Shinon: Welcome back, folks. We're just about ready to open this door, all you missed was us testing our weapons and distributing curatives so we don't end up with another team full of blind people. Oh, and Greasemonkey and the Handyman decided the world had been saved and they went back home.
Seel: Greasemonkey is always ready for action at a moment's notice, don't worry.
Shinon: Is everyone else ready?
Chase: Yep. Go ahead, Shi. Open the door.
Shinon: I... I can't. I don't understand these... donkey rat knob things. Do you pull on 'em? I don't think they turn....
Alynna: Out of the way. I think it's a pawn-proof lock.
*Alynna opens the door, she and the pawns step inside and mill about for a few moments, taking in their surroundings. As Alynna passes by a pile of crates, a blond man wearing a furry cape jumps in front of her, dagger pointed at her throat.*
???: Welcome, good Aris--
*Shinon runs forward, clocking the mystery man in the jaw with a gauntleted fist. He crumples to the ground*
Thomas: So... you're the "punch first, ask questions later, after they're mildly concussed" kind of reporter, huh?
Barnaby: He is his master's pawn above all things. *pats Shinon on the shoulder* Well done.
*The group stands over the man, who appears to have been knocked unconscious. Arya crouches beside him, and gasps as her pawnprint glows*
Gabs: He's an arisen?
Seel: Way to go, Shinon, you knocked out someone's master.
Shinon: He doesn't belong to anyone here, right? Nobody recognizes him?
Seel: I'll take him if nobody claims him. *turns him over* Ugh, no I won't. He's got a face like someone glued bits of hair on a ham.
Briana: *reaches down, shakes the man by the shoulder* Awaken!.... Huh. That usually works. Is... is he dead?
Shinon: It's his own fault! If he's an arisen, he should've known better than to threaten one with a small army around her.
*The man stirs, opening his eyes*
???: What just happened?
Arya: *blocks him as he tries to sit up* Stay down for a bit. You took a bad hit.
???: Fr-from what?
Shinon: Me. I'm sorry, but you kinda forced my hand. You pointed a sword at my master.
???: M-my apologies, I wasn't... I didn't mean to... *rubs jaw* Okay. I think we got off on the wrong foot.
Alynna: Yeah, we might have.
???: *extends a hand* Barroch.
Alynna: *takes his hand, eases him to his feet, slowly* Alynna. You met Shinon's fist a minute ago, and the rest of these folks -
Barroch: How did you come to have ...eight pawns? In my day, you had your main pawn, then your two support pawns, IF you were lucky. Isn't this breaking the law or something?
Seel: We are dodging the Rift Police at every turn, I assure you. Seriously, nobody cares.
Chase: ..."In your day"? How old are you?
Barroch: I'm not entirely sure. I don't age because I chickened out on the whole dragon business. Yeah, my world is not too happy about that. Oh, hey... *points to Barnaby* I know you. I hired you once. Barry? Barney? Barnaby, that's it. You've got quite the warrior in your employ here, lady.
Barnaby: I'm afraid those days are behind me. I was gravely injured in combat.
Barroch: Oh, that's too bad. How's your master doing? Something... Jones, didn't you call him?
Barnaby: My master fell to the dragon. He asked that I remain behind and aid the arisens that came after him. I have been doing so for seven hundred years.
Barroch: Sev--seven hundred years? I was gonna say... maybe twenty since I last saw you. Wow. I have REALLY been out of the loop.
Shinon: So... you've been here for hundreds of years, then?
Barroch: I... I guess so.
Shinon: Would you mind if we asked you a few questions about this place if you have the time? We're here doing a documentary on Bitterblack Isle.
Barroch: *laughs* If I have the time? Sure, why the hell not.
Chase: *shakes Barroch's hand* Chase, Gransys News. *looks down at notepad* Why do they call this place Bitterblack Isle?
Barroch: Well, I'm not quite sure. You may have noticed it's always nighttime here, that may account for the "black" In Bitterblack. As for the "Bitter"? Well, Daimon's not exactly the cheeriest of people. This island is his creation, it's a place for him to sulk and think about what he did.
Gabs: What did he do? How did he create an entire island?
Barroch: *indicates the group* How many of you here have fought your dragon?
Briana: *raises hand* Just me, I think.
Shinon: Ol' Grigs? I don't want to kill him. He just got his new magazine off the ground. It's pretty good, you should check it out.
Barroch: ...What I am about to tell you, which I found out from a pawn I hired way back when, may dissuade you from continuing your quest to slay your dragon. It certainly stopped me. Should I continue?
Arya: How could anything possibly stop us from wanting to save Gransys and restore our masters' hearts?
Chase: Exactly! Lay it on us, Barroch!
Barroch: I'm actually going to leave as much as I can out. I'd hate to be the one to crush your hopes and dreams. Okay. Have any of you ever heard of the Dragon's Bargain?
Barnaby: Indeed. You will be granted a wish in exchange for the life of the one you hold most dear. My master refused.
Briana: Mine didn't. But then he thought, wait, no, this is wrong. So he turned back time using Beard Magic and then fought the dragon and won.
Barroch:... Anyway, yes, Barnaby is right. See, The master of this isle was once an Arisen. He still is, I suppose, but... he's pretty messed up. When he went up against his dragon, it was his mentor, his lover, transformed. So it was either kill her or sacrifice his beloved pawn. He said no, to hell with it all.
Alynna: So the dragon's just... a person?
Barroch: No. That's as much as you'll get out of me on that. You're supposed to know all this stuff before you come here. I told Olra, I told her to put a memo on the door outside that said "Do not enter unless you've met the Sensechal".
Arya: The Seneschal? The MAKER?
Barroch: Oh boy. *rubs forehead* Look, let's bring it back around to Bitterblack Isle, since that's why you're here, right? Okay, Daimon - back then his name was Ashe - he said to the dragon, I'm not doing this, I curse the world and all that's in it. The dragon took that as a wish, killing his pawn and granting him the form he has now, complete with the power to "curse the world." This Isle is his hate given form, and his prison.
Briana: Beard Magic.
Shinon: Why can't Daimon leave?
Barroch: What's out there for him? An empty house, memories of Grette and Olra?
Thomas: Olra? Isn't she right outside the front door?
Barroch: Yeah... she's... it's complicated. She both is and isn't Ashe's Olra. Olra was the pawn he unwittingly sacrificed. Her spirit hung about here until this other woman came along, an Arisen, and she attached herself to this new body. By chance, this arisen was also named Olra. I don't believe it's a coincidence, though. That is not a common name.
Gabs: Yeah, I don't recall anyone named Olra in the rift. You'd think someone would have used that name by now.
Seel: It's no Gandalf.
Barnaby: I see a lot of BytchTyts, myself.
Seel: Yeah, I bet you would.
Alynna: Wait...excuse me?
Barnaby: 'Tis an exotic name, don't you think? Must come from over the mountains somewhere. BytchTyts. Very... harsh sounding.
Alynna:...Dear Maker, you're adorable. *to Barroch* So you say this pawn's spirit hung about here? Hers is not the only spirit haunting this place, is it?
Barroch: You hear the voices, don't you? Fallen Arisens. Some fell in battle, some went mad. Poor Arthacos, his corruption was slow, and just heartbreaking to see. Seemed like a good kid, a little rough around the edges maybe, but who isn't? BBI toys with you, it uses your fear, your hate... makes you crazy. Maybe Arthy had a lot of hate bottled up, and this place drew it out of him.
Briana: You don't have to worry about any of that with this group. We're like the Positivity Brigade, featuring Shinon.
Thomas: I don't like the sound of that "fear" bit, though.
Barroch:... you know what, I wasn't going to ask, but I'm sorry, I have to. *to Briana* Why are you wearing a barrel on your head?
Briana: Oh, whoops. I forgot I had that on. You didn't see this, okay? It's top secret. *takes barrel helm off*
Shinon: ...So what happened to this Arthacos? Did he die?
Barroch: No. He came here because he thought his Dragon told him it'd leave his country in peace of he was to offer the souls of one thousand Arisens. Since there's normally only one Arisen in a world at a given time, he came here, where all worlds interconnect. He's slain hundreds....
Gabs: Where all worlds interconnect? What?
Barroch: There is only one Bitterblack Isle. No matter whose world you come from, you will end up here, on this BBI. Oh. Were you not aware of there being infinite worlds? You can't be. All of you have different Arisens, right? Well, you'd have to.
Shinon: They all moved here once Alynna won the Rock, Paper, Scissors tournament.
Barroch: Anyway, yeah, this is pretty much like the Everfall in that it's a link between all our worlds. Arthacos just waits for new prey, and they come.
Arya: ...He's Death, isn't he?
Barroch: Don't call him that. For that matter, don't call him Arthacos either, he tends to go nuts if you do. Don't engage him in any sort of conversation whatsoever. If you snuff out your lanterns and keep quiet, he'll ignore you and be on his way. It's how I've stayed alive for the past... seriously? Seven hundred years?
Shinon: He seemed quite personable when we ran into him upstairs. Sure, he wants to kill my master, but he wasn't a jerk about it. He even talked to us for a while, he told us there was an old abandoned city underneath this place.
Barroch: He does have moments when Old Arthy shines through. You must have caught him during one of those.
Gabs: So is there a city underneath here?
Barroch: Yeah, It's Daimon's memory of his hometown. Cassardis. I guess that place just spits out Arisens by the barrelfull. It was my understanding that the entire town was inbred, but I guess I'm wrong. Most Arisens I see come through here are Cassardi.
Alynna: You must be a city boy. Yeah, we're not a town of inbred hicks, we're just friendly, cos.
Shinon: Ugh. No. Stop.
Seel: Do you get a lot of Arisens coming through here?
Barroch: Yeah, daily. They usually last about one, maybe two weeks, then Arthacos finds them. I'm even starting to see Non-Arisens show up here, we might be running out of real Arisens.
Alynna: That doesn't make sense. Didn't someone say this place was only open to Arisens, or am I missing something?
Barroch: You are correct, but a few crafty humans have found a loophole. Stay here, I'll be right back with said loophole. I think I still have one in storage. *walks over to a pile of crates, begins to rummage through them*
Shinon: Unless that loophole involves a greenwarish-induced high, it's not going to explain how Valmiro ended up here. He's not an Arisen, right, master?
Alynna: *boisterous laugh* Val? Gods, no. I love him like a brother, don't get me wrong, but... oh my, no.
Barnaby: He possesses an Arisen's Bond, does he not? Perhaps the Isle sees Valmiro as "half" of Rohan.
Gabs: That's an interesting perspective. The ring is supposed to bind your lives together, right?
Alynna: That's the idea, yeah.
Seel:...So what are the extra seven for? *indicates Barnaby's hands*
Barnaby: *points to a ring on his middle finger*I believe this one was a St. Grigori's Day gift, *points to another ring* that one was for the anniversary of my birth, *yet another ring* this one here was simply because I am "damn fine," I think she said -
Alynna: N-no, I said you were a damn fine guild leader. Anyway, you don't have to explain all-
Barnaby: This one here was... something to do with a donkey? I was a little unclear on that.
Alynna: Okay, okay... nobody wants to -
Barnaby: She seemed to think I owned one, and she thought it was attractive. I figured it would be rude to turn down a gift, so...
Alynna: Please stop talking. Oh, wait, no. I...I mean... let's not do this.
Seel: Nuh-uh, let's do do this. Don't be embarrassed, really. We've all been there, telling people they have... attractive donkeys.
Barroch: Ah! Here we are!
Alynna: Thank the gods.
*Barroch returns to the group carrying a wooden staff with a red crystal on the end of it*
Barroch: See this? They call this "Legion's Might".
Alynna: Ooh, pretty. Can I see? *Barroch hands her the staff*
Barroch: You know what that crystal on the end is?
Thomas: *touches the crystal* It looks like a wakestone shard, but... it's warm.
Barroch: It's the heart of an Arisen.
Thomas *recoils in horror, frantically wiping his hand on his coat* You monster!
Arya: Ugh, who would DO that? It's SICK!
Alynna: Yeah, you can have this back now. *hands the staff back* How would one even get their hands on an Arisen's heart? I don't even have my own, Grigori has it.
Barroch: I imagine these staves came from other worlds, where the dragons have been slain and the Arisen has passed on due to old age. Or were murdered by rogue pawns that hated being tethered to them.
Thomas: I'm seriously going to be sick if you don't put that away.
Barroch: At any rate, these staves seem to resonate with riftstones, allowing humans to summon pawns, so I assume they can "trick" Bitterblack Isle into thinking they're Arisen. Just the other day, I saw a knight in Voldoan armor leading a few pawns, he was carrying one of these. He looked to be doing some sort of documentary too. I think he called himself Julien?
Thomas: Uh-oh.
Shinon: What?
Thomas: I... I was not aware Julien was with VNN.
Shinon: You weren't? He's like my equivalent over there. How do you not know this? Don't you two live in the same house?
Thomas: Master and I haven't been home in... a very long time. We live in Gran Soren now. Master says he can only stand Julien in small doses, which is good I guess, because he's always going to Voldoa for... I could never understand what he was saying. He probably said he was a reporter, I'd never have known. But he could be stuck here, I really should lend a hand.
Shinon: Yeah, I guess. Do you know which way they went, Barroch?
Barroch: Yes. He and his cameramen went through the door to the Vault of Defiled Truth.
Arya: That door down there with the bars on it?
Barroch: Oh, it locked again, did it? Right, that's right, they had to lock everything down to keep corrupted pawns from sneaking into the concert in the Ward of Regret. Some kid pop star or something. I honestly don't know why he's here. He's not going to get much of an audience unless he counts banshees and giant undead.
Shinon: Dammit. Zihark.
Barroch: Yes, that's his name. I'm assuming you're not a fan.
Shinon: That... that is putting it lightly, yes.
Chase: Oh, he's just a kid, lay off him.
Gabs: I think you're just jealous of his fame.
Arya: I'm not a fan either, his lyrics are so moronic. He says "baby" like fifty times a minute. "Baby, you're my baby, ooh, baby baby, have my baby..." Ugh. I bet he even has people help him write those lyrics.
Seel: That was his old stuff. He's into the deeper, more meaningful lyrics these days. Grigori did an interview with him for his magazine. He's really intelligent and down to earth. He does charity work, wants to raise money for homeless undead. And he'll totally date a fan.
Thomas: Why undead? There are plenty living homeless.
Shinon: Who cares? He's probably a necrophiliac. How do we get that door open, Barroch?
Barroch: You need the void key. It's in the janitor's office in Midnight Helix. You're probably just better off waiting until the show's over, you'd have to pass through there anyway to get to the Helix.
Shinon: The janitor's office? So... Death's office? He has an office?
Barroch: He's never there. He's usually in the Bloodless Stockade.
Seel: Sounds cheery. Or... clean, at least.
Thomas: Okay, I don't really want to wait, if Julien's in trouble, it's my duty to help him. Come on, Shinon, let's go.
Shinon: Fine. Just wish I brought some rotten apples with me to chuck on stage.
Barroch: I can access your storage if you like.
Shinon: Wh-...how?
Briana: Beard Magic.
Barroch: I don't know, really. I just open one of these crates, and voila, there's all your stuff. Some of the Isle's secrets are still unknown to me, even after all these years.
Shinon: Well, that's why we're here, to uncover them all. And to pelt apples at a stupid kid.
Barroch: *hands Shinon a bag of rotten apples* May I ask you all a question before you leave?
Alynna: Yes?
Barroch: Your pawns... well, aside from Barnaby... how come you all...
Shinon: Kick seventy kinds of ass?
Seel: Are incredibly sexy?
Briana: Juggle skulls while riding oxcarts through Soulflayer Canyon? Because we've done that. I've done that. I haven't done that. But I will, it's on The List.
Thomas: ....how come we all seem human?
Barroch: Yes, that's what I was getting at. My pawns were like hollow shells, no personality to speak of. Have things changed that much in 700 years? Are pawns... human now?
Gabs: Not quite, no. Some of us are lucky enough to be created by humans who have strong visions of their ideal pawns. My arisen, for instance, wanted a strong, independant, wise woman, but also a sister, a friend. That is what I became.
Alynna: I swear when I filled out the form for Shinon, I didn't check the "body-obsessed news reporter" box. I wanted an archer, one adept at sniping foes from afar and an expert at eluding damage when in close quarters. I don't know where all of this... *waves hands in Shinon's direction* came from.
Seel: Perhaps your secret, innermost desires?
Alynna: See, that would make sense, but no. You know, I'm friends with Zihark's arisen, she doesn't know where his musical talent came from either, she didn't intend for that to happen. I'm sure a lot of your masters didn't originally have your little quirks in mind.
Arya: I actually have my CC certificate on me. Let's see.... *digs in pockets, comes up with crumpled paper, smooths it out* Hmm... "very shy, except in battle, when she's all business. Secretly admire--" oh, this is outdated. Yeah, this... it's outdated and wrong and... outdated. Yeah, Alynna's right. *shoves paper back in her pocket* We're created by our masters, but shaped by the world around us.
Barroch: It's a very curious thing. I'll sometimes see pawns like I had, but now it's mostly ones like you lot. At any rate, I wish you luck on your journey, and if you have any other questions, I'll be floating around. Remember, don't talk to Arthacos. You might not catch him at a good time like you apparently already have. Hide from him.
Shinon: Yeah, he's after Master. We're not going to take that chance again. But thanks, this has been enlightening.
Gabs: I'm more familiar with this area now.
---
Briana: See, I told you. Bunnies and deer.
Alynna: They're adorable, I want to take them home with me. Of course half the townsfolk would kill them and eat them, so... maybe they should stay here.
Shinon: I wonder how they got here. Are they manifestations of Daimon's hate? ...Seriously, do you guys believe all that stuff he said? This Isle was created by some guy in a bad mood?
Barnaby: The Dragon's bargain is no joke, you can have any wish granted to you, wealth, immortality, power -
Shinon: I have all of those and didn't need no dragon.
Barnaby:...My point was that what Barroch said is possible. And if it is so, we must be on our guard. He mentioned corrupted pawns. We are not immune to this hate, it seems.
Alynna: Maybe be civil to Zihark if we see him. Try to keep your innate hate at as low a level as possible. I don't want to have to put you down.
Shinon: I'm not promising anything.
Gabs: How did this animosity between you two start?
Alynna: It's not really between them, it's all Shinon. And it's stupid.
Shinon: That kid had absolutely everything handed to him. Never lifted a damn finger. Even Master bought him some pricey clothes.
Alynna: He looked really smart in a lamellar jacket, I couldn't resist. And it's not like I never buy you anything. Have you forgotten the lances and oxen?
Shinon: ...she even gave Zi my favorite Abyssinal Coat.
Alynna: You have seven others.
Shinon: But that one was my favorite! I'd gotten a seamstress to add a few pockets to the inside so I could have a place to stash my oil for quick retrieval! I bet he uses 'em for something stupid like lollipops or candy necklaces.
Chase: Okay, stop raggin' on the kid. He's extremely successful, does things for charity AND he brings smiles to the faces of the undead.
Shinon: Skeletons don't really have much choice there, do they?
Alynna: Am I gonna have to send you to the rift? Because I will if you don't behave. I'll pick you back up when we get the key.
Shinon: NO! No, I'll... I'll stop.
Gabs: Leave the bag of apples behind. You're an adult. An adult in the public eye.
Shinon: ...I hate when other people are right.
---
Shinon: So... the Ward of Regret, huh? Very cheerful-sounding.
Arya: If Barroch was right about this all being a creation of Daimon's hate, it could explain all these lovely names.
*A voice thunders through the hall*
NONE OF IT MATTERS. NONE OF IT. PRAY, LEAVE ME TO SLEEP IN PEACE.
*Everyone turns to Briana*
Gabs: Was... was that you? That was your voice! I thought it sounded familiar before, but now I'm almost certain!
Briana: What voice? I didn't hear anything.
Thomas: Remember, a lot of us sound alike. That voice could belong to any number of pawns.
Chase: I thought the voices were fallen arisens. Are... are arisens created like we are? From a catalogue of choices? Are there only so many voices available? *Gasp* Is our whole world just some... plaything for the Maker? Are... are we like little chess pieces that -
Alynna: No, that's silly. You're silly.
Chase: "None of it matters!" Why would none of it matter?
Seel: You're overthinking this, bud. This poor girl probably got separated from her group and went mad looking for them.
Chase: But why does she sound like Briana?
Briana: Wait, what did it say?
Shinon: "None of it matters. None - "
Briana: "-of it. Pray, leave me to sleep in peace"? Wow, they USED that? Yeah, the radio was doing these little vox pop segments, advertising Zihark's Gransys tour. They came and bothered me after I'd gotten smashed on herb ale. Gosh, it was weeks ago. You'd think they would have gotten a better soundbite.
Arya: How come you didn't hear it?
Briana: *fiddles with her earring* I had this turned up, Into Free was gettin' into the good guitar stuff.
Chase: We also heard your voice in the hall upstairs. Something about "black tongues being our doom".
Briana: ...nope, I don't remember saying that, but then again, I don't remember a lot of things I say.
Alynna: This voice just now was different, it didn't bother me like the others did. Maybe it was just a loudspeaker.
Shinon: Wow, guys, look at this...
Barnaby: A broken riftstone. What could have done this?
Seel: Perhaps a stray bolide...?
Barnaby: Impossible. I'm aware you meant it in jest, But I've seen many an arisen test out their newfound powers in the pawn guild. The riftstone always remained, even when the entire building was burned to cinders around it.
Thomas: Can it be fixed? Just... just in case we need a quick refresher?
Shinon: We don't really have time to piece the thing back together. And I for one wouldn't want to use a broken riftstone, even if it was "repaired." Who knows where the thing might send us.
Arya: Look, there's a poster on the wall over there.
Shinon: ARGH, LOOK! THAT'S MY DAMN COAT! And he's wearing it in the musty old Catacombs in that picture! It takes WEEKS to get that smell out!
Alynna: If it's that big of a deal, I'll sew pockets on one of your coats once we get out of here. Although I really think this is just you being greedy.
Arya: You don't need that coat, Shinon. You're a big star now, you could have attendants to carry your oil for you. Let poor Zihark have it.
Castor: Hey, you can't be blocking the hallways here. Move along, the concert's about to start.
Chase: Castor? You're working the door?
Castor: Zi's my buddy, we grew up together. He took me skydiving in the Everfall the other day, so this is my way of returning the favor, I guess.
Shinon: How did you get here? How did Zihark get here?
Castor: His master brought us. I don't know where she went to, I haven't seen her in a while. Probably backstage. You guys came to see Zi? That's awesome. There was a bigger turnout than we thought, we had to move the show to the Midnight Helix. *leans in, whispers* I can sneak you in to the front rows if you want...
Shinon: We're actually here filming a documentary on BBI, we really don't have time for -
Seel: Hell yes, we have time.
Thomas: No! We really don't! Julien's in trouble!
Seel: Ah. Right. Well, we might catch a song or two on the way. We need to get into Midnight Helix anyway, we're looking for the key to... some vault or something. Barroch said it's in the janitor's office.
Castor: Yeah, that's at the very top of the stairs in the Helix. Pity you guys are busy, I would've said we could go grab a cloudwine after the show and catch up. I still might see you around anyway, Zi's here for a few days to rest and recharge. Less screaming fans here, you see. Well, there're banshees, but...
Alynna: You guys better stick close to Kalethai, or at least get some of Zi's bodyguards to keep an eye on her. If you lose her, you might be stuck here forever.
Castor: That's what everyone's been saying, yeah. I'm sure she's with Zi.
Gabs: I still don't quite understand why anyone would want to have a concert here. Did he have to get Daimon's permission? Did he speak with him?
Castor: Daimon actually sent for him, I guess he's a fan.
Shinon: Surefire sign of a warped mind right there.
Gabs: So is Daimon here, then? We'd like to talk to him.
Castor: Nah, he's watching from his chamber. Zi's being broadcast all over the Isle, some of the folks here couldn't fit through these doors. I know Daimon couldn't. Have... have you SEEN him? He's a little imposing. And when I say imposing, I mean off the sliders imposing.
Shinon: That's impossible. If I puffed my chest out more, I'd fall over.
Castor: Daimon's chest is a dragon's head.
Shinon: Ah. Wait, how does that -
Thomas: Look, I hate to have to keep prodding you guys along, but we really DO have to go. Unless you all want to take in the show, then Arya and I will go get the key.
Seel: I'd kinda like to catch a few songs, at least.
Chase: I wonder if he'd let us film it.
Shinon: I'm not watching no sissy pop star waggle his ass in front of corpses. It's sick.
Seel: Oh, this from the guy who once MADE A NUN EXPLODE due to his debauchery. The undead are people too!
Gabs: It's jealousy, I'm telling you.
Shinon: ...So where do we go, Castor?
Castor: *turns and points down the hall* You go through there until you reach a flooded chamber, then you go through the hole in the wall, past the exposed roots, and keep going until you hit a set of green double doors. That's the Helix.
Chase: Sounds rather in need of repair. Is this place safe?
Castor: No casualties yet!
Alynna: Yeah, we'll see.
Castor: Those of you wanting to take in the show, just head in the doors and find a spot, those of you wanting to get at the Void Key, you'll have to wade through the masses and climb like seventy flights of stairs and cross rickety bridges above the stage. Be very careful you don't fall, because I think it would hurt just a tad.
Shinon: Above the stage, huh...?
Alynna: There will be no dropping of rotten food from above, you understand?
Arya: Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on your boy.
*Arya, Shinon and Thomas split from the group. jogging on ahead*
---
Gabs: Ugh, look in there! Were they torturing people?
Alynna: Is... is that man over there still alive? It looks like he's breathing!
Seel: The door's locked, anyone have something I can pick the lock with?
Barnaby: Here, I've got a spare key to the door to the Everfall because I'm sure Rook will lose the one I gave him. Maybe it'll fit the lock.
*Seel takes the key and inserts it into the lock*
Seel: Huh. You might want to change the lock on the Everfall door if its key fits other doors. *Seel opens the door*
Chase:...is that Iorveth?
Gabs: Who?
*Chase rushes inside, crouching beside Iorveth, who is face down on a pile of bones*
Chase: Hey! Wake up, buddy!
*Iorveth groans, rolls over*
Iorveth: Hey, Chase... long time, no see.
Alynna: What happened? Who locked you in here?
Iorveth: Wow, you look different. *points at her* Alynna, right? Who else would drag Barnaby away from his job to hang around in hell?
Alynna: ...you don't seem very concerned about your situation.
Iorveth: Why would I be? I'm a pawn. I'm just waiting here for an Arisen's magic touch. *winks with his one good eye*
Seel: Oh, I LIKE him.
Alynna: *presses her palm to Iorveth's chest* You should be more careful, you know. I'm hearing you could eventually lose your mind here, become corrupt, all kinds of nasty stuff.
Iorveth: *sits up* Feh. I've been floating around here with no master for months. I'm still me.
Alynna: What happened to Selene?
Iorveth: She fell asleep on the resting bench in one of Barroch's little hidey-holes a few weeks ago and never got up. She's still asleep as far as I know.
Alynna: That's a bit scary.
Gabs: And you haven't gone mad after all this time?
Iorveth:...Whoa. How come I haven't run into YOU in the rift before? *extends a hand* Iorveth, M'lady. And you are?
Gabs: *helps him to his feet* Gabrielle.
Chase: Yep. Gabs here is my lady friend. I'm sure I told you about her? Back in the day? About how she's my girlfriend? She's... she's my girlfriend.
Iorveth: *chuckles* I see. But yeah, I'm still sane. I've heard the stories, I've seen a few corrupted pawns, a... a few corrupted masters. I guess I'm an exception to the rule. There's always one, huh?
Barnaby: It's not every pawn that goes mad after the loss of his master. If we still have a purpose...
Iorveth: I was helping another group through here. You guys know Julien, right? He promised me, Quintin and Woolie a ton of money to guide him through here. They wanted to do some sort of TV show about BBI.
Alynna: ...So why were you locked in a cell?
Iorveth: He's... *shrugs* It was like someone flipped a switch. We found a giant stash of gold coins in a chest, and as we were trying to divvy it up, he cracked me over the head with his mace. Woke up here. Have you guys seen Quin or Woolie anywhere?
Chase: No... I hope they're okay.
Seel: I think they're up and about, we may have just missed them on the floor above. That's scary about Julien, though.
Iorveth: He'd been complaining about voices in his head for quite some time. We should have seen it coming, but we didn't.
Alynna: Oh, is... is that right...? Did he say what they were saying?
Iorveth: Yeah, he said he kept hearing a little kid singing about his mother or something. I never heard it. Why? You hearing voices too?
Chase: We all are. I think it's hitting Alynna the hardest, though.
Alynna: I haven't heard a little kid singing about his mother, so that's... good? I guess?
Iorveth: So what brings you all here, anyway? Shinon still kickin' about?
Alynna: Yeah, we're actually here for the same reason Julien was. Shinon wanted to do an in-depth documentary on BBI.
Chase: So far it's light on the actual documentary and heavy on the filler. Barroch was a good info dump, though.
Iorveth: Well, you guys watch yourselves, alright? This place is nasty.
Gabs: So what are you going to do? Just stay here in a cell?
Iorveth: Uhh... wow, okay, before I answer that, and I know I'm stepping on some toes here, but I have to say, I feel a powerful connection with you.
Gabs: *rolls eyes* Oh, please. Not another Shinon.
Iorveth: I'm serious! I'm 99% sure we haven't met before, but I feel like I know you from somewhere.
Chase: The Rift, probably.
Iorveth: *to Gabs* Lemme see your pawnprint.
Gabs: Why? *holds out hand, palm up*
Iorveth: Ah-ha! Look! *holds out his hand* They're exactly the same!
Chase: Pawnprints are all the same, dude.
Barnaby: No. They all have differences, be it coloration, pattern, brightness. *Inspects Gabs' and Iorveth's pawnprints* Indeed, this is peculiar.
Gabs: So... what does it mean?
Barnaby: I... I don't know. If I didn't know better, I'd say... you both are the same pawn, but you clearly aren't. You have different masters. I've met both Selene and Lielle.
Gabs: Are... are we brother and sister?
Chase: I bet that's it! YES. Let's not think any further on this matter. Stop hitting on your sister, Iorveth.
Barnaby: ...I don't know. I don't know if it's possible for pawns to have siblings. We lack parents, for one thing.
Seel: Well it's gotta mean something, right?
Chase: Maybe the Maker ran out of patterns.
Barnaby: What possessed you to ask to see Gabrielle's pawnprint, if I may ask? You obviously expected this. Why?
Iorveth: My master used to wake up sometimes and say she'd seen another pawn in her dreams, one that descended from the clouds. She said it felt like she knew her, like she was me in a different skin. Since pawnprints are all different...
Briana: Whatever, ManGabs. We've got more important business to attend to. Concert in the Helix. *takes two glowsticks from her pack and waves them around, leaving the room with a loud "wooooooooooo!"*
Seel: ManGabs. I'm using that.
Gabs: You... you guys go ahead. I'd like to talk to Iorveth for a while.
Chase: But you'll miss the show!
Gabs: If you found someone with an identical pawnprint to yours, you'd pass up an opportunity to talk to them in order to see a concert?
Chase:...we were supposed to stick together.
Iorveth: I can come with, if it's no trouble.
Chase: Well, we've only got enough supplies for us...
Iorveth: You need supplies to go see a concert?
Chase: We need supplies to keep safe. We don't know what's in store for us here.
Alynna: Well we can't just leave him here by himself.
Iorveth: I'm a pretty good ranger, I can take care of myself. I mean, I was fine until Julien snapped. I wasn't expecting that.
Gabs: He... he can share my curatives, if need be.
Iorveth: Ah, thank you. That settles it then. So... where are we going? A concert?
Seel: Yep! Well, if we can still get seats. Zihark's rockin' the Helix! Ooh, I hope he sings Dead Man's Party. That's my favorite.
Iorveth: Well, lead on, I guess. *to Gabs* My legs are still a little wobbly, do you mind if I lean on you for support?
Gabs: Not at all. No grabby hands, though.
Iorveth: Perish the thought! I'm a perfect gentleman!
*Iorveth and Gabs leave the room, followed by the others*
Seel: *aside to Chase* Oh, he's good.
Chase: Don't encourage him!
Seel: It's kinda unfair, isn't it? He's got a body that most of us could only dream of, if we're lucky, and on top of that, he's got a mysterious connection with the lovely Gabs. Why can't I have a pawnprint-soulmate?
---
Arya: EW!
Shinon: Wow, that's not inviting.
Thomas: I have thrown up more times in the past few hours than I have in my entire existence before them. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DECORATING HERE?
Shinon: I would guess nobody. I don't think this is a 'decoration', sadly.
Arya: Well, there's the hole in the wall Castor mentioned. I don't see any lineups yet, hopefully it won't be too crowded and we can get out quick. This Julien business is worrying me. That goblin said VNN "lost their leader." I hope he just meant they... 'misplaced' him.
Thomas: Yeah, I don't like what this place evidently does to people. *to Shinon* You're lucky you didn't see Alynna's last encounter. That... that was scary.
Shinon: Yeah, I heard. Good thing Chase stole Todd.
Arya: You believe that thing actually works?
Shinon: Of course it does. Chase used to swear by it. I've never known him to lie. He said it saved Ulee from freezing solid once, she'd been in front of a wyrm when it decided to spew ice at her. Chase said he ran over and shoved the cap on her head. Instant thaw. It's magic, there's no doubt about that. I put it on outside there for a few seconds. You can feel...something, like a calming sensation, flow through your entire body.
Thomas: ...that's what my old hat was like.
Shinon: Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to -
Thomas: No, it's okay. I'm okay. I've let it go.
Arya: Isn't that eyepatch screwing with your depth perception, though?
Thomas: I couldn't see straight ahead with my hat. I'm used to sight-related handicaps.
Arya: Look, here. I was going to save this to give you when this was all over, but... *hands Thomas a Dragonwing Circlet*
Thomas: Wow! Really? These are extremely expensive!
Arya: I had a spare. I knew you always wanted one, so here you are. They're really lightweight AND you can see all around you!
Thomas: Gosh, Arya. This... I don't know what to say. *puts on the circlet*
Arya: Oh, it suits you. And now everyone can see your beautiful eyes!
Shinon: The wings don't actually let you fly, though. I - someone tested that off a roof in Gran Soren, I heard. Yeah, *claps his hands together vertically* So don't try to fly.
Thomas: Thanks for the advice. And many, many thanks for the circlet, Arya. I'll find a way to repay you, don't worry.
Shinon: Is this safe? Gods, this place looks like it's gonna fall down around us.
Thomas:...do you hear that? Like a... squealy-shrieky....
Arya: BATS!
Shinon: NOT THE HAIR! *covers head, rushes through cloud of bats*
*they all step into another empty corridor*
Arya: Wow. That was freaky. *looks back* Everyone okay?
Shinon: *blindly swiping at the air with his framaes* Get AWAY, you air rats! This hair costs thousands of gold to maintain!
Thomas: They're gone.
Arya: Very macho display, buddy.
Shinon: Thank you.
Thomas: ...Thousands of gold?
Shinon: I require a conditioner I have to order through special channels. Technically, I think it's illegal. It's made from some fancy plant from away.
Arya: Wait, what happened to your dreads? I just noticed! Were they too tight?
Shinon: Oh, Master called me "Arya" once when I was standing with my back to her.
Arya: And... that offended you, did it?
Shinon: No, no, you misunderstand. If we're in the heat of battle and someone calls out to me saying "Arya"... well, I won't think they're talking to me. I know I tend to identify people by their hair or headgear when I don't have much time to take in my surroundings.
Arya:... I'll let that one slide.
Thomas: Okay, guys, remember, we're looking for a set of green doors. Let's go.
*the trio turns the first corner*
Living Armor: HALT.
Shinon: Holy eff. What the hell is that?
Arya: It... it looks like a phantom, but... with armor? How is that possible?
Living Armor: PLEASE PUT YOUR WEAPONS IN THE BIN BEFORE PROCEEDING. YOU WILL HAVE THEM RETURNED TO YOU WHEN YOU LEAVE.
Shinon: What?
Living Armor: YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED INSIDE MIDNIGHT HELIX WHILE CARRYING WEAPONS.
Shinon: I'll leave my bow, but these aren't weapons, they're microphones.
Shinon: I'm here doing a documentary on BBI. We're actually just on our way to the janitor's office to pick up a key to the door in Duskmoon Tower, then we'll be on our way.
Living Armor: YOU ARE NOT HERE TO WITNESS THE SEXY AND TALENTED ZIHARK AND HIS ZOMBAND WHO ARE ALSO TALENTED BUT NOT QUITE SO SEXY?
Shinon: ...We are not. A few friends of mine are, though. They should be on their way soon.
Living Armor: WHAT ABOUT THE LITTLE WING-EARED MAN HIDING BEHIND THE ROOTS OVER THERE?
Arya: *looks over* Oh, that's Thomas, he's with us. He gets spooked easily. *she beckons him over* Come on, he's just a security guard.
Thomas: *steps out from behind the roots* H-hi, giant knight, sir. We don't want any trouble, really. We just need the key.
Living Armor: FOLLOW THE HALL UNTIL YOU REACH THE GREEN DOORS. SOMEONE WILL DIRECT YOU TO THE OFFICE. I STILL MUST INSIST YOU LEAVE YOUR WEAPONS.
Arya: What about the cameras? Is it okay if we bring them in?
Living Armor: YES. ZIHARK ENCOURAGES FAN RECORDINGS.
Shinon: What about hater recordings?
Living Armor: ...YOU SEEM SUSPICIOUS, SIR. PLEASE STEP ASIDE SO I CAN SEARCH YOU FOR HIDDEN WEAPONS.
Shinon: Are you kidding? Where am I gonna hide them? In my boots? *takes off boots, turns them upside down* There, see? Empty. *a rotten apple falls to the floor* That... that was just part of my lunch... from... last week.
Arya: Ew.
Living Armor: DO YOU SEE THIS SWORD?
Thomas: That's pretty much all I see right now.
Shinon: Yeah.
Living Armor: IF I FIND SOMEONE HAS GOTTEN THROUGH SECURITY WITH A CONCEALED WEAPON AND TRIES TO ATTACK ZIHARK, THIS SWORD WILL CLEAVE THAT PERSON IN TWO.
Shinon: Oh, while I hate the guy, I wouldn't hurt him.
Living Armor: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN ON BITTERBLACK?
Shinon: Huh? I don't know. A few days? Hours? Possibly several years.
Living Armor: ...DO NOT STAY IN THE HELIX TOO LONG. HATE IS A DANGEROUS THING TO HAVE HERE.
*Shinon, Arya and Thomas deposit their weapons in the bin beside the Living Armor, who watches them closely as they walk past.*
Shinon: Ugh, I feel naked without my bow.
Arya: You mean you never felt naked before?
Shinon: No. Don't you guys feel overdressed? What with your shirts and all...
Thomas: They're good for keeping warm.
Arya: And not offending little old ladies. And I heard that if you're male, they help your appearance rating.
Shinon: Who told you that?
Arya: I dunno. You know, water cooler talk in the Rift. I'm not saying I agree with it, I'm just repeating what I heard.
Thomas: I'm pro-shirt, myself. I'm pro-clothing, period. All those claws and teeth out there...
Shinon: And that's just the fangirls. Yeah, I get ya.
*Briana catches up to them, still fully armed and carrying a glowstick*
Briana: You guys lost or what? I figured you'd be on your way back by now.
Shinon: Huh? That... ghost man stopped us, made us hand over our weapons.
Briana: Oh, Cecil? He's a dear, ain't he? Yeah, he and I go way back. I killed him once. Looted his balls.
Arya:...wh...what?
Briana: Oh, sorry, his "phantom orbs." Sheesh. It's like I'm back doing Storytime With Briana.
Thomas: What would you want with... no, never mind. I don't want to know.
Briana: Oh, I sewed them onto my cloak. Don't worry, you can't see them. They're phantom orbs.
Shinon:... so why again were you let through without having your weapons confiscated?
Briana: He knows not to mess with me.
Shinon: You're clearly an unpredictable woman. You could be a danger to others in there, and he let you keep your bow. He's not doing his job.
Briana: D'you wanna go back there and tell him that?
Thomas: No, no we don't.
Briana: Well, come on, then. We're missing the show.
Shinon: But we're not here to -
Briana: WE ARE MISSING THE SHOW. Come on, follow me. I know the way.
---
Iorveth: Ah, it's great to see you all together. It's not often we're all in one place. Well, except that one time we all got drunk and got into the pig enclosure in Gran Soren.
Alynna: Good times.
Barnaby: You all got arrested for drunken indecency. I had to dip into the Pawn Guild's treasury to spring you from jail. I believe Seel still owes me 5000 gold.
Seel: GOOD TIMES.
Gabs:...and I wasn't invited?
Chase: We tried to get a hold of you, I think you and Lielle were way in the Frontier Caverns where there's no telestone reception. ...You know, it really IS odd that Gabs and Iorveth never met until now. Here we thought we were going to unravel BBI's secrets and we're only piling on new ones.
Iorveth: So what made Shinon want to do this?
Alynna: You know my boy. He gets something into his head and he doesn't let it go until it's done. I'd originally thought this news business was a passing fancy, but... yeah, he's still going. I find it cute. Of course, if I told him that, we'd probably all be on our way back to Cassardis right now.
Chase: He once did this report on obesity, he went... *pauses* Wait, wasn't he here before?
Alynna: Not with me he wasn't. That's the second time someone's mentioned that. He never told me he's been here before. He certainly didn't seem familiar with the place.
Chase: I saw the report on TV! Iorveth and Arya were here too! The Ward of Regret! Shinon got vomited on by a giant zombie! And... and there was a woman that looked just like him, following him around, trying to get him to sign her abs.
Gabs: I don't remember that. Granted, I don't watch that much TV.
Chase: Did anyone else see it? Well, Iorveth, you were there, right? You... you were playing a flaming guitar, and-
Iorveth: What? Chase, you wanna sit down? Where's Todd?
Chase: YOU WERE THERE! ON TV! You kept getting in Shinon's shot! Arya kept waving her sword around to show the world how pretty it was...
Barnaby: ...yes. I did watch that report, come to think of it. So the question remains... how did Shinon get here without any of us knowing? And how come nobody remembers being here?
Alynna: ...Shinon came back to me once looking pretty beaten up. He was wearing Duke Edmun's robes. That's literally the only time he's been away and didn't instantly blather on and on about his journeys when he returned.
Chase: ...He was with Carcharoth. He told me about how he blacked out once while travelling with him and ended up at the inn wearing Duke Edmun's clothes. Could he have done the report during his 'blackout'? Someone get Carcharoth on the telestone. This has to be sorted out.
Alynna: *takes a telestone out of her pocket, presses a button*
Barnaby:...You have him on speed-dial?
Alynna: Y'uh-huh. I'd say "don't look at me like that" but that's the only expression you have.
Barnaby: ...I am not comfortable with this. I'm not quite sure why, but I'm not comfortable with this. 'Tis strange, ser. 'Tis wondrous strange.
Seel: OOOOH! I think this is what passes for an argument with Barnaby! Everybody, gather 'round and witness this incredible spectacle!
Barnaby: ...an argument? Wait, is this... am I jealous? Is that what this is?
Alynna: *pats Barnaby on the shoulder* My little golem is becoming a human! And they said we were a pair of sickos! Well the joke's on THEM now!
Barnaby: ...Who said this?
Alynna: Everyone. Don't worry about it. I don't. *looks to telestone* ...odd, he's not answering. Well, I guess if what Barroch said was true, we are displaced from space and time here, so -
Chase: We talked to Ulee. And Rook.
Gabs: On the surface. Maybe we don't get reception down here.
Alynna: No, it's working, he's just not answering. Briana left, didn't she? Dammit. Maybe she knows how to get in touch with him.
*They step through the hole in the wall, carefully jumping down the crumbling walkway into the adjoining corridor. Alynna motions for the group to wait*
Alynna: I feel another possession coming on.
Chase: *digs through pockets* Gimme a sec, Todd's on his way--
" I CAN BEAR TO SEE NO MORE DEATH... CALL ME CRAVEN IF YOU WILL, I'LL GO NO FURTHER. I GROW SO VERY TIRED..."
Chase: Hah! *slams Todd onto Alynna's head* Take THAT, restless spirit! Go bother someone else!
Barnaby: *watches Alynna struggle with Todd* This is your standard countermeasure for possession?
Seel: We usually have something to hit, like a big cloud above someone's head. This is inside her head. Call me crazy but I'd rather not jam a dagger in there.
Barnaby: There are easier, and doubtlessly less painful ways for exorcizing a ghost.
Alynna: *rips Todd off her head* Yeah, but Todd seems to work, I just can't wear him very long or my skull will shatter.
Barnaby: I have placative brews and panaceas. Do your have your wits about you enough to drink while you are possessed?
Alynna: Sometimes, no. Which is why Todd here is a lifesaver. *hands Todd back to Chase*
Barnaby: Perhaps I should carry it then?
Chase: "Him," not "it", and while I see your point, I can't let him out of my sight. Master would never forgive me if something happened to Todd.
Barnaby: Surely Alynna's safety is more important than a traveler's hood?
Chase: Well, yes, but...it's complicated.
Alynna: I can get through possessions without Todd, I'm sure. Todd just makes them release me faster.
Barnaby: I'm not sure if they're intending you any harm. That one sounded like a warning.
Gabs: So did the ones upstairs. Regardless if they want to harm her or not, they are. How would you like your mind and body hijacked by a stranger?
Seel: ...I am beyond insulted by the fact that you're all looking at me right now.
Barnaby: It was him. *points to a corpse seated by the wall* If you concentrate, you can still feel him here. In the air. I'm sure the others were the same, still haunting their places of death.
Iorveth: I don't feel anything.
Gabs: Yeah, I don't feel anything either.
Chase: Wait, is it... kinda like... brontide? It feels like someone's using brontide, the air's buzzing.
Barnaby: I suppose...yes, you could put it that way.
Chase: *proudly* All of my senses are sharpened, thanks to months of Todd. And those few levels as a sorcerer. But mostly Todd.
Seel: Yeah, I was a sorcerer over half my life. I don't feel anything either. I think you're just bullplopping everyone.
Chase: Am not!
*They walk around the corner*
Living Armor: HALT.
Chase: Sweet Sensechal! What in blazes is that?
Living Armor: PLEASE DEPOSIT YOUR WEAPONS IN THE BIN BEFORE PROCEEDING. YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED INTO MIDNIGHT HELIX CARRYING WEAPONS. YOU WILL HAVE THEM RETURNED TO YOU WHEN YOU LEAVE.
Alynna: Oh, I don't know... I'm made of glass, I'd really like to have something to defend myself with just in case. I won't be a bother, really.
Living Armor: YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED IN MIDNIGHT HELIX WITH WEAPONS. IF YOU DO NOT COMPLY, I WILL HAVE TO TURN YOU AWAY.
Alynna: I'm Zihark's aunt! Kind of! I'd never do anything to jeopardize his show! Can you just please let us pass? Seel here is a big fan, he has all of his albums. We're just here to support a fellow pawn!
Seel: Has the show already started?
Living Armor: IT WILL BE STARTING VERY SOON.
*Seel strips off his weapons and tosses them into the bin, dashes off ahead*
Chase: *looks in bin* Look, even Shinon left his bow here. He wouldn't part with that unless his life depended on it. Even then you'd probably have to pry it out of his hands with a crowbar. We're not getting by unless we leave our weapons too. Come on, Alynna. You have us. We're weapons. Iorveth over there is like seven feet of solid muscle.
Iorveth: Just don't come up behind me with a mace.
Barnaby: Good ser ghost, I understand your position, but I must insist I keep my staff. I use it as a walking stick. My body is old, very old. Possibly older than you.
Alynna: ...not helping the sicko angle.
Living Armor: ....VERY WELL, SER. DO BE CAREFUL ON THE STAIRS.
Chase: Wow, really?
Living Armor: I RECOGNIZE THAT ONE. HE IS BARNABY, HEAD OF THE PAWN LEGION. YOU OTHERS, I DO NOT. LEAVE YOUR WEAPONS IN THE BIN.
Chase: How come you recognize him? Were you a pawn?
Living Armor: ARISEN.
Alynna: ...what? What happened to you?
Living Armor: PLEASE LEAVE YOUR WEAPONS IN THE BIN AND PROCEED DOWN THE HALL. I WAS NOT HIRED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT MY PAST.
Alynna: But I'm an arisen! I don't want to end up like... well, like you if I can help it. Were you corrupted?
Living Armor: ...NO. YES. I DON'T REMEMBER. WeAPonS. BiN. aRarRRGHh.
Gabs: Let's just do what he says, okay? That's a mighty big sword he's got there.
Alynna: Very well.
*Everyone deposits their weapons in the bin*
Living Armor: THANK YOU. THERE WILL BE SOMEONE WAITING AT THE DOORS TO SHOW YOU IN.
Gabs: Thank you, ser.
*The group walks by, begins heading down the hall and stops as the Armor speaks once more*
Living Armor: MY NAME...IT WAS CECIL. I DIED HERE. DARKNESS...TOOK ME. TOOK MY PAWNS. IT TAKES EVERYONE. TURNS THEM AGAINST EACH OTHER. DEATH DOESN'T END IT. YOU KEEP DYING AND DYING AND DYING, BUT IT'S NEVER FINAL. THERE IS NO END. THERE IS NO REST. LEAVE WHILE YOU STILL CAN. WHEN YOU STILL KNOW WHO YOU ARE.
Alynna: ...No. We're going to uncover the secrets of this place and stop all this corruption from happening. You know what, Cecil? We're going to save you.
Chase: Let's not get ahead of ourselves here. We're just a ragtag bunch of reporters...
Gabs: No, we're not! We're accomplished warriors, mages and assassins! Remember those days? Alynna's right! This place is dangerous, but no more so than... the Tainted Mountain, or... or the Greatwall! We'll cleanse the evil from this place! We'll be heroes! Again!
Chase:...Yeah. Yeah! Let's turn this place around!
Iorveth: But before we do that, we have to go watch a pop star strut his stuff.
Chase: Well, obviously. All work and no play makes Chase a dull pawn.
---
Poisoned Undead: *burps loudly* Lemme see your hands so's I can stamp'm.
Shinon:... with what, and why?
P.U. (heh): With a stamp. So's you can *burps* get back inside if you have to leave to go to the can.
Shinon: Oh, I won't be coming back in once I leave. We're not here to see the show. We're here to go to the janitor's office to pick up a key.
P.U.: Takes four o' ya to pick up a key, does it?
Briana: It could be a huge novelty key. We don't know until we see it. Best to be prepared.
Thomas: Look, we really need to get inside and get this key. A friend is in trouble. It could mean life or death for him. Please.
P.U.: *burps* Fine, just gimme yer hand. *holds out vomit-covered stamp*
*Thomas holds out hand, looks away and pulls a disgusted face as his hand is stamped*
P.U.: G'wan in, little man. Head up the steps and across the bridges, the office is at the top.
*Thomas heads inside, can be heard vomiting copiously behind the doors*
P.U.: Who's in trouble?
Shinon: Oh, a friend of his. A rival of mine. Mystic Knight, goes by Julien. We think he might be lost in here without a guide. Or... or worse.
P.U.: Ah. Well, we had a kerfuffle here with a corrupted mystic knight a little while ago. It didn't end well for him. *nods towards wall*
Arya: Oh maker...
Shinon: *goes pale* ...you say this was a little while ago? How little?
P.U.: I 'unno. *burps*
Briana: It wasn't a guy with long blond hair, bluish armor... voice like nails on a chalkboard? And the chalkboard is made of vuvuzelas?
P.U.: *shrugs* You things all look the same to me.
Shinon: Weren't you one of "us things" once?
P.U.: I don't remember anything before this. *indicates self*
Shinon: *to Arya* Barroch said they made it through the doors in Duskmoon Tower, right?
Arya: ...yeah. Gods, I'm glad Thomas didn't see this, it'd still wreck him, even if it isn't Julien.
Briana *goes to inspect bloodstain* These handprints are massive. Yeah, it's definitely not Julien. I don't even think it's human.
Shinon: ...why did nobody clean this up?
P.U.: Warnin' to others. So are you three goin' in or are you gonna keep holdin' up the line?
Arya: There's no line. There's just us.
P.U.: There's that guy. *points*
*Seel comes rushing over, somehow he has acquired a giant foam hand that says "Zi is #1" and is waving it around happily*
Seel: C'mooooooon! What's the holdup??! So much for you guys going ahead! Wait, where's Tommy?
Arya: He ...went ahead. We're still working up the courage.
Seel: *shoves his way to the front of the line* Let me in, big guy. I'm here to see Zihark!
P.U.: *holds out stamp* Gimme your hand. *Seel holds the foam hand out, P.U. stamps it* Have fun, kid.
*Seel happily heads into the Helix*
Arya: But that... he's....
Shinon: Wait, isn't this a free concert? Why should it matter if people leave and come back?
P.U.: Once the concert starts, we're not admitting anyone else. We had issues with corrupted pawns sneaking inside and causing havoc during our last shindig. Siren Sisters, I think it was. Pawns started casting maelstrom, nobody could see. If you don't have a stamp, you ain't getting in after the show starts.
Shinon: That's fine, like I said, we're not here to watch the show.
Briana: Speak for yourself! Stamp me, Pukey! *holds out hand*
P.U.: *stamps Briana's hand, she heads toward the door* Hey! I'm ill. Someone put poison in my rancid meat.
Shinon: Your first mistake would be eating rancid meat in the first place. There are deer just outside. Venison is tasty, chances are it won't make you puke your guts out.
P.U.: *Burps* The last guy that tried to educate me about "healthy diets" ended up with my last meal all over him.
Shinon:...*rubs forehead* Wait, that... that was me. I showered for DAYS. And I never got the smell out of my hosen, so I burned them.
P.U.: That was you? Huh? Wait, yeah... yeah! I... I think I see it! And you too, *points to Arya* you were there too! ...Weren't you? You kept following him around...?
Arya: Me? No. That certainly doesn't sound like me.
Shinon: Yes! Yes, you were there! You had that bigass sword with the holy enchantment! Don't you remember? Why am I only remembering this now? We've been here before!
Arya: I really don't think -
Shinon: Who brought us here? It wasn't Alynna, it would've messed her up.
Arya: Shi, are you sure about this? I'm drawing a complete blank.
Shinon:...I'm having a bit of a tough time too. It's like something is blocking the memories.
P.U.: I remember it. Wasn't that long ago.
Shinon: Who else was with us? Do you remember that?
P.U.: Oh, I don't know, a tall guy with... dark hair? Actually, maybe that was you. See, I told you, you all look alike to me. I remember a pink haired woman and a dark haired man. He had hair on his face, too.
Arya & Shinon: Carcharoth?
P.U.: Why are you asking me? I don't know you people.
Shinon: We would have needed an arisen to bring us here. It could very well have been him. I've gotta talk to Briana. *holds out hand to be stamped*
*P.U. stamps his hand, waves him inside*
P.U.: *to Arya* You gonna wait out here?
Arya: *lost in thought* ...I think I do remember this place. But... I remember a bridge. A crumbling stone bridge. Is there any place like that here?
P.U.: You kiddin'? BBI is all crumbling bridges. I think what you're looking for is the Fortress of Remembrance.
Arya: Well the name sounds promising. How would I get there?
P.U.: Well, you go downstairs through the Vault of Defiled Truth, down past the Gutter of Misery and the Shrine of Futile Truths...
Arya: Wow. That sounds like a fun journey.
P.U.: ...you go through the Corridor of Emptiness -
Arya: Well that at least sounds peaceful.
P.U.: Full of rats and spiders. Big 'uns. Anyway, you head down through there, and voila, Fortress of Remembrance. They say people go mad in there. They remember things, bad things. Then they commit suicide by jumping into the abyss.
Arya: Oh dear.
???: Hey, Arya!
*Arya turns, seeing the rest of the group heading towards her*
Alynna: Where're the others? Inside?
Arya: ...yeah.
Gabs: Are you okay?
Arya: I don't know. Something weird is... I'm remembering things. Little...snippits of bridges and these big undead people... Shinon said we've been here before, him and I.
Chase: You have. Iorveth too.
Iorveth: *waves* I don't recall the actual event Chase is referring to myself, but I guess we were here for a report Shinon did some time ago?
Arya: Yeah, I don't remember very well either, I... when did you get here?
Iorveth: Quintin, Woolie and I came with Julien.
Arya: Julien?! Thomas is worried sick about him, where is he?
Alynna: We... we think he might be corrupted. Don't tell Thomas, not yet. Not until we know for sure.
Iorveth: I... I'm pretty sure. He attacked me and locked me in a cell.
Arya: What? *shakes head in disbelief* We... we can't stay here. We'll find Julien, we'll bring him to safety, and we have to leave. SOON. Thomas did have the right idea all along.
Gabs: No. We are going to end this corruption. With all of us together, what can stop us?
Arya: End it? HOW? We don't know what we're dealing with here! It gets inside your head, messes with your mind, your memories...
Barnaby: *holds out a hand* Arya, it's okay. We will find a way.
Alynna: She's not me, that's not going to work.
P.U.: Hey, he convinced me. *fans self*
Arya: I know you guys want to do what's right, be the heroes, all that... but we really need to think about this. Alynna isn't indestructible. I honestly think it would be wise to pack up all our gear and leave, maybe come back when we're prepared. We have camerapawns here that aren't equipped for combat. Most of us are using fake daggers. We should call in all our masters, all our friends for backup. If we're gonna do this, we should do it right.
Chase: We don't have the funds. Just think about the cost of curatives, weapons and armor, oil and wakestones.
Arya: So we pool all our gold together! Dai has money! I'm sure he'd contribute to the effort!
Alynna: Where is Dai, anyway?
Arya: I don't know. I think he went with Reynard on one of his trips to the city. But I'm sure he's just a stone call away. What about you guys? Can you reach your masters?
Chase: Ulee is sick, and without Todd. She'll be down for a few days. We just tried Carcharoth, he's not answering.
Arya: Why not? Where is he?
Chase: I don't even think Briana knows. I'd like to talk to him, we think he's the one that brought you guys here for the report in the first place. He'd know why you guys are having trouble remembering. Or maybe he is too.
Arya:...maybe he's corrupted.
Alynna: *dismissively* No. Briana would have told us.
Arya: Maybe Briana doesn't know. How long has it been since any of you have seen him? How long has it been since she's seen him?
P.U.: Sorry to break up your important discussion here, but you've either gotta go inside now or you ain't gettin' in. They're gonna be starting any time now.
Arya: *sits down on a locked treasure chest* I don't really feel like watching a rock concert right now. I'll just wait for Shinon and Thomas.
Alynna: *grasps Arya's shoulder* We're going to get to the bottom of this, don't worry. Come on, it'll do you good to just shut your brain off for a bit. Let's go watch... "some sissy pop star waggle his ass in front of corpses."
Arya: *laughs half-heartedly* No, I think I'm gonna just stay here. I'll be okay. Just need a bit of time to process things.
Chase: I'll stay with her. You guys enjoy the show. *sits down next to Arya as the rest of the group gets their hands stamped and enters the doors*
Arya: Oh, no, you go ahead, I'm sure Gabs would miss you.
Chase: Nah, she's got her Identical Hand Twin there.
Arya: Her what?
Chase: Iorveth. *shows Arya his pawnprint* he has exactly the same pawnprint as Gabs. Isn't that freaky? We don't know what it means. Barnaby thinks they could be the same pawn, but he doesn't quite understand how. They have different masters, for one thing.
Arya: *looks down at her pawnprint* I admit, I don't really take notice of other people's pawnprints.
Chase: Well, ours are different. No mystical, magical connection here.
Arya: Yeah. *heavy sigh*
Chase: You okay? It's getting to you, isn't it?
Arya: What?
Chase: You don't feel like yourself, do you? Something's wrong and you don't know what? You can't trust your own thoughts?
Arya: It's this place. I've been here before. But I don't remember coming here. Or leaving here. I just... there was a bridge. I remember a bridge, made of stone, it looked like a castle rampart. The doorman said there's a place here like I described, but people go there... and they go mad, they commit suicide.
Chase: Well you didn't.
Arya: He said it was called the Fortress of Remembrance, and that people go mad there because they remember things. What if we can't remember our time here before because we don't want to remember?
Chase: I remember clearly. I saw the report on TV.
Arya: What happened after the report? Did it show us coming home?
Chase: Well, no. News programs generally don't show their reporters returning home.
Arya: You say Carcharoth brought us here?
Chase: We don't know. We think. If he did, he obviously didn't get corrupted, you're here now. You got out. He released you back home. Whoever hired you did so. Whoever hired you got out too.
Arya: The riftstone. Chase, the broken riftstone. He... he could have dismissed us from there, and...
Chase: Why would he destroy a riftstone? And how?
Arya: I don't know how, but why? So nobody could pull us back here. He did it to save us. You heard Barroch, Arisens become corrupted, their pawns follow suit... what if an Arisen summons a bunch of pawns just before he's lost, in hopes they'll guide him out before it happens? And then...he doesn't make it? The pawns are trapped here forever.
Chase: Once this show's over, we'll have a long chat with Briana. I'm sure she'll say her master's fine, he's at home sleeping or something.
Arya: I hope so. And I hope Julien's okay. I wonder... is there a way to 'come back' if you're corrupted?
Chase: I'm sure there's a way. Todd could do it.
Arya: *sigh* fine, let me see that thing. Maybe it'll - he'll - help my memory problem.
Chase: *chuckles, hands Arya the traveller's hood* I'm sure he will.
---
*Alynna, Iorveth, Gabs and Barnaby head down the steps in the entryway of Midnight Helix*
Iorveth: Ugh, it reeks in here.
Barnaby: Is... is that an ox carcass at the bottom of the stairs? Surely that's violating some sort of health code...
Alynna: Ooh. *presses hand to her forehead* Guys, it's happening again.
Gabs: Chase has Todd. Should I go get him?
Alynna: Wait... maybe it's just the stench of that dead cow that's making me feel woozy.
Barnaby: Here. *hands her a placative brew* Just in case.
*A voice emanates from Alynna's pocket*
"MY BELOVED, I HAD HOPED TO LEAVE THIS LIFE HELD IN YOUR STRONG ARMS. FAREWELL."
Alynna: *digs in pocket with a puzzled expression, pulls out her telestone* Did someone drunk dial me?
Gabs: It sounds like Rook.
Barnaby: *leans close to the stone* Rook, is that you? Please don't be goofing off, I entrusted you with Gran Soren's safety.
Rook(?): *snorts* Whoozat? Whazzat?
Barnaby: Gods, were you sleeping? If that's you, Rook, perhaps you should hire a few extra pawns to take shifts. But split the fish between the lot of you.
Rook: Boss? Naw, I... no. I wasn't sleepin'. Someone gave me some herb ale, that's all. 'Select', it said on the bottle. Was taaaaaay-steeeeeee.
Barnaby: No drinking, Rook. You still have the key to the Everfall, right?
Rook: *sounds of frantic searching* Yep. S'in the fishbowl. Symone came by, gave me a fish. I named it Lord Fishington III and bought a bowl for him. There was nothing for him to play with so I stuck the key in there.
Barnaby: She gave you a live fish?
Rook: Well, I... oh, wait... *hangs up*
Alynna: Great choice for the guardian of the Everfall right there.
)
)
That's it; I'm sending Zihark back with 10 liftstones next time I'm on 
*
Poor Seel....
Poor Alynna and Shinon 
I wonder if the mystery will be solved? I can only guess this actually happened to you at one point (getting killed by Shinon) lol 
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