The Dimensional Adventures of Aria & Vladi

# 01 - The Crystal Men

Session Start: Tue Jun 27 19:03:21 2000

<Vladi_Wizard> *********

* Vladi_Wizard wakes up with the dawn of the new day...and rolls over to kiss you on your neck
<Vladi_Wizard> wakey wakey beautiful
<`Aria> mmmmmmmmmnnnmmmmm...
* `Aria moan groggily as she slowly wakes
* Vladi_Wizard caresses your belly as I look at your face
* `Aria brings her hands up to her face and rubs her eyes, exhaling
* Vladi_Wizard cups your right breast as I smile down at you
<Vladi_Wizard> big day ahead of us, sleepy head
* `Aria slowly opens her eyes, which see you looking at her and focus on you
<`Aria> wha... what did you give me?
<Vladi_Wizard> good morning!
* `Aria playfully punches you
<`Aria> big jerk
<Vladi_Wizard> ohhhh...just a little sleeping dust
* Vladi_Wizard chuckles and squeezes your breast for the punch
<`Aria> ow
* `Aria smiles
* `Aria shuffles over and kisses you lightly on the lips
<Vladi_Wizard> so...come on let's get a move on
* Vladi_Wizard climbs out of bed and walks over to a dresser...two piles there...one with your clothes...one with mine
<Vladi_Wizard> going to take a journey today
* Vladi_Wizard starts to pull on his pants
* `Aria sits up in bed, still groggy and raises an eyebrow at you
<`Aria> really? where to?
<Vladi_Wizard> thought I would show you the dimensional pathways
* Vladi_Wizard pulls on his shirt and tucks it in
<`Aria> dimensional pathways, huh?
* `Aria brings her legs over the side of the bed and places her feet on the ground
<`Aria> sounds interesting :)
* Vladi_Wizard ties is mystic sash about him and then sits to pull on his boots
<Vladi_Wizard> yep...the pathways that lead to other times...other places...other dimensions
* Vladi_Wizard stands up and mutters to conjure up a plate of breakfast foods
* `Aria stands and stretches, her naked body bathing in the sunlight pouring in through the window as she turns to you and smiles
* Vladi_Wizard watches you stretch
<Vladi_Wizard> mmmmmmmmmm...do that again
* Vladi_Wizard grins
* `Aria laughs and walks over to the pile of clothes
<Vladi_Wizard> gods you are lovely
* Vladi_Wizard starts to eat while I watch you
* `Aria slowly slides on the bottoms and then slips her top over her head, the tihgt material clinging to her arms and neck and breasts
* `Aria puts on her soft boots and walks over to you, sitting down and nibbling on a biscuit
* Vladi_Wizard drinks a glass of milk...then grins as I stand back up...and conjure up my staff...and then one for you and leans them up against a wall together
* `Aria touches her face where she smacked herself yesterday and laughs
<`Aria> not that again :)
* Vladi_Wizard then puts on his half cape...over his right shoulder..and then conjures up a katana and baldic and fastens it about his left shoulder
<Vladi_Wizard> no
<Vladi_Wizard> but we do need to prepare ourselves. One never knows where a path leads
* `Aria finishes eating and stands... then walks over and fastens her cloak about her shoulders
* `Aria grins at you
<Vladi_Wizard> me too baby doll
* Vladi_Wizard grins back at you
<`Aria> so... where exactly are we going?
<Vladi_Wizard> don't know
* Vladi_Wizard chuckles
<Vladi_Wizard> we will see when we get there
* `Aria shrugs and stands at ready before you
<`Aria> well i'm set
* `Aria yawns
<Vladi_Wizard> okay
<`Aria> still a little groggy though :)
<`Aria> thanks to your damn dust :P
* Vladi_Wizard goes up to you and puts my arms around you
* Vladi_Wizard chuckles as I hug you tight
<Vladi_Wizard> mmmmmmmmm...Love you Ari
* Vladi_Wizard kisses you
* `Aria rests her head against your chest and closes her eyes
* Vladi_Wizard strokes your back..then releases you
<Vladi_Wizard> Okay...if you are ready
* Vladi_Wizard hands you a staff and picks up my more intricate mystical staff
* Vladi_Wizard mutters and weaves my left hand before me in a circular motion...and a slow stirring takes place...growing and shimmering to spin before us ... slowly opening up .... (think Stargate ;) )
* `Aria watches you intently... you notice her eyes are silver as she observes you
* Vladi_Wizard you would notice the swirls of magic seemingly taken from other places...strands weaving to the gate from miles away...of different colors and hues
<Vladi_Wizard> Ready?
* `Aria blinks and her eyes are green once again
* Vladi_Wizard holds out my hand to you as the gate stabilizes to swirl before us
* `Aria nods
* `Aria reaches and takes your hand
* Vladi_Wizard smiles and takes your hand and gives it a squeeze
* `Aria looks at you and then at the portal
<Vladi_Wizard> now...don't be nervous or afraid...just like stepping thru one of my other portals...only there will be a little queasiness
<`Aria> okay... i'm alright
* Vladi_Wizard steps with you...and into and thru the portal...where there is a blaze of light and a spinning rainbow around us before we step out again
* Vladi_Wizard we arrive thru the portal on a glowing circular platform that seems to hang in space...from the platform dozens of paths glow as they move to other platforms...there more pathways run... twisting in all dimensions ... nearby the paths are other portals scattered here and there...glowing... and you lose count soon as there are thousands...millions of the portals
* `Aria is a little off balance and clings to you for support as she gazes out in awe
<`Aria> ... by the goddess...
<Vladi_Wizard> Welcome to the plane of nexus!
<Vladi_Wizard> each path leads to another platform...which leads to more paths and platforms
<Vladi_Wizard> see those shimmering portals
* Vladi_Wizard points to them
* `Aria stares out at the vast expanse and nods
<Vladi_Wizard> each one of those leads to another dimension...another world
<`Aria> ... i... it's beautiful vladi
* Vladi_Wizard continues to hold your hand...and turns to lead you towards one of the glowing twisting paths that corkscrews upwards...to a platform that seems miles away..but we cover the distance easily and within a minute to the next platform
<Vladi_Wizard> time and space and distances are differnt here
<`Aria> it would seem that way :)
<Vladi_Wizard> while traveling these pathways ...you do not...age
<`Aria> (brb)
* Vladi_Wizard looks at you intently
* `Aria grins and looks up at you
<`Aria> so we could stay in here forever?
* `Aria leans up and kisses you
<Vladi_Wizard> basically, yes..that is theortical
<`Aria> i'm surprised no one's ever tried it
* Vladi_Wizard stops on the next platform and looks around at the other paths
* Vladi_Wizard laughs
<Vladi_Wizard> what makes you think that?
* Vladi_Wizard smiles at you and squeezes your hand
<`Aria> you said it's theoretical :)
<Vladi_Wizard> Pick a path sweetheart
<`Aria> have you ever come across someone else in here?
<Vladi_Wizard> well...forever is
<Vladi_Wizard> very rarely
<Vladi_Wizard> see there are thousands and thousands of paths
* `Aria nods and scans her eyes over the myriad pathes and portals
<Vladi_Wizard> time flows differently for each person...sometimes you can walk thru another person walking the same path as you..but at a differnt time..and not even realize it
<`Aria> how am i to choose?
<Vladi_Wizard> just pick one
* Vladi_Wizard smiles
<Vladi_Wizard> we'll see where it leads
* `Aria squints at them all and finally points to one which is relatively close
<`Aria> that one
<Vladi_Wizard> okay
* Vladi_Wizard holds your hand as we turn to the path..and walk the rainbow type road that sweeps in a broad curve to the left and down... sprinkling along it's sides are several glowing portals along it's length
<Vladi_Wizard> well go thru one of those
<Vladi_Wizard> just let me know when you wish to go thru one
* `Aria stops suddenly in front of one particularly large one, with an eerie blusish glow to it
<`Aria> how about this one?
<Vladi_Wizard> this one, sweetheart?
* Vladi_Wizard turns with you to look at the glowing portal
* `Aria nods
<`Aria> this one
<Vladi_Wizard> okay then...here we go
* Vladi_Wizard squeezes your hand...and we step thru it...and to another time and place
* `Aria feels really queasy all of the sudden
* Vladi_Wizard first thing we realize that the place is dark...it is daytime...but the sky is a dark purple in hue... two distant stars illuminate the landscape around us as we slowly look about.... the portal slowly fading away
<Vladi_Wizard> wow!
<Vladi_Wizard> oh...change your eyes and you will see the portal is in the same place, hon
* `Aria steadies herself against you as she changes her eyes, sees the portal, and changes them back
* `Aria looks around, taking everything in
<`Aria> i sure know how to pick them :)
* Vladi_Wizard the landscape is desolate... full of rocks and crystaline brush across it... towering mountains cut the horizon as glowing red clouds float over head in different directions
* Vladi_Wizard chuckles
<Vladi_Wizard> sure do
* `Aria clings to you as we look about, still a little queasy and unsure at the bleakness of this strange world
<`Aria> what are those?
* Vladi_Wizard still holding your hand...I move off straight ahead.... towards some blue tinged hills
* Vladi_Wizard looks where you point
* `Aria points to some dark as night black rocks in the distance
<Vladi_Wizard> I don't know
<Vladi_Wizard> Shall we go see?
* Vladi_Wizard smiles
* `Aria puzzles over their reflectiveness and the odd way in which they jut up from the ground, like fingers pointing to the sky
<`Aria> yes, lets :)
* Vladi_Wizard I look up as a shadow passes overhead...to spy a flying creature...as large as a horse it seems... but with four huge limbs...and large batlike wings... that flicks thru the clouds
* Vladi_Wizard smiles as we move towards the rocks that seem to pulse in the strange two sun daylight
* Vladi_Wizard nods towards several creatures skitting away from us to hide behind the crytal-shrubs that sparkle as well in a rainbow of colors
* `Aria becomes wary at the strange silence surrounding us... our soft boots and swaying of our cloaks making the only sound
* `Aria squints at them
<`Aria> what do you suppose those were?
<Vladi_Wizard> don't know
<Vladi_Wizard> looked mammelian
<`Aria> intelligent?
* Vladi_Wizard chuckles
<Vladi_Wizard> don't know..this is my first time here too
* `Aria smiles
<`Aria> i know hun... just wondering what you thought :)
* Vladi_Wizard we get closer..and can see that the large black rocks are massive! And also appear to be floating off the surface of the planet
* `Aria slows her pace as we come very close the strange rocks
<Vladi_Wizard> they ran from us...so, they are smart in a way
* Vladi_Wizard stops and squeezes your hand
<Vladi_Wizard> hmmmmmmm
* `Aria studies the rocks with interest and then turns her head around to glance behind
* `Aria sees nothing
* Vladi_Wizard also looks around...seeing a forest of crystal trees
* `Aria but senses something..
<`Aria> do you feel that?
* Vladi_Wizard nods
<Vladi_Wizard> yes...like a presence
* Vladi_Wizard looks up for the flying creature...but doesn't see it
* Vladi_Wizard I stiffen as I hear a cry from overhead..and turn...to see a flying creature...then another...then several more spinning downwards from the clouds...towards us
<Vladi_Wizard> uh oh
* `Aria glares with you and then looks at you questioningly
<`Aria> they don't look friendly
<Vladi_Wizard> no...they don't
* Vladi_Wizard finally a dozen of the beasts are now swooping down...rapidly..and we can now see that they have riders on thier backs
<Vladi_Wizard> RUN!!
* Vladi_Wizard grabs your hand and runs towards the hovering black rocks
* `Aria squints at the riders who seem human enough, but aren't... they're incredibly tall with very dark skin and pure white eyes... their bodies are lanky but muscular... she jerks around from looking at them and runs with you
* Vladi_Wizard looks back at the 'men' on the flying beasts as they rapidly gain on us...releasing your hand to spin around to face them... noticing that they wear a sort of crystaline armor...and carry long silver lances in thier hands
<Vladi_Wizard> Keep going Ari!!! I'll hold them off from here!!
* Vladi_Wizard mutters as I spin my staff up...knowing that these beings are very hostile!
* `Aria runs a few more paces and then stops too, looking back at you
<`Aria> no! let me help you!
* Vladi_Wizard hears you stop and then shouts as I thrust my staff upwards...to send a blazing lightning bolt towards one of the flying beasts...there is a blast of sparks...and it and it's rider tumbles to the ground
<Vladi_Wizard> Alright! But be ready to run!!
* `Aria runs back to you and stops by your side as the riders surround us and come in from all sides... one swoops in low and she instantly reacts, slamming her gauntlet into the ground and driving a huge collumn of earth up right in front of the creature and its rider
* Vladi_Wizard the remaining beast-riders swoop about in confusion, milling about before reforming into three groups...to streak in a circle to attack us from differnt angles... and blue bolts of shimmering fire streaks down from several lances towards us
<Vladi_Wizard> Good job!!
<Vladi_Wizard> watch out!!
* Vladi_Wizard grabs you and leaps aside from one bolt..that makes the ground smoke where it strikes
* `Aria throws her arms up and forms a shield around us as another bolt slams into it and she strains under the exertion
<`Aria> i'll focus on defense!!
<Vladi_Wizard> Right!!
* Vladi_Wizard I spin my staff...and send another bolt up thru the shild after checking it's type and form... to fork and blast two more beast riders from the sky as the rest circle us...blasting the shield with the blue bolts that blast against it with spectacular displays of sparks and power
<Vladi_Wizard> four down...eight to go!
* `Aria falls to one knee as she strains to maintain the shield under the relentless assault... she concentrates intensely as they swirl about us, sending bolt after bolt after bolt
<`Aria> UHNNNN!!!!
<`Aria> BE A DEAR AND HURRY UP... I CAN'T KEEP THIS THING UP FOREVER!!!
<Vladi_Wizard> I am trying!!
* Vladi_Wizard is sweating as well... as I spin my staff again...and send up another bolt...but the riders are expecting it and swirl off...and split up...four moving to land on the ground behind us...three circling over us...as one dashes off at high speed towards the black towering rocks
<Vladi_Wizard> shit!! missed!!
* `Aria glances around and quickly deciphers their strategy while keeping the shield up
<`Aria> they're going to swarm us! we need to get rid of those in the air and fast!
<Vladi_Wizard> I agree...and the other is going for reinforcements, I fear
<`Aria> if i disperse them and catch them off guard can you take all three at once?
* `Aria nods
<Vladi_Wizard> No! I can't
* `Aria grunts as another bolt crahses against the air encasing us
* Vladi_Wizard looks at the flyers and then at the four riders who are now off thier mounts...and rapidly advancing towards us with massive swords drawn
<Vladi_Wizard> Can you take the flyers?! I will take those four!!
* `Aria stands and exhales heavily
<`Aria> i can do it
* `Aria looks up at you for a moment, her eyes filled with intensity and fear
* Vladi_Wizard mutters and shimmers and I step thru your shield....and dismiss my staff as I run towards the four swordsmen...drawing my katana from it's sheath...it's blade glows with mystic energy as I race to intercept them
* Vladi_Wizard the three riders keep circling...two raining bolts at you as the other grabs up a shimmering net...the other finally reaching the black rocks
* `Aria squints coldly at the flyers as she shrinks her shield to encompass only herself... she readies herself as they come swooping down at her and sends a flurry of tiny wind blades hurtling towards them
* `Aria watches as one of the creatures is upturned and it and its rider crash into and skid along the ground while another is only mildly disturbed and sends a bolt her way which she deflects... the third flies right over her as she dives out of its way and it heads for you
<`Aria> VLADI!!!
* Vladi_Wizard the four move to form a semi-circle...their white eyes blazing and I realize how tall they are, easily 7 feet or more...but I don't slow down...but jump up and spin...kicking one in the head to crash it to the ground as I sweep my sword up to lop off on of the men's arms as it turns to swing at me...it's sword spinning off to stick into the hard soil
* Vladi_Wizard I land and crouch...my sword back over my head to block a massive down stroke from one as I spin my leg out to sweep the fighter from his feet
* `Aria dispells her shield to summon all of her possible power and sends a huge collumn of air shrieking towards the flyer rapidly approaching you from behind
* `Aria watches as it strikes fiercly and the rider and creature are sent flying out of control, whizzing by over your head and crashing noisily to the ground only a few yards from you, skidding to a stop
* `Aria breaths a sigh of relief as a bolt crashes down a few feet from her and sends her stumbling to the ground
<`Aria> oof!
* Vladi_Wizard dozens of beast riders rise up from the black rocks like a swarm of angry hornets.... and the armless soldier stumble back...grabbing it's stump as black ichor spruts out...dropping to his knees as the first soldier I kicked rises up to join his companion
* Vladi_Wizard I turn and spin as I parry thier massive blows...the immense swords coming at me fast and furious and with great skill to slowly back me up... my teeth clenched with the strain as they hammer into me
* `Aria grunts and jerks her head up, her hair fanning out and whipping along with her as she lays on the ground and watches the rider come for another pass... she spots the reinforcements and her heart sinks
* `Aria staggers to her feet and readies herself as the final flyer comes roaring in, the creature shrieking... the rider's eyes intense and fixated on her as he raises his lance
* `Aria breathes heavily as she concentrates... the bolt flys from the lance and hits her directly but her shield absorbs the energy and suddenly and surprisingly, she sends it right back at him... it strikes and the rider screams as he falls from the creature and slams hard into the ground
* `Aria sighs and turns to head for you only to slam into the chest of one of the men (the one she had taken down first had apparently recovered)
* Vladi_Wizard is breathing hard now from the fast blows...turning around rapidly to face and parry...the third now back to join his fellows to attack me... I finally determine thier methods and attacks, and while skilled, they are not very creative
* Vladi_Wizard I suddenly leap up...and somersault over the head of the middle one...and then slam my katana backwards...the mystic blade blasting apart his crystal armor to pass thru his chest...his eyes blink out and he drops as I pull the blade from him and turn...and see the other riders
<Vladi_Wizard> ARI!!!!
* `Aria grunts as the the back of the man's hand slaps across her face and she tumbles to the ground... weak from her exertion... her mind a haze, she can hardly put up a fight as the man reaches down and pulls off her gauntlet!
<Vladi_Wizard> (heh...funny how they know just what to do ;) )
* `Aria feeling it suddenly gone, she shakes her head and looks up at him astonished "how could he know???"
* `Aria staggers to her feet as the man smiles (if you could call it that) down at her from his full height and tosses the gauntlet aside... she looks up at him with defeated eyes and throws a feeble punch at his stomach
* Vladi_Wizard I shout as I see you on the ground...and jump up again...lashing my left foot out to snap the neck of the giant on my left to send him spinning to the groud like a puppet with it's strings cut. I perform a double chest slash at the other...it blocks the first blow as I rise up, but as I drop down and cross slash I graze across it's upper shoulder...and black ichor starts to ooze from it as I land to en garde position
<Vladi_Wizard> Hold on Ari!! I'm coming!!!!
* `Aria whimpers as the man parries her punch and and drives his fingertips into her throat... she falls back and he advances on her... she doesn't hear you shout as she struggles weakly against the man on her back
* `Aria he reaches down and grabs her hair as she flails about and then slams the back of her head hard into the ground
* `Aria 's struggles subside and she's barely conscious as the man stands up looking down at her, sprawled out on her back
* `Aria as you run towards the man and her the reinforcements overtake you but ignore you, flying low and fast directly over your head also towards me and the man
* `Aria mumbles softly
<`Aria> ...... vladi...
* Vladi_Wizard half of the fliers land between you and me..and the riders leap off to advance towards me... as the man standing over you pulls out coil of crystaline rope and binds your arms together quickly behind you at wrist and elbow...
* Vladi_Wizard meanwhile....
* Vladi_Wizard I groan as the last warrior drives me to my knees with a mightly overhead blow with his huge sword...I block it just in time ... I hear your cry behind me and as the warrior raises his sword up again...I quickly slash across his belly...the blue blade slicing to cut him in half
* Vladi_Wizard Panting I rise to my feet and turn...and groan as I see a dozen more warriors advancing towards me...blocking me from you
<Vladi_Wizard> Nooooo!! Ariiiiii!!
* `Aria lolls about on the ground, dazed and frightened... her face pressed against the hard earth... the other half of the reinforcements arrive and she tries to turn herself over but can't
* `Aria winces as one of the utters something incoherent and stoops to grab a fist full of her hair... he pulls her up and back, arching her neck back
* `Aria he sneers at her and then says something else which prompts one of the other to step forward and draw his sword
<`Aria> ... what... what do you want...
* `Aria manages to mutter
* `Aria 's world goes black as the man with the drawn sword steps forward and clubs her over the head with its hilt
<`Aria> ........uhhhhhhn.....
* Vladi_Wizard the warrior tosses you up to one of the beast riders..and that group lifts off to fly you as thier captive back to the massive rocks...the warrior who clubbed you, without a flying beast...moves to join his companions as they move towards me
<Vladi_Wizard> oh Ari....noooooooo
* Vladi_Wizard I watch you being flown away...and then sheath my sword...and conjure up my staff again
<Vladi_Wizard> Hell with this!! You will pay!!!
* Vladi_Wizard mutters and my staff starts to glow and crackle with energy as I lift it horitontally over my head with both arms...snarling at the warriors who pause
* `Aria dangles limply, her body slung over the lap of the rider as they speed off towards the the rocks
* `Aria >>>the warriors eye you warily as the energy cackles about... frightened by your sudden surge of power
* Vladi_Wizard I shout and drop my staff down before me...and a shock wave rushes forwards from it...of ultrasonic sound... blasting apart all the crystal in it's path...the shrugs...the bushes.... the armor of the warriors as they are knocked back sprawling like bowling pins
<Vladi_Wizard> AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRR!!!!!
* Vladi_Wizard I leap after then...spinning my staff around...and two blades of pure blazing power spring forth from the ends of my staff
* `Aria | with the fight behind them, the flyers reach the black, granite, city... the rocks are indeed huge, jutting up hundreds of feet into the air and clustered tightly together like skyscrapers in an urban city center
* `Aria | they fly in and about the 'structures', whizzing through the 'city' with speed and grace... aria remains unconscious as the approach a particularly large rock in the center of the cluster
* Vladi_Wizard I scream with anger and fury into the midst of the scrambling warriors who try to regain thier feet and some mode of defense...but they are not fast enough. I spin and the staff is a blaze of blue mysic fire as the blades slash and slice thru them as I spin and dance from place to place amongst the group
* Vladi_Wizard in seconds it is over and I stand in the middle of a pond of black ichor, limbs, heads and torsos...panting. I look up to see the flyers take to wing to fly back towards the city...depriving me of thier use
* Vladi_Wizard I fall to my knees...looking towards the city where you were taken
<Vladi_Wizard> Ari....I'm coming love...hold on!
* `Aria | the flyers swoop up to travel to the top of the humongous rock, their reflections dancing on its shiny surface. they slow as they reach its top and land silently
* `Aria | the 'leader' (the one who ordered the other ones before) dismounts and walks over to her, still slumped over the waist of the other one... he bends down and reaches under her chin to lift her head up and look at her
* `Aria | he studies her face for a moment and then lets her head fall back, her hair dangling to the ground... he mumbles something to two of the others who come and lift her off and then one throws her over his shoulder
* `Aria | they walk to the center where a rectangular opening with steps leading down is and descend slowly into relative darkness
* Vladi_Wizard my clothes are torn and sliced...and I check my half cape, which is thankfully undamaged though and reach in to pull out a small ring box and open it up. I scan the rings...then remove one and place it onto my hand...and I shimmer and go invisible. I put the box back into my cape and slowly stand back up...and lope towards the black towers
* Vladi_Wizard I dismiss the mystic blades from my staff...and then skid to a halt..and look down...spying your gauntlet
* Vladi_Wizard I bend down and pick it up...and slip it behind my sash..and then with a deep breath of determination that NOTHING will stop me from getting to you...sets off in a run towards the rocks
* `Aria 's eyes flutter open slowly, her head pounding painfully and her mind full of fog
<`Aria> ... uhhnnmm...
* `Aria focuses on the room around her and her heart sinks at her predicament... she can't remember what happened to you which is of great distress for her... her gauntlet is gone... she is bound and slumped into the corner of a VERY dark room her body aching and unresponsive
* `Aria exhales heavily and shakily as she tries to adjust her eyes to the dark room
* {Crystal-Man} after a bit...the door to the room opens...and the leader steps in to your cell. He/I am easily 8 feet tall...and clad with a spectacular suit of shimmering blue crytal...his eyes are not white like the others...but a silver in color
* {Crystal-Man} I step into the room...and you see a squad of four giant soldiers of his bodyguard take positions at the doorway
<`Aria> (yea, it is :) )
<{Crystal-Man}> (* denotes telepathic communication - they will be able to understand our speech)
<{Crystal-Man}> * who....what are you?? *
* `Aria starts as the man doesn't speak but poses a question nonetheless
* `Aria thinks to herself, "telepathy..."
<`Aria> * I... My name is Aria... I'm a stranger to this world... a visitor *
* {Crystal-Man} another of the crystal men walks into the room...this one smaller...and scarred. I turn to my advisor
<{Crystal-Man}> {what think you?} - alien speak
<{Crystal-Man}> advisor - {I know not my liege! but it's companion defeated and destroyed two squadrons..then dissappeard!}
* {Crystal-Man} nods and turns back to you and grabs your hair to lift you up to your feet...my silver eyes blazing as I look at you
<{Crystal-Man}> * a spy!! an assassin! *
* `Aria winces and cries out softly
<`Aria> * no... no...... just a visitor... you attacked us... you attacked us!! *
* `Aria glares at you coldly through her hazy eyes as she stands weakly
<{Crystal-Man}> advisor - {they used strange powers to fight us. I cannot explain them, my liege}
<{Crystal-Man}> {maybe this one will tell us then! Take her to the dungeons...and prepare her for questioning!}
* {Crystal-Man} I motion to a guard who steps in and toss you into his arms. The massive warrior lifts you up and tosses you over his shoulder and moves into the hallway...followed by me, my advior, and my bodyguard detachment
<{Crystal-Man}> * I think you lie... Aria! We will see what sort of ... thing you are! *
* `Aria whimpers softly as she's carried and continues to try to reason with you
<`Aria> * please... just let me go... we don't want to hurt you... we're not a threat... let me go and we'll leave willingly and you'll never see us again *
* `Aria dangles helplessly from the man's shoulder
* {Crystal-Man} your captors carry you through the smooth hallways that circle and twist...ever downwards... before entering a large chamber. You cannot even begin to determine what is in the room as there are a number of crystaline structures and frames...but the ropes and chains and cuffs that abound make it only all too apparent what this room is for
<{Crystal-Man}> {What of the other? Did you send lookers and watchers??}
<{Crystal-Man}> advisor - {yes my liege. Five groups are now scouring the lands. He has seemed to have disappeared. We can not even find his body if he was killed in battle}
* {Crystal-Man} I grunt and motion to the man holding you and point towards a strange crystaline frame
<{Crystal-Man}> * are you male...or female?? *
<{Crystal-Man}> (these guys are asexual...neuter, I suppose ;) )
* `Aria grunts as she's tossed down onto the strange, foreign contraption... her heart racing with fear as she begins to imagine what's going to happen to her... still, her mind can only think of you
<`Aria> * ..... female..... where is my companion? the man i was with... is he alright? is he here??? *
<{Crystal-Man}> {the other is male...interesting. Perhaps they are mates, advisor??}
* {Crystal-Man} the man removes your cloak..and then strips your clothes off you, boots and all and tosses them into a pile as we watch
* `Aria glares at you
<`Aria> * why are you doing this?? *
* {Crystal-Man} the guard then unties your arms from behind you..and turns you around...your back to the crystal frame...in a inverted U shape
<{Crystal-Man}> * to determine the truth of you and your companion *
<{Crystal-Man}> * ... and your strange powers *
* `Aria sobs
<`Aria> * but i've told you the truth! *
* {Crystal-Man} the guard locks cuffs of crystal about your ankles and then takes your arms up and over your head to arch you back over the frame belly up...and locks your wrists to the base with more cuffs
<{Crystal-Man}> * we shall see... Aria *
* `Aria winces at the discomfort
<`Aria> * please... please stop... *
* {Crystal-Man} a guard rushes in and stops who excitedly whisper to the advisor..and then dash back out after the advisor whispers back
<{Crystal-Man}> {my liege...apparently the other is now inside the city! Guards have been found dead...and mutilated!}
<{Crystal-Man}> {FIND HIM! NOW!!}
<{Crystal-Man}> * your companion still lives, Aria *
* `Aria tilts her head to try to look at you
<`Aria> * then you're in a great deal of trouble i'm afraid..... *
* {Crystal-Man} the guard then fastens flexible shimmering straps of a strange material over your calves and thighs... and then forearms and biceps
<{Crystal-Man}> * What is that strange power you have?? *
<{Crystal-Man}> * to call down lightning to strike my flyers? To lift the soil up from the ground? *
* `Aria ignores your question as her breathing quickens with anxiety
<`Aria> * let me go and you'll never have to face that again... let me go and no one else has to die *
* {Crystal-Man} the guard then fastens another strap across your chest over your breasts... another at your waist...and the last across your hips to hold you tightly against the frame
* {Crystal-Man} shakes my head
* `Aria struggles slightly against the restraints, wincing and whimpering
<{Crystal-Man}> * No! You will tell me of your strange powers! Are there more of you?? Are you a vanguard of more invaders to come?? *
* `Aria closes her eyes in fear and frustration
<`Aria> * NO! we're travellers... peaceful visitors... we mean you NO HARM!!! *
* {Crystal-Man} the guard touches a crystal and several branches rise up from around the frame... like shimmering limbs that move to point down at you ... sharp spike at the ends point at your breasts and belly and crotch and thighs..
<{Crystal-Man}> * YOU LIE!! *
<{Crystal-Man}> * You easily defeat several squadrons of my best flyers! With not a scratch on you! *
* `Aria grunts as she tries to struggle free
* {Crystal-Man} the advisor closes his eyes...and then opens them again...to excitedly whisper to the leader
<{Crystal-Man}> {More soldiers found! Closer to the palace!}
* {Crystal-Man} I turn to him
<`Aria> * you exaggerate... we're of no importance to you... please, just let me go *
<{Crystal-Man}> {Has he been seen?? Where is he!?}
<{Crystal-Man}> {No my liege...not one has seen anyone! Patrols are now scouring the city as we speak!}
<{Crystal-Man}> * Tell me what I want to know! *
* `Aria sobs some more out of frustration
* {Crystal-Man} points to the guard...and from the points of the crystal branches...light beams of light shoot down to strike you...the light vibrating against you as if it were made of solid sound ... hitting your breasts and stomach and crotch
<`Aria> AHHHHHNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!
* `Aria writhes under her restraints as tears fill her eyes
* {Crystal-Man} the beams seem hot/cold at the same time... vibrating against your nerves strangely... causing pain/pleasure at the same time
* {Crystal-Man} I motion to the guard and the beams stop
<{Crystal-Man}> * What is the manner of your powers! *
* `Aria falls silent as the beams stop, breathing rapidly... wheezing almost
<`Aria> * .............. *
* {Crystal-Man} motions to the guard...and the beams strike again! the branches weaving to move them over your arched torso
<{Crystal-Man}> * Tell me!! *
<`Aria> UHHHNNNNNAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
* {Crystal-Man} the advisor closes his eyes again to recieve a telepathic message..and would blanche if he could...he gulps as he opens his eyes to look at his leader
<{Crystal-Man}> {he...is in the palace...my lord!}
* `Aria you feel her mind lose focus and her thoughts disperse as she's filled with pleasure and pain and unable to think coherently
<{Crystal-Man}> {Get more guard! A full detachment! I fear he is coming here!! }
* {Crystal-Man} the beams stop and I move up to look down at you
<{Crystal-Man}> * Why? Why are you here?? *
* `Aria feels the tears trickle down the sides of her face as she looks up at you
<`Aria> * ..... just... exploring...... exploring..... *
* {Crystal-Man} the guard moves a small lever..and the frame shifts under you...arching you more as the straps tighten around you...the cuffs sliding down to pull your arms and ankles to stretch you
<{Crystal-Man}> * You are a spy, then *
<`Aria> uhnnn....
* `Aria strains under the stress
<`Aria> *..... no..... just exploring..... explorers... *
* {Crystal-Man} again the branches blaze with power...and beams hit your clit and nipples and pierced navel
<{Crystal-Man}> * Why? Exploring what?? *
* `Aria screams through her sobs as the sensations overwhelm her
<`Aria> * ........ just.... *
* `Aria 's mind loses focus
* {Crystal-Man} the beams stop...and then they all turn as an explosion rocks the hallway outside.... guards flying back
<`Aria> * vladi... where are you... vladi... love you... *
* Vladi_Wizard I step into the hall...and dispell my invisibility...I know you are close!!
<Vladi_Wizard> ARI!!!!!!
* `Aria can barely hear you... it all seems like a dream in her semi-conscious state
<`Aria> vladi...
* Vladi_Wizard I race down the hall towards a group of warriors... the biggest I have seen yet...my staff blazing with power from the mystic blades at the ends
<Vladi_Wizard> RRRRRRAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!
* Vladi_Wizard I slice into the warriors as they rush forwards with thier two handed swords thrusting and slashing at me... I turn and spin like a whirlwind in thier midst..sending limbs and heads flying
* `Aria hears the commotion through the thick fog in her head... her mind wandering from the pain and pleasure and exhaustion and fear
* Vladi_Wizard the four body guards face the door..and joined by the guard that was at the rack... the advisor and leader backing up... the leader removing a massive sword that was strapped to his back
<Vladi_Wizard> * Your companion comes! Stop him him...or you die! *
<Vladi_Wizard> ARRIIIIIIII!!!
<`Aria> uhhhnn...
<`Aria> vladi... vladi!!!
<`Aria> * i can't stop him... let me go and he'll stop on his own *
* Vladi_Wizard I am a blood covered juggernaught that hacks and hews through everything in my path... I step over the bodies, and with my chest heaving and my eyes blazing I rush into the room... stopping as I see you behind the five guards...my eyes sweeping the room to spot the leader and his advisor
<Vladi_Wizard> Let....her....go...or.... DIE!!!
* `Aria sobs heavily as she hears you and knows it's real
<`Aria> vladi!!! VLADI!!!
* Vladi_Wizard the five guards rush at me...but I duck and spin...my staff sliding out to sweep the blazing blade across thier knees... and the room fills with thier screams as they topple over to grab at 10 bleeding stumps
* Vladi_Wizard I dash over to you...stepping between the two remaining men and you
<Vladi_Wizard> Ari!! Are you hurt!!!
* `Aria 's voice is soft and weak
<`Aria> vladi.....
* `Aria is dilirious
* Vladi_Wizard I glance at the crystal frame...but cannot figure it out...then point at the smallest
<Vladi_Wizard> YOU! RELEASE HER! NOW!!
* Vladi_Wizard the advisor looks at his lord, who nods...holding his sword up before him defensively
<Vladi_Wizard> * You take her...you go! *
* Vladi_Wizard the advisor moves over to keep you and the frame between me and him...and starts to undo the straps that bind you arched over the frame
* `Aria mumbles softly and incoherently, trying to get her seses back
* Vladi_Wizard I breath heavily as I watch you and the advisor and the leader... my eyes flicking back and forth...
<Vladi_Wizard> Honey...hang on...I'm here
<Vladi_Wizard> * You....your name? *
<Vladi_Wizard> I am called Vladi
* Vladi_Wizard I snarl
<Vladi_Wizard> Hurry up you!
<`Aria> ... i knew... i knew you'd come
<`Aria> vladi...
* Vladi_Wizard the advisor finishes removing the straps and undoes the cuffs
<Vladi_Wizard> Ari...come on honey
* Vladi_Wizard motions for the advisor to move back towards his leader
* `Aria slides off of the contraption weakly and slowly
* Vladi_Wizard I lick my lips
<Vladi_Wizard> Ari...can you walk? Can you dress?? I can't carry you right now, honey
* `Aria stands on her feet, her legs shaky and unstable
<`Aria> i can.....
* Vladi_Wizard I slowly move in front of you...facing the huge warrior-leader
* `Aria clumsily but quickly puts on her clothes
* Vladi_Wizard takes the gauntlet from my sash
<Vladi_Wizard> Ari...here!
* `Aria takes the gauntlet and places it on her left arm without a moment's thought
* Vladi_Wizard hands it to you...and then goes back to defensive posture to face the two that seem to shake in the corner facing us
<Vladi_Wizard> Take some strength from me love
<`Aria> mmmnnn... alright...
<Vladi_Wizard> You need it more than me Ari...hurry
* `Aria places her hand on your back and drains a little bit of energy from you... just enough so she can stand and walk with more ease
* Vladi_Wizard can already sense more guards heading our way, knowing that they have been called for
<`Aria> i'm okay... i'm okay vladi
* Vladi_Wizard I back up a bit..and switch the staff to my left hand and mutter and create a portal that leads to the gateway that would allow us to escape this time/place
<Vladi_Wizard> Go Ari...I am right behind you
* `Aria takes one last look at the leader
<`Aria> * I warned you... *
<Vladi_Wizard> Ari...go!
* `Aria jumps through the portal
* Vladi_Wizard slides towards you and the portal...facing the leader...
* Vladi_Wizard steps back thru the portal right behind you...and thru to stand in the plain where we started...I mutter again at the gateway to the nexus shimmers into view
* Vladi_Wizard pants as I dispell the blades and then sweep you up into my arms
<Vladi_Wizard> ohhhh Ari!!!
* `Aria clings to you weakly
* `Aria sobs
<`Aria> i was so scared...
* Vladi_Wizard I lift you up and step into the gateway...and back onto the rainbow pathway
<Vladi_Wizard> Me too love..me too!!
* Vladi_Wizard kisses you with relief all over your face as I walk towards the platform...dispelling my staff to carry you in both my arms now
* `Aria 's head rests against your chest with her eyes closed as she finally feels safe again
* Vladi_Wizard I carry you back to the platform where we started..and steps thru the portal that leads to my castle..and back to our time/place
* Vladi_Wizard gives you a big hug and kiss
* `Aria smiles and cuddles you
<`Aria> thanks for rescuing me sweety :)
* Vladi_Wizard carrys you to the bed...and collapses onto it with you...still covered with dried ichor ... my clothes ripped and torn
<`Aria> mmmm... bed
* Vladi_Wizard chuckles as I pull you to me...slowly muttering as I fall towards sleep
<Vladi_Wizard> I love you Ari
* `Aria snuggles up as close as she can and begins to drift off too
<`Aria> ... i love you too vladi
<Vladi_Wizard> mmmmmmmmm...good night
* Vladi_Wizard holds you close as my eyes close

Session Close: Wed Jun 28 00:11:35 2000