This Sunday, November 14th, The Tumblers supergroup on Pinnacle say goodbye to a great mentor and friend. Saber Hog (aka. Krakow Mule) is going back to Iraq for a one year assignment. This story is a tribute to him and a personal 'thank you' for making this game so enjoyable for everyone in and out of our group.
For the full story, including the answers to many of the questions this will likely bring up, check The Tumblers and click on the Story link. The story is told by Brother Grymm.
Good luck and come home safe!
[ QUOTE ]
Our story is the key, and we are the tumblers, dropping in place.
-Brother Grymm
[/ QUOTE ]
Chapter ??? Pardons
Knock, knock, anyone home? Saber Hog walked back in to the apartment looking tougher than ever, yet sheepish at the thought of returning to the place he had abandoned to be with his brother at M.A.G.I.C. for months. Sara, Hitchhiker, October, MuscularT, Nova Luscious, Kay and I sat in the meeting room. Rugrash, poking around for a beer, lifted up his head up from behind the refrigerator door as if Saber Hog never left and offered him a beer.
So, the stud returns! Nova said as he made his way back to us. She got up and gave him a hug. As she reached around his frame, she could feel that it was rock solid. Someones been working out.
Without getting up from our card game, MuscularT and I shook his hand. Good to see you, Hog.
Sara sat at the table reviewing the papers, trying to avoid his stare. October kept nudging her until Sara glared at her to stop and with a sigh looked up at him. She sat back in her chair with her arms folded. He recognized the look.
Hitchhiker walked over to him and said, Good to see you, whats it been 3, 4 months? Hows your brother?
Hes fine. The Krakow Mule helmet has been brought under his control mostly thanks to Azuria and the other agents there. Weve been doing different missions around the city with M.A.G.I.C. Its been really well for Daniel. He looked over to Sara who was watching him with interest, but feigning not to be interested. His eyes shot out the back window. We even see Exion Zorn occasionally. We know hes been helping you guys out, but Daniel still doesnt trust him. Kay, you need to keep that spell ready. If Exion Zorn does turn, use it and run. The M.A.G.I.C. agents are keeping a close eye on him as well. Azuria has been using him, but part of it was to keep him under surveillance.
Kay nodded in agreement.
Hitchhiker rested against the wall and took a long drag on his cigar. Blowing the smoke towards the ceiling, he looked up from under his hat and said, Youre not staying, are you, kid?
Saber Hog caught himself again looking at Sara and snapped back to the question. No, Im not.
Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned towards him. MuscularT asked, Not staying? You just got back! Where are you going?
Obviously, I had to stay with my brother after well, after our last fight together. I had to risk everything, including my exposure to the government to help him. As it turns out, theyve been tracking Krakow Mule since he left Europe. There is a secret government program, one of which I cant really discuss, that transcends even M.A.G.I.C.s interest in the occult. Theyve offered us both a one year assignment in exchange for my full pardon.
Nova asked, Where are you going?
Turns out that the US government actually got a good idea from the Nazis. They are sending my brother and I into Iraq to try and recover some religious artifacts for safekeeping. Apparently, there are still people in the world willing to use such holy objects for their own personal gain.
Iraq? asked Nova. Isnt there just desert and oil over there?
There is much more there than people realize, I told her. One could even say many modern religions were born there.
I looked over at him, remembering some horrific tales I had heard during the Crusades and realized I was thinking the same thing as everyone else. Be careful, my friend. I stood up and shook his hand firmly.
He grazed his hand across the back of his head, playing with the short hair and replied, Thanks, Grymm. Hopefully, Ill have stories for you when I get back.
We each said our goodbyes. Sara was getting more and more uncomfortable as he made his way across the room, finally ending at her. She sat in the chair still, staring through the paper on the table.
Saber Hog crouched down next to her and put his arm around across the back of the chair. Whats up, Sara?
Sara stayed staring straight ahead. I thought when you left, you couldnt forgive me for what I did. I hated you for that. Now I know that my hatred was misplaced.
Sara, you did what you had to do. You have to sacrifice the one for the greater good. Thats what we do everyday as heroes. I understood that when we left the cave that night. I couldnt return so that I could help Daniel. They kept us in tight isolation. He was my number one priority. His forehead tilted and touched hers. I only hope you can now forgive me.
She stood up, pulling him up to her and gave him a hug. Her eyes began smoking a deep blue color as tears streamed down her face. You come back safe.
Dont worry, Im with the legendary Krakow Mule. Im a lot safer than anyone who gets in our way. Plus, its not like we both havent seen military action before. He broke their embrace and looked at her face, smiling lightly. He wiped the tears away from her eyes. I have to go. He briefly paused and then turned away to walk out.
We all stood there in the meeting room and waved goodbye to our friend. Before he reached the door, he spun around and said, Oh, I almost forgot. Sara eyes lit up for a moment.
Reaching to his pants pocket, he pulled out his sunglasses. With a quick flip of his wrist, he tossed them to MuscularT. You take care of these until I get back.
MuscularT placed them on his head and saluted him. The Hitchhiker did the same. And with that, he was gone. Saras face dropped.
Out in the hallway was a large man with huge red horns, a long red beard and a human face. It was Daniel, the helmets front had disappeared to reveal the man.
Howd she take it?
Saber Hog placed his hand on his brothers shoulder and looking down at the floor said, Come on, lets go.
Sara ran into the back bedroom shortly after the apartment door closed, and slammed the door.
Nova walked over to October, who stood there, watching the bedroom door from the meeting hall with a worried look on her face.
You know she loves him.
Yeah, I know. October said.
Yeah, but this pain goes deeper for her. When the government sent her husband away, he didnt come back.
Hitchhiker walked over and offered, Shes already feeling the regret of her silence. I know it.
I dont know what we can do. October looked over at Nova for an answer. She could see the wheels were already turning.
Nova looked over to me and lowered her voice to reveal her plan.
Chapter ??? Goodbye for Now
A half hour later in the airport, Sara? The bewildered looking Saber Hog smiled and ran through a crowd of people to get to her. What are you doing here? I have to go.
I know, she said. I just wanted to tell you that and with that she threw her arms around him and gave him a kiss. The kiss seemed too short to Saber Hog. Sara broke the kiss and ran off without saying a word. Saber Hog followed her around the corner down a hallway. When he got to her, she was standing away from him looking confused and lost with tears in her eyes.
Sara? Please dont leave it like this. Sara turned around and saw him standing there. She pulled him close and hugged him.
Sara stuttered out, I dont, I mean, how?
Saber Hog kissed her deeply. She looked shocked at first and then closed her eyes. As he kissed her, she could feel his warmth and strength. He had to hold her tightly because she was beginning to hover off the ground from the feeling.
They both broke the kiss this time and looked at each other. She cupped his face in his hand. Sara, I will come back. I promise.
Over the loudspeaker, an attendant was calling his name for departure.
I have to go Sara. Ill be careful and I will return. With those last words, Saber Hog ran down the hallway. As she followed him, she wondered if they would really ever see each other again. Before he went through the final gate, he turned around and waved back to her. She leaned forward and returned the wave, smiling.
The attendant started closing the door, forcing him to leave. She stared at the door for a minute longer and found a seat near the windowed wall and watched the planes take off and land. She was in deep thought. She was thinking about how she would come back here in a year to watch him land.
Nova and October walked up to her and sat down next to her, one on either side.
Sara was still deeply engaged in the scene through the window. Nova leaned her head on Saras shoulder asked, You OK, sis?
Ill be fine, she said with a smile. Sara reached her arms around the two. Wait, what are you doing here? How did I get here? She realized now that October was dressed up in the same outfit as she was and appeared to be her exact twin. She raised an eyebrow to them both. What did you do?
As soon as we heard Novas plan, we all agreed to it. Nova had me teleport her and October over to their apartment to get another one of Saras outfits. They quickly changed and had me again teleport them to the airport. Once they found Saber Hog, they called me with their exact location. October went up and kissed Saber Hog and ran around a corner and hid, while I teleported Sara from our apartment to their location. October had given Sara and Saber Hog the courage that they did not have.
Thank you, Sara said as she pulled them close. Looking out at Saber Hogs plane taking off she said, Thank God for you.
This Sunday, November 14th, The Tumblers supergroup on Pinnacle say goodbye to a great mentor and friend. Saber Hog (aka. Krakow Mule) is going back to Iraq for a one year assignment. This story is a tribute to him and a personal 'thank you' for making this game so enjoyable for everyone in and out of our group.
For the full story, including the answers to many of the questions this will likely bring up, check The Tumblers and click on the Story link. The story is told by Brother Grymm.
Good luck and come home safe!
[ QUOTE ]
Our story is the key, and we are the tumblers, dropping in place.
-Brother Grymm
[/ QUOTE ]
Chapter ??? Pardons
Knock, knock, anyone home? Saber Hog walked back in to the apartment looking tougher than ever, yet sheepish at the thought of returning to the place he had abandoned to be with his brother at M.A.G.I.C. for months. Sara, Hitchhiker, October, MuscularT, Nova Luscious, Kay and I sat in the meeting room. Rugrash, poking around for a beer, lifted up his head up from behind the refrigerator door as if Saber Hog never left and offered him a beer.
So, the stud returns! Nova said as he made his way back to us. She got up and gave him a hug. As she reached around his frame, she could feel that it was rock solid. Someones been working out.
Without getting up from our card game, MuscularT and I shook his hand. Good to see you, Hog.
Sara sat at the table reviewing the papers, trying to avoid his stare. October kept nudging her until Sara glared at her to stop and with a sigh looked up at him. She sat back in her chair with her arms folded. He recognized the look.
Hitchhiker walked over to him and said, Good to see you, whats it been 3, 4 months? Hows your brother?
Hes fine. The Krakow Mule helmet has been brought under his control mostly thanks to Azuria and the other agents there. Weve been doing different missions around the city with M.A.G.I.C. Its been really well for Daniel. He looked over to Sara who was watching him with interest, but feigning not to be interested. His eyes shot out the back window. We even see Exion Zorn occasionally. We know hes been helping you guys out, but Daniel still doesnt trust him. Kay, you need to keep that spell ready. If Exion Zorn does turn, use it and run. The M.A.G.I.C. agents are keeping a close eye on him as well. Azuria has been using him, but part of it was to keep him under surveillance.
Kay nodded in agreement.
Hitchhiker rested against the wall and took a long drag on his cigar. Blowing the smoke towards the ceiling, he looked up from under his hat and said, Youre not staying, are you, kid?
Saber Hog caught himself again looking at Sara and snapped back to the question. No, Im not.
Everyone stopped what they were doing and turned towards him. MuscularT asked, Not staying? You just got back! Where are you going?
Obviously, I had to stay with my brother after well, after our last fight together. I had to risk everything, including my exposure to the government to help him. As it turns out, theyve been tracking Krakow Mule since he left Europe. There is a secret government program, one of which I cant really discuss, that transcends even M.A.G.I.C.s interest in the occult. Theyve offered us both a one year assignment in exchange for my full pardon.
Nova asked, Where are you going?
Turns out that the US government actually got a good idea from the Nazis. They are sending my brother and I into Iraq to try and recover some religious artifacts for safekeeping. Apparently, there are still people in the world willing to use such holy objects for their own personal gain.
Iraq? asked Nova. Isnt there just desert and oil over there?
There is much more there than people realize, I told her. One could even say many modern religions were born there.
I looked over at him, remembering some horrific tales I had heard during the Crusades and realized I was thinking the same thing as everyone else. Be careful, my friend. I stood up and shook his hand firmly.
He grazed his hand across the back of his head, playing with the short hair and replied, Thanks, Grymm. Hopefully, Ill have stories for you when I get back.
We each said our goodbyes. Sara was getting more and more uncomfortable as he made his way across the room, finally ending at her. She sat in the chair still, staring through the paper on the table.
Saber Hog crouched down next to her and put his arm around across the back of the chair. Whats up, Sara?
Sara stayed staring straight ahead. I thought when you left, you couldnt forgive me for what I did. I hated you for that. Now I know that my hatred was misplaced.
Sara, you did what you had to do. You have to sacrifice the one for the greater good. Thats what we do everyday as heroes. I understood that when we left the cave that night. I couldnt return so that I could help Daniel. They kept us in tight isolation. He was my number one priority. His forehead tilted and touched hers. I only hope you can now forgive me.
She stood up, pulling him up to her and gave him a hug. Her eyes began smoking a deep blue color as tears streamed down her face. You come back safe.
Dont worry, Im with the legendary Krakow Mule. Im a lot safer than anyone who gets in our way. Plus, its not like we both havent seen military action before. He broke their embrace and looked at her face, smiling lightly. He wiped the tears away from her eyes. I have to go. He briefly paused and then turned away to walk out.
We all stood there in the meeting room and waved goodbye to our friend. Before he reached the door, he spun around and said, Oh, I almost forgot. Sara eyes lit up for a moment.
Reaching to his pants pocket, he pulled out his sunglasses. With a quick flip of his wrist, he tossed them to MuscularT. You take care of these until I get back.
MuscularT placed them on his head and saluted him. The Hitchhiker did the same. And with that, he was gone. Saras face dropped.
Out in the hallway was a large man with huge red horns, a long red beard and a human face. It was Daniel, the helmets front had disappeared to reveal the man.
Howd she take it?
Saber Hog placed his hand on his brothers shoulder and looking down at the floor said, Come on, lets go.
Sara ran into the back bedroom shortly after the apartment door closed, and slammed the door.
Nova walked over to October, who stood there, watching the bedroom door from the meeting hall with a worried look on her face.
You know she loves him.
Yeah, I know. October said.
Yeah, but this pain goes deeper for her. When the government sent her husband away, he didnt come back.
Hitchhiker walked over and offered, Shes already feeling the regret of her silence. I know it.
I dont know what we can do. October looked over at Nova for an answer. She could see the wheels were already turning.
Nova looked over to me and lowered her voice to reveal her plan.
Chapter ??? Goodbye for Now
A half hour later in the airport, Sara? The bewildered looking Saber Hog smiled and ran through a crowd of people to get to her. What are you doing here? I have to go.
I know, she said. I just wanted to tell you that and with that she threw her arms around him and gave him a kiss. The kiss seemed too short to Saber Hog. Sara broke the kiss and ran off without saying a word. Saber Hog followed her around the corner down a hallway. When he got to her, she was standing away from him looking confused and lost with tears in her eyes.
Sara? Please dont leave it like this. Sara turned around and saw him standing there. She pulled him close and hugged him.
Sara stuttered out, I dont, I mean, how?
Saber Hog kissed her deeply. She looked shocked at first and then closed her eyes. As he kissed her, she could feel his warmth and strength. He had to hold her tightly because she was beginning to hover off the ground from the feeling.
They both broke the kiss this time and looked at each other. She cupped his face in his hand. Sara, I will come back. I promise.
Over the loudspeaker, an attendant was calling his name for departure.
I have to go Sara. Ill be careful and I will return. With those last words, Saber Hog ran down the hallway. As she followed him, she wondered if they would really ever see each other again. Before he went through the final gate, he turned around and waved back to her. She leaned forward and returned the wave, smiling.
The attendant started closing the door, forcing him to leave. She stared at the door for a minute longer and found a seat near the windowed wall and watched the planes take off and land. She was in deep thought. She was thinking about how she would come back here in a year to watch him land.
Nova and October walked up to her and sat down next to her, one on either side.
Sara was still deeply engaged in the scene through the window. Nova leaned her head on Saras shoulder asked, You OK, sis?
Ill be fine, she said with a smile. Sara reached her arms around the two. Wait, what are you doing here? How did I get here? She realized now that October was dressed up in the same outfit as she was and appeared to be her exact twin. She raised an eyebrow to them both. What did you do?
As soon as we heard Novas plan, we all agreed to it. Nova had me teleport her and October over to their apartment to get another one of Saras outfits. They quickly changed and had me again teleport them to the airport. Once they found Saber Hog, they called me with their exact location. October went up and kissed Saber Hog and ran around a corner and hid, while I teleported Sara from our apartment to their location. October had given Sara and Saber Hog the courage that they did not have.
Thank you, Sara said as she pulled them close. Looking out at Saber Hogs plane taking off she said, Thank God for you.