Rising Tides [open]

Doctor Facilier lifted a hand to his head as a burst of pain shot through it. It felt like he was just one giant ache. His long, slender limbs didn't want to work properly. His back was a single knot that pulled and pinched at the slightest movement. For a moment, the bokor didn't question that he was alive, that he was himself. He really didn't want to poke at that too much since he was being given another chance it seemed.

Slowly, rational thought started to take over and he mumbled a small thank you to the petro loa. Perhaps Kalfu had a big hand in this. Of the spirits that guarded the crossroads, ushering spirits on, he would be the one to allow for someone as malevolent as him to return. The dark haired man rolled over and pushed himself up into a sitting position. Slowly, he took stock of his surroundings as he brushed sand from his hands.

Sand?

That was the thing to really wake him up. May the more benevolent spirits watch over him despite his evil ways. This was most certainly not his home. He would need all the protection he could get. He looked out over the water, the light of day gradually fading as evening fell on the beach he found himself on. Maybe he hadn't returned to the land of the living. Perhaps this was a new kind of hell he found himself in. Facilier had been bad enough to warrant a darker fate than to be allowed to live on in the wind and trees.

Movement caught his attention down the sandy shore. A man stumbled toward the surf, obviously having drank all his meals today. He easily fell over, his footing uncertain in the shifting sands. Right, he was definitely in a hell with idiots. Well, maybe he could find a way to barter his way out with something the loa would accept.

The Meta had stolen and pelican and had visited several different planets in the past months to track down the Freelancers that had fled after Project Freelancer had become scrambled in it's aftermath. And every single one of these worlds that he visited were nothing more than dead ends, hopes that were dashed to the wayside. Sigma and the other AI were getting frustrated and it had caused him to be losing sleep over the past few days due to their constant whispering on how he needed to find their 'brothers' and quickly.

Growling to himself, The Meta started the landing procedure for yet another world, landing on what was seemingly an empty beach, until he saw...two very primitive looking persons here. Great, this was going to end up being another dead end, another world that would mean nothing to him and the AI. Walking out of the Pelican's hatch, he walked over to the two, noting the poor man who looked like he was really out of it. Growling once again, he drew his Brute Shot and slowly approached the two, before looking at Mr. Tophat and shrugging towards his next victim.

Ever since Delsin's world had disappeared, it had lead him to one strange thing after another. Maybe this would be the perfect place to relax, take a load off right? Wrong...


All he wanted was something to go normal for once, and this wasn't normal. A guy with a top hat, what looked like a near-dead guy on the beach and now... a guy in a full suit of armor? What kind of freaks did he run into? Or was he the freak because he was a Conduct.

Delsin didn't feel right around these two slightly backing away but would be prepared if these two wanted a fight. 

What had the spirits dragged him back to? Doctor Facilier's eyes widened a little as a ship landed before him. He started at the craft, brow furrowing further as ... something exited. It was human shaped but made entirely of metal. It almost seemed to him that it was a diving suit, yet there was something very wrong with that train of thought. It was more like there were elements of it, but this was something completely different.

That weapon he ... it held certainly wasn't friendly. It was akin to a gun, and yet again, that didn't quite fit either. He opened his mouth to perhaps talk the creature before him to put the weapon away when yet another individual come up the beach. He was dressed oddly as well. At least the bokor could clearly distinguish that it was a young man in very strange dress.

He cleared his throat, sparing a last glance at the drunken pirate that had most likely passed out in the sand. Well, it seems many worlds have collided, He commented, taking in the fact that none of them really matched. He pushed to his feet, brushing sand from his slacks and jacket. He adjusted his vest as well before glancing down to look for his cane. I don't know about you, but I would like to find out where I am. I have a feeling this is far from home.

The doctor glanced at both to make sure neither had moved nearer, threateningly or not so threateningly. He felt a little naked without all his tricks up his sleeve. He didn't even have a single card on him so it wasn't as if very many of the more mundane tricks he could employ would get him very far. He definitely had nothing that could deter that weapon from going off.

Maine looked at the man as he passed out into the said, before attaching his weapon to the back of his armor, the weapon magnetizing itself on. While carrying it was no issue due to how strong he was, it would be rather annoying to hold it like that while Sigma was talking to this man. He was curious, most people they had interrogated had no knowledge of these other worlds, and yet Mr. Tophat here seemed to know that other planets or as they called them worlds existed.

The large armored brute approached the other slowly to make sure that he was not coming off as intimidating despite his visage, before coming to a halt. A small orange holographic figure that appeared to be on fire appeared in front of the Meta's helmet, before walking closer to the other, making sure to stay to where the suit of armor could project his image. As he spoke, his words seemed to have an echo behind them, despite there being nothing for the soundwaves to bounce off. "Interesting, you're the first we've met in quite sometime that knows of other worlds. If you tell us what you know, we will be willing to let you live and perhaps more depending on what you have to offer."

 

Delsin was confused, there were other worlds beyond Earth? Yes, he knew of space and all that but anything past it, he would of dreamed it was fantasy. He calmly turned to the man in the tophat and also eyed the armored man seriously "Whoa..whoa let me get this straight, there are other worlds here? 

This whole thing was all a mystery to Delsin who had come out of Seattle just wanting to live a normal life. 

He slightly crossed his arms, trying to understand what the two could give as information.

He looks up and nods "Name's Delsin Rowe... I'm from Seattle.."

He looked over at  Maine and also listened into what he had to say as well "I could use all the info i can get as well."

The tall man shifted as he settled himself with his cane sticking into the sand. It really served no other purpose than a bit of decoration and the occasional weapon. It didn't actually do much, but it still hurt when you hit someone with it. He cleared his throat, a small smirk pulling at his lips. Oh, this should be rather easy. Neither of them simply took in their surroundings, looked at each other, to realize that this was not their respective homes.

Looking down the beach, the bokor knew that this was no where near his beloved New Orleans. He heard no vehicles, the state of dress of the man passed out was a little antiquated. Then looking in front of him, neither looked like anything out of his world. He had no idea was ... Delsin(what kind of name was Delsin?) was wearing. Those were not Facilier's typical idea of slacks and a shirt. The vest was oddly tailored in a fabric he wasn't accustomed to. Then there was the man of metal.

Now that was more purely out of some fantasy space story a child would tell. His eyes narrowed a little as the hologram appeared, offering a voice and some form of intelligence out of the heap of steel. He wasn't truly sure what to make if it, but working with the spirits and seeing them rise up out of smoke and shadow allowed him to keep from flinching.

The walking space man story certainly had a bit of an ego on him, didn't he? He would allow for him to live? That was a laugh. He would feed that man's soul to the loa long before there was a real threat to his life. The only concern for his continued existence came from the same spirits that had taken him the first time. I can offer a lot more than information. I have the ability to give many things, gentlemen, He said, a sly smile curling his lips. Perhaps he could get a little more out of this pair, or at least the space man since he seemed to have a little more to give.

Again, this isn't my home, so I plan on finding out where I am first. You're welcome to come along, He said as he turned on his heel. The man that had passed out in the sand had staggered from somewhere behind him. There were tethered ships down the shore which said that this was a port and there was a good deal more to the area behind him. He had awoken looking out at the water so he needed to walk away from it to get the answers that he would need.

Meta growled at the man in the top hat, severely doubtful that the other had anything other than information to offer. He could not offer them anything that would make them stronger, after all it was sorely clear that almost no world seemed to be on par with the technology. He was sorely tempted to kill the man where he stood and then kill the other, but apparently Sigma had other plans as he mentally commanded him to let the man live and speak for now. Though, if he proved to be ineffective, then that would change rather quickly.

Sigma gave the other a similar sly smile, moving his hands behind his back, walking closer to the man while Maine moved closer as well to ensure that the connection was not lost with the projector. His voice seemed to be filled with confidence, though he made sure it carried a lack of interest. "And what are you able to provide that we do not already have? Only a few select people can give us what we desire and unless you know their whereabouts, I'm afraid that makes you useless in our eyes."

Facilier raised a brow at the metallic being. While he had his limitations, the bokor knew that he was much more useful than this ... thing thought of him. He was once a person to be feared, both sought after and avoided. His magical prowess had been his greatest gift. Yes, it had been his down fall as well, but this individual needn't know that. At least he was bright enough to realize that the loa had bestowed upon them a rare opportunity. They were in another world entirely. The doctor knew that his world had expanded a great deal in a short time simply by the fact that know one else was dressed like him.

He glanced over his shoulder as he was followed. It was somewhat disconcerting seeing such a strange being that he had no understanding of. He wouldn't allow for that to show since if played right, this could be his way out of here as well as a body guard of sorts. He just had to "make himself useful." Oh, I can provide an array of things. I venture to say that I have nothing for your tin can, but that doesn't make me useless, He sneered.

He easily hopped up onto the low stone wall that separated the beach from what they could call a street here. His nose wrinkled in distaste. The aesthetics and the damn smell were wretched. The magic practitioner couldn't say his own home was exactly wonderful, knowing the swamps and the back ways of New Orleans weren't exactly glamorous, but even that was a far sight better than this. This less than pleasant setting did allow for him to easily figure out the best places to go for a schmuck to swindle.

Noise drew his attention to what he assumed was a pub. Another man in tattered garb stumbled out, barely doing better than the first man he had seen on the beach. And there we will find our answers, He stated, more to himself than his companion. He twirled his cane once and started forward with a malicious smirk pulling at his lips. The inebriated were such an easy lot. He would have souls to offer to his "friends" by the dozens at the end of the night. Certainly he would earn his way back into their good graces and gain his power once more. Now all he needed were his cards again.

"Once again, I must repeat that all I seek from you is information on the whereabouts of certain persons and their equipment. So unless you have magic that can surpass our technology, I am fairly certain that you cannot provide any support at this time." Sigma's tone was weary like a parent who kept having to explain the same concept over and over again to their child. Of course, he hadn't expected this one to understand, but none the less, it was annoying to have to deal with people with such simple intellect.

Maine proceeded to follow the other however, knowing that Sigma would want to wait and see how the other intended to provide them what they wanted, when it seemed he was just as lost as they were. He watched with curiosity as the man stumbled out of the bar, growling to himself lightly. These 'men' were no better than the simulation troopers that were used by Freelancer, nothing except the most incompetent persons one could find.

Following the other, he simply punched enough of a section through the wall for him to walk through, not wanting to spend the extra second or two to climb over it.

The doctor's lip curled up in distaste. How did anyone make it through life so tactlessly? Had this man no sense of decorum? He might be a swindler and a crook, but at least he could be damn likable when he wanted to be. How many souls did the spirits gain from his dealings? Plenty, though never enough. His previous efforts had been just enough to get him a second chance and obviously there was a reason he was in this world. Perhaps to show that there was more than just his own that he could help them gain control over.

You need friends on the other side then. You wouldn't be missing people if you did, He hissed. He gave an exasperated sigh and felt his pockets. There. The dark haired man pulled a small talisman from his jacket. Being that he wasn't home and without his alter, the loa needed a way from him to reach them. He rubbed his thumb over the face and murmured quietly to himself. He paused before entering the bar, staying where it was a little quieter from the racket the pirates were making inside.

However, this monstrosity next to him didn't really make him want to help him. The shadows that had been swirling on their own, forming along the ground and walls regardless of what the firelight should dictate quickly scattered back to the darkness. Facilier's whim to call on their help was gone as he glanced down at the rubble. I have the perfect way to find these people of yours, but we'll worry about that later. The bokor pocketed the talisman again and waved a hand. Stepping forward he pushed through the noisy throng. Do try not to break anything. We'll get nothing but a fight from this drunken lot.

"Do you mean those shadowy creatures that people call the Heartless? No, I doubt that I'd need their assistance, as much as I hate to admit it, I need these people alive for the time being. However, I find myself becoming more and more curious about this power you claim to possess." Sigma proceeded to vanish back into the suit of armor, however, he used Maine's helmet to speak, knowing that people would become alarmed by an entity such as himself.

He continued to have Maine follow him, noticing how many drunkards and poor sods were wallowing in their own drunken stupor, a real pity. These men could be made something useful if someone were to give them a firm hand and if he wanted his own small army, he would be more than happy to oblige. 

He chuckled a bit as the other warned him not to break anything, his laugh sounded unnatural given how his voice seemed to echo. "Even if it was fifty against just me, these men would have no chance. Technology aside, my partner was raised to be a soldier, one of the best humanity has to offer. I assure you that unless a threat is not of this world, you should be safe from harm."

The thin man narrowed his eyes a little as the tin man beside him misconstrued what he was saying. There Heartless were not his friends and he doubted he could count on them as such. He would be using his own shadows. I wouldn't stoop so low as to use those. My shadows will return your people in acceptable condition, He replied, dismissing the thought. He wouldn't be doing anything for something so dense. This was not a soul worth his time.

Slipping through the throng of inebriated men and harassed women, Facilier took in as many faces as he could. He wasn't looking for any one person in particular, but rather someone who was still lucid enough to speak, but far gone enough to have a loose tongue. He needed someone off by himself so he could coerce as much information from him as possible without someone interrupting or stopping him from sharing too much.

I'm sure your skills are quite impressive, space man, but safety was not my main concern, He said, leaning back toward the metal man so he could be heard over all this noise. A fight would simply be disruptive and I would never get what I'm looking for. Even back in New Orleans, lower class pubs had fights and everyone joined in. By the distinct lack of electricity and automobiles, this world was a lot less civilized to that extent and would be that much worse. He hardly had time to waste waiting for the brawl to end.

"I assume what you seek is information, considering a man of your caliber would not place himself in a slime hole such as this for any other purpose. Though, might I present a quick alternative to finding a source of information. Perhaps if you were to show something of wealth to where someone could catch a quick glance at it, they would come to us instead of you having to track them down."

As Sigma spoke through Maine's helmet, he crossed his arms as he continued to glance at the others, his bio scanner going haywire with how drunk some of these people were getting. He growled too himself, low enough that it wouldn't be heard over the loud noise being generated by the pub's customers.

Shadow Man paused in his search to glance back at his unwanted companion for the night. If he had wealth, then he wouldn't have gotten into half the trouble he had gotten into. He wanted a great deal for himself, money among it, but that had always been far out of his reach. The spirits seemed to have forgotten my cash when they dropped me here, He hissed back, eyes narrowed in a harsh glare. He turned away quickly enough. He had to be at least a little mindful of this guy. He did have a weapon that didn't look any kind of nice while he had nothing.

He returned to his search, finally finding that lone individual he had been looking for in a corner. The pirate swayed slightly in his chair, hand wrapped tight around a bottle. Facilier slipped between the rest of the unbathed horde surrounding them and neared the table. He glanced back one more time at the walking tin can. He wondered just how much of a pain in his ass he would be while he worked. The space man definitely seemed like an instant gratification kind of guy.

Well, if he wanted to find his friends and was displeased with the doctor's methods, he could have the hard time of finding them alone. The bokor sat gracefully across from the pirate and smiled. It looks as if you could use a friend. Something goy you down? The dark haired man asked to gain the drunkard's attention. How he longed for his cards. That would speed this process up a little and magic definitely seemed to catch people's attention and think him a lot more capable of giving them what they want. He would just have to find a way to do without.