there. Not at full force as it had once been for him, but still. The earth, the air, the water, the planet itself, everything. It was the Source, and it was singing.

It's very pretty. Musical, almost.

Jeanne, Aurora...her words echoed, wrapped in sand, and his heart ached, just ached and ached to feel it like he once had. Everything was getting dimmer, the greens and browns and whites of his forest less vibrant than before.

No.

He begged silently.

No, please...please just let me keep this.

But it was already gone and he was being pulled (called?) away. From far off he acknowledged it then, the song. Not the Source's, but a song he knew. He followed it, reminded of her. She was high up in a mountain, twinkling lights and snowflakes dancing in whirling motifs against the night sky. The wind was strong, and she was bright, brighter than the rest of his memories, so he could almost believe she was real. She looked a bit too much like the other one, didn't she? Her face kept melting into his. She laughed.

Ta help you wake up. So bollocksy well wake up, ok...?

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He opened his eyes. Beside his ear, the watch trilled softly, the same mechanical melody that had called him from his dreams. He turned his head to stare at it, and continued to do so long after the song had ended.

"Master?"

Junk inquired. Jerin looked back at the robot, his expression strangely tranquil.

"Hm?"

"You're awake."

He chuckled, returning to himself.

"And you're as observant as ever..."

He sat up then, stretching languidly. The watch dangled back and forth, bumping his torso gently and letting out one last tiny plink. Taking it up tenderly, he wound the device before tucking it back inside his coat.

"Aurora?"

He then inquired with a frown, noticing he was alone. Junk slithered up his right arm, explaining.

"She went to look for food."

"Ah."

Ball and Jack greeted him, the former making enthusiastic swirls in the dirt before dashing out 'good evening!' while the latter flitted about his head, droning proudly. Junk's eye flashed, and he seemed to take no pleasure in what he said next.

"They accomplished the task you set them to."

Jerin smiled, bowing his head graciously to the pair.

"I had no doubt they would."

Both robots droned and twirled in dizzy delight at this, and he laughed, leaning back against the fountain. His stomach rumbled after a minute.

"Breakfast?"

He queried, grinning with an almost wicked pleasure at the bot on his shoulder. Its response was reproachful.

"Master, you would do better to--"

"--I promise I'll eat some fruit later, doc."

Junk inclined its head, and a slot slid open in the side. A perfectly preserved peanut butter sandwich popped out. Taking it gleefully, Jerin started to eat while he waited for Aurora's return.

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Ottilie and Tobias were initially pleased with their decision, as the left path proved to be far more scenic and serene than its neighbors. After some time though both began to be bothered by how often it twisted, turned, and looped around, as it grew more and more difficult to tell if they were going forwards or backwards. Finally the Oasis creature halted, warily remarking.

"Oy, we seem ta be safe fer now, an' anyway, I don't think we should go further along this route at present. Lets rest here."

"Sounds good... "

The lepoid remarked almost absently, settling Henry as comfortably as he could before seating himself beside the boy. Ottilie covered him back up with her blanket, then curled up across from them, sleepily intoning.

"Rest f'you feel inclined, Tobe. Legs'll keep watch..."

She was asleep almost as soon as the words left her mouth, and woke some hours later, rejuvenated by the coming twilight as much as the actual rest. Remember her original plan then, and seeing that Tobias was also awake while Henry still slept, she sat up quickly, addressing him.

"Good evenin' mate. I apologize f'this seems rather sudden, but might I have a word with ya in private? Won't take but a minute, and Legs can watch o'er Henry."

"You'll fa'give me if I decline. Not much point in being a guardian if ya don't guard, e'la. Don't think you can say anything Corky shouldn't hear.... rather what he hasn't heard before."

Ottilie bit her lip. It wasn't Henry she was worried about...

"He's right Kitto. It's only us. No point being so secretive."

She sighed, conceding this with a nod and comforting herself with the knowledge that at least she could get it over with all at once. Looking back at Tobias, the Oasis creature asked.

"Well then, d'ya remember any o'what ya told me several hours ago? An' f'so, was all o'it true?"

The rabbit seemed lucid, but he seemed to have trouble focusing, "I'm not sure. What did I say?"

Ottilie ticked off the main points of their conversation on her claws.

"Lets see...ya told me ya were from another planet, that ya couldn't rightly explain what happened back there in the pit, that yer tryin' ta keep hold o'whate'er it is fer Henry's sake, an' that the two o'ya are lyin' low in here ta avoid the kit's father."

Before Tobias had the chance to corroborate any of this, Legs broke in, chattering incredulously.

"Wait, he actually told you the first? In all seriousness?"

She sighed. This wasn't going to be easy.

"Aye mate, s'what I--er, he said."

The insect shook silently, then let out a series of chirr chirr chirrs before managing to follow her comment.

"Well goodness Kitto, where are your manners? Source knows you use only the loftiest of protocols in the presence of extraterrestrial life!"

The Oasis creature frowned at his raillery.

"Makes more sense'n before..."

Legs' mirth subsided, and he regarded her severely.

"Ah huh. Because everything hes done to this point has been so other worldly. Can we part ways yet?"

She took a deep breath, checking a sharp reply before continuing as gently but firmly as she could.

"M'talkin' ta Tobias, ok mate? Please let me finish with 'im an' then I promise we'll get down ta it."

The decipede crossed two pairs of arms, but inclined its head.

"Alright, Kit, alright. I get it. Least I'll have a laugh until then."

Relieved as she was her companion was relenting (for the moment, at least), Ottilie found herself looking away self-consciously, her normally boisterous confidence fleeing in lieu of embarrassment at being undermined by her mechanic in front of those she'd just barely met.

Bollocks...that was so unprofessional...

Chiding herself for this behavior, the Oasis creature looked up.

"I...um...that is..."

She started, then looked down again. Somewhere his voice echoed, though she wasn't sure why she should think of it now.

Never lower your eyes to me, O. The trick isn't knowing I understand more than you think. It's knowing I think more than you understand.

Smiling a little at this, Ottilie relaxed. Raising her head, she made eye contact with the lepoid, smoothly picking up where she left off.

"M'sorry. It was rude o'him ta sing out when he did. Please, does any o'what I was sayin' before ring a bell?"

Through the gloomy and intricate passageways of the Eulerian Complex Aurora stealthily padded, seeking to add to the supplies she'd managed to put together. Having left Jerin, the first place she had gone was the chamber they'd met in, the one festooned with blooms. As she'd suspected, some of the vines adorning the walls there sported gourds. They were not unlike grapes in texture and appearance, but closer to apples in size. Having picked a cluster or two of the gourds, Aurora had followed her sharp sense of smell into an adjoining room. The blooms had been less numerous in there, because the majority of the light had been taken up by trees. Not large trees- no larger than an average apple tree- but quite thick-trunked & gnarled with age. Her nose hadn't failed her: Fruits grew upon the trees. Some were a startlingly deep shade of violet, some a lighter honey-gold shade, all about the size of a clenched fist. Having plucked a substantial amount of these, Aurora had taken her foraging efforts elsewhere.

She was wandering now, down a gloomy little passage- a mere alleyway compared with some of the corridors they'd already been through- tracking the sound of flowing water. After a few twists & turns she found the source of the sound. About five feet in front of her, the small passage seemed to have been sliced through- from floor to ceiling- by some gigantic, blunt-edged knife. The result was that the passage was roughly bisected- it resumed again after about ten feet- and in the ten foot space between one section of passageway and another was the water. A fast-flowing stream moved through the gap where the floor should be; fed by a waterfall that descended in place of the left-hand wall. Where the water went once it exited through the gap in the right-hand wall Aurora could only imagine. Extending the tip of her tail to test the water, Aurora got a surprise- the water was warm! Remembering the steam-filled corridor of the night before, Aurora shot the stream a guarded look. The steam had to have come from somewhere, just as the warm water before her did. As she looked into the stream she noticed flashes of silvery light from beneath the surface. Fish!

Crouching by the water's edge Aurora flicked her arm forward and back again, her speed enabling her to catch the fish without too much trouble. They looked not unlike a species known to her, though with slight differences in appearence. If they were anything like those fish then they would make for decent survival food: not much taste, but substantial for small fish & quite nutritious. Once she had about six or so, she retraced her steps. As she approached the fountain again, she saw that Jerin seemed to be eating something. He looked up as she drew near, his attention drawn as the Ball & Jack zoomed over to greet her. "I take it the hunt for breakfast went well then?" he asked, casting an eye over the things she carried. "You could say that," she responded as she sat down beside him. Indicating the supplies she had retrieved she added, "fruit or fish-take your pick. The fish will take longer to prepare though, and I hope you've brought something tasty along, because I don't think these'll taste of anything much..."

Jerin winked at her, swallowing the last of his sandwich.

"I have just the thing..."

He searched his pockets and sleeves, frowning. Then he looked back at her, a sly smile crossing his features.

"Ah, here we are!"

And with a twist of his paw, he pulled a jar mostly full of chocolate sauce out of her ear.

"I daresay you'll appreciate this more than I do."

Junk piped up, having finished scanning the assortment of fruit.

"Master, these violet pomes will provide sufficient nourishment."

"Very well. All I ask is that we make this quick. O will be moving again soon if she isn't already, and I'd like to engage her tonight."

The rabbit seemed agitated, at first it seemed for no reason. His eyes almost seemed purple, not blue. perhaps it was an illusion of shadow coming from the eerie walls of the maze. Whatever the cause the lepoid soon gave voice to his reason.

"naweleyake'na kaxaw."

She looked confused at first, "s'cuse me?"

"A dessert on Mesric. It's baked grasshopper. It's actually rather tastey."

She placed a protective paw around the insect nervously.

"Er...sounds lovely..."

The decipede pulled itself over her claws to chitter fearlessly.

"Yeah? Well where we come from you'd have been dessert for a pack of Guarthians by now, bub. Lucky for you they'll eat anything, crazy or not."

He looked up at Ottilie, pointing at Tobias.

"Tell him what I said. I refuse to believe he actually understands me. Just picked up on my tone before, probably."

She shot him a look. He rolled his eyes, but held up two pairs of arms in defeat.

"Ok Kitto, don't hit me with the eye. I'll go do some scouting to find out where we are exactly. Beats sitting around here listening to you play diplomat to some pretender anyway."

Leaping from her shoulder to the wall, he scampered up the vines and through the foliage, where he was lost to view. The creature looked after him forlornly, then turned back to Tobias.

"M'sorry. Again."

She sighed.

"Feels like all I've done since we mets apologize..."

Aurora smiled a wide smile at Jerin's trick, though not all the grin was simply appreciation for the trick itself. Jerin didn't fail to spot the way her eyes lit up as she noticed the contents of the jar. Taking it appreciatively, she said softly, "you remembered!" Jerin grinned back at his former pupil. "Dear girl," he replied, "those who are both members of our race and affectionados of dairy products are in such a minority that, once I'd met another besides myself, I'd hardly be likely to forget her own particular favourite!" Aurora nodded at this whilst at the same time setting to work. "If moving fast is the order for tonight," she said, "then I suggest you start on some of those violet pomes that Junk has recommended whilst I prepare these fish. Then we can divide up the fish equally- if you want any that is- pack any surplus fruit & get moving". Jerin raised an eyebrow quizzically at her. "What about your portion of fruit?" he enquired. "I can eat that on my feet," Aurora assured him. Jerin nodded by way of a reply and picked up one of the violet fruits.

A short time later they were on the move again, the Ball and Jack moving in orbits around Jerin & Aurora respectively. Aurora walked a little behind Jerin, still munching on the remains of one of the fruits. She had favoured the honey-coloured ones over the violet ones Junk had recommended & discovered they had quite a flavour. It was the kind of flavour that would, as one long-ago acquaintance of Aurora's would have put it, "fill your stomach but frighten your tongue". It was a taste that, whilst not unpleasant, definitely let you know you were awake. The remaining fruits were carefully stored in Aurora's light back-pack. As her mercury-coloured eyes kept track of Jerin Aurora was thoughtful. He wished to engage Ottilie tonight. And Aurora couldn't help but wonder what might happen if he finally did...

As they continued onwards, Jerin found he had to keep himself from moving too eagerly and speaking too often. He was accustomed to traveling in long periods of silence, save for the occasional question for Junk about some aspect of whatever business they were up to. Here though the creature had two things he seldom did: someone he was looking forward to reaching, and someone he enjoyed talking to.

Following the left path as the one they were on split in two directions, he finally spoke, though he still regarded his words carefully so as not to give too much away.

"I have not seen Ottilie in something like...six months, I think it was? Junk?"

"Yes master, over six actually."

Aurora swallowed a bite of fruit behind him.

"Oh? Why so long?"

He turned around and started walking backwards, answering her as he did so with a shrug and a laugh.

"Excellent question! I'm hoping she can answer that one more thoroughly than I."

His smile faded, and he frowned, tapping his chin with a claw as he remarked thoughtfully.

"I suppose I have been working a lot more. That might have something to do with it. Have I been working more?"

He inquired, poking his companion. The robot had twisted around to watch where he was going, but dryly replied.

"If by 'more' you mean 'at all,' master, then yes."

Jerin winked at the mercenary.

"Why Junk, an attempt at humor? You're my witness, dear girl."

Junk protested.

"It was nothing of the sort--"

Here it swiveled its head around to inform Aurora.

"--six months ago he used to lie in bed nineteen out of twenty four hours. He spent the remaining five ingesting peanut butter, reading, and not returning his messages. Comparatively, he was not working at all then."

Aurora took another bite of the fruit she held to cover her smile, and Jerin rolled his eyes, pushing some fur out of them with a claw.

"I was doing research so I could work. Sort of."

The mercenary swallowed, wiping some juice from her mouth before asking.

"What have you been working on?"

He craned his head around at another split in the path, considering it as much as the question before making his way (still backwards) up the right corridor.

"Oh, several projects..."

His next words were annoyed.

"My master computer always seems to have some sort of urgent request for me lately. It's infuriating. One of the reasons I came here was to get away from all that, actually."

Junk piped up, reminding him.

"You still have three more offers to accept or deny when we return, master."

The former Oasis resident scowled at this. Aurora tilted her head at him, smiling.

"Why accept offers for work at all if they annoy you so?"

He waved the question off with a remark that was both casual and common.

"Keeping the other six of seven off my tail."

It was an expression that simply meant an individual had to do something, or else face multiple unthinkable consequences. This wasn't news to Aurora of course, and it wasn't what made her consider the saying's history for the first time in a long time.

Supposedly over six hundred years ago the Jerin Jestwood of legend collected seven of the most talented criminals in the underworld (himself included) into one gang. They called themselves The Lucky Seven. Infamous, lethal and seemingly incapable of being caught no matter what they did, they preyed on the most luxurious and wealthy cities for over five centuries, acquiring riches that would make the world's most prosperous beings weep for sheer joy. A tight knit group, they were apparently so much like family that none of them saw their mastermind's betrayal coming, or perhaps chose not to see it. The story went that roughly one hundred years prior to the present Jerin took every bit of their shared wealth, leaving not a single gem behind when he vanished in one of his more legendary disappearing acts. What became of the six (if they did indeed even exist) was unknown. The rumors and talk that spread from the deed quickly led to the rise of the expression though, friends and neighbors joking that so and so better do whatever 'to keep the other six of seven off his tail.' The mercenary had to wonder about Jerin's use of it now. The other six members of the Seven had been no less dangerous than their leader...

His voice brought her back. It was edged with amusement, but his eyes regarded her a little too intently.

"Is it such an interesting expression? I only ask because you look so pensive..."

Aurora paused momentarily before answering Jerin's question. "I don't know if you'd call it interesting exactly," she said, "but I suppose you could call it that as well. It's just that the expression has a significance for me & brings back quite a lot of memories". She fell silent again, seeming to gaze at some distant, unseeable thing over Jerin's shoulder before continuing. "I was nearly twenty years old when the events that gave rise to that expression occurred," she began, "I remember it like it was yesterday. The sudden vanishing of the leader of the Lucky Seven caused huge ripples in the criminal underworld. Things didn't settle down for years after, although at that time I didn't think too much about it. It wasn't really my concern after all. The thing that gave the phrase new significance for me," she continued, "happened nearly thirty years later. I'd become a sort of free-lance private investigator. Top-notch, only accepting cases from government-funded organisations & extremely wealthy individuals. In Rithm there was a guy in a similar line of work, almost as good as I was. Professionally we were rivals, beyond profession though, we were friends & he was one of the few people besides yourself I have little difficulty talking to. Even our rivalry was a friendly thing, it brought out the best in both of us".

Aurora drew a deep breath before unfolding her story further. "Then," she informed Jerin, "I got a really big case fall into my lap. Tough, complicated, really big cheque promised for solving it. The kind of case you only get once in a lifetime. As I worked on it though, it got stranger & far more dangerous. Seemed, whatever then-recent event had brought it to my client's attention it had very deep, dark roots. Then I got a call from my friend. It turned out we were working the same case from two different angles. He suggested we join forces & solve the case together. That alone should tell you how unusual this case was, since normally we'd be racing each other to see who'd solve it first. I agreed to this & we pooled our resources. Well, the further we got into it, the deeper it went," Aurora continued, "and the more dangerous it became. Then my friend went to investigate a promising lead. I found him six hours later, behind some hulk of an abandoned warehouse, lying in a pool of his own blood. I got him to a hospital, but he died a week later".

Aurora fell silent again, once more staring over Jerin's shoulder, as though she saw the events of her past replaying before her eyes. Then, just as Jerin was wondering if he should say something, she resumed her narrative. "After that," she told him, "I searched as carefully and extensively as I could, but the trail suddenly went cold. I'd solved the aspects of the case my client wanted solving, so I got that big cheque, but I didn't get any sense of satisfaction from it. I've never been able to prove it, but I think that case put us on the trail of the Lucky Seven- or some of them. And I think my friend was killed because he was too close to finding out the truth". Jerin looked thoughtful as Aurora finished her tale. "I'm sorry," he said quietly, "I didn't know". Aurora managed a smile as she looked back at him. "It's okay," she said, "it happened a long time ago. I'm okay with people using the expression- let's face it; I'd be a wreck by now if I wasn't. I just try not to use it myself though, out of respect for a fallen comrade". Jerin nodded. "I see," he said, "I'll try to bear that in mind. Now however, let us turn our mind to more pleasant things, namely finding dear O". Aurora nodded her agreement & they continued on their way...

Turning back around, Jerin was careful not to let Aurora see his amiable smile fade into a grim scowl as he contemplated all she'd told him. Scratching the tuft of fur on his chin, he paged through the mental image of each of the dossiers on his former comrades in conjunction with the state the mercenary had found her friend in before he died. Neither Bandit nor Hack had the stomach for murder. Merewen would never have killed anyone in such a messy fashion. Ange? Unlikely. That left Fury and Fafnir. Between the two, it sounded more like something Fury would do, knowing his short temper and violent tendencies. Still, a thorough understanding of the creatures he'd kept company with for over five centuries told Jerin it had not been Fury. When he wasn't enraged he would have left well enough alone, and when he was he would have murdered more or caused extensive damage to the surrounding property. Meaning the mind that performed the execution belonged to...

Fafnir Corsir...he was a humble sea pirate when I met him. Intelligent, odd, a little broken hearted out of longing, and just dying to get away from everything he had. I saw myself in him. I was thirty-three. He was thirty-one. He gave me purpose. I gave him the Heart's Blood.

The Heart's Blood was Fafnir's airship and the most feared vessel to ever cruise the skies. It hadn't been sighted in over a hundred years, but any ship flying colors that even resembled the Blood's was still avoided at all costs. Jerin had designed it and overseen most of the construction. Other than the monorail that ran through the Oasis, it was the greatest vehicle he'd engineered to date. Faf loved that ship, and to its creator's knowledge, never captained another after her. He closed his eyes briefly against a memory. He stood at the Blood's railing with its captain, and the whole world lay beneath them, as they'd promised themselves it would one day.

Source knows I could build you a better ship than this, Faf. For less credit, too.

Better'n the Blood, Jerry? I don't think so.

His scowl deepened.

He always was set in his ways. No regard for spontaneity.

His thoughts were interrupted then by a distant, repetitive clanging emanating from a path they were approaching that veered off from the main. The corridor from which the noise sounded wasn't the correct way, but something about it made Jerin pause. Hearing it as well, the mercenary stopped beside him, casting a guarded look down the path.

"More robots?"

Jerin shook his head, brow furrowed in thought as Ball drew question marks in the dirt.

"No...but it's familiar..."

He trailed off, strolling down the passage. They made several turns, and then the source of the noise was revealed to them in the form of Ottilie's fallen weapon, spinning wildly in the dirt where it had landed some distance from where she released it. The creature squatted down a few feet away.

"Junk, if you would?"

Slipping from his shoulder, the robot circled carefully before darting in to strike the switch back into the 'off' position. Powering down, the blades folded back into the handle neatly, and it dropped to the ground. Moving forward, Jerin took the weapon in one paw, studying it as he got to his feet.

"The girl I encountered was carrying a pair of those."

Aurora said. Jerin nodded, running a claw along the chips in one blade fondly as a smile drew across his features.

"I would know this weapon anywhere. Its Ottilie's."

He mused softly.

"She'll want it back..."

Pocketing the device, he returned the way they'd come. Aurora frowned as she followed, casting a glance over one shoulder.

"Wouldn't we do better to follow the path they were on?"

Jack and Ball droned smugly as he answered.

"The path we were on and the route they've taken run into each other."

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Hopping along and over the walls with practiced ease, Legs surveyed the area somewhat absently. He hadn't lied when he told Ottilie he was leaving to check on their progress. But there was another reason he'd departed. Linked as they were, the insect had felt his charge's confidence wane after he interrupted her, and as professionalism was the order of the day, he'd wisely taken off to allow her to talk with Tobias more comfortably. He didn't intend to go far, though. No telling what the rabbit-like creature would do, given his mental state.

Frowning suddenly, Legs paused atop a thick vine, looking around.

This isn't right.

He thought, mouthparts clicking together sharply.

It looks like we're getting further from the center, not closer...

Realization dawned on him then, and he cursed their luck.

The path twists and turns so much that at some point you can't tell its diverted you back to the beginning...I have to tell Ottilie!

His suspicions about and contempt for Tobias momentarily laid to rest by this new development, Legs leapt swiftly back to where he'd left the group.

"You shouldn't," the rabbit said quietly, "Not the best policy ta rationalize for people. Not that I've found anyway. Best to get them to admit the mistake and fix it. Been my plan with Corky ta this point anyway." He sighed, "You were arguing about us, easy enough to tell that. Bugman's not to shiny on us, I'm used to it, my race was on the low end when I born. Folks mutterin' around cuz of my race ain't new, doesn't mean I'm going to keep my mouth shut bout it."

The boy shifted on his back, he was awake and the rabbit knew it. But feigning sleep was a way to gain physical contact without giving up his tough guy facade. The rabbit nodded to himself, "Truth told? I got a headstart on picking up what your buddy's saying. Place I'm from, we're empaths to some degree, makes it easier to communicate when you got an idea how someone is feeling." He looked grim after that, "Everything I said was fact, take it for what it's worth. I ain't here for whatever it is your second half is thinking. Though I get the picture we're in a whole mess-a trouble."

Aurora let her expression remain impassive as she followed Jerin along the Eulerian Path, but quite a number of concerns were starting to lodge themselves in the back of her head. If Jerin was the Jerin & he was after the same Treasure Ottilie was, then was he simply after it because someone had paid him for it or were there other reasons? The Treasure could apparently end the Algos/Rithm war but was that all it could do? Aurora didn't like to admit it, but an unpleasant theory was growing in the deeper recesses of her mind.

Having been alive when the Lucky Seven were betrayed by their leader, Aurora had a better idea than many living today as to how wrathful & vengeful they had been at the time & remembered well for how long they had dominated the criminal underworld. None of them had ever been caught & if they still lived (and there was no reason to suspect otherwise despite their silence this last century or so) they still had vast influence over the underworld. If the other six of seven were using that influence to try and track down their former leader, then what might Jerin's response be? True he might seek to divert their attention by taking work, but was that all? What of those projects he had vaugely mentioned he'd been working on? Were they just work, or were they part of a strategy Jerin was beginning to unfold? Suppose- just suppose- that Jerin had grown tired of having the other six of seven after him & had decided to shake up the board again? What if he was running projects that would shake the underworld to its foundations? What if, once he had the Treasure he planned to turn its power against the other members of the Lucky Seven and end the contention between them for good? Of course that theory depended on the Treasure being able to work that way, but it didn't seem too much of a stretch of the imagination to Aurora. But if it was true, then what might the broader implications be? Once having eliminated his former allies, would Jerin simply vanish into the chaos that would ensue, or would he have something grander than that in mind? Some scheme to surprise & shake up every nation the world over? Or should she stop worrying too much? Aurora dragged her mind off of that line of speculation with an effort, and focused it on her other worry: Ottilie.

As a mercenary Aurora knew how people tended to develop an attachment to personal weapons & equipment (since she almost never carried any weapons herself Aurora was a rare exception). If Ottilie was anything like any other weapon-handler she'd known, then she'd never have willingly left one of her weapons behind. The fact that it had still been running when found confirmed that. Which meant that she'd been forced to leave it behind by something. Aurora was now almost as anxious to catch up to Ottilie's team as Jerin was himself, but for entirely different reasons. Whatever Jerin's motivation might be, Aurora wanted to find out if they were still alive...

Ottilie automatically reached up to turn the bead around her neck over and over in two claws as she contemplated all he'd said.

"Pretty sound advice, mate. Thank you. Yer right. I don't mean ta apologize fer him. Just tryin' in me own way ta make e'eryone see in him what I do, I guess. He meant no offense ta yer race though, honest. He doesn't trust strangers 'til they prove themselves ta him s'all. But when you do..."

She smiled brightly.

"...well, f'you do, you'll see what I see in him fer yerself. An' I s'pose ya can understand that ta some degree already. When I first saw ya I knew ya were different. Ya talk with yer eyes like we do."

Glancing down at Henry, the creature said softly.

"Legs'd die fer me. Might not seem like much, seein' how small he is, but s'like Henry here, aye? Small in size, but big hearted, an' very capable in his own right."

She looked away before continuing. Then, she looked back at him, resolve written in her eyes.

"I want ya ta know why we're here. The whole truth, I mean. I'll trust ya now 'cause I believe all o'what ya told me, an' 'cause m'grateful fer yer aid thus far."

She took a deep breath.

"M'retrievin' whats in here fer Prince Icosian Calculus o'Algos, calculation center o'the world. He's young still, prolly only a little older'n yer charge. Needs sumthin' ta believe in badly, though, an' I think this might be it. More'n that, a lot o'people think whate'er's in here might be capable o'endin' the civil war between Algos and Rithm, her sister country."

She leaned back, gazing up at patches of the night sky through the overgrowth.

"I was given the key ta unlock the treasure by the prince himself. M'told without it the task is nearly impossible. S'what I meant when I said there might be people after me 'bout the treasure, 'cause o'the key."

She clasped her claws together firmly to prevent herself from shaking. As she was saying all of this, the overwhelming nature of her task was sinking in.

"I need ta reach the center o'this place, mate. I promised him. An' he smiled when I swore--"

She pressed her forehead to her palms dejectedly.

"--source knows I couldn't drag more'n one out o'him, an' I never know quite how to anyway...humans, they're so..."

She shook her head, looking up again.

"M'sorry...heh, 'nother apology, but m'ramblin.' Point is, aye, we're in more danger here than we'd be even in the Bush. Bollocks, wait, ya don't know what the Bush is prolly...well, nevermind. Now ya know the truth n'any case."

She finished softly.

"Please don't think me a liar, mate. I wasn't tryin' ta be dishonest with you. Only cautious, an' more fer Legs at that. F'you didn't want ta continue on in here with me I wouldn't blame ya though, specially after ya got banged up as ya did."

Her brows lifted in concern.

"Speakin' o'which, hows yer shoulder? I can sling it f'that would be more comfortable."

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They'd been walking quite a while when Jerin stopped abruptly. Smiling tight-lipped at the lighter ground before them, he threw his head back and pressed a paw to his forehead, remarking melodramatically.

"Oh, say it isn't so..."

Scooping up a rock, he took his frustration out on the patch of earth, throwing it as hard as he could. Twin doors immediately swung open upon impact, revealing a pit of whirring saws that zipped back and forth along several rows of track. At the same time lasers hidden in the walls fired wildly at the stone as it fell.

"Hm."

He turned to look at Junk, gesturing at the death trap.

"Shut it up."

"As you wish, master. Time is the only variable I cannot control."

"Get me an estimate then. If it's going to take too long, I'll think of something else."

The robot inclined its head, slithering down his shoulder and over the edge of the pit. He looked back at Aurora with a shrug and an apologetic smile.

"Suppose we should take a break anyway..."

Sitting down, Jerin watched as Ball peered into the trap while Jack hovered around it anxiously. They conversed briefly before the striped bot rolled back to the creature's side. Nudging his knee, it droned encouragingly. He smiled at this, patting it fondly.

"Don't worry, small one. 'A scholar has poorly used his time awhile, If he cannot a carpenter beguile.'"

Stretching out, he gazed up at the night sky, his mind wandering in several different directions.

The link between two creatures is a strange thing. It functions mostly by way of emotion, but only through admission is a complete, unbroken link fully formed. At present Jerin and Aurora were not linked at all. The Oasis renegade had considered the possibility long ago when he saw her more frequently, but the timing had not been right, as he'd been in far too much danger to allow anyone he was remotely fond of to be that close to his thoughts. Despite this, he didn't need a link to tell him Aurora was one who was always thinking. He'd seen that much in her eyes when she was his student, and could vaguely imagine what sort of theories were flying around inside her head now. The creature smiled. Problematic or not, she had a mind he was proud to have helped shape.

It would be something to know you, dear girl. Sadly though, circumstances are once again not conducive to such an arrangement.

He thought, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye. If anything, perhaps he could use this time to quell her worries should she choose to probe him for information...

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Elsewhere in the Complex, a slim figure slipped soundless through the dark. Clad in black and ornamented with strange technological devices, her curves and the long lashes of her mismatched eyes revealed her to be female. Within one of her ears, a voice buzzed loudly through a commlink.

"Agent two two nine, please confirm position."

The female cupped a paw to the ear, making a face as she exclaimed into the mouthpiece attached to the device.

"Ya know Tam, I'll still be able to hear you at a lower decibel. If you're interested in conserving power, I mean."

The voice chuckled.

"Affirmative. Still waiting on that confirmation."

She rolled her eyes.

"Yeah yeah, I'm moving into the northeastern quadrant. I still haven't found so much as a spook, though. Is upstairs sure about this?"

"The foreign presence is strong enough to merit investigation."

She flipped another ear over her shoulder with a frown.

"My equipment disagrees with you."

"I'm sorry agent. Would you rather get back to chasing Wisps on the Emerald Isle?"

She smiled wryly.

"Point taken. So, what, I just keep wandering around? Not that I don't admire what they've done with their robots, Tam, I'm just looking for some direction here."

"Stay on the path you're on and keep your eyes open. Whatever we're registering is close by."

She nodded.

"Right."

"And Elsie?"

She cringed a little at the use of her real name.

"What?"

"Don't mess this up, ok? If it turns out to be anything, this could--"

She cut him off angrily.

"--be my big break. I know that, I'm not stupid. Thanks for the show of good faith."

Hanging up, she removed the commlink from her ear with a scowl.

Alright, enough of this. Ready or not, here I come!

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OOC: Ok, here's the first NPC!

Name: Elsinoire Balefur AKA Special Agent 229
Species: ??? (Creature)
Age: 27 Years Old
Occupation: Paranormal Investigator
Personality: Competent and cheeky, Elsie reacts defensively when she's feeling insecure or afraid. She uses baiting comments to lure her subjects into blurting out what they might normally not, and has a reporter's sense about how to get the 'full story' on those she pursues. Despite all this, Else has a good heart (and is even somewhat of a romantic beneath her tough exterior). She just desperately wants to prove herself and gets so caught up in doing so she forgets to examine her actions sometimes.
Backstory: Elsinoire is an orphan who was taken in and raised by the Paranormal Investigation Agency (P.I.A.) shortly after they found her in the Bush. She considers the Agency and the creatures and people who work there her surrogate family since she has no relatives of her own. This might also account for her desperation to prove herself to her superiors, seeing as she does consider them 'parents' and has no one else to seek this sort of vindication from.
Skills and Abilities: Elsinoire is deadly with the twin laser guns she carries, well educated, very mechanically savvy, has excellent hearing, and is (above all) very persistent.
Priorities: Determining if Tobias Underwood is a threat to others or the planet, determining if the Oasis exists, climbing the corporate ladder, and proving herself to her superiors.

She has five ears, two on top of her head, two on either side of her face, and one on the back of her skull. They give her better all around hearing than even Jerin, though he can still detect things that are further away more easily than she can. In addition, puffs of fur at the end of each ear and her tail can be used to soak up water during times of drought (Else was born in the Bush, a horrible place with unstable weather). As far as coloration goes, she is tan in color with black markings. One of her eyes is normal, but the other appears black with a white pupil, like Ottilie and Jerin's.

"Through a mirror darkly..." He muttered to himself, nodding.

"Shoulder should be fine, had time to meditate so the pain should be less fer a good bit." the rabbit said nodding again.

"Haven't met a man yet that liked Henry. He's arrogant, immature, talks with a foot stuck in his mouth, and worst overall ta most folk he's a kid. Baggage in the eyes of most you'll meet in our circles. Thats all you'll see, all there is to see really." He said sighing, "People ain't perfect, I don't blame you fer lying 'er your bug buddy for snarling." He looked hesitant, since he knew his luggage was listening for sure now. "I came here not long ago, dunno how exactly, but one night I was asleep on my ship.. next? Well, woke up in an inn. After a week or so I made this way of talkin so I fit the part of drifter. Can't have a learned homeless man now can ya."

"'Bout that time, I was still remembering pieces of my life before this. Didn't fully come back till I met this guy," he nudged his shoulder at the boy, "Didn't know he was a hellion then. Just a kid in over his head with the wrong kinda folk. Wasn't till after that the innocent doe eyes vanished I saw what ya'll see now. Still don't know if he was just doing it to get outta the situation er not. But the moment I said my name and he repeated it all came rushin back like a tidal wave."

Again he hesitated, but something told him to continue, "I knew him, Henry that is. Not from this planet, but mine. When I realized that, I got my first inkling that something more than interplanetary travel's going on. I can't explain it yet though, dunno how there are two-a him. But I knew another Henry, looked and acted just like this one." His face suddenly soured as if a horrible stench had swept into his nostils, "Even their fathers are the same. I'll avoid that sore subject though. If your man is like my boy, I'll hold my tongue, e'la."

He looked sheepish for a second, "Seems yer not the only rambler here. miss. But if you folks are gonna depend on me you need to know me some. Yer right though, we do talk with our eyes. Half o'me is noble birth, so I carry a little of their sixth sense. Can read what people are feeling... lot better than just watching body movement and facial expression. Can't poker-face me I guess is what I'm sayin'. Got other tricks, like whatcha saw back there. Most I don't care to show 'em 'less I hafta."

The small hand dangling over his shoulder reached up and gripped the rabbit's shirt, Henry's eyes were squeezed shut a little tighter than they should have been for a sleeping person. Tobias's face moved back to one more of concern than anything. "Henry wouldn't die fer me." The rabbit thought for moment and corrected himself, "Not to say he wouldn't try, but I won't let him. I'm the older an it's my job to protect him." He reached up and grabbed hold of Henry's hand for a minute, jolting the child and forcing his sleeping facade to drop.

He turned to the creature with what could only be described as a renewed since of purpose. "You got a job to help some kid in over his head, seems I've heard that before. Back where I came from there was a messa people called themselves Warden. Sole goal was to help the helpless, show hope to hopeless. That sorta stuff. Joined up when I was Henry's age and learned a lot I shouldn't. Seems yer job is right up my alley. This Algos? They got themselves a Warden. Not that the word means much here... yet."

"Two" The voice was small but stern. Ottilie saw the boy's brown eyes staring at her from beside the rabbit's head. He wrinkled his nose and spoke again, "Two Warden."

As Junk worked on disarming the death trap Aurora sat silently, running her theories through her head for the hundredth time to see if they sounded any better now than they did ninety-nine attempts ago. Jerin- possibly the Jerin- was after the Treasure, possibly because Rithm had paid him to retrieve it & probably for his own reasons besides. The remaining six of the Lucky Seven were probably still after Jerin & might have assigned one or two of their underlings to seek out the Treasure in an attempt to flush Jerin out or to strengthen their own hand. Agents from everywhere would soon descend upon the Eulerian Complex to find the Treasure, generating plenty of wild cards and variables. Ottilie & her friends were probably looking for the Treasure to present it to the king of Algos & possibly looking for Jerin as well to bring him to justice. And herself? She was simply hoping to find a resolution to it all that didn't seem certain to end in disaster. Aurora smiled wryly to herself. So many theories, so much suspicion, so few solid facts...perhaps she should've joined the P.I.A. Her expression altered somewhat then, as she recalled her last encounter with that agency...

Aurora (then going by the name Wendy Valentine) sat at a table outside a small & very friendly cafe, talking to her client. Her recent decision to move from simply hunting people to seeking & retrieving people & items both had caused a marked increase in business of late. The result of which was the attention of the person now seated opposite her, sipping on a fruit drink. Melissa Maram, an up-and-coming P.I.A agent & a creature who looked not unlike Wendy herself, save for a few minor differences. Melissa, for instance, had blue-grey eyes (though these were currently concealed behind shades) whilst Wendy had mercury-coloured ones. Melissa had a somewhat shorter tail, and their markings were not exactly identical. One other difference was the P.I.A uniform Melissa wore, whilst Wendy wore plain clothes. Come what may, it would take some doing to persuade Wendy to don one of those things! Though the uniform (black with silver technologies emblazoned upon it at the time) was certainly striking, it seemed both gaudy and slightly tasteless to Wendy. This could perhaps be explained by virtue of the fact that Wendy operated primarily by stealth & therefore preferred clothing that helped her to blend in.

'As I was saying Miss Valentine,' Melissa explained, 'the Agency I work for has forbidden its agents to pursue this matter- this mysterious object that- prior to making planetfall- was tracked from the outer edge of the solar system. But I'm entirtely at liberty, as a private citizen, to search for it in my own time'. 'Circumventing your orders,' Wendy remarked, 'are you sure a little more caution isn't in order?' Melissa sniffed at this, 'caution is for the old & the weak,' she retorted, 'this opportunity could see me on my way to the top! I'm not going to pass it up just because upstairs feel threatened by me'. Wendy had shrugged at this remark. 'As you will then,' she said handing a small module over to Melissa, 'I'll need you to enter the necessary contact details into this module. And sign this,' she added whilst passing over a piece of paper. Once the information had been transferred, Wendy stood up to leave. 'just one other thing,' Melissa had called to her, 'if upstairs do somehow become aware of my actions it wouldn't hurt for me to have a little "confidential" information on them!' Wendy had nodded and taken her leave. In the course of her investigation Wendy had discovered that the object Melissa was so desperate to get hold of wasn't an alien artifact but a satellite that had been sent into space in Wendy's own childhood. Having inexplicably malfunctioned & drifted to the outer edge of the solar system it had, by some miracle, changed direction and returned eighty years later.

Since the satellite was an object too big for Wendy to transport unaided from the wood it had landed in, she had come up with an amusing scheme. Melissa had insisted that she take a P.I.A uniform, so that if the case turned out the way Melissa was hoping, she could claim she'd done all the work. Since the two of them looked so alike, anyone who saw Wendy in a P.I.A uniform (providing she kept her shades on) would probably believe that Wendy was indeed Melissa. Since the older high-rankers doubtlessly knew what the satellite was, they must have kept their agents away from it to avoid having a press write-up about a P.I.A blunder over an obsolete satellite. Wendy had masqueraded as Melissa when she got the staff of a nearby service-station to pick up the satellite. Her vivid memory had enabled her to write Melissa's signature on the bill perfectly & she had told them to let her company pick up the cheque. Needless to say, Melissa had landed in very hot water- though not until Wendy had claimed her expenses- and had needed every bit of "confidential" information Wendy had given her just to remain in the Agency. Not until three years after the incident had Melissa started to rise through the ranks again. But she had learned the value of caution...

Aurora stirred as Jerin's voice filtered through to her. If Melissa was still alive she would be into her fifties or sixties by now (since unlike Aurora Melissa's life-span wasn't much greater than that of the average human) and probably quite high-ranking if she remained with the Agency. "What was it you said?" Aurora asked Jerin. "I said 'penny for your thoughts?' You seemed a million miles away," Jerin answered. "I was just thinking about- well about a whole lot of things really," Aurora informed him, "but I was wondering about Ottilie. You said she's either getting into trouble or getting out of trouble whenever you meet her. What with the way we came across one of her weapons earlier; you don't think she's bitten off more than she can chew this time do you?"

Ottilie stared at the pair, deeply touched. Lowering her head quickly, she cleared her throat, attempting to maintain some semblance of professionalism.

"Chalk up 'nother apology fer me mates, because m'sorry ta say I don't have the words ta express how much that means ta me. I only wish Prince Icosian were here ta see this. Would do him a world o'good, I think."

Going down on one knee before them then, she smiled dazzlingly, resting both paws on her left guard.

"F'Algos has two Wardens, then two Wardens have all o'me ta aid 'em in gettin' through this place ta safety. On me oath ta sumthin' greater, Tobias Underwood, Henry Vand, I will do everything in me power ta protect ya."

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Jerin opened his eyes to stare up at the stars.

"Of course she has. But accepting a hopeless task, facing countless dangers with little preparation, and barreling onwards in spite of everything is ludicrously routine for her these days."

He turned to face the mercenary, propping his head up on one paw.

"What I'm trying to say is there's no cause for alarm."

Aurora frowned.

"You'll have to forgive me for indicating that runs quite contrary to what you told me earlier."

He laughed.

"Not at all my dear. I'm explaining it poorly, for which I apologize. It's difficult to sum Ottilie up in any manner..."

He trailed off before continuing softly, that same fond smile that sometimes crossed his features when he spoke of her appearing again now.

"...just when you think you've pegged her, she surprises you, despite her nature being so telling of her decisions. It's the details of what she chooses to do that are unexpected. I aspire to be contrary, I don't think that's terribly hard to deduce, but O, she is contrary."

He looked away.

"Perhaps that's why--"

But before he could finish, Junk popped its head back over the side of the pit.

"--One hour."

Jerin scowled, rolling over to talk more easily with his co-conspirator.

"To shut down say, the lasers only."

"Fifteen minutes."

He grinned, relaxing.

"Perfect. Make it--"

The creature broke off, whirling around to sit to attention abruptly. Aurora too had turned, no longer at ease.

"Master...?"

Junk asked. Jerin held a claw to his lips, shushing him. Saying no more, the robot slithered up his arm quickly to take his place on his shoulder.

"Ball. Jack."

Jerin summoned them firmly from a game of tag they seemed to be playing further down the corridor. Neither creature spoke as the robots returned, both listening to quiet steps that grew closer and closer. At last they ceased at a bend in the path, whoever they belonged to apparently hiding around the corner. Jerin called.

"Bravo. Your movements are startlingly noiseless for those of a human. Won't you join us?"

Silence. Aurora raised a brow.

"It's rather rude to decline so courteous an offer considering your position."

Nothing. Jerin chuckled, cupping a paw around his mouth as he went on.

"Is this hide and seek? I suppose we'd better seek if that's the case. On a not altogether unrelated note, I'm in the company of one exceedingly swift, lovely female. I needn't speak so unnecessarily though, you're about to find out how fast she is--"

Their stalker revealed himself then, rounding the corner cautiously. He was human, as Jerin had predicted, probably in his mid-thirties, sturdily built, with short jet-black hair and a neatly trimmed beard to match. He wore a black sneaking suit and thickly padded boots, as well as two dark grey belts with multiple pockets, one around his waist and the other diagonally over his left shoulder. The belt at his waist harbored a pair of hunting knives as well as what looked like a pair of laser guns. Across his back was strapped a mechanical battleaxe, two large, flat blades attached back to back to a thick, dark pole. When engaged by a switch they would revolve very quickly indeed, and Jerin knew from experience the weapon was much heavier than it looked. From this he was able to surmise the man must possess unusual strength in addition to uncanny stealth. What really attracted his attention, though, was the collar-like black choker he wore around his neck. In the center was a square, silver charm that bore an insignia he knew all too well. The man spoke quietly.

"There's no need for that."

Jerin chuckled, getting to his feet.

"Our shadow speaks. It's Dirac, correct?"

The human seemed a little surprised.

"Have we met?"

Jerin tilted his head to one side, smiling secretively.

"Not officially. But your...arrangement, with Boss Houiri is widely known throughout the Underworld."

The man scowled, touching the charm where Houiri's insignia was etched as he remarked.

"You are either gracious or not so to regard it as such."

The creature grinned innocuously at him.

"I'll let you wonder which. Now, why were you following us?"

Dirac shifted uncomfortably. One thing the human had never gotten used to about creatures was how seldom they seemed to blink. There was something else about this male, though. Something off. His female's silence and frosty gaze weren't helping, either.

"Would my question be easier to answer if I and my companion stopped looking at you, Dirac?"

He forced himself to meet Jerin's gaze evenly, his answer stern.

"Don't miss a trick, do you. I need to reach the center of this place, and you walked with such certainty I thought surely you knew the correct route. So I followed at what I judged was a safe distance given the range I suspected you possessed. I lost track of both of you an hour or so ago, and was trying to catch up without your noticing. I thought you'd be further ahead of me still, but..."

Aurora gestured at the pit behind them, coolly finishing.

"But we were detained."

The human frowned at her.

"Yes, I see that now."

Jerin raised a brow at him.

"Might I inquire as to why you need to reach the center?"

The human looked away, his refusal to answer in his silence. The creature chuckled.

"We'll have a guess then shall we?"

He started to circle him, Aurora following. Dirac scowled. He hated this about them, too. It reminded him of pack animals waiting for the right moment to attack. He wanted badly to strike first, but something told him that would be an unwise decision. So he stood firm as Jerin's voice moved around him.

"We know you work for one of the most powerful Underworld bosses of Rithm. We know Algos assigned someone to reach the center of this place in order to claim a treasure of some sort. And we know this information has since leaked into the Underworld."

Jerin stopped in front of him, pressing a paw to his mouth in mock surprise.

"Goodness, your boss probably heard that nasty little rumor, didn't he?"

He drifted away from his line of vision, smirking darkly.

"How very interesting...Aurora, why do you suppose our friend Dirac has come to a practically mythical complex? Scenery, perhaps?"

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OOC: Second NPC!

Name: Dirac
Species: Human
Age: 36 Years Old
Occupation: Mercenary / Baker
Personality: Quiet and purpose driven, Dirac often feels guilty because of the things he's done as a mercenary. A pacifist at heart, he nevertheless hates Algos vehemently and blames the country for pushing him into his current line of work. He is not unlike Prince Icosian in that he needs something to believe in.
Backstory: Dirac sold his life to Boss Houiri of the Rithm Underworld many years ago in order to continue providing for his family. A cruel and twisted creature with a deep-rooted hatred of human beings, Houiri strapped a collar around his neck to show that he was 'owned' by him. Publically and professionally ridiculed for this, Dirac has risen through his master's ranks to become his most competent and lethal mercenary in spite of everything. Unfortunately, he has a very low opinion of creatures due to how he's been treated thus far by Houiri and his subordinates.
Skills and Abilities: Dirac is good with the mechanical battleaxe he carries, handles knives and guns skillfully, possesses superior strength for a human, is a good tracker and an excellent baker.
Priorities: Money, confirming the existence of the Treasure, and making life pleasant for his family.

Once more in the presence of a stranger, Aurora had become very silent. Though keeping her gaze fixed firmly on Dirac she turned her head ever so slightly, addressing her response exclusively to Jerin. "Much as I'd like to give that suggestion credence," she said, "my experience of Boss Houiri is that he has little time for anything that he cannot use. Even if I could believe that our friend here simply wanted to see the sights, I can't believe he'd ever have leave to do so on Boss Houiri's time. Regretfully therefore, I must conclude that your guess is correct". Jerin's grin widened ever so slightly as Aurora finished speaking. At the same time Aurora noticed that although Dirac kept his expression as neutral as possible, there seemed to be something stirring behind his eyes as he looked at her. Curiosity perhaps? Or recognition? Addressing Dirac directly now, Aurora said in a neutral tone, "you find me interesting?"

The man blinked, a look of surprise flickering across his features. Perhaps he hadn't realised his eyes had given him away? Swallowing, his face fully resumed its impassive look as he answered Aurora. "I've heard...tales," he said slowly, "of a mercenary Creature not unlike you. A youthful- looking female, pretty as Creatures reckon pretty, who carries no weapons. Her armour looks like it was scavenged from every battlefield the world over, but rumour has it that every piece was carefully selected & purposely chosen. She's said to be swift beyond belief and specialise in non-lethal operations, particularly espionage. I encountered her work once, in the heart of Boss Houiri's own territory. Documentation of all kinds he considered important were taken, every guard incapacitated & no-one ever saw what hit them. I have to wonder; are you that Creature the tales speak of?"

Aurora smiled slightly in spite of herself. "I'm glad the descriptions have me down as pretty," she remarked, a slightly playful tone creeping into her voice, "but yes; I'm the mercenary who raided Houiri's territory two years ago. Does it matter?" The man's expression hardened slightly. "It mattered to Boss Houiri," he told her, "and he made it matter to everyone else who was under him! He is unforgiving & those guards paid a heavy price for their failure. Why didn't you just kill them yourself? It would have been more merciful".

Aurora sighed slightly as she considered her answer. "For a number of reasons," she began, "firstly because I was hired to carry out a non-lethal operation. To kill would've been a breach of contract & I have a reliable reputation to maintain. Secondly, I specialise in non-lethal operations because they are far more difficult than operations where lethal force is sanctioned & therfore require a greater level of skill. Thirdly, because I find killing extremely distasteful. As, I believe, do you". Aurora paused momentarily, a far-off look in her eyes. "And yet you ended up as one of the most lethal mercenaries alive today," she continued, "and bound over to Houiri no less. I pity you". Dirac's jaw clenched tightly and dark anger showed behind his eyes. "I don't need your pity!" he snapped."True," Aurora replied, "pity seldom makes its recipient feel better & accomplishes little by way of practical aid. Forgive me. What you need," she stated, "is for the war to end. If that were to occur, I imagine you could make a pretty good living as a civilian". She was silent a moment, before continuing in a hushed tone. "I wonder," she said softly, "if you know- if Boss Houiri himself knew- that the Treasure you now seek on his behalf is said to have the power to end the Algos/Rithm war? Yet what, I wonder, will Houiri do with it should he come to possess it? What would you do, if you came to possess power like that?" Dirac gave no answer, but she could see a look of doubt & conflict in his eyes. She turned to address Jerin again. "Whilst we're on the subject," she remarked, "what do you suppose we should do with our stalker?"

Jerin hummed thoughtfully, regarding the vines hanging over the pit. After a minute he spoke, but not in answer to Aurora's question.

"Pardon me a moment, dear girl...Junk, about those lasers."

The robot swiveled its head to regard Dirac pointedly. Jerin swiveled it back around manually, forcing Junk's visuals upon the pit.

"They're actually over here. If you'd be very kind?"

Offering no comment, his metallic counterpart made its way back into the pit. Calling Ball and Jack from their renewed game, he pointed a claw at the vines overhead.

"As soon as Junk is finished, sever three of the longest loose from midway across the pit, then secure them on this side."

Droning compliantly, the pair poised themselves on the edge of the trap, awaiting Junk's return. Turning back to Dirac, Jerin stretched, pushing some fur out of his eyes as he inquired.

"Have you got any peanut butter?"

The human furrowed his brows in confusion.

"Peanut butter...?"

"Yes, it's a mixture of--"

"--I am aware of what it is, sir. What I'm unsure about is why you'd ask me for it."

"Well, it's a condiment I currently lack and would be a most welcome form of compensation."

"Compensation."

He nodded, quietly adding.

"Intentional or not, we have led you about a quarter of the way through the Complex. That merits something."

The human frowned, glancing over his shoulder for an escape. But Aurora had set herself up against the wall and met his gaze with a knowing smile. He looked back at the creature.

"I'm sorry, but I'm carrying neither credit chips nor gems nor peanut butter. I have nothing to pay you with."

He lowered his hands as he spoke, resting them over his lasers. To his chagrin, Jerin's eyes followed their descent before looking back up to meet his own.

"Regrettable. I suppose you'd better come along in that case. At least until I come up with a more appropriate arrangement."

Dirac seemed taken aback.

"Pardon...?"

He shrugged, gesturing at the path behind him.

"You're going to the center. So am I, eventually, though I can't speak for Aurora. She may see something of more interest to her and leave me sorely missing her company, but I'm digressing. Bottomline, there's little point in going our separate ways when we're bound to run across each other again and again anyway, given the singular eulerian path. I have to locate someone before I get serious about the center, hence the 'eventually' part, but that shouldn't take much longer."

Dirac scowled, holding his hands up.

"I appreciate the offer, really, but I haven't the time for side trips."

Jerin frowned, ears drawing together in puzzlement.

"But you do have the time to walk in circles and discover dead ends?"

The human shook his head, patiently trying again.

"That's my problem and I'll deal with it. I'm already permanently indebted to one of your kind. I have no desire to be in the service of another. I will take my leave of you now."

He turned to go, but Jerin sidestepped him swiftly, blocking the way.

"Perhaps you should have thought of that before you followed us."

He didn't need to say anything else. The man looked away, dark eyes searching the area as though it might provide some answer to his predicament. Finding none, he looked back at the male with a sigh.

"The one you seek isn't far?"

Jerin inclined his head.

"Forty five minutes inwards, at most."

He scratched his beard thoughtfully. He wasn't sure how they knew so much, or why they were here, or even who they were really. The female claimed to be Aurora and fit the part, but he'd run into a lot of pretenders in his time. It seemed everyone wanted to be someone else these days. And then there was her companion. He felt like he should know him, but he wasn't entirely certain why. Did it even matter, if they could get him to the center quickly? The offer itself seemed too good to be true. And besides, Dirac knew enough to know that agreeing to a form of payment not decided upon was always a bad idea. In any case, it was apparent they weren't about to let him leave them empty handed (or at least the male wasn't). Best to go along with it...for now.

"Ok. You get me to the center, I'll compensate you with 20% of the credit chips my boss next pays my stipend in, but in chips only will I pay, got it? Since you claim to know Houiri and something of my rank within his circle, you must also know twenty percent of what I am paid will be more than enough to buy you all the peanut butter you want, or whatever else."

He finished quietly, firmly, glancing at Aurora. Jerin grinned.

"Splendid."

Turning to check Junk's progress, Dirac stopped him, quickly adding.

"Hold up. I make a point of knowing who I'm with. I know her--"

He pointed at the female mercenary.

"--and she knows me, and you know me, but I don't know you yet."

"Oh, of course. My apologies for the untimely introduction. Jerin Jestwood at your service."

Dirac smiled for the first time.

"Heh, you've got a penchant for danger, or else one of your parents had a wicked sense of humor."

The creature looked thoughtful, tapping a claw against his chin.

"My parents? I don't think so. I was told they were quite serious. I didn't know them personally though so it's possible. As to the former, not so much. I'm the bookish stay at home type."

He considered this while Jerin addressed Aurora.

"Is this arrangement to your liking? If not I suppose we can eat him."

The human started, backing away. He chuckled.

"That was a joke. I actually have a penchant for humor, if anything."

Toby nodded, "Don't be thanking me yet. You and this kingly king that ain't to good at being king can thank... "us"," He gave the boy an odd glance, "When things are a little less ugly."

Henry didn't say much else, that sour, determined look still etched on his face. He finally hopped down from the rabbit's back, landing on the heavily injured leg nothing was wrong.

"Acting tough don't have a purpose if yer just going ta undo all Miss Ottilie's hard work. Take care of yourself fer once, kid." Toby said, a speech that came out as a passing comment.

"As you will, mate. To the last though, while I appreciate the sentiment and quite agree with ya, I can't take credit fer the work, seein' as it wasn't me what patched him or yerself. That was Legs."

The lepoid seemed to consider this as she stood, brushing herself off carefully while wondering if she should say anything more. Tobias had been very liberal with information about himself. Should she (could she?) do the same in terms of her own origins?

Before the creature had time to make a decision about this, Legs dropped back to her shoulder, urgently chattering.

"Ottilie, we have a problem! This path is diverting us back to the beginning."

Startled by such news, Ottilie took him up in one paw so she could talk without having to crane her neck to look at her shoulder.

"What? Are ya sure?!"

The insect nodded rapidly, pointing in the direction they'd come from.

"Yes. We haven't lost much ground, thankfully, but still, we need to get going straightaway."

"Aye, o'course. Good work, mate."

Looking back at Tobias and Henry, she explained.

"He says this paths diverting us back ta the beginning. We need ta head back ta the split, grubs or not."

Aurora smiled slightly at Jerin's joke. "You can try eating him if you want," she responded, "but I have to say that in my opinion human flesh leaves a foul taste in the mouth". As she fell silent again she didn't fail to spot the look in Dirac's eyes- wondering whether she was joking or meant every word. Let him wonder. However, his presence might well make things more complicated. Aurora didn't know what Ottilie's stand on humans was, or how her opinion of Aurora herself might be affected if she showed up in the company of both Jerin & a human mercenary. It might cause them to revise their opinion of her earlier comment about not wanting money from them. Also, there were the trust issues to consider. Ottilie could still trust Aurora, but would she see it that way if Aurora showed up with these two? Aurora could trust Jerin- to a point. Since they weren't enemies & Aurora had yet to determine what should be done with the Treasure when-or if- it was found, they had no point of contention between each other. If Jerin was the Jerin though, then he'd betrayed the Lucky Seven- people said to have been as close as family to him- without a second thought. What would happen if she and Jerin found themselves opposed to each other? Then there was Dirac. In some ways he was a simpler problem. Aurora knew she couldn't trust him & he in turn clearly distrusted both herself & Jerin. Between them, they could probably handle Dirac without much trouble, but it would bring a tension to their party that hadn't existed before- or had only been very slight. Aurora sighed slightly at this thought, recalling a few well-known proverbs that had bearing on the situation.

Two's company, Three's a crowd. That was certainly true here, although not for the reasons the proverb originally had in mind. Conversation would probably feel more awkward for her & be more of a strained and difficult affair from here on in- unless Jerin found that 'more suitable arrangement' quicker than anticipated. How can two walk together unless they have agreed to do so? That was quite apt as well. In this case it was three, not two, who had agreed to walk together, but Aurora doubted if there was a single one out of the three who was at ease with the arrangement. She looked towards the pit as Ball & Jack started work on the vines. In moments the vines were loose & ready. "Well everyone," Jerin said whilst grinning & cracking his knuckles, "pick your vine & get ready. It's time to go!"

Taking up the nearest, Jerin called into the pit impatiently.

"The nights not getting any younger, Junk!"

Appearing over the edge a moment later, the robot quickly slithered back up to his shoulder, where it anchored itself around his neck. Meanwhile Jack descended, extending three of its orbs to clamp tightly around Ball. Lifting it from the ground, the bot carried its partner safely to the other side.

Dirac tested the vine he held, making certain it would support his weight. When he felt sure of its hold, he looked at the pair and gestured politely.

"After you."

Jerin raised a brow at him. The human rolled his eyes.

"I wasn't planning on running when you'd gone, if that's what you're thinking."

The creature closed his eyes, cracking his neck with a smile.

"Not at all. Shall we?"

And so all three swung across, landing on the side where Ball and Jack waited. Having cleared the trap, they continued onwards in silence. Whatever else they were, the human recognized professionals of some kind when he saw them. Neither creature let him lag behind, and if he started to, one or both would slow down to keep pace with him. As Dirac in turn wanted neither of them behind him, the trio quickly took to walking in a row.

The only good thing about working for creatures (the way the human saw it, anyway) was that he had learned too well how adept they were at reading expressions. In turn he'd fine tuned his own to the point where little emotion showed through when he was mindful of it. He kept his face impassive now, thoughts whirling around the major questions his companions presented him with. Why had Jerin insisted he accompany them? Why were they here, and was it on behalf of Algos or Rithm or someone else entirely? Were they really who they claimed to be? Why hadn't they tried to kill him? Wouldn't that have been easier than dragging a dangerous mercenary along? He scowled, writing the last off as plain arrogance. Of course they didn't feel threatened. They assumed he was inferior to them because he was human, probably.

As to the first and second questions, Dirac could only form educated guess after educated guess at this point. Aurora's comments had seemed neutral to both cities, but that didn't necessarily mean anything considering how much he still didn't know. Brows furrowing together slightly, he considered what he did know. Jerin had recognized him right away, as had Aurora, meaning both were involved with the Rithm Underworld or the Underworld in general, though to what extent remained unclear. They were headed to the center (or at least, Jerin was as soon as he found his lost comrade...who was she?), probably hoping to acquire the rumored treasure for a buyer one or both already had, or else for the power it would grant them personally. He watched Ball roll past, Jack in pursuit. It didn't make sense, though. If they were all after the same thing, weren't they enemies? Why invite your enemy to share your information, why insist, even threaten when he refused your offer to lead him to what he wanted, what you wanted? It wasn't the credit chips he'd agreed to pay in, for if the treasure was as valuable as the stories went Jerin was insane not to ask for more. So either he was a poor negotiator indeed, or else he wasn't after money.

The mercenary swallowed hard as a thought occurred to him. Suppose it was an act? Playing nice only to quietly slit his throat when next he slept. He'd heard such tales, and it would require far less energy on their part than attacking him outright. His head ached as it cycled back to the third question, the one he really wanted answered: who were these creatures? To the world and to each other?

He considered Aurora first. Suppose she was the rumored mercenary. She fit the part and had even readily admitted to being who she was. He frowned. Aurora...deadly and beautiful as creatures went, there were few mercenaries who could top or even match her in terms of skill. Mafiosos and politicians alike called for her when they needed big jobs done, and she was always well compensated. He smiled a little. Dirac hated his job, but was far better at it than most gave him credit for. He didn't know if he was on the female creature's level, but one of the reasons the human was still alive was that he was content to merely wonder. He hoped she was who she claimed to be in any case, for it was true that Aurora seldom killed.

His mind turned to Jerin then. There was no way he was the actual Jerin Jestwood, of course. The mercenary refused to even acknowledge the idea. It was odd, though. Not unlike Aurora, Dirac had run into a number of fake Jerin Jestwoods in his time. Most were young, brash, loud, obnoxious, and dead before the week was out. Yet this male who seemed none of these things called himself Jerin. Why would a mature professional claim a name that inspired mostly ridicule these days?

Crepes. I am getting nothing but a headache.

He thought irritably.

"Read anything good lately? I'm looking for a new book."

Jerin was saying now. Aurora's reply was soft, but she smiled nevertheless.

"I was about to ask you the same, actually."

Friends? Partners? Lovers?

Dirac wondered, glancing at them. He shook his head slightly at the last.

Wait, they say 'mates,' not lovers...they seem fond of each other.

He knew there was a great deal of ceremony involved in creature mating rituals. Could that be why Jerin was here? Suppose he intended to present Aurora with the treasure as a gift...? The human scowled.

Now my theories are just getting ridiculous. Best put this nonsense to bed and focus on staying alive until I've got more information...

Jerin, meanwhile, could hardly contain his mirth. Pitting the agent of Rithm against Ottilie would do the job nicely, and he wouldn't even have to raise a claw. It would need to be done in such a way as to keep suspicion off him, but he'd figure out how in due time. Catching Dirac's eye, he chuckled as they stopped before a fallen pillar.

"You're a man of few words, aren't you?"

The mercenary climbed over the column as he answered.

"I have been conditioned as such. Ma'am?"

He paused, offering a hand to help Aurora down as she stood atop the pillar.

Aurora smiled graciously at Dirac. "You have pleasant manners," she commented as she looked briefly at the proffered hand. "But," she continued as she stepped down unaided, "you'll pardon me if I refuse your generous offer?" Dirac simply shrugged his shoulders slightly and withdrew his hand again as Jerin joined them. As they continued on their way Aurora kept a thoughtful eye on Dirac. His good manners just there had probably been only that- good manners. But, unlike her one-time acquaintance Melissa, Aurora had never been ignorant of the value of caution. Had she given Dirac her hand, he might have tried to incapacitate her, leaving him to deal with Jerin on a one-one baisis. How well he would've managed given Jerin's own skill levels & the presence of Junk, Ball & Jack Aurora wasn't certain, but it was better not to have to find out.

As they continued down the path, Aurora noted the ground ahead. There was a trail left here by something or someone & left here recently at that. Jerin had noticed it too & stooped briefly to examine it. "We're getting close," he remarked, "this looks like dear O's trail. She seems to be in company though". He looked across at Aurora. "Perhaps you could shed some light on that?" Aurora nodded. "When I last saw O, she was in the company of two others," she informed him, "I'd assumed she was already in a party when you came looking for her though. Is this development of particular concern to you?"

Jerin smiled a little, brushing his paws off.

"Not as of yet..."

Rising, his ears perked as they continued. Four pairs of footsteps were approaching. He'd actually heard them some time ago, but given how the Complex twisted, turned, and offered its visitors so many possibilities, he couldn't be sure they'd even meet (unless of course the outsiders had figured out where the eulerian path was). Now they were closer, though. Several minutes later Aurora glanced at him inquiringly. Jerin merely nodded, adjusting his bandanna to hold his fur out of his eyes more effectively.

"They might turn elsewhere still. If not, we'll deal with them accordingly."

Dirac was puzzled by this comment as he couldn't hear or see anyone, but ten minutes thereafter understood when a group of four humans rounded the corner behind them. The leader was a tall, muscular man with hair the color of ripe wheat and a face that would be handsome were it not for its many scars. Two hoops of silver adorned each of his ears, and he carried no less than four daggers at his belt. Spotting the trio, his eyes went almost immediately to the human, and he grinned contemptibly.

"Well lookee here boys! Houiri's pet has pets!"

His companions snickered loudly while Jerin and Aurora exchanged a look. Dirac's eyes darkened at the jest, but his voice was collected as ever when he spoke.

"Hello, Jabin."

The other rested his hands on the hilts of two of his knives, smile tensing.

"Really Dirc? That's all ya have ta say ta me?"

Dirac clenched his jaw, resting his hands on his own weapons wordlessly. Jabin raised a brow at him.

"Houiri sent ya up ta see 'bout Algos' treasure, right?"

The dark haired human said nothing to this, so he continued slyly.

"Or else yer here tryin' ta be self employed?"

Dirac glared at him.

"No. I'm not. I've done things I'm disinclined to before out of necessity, but I've yet to be labeled a traitor and will take my leave of you as such."

"Oh-ho, goin' all noble on me now? Why? Everytime I see ya ya seem more unfortunate than when last I left ya."

His cohorts sniggered again. Dirac crossed his arms.

"Worry after your own affairs, Jab. Source knows you need to more than I."

Jabin glowered at him before his attention was drawn to Jerin and Aurora, who leaned against the wall behind their companion, silently observing. He narrowed his eyes at the female mercenary.

"Don't I know ya from somewhere...?"

The pretty creature frowned, but said nothing, ears flattening against her head uncomfortably. The human tittered.

"S'matter sweetheart? Can't ya talk?"

Knowing her nature, Jerin addressed the man quickly.

"She can, and quite well at that. You simply haven't earned the right to speak to her, else she would have answered you straightaway. I suggest you stop."

He tapped his claws against his arms impatiently as he spoke. Jabin regarded him with a sneer.

"Who asked ya skinny? Ya should mind yer manners considerin' one of us could snap ya in half like a twig."

The creature chuckled, extending a paw graciously. Junk's single eye flashed distastefully at Jabin, while Ball and Jack droned angrily at Jerin's heel.

"Perhaps. You're welcome to try so long as you make it quick. I'm in a bit of a hurry."

The human removed the daggers from his belt, a twisted smile lifting his features.

"Well seein' as we'd hate ta keep ya...take 'em, boys."

The other men removed various knives, bats, and chains, grinning terribly. Dirac remained where he was, sternly imploring.

"Don't do this."

The other man's brows drew together angrily as he looked back at him.

"Oh, but we can't have ya gettin' in our way where the treasures concerned. An' I've been looking forward ta this for so long 'sides. Or have you forgotten how you humiliated me?"

The mercenary glowered at him.

"If you did your job, you wouldn't have been. I can't say I feel sorry."

"I like ya better when yer shut up."

He came at him then, Dirac blocking the movements of his daggers with the hilt of his axe. As they scuffled, the other three descended upon the creatures. Jerin started to hum.

"Aurora, do be mindful of my wire. Scars wouldn't suit you."

"Understood," Aurora answered Jerin as she selected a target. The man she targeted came closer, wielding a chain. Aurora waited until he aimed a swipe at her, then ducked underneath it, catching the chain with her right hand. Her opponent, grin still firmly in place, gave a tug on the chain- and promptly lost his balance. Aurora hadn't resisted the tug, she had gone with it, fast closing in on her opponent. Then, as he staggered off-balance, she went past him, increasing her speed as she did so. The result was that in seconds he was flying through the air behind her, dragged along as though by a moving vehicle. Running a distance back down the corridor, Aurora found a place where it widened out. Here she began going in circles faster and faster, whilst her opponent hung on desperately to the end of the chain. After speeding up a little more, Aurora suddenly released the chain so that it- and the man attached to it- flew through the air in a spectacular hammer-throw, before crashing into the wall. As the man slumped down, instantly unconcious, Aurora stooped to check his injuries. Nothing fatal, but she reckoned he'd have one or two cracked ribs, a dislocated arm and a concussion, plus an especially nasty headache when he woke up. Leaving him where he'd fallen she raced back up the corridor.

As she neared the fight, she took in the situation. Dirac & Jabin were still fighting one-to-one & Dirac seemed to be gaining the upper hand. Jerin was busy with the remaining two, his razor-wires hissing through the air in deadly arcs. Ball & Jack moved hither & thither, Jack occasionally plunging in to attack, the red-hot shafts hissing as they passed within millimetres of exposed flesh. As Jerin directed one of his wires at an opponent the man jumped backwards. Seeing the opportunity, Aurora rocketed in behind him & swept his feet with her tail as he landed. The unfortunate individual careered backwards into Dirac & Jabin, causing the latter to step sharply sideways- leaving himself wide open to Dirac. As Dirac charged in Aurora looked back to Jerin. No need to worry, Jerin had his remaining opponent well & truly defeated and was wearing one of his most sinister grins. As she set about tying up the downed man she had sent into Jabin's path Aurora considered the scarred man: Where did they know each other from?

Aurora consulted her vivid memory. With or without the scars, she was sure she'd remember a face like that. Whatever the nature of their encounter, it would have to be within the last twenty or thirty years or so. So when had they met? Ah. Seven years ago. Aurora allowed the memories to play out behind her eyes, even as the present skirmish drew to it's close. Seven years ago Aurora had been paid to put a powerful drugs baron out of business. She'd done a thorough job. Firstly she'd misdirected the intelligence his underlings were receieving, causing them to store all of that year's crop in two locations. Then, through another piece of fabricated intelligence, she'd insured that his agents believed that the authorities had discovered every one of the locations where they grew the crops & were preparing a massive raid. Subsequently, said agents had set every one of said locations on fire, in an attempt to destroy the evidence. Finally, with every damming piece of evidence & documentation they could ever need, she'd caused the authorities to find the first of the two locations where the drugs were stored & with them a large number of the gang members. The remaining location she had filled with explosives. Then she had set a timer and walked out. That was when they would've met. Aurora remembered as she exited the building a guard had spotted her. He'd had a hoop of silver in each ear & hair the colour of ripe corn. And quite a number of scars on his face, though not so many as he now carried. He'd shouted & run towards her. Aurora had used her incredible speed & disappeared from sight. The man had stopped, puzzled, wondering where she'd got to. He was still wondering when the timer ran down & the explosion occurred.

Aurora pondered this as she walked over to rejoin Jerin. If the man was a mercenary- and it looked like he was- then there was a slim chance that he hadn't known what was in the building he was guarding. More likely, he'd known exactly what was in there & who he was working for, but didn't care as long as the cheques were still being signed. Aurora had probably cost him quite a sweet set-up. He obviously didn't possess quite as good a memory as herself though, since he didn't seem yet to know where he'd last met her. Or maybe the explosion had been partly responsible for that? No matter, he seemed little by way of a threat at the moment. Noting Jerin's felled opponent, Aurora smiled and said, "just as well they didn't want to keep us waiting eh? If they had we might've been stuck here for another twenty minutes or so!"