forum Sliding into the roleplay forums

Started February 23, 2018 by @_sleeby_rat_

tune

Pluto looked around at the others, dumbly trying to make sure the creature was talking to her. "I…Might be looking for someone," she said. She was used to these sorts of services having a price. Several people had sold their souls to have access to Cassiel's archives in the past, and she figured this would be no different

"Looking for someone?" Its smooth, perfect face shifted into something like a smile. Its neck stretched out impossibly long, snaking over the desk until its head was level with Pluto's own. "We know of every being that draws breath, or has drawn breath, or will draw breath. We know their names, and faces, and very thoughts. All we ask in exchange for this knowledge…..is some knowledge that you possess, and you alone."

Pluto stared at it for a moment. It didn't sound as bad as trading her soul, or going on some ridiculous impossible quest. "Alright. Do you know the whereabouts of someone named Balthazar? He's the guardian of my dimension."

(Imma just say something random lol)
The creature withdrew its head, thinking carefully, even as it continued to write. "Balthazar is in Dawn's Eye," it said eventually. "We have a very small entry for him. It is suspected that some information has been edited or erased. We apologize for our incomplete answer."

(that works lol) Pluto frowned at the creature. "Well, that's just lovely. Inspa got a hold of everyone's records of him, it seems," she huffed. "Now what do you want from me?"

It smiled again. "We were unable to supply you with a complete answer, therefore we will ask a simple question. Tell us your greatest fear."

Pluto laughed a little. "Man, that's kind of a difficult question." She looked down at her boots, thinking. "I think…I think it'd be that Blackwash will die on my watch. I haven't done the best job of defending it, and it's dying already. And it's gonna suck when I watch everyone I care about over the years die while I'm still stuck in my hellhole of a dimension." She laughed awkwardly, shrugging. "But hey, what can you do when the world is ending?"

It gazed at her, and its tail gave a lazy flick. "You have our gratitude for your answer," it said, its eyes half-closed like a sleeping cat. "We will not forget."
Mike, who'd been watching this exchange with his arms folded, now spoke. "Hey, Stretch. I have a question for you."
The creature turned to him. "Mike Newcorse, human, leader of the Demon Hunters, former brother of–"
"You can stop that. I'd like to know who you are."
It drew itself up. "We? We are Sphinx. We are Nattra's right hand, her voice, her eyes, her ears. We supply wisdom in return for wisdom, that is our job. And we ask you….why do you fear love?"
Mike's eyes narrowed. "I don't fear it. I'm not a machine, like you. But I haven't found a kind of love that feels genuine yet. That's all."

Pluto glanced over at him. Fear love? Sure she's had her fair share of horrible love-related incidents, but fearing it altogether? "You ever try loving anyone before? Even the family kind of love?" she asked carefully

His expression, never very open, was now perfectly blank. "Of course. I loved my family. But they're long gone now. And so far, I haven't found anyone who can replace them."
Sphinx stared at Mike for a moment longer, then finally set down its pen and lifted up five small cards covered in an unreadable script. "Your passes are complete. They will grant you passage through all public passages in Onnje." It handed them to each member of the group. "We wish you a safe and comfortable journey."

Pluto took the pass, stuffing ut in her pocket. "Yeah. You live for a hundred or so years and you think nothing can replace family. I mean hell, it's a little traumatizing to watch as your dad dies foaming at the mouth surrounded by liquor bottles." She looked down at her feet again, a flicker of sadness crossing her face. "But I've found that it helps to remake your family. Even if your family is some homeless kid who showed up on your doorstep drowning in more issues than any 17 year old you've ever seen."

Mike looked at her, absently taking his own pass. "You know something, Pluto? You and I have a lot in common. And I think you're right." He paused. "Maybe someday, I'll feel that love for someone again. I just wish…" He couldn't seem to find the words.
"Pluto." That was Kaiser, calling from across the room where he stood with the others. "Are you two ready?"

(K, see ya) Pluto chuckled awkwardly again. "Misery loves company I guess."

Mike shook himself, letting the matter drop. "Guess so. Let's keep moving, we've got a lot of ground to cover."

"Sounds good. The sooner we're out of here the better."

Kaiser led them back into the maze of corridors, seeming to know where he was going even though the halls were labeled with signs in a foreign language. There were a few other creatures like Sphinx around, passing the group with stacks of books or small tablets nestled in their arms. At one point they passed a very large room filled with personal desks, each the same pure white as the rest of the realm. Some were occupied by people, hunched over papers or computers. None looked up when the group walked by.
"So other people come here for knowledge regularly, eh?" Mike remarked as they walked.
"Yes," Kaiser said without turning around. "Very few are aware of this place, and those that are aware seldom leave. Information can be addicting if you're not careful."

"Man. I know Molhaven would kill to get to this place. They probably have at some point."

"If they are on good terms with Nattra, then I have no doubt." Kaiser stopped to check a directory board, then strode down a passage on their right. "This realm is one of the largest, and it is constantly being expanded to make room for the growing archives. I have been here twice before, and each time–"
He stopped speaking and walking both, staring ahead. "Wait. Did you hear that?"
The far end of the corridor was awash with cold white light. From somewhere beyond the light came a sound like a giant, melodious bell, tolling like a slow heartbeat. Accompanying it was the sound of footsteps, steadily approaching.

(K) Pluto materialized a machete in her hand. "Doesn't sound good."

The light faded just slightly, revealing a very tall figure walking toward them. The air around the figure seemed to be filled with a strange pattern of symbols and words.
"Wait," Kaiser said, holding up his hand. "Do not draw your sword." He seemed excited all of a sudden. "It seems we are to be granted a great honor. That is Lady Nattra herself."
The light around the figure faded completely, and she stopped before them. She was very beautiful, in a cold, streamlined, understated way. Her ash-brown hair was silky and fine, cut short just below her ears. Her features were fine and delicate, and her eyes were like two glowing pearls. She did not smile or frown or change her expression in any way as she looked down at the group, but she was clearly studying them all with an intelligence matched by few.
"State your names," she said. Her voice was quiet but commanding. "And tell me why you have come here."

Pluto let her blade crumble away. "My name is Pluto. We're just passing through."

(sorry I keep missing you lol)
Nattra gazed at her, blinking slowly. "You are not from the Earth claimed by Lord Zhan. You have traveled far. What is the name of your home….Pluto?"

(Yeah I've been road tripping all day lol) Pluto frowned at her. "Blackwash."