Killing Time [Vexx - Hacker Event]

It was a beautiful day.

In most of the locations where it could snow, there was just enough of a dusting of snow to make the world that much more beautiful without it devolving into unpleasant slush. Nor was it too cold, not even here in the far north. For one day the weather was perfect, and it was all thanks to the world-wide event taking place today.

At midnight the new year had tolled in, and suddenly on the edges of cities across the world exuterian camps had been revealed. Huge contraptions had been set up over the last few hours; exuterian technology in a way that it was never seen. Huge vehicles were set up in what was essentially a trackless roller coaster that floated through the air and looked very little like roller coasters did in reality. There were personal flying machines that allowed players to levitate into the night sky amid the fireworks that were going non-stop. Being in the sky was like being in the stars if the stars had so many colors and could dance around your head before vanishing into the ether. Those were just a few of the attractions to delight and entertain.

The food that was available at all the vendors was free, a lure to the players to bring them out among the exuterian rides which could only be accessed by paying with real-life currency. The first ever micro-transitions on Savior were taking place now all across the world.

A cold wind suddenly slipped through the streets of the celebration outside of Requiem, the capital city of the dae'u. Thanks to the major city so close by this one was particularly large to better accommodate all the people who were expected to take part in the event. It was a good thing that they had made it so large. People bustled through the makeshift streets between the food stands, and lined up for the rides in long strands that wove around them.

All through the area were hovering exuterian lights that shone in a myriad of colors and shone their light down on those walking through the streets. They offered just enough light to see by without dulling the splendor of the fireworks high above. In short...

It was a beautiful day.

Artemis strode through the streets, marveling at the sights of the city.  The food stand scattered throughout the street left a pleasant aroma,  drifting through the air.  pulling out a coin purse, Artemis approached a stand.  The owner quickly shook their head as she offered the coin to them.  Handing Artemis something resembling something between a hot dog and a hamburger,  the stall-keeper pointed towards a bright, flashing sign promoting free food.  Surprised, Artemis thanked the shopkeeper.

    Moving away, she looked towards the sky.  The constant stream of fireworks crackling in the air, illuminating the rides.  She started towards the plethora of fun looking rides,  exited she thought to herself.  If the food is free...  Walking up to a ride that looked like a rail-less roller coaster.  She looked to the sign next to the entrance where an NPC stood watching the passerby's.

    To his left stood a sign stating that each ticket was $5.  Artemis gave the NPC her credit info,  and walked onto the ride.

Garrak Whittaker could only wonder at the sights that beheld him. Free food left and right, the commotion and the talk, he was truly ecstatic. However what truly caught Garraks eye was the fireworks. He stared up in wonder. Such artistry of fire and explosions. In his excitement, sparks lept to his hands causing his robes to catch fire.

Garrak snaps to and hastily puts the fire out. Passerbys gave him sidelong glances of alarm or dissapproval as he was well known for causing trouble. Especially after the tavern incedent he would have to be carefull to not lose control in such a crowded area. Looking around he sees the bustle of commotion when something catches his eye. A gold coin rolls inbetween the legs of those rushing to the next stall, but he would chase after it. After all who could resist something that shiny. Garrak began his chase racing betwixt the sea of legs that shooed and stepped around him.

Death Incarnate was in the city library, perusing through old texts, searching for some new spell or conjuration to help him in the wild when there was a loud commotion around. Death thought to himself that ANYONE making noise in a Library would have been silenced right away but the sounds of more and more people joining in the din as the occupants of the library were shoving each other to get out.
Above all of the noise, He clearly heard someone shout "It's not just a rumor! There really is a a carnival around all of the major cities in the world!"

Drake looked around at all of his collectibles and made a determination that he could spare a few dollars towards the game. There had been a rumor flying around for the past few months that Savior had planned on implementing RL money transactions, but nothing had ever panned out. Well, here it was!

Death sat back down on his bench and continued to pore over his chosen document of research: "The Hypothesis of Cross Summoning Monsters" The though of being able to mix ANYTHING with that Naga just sounded entirely too awesome to not look into.
"...must release control of both summons and defeat both at the sa" He closed the book with a soft *thump*
"Yeah, I don't think I'll be mixing that Naga with anything ANY time soon.."
Walking to the counter to pay for his book that he would continue to read at a later time, the Librarian looked like she was on her last nerve. Careful to say as little as possible, he paid for his book and walked to the end of the almost dispersed crowd rushing out to the new event going on.

Death made his way out of the building and summoned a horse to ride. As he passed all of the people running, he couldn't help but laugh at them. Those who had made fun of him for being so weak were now going to be the last to get there. Who's laughing now?!

As the edge of the city grew near, the sounds and sights of a carnival were unmistakable. There was some sort of exuterian technological wonder flying through the air amidst exploding fireworks. Death reached the veritable smorgasbord of delectable treats before anything else. The sight was overwhelming. So much food, so little time!

Delilah was almost getting dizzy at the sights and the sounds.

Sure she has been in the game for a good while that she should be used to all the magical events, but this is the first time she has been in a carnival! At least one that she would remember. Last time she went to anywhere similar was to Warner Bros. World but she was barely two and could hardly register everything that goes around her. Afterwards she could only stare forlornly through the car window as they drove past festivals and amusement parks.

She wandered through the carnival, mapping out everything that was available for her to do. If possible she wanted to try everything at least once before whatever the event is end. This would include the ride and the food. Which she already got one, a giant pastel cloud of cotton candy, it even have golden sugar stars mixed in them!

Delilah munch on her snack as she carefully she weaved through the crowd. She had to make sure not to bump into anyone while in her head she began to compile a list of stuff she wanted to do and sorting them by priority. Food still come up pretty high, hopefully some of the stall owners wouldn’t mind parting with their recipe if she found any she liked.

With one final explosion of colors the fireworks suddenly stopped, and into the sudden darkness a blue light appeared in the sky. The blue rectangle flashed to life and a man stepped through it. Green robes fluttered in a wind that didn't really exist and he hovered there for the briefest of moments his six arms folded over his chest as he viewed those who existed below. Then the light vanished and he fell to the earth as if gravity had finally, unexpectedly decided to take effect on him.

On the ground it was easier to get a good look at him. He had blue skin stretched tautly over his skull and fingers. Runes of unknown origin were written on his skin, and his eyes glowed with a blue light.  Golden horns rose from a mane of white hair that fell around his green robes. Six arms were clasped over his chest which was bare to show white bone laced over more blue light rather than flesh.

Music suddenly pulsed outwards from the figure and his hands began to weave a complex pattern that seemed responsible for the sudden appearance of a massive creature made of bone. Like he himself it was an impressive sight. Antlers like a moose graced the brow of a skull that mingled a deer and an elephant together. It had a broad chest and arms that ended in wicked bone claws. Powerful arched-back leg bones were built like a cat and a long tail whipped back and forth behind it.

The creation moved inevitably toward one of the rides, the huge cart that carried people through the air like a roller coaster might and stood in it's path. People screamed at the sudden sight of the monstrosity that stood in their path and it grasped the roller coaster car in it's hands. Amazingly the car screeched to a stop, the people rebounding in their seats from the harsh rollback that being stopped so suddenly caused.

"Log off now, if you want to live." The man's voice boomed out like the tolling of a dark bell over the sound of the music that rolled outwards from where he stood, and his creation began to slowly tilt the car over onto its side, causing the people within to scream once again in fear.

Artemis stumbled off the ride, dizzy to the point of falling.  As she sat, pulling herself together,  the fireworks stopped.  Confused,  she stared upwards,  watching the stars spin round her head.  Noticing the floating doorway,  Artemis snapped back to reality.  Glancing around,  she brought herself to her feet.  The figure stepping out of the glowing/floating doorway fell and Artemis rushed forward to try to catch them,  but to no avail.  

   
"Log off now, if you want to live." The figure stated.  Artemis stood, terrified.  She wasn't sure if this person was joking,  but wasn't ready to take that risk.  Not entirely listening to the strange figure,  she ran.  Pushing her way past the screaming crowd of people, Artemis ran away from this threat.  Terrified, she made her way to the floating car rides.  She quickly payed and jumped on the 3D bumper cart, and flew off as fast as the ride would take her.

The golden coin continued rolling. All of the movement and chaos kept it going. Finally it came to a rest when a blue light appeared in the sky. It was another player, or maybe a npc. No! He must be a glitch or maybe a dev. Whatever he was, he was certainly unatural. The avatar looked menacing, almost demonic.

Log off if you want to live, he said. People started to panic. He quickly dived for the coin and snatched it only to see it kicked from his hands. Gingerly rubbing his fingers he resumed his search. It had flown and... IT WENT IN THE GUTTER. Just his luck. Why was he always so tragically unlucky? Garrak dropped to his knees and reached out with his knobbly green hands but alas, he came an inch shy. "Damn these short stubby arms!" As much as what the man said terrified him, he would get that coin before he left. After all nobody loved gold more than short, maniacal Garrak.

Delilah stopped in her track as the music stopped. Like the others she looked around in confusion. Then before she realised, a skeleton floated down from above and promptly summoned another large creature. The giant thing looked adorable! It had cute little antlers and elephant tusk! Also part of it looked like a cat... or maybe a dog? She wasn’t quite sure, just like she wasn’t sure if this was one of the parade thing or not.

She gasped as the giant skeleton creature started to topple the kart. Now she was certain this was not part of the event. Immediately she scrolled through her inventory and pull up all the emergency potion on top, particularly the healing ones. As well as equipping her new wand.

Under usual circumstances she would have reported the person first but the more concerning factor was the panicking crowds around her. People were literally running over each other to try and get away. Few actually heed the man’s advice and log off right on the spot. Delilah did neither of the thing, but stay behind to help anyone fallen behind. She tossed a potion to the floor below the floating kart. Hopefully the concoction will work and produce a giant fluffy cloud for the riders to fall on. She still wasn’t sure if she mixed it right.

She wasn't going to log off until she was sure everyone was safe.