City of Heroes™

Rush 2.0: Here, let me explain...
Ningal: Surprised me some, I thought Carly was my age.
They sit in the corridor of the Crey facility.
Rush 2.0: We're safe, by the way. Trust me, I can feel them move.
Ningal: OK. Goddess says trust.
Rush 2.0: Okay. The Rush/Eric Lawson you've met is a little over a hundred years old. He also doesn't realize he's immortal...yet.
Ningal eyes Blur skeptically but silently.
Rush 2.0: I am Eric Lawson, but one from your distant future.
Ningal: OK.
Rush 2.0: You see, there is a Valhalla for speedsters. A man from another dimension first discovered it. His name was Max Mercury.
Ningal: Hero name, right?
Rush 2.0: Nice guy, too. Yeah. He won't tell his real name.
Ningal: I can understand that.
Rush 2.0: When he met Rush, something that will happen very soon, he quickly realized how intimately connected with the speed force that I am. Max conjectures that I'm more in tune with the speed force than any incarnation of Wally West or Barry Allen...two speedsters from Max's home dimension.
Ningal: Yeah, Carly's mentioned this speed force.

06-07-2005 00:32:59 [Tell]Rush 2.0: Like how I'm giving the nod?
06-07-2005 00:33:28 [Tell]-->Rush 2.0: Of course, <smile> Sources must be acknowledged.

Ningal: <smiles wryly> You also showed Med that she was a telepath -- and ... well, you know... one good thing did come out of that....
Rush 2.0: What's that?
Ningal: Did you know that Horn burst into her bedroom the other morning? He woke her up to see the sunrise with him --
Rush 2.0: I don't trust Horn. Of course, I don't trust Etrigan, either...
Ningal: <continuing> And she didn't tport to Kansas!
Rush 2.0: Friggin’ demons.
Ningal: Demon?
Rush 2.0: Yeah. Horn is a demon.
Ningal: You're saying Horn is a demon?
Rush 2.0: Yep.
Ningal: Does Med know???
Rush 2.0: Maybe.
Ningal: She let herself be held by a frekking demon???
Rush 2.0: To my understanding...Horn is one of those special cases. A demon allowed to fight for redemption. It's very rare, mind you.
Ningal: He's living on our floor now, you know.
Rush 2.0: So I heard.
Ningal: Med said he needed a place to call home.
Rush 2.0: Most do. Not too many people will readily trust a demon, ya know?
Ningal: Med! She was screaming the day Joe moved in... and now she lets a demon wake her?
Rush 2.0 roars laughing.
Rush 2.0: Gotta love the irony!
Ningal: Man, you don't know how fragile and inhibited Med's ego is. This sorta messing is going to destroy her!
Rush 2.0: Oh, yes, Athena, I do. Why do you think I did what I did?

[Tell]-->Rush 2.0: Actually, Med was in Horn's mind so she should know that he calls himself a demon -- albeit he quickly shut down his memories of torturing souls.
[Tell]Rush 2.0: Knowing and acknowledging are two different things.

Rush 2.0: I succeeded, too. I shattered her ego. Now she is rebuilding and gaining confidence. As the goddess confirmed for you, I am not evil, nor do I act with malice. I've simply grown to understand that, sometimes, the ends justify the means.
Ningal: Shoot, man, most of us would do anything to protect Med. I don't go patrolling with her 'cause I don't want her to see how ruthless the goddess can be.
Rush 2.0: Wait a minute. Ningal told me that she'd ...and it would be around this time...
Ningal: Me? I do what around this time?
Rush 2.0: Athena, do me a favor?
Ningal: What sort of favour?
Rush 2.0: Close your eyes and let the goddess venture out and touch my mind. Above all, keep your eyes closed!
Ningal: Shoot, if she wants out, my blessings to it. <closes her eyes>
Rush 2.0: Just keep your eyes closed tightly, darlin’.
Ningal: I don't need to see her. I see her in the frekking mirror every morning. It's me I don't get to see anymore.
Rush 2.0: I know, darlin’. Peace will come, one day.
He takes a deep breath.

Rush 2.0: Come out, Ningal, and touch my mind. Meet me for the first time. In your future, you've told me that we've met...though it hadn't happened, yet.
There is a shimmer and a greeting in Sumerian is overlaid by an English translation, neither interfering with the other.
Ningal: Greetings, god of movement and time.
Rush 2.0: Hello, Ningal. A god I am not, but you do know the one who formed the speed force, don't you?
Ningal: Indeed. And I ask his avatar if the god of the sun that shown over Sumner hath yet been found? Hast seen my Nanna? In thy quests through time?
Rush 2.0: Don't worry. Nanna and you will be together, again. Not for awhile, but let the knowledge comfort you.
Ningal: Faithfulness will not be betrayed. I hold my charge intact until the end of time.
Rush 2.0: Yeah. So you've told me. <pause> About the girl... Will you heal her before you venture to the next? Or would you allow my love to do so?
Ningal: She is whole when I am within.
Rush 2.0: I know. But when she grows older and you must move to another.
Ningal: It is not my charge to give perfect health; she is learning to heal with what powers she can bear. If your love is present and wishes to favour the child, let her do her best.
Rush 2.0: Then let me give you knowledge of your future, as you've bequeathed to me. You always leave behind a gift, to those who help you along your road, so that they may continue with your quest.
Ningal: Indeed. Fidelity is rewarded faithfully.
Rush 2.0: My love can help her, but it will take effort.
Ningal: What is it thou wish of me, o avatar?
Rush 2.0: Just that you touch my mind, not unlike you've done with Athena. With you and I, it merely needs be a touch. This is how you and I met...from your words, in my past, this was how we met.
Ningal: In my touch -- there is much -- knowledge. Is this truly your wish?
Rush 2.0: Hey, I'm an avatar, remember! I've dealt with the knowledge of millennia.
Ningal: So be it.
A great glow of radiation suffuses the corridor, obscuring the figures there in.
Ningal: It is so.
Rush 2.0 begins vibrating.
Rush 2.0: Damn, what a rush! I swear I'll never get used to that.
Ningal: Be wise. Stay faithful. We will meet again, thou hast said it.
Rush 2.0: Always, Ningal.
The radiation fades into a shimmer and envelopes the girl, finally fading away entirely.
Rush 2.0 shivers.

Rush 2.0: Like I told her, Athena, I swear I'll never get used to that.
Ningal: Man, is it over?
Rush 2.0: Well, it's happened before. Hell, Nin was the one who taught me how to do it. Yeah. It's over. So you know, your future is brighter than you will see.
Ningal: The goddess said something about point and click.
Rush 2.0 laughs hysterically.
Ningal: Hey, man. Are you alright?
Rush 2.0: Alright. Let's get good ol' Guacimoli. Oops. Yeah. Still can't feel my legs.
Rush 2.0 chuckles.
Ningal: Giacomo <She corrects absently> Let me give you a hand up.
Rush 2.0: No, no. It'll take a minute.
Ningal holds out her hand.
Rush 2.0: That kinda power just screws up my body...for a minute or so.
Ningal: Are you sure you're ok? I could take you to Med's office for a check up.
Rush 2.0 laughs.
Rush 2.0: Darlin’, lemme explain somethin'... Beings who are like gods and goddesses...well, they're powerful...When they touch a mortal, it usually has effects on them. When they touch someone like me...It throws me off, for a couple minutes, but I bounce back.
He stands up.
Rush 2.0: There we go.
Ningal: Yeah, the goddess has that effect sometimes.
Rush 2.0 laughs.
Rush 2.0: Yeah. Among other things.
Ningal: When Med's AB-ed me -- or I'm in a ring of RAs -- sometimes I think I could let loose and blow up Power Island all by myself.
Rush 2.0 chuckles.
Ningal: I frekking can't. But it feels like it sometimes.
Rush 2.0: And that ain't even power.
The two continue cleaning up the Crey facility.
Ningal: Don't tell the goddess that. She's says I'm going to be... well, English doesn't have a word for it.
Rush 2.0: And you will be...eventually.

Rush 2.0: We could go straight for these elevators.
Ningal: Sure, no prob. There are devices to find, you know.
Rush 2.0: Keeping that in mind.
A few more guards taste the floor.
Ningal: Behind door number 2…? Or the box where stands the lovely Carol Merrole?
He chooses a door and the melee continues.
Rush 2.0 chuckles
Rush 2.0: History doesn't say enough about you.
Blur, 7; Nin, 3.
Ningal: Huh? I drop out of history? That <wry smile> doesn't say much for my ambition to be the next Petrie.
Rush 2.0: Nah. It just doesn't tell enough about your sense of humor.
Ningal laughs.
Ningal: Since when did history care about humour?
Rush 2.0: Trust me, when it comes to heroes, history tells a lot.
Ningal: Yeah, mostly heroes get turned into myths. We anthropologists know a LOT about myths.
06-07-2005 01:48:01 Rush 2.0 has defeated Scientist
06-07-2005 01:48:15 Rush 2.0 has defeated Medic
06-07-2005 01:48:18 Rush 2.0 has defeated Research Assistant
06-07-2005 01:48:28 Rush 2.0 has defeated Researcher
06-07-2005 01:48:35 Ningal has defeated Scientist

Rush 2.0: There's Guacimoli.
Ningal: Giacomo.
[NPC]Dr. Amadeo Giacomo: So, it is now that the final battle comes. When this is done, you will serve Crey loyally!
06-07-2005 01:49:42 Rush 2.0 has defeated Scientist
06-07-2005 01:49:53 Rush 2.0 has defeated Patrol Guard
06-07-2005 01:50:20 Rush 2.0 has defeated Dr. Amadeo Giacomo
Ningal: You know, you're pretty spectacular.
Rush 2.0: Thank you. Wasn't trying to be.
Five more guards fall.

Ningal: Hey, zippidy doodah, you missed the buff!
Rush 2.0: Ooops?
Ningal: That's ok, the goddess will give it back in time.
While Blur took on 21, Ningal defeated 4.
[NPC]Crey Protector: Crey doesn't need any of your oversight!
06-07-2005 01:59:05 Rush 2.0 has defeated Scientist
06-07-2005 01:59:15 Rush 2.0 has defeated Patrol Guard
06-07-2005 01:59:31 You have defeated Crey Protector

Rush 2.0: <spotting the special device> There's one.
Another series of battles…
Ningal: One runner.
Rush 2.0 has defeated Researcher.
Rush 2.0: <grinning> He didn't get far.
Ningal accessed the computer.
Ningal: Sweet Enki! Giacomo really can erase and build memories! Med needs to know this. Did you know she'd found a record that said that Crey had had a subject call Re-Jen whom they used in an experiment for creating cold from radiation. And Jenny -- Miss Hail -- gets really sick when she hears the words "ReJen".
06-07-2005 02:07:37 Team task completed.
Rush 2.0: Odd. I don't remember that.
Ningal: Um. Thanks -- for the help, Blur.
Rush 2.0: You're welcome, Athena.

The following day...
06-07-2005 12:54:06 [Local]
Arriving at a mission in Founders Falls…
Shock Tart: Hey, Nin!
Spirit of Atlas: Hello Ningal.
Ningal: Hello, Shock. I heard Joe's call. Is there trouble?
Shock Tart: Nin meet Suite's brother, Roarke. Roarke this is Ningal.
Ningal: Oh. Greetings Roarke. I apologize for not knowing Suite had siblings.
Shock Tart: Yes, even I didn’t know he had one.
Roarke: Suite doesn’t talk much about his family; it’s okay.
Shock Tart: Well, it doesn’t help that I’m so "self absorbed" either.

Spirit of Atlas: And I'm Spirit of Atlas. There's no trouble, nothing Joe can't handle anyway. <smiles>
Ningal: And hello to you, Atlas. I did not mean to ignore your greeting.
Spirit of Atlas: No problem at all, nice to meet you.
Shock Tart: I'm sorry -- this is Countess Sinergy, Nin; she’s been helping us today.
Ningal: I am a bit at a loss; am I needed here?
Shock Tart: You are always needed, Nin.
Spirit of Atlas: Got the badge, thank you Joe.
Ningal smiles.

CountessSinergy: Hello, Ningal. Really, they are helping me, not the other way around.
Ningal: I see, Countess.
Ningal: I enjoyed "watching the show" between you and Joe, last night, Countess.
CountessSinergy: It was fun, to say the least.
Shock Tart whispers to Nin: Isn’t Roarke hot?
Ningal whispers back to Shock Tart: I'll let you know what I think once the goddess within lets me know if he's available. <grin>
Krazy Joe: Hey, Nin. What was that you mentioned about meeting Blur, this morning?
Shock Tart whispers back: Yes, he is; I was gonna intro him to AT but ..... he's also kinda shy.
Roarke shuffles his feet and stutters a bit.
Roarke: I can hear you two whispering.
Ningal: I apologize, Roarke.
Shock Tart: <laughs> Sorry, Roarke. But we are not shy and you ARE hot.
Roarke looks down at his feet.....tries to change the subject.
Ningal: For what it's worth -- the goddess to whom I am an avatar insists on fidelity, so I am not allow to have an opinion about males of my own species unless they are, <grins> unclaimed.
Shock Tart: Well, he hasn’t been claimed yet.

Ningal: The thing is, Shock, I learned some things last night...
Shock Tart: Really?
Roarke: So, Nin, you team with my brother often?
Ningal: I have had that honour a few times. As the goddess says, Suite is a most pussiant warrior. <smiles>

Spirit of Atlas: Sure he must be hot, if he can't wear a shirt. <smiles>
Roarke: A sniper put too many holes in it on my way out of here last time.
Spirit of Atlas: Ha, just teasing, my friend, I know how it is when you’re just getting started.
Ningal: Indeed. There is one contact in Founders Falls who I dread visiting. I invariably have to take out a sniper while attempting to talk to that contact. <sigh>
Shock Tart: Ahh yes, Peter.
Roarke: I gotta figure out how most heroes keep such nice suits.
Shock Tart: Big drycleaning bills.
Spirit of Atlas: It costs a lot, repairs, dry cleaning, etc.
Ningal: SOMEONE is always having to stay at home at my place to do laundry and repair uniforms! <laughs>
Shock Tart: I think that’s why Angel wears mostly Leather. The goo just wipes right off.
Spirit of Atlas: Especially if you have to fight in the sewers. I used to have another blue uniform, but I could no longer repair it so I bought this one today.
Ningal: Lately it's been Miss Hail. Which reminds me...

Krazy Joe: <who is well into the mission, fighting solo, taps headset, then speaks over the com> Athena?
Shock Tart: ohh yes.......
Ningal: Yes, Joe?
Krazy Joe: What was that about Blur, this morning?
Shock Tart: I like your new suit, Atlas.
Spirit of Atlas: Thanks, Shock. I think the countess has the right idea, where almost nothing so it’s easy to clean and replace. <smiles>
Ningal: Joe, I apologized. I didn't MEAN to leave you in that Crey lab. Honestly!
Shock Tart: Yes, Nin what about Blur -- that bastard?
Krazy Joe: No, no. You said something about him kinda stealing you away?
Ningal: Well, that's a second thing.
CountessSinergy: This outfit is leather. I've had to use that leather repair kit you see on TV, it actually works pretty well.
Ningal: Blur didn't steal me, Joe. He -- um-- co-opted my mission to make a point.
Krazy Joe: Oh. Well, what was all that about?
Ningal: And he assured me that you were, um, well taken care of.
Shock Tart: <mutters> Bastard’s doing that lot lately.
Spirit of Atlas: <thinks> Leather. Well, if it shrinks anymore, dirt will be the least of her problems.
Krazy Joe: Yeah. I stepped out the door of that Crey lab right into Sho's bedroom.
Ningal laughs outright.
CountessSinergy laughs a little chuckle.
Krazy Joe: And we...ah, well, never mind.
Ningal: That's what Blur said would happen, Joe. As to what he wanted -- Blur said he wanted to prove to me he wasn't a villain.
Shock Tart: Yeah, tell that to Med and my sister.
Ningal: What he actually wanted, as far as I've been able to figure out, is to meet Nikkal a' Ningal -- the goddess within.

Roarke leveled.
Roarke: Ice slick is coming up next!
Ningal: I predict a lot of ice around Paragon, with all of you snow bunnies around. <smile> Xochi will go into hibernation early, Joe, if people don't stop with the cold powers. <big grin>
Shock Tart: Xochi hibernates?
Ningal: You didn't know?
Krazy Joe: Hey, now! Sho loves bein’ with me! She tells me, all the time, that she loves my "warmth"!
Shock Tart: <laughs> I’ll just bet she does!
Ningal: Yes, Xochi curled up all this passed winter. Never came out of her room. To her, this balmy weather we're having is "winter". Our winter is simply too much for her to handle. Her homeworld is a tropical rain forest as far as I've been able to make out.
Shock Tart: Now that is sweet.
Spirit of Atlas: <shivers> Burr.
Krazy Joe: <laughs> No wonder she loves when I fire up, in bed!
Shock Tart: Down, boy, down.
Ningal: Joe, don't tell Med that. Her insurance is sky high already.
Shock Tart: <laughs>
Krazy Joe: Ah, don't worry. I actually found a place that makes fire-proof linens and more! Costs a damn arm and a leg, though.
Ningal: <thoughtfully> Money oughtn’t be a problem. As far as I can tell, Joe, Med is independently wealthy. Something about her grandmother freeing her from her dad? But Med worries about what her neighbors’ insurance bills will be like. After all, it's part of Joe's job to make sure nothing happens around our place that drives Med's insurance up yet again.
Krazy Joe: What!? Wait a minute! I was never told anything about that!
Ningal: And I bet Xochi didn't tell you that the contract was for the rest of your working life, either.
Krazy Joe: Oh shit! You're not serious!
Shock Tart: <laughs> That’s my girl!
Ningal: You're the household guard, Joe. What did you THINK your job was? Just keeping Xochi warm?
Krazy Joe: Well, actually, my understanding was that Sho wanted a sex partner that could keep up with her and keep her from being bored. And, yeah, keepin’ an eye on the joint.
Ningal: Man, oh, man! Someone needs to teach you to read the fine print!
Krazy Joe: Well, ya know, Sho is my height and we do make a good pair...
Ningal: Xochi may not be all that cognizant of human culture, but she's a sharp cookie. We all look after Med, so -- of COURSE -- any bargain Xochi's makes on Med's behalf is going to be sharp.
Krazy Joe: I s'pose, ya know, if it came down to it...yeah, I could see maybe doin’ the whole "M" word with Sho.
Ningal: <giggle> If you can talk Xochi into it, Joe. Good luck. You'd certainly make Med happy if you and Xochi saw your way into the "M word".
Krazy Joe: Nah. I mean if she wants me for the rest of my life, ya know.
Shock Tart: Wait a min! Joe marrying Xochi?
Ningal: I don't actually know what Xochi wants, Joe. She's pretty aloof.
Shock Tart: That thought just boggles the mind

Ningal: <speaks authoritatively into the com unit> Joe, watch yourself, your bars are fluctuating. You don't want me to come throw green rings about you.
Spirit of Atlas: If Joe's into the red I'm sending teleport his way.
Shock Tart: Atlas, Joe had the Phoenix power

Ningal: At any rate, Shock? Could you let Angel know that I want to talk to her. And Med. About something I learned in last night's mission. It might apply to Miss Hail and her illnesses, I don't know. I'm an archeologist, not a doctor.
Shock Tart: Uuh, sure thing, Ningal just give me a sec.
Ningal: Any time. Not necessarily now, dear.
Shock Tart: Ok. She's with Med so when ever your ready.
Ningal: Med's got Miss Hail confined to bed with a whole swath of DVDs -- so nothing'll happen to the girl right now, I think.

Krazy Joe: So, Nin...back to that thing with Blur. What did he want you for, anyway?
Ningal: I told you, Joe. Maybe your com was out.
Ningal: I think Blur wanted to meet the goddess within. And they didn't let me listen in on the entire meeting. I guess the goddess thought that suitable punishment; I HAD been bitching a lot about her not letting me have my own face back.
Ningal turns back to Shock.
Ningal: At any rate, Shock. Blur is NOT a villain. I can assure you of that. He's an awfully high-handed, arrogant, manipulative man, though.

Spirit of Atlas: So Joe, if I click on this computer terminal you're going to kill me right? I wanted to check the sports scores.
Ningal grins.
Spirit of Atlas: My apologies.
Ningal: What's your favourite team, Atlas?
Spirit of Atlas: None that are still playing, unfortunately; they have all lost in the playoffs. Always next year, I suppose.
Ningal: My condolences. <grins> That's the fun of sports, there's always next time!
Krazy Joe joins the group.
Spirit of Atlas: Welcome back Joe, have fun?
Krazy Joe: Let me make sure it's safe outside.
He exits the building and his next words come back over the com units.
Krazy Joe: Clear.

Joe requested a break.
06-07-2005 13:38:34 Entering The Red River.
Krazy Joe: I'm headed to see my favorite green babe.
Shock Tart: Slut.
06-07-2005 13:39:11 Entering Williams Square.
Krazy Joe: Damn skippy!
Shock Tart: <laughs> Lucky slut.
Ningal: Don't say that in Med's hearing, Shock. She likes Xochi.
Shock Tart: So do I … but He's still a slut.
Krazy Joe: Oh. I thought she was tal...yep, she was talkin about me.
Ningal: <grins> Med's starting to come around to having Joe in the house. Enough so -- did you hear that she invited The Horn to take an apartment on our floor?
Shock Tart: Yes, I did. That must have been some movie they went to see.
Krazy Joe: Alright. I'm headed home. I'll see you all later.
Ningal: It wasn’t the movie. I THINK it had something to do with that "Blur Incident" with her and Angel. I got her to tell me a bit about it. The Horn and Bansidhe were real heroes there!

06-07-2005 13:42:27 Entering New Troy.
As they land atop the Talos tram, Ningal spots a familiar blue and white figure.
Ningal: Ah.... Eric? Ah, Shock. Look whose come for dinner!
Ningal: Ah..... um, Eric?
Rush 2.0: Yes, Athena? Hello, Joss.
Roarke: I liked it more when she just wouldn’t tell me, even if I knew.
Ningal: Who... um, which... I don't know who I'm talking to when you show up.
Rush 2.0 laughs.
Shock Tart: Blur, I’m betting.
Ningal: Yeah, I think so too.
Rush 2.0: The same one you fought with this morning.
Ningal: Yeah, Blur it is.
Rush 2.0: How was your rest, Athena?
Ningal: The goddess keeps me at peak performance, Rush. I've no problems.
Rush 2.0: Not Rush, darlin’.
Ningal: <blush> Of course, My apologies.
Rush 2.0: Just call me Eric, so you don't get it confused.
Ningal: Though ... Man, why do you object so to your earlier name? I mean, sure, "Teena" makes me feel like I'm five years old, but... it doesn't hurt anything....
Rush 2.0: Because Rush was the name I wore when I was young, impetuous and a hot-head.
Ningal: It's also the name of a hero still honoured amongst the Champions and in the world.
Rush 2.0: Trust me, darlin’, after the first few centuries, you wanna put away memories of being known as a hot-headed punk.
Ningal: Well, if anyone is hotheaded in -- your family -- these days, it's Carly.
Rush 2.0: Shhh. She still is...a little.
Ningal: Well I was hoping she'd help Med -- but she's been least in sight too.
Rush 2.0: She's hunting Rush. He's actually nearby.
Ningal: Then why drive Carly nuts about it? If Lady B doesn't ease up on her "questioning", Paragon may start thinking they've got a rogue super on their hands.
Rush 2.0: Me? Drive her nuts?
Ningal: Hunting for Rush.
Rush 2.0: I told her that Rush was safe. I even told you that he's not only safe, but understanding! Surprised, Joss?
Ningal: Man, she LOST him before. You think this is not too soon for him to go missing again? She was SOOO happy.
Rush 2.0: She knows he's in Paragon City, Athena. It's not like she can't comfort herself with that. Besides, he'll explain everything to her.
Shock Tart: He can be as understanding as he likes. YOU have no business torturing good people for your sadistic pleasure.
Rush 2.0: Torture? Sadistic pleasure? Young one, you really have no understanding of me.
Ningal: Explanations later don't do squat about the pain of now, Blur. Surely you know that.
Shock Tart: No, no, I don’t and don’t really think I want to. All you do is hurt people I care about and yet no one does anything about you.
Rush 2.0: The pain of now? Athena, you, of all people, should understand the "pain of now".

Protectoret arrives and moves to stand next to the hovering Shock Tart.
Protectoret: Rush, you have some nerve showing up.
Ningal: <to Blur> Man, sometimes I think I'm the only person not in pain around here.
Rush 2.0: <grumbles> Why does everyone insist on calling me Rush?
Protectoret: Rush, Eric, Blur, doesn’t matter.
Ningal: Pro, call him Eric -- or Lawson, if you don't want the familiarity.
Shock Tart: <grumbles> How about bastard?
Ningal: It seems to matter to him.
Protectoret: I will stay away from the insults for now.
Shock Tart: Who cares what matters to him!
Ningal: Shock, the goddess within has touched him and told me he's NOT a villain.
Rush 2.0: Good ol' Protectoret. Remind me, again, where you were when Patriot got shot?
Ningal: I HAVE to believe her, Shock. She's the goddess of oaths.
Shock Tart: Well then YOU’RE welcome to.
Ningal: No offense meant, Shock.
Shock Tart: I know, Nin, but I really don’t know your goddess either.
Ningal: Lady, somedays I wish I didn't know her.
Rush 2.0 chuckles.
Shock Tart: <to Nin, smiling sadly> I bet you do.

Protectoret: Well, seeing as I received no invitation, I can tell you I was not at his party.
Ningal: None of us got invites, Pro. Most of us had missions.
Rush 2.0: It was a public affair. And all Champions members had reserved seats.
Shock Tart: Then Rush should have told us about it instead of keeping all of us busy.
Ningal: <wistfully> Not all secrets are for public consumption, Shock.
Shock Tart: If we all had reserved seats then how come it was a secret? It can’t be both.
Rush 2.0: Who said it was a secret? Patriot's promotion was a televised event.
Ningal: I wasn’t referring to the celebration as a secret.

Ningal: I'm still not content with what happened to Med and Angel... but ... <lamely> He's not a villain.
Protectoret: Champions business is no longer my business unless it involves Devil Angel 2.
Shock Tart: <to Nin> Then you stay next to him. I'll be a little more cautious, thank you.
Protectoret: I mean no disrespect to Champions or Patriot by that. I fully respect them.
Ningal: Pro, Champion's business is the safety of this city; you're as involved in that as any of us.
Rush 2.0: What a hero, Joss. You're afraid of an ally. I really must wonder what you do when villains are around.
Shock Tart: Wonder my ass. You’re all knowing...
Protectoret: For someone who claims he isn’t a villain, you sure like to put heroes in danger like one.
Rush 2.0: Do I kill heroes, Protectoret? Or do I toughen them and prepare them, instead of protecting them from what they might have to face?
Shock Tart: MIGHT?
Protectoret: There are better ways then risking one’s life to prove a "point". You committed no small offense: you endangered a friend and team mate’s life for a point!
Shock Tart: What they MIGHT have to face? So you put them through hell for nothing !?!
Ningal: You know, Shock, it might not have been for nothing.
Rush 2.0 yawns.
Ningal: I mean, all of us at home have been really worried about the changes in Medika since the "Blur incident."
Shock Tart: <sarcastically to Blur> If we are boring you, then, by all means, LEAVE!
Ningal: <continuting the train of thought> But --- she'd NEVER stand up for herself. It DOES take a threat to someone she loves to make her stand up.
Rush 2.0: Oh, so it's now the "Blur incident"? <chuckles> I suppose the Nyorn invasion would be considered an "incident" as well.
Shock Tart: Only the polite call it that. Attack would be a better word.
Rush 2.0: If I were you, Joss, I'd pay attention to Athena.
Ningal: What is this "Nyorn invasion"? We weren't called to help fight an invasion.
Rush 2.0: It won't happen for another hundred years -- give or take.
Ningal: Oh. Hm. Not much I can do about it, then.
Ningal turns to Shock.
Shock Tart: You know what, Blur. Go fuck yourself! Angel trusted you and you almost drove her crazy.
Protectoret: Fuckin’ almost killed her!
Rush 2.0: <in mock shock> Oh my! Such language!
Shock Tart: Not to mention Med and what it did to Bansidhe!
Rush 2.0: Ad...Ban's a tough kid.

Shock Tart: What do you want?
Rush 2.0: Honestly?
Shock Tart: No, please lie to us some more!
Rush 2.0: I've never lied to you.
Ningal: Shock, don't.
Rush 2.0: Ask the goddess of oaths.
Shock Tart: Fine, you deal with him, Nin. I've had enough.
Ningal: Stop, Shock!
Shock Tart: Why?
Blur begins concentrating on Shock Tart's inertia.
Ningal: You're letting yourself feel where you ought to think.
Shock Tart: He can’t be trusted, Ningal, and he will turn on you too.
Ningal: Shock, let the goddess touch you. Then you will know the oaths are true.
Shock Tart finds herself forcibly moved back towards the group.
Shock Tart: WHAT THE ...!!!
Rush 2.0: Good girl. So much better.
Ningal: If you really want to KNOW, I can touch you.
Shock Tart: WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO TO ME!!
Rush 2.0: Now - land.
Ningal: And the goddess will...
Shock Tart: AGGHHHR!
Protectoret: <threatening Blur> You do anything stupid, you will have severe issues.
Shock Tart: OH, LIKE THIS WILL MAKE ME TRUST YOU!
Rush 2.0: I merely controlled your inertia and moved you as I wished.
Shock Tart: Is it hot here?
Rush 2.0: Now, I really would suggest listening to Athena.

Rush 2.0: As for having issues, Protectoret, you really have no idea.
Ningal: Lawson, if I touch them and you make your oath -- will that be sufficient
Protectoret wraps a dark tentacle around Rush’s leg, rooting him in place.
Rush 2.0: I should think so, but just make sure that the goddess doesn't allow too much of her power.
Ningal looks at Pro and Shock.
Shock Tart: He isn’t touching me.
Ningal: Will you allow me to touch you, that the goddess may speak through me?
Rush 2.0: I can, if you really want me to, Joss.
Shock Tart: She's still your goddess, Nin; no offence.
Rush 2.0: Foolish child
Ningal: She is the goddess of fidelity and oaths. Many names she has had through the years. The most familiar name for you may be -- Justice.

Protectoret: It is impossible to do with me.
Ningal: Little is that impossible, Pro. You have a mind, have you not?
Protectoret: I do but I also have an innate resistance that blocks out almost everything.
Shock Tart: Angel couldn’t keep him out, Pro.
Rush 2.0: 'Almost' being the key word there, kiddo.
Protectoret: Believe me, I may not have been around as long as Rush, but I do know what it keeps out. Age doesn’t always equate to wisdom, I am afraid.
Ningal: Blur will not be in your minds. I give you my oath.
Protectoret: And for insurance he should be okay with a dark tentacle securing him during this.
Rush 2.0: And I'm well aware of your inability to stop the power of what humans would declare a goddess, Pro.
Shock Tart: What if she's not a goddess, Nin?
Ningal: Shock, I never worshipped her. I am merely her avatar.
Shock Tart: Touch me first, Nin; if it goes bad, Pro -- you’re in charge.
Protectoret: I trust Shock’s word

Protectoret: No god has ever penetrated my resistance.
Rush 2.0: You've never had a real one try, I would imagine.
Protectoret: You would be surprised, Rush.
Ningal: Do you believe in Justice, Pro?
Protectoret: I do.
Ningal smiles softly.
Ningal: Then do not be troubled.
Rush 2.0: Ready, Athena?
Ningal: I am ready. Make your oath, Man of Speed.
Rush 2.0: I am not a villain, nor is any action I take made with sadistic pleasure or malice. You have my word.
Shock Tart: But is he here to help?
Ningal touches Shock's forehead very lightly. They both shimmer with a faint radiation.
Rush 2.0: I give you my word, Jocelyn, I am here to help.
Protectoret: Just the same, I will keep hold on you and Nin. I don’t know you well, so be mindful I have more control then just a dark tentacle.

Ningal 's voice changes, sounding more magnificent and very far away.
Ningal: The oath is true. Fidelity will be rewarded faithfully.

Ningal: Are you ready, Protectoreet.
Rush 2.0: Now, Joss, are ya happy? I'm not the bad guy you and everyone else thinks.
Protectoret: It will be like talking to a brick wall, I guarantee. If Shock believes you, I will take her word.
The goddess in Shock's mind is very convincing. Shock still has the ability to reject it. But her soul knows it for truth.
Shock Tart: <resisting> Just because some deity I don’t recognize thinks you are telling the truth, doesn’t mean that I do. Your actions have been speaking far more loudly than your words.
Ningal: <in her own voice> Shock, you believe in Justice too. It is that belief that makes it possible for her to speak to you, in truth.
Rush 2.0: <releases Shock> Foolish, foolish child.
Shock Tart: Fuck you, Blur! You are a condescending Prick!
Ningal: Shock, I myself do not know why an easier way of getting through to Med was not devised. But there was no villainous intent towards Angel, Med, Bansidhe, or Horn.

Protectoret’s dark tentacle squeezes tightly for a second then releases Blur.
Rush 2.0: Ooo! That tickled!
Protectoret: I would speak quietly to the netherworlds. They are powerful and easily offended, I am sure you know, Rush.
Rush 2.0: Yes. Really. That little black tendril tickled the bottom of my foot!
Protectoret: Still a bit of a punk

Shock Tart: Really? And what if Med had failed? What if she wasn’t strong enough? What if Ban and Horn hadn’t showed up?
Rush 2.0: Joss, would you give me some credit, for crying out loud? I would never push Angel or Sable further than they could handle.
Protectoret: There is a lot people can handle. At the same time, that "a lot" can still harm them.
Shock Tart: YOUR TOOK HER BACK TO HER SAFE PLACE !!
Shock Tart is shaking with rage.
Rush 2.0: WHAT? COULD YOU SCREAM LOUDER? I COULDN'T HEAR YOU!
Protectoret: Shock, if you don’t relax a bit, I will call Angel in.
Shock Tart’s voice gets quiet. Rush 2.0 chuckles.
Shock Tart: Do you have any idea how long it took me to get her out of there?
Rush 2.0: Do you have any idea what the world could have faced if I hadn't intervened?
Shock Tart: Fuck you!
Ningal: <quietly> Wherever it was, Shock. It was a good place for Med and Ban and Horn to do their work.
Shock Tart: You just don’t know.
Rush 2.0: While you see my actions as cruel and sadistic, what you don't realize is that my actions saved thousands upon thousands of people.
Protectoret: Where does harming Angel come into saving the world?
Ningal: Ban and Horn saved Angel. Only they and Med took harm. And Med -- was definitely changed by the experience. I can tell you that! We're still worried about her. But I must admit, she IS changed.

Rush 2.0: Speaking of which...I never knew good ol' Scottish boy was that damn evil.
Ningal: Medika does not believe him evil, Lawson.
Shock Tart: <whispers softly> I could have lost my Angel ... you just don’t know.
Ningal: And the Horn has changed too. You should see him around Medika.
Rush 2.0: Athena, Sable is slowly acknowledging the hero she truly is and, albeit much more slowly, beginning to tap into her true potential.

Rush 2.0 snatches all inertia from Protectoret and Shock Tart. Protectoret wraps millions of dark tenaicles around Blur.
Ningal: Stop it, you all.
Shock Tart: y o u b a s t a r d !
Protectoret slowly squeezing.
Protectoret: Release us.
Shock Tart is visibly upset.
Rush 2.0: I don't know? I DON'T KNOW? TRY SPENDING A THOUSAND YEARS WITHOUT THE ONE YOU'VE DEVOTED YOUR LIFE TO! You have NO idea of pain, child.
Ningal: Goddess! All of, you, calm down!
Shock Tart: So you’re just sharing it with all of us? Because life screwed you, you get to share?
Rush 2.0: <grabs Protectoret by the throat.> Squeeze tighter, baby boy.
Ningal: We're all on the side of the angels. You've GOT to believe that.
Protectoret allows the tentacles to squeeze more tightly around Blur.
Protectoret: Release us
Shock Tart: STOP IT, BOTH OF YOU!
Rush 2.0 releases Shock Tart.
Shock Tart: PRO, LET HIM GO!
Ningal: Now stop it. Behave.
Shock Tart turns to Blur.
Shock Tart: Let him go.
Rush 2.0 slowly lets go of Pro's throat. Protectoret allows the tentacles to slide into Blur’s mouth.
Shock Tart: Pro!!
Rush 2.0: <chews on the tentacles> Mmm! Licorice!
Shock Tart: Stop before he kills you!
The tentacles disappear.

Ningal: Blur is not going to kill anyone here.
Shock Tart: O only you trust that, Nin.
Ningal: Stop acting like hurt children.
Rush 2.0: I couldn't if I tried.
Shock Tart: Hurt childern?
Shock Tart laughs.
Ningal: You're hurt about Angel.
Rush 2.0: Yes, Jossy, hurt children.
Shock Tart: Wait till it’s your turn, Nin, and then tell me about it.
Ningal: I will touch Angel and she will assure you that Justice is being served.
Rush 2.0: You're acting like none of us risk our lives, every day, and don't know the risks.
Shock Tart: Those risks we know. But you we did not invite or seek.
Protectoret: We do risk our lives daily; we shouldn’t be risking each others for "points".
Rush 2.0: I do hope, Jossy, you grow the hell up before you make your mark on history.
Shock Tart: I've heard my mark is make very early right before I die.
Rush 2.0: Different world, different history.

Ningal: Pro, what if Med is a linch pin in history?
Protectoret: What if she isn’t?
Ningal: What if her ability to stand up for herself as well as others turns out to be a key factor?
Protectoret: She is a hero whether she believes it or not, and will always make the right choice.
Ningal: Heroes don’t always make the right choices. If Blur is right, then what he did to Med and Angel was not "making a point", it was creating a Med that is needed.
Rush 2.0: Thank you, Athena. It's about damn time someone understands what was happening.
Shock Tart: So it was preordained, so to speak?
Protectoret: What if what Blur did makes it harder for her to make her stand?
Rush 2.0: Oh! OH! I do declare, Jossy has finally begun to understand!
Shock Tart: Stop calling me that --- <:very deliberately> Rush.
Ningal: Blur only knows one history.
Rush 2.0: <grins at Athena> Actually, I know a few. I read a lot.
Ningal: I've no doubt. I've no doubt that based on those histories, you take calculated risks. To try to ensure the best possible future...
Shock Tart: I am so glad you two are such good buddies.
Protectoret: As we know from Portal Corp, there are differing paths made by choices of different people
Ningal: Shock, I am not "good buddies"; I am an avatar of Justice.
Shock Tart: Should make it hurt worse when he fucks you over and you walk in fear.
Ningal: I am trying to behave justly.
Rush 2.0: Buddies? Kinda. I actually fight alongside almost every single incarnation of Ningal for the next... <rolls back his sleeve and looks to a non-existent watch> ...ah, six thousand years.
Shock Tart: Ohhhh, a favorite! Great! And we are supposed to trust her?
Ningal: <wry smile> Well... it won't be ME in all that time.
Rush 2.0: Nope. Kinda sad, too. The orange tinge is a favorite, though.
Ningal: Shock, Justice came into being, screaming when the first injustice was perpetrated. She has been around through all human history.
Rush 2.0: Not me. I was born in 1973. However...
Ningal: <sad smile> Nor has Athena Larsa been Justice all that time.
Rush 2.0: <chuckles> I have taken the opportunity to study human history...up close and personal. Kinda funny...Cleopatra wasn't all that hot.
Ningal: <giving in to the archeologist in her, grins> The records show that her beauty couldn't have been all in her looks, Eric.
Rush 2.0: Smart ass.
Ningal: Cleopatra must have been one charismatic gal, though.
Rush 2.0: Oh yeah. She was.
Ningal: So "hot" is in the eye of the beholder. <grin>
Rush 2.0: And Marc...well, he was completely taken by her, how shall we say, oral skills.
Ningal: <grin> Shoot, Man. And the goddess is making me wait!
Rush 2.0 laughs.

Rush 2.0: So, Joss, are you happy now? What I did to Angel would not have killed her. Put her in a coma? Possibly, for a short period of time. Did it force Sable to recognize her true potential? She's already begun.
Protectoret: Rush is little too high on himself it seems, Shock.
Rush 2.0: So speaketh the demon playmate.
Shock Tart: Next time you want to prove a point, pick someone else, Blur, and leave my family alone.

06-07-2005 15:12:27 Mr. Horndiggity has joined the team.
Rush 2.0: Well, I certainly couldn't have picked on one of our demonic friends, now could I?
Ningal: <softly> I'm sorry it was your sister, Shock. But Angel was Med's first real friend here in Paragon.
Shock Tart: Oh, so he thought he'd just pick on her? Right!

Shock Tart: Horn!
Mr. Horndiggity: Greetings all.
Ningal: Hi, Horn. Was Med ok when you left the floor, do you know?
Rush 2.0: How'd you enjoy your sunrise with Sable, Horn?
Mr. Horndiggity: Was a lovely sunrise.
Rush 2.0: Surprised she didn't have a heart attack when you bounded into her room.

Mr. Horndiggity: Excuse me. but exactly what is going on here? And, for that matter, aren't you a little unwelcome here, Blur?
Rush 2.0: Ah, so I've been told.
Ningal: Horn, Blur showed up and the goddess and I have been trying to show Pro and Shock that he is NOT a villain, despite appearances.
Mr. Horndiggity: Unwelcome -- especially after what happened with Angel. After what you did.
Rush 2.0: <tickles Horn's ribcage> Kinda like you, ya big demon!
Shock Tart: He said it was all to help Medika.
Ningal: The point has been made -- albeit not accepted -- that the "incident" with Angel was designed to change Med. To turn her into someone who will eventually stand up for herself rather than only for other people.
Mr. Horndiggity: Merely because there was a 'good' reason for it does not make it a good act. <nearly spitting out the words> The end does not justify the means!
Rush 2.0: Ah, but one of your persuasion should understand that, sometimes, the ends do justify the means.
Ningal: The Goddess of Justice has accepted Eric Lawson's oath. There was no malice involved.
Mr. Horndiggity is visibly pondering Ningal's previous statement.
Mr. Horndiggity: And the Goddess accepted the oath?
Ningal: Nikkal a' Ningal, goddess of fidelity, truth, and justice, accepted the oath.
Mr. Horndiggity: Well then, the Horn supposes he can only quibble as to your methods, Blur, and the Horn still did not approve of what you did.
Ningal: Blur claims to fight beside her in the far future, long after I am no longer avatar, Horn.
Mr. Horndiggity: What will happen can not be used to forgive what has happened.
Ningal: No forgiveness is required by the goddess; simply that Blur's intent be treated justly.
Rush 2.0: And she has said that I'm not lying. <grins>
Shock Tart whispers to Horn: Do you accept this, Horn?
Mr. Horndiggity whispering to Shock Tart: Well, Ningal seems to represent a goddess but there are still questions.
Mr. Horndiggity: <to Blur> Fine, your intentions are good.
Shock Tart looks shocked.
Rush 2.0: Ask them and quit whispering amongst yourselves.
Mr. Horndiggity: That does not change what you've done and even you should know what the road to hell is paved with, Blur.
Rush 2.0: Yeah, yeah. Good intentions. Only one small problem.
Shock Tart: You have none?
Mr. Horndiggity: And there have been times that the Horn has caused harm by doing something with good intentions but bad technique.
Rush 2.0: None of what, Joss?
Shock Tart: Good intentions.
Ningal: <nods> The cloud of gloom that Med carries now is really regrettable, Horn. We've actually been glad that she lightens up when you're around.
Shock Tart smiles at the Horn.
Shock Tart: Yes, that is true.

Rush 2.0: Oh, Joss. Why won't you just accept the obvious and quit denying the truth?
Mr. Horndiggity: What truth, Blur?
Shock Tart: Because I'm a lawyer, Blur. You should know better.
Rush 2.0: In language so simple that Joss can relate to - that I'm here to prevent really bad shit from happening.
Mr. Horndiggity looks troubled.
Shock Tart: Once again, Blur: fuck you!
Shock Tart gives a small smile.
Mr. Horndiggity: Says you
Ningal: In your heart, Shock, you now KNOW his words are true. Give yourself time to accept.
Rush 2.0: Says me. Yeah. Pretty much. Or would you care to test me, as well? Is it not enough that a goddess declares my honesty?
Shock Tart: Again, your goddess, not mine.
Ningal: She's NOT mine, Shock; she belongs to Humanity.
Rush 2.0: I'll warn you, though, Horn - if you test me, be prepared for the pain.

Shock Tart whispers to Horn: You were in Med’s bedroom?
Mr. Horndiggity whispers to Shock: Yeah but the Horn found out that it’s not polite to just walk into peoples’ rooms and will try not to in the future.
Shock Tart <laughs> I’m surprised she didn’t expire on the spot.

Mr. Horndiggity: Well the, no offense to you, Ningal, the Horn has met a number of deities that did not impress him.
Ningal: She is YOUR belief in Justice, amongst other things.
Shock Tart: Ningal I have one GOD, not many.
Ningal: Perhaps English is not the best language, Shock. What I've been calling the goddess is the psychic manifestation of the concept of Justice. Call it what you will.

Mr. Horndiggity: How does the Horn even know if your future is the one for this world? He has seen other worlds and other futures at Portal Corp.
Rush 2.0: Why would I be here? This one is the one that is in the most trouble, yet shows the most promise. Not to mention the fact that it is my home dimension...
Mr. Horndiggity: The Horn is troubled.
Rush 2.0: So, Horn, would you care to brave the pain?
Ningal: Blur, Horn, must this be necessary?
Mr. Horndiggity: Hurting an innocent to make a point to another is not right -- after what the Horn has seen and heard.
Rush 2.0: First, you're not an innocent. Second, I wouldn't intentionally hurt you.
Mr. Horndiggity: The Horn is certain that things will not be easy.
Ningal: I don't think the household could bear it if Horn is not around to lessen Medika's darkness.
Mr. Horndiggity: The Horn was not talking about concerns as to his own welfare.
Rush 2.0: Athena, I'm just wanting to know if he wants to test my honesty. It'll cause him pain that he doesn't like...but he's a demon - truth hurts.
Mr. Horndiggity: He is still angry that you hurt Angel, nearly destroyed Angel, to make a point to Medika.

Ningal: Man, I've got to ask this.
Rush 2.0: I didn't, Horn.
Ningal: Horn, I want to hear it from you. Are you a demon? And does Med know?
Mr. Horndiggity: Yes and yes.
Ningal: Man! She HAS been changed.
Rush 2.0: Horn, I want to hear it from you. Do you like ice water? And is Joss denying the truth?
Mr. Horndiggity: Yes, it’s cool, refreshing, and was totally unavailable in his previous job. And as to Joss, she -- like the Horn -- is skeptical.
Shock Tart: Yes, I am.
Rush 2.0: Denying the truth? Yes, I know.
Mr. Horndiggity: So what do you propose, Rush? More memories?
Rush 2.0: Not at all, Horn.
Shock Tart shoots Blur the finger.
Mr. Horndiggity: Just ‘cause its true, doesn't mean that you are being honest.
Rush 2.0: There's gotta be some mystical way you can tell if I'm being honest. Hell, like I said - you're a demon, truth hurts.
Mr. Horndiggity: No, the Horn can't, Blur; he was not in that department.

Ningal: What sort of oath would you accept, Horn? From Blur. I'm not rightly sure how the Goddess of Justice will react to the mind of a demon, but I'm willing to try.
Mr. Horndiggity: Try what exactly?
Rush 2.0: Allow the goddess to expose you to the truth?
Ningal: Blur will state an oath. Then I will touch you and the goddess can speak to your mind directly to deny or verify the oath.
Rush 2.0: It'd probably hurt like hell, but at least you'd know the truth.
Mr. Horndiggity: Will the Horn need a shot afterwards?
Ningal: <grins wryly> I doubt it. But I might.
Mr. Horndiggity spends a long moment visibly pondering Ningal's offer.

Ningal: And Blur might be right. Speech with the goddess might hurt a demon. I know I'm a little worried. But it's your choice. And I know Med will hang me out to dry if I really hurt you, so I'll be as gentle as I can.
Mr. Horndiggity: Okay, Blur, but be warned if your oath is too tricky, it will be effectively worthless, you understand?
Rush 2.0: Tricky it ain't. You have my word. <grins>
Mr. Horndiggity: So what does the Horn do?
Rush 2.0: Play jacks?
Ningal giggles. Then, soberly, Ningal moves to stand near Horn. Mr. Horndiggity looks a little uneasy then shrugs and looks calm.
Ningal: I'm ready. Blur, make your oath.
Rush 2.0: Horn, you have my word that I am not a villain, nor do I act with sadistic pleasure or malice.

OOC: Note, Nin is not a mind-reader. It is the goddess who goes into his mind.

Radiation shimmers gently around the hooded woman and the great horned man, spiking a bit around Horn's upper body. Ningal's voice changes as she intones the goddess’ decision.
Ningal: The oath is good. Fidelity will be repaid faithfully.
A bright flash of pure light enters the Horn's mind and he KNOWS truth. Mr. Horndiggity looks surprised then clenches his teeth and tries to hide a expression of great discomfort.
Rush 2.0: I've tried to learn how to cook, multiple times. Carolly just gave up and told me to leave it all to her.
Shock Tart: Are you alright Horn?
Mr. Horndiggity: Yeah
Mr. Horndiggity grits his teeth and clenches his jaw. Ningal quickly moves her hand away from Horn and the shimmer disperses.
Shock Tart thinks: I wish I had fort.
Ningal: <whispers in her own voice> I am sorry, Horn. But the goddess within is not.
Mr. Horndiggity: The Horn would certainly say that the Goddess Ningal represents is some fraction of the divine -- and the Horn was long ago denied the comfort of the divine.
Rush 2.0: Warned you it might be painful.
Mr. Horndiggity: It’s okay.
Ningal: Truth is not gentle. I don't go on patrol with Medika for that very good reason.
Mr. Horndiggity starts slowly relaxing.

Rush 2.0: Well, Horn? Are you satisfied?
Mr. Horndiggity: That you are not a sadist or a villain -- yes.
Rush 2.0: <mock consternation> You, and everyone else, now know that I can't cook.
Ningal: <sternly> All parts of the oath were judged, Blur
Rush 2.0 grins.
Rush 2.0: What? You think I'd lie about not being able to cook?
Mr. Horndiggity: The Horn prefers to think of that as a pre-existing condition. The Horn even listed it on the medical forms he filled out for the HMO that covers heroes.
Rush 2.0: What? The not being able to cook part? Yeah. I remember that. It tickled me.
Ningal: No, Blur. Not cooking. Horn means the part about him being unable to touch the divine.
The Horn nods.
Rush 2.0: Do you have any idea how many cooking books I've studied in over six thousand years? And I still can't cook worth a shit!
Ningal: <grin> Come to dinner on Fridays, Blur. I make a mean couscous.
Rush 2.0: I'll do that, Athena.
Ningal: Gotta eat with your right hand, though. I keep traditions. <grin>
Shock Tart: Come to dinner at Med's house?
Ningal: <looks self-conscious> Oops, Shock, you might be right. I'll have to clear it with Med.

Ningal: Goddess, Horn! What can Medika see in you?
Shock Tart: Ningal!
Ningal regarded him in amazement.
Ningal: Med's the most angelic person I know, no offense to Angel, Shock. I just am boggled by the notion that she takes comfort from -- Horn.
Mr. Horndiggity: The Horn is somewhat concerned too.
Shock Tart: Opposites, Nin. Opposites attract. He has no expectations for her to fall from.
Ningal: <astonished> You think Med is attracted to Horn?!?
Mr. Horndiggity: He does not want to bring Medika pain but fears that he will no matter what he does.
Shock Tart: You have helped her more than you know, Horn.
Mr. Horndiggity blushes slightly and looks away.
Shock Tart: She sees absolute acceptance from you, Horn.
Ningal: I can attest to that, Horn. Xochi and I agree that you were a good addition to our floor.
Mr. Horndiggity: Oh and the Horn is sorry about the leftovers.
Ningal grins.

Rush 2.0: Alright, Joss. Are you FINALLY happy? You've denied what you were shown. Now are you going to deny it at the expense of Horn's pain?
Shock Tart: Horn, what say you?
Mr. Horndiggity: The Horn accepts the oath, but will still count you a menace if you try something similar to what you did to Angel again.
Ningal looks at Horn. Mr. Horndiggity meets Ningal's eyes.
Mr. Horndiggity: The Horn has had to think carefully about how to be a hero, and is fairly certain that the ends still do not justify the means.
Rush 2.0: Sometimes, Horn, the ends do justify the means.
Shock Tart: Not to the extent of Angel’s sanity, they do not!
Ningal: Blur, it'll take some time for most of us to accept that. It'd help if you actually worked WITH us. Instead of manipulating us.
Shock Tart: Exactly.

Rush 2.0: Joss, it would have caused her no permanent damage.
Shock Tart whispers: You don’t know that.
Rush 2.0: Yes, Joss, I do.
Shock Tart: No, you don’t; you know what could happen, but anything you change here can change what happens later.
Ningal: Blur, I don't think you really know what the type of darkness Ban and Horn funneled has on ordinary minds like Med's and Angel's. I really don't.
Rush 2.0: Let me ask you a simple question, then.
Ningal: And to say that it posed no danger is to negate the very heroism you tried to promote.
Rush 2.0: But it doesn't, Athena. Listen and learn.
Mr. Horndiggity: Indeed. So, do you have free will, Blur, or are you chained to a future that only you see?
Rush 2.0: Far more than either.
Shock Tart: Ask.
Rush 2.0: If I've come here to attempt to make changes to better your future, what would it profit me to cause irreparable damage to those who can make it better?
Shock Tart: The key question is 'IF'.
Mr. Horndiggity: Always the 'if'.
Rush 2.0: Oh, boy. Back to denying the truth. Fuckin’ lawyers.
Mr. Horndiggity: No, just wondering how omniscient you are, Blur.
Rush 2.0: I'm not, Horn. I didn't and still don't know much about you.

Ningal: Just say it, Blur. You are here to make a better future.
Rush 2.0: No, Athena. I'm not here to make a better future.
Ningal: OK. Then they are right about the IF.
Shock Tart: You come here speaking cryptically and then expect us to 'trust’ you when you hurt people we love? Why not tell us why you are here and what you want us to know?
Mr. Horndiggity: The Horn believes you're not a villain but everything else is still up in the air.
Rush 2.0: I'm here to try for more than that. A future in which 99% of the human race is not slaughtered, like sheep, by the Nyorn!
Ningal: Well <sharp intake of breath> I'd call that trying for a better future.

Rush 2.0: There, Joss? Are you happy?
Mr. Horndiggity: Well, how do they do it and what happens? That would be a start. If we all know what’s going on, it will be easier for us to trust you.
Rush 2.0: Because, due to certain things, I cannot directly intervene with human history.
Mr. Horndiggity: What things?
Rush 2.0: There are lines that I can cross, however, and those are the ones that I cross.
Mr. Horndiggity: Well, what are the lines? Where are they? Why are they there?
Ningal: I want to know what I can do. You said the Nyorn invasion was a 100 years in the future.
Rush 2.0: Athena, you'll be dead before then.
Ningal: No kidding.
Shock Tart: So will we all.
Rush 2.0: Don't worry, darlin’, you died happy.
Shock Tart: Well, except maybe Horn.
Rush 2.0: No, Joss, not all. And Horn had no play in this...until he stepped in.

Rush 2.0: Half of the Paragon Champions actually live until then and half of those live through it.
Shock Tart: 100 years from now? Most of us are human, Blur.
Rush 2.0: Yeah. I know.
Ningal: But if we're dead -- why try to change Med, and Horn and Ban... and heaven knows who else?
Shock Tart: <laughs bitterly> Yeah, you and Lee.
Rush 2.0: No, you foolish child! Your sister, for one!
Shock Tart: She's human, Blur.
Rush 2.0: Yes, Joss, she is. However, her abilities cause her to age a bit more slowly. I had to watch her death. I was forced to watch Angel be captured, tortured and finally slaughtered... not executed, but SLAUGHTERED as if nothing more than an animal to feed upon.
Shock Tart looks startled.
Ningal: Sweet Enki, don't ever tell Med that!
Rush 2.0: So, do I know pain, Joss? What Angel experienced was a mere shadow of pain! I was forcing Sable's hand! She has to accept who and what she is or she will never survive the cullings!
Mr. Horndiggity thinking to himself.
Ningal: Med is to live a hundred years?
Rush 2.0: To 136, to be exact.
Ningal: I don't think she'd WANT to -- without her friends.

Mr. Horndiggity: So how does it happen, the invasion?
Rush 2.0: The Rikti invade, again. They succeed and take over our earth. Like the Traditionalists, here, they feared that our earth wouldn't be enough. They were right.
Mr. Horndiggity: So we should be preparing to stop another extra-dimensional invasion?
Rush 2.0: What they didn't count on is opening into a dimension in which "real" aliens invaded earth and conquered. The Rikti were massacred...all of them, less than 18 hours after the campaign began.
Mr. Horndiggity: Damn and from there the aliens followed the chain of portals! Rush 2.0: Exactly, Horn.
Ningal: Shoot! Portal Corp needs to be shut down!
Rush 2.0: The humans alive from the Rikti invasion were used as slaves - bought, sold, traded, abused, and so on. To the Nyorn, we were food. We were a new sport.
Rush 2.0: There are precious few dimensions, six thousand years from now, that the Nyorn have not conquered.
Ningal: Shoot. And you're telling us the supers didn't give as good as they got? The Nyorn are that powerful?
Rush 2.0: The SPBs are the most prized sport. We fought back.
Ningal: You bet we would!
Rush 2.0: Like hunters of today, the Nyorn would mount a super's head on the wall.
Ningal: Oh, no, no, no. Med's not going to like that.
Mr. Horndiggity: No one's head is ending up on a wall if the Horn can help it.

Mr. Horndiggity: So, Blur, have you thought of trying to get into politics to try to enact large scale preparations and research into portal technology?
Rush 2.0: Politics? Oh, the can has already been opened, Horn. There's no closing it.
Shock Tart: What will beat them?
Rush 2.0: What will beat the Nyorn, Joss?
Mr. Horndiggity: The Horn fears Blur does not know.
Ningal: So closing Portal Corp won't help?
Rush 2.0: Oh, yes, Horn. I know.
Shock Tart: Yes, what is their weakness?
Rush 2.0: Nothing, Joss. Nothing ever tried was able to overwhelm their numbers. Ningal: Then -- what are we supposed to DO?
Shock Tart: Oh well, then hell why bother? Let’s just go nova the planet and then we will all be dead and they won’t want it.
Mr. Horndiggity: No point in despair.
Ningal: Right, Horn. While there's life, there's hope.
Shock Tart: But Mr. Future here is saying we are doomed already!
Rush 2.0: The only way I've figured out is to slide our dimension into the same position as one of the few not already conquered. Which is why I've been here fighting.
Mr. Horndiggity: So retreat and hide then?
Rush 2.0: Not quite, Horn. But close.
Shock Tart: That’s not a solution; it’s a band aid!
Mr. Horndiggity: But buying time is important. But sadly the Horn's has run out for the moment.
The demonic figure starts to flicker. Ningal: And figuring out WHY those places haven't been invaded might be critical.
Rush 2.0: The dimensional barrier between our earth and the Rikti earth is unstable, at best. It is magical in nature, as that's how the Omega team created it. The best chance to prevent the Nyorn invasion, possibly for all dimensions, is to prevent the second Rikti invasion from succeeding.
Mr. Horndiggity: Well, then, we have a plan of sorts.
The demon fades away.

Rush 2.0: At least, that's the best possibility I can figure out.
Ningal: <grin> Well, fighting Rikti is something I've been training for.
Shock Tart: So we kill all the Rikti? That’s the plan?
Rush 2.0: No.
Shock Tart: We shut down Portal Corps?
Ningal: We make sure the Restructuralist Faction wins?
Rush 2.0: No, Joss. No, Athena. The Traditionalists are the ones who want peace, now.
Rush 2.0: We prevent them from re-establishing contact with the Rikti home earth.
Shock Tart: Alright then, Blur, what’s the plan?
Rush 2.0: Hmmm... Let's see. I suppose I could take over the world and...oh, wait. Tried that, before. The Rikti still...anyway...
Ningal: <wry smile> That plan never works, Brain.
Rush 2.0: Joke. Funny. Laugh.

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