"Me? Well I was going to test how well my disguise worked. Maybe you'll see through my seeming spell at some point. My name is Kalastryn D' Zannifer, but my friends call me Kala." She said, studying him over... people here are actually... okay with people looking like that wandering around? She'd disable her disguise to be blunt and just show him what she looks like if they weren't in public. "So how did you and Teri meet?" She asked, probably knowing the answer already... it was easy to tell he was an author... I mean, how else would he know Teri? If that wasn't enough, he referred his appearance to a title of something... she wasn't quite sure what, but it seemed authors often took inspiration from such things... though this would be the first time, to her awareness that is, that they enacted their creativity on themselves.
"If your a friend of Teri's I'm sure the information would be in good hands. However, showing you what I look like and telling you my life story wouldn't be advisable in the middle of a restaurant, now would it?" She said, all of her words not exactly in whispers, but in a volume audible to their group, however to few if any that would find the mention of spells, disguises, or secrets out of the ordinary.
"Your an author, correct?" she says bluntly "Though I'm unfamiliar with the full story, as I understand it I was created by an author... my friends were, my family was, my whole world was..." She says with a smile, which in the snap of a finger turns into a look of anger with narrowed eyes, and she definitely doesn't seem impressed at the sizable miracle of genesis they were capable of. "I also narrowly escaped it when an author's mistake killed every last one of all of them, save for an amount countable on two hands. My understanding of authors and this "Red Mage" may not be as up to par as those that were there on this side of the paper, or wherever I was first thought of...
but may I ask you something... and you can answer as you see fit, or not at all... but did this "Red Mage" suddenly make all creations in your mind spring to life... or... were we there, alive as you wrote all your stories. I want to know, because the world I grew up in was god damn brutal, and some sentient being created me the way I was. For the entirety of my life seen as sub-human, despised by man and monster alike. So you tell me, were we suddenly given sentience because of one person's acts...
or has every time a person put a pen to paper, letting their imagination run free in comedy or tragedy, did they create as well, a sentient being who's surroundings were under their control? I know who I AM, but what bothers me the most about my life isn't the fact being born what in my world was considered a hell-spawn, when people wouldn't spit in my direction before they'd try to place my head on a spear, not being able to go to a church simply to pray with the best of them, without the feeling of hatred of every paladin and exorcist in the room being so palpable you couldn't see through it, or even knowing that wherever I was born, the MOMENT I was born, I was hell bound because of what I was... No that doesn't bother me at all in comparison to the thought that some person, like YOU, put me through all that because they figured it made a good story to tell their friends!" she says, and as she ends her rant, she sighs... and in apology she says
"Well, perhaps it is unfair to compare you, a man I don't know, to someone so cruel. I've actually made friends with a few authors... and with all this considered I suppose their suffering is greater than mine. It is one thing to be put through hell, and another to send someone there without knowledge of the situation's gravity, merely as you assume to be words on a piece of paper, and then be confronted with every small detail of their suffering at your hands. The world I knew is gone, and it was a world that hated me... but at least that is over. Authors will never be able to escape the haunt, of that moment of revelation, when they realize how much suffering they caused someone."
Iwatdatoi Station - Strip Mall - Beef Bowl Store: Som(?), Teri, Ella, Devon, Cadolbolg, Ryan
Mood Music [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYXupyFb3A8]
Ella knew that she would have to be straightforward with Cadolbolg to get him to really be in on this, so she decided to be rather honest with him. "Well, I'll say it like this. You know how you love staying in Dev's hair? Well, she wouldn't have even considered it if you hadn't made it so clear that doing so was something you wanted to do. If you asked it, she'd move mountains for you! So, if you wanted to help with me and her, we could work together to help Dev get used to the thought of possibly staying like that.
Two heads of soft hair are better than one, right? If she's stuck like that, I know you'd like her to be happy in her own skin."
After that, she took a moment to converse with Teri for a moment. "Look, it's no problem. just help me later tonight with the items we need poofed in, and we should be even. Nothing too much." However, Ella took note of the odd reaction when Devon mentioned drugged foods... maybe her Bard had been a lot closer than thought. Why hide it, though?
Ryan's arrival opened up old memories for Devon as well, and the inclusion of Kalastryn as well added to the awkwardness of the situation for her. Since it seemed that the two didn't recognize Devon immediately (Even if it would take a bit for Kala to recognize Devon's signature almost-but-not-quite-Tiefling-like hellish taint), she started rubbing Cadol's stomach again - after all, she seemed to have lost her appetite even with a mostly full Beef Bowl. [color=00c863]"Um... not that I'm saying none of that makes any sense, but why would you two talk about that kind of stuff out in the open? I mean, you have to really be into your Dungeons and Dragons to talk with stuff like 'Seeming spells' and 'Everlasting Dragons'... wouldn't that kind of get you thrown in the madhouse?"[/color] Kalastryn's rather scathing rant of Authors only served to rub in how Devon had failed Slindis and Melethia so horribly - the only thing that had stopped her from heading in to the Shadow Zone was Ella and Cadol's insistence.
However, Ella could see how uncomfortable Devon was from the body posture and interceded to introduce herself to the two before it got much worse. "Oh, I'm Ella. Kalastryn could tell you a bit about me if you asked, the somewhat dour man picking away at his food is Som, and I was just taking my close friends here out for a day on the town. I'd ask what his name is, but maybe he could introduce himself." Hopefully focusing on the man would make the focus on Devon lessen, because as it was it threatened to cause big problems with what Ella had been working on all day.
Shadow Zone (Group 1): Annie, Cz, Jake, Jenny, The Wanderer, Melethia
Mood Music [http://tindeck.com/listen/blsl]
Melethia was caught up in the friendly fire from the Wanderer and the Arrow Rain (Taking some moderate attacks in the process), but that only served to make her even more livid as she leaped in the air to hit the damned machine in the joints - places Melethia knew from experience would cause big problems for the thing's mobility, all while slashing herself with the Evoker to summon Andras.
"Andras, wither the summon. It has no right to life." Responding in kind, Andras swooped in and... touched Bellona? Well, whatever that touch did seemed to drain some vitality from Bellona while revitalizing Melethia, meaning the young elf could keep fighting. And with how she was initially taught, this would end with one or the other dying - ans she was hellbent on making sure that she was going to be the one that lived.
Code:
Melethia activated her Dragonmark through Andras, draining Bellona of some vitality and transferring it over to Melethia as temporary health.
Although she was able to sidestep away from the spinning, Slindis wasn't able to dodge the Light blast quite as easily; oddly, it didn't seem to hurt quite as much as the Dark blasts. She still wasn't quite sure why that was the case, but the durability meant that she'd have to hang back soon enough to heal the others. Until then, she had to work with what she did know about the creature - it was just the right alignment to not like an Exalted smite.
[color=c200]"Joanne, let's show this creature exactly what an Exalted Smite feels like."[/color] Another slash of the sleeve with her Evoker glove summoned the Persona [http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2012/291/8/8/dissidia__white_mage_of_light_by_isaiahjordan-d5huls9.png], which responded with a powerful pair of Smites at the end of a flurry of blows. That Shadow would certainly be paying attention to her after that kind of attack...
Code:
Slindis summoned Joanne [http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2012/291/8/8/dissidia__white_mage_of_light_by_isaiahjordan-d5huls9.png] to perform an Exalted Smite on the Shadow. This powerful blow only deals extra damage to Evil creatures, but when it hits one, the target's in for a world of hurt.
Smites Left: 5. Since Slindis got lucky and rolled a 58 out of 100, she got two hits off of one Smite.
The barrage of bullets missed their target and instead hit the Wanderer's allies, but this Wanderer was not the Wanderer they knew, the blood coloured eyes would tell them that. Clicking his tongue the insane Wanderer did the thing he have done since the start of the battle. Kicking the dust behind him the Wanderer started to charge towards the Anti-Shadow weapon, still gripping his pistols. The Persona was stomping behind the Wanderer holding it's Beam Saber, the Gundam Persona was rather large as it was 18.88 meters tall.
After deciding to charge the arrows were launched from the ASW's Persona. The arrows hit both Persona and master, yet the insane Wanderer still ran with holes in most of his clothing. Yet he gripped a object in his mouth, it looked like a modified Syringe with a weird liquid in it. The smile was still clear as the Wanderer still charged and somehow managed to inject himself with the substance. The drug was called Psycho, it was something made to lessen damage to soldiers and yet would affect their mental side turning them to a frenzy, since the Wanderer was already in a state of madness it would not change him.
"Get out of MY WAY!" He said to Annie, Melethia and their Personas as the two charged by. The drug was finished and the syringe fell to the floor and vanished but as it faded the Wanderer was a couple of steps from the Anti-Shadow Weapon, this time he was shoot up close and personal while his Persona handled the Weapon's Persona.
Yu Narukami and Shadow Attack force 2
Location: Shadow Realm | ???
As he tried to talk to David the Shadow retaliated, while Slindis dodged the attack, Yu himself looked towards the enemy too late. This was a error that he made, moving to the left quickly the bolt struck him in his lower body and sent him flying, he then hit a wall and stopped. Izanagi instantly came to his side in a defensive stance, Yu smiled as he looked at his injuries. Looking towards his lower body he could see his clothing sizzle, it wasn't anything that bad but the collision with the wall proved to hurt more.
Feeling his mouth with his hand he pulled it away to see thick crimson on it. Still he smiled and looked towards the enemy and summoned his Arcana again. "Cleave!" Yu called out in a softer then usual, Izanagi immediately glided towards the Shadow and gave it three swipes of his blade before going back to his master, he took another defensive stance again.
Iwatdatoi Station - Strip Mall - Beef Bowl Store: Som(?), Teri, Ella, Devon, Cadolbolg, Ryan
Mood Music [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYXupyFb3A8]
The Cleric gave a small bob of her head in Ella's direction, giving the succubus more than enough indication that she was still on board. However, not a moment too soon after that, Kalastryn began her rant regarding Authors; her harsh words striking Devon and Teri deep.
Teri froze upon hearing Kalastryn's criticisms of Authors, knowing fully well that she was more than guilty of that crime. Putting her chopsticks down, seeing that her appetite was completely destroyed by that point, she turned to Kalastryn and spoke, her attempt of a smile [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IbTGNCqV85k/TWngx8n_BbI/AAAAAAAABmM/kcqR1N4JQHc/s1600/MSMM8-11.jpg] beginning to crack[footnote]No tears yet, just the expression[/footnote], [color=0E59E4]"Red Mage, what he did was make it apparent of who the Authors were for those we Wrote for, and tried to kill us all; regardless of what that would have meant to those connected to us. And he killed millions to achieve the power to break the border between the worlds to do it. He is no saint, by any means.
I'm sorry you had to deal with what you dealt with, Kalastryn, but if it's any small comfort, when things are written, at least, when I did it, the Person I wrote for usually came to their own, on their own. Your thoughts and feelings are your own. They always were. I never thought that those I wrote for were real people, so I didn't know what harm I was doing.[/color]
[color=0E59E4]But you're right. I never forget what my writing has done. Even when I broke the connection between myself and those I used to write for, I am reminded constantly of what the title of Author means. And I know that I deserve it."[/color]
She would have left too, had it not been for her friends each saying their pieces about their experiences in author-hood or introducing one another, she just felt the pit in her stomach get worse; Toyotama whispering ideas about how to make Kalastryn hush up permanently (not that it made her feel any better)...
Cadolbolg, however immature and childish he did appear, knew was good at one thing: Listening. He knew how to take commands, and to remember when his parents or his friends or his Pact partner told him something important. And when he heard the things being spoke about Authors, he listened quietly to each of the persons present on the matter, and spoke as well, "You, new lady, I think you need to shut up about the Author people. From what I've been hearing, Teri, Devon, Jake and even this new guy, Ryan, have gone through a lot of tough times for being what they are; just like you. For you to just call them bad just cause is just as terrible as the people who treated you wrongly.
That all being said, I've been around Teri, Devon and Jake to know that they didn't mean to hurt anybody when they wrote their stories. Didn't people in your world write stories too? Does that make those people bad, just because they like a story? I know friend Teri may not be held in the highest opinion of my father because she wrote for his family, myself included, but you know what? Just by spending time with these people, I know they couldn't be as malicious as you said; because they're far kinder than you know, and they're sorry for what they've done. Not to mention one of those Authors is the best big sister I could ask for. And for you to rub it in like that is wrong too.
Now where did that piece of ginger go?"
Cadolbolg began to nibble on the piece of ginger quietly after that, not quite knowing what his words meant for either of the Authors present. For one, Teri could hear the death threats disappear like a poof of smoke, and Ella could see already that the Cleric relaxed after hearing what the tiny turtle dragon baby had to say. Now, that left in question what Devon had to say about the matter. While Cadolbolg ate, he added back to Ella, "So you're saying that Devon listens to me when I ask her to do things? And I could use that to help her be happy? Sign me on. I want my big sis to be happy; and I know Ton Ton, and Teri and all my family would be happy for that to happen to. Just lemme know how I can help."
As for the man with the ginger hair, he watched this whole spectacle go down with increasingly wider eyes, seeming very much confused about the whole ordeal,
Port Island Station - Rafflesia: Garm, Rugal, Walter o'Dim
Rugal seemed a little uneasy after Walter sniffed him, clearly understanding this was going to be one of those "Weird" types. "...Dog?...[sub]Dammit Garm[/sub]..." He said offhand, unaware that said "Dog" was watching him.
Still, he paused as after he took off his glasses: The exact same eye color as Mr. Skin. ...Hm...Interesting...Think we might have a lead... He thought, though, he'd wait until he saw a third person with those eyes before he called it in. "Well...You heard he got arrested? Think it was over something small and twatty, but just in case an subpoena is ordered, we'd like to have everything saved before we delete those files. Just think of it as writing your websites down before you delete your internet history." He said as he pulled out his PDA. "So after the "Goods" where offloaded, where did they get sent? We have the ingoing records set up, but we'd need a destination." "...Can't you just make one up?..." "See, that's what I said, but those suits are being anal about it. They think that the police are going to use the traffic cameras to track them if they go off route or something. Tch, Bunch of stuck up 60-somethings that are more frail then the suits they wear...but they pay my bills so here I am. So just give us the location and we'll be good." "And if I don't want to tell?..." "Then they'll fire me and you can go though this song and dance with someone else again and again until you do. Besides, what the hell would we have to gain from busting up a drug ring that WE put up? This isn't America where the suits get to literally shit on their employees and sell them down the river to save their own asses, the courts ACTUALLY do their job here. You go down, one of the board of directors is your cellmate. So lets make sure that doesn't happen, now shall we?"
With his web of convincing Bullshit set up, he waited for Walter to spill the beans.
Iwadatoi Station - Strip Mall - Sweet Shop: Akane, Deadshot
"Well...Shit..." Deadshot loudly stated as he eyed up the beat cops that were attempting to arrest them. "Hey, contact your CO, tell them that Misturu authorized this Operation and we're working under her orders." He said as he pushed the Infected man between him and the police, bullets tended to hurt humans like him you see. "This man is suffering from a Biological Hazard and he doesn't have much time left. Get us EMTs and a escort to the...the....[sub]Fuck, what was the name of that building again?[/sub]...Oh, The Kirijo Group building!" He then ordered the police, switching the Ammo type on his gun to Rubber bullets.
Just in case...
On the advise of his team-mates, David become spotter for Apollo's shots, somehow knowing that he'd understand.
"5'o Clock to 9!" He shouted before a Red Beam passed though a pair of incoming projectiles, neutralizing the.
"20-past 8!" The sniper called before another beam was fired, this time bouncing between several projectiles like a Pin Ball on a Table.
"Ha! He even knows my Lingo!" David smirked before Yu took a hit from a shot to got though.
"YU!...Grrr...Alright, Let's wrap up...Bring the Rain." The Irishman ordered as the shots from Apollo ceased for a moment.
On that cue, the Persona Marksman phased out his Rifle before reaching into a Red Weapons Chest to find something to "Bring the Rain".
With a glint in his eye, he found Justthe one...
"Alright, everyone *MIGHT* want to take cover right about now..."
[color=c00000]"...From what?"[/color] Slindis asked as David saw the first shot be fired.
"...THAT!" He then shouted as Apollo opened fire on the area with a series of massive Exploding Sniper rounds, carpet bombing the area around the monster like an AC-130[footnote]Imagine a Plane Mounted Machine Gun the size of a car. Now imagine it firing at you. Or just watch this.[/footnote].
"YEAH! SUPERIOR FIREPOWER *****! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" David shouted over the bombardment, for once, feeling confident that he actually managed to do something worthwhile.
Once David's Persona began to bombard the area, Ton-Ton shielded his eyes and ears from the repeating blasts, after all, he was standing less then a few feet away from Apollo's Fire.
Caim meanwhile was holding fast, having plenty of experience being Danger Close[footnote]Standing next to an Allied/Enemy bombardment[/footnote].
What he didn't have experience with was whatever opened up underneath his feet, falling into a strange blend of fuild Oil-like Shadows, tendrils gripping his legs and pulling him under.
Out of instinct, The Tonberry felt himself grabbed by the cloak and thrown aside as Caim threw him to safety, the last act he was able to do before he went under.
By the time Ton Ton knew what happened, Caim was long gone...
Shadow Zone: Dragon's Hoard: Angelus, Caim
The Dark Dragon actually paused for a moment to think about that question. "...Hm...I tend to lose track of my tributes. Could be over by the Paintings?...Or is it beside the Treasure Chests?...Ah, No matter. It's for your own safety, what with how Squishy your kind tends to be. After all, there is a reason why some mortals make armor out of Dragon Scales..." She answered in a condescending matter, even in the form of a Dragon, Angelus could read her smug expressions as though they were human.
Despite this, She was able to see the duo of daggers in a pile of gold coins out of her reach, surely strategic placement on her Shadow's part. "So what do you think? Is it not grand? This is my future. Once I Consume your form, I'll be able to walk freely among those mortal you seem to cherish so much, as is my birthright. Then, This is will be far more then just some Dark Construct in a chaotic realm..." The Dragon explained, making her intentions clear. "...Consume my form?..." "As powerful as we Shadows are in this realm, We deserve so much more then this darkness, no matter how much we can shape it to our will. While I perish the thought of your mortal weakness "Infecting" me, It'll be so worth it to be able to fly, unbound by your failings..."
"...W-what are you talking about?..." "Once we return to our Home Realm, I think I'll settle in one of those "A-Sian" countries, such a wonderful standing ovation we got back in that "China-Town". When I've made my Den and have the locals start paying tributes to me, I might travel...Perhaps I'll visit Legna, where ever he may be, Past be damned, he is our kin...Maybe I'll contact that delightful Calypso being, enter another tournament, Rain fire from the skies...or at least be rid of that ridiculous ship you cling onto..."
It was clear that the Shadow was staking a claim to Angelus's life in the Normal Realm, whether she liked it or not... "And with you here to take my place in the Shadow's, there is but one thing stopping me."
"...And what would that be?..." "Due to your Pact, your Mind, Body and spirit is not fully your own..."
"...Caim..." "Since that foolish man crawled over to us, bleeding and fading, our lives have seen nothing but trouble. But once I've help Liberate him of his Shadow, The Pact can be broken and the both of us can go our separate ways...Or rather I'll leave and he'll...I dunno,...burn down an orphanage or whatever he does for entertainment, it's of no concern for me."
Once she finished explaining, the Dragon stood upright, casting her shadow over Angelus's cell before gently blowing smoke from her nose into her prison. "But, We Dragons are merciful creatures. In respect for your proud sacrifice so I might live...I'll allow you watch..." She finished before letting out a toothy grin as another pit formed on the cave walls nearby, Spitting out a familiar looking Knight...
Kala looked puzzled for a moment... then turned to Cadolbolg "You seem to be mistaken... which I suppose is my fault. I don't hate authors, I don't even hate mine. What bothers me is the fact I may never find answers as to why. I don't hate anyone for things beyond their control, it wouldn't be right if I did. Teri, Devon, and I suppose by all means Ryan did the right thing, which earns my utmost respect. I said they might never escape the harshness they experience, though did I ever say this was deserved? No, and for good reason... they've tried to their fullest to fix everything, one of them even sold their soul to make it right. she said looking sorry for having ranted and raved the way she did while they were right there. "Authors in general don't bother me, hell we all have imaginations... it doesn't bother me what's gone on so much as... well, with you, Teri, and the rest of your family, everyone's done everything in all their strength to fix it..."
she seems on the verge of tears as she continues. "But mine remains hidden and silent, doing nothing to set things right with me, or god knows however many other ideas. That's what scares me, I guess. Teri, Devon, and Ryan all did the right thing for everyone they hurt, while I'm stuck licking my own wounds and crying myself to sleep... and I'll never understand why... I'm sorry if I hurt you, I know how words can cut like knives... I'm sorry..." She says, as she just sits for a few minutes in silence...
It had only then registered what Ryan was saying with his story. "Wait, one of your creations both tried to kill you, and couldn't be returned to their previous state?" She then looked at the well displayed emotions of Teri, Ryan, and the rest of who heard her rant in the group. "I'm sorry... I guess I really put my foot in my mouth there... I focus too much on the pain I was caused, and I guess I was blind to the misery I just caused you." She said, her now hushed tone not drawing much attention. "Ryan, though I've just met you, I suppose I know where your coming from... but I don't think your other creations would have tried to kill you... even if the rules didn't apply. I know because when I figured out my life was written out for me for a long time, I wanted answers, not bloodshed. You didn't know you were hurting those people, and they knew you were making it right once it was discovered you were. I find it hard to believe that if they lived because they were so close to your heart, they'd want to destroy you for it, and this is looking at it from the perspective of someone who was made hell-bound from the start, I don't think you did anything that bad did you?"
She then turned her attention to Teri "and how bad could you have made it for Caim and Angelus if they not only forgive you, but tackle each breaking wave with you? If their capable of that level of mercy, forgiveness, and friend ship... frankly I don't see where you could have went more right!" She says with a smile. she lets out a sigh and apologizes once more to each there with "Maybe someday all will feel right again... here's to then?" and smiles warmly.
... Kala didn't know what to say... she was really talking to someone who did all that? and on friendly terms no less? Hell, even fiends like Pit Fiends [http://ddowiki.com/page/Arraetrikos] who do some of the most vile things for themselves can at least provide SOME sort of reason other than "For the sake of a 'fun' time." I mean she was a strict believer that people can change, and that... "Oh do let me guess..." her shadow interrupted from the depths of her mind, continuing in a mocking tone... "out of darkness comes light" "not all of any one group are alike" and all that bullshit, but be honest here... you wouldn't be all in the wrong to hate him now would you?" Despite her shadow's nagging voice seeming to have more power here, she was still wiser and more strong of will than letting it effect her thoughts too deeply. He wanted to change... like she did. That is to say for the better... heck, if she was to say he was beyond saving, she'd have to say that about herself... and recent events had more than proven otherwise. She spoke in a volume that wouldn't attract attention to the group, at least not any more than they had, which is to say silent enough to limit the hearing range right around just over a whisper and just under talking.
"Well, moving forward is all anyone can ever do... it doesn't help anyone to dwell on the past... I'm not saying anyone should ignore their wrongdoings... but you made it right... as right as you could anyway, and that's all anyone else can ask of you. Now... you said you were interested in joining up with the crew right? Personally, I'd have no objections... on one condition. Promise you'll not be so reckless with your creations later... simple? I mean... well to be perfectly honest, I don't think the... what I assume was a change... to some dragon-thing was a good move... I mean... you know what never mind, point is, if you find it necessary to write something at some point, think it through and have a peaceful way to resolve it if you can, alright?"
Iwatdatoi Station - Strip Mall - Beef Bowl Store: Som(?), Teri, Ella, Devon, Cadolbolg, Ryan
Mood Music [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYXupyFb3A8]
[color=00c863]"Thanks for the kind words, Cadolbolg, even if I have messed up. I'm still tired of the shifting around in their tones that makes it feel like I'm both being cursed and praised.
...is there any way I could be a better bigger sister?"[/color] Even with Cadolbolg's praise, it was hard to shake the feeling that Devon was still responsible for too much that had gone on... Maybe the curse was just some way to punish her.
Heck, the longer it went on, the more Devon wanted to be out of there instead of hearing this cycle of small praise and scathing scoldings over something that she couldn't really do much to fix. Still, she had to stand up for herself even if neither one of those two knew that it was Devon speaking. [color=00c863]"Just because someone writes doesn't make them omniscient. Would every grocery list be chiseled in stone? No, things come up. Maybe you want different ingredients in the food. Sometimes amateur chefs mess up with some of the ingredients and something bad happens. Is that reason to damn the chef forevermore?"[/color] It wasn't a lot, but the confidence boost from Cadolbolg was a bit clear.
"Well, just follow the plan here and we should be good, okay? It's not too hard, and it really is for the best in the long run. Plus, we both know you like how soft that hair is, right?" Ella's explanation was rather brief, but it did clarify some of the actions that had happened over the day.
The Hunter had found himself seated in front of a steaming bowl of what appeared to be soup that consisted of meat, broth and noodles and yet he had no idea how he had arrived at that location or who the two "people" seated at the table were. His last memories were being seated at a fountain with the wolf (Garm) just before the Minature Dragon (Cadolbolg), The Demoness (Ella), The Cursed Bard (Devon) and the Air Ship's Medical Officer (Teri) had arrived. Everything else seemed to be a blur of pictures and - and -
"AAAAAAH-CHOOOOOOO!!!!" Som sneezed, managing to cover up his mouth and nose with the inside of his elbow.
bluerocker said:
[color=0E59E4]"Even when I broke the connection between myself and those I used to write for, I am reminded constantly of what the title of Author means. And I know that I deserve it."[/color]
"AAAAAAH-CHOOOOOOO!!!!" The Hunter sneezed again finding that his sinuses were under the attack of some sort of alergic reaction.
"P-Pardon m-m-AAAAAAH-CHOOOOOOO!!!! me." Som said, his voice sounding as if he was drowning in his own mucus. His thoughts felt the same way as the Hunter struggled to figure out just what it was that was causing this sudden bout of allergies.
Pulling out a vial from his alchemy pouch, the hunter started placing various herbs and materials into the container before pulling holding it over the flame of a candle that had been placed in the middle of the table. As the contents of the vial heated up, a bit of smoke swirled out and rode the invisible air currents that circulated around the room.
"AAAAAAH-CHOOOOOOO!!!!" The Hunter sneezed once again as he tried to keep track of the smoke as it wound it way around the restaurant and started reacting with the allergen that was causing Som so much discomfort.
Soon, the Hunter was able to not only identify the allergen, but the source as well as Som's blood shot blue eyes locked onto Cleric Teri.
"*COUGH COUGH COUGH*You did not happen to drink anything that would alter your pheromones did you?" Som asked miserably as he began concocting a drink that cease the torrent of nasal mucus that sought to gush out his nostrils. As he continued to look at the Cleric, he pointed at the two new comers with his eyes, silently questioning the Ship's Medical officer if they were friendly, though it could have been a distraction to draw attention away from the fact that the Hunter was edging away from the Cleric slowly until such time as his allergy rememdy took effect.
[hr]
Shadow Zone | Strike Team #2: Constance, David, Slindis, Ton Ton, Yu
Constance had not moved since the appearance of the Shadow and whether it was due to the traumatic way that David had snatched her weapon from her or the berating that she received from the Irish Sniper and Slindis, she found herself unsure as to how to proceed as the world around her seemed to shift under her feet.
No, this was not another attempt at Bast trying to swap places with the Vampire, it was yet more proof that the Daughter of the Sorrowfeld Clan had a long way to go before she could save anyone, let alone herself.
It was the birth of an artificial sun in the form of David's Persona assaulting the Shadow that finally caused Constance to move to attack the dual headed menace that was attempting to destroy her Crew Mates.
"BAST!" Constance called out, unleashing the Feline Headed Persona upon the world.
Seeing the creature's electrical assault, the Feline Persona summoned a whirlwind that raced along the floor of the area, picking up the massive shell casings that had been discarded by the aerial assault. Once satisfied, Bastet's claws errupted into flame, causing the whirling metal casings to melt together, the spinning motion causing the molten ball of metal to spread, at first into a thin disk and then a thin metal net that errected itself between the creature and the Crew Members of the Strike Team.
"What are you doing?!" Constance asked, not understanding what was happening until one of the creature's electrical attacks struck the barrier and was dissipated along the metal veins.
"Ohhhhhh. Okay!" The Sorrowfeld Vampire said with a smile in the voice as she went to check on Ton Ton.
"Hey! Are you okay?" The Vampire asked the Tonberry.
Iwadatoi Station - Strip Mall - Sweet Shop: Akane, Deadshot "Well...Shit..." Deadshot loudly stated as he eyed up the beat cops that were attempting to arrest them. "Hey, contact your CO, tell them that Misturu authorized this Operation and we're working under her orders." He said as he pushed the Infected man between him and the police, bullets tended to hurt humans like him you see. "This man is suffering from a Biological Hazard and he doesn't have much time left. Get us EMTs and a escort to the...the....[sub]Fuck, what was the name of that building again?[/sub]...Oh, The Kirijo Group building!" He then ordered the police, switching the Ammo type on his gun to Rubber bullets.
Just in case...
Akane stiffened somewhat next to Deadshot even as he swung the victim in front of himself. Forcing herself not to draw steel she softened her stance and spread her arms wide in friendship. "Ehe... We were told to be discrete... Come come now! Put down your weapons, we have not drawn ours. We really are workign with Mitsuru-san of Kirijo Group. Let us all stand down and talk this over like people, who is your commander? We have no time to waste."
Port Island Station - Rafflesia: Garm, Rugal, Walter o'Dim
Mood Music [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q88IKVX7JM]
Walter looked around a little more, and waved a hand to pull in Rugal's attention, "Tanaka sent you bout deliveries, so you got to me, right? So, he probably mentioned a couple people interested in those 'items'. Skin, Narla and Samuel were pretty keen on em; as they were private dealers. But the guys by the Strip Mall, they used it to make their own... Look, I'm just a delivery guy. I smell it to make sure it's the real thing, then I ship.
Point being, lots of dealings went on behind there. Hell, I think most of us got our supplies there... I tended to grab things by the Shrine myself, when those monks were looking. But ever since that dead guy turned up, I've been avoiding it like the plague. Don't want to be wrongly accused, you know?"
Walter seemed to be sniffing around a bit more, seeming more nervous about dropping this information at all. Then again, being a member of a drug ring was never good for the nerves. However, the part about Mr. Skin was a bit more disconcerting too. If he was a private dealer, then that mean he sent Rugal off to stall; and could be long gone by now...
Iwadatoi Station - Strip Mall - Sweet Shop: Akane, Deadshot
Mood Music [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Pr5RMY5FqY]
Upon hearing both of the two members namedropping the Kirijo group building, as well as Mitsuru's name, the commanding officer stopped, and dialed in a number on his phone before talking over something for a few moments, and turned back to Akane and Deadshot. Putting a hand up, he signaled to his men to put down their weapons,
"He's right. The Kirijos are overlooking this.... Now get these people out of the way, we don't want anything to spread! Someone get a first aid kit out, we need to staunch that bleeding!"
And with surprising efficiency, the police were able to push back the crowd to the bare minimum required to be able to traverse the district, and the policeman began to speak with Akane and Deadshot again, "Kirijo-san should be here with an ambulance soon. She'll take you and this man in a few..."
True to the policeman's word, Mitsuru and an ambulance arrived not too long afterward, motioning the two into the luxurious looking car while the man was unloaded into the ambulance. Upon getting in, though, Deadshot (being familiar with this sort of scenario) realized that Mitsuru had arranged them to be in their for privacy of speech, rather than transportation back to the Kirijo Group Building,
[color=955555]"Nicely done on finding someone among the living with the virus. However, you weren't exactly the most discreet.... Drawing a weapon in a candy store is bound to draw a little attention."[/color]
She gave a chuckle (which did sound a tad bit rehearsed), and continued, [color=955555]"That being said, I cannot deny that you did a great service in finding that man. However, I feel I should ask a couple questions about this scenario before I go back to my office and work on the paperwork that keeps this sort of thing under control.
First, could you explain to me what happened, to the closest degree. We need to know as much as we can about what this person may have been wanting or acting, so we may get a better profile on what to look out for. What was he doing, did you see him look at any people, any sort of details."[/color]
Iwatdatoi Station - Strip Mall - Beef Bowl Store: Som(?), Teri, Ella, Devon, Cadolbolg, Ryan, Kalastryn
Mood Music [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYXupyFb3A8]
Teri's eyes stayed to the table, shivering faintly when Bruiser's name was dropped several times, and shook her head at what Kalastryn said regarding Caim and Angelus, [color=0E59E4]"Angleus has given me kindness that is far beyond what I deserve, but she still keeps her distance. Not that I really mind, as I'm thankful that she's been understanding But Caim... Caim has not forgiven me for what I have done. And, to say it kindly, Kalastryn, I have done quite a lot; so much so that I'd rather not recount it all here. Perhaps, to put it lightly, if they told you their story of being with the Rising Dawn, my hand was involved before even then. And for that, I would not be surprised if he stayed angry at what I have done for a long time."[/color]
She looked to Ryan with that same wry smile, [color=0E59e4]"You're lucky though, Ryan. Even if you had some fights along the way, it looks like those you wrote for seem to be at peace; even the alternate version of yourself. Be glad for that much. If Inuart knew who I was, I think he would have gone for my head immediately. Then again, by the time he ever saw me, I had already broken the connection. Even for what I had to pay for it, I think it was worth it, if it freed all those lives connected to my own."[/color]
Saying this made the Cleric seem to droop again, but at least, from what the others were seeing, she was beginning to eat her meal again.
Well, it would have stayed that way if Som didn't sneeze up a storm and stare very closly at the Cleric, the expression not being too far off from Caim's famous death glares. With a slightly shaky voice (which was in no doubt inspired by the recent re-introduction to old wounds and being stared down like a diseased animal), she said quietly, [color=0E59E4]"I drank a drink called Pheromone Coffee? I didn't think it actually did anything... as for those two, the dragon shaped person is Ryan, and the woman is Kalastryn. They're old friends of ours. Can you please stop giving me that look now?"[/color]
Ella, looks like your hands are gonna be full cheering up some Authors in the establishment.
As for Cadolbolg, after giving an "Okie dokie!" to Ella, he gave an almost catlike rub against Devon's arm to comfort her, and spoke again via the rings, "It's perfectly fine, Devon. If that lady wants to keep talking mean stuff, you ignore it. You obviously feel bad enough as is. You don't need someone telling you messed up for the same mistakes. As for being a better big sister, you don't need to do anything. Me and Friend Ton Ton are very happy with you being yourself.
"I do have a question though... What was this 'connection' thing friend Teri was talking about? I understand that Author Mark used his connection to me to make me a real dragon baby, that is, before breaking it; and that it was powerful enough to let him do that to me. And Creator Puce severed his connection and myself so that I could think for myself... Is it like those? Why did the Authors want to do this connection breaking thing?"
Shadow Zone (Group 1): Akontia - The Anti-Shadow Weapon, Annie, Cz, Jake, Jenny, The Wanderer, Melethia
Mood Music [http://tindeck.com/listen/blsl]
The following was written with bluecrimson's express consent.
Melethia's negative energy and joint destruction was the first attack to land on Akontia and her Persona, causing the robot to freeze in pain as her life was literally drained from her body and her joints rendered less than useful, Bellona fading in the process. Following up that was the Wanderer's barrage of bullets, which, at this range, (and Akontia's joints currently being locked) were dead on target, filling the robot with more holes. Once this was finished, Annie's chance was given, and Gaea was able to bring a mighty strike down onto the robot; and acquainting her properly with the floor. After all was said and done, the light in the robot's eyes began to fade, as the emotionless voice rang out, [color=7476A9]"E-external...systems....failure....Powering down...."[/color] before the javelin slipped from the robot's fingers. It was disabled.
Now, as much as the party probably wanted revenge on the robot, Fuuka's voice range out and pleaded, [color=5F8B7F]"Wait! Please, while I understand you have no doubt nothing but ill will for this Anti-Shadow unit, if you destroy her it will make us lose one important piece in this puzzle! If our sources are correct, Akontia has a vial of the virus in her body, and she may have information about the forces holding her prior to her reactivation, the forces under Nyarlatotep's control. Please, I beg you, bring her back with you. We can put her in safe containment now that you've disabled her; and be able to properly extract and analyze the virus in her systems.
Now, give me a moment before I try to find you a way out of here...."[/color]
Without further prompting, Melethia grabbed the robotic adversary and threw her in the bag of holding with the less dangerous magical items, giving a look that almost asked to be questioned about the action. When prompted about throwing the robot in the bag, she simply stated, "I listen to suggestions, not orders."
Fuuka paused, noticing that the child out of the lot of them was the one to handle the body, but after a moment, spoke again, still sounding a bit rattled in the process, [color=5F8B7F]"...I have found a point in which you could exit on this floor. Make your way East, and you should find it...
And, again, I'm sorry for what has happened here."[/color]
After Narukami's and Constances' attack, Slindis' Smite, and David's air raid, the Shadow was clearly overwhelmed; and began to swell in size before exploding into a pile of black goop; sending chunks of the stuff everywhere. However, not long after the goop appeared, it began to evaporate into black smoke.
[color=5F8B7F]"Great Job! It's gone... Now, Lemme try to find you an exit on this floor, so you can get that generator out of here when the time comes.... Also, your other group of allies were able to find and subdue the Anti Shadow Weapon. However... there were some casualties in the process, and the one noted as AWOL is still as such... I'm sorry."[/color]
This left the party alone with themselves, and- Was that crying?
Ton Ton, who was very much thrown off by the literal fireworks, was shocked when he felt himself being thrown off of Caim's shoulder, as well as seeing the man getting pulled under into some dark abyss, not unlike how he was first brought into the world [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/jump/540.101127.15360726] of AA. As the Tonberry looked around for his misplaced benefactor, his voice grew shriller with panic as he waved his lantern around the Shadow verse;
[color=15650D]"Caim!? Where are you?! Please, come back! Please... What am I gonna tell Cadolbolg if I come back without you or Angelus?"[/color]
When Constance came to his aid, Ton Ton looked up at her and everyone else, and in those little beady eyes, (and tone of voice), Constance could see desperation clear on his face, [color=15650D]"It's Caim. I was sitting on his shoulder, and we were waiting out David's fire storm before we could attack the Shadow. But, when we were waiting, something attacked us; and he- he threw me out of the way, so some big, shadowy black thing wouldn't swallow me up. And now he's gone! I-I'm scared... I can't just leave and tell Cadolbolg that his parents disappeared! What if he's dead?! I could be the reason he lost his parents!"[/color]
Shadow Zone: ???: Angelus
Mood Music [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pS5soRsrKQ]
Angelus' eyes widened when she saw that Caim was pulled into the zone and ran to the bars of her cage, crying out, "CAIM, GET OUT OF HERE!"
As for Caim, the last thing he remembered was being pulled into darkness, and throwing Ton Ton to safety. Well, at least that was one thing taken care of. Couldn't let his son come into harm's way like that. Still, looking around the strange pile of treasure, and the two different versions of Angelus, Caim blinked in confusion,
Code:
"What the? Angelus, why are there two of you? Something about your Persona?[footnote]He never did see it...[/footnote]"
The dragon chuckled, and gave a low, playful growl, "Oh, the Princess in the cage has already well established I am not her, Caim. But, that's not the important part, now is it?"
"Caim, RUN! LEAVE, NOW!"
Disregarding her Host, the Shadow flapped it's mighty wings, and landed in front of Caim, showing off her huge bulk to the human in question (as well as try to block Angelus from view), "Now, Caim, as I said before. She is irrelevant at the moment. This conversation is between you and I."
The warrior's eyes went wide for a moment, and then his hand went to his sword, realizing the error in his judgment. This could not have been Angelus' Persona at all. For one, Personas didn't stay out for extended periods of time like Narukami's was wont to unless otherwise noted. The second, they didn't talk. Of course, this meant that the Angelus in the back was the real one,
Code:
"Angelus, where is Kingsblood and your Evoker? I know you'd be out of there in a moment's notice if you had them."
The Dragon before him scoffed, and lowered it's head back to eye level with Caim, "It's on that pile, over ther-"
"So quick to advise for your mortal means, aren't you, Caim? Who says she wants your advise? Then again, it's always been your way since this pact began, hasn't it? 'Save my sister', 'Save my sons', 'Watch my student'. When did you ever have time for Us? When it was you and I, when did you ever do anything for ME? Hmn? No, it was ALWAYS about you. But that's fine. That's going to change very quickly...."
Caim blinked again while the dragon ranted about how selfish she perceived Caim's actions, and paused, putting his familial blade down,
Code:
"Did you really feel that way, Angelus?"
"Did I ignore you for that long? I had no idea. Then again, I don't tend to be very good with this sort of thing, now am I?"
Adding again to the Knight's confusion, he spun around to see... Himself? [http://imgur.com/nkaKCR1] Yeah, that was indeed himself he was looking at, well, save for the eyes (and the bit of extra blood). Caim paused, and asked,
Code:
"What is this?"
The Shadow of Caim spoke again, "I am you. You are me. And let me tell you, we're not really worth much. I mean, don't you get it? This is all your fault. If we had been better at attending to Angelus, then maybe we may have noticed something was wrong. Or maybe you're so used to having someone else cooped up in your head, you're just not used to thinking for yourself? Or perhaps you don't realize that Angelus could use a bit more assurance than trying to kiss it away. Maybe sitting her down to talk over things stressing her out, or maybe a back rub? Something? Oh right, you know nothing about romance. You're about as romantic as a brick. And because of all that, all the stuff you've neglected is running about and making the both of you miserable.
Then again, what about the rest of the family? How much have you let them down? Devon is a woman and hating ever second of it because we couldn't protect her from some demoness from another realm; Cadolbolg is trying so hard to be like what we taught him, and he made a PACT to make you proud of him; Ton Ton is STILL not home to his Mistress, which by the way, you probably could have strangled out of that Author by now; Furiae.... I don't even need to say more than her name to get what happened through your skull, and now this.
You're a horrible Father, a worse brother, and an awful lover. Maybe if you listened to your family more, instead of pushing them aside for cutting something into pieces or beating some kind of training into someone, you'd have realized it by now. But no, we're here, we've abandoned one of our sons, and Angelus is obviously bothered by Us being here. What's the point?"
After saying all this, the Shadow waited quietly, smiling with the Shadow Dragon for the magic words that would set it free; the Shadow Dragon nearly on the edge of it's claws to hear Caim reject his own Shadow.
Angelus, back in her cage, balked at the sheer number that Caim's Shadow laid out before it's host, and thought to herself, "He really feels that way? That he's gone that far in messing up all of their lives?"
"Caim, you know that's not true! I never thought of you as a failure! A fool, perhaps, but never something so low!"
As for the warrior, he sat there in silence, taking in all the criticisms that the Shadow laid out, and then gave a small nod,
Code:
"...You're right."
"Of course I'- what?"
Code:
"What I said. You are right. I haven't been the best at what I'm supposed to be. I'm not the perfect father, brother, or lover that I ever wanted to be, and it's lead to those close to me getting hurt. But, if they're still with me, and want me to be there for them, that has to mean something, right?
Furiae still talks to me, Devon still looks to me for strength, my sons still come to me for comfort and guidance, and Angelus obviously still holds me to some degree of regard, if me being here is causing some sort of conflict within herself. But if I quit now, a lot of people will be disappointed in me. [small]Not to mention, if I DID strangle the Author, Devon and Angelus would probably be pretty upset about that.[/small] And unlike my want for revenge against the Empire in the past, this is much more important. I accept you."
"....."
Code:
"I don't have all day, you know."
The Shadow paused, and looked to Shadow!Angelus, shrugging before turning into a Tarot Card [http://static1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20120720032847/megamitensei/images/f/f8/TowerCard.jpg] and disappearing back within Caim. After that was over, Caim turned to the Shadow of Angelus and raised his sword,
Code:
"Now, I'm going to repeat this again, and you had better not interrupt me, black dragon. Angelus, where is Kingsblood and the Evoker?"
Iwadatoi Station - Strip Mall - Sweet Shop: Akane, Deadshot
Mood Music [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Pr5RMY5FqY]
[color=955555]"First, could you explain to me what happened, to the closest degree. We need to know as much as we can about what this person may have been wanting or acting, so we may get a better profile on what to look out for. What was he doing, did you see him look at any people, any sort of details."[/color] Mitusru asked.
"Well, I bought some takoyaki as I haven't eaten since I got here. The clerk pointed out the victim when I asked about the new fashion in town. She also mentioned the person who does the shift after her also stopped showing up after dressing the same. We could always hit her up for more information, but I had to move fast. I entered the shop and Deadshot-san moved to take down the victim, who said he 'didn't want any sort of trouble, just leave me alone' before charging towards the door at full speed. I stepped in front of the door and shouted at him to stop, but he dropped into a shoulder charge. I meant to cut him in half but I drew my sword sheathed for some reason and merely struck him full force as Deadshot-san hit him with some sort of lightning shock. Deadshot-san secured the victim and we proclaimed ourselves police and left the shop quickly, apologizing for the damage. We didn't get far before meeting the actual police, and now we are here. Aww, my takoyaki!" The Kitsune explained.
She nodded to Deadshot, allowing him to add in his side of the story.
"Well, seems we have reached an agreement then." responded the man draped in shadows and darkness, his eyes sitting behind a pair of sunglasses he just put back up on his face, glimmering with evil intent.
"You've got what you wanted, now hold up your end of the deal Mr. 'D'." said the official. His clothes were stained with sweat from about two hours of negotiations and the presence of being close to this dark man.
"Gladly." was all he said before pulling out a massive pistol and blowing the man's skull open with it. The rear half of the room covered in blood, he stood up and began to walk out of the room. "Go get the plutonium."
"Right sir!" a female voice came from a corner of the room and ran out of the room with haste.
Sad musc [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rKOwrgjxyQ]
After doing his part in the battle with the dance of lead, the Insane!Wanderer stopped, indeed he wanted to do more to the robot but he understood what the girl 'Fuuka' was saying. "*Tisk* Well that is a shame ... I wanted to find out more about it. You know disassemble it and all ... my other side doesn't care thought." He said out loud to everyone as he had picked up the bloody javelin and handed it to Melethia.
With his eyes still burning red from changing to his insane mode, the darker Wanderer walked over to Jake's corpse. Taking off the dark mask with one hand, this face of the Wanderer was still the same. Looming over the body, the Wanderer still had a smile, yet he pulled out a cigarette and lit it. Looking down he stepped into the Author's pool of blood. "Sorry bud ... it seemed the dice you rolled were against you ... [sub][sub]but we both know that you didn't truly die[/sub][/sub]" He had whispered to the dead body and gave another light chuckle.
If anyone was looking at this spectacle they could see the different Wanderer hold his palm out to where his cigarette ash fell, was this an act of respect or something else? "Enough from me though ... tag out!" He called to the nothing surrounding him and the Wanderer's eyes faded back to glowing blue. Looking down he saw the cigarette and the now normal Wanderer sighed as he stepped out of the pool of blood and extinguished it, but it faded away shortly enough.
Before placing his mask back on, the Wanderer clapped his hand together twice and then placed the two palms together forming a praying stance. "Amen." The Wanderer called out once more before the black mask was on him. Looking back to everyone the Wanderer himself had a couple of words to say, "I suggest we say our words to the Author ... then we can decide what to do with the body. My vote is cremation but ... " The talking turned slowly to silence as the Wanderer thought about how little he knew of the Author.
"I see too much death ..." He silently whispered.
Missing souls. Yu Narukami & Shadow Attack force 2 .
Location: Shadow Zone 2 | Personaverse.
Sad music [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-sr-dZE9qE]
Seeing the rest dominate the battle and destroy the Shadow made Yu calm in his injury, yet the sight of David summoning made his Persona made him somewhat happy. Yet the news from the other party was relayed back to them, it was not good, this turned Yu's mood bad and silent. Then the crying of Ton-Ton came from nowhere, Caim was certainly missing from the group and this did worry Yu too.
With his Persona faded away due to lack of energy and sadness, Yu tried to stand up by himself but he felt a pain in his legs. Stumbling back down to the floor, he was quick to look at his leg. Burn would were all over one leg. Seeing this made his face twist in pain and soon he began to fear that he could do nothing. Yet still he tried to get up, using his Katana as some kind of crutch.
Armoured~ Storm &
Code:
[color=nvablue]Alpha[/color]
.
Location: Hanger (Workshop) | Rising Dawn | Personaverse.
Back inside the hanger of the Rising Dawn, silence was something that waved in the air. The lone Spartan was inside the workshop fixing up his weapons and armour that were damaged with the battle against Annie. His beloved Alpha were back in their room sleeping, the Spartan was determined to fix this so he may participate in the next event that this group seemingly keep going through without break.
Storm had to lower himself a little, his body was almost seven foot-tall. Yet he needed to use all of his body to fix up all of his gear, the only clothing he wore was from the weight down and the sweat was drenching his upper body. Wiping the newly appearing sweat from his brow quickly, the Spartan took out the final piece of his newly repaired armor. Special glass was forged and with several hits from a hammer made it curve perfectly to hit the helmet.
Shortly afterwards the new armour and weapons were placed within the armour-loader. This did everything else that Storm could not do. It painted the armour perfectly with the signature colours of this certain Spartan, it edited the armour to perfectly fit Storm and it imprinted and programmed the insides. Spartan-178 stood perfectly still, showing no movement as it scanned his body.
Then the final process began to initiate, the armour was finally being placed onto Storm. This only took a minute, but as if it forgot a single thing, the emblem of this Spartan was painted quickly. Then the noise of escaped gas came out of nowhere and Storm jumped his way out of the machine, feeling as if he was reborn again.
Looking around he could see everything in place and the HUD was working correctly. Making sure that his normal weapon package was attached, the Spartan found his two pistols, shotgun, grenades, energy sword and family sword all in place. This made him happy. Quickly taking it off with the machine again, the Spartan made sure that all checks were final. Happy with his finishing progress he took a look at the other weapon packages he had made before happily skipping to his beloved.
The Storm Group foundation Author Shaun & Shorn.
Location: Moon Base | Moon | Space | AAverse.
The Moon's surface remained void of all life, air and nature. Yet this eyes of the Grandmast tactician, wizard and swordsman Shorn looked upon it with great interest. As the man remained inside the large bubble of oxygen he was examining everything on the Moon's surface, from the dust to the smallest crater.
This was no ordinary place that he could explore, this was thanks to the Author of these Personifications, the now man Shaun. Near the small entrance to the Moon base was a much more ordinary person, checking the Lightning Hawke, their spaceship, if it had come across any damage. The Author Shaun sighed, he only knew how to write and nothing else apart from being completely normal and having a abnormal knowledge of both gaming and anime.
Looking towards his creation of Shorn, the tactician he bought over from Fire Emblem: Awakening he began to wonder about what they really wanted, yet he would not ask the man himself due to anxiety. Sighing once again, the Author left the Wizard to his investigation as he went back into the base to expand it or more it look better then before.
While doing this he thought about the other two characters he let out into this world, since their minds were connected he did know what was happening, yet he wanted to hear it from the characters themselves. Then a thought went out to his 'retired' character ...
The retired life. Tomoya Okazaki.
Location: Hikarizara | Japan | KEYverse.
The blue hair dangled in front of the lighter blue ocean in front of him. Tomoya felt a shudder down his neck and braced himself for warmth. Focusing upon his sights he saw green, green grass and the yellow of many, many sunflowers. In the middle upon these sunflowers was the two he cherished most in life, his daughter Ushio and wife Nagisa.
To this very day he has not regretted yelling the statement to everyone that he wanted to go back to see his family. Some of the Rising Dawn crew were silent and yet some were a little more ... loud. Giving out a sigh he know he should not care about that world anymore but he had wished that he either made it up to some of them and knocked some sense into the others, but in this human state and being in this world, he could not do either.
Once more with the focusing he saw his daughter and wife, a smile came upon his face again. The family were actually visiting his relatives, his father and grandmother, they lived near the ocean. This not only gave him some time for family, but it gave time for the former Archangel of lightning to think.
"I would do anything for them." He said softly to himself, yet he shut up too quickly as both his grandmother and father bought out drinks and lunch.
Kala didn't know what to say to either of them... Teri was so upset she didn't think anything could really help from her end, though she'd more than like to try. and her "distrust" to Ryan wasn't exactly anything special... I mean she just met him, she wouldn't put her life in his hands, sure, but she wasn't worried about being stabbed in the back or anything either, it was really no more or less than someone you just met. Anyway, she thought it was certainly a time for a change of subject... in a rather impartial tone, not due to not feeling for them, but due to not wanting to draw attention as usual... "So with what I've seen with us being busy as always... where are the rest of us? and I assume we're not here for a vacation right?" she let out with as comforting a tone as she could muster with all the information that just hit her.
Port Island Station - Rafflesia: Garm, Rugal, Walter o'Dim
"....Hm...Clever bastard...Right, well, thank you for your time..." Rugal abruptly said before walking away from Walter, no longer caring for the Dealer or his ruse for that face. I knew I should have just smashed up the place... He thought as began pacing away from the shop and out onto the road.
Pulling out his PDA, he called Mitsuru and said "Rugal here, I need an APB on one Mr. Skin. He's making a run for it. Wire the Police Scanner data on screen. This man has something to hide, I want to know what!"
Garm was still watching as the Crimelord stood in front of a car and held his hand out to halt it, causing the driver of it to screech to a halt barely an inch before hitting him.
Without bothering to listen to the cries of protest of the driver, Rugal instead opted to walk over to the drivers seat and pull the man out of the car before throwing him on the tarmac. "Oh don't cry, tomorrow you'll be laughing about this." He casually said as he hijacked the car before speeding off down the road back to towards Club Escapade, keen to find out where Mr. Skin ran off to.
Iwadatoi Station - Strip Mall - Sweet Shop: Akane, Deadshot
Deadshot was glad that for once the chain of command HADN'T screwed him over, unlike in Moscow... "Well I'll be dammed, she kept her word. Think it was because she's young and idealistic or just not an asshole?"
As much as I'd like to say the latter, I'm leaning towards idealistic... THe assassin and his Shadow thought as they boarded the Ambulance while Akane give her side of the story. "Basically what the Fox says. Target was wearing tons of winter clothing, much like the John Doe back at the Shrine. As bad as waving guns around kids are, I'd wager that someone dropping dead would be even worse. Besides, we might be able to poke and prod him a little, get some insight into the virus before he passes his expiration date." He said, not really hopeful that that Infected would live but rather convinced that they could get something off him before he died.
Shadow Zone (Group 1): Akontia, Annie, Cz, Jake, Jenny, The Wanderer, Melethia
Not long after Akontia was shit down, Jenny began to stir, having spent most of the fight knocked out by one of the Shadow Weapon's attacks.
She attempted to stand herself up, only to be met with a sharp message from her mind. "Tch, Stop embarrassing yourself. Just stay down, they'll send someone to pick your worthless ass up..."
As if on cue, The pokemon stumbled in her attempts, landing right back where she started. [sub]"...Can someone help me up?..."[/sub] "Oh for the love of Arceus, what DON'T you need help with?...Uhhhh, just go back to being knocked out, this is sad to be a part of..."
While Pokemon could take more of a beating them humans, seeing how they fought for sport in their realm, That fire blast did knock a lot of strength out of Jenny.
David was too busy riding his Battle High as Apollo literally blew the monster into next week.
"YEAH!...SUCK it [sub] you[sub] stupid[sub]uuhhhhhh...[/sub][/sub][/sub]" He then groaned as he went limp from the energy it took to have his persona attack, collapsing as he did.
As he was busy reeling from the mother of all head rushes, Ton Ton began to fret over Caim's safety.
"oohhhh...Hey...Caim don't die easy...He'll...turn up...You lot go on ahead...[sub]I'm just going to lay here for a while...[/sub]" He said as he groaned as he tried in vain to stand himself up, quickly deciding he would just wait it out instead.
".....so....Yu, how's your day been going?..." He asked, clearly still not "All there" mentally.
Shadow Zone: ???: Angelus, Caim, Shadow!Angelus
The shadow's eyes shot wide open at what she saw, A fellow Shadow surrendering so easily? "...Well....This is....Bah! I had hoped you would make this easy. I originally had no intent to harm you, least not your flesh and bone. But...there is more then one way to break a Pact." The Dragon said before rearing up and firing her famed Fire at Caim, causing the knight to jump out of the way as a mountain of gold coins was instantly reduced to a molten puddle. "While your Shadow clearly shares your intellect, I have my own designs for my life outside of that humans thick skull!" She spat out as she engaged the bigger threat in her mind.
Angelus was weak enough, Caim would be a problem, seeing his history in battle and having watched a great deal of his work. "You might run, but the Fires of Hell will be a welcoming embrace compared to mine!" She taunted as the Dark Dragon spat out homing balls of flame after the night.
Angelus meanwhile realized something: Gold Melted, if enough heat reached the bars of her cell...
Shadow Zone (Group 1): Akontia, Annie, Cz, Jake, Jenny, The Wanderer, Melethia
"Yes."
"...No...Not so far..." Jenny weakly said as Annie carried her out, while she wasn't any good at lying, her injured state helped pick up the slack.
From what Annie could see, she had some minor burns on her skin as well as few cuts, though what was really affecting her was the force of the blast, she wasn't exactly built to deal with that.
Glancing over to Wanderer, she said "Bring him back to the ship...He would have wanted it that way."
Another lie, but who the hell would want their remains stuck in a place like this?
Besides, that place collected some of the strangest and most powerful people in the world, surely they could find a way to bring Jake back, at least long enough for Jenny to truly say sorry to him.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
