Legion World Forums LEGION OUTPOST Mission Monitor Board A Castle in the Sky (complete with a Denney's)

(Brimstone.)

"That takes this to a whole different level," says Candle as she turns back to the main greatroom.

She flickers through the light, drawing her Sword of the Spirit, lowering the visor on her helm and raising her Shield of Truth.

(He's got Pagan!)

+tightly focused empathic message to Pagan+

{reasurance and hope}

Dropping the tip of her Sword, Candle runs around Pagan while staying melded with the light.
Nothing demonic can withstand the Sword of the Spirit.
The silken strands of black magic brake with angry moans of pain.

Candle throws one of the balls of illness, given to her by Infectious Lass, into Zardi's gaping mouth (fallen open in stupified rage).

The ball bursts on his tongue, showering him in a ghastly light of pestilence.
He falls to the floor in a fit of fevered chills and delusion.

"Hurry!"

Grabbing each other's hands, Candle and Pagan run into the light and disappear.

Shortly, they reappear for a few moments in the alcove behind the fireplace, between the two stairs, Candle's sanctuary.

Pagan grabs the sleeping cherubs and Candle hoists the baby Uniwhale.

Pagan whispers the same spell that got her into the castle and the women disappear.

Candle floats outside of the Cloud Castle with the Archangle and many multitudes of others.

She turns to them, "The time is now. The magic users are jealous of their power and in their misguided arrogance, seek to stop me from freeing those that must be freed."

With a shout and a trumpet sounding, the angels flow through the cloud walls.

The drugged and bespelled Cherubim (and Seraphim, formally unseen by Candle) that remained in the castle when Candle left the castle before, lift their arms to be scooped up, the intrusions in their systems burned from their bodies.

And deep below, in chains of darkest night, the ArchAngels Michael and Gabriel stir as the fighting draws closer and closer to their cell.

The door bursts open and a Mighty Wind Blows through the room. The darkness that binds the angels screams in agony and dispair, melting away.
Macaw steps through the doorway, followed by Candlelight.

The angels laugh.

"It's time to go, dear ones," says Candle.

Up they soar, to the great hall.

Kardi, who has recovered from Drura's illness, stands with outstretched arms held between the two largest of the angels.
Candle lifts the Sword of the Spirit from it's scabbard and points the tip against his throat.

"You may have your toys, Kardi, and your schemes and your endless avarice. At least, until the ending of you."

Michael and Gabriel step forward and glow with splendor.

"But, if you dare to touch with your foolishness another minister of the Most High Court, you will know an ending sooner than you can think possible and a bitterness that shall linger in the clouds for eternity."

The words said, Candle's Sword draws a single drop of blood.

"Your blood be upon you and your fate be sealed."
"Release him."

Kardi sinks to the floor.

"Still scheming, no doubt," she sighs.

And with that, she puts her Sword away and joins the multitudes of angels, who depart.
: ........

and Candle burst from the interstellar void that Shikari navigates so well, and drop a large beribboned box on the floor before Kardi and minions.

As they wheel and re-enter the void, Candle whispers with a smile, "Enjoy!"

Barley reaches out before Kardi can stop him and touches the box.

The ribbon unwraps.
The box falls apart.

<A ten foot square cube of inertron now sits in the center of Zardi's redoubt.>

As you can see Mordru, there is nothing to be gained by opposing me. The choice is yours, freedom and the possibility of revenge on your oldest and most bitter enemies, or eternal imprisonment.

It should be an easy decision for you to make.

We shall have important visitors soon, Barley.

Prepare the Great Hall. A Feast!

Yes, a magical feast is in order...

<flying in on his own power, Cobalt Kid arrives at the front gates>

Greetings, servants of the Eternal Man! I have recieved an open invitation, and will not accept it. Others will be arriving shortly that will encompass my entourage. Rather than wait for them, I intend to proceed on my own first, as is my custom.

<looks around at various beings>

A fascinating array of sentients...most of them appearing magical.

<walks forward>

But they hold little interest for me. I only care about why this Castle of Clouds is here on Legion World.

(Flies in behind Cobalt Kid)

Cobalt, wait!!! Last time I traveled alone in this place I was attacked.

(She feels out of sorts)

What is going on!?! Why am I feeling like this, is it this place, or is it me?

At last, the legendary hero, Cobalt Kid, has seen fit to grace my castle with his presence.

You honor us, Sir. As does Luna of Avalon who I see has graciously accepted my invitation.

And so in both your honor, a feast has been set in the Great Hall.

Please join me at the head table. There, while we enjoy a fine diner and even finer wines, all of your questions will be answered.

This way sir and lady...

<sensing Luna's discomfort, Cobalt reaches out and grabs her hand as if to hold it; he does not say anything so no one will be alarmed, but he looks at her in the eyes as if to reassure her>

Thank you Zardi, I am pleased to meet your acquiatance. I look forward to those questions being answered.

<Cobalt follows Zardi to the Great Hall>

I understand you are an Elder of the Universe. I have the good fortune to not have to worry about such a burden.

Yes... Although the burdens you willingly shoulder would seem to be far too heavy for a mere mundane man.

But then again you are not entirely without magic, are you?

And Luna, paradoxically both the eldest and youngeast of the wierd sisters... another bearer of an impossibly heavy burden.

Perhaps there is a way to lighten those loads. It is said that where one being falls, many together stand tall...

(Luna takes Cobalt's hand and walks him to the Great Hall. There is a feast beyond measure.)

Avalonians do not require this food and drink as sustenance.

Right? Can I be so unsure of who I am?

(Luna departs Cobalt's hand and takes a seat)

All our questions will be answered, how quaint of you to be so open with yourself.

<Outside the door of the Great Hall, My slips into the servant's lounge and pulls a small portable scanner out of her pocket.>

Now to find Gladys...

Why should I not be open with my guests, I have naught to hide from you nor to fear from you.

I don't know to think you honest or pompus.

(to Cobalt)

Maybe he'll fit right in if it's the later.

(to the room)

What has brought you to Legion World, and I have no care for legalities in your answer, what drives you to bring yourself to this planet, here and now?

I'm also interested in this. What motivates you to be here, Zardi?

As to any possible magic of my own, I can assure that those have always been simply rumors. The criminals and the public need to find reasons why I'm so successful in bringing down so many space-terrorists. They just don't realize I'm vindictive and politically powerful. There's no magic involved.

But to Luna's point: legalities aside, why are you interested in Legion World and its citizenry? Is it because of the vast number of LMBers who have lived here at one time or another, such as Mearl Dox, Supreme Ruler of the Universe? And if so, why come here now?

<as Cobalt sits, he pushses away all food and drink; he is careful not to accept any gift, nor to consume anything to eat or drink, including water>

Why you do, Luna. You and Cobalt and Pagan Lass and STU and Candle and the Cackles and so many others...

Legion World has one of the highest populations of magical beings in the galaxy.

All magical beings are in constant danger. The more there are on any given world, the greater the danger.

Where the danger is greatest... there you will find my family and I. Offering safety and protection to those magical beings in need of our aid.

<Cobalt smiles>

I appreciate the concern, Eternal One. But you need not worry. We can protect ourselves here, on Legion World.

In fact, we'd rather not accept your protection, and keep out on our own. Less we be smothered and lose the light that keeps our magics aflame.

<smiles to everyone in the groom, but its not the smile of one charming someone; its a little wolfish>

Is there an additional danger approaching we should be aware of? Because otherwise, we are glad to give you showcases of our many talents, but certainly have no intentions of accepting additional protection other than what we've already in place.

I cannot speak for all the magical beings on Legion World. But we have faced many dangers. I myself have dealt with many a great conflicts since my birth, which was not a small time ago (I think)...

What makes you believe that we are incapable of defending ourselves? What makes you believe that you are so much stronger than us and more suited for that job?

No Magic? Your healing touch is gone? I think not...

Mearl Dox contacted me quite some time ago... It seems she has chosen her successor and placed the young lady in the care of a family on Legion World.

I did not ask the name of the chosen one. As you are well aware certain lines of questioning are not... tolerated... by the Supreme Ruler of the Universe and I have no desire to explore the interior of your sun in corpus.

I was to ensure that certain magical protections were placed around this world and to maintain those protections for a period of ten of your years...

At the end of that time period, I am free to stay or leave, depending on the desires of the duly elected LMBP leadership. And if I leave I am free to take with me any magical beings who express the desire to join my family.

My protection is not yours to accept or reject... It simply is. And I might add the matter was taken out of your hands when Mearl Dox contracted for my services.

Luna the filings from the edge of a steel sword can lay you low... I however cannot be affected by anything that is within your power to bring to bear against me.

Hold your temper Cobalt...

You ask what I can protect you from?

Were you aware that Gladys, the Sparkleopticon, is pregnant again?

Do you know the father's identity?

<eyebrows raise>

I was not aware, no. As to the father, I haven't a clue. I do have an in-depth knowledge of Sparkleopticon physiology and I agree the birth of another such being is of course means for at least maintaing some oversight. But surely we can handle that on our own.

<smiles at Luna, and turns back to Zardi>

There is no need for friction between yourself and the noble Weird Sister by my side. If you intend to stay peacefully, I fully welcome you to Legion World. I do not, of course, grant or recognize any authority you may have here in harming, prosecuting or bothering any of its citizens.

You say you do not know the name of the chosen girl?

<smiles>

That is good. Her name should not be known to any.

<looks at plate full of food, untouched>

I regret my appetite isn't fully quite there yet after my recent battles with Ol-Vir. It seems, however, that if your intentions are as you say they are, then you really aren't threatening at all, and well within your rights. Provided you do not intend to bring any citizens on Legion World here against their will.

Perhaps you can tell me about the Elvin Lord Legolas, and what we can expect from him? I note he's already visited the city.

It's interesting that you ask about Legolas, Cobalt.

He is becoming a problem. It's not just the unauthorized attempt he made to forment trouble between your leadership and the Cacks.

Nor is it the clumsy attempt he made to trick you into using a very dangerous magical artifact.

It is also the fact that he seems to have lost all sense of propriety.

<a single gesture creates a magical viewscreen.>

Look at him.

I believe that the time has come to show you how justice is meted out here in the Cloud Castle.

(Luna listens, she watches the view screen, she turns to Cobalt)

Doesn't this remind you of a Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers like moment.

(Her face drops)

Why did I say that

(She turns to Zardi)

If you wish to reprimand one of your own, so be it. I find this to be a waste of time. I wish to leave.

Cobalt, I do not think we should linger here any longer. Let us depart, together.

(Luna removes herself from her seat and walks to the exit of the Great Hall that she entered, she turns to the Hall)

I have learned many things. I do have limitations. And so does everyone else.

Hold on one second Luna, and I'll leave with you.

<turns back to Zardi>

I'm relieved to her you share equal concern regarding Legolas. Perhaps we got off to the wrong foot then, if certain denizens of Legion World accidently gave you pause for concern, while your own emissary did the same to my Office. I hope that problem can be resolved.

It sounds like you have certain ideas for your role on Legion World, and truthfully if they are exactly as you say they are, they don't seem to be in opposition to anything we stand for here. What will matter most, is your plan to execute these ideas. I have a duty to maintain the safety of Legion World's citizens, and so long as your plans do not come into conflict with that duty, we should have no problems.

I thank you, Zardi, for your hospitality. I'm sure we will have more to discuss, but in the meantime, let me reflect on what you've said and we will meet again.

Remember, the LMB Leader is Lard Lad, and he will speak for the LMB. I can only speak for the security of Legion World's citizens.

Farewell.

<walks forward and catches up to Luna, his face very stoic and hard to read>

Lets go back to the Security Office, Luna. We have much to discuss...

<exits>