[IC] The Elementals (Chemical elemental characters)

[Nerevarine]

Alessandra Guillory

Alessa sighed at the prospect of having to work under this uptight jackass for the next month.

"So, when will I start digging?"

Schultz sighed and uttered out, "Jason will run you through the equiptment and then you can begin digging. Just walk over to his section over there by the cave entrance."

As Alessa took her leave and walked over to the designated site, she could hear Schultz shouting to the nearby students about another note or something.

Alessa spoke with the technician, and Jason gave her an old, worn looking machine to blow away dust. It was not for small scale excavation, but more like blowing the sand off a particularly large fossil. Alessa was aprehensive to pick up the poorly insulated machine.

"Don't worry, as long as you don't touch the wire's you'll be fine."

That's exactly what Alessa did. And as the current hit her, her body instinctively sent the current right back into the machine, beginning to overload the power source and burn the outercasing from the now overheating motor. Alessa also instictively threw the buring blower away from her...and right towards where Schultz was standing and Tecumseh was walking in

[Earnest Evans]

Leo deftly dodged out of the way of Herschel's cloud of saliva and gray matter, and cleared his throat in sympathetic pain of the larynx. As he knew, hocking up clouds of metallic-gray bodily fluids was far from normal for anyone. Gray phlegm could mean only two things: severe metal poisoning or spores in the lungs. Both of these would have an immediate and clearly dangerous impact on their victim, but Herschel was as spry as he always was. Leo, understanding that his day just got a lot longer, slapped on a pair of latex gloves and selected a tongue depressor and a specimen cup. Dutifully, he scraped some of Herschel's phlegm into the cup, and placed it on the counter for examination.
"Mister Orestein, this is a very serious problem. To put it simply, no body fluid is supposed to be grey like that. I'll have to examine a sample of your discharge, so please hang on for a moment."

Leo scraped a small portion of phlegm into a slide, and put it under a microscope on the counter at the far end of the room. Leo carefully examined the phlegm sample, noting the formation of the metallic flakes stored within. Leo hummed and grunted, wracking his brain for a possible explanation. With one last frustrated grunt, he turned back to Herschel.

"Mister Orestein, you've been coughing up flakes of metal. Under any circumstances, this would be cause for alarm, especially considering just what metal this is. I don't want to alarm you, but there's a significant amount of arsenic in your phlegm. Normally, if you had arsenic in any part of your throat or lungs, you'd be dead by now. However, it seems that these flakes of arsenic aren't reacting to your cells at all. Mister Orestein, I must say that this is the first instance I've ever seen any cell whatsoever surviving prolonged contact with toxic metals, save for certain types of extremophile bacteria. Mister Orestein, you are a medical marvel! In fact... I've got someone coming soon that might want to know about you. Mister Orestein, how do you feel about being... televised?"

[Tracyarmav]

Tecumseh walked into camp, towards Schultz, who had his back to him as he fussed about Tecumseh's little present. As he approached though, the corner of his noticed an object headed his way, and his reflexes kicked in. He noticed it was a sparking blower, and relaxed marginally as he caught the machine, stepping back as he absorbed the blower's momentum, with a low "oof." He switched the machine off, then moved his hands so they weren't in contact with the warped motor casing or the motor itself. looking back along the trajectory of the object, Tecumseh noticed Alessandra and Jason standing not to far away and walked over to return the machine, holding it out to Jason, since the girl looked ... stressed.

You could lose an arm working with the wire exposed like that, though it looks like you need a new motor now. I got guy who's great with small motor repair, if you want some help salvaging that one.

---

Back at the office, the manager and marketing associate analyzed their marketing campaign, which currently focused on the use of pamphlets placed in visitor centers and in kiosks at several major international airports(mostly in the US, but a handful in Europe as well). They also utilized short videos put on youtube showing the various attractions, events and conferences being held, or being planned to be held, at the resort. They often sent emails to travel agencies updating their information and informing the agency of upcoming events. They had tried billboards but had little success with them. they were now discussing how they might expand DRR's image to reach other countries, focusing on Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, and New Zealand. They decided to start with back lit signs, posted in airports and travel agencies and began searching for credible translators to help them expand their market.

[Professor_Wyvern]

Herschel Orenstein grumbled out as he placed his hands on the wheels of his wheelchair. "Alright, just gi-" He paused for a moment as he watched Leo scrape up some phlegm. "Oy." He tapped on the side of his wheelchair as he glanced at Leo as he did his work. Herschel cocked his head to the side over the left as he began coughing once more.

He continued this hacking for a few more moments, before he took in a deep breath from his respirator. He glanced back at the Doctor as he finished his task and was explaining what went on. Herschel peered at him and gave a few nods of confirmation that he was listening. "Metal?" He said incredulously. His eyes widened a bit as he paused for a moment at the newest statement.

Arsenic. This statement wracked through his mind as Herschel's withered face contorted into a most somber expression. Thoughts rushed through the man's mind as he glanced down for a moment. His mind was filled with the thoughts of large crowds, and poor creatures which could only barely be called man. Herschel glanced back up after a few minutes of looking down before he shook his head. Herschel gave a slightly morose sigh.

Focusing his attention back to the Doctor his face contorted into a bit of a smile, "Not at all? Not even the slightest bit dangerous? Medical marvel you say?" Herschel began chuckling as he smirked, "He cares for his Chosen People I tell you. Hn, who's coming now? Televised?" He scowled, "This isn't one of those kids 'prank your elders' show is it?" He wagged his finger at Leo, "What is the nature of this programming? Is it something trustworthy like the News or PBS?"

[Xenonia]

Dan reached his hand out to the other four. "So, ah we like some kinda ah-pee-gee pahty oah somethin' now? Hope that don't make me the healah. HA!" Dan laughed at his own joke. He wasn't sure why, but it just felt right. "I propose we foahm some kinda gang. Supah-gang, ta keep us safe from folks like that suit asshole."

He was entirely certain that this idea would result in a lot of death.

[CLIW]

"Oh please god no," muttered Chloe. Then again, she didn't have any of her own ideas on anything, now did she? "Well, I guess I have to admit it would be a pretty badass gang." She let herself laugh because how were they going to survive without a little humor?

[Earnest Evans]

Oxford, United Kingdom

A door at the far end of the chapel hall quietly creaked open, and an elderly figure wearing a pair of dull-gray longjohn pajamas shuffled into the main hall. Judging by his gentle features and sense of comfort around the church's innards, it was easy to guess that this was the resident padre. The priest addressed the group with the air of someone who had experienced such a thing before. His withered jowls curled up as he smiled gently.

"Welcome to St. Anthony of Padua, my children. Are you in need of my ministrations? A warm bed, perhaps? The LORD has taught us to accept and embrace those in need. If you need anything, please ask me. I will help you in any way that I can."

The padre kept his distance, for the party's comfort. He had dealt with troubled youths and runaways before, and had long ago refined it into an art.

[Xenonia]

"Fathah, only thing we need is a plan of attack. We'ah bein' hunted by a, uh, terrahrist. Ya know wheyah we could find a private boat, oah plane? We should really be goin' quickly, befoah he bombs yoah church oah somethin'." Dan was definitely completely serious. He didn't want to be risking this elder clergyman's life. He had always been taught to respect religious figures, primarily because in Boston, the alternative was getting your ass beaten by the resident Catholics.

"Any objections tah gettin' help from the fathah heah?"

[RomanAria]

"None at all." Turning to the man, Aria smiled. "Thank you, Father, for showing us such gracious hospitality." Shooting Dan a glare, she went on. "While my companion might be lacking in the... eloquence... of his speech, he does raise a valid point. We should be gone from here as soon as is possible, lest we risk your life or the lives of any others." Again she smiled at the man.
Aura smiled as well. "We would be eternally grateful for any help you could offer us."

[Earnest Evans]

The priest pursed his lips, deep in thought. He let out a light chuckle, in an attempt to lighten the mood.

"If someone is threatening your life, why not go to the police? I'm sure that they'll be willing to help such bright young kids such as yourself! I'm sure whatever this man wants to do, he won't be able to do it to a police station!"

His tone took on a more authoritative tinge, presenting a suggestion that held the ever-so-slight hint that it could become a request.

"If he's really this dangerous, we should probably go right away! You needn't worry about my safety... the LORD protects his faithful!"

[CLIW]

Chloe scratched the back of her neck uncomfortably. "I'm, um, I'm sorry, father, but I'm not entirely sure the police will be able to provide us much help." She rarely spoke with religious figures, save for the occasional Mormon knocking on the door, so it was a little difficult to not be awkward. Why? She had no idea.

[Earnest Evans]

The priest eyed Chloe with a genuinely depressed look. His tone fell, and a grave rasp took over his voice.

"My child, it would be foolish for even a criminal to refuse the help of the authorities. Please... consider the difference between a few years in prison compared to an eternity in Hell! If you truly believe shying away from those who can help is the best path, I can help you. You can stay in the undercroft overnight and, in the morning, I can drive you to the airport or to the train station. Is that what you want?"

[Xenonia]

"Fathah, I'm gonna be honest with ya foah a second heah. Pretend this is one big confessional. We'ah all moiderahs, some of us comin' close ta mass moidah. We'ah bein' hunted by these terrahrists foah ouah... Abilities. Ya see, I'm a supah-hero from America, 'Radito Danito', and this is my crime foightin' posse. You got, uh, Ohra, Ira, Clone, and... Uh... Jabba. Now, will ya help us get outta the country oah not? I sweyah, if you help, I will pay you back. At a latah date." Dan truly meant it, too. He would pay the priest back... at a MUCH later date, probably.

"Thank ya foah yoah offah, fathah. We'll graciously accept. Hopefully you don't, uh, turn us in foah the rewahd money while we'ah sleepin'."

[Earnest Evans]

Sunday, 12:00 AM, Oxford Chapel Main Hall, United Kingdom

The priest nodded. "In that case, I'll show you to your rooms." He led the group to a rather spartan bunkroom, that had clearly been prepared for just such an occasion. A set of old beds with uncleaned-yet-unused sheets and a nightstand with a light were all the furnishings allotted to this room, but any port in a storm would do just as well. The priest gently bid the group a good night, and went back to bed.
The night passes uneventfully.

Sunday, 6:00 AM, Oxford Chapel Undercroft, United Kingdom

Morning comes with little warning. Without any windows and soundproofed walls, the only thing to differentiate morning from night is one's restfulness. A whole set of aches and pains, whether from the conflict last night or sleeping on these ancient beds, wreaks havoc amidst your muscles.
The party is awakened by the priest knocking on the door. The priest speaks with little urgency, but with definite command behind it.
"Rise and shine, children! We're leaving in half an hour! When you get in the car, we'll talk about whether you want to go to the airport or the train station, alright?"

Thursday, 2:00 PM, Oberschmidt Geriatric Clinic, New York, United States of America

A beaten-up Ford Prius pulled into the parking lot. A woman wearing a t-shirt with the symbol of the James Randi Educational Foundation emblazoned on it stepped out, a look of skeptic interest plastered over her face. Fargus and the others exited the building to greet the woman. Leo, wheeling Herschel in front him, was out not long after.
"Good afternoon, everyone, I'm from the JREF. One of you said you had evidence of a genuine paranormal phenomenon, and who would that be?"
"That would be me. Ah, as a matter of fact, I've got two instances of genuine paranormality."
The woman's expression failed to change. Her body briefly tensed up, in preparation for a glorious letdown. Her tone was stained with carefully-concealed sarcasm.
"Oh, do tell! So, which one of you is the lucky guy?"
"Well, I'd say the most important one is my patient here. Somehow, his body has adapted to safely contain an unusual amount of arsenic dust. If you would kindly step back, he could demonstrate. Mister Orestein, would you please cough for us?"

[CLIW]

Chloe rubbed her eyes crankily and looked moodily at the clock. Six AM? Fair enough. She yawned and dragged herself out of bed, hair all over the place. It wasn't a pretty sight. Since she'd slept in her clothes, she was as ready as she'd ever be, so she slipped on her shoes, combed her hair into a slightly-more presentable mess with her fingers, and gritted her teeth slightly at the aches that had crept into her muscles. For a moment she froze in terror at the slight smell of chlorine, then relaxed. It was from the pool, and it had clung to her hair. The events of last night probably hadn't helped.

[Xenonia]

Dan hadn't slept. Not due to any sort of inner brooding monologue or some such nonsense, but rather due to both the discomfort of the beds and his thoughts of his soon-to-be travelling companions. As a group, they were disfunctional and likely very dangerous, but on a case by case basis... He couldn't stand Judo, that was for sure. Something about how aggressive the guy was mixed with his weird... Pseudo-intellectual language made Dan angry. Like, impotent fury brewed inside him just thinking of that guy. The two sisters, as well, weren't exactly at the top of his "make friends with" list either. They seemed close in a... Bad way, for him at least. A bit insulated and likely hard to convince to take his side on any issue. Given the one CLEARLY had a thing for Jailbait, he knew they were likely to come into conflict with him.

The chlorine girl, Chloe... She actually seemed alright to Dan. In fact, if it weren't for the small tidbit about initially attempting to kill him and being with these other weirdos... He might've actually 'made a move' on her. Fortunately he had enough common sense to realize the last guy that had tried anything wound up dead on the nightly news. But still... She appealed to him, for some reason. It was hard to get out of his head.

Fortunately, after a somewhat vigorous ten minutes of personal time, out of his head it was. Aaaand... It was about the time for them to depart. Half an hour, the priest had said. Half an hour was plenty of time for Dan to get ready to go.

[Professor_Wyvern]

And so Herschel was wheeled out by Leo. He stared at the woman for a bit as he wagged his finger, "You don't work for PBS or the News?" Herschel frowned a bit as he just stared blankly at the woman. "Let me guess you work for some channel no one cares about, that just does all sorts of 'prank shows' to appeal to kids. Damn kids these days." He grimaced as stared at the woman.

He wagged his finger, "If you're the cause for this generation cha-" He blinked as he glanced back at Leo, "Wha-" He turned his face forward as he began coughing. As he coughed he released a cloud of grey colored spit, which quickly began descending to the ground. Herschel continued to violently cough as a glob of grey phlegm went flying.

Sniffling, Herschel used his left sleeve to wipe his nose. "So is this the news or not? For the Person of the Day? I'm not wasting my time here am I?"

[Zobozun]

Detroit, Michigan. Yesterday, 12PM

Gotcha! Junkyard thought as he fired off one last ball of ferrous trash.

"Ignorant fool, haven't you realized that won't work by now? My suit's point defense system HAS no blind spots!"

"Maybe so...", Junkyard said, "...but you do!"

The Prismatic Man pitched himself forward- and refused to move. "What? What's going on? It's like my legs have been-"

"Frozen in place? You can thank the slag covering most of your legs for that!"

"But how!? It should have worked! My suit was perfect!"

"A little too perfect, I think you'll find! That heat shielding on your legs meant you didn't even notice the liquefied metal splashing all over your suit until you were already immobilized! Your technical genius was your own undoing, Prismatic Man!"

"NOOOOOOOO!", The Prismatic Man shouted as the police apprehended his henchmen, "My plan was foolproof!"

"Foolproof, yes, but I think you'll find that JUNKYARD is no fool! As soon as your suit's battery runs down, it's off to jail for you!"

"Blast you, Junkyard! The world hasn't heard the last of PRISMATIC MAN!"

"Oh, trust me, I think you'll be heard... by a jury of your peers! Take him away, boys!"

[RomanAria]

Aria had only been dozing, mulling over things in her head. The others... Chloe seemed like a nice girl. She seemed trustworthy, if a little callous towards the people around her. Dan... That man irritated her, and not just his vile language or accent. His cockiness and moral ambiguity made her want to claw his eyes out.
And Jaden? A blush came to her cheeks and she was desperately glad that the room was too dark for the other people to see. Cute and nice, but... terribly protective. And he always got into fights with Aura. That could be problematic.
"Aria?" the faint whisper came from the next bunk over. Aria's eyes blinked open instantly.
"Yeah, Aura?"
"Obviously you're not asleep then."
"And neither are you."
"I'm scared... I want to text Mother and Father and tell them we won't be coming home for a while... They must be worried sick."
"But if we text them it could jeopardize our chance of escape."
"Can't we at least tell the rest of the school that they need to re-cast Air and Ice?"
"That'll cause even more havoc than telling Mother."
"I just... I don't know. I feel bad for leaving them... We're the only kids they've got."
"But we have a chance of getting back to them someday. If we tell them now and the people after us intercept the message, we'll die and never get to see them again."
Aura sniffed. "I love you, Aria."
"And I love you." She reached her hand across the gap to find Aura already stretching her hand out. "You're not supposed to be the one crying, Aura. It's my job to be the little fragile sister."
~~~
They both bolted upright at the father's comments, yanking on each other's shoulders. Sometime in the night they'd fallen asleep, and were still holding each other's hands. Not wanting to talk about the previous night, they both quickly got up. Aria felt her hair, gritting her teeth at how tangled it was, only for a bit of cool gas to blow through it, unraveling the knots. She grinned at Aura, whose hair was flying around her face in clouds as she brushed it with high-pressure helium, too. "I don't understand how you have such awesome control," Aria said. "I'd light you on fire if I tried to do that."
"Just practice, little sis. Just not on me or yourself, kindly."
Both girls laughed as they tugged on their tennis shoes, ready to go after just five minutes of their allotted thirty.

[Earnest Evans]

Sunday, 6:30AM, Oxford Chapel, United Kingdom

The priest patiently waited in his barely-driven 1992 Honda Civic for the group to arrive. Sure enough, they solemnly filed out of the chapel and into the car. There was just barely enough room for everyone, though those in the backseat were quite cramped. The priest spoke with exasperation lying heavily on his breath, and presented an ultimatum.

"Alright. I'll drive you to where you need to go, and then I want you all to get out of my sight. When you get to... wherever you're going, I want you to turn yourselves in. There's no sense in fleeing from both the law and whoever else is chasing you. Now, do you want to go to the airport, or the train station? Both will get you out of the country, I'm sure."