So, hey.

There was a line in Mary Kate's second solo that opens with Mary saying, “Whew, I thought I would never get away from Wildfall. He was insisting on coming along until I told him I was working on a surprise for him.”

That moment hadn't occurred in a previous roleplay and the reason for that is simple; that moment happens during this roleplay, which is set before, during and after Mary's earlier roleplay. And it isn't just MK and Wildfall - Blackeagle's a part of it too! Please enjoy.

 
Note: Takes place before, during and after Mary Kate's Shopping Trip

 
John and Sherri spent the evening breaking up fights and mending wounds in the bar. Once off duty, they grabbed a bite to eat and some rest. The next morning they woke up bright and early.

They made their way to the book depository to talk to the professor. But, first they decided to do reconnaissance.

"This looks like a good place to set up," John told Sherri.

Blackeagle got set up in an alleyway just within view of the depository. The alley was narrow, just wide enough for 2 people to fit side by side. With their back turned, they didn't have to worry about being snuck up on, as there was a wall there. At that point, they kept quiet. Other than the telepathic conversation they had in their heads to each other.

"You expecting trouble?" Sherri asked.

"We usually end up with trouble even when we don't want it," John told her. "So yes, I'm expecting trouble."

"Good thing we got a good night's sleep since we may be here a while," Sherri said.

"True," John agreed.

The depository was a fairly simple building, not too small, not too big, with 3 steps leading to a single door. No sign of life that early, but John and Sherri wanted to get an early start, ahead of any potential trouble. As they sat in the alleyway, suddenly the town began coming alive after an hour of waiting. A short, stocky Knoll wearing glasses walked up to the door of the depository, turned the handle and went inside.

"That must be our professor," John said.

"Ha, funny, he does look a bit studious, doesn't he?" Sherri replied. "What's the plan?"

"We wait a couple minutes to see if anyone followed him, then we go in."

After a few minutes, they both walked into the depository, seeing books everywhere, from floor to ceiling. The professor stood with his back turned, concentrating on finding a book.

He jumped when he heard the door close. "You startled me, I wasn't expecting anyone else."

"Sorry about that," John said. "Our names are John and Sherri and we're here investigating the theft of your work."

"I am Professor Thadious T. Thurgood, but most people just call me Thur. Thur the thinker. Please sit with me." The professor waved towards a simple work desk surrounded by 3 chairs, which the three sat on.

On the desk sat a variety of items, most of which Blackeagle might not have expected in a mostly medieval world, including surprisingly modern looking pencils and paper. Sure, they'd seen traditional Shakespearian goose feather fountain pens and ironwell dipping ink bottles, but the pencils looked like something out of the last hundred years from Blackeagle's world.

John took note of, but mostly ignored, a ball in the cup toy and a half eaten Gnollish pie, sitting next to a crudely made compass on a table and a box filled with pork elven gemstones, lenses, metal wires and string.

"Someone mentioned a strange pair would be making their way to talk with me." The professor smiled. With his kindly eyes and wild hair, he looked like a picture perfect version of someone's kindly yet eccentric uncle from any feel good movie. "You two are as strange as any I've seen in awhile, haha. But they tell me you're quite trustworthy and capable, so how may I assist you fine young folk today?"

"We are here to help you get your research back and find those responsible for the theft," John said. "Any information you can give us on the research and who might be behind it is appreciated."

"It was the strangest theft too," the old man said. "Virtually no sign of forced entry, other than a broken window in the very top of the attic. And the back door, there's a small hole in the bottom of the door, as if something had chewed a path through it. But the only creature that could have possibly fit through it would have been. . . I don't know, maybe a small cat? So I have no idea how the thieves could have gotten in, in addition to not having any idea of what they were after."

The professor shrugged. "That probably isn't very useful at all, is it? Sorry."

"It's more useful than you think, professor," John said.

"Only thing that could fit under that hole is a rat. Odd." Sherri commented.

The professor stiffened at the thought. "Oh dear. Do you think this might have something to do with those rumors from Seaside Town? About those nasty rats and bats?"

"Possibly," John said as he scratched his head, trying to fathom the oddities of this world where bats and rats would steal more than food.

The professor shrugged again. "You're free to look around, of course. There also seems to be an area to the south of here where a rather large battle took place. I've not dared go close but I've seen several still-moving bones from the local skeltons."

Skeltons. Local misspelled versions of skeletons, no doubt.

"Thank you professor; you have been more helpful then you realize," Sherri said.

"Yes, thank you," John added. With that, they shook hands and walked out onto the street, contemplating what just transpired as well as their next move.

"Well best of luck," the professor said, waving from the door before returning to his work, as they walked off.

 
-----------

 
Wildfall stretched his arms, twisting his neck as he listened to Mary's instructions.

Mary examined Wildfall’s arms to make sure he was healing well. “You're almost all healed, Wildfall, but I want you to take a few more days to get stronger before you go traipsing all over the countryside.”

"No way, Mary." Wildfall bristled at the idea. "I've been down long enough. I just need to know if I'm good to go into the field or not. Honest answer, no tryin' to protect me from myself."

“Well it’s obvious that you are not going to listen to me so you do what you want and I will just keep patching you up,” said Mary, annoyed that Wildfall refused to listen to her and hoping he was making the right choices.

"So to be clear." Wildfall smirked. "You're saying everything is perfect and if something goes wrong I can just blame you, right?"

“No, everything’s not perfect." Mary sighed. “But I am tired of trying to get you to take care of yourself and heal up before you go out and try to kill yourself all over again.”

Wildfall frowned. "I am listening to you. I told you I'd wait on your okay before I go adventuring, but you gotta be honest here; you can't just be protecting me." Wildfall took her hand in both of his. "You gotta meet me halfway here, gal."

“I said you were almost healed, but I am concerned about that one spot on your arm that I put the bat spit on and would like it to heal a few more days before you go back to adventuring,” said Mary. “It's really looking good compared to what it was earlier, just a couple more days is all I'm asking.”

Wildfall frowned, looking dejected, saying in a dry tone, "So my plans for us finding the bat camp and slaughtering our way through, leaving a trail of broken wings and bat blood is out for this morning, huh?"

Mary chuckled and hugged Wildfall. “Yes that'll have to wait a day or two at the most, Wildfall, sorry to ruin your fun.” Mary smiled.

"Awww.." Wildfall faked. He then smiled at her warmly. "Okay.. I can wait around here a lil longer. I mean, as long as you're here, I saw a comfy tree stump out back that doesn't look like the splinters would be too bad. Just about room for us.."

“That sounds great, you go out and sit, but I have to go meet with Naomi and Omar about a job I want them to do for me and I will join you as soon as I can. Is that fair enough?” replied Mary.

Wildfall shrugged. "Sure thing, kid. Have fun without me."

Mary looked at Wildfall and asked, “Now what are you pouting about? I had already asked to meet them before I came to check your healing. I'll not be long, but if you want to pout I'll just forget joining you.”

Wildfall flashed a smile. "Or I could join you. Besides, I'm not pouting I don't 'do' 'pout.' I'll sit here like a good patient til you are back. So scoot. Go have your fun lil pirate adventure. Just don't forget about me."

Frustrated, Mary looked at a dejected looking Wildfall and said, “I'm not going on a 'pirate adventure' with them, I was planning a surprise for you but you're ruining the surprise so....."

"Surprise?!" Wildfall's ears perked up as he started ushering her towards the door. "You didn't mention you were gonna surprise me with something. Better get a move on, I gotta take a nap here right pronto, and you don't wanna be late with my surprise!"

Mary laughed a hearty happy laugh and managed to reply, “I didn't mention a surprise because then it wouldn't be a surprise, now would it? You silly, wonderful man.”

Wildfall suddenly hugged her from behind. "I'll rest here. At least this part of town is quiet, so I won't have to worry about finding trouble. See ya soon, MK."

“You rest and I'll be back as soon a possible.” Mary smiled. She gave Wildfall a parting hug and walked out the door and down the stairs, leaving Wildfall to rest. (Editor's note: See the aforementioned "Mary Kate's Shopping Trip for her story!)

Of course, the first thing Wildfall did was pace round the room a few minutes before he finally sat down.

"At least she filled up the.." Wildfall's thought was interrupted as he looked over at the hippo skin water jug, which was actually quite empty. Wildfall shrugged. Could just wait til she got back, of course, but Wildfall's mouth already felt parched.

She had said he'd need a lot of water. Sure, no problem. Just get some out of the well out back. Certainly nothing would happen. What could possibly go wrong? Although, upon immediate reflection, Wildfall immediately regretted asking.

Nevertheless, near empty jug in hand, Wildfall tentatively made his way down the stairs, ears perked. Certain with each step Mary would make her way back to scold him for going outside. No, that was silly. Just a quick little run to the well for some water. . .

As soon as he got to the stairs, Wildfall shook his head and sighed, seeing the chaos in the distance.

-----------

Just a bit earlier and not far away

 
As John and Sherri walk back to the bar and inn where they had worked and stayed at for the past few days, a sudden noise from a nearby alley caught their attention. It was a rustling and chewing sound.

"John you hear that?" Sherri asked.

"Yeah, let's check it out."

Cautiously they made their way to the alley. Noting any escape routes, just in case. As they neared the alley, a hoard of rats leapt out at them. John grabbed the knife he had hidden under his clothes and took swings, striking several of the rats. Blood gushing onto him. Sherri grabbed the nearest thing she could find and that was a medal shield being sold by a nearby medal vendor. She used the shield to block the rats from eating her. Not to mention to keep the blood off. There appeared to be hundreds of them trying to bite John and Sherri. After a few minutes, they realized there was no point in continuing the fight.

"Gees, John, they are everywhere," Sherri yelled to him.

"I know; this is nuts! Let's get out of here, fast," John yelled back.

With that, they leaped onto a rooftop and took off running. Soon as they felt it was safe, they dropped back down onto the street and headed back to the Inn for a fresh change of clothes and to clean up. Both of them were a bloody mess.

As they were walking, Sherri took one look at John.

"Wow, no way you're sleeping in the same bed as me till you clean up."

"Yeah and looks like you got yourself a new toy." John smiled, noticing the shield.

"Yeah, it came in handy." Sherri laughed.

They continued to walk. This time they wasn't going to let their guard down. Both of them kept looking around on the ground. Suddenly they heard a different noise. This time coming from the air. It was about a thousand bats coming at them. John and Sherri grabbed a couple of wood boards laying around and started swinging. John whacked one after another sending them flying.

"You should be a designated hitter for the LA Dodgers," Sherri commented.

"I'd much rather take my chance in the big leagues then to fighting crazy creatures at the moment," John replied.

"John!" called out a familiar voice from nearby. "Sherri! Shelly? Anyway.. over here!"

They turned to see Wildfall standing near an inn, waving them up, motioning for them to hurry. There was a ladder which Wildfall had pulled halfway up. "Can ya jump that far?!"

John lept first, not needing the ladder, grabbed the window and pulled himself in. Then Sherri jumped. John grabbed her and pulled her inside to safety. After they caught their breath, John said, "Hello, Wildfall. Long time no see."

Sherri commented, "Hey, thanks for the assist."

Wildfall slammed the door. "Yeah, been a hot minute. Help me make sure the windows are secure! And hey.. I got water."

Wildfall smiled as they went about making sure the windows were locked and blocked as well..

Wildfall turned, taking a deep breath. "Now.. how da hell did you two jump like that?! Some kinda magic or something? Mutant superpowers?"

Wildfall paused while he awaited the answer. He looked from John to Sherri and back, and knew the answer should be very interesting.

"Something like that." John smiled. John looked down at his cloths which were now soaked in blood. "We would have dressed for the occasion."

"Yeah, we seem to be a bit worse for the wear," Sherri commented.

"Oh, you can say that again, babe," John smiled.

"So why are they after you?" Wildfall slumped into a nearby chair. "Ya owe 'em meat or something?"

"Funny," Sherri replied.

John added, "We have no clue to be honest with you."

"Promise not to laugh," Sherri said.

John explained, "We think the theft at the depository was done by rats. Yes, you heard me. Rats."

Wildfall looked befuddled. "What's the funny part? Did they steal cheese or something?"

"Don't tell me this sort of thing is normal?" John looked at Wildfall questioningly.

"We're not exactly used to all this," Sherri added. "Rats and bats attacking us and stealing things aren't normal in our world."

"I don't know if I'd say 'normal.' Nothin' about this is normal.. except for the Boss Bat and Baron Von Ratsworth causing trouble. But there's gotta be someone else behind this.. heh.. hahah.." Wildfall paused. "Sorry. Still chuckling over the idea of rats stealing cheese. Hahaha."

"And how do the bats fit into the rats stealing cheese?" John asked.

Wildfall smirked. "Not very well.. wait, do bats like cheese? Maybe the bats are the ones selling the cheese."

"Bats and rats both after us; that's a first." Sherri laughed.

Wildfall shrugged. "Ya oughta get out more. How long do ya think they're gonna throw themselves against the building before they figure it's still in their way and give up?"

"Till they get tired, I guess." John smiled. "Or until they realize it's pointless."

Sherri added, "Do you think someone could be controlling them?"

John noted, "I mean, it is a bit odd, even for this realm, for both bats and rats to be attacking you."

Wildfall shrugged. "Rat King, or the Baron or whatever else he calls himself.. and the Boss Bat. Never studied 'em, really. I haven't been in this kingdom long, and I didn't exactly come here by choice.." Wildfall paused, looking at them. "You two aren't from around here either, right?"

"Ahhh noooooo, it wasn't our choice either to be here," John said.

"It's taking a lot of getting used to," Sherri commented.

Wildfall sat on the bed, inviting the two to find a place to sit. "So how'd ya end up here then? In this wonderful little backwards Kingdom?"

"Long story," John said. "In our world, we gained our powers from aliens. Those same aliens teleported us here."

"They said we were needed her and boy were they right," Sherri added.

They went on to tell Wildfall about the alien and their adventures in their world. Before long, they realized the sound of the bats attacking had died down.

"Guess they're finally done," Wildfall said with a smirk. "We should probably wait a bit before we head out, huh?"

John stood there, thinking aloud. "I wonder if someone is controlling them."

Sherri looked out the window to see if the bats were gone and, to her surprise, she saw a familiar figure on the street. "Hey, it's Mary."

"Uh oh," Wildfall leapt this feet, bolting for the door. "Better warn her about the bats!"

Wildfall nearly tripped and almost forgot he pulled the ladder up earlier... but he stopped himself short of taking a nasty fall. "Hey, Mary! Watch out!"

Mary was returning from her shopping trip when she saw Wildfall in the distance, waving his arms and shouting something to her. As she got closer to his location, she was able to see the problem. There were bats everywhere but they'd already started to fly away. Suddenly a stray bat swooped down. She swung at it; the bat swerved and flew off. It was then that she heard what Wildfall was yelling. She made her way to him as he extended the ladder.

"Thanks for the warning, but I was too far away and with all the noise they were making, I could not make out what you were yelling, Wildfall," said Mary as she climbed up to join him.

"Welcome back," Wildfall said, his mood finally picking up for the first time in a while. "Come inside, we got company. Where's my gift?"

He flashed her an even bigger smile as he held the door for her, making a sweeping "Enter" motion with his other arm.

Mary looked at Wildfall and replied, "Gift? Oh, dear, I forgot all about that. I am so sorry."

When she got into the room, she saw John and Sherri. "Hello again you two and I see you brought a few friends along for the fun," Mary said with a chuckle.

Wildfall rolled his eyes at the comment about forgetting, only to quickly shrug it off. "Yeah.. they ran into some troubles with bats too, right guys?"

"And rats." John reminded Wildfall.

"You didn't mention rats," Wildfall answered. "I don't remember seeing rats. I mean, you mentioned rats at the theft, but were they after you too or something?"

"We were chased by rats prior to running into Batman's pets." John chuckled.

"Who's Bat Fella?" Wildfall asked, confused.

"Nevermind," John answered.

"Maybe that is the bat I met after I left here, John and Wildfall, I found a vampire bat with an injured wing and fixed it, then I fell and cut my arm and he was hungry so I let him feed on my arm. That is when I learned about the bat saliva, Wildfall," said Mary.

'Blegh." Wildfall made a face. "Don't remind me. It was pretty effective though."

Sherri looked at Wildfall, Mary and John. "So any plans? What do we do from here?"

"And how do we deal with these crazy rodents?" John added.

Wildfall smiled. "We should track down Todd and Fahari. I bet they could help us stomp this problem out for good. Panthress and fox, what'd be better?"

'Wildfall, that's a great idea. If anyone can help us, it'd be those two," replied Mary. "First, you and I'll go pick up your gift that I told you I forgot. While we're out there, I can talk to Captain Horatio about how to deal with the bats. Then we can find Todd and Fahari and see what they have to say about the rats."

The others agreed and the four were quickly on their way.

I've been up early and late a lot lately and part of it is working on this mission archive, trying to get it up as quickly as possible. As I write this, I'm up early, hehe.

Oh, there is a part where John mentions "Batman's pets" and Wildfall asks who "Bat Fella" is. John's question reflects he and Mary being from a more modern "real"-ish world while Wildfall's answer is a direct reference to the Batfellow comic, since, if you missed it, AIL is basically a group KOL fanfiction, just with a very extended setting and our original non KOL ideas.

Moving on, this piece earned the honor and 2 point award for "Best use of the rats faction." Our voter Ichiro commented on how he loved the twist of the rats stealing art (well, actually research, but close enough) and Blackeagle being "rightfully confused" by it. In fact, he said it isn't so much the attack from the rats that won the award so much as their sneakiness in being involved with the thefts. The rats show that sneakiness off later when they get the drop on the wily and experienced Blackeagle.

Of course, there's also my awkward bit where there's like, four sentence in a row that starts off with "Wildfall" action verb and ends up being a bit too repetitive, but I guess everyone makes and misses mistakes in a game like this, hehe. So no biggie.

There's so much more going on in this, too, with Mary and Wildfall doing their usual two person routine and later, getting to hang out with Blackeagle again. Blackeagle only recently met the two young Ireacans. Anyway, we're done with Mary Kate, Wildfall and Sassy, who dominated the roleplays so far, but we've still got three pieces left before the Finale!

Shelldor's back with his solo and we've got Catrina Whiteclaw, Aleena, Sebastian Dash, Spaghetti Girl and Becky Joy debuting in the mission roleplaying! Yay!