War, 11/2/19

Taco/HeavyWater, 3:51 PM After the fight with Myrsa, there was the aftermath of the combat. The unit equipped with MANPADs arrived a bit too late to see any action, though they escorted the group back to the field HQ for debriefing. The explanation about where Kinjiro went might have been a bit awkward to bring up, but as long as he left the equipment lent to him, then nobody would show up at his door to be on his ass about leaving.

Taco/HeavyWater, 3:55 PM But, the general gist for the explanation was that: -Crossroads was the headquarters's callsign over the radio. -They were told they could keep the radio, as it was an old model and might've just been more useful to them anyways considering they've been doing good work so far. -...and nothing changed about their guarding post. They were still assigned to the same task, but forces were starting to accumulate near the HQ. Probably for a push to the east to catch up with the north front.

The blizzard had subsided by now, but movement in the snow was still very much not easy and a bit of a pain. Taistelu was only able to get back to Dawn for a simple order: "Later." She was a bit busy at the moment anyways, fighting on her own front in the war.

So there everyone was, sitting on their perch on the hill, overlooking the large forest as a cold autumn wind blew and the sun shone and reflected off of the snow. It was once again quiet.

Death, 4:07 PM Dawn was attempting to keep a stable mental connection to Taistelu, the same way one would be on hold in a call. At the same time, she looked for the tallest tree in the nearby area, and if there was one, she would then begin to climb it.

Rei herself would likely be absent from the area for the reason on checking in with Kinjiro for any of the army supplies.

it's the afternoon, why am I sleepy

Taco/HeavyWater, 4:09 PM There were a lot of trees near their position, so there was definitely bound to be a tallest one.

Taco/HeavyWater, 4:09 PM All that was left in the matter was Dawn's own climbing ability.

Death, 4:15 PM Dawn wasn't exactly the quickest climber, but she wasn't necessarily bad either. So long as it had enough branches, Dawn would slowly but surely reach the top.

Taco/HeavyWater, 4:17 PM It certainly did have enough branches, though the pine-needles instead of leaves might've been a bit... prickly.

Plant, 4:22 PM Connor was tinkering with the radio seeing if he could mod it to work with his gear. Aside from that he was doing the guard work he was assigned.

Connie was also guarding but was singing? Just quietly to help calm her nerves. "At the end of the rainbow, there's happiness And to find it how often I've tried But my life is a race just a wild goose chase And all my dreams have been denied." She's just keeping to herself while guarding.

Death, 4:27 PM After the things Dawn has been through in this adventure alone? She wouldn't let a few pricks and needles get in the way. Still, she focused her life energy into her hands in order to strengthen their durability, just to make the climb easier.

Taco/HeavyWater, 4:29 PM its your fault for existing

Eventually, Dawn would probably reach the top of the tree: where a cone of needles was waiting for her. Not like, waiting for her as in it's a trap, but it's literally just the structure at the crown of any evergreen tree. Of course, this wasn't much of a problem. She could probably just cut through some branches to make a nice hole in the needles she could look through.

Taco/HeavyWater, 4:30 PM Connor could... probably get the radio to work with his gear by modding it? That's the only one they're getting unless they find another poor dead sod though, so maybe they should keep it as-is.

Death, 4:37 PM Dawn merely wanted a bird-eye view without wasting too much of her mana supply at the moment, so that's exactly what she did in order to take a gaze around the environment.

Taco/HeavyWater, 4:41 PM Well, now she had an ever higher view over everything. To the back of them, she could see the remnants of their battle with Myrsa. Over the hill and out through the forest, she could see the remnants of Sparrow Squadron's battle with Myrsa. Both pretty much included knocked down trees or aircraft wreckages, and--

Out of Dawn's peripheral vision, something moved.

Plant, 4:41 PM "Nearly got it. There." Connor says finally patching into the same signal the radio was using and having it set so he can use the radio via his head's up display. "Got it."

Connie is still guarding and singing. "Why have I always been a failure? What can the reason be? I wonder if the world’s to blame I wonder if it could be me?"

Death, 4:45 PM Dawn quickly darted her head to the side to lock onto this mysterious target.

Taco/HeavyWater, 4:48 PM It was a moving person, certainly. Trudging through the snow, though not quite hurriedly or slowly as they made their way west... towards them. If Dawn has zoomy-vision (or really good eyesight) she can probably make out more features of the person.

Death, 5:01 PM Anyways, uh, Dawn does airbending sight magic now.

Taco/HeavyWater, 5:12 PM z o o m

Well, the immediately noticeable things on their person was the fatigues: snow-patterned, and red armbands around both arms to separate enemy from friendly... whoever this was, they were an enemy. Their 'armor' which only seemed to consist of a light ballistic vest, as well as a fencing mask of all things, was similarly camouflaged with snow pattern. Around their waist was a belt, on on the left and right sides respectively were a rapier and a revolver. The hands of the person were also covered, this time with white gloves. Though, the more Dawn stared, the more likely she was able to pick out certain features of this approaching person. Mostly all of their fur (as they had fur) was covered by their wear, except for a few certain spots: the sides and back of their head, and their tail. On their head was a set of large ears, and behind them sat a grey cat tail with a little bit of hair frill at the end. Those features should have looked very familiar to Dawn, quite so to the point where she would be able to accurately determine who this was:

Without a doubt, it was Micheal.

Death, 5:17 PM After a few moments of hesitation to think, Dawn began taking in the words from Myrsa about how Micheal was supposed to be an enemy.

For now, she observed what he was planning.

Plant, 5:19 PM Connor unaware of the situation ended up just kept guarding but did notice Dawn up there. "Hmm. The fuck is she doin."

Connie is still calmly singing. "I'm always chasing rainbows Watching clouds drifting by. My schemes are just like all my dreams Ending in the sky"

Taco/HeavyWater, 5:19 PM He was simply walking in their direction. In fact, he was heading right for them Not quickly, not slowly, just at a normal pace. They still had about three or five minutes before he got there.

Luna, 5:21 PM Dawn just might see... well, might sense something else about Micheal as well. A faint shimmer of spiritual energy, a second soul... that must be Lunari.

Taco/HeavyWater, 5:26 PM Additionally, there was some other energy about Micheal as well, one that Dawn could definitely disclose as deitical, but one she couldn't confirm by sight. It seems that it had been hidden from her... for now, at least. It would probably pop up sooner or later.

Death, 5:36 PM It took a bit longer for Dawn to properly respond, but she eventually did.

She managed to create a portal in her position and near the ground to quickly hop off the tree, then quickly trotted off to the hedgehogs to give them the headsup.

Plant, 5:41 PM Connor saw her jump and mentally just thought. "Don't add another body to the list."

Connie is still quietly singing. "Some fellows look and find the sunshine I always look and find the rain Some fellows make a winning some time I never even make a gain, believe me."

Taco/HeavyWater, 5:45 PM Micheal was still approaching. Step, step, step, right on through the snow.

Death, 5:55 PM Dawn eventually reached the two hedeghogs, glanced back to Micheal's direction, then back at the two. ".. Guys.. Don't freak out, but.. Micheal's approaching," she noted. "But it's like what Myrsa said. He's wearing the enemy attire."

Plant, 6:02 PM Connor instantly stood up. "Damn it!"

Connie just freezes looking at her. "W-what are we gonna do?"

Dingu, 6:09 PM Fugit

Saul turns to look at Micheal and silently observes, crouched low to the earth

Death, 6:09 PM "We have only a few minutes before he gets here," Dawn noted. "Just... Don't kill him if he attacks, and if you can, avoid hurting him. Micheal wouldn't turn on us."

Death, 6:10 PM "Micheal seems to be with Lunari and... well, some other diety, I think, from what I've seen."

Dingu, 6:10 PM "He betrayed Taistelus military, not us hopefully." Saul added

Plant, 6:11 PM "Non lethal then got it." Connor says lifting his left hand up with sparks forming. Oh God he's gonna try to taze him.

Connie nods holstering her rifle and forming a shield in her hand.

Taco/HeavyWater, 6:12 PM They could go out to meet him, or they could wait until Micheal was upon them to confront him. Either one was going to happen, however, and he kept walking forwards.

Dingu, 6:13 PM Saul got up and began walking up to him. "Micheal! I heard you were in a military base!" He called out

Taco/HeavyWater, 6:15 PM He stopped, and calmly looked up to Saul, weapons still holstered. The fencing mask hid his face.

Death, 6:17 PM "Saul, I said minutes, not seconds," Dawn nearly whined in vain, simply resorting to remain behind tree cover for the time being to see how Micheal would react to Saul.

Taco/HeavyWater, 6:17 PM He wasn't particularly doing anything as Saul got closer, simply standing there and watching.

Dingu, 6:18 PM Saul put a hand on the gun at his side. "What's the rifle my clone gave you?"

Plant, 6:20 PM Connor slinks behind a tree keeping out of sight.

Connie walked out beside Saul in an attempt to keep them from fighting.

Taco/HeavyWater, 6:24 PM "I will be frank with you, this is your friend Mr. Neumann," Micheal spoke, looking to Saul from the mask, _"However, I am really just... using his person as a marionette with which to fight you," he finished, almost hesitant with finishing the sentence. "I would like to get that out of the way first. Second, I did not want to intentionally use him as a vessel with which to fight you. He was the most capable person on-hand, and thus it was the best choice."

"The person fighting you will not be Mr. Neumann, it is the one controlling him. Mr. Neumann is conscious and present, he is unharmed. However, I can see this going one of two ways."

Dingu, 6:26 PM "This is the problem with gods. We're all just puppets to you all" and he pulls out his pistol, holding it low

Death, 6:28 PM Saul would feel a telekinetic force on his hand. Not strong enough that he would be stuck or struggle to resist, but merely enough to remind Saul of what Dawn said earlier.

"If we attack, it'll only be because we're forced to," she warned him.

Plant, 6:29 PM "Why use him as a puppet? Why not fight yourself?" Connie asked.

As for Connor. He's gone ninja vanish style.

Luna, 6:30 PM Dawn's telepathy might pick up something else; a familiar voice, sounding a lot less... pleasant. It was Lunari, and she seemed to be struggling, as if trapped or restrained.

Taco/HeavyWater, 6:31 PM "Oooh, splendid analogy!" Micheal complimented, clasping his hands together. "Except in this case it's more literal than figurative, but... well, you already understand that. The only reason I'm fighting like I am is because it's what I'm best suited for. I can guarantee you that none of the gods, including me, particularly like this style... it does not feel right, not in the least. I hate doing it, and I could not adjust to doing it even if I wanted to."

"Mr. Neumann is a well-meaning individual. I would not want to wish him any such fate as this, but unfortunately... I must, even though it makes my heart ache so."

Death, 6:35 PM Dawn attempted to reach out to see if she could safely contact Lunari without getting attention from the diety.

Taco/HeavyWater, 6:36 PM Most likely, she could.

Plant, 6:37 PM "May I ask a question to you?" Connie asked the puppeteer.

Plant, 6:37 PM Connor is still invisible setting up an idea he had for this.

Taco/HeavyWater, 6:37 PM "I suppose a few can't hurt. What may your question be, Ms. Connie?" Aaand he knew her name, that's kind of offputting.

Death, 6:39 PM Well if Dawn could reach out to Caspera the friendly ghost, the quoll would then communicate with her. "Lunari, are you safe?" she asked. "Are you trapped inside?"

Dingu, 6:40 PM "If you had your own body, i would skin it." Saul growled. His pistol looked rather odd, like something a tour guide of a safari would use to wars off animals

Plant, 6:40 PM "If you were offered another host. One more suitable would you release Michael?" She asked calmly moving her hand over Saul's gun to keep him from attempting to fire it.

Luna, 6:44 PM "Y-yeah! I'm stuck... can't do anything...!" Lunari answered Dawn. She sounded really, really stressed out.

Taco/HeavyWater, 6:48 PM "I do have my own body, Mr. Saul." Micheal shook his head. "I would not prefer you do it by any means, but I suppose I wouldn't have much choice in the matter if I were dead, no?" He then turned to Connie, raising his finger in the air. "But your question, my dear, brings me to my ultimatum."

"I would not trade hosts, as I was set out to do something. And that something is to subdue your presence in this conflict," he spoke. "This may go one of two ways: I... let us say 'mortally wound', I do not feel comfortable using the term 'kill', you all, seeing as how you are all still a part of this conflict even when a previous ultimatum was issued." "The second way is if you mortally wound me, and you are allowed to continue fighting," Micheal spoke, patting his own chest.

Death, 6:51 PM "How attached is he to Micheal?" she asked Lunari. "Would it be possible to perform an exorcism?"

Dingu, 6:51 PM we'll have to trust Lunari to heal him after the fight. Saul thought, hopefully loud enough for Dawn to hear Because that makes sense.

Plant, 6:54 PM "So you want either us to be out of this conflict or Michael to be." Connie said calmly keeping her eyes locked onto Michael's.

Connor however was forming an energy blade of unique purpose. Taking linger to insure perfection.

Luna, 6:55 PM Lunari took a moment, examining Micheal again. "Strings... Nukja's controlling Micheal with little energy strings..."

Luna, 6:57 PM "But I don't know how to break them..."

Taco/HeavyWater, 6:59 PM Now, these strings weren't visible. Nukja had taken special, conscious care in order to hide them from any prying eyes. Though, the more of a toll you place on him through Micheal, the more his consciousness might falter in keeping them hidden.

"I suppose that's a way of putting it," Micheal nodded. "But who knows? There could be a third option that none of us know yet, only known to some audience through dramatic irony." "Before we begin, I would suppose you would all like to know my name?"

Dingu, 7:00 PM "Fine. What is your name and what are you the god of? Cowardice? Human shields?" Saul snarled

Taco/HeavyWater, 7:01 PM "I am Nukja, the God of Theater and Puppeteering," Nukja bowed towards the group. ...well, that explains it.

Death, 7:02 PM "It's worth a shot in trying," Dawn noted as she focused on making a blade that existed solely on the mental plane.

Dawn went back to scaling to the top of the tree she was hiding behind, where she would then hop from tree to tree until she was just over Micheal.

Death, 7:03 PM Of course, playing the stealth game, this would take a while.

Plant, 7:06 PM "Connie keep him occupied I have an idea." Connor whispers through their shared Radio.

"Got it. Now Saul please no firearms." She says raising her arm forming a shield over each one standing in a fist to fist style stance.

Dingu, 7:08 PM "Lunari will heal his wounds. I can aim at nonvital organs. My reason for coming here was to keep him alive."

Taco/HeavyWater, 7:08 PM "So." Micheal crossed his arms, reaching one hand into his pistol holster, and the other grabbing his sword's hilt as he unsheathed it and pointed it towards Saul and Connie. "Let the show begin," he warned, assuming a defensive stance. (aaand brb 'cause i have to walk dog, but you guys can post your messages anyways)

Death, 7:09 PM The sun fires a deadly laser and nukes the island out of existence.

Dingu, 7:18 PM Saul took out his knife and assumed a C Q C stance.

Death, 7:23 PM By the time Dawn reached a certain distance and realized the fight was about to begin, she bailed on her plan on reaching the top of the tree.

She instead wrapped her legs around the trunk of the tree to hold on as she performed arm gestures to form a portal behind and above Micheal. Basically, in Micheal's blindspot.

Plant, 7:23 PM Connie's shielded arms form bubble like gauntlets. In short cushions on her hand.

Taco/HeavyWater, 7:30 PM (am back) Micheal was on his guard still, ears slowly revolving like little satellite dishes as he cautiously watched Saul and Connie.

Luna, 7:30 PM Lunari was still struggling against her restraints, trying to break free so she can help save Micheal. Being unable to help was one of her worst fears, so being pinned down like this was really starting to make her panic.

Taco/HeavyWater, 7:31 PM Lunari could still move freely within Micheal's mindscape, it's just that she was slowed... and couldn't really escape. Nowhere she looked presented an opportunity to get the heck out of there.

Dingu, 7:32 PM "Your move."

Luna, 7:33 PM Well, yes, but it was the inability to use her powers was what worried Lunari more.

Taco/HeavyWater, 7:34 PM "If you insist," Micheal suddenly spun around, unholstering his revolver and shooting three bullets in quick succession into the portal in an attempt to hit Dawn.

Plant, 7:35 PM Connie keeps her stance before dashing forwards trying to punch Michael in the gut.

Death, 7:37 PM Dawn was not in the best position or mobility, and with how the portal was set up, she couldn't really use her arms to properly avoid the shots. So at the end of the day, it came down to how skilled Nukja was at suddenly aiming and firing from behind.

Dingu, 7:37 PM Saul waits to see how the attack lands before making his follow up.

Taco/HeavyWater, 7:40 PM All three shots most likely hit home then, the place where they enter Dawn being dependent on the angle from which she opened the portal. If it was directly horizontal to her, she'd probably be hit in the chest or abdomen for most of those shots.

Death, 7:45 PM The chestplate would prove to be both reliably impervious to the gunfire, not even bothering to leave a scratch behind.

So Basically, the only real damage she'd suffer would be hits in the abdomen, depending on how many shots landed there.

Taco/HeavyWater, 7:48 PM It was probably the two latter shots, as the first hit Dawn's chestplate. This seemed to be a conscious decision on Nukja's part, though not for the reasons one would expect. "Oh, dear. It had to be Ms. Celestia who opened the portal, hadn't it?" Micheal spoke in a whisper, sounding frustrated as he gripped the revolver a little tighter before spinning back around.

Luna, 7:50 PM "Dawn!" Lunari cried out, whimpering a bit knowing there was nothing she could do.

Taco/HeavyWater, 7:51 PM Micheal had just turned around when Connie's punch landed, so... ouch. This seemed to hit a bit hard, causing Micheal to visibly jerk forwards from the force as his cheeks puffed. With no other option in his mind, Micheal promptly pushed himself off and backpedaled to a safe distance as he brought up his rapier again.

Death, 7:54 PM The quoll lost proper leg grip around the tree trunk, and toppled off the tree in response.

However, she proved capable of grabbing some braches to eventually stop her fall.

Dingu, 7:54 PM Saul took his knife out and advanced, going for a stab to Michael's gun shoulder

Taco/HeavyWater, 7:55 PM As Saul approached, Micheal attempted to extend and thrust into the right portion of Saul's chest.

Dingu, 7:59 PM Saul used the knife to attempt a mild parry, though with a combat knife his arm was in an awkward position, giving him barely enough space to use his gun as a bludgeon to Michael's face, right where connie hit him

Plant, 8:00 PM Connie dashed and jumped attempting to punch Michael again in the face this time. Energy cushions keeping the metal fist from hitting to hard.

Taco/HeavyWater, 8:03 PM Micheal's face wasn't where Connie had bludgeoned him, but... hey, a hit to the face works too. Micheal looked dazed for a moment, and attempted to raise his gun to shoot Saul- -right before being punched in the face from Connie, causing his shot to miss as he was forced to the ground.

By now, everyone would start to see something a tad weird. Rather than just Micheal, there now seemed to be slightly-materialized strings of white energy travelling from each of his limbs and the back of his neck up towards this Marionette controller, which was also made of white energy. All of them seemed pretty strong though, except for the one that attached to his left leg.

Dingu, 8:08 PM Saul observed these strings and waited, going for a more reactionary fighting style.

Death, 8:09 PM Considering that Micheal backpedaled when all this happened, on thing was for sure: the portal was no longer behind and above Micheal, just above him.

And it was this opportunity that Dawn took to pitch her crafted weapon right through the portal, which would lead to slicing through the string.

Taco/HeavyWater, 8:11 PM Although the weapon met some resistance, a discharge of energy could be heard as it eventually sliced through the string, releasing a white light that momentarily blinded whoever was looking at Micheal.

Plant, 8:13 PM Connor dashed out of the tree line throwing a collar made of crystallized energy down twords Michael's arm and if it hit it would carry it to the ground pinning him.

Plant, 8:13 PM And Connie gots blinded.

Connor gets the tinted visor for reasons

Death, 8:18 PM Considering Dawn being in ranged distance and not melee, she was able to withstand the flash of light better than the others.

Either way, at this point, she focused on slowly getting down the tree safely after closing the portals.

Taco/HeavyWater, 8:20 PM Micheal was already up and at 'em, and with the revolver he took a single shot to shoot the flying collar out of the air. And... the shot hit home, stopping its velocity if not completely shattering it (assuming it followed the same course and wasn't modified, as well as shatter-able in the first place.)

Still having time before the flash wore off, Micheal readied the rapier and began to try and stab Connie while shooting Saul. The piercing stab was directed towards Connie's gut, while the bullet was directed towards Saul's gun hand.

Dingu, 8:26 PM Saul was blinded and thus not ready for the shot. The gun he was holding was destroyed and his hand got quite the aching from the impact. He growled in pain and advanced again, going to slash at Michael's pistol hand

Plant, 8:27 PM Connie took the stab and reached out with her mechanical and to try and seize Michael's hand holding the blade. Connie's aura solidified around the blade like stopping the blade from being pulled out.

Connor's collar was sent back before circling to his hand as he dashed over to try and latch it onto him. Neck or arm it didn't matter at this point.

Taco/HeavyWater, 8:31 PM Unfortunately, Micheal had not intended to stick around after his attacks. By the time either of the two were in the process of counterattacking (even Connie's aura, which she had used in an attempt to hold the blade in place,) Micheal had already backpedaled and gotten some distance. That was some pretty dang quick motor coordination and reaction time.

"I see that it was a mistake to take your group lightly like that," Micheal commented, glancing to the quickly-approaching Connor as he readied his rapier for a strike to the hedgehog's legs.

Death, 8:33 PM By the time Dawn got to the bottom of the tree, she remained out of Micheal's focus as she approached from the side to flank.

Plant, 8:38 PM Connor turns to ash flipping over Michael before dropping attempting to chokehold him

Dingu, 8:39 PM Saul then went and fired a shotat Micheal, aiming for his shoulder of the arm holding the gun. Lunari will heal him. he thought

Taco/HeavyWater, 8:41 PM When Connor flipped over him and attempted to chokehold him, Micheal had actually already fallen to the ground: he was intentionally trying to fake out Connor. Though, Micheal soon grabbed Connor's arms from his attempt, and used him as a shield against Saul's bullet before attempting to use both legs to kick him off and into the air.

Plant, 8:43 PM Connor got hit. Thankfully his armor stopped the bullet however once he was airborne he detonated the collar that was still in his hand semding him flying back down twords Michael attempting to slam him into the ground.

Plant, 8:44 PM -Connor used body slam-

Luna, 8:45 PM In the midst of this, Lunari was actually starting to cry. She hated being useless, being sidelined while her friends got hurt...

Taco/HeavyWater, 8:45 PM Micheal was slammed back into the ground, but at a cost: Connor had impaled himself quite hard on the rapier. The upside of this is that not a lot was damaged, since a rapier's point is meant for piercing a small area and not slicing.

Dingu, 8:47 PM (Br b)

Death, 8:47 PM By now, Dawn had finally made her way ro the others, and just..

Decided not to jump in. A 3 on 1 seems like an advantage, until you factor in that no one in team A wants to hurt anyone else too bad whereas Team B is going for the kill, along with having no worry about friendly fire.

Plant, 8:50 PM Connor's face was that of a honestly concerning smirk before his helmet forms over his head and he just straight up tries to headbutt Micheal into unconsciousness.

Taco/HeavyWater, 8:52 PM Connor just headbutt the ground. ...where's Micheal?

Connie, Saul, and Dawn could probably see Micheal backpedaling once again, though this time climbing up a tree. The strings were showing again, this time it was the right leg.

Death, 8:54 PM Dawn took aim since she had a clear shot and an open view of the whole fight and retreat.

She pointed to fingers in Micheal's direction and waited a moment before a piercing laser of pure magic was fired to strike the next string.

Taco/HeavyWater, 8:55 PM Snap. "Wha-" Flashbang.

Death, 8:58 PM As before, Dawn was relatively not as close as the others. Regardless, she was closer than last time, and she did need to momentarily close her eyes, making sure to shield herself before then.

Plant, 8:58 PM Connor pushed himself up. And pulled the sword out if it was still there walking twords Michael with it. Did he snap. Nah just an act.

Connie dashed over and was promptly blinded.

Taco/HeavyWater, 8:59 PM By the time the flash subsided, Micheal was... gone?

Death, 9:02 PM Being a flashbang-like technique, Dawn fully expected this tactic.

In fact, she was already glancing around for the deity's signature.

Taco/HeavyWater, 9:02 PM It was in the trees. ... and seems to be pointing a gun in Dawn's direction. That can't be good.

Luna, 9:03 PM "GET DOWN!!"

That was Lunari's voice...

Plant, 9:07 PM Connor ended up scanning for Michael and start movie twords his position holding his wound. Stabbed but not slowed.

Connie followed Connor drawing her own sword it morphing into a cutlass.

Death, 9:08 PM Dawn slowly raised up a hand, staring at Micheal calmly while slowly shaking her head "no".

Taco/HeavyWater, 9:10 PM Micheal suddenly switched his firing direction, swinging the barrel over to Connor as he let a full six shots rip in quick succession. These were mainly aimed near the chest area to wear down his armor, as well as to make him stumble onto his back.

Plant, 9:12 PM Connor gets hit by three before his aura breaks causing the next 3 to inbead into his armor and knock him on his ass.

Connie stops to heal him.

Luna, 9:13 PM Seeing her warning ignored, Lunari decides to switch tactics. She can move a bit more freely about the mindscape now, so she's going to investigate a bit. Heading to the back of the mindscape, near where she usually slept, she leaned over and looked down. She was looking for the little white string, the one that went to Micheal's neck...?

Taco/HeavyWater, 9:14 PM Quick open of the chamber, extract the cartridges, speedloader, quick close. In two seconds flat, Micheal had reloaded the revolver. This time, he aimed back at Dawn.

Taco/HeavyWater, 9:14 PM There was no string there... it was lower down on his neck.

Death, 9:15 PM Dawn tilted her hand a bit somewhat, but she otherwise kept that same position and gaze at Micheal's eyes.

Luna, 9:16 PM The floor here wasn't entirely solid, she might be able to spot it...

Taco/HeavyWater, 9:17 PM There was a moment of hesitation, and the adjustment of aim. Another four shots rang out: Two were aimed for Dawn's thighs, and the other two were for the indestructible breastplate in order to knock Dawn down.

There also wasn't a string there, as they were currently hidden. Whoops.

Luna, 9:19 PM Curses, foiled again. Lunari decided to try again with the warnings, realizing now that she's too late. "Shit!"

Death, 9:20 PM Dawn tilted her hand for a reason: she wanted the first bullet to reflect back into the pistol, and her Aether-Walker physiology would give her the speed necessary to do so.

Plant, 9:21 PM Connie jumps up bouncing from tree to tree before trying to grab Michael and take him to the ground.

Plant, 9:21 PM Connor forcing himself back up.

Taco/HeavyWater, 9:22 PM Micheal was on the move after he shot the bullets though, so- oh shit well he just got hit through one side and the bullet went out the other. ...and then he fell from the tree, barely managing to land on his feet and stumble as the strings started to show. The one attached to his right arm looked weak.

Plant, 9:25 PM Connie tries to cut the string with an energy dagger

Luna, 9:25 PM "Micheal... oh, micheal..." Lunari, seeing and feeling Micheal get hit, was very discouraged. She promised Micheal she'd keep him safe, now look at her...

Taco/HeavyWater, 9:25 PM String is cut, aaaand flashbang.

Death, 9:27 PM Dawn's eyes widened, not expecting nor intending to hit Micheal himself, but before she could move to try to save him, she was instinctively putting up her shield as she closed her eyes from the brightness of the flashbang.

Luna, 9:27 PM Suddenly, Lunari feels a bit of her strength come back to her. She tries healing the bullet wound, and once realizing she can, she puts all her energy into it.

Plant, 9:32 PM Connie blinded lands against a tree and flips herself onto her legs. Dagger still in hand held backwards as her sight returned.

Taco/HeavyWater, 9:32 PM Although helpful, maybe now wouldn't really be the best time: healing Micheal would mean giving him strength back, but they need him to be weakened in order to free him from control. Though wounded, Micheal attempted to shoot Connie in one leg twice.

Luna, 9:35 PM Well, Lunari wasn't thinking all that straight to begin with; that and she had a promise to Micheal and she was going to keep it. So Lunari, probably for the worse, kept up the healing.

Plant, 9:36 PM Connie turns to ash as soon as soon as the bullet hit reforming behind a tree.

Death, 9:36 PM Now trying to resort to closing the distance on Micheal to end this as quickly and as safely as possible, creating a nearly invisible spherical field in the land between herself and Micheal (and off the ground a few feet), and one at Micheal's position.

At the same time, Dawn continued approaching closer.

Death, 9:37 PM There was no effect nor barrier to worry about.

Plant, 9:37 PM Connor comes in sprinting with an energy tower shield to try and just bash Michael with the shield.

Taco/HeavyWater, 9:38 PM Micheal smiled at this, and just kind of... let Connor bash him? Sure he was wounded from it, but the velocity certainly carried over and gave him a boost he'd need to backpedal. Two seconds later, the revolver was fully loaded again, and he let out a flurry of bullets at Connor, Connie, and Dawn.

Plant, 9:44 PM Connor turned the sheild to block his bullets and Connie just moved behind more trees.

Death, 9:45 PM Since Dawn was the most distant from Micheal at the time being, she had more than enough distance to properly matrix lean out of the way of each incoming bullet, all while continuing to move the second field to keep Micheal within it. By now, Dawn has neared the threshold of the first field she made.

Taco/HeavyWater, 9:46 PM He reloaded again, and paused to catch his breath as he cautiously glanced to the foes a distance in front of him.

Taco/HeavyWater, 9:48 PM Micheal was taking a defensive stance again.

Death, 9:51 PM.

. ..

. . . ..

Dawn then teleported those two entire sections of land, between each other.

And of course, since the first field was a few feet above the ground, it would be the equivalent of you standing on solid ground just for the ground to unexpectedly fall several feet.

Plant, 9:52 PM Connor rushed Michael as soon as he had the chance attempting to grab him with his mechanical arm.

Taco/HeavyWater, 9:53 PM Well, that definitely was unexpected on Micheal's part, though he wasn't completely disoriented. With Connor trying to rush him, Micheal instead decided to try and kick Connor's head as well as push off to get some momentum.

Luna, 9:56 PM Lunari was still pouring her energy into healing the bullet wound. Hopefully it should be... halfway done by now?

Plant, 10:00 PM Connor dropped sliding to avoid the kick and attempted to grab Michael leg if successful he would send large surge of electricity into him. Abit stronger than a high end police tazer.

Taco/HeavyWater, 10:02 PM The problem with Connor grabbing the cat's leg was that he was now very close in proximity to the revolver which was pointed at him. With the shock came a bullet, rather closely aimed at Connor's face.

Plant, 10:03 PM The helmet and aura dampened the impact but the bullet still hit him hard enough to daze him where he would have loosened his grip you know if it wasn't mechanically locked into shocking.

Taco/HeavyWater, 10:04 PM Well, Micheal's kind of... tazed and stationary now.

Death, 10:07 PM With that said and done, and Dawn well within range since she was at the threshold of the teleportation field, the quoll held up both of her hands. One of them telekinetically prying Connor's hand off, and the other one telekinetically pinning Micheal to the ground.

If Dawn could reach in time, she'd kick the pistol to the side.

Taco/HeavyWater, 10:08 PM The pistol was very firmly in Micheal's grip, thanks to the shock. The final two strings were showing, and this time the one attached to his left arm looked weak.

Death, 10:09 PM Well in that case, Dawn's extra hand (that being the hand that pried Connor's hand off) formed a shadow blade before slashing at said string.

Taco/HeavyWater, 10:10 PM The string was slashed, aaaaand flashbang!

Plant, 10:10 PM Connor's grip was pried of and spacks coming off bouncing from finger to finger.

Death, 10:11 PM And Dawn was fully expecting this, which was specifically why she used the shadowblade.

The darkness absorbed the light of the surrounding area.. which included most of the effect from the flashbang.

Dingu, 10:12 PM (Sorry i poofed away what should be Saul's excuse this time?)

Death, 10:13 PM Death

Plant, 10:13 PM Connie was far enough to not be blinded and she rushed over to attempt to grab Michael and do the same as Connor did.

Taco/HeavyWater, 10:13 PM And when that happened, Micheal seemed to immediately snap out of the paralysis with rather amazing speed and immediately got quite the distance.

Death, 10:19 PM The blade faded from Dawn's grip as she drunkenly walked towards Micheal's direction once more.

Dingu, 10:20 PM Saul recovered from the blast of light, now expecting it, and took aim at the final string, waiting for a clear shot as he inched closer with caution

Taco/HeavyWater, 10:27 PM Though, instead of pointing the gun at anyone... Micheal was now pointing the gun at his own head, still breathing quite heavily as he tightly pressed the barrel against his temple and rest his finger over the trigger.

"Okay, you win!" Micheal shouted, looking like he's about to break down from exhaustion. "I can't- I can't take this anymore! Do you know how hard it is to be the one witnessing and propagating all of this after hearing Mr. Neumann's stories? After hearing him disclose how you have all changed his life? Because it's pretty hard, if I do say so myself! I couldn't even bring myself to land a killing blow on any of you through him, especially with my conscious that he's-" He stopped himself, taking a deep, very not calm breath as he collected his thoughts. "Do not attempt to dislodge the revolver from my hand, or do anything that would allow for the last string to be compromised. I guarantee you Micheal will be returned to you, you have won. I-I just need time to wipe his memory of sensitive information. "

Plant, 10:29 PM Connor looks up barley able to keep conscious.

Connie just stops completely.

Death, 10:29 PM This was all too hasty and unexpected a move...

Dawn would've been willing to listen off the bat, but the sharp pain in her abdomen reminded her to make sure this statement was fully true before she did anything brash.

Luna, 10:32 PM Coincidentally, Lunari finished healing the bullet wound about then. Though she was tired, she kept going, patching up any other injuries.

Dingu, 10:32 PM Saul was hesitant at first, and still aimed at Micheal, this time, at his hand. "You trapped Lunari inside his head, puppeted him against us, and you expect us to believe you are telling the truth?"

Taco/HeavyWater, 10:33 PM Despite being able to keep some things under wraps, this was the one thing Nukja was willing to let be loud and clear. Micheal's aura was glowing a bright blue, signifying that whatever was being said was true.

"I-I promise, I'll be back as soon as possible-- tonight. Then Mr. Neumann and Mrs. Lunari will be returned to you. I cannot bear to kill Mr. Neumann unprovoked, but I say again that you should not try anything."

Death, 10:35 PM With that, Dawn's response was filling her immediate surrounding area with an aether aura... Which was also a calming aura.

She slowly looked towards Saul before simply saying "put the gun down."

Dingu, 10:36 PM "I have a shot." He whispered. Seems he was already calm. Thinking about this in his own form of logical thinking.

Plant, 10:36 PM " Saul. Stop." Connie says trying to talk him down.

Connor finally got himself up. "If they are not back. I will..." and He fell finely subcoming to the concussion that bullet gave him. Hes out.

Dingu, 10:38 PM Saul took a deep breath and half-lowered his gun. "You all are willing to believe another deity? The deity of acting? After being lied to by one already while all the others have tried to kill us?"

Taco/HeavyWater, 10:39 PM "Please. I beg of you. I like tragedy, but this is... this is too much. Just because I am a playwright does not mean I can't show true emotions."

Death, 10:41 PM "Saul, Aether-Walkers can see truth and lie," Dawn clarified, breathing a bit heavier than normal. "Taistelu didn't clue me in on everything, Micheal and I her on past experiences. But this guy? Everything he's said so far was the truth. I was paying close attention."

Luna, 10:41 PM Lunari had to say something. "N-nukja was kind to Micheal and I..." She said.

Dingu, 10:42 PM Saul finally lowered his gun all the way. "If we lose Micheal, if he wipes too much of his mind away, it's on all of you."

Death, 10:44 PM Dawn eyed Saul for a moment, sighed, then the deity. "What kind of sensitive information are you removing? Will that be all you do to him, and nothing else? There's no tricks, no loopholes, nor anything else that could be a backfire?"

Taco/HeavyWater, 10:47 PM "It's- It's location information. The location to the camp he was being held. That's all it is, I swear. Nothing else is confidential. I will not tamper with his memory past that," Nukja explained to Dawn. Once again, his aura was blue.

Death, 10:48 PM Dawn glanced to Saul again and raised an eyebrow for his response. She also seemed to subtly shiver.

Plant, 10:49 PM "You swear to return them?" Connie asked when she moved over to check on Connor.

Dingu, 10:49 PM Saul looked back at Dawn with a glare. "Now that I lost the opportunity, we have no choice, now do we?"

Taco/HeavyWater, 10:51 PM "Y-Yes. Mr. Neumann will be returned, I promise. He will not be under any control, nor bugged, nor anything deceitful like that. He will be in the clothes he arrived to the camp in."

Plant, 10:51 PM Connie looks to dawn for confirmation.

Luna, 10:53 PM "I can keep an eye on him..." Lunari offered.

Death, 10:53 PM "Apparently.. not," Dawn answered Saul with effort before summoning a staff to lean on and staring towards the deity. "Please.. Do this as quick as possible," she simply asked.

Taco/HeavyWater, 10:57 PM Micheal nodded, and his finger on the trigger slowly went off it as he started stepping back. "Th-thank you. Oh, goodness gracious thank you. I promise I'll have him back as soon as possible. Just stay in this position until tonight." he spoke, making sure to get a bit more of a distance from the group before turning around and going into a full-on sprint away.

Taco/HeavyWater, 10:58 PM ... well. everyone should probably get to licking their wounds.

Death, 10:59 PM No, really, she does collapse to the ground though.

Death, 11:00 PM But on her back, as she places her hands on her abdomen to heal it.

Luna, 11:01 PM Speaking of wounds, Lunari was powering through her exhaustion and patching up all of Micheal's injuries.

Plant, 11:01 PM Connie leaves Connor as he gets up holding his hand against his head. Connie ends up going over to Dawn trying to help her.

Death, 11:03 PM ".. Thanks, Connie, I appreciate your actions," Dawn said softly, "but not everyone can heal themselves. You should probably check in with the others."

Dingu, 11:04 PM Saul hobbled over to a tree and sat down, leaning back against it. "You didn't trust my shot." He said to no one in particular.

Taco/HeavyWater, 11:05 PM (so uh, i guess there can be a timeskip to that night.)

(starting)

(nnnnnnnn ow)

Well, after that fight, it was once again calm, and it pretty much remained that way even into the night. No other fighting happened, no new orders came in from HQ, just sitting there and watching out for any movement.

Death, 11:07 PM Dawn was fully awake, or at least forcing herself to be as she constantly peered into the darkness. It was somewhat dangerous to look into Dawn's eyes at this point with her having it on flashlight mode.

But otherwise... she was sitting right under a tree still holding her abdomen despite it being healed.

Plant, 11:08 PM Connie had mediced the entire group with her and Connor now standing waiting for Michael

Dingu, 11:08 PM Saul was still sitting under the tree, looking out at nothing, rifle in his lap.

Taco/HeavyWater, 11:11 PM For the past few hours, it was mostly just quiet. And dark. Quiet and dark, with nothing moving except the trees.

Dingu, 11:11 PM "If we lost him..." He sighed.

Death, 11:12 PM "We didn't lose him," Dawn countered quickly and calmly.

Plant, 11:15 PM Connie is quietly muddering while sitting down.

And Connor is silent watching with themeral vison twords the tree for anything.

Taco/HeavyWater, 11:16 PM Though eventually, something did begin to stir in the forest ahead. That was movement for sure, not slow and not fast either.

Death, 11:17 PM Anyways, uh, Dawn does airbending sight magic now.

Taco/HeavyWater, 11:19 PM It's- okay that's literally just Micheal at this point, holding a peanut-butter covered celery stick and generally just looking worried as he nibbled on it. He didn't seem to notice the whole thing the group has on up at their position on the hill.

Death, 11:20 PM With Dawn's Aether eyes...

Death, 11:20 PM Micheal essentially saw this.

Taco/HeavyWater, 11:20 PM He was no longer wearing the fencing mask or had the revolver at his side, and was now dressed in his tanker's gear as he was previously.

Dingu, 11:21 PM "Michael!" Saul called out. "Here!"

Taco/HeavyWater, 11:22 PM Micheal probably did note these two lights after a period of them being within his vision, but even then he had to do a grand double-take. "... Saul?" He recognized those two glowing eyes, but his memory couldn't pinpoint it.

Taco/HeavyWater, 11:23 PM ... oh, hey now his memory could pinpoint it. Dropping the peanut-butter covered celery stick, Micheal immediately began to sprint towards those glowing eyes as well. As fast as he could, and that was fast.

Dingu, 11:24 PM Saul was about to walk over to meet him, but stopped as he saw him sprinting. "The boy can run..." he murmured

Plant, 11:24 PM Connor smirks. "Hell he was telling the truth. I owe to 20 bucks." Looking over to Connie who's holding back the urge to book it twords him and bear hug him.

Death, 11:26 PM By the time Dawn reached near the halfway point, she practically leaped straight into Micheal's arms.

Luna, 11:26 PM Once again, Lunari was with Micheal; she was asleep at the moment though, the fight having left her both exhausted and completely emotionally fried.

Taco/HeavyWater, 11:30 PM Micheal was very much ready to catch Dawn, and did so rather happily as he began to spin her around with a wide smile. "Dawn!" he greeted with glee, unable to keep himself from laughing as he spun. He'd get to Connie, Connor, and Saul eventually, it's just... well, y'know.

Dingu, 11:30 PM Saul looked over to Connie and Connor. "Give em time."

Plant, 11:32 PM Connor is literally holding Connie by the collar. "Shes very hard to keep away from a group hug."

Death, 11:35 PM So after Dawn hugged it out for Micheal for a while, she looked back at Micheal up and down for a moment before spontaneously blurting out "sorry for shooting you."

Dingu, 11:35 PM "We were going for the nonlethal approach, and possession of a sad sorry excuse of a god got in the way"

Taco/HeavyWater, 11:37 PM "It's fine, it's not like getting shot isn't a regular occurrence to me at this point," he replied, patting Dawn on her head and hugging her as he looked to Saul. "I'm just glad you guys are okay too... I only saw the beginning of the fight when Dawn was shot, but after that I was knocked out."

Dingu, 11:39 PM "Just know that we won and... we have a lot to catch up on... too much."

Sue, 11:40 PM Mids still has a box waiting for Mike, probably. Get your Halloween candy!

Taco/HeavyWater, 11:40 PM "I'd assume, I've been gone for a while, haven't I?" Micheal asked with a smile, looking to Saul, to Dawn, and then to Connor and Connie. "... okay, it can be a group hug now, you guys," he lightly chuckled.

Death, 11:42 PM Dawn just snickered and took first dibs on the hugging again while she was there.

Plant, 11:43 PM Connor lets go of Connie and she books over grabbing Michael and Dawn bear hugging them.

Dingu, 11:43 PM Saul would let them have a moment. he doesnt hug though. nope/

Plant, 11:44 PM "You don't hug either do you?" Connor asked saul.

Taco/HeavyWater, 11:45 PM Micheal was bear hugged. ...he looks at least a little bit uncomfortable as his back was cracked.

Dingu, 11:45 PM "not when I have to be the one telling the boy the bad news." Saul sighed. "Or in general, really. Just ask my kids..."

Taco/HeavyWater, 11:46 PM "Wait, bad news?" Micheal asked, glancing to Saul with a head tilt.

Death, 11:47 PM Dawn slowly released from the hug as she slowly dropped to her feet.

Dingu, 11:48 PM "Spoke too loudly.... shit." Saul cursed. "Micheal, your sister. She was-" he inhaled sharply, like in pain. "She was killed in action combating an enemy tank regiment led by a local god."

Plant, 11:50 PM Connie drops and just goes silent and tears start forming.

Connor keeps silent and just looks down.

Taco/HeavyWater, 11:51 PM His face didn't really seem to change at the result of this news from Saul. Not that he didn't hear it, not that he didn't care, but it just... It didn't seem to register with him, so he ended up staring at Saul with a slightly dumbfounded look. "I... beg your pardon?"

Dingu, 11:53 PM "She was killed in action, but her work saved the day. She died doing what she loved." He tried to soften the blow, but he despised his own words as he said them.

Taco/HeavyWater, 11:55 PM Micheal's expression seemed to persist for a few more seconds while facing Saul, but it progressively seemed to become more conflicted more than any other emotion, and this was visible. It's not that he wasn't sad, he was, but it just looked like there was something about it he didn't understand or couldn't grasp. So for the time being, nearly stumbling and falling, he decided to take a seat in the snow and hold his head.

Death, 11:58 PM Dawn had slunked down by his side, leaving a hand on his shoulder to let him know she was there, but Dawn otherwise gave Micheal his much needed space.

Plant, 11:58 PM "I-I-I'm sorry Michael." Connie said holding back tears.

Taco/HeavyWater, 12:02 AM "... I don't get it," Micheal spoke in a soft tone, shaking his head. "I want to cry. I'm doleful, and I feel like I should be bawling my eyes out right about now, but I just can't. Nothing's flowing, and I can't get it to flow. There's a huge cognitive dissonance between how I feel and how I should-" He let out a sigh, realizing that talking wasn't going to get him anywhere as he gently knocked on his own head.

Dingu, 12:05 AM "It comes in time. maybe not soon. Maybe days from now. You'll be doing nothing, eating a meal, working, and you just start.... weeping." Saul tried to explain. "You don't feel every bullet that hits you the moment it does."

Death, 12:05 AM "This process is different and difficult for everyone," Dawn mentioned, "just know that we'll be by your side each step of the way."

Taco/HeavyWater, 12:08 AM He was silent, simply thinking as he sighed once more and sprawled out on the snow. "This sucks. This war sucks. Stuff sucks right now," he commented, staring up at the stars. "I'm making angry snow angels. You guys should join me."

Dingu, 12:10 AM Saul went to speak, to put him back into the war. to plan the next move, but he relented and nodded. "You're right. Let's make snow angels. That's an order."

Taco/HeavyWater, 12:12 AM "We can get down to business in the morning. Right now a long day happened, I'm happy you guys are alive, sad that I know Eiskrem is dead, and making angry snow angels is the number one form of catharsis I can think of at the moment," Micheal sternly spoke, already making his first one.

Dingu, 12:15 AM Saul decided to lay down a couple of feet away, take a deep breath, think about how his son and daughter would be laughing their asses off right now, and began to make an angry bobcat snow angel.

Plant, 12:17 AM Connor didn't do it rather using his sword to do so instead and Connie. Well shocking she joined in.

Taco/HeavyWater, 12:18 AM "..." "Hey, guys?"

Dingu, 12:19 AM Saul stopped, almost done with his angry snow angel

Dingu, 12:19 AM "What is it?"

Taco/HeavyWater, 12:19 AM "I love you all," he spoke, looking up into the stars again. "Even you, Saul. You did bad in the past, but the fact that you're here now means more to me than you could imagine."

Dingu, 12:22 AM That... really spoke to Saul, and he remained silent, trying to think of how to follow that.

Plant, 12:26 AM Connor smirks. "A bad decision on me honestly."

Connie just smiles

Dingu, 12:31 AM "I promise you'll make it out of this war alive. If it kills me."

Taco/HeavyWater, 12:32 AM "I'll try to keep you alive if it kills me," Micheal retaliated, angry snow angels now becoming regular snow angels. "... it kind of sucks that I'll probably be sent off again when I return to your guys' HQ. I don't know where Lulu, Tilo, and Marina are right now, but I hope they're okay."

Plant, 12:33 AM "If you die I'll bring you back just to strangle you." Connor says smirking.

Dingu, 12:34 AM "...Why go back?" Saul asked.

Taco/HeavyWater, 12:35 AM "Because Deutschisland was attacked, and I'm going to defend it," he replied. "And now it might be slightly personal."

Plant, 12:39 AM "I understand that but. You need to have time to rest." Connor said.

Dingu, 12:41 AM "What about Taistelu?" Saul asked. "There's no right side here."

Taco/HeavyWater, 12:42 AM "What about her?" Micheal replied with a blink.

Dingu, 12:44 AM "Her cause is not a just one. I didn't consider it either but I was thinking and felt... like an idiot. The war goddess against the rest of the deities... I know you are a smart man. You know where I'm going with this."

Taco/HeavyWater, 12:48 AM "... Saul, you do realize that most of Deutschisland is fighting because they were attacked, right?" He asked, tilting his head. "They aren't directly following Taistelu or anything, they're still a part of G.U.N, and they're still defending from an unprovoked aggression." "They aren't fighting because Taistelu's telling them to or because they have to, it's because they want to defend their home. Now I can't say I liked Taistelu dragging me in here, but now that I'm here, I'm sure as heck going to fight 'til I drop or this thing is over."

Dingu, 12:49 AM "So there's no persuading you to back away, is there?"

Taco/HeavyWater, 12:52 AM "... well, no, because then Taistelu'll kill me," he laughed.

Dingu, 12:53 AM "I've killed gods before..."

Plant, 12:53 AM "May i ask something Michael?" Connor asked looking over to Connie who is on the 13th snow angel.

Taco/HeavyWater, 12:56 AM "I've killed bugs before, but that doesn't mean some weird spider could come out of nowhere and kill me instantly," Micheal shuddered, now glancing to Connor. "Yeah, Connor?"

Plant, 12:58 AM "Why does she have such a fascination with you?" He asked.

Taco/HeavyWater, 12:59 AM "... I'unno." "If I had to guess, probably because I was the first person she was really comfortable with when she came back?"

Plant, 1:08 AM "She might think of you as a possible replacement. Just a thought." He says

Plant, 1:09 AM And Connie is on number 24

Plant, 1:14 AM Inb4 it zooms out when she stops on 27 with all the first 26 holding handsin pairs with the last one being alone with a cracked heart she subconsciously did.