[ too late to save them, Lavi. The window of opportunity - the time for hope has closed. there's a sound of a great bell, and the portal rushes closed and heat in the air somehow feels hotter still.

from a tear in space, a man steps through, and with a wave of his hand, slams the door shut in front of lavi. he'll feel himself be pulled across the floor and then rooted to the spot. he can move, just not his feet. Mathis will feel the same, suddenly ground to the spot where he stands, choking on air. Hope has not been bound in such a way, but she seems stuck to her spot all the same. too afraid to move. ]

I'm afraid I don't know where you all think you are heading so quickly. Hope, I certainly hope you aren't doing what I think you are doing.

[ the hand moves to snap his fingers, and beside him now hang two figures in the air. rondo and ashlyn, you feel yourself wake up again, as injured as before but alive so very alive or at least-- part of you. your soul remains intact. but you are stuck in this hold, only able to move your eyes and your mouth for the moment. Raphael looks over at all of you, pitiful, sad things. ]

Now, I rather think we should negotiate like adults.

[ the temperature in the air turns down, actually. hot, but breathable again. the worst of it fades away. ]