The evening had been one of rest and celebration for most. The Fex had lavished them with their attention and meager gifts, making sure that Kitsune had an array of scarves to serve as her sleeping attire. Both the men in the group and the Fex males were hard pressed not to notice how beautiful she was out of her armor.

Misa thanked their new friends, then sought the chance to get a bit of quiet time in a bath, to let her muscles soak in the hot water and to clean off the day's sweat and grime. She also used the opportunity to clean her clothes as much as possible and let them hang dry, wearing the scarves to wrap around herself. Modesty was apparently not on the program, but at least she was able to keep her private parts private. The gaze of the males concerned her a bit, but no one was making an issue of her near-nakedness.

Then again, many of them had seen her in combat, casually hurling battlebots around like frisbees. That always makes an impression on people. She found a private corner and slept the sleep of the just.

Dylan looked at Kitsune through bloodshot eyes and from a haggard, sleepless expression. He assumed she must be either blind or extremely sarcastic. He rubbed his face and his eyes to try and clear some of the cobwebs. The first night was always the worst, and that always led into the first day-after. He knew he wasn't going to be in the best of moods today. At least you knew how to deal with me, Anna, when I was like this.

Misa sighed softly as she regarded Dylan, "I see that you did not, Dylan-san, and I am sorry to note that." Misa nodded her head, groping for the right things to say, but she feared that anything she said at this point would at best be trite.

The Fex extended the group as much courtesy as they could as they made small talk amongst themselves. Only interrupting them to bring them food and drink, insisting that they eat well to be prepared for their journey.

After breakfast was over, Aaorrann made her way out of her quarters to join the Heroes. She walked to stand behind Black Cat and set a hand casually on his shoulder. "I understand that you want to meet with Jean Louis today?" She cocked her pretty head at the group.

"We did, yes, Aaorrann-sama," Misa said from where she was seated. "There is still quite a bit for us to discover about this place."

"We can show you the way, whenever you're ready. You can access his quarters from this room." Her slender fingers traced a delicate pattern on Black Cat's shoulder as she spoke to them.

Misa glanced at that, then shifted her gaze. It bothered her, she was honest with herself about that. The idea of laying with an alien like that struck her as very wrong, honestly. Fortunately, while the male Fex admired her appearance, none of them approached her that way. She reflected that it might be something concerning their society, with the females being the more sexually aggressive or at least the ones that did the selecting. Good thing, too. The Fex looked rather delicate, and she could crush metal if she were surprised or preoccupied.

"Misa-san," said Aodh, intruding into Kitsune's introspection out of the blue, "I credit myself with being a fair observer of human behavior and have been particularly focused on manners, since coming up with the hypothesis that this is a variant Platonic Space craft. In studying you, I've come up with a bit of a paradox I hope you can shed some light on. You demonstrate a high degree of concern for the value of modesty and decorum, normally. However, when you do that twirly, uhm.. dancey-thing you do.. can you tell me what it is called, and how it causes the disappearance of your clothing and subsequent creation of your armor?"

Misa looked to Aodh with a surprised, puzzled expression. "My clothes do not disappear, I'm wearing then under the armor..." Misa paused for a moment as the implications sunk into her mind, and then she blushed a deep, burning red.

She shrank down a little bit, wanting to hide as she realized what this meant, and what it had meant for the last few years of her crime fighting career. "So, Hugh-sensei, when I call upon the gods to gain things like my armor or my wings, my clothes become transparent?" Her blush deepened as anger infused her thinking as well. She swallowed that, though, since it was not Aodh's fault, not anyone else's here, but she knew she would be feeling self-conscious whenever she did a transformation.

"As to what I call it, I don't really have a name for it, or any particular training in it. I suppose you could think of it like summoning, since I am calling upon the Four Gods for their favor and their blessing. It just feels right to me to do it that way, and apparently it does work, although it works rather like an anime transformation sequence, which, sadly enough, makes sense to me."

Apparently fascinated by the response without appreciating its emotional context for the woman, the scientist remarks, "Intriguing. And I had hoped your transfigurative triggers would be simpler than Blitz, Nocturne or Aquarius' to analyze. The armor appears to be technology, and yet you regard it as a religious factum, and learned spontaneously to .. conjure.. it by spinning like an 'anime transformation sequence'. And these four gods, would they be whom? Is that a Taoist, Buddhist, Brahmic or other term? I take it 'anime transformation sequence' is a type of religious observation, akin to the whirling of the Dervish nomads?"

"Ashutosh. Not Aquarius," muttered the Indian man, who'd been brooding all morning. "Ashutosh Rangan." He appeared as surprised as anyone else that he'd broken his silence. Why does Kitsune look upset? Pay attention, fool.

"Mr. Rangan," Aodh began, respectfully, "I understand it takes some getting used to, but most scholarship on the phenomenology of bimodal identification of individuals of extraordinary ability attempting to integrate seamlessly within a community by anonymity-preserving strategies adopt the convention of using the names of the public personae when discussing their special issues. I am in a similar position to yours. I have been trying to decide what to call my alter ego, should we survive to return to our homes. It's very difficult. I'm thinking of 'Doctor Positronium,' for myself. But I digress," and he turned his attention back to the heroine from California, dispassionately regarding her emotional state.

Misa sighed quietly as she regarded the scientist. He's going to think me mad. They're all going to think that I'm mad, because I can't prove to them that I am what I am. The young woman laughed softly, mixed with a sob. And they might even be right. My life is madness, dammit. Misa wiped her eyes, then looked at Aodh steadily.

"What I'm going to say is going to sound like the ravings of a madwoman, even here in this castle at the end of time and space, or wherever we truly happen to be, Hugh-sensei." Her face hardened as she gazed into Aodh's eyes. "I cannot offer real proof of it, and I might even be mad, for all of that, but I will tell you what I know. Are you familiar with Japanese comic books, light novels, and animation at all?"

"Er.. You mean there are comic books from other countries, too?" the scientist asked, in earnest perplexedness. "I mean, I suppose there must be. I remember Tin Tin, so if the Swiss can have comic books, I suppose anyone can." There's a pause. "But no, no. Unless you count the Book of Five Rings, I haven't really exposed myself much to the writings of Japanese authors outside of Physics, Mathematics and microbiology. Though it isn't true, of course, what some say. That is, that reading fiction causes insanity. So you have nothing to worry about on that account."

Misa sighed softly at that. "The Adventures of Tintin is actually Belgian, but I suppose it's close enough. Yes, Hugh-sensei, there exist comics and various forms of illustrated stories in a wide variety of formats and from quite a few nations. But that's neither here nor there."

Misa exhaled, then breathed deeply, incidentally doing interesting things with the wrapped scarf around her torso. "I discovered, when my powers emerged three years ago, that I am apparently the centerpiece for an ongoing story, complete with a meddlesome Author. The Author can and does watch over me, even observing my thoughts when warranted, and he is more than capable of changing things around me to suit his purposes. I do not know if he is the one behind our imprisonment here, though. This... doesn't feel like his style. But he has been observing and making changes since we've arrived."

Misa delivered this incredible story flatly, her tone matter-of-fact. Obviously, she believed every word she said, and her eyes reflected that belief, as well as a gentle sadness. She could not be sure that she wasn't the cause for their imprisonment, after all. The basis for her believing otherwise, honestly, was that she would swear that her Author was a pervert, and there had not been enough nudity for his tastes. Although the notion of being in a love triangle with alien catgirls isn't past him, but I'd be fighting off more attention from them if that were so... I think. I don't know. She shook her head, still blushing hotly. I really wish that I wasn't here.

The scientist takes a moment to digest the startling elements of this information. "Belgium?" he iterates, with mild surprise. "Ah, of course, the ideal Belgian would look Swiss, naturally. And you're right. Tin Tin is not nearly so relevant as that you appear to be, by the nature of your power suit, in contact with our home dimension, or at least an outside force. That isn't entirely incongruous, but it does raise the question of whether Catherine's factors were in similar contact with her... Although I think the comic book analogy is not entirely precise, Misa-san. After all, comics are for children, so logically there'd be no nudity, or violence."

Misa stared at Aodh blankly, then shook her head in disbelief. "Hugh-sensei, you are no doubt a brilliant scientist and a very learned man in your fields of expertise, but you could not be more mistaken on this subject. Even in the United States there are several illustrated stories of an adult nature, depicting sex, violence, and all sorts of very mature content. Those stories are most certainly not for children, with some of them being outright pornography. I don't tend to read those stories, myself, since many of them have very poor taste in subject matter, but I do know about them at least. There is a category of such stories referred to as hentai, which means 'perverted', but encompasses a wide range of adult material."

Kitsune sighed softly, "My fear, honestly, is that my Author will end up putting me into such a story, although... I also must say that fear isn't the only emotion I feel concerning that subject matter." Kitsune blushed deeply again.

Awkward, thought Ashu. "I used to think it would be cool to live in a comic book," he blurted. "It didn't occur to me that there might not be hair care products here. Or deodorant. Though, come to think of it, I bet Wolverine was pretty rank."

"Well, wolverines are mustelids, infamous for spoiling carcasses by spraying them with scent... so yes, they are orders of magnitude more offensive to the nose than rotting meat," remarked Aodh. He then went on to speculate, "I suppose a scratch-and-sniff comic book would be educational that way.. but if what you say about the content of such books is true, that may not be the most .. well.. it proves that you are at least nominally rational, Misa-san. Although an elaborate hallucination could result from paranoia, it wouldn't logically construct working technology out of nothing. Even subconscious construction requires a blueprint. Mr. Rangan generates homogeneous water -- perhaps the most powerful ability of any I have encountered in terms of raw energy; Blitz creates raw electrical bursts. Nocturne.. it appears.. emits dream-state analogues. Although considering his disturbed rest, he has some associated nocturnal imbalances. Quite intriguing. Still, those are all creations that do not require an advanced understanding of mechanichal engineering to produce.. even as elegant as some of Blitz' projections are. Ergo, Misa-san is in contact with an external intelligence. Hence we are not so completely cut off by the Platonic divide as all that, and the engineering of communications from here to normal dimensions is within our current abilities, given sufficient resources and time, if this external agency were to assist us.. which I take it is unlikely. So. Captain Aaorrann, you mentioned Jean Louis?"

Dylan listened to all that Kitsune had to say about her belief in the living comic book. He found it almost laughed alout when he thought about the brain collector and how he had jokingly referred to it as Hentai Harry. He then thought to Anna, and how he met her. How her mind had been in those days. How he had been the only one that understood. How he had been able to help save her.

"I don't know, Misa, if what you say is true or only an illusion believed. If you would ever like, though, I could try and penetrate past any conscious beliefs and try and discover the truth. The offer will stand, and just wanted to let you know."

"I'll remember that, Dylan-san, thank you." Misa smiled to the younger man.

"You didn't know?" The Black Cat had managed to stifle his laughter for quite some time, but it was becoming unbearable, as he considered Kitsune's obvious embarrassment. "Your Author is a cad, and I speak from a position of experience. I'm a cad myself. Still, Kitsune dear, if you will let us know when you will be changing, I can promise you our discretion and the closest approximation of privacy we can manage for you." He looked at her, and the look in his eyes said that he could still see her in his mind's eye, but that he truly would try to leave her with whatever dignity there was left for her to have.

Misa wordlessly shook her head at his first question, then nodded at the second part. When their eyes met, though, her blush deepened and brightened, so much so that other planets might be talking about that new bright red glow in the sky. In her head, an astonishing amount of profanity occured, aimed at the Author, who Misa had no doubt was laughing at her, when he wasn't staring.

The felanoid was listening and seemed quite surprised to hear her name. She was rethinking her handle on the English language at Aodh's continuous stream of speculation. "Jean Louis? Yes. He should be awake by now. He has a way of entertaining himself and is usually fond of company." She ran a slender finger along Black Cat's neck and purred an afterthought. "...as am I."

Ashutosh didn't know where to look. What did Kitsune have to be embarrassed about with Aaorrann's little show going on? Having spent time in the world of fashion, he liked to think he was cosmopolitan about sexuality, but interspecies...whatever... was just weird. Well, it was another moment for Kitsune to pull herself together without being stared at. He stared at his hands and pondered the unsettling idea that they were all crazy. Maybe, he thought, my superpower is that I'm the sane one. Then again, maybe that kind of thinking is how you end up the star of your own mental manga.

Misa exhaled, then took a cleansing breath to help her focus. "Thank you, Aaorrann-sama, I would appreciate that. I would like to prepare for that, though, by getting dressed and summoning my armor. May I have a moment to do that, please?"

With that, Misa stood up, stretched, then headed over to where her clothes were drying, then removed the makeshift garb to replace it with her bra and the uniform. She took the opportunity of privacy to summon her armor and gauntlets, and she was pleased to note that the new display continued to work with its translations. An ace up my sleeve, one I think I will keep quiet for a while. It's too bad that I can't send, though. But perhaps the Author will come up with something for that.

As they waited, Ashutosh had a moment to notice Nocturne's haggard appearance. "You okay, bhai?" he asked softly. He had to smile at his tendency to talk "Hinglish." When he'd first arrived in Mumbai two years, his first rude awakening had been that he didn't speak Hindi as well as he thought. Ever since, he'd been speaking as little English as possible.

"I am sorry, I just didn't sleep very well last night. I suffer, occasionally from insomnia. I meant to speak with you about something, though. One of my gifts is that I can link minds with mine. It allows for rapid communication, but telepathically and not verbally. Would you mind if I did that? I cannot probe your mind or learn anything you don't wish me to, and you can drop the link yourself.

"That is so X-Men," Ashutosh giggled. "What do I have to do?"

Once dressed, Kitsune returned to the group, and nodded her head in greeting. Dressed as she was, she's no longer Hayase Misa, but the mysterious Kitsune, and she was ready for the day ahead. "Very good, Aaorrann-sama, I am ready. Or at least I would like to think that I am." The sense of a smile seemed to float around the armored girl. "Are the rest of you gentlemen ready to meet Jean-Louis?"

"Yes," said Ashutosh quickly, standing up. He'd already decided he'd rather stick with the possibly crazy mostly-humans than be left behind with the creepy definitely-not-humans. "Think we can make it back to Mumbai today?" Think I can talk my way out of a lawsuit for disappearing from the set?

"There is no reason to believe that the passage of time here is the same as where we are from, Mr. Rangan," Aodh began. "Be interesting to find out, though, won't it?" He adjusted his jacket, offered those of the Fex he'd worked and fought shoulder to shoulder with a firm handshake, squared his jaw, and prepared to face the mystery of Jean Louis.

"You should make yourself comfortable here, Ashutosh," the Black Cat said wryly. "Our fellow guests, the Fex here, have been here since Mahatma Gandhi was alive. I have not inquired as to the average Fexian lifespan - it is an indiscreet question to ask any lady, I think. In any event they seem ... remarkably vital under the circumstances," he finished, glancing up in the direction of the feline female behind him with one eyebrow raised.

The young actor had the uncomfortable feeling that Black Cat had guessed his thoughts, and was mocking him. The sahib is a deep one, he thought. But he was still learning all the little games of the movie industry; he wasn't about to try his skill against a superhero.

Vincenzo saw their questioning glances, and wondered what they could possibly think of him. It mattered little, he'd had a bad reputation and worse in his own indiscreet youth. Still, it wouldn't do for Kitsune to think poorly of him, if she did think of him at all. She was the only woman there who appeared to have less hair than he did.

"That is one of the mysteries of this place, after all. But I wonder, Hugh-sensei, whether Ashutosh-san has the same time as the rest of us on any timepiece he happens to have on him?" Kitsune regarded the new arrival thoughtfully. "There's a question for you."

Kitsune glanced over to Aodh, then nodded her head, "I don't really consider my armor to be a 'technological' artifact, Hugh-sensei, but then again, I have also heard of Clarke's Law. I still see it as magic from the Four Gods, but that may be because I don't understand their nature. It just works. But the Four Gods are Seiryuu, Azure Dragon of the East, Suzaku, Vermilion Phoenix of the South, Byakko, White Tiger of the West, and Genbu, Black Turtle of the North."

Kitsune frowned faintly as she considered the question. "I've heard of them through manga and anime, but... outside of that context, I don't really know a lot about them. It just... feels right to me. I can't really describe it."

"Ashutosh," the Black Cat continued, "Jean Louis will want to be entertained, if I understand correctly, and he may want to gamble. Be as entertaining as you like, but please leave any gambling to me. It's a bad idea, and I will avoid it if I can, but I tend to win when I gamble, so we'll see how it goes." The Black Cat started by referring to Ashutosh, but finished his speech for everyone.

"You got it, sahib," Ashu shrugged.

"I have no wish to place a wager with him, but I will admit to gambling a bit in combat," Kitsune murmured. "Although if he wishes to look to me for entertainment, he would be really gambling." The armored figure clenched her right hand into a fist, and the black and white tiger-striped gauntlet groaned at the pressure. "I will be good, of course, but if an opportunity arises, I would really like to smash something."

Preferably you, Otaku-dono, though I doubt you truly long for my loving embrace, Kitsune thought toward her Author, her mental voice dripping with venomous malice.

Distracted a moment, considering what has been said, examining a droideka part, Aodh asked, "Ashutosh, do you happen to recall the day and year? Of when you met Capricorn, I mean?"

"Wow, Professor Positronium," chuckled the actor. "That's twice in a row you've said something I understand. Well, yesterday was September 16th. Uh, 2007. But I left my watch in my trailer." That crappy little trailer seemed a lot more desirable as Ashu considered what was in it. My wallet, my mobile. Breath mints. A change of clothes. He glanced down at his extravagant wedding outfit, already rumpled. Manish will kill me if I ruin it before we finish shooting the damn song.

"When you say it, Professor Positronium does sound more stirring, Ashutosh. You are talented, indeed." The scientist practically gushed. "I think we have no fear that Jean Louis will be unentertained. And the approximate dates correlate, which is within the parameters of the Platonic postulate."

"Although it would have been interesting if he did come from a different time as well as a different place, I think." Kitsune hummed softly to herself. "There's no reason why this place can't pull people out of different times as well, since we seem to be in a place that is timeless, in some ways. Although I'm sure I'm making mistakes in my thinking here." Kitsune waved that off. "I only read a little, I'm no science buff."

Kitsune paused for a moment, then shuddered delicately at an image that appeared in her mind. "Professor Positronium is a much better alternative than, say, Doctor Manhattan. That would be a worse costume choice." Kitsune worked to remove the image from her mind, but it's rather like trying not to think of a rhinocerous. Still, it could be worse. There could be tentacles involved. But admitting it is a worse costume choice is really saying something.

"Doctor Who?" queried the professor.

Kitsune opened her mouth, then grinned within her helm. "Now you're starting to intrude on Abbott and Costello, Hugh-sensei. Doctor Manhattan was a character from an adult style of graphic novel called the Watchmen. He possessed godlike powers, gained through an accident involving nuclear testing. Doctor Who is from a long-running British television series involving an extra-terrestrial time traveler and the various companions he picks up."

Kitsune smiled gently. "Your comment almost demanded I make a joke out of it, but I am fairly certain you were serious. Although if I find out you're pulling my leg, I'll have to come up with something... evocative of my namesake."

"I alway think the professor is pulling my leg," said Ashutosh. "But I think he's just being himself." He smiled at the big brain, even though he suspected the scientist was oblivious to such social cues.

Missing the social cues, Professor Positronium reasoned, "This data is extremely interesting, and somewhat disturbing. As we are in a Platonic space, if my postulate is correct, then we will all unerringly tend toward universal ideals of our own iconic templates. The alienated entities you are describing, Misa-san, indicate a level of remoteness and distance one could hardly wish for oneself. Ashutosh has observed rightly. I am just being myself. But am I tending more toward these other Doctors, due to the influence of this zone? If anyone notices me evincing godlike or British qualities, please, let me know, before it's too late."

Kitsune walked up to Aodh and gently patted his hand, as if he were a small child in need of reassurance. "We will watch out for you, Aodh-tan, and if you spontaneously generate a long scarf in Gryffindor's colors or start showing evidence of divine power, we'll let you know. If only to wish us home, at least." Kitsune gave to him her rendition of a courtly bow, done perfectly, but there is the slight air of mischeviousness that seems to subtlely eminate from the warrior woman.

Ashu chuckled. "And if I start acting like I'm in a Goodness Gracious Me skit," he grinned, "feel free to give me two tight slaps." If Aodh's ideas were right, what would this place bring out in him? His screen image was the sexy "item boy," but Black Cat seemed to have the stud market cornered and Ashu had a feeling there would be no duplications. Of course, Aodh's theories were nonsense. Weren't they? Ashu remembered how easily he had given up his secret yesterday, and frowned.

"If you're looking to me to administer those, Ashutosh-san, you'd better request light slaps rather than tight ones." Kitsune's hidden grin warmed her reply. "I wouldn't want you to go through a wall or anything like that... accidentally."

"If you put me through a wall, by all means, let it be on purpose," said Ashutosh with mock gravity. He smiled and ran a hand through his hair. "In the comics, super heroes beat each other up as a matter of course. But I'm just a fragile regular human."

As the conversation came to a lull, Aaorrann stood up to her full height and stretched. "If you guys would like to visit with Jean Louis, now would be a good time. He tends to get lost in his recreations and his liquor during the day. He might be a bit sluggish, but you may be able to use that to your advantage."

"What should we expect in the manner of his recreations?" Kitsune asked softly, the sense of a thoughtful frown hovering about her. "Would that be something that any of us would consider threatening?"

"Welll..." Aaorrann purred, "Jean Louis enjoys himself and takes pleasure in any recreation he can connive. He likes to wager on anything. I would not consider him threatening in the least, he may require a game of chance or challenge from you...but nothing that would harm more than your pride or pouch."

"What does he have in the way of servants? Richard-dono mentioned the Magen, if I'm remembering the name correctly."

"Yes. That is correct, they're completely under his control. They aid him in his various...." Aaorrann made a small flourish of her hand as she searched for the right word. "...amusements. Yes."

"Yes, shall it be a game of chance or a battle of wits?" the Black Cat asked, gesturing first with one gloved hand and then the other.

"I would imagine that his wits won't be very sharp right now." Aaorrann smiled slowly at some private thought. "I can not guess what his folly of the day might be. Just know that he takes his gambles seriously, he'll pay out but he'll also collect."

Aaorrann gestured for the group to follow her as she went towards the door on the far side of the room. When they arrived at the door she paused and waited for them to knock. "Good Luck."

"Domo arigato, Aaorrann-sama," Kitsune murmured, completing it with a short bow to the Fex captain. Even though she felt a little bit of envy toward the felinoid female, Kitsune held no hard feelings on that score. For all she knew, it might have been some sort of social requirement that the two leaders of a group do a ritual mating. She remembered something about that from a science fiction book one of her friends talked about.

"Right then. No to slapping. Yes to shall we knock, and let good judgement guide our encounter with Jean Louis?", suggested Aodh, as he stepped toward the door Aaorrann indicated, and waited.

Kitsune smiled to herself as she regarded the door. "Would this be another case of 'Ladies First,' Neko-san?" She regarded the door carefully for a moment, then nodded her head. "I am ready to storm the breach, as it were."

"Maybe I should go first this time," the Black Cat replied. "You are nigh indestructible, but I get lucky," he said with a wink. "You could very well be struck down by something that cannot be expected. Please, as long as we are betting lives, let us bet mine. I have eight more."

Kitsune smiled and reached up to gently caress Black Cat's shoulder. "Try not to spend any of them, Neko-san, they might be important later. I will support you and back you, of course."

Kitsune stepped a little back from the door, keeping it in view while Black Cat went to deal with it. She seemed confident and focused, but how true that was even she couldn't say.

Kitsune felt the link established, and nodded her head in acknowledgement. {Kitsune here, Nocturne-san} Her tone was as confident as her bearing, but again, she remained uncertain as to its reality.

Black Cat's flourish when he knocked on the door made the action seem chivalrous. It only took a few moments before a female magen opened the door for him, her pale ghostly skin barely covered by the revealing outfit that she was wearing. After taking a moment to look at the group she opened it wider to allow them to enter.

The room was both lavish and well equipped for the recreations of men. There was a full bar along the far wall that supplied an ample view of both the dancing pole in the corner and the boxing ring in the center of the room. Sitting near the center of the room was Jean Louis. They could tell that it was him because he was the only man of real flesh and blood, his rich skin contrasting drastically with the magen that littered the room.

Jean Louis was lounging in a lavish chair near the boxing ring, he had wavy black hair and was dressed in trousers and a robe that left his well muscled chest exposed, and the hilt of a jeweled rapier. He was a roguishly attractive man despite his heavy sullen eyes and his half dressed appearance. "Welcome." His enthusiastic greeting caused him to wince, and his voice lowered considerably when he continued. "Please, please come in. I was hoping that you would pay me a visit." He gestured at the two guards near him, both well equipped and dangerous looking magen, "Be at ease. As long as you deal fairly with me, you will be safe among my friends."

Kitsune noted the positions of the various Magen in the room, and considered all of them potentially dangerous. Even the scantily clad females could hold hidden gifts after all. Kitsune was the smallest and slightest person in their group, but there was no question that she was among the strongest, physically. I am not surprised by their appearance, though, but if he thinks he's going to get me dressed up that way, he's going to need those servants.

Dylan pushed out once again with his Mindscan as they entered the room. It was odd but, just like his On the Same Page, he didn't need to focus as hard to maintain it. Shimmer had always told him that his powers would become easier to control over time, but this was the first moment it had become noticeable to him.

Other than the very visible Jean Louis, and some stray signatures from around the room, Dylan picked up little activity. The magen seemed to be void of anything that could be considered mental energy. The curious stray signatures though were more palpable here in this room than any where else thus far. As he searched for the source, he saw what resembled red glowing disembodied eyes scattered about the room in groups of two. At quick glance one might think them ornaments or decorations of some sort, but as the conversation in the room picked up, they all seemed to move in unison to the events from their various perches, as if somehow they were alive.

True to Black Cat's instructions, Aodh remains circumspect, allowing the elegant Italian to make the first overture. The bulky Bostonian, indeed, circumnavigates the area, walking a bit away from the group he has entered with, courteously giving them room to approach their host. Quietly, the scientist appraises the situation. Aodh thinks, {Jean Louis appears to be a sporting man, and one of the older residents of this Space. He's extraordinarily strong-willed, to maintain such an orderly grip on his faculties, and must be extremely intelligent. I expect he has a potent dementation, as with Isabel, so we may have to retreat hastily if we trigger it. No doubt the Magen are programmed to protect him when he becomes disabled. Do not interfere with them if that happens, but just leave the room. Also, we're being watched, which means our conduct and manners matter here, and underscoring that we can help all the residents of this place if we succeed. We need Jean Louis' information, as much of it as we can get. It'll take delicate diplomacy. Should I ask him? It may go faster, as I can use abstract mathematical terms that could shorten the conversation dramatically.}

Kitsune stifled a sigh, mentally as well as physically. {Hugh-sensei, I do not believe Jean-Louis looks up for a bout of mathematics this early in the day, so to speak. He looks to be a man in serious need of a pot of coffee, and I don't know if they had even invented coffee at the time he was in France. Even if he were capable, would he even understand the language? A lot of the concepts are past me, admittedly, but wouldn't he need to be from the twenty-first century to understand the very new maths involved? I think I heard something about Isaac Newton inventing calculus, and the Chateau d'Amberville disappeared centuries before he was born, right?}

Kitsune considered things for a beat, then continued. {Let's let Neko-san open negotiations first, and get a feel for how Jean-Louis is thinking and acting. Aaorrann-sama did suggest that Jean-Louis was not at his best at times like this, so we need to determine how to find out what he knows, and then work out how to fix the problem, neh?}

{Good lord, he's like the ghost of Christmas past crossed with Jack Torrance,} thought Vincenzo. This broken, dissipated man was practically an incarnation of Vincenzo's own shadow, and it haunted him. {Give me a moment, let's see if I can reach this man. Be ready. Aodh, Kitsune, be prepared to grab Ashutosh and Dylan and run for it. This man is a strange dog, and one must be careful when petting strange dogs.} Despite this internal dialogue, the Black Cat kept his face calm, smiling, and smooth as silk. He gazed admiringly and the female Magen, nodded knowingly at the bartender, and as he approached Jean Louis on his ersatz throne, the Black Cat bent double, flourishing his cape in a courtly bow.

Jean Louis returned the gesture by inclining his head and offering up an absent flourish of his left hand.

Kitsune glanced around and considered the angles. {Hugh-sensei, should things go sour, grab Ashutosh-san and retreat. Protect him as well as you are able, please. Nocturne-san,} she continued, using his heroic name. This was business, after all. {Should that happen, bring up your energy barrier to help cover our retreat, and fly to safely, please. Don't strike the Magen if you can avoid it, and above all do not threaten Jean-Louis. We have not just ourselves to think of, but also the Fex. If the Magen come pouring out in hot pursuit, they will be endangered, and since they are our friends, they might willingly endanger themselves to help us.}

"Jean Louis, I presume," the Black Cat said. "I am Don Vincenzo, and these are my people. It is most gracious of you to host us on such short notice. How does the day find you?"

"Your people?!" Jean Louis perked up considerably at that, a rakish smile lighting on his face as he eagerly looked over the group that had entered with Don Vincenzo. When he spoke again his eyes lingered on the armored form of Kitsune, who was obviously the only woman among them. "You are most welcome, you have brightened my dreary day. Would you or your people like a drink?"

"Yes, capital idea. Not too much, though, have to keep my wits today," the Black Cat replied. Noticing the way Jean Louis regarded Kitsune, he added "A taste of something small and sweet would be nice though, wouldn't it?" Vincenzo regarded the rest of his people and raised his eyebrows, gesturing with open hands if they wanted anything. He was certain that to anyone who was not mad, he might appear to be so.

{Trust me, friends, I think I might know what I'm doing,} the Black Cat thought, his uncertainty obvious, but his confidence still quite present.

"Indeed." Jean Louis said in an all encompassing response without taking his eyes from Kitsune's armored breasts. He clapped his hands twice and the Magen behind the bar looked up and headed towards them. "I'd tell you to pick your poison." He grinned seemingly full of good spirits, "...but I'm sure words such as that wouldn't put you at ease in a place such as this."

Kitsune stood impassively, but she knew where Jean-Louis eyes were drawn. {I should hope so, Neko-san, but just be aware of what I won't be doing. I did not sign up to be a virgin sacrifice, after all.} Nocturne could sense her blush at that, but her emotions edged toward righteous rage more than embarrassment. {The comic book character I may emulate now would be Red Sonja, I think.}

The Magen bartender came to each of them in turn, quiet and non intrusive as the conversation continued around him. He made sure that anyone that wanted refreshments had them as expediently as possible.

"A little Raki, if you have it, Lloyd," the Black Cat said. The bartender nodded quietly and moved on.

"So....?" The devilishly handsome man finally tore his eyes away from Kitsune to regard Vicenzo, as a sluggish thought seemed to move him. "Are you mad?" His voice was incredulous with curiosity, "Why would you choose to cover the body of a goddess with such ungainly attire." His voice dropped to a drunken whisper as his hand made a flippant gesture, "...is she disfigured under all that metal?"

"Sweet little Kitsune could crush both of your men like walnuts," the Black Cat said with a wry smile. "We keep her covered for our safety more than hers, and I assure you she is ... perfect." He resisted the urge to draw out the "per," since while he was feline, he was no Eartha Kitt. "You remember the old story about the lady or the tiger? Open that armor at your own peril."

It seemed as though any of Vincenzo's words after 'perfect' were lost on Jean Louis. His voice was touched with the softest taste of regret when he spoke, this time directly to Kitsune. "Would you grant me the honor of setting my gaze upon your lovely face? I'm certain that I'll be unable to think upon anything else until I see it."

Kitsune considered that for a moment, then nodded her head in agreement. Quietly, she reached for the seals for her helm and unlocked them, then began to remove her helmet. Her uniform was beneath that, which would no doubt be an odd thing to see, but she reached up and unzipped it and exposed her face from behind the mask. She regarded him with wide, violet eyes as she ran her fingers through her blue hair. She smiled with even, white teeth and soft lips beneath an adorable nose.

The handsome man's words were but a whisper when he spoke. "Exquisite. Perfect indeed." His eyes burned with renewed life as he beheld her.

For a moment, she mentally chuckled at the thought that she was just a waitress in her secret identity. She looked better than those air-brushed and Photoshopped beauties in the magazines just after she washed her face. More than once she had shyly declined offers for modeling, and not just to protect her virtue. She liked her civilian life, honestly. But she couldn't deny that when she wasn't hiding it, she was breathtaking. Which could be seen as part of the problem, unfortunately.

"Good day, Jean-Louis-dono," Kitsune addressed their host in a firm, pleasant tone. "I am Kitsune, and I am a warrior. At least that's what the droideka discovered, when they went up against us yesterday."

"Kitsune." He drew the word out like a slow caress as his eyes beheld her beauty. "If you own your own body you should stay with me. You may never see home, but you may never see home anyway. At least with me, you could have your every whim met." His gaze then shifted to Black Cat, "If she is truly yours, would you care to make a wager for her? ...or perhaps a trade?", he continued with a slight tilt to his head, obviously disrobing her in his mind.

Kitsune stood still as Jean-Louis spoke of her, saying nothing and acting as if she were a sculpture, aside from the gentle rise and fall of her breasts as she breathed. {Well, now,} she thought to the link, {I would be fascinated to hear the answer to that, myself.}

"I'm a little mad, but only north-north-west. When the wind in southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw. Not on your life would I wager that cute little thing. But, as long we're on the topic," the Black Cat said with a stretch, "What are you wagering? What could I want as much a Kitsune?"

"I would be interested to know, myself, although the notion of being a counter in a game of chance is rather.... repugnant, from my perspective. I am a woman and a warrior, after all, not a bauble." Kitsune smiled easily at that, but this was a woman with an adamant spine, possibly literally.

"Not a bauble?" Jean Louis' rakish smile lit his face again. "Perhaps more of an idol, a treasure to be worshiped.

"As to the other.... I think we have a chance to win our freedom, and that I will not slip by." Kitsune reached down a little into her armor, and brought the Key into sight.

"Magnificent! You've found one of the keys! Sit. Make yourself comfortable, partake of my table and my hospitality." His eyes wandered to the two scantily clad magen at his mention of 'hospitality'. Kitsune noted that look, but said nothing about it. What was there to say?

Once those who wished to make themselves more comfortable did, Jean Louis continued. "What do you want? What do you need? Speak to me." His voice was pleasant, bordering on flamboyant. I have money and treasures beyond your dreams...but I assume that considering the circumstances, those won't interest you. I also have knowledge, power and influence within the boundaries of this..." He stirred both of his hands in the air as he sought a word that seemed to elude him, "...realm."

Kitsune played a little bit with Corwin's Key, smiling slightly to herself. {Vincenzo-dono, I do believe that would be your opening line. Of course, this little bauble in my hand may help in the negotiations.}

Meanwhile, indulging his scientific curiosity, the professor from Boston was surveying the Magen, and their Amber host... the boxing ring... the bar... as he muttered, "approaching the limits of perfection, but never attaining. Of course, the dilemma would be..." unconsciously, mostly to himself.

Vincenzo smiled his lazy, cat-like smile, and did his best to look like sitting in this spider's parlor was the most natural thing in the world. "Since we've been invited to this palace," he said with one eyebrow raised, "we've picked up rather a hobby of collecting. Keys, specifically, are our current passion," and the Black Cat gestured at the key in Kitsune's possession. "We simply must have the complete set. My dear little Kitsune refuses to be satisfied without them."

Kitsune smiled lazily as she played with the key in her hand. {I look forward to when you decide to step forward and claim me, Neko-san,} she thought playfully down the link. {Just be warned that I'm not as easy as I may appear...}

Aloud, Kitsune added, "We paid more for it than I would have preferred, but I was not to be denied, as the former holder of the key discovered. We wish to know more about the keys and their guardians, because I fully intend to return home, as well as the others in Vincenzo-dono's care. Preferably healthy, hale, and whole."

"A marked distinction from Catherine, whom Henry no doubt thought perfect," commented Aodh, while examining the left ear canal of one of the Magen, fascinatedly. "Curious, her backers ensured her entrapment with his, and with so many other key parts. But they left some others remarkably free to act. Dangerous that, to dismiss so many potential agents of repair and reprisal. Perhaps they have other means of ensuring their plan proceeds? Or, in hubris, considered the remainder inconsequential. Seeing the rate of progress of recovery, the former hypothesis seems likely," he continued, muttering apparently to himself, aloud, now peering at the right eye of another of the Magen. "Is there a mole?" he finally asked, more loudly.

Jean Louis was about ready to reply to Vicenzo when Aodh started speaking. The look on his face was priceless as he cocked his head in positive confusion. He seemed to grab onto the scientist's last question and did his best to answer it. "A spy? A blemish on the skin of my Magen? A small rodent? You'll have to forgive me astute one, but I've only just woken up and my head has not yet cleared the cobwebs." As he finished his reply the bartender delivered him another dose of his preferred poison.

"Your handiwork is quite flawless, though psychology explains that blemishes can add a diverting level of complexity which may appeal to sophisticated tastes. I imagine the only small rodents will be within the indoor forest ecosystem here. No. With sufficient time -- which you've had -- given sufficient resources -- which you have -- and proper motivation -- which you have in excess, considering the opportunities outside the castle which you are now cut off from," Aodh answered, waving his hand vaguely toward the artificial luxuries of the room, "the recovery of the keys ought to be a trivial exercise. Instead, there is stagnation. Now, I expect the mechanisms of this place to have counterbalances in place to slow some types of initiative, but I wonder, is it possible Catherine has," (curiously, if Catherine were dead, why did the scientist speak of her in the present tense?) "an ally with access to the outside? Someone working to prevent the repair effort? Someone exploiting the situation, at the cost of the freedom of you all?"

Jean Louis winced deeply as he listened to Aodh, finally he bowed his head into his hands and rubbed gently at his temples. When the scientist finally finished speaking, their host peeked through his fingers to make sure the assault had ended before he replied. "I...Iya...exploiting." Once again he grasped at a word that he could make some sense out of. "Yes. There are many exploits and much exploiting that happens within the walls of Castle Amber."

He quickly held up a hand to forestall any more of the 'astute one's' questions and looked imploringly at Vicenzo. "You." He pointed at Black Cat. "...and you, my most lovely guest." He flourished his hand towards Kitsune. "I think I have a something with which you might be interested in. But please put that bauble of yours away. It will bring you attention that you most certainly won't wish to have." He lowered his voice and leveled Misa with a most serious gaze from his enchanting eyes. "What goes on in this room can be seen by many, so please secure your safety by putting that thing back away."

Kitsune nodded her head and tucked the key back out of sight within her armor.

"I can give you the last known locations of two of the other collectibles that you're looking for. As well as directions on how to get there. I could also throw in a scroll, a written order for your safe passing that you can use almost anywhere in this realm. Once. ...if we could come to some sort of acceptable wager. A game of sorts, something interesting" He flourished his hands again as he tried to summon the perfect thought to his head. "...something that will amuse or delight me." He ravished Kitsune with a lingering look and another one of his smiles. "...and, of course, I will need to know what you're offering up in the event you were to lose at our agreed upon sport."

Kitsune mentally sighed, then opened her thoughts to the link she shared with her companions through Nocturne. {Well, I can guess what he would want us to wager, of course. The trouble is, if he were to do such with me, I would probably kill him, even if I were a willing participant. I am, as I have proven, immensely strong.}

Her cheeks blushed faintly as she considered the matter. She did not like the options here, but... she didn't shy away from them, either. {I do not like this option in the slightest, but it appears that we will have to do things that we do not like in order to get home. Vincenzo-dono,} she thought respectfully, {if there is no other option, we will have to gently explain to Jean-Louis-dono the disadvantage of my great strength. I could do the tasks of Samson without breaking my stride, and I might even be able to manage the Labors of Hercules, but there is a good reason why I'm still pure of body.}

Aodh bowed his head, stroking his jaw with his left hand, drink -- a beer -- forgotten in his right, apparently. He thought, after long moments, {As I thought.} {Game Theory predicts this. Even after seeing the certain result of trying to gain their ultimate prize, all actors are irresistably drawn to competing for it, due to its great value and their predefined roles in this mechanism. Only outsiders are capable of repairing the castle, and saving the Ambers from their own hubris, as if by design. Observe how our host would not even consider a spy or turncoat. They are enemies of themselves enough that they cannot appreciate the danger of an external threat. This makes our position more perilous. We cannot break their conditioning; they cannot be trusted to act in common cause for long. We must promise to leave them at their status quo, and not unduly throw in with one or another of them.}.. {Hrm? What? Oh, I think we can offer him better than hedonism. He loves to play. We can offer him his choice of games against each of us, if we lose, and the right to be acknowledged victor in our own specialties, if he wins those games. He'd likely prize that above any mere physical gratification.}

Ashutosh opened his mouth and snapped it shut. Telepathy. Right. He sought the mental link as Nocturne had shown him. {Whatever Aodh said, I agree with him ! You can't seriously consider...} His cheeks felt hot. I hope I didn't just send the word "pimping" down the line, he thought. But hell, it's one thing to pretend you don't know what's going on when Manesh double checks your inseam measurement, and quite another to willingly jump on the casting couch.

{If we're inside some kind of fantasy story, then shouldn't we, I don't know, challenge him to a game of riddles or something?}

{We are, Ashutosh-san.} Kitsune sent through the link. {What Jean-Louis-dono is doing is determining what we would be giving with if he wins. Which seems entirely reasonable to me, honestly. I may be the first human woman he has laid eyes on that isn't a relative in centuries, and I do realize that I am beautiful. I'm not... insulted that he would think as he does. I am just... not interested.}

{Good, Kitsuneji.} Ashutosh sent back. {No one should have to be a prize. Including me} he added as an afterthought. He hoped the humor of that got through - Nocturne hadn't briefed him on mental emoticons - because he wouldn't want anyone thinking he was vain. He hardly expected to always be the center of attention, unlike so many neurotic actors he'd known. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

Kitsune paused, then directed her thoughts to Aodh, {Hugh-sensei, I did attempt to warn you about Jean-Louis-dono. You may be pre-judging your data to fit your conclusions. If I understand Occam's Razor correctly, might an easier explanation be that he's hung over and is not able to keep up with your thoughts? The man is clearly bored and has nothing to do except what he can set up for his own entertainment, and he appears to have a full bar. This may be him Wasting Away In Margaritaville, so to speak.}

{I hope Aodh has the right of it, but I like the way you think, Kitsune,} the Black Cat thought, winking at Kitsune as he did so.

"Before I decide on the stakes, I like to know what games I'm playing," Vincenzo said to Jean-Louis. "Cards, chess, a boxing match? Perhaps all three? And you seem fairly well taken care of here." He punctuated this with a nod and a wink at one of the female shaped magen. "What could you want that we would part with?"

"Boxing would suit me just fine, it is my preferred sport to be sure. However, it wouldn't be me boxing, it would be one of my Champions here." He gestured towards a couple of his more extravagantly dressed Magen in the background. "AND... It will be skin against skin. None of this armor or trinkets that you seem to have on your person. But I would allow you to pick which among you would like to answer the challenge. IF boxing suits you."

Jean Louis looked each of them over carefully before he replied to the second of Vicenzo's questions. "I really don't know what you have, nor what you would part with. I would most certainly consider any appropriate offer that you may have." He gave one last regretful look at Kitsune, "While it pains me that I may never taste such beauty, I do understand that her favors are not something to be won in a game."

Kitsune smiled at the compliment, "Thank you, Tono.. I do have a question, though, as a point of order. Just how much skin are we speaking of, for this match?" Kitsune smiled firmly, her eyes glittered at the thought.

The young woman sent telepathically to her companions, {He wishes to be entertained? So be it. Not only would I be entertaining, but he would learn that I am much more dangerous that he suspects. Besides, I recognize my giri when I see it. 'Duty is heavier than a mountain, death is as light as a feather.'} Kitsune quoted the translation of the Japanese proverb for the benefit of her companions.

{Besides,} she continued. {It is not as if it would be anything you haven't already seen before.}

"Skin on skin?" the Black Cat asked. "As the ancient Greeks? Mano a mano, unarmed and unarmored?" {Kitsune, without your armor have you any defenses? Aodh, how are you in a fistfight? Nocturne, are those Magen individual identities, are simply magical robots?}

Dylan considered the question for a moment. His scanning of the room wouldn't determine their sentience, that was certain. He sought for any similarities, however, in the thought patterns or psychic energy that might clue him in to the nature of the magen.

{They are best described as someone's imagination of a human brought to life. They have a rudimentary intelligence, but that is it. They can follow commands. Probably simple ones.}

Kitsune's smile turned almost vulpine at the thought. {My bare skin can deflect fifty caliber rounds, Neko-san, and shrug off knives, machetes, and even swords. My armor provides me with additional protection, but when I go up against gangs in Oakland, I don't use it as much. I'm more than strong enough, fast enough, and tough enough without my gear against a normal man. If I wore my gauntlets, I would probably kill someone. Hugh-sensei may be stronger than I am, naturally, but I'm much faster.}

It took a moment for Jean Louis to recover from the place, that Kitsune's question, had deposited his brain. "...uh...well...I would suggest minimal attire, however would not object to no attire." He recovered his winning smile. "But what I will not tolerate is trickery. A match of strength, skill and strategy, limited to the confines of the boxing ring. I make this deal with a fuzzy head, so take me at the spirit of good sport and don't over analyze my words. I don't respond well to trickery."

Kitsune's smile never wavered, {Trickery, perhaps, but I scored a touch with that one. I would be honored to be your champion, Vincenzo-dono. Now... what is it that we could bet that he wants? I do have something that is not vulgar, but still precious to me, as an example. I still possess my first kiss, after all.}

"Boxing, you say? Marquis of Queensbury rules?" Aodh sounded uncertain. "I am substantially enhanced within my skin, and will not attempt deception by concealing that. Boxing is a game of timing, agility and precision, which may reduce the effect of my subcutaneous alterations; I assure you, those are all my own. Still.." the Bostonian looked toward Black Cat, appraisingly. "It is your game," he finally turned toward Jean-Louis, "and I suspect you alone, and perhaps only one other, know how stern the stuff of your Magen is."

"Yes...I did say boxing. ...but I'm not opposed to wrestling or rule changes, so long as everything is set before we begin." He looked over his shoulder towards two of his champions. "My Magen should provide an adequate challenge, if they don't I lose. ...but if they do, I still have not heard what you will be offering up as your bet." Their was no impatience in his tone, it seemed as though he'd be happy to spend the whole day if necessary, maybe the whole week, to come to terms.

"Wrestling, then. The classic Greco-Roman form. The prize..." begins the Bostonian, "I propose, should my colleagues accept, that I wrestle your champion over your opportunity to see us show our hand. You have many observers as curious as yourself. They very much want to know what remains unknown to them about us. What better way to reveal who we really are, what really we can do, than in contests? If I win, we take your prize. If I lose, each of us in their turn will play your game, take your challenge in their own particular strength, show you what each of us alone can do. This will put in your debt in no small way all your observers, satisfying much of their curiousity... and I believe this magnificent opportunity, available this one time only, and only to you, to see some of the most rare and unique secrets of each of our individual arts, raised to so near perfection that we were called here.. is something you would be hard pressed to pass by. If your champion can win."

Kitsune listened to Aodh's offer, frowning faintly as she considered it. {Admittedly, it sounds like an interesting idea, Hugh-sensei, but are you sure about this? And... wouldn't it have been nice to ask the rest of us about this before making an open offer to Jean-Louis-dono?}

Kitsune glanced over at Black Cat, then to Jean-Louis as she considered things. {Your hasty words might have undercut Neko-san and cost him face, depending.}

{Still, better than the Mata Hari alternatives,} sent Ashutosh. {Just win, okay Professor?}
{I have ..limit approaching infin.. faith in our leader's ..optimal ratio.. skills to handle ..shifting bases resolves at sevent.. this, Misa-san. Our host ..difference of the integral.. presents some questions ..substitution matri.., and his reaction to ..quadratic root.. the offer -- whether we play it that way or no -- is the best way to learn ..Occam's Raz.. more.} Aodh's mind was a whirl of calculation the scientist had difficulty keeping from the mind link, as he tried to explain.

Kitsune snarled in her mind, sending that wordless growl down the link. She then shifted her thoughts back to English, and attempted to compose herself. {Hugh-sensei, please focus on the situation here, and concentrate on this conversation that you have decided to take part in. It would be the height of rudeness to do otherwise. I have faith in Neko-san as well, but that is why I am not interrupting him nor undermining him. Thank you.}

Jean Louis took a moment to consider the only offer that had been brought to the table. His eyes looked a little troubled as he took all of them in, eyes settling for a moment on Blitz near the doorway before finally returning to Black Cat. "I would caution you first before committing to this. Others will be watching and I can assure you that not all of them are with you on your quest for freedom. Personally I would enjoy the display, and if you win it would indeed be a good bargain for you." He paused and made a flourish of his hands to encompass them all, But if you lose, you will have shown your hand to your enemies. So, Vicenzo, shall we proceed or will you make another offer?" His eyes locked with unwavering intensity on Black Cat.

Kitsune watched this, and her jaw firmed as she focused on matters. {Vincenzo-dono, I am prepared to speak up and make an offer. I do have something that he wants, and... he is right in that Hugh-sensei's offer is quite dangerous to us, since it gives too much information to those who watch and who would oppose us. Which may include whomever brought us here for their amusement, if this were a game rather than what Hugh-sensei has proposed.}

Kitsune exhaled as she watched the two men looking into each other's eyes. {Naturally, I would prefer not to make this wager, and I would like to hear some other suggestion that does not jeopardize the success of our quest to gain our freedom. I am willing, however, to do what it takes for all of us, or at least all of you, to return home. My lord, it is your move.}

"Amusement!" muttered Ashutosh. His eyes widened as he realized he'd spoken aloud. Eagerly he scrabbled for the mental link.

{If Devdas here has been sitting around for forever and a day,} sent the actor, {then his problem is boredom. Let's offer that if we lose, each one of us will tell him a story. That's so stupid that it's got to work! I mean, it's totally mythological. What could he want more than a day's worth of entertainment? And the only thing we stand to lose is time. }

{I don't really feel like sitting around telling stories to anyone. If I have to I will. What are our other options. We don't truly have anything to offer, do we? I mean what does he want, after all.}

Kitsune turned to glance at Dylan, and raised an eyebrow. {He wants me, Dylan-san. You heard his offer to me, yes? I am not a bauble or a prize, as I have said, but... I am an adult, and I can make........} own choices. Kitsune blinked in surprise as she felt the link being shut down.

As Nocturne was listening to Kitsune's mental message it was cut off abruptly. As he reached out with his mind over the link he could feel that each of the threads he had opened were closed to him. He expanded his awareness around him but felt no other mental powers at work within the room. He did note though that one set of the red eyes were locked on him.

Was my suggestion that bad? wondered Ashutosh. Hello?

Kitsune cleared her throat in the silence. "Pardon my interruption, tono," she began. "But unless someone else has a wager they can put forth, I may have a suggestion." Kitsune smiled coolly as she regarded the people around her, and waited.

"No no, Kitsune," the Black Cat said, rather quickly and with one finger raised. "If my man Aodh says he can do it, then he can. There are things more precious to me than a few secrets, and I'll not wager them on anything as inconsequential as my life. Freedom without honor is a sham at best." Above his genial smile, his eyes were blazingly serious.

"The honor would be mine, of course," Kitsune replied with her gentle smile, her eyes just as serious. "But, this is why you are the lord, Vincenzo-dono. Jean-Louis-dono has a point, however. We have others who do not have our interests at heart watching. I, too, am confident in my beliefs." From her seat, Kitsune bowed gracefully to Black Cat, but her eyes never left his.

Hello?! Oye, super people?! Ashu tried again.

Dylan returned the stare of the disembodied red eyes. "Take a picture," he told it in a tone that sounded more New York street than anything else he had said since his arrival. "It'll last longer."

He focused his mind on those eyes and pushed out with his Mindscan to see what psychic activity had shut down his link. His mind devoured the room with purpose but once again he could detect no other psychic signatures. When he pressed his energy back into the link trying to power the familiar tool, he felt a presence blocking it, but he was certain it wasn't psychic in nature. What he could tell for certain, was that it wasn't Jean Louis, that man seemed to have whatever faculties he had left wrapped up in the current conversation.

Jean Louis smiled winningly at Vicenzo. "So then! Have we..." His words were interrupted quite surprisingly by one of their own.

"Ok this is starting to piss me off," Dylan said aloud and to no one in particular. "Something or someone is blocking me" he told the group. "It isn't him," Dylans said as he pointed to Jean Lous, "and it isn't another psychic."

HELL...oh.

"What?" Jean Louis looked altogether lost by the quiet young man's outburst. "Blocking you? Isn't me? ...no. ...no." He shook his head and then nodded it. "It isn't me. What is being blocked? Perhaps I can help."

"It appears a party to our contest is enforcing the terms of the wager before it is settled, Nocturne," the scientist explained. "A triviality, really," the Bostonian added, "as we would certainly have paid in full should we have lost, which I will do to the utmost of my abilities with the resources I have to avoid. Hardly a penetration of the best we bring to resolving for everyone the current predicament. either. All observers are aware of the imminent crash and ultimate destruction faced because of the damage to the mechanism. They all hope we succeed in averting that disaster, one way or another, I am certain." There was a surprising degree of nuance and calculation in that last statement, as the professor lectured the audience with an ulterior message imbedded in his words, setting the cat among the pigeons. "I for one also look forward to measuring myself against the very best Jean-Louis has to present. It is a necessary precursor to the repair of the vessel."

"Jean, here, says it ain't him, Hugh, so it's someone or something else."

Dylan pointed to the pair of eyes that had locked on him. "There. Who or what is that or is controlling that?"

"Ah ha!" A big friendly grin encompassed Jean Louis' face when Dylan pointed towards one of the hidden set of red glowing eyes. "He's found you brother." His tone was sing song and almost taunting. "I believe that is Brother Charles...but they all look the same to me. ...but he does tend to stare more. Don't let him get to you, he's taunting you, it will take him hours to find a way to block your abilities completely. It's a game of needle in the haystack really, But we should get on with the games. Don't you think? I would help you if I could...truly I would, but I have no power over his wizardry."

Kitsune turned to look at the location that Dylan was pointing, frowning in concentration. "Are those eyes physical manifestations, Jean-Louis-dono, or merely phantasms? In other words, can they be harmed?" Her muscles tensed, then relaxed a bit, as she gazed at that spot with the concentration of a predator on the hunt, both lady and tiger, indeed. It didn't take long for her to locate the red spheres that were near the bar. At first glance they looked like a knick knack of some kind, but upon closer examination, she had to agree with Dylan that they appeared to be staring at him.

"Tsk...Tsk...my lov...e...ly." Jean Louis drew out the last word poetically as he placed one hand upon his heart, inclining his head towards her in a most respectful manner. "They are not to be hurt, they are my family and my guests." He paused and his tone became woeful as he continued. "I'll be the first to admit that they're troublesome at times. But they're afflicted with such a case of the duldrums that truly they have no inclination for good behavior."

"Boredom, I suppose I can understand, but not excuse." Kitsune frowned irritably at that. "There is little excuse for rudeness, after all, but since I am your guest, Jean-Louis-dono, I will abide by your wishes, so long as they do not cause us harm. But I would strongly suggest to whomever it is to stop." Kitsune exhaled and her features smoothed at that. "I am rather protective of Vincenzo-dono and our companions."

"So who is Charles and why is he trying to block my abilities?"

"Charles is my brother. And he is a most powerful wizard." The fingers of his right hand tapped an impatient tempo on the rim of his glass. "I wouldn't take it personally, he has probably been trying since all of you came into the room to find a way to inconvenience you. The longer we take the more he may discern and possibly use it against us in our games. Unfortunately, cheating from my guests is beyond my control, but I assure you, he's a wildcard. Just as likely as not to help you as me."

Ashutosh watched silently and tried to find the studied cool he'd cultivated for interviews. With the mental link broken he could stop straining to not think about Kitsune disrobing - not that he was a letch, it was like that old joke, don't think about elephants! - but it still wasn't easy projecting attractive aloofness when your thoughts kept ricocheting between wow these people are so cool and moody, talks to walls. Especially when moody, talks to walls reminds you of living in a comic book and special relationship with animals and possibly autistic and suddenly Aodh seemed like the normal one.

Jean Louis looked at Vicenzo once more. "So? Do we have a game and the stakes...then? A wrestling match, at the Astute One's preferred rule set? I am offering up what I know of your quest for collectables and a script of favor. In return...you will entertain me until one of you wins against my champions, in a one on one match. Deal?"

"As you say," the Black Cat replied. "Aodh, make it a good match, and try not to break our host's representative." He did his best to look and sound cavalier, while his eyes still searched for options.

"Yes, do us proud, Hugh-sensei." Kitsune smiled at that, completely at ease, or at least giving it a good shot to appear that way. "Although I may, for the sport of it, ask one of your champions to join me in the ring. Or perhaps Vincenzo-dono would honor me with the techniques he has learned in combat? I really shouldn't rely entirely on my gifts, after all, but I am still learning technique." Kitsune nodded to Black Cat and graced him with a gentle smile. "There is always room for improvement, yes?"

"Well, lovely one." Jean Louis beamed at her. "You may do whatever you like in my quarters."

The Bostonian grinned momentarily. "Kitsune's eagerness is outpaced only by her capabilities. To follow her performance, I would be a thudding anticlimax. I'm sure what with Charles' diversions from boredom, our host Jean Louis can empathize, however much he must be curious to see her in action." He unshouldered his bag of droidekka parts, some still twitching and clicking as he set them down, and removed his plaid jacket. "Still, Kitsune's offer of a bonus sure to thrill all watchers is set before our host, and I am quite happy to proceed on the bill in whatever order Jean Louis and the Black Cat."

The scientist eyed the boxing ring. "Of course, it is tradition to introduce the house champion and list his victories, if we are going Greco-Roman."

Kitsune smiles and blushed slightly at the praise, and waved that aside. "I would not wish to delay your match, Hugh-sensei, nor would I wish to divert from the business at hand. I do enjoy a good workout, of course, and I enjoy being challenged, but we do have important matters to discuss here."

She glanced at Jean-Louis and smiled to him, "Besides, even if we should win quickly, I do not see the need to rudely rush out of here. Jean-Louis-dono has been a wonderful host, and even though we all wish to return home, I suspect our quest will end up taking a while even if everything goes right." She nodded her head firmly, "Business is business, after all, but the making of new friends is just as important, is it not?"

"Of course not. You may stay and grace me with your company for as long as you like." His eyes locked with Kitsune for a moment and she could feel his sincerity. "Now! On with the games."

At the sound of Jean Louis' voice two of the Magen dressed in flamboyant costumes arose to join him. He considered them both before choosing the one in silken amber trunks and a stylish purple and white robe. First the host, followed closely by the Magen, ducked under the ropes of the ring and walked to the center. "Well, Astute One, if you would care to join us and educate us on the rule set you have chosen, we can commence!" There was a palpable excitement in Jean Louis' voice as he spoke.

As the others watched, they noticed five sets of glowing red spheres from around the room begin drifting towards the center ring.

"Colloquially 'Grec', I offer the supreme contest of the upper body," the grappler from Boston began, with a rapid patter more like fast talk than lecture. To punctuate the change in his demeanor, he moved so he was out of the line of sight of the Magen using Jean Louis as a screen, then leapt a high, acrobatic arc above the ropes of the ring, landing with a resounding *THAWUMP* near the host and the champion, in a crouch, ready to wrestle, from the Magen's perspective as if he'd materialized out of nothing.

"Legs may not be targeted, nor used to attack directly. Striking with any part of one's own body is not allowed. Using held foreign objects, gouging, biting, choking and clawing are forbidden, as is seeking to avoid contact or to prolong rest. One wins by asserting holds or throws on the enemy to pin the opponent until the referee judges the victor has demonstrated superior control -- or by default, where the other wrestler for any reason chooses not to continue by persistent act or word, or becomes incapable of continuing."

The two opponents circle very briefly, before the Magen shoots in, a work of Amber sorcery capable of feats of agility that far outmatch the scientist's unenhanced human dexterity. The Magen shoots in and grabs hard, trying to find purchase with magnificently crafted artificial fingers and arms. He's almost enclosed the human's neck with one arm, and a wrist with the opposite hand, in the blink of an eye.

The Black Cat sat forward on his seat, perched on the edge of it, taking in the match with great attention. His eyes fairly glowed in the dim room as he watched Aodh's stunning performance. He had spoken of his great confidence in Aodh's abilities, but mostly he had hoped Aodh would do as well as he needed to. The big man was certainly smart enough.

The Bostonian breaks this grapple with a shrug and twist, rippling with power through his every atom. His knees bend, lower body sliding one direction, upper body extending the other, drawing the Magen's arms forward, hyperextending its posture, and suddenly Aodh flips his whole body, spinning, to slam the Magen into the floor of the squared circle, driving the artificial being down like a wrecking ball.

The Magen wrestles back from the slam to the canvas.

Unerringly attending to the rule not to target the legs, the automaton raises on one hand, hooking Aodh's waist with the other arm below the human's guard, coming up from prone.

The attack flings the Boston grappler sideways. Both wrestlers fall, but the scientist turns his fall into a roll, and he cradles the Magen's arms, neck and chest with a move that switches around who holds whom in the clinch.

Continuing to roll, Aodh spins on his head and feet, alternately arching his back to form a high bridge, keeping his own back off the floor while the Magen circles above him, then slapping Jean-Louis' champion hard on the ground. This roll keeps up, grinding the Magen against the mat, twice, thrice, four times before the Magen struggles loose.

In a moment, both wrestlers stand separately, coming at each other suddenly, hands raised, chests crunching together at the impact. The Magen's slightly superior speed and excellent construction put on a good showing, but it is becoming slowly apparent even to those who have never seen wrestling that this battle is going to Aodh, point by point, on strength, experience, knowledge and toughness.

A pattern emerges in the ring: the Magen initiates either a grab or a throw, only to have the human escape or flip up again, drawing the Magen in and executing some punishing counter-move. Every third engagement, the pattern reverses, as Aodh initiates and the Magen retaliates.

The Magen strikes true more often. Aodh deflects the attacks, shedding them like drops of water off his nigh-impenetrable skin. Aodh crushes when he strikes, and lures the Magen into disadvantages repeatedly. Neither tires, despite the furious pace. The ring rattles and shakes with every impact, and the bulk of the impacts are the Magen being slammed into it.

In the end, both wrestlers have been thrown to far corners. Both stand. Both run each at the other headlong into a collision. So fast it can hardly be followed, Aodh's right hand flings sideways before the crunch, moving his head to the left just enough, and suddenly the Magen is somehow upside down, flying high into an arc through the air, grabbed around the neck and left arm by the human, before smacking into the ground with a final *CRACK* under Aodh's full weight.

As soon as Aodh had bested the Magen, Vincenzo was on his feat, applauding. "Bravo! Very well done!" He turned to Jean Louis and bowed. "Your man fought very well - you have much to be proud of."

"Bravo! Bravo!" Jean Louis shot up from his chair, a bit too quickly for his thick head, causing him to steady himself on one of the ornate arms. "Your astute Champion has defeated one of my most sophisticated Magen." As his initial outburst ebbed away they could see the look in his eyes replaced with something that resembled sadness. "...it was over much too quickly for my tastes." He sighed heavily. "But! A deal is a deal."

Jean Louis' eyes narrowed a moment in concentration, his head tilted slightly, until finally he looked at the others. "...what was that wager?"

Kitsune watched the contest with interest, as she studied the way the Magen moved and how quickly it reacted. Naturally, each of the Magen would be different, depending on their skills and other factors, but it helped to get a feel for the capabilities of a warrior. At least those of a wrestler, she reflected, since I would not be surprised if there was something akin to an archer or a spellcaster, of sorts. But they look to be challenging, but well within our capability.

Kitsune glanced at the rest of the group, and considered what the rest of them saw. I would say that the Wrestling Champion here is as fast as I am, but not as strong. I'm also certain he is more skilled than I am, for that matter. I have gotten used to fighting ill-trained gang members, from the streets. I really need to talk with Neko-san and Grinning Shadow-san about such things. Hugh-sensei as well, for that matter. Those holds would be very useful, at times.

The beautiful girl spoke softly, with a smile in her voice as well as on her lips. "I believe it was directions and a pass for the hall monitors, was it not? Of course, we can include that with some conversation, as we all work on getting to know one another and work toward being friends."

"Yes...Yes! Of course it was." Jean Louis snapped his fingers and within moments one of his servants was at his side with some parchment, ink and a quill. After a few moments of resituating himself he began writing, while half speaking and half mumbling to his guests. "Now...now, I am an Amber and that grants me a little bit of respect. This scroll should, as promised, get you passage or a favor of some sort. Use it however you wish, of course. I can not however control the indoor forest...that is a danger in and of itself, so tread carefully."

"As far as what you're looking for. There are, to the best of my knowledge, three more to be found. The last I heard, one was in the possession of the troll in the Indoor Forest. The door to the forest is located at the end of the hall of mirrors. As I said, this is a dangerous place...do be careful. The other one is in the possession of one of my brothers, Brand." It appeared as if he was going to say more, but two sets of the eerie glowing eyes bounced and turned to regard him. So instead he waved his hand dismissively towards them as he continued. "I'm fairly confident that Brand of Amber will grant you an audience..."

Kitsune nodded her head thoughtfully at that, weighing Jean-Louis's words in her mind. "Domo arigato, Jean-Louis-dono," she murmured quietly, and bowed to him graciously and gratefully. She considered matters for a moment, then continued. "Can you tell us more of the Indoor Forest, please? Why is it so dangerous, other than the troll?"

Dylan tried to re-sestablish the link with Hugh to see if the psychic dampening field was still in place. He looked at those eyes and didn't back down. He pushed out with his Mindscan to see if he could gain any additional understanding about the spells that were causing the interruption.

As Nocturne pushed out with his powerful mind, he found that he had the power to manipulate all of his powers except for the link. And in doing so he was able to connect with Aodh firmly with his telepathy. He was certain that the block wasn't caused by a mental attack but other than that he couldn't determine anything else, but his gut told him it was powerful magics.

"And what's up with your brother Charles? Why doesn't he show himself more than just a set of floating red eyes?"

Jean Louis waved his hand dismissively. "My brothers and sisters like to make everything their business. It's the trauma of boredom. These eyes are their way of being in more than one place at once. We all respect each other's physical privacy for the most part."

Not even sweating, after the match, giving no sign of tiredness even, the Bostonian calmly cleaned his fingernails as he exited the ring. "Thanks for the tussle, Mr. Jean-Louis. It was an education, and much more than I expected. You build 'em tough."

"Don't be misled by the way that match ended. It was a near thing. I had to use everything I knew and take some calculated risks. Aodh scanned the beaten Magen as he spoke, now his own voice tinged with regret over the damage he did the construct, "A marvel of engineering, and if it used even the basic elements of wrestling, given its superior construction, the outcome would have been quite opposite."

"Really, now?" Kitsune asked, eyebrows raised. "How strong was it, comparatively? I noticed the Magen had superior speed and agility, but I couldn't really get an idea of its strength."

"Grec.. sadly.. isn't the ideal mechanism for gauging physical strength. Aodh shaped empty air with his hands as he spoke, taking on the abstract tone of a lecturer. "The tactical perogative is to deny one's opponent the opportunity to exercise full strength by a combination of leverage, ergonomic factors, timing, psychological methods and topological constraints. Though I believe the probability is above ninety percent that I exceed my particular opponent's anaerobic thrust power by an order of magnitude, and my trunk strength is somewhat superior, the whole structure and foundation of my strategy was to avoid circumstances where the Magen could exhibit its true power. I think it safe to say, however, that our host's artificial coterie, is.. a formidable force."

Kitsune blinked silently for a moment while she worked to process what it was that Aodh said. "So the Magen has superior strength compared to a normal human, but it remains very likely you are still several times stronger, correct?" The lovely woman smiled at that, "Aodh-tan, I'm sorry, but I did not even graduate high school, although I did get a GED. I will do my best to try and keep up with you, though."

"Human muscle is divided into four major categories," Aodh explained, pedantically. "Slow twitch, fast twitch, cardiac and perotoneal. There are also specialized muscles, such as the sinews of the stapes, which we will not consider, for the sake of simplification," he said, while fiddling with the droid parts he carried, as if he were assembling something out of them.

The engineer continued, longwindedly. "In addition, there are forty three conventional measures of human strength, particularized by role, duration, and location. While I can paint the Magen with broad brushstrokes using colloquial terminology, it would be imprecise. It's true that I hoped to gauge the construct's strengths," he added, while snapping together parts and twisting wires, "my problem was never to learn the secrets of greater power than I have access to, but of superior control."

"Imprecise I could probably handle, comparatively speaking." Kitsune smiled and shook her head. "It is all right, Hugh-sensei, I will do my best here."

"Are you building something to phone home with?" Ashu asked, watching Aodh's busy hands.

"Doing one's best here is an admirable strategy," remarked the professor, a bit absorbed with the devices to give much notice the conversation. "Hrm? Phone. Oh yes, phone home, that would be clever indeed. I believe that attempt would be premature just yet. This is just a.. diversion."

Speaking aloud, still, Aodh speculated, "a millennium with clairvoyance, and the several dangers resulting from the incident, the social order of this place must have become increasingly insular.. for a variety of what must have seemed excellent reasons at the time. You might consider returning to old routines, coming into closer touch with your family. After all, once the repairs are completed, the first to adapt to normality will be the one with the advantage in what comes next. And if the repairs aren't completed.. at least you won't all die alone."

A grimace akin to pain stole upon Jean Louis' face at Aodh's suggestion. "Family dinners...well...ah...lets just say that they don't tend to end well. You never know what might end up on the menu or slipped into your drink. No thank you, for now, I'll enjoy my own hospitality and recreations. They've helped me maintain my sanity, unlike some of my siblings."

Kitsune sighed softly, then nodded her head in sad agreement. "Unfortunately, I can sympathize all too well, Jean-Louis-dono. I am estranged from my own family, you see, but I have discovered new friends and family, along the way. We can always make other choices."

"And isn't that a comforting thought?" grinned Ashutosh, putting his arm around the big scientist. "That was really something in there, Professor," he said sincerely.

"The first time I faced the probability of dying alone, I concluded it was not to my taste," Professor Positronium agreed, as he bent to inspect the chittering pieces of droideka that were peeking out of his pack, mechanically active like chicks hatched from some metallic junkpile of a nest. "Although in a Game Theoretical sense, I merely meant there would be hypothetical rewards in knowing whether one's peers had secretly obtained an advantage in the competition at the point of endgame."

"That goes without saying," Ashu replied, flashing a sideways grin at Nocturne. He was feeling a little exhilarated by Aodh's easy defeat of the magen. The supertypes would get this key business sorted and they'd be home soon, maybe even before he got fired off the craptacular Crazyy Babyy. This bizarre interlude might even be good for his career, he mused, imagining front page headlines about his disappearance. Then the dramatic press conference announcing his return, and his brave determination to carry on. He tried out an expression of haunted dignity as he imagined making the talk show rounds.

"The day is young," he said briskly. "Meaning no disrespect to our host, but shouldn't we press on?"

A forlorn look settled onto Jean Louis' face but he didn't make any argument to the contrary. "Oh...Lovely Kitsune, you asked about the forest. Stay on the path, if you can, it is safer on the path. If you step away from the path, you can hardly see and it is easy to get lost. In order to keep people on the path, my family has made pit falls, dangerous traps, that could injure or kill an unsuspecting soul." He rubbed his eyes with both hands as he continued to think, seemingly a bit distressed.

Kitsune watched Jean-Louis, her eyes expressed her sympathy to the man and his plight. She listened to him and watched his features and took note of as much as she could.

"...and there's more. Impenetrable barriers of thorn bushes. Cross the stream at the bridge if you can. Wandering monsters, Killer Trees, Unicorns, ...I truly can't caution you against everything. Be respectful of the forest and its inhabitants, and be mindful of your step." Jean Louis looked at Kitsune one last time, his eyes drinking her in as if it would be his last opportunity to do so.

"Jean Louis, if you would welcome us, we would return as soon as we are able to tell you of our fortunes, gaze at your lovelies, and drink your wine." He said this last bit with a sporting wink. "Would you care for a trophy from the forest, if we can gather you one? It seems only sporting given our new friendship." He looked at her as though the armor was little enough obstacle already.

Jean Louis' face brightened a bit at Vicenzo's question. "Perhaps...a damsel in distress?"

"Domo, Jean-Louis-dono." Kitsune smiled to the man as she stood up from her seat. She stepped over to their host and gently squeezed his shoulder. "Do not fear for us, though. I fully intend to be back here later, so that we may continue to talk and enjoy each other's company."

"My hospitality will always be open for you, lovely one. ...and I hope that you do return, remedy or not." Jean Louis' eyes regarded her with as much seriousness as his hung over state would allow.

She smiled gently to the man. "You've been alone here for far too long, Jean-Louis-dono, and the years have not been kind. Isolation is not good for anyone, after all. You have done very well, and I look forward to talking with you again. Not to mention that I would like to test the resolve of your Magen, as well." Her smile turned slightly feral at that. "Aodh-tan should not have all of the fun, after all, although he is more of an artist than I am. I am merely a brawler, but... I am willing to learn."

Kitsune stepped back, and bowed gracefully to Jean-Louis before moving to Black Cat. "Come, Vincenzo-dono, we should be off to see about the troll and its trinket." Her eyes laughed at a thought as she caressed his shoulder. "If only he were on a discussion board, you would be able to slay him with a word."

"Back to the forest, where all the great cats must go," the Black Cat said. "Nocturne, keep your wonderful senses wide open, the forest can hide anything from our eyes, but not from your mind. Aodh, if there is a ceiling, perhaps it would be a good idea for you to find it occasionally. Feel free to pin anything you find there. Ashutosh, stay close to Kitsune. And Kitsune, keep your armor on so I can think straight." He looked at her, and his eyes said the armor was little enough obstacle for a fertile imagination.

Kitsune blushed warmly at Neko-san and his words, and nodded her head as she collected her helm.

Jean Louis watched with a bit of regret as Kitsune and Vicenzo bantered back and forth, but his sense of loss didn't taint his helpful spirit. "Stick to the path whenever you can. The forest is deadly."

"I had planned to be appropriately attired, Vincenzo-dono. I will watch for Ashutosh-san, of course, but I would advise him to be ready to duck and roll, should I have to move quickly. Or, perhaps he will display for us more of his talents, and so be pleased that he is among equals."

Ashutosh looked at Kitsune, the confused look on his face threatening to turn into one of reproach. "Thank you for looking out for me," he said. "I don't think my instant puddles and naach-gaana will ever put me on your level. But you never know what might be helpful. For instance, even though I dropped out of business school I know to pay very close attention to contracts - "

"Do not underestimate yourself, Ashutosh-san. I am still new at things, myself, and I know I have my own weak points. But you do not, and that is all right. I look forward to seeing you in action."

Ashutosh's brow knit for a second in confusion. Did she want to see one of his movies? First things first, he thought. He turned slightly to address Jean Louis. "And as to contracts sir,...part of your wager was directions to find two of the keys, but you only told us about one."

Ashu smiled a fraction and added, "Actually, the exact language of your offer was 'What I know of your quest.' So if there's anything else you'd like to share...?"

Kitsune used this opportunity to put her mask back in place, then to seal her helmet to the rest of her armor. She continued to listen with interest, however.

"Oh?! Did I forget something? Brother Brand has one of the keys...and the last one...well that one, as far as I know has just disappeared. Up and walked off, or something like that. I know nothing of it." Jean Louis' eyes furrowed in consternation, thinking that he'd already shared all of this, and then a light seemed to ignite in his eyes. "Oh! of course, you'll be needing directions to my dear brother's part of the realm. He's in the Chapel!"

Kitsune chuckled softly as she finished putting everything in place. "I missed that, myself, thank you both." She regarded Jean-Louis for a moment, then nodded, "What can you tell us of his domain, and of the area between?"

Jean Louis templed his fingers under his chin as he thought on the question. "The biggest obstacle is the indoor forest. You will need to follow the path, to the center and then it will lead up. To get to the chapel, you'll have to find the door there...if you continue on the path you will end up at a door leading into the West Wing. You can access the Chapel right from the indoor forest." His eyes swept the room for a moment, considering the floating red spheres, before speaking again. "I'm sure he'll be expecting you."

"Chapel?" Dylan asked. "I am betting it's just another room, and that the devotion of your brother is less than sincere?"

Dylan thought back to Anna and the many spiritual discussions he had with her. More like arguments. I know, I know, you never could get used to the idea that you weren't going to get me to believe in your God and all his wondrous works. And this strange trip has done nothing to help bolster your argument, Anna.

Jean Louis stood up and gestured towards the door, laying an arm on Dylan's shoulder in a friendly fashion, as he begain escorting them out. "My brother, Brand, is a priest, a man wearing the cloth at the very least, if not of the cloth." He waited for Blitz to open the door before stepping into the Fex's domain for a moment to say his final good byes.

His next words were spoken quietly to Dylan. "Once the door is closed, any abilities that Charles has squandered should return to you. Be careful of Brand, I know you have little reason to trust me...but if you can bring yourself to take this one piece of advice and convince your friends of it. Brand is an evil man...and remember that the castle has eyes and sometimes ears." His dark eyes seemed almost sober as he looked deep into Dylan's gaze.

Then, he grabbed Kitsune's hand and bowed deeply before kissing her her palm. "Do return safely, Lovely one. Remember, to try and stay on the path." To the other men, he nodded to them each in turn.

Considering Kitsune's great strength, evidence suggested that his touch must have surprised her more than anything else. She quickly composed herself, and did a graceful courtesy to Jean-Louis as she gently extricated her hand from his grip. Her bearing did not show her displeasure, but her hands clenched into fists within her gauntlets. "Thank you for that, Jean-Louis-dono. I will do my best to remember and to return."