(Do I? I didn't know that... Did I have you before? Hmmmm.... Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!) edit: (By the way, my lean-to is gonna feel cold at nights now.)
Episode X: The giants awaken I awoke from my nap with a clear mind and a clear purpose. I had decided upon a course of actions that would allow Cat to reach the control panel. I realized that had the strange creature in the cave wished me harm, then harm would have been done. As it wasn't, I concluded that the creature may not have been hostile after all. So, I would simply attempt to communicate with it. Failing that, I would distract the creature while Cat made his way to the control room. I stood and shook off the water that drenched me. Apparently, a rain shower had come and gone during my nap. I was in such a deep sleep that I had felt nothing. I looked about for Cat, but he was nowhere to be seen. Kunax was also gone. Sexy Blue was curled up in sleep next to the tree where I had slept. I quickly constructed a primitive shelter about her in case another shower passed through. Seeing that she would be protected from any future showers, I set out to find Cat. I saw that the water in the village had risen a couple of inches since the last time I slogged through this mess. I made a mental note to immediately set about clearing the pond once I had finished my business in the cave, if I survived. As I made my way through the village, I noticed Kunax laying upon the porch of a shoddily built hut. (Sorry, Padma, but you are the village spanker, what do you know about building a house? Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!) I assumed that Cat would be somewhere nearby as these two are thick as thieves. I approached the house and glanced in the window. Inside, Padma was dozing with Cat curled up in her lap. Ahh, how cute, I thought. It would be a shame to wake them, but this situation must be resolved or we are doomed. I knocked on the door. I didn't think I knocked very hard, but the door collapsed inwards with a mighty crash. Looks like Padma forgot to replace the hinge pins. Inside, Padma and Cat immediately awoke with a start. Cat jumped nearly to the ceiling and Padma jumped almost as high. Once Padma saw me, she relaxed somewhat. I told her that I would help her rebuild her house, after all we had a contract. She told me "Thank you very much, but I think I can handle it on my own. Why don't you go build a house for that blue vixen of yours? And if this is what you call rebuilding, then I definitely don't need your help." I apologized for the door and tried to explain that I hardly knew Sexy Blue and that surely Padma must admit that she's got the sexiest feet ever made. Padma began to berate me quite severely. I was unsure why she should feel this way. Perhaps during her time in my lean-to she became more attached to me than I had thought. It's improper of a gentleman to take advantage of his servant (can't think of a better word, maid doesn't sound any better. And man-servant is certainly not the word. Maybe lady-servant? Assistant?) in this way, but I admit that I was quite flattered by her jealousy. Perhaps I should release her from service and seek a different relationship. Just then, another earthquake began to rock the land. This drove home the fact that no time should be wasted on clearing this mess up. I begged Padma's forgiveness for whatever improprieties I may have commited and snatched up the cat and fled. I explained my plan to Cat on the way to the cave. When we got there, it was getting close to dark. I told Cat to wait and follow me in a few minutes. I entered the cave and began to make my way deep into it's recesses. When I reached the macabre altar, I saw that the plant had proliferated even more than previously. Barely a hint of the trapped villagers could be seen beneath the writhing mass of vines. There were many blossoms with staring eyes inside. The eyes turned towards me as one. A hum began to fill the chamber. From various side chambers, clay-men began to pour. Hundreds of them. Perhaps this wasn't the best idea. I attempted to communicate with them, but I had failed to consider that they wouldn't understand my speech. Maybe I should have brought some fish with me. They began to advance towards me menacingly. Before they could reach me, I turned and ran. This time they chased me. I ran from the cave and tried to lose them in the forest. I was faster than them, but they didn't seem to tire. I would eventually lose this race. I was exhausted. The homonculi were almost upon me. This it, I'm gonna die. Just then, a strange hum filled the air. The clay-men stopped in their tracks. Their miniscule glow fading away. Cat must have succeeded, I thought. Thank goodness. I stopped and tried to catch my breath. Just then, the hum grew more and more intense. I began to notice strange streaks of light in the sky. What's this, I thought. The stars were plummeting from the sky, crashing to the earth and exploding into a shimmering haze. A great earthquake, mightier than any than had gone before, shook the ground for what seemed like forever. Yards away from me, a hand fully 10 feet from fingertips to the heel of the palm erupted from the ground, followed by an even bigger forearm. In the distance, I could make out another hand. And over there a face. A feline face. What was this? Streaks of lightning began to lace the sky. Purple lightning. Purple lightning, that's always a good sign was my last thought as one of the lightning bolts struck the ground in front of me. The world exploded in purple. (I know, how much more adversity could I create? Sorry, but I can't help it. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! At least we don't have to worry about earthquakes any more, or do we? Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! I wonder what the Great Grouper thinks about all this.)
“Here you are miss, that’s $5.50….” Takes ice cream, starts to eat…CRASH!!!! I jump up from my dream about being at a creamery and nearly drive myself through my hut’s thatched roof. “Jeeze Louise Nexus! Do you want to kill me or something!? WTF!!! His response was that he would help me rebuild my house because of our contract and I said, "Thank you very much, but I think I can handle it on my own. Why don't you go build a house for that blue vixen of yours? And if this is what you call rebuilding, then I definitely don't need your help. Just look at what you’ve done! This damned hut took hours to build!” I looked down at the floor next to the door and found the little slivers of bamboo that I used as hinge pins. They must have dried, shrank and fallen out of their hinges…damn! After I settled down, he told me who the new girl was with the drop dead gorgeous feet. He explained that her name is My Sexy Blue Feet and that she had wandered into camp a few days ago while I was lost in the forest. “What ever, you men are all alike, I suppose you’ll want both us girls to live with you. Typical just so fucking typical. I swear, I try so hard to please you. And by the way, thanks a lot for looking for me while I was lost and being hunted by that fucking cannibal!” He looked down at his feet and sort of kicked at the ground and said, “Sorry Padma, had I known that you were lost I would have gone out to find you. But I thought you went away on a hunting expo and besides you seem to be able to take care of yourself just fine. Heck you saved my skin a couple of times too. I am truly sorry, I didn’t know you were in danger.” It was my turn to look down and kick at the ground and then blush. I hoped he couldn’t see my embarrassment. When he was finished apologizing I said, “Oh. I see, well I guess that it is my turn to say ‘I’m sorry’.” Nexus then replied, “Hey, I meant what I said about I buildin you a new hut. Maybe up by mine or something, just so long as you come back to the lean-to and help with the domestic stuff. In other words, my place is a wreck since you’ve been gone. So what do you say? Is it a deal, Pad?” I said, “For you I’d bleed myself dry.” (Earth shakes, rumble, rumble…) Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! With that said he gave me a funny, confused look, grabbed Cat and fled. Off he went on some mission or another while I began to walk back to see what I could do at the lean-to. I was thankful that he had also mentioned the jars, which were filled with scirum, and not water and that I shouldn’t drink it. I thanked him for telling me because I don’t drink alcohol and would be upset if I had. Kunax joined me on the path leading back to the lean-to. He was just as upset by all of the tremors as I was. I didn’t want to risk going up the hill, so I turned around and headed back towards the pond. I’m hungry and still a little sleepy. I think I’ll take a nap and hope that the tiger will lie near by to protect me from the Evil One.
(Wow, much better said than I was able to. Good conversation skills. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!)
The giants pulled themselves from the ground and began to congregate in the woods a couple of miles away from town. Sounds of trees falling and construction echoed through the land. What the hell are they building? Well, they're not bothering me, so I won't bother them. I guess it's a good time to go back to my lean-to and start drawing up plans for all the glorious huts I am to build. When I made it back to the pond, I saw Padma and Kunax sleeping on the grass. Ahh, another Kodak moment, wish I had a camera. I quietly make my way to my lean-to and start drawing up blueprints and figuring out what building materials I will need. Hmm, I just realized that Cat isn't around. Where'd he get to?
It had been a cold wet night, finally the sun had come and chased the clouds away, but still it was to cold to get up. Incurage by a loud bang I crawled out from my shelter, I shock a bit to get the last remaning water out of my fur, before going around the house, where I found Padma looking at where her door once stod, she looked a bit disappointed that her hard work from the day before had been destroyed, and with a little sigh she headed down the path to the pond. After taking a quick look inside for Cat, i ran down the path after Padma, thinking she would lead me to where he was hiding, i had a bone to pick with Cat for leaving me out in the cold. Padma had given up climbing the shaking hill, that lead up to Nexus lean-to. She had return to the pond, where after sitting in the sun, enjoying its warm touch she had fallen asleep, I joined hear in the early morning sun. Padma must have been very tired, she didn't even hear when Nexus pass by on his way to his hutTigers can hear ultrasonic. I on the other had was wide awake and fealing playfull, so i left Padma sleeping near the waters edge, in favour of a barrel floating in the gentle wake of the pond. Pushing and Pouncing on the barrel in the water i soon learned that there was something trapped in side. It was a big fat eel, some how it had gotten in to the barrel and was now unable to get back out, I rolling the barrel back up on to ground, where i tried hard to get the eel out, but little did it help the eel remained trapped inside, in the end playing with the barrel got boring. Standing above Padma face to face, she looked like she could sleep for ever, Moving backwards, grabbing Padma by her foot, i slowly started dragging her towards the waters edge, it was only 1 or 2 meters away, it didn't take long before I with a single thug was able to pull her all the way out in to the water, so she would wake up and play with me.... (Hehe i think you scared the outcast and co. away Nexus, may they have much sci on there journey)
(Yeah, I think you're right, Kunax. I'm sorry, guys. Come back. Notice I even worked the barbecue in...)
(It was a good BBQ. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! ) (Sorry Padma, didn't realise i was walking on taken territory.) I was awakened by the fight between inv and a lady to which i have yet to meet, but by the sound of the arguement, i would soon. Another make-to hut had appeared overnight, but without a door. Purple lightning decorated the sky, and dark forms were looming in the sky far away. mmmmm........interesting. I collected myself to my hut, and repacked my bag for a short trip. The dark forms have intruiged me, and therefore need to be investigated. Before leaving though, i quickly introduced myself to Padma, who politely introduced herself. Feeling the need to apologise for intruding on whatever friendships/relationships here i may have tread on, but not knowing how to put it, i felt best to leave it now. Leaving a note on my door, i began my trek towards the looming figures in the distance.
Cold! Cold! Coooold!!! Ahh! Kunax, what are you doing!? I staggered to my feet and shot the water from my nose. I jumped on to the tiger’s back and held on to his fur. (Ew, the smell of wet cat!) We played in the water for a while and then started off to go fishing. I have not been able to find Jaded for quite some time now. I hope she has not met the evil cannibal whom I fear and who loves to torture me with words. Walking along the path I met up with the new member of the tribe, Sexy Blue. Kunax lagged behind watching me approach the girl with the beautiful feet. “Hi, I’m Padma. Don’t mind me, I’m just a little cranky sometimes. Sorry if you overheard Nexus and me. You’ll soon find out that voices carry in this place. You would also be wise to watch out for the evil cannibal X.” Her response was somewhat reserved; “Oh, I didn’t hear anything. I was just on my way to check out these weird forms that have cropped up out of nowhere.” “Okay,” I said, “did you want any company? The tiger and I were headed out to find something to eat, but I’d like to come along if that’s okay with you.”
I have no idea what to do today, so I'll just start setting up the dimensions for my house and Padma's house next door. Pounding posts into the ground, stringing lines between them to mark the perimeter of the houses-to-be. I wonder if Kunax would like some type of house? After that, I'll head down to SpuriousMonkey's place and see if there's any leftovers. Damn, forgot about the flooding. The water's a bit higher today. Gotta take care of that. Maybe tomorrow. And I wonder what strange force exists in the pool. I'm not sure if I witnessed it occuring during the earthquake or not. (By the way, guys, I have no idea what the giants are building in the woods. I generally just set up plot paths and fill them in later if no one else beats me to it. I'm guessing Cat's involved somehow. Devious Cat... If you guy's run into Curioucity in the woods say hi for me.)
Sexy blue agred to let us tag along with her, to investigate the strange shapes moving in the distance, i thought it was a silly idea since they seem to big to eat, but i went along anyway. On our way back we past below where Nexus was building his house, from below we could see him sitting under his lean-to (hmm...) having him self a little break. Padma and Sexy feet decided to go and look at what he was doing, lagging behind i eventualy got up there to. Padma was happy to see the outlines for her new house, but she did hint she had hoped for something bigger, I was more intrested in the thick corner peices used in Nexus house, they where perfect for scratching, and it wasn't long be for there was long deep carvings in one of them. Having done my scratching for today i returned to the group, they where now was standing, looking out over the forest at the giants in the distance speculating on what they where doing.
"This looks great Nexus but I was hoping for something a tad larger because I've really never lived in anything less than 2k qf. Also, could you maybe add a breezeway? You know, between houses to link them together incase you should need anything…at night…or during the day…or when ever.” “Padma, there is only so much land in which to build but I’ll see what I can do. Now about that breezeway…”
Walking down the hill into the forest, we headed towards the construction site in the distance. After having travelled for a while, I stopped, something big was heading our way, pushing its self true the dense jungle, as it got closer the noise got louder and soon the others could also hear it, crushing its way true the dense forest. Suddenly not 50 meters in front of us, Cannibal X stumbled screaming out on to the path, quickly she disappear back in to the forest again on the other side of the path, terror clearly painted on her face. Shortly after came her pursuers, 3 huge clay golems, they crossed the path not even noticing us, blindly in pursuit of there pray. The only prof of the even was the disappearing sound of wood breaking and the leaves and branches that covered the path where the golems exited. (qf?, cannibal X is being chased by a mob, perhaps a forum mob Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!)
"Wha the?" Padma gave me a quick highlight on the cannibal that was chasing her a while back, so i felt little pity for can x. So on we went. Deeper and deeper into the forest we went, with the ground trembling slightly with each step of the giants. After a while, we took a rest, and i shimmied up a tree to see if i could get a look. From the top, the view was amazing, and most was visable from this high point. The giants....... there would have been a good 20 of them, ugly monstrosities of the things. A shelter was visable, and so was the dock they had built. A ship was in contstruction, but from the size of it, i would have guessed it was not to carry all of them. I climbed down and told the others of what i had seen
"Bigger? Is there such a thing as 2000 sq. ft. hut? Well, I'll see what I can do. And the breezeway is an excellent idea. I'll see what I can do." I began to modify my plans to incorporate the new ideas and added a few of my own, a nice little shrubbery out back with another shrubbery beside it but a bit lower to give the effect of a path. From the woods strange cries ring out "A path! A path! Ni!" I suppose I'd need a shrubber or at least a landscaper. I have some skills in this regard, but am unsure if I can do it justice. Just then, Sexy Blue appeared and disclosed what she had discovered about the giants. Cannibal X was too shy to approach, but we could just make out her outline in forest. Excellent camoflauge skill she has. The only reason I could make her out was because of the constant stream of vulgarities she was spewing forth. "What a strange thing to do," I said, "Building a boat in the middle of the forest. Hmm, maybe they're taking the idea of a flood more seriously than we are. You say you didn't see Cat while you were there? Hmm, where did Cat get to then? And of course I'll help you with your construction ideas. A hammock? Should be simple enough. What's an ensuite, though? (Just looked it up, a bedroom connected to a bathroom or vice versa, seems simple enough) I'll get started on that as soon as I can." Sexy Blue seemed pleased by my agreement and went to tell Cannibal X the good news. I finish my plans and complete the layout of the construction. Time to get construction materials. I should probably do something about the pond, but I can't seem to work up any enthusiasm for it. I wonder if the giants could be persuaded to help out. I approach Sexy Blue and ask her if she would go to the giants and ask them if they would be willing to dredge the pond. Kunax arrives. He has had no luck finding Cat either. Now I'm really starting to worry. If a tiger can't track down a cat then something fishy is going on. As Sexy Blue and Cannibal X turn to leave, Cannibal X shoots me in the leg with one of her poison barbs. I think it's her way of saying hi. I fade into unconsciousness (again... I wonder if I'm going to get brain damage from all this unconsciousness). (Kunax, a lean-to is a rough construction for shelter. Basically a bunch of sticks and branches to keep the rain off.)
Nexus droped like a sack of potatos after Xev the cannibal shot him with a dart. She had better start running because I'm going to kick her ass just as soon as I can fix Nexus up. Sexy Blue, stay the hell away from that cannibal. You have no idea what she is capable of!
