"You...you yelled...you...you said..."

Cole didn't get to continue before Jack was moving between them, sounding rather upset, and Cole blinked, shaking his head. "No...no! Don't fight! It doesn't matter, please, it's not something to fight about! Jack Frost, please, don't be upset, it isn't Sans's fault, I made him angry and it just went wrong, I don't want you to fight, please! He just said he was sorry!"

"We're not fighting, Cole." Jack replied gently, looking back at him. "I just want to know what exactly Sans has done. And just because someone is angry, doesn't mean they can hurt you. That's part of being human. And apologizing doesn't solve everything."

He turned back to face Sans, frowning. "Besides, I have a few questions for Sans already. Like about being part of the anti-humans." The accusation was clear in his voice.

Listening to Jack get all suspicious about him all because of his association with the anti-humans made Sans slowly bring his hand to his forehead and let out a groan.

"look, frosty, whatever group i'm part of, it doesn't matter, so chill out, 'k?" he said, pausing for a moment as that pun wasn't even intentional, he then let out a sigh, "and i already told you, i held cole in place so he wouldn't panic, run off and get killed by machines after i got upset at him. he said a few things that made me angry and overreacted, that's all on me. at no point did i harm him and didn't think he would take being held in place that badly."

He then shifted his focus to Cole.

"next time i do something that makes you scared like that, tell me, ok? i don't want to make you feel like that, kid, nor do i want to remind you of all the bad stuff you've gone through," he asked, his tone of voice making it clear that it was more of simple request than an order.

Cole just took a couple steps back from both of them, swallowing hard, shaking his head, looking for a moment like he was about to start getting more perturbed. He closed his eyes a moment, then a bit of a change came to his posture, as he let out a breath, then straightened up slightly, just looking at them both before speaking in a strangely soft and calm voice.

"Sans...you did frighten me, and the way you spoke made me feel wrong and hurt inside, like Cole's father did to him. I didn't like it. I didn't like someone I...I thought of like I think of my friend Varric back home...acting like Cole's father. I know I'm strange, and scary, and different, from anything you know, and I am trying not to be. But...you're hurt inside too, a lot. And sometimes fear turns into anger. It's not right but...it happens, a lot. I hope that...maybe it can be better after this, that...now it won't be a problem for you. I don't mind when you make me not move, if I'm not scared. Please...don't do that again."

He then looked to Jack. "And thank you for wanting to help, Jack Frost, but it's okay. Sans made a mistake, and I made a mistake. Now he knows, and it will be better. And so far as Silanea's group, Sans is one of them, but he is not one of them. They are not bad people, they are scared, and just like this here and now, sometimes fear turns into anger. Anger does bad things, but it doesn't make bad people. And they have helped before. On the day when it was all sand and monsters, they came and helped fight at the library. They aren't all bad, Jack Frost."

Wells turned around with a frustrated expression, and looked to see Ben as a skeleton, and Rex telling him to chill. "We have a mentally unstable woman looking to go charging into combat! I'm trying to prevent an incident before it-" Wells paused abruptly, as the sound of footsteps running away turned his attention back towards the wall of bones, where Kelsey had used the obstacle's appearance as an opportunity to break away.

"HEY FOUR EYES! SEND ME ONE OF THOSE AMULETS!" Kelsey shouted back over her shoulder, as she rushed into one of the airlocks.

"Wha- Stop her!" Wells commanded; Samson drew his phaser pistol and aimed towards her, then was abruptly sucked off the floor into a transparent bubble.

"Are you people really so forgetful?" Miss Tairee thought out loud, typing away on her holographic keyboard. One of the wraithbone amulets floated up out of its box, then zipped towards the airlock at incredible speeds, just barely passing through the inner doors before they closed. As the airlock cycled its air out, Kelsey looked back and took the floating amulet, and got it securely placed around the neck of her armor.

Wells looked at Miss Tairee with an angry expression. "Let my man go, and bring her back here!" Wells told her.

"I can only do one of those things for you. I've told you people before; I can't act against someone who hasn't broken the rules of my library, and I must act against anyone who does. I can't let any of you fight her or apprehend her in here unless she acted against the rules, and by trying to, you acted against the rules" Miss Tairee said, getting the bubble to disappear and deposit Samson back onto the floor unceremoniously.

"And that's it then?! You follow these rules even when it could lead to bad things happening later?! Would you even maintain this stance if Ruckus' demon came in here?!" Wells asked her accusingly.

"... Yes, unfortunately" Miss Tairee responded through clenched teeth, her angered expression and tone making it clear that not only was she just as unhappy about that, but that she also wasn't happy about anyone using that fact against her.

"Why is everyone still fighting? Can we please just stop?" Thomas muttered, sticking close to Ben and looking around, very worried.

"Boss, come on, can you just calm down? I know this sucks, but we've gotta be rational. Um, sir" Nails said, having an awfully similar expression of worry as Thomas did, while Rachel helped Samson get up off the floor.

edited 14th Nov '16 2:11:46 AM by FirockFinion

Cole all of sudden began speaking so calmly it was actually almost unsettling because Sans was so used to the kid being generally anxious that seeing him act like that just seemed off. Either way, he was understanding about the whole issue and compared what the skeleton had done in the previous day to acting like Cole's father, that certainly wasn't a very positive comparison, but at least now he could work on fixing the damage.

"i wouldn't say you're scary, there's... a lot more stuff out there that i'd consider scarier than you." Sans shrugged. "but, anyway... i won't do anything like that to you again, cole, i promise. you've been through enough already without me making it worse."

edited 14th Nov '16 10:34:49 AM by FullMoon

Plague Knight continued do his inventory check. Despite keeping impeccable notes and his keen expertise managed to identify many of the destroyed experiments, there were, however, a few that were unidentifiable due to level of destruction or immense similarity to other experiments to correctly identify in their destroyed state. He compiled a separate list for these unknowns. While only about four items total, the alchemist had a very foreboding feelings over these items.

One was highly dangerous, only mitigated that it had to be administered directly into the bloodstream via syringe and only made one viable sample; one was mostly annoying and minor, but could be devastating due to not yet added in an inhibitor to prevent it from being airborne; and one was a powerful acidic substance that could destroy flesh and bone by leave all other materials untouched. The last one merely created multicolored clouds that caused certain taste receptors in the brain go into overdrive and essentially forced people to taste certain random foods for 12 hours.

The fact that none of these four were actually tested was worryingly enough. The possibility that the Ruckus might have taken then and may even be capable of making inferior versions of or, worse, duplicating in some capacity was more worrying.

After hiding his original notes and packing the new sheet, Plague Knight prepared to leave on the fanboys' ship.

Pub

Twilight stood by, unsure of how to interject during the conversation.

When things finally started to wind down, she put her helmet on and joined the others on the ship.

While Ara and I had a short, long due conversation about the events that had taken place three days earlier, she took the time to look around, carefully evaluating who she would possibly be fighting the demon with. She didn't think they were that bad, but the amount of arguments taking place, both at the library and at the grocery store was... not encouraging, to say the least.

'...so you won't help us?'

'Unless it is absolutely essential, I will only limit myself to advising and a few other things. The rest will depend on you.'

'Hmmm... I understand. I'll let them know.'

'Don't forget about that suggestion I shared with you.'

'I won't.'

She approached Caro and the others once more, and let out a small sigh before speaking.

"I just spoke to Eun," she informed the pink-haired girl, and those around as well. "She said that she did launch the attack that stopped the demon, but she had nothing to do with the burning book that hit him before she did. She also says she will not help me much this time, other than to provide advice every now and then."

She took a quick glance at the other people gathered in the library before she concluded her statements.

"Finally, she believes those of us who wish to fight the demon should get to know each other as well as we can as soon as possible... and I think she may have a point."

edited 14th Nov '16 1:43:55 PM by Katarsus

Library - Preparations and arguements

Sans' clarification of what he meant by her becoming a major target once again made a terrifying ammount of sense. Kidnapping and holding her as a hostage would be a pretty effective way to take him out of the way and thus their best chance against the demon.

Ben had pretty much the right idea against that though. They had the other City Knights, as well as their other friends, to stand by their side. She would have to suggest later that they should stick with her group for a while, at least until this all over again.

Ara looked in deep thought for a long time. Caro guessed that the other girl must be communicating with her spirit about the events in question. It seemed like it could take a while, so she may as well finish her request.

Turning to Miss Tairee, she spoke, "Well ... That thing is apparently all soul and really powerful, so I would guess that normal weapons and even magic that's not like Sans can't do much to it ... So with that in mind, is there any kind of equipment you could provides us with that would allow the rest of us to at least harm it?"

After a while, a few arguements broke loose, as well as few other things occuring, such Ben copying Sans with his watch, which surely would come in handy against the Lord of Change.

Then Ara relayed the results of her conversation with her spirit guide, apparently named Eun. Ara confirmed that it had been the spirit who had struck down the Lord of Change after it was hit by the book, of which she didn't seem to have any particular knowledge. Ara also relayed that Eun wouldn't be able to aid them directly, but would offer advice.

Caro nodded, flashing the other girl a smile and said, "Understood. That is what I thought. As for the book, I may have some idea regarding its origin," She took a brief glance at Miss Tairee, figuring it was not worth forcing the issue if she was just gonna deny it, so instead, she shifted her gaze back to Ara, continuing, "But in the end, it is not much use to dwell on that. We can't count on something like that happening again. In anycase ... Be sure to thank Eun for me and on Sans' behalf as well. She really helped with saving us from a terrible fate, as well as with taking that thing out of commission for a while."

After a while, she added, "In anycase, I believe I can understand her stance better than most. I too have a spirit, you might say, that I'm only allowed to call upon in the most dire of situations ... And I really hope nothing comes about that would force me into such a position, so I get it. And whatever advice she can provide us with would be much appreciated."

Then in response to Eun's quite reasonable suggestion, she firmly nodded and said, "And I wholeheartdly agree with that. If we are to defeat the Lord of Change and what remains of Ruckus before they can rise again, we will need some serious teamwork. And we won't able to pull that off without full trust in each other, including in our abilities."

edited 14th Nov '16 2:43:29 PM by JamesShields

PK's Pub

X nodded at the response, "I am X. Yes, and if you'll excuse me, I have people to escort," he said as he stepped back onto his shuttle and waved to Sylvia.

"Your friend, excitable and easily distracted isn't he?"

"... The way you're wording it, that would be unnecessary. Physical weapons can still damage the Lord of Change, just not as effectively as they probably would if he was not a soul-powered daemon. Magic is effected even less so, so any of you who can fight with magic are already on a better footing against him" Miss Tairee said to Caro, pausing only to try to regain some composure before she spoke.

"As far as what I'm allowed to give you that would be more effective, I can give you weapons that have been blessed or hallowed by the Imperial ecclesiarchy of the same universe that he's from- well, technically not, but that's complicated- Anyway, I've been disallowed from providing any such ranged weaponry, but that still leaves a wide array of melee options for those inclined" Miss Tairee added.

After everyone got on board, between the cockpit area and the empty cargohold there being plenty of room for everyone, Melanie took off and got flying. "The library's the big, round building, right? Well keep an eye out for... Is that a giant book? Nevermind, if it's anywhere it's gonna be there. This will just take a few minutes" Melanie had reported once they got going.

Once they were along for a minute or so, Calvin looked at the group that had been in the pub. "So like, who are you guys? Collectively, I mean. Are you with Ben's City Knights? Or the militia? I don't see the anti-humans' logo on any of you, so I'm guessing you're not with them" Calvin asked them.

Library

After a thrilling adventure upon the spaceship, the two brothers have reached the destined goal; the fabled library that would supposedly house all answers to their queries.

Lothric was in no rush to return home. There wasn't any place to return to, really, and he enjoyed this newfound freedom. He was sure Lorian liked it. It was a subtle change, but he had learned to see even the smallest changes in his brother.

Upon arrival he took a moment to look at the people gathered. "Greetings." He spoke to no one in particular, still on his brother's back. "This... this, I presume, is the library I've been told about earlier, the one to hold all answers?"

Kelsey took advantage of the distraction by asking Tairee for an amulet and sprinting off in the direction of the nearest airlock. One of the militia members tried to stop her but was yanked off his feet and placed in a bubble.

"Nice going, Ben. You helped her escape"

Tairee explained her actions to Wells. She needed to follow a strict set of rules and since Kelsey technically wasn't attacking anyone, she couldn't interfere and would actually stop anyone from trying to do so.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night, right?"

Being in a place with significantly lower gravity than Earth, Rex decided to not even try running to catch with Kelsey and instead built his wings to get to the airlock. It was already draining the air inside and Kelsey was seconds away from leaving the library.

"Hey, I wasn't finished!"

The pressed his hand on the airlock's inner door and messed around with the system, trying to close the exterior and prevent Kelsey from leaving.

"I myself have sworn fealty to Ben's City Knights," Plague Knight answered. "The others are....I'm guessing independent for now."

Jack moved back slightly as Cole's voice changed, looking surprised and curious at it. He moved back enough to bring both Sans and the young boy into view, but kept Twinetender between them to show that he was still not letting anything happen. His eyes darted between the two as he spoke, and waited patiently for Sans to finish. He wasn't ready to trust him completely, but the apology and promise was a start.

Jack sighed, bringing his staff up so he could lean against it. He looked at Cole. "Yeah, you're probably right about them not all being bad, kiddo. But, with groups like that all it takes is a few to do terrible things. I've seen and heard of it before. One of them shot a little girl because she slapped them, Cole. That's not fear, that's anger and cruelty. I'm not going to do anything to them unless they do something first, but I'm not willing to trust them, either."

Then he turned to Sans, expression neutral. "And I suppose I'm willing to give you a chance to show that what Cole said is true, but if I see anything I don't like... well, let's just say that you'd be boned." The spirit's lips twitched upwards slightly, though his eyes said he wasn't entirely joking.

"Anyway, I think I've had enough of this talk. Cole, I want to ask you something." Having learned what he had about the young boy now, Jack wasn't quite as sure about his plan. But, he would give him the chance to make the decision himself. "There are kids out there, in the city. And chances are they don't have anyone to look after them, or help them. You can find people anywhere in the city, right? Like you did on... a few days ago. Do you want to help me look for them? It's up to you. You don't have to, and I'll be fine on my own. I just thought I might ask."

edited 14th Nov '16 6:33:55 PM by Alleydodger

With the hostilities seeming to have dialed back a bit, Cole lowered his head slightly, looking down and starting to pick at his hands a little again, rocking back and forth on his heels as he sometimes did. Whatever moment of calm had come was already gone again, but he didn't seem upset or anxious again...just resigned.

"...thank you, Sans, but...I already know how people think of me." He spoke in a voice that would remind the skeleton of Nails, the calmer militia man from the incident the day before. "You must be weird, even where you come from...it probably wouldn't hurt if you mellowed out a bit, stop being so weird." Another shift, that of what sounded like a younger, rather disgusted female. "Aren't you supposed to be getting better or something? Less like you? ...it's all right."

Cole looked to Jack at his question, and he sighed softly, shrugging. "I...I would like to, but...now I can't." He touched the amulet lightly. "I can't hear through this...but if I take it off, the demon can find me, and it could turn me into a monster. Until it's gone, I...I can't. I'm sorry...I know it's letting you down, but..."

Cole didn't seem to have much more to say on it. He didn't even seem to be freaking out or anything as he would have been before. He just seemed...down.

"cole, i don't think you're scary. sure, from my perspective, you're on the weirder side of things, you're different, but that's not a problem. i don't need you to really change or anything. i just kinda wish i could understand you better. i'm usually good at reading people, but you... it's really hard to get you, but i'm trying. i'm willing to make that effort to understand you better, it's just going to take a while."

Sans sighed, he almost couldn't believe some of the stuff he was saying but in the end the experiences in the city did end up changing him a little bit. It was certainly making his life even more difficult, but that just meant he'd have to power through it now that he actually cared.

He then looked over to Jack. "he just got shot and is at the risk of a demon getting in his head if he takes the amulet off to help you, you should probably let him rest for a while, i'm pretty sure he's been under stress for most of the day."

Ship in transit

Lucas responded with "I...I'm not in any groups. I'm more used t-to, um, leading than following..."

"W-well, you know, th-the signs are all there if, uh, if you just - look at 'em," explained Morty as he watched the stars streak past the spaceship. "Th-the, arms, you know, they're like- like... rigid... zombie arms."

"W-*urp* I mean, I dunno if you were here, what, like..." Rick took a drink as he mumbled under his breath, "... four days ago? Zombies everywhere. Mean zombies, n-not, y'know, cute lovable zombies. Really did a number on - on the library, or something, I fOOOURGHet."

The Judge - Cargo Van - In Space, At Least Long Enough For This To End Up In The Funny Page

"I, too, am not faithful to any particular organization in this mystical realm," The Judge said. "I only arrived mere minutes ago, so I have not had the time to acquaint myself with any person beside those present now."

In the transport ship, Calvin nodded as Plague Knight, Lucas spoke, and the Judge spoke, only mildly surprised that the cat talked. "I see. So uh, do the City Knights have a symbol yet? Oh, hold that thought" Calvin said, as they landed and had to don their suits once more. Once they then headed inside and Lothric said his piece, Calvin looked to the two royal brothers. "Yup, this is the place alright" the Fanboy confirmed.

Meanwhile, Rex had managed to make the airlock Kelsey was standing in remain closed, and inside Kelsey turned to look at him. Her helmet made it completely unclear whether or not she was talking, though she did raise up and rev one of the chainaxes, which was completely silent to Rex due to there being no air in the airlock.

Back where the others were standing, Miss Tairee sighed and rolled her eyes in irritation, then hit a few keys on the holographic screen. With a quick blur, she disappeared from that spot and reappeared just behind Rex, with something new in hand. There was a loud WHAP! as she then smacked the wooden ruler across the back of Rex's head. "Do you have short term memory loss Rex? Release the airlock this instant! If you want to apprehend her you must do it outside" Miss Tairee said to Rex, then looked at the new arrivals coming in one of the other airlocks. "I'll be able to help you in just a minute" the librarian told them, before glancing back at Rex to see what he would do.

After getting healed by the beam, Lune watched the scene play out before her eyes and simply sighed in frustration. Rex definitely deserved that smack to the back of his head with a ruler.

“Works for me, I guess...? What kind of big sword do you have in mind?”

Lune also watched Ben turn into a version of Sans, which was apparently going to be called Estebone. Sans had a way with puns, huh? Also Lune waved at the gigantic knight and his tinier counterpart on his shoulders.

“Hey...!”

edited 14th Nov '16 9:19:59 PM by josh6243

Jack frowned at Cole's mimicry of what others had said. So what if he was a bit odd and different? That wasn't a bad thing. "Hey Cole, don't listen to them too much. You just be you, ok. There's nothing wrong with being different. Heck, I have a friend, Sandy. He refuses to talk, so that he won't ever accidentally wake up a dreaming child. So, he talks through images made with magic instead. It's weird, but he's great and it's fun."

Watching Cole deflate made the spirit realize he had asked the wrong question, and he smiled softly as he put a hand on Cole's shoulder. "Hey, it's ok. I didn't know that, sorry for asking. I wouldn't want you to take that risk anyway, and you're not letting me down, ok. Sometimes you just aren't able to do things, there's nothing wrong with that. It happens. Ok?"

Cole just offered a thin bit of a smile to Sans and Jack, before glancing towards the group of militia, letting out a soft sound. "I...I had...better go and ask Lieutenant Wells. I don't want to be dishonest about this, and...he...maybe he knows something about what I could do. I...th-thank you both."

Cole took a deep breath, then started towards the militia leader, looking a little concerned as he did, but he walked to Well's side anyway, lowering his gaze to the floor. "L-Lieutenant Wells...wh-what d-do you want me to do n-now? I...I d-don't think th-that I've...that I've helped the way th-that you wanted me to..."