World Tree MUSH

    With Bronya being taken care of by Seele, Clara and Svarog, the Nameless, and their offworld companions are left to return to the Underworld through whatever means available.

    This doesn't leave Stelle unmolested though, as March chirps up. "So, Stelle... wanna tell us what happened back there?" she asks, walking backwards with hands on her hips, staring at the taller girl. "Don't think you can just reappear on the battlefield with a cool weapon in your hands and skip the story!"

    Stelle rubs the back of her head, chuckling softly and averting her gaze. "Y'know, this is the second time I've sacrificed myself for you, March." she begins, then sticks her tongue out playfully. "Really, though... I saw Qlipoth the Preservation... similar to what happened on the station with the big laser monster..."

    Dan Heng nods. "A Glance from the Aeon... you are full of surprises." he muses. "We should speak to Mister Yang about this when we get back aboard the Express. He might be able to help us understand what's happening."

    March nods. "Right, we should finish what we started. Lets go find Natasha."

    The group are led towards on of the Space Anchors, positioned near the base of the platform. "Just reach out toward it, and think of Natasha's Clinic in the Underworld." explains Dan Heng, holding a hand out, then vanishing in a wink of reality distorting.

    "A challenge to my skills is always welcome, but it is good to have a few moments to rest." Bi De fluffs himself up as he follows, letting out a sigh as the group heads toward the clinic now. "I admit this entire episode was difficult for me to follow. This Bi De is still ignorant of many of your typical assumptions as humans."

    Talia has been providing tea throughout this discussion while the group talks. She too has questions, regarding Stelle's last-minute power up during that fight with Cocolia. "I'm a bit fuzzy on details myself. But at least we have a moment to breathe after all that mess."

    Jessica sighs, "Uuuwaaa... I'm going to need to restock my ammunition so badly." The catgirl flicks tail and glances around, before following after the chicken. "I do hope it warms up, but I guess that will take years or something. I'm so used to the cities just moving somewhere warmer when this happens."

    Stelle chuckles, "If you need anything explaining... ask Dan Heng." she says to Bi De and Talia, before turning, and quickly taking the Anchor. March does too, yelping out a quick, "Hey wait up!"

    Once everyone's through the teleport, the big courtyard outside of Natasha's clinic is absolutely buzzing with people. Natasha and Oleg can be seen trying to calm the crowd down.

    March points out the obvious, and Stelle head straight over toward Natasha and Oleg. "Oooi!" she calls out over the dull clammour of the crowd murmuring. "Nat! Oleg! Hope we didn't make you wait too long!" she calls next, shouldering through the people, who begin to disperse a little, at the Wildfire leadership's urging.

    Talia poofs into the clinic, and she narrowly manages to stop herself from spilling her thermos of hot steaming tea on someone. "Ahh, Natasha, Oleg. It's good to see you both." She says, smiling as she manages to weave through the crowd. "Hope we're not late."

    Bi De hmms thoughtfully, "Were all these people just waiting about for us to save the world?" He says it so calmly and in his normal refined, level voice, it may take a few seconds for people to realize the rooster just cracked a joke, in his own way.

    Jessica remarks, "Well of course, that's when the merchants bring out their best stuff for sale." Nodding firmly as if this is the most normal thing ever. She lifts an arm, giving a wave as they approach Natasha.

    Natasha seems genuinely happy, and a bit surprised to see the group return. "Oh! It's them!" she blurts.
    Oleg smiles warmly. "You kids move fast! By the look on your faces, I assume you bring good news?"

    March puffs up. "You bet! You might not believe this, but we summoned up all our strength, and then..."

    She opens an eye, having closed them. She looks at Stelle and Dan Heng glaring at her. "... uh, maybe Stelle should do the talking. I'm not good at serious stuff -- I'll probably just say something I'll regret."

    Stelle pats March on the shoulder, and steps forward. She begins to recount what happened... sticking to the story Bronya cooked up. Cocolia sacrificed herself to seal the Stellaron, she died a hero to break the curse that had plagued the world for seven hundred years.

    March tries to interject, and gets a bonk on the head from Dan of all people.

    Natasha looks a bit skeptical. "Cocolia? In order to save Belobog, she..." she looks pensive, tapping her bottom lip. "... I see..."

    "That means those tremors were from the battle, right?" asks Oleg more directly.

    "It was a hard-won victory, for all involved." remarks Dan levelly.

    "More or less. It was a long and tough fight." Talia nods. She isn't going to correct the story. They've already committed to this, there's nothing else to do.

    The rooster settles in out of the way, so nobody will trip over him, and hmns with eyes slitting. "It certainly was not easy. Fortunately, we were not alone. Events and others conspired to aid us." He does not wish to lie, so he'll leave it at that, to let others... embellish the tale there.

    "It was really something," Jessica agrees, once there is a lull in the story. "But after all this, it'll hopefully start to improve. Someday there will be plenty of warm room on the surface. I think. I'm not sure how long it will take but at least the children have something to look forward to?"

    Natasha listens, and nods along. "... Thank you, I can't even imagine what you've been through up there. I'm just... glad it all turned out alright in the end." She then seems to remember something. "What about Seele?"

    March makes herself useful! "Don't worry, she's alright. Everything that's happened finally caught up with Bronya, so Seele took her to rest at Qlipoth Fort and the Guards."

    Natasha looks relieved. "I'm glad everyone's okay."

    Oleg, the pragmatist, cuts to the heart of the issue. "With Cocolia gone, that means our Silvermane girl will become the next Guardian, right?" he nods to himself. "She sees things through, and doesn't go back on her word... The Underworld will thrive again under her watch, I'm certain of it."

    Stelle nods, then adds. "There's a message from Bronya too." she clears her throat, and affects to sound like the young Guardian. It doesn't work. "The Blockade will soon be lifted. The people of the Underworld will breathe freely, soon."

    "'Breathe Freely'... that's been our wish all along." replies Natasha, then looks a little sheepish. "I... I hate to ask, but could I request one more favour from you? I want to get this news to the people as fast as possible. It'll lift their spirits, and bring them hope."

    Talia has been operating on three hours of sleep for the past few days. Evading patrols, having to negotiate, fight, and explore, Talia's tired and just wants to lay down.

    Despite herself, she offers Nat a smile. "Anything, Natasha."

    "Of course. Uplifting spirits is important," Bi De agrees. "And though Bronya may keep her word, do not forget that change will be something the others will have resistance to. It will be easier, but there may yet be challenges ahead."

    Jessica's ears perk up. "Being messengers is a lot easier than emptying magazines! I think we can manage that. Think of it as a cool-down exercise! Um... not that we need to cool down after... metaphorically I mean," she stammers, trying to explain herself and ending up tongue-tied again.

    Stelle smiles warmly. "I can't wait to see their faces."

    March ponders. "We've met a lot of people down here... who do you think we should start with?"

    Stelle takes a moment. "Lets start with Hook and the Moles." she suggests. "Talia, go let Gertie at the Goeta Hotel know... Jessica, take Bi De and let the mining team over in the Great Mine know the good news." she suggests then, looking at the others.

    "Wildfire will take care of the rest, then. Thank you all again." Natasha looks wistful. "If everything goes well, this should be Wildfire's... final mission."

    Hmm. "The mining team? Ah, I recall them." The rooster bobs his head and then hops up, landing on Jessica's shoulder if she allows it. This doesn't work as well as with his Master, who is a giant of a man, while Jessica is tinycatte. Maybe not the best idea. "I believe we can handle that."

    Jessica squeaks! "Oof!" But she's stronger than she looks, so pats the chicken, "All right, we'll take care of it! Leave it to us! If you think they'll believe us!" That shouldn't be too hard, and she's pretty sure she can find the mine.

    Talia nods "I'll go at once." She says. "Leave it to me."

    THE GREAT MINE:
    The Mine itself is easy enough to find. All roads in Boulder Town eventually lead there. The camp near the entrance has plenty of people milling around, both Miners and Vagrants. They seem uncertain of one another, but as the cat and bird get closer, Antonia, the team leader, is talking to the Vagrant leader. "... Here, take it. I'm afraid we're short on material right now.
    "Oh, we have enough for the moment, actually, you keep it."
    "If you're sure, I mean that area collapsed right on your campsite, you're lucky to have been away when it happened."
    "Yeah, but we carry most of our stuff with us. Those tents can be replaced, there's plenty of scrap material around to do it. We're just glad we could help get your people out of there before it all came down."

    "We should repay you somehow! Come on work with me here."

    Talia would find Gertie outside the hotel, as always... but Joshua is kneeling next to Peak, who is sprawled out on the floor, looking unconsious.

    "Peak? Can you hear me boy? Are you okay?" asks Gertie, looking dubious.
    Joshua touches Peak's neck. "He's still breathing! Try not to panic Aunt Gertie!"

    Talia rushes towards Peak, ever the Good Samaritan. She kneels beside him, "What happened to him?" She asks Joshua. She places a hand on Peak, calling on the Force. At the very least she might be able to will him to awaken.

    As Jessica approaches, Bi De hops off her shoulder and struts toward the two leaders. "What seems to be the problem? We come bearing good news, but it sounds as if something has happened. I trust everyone is well?" He pauses. "Though my medicinal skills are not great, I did arrive from a clinic. Jessica, do you know anything related?"

    Jessica follows behind Bi De a moment later, "Only basic first aid, but it sounds like there's no emergency right now? We just came by to spread the news that the blockade will be lifting soon. Bronya is taking over up topside."

    GOETE HOTEL:
    As Talia comes up. Peak snaps awake again, sitting up quickly, then... yawns... "What's everyone shouting about?" he asks.

    Gertie blinks. "Oh, it's you dear. Back so soon?" she asks, seemingly unconcerned by Peak's antics. "Word must've gotten out that we were doing renovations today. Peak here, the kind-hearted soul, rushed over to offer his help." she says. "There we were, all hard at work, when suddenly the whole world starts shaking I got everyone outside quick as a lick, but Peak got hit by a falling ceiling tile."

    Peak sitting up, reveals an old photograph. It's Gertie, standing outside the Grand Goeta Hotel, topside. "Huh... didn't I look young back then? My cousin had just taken over the hotel business and asked me to come join him." she sighs. "Anyway, dearie, what can I do for you?"

    GREAT MINE:

    Antonia blinks. "Oh, it's you two, back so soon? Wait... did I hear you right?"

    The humble vagrant leader blinks also. "Are... are you serious? This... I've got to be dreaming. Good things never happen to us!" he says, sounding incredulous.
    "... If things go back to how they were ten years ago... the mining team can escape this poverty we're stuck in..." Antonia says, then looks to the Vagrant. "And you won't have to rely on charity from others." she claps him on the shoulder, smiling, "We can finally live with the dignity we deserve."

    Antonia lets the vagrant cry it out, patting his back as he just breaks down from the overwhelming emotions. "Let Natasha know we're ready to get back at it. One the cable car starts running, we'll send a rep to negotiate with the Architects Thank you, outsiders. From the very bottom of my heart. We'll remember you, all of you, as heroes."

    Talia sighs in relief. Thank the Force. "You had yourself a nap." She says before helping Josh to his feet. THen she looks up to see Gertie arrive. "Ahh, yes. I was sent to notify you about the Blockade. It's being lifted soon. There's a new Guardian taking office now."

    It feels like such a small thing to talk about, but perhaps details needn't be elaborated on. "Start spreading the news."

    Gertie blinks. "Is that true? Bronya... I can't believe it." she shakes her head. "I don't know what to say... Turns out things aren't always lost forever." she sighs. "It feels like better days are finally on the horizon!"

    The old hotel owner smiles, and bows. "The whole Underworld'll know by the end of the day, dear. That I can promise." She nudges Peak with a toe, and Joshua with a pat on the shoulder. "Action Stations boys. We're getting the Hotel preppared like it's not been since the lockdown."

    Meanwhile, The three Nameless are off to Rivet Town, in search of Hook and the Moles.