Hide and Seek

*N walks down a winding path way, then suddenly picks up the pace*

Nadia: *Sigh* These fuckers are persistent...Well if they want to play kiss chase, then I better make it hard for them to catch up. *Starts sprinting*

Agent:  I can see her up ahead!!! Get her!!!

*Gunshots can be heard in the distance. N stops running and looks up*

Nadia: Humph... So you found me, ???. I  didn’t think I would run into you so soon.

???: I like to be surprising. But I think perhaps if we are to talk, it should be away from the guns and morons, don’t you think? Or should we be putting on a show. I can do either.

Nadia: Though I do love the theatrical, discretion is my best choice right now.

???: *Quickly sweeps up Nadia into his arms.* Well then, if you excuse me *with that he quickly darts off into the shadows with Nadia, using the surroundings to get them into a hidden spot on the roof of one of the houses*

Nadia: *Chuckle* When was the last time I was held like a princess? I think I could get used to that *raises eyebrow slightly and smiles* Well, since you’re here with me now, I might as well give you an update.

*Twenty minutes later, during which time she explains what she had been doing until that point between their escape. Eventually they find an abandoned building, which they hide inside until the coast is clear and they will not be overheard.*

???: *Checking through the window of the abandoned building* It seems like we lost them. We should be fine for a little while. Dare I ask what that situation was about?

Nadia: Well, like I said, they don’t trust me - and with good reason. Besides, I let them into Pandora’s systems, but don’t worry, it’s the mock one I built before I left. If all goes to plan the guy in my old division should keep them busy for the time being. But they need to update it around the clock if they want it to be believable. Phoenix technicians are good, not great, but they’re not incompetent, either.

???: Dare I ask what you did to raise their suspicions? If you’re not careful, it could be your head on the chopping block. I don’t want to hear you got yourself killed by making a mistake. But I’ll make sure to get the word back to Al soon to maintain the dummy system. Are you sure that they’ll trust you enough not doubt the system you got them into, though?

Nadia: Do you think I’m an amateur? *Smile* But, if you have to know, it’s because they’re always watching - one bastard in particular - but yet he’s covering for me... It’s strange. I can’t quite tell what he’s planning, though I know the motive.

???: You mean that guy…..your ex-partner, right? *Crosses his arms with a thoughtful frown.* It’s likely he has some form of agenda. Has he said anything to you about it? Even a vague hint?

Nadia: Have you ever heard of the Norse god Baldr, and the death of the god? What his death would mean?

???: ...I’ll admit that Norse ‘Mythology’ isn’t my strong suite. I’m far more suited to eastern mythology. Still, you get to know these things when you’re in the business long enough. *looks over to Nadia with a frown.* Then….this has something to do with Ragnarok?

Nadia: Well, more or less. The end of days, the fall of Olympus… Death to the king of kings. But ex-partner is one of Zeus's many bastards; the youngest and the runt of the litter. He wants to dethrone his father for some reason. I know Zeus isn’t the greatest of gods, but does he really know what he’s getting himself into? But i guess ‘we all have a reason for being here’ like he said.

???: I was….expecting grander reasons than a family dispute. But I assume he must not have looked where messing with god's got many of the ancient greeks. It almost always leads to tragedy. But….what makes him so confident that he can even do it? I remember Lorenzo - he never did anything unless he thought he could do it.

Nadia: .... Because….. He didn’t have me before…. He didn’t have a strong following behind him…. And he didn’t … he didn’t have that mark on him either.

???: Mark? What mark is this?

Nadia: The mark of the beast, it’s the same one as the ‘seals’ we’ve been looking into. ???, listen, I only saw it briefly the other night, but… it’s there. I’m going to try and look into it but… *sigh* the likelihood of me getting out of there alive when the time comes is decreasing. The best I can do is take him down with me.

???: If there is a chance of getting out, even if its only one percent, it’s still a chance. And remember, if it comes down to it, contact me. If nothing else, it might just give your chances a little boost. Its very hard to cage me after all.

Nadia: *Chuckle* Our times up, handsome. They’re searching the area. By the way, take this *Tosses a pendrive his way*

???: *Snatches it from the air* Any hint on this little present?

Nadia: It’s a surprise! You never know, it might be a useful game for you ‘young charge,’ but, hey, only time will tell. But in any case, keep it on your person. Until we meet again, Hotie.

You can even use it like a necklace ^.6

*N runs out the window and yells*

Nadia: Can’t I get any peace! I’m not bound by you jackasses and when I want a break from you all I’m gonna damn well get it, you hear me!

Agent: The bosses called for you and you will return, now.

Nadia: Can’t get NO peace out here, can i? *Walks off, but looks back and sees a small boy with tea coloured eyes winking at her*

Boy:  *Gives a bright wave* Bye bye, Miss! Thank you for the necklace. It’s really pretty! I promise I’ll take good care of it.

Nadia: You’re welcome. Give it to the girl you like ‘n she’ll fall for you. ^.6 That’s the magic we talked about

Agent:? ...What?

Nadia: Not that it’s your business, but girls like a bit of bling, that all im’a say.

Agent: whatever. We’re leaving

Nadia: umm.

[END]

On Route to Hell

--- Pandora Private Jet ---

*Alastair is sitting in the passenger area of the plane, currently on route to Japan, where ???’s distress call had come from, on the communicator*

Violet’s voice from the communicator: I hope that everything is going smoothly so far, Alastair.

Alastair: Currently there has been no issues in travel, Milady. Whatever disruptions that have been coming from Japan don’t appear to be affecting the airspace, at least not right now.

Violet: And any further news on the team?

Alastair: I made a few more attempts before takeoff, however, currently nothing. However, I will be sure to forward any new information to you as soon as I can get in touch. All I currently know is that ???’s communicator seems to be regiustering vitals, so we know at the very least that he is alive. I’m monitoring the rest of the team now.

Violet: Very well then. Be sure to forward the information as soon as you have it. We do not need another repeat of the Red War.

Alastair: Of course, Milady. I will be in touch soon.

Violet: Please do. And….Alastair?

Alastair: Yes, Milady?

Violet: Please….be careful.

Alastair: *A slight smile crossing his mouth as he closed his eyes* Is that an order, Milady?

Violet: If it must be. I order you to come back to me safely, Alastair.

Alastair: Then I will complete your orders to the letter. I will come home soon, Milady. Nothing will prevent me from returning to your side.

Violet: Then, as always, I’ll trust you. Come home soon.

Alastair: Until then, Milady.

*Finishing the call, Alastair calls a new number. After a long while of call tones that almost has Alatair suspect a lack of connection yet again, the call is answered. While it’s a little staticy, ???’s voice is much clearer than it was during the distress call*

???’s Voice: Ah, finally! I was begining to wonder if the calls would actually connect at all. Most of the ones from my end were just cutting out until we got clear of the site.

Alastair: It seems that it was the same here as well. I’m currently on route to Japan, however, now that we are finally able to speak, what’s the situation? You mentioned T. Is she…?

???: Thankfully, she’s a bit hardier than we gave her credit. She’s unconsious right now, but alive.

Alastair: What happened?

???: Well, we found the cause of the outbreak of youkai activity in the Izumo region. It seems that there had been something rather strong that had been sealed a long time ago, and I mean a real long time ago. Probebly around the same time as those books. And whatever it is, it’s strong. We wen’t to investigate the site and….well….whatever was in it, it’s not there now.

Alastair: *Sharp intake of breath* The seal’s broken?

???: Broken enough that whatever was inside it is gone, but….damn, whatever was in there left….something behind. I’m not sure how to even describe it. Part of itself? Ambient power? Whatever it is, that’s spilling all over the place and its what’s causing the Youkai to go nuts with power lust. They want whatever they can draw from this power and, let me tell you, its not good.

Alatsair: How strong?

???: Strong enough to draw a Jorogumo, which attacked us while we were investigating. It’s probebly been preying on the lesser Youkai that tried to get close too, in order to increase its power more. It had been there long enough to set a trap that seperated up. T managed to defeat it, but it was pretty close. If I’d got to her any later she would have got crushed in the cave in.

Alastair: And what of the others? Whatever that power is, its disrupting most of our monitors, not just the comminications. I only recently got the ability to monitor yoyr vitals again, I still have nothing from the others.

???: They’re a bit trapped at the moment, but fine. Once I’ve dropped off T with the Prists again, I’ll head back to the site and get them out. They’re not human, so they’re not going to die from something like that, I promise you. Though if you could bring a difgger along with you, that might be useful….Actually, speaking of the site, we’re going to need a sealing team over here.

Alastair: But you were saying that whatever was sealed is already gone - though, no, I understand. Whatever ambient power that was left behind would continue to attract Youkai to the area and more would die. Not to mention if part of itself is left behind, perhaps keeping that part sealed might help to keep whatever escaped a lesser threat. Understood, I’ll radio in to our asian branch and get a team to you to get it sealed. Will your team be able to protect the area until then?

???: Once we have most of them out, yeah. T’s safe, and once she’s back to health she’ll rejoin them. But you know that I’ve got to get to team 626 soon enough, right? How soon will it be for you to get here to take over 226?

Alastair: Assuming that the drawing of Youkai doesn’t start affecting the airways, then we should land in Japan in approximately five hours. Will you be able to remain for that long?

???: That’s fine. I can manage that, but not much longer. I have a bad feeling.

Alastair: If anything more happens, keep me posted. And I mean anything.

???: Right. See you soon. ??? out.

*The call ends. Alastair closes the communicator with a frown*

Alastair: Things are getting more and more complicated….

[END]

Tanra Lore: Death and Incarnation

Both: Hey guys!

It’s been awhile since we came out of our usual narrative, but we thought we’d do something we haven’t done for a while. So, today we’ll be discussing some lore within the Tanra ‘verse. Following on from our last Tanra Lore talk (where we discussed the Soul and threads of fate), today, we’ll be talking about the gods in the Tanra ‘verse who have the most to do with the souls and the threads of fate; These being the Death God, Thanatos and Mother Paramae, the goddess of fate. We will also be discussing a little more about the soul as well - the processes of Reincarnation.

Tara: So firstly, lets start off with the Gods in question:

Most people may be aware of Thanatos if they know their mythology. However, to sum up, Thanatos is the god of death in Greek Mythology, who guides the souls of the deceased to Hades, the land of the dead. Though he’s not to be mixed up with Hades, the Lord of the Dead who governs the underworld. In a way, Thanatos is what could be classed as the grim reaper in Greek mythology, and also fulfills that role within the Tanra ’verse, delivering the newly deceased to Hades, where the soul will be cleansed and returned to its base form once more.

The other deity who has the most to do with souls within the Tanra ‘verse, is the goddess Paramae. Paramae, whose full title is ‘Mother Paramae the Goddess of Fate’, is a primordial goddess within the Tanra ‘verse, having existed since the time there was, well, time. She is in charge of the threads of fate, which even includes that of gods themselves. She is capable of seeing the path a person’s actions will take and weave the threads accordingly.

Both Thanatos and Paramae, while they have their respective jobs, also have key roles within the process of reincarnation

Nadia: Though Paramae’s main job is to weave the threads of fate, she also has a second role: to read over the Books of Life and Death while she weaves. Those written the book can be subject for reincarnation, and their fate will be written accordingly.  

Thanatos’ role is to then take these threads and soak them in the waters that flow throughout Paramae’s temple and attach the bells at the end of each line. Then, these threads are able to be woven into new fate lines - a lengthy process that can take several decades to centuries to complete. On average, the length for the average human is a century, depending on the significance and the importance of the human at that particular time. For a supernatural being, the process is half that time as their souls are less fragile, and finally, for the average half breed, it is approximately a quarter of the time, as their souls are the most flexible.

But there is an exception to the rule, though it is rarely enforced: the use of ‘Heros’. They are the gods vessels and do the gods bidding in times of adversity. Most gods tend not to involve themselves with the mundane world, so they use heroes to do their bidding, stopping wars, taming supernatural entities, etc. If a hero is to die two things could happen: the god could revive them as a (living zombie?), only capable of completing their task, then once again returning to the earth. But that comes with a price of its own: the longer they’re in that state, the more their soul is corrupted, making it harder to reincarnate them, so additional time is added to process to repair the soul. It takes approximately an additional century or so.

Then there is the second option. This process is a lot harder to complete, as it is a forced incarnation back into the same vessel. Cleansing the sole though trials, this route is a lot harder to go down as the process can easily fail. If the trials are failed, the soul could fade away, unable to ever to incarnate or be reborn. So usually is first option is chosen unless the god is certain that the latter will work.

Both: Well, we hope you enjoyed that sneek peek at another bit of lore in the Tanra verse. :) But unfortunately, that’s all we have time for for this installment of the Tanra Lore Chronicles!

So, til next time, Agents!

Tara and Nadia

Arachnephobia Part 2 - Fleeing the Spider's Nest

---Last Time---

Jorogumo: You gave enough of a run around, little fly. However, you are beaten, helpless and alone, your spirit to remain in this accursed darkness as I feed on your tender flesh. As He once said, humans will so easily fall, no matter how hard they fight, they all are frail, fragile, and ultimately, unworthy. What will you do? Will you grovel for your life? Will you throw away your pride for a little longer at life? It makes little difference to me. How will you fight against your fate, only to let the shadows consume you?

Tara: *Twisting around to show a smirk and a detonator.* Like this! *she presses the detonator*

Jorogumo: Wha-?

*The objects that had been placed on the pillars suddenly explodes at the same time, and the roof collapses in on top of the both of them, plunging them into darkness.*

--- Izumo Region, Japan, During the Events of ‘Arachnephobia’ Post Cave In ---

???: We don’t have much time to stay stuck in here when we have one human agent keeping a Jorogumo busy. Any luck on the bolders on your end?

Agent 1: Almost, but only about enough room to get one person through right now, and that’s only if we have someone stabilising it. It’ll take a lot longer to have it stable enough that all of us can get out.

Agent 2: ???, you should head through first, make sure that T is ok. This kind of mission is more your speciality. Once its stable enough, the rest of us will follow to back you up.

???: Right. Try not to dally too much, or you’ll miss the fun.

Agent 1: Should be good for you now. Keep you and T alive until we can get to you.

???: On it *quickly dives through the hole made in the caved in rocks. The cavern is dark, but ??? lights up the torch that he finds close by, left over from Jorogumo’s initial strike, and hurries in the direction where the sound of inhuman roaring and crashing sounds are coming from. As he approaches, he notices on some of the pillars holding up the walls explosives have been added*

??? (inner Thoughts): Smart, but this could be suicide if she doesn’t get out of the way in time. If T planted this, then she’s got to be pretty desperate. But where is- Ah! *The explosives start to flicker a small red light, indicating the detination ids about to occur*

???: Damn!

*??? sets off at a run as the explosives detonate behind him. Quickly diving through the legs of the Jorogumo, who is being covered in rocks, he snatches up T and darts away, continuing to run until the rocks seem to stop falling behind them and the cavern stills somewhat*

???: Next time, less on the explosives I thi- T?

*Looking rather beaten up and bruised, T seems to be unconsious. She has a head would of some kind*

???: * Hurriedly pulling out communicator as he thinks* Considering the amount of cave ins, it’ll take a while for any of the others to get back to where we are, especially considering they’ll need top dog part of the way out. I’m just glad they aren’t human, or the time it’d take would probebly be just as harmful….They’ll be ok for a while until we can get full help, but T’s human and head wounds aren’t good. Not to mention there’s no guarentee that the spider lady wasn’t poisonous. Hopefully Alastair wont be too busy, cause we need help

*Connects to Alastair. The connection is bad, but he tries anyway. There is a lot of static, before finally a response gets through*

Alastair: Jou….t he....

???: ALASTAIR! We have a problem!!!!! T she got caught up fighting a Jorogumo and she’s unconscious. The other agents are stuck in the cave in where the seal is!  Can’t explain much right now - The line’s bad. Can you send-

*The connection fails and the line starts to beep to signal the call ended*

???: Dammit! I hope that enough got through to him. So need to invest on mystic fusions in tech. I always seem to end up in situations where these things just don;t work how I need them to. *Sighing* No point staying here right now. If we get caught by another Youkai like this, then we’re screwed. *picks up T carefully* OK, let’s get you to the temple and get a doctor and I’ll see what I can do about the other agents. Hope that call got through….

*Carrying T, ??? makes his way towards the exit of the cavern, face set, worried for T and the rest of the team, though there is still an odd feeling of being watched even as they leave the cave entirely….*

[END]

Calm Before The Storm

Violet: *Inhales and presses a button* Alastair. Tea. Now!!!

Alastair: *Voice from over the con system* Of course, Milady. *A little later, the door to Violet’s office opens, and Alastair walks through, carrying a tray of tea and accompaniments. He carefully lays it on the table* You appeared to be under some stress, so I took the liberty of making camomile tea. I also brought some snacks - you have been holled up in here for some time. Is there anything I can aid you with?

Violet: I am concerned…. ‘Her’ kill count is getting higher and higher with each passing day. Plus… that little seal limiting her will not hold for too long.  I’m... afraid... of what will happen if she ‘wakes up’ before her time. *Takes a sip of the beverage*

Alastair: I see….It is as ??? predicted during his last report...Where her kill count is concerned, it is the unfortunate side effect of her job, combined with how she was previously trained - it would take much more than slightly shifting her attentions to fully change that. We should be thankful that her targets are our enemies, and not our allies...However, even so...you’re worries are not unfounded, if what ??? said is true. However, I have been assured by him that the seal is not currently in danger of breaking, at least not without extreme circumstances. We have time to prepare.

Violet: Do you understand how her abilities work? The more heated she gets, the wilder she becomes. These field missions that we will deal with...There is no doubt that it will spark something... *Grips cup*

Alastair: Indeed, there is no doubt. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will happen now. We are taking precautions, at the very least to minimize the damage. Is that not why we chose the Shrine girl to be a part of the team? Her power, at least, would calm the seal for a little while. And if it does break, ??? has assured me that he can subdue her until the power is once more under her control. However, forgive me for needing to ask, but if there is such a threat that even you are concerned, why did you chose to bring her into Pandora? Surely, if she was so uncontrollable, without a hint of her gaining control, then she would have been placed in an environment that would not expose her to such situations. Surely, you must have some faith in her?

Violet: She is my Godchild. It is my responsibility to guard her, to help mold her in the place of her parents. And…. I have no say in this.... It is merely time to reintroduce her to the world she is from. Unfortunately, I have no voice this time. Even I am under the constraints of a higher power. Fate has a sadistic manner of molding the future, does it not, Alastair?

Alastair: Indeed, it has always been the way of things, to ensure that the strongest survive to continue into the future, even now in ‘modern civilisation’. Still, forgive me for saying so, but my concern is not for the way of the world *kneels beside her and takes her hand in servitude* My concerns will forever be for you, and you alone, milady. As such, if you wish it, I may act as your shield and sword, your tool in the protection of innocents, and in guiding your godchild. All you need to do is give the order.

Violet: Hmph… Quite the loyal dog, Aren’t you?..... Alister, come closer.

Alastair: As you wish. *Stands once more, but leans close as instructed.* What is your desire, Milady?

Violet: You…. Your love, your loyalty and a promise. That’s all

Alastair: The former wishes were those that you have had; for as long as I have serve you, and for as long as I live, even beyond. For the latter, speak: What is the promise? For I am sure that, if it is within my power, I may grant it.

Violet: *Kisses him* That is why I love you, Alastair. Promise me you won't leave me for more than thirty days. It should be enough time to ease her into our world, but I do not want to be left alone for too long.

Alastair: My first priority is you, always, Milady. If that is your desire, I shall make this promise. Nothing shall delay my return to your side, even if I should walk through hell to return. Thirty days, and no more. *Taking her hand, he presses his lips to her knuckles* As I perform my other duties to perfection, this, too, I shall complete to your satisfaction, Milady.

Violet:  Shall we regroupe in China? One of ??? bars in Beijing - you are aware of the one I speak of?

Alastair: I am aware, yes. ??? has mentioned it in the past. That will serve us well as a meeting point. Once my duty is completed, I will be there as requested.

Violet: … Alastair….. What if I’m unable to stop her…? As a child, she was difficult to tame and I…. If anything happen… the last thing I… *Shivers as she imagines the worst fears coming back to her*

Alastair: Milady...Remember, we are not alone in this, we have allies. Even if you, alone, can not stop her, others can. ??? would not turn a blind eye, neither would the shrine girl, nor myself. Together, we shall prevail. For now, all I ask, is that you believe in your strength, and ours. We shall not allow the worst to occur. This, I also promise you, and this, as with all my promises, I shall not allow to break.

Violet: … Yes, you’re right, I apologise for my behaviour. How weak of me…  I’m not much of a leader, am I…? *Sad chuckle* How do I expect-

*Communicator begins to buzz*

Alastair: ….*Unhappy about the interruption* ….Please, excuse me for a moment. *flips open communicator to check the call ID.* ??? is calling. A moment, Milady. *Answers the com* Joubert here.

???: ALASTAIR! We have a problem!!!!! T she...s need…. The line.. Can you *click!*

Alastair: ! *Stares at the communicator a moment, before quickly turning to Violet *Milady, we have a problem

Violet: problem, alastair? Tell me what’s going on?

Alastair: The line was broken, but enough got through. It seems that some complication has occurred. Something’s wrong with Miss Washington.

Violet: Dear gods…. Try and make contact, quickly!!! I’ll contact our Japanese branch from here.

Alastair: At once, Milady.

[END]

Arachnophobia

Last time:

Tara: There’s something even worse to think of as well: Is it just the remnants of whoever’s power was left that’s drawing the youkai, or is whatever was sealed here still around purposefully drawing things here?

???: And if it is still here, where is it hiding now?

*There is a cry from one of the agents and the torch clatters to the floor, plunging the cave into darkness, to everyone’s startled cries*

Unknown Voice: Where indeed?

 

And the Mission Continues...

--- Izumo Region, Japan, The Cavern of the Shattered Seal ---

*The team whip around to find that they are no longer along, but an unknown figure now stands with them, blocking the way out, it’s (her?) form appears cloaked, its face is unseen due to the almost complete darkness*

Tara: Agent! Are you alright!

Agent: I’ll be….fine. Mostly startled.

Tara: Damn….*Turns to figure* Who are you? You shouldn’t be here! Leave!

Mysterious Figure: I don’t believe I’m inclined to do so. I have….business here. As do you, it would seem. Though, if you value your lives, I would suggest that you should leave, unless you wish for your agent friends to suffer further. You especially. Are you not human?

Tara: From the way you’re talking, I’m assuming you’re not human yourself. But what’s me being human got to do with anything?

Mysterious Figure: *low laughter* How little you understand….Surely you know…..just how prone your kind is to corruption? *spreads arms* This place, can you feel it? It is a place where, even with its lord unsealed, the taint will remain. Though…..it does make me wonder, how strong is your own will? How long can you remain here, untainted?

???: If it’s that case that she should leave, maybe you should stop speaking in riddles and get to the point. You didn’t come here to spout off ‘good advice’. Why exactly are you here? Are you here for whatever power might have been left behind too?

Mysterious Figure: Perhaps. Or perhaps I wish to test you. Perhaps I wish to see how well you’ll fare. Or perhaps I’m here to eliminate you? *Steps forwards threateningly, eyes glowing under the dark hood* Either way, any way you look at it, it will come to the same thing. Show me your power. Otherwise, you will die.

Agent: Not on our-

Mysterious Figure: You have no say in this. *The figure makes a yanking motion in the air, causing threads that had not been too visible before to shimer.*

???: *Eyes widening* Move!

*Everyone scatters as the threads pull down rock and debris, Tara throws herself out of the way, covering her head with her arms as rock crashes down, kicking up dust that obscures what little could be seen, the air filled with deafening crashes of falling rock. As the dust settles…*

Tara: *Coughs* I….is everyone ok….?

*There is silence for a moment other than some scrambling noises from the other side of the cave in.*

Agent: We’re fine! But watch out! That things not on our side!

Tara: Not- *She is cut off as something in the darkness slams down close by and in horror, Tara looks around to find the shape of what looks like a mutated spider creature leaning over her, the thing having crashed close by is one of its great legs* J-Jorogumo!

Jorogumo: Ah….So you know of my kind. You are a Pandora agent, I suppose, but still, as you’re not a native of Japan, I had wondered. Normally I have no interest in females. However....At this moment in time, there is something that I want…But to do that, let’s see just what you can do, Agent of Pandora. If you fail to impress me, no matter. I’m sure that you will taste wonderful once I sink my fangs into y-

Tara: *Interrupts the spider monster mid sentence by shooting up at the creature, causing it to rear up with a scream and Tara rolls away into a crouch, firing another shot.* You monologue too damned much!

Jorogumo: Why you li-

Tara: *Fires again*

Jorogumo: Stop that-

Tara: *Fires again*

Jorogumo: I will kill yo-

Tara: *Goes to fire again but the creature manages to fire some kind of web at the gun nozzle, blocking it. Tara gulps* Crap…

Jorogumo: Your little pea-shooter will not kill me. But if you intended to make me angry, you have succeeded!

*The spider creature darts forwards to bite with vicious fangs, but Tara manages to roll underneath, causing the spider to bite the rocks instead. Trying to not be caught by the spider further, Tara tries to pull the webbing off the gun, but it doesn’t come off before Tara has to dart out of the way of getting hit with webs. As the spider turns around to attack again, Tara throws the now useless gun into its eyes, causing it to jerk back in pain while Tara darts away down the passageway in hopes to find a smaller area the giant spider can’t get into. While running, she also manages to pull out her communicator in order to at least use it as a light to see what she is going*

Tara: Why is nothing ever like the simulators!

*The spider like youkai begins to chase after her through the tunnels. Trying not to panic, Tara rummages through what she has with her for any ideas of what to do against the Jorogumo. Her hand lands on something in her pocket and she smirks a moment, before flinching at a crashing sound as Jorogumo is closing the distance. Tara speeds up, going down a tunnel that leads into a somewhat larger area, supported by pillars.*

 

*A web is shot towards her and Tara dives out of the way, leaving something behind at the base of one of these pillars as she scrambles on further. The spider creature does not see it or ignores it as she chases Tara around further. Tara runs around the pillars, using them as cover from the webs as she places something on each of them, running to another as the spider gets too close. Eventually, Tara has been to all the pillars and is running towards a smaller tunnel, however, the spider gets lucky and manages to web  her leg, yanking her to the ground with a yelp*

Jorogumo: You gave enough of a run around, little fly. However, you are beaten, helpless and alone, your spirit to remain in this accursed darkness as I feed on your tender flesh. As He once said, humans will so easily fall, no matter how hard they fight, they all are frail, fragile, and ultimately, unworthy. What will you do? Will you grovel for your life? Will you throw away your pride for a little longer at life? It makes little difference to me. How will you fight against your fate, only to let the shadows consume you?

Tara: *Twisting around to show a smirk and a detonator.* Like this! *she presses the detonator*

Jorogumo: Wha-?

*The objects that had been placed on the pillars suddenly explodes at the same time, and the roof collapses in on top of the both of them, plunging them into darkness.*

[END]