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Post by Merstar on Nov 22, 2005 11:31:31 GMT -5
OK, me starting to get bored now!
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Post by powerdroid on Nov 23, 2005 8:21:58 GMT -5
So am I, but I am at the point in the story where it is completely up to me in writing it and with a variety of work and home related problems arising, I would rather have it come out slowly than put out a chapter that is not up to my standards.
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Post by Merstar on Nov 23, 2005 13:48:29 GMT -5
OK, that's cool but please try to speed up!
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Post by WickedElphie on Nov 23, 2005 18:54:49 GMT -5
I'm a fanfic veteran, I've learned to wait. However, Powerdroid you might want to consider posting shorter chapters, this way you might find yourself having something to post more often, which will help satisfy your breathless fans *Cough*meeeeeeee*Cough*.
BTW I've updated BSS fairly recently and would really appreciate your input, whenever you get the chance.
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Post by powerdroid on Nov 25, 2005 22:38:35 GMT -5
CHAPTER TWELVE
At the table, Smyth had put everything back into the portfolio and waited patiently for their return. The stone glowed just as brilliantly.
“We have decided to accede to your wishes.” Eric said it very stiffly, barely containing his rage.
“This is the best thing for all parties involved,” offered Smyth.
Eric moved in on Smyth. “Do understand that I cannot move on the surface without something more solid than a vague feeling. Pirates conspire all the time.”
“But you can still put forth your suspicions, at least raise the defenses against a potential attack,” retorted Smyth.
Ariel stepped in. “I will be bringing Melody along. If these are as complicated as you have implied, neither one of us may be able to keep my husband informed in a timely manner.”
“As you wish.” Smyth bowed his head.
“Great! When do we start?” Melody moved in on the stone.
“Hold it right there, young lady!” barked Ariel.
“Stop, Melody!” challenged Smyth.
When some degree of order had been restored, Smyth spoke. “It would be best if this was done in the water. It’s bad enough that you’ll have to lug me down to the beach; I don’t think you want to do it with three people.”
Eric pulled a bell cord. “Ariel, please take Melody and get the appropriate wear for your travels. When the servants arrive, we will meet you at the beach near Mermaid Rock.” As Smyth put on his gloves and placed the stone in its bag, Ariel and Melody left.
Alone now, Eric went right up to Smyth, nose to nose. Smyth was not ready for this and was panicky. Eric waggled a finger at him, speaking through clenched teeth. “Understand one thing: if anything happens to my wife and daughter, I will hunt you down, no matter how long it takes or where I have to go!”
“It may mean nothing to you, but on my honor as a follower of the Law of the Sages, I will do all within my power to safeguard Princesses Ariel and Melody.” He placed his right hand on the tattoo.
Just then the door opened and Grimsby came in. Eric stood up. “Grimsby, I need you to get two of the strongest men we have and help take Envoy Smyth to the beach in front of Mermaid Rock. I will join you there shortly.”
“Before I go, Prince Eric,” called out Smyth. “Would you take the stone with you. I don’t believe I can hold onto it.” Eric grabbed the bag by the drawstrings and placed it onto a silver platter. They waited for the two guards to show up. They hoisted Smyth up and went out the door.
At the beach, Melody and Ariel nervously stood about as Smyth made his appearance. The men walked into the water to allow him to swim free. The tray was brought to him. He carefully removed it from the bag and laid it on the tray.
Smyth was in the water, floating the tray. “Please, I must let you know that the transformation can get quite painful. The urge to let go will enter into your mind. You must grasp the stone and not let go until the pain abates. You don’t want a half transformation.”
Ariel stepped forward. She was wearing a sheet wrapped about her from the waist down. She had put on her old clamtop. She waded in to where Smyth was. Smyth stared at her intently. “Remember, do not let go.”
Ariel took a deep breath and clasped the stone.
At first, she felt nothing, and then a wave of pain started to build in her toes and crept up her legs. They were on fire. She began to pant and grimace.
“Don’t let go of the stone.”
Tears leaked out from her eyes and she grunted. Her body began to shiver and shake. Sweat exploded from her and she placed her head into the cooling waters.
“Don’t let go of the stone!”
Her hands felt like they were being scalded as she sensed her legs merging together, the skin covering them up, the emergence of her scales. She also felt as though she was being torn in two.
She let out a cough. Then the pain evaporated. Releasing the stone, she sunk under the waves. She opened her eyes to see her fin, flapping about. Rising from the water, she calmed her breathing. She looked at her hands, but they bore no trace of burning or scarring.
“It feels a lot worse than it actually is. I find the land-to-sea transfer hurts more than the reverse.”
“But it still hurts,” commented Ariel, as she stretched out her flukes. She looked to Melody.
“Now, I’m uncertain if I want Melody to do this. It hurts so badly.”
Melody came into the water. “It couldn’t hurt any worse when I broke my arm, could it?”
“It could,” said a somber Ariel.
Melody came closer. “I am ready.”
Smyth turned to her. “Remember, don’t let go of the stone.”
Melody stared at the stone for a moment, and then grabbed it. “Gee, this isn’t too bad and...” Melody shuddered for a moment. “This may be worse than when I broke my...OWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!”
“Don’t let go of the stone!”
Ariel bit her lip, seeing Melody in such pain. She began to weep, but there wasn’t anything she could do for her.
Melody clutched the stone so hard, her hands turned white, but her pain lasted less than a minute. In fact, she was pushed away from the stone when done.
She dunked her head under the waters and saw her orange fin flapping about. She came back up. “That was unpleasant.”
Ariel turned to Smyth. “Why was hers so quick?”
“Youth has its advantages. It seems you have transferred recently; it’s not as bad or as long to do it, if that is the case.” Smyth looked up to Eric.
“Please take the stone back. I have no need of it at the present time and it will slow me down. Besides, I need it here so when we return, we can transfer back.
“Daddy, I’ll meet you right here to let you know what’s going on.”
“I’ll be waiting.” Eric waded into the waters, holding out the bag. Smyth took and stone and dropped it in. Eric tied it off and let it hang from the pull cords.
In a moment, all three of them splashed off under the waves and towards Atlantica. Grimsby came up to Eric.
“Are you sure you’re doing the right thing?”
Eric sighed. “I’m not certain at all. But Ariel has her strong views and I can’t argue against them. Please send an envoy to Nassau and Kingston, advising them of a potential pirate threat and the need to schedule a meeting between all of us.”
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Post by powerdroid on Nov 25, 2005 22:40:38 GMT -5
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Under the sea, the troupe was making fair time. Melody was far in the lead, with Ariel some distance behind. Smyth was slower than either would have liked, but was game. “Wait. Wait,” he called out.
Melody soared on as Ariel held up. “I..I have a place to go to. Remain here.” He disappeared behind an outcropping of rocks and returned with a bundle. “For my presentation.”
The main gate of Atlantica came quickly into view. Melody paused at the gate to give the other two a chance to catch up.
Smyth was badly winded. “I...never knew...how fast...she...could swim.”
Ariel turned to Smyth. “You haven’t seen the half of it.” They quickly made their way to the Coral Castle.
In the throne room, Triton was pouring over some paperwork, Sebastian at the ready.
“Dis is dah legislation for dah conscription laws.” He handed Triton the scroll.
Triton sighed. “I don’t want to sign this, but, with so many enemies at our gates, I’ll have no option and...”
“Grandpa Triton!”
Triton looked up to see Melody soaring towards him. It looked like she wouldn’t stop, so Sebastian buried himself into the scroll bin.
“Melody. To what do I own this visit?” Giving Melody a big hug, he looked up to see Ariel and Smyth coming in, clutching his bundle. Triton sighed again, another tired sigh.
“Smyth-Jones. That is the name you wish to go by now?”
“Daddy, you know this man?”
“Sadly. He comes in almost weekly with new tales of potential insurrection, but never any real proof.” Triton glared at Smyth. “I want you to know that I am extremely distressed that my daughter and grand-daughter have been ensnared into your fanciful notions.”
“I have evidence. Even you can’t refute it.” Sebastian, free from the basket, sneered.
“Yeah, like when you brought in dat cannon ball. Some evidence.”
Smyth unwrapped his bindle and presented Triton with a staff. It stood six feet tall with a deep black rock the size of one’s fist at the top of it. “This is a focusing staff,” Smyth said proudly.
“I admit, it looks like one, but there have been so many forgeries for the tourist trade, one cannot tell real from fake.” Triton came down to look at it. Smyth offered it to him for deeper perusal. Triton hefted it and continued to speak.
“Part of the problem with this is that you need to be of the magic to make it work. Otherwise, it’s just a stick with a big rock at the end. You’d do more damage with it as a club. Please come with me.”
Handing it back to Smyth, Triton headed down one of the hallways, the rest following. Melody, always curious as to her merfolk ancestry, plied Smyth with questions.
“What is a focusing staff?”
“If I may,” started Triton. “Many years ago, there were the Magi, nine with the gift. They represented the nine major sea races. The Merfolk, the Manta, the Moray, the Sharkanian, the Murex, the Polydorian, the Sharkans, the Tentaloids and the Celebes, The staffs were made to channel their powers to do good.”
Smyth surged in. “One, however, was determined to bend the will to their own and corrupted the staffs. Four aligned themselves to the evil forces.”
Ariel spoke up. “Let me guess, the Manta, The Sharkanian, The Moray and the...Celebes?”
“Close. The Tentaloids. The good side was the Merfolk, the Murex, the Sharkan and the Polydorian.”
“What about the Celebes?” asked Melody.
“They remained unallied. With the balance of power incomplete, they were the first to destroy their staff, rather than allow it to be corrupted. Ultimately all the staffs were destroyed, or so it was thought.”
Triton took up the story. “Rumors began to circulate that, somehow, two escaped destruction.”
“Our evil and one good,” offered Smyth. “It is said that when the time for battle arises, both staffs will reemerge and settle once and for all the fight between the just and the unjust.”
Smyth pointed to the staff. “I found that in the Seaclops cave!”
“How did you even manage to get in dere?” quipped Sebastian.
“It’s the story of the renegade mermaid. Again,” muttered Triton. “Supposedly, she has the power to use the focusing staff for evil. Not even I can do much with this.” They stopped in front of a door.
“But, Daddy, the tattoos,” said Ariel.
“Yes, the tattoos. I spoke with the Grand Portculis. He has no mention of you on the rolls of the Sages. Not as Smyth-Jones, not as your real name. There is much about you that is a puzzlement. But the tale is that there are only two staffs. Of the rest, the stones were smashed and the staffs splintered to prevent corruption, correct?”
“That is the truth.”
”Adding to this is the fact that the Celebes no longer exist, mysteriously wiped out as a race to the very last one,” said Triton.
The door was opened. All entered. Triton lifted his trident and lit the glow crystal on the ceiling.
Inside the room were numerous focusing staffs. Mounted to the walls, they ascended the height of the room. Everyone stared gape-mouthed at them. Triton continued.
“Many heads of state have claimed to have discovered the last, true, focusing staff and presented it to me as a tribute. Your staff, Smyth.” Triton held out his other hand; Smyth handed it over.
Triton began to pass it along a row, peering intently. “This seems to be better made than some of the others, but nothing intrinsically different than these here. What is it here that would compel me to believe that this is a genuine focusing staff?”
Melody ran her hand down a row of them. They were of varying quality. The stones reflected the bright light of the crystal lamp on the ceiling.
Triton went on. “Let me assure you, I am aware of the tales as well. The legend states that the shaft of the focusing staff is made from the branches of the narwhal tree. The stones were supposedly given by the Master Avatar, in a special and mystical ceremony.
“Although the location of the stones is shrouded in ritual, the general consensus is near they come from the Icelandic Volcanic rift, where the contradictory confluence of lava and icebergs emerge.” Triton grabbed one staff that looked particularly old.
“The focusing stone bears a lot of resemblance, however, to common Black Stone, found near many sea beds at the base of the peaks. A good craftsman can make it appear ancient and damaged.” The staff was replaced, as Triton turned to Smyth.
“I understand there is a very good one in Iphigenia who turns these things out. As far as I am concerned, you have nothing. Your story is suspect. The Seaclops honestly has no need of a staff, nor the mental capacity to understand how it works, even if he could make it do so.
“Only those who are of the magic can use it. I am ruler of the seas, but still...” Triton began to grasp staff after staff. Nothing happened. “If I could, the stone would glow, however weakly. Glow. Glow. Glow. Glow.” Triton went down a row. Nothing happened. He grabbed Smyth’s staff. Nothing happened. It was returned to Smyth.
Ariel swam forth. “Let me make a proposal.”
All turned to her. “There is a meeting at Ursula’s old lair. I can go and see what is happening. I will report back whatever I see.”
“If I may, your majesty,” came forth Smyth. “I think it would be better to meet in Eel-Lectric City. It is closer to the lair than Atlantica is, and we can make decisions sooner.”
Triton moved towards Smyth. “I consider myself to be a reasonable merman. But I will not be amused if any harm comes to my family. I will hold you personally responsible! And you don’t want to incur my wrath! If it will end these endless accusations, then I will allow it. If Ariel comes back and says nothing happened, will you stop this madness?”
“If Ariel comes back and says nothing happened, I...I will stop this madness.” Smyth seemed uncertain as he spoke.
“No more wild accusations or pointless letters or contrived situations. None of it.”
“N...n...none of it. But if she does report back of activity?”
“Then I will consider it!” Triton was given the staff.
“I can certainly call upon Tip and Dash to render additional aid. Perhaps they know something,” offered Melody.
Smyth stared at Triton. “I’m sure you have those under you that can verify the authenticity of this staff.” He turned to Ariel. “I will meet you at the Rusty Scow. We should know something in a few days.”
“One way or the other,” added Triton. “Considering the late hour, it will have to be taken care of tomorrow morning. Let us, at least, have a pleasant dinner. Your sisters will be surprised at your visit.”
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Post by WickedElphie on Nov 26, 2005 0:13:03 GMT -5
Awesome! I can't wait to see how this turns out. You just made my weekend. Thanks!
One thing:
I just can't picture awkward twelve-year-old Melody as portrayed by Tara Strong in TLM II saying that phrase.
Maybe something like
"I could see if Tip and Dash can help. Maybe they've heard something, "
would've sounded more natural to me.
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Post by Merstar on Nov 27, 2005 14:25:01 GMT -5
me too. this is exellent stuff, keep it coming!
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Coral
Sea Cucumber
Wishing I was dancing with my prince...
Posts: 252
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Post by Coral on Mar 15, 2006 23:21:38 GMT -5
WOWZERS!!!! This is nothing short of fantastic!!!!!!! I haven't quite finished it yet, so will post again when I do. I must get to bed.
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Coral
Sea Cucumber
Wishing I was dancing with my prince...
Posts: 252
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Post by Coral on Mar 16, 2006 13:26:11 GMT -5
Please tell me you have more of this! It is far too good to not finish it.
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Post by dreamer on Apr 7, 2006 21:51:52 GMT -5
LOVE the story! It's wonderful!
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Post by Phantom Goddess on Jul 30, 2006 11:36:02 GMT -5
Please continue this story.... please please please!!
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Post by powerdroid on Aug 1, 2006 9:36:35 GMT -5
To all of my fans:
My personal life has taken some major hits over the past few months and I have been sorting through the priorities of my life. Things that should have gone right went left and I have been caught short too many times to recall.
The story in on temporary pause, as at this point in the narrative, it is fully up to me. I am trying to complete it as best i can, but it feels wrong to me.
A change in work environment and home obligations have meant that even if I have the time to type, the desire is severely lacking.
Things should become clearer in September, when many of the concerns will get resolved.
Again, I thank you for your support and have faith. I will find you.
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Post by Phantom Goddess on Aug 1, 2006 13:14:48 GMT -5
To all of my fans: My personal life has taken some major hits over the past few months and I have been sorting through the priorities of my life. Things that should have gone right went left and I have been caught short too many times to recall. The story in on temporary pause, as at this point in the narrative, it is fully up to me. I am trying to complete it as best i can, but it feels wrong to me. A change in work environment and home obligations have meant that even if I have the time to type, the desire is severely lacking. Things should become clearer in September, when many of the concerns will get resolved. Again, I thank you for your support and have faith. I will find you. Oh, personal matters always come first. Take your time and get your life back together, your audience will wait.  |
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Post by WickedElphie on Aug 14, 2006 18:53:45 GMT -5
Ditto what Share said. Take all the time you need.
As far as the narrative goes, if after RL slows down a bit, you want to bounce ideas of someone, feel free to PM me.
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Post by powerdroid on Oct 9, 2006 0:00:10 GMT -5
What causes depression?
Needs are not being met.
How do you cure depression?
Drop some of those needs
I have to decide what is important for my well being and proper ways to handle it.
September has come and gone and situations did not get cleared up (sadly, they worsened).
Again, what is important?
I just watched Ariel again (as I got teh DVD) and I remembered what was important, what was necessary, what has to be done.
I pulled the story out and looked at it.
Needs work? Sure.
Unsalvagable? Not on your snarfblatt!
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Post by WickedElphie on Oct 17, 2006 1:18:22 GMT -5
Whee! Powerdroid's back!
I'm sorry you've been suffering with depression. That is never fun; I've been there myself. But I'm glad you're going to be around a bit more. And I'm very glad you're plaining on finishing TMS.
Sorry this is so belated, but I've had much less online time lately.
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Coral
Sea Cucumber
Wishing I was dancing with my prince...
Posts: 252
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Post by Coral on Nov 15, 2006 23:01:01 GMT -5
Wonderful news, Powerdroid! I too suffer from depression that's caused by fibromyalgia. Re-arranging priorities helps a great deal, as can anti-depressants. I'm convinced the one I'm on is a miracle drug, lol.
And sometimes, writing just helps. Especially when you can get lost in such a wonderful world as TLM.
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Post by powerdroid on Feb 17, 2007 0:31:45 GMT -5
My depression has been overcome. I now feel that I am mentally ready to retaclke the story.
My only concern is that the long wait has been worth it.
I will try to post something before the end of the month, as well as consider a novelization of my TLM 3 script as well.
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Post by Kimberly on Apr 27, 2008 23:04:37 GMT -5
My depression has been overcome. I now feel that I am mentally ready to retaclke the story. My only concern is that the long wait has been worth it. I will try to post something before the end of the month, as well as consider a novelization of my TLM 3 script as well. it will be for me I just finished reading whats here start to ????? and can't wait to finish reading you story!!!! |
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