The Escapist Avatar Adventure: An Open RP (Now Re-Opened!)

[Kalastryn]

Rising Dawn: Semi-intact Hanger: Kazuya, Violet, ARES, anyone else

ARES was a bit surprised that Kazuya had already gathered the intelligence, and expressed such as they continued toiling away at their task. "Oh? Here I was looking for an opportunity to have someone take a look into my software with a reason they would actually want after. I do still have to remember to give Violet the blueprints for that molecular printer, if I recall." She says as she lifts another piece of rubble strewn about the hangar, now much tidier and in a much more refined state of repair thanks to the night's efforts, but not quite finished all the same.
"When it comes to splitting the research between MIT and this "Black Mesa..." perhaps it isn't about something black mesa can't handle, as something MIT could. As well as that old proverb about keeping all of one's eggs in a single basket. The files probably told you enough of what we'd be looking at as far as the finished product, but from what I'd recovered "ODIN" looks like one hell of a weapon... coming from a weapon myself." she says, continuing both working and speaking as she brings another piece of rubble up for reconstruction.

"MIT was also rather discreet to be running weapons research like this right? The files I lifted were projects from the students, also attributed to said weapons system, and the students working on it at the time also said something about "Clancy Lang" at the time shipping the information to NASA, so I think construction on it may be well underway." she concludes, as she then heeds Kazuya's, admittedly well controlled, outrage at the arrival of the Daedalus.

"I know your hands are rather full, as are mine, but could I get a rundown on why exactly it's imperative to avoid this "Daedalus?" Perfectly fine if it can wait until the briefing sir." She says, not ceasing reconstructing the hangar, at a rate that may have it nearly if not finished by the time the half hour until the briefing is done, and all while showing Kazuya a degree of courtesy his employees consistently fail to parallel. Sheesh, are they Terminator, or the Terminator's lapdog?

Rising Dawn: Canteen: Rugal, Kalastryn

Kala tilted her head in slight puzzlement at what Rugal meant by "Kazuya always getting this way when his ego is bruised." However, first of all, there was coffee. "Rugal, I'd absolutely love some." she said with a sigh as she helped herself to a cup of that blessing that makes Monday mornings bearable.

"So... things are still busy here as usual. I didn't have much time at all to introduce myself last night, but speaking of the mess wanderer made, several if not all of the G-corp employees were too busy having a party to react to the explosion. As I passed them by though, someone else- a fresh face, was already handling the situation." She says, and grumbles something about feeling like the Dawn is some sort of bus service with how many people just jump on.

"Oh... I almost didn't notice you were in the room when I shouted at ARES last night. To explain that little quip, we were both getting out of our costumes, myself unaware that we were in the same room at the time. My room, in my defense." She says, as she brings the cup of coffee to her lips, and like the magician she is, it disappears before she gets up to get herself another mug. She must really not have slept well, to both need that much coffee, and have that little of a filter in the morning.

"Well now that I've let out something I wouldn't want floating around the ship... what do you mean by "He always does this when his ego is bruised?" Seems like you knew him before, not that you told me." She inquires, leaning her elbow on the table as she starts sucking down another cup of coffee.

 

[Orinon]

Rising Dawn: Icarus, Selena
Selena was slowly stirred awake by the morning light she pulled in close what she thought was Icarus but as she opened her eyes she saw what was simply a large pillow.
"What the? ? she gets up then sighs Icarus must have left last night she had hoped he would have stayed with her.

Flashback
Icarus had changed into a black double breasted coat fine black pants shiny black boots and a black silk cape with gold on the interior lining. The band had started to play
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0z1Mo7O6dE]
Icarus Took Selena by the hand they began to slowly dance, he kept a bit of a distance at first but Selena closed the distance, soon he had his arm wrapped around her waist with her head right beside his. She was smiling, but she could hear his every breath and the sharp beating of his heart. His wings slow began to close shrouding the two.
"Hmm are you nervous?" She asked.
"What do you mean?"
"I noticed your wings, the way they are I noticed it kinda shows your mood, sorry it?s just something I figured out.
"I-I?ve never met someone like you when I came here I-I used to feel so alone."
Icarus heard her give a heavy sigh.
"Sometimes it's better to be alone."
"Why?"
"No one can ever hurt you."
Icarus moved looking her in the eyes.
"Selena I promise I won?t ever let any-" She put a hand over his lips.
"Don?t promise me that please just don?t, No man has ever kept that promise."
Icarus looked at her she lowered her hand.
"I-I don?t want you to get hurt either maybe- we should stop before-Before" But her body was betraying her, with each pause she felt herself getting closer until Icarus could feel the words from her breath, her lips pressed into his. They held close, and the music played.

Later that Night

In the middle of the night Icarus got a message he slowly tried to listen, not wanting Selena to wake up.
The message was a video he couldn?t stop a gasp from escaping it was his father, The Raven King he was dressed in a fine black suit.
"Icarus I Imagine if you?re seeing this your probably confused, most likely though I?ve died and you?re at an age where you?re ready to become a man, or take the first steps at least that?s one thing I hope I taught you, a man with wisdom can always find a way he can do better.
But I'm not hear to lecture you, I have an important matter as I said before this message will be sent to you when I die and your Old enough to receive your inheritance. Now you might have received some degree of my estate.
However you've not seen my best craftsmanship." He smiled good naturedly Icarus was enthralled, had his father left something for him? Something he had never known about?
His Father clapped his hands and his two Dire Ravens, Targe and Dirk. Targe, the larger of the two which had a few stray white feathers on the tail and wings, had a large slip of paper in its mouth. His father took the slip and showed unfolded it, holding it out he showed a map.
"I bit a dungeon a real proper dungeon, This is the Raven King's Vault I built one for you and a similar one for Athenus, Now I imagine you may have left the void Can?t say I blame you, You need to find your own path not just follow mine.
But that shouldn?t matter There?s a location to the vault In the Material world however it requires two special keys don?t worry the door will tell you. The only problem is this door I put a lil too much magic in the door it has the ability to wander. No need to worry though you?re handheld will find it for you.


Selena Saw a noted was left on the bed.
"Selena I had to leave, I need to find my Father's Vault. All I can say for certain is it's close to Texas currently."
She let out a sigh and was in a bit of a hurry and threw on a white bathrobe. Fixing her hair and makeup she left the bedroom to get some breakfast.

Rising Dawn: Canteen : Rugal, Kalastryn, Selena

As she walked in she saw a huge man trying to convince an imp not to add any more spice to the coffee. He also saw the devil woman Kalastryn. She sat down, making gestured to service for black tea and some toast.
"Good Morning." She said politely.
She turned to the large man at least 6'3,
"Your Rugal right? I heard you were the Captain? Hmm have you seen Icarus? He left me a This Note." She held it out in case anyone wanted to see.
She didn't want to admit she was worried about him, He had mentioned his dad a few times He had said his Father used to be part of the crew on this ship.

 

[000Ronald]

Rising Dawn: Personal Quarters
Time: Early morning
Edge | Boss

[sub]"Lord guide me now, for I can't see..."[/sub]

shhhhhunk

[sub]"...a reason for this suffering and this long misery..."[/sub]

shhhhhunk

[sub]"...what if every living soul could be upright and strong?"[/sub]

shhhhhunk

[sub]"Well then I do imagine there will-"[/sub][footnote]-be sorrow no more... [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNYu105dL2w][/footnote]

"Didn't you say that song is about stupid people?"

Edge looked up from the blade he was sharpening. He was lying in his hammock, contemplating in his head how he was going to explain to Boss that he had failed, that there was no way that he could show Boss how to use his powers in meaningful and effective ways, and that he'd made a bargain with something ridiculously powerful just so Boss could have a chance to become more than what he was. And it wasn't going well. "What?" Edge asked.

"That song." Boss said. He was leaning back in his chair, feet on his desk, reading some odd book or another; Edge had no idea how he differentiated between the piles of books the room was covered in, or even where he got them all, but Edge supposed he was glad that Boss was reading actual books instead of going online and getting into pissing contests with trolls. "You said it was about stupid people, expecting to be saved from something. 'Oh, these people, they seem to think that as soon as there aren't any more guns, or there aren't any more kings, or when little baby Jesus himself comes from upon high, everything will be just peachy keen. And they're fucking stupid.'"

Edge sighed, and went back to sharpening his sword. "Yeah. Something like that."

"And how the only thing that can save someone from anything is action? I think the exact phrase you used is 'You can't do nothing and expect someone else will make it right'?"

Edge continued sharpening his sword, and said nothing.

"...something's bothering you." Boss said, closing his book and sitting up. "What's wrong?"

Edge continued sharpening his sword for several minutes, saying nothing. "Did something happen while we were on that mission?" Boss asked? "Did Kazuya do something? Did he threaten you? I swear to God, I'll grind him into paste-"

"No." Edge said calmly, shaking his head. Edge wiped his sword off with his sleeve, flipped his legs over the side of the hammock, and took another deep breath. "I went and found someone to help you with your powers. She's on the ship somewhere." Edge put his sword in his sheath and strapped it-and another onto his back. "I thought I could show you myself how to do...that, how to utilize your powers in the most meaningful way possible, but...I can't. I see you getting more powerful every day, but still doing exactly the same things you always do. And I can't help you, because I don't know how you and your powers work. I..." Edge sighed and put his head in his hands. "I fucked up, is what I'm saying."

"...gonna level with you, Edge." Boss said. "I...kinda figured most of that out awhile ago."

Edge rubbed his face. "Of course you did. Of course you did."

"I don't think that means you failed, though." Boss said. "I mean, if you go into something not knowing how to do it right, it's not your fault if you get it wrong. And you've never deliberately done wrong by me, I don't think." Boss walked over to Edge, and put his hand on his friend's shoulder. "You're selling yourself short, is what I'm saying. You haven't failed because you haven't done anything wrong. And you've always been there for me. Always. That means more than you think it does, I think."

Edge nodded. "Yeah. You're-"

*Bing Bong!* "-*Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawnnnn* ...Urg, Attention passagers, The time is 7:30am Mountain Time and we are...somewhere over new Mexico. Hm. Briefing is at 8...[sub]And I'm going back to bed...[/sub]" *Bing Bong!*

Edge stood up and grabbed his robe and straw cone hat. "We should go get something to eat before we leave. And there are a couple people that I need to go talk to."

"...are you gonna be OK?" Boss asked.

"Yeah." Edge said. "I'll be fine."

 

[Diablo1099_v1legacy]

Rising Dawn: Semi-intact Hanger: Kazuya, Violet, ARES, anyone else

[color=9f2b68]"Simple. After MIT, we aren't exactly popular right now and interacting with the president in either a official or unoffical matter will cause him huge trouble in the election, if not straight out hostility from either the american people or the president himself. On top of that, I find that he is too much of a wildcard to be able to function in my plans in any capacity."[/color] Kazuya explained as the airship began to take cover in the clouds away from the President's.
[color=9f2b68]"Regarding ODIN, NASA would most likely be used to get the weapon into orbit. From there, it'll have total global first strike capacity. International pressure to cancel the project has been in-effective, no doubt that Bison had something to do with that. Either way, once we capture Bison, We'll be able to make a case for the project to be scrapped. The President will owe us one and will have to comply."[/color] The G-Corp CEO added befor-
"Zzzzz....zzzzzz....zzzzz..." Violet snored, having made good on his promise to go back to bed.
[color=9f2b68]"...One moment..."[/color]

Without so much as a word of warning, Kazuya went over to Violet's chair before lifting it entirely off the ground before harshly dumping the Fabulous Doctor flat on his face, much to his shock as he stood right up saying "I'm Awake! I-i'm awake."
Rolling his eyes before putting the chair back, Kazuya then said [color=9f2b68]"If you wish to talk to him about that printer, I suggest you do so now before the briefing..."[/color]

Rising Dawn: Canteen: Rugal, Kalastryn

Rugal froze for a moment when Kalastryn confronted him about his history with Kazuya, silently praying that something would come up as to prevent him from having to explain that Kazuya used to work for him, back when he was a villain.
"....Well-....I-....The thing is-Oh Selena! Good to see you!" He changed the topic, anything to avoid having to bring up his past (Kazuya was doing that enough as it was).
She began to ask about Icarus and where he went too, showing Rugal a note he had left.
"...In Texas?...Hm...Never pegged him as much of a cowboy...Well, Sadly, I haven't seen him, though if he left this note, then that is most likely where he ended up. Hope he takes care, Any man who builds an entire vault to hide something more often then not doesn't want it found..." He grimly said before handing the note back, trying to remember just who his father was again.
All while notably not answering Kalastryn's question as Boss and Edge arrived, another helpful distraction.
"Ahh, good morning. You two ready for the next mission"?

 

[Kalastryn]

Rising Dawn: Semi-intact Hanger: Kazuya, Violet, ARES, anyone else

"I'm Awake! I-i'm awake."
Rolling his eyes before putting the chair back, Kazuya then said [color=9f2b68]"If you wish to talk to him about that printer, I suggest you do so now before the briefing..."[/color]

ARES finished welding one more plate into place before taking a small respite and going over to Violet with a rather courteous bow. "Doctor, sorry to interrupt your... beauty sleep, but when I first arrived you were kind enough to assist with my confusion upon arriving in this time, dimension, or whatever the case may be. Now there was a lot of advanced technology stored in my files, but I do believe I promised to pass on information on one device in particular as a thank you... as inconclusive as the session was due to hacking attempts upon me, a war machine, which you ignored. Nevertheless, I intend to make well on said promise."

She says as she hands the doctor a USB flash drive.

"I managed to store the blueprints in full for a molecular printer on that drive. Information on what it does if you happen to have forgotten, is that it can essentially convert matter into other- more desirable substances and shapes. If you could make it on large enough a scale, you could potentially even convert damaged beyond repair combat gear, into fully functional military vehicles, and vice versa if so desired. Anything you can imagine in between as well. I trust this won't be misused, as you and your superior do, from my perspective earn your keep as command over the apprehension of our targets."

She then turns her attention to Kazuya onto matters discussed on the current situation.

"So with that out of the way, the Daedalus has a person of interest aboard. Not so much a target by any stretch, as a person to be avoided at all costs since it is in our best interests to not even have diplomatic interactions with them, since even co-operation with them could harm both of our parties in the eyes of the public after recent publicity tweaking in favor of our opposition regarding our most recent target? And furthermore he understands this as well, and may respond with far more equipped aggression to begin with?" she says, yet again not allowing herself to idle as she resumed her repairs before even beginning to speak.

"If I am to understand correctly, we both occupy the same airspace quite near our target, who is holed up in a government facility? As much as it may seem a tedious suggestion, it should be included in our briefing for the rest of our deployment team that there is a very real possibility of fighting on multiple fronts. If the president is unaware of our intentions at a government facility, and the fact that there is something insidious going on there... it may be a mutual destination, and I calculate that at a high probability... to my dismay." She says as the hangar is actually beginning to resemble it's pre-bombed state! In fact, it's worth noting that she even went over the previous welding from Rugal and Nadalia... her Tesla Rifle's repairs seem more advanced than singeing metal closed, and even the repaired areas don't appear to have been burned to begin with!

"Also, there is one more thing I need to have addressed. I can take on a variety of roles, as the production of my unit was built around squad synergy. Before the briefing even begins, I don't need the whole story of what we are going up against, but allow me to summarize very briefly. I can take on a rather swiftly moving and rather explosively aggressive role, a slow but defensive role, which if I may be honest... I would not exaggerate to say is akin to sending in a tank, grade of munitions and durability included. this role... which I'm sure you can see refers to things such as technical and mechanical maintenance and hacking capability. I can also take on a role of essentially a sniper with ability to become completely invisible, and a medic which can even temporarily boost the natural healing and immune system of our deployment. For what we are going up against, and the details can wait until the briefing... what would you suggest of me sir?"

She asks, before ending her rather drawn out question with. "I only ask now because any knowledge gleaned in advance could help us all in preparing me properly. I can switch between these roles, but my systems prohibit me from using all of their capabilities simultaneously... and it takes time to change between them... time in which I am left defenseless. Ergo, once the repairs are finished, which may be just before the briefing if I pick up my pace, I plan to shift into a role that would be best utilized against our opponent. I figured I'd ask the expert on that... you... do seem to know a whole hell of a lot about who we're tracking." She says, as she welds a plate into position that
takes the draft out of the room, her attention completely on her task... almost as if she didn't just at all inquire as to how Kazuya knows so much about AIM...

Rising Dawn: Canteen: Rugal, Kalastryn, Selena, Boss, Edge

Kalastryn was clearly unamused by Rugal dodging the question, but either she was too groggy to pursue the answer any further... or she understood that sometimes there are some things best left unexplained. Downing her second cup of coffee, her attention and usual posture returns as she snaps out of what seemed to have been enough exhaust to choke an elephant.

"Sorry Selena... I guess it can't be avoided that Icarus has his own things he needs to take care of. Still, he left behind a note and nothing more? He didn't even wait for you to wake up and explain at all why he had to leave, or say goodbye? You two seemed to regard each other a lot more... fondly than that." she says as she taps her chin repeatedly in thought. Before shaking her head and apologizing with. "I must apologize if that added any more weight to your mind on the matter of his parting. However, I've something to reassure you with as well. I'm sure that whatever reason he had for finding this vault, it is much more important to drive the two of you away from each other than some greedy business... and he has his own reasons for leaving. I believe he'll come back when he's accomplished whatever task he's set out for there... and if you have any worry about him making it back." She pauses briefly, before quite seriously, but calmly continuing.

"Not even the grip of DEATH could withhold me from returning to the Rising Dawn, and those here that I cared for. If he's anywhere near as strong as the rest of us... and I assume he is, it's only a matter of time before I'll have another prying eyes spell to apologize for." She says with a rather loud laugh. However... that does remind her of one thing she did have to say to Selena.

"Oh, and while *ahem* they aren't around... I do apologize for getting hostile to both of you that night outside the training room. From one mage to another, and maybe that's where the bias might come from, I did believe your side of things more than theirs." She says, now finally getting the chance to explain and apologize for possibly seeming hostile and dismissive to their cry for help.

"Oh, and... Boss, Edge, good morning. Coffee is available... and damn if it isn't every bit a morning's blessing as it's praised for." She says as she gestures over to the coffee machine.

"Also thanks to Rugal being up nice and early, the imps didn't have time to make it their own personal blend before he assured them it didn't need any additional seasoning... don't worry about breathing fire like Angelus if you decide to take a cup."

 

[000Ronald]

Rising Dawn: Canteen: Rugal, Kalastryn, Selena, Boss, Edge

"Fan-fucking tastic." Edge said, moving to get a cup of coffee. "A cup of coffee would be a godsend. I slept like shit last night."

"I don't know how you stand that crap." Boss said, sitting down at a table next to a small window. "It tastes like someone-"

"The 'joke' he's getting to is that he doesn't sleep." Edge said, taking a sip of his coffe. "He stays up all night reading books."

Boss sighed. "I've been reading about psychics." Boss said, putting his feet up. "Or, trying to. The most believable 'psychic' I've found with any kind of documentation is a guy named Edgar Cayce. Which is problematic not only because he died seventy years ago, but the 'powers' he claimed to have are so radically different than mine that I'm more confused than I was before. Also, he may have been a fraud."

"Mmm." Edge said, sitting down opposite to Boss. "Can't help you with this guy, but I can explain to you fairly easily why you can't find any information about people like you. Hey! Rugal!" Edge waved to where Rugal and Kalastryn were talking. "Back when you were a villainous bastard and had Kazuya and all these other guys we've been catching working for you, how many people knew you could shoot flying laser-fists out of your fists?"

 

[StormShaun]

Spoiler: Flashback

Flashback: Wanderer and Pierce.
Location: White House entrance | DC| USA

Being fired upon, the Wanderer sighed, he did not want to kill more Presidential guards. Trying his best, he pulled out his gun and fired twice in a cowboy stance. A few seconds passed, and no one fell. "I just shot your bullets." He said, stretching his arms with a warm smile. Before the two guards could fire once more, their guns flew out of their hands, and were sent sliding along the floor of the White House entrance. Only the echo of two more shots remained.

"Don't worry, I won't kill anyone ... Killing one President was enough." He said, leaving an awkward air. Biting his lip, he sighed. Mentally tapping in his 'partner', he allowed the other version of him to go in control. In this situation, he needed to dominate with fear and power. So the crystal blue eyes turned blood crimson once more.

"Shoot, you die. More importantly, I have information, some relating to the Rising Dawn ... The President will love it, and it will change many, many things." He said, a sinister smile terrifying not only the guards, but also Pierce. A single thought came to him.

"This man is crazier than The Boss."

[hr]
Wanderer, The President, and anyone else
Location: White House, Oval office

After what happened, Wanderer was 'guided' to The President, by ten 'friendly', heavily armed men. The Boss was suiting up in his power suit, which radiated with new power. Surprised with the appearance of this bloody Doctor, he was even more surprised with the information he brought. Wanderer summarized the events from the Rising Dawn, including the takeover of G-Corp, the prisoners they carried, and their goal.

"Before you say anything about destroying my home, or betraying my comrades. Well, I didn't exactly join in the first place ... no words were uttered and no contract signed."
"Wait, wait, he mentioned killing a President!" Pierce warned. Wanderer gave a crimson stare at Pierce, silencing him.
"That ... That was in my world. One torn by weapons and war. There was a President, a fake, a computer. He killed himself due to my tongue. He destroyed his base in the process ... He ... He was going to poison my world." Wanderer said, before explaining who he was.

A heavy silence filled the room.
Then the President cleared his throat. "Well ... after all of that. I'll believe you after one more thing. What do you want?" Pierce slapped his forehead, and before he could sigh, The President's heavy glare was on him. Before deciding which one was worse, he excused himself to go to the bathroom.

"We ... I want to go home." Wanderer admitted, nodding along with himself. The President was flabbergasted. "I don't think we have one of those ... Or at least something to do that."The President scratched at his head, but one presence was announced to the room with a ...

"I have a good idea."

[hr]

The President, Wanderer, and Merlin.
Location: Daedalus Mk II's Bridge | USA: New Mexico Airspace

Leaving a few seconds in the air, tension was growing thicker and thicker. The President did not know what to think, but when he had an idea, suddenly, the picture went black, killing the communication. Turning his head slightly, his new member, Wanderer, had pressed a button. "He sounds pretty dumb." Wanderer admitted. Taking a sigh of relief, The President was once more astonished by this man.

"Get a good look at this. I fooled around with a console ... Don't worry, it is encrypted." Wanderer said, smiling devilishly. The Boss worried, a picture went up on the screen, labelled as "FOX News". It was the channel they were just viewing, but it was replaced with a unflattering [http://i1058.photobucket.com/albums/t417/StormShaun/Diablo3.jpg] photo of Vega. While it was photoshopped, there was also the sound of a infinite fart bleeding through the speakers, then there was yelling, a lot of yelling in the background.

Cutting the picture off once again, The President now smiled like his former, crazy self. "You are now officially my favourite person." He said, giving a thumbs up to Wanderer, who just gave a shrug. "I do what I love." Wanderer returned the smile. Now, The smiling President turned back on communications with Doctor Birkin, with encryption. Immediately he stared daggers at the man on the other end.

"You, I call YOU. You don't call me." The President said, his tone more psychotic than charismatic. "Now, before I care who you are, I'll have someone else call you back with details about my visit." The President said, a bold tone hanging on every word, and before William could get another word out, once again, communications were cut. Bellowing a sigh, The President sat in the Captain's chair. "He thinks he can order me around ... "

"Dumb, I know." Wanderer spoke softly, his hand carefully examining the Captain chair, soon enough Wanderer looked under it. "Don't say a thing ... [sub]bugs. He did say that he helped build the ship[/sub]." Wanderer said, standing back up and whispered in The Boss' ear. His eyes became wide. "[sub]Bugs. How the hell do we deal with that?[/sub]" He barely made a whisper back. Before any of them could talk, another head came besides them. "[sub]What's going on?[/sub]" Merlin suddenly butted in.

The scene was rather awkward for all personnel on the bridge. There was the President, who leaned out of his chair. The blue, glowing eyed Wanderer, crouching down and speaking upward. Than there was the Advisor, Merlin, who leaned over both and spoke from there. Pierce once again, left the room. The other Saints simply looked away or went among their tasks.

The two had to explain the certain technology that leaked out sound to another location. "Huh ... Something like that. Interesting, I can see how it aids the industry of stealth and tactics." Merlin said, stepping away. The Wizard surrounded himself with a powerful aura, one that blew his hair and tunic, it almost looked if someone opened a window. Suddenly his hands began to glow, and raising them outward from his chest.

"Tenues montem clypeus." The Wizard muttered, his words sounding more ancient than the things you would find in a museum. His hands came down slowly, and the aura faded away. "It is blocked ... If it exists, that is. It shall block things smaller than a bird, but it shall break to larger objects." Merlin said, giving a bow after his little performance.

Clearing his throat, The President rose from his seat. "Okay everything, get to defensive positions and activate Silent Night protocols. We may come under fire ... Especially if this is connected to our enemies!" He ordered all personnel on the bridge, and soon the ship was active, but not active enough that someone could visually spot it.

Wanderer came by The Boss.
"Will they come?"
"Of course, that is their mission ... But their Shepard is a wolf."
"That man always seemed sketchy ... But crickey, I didn't know he would go to the Dawn."
"Just focus on looking good, at least for your election." Wanderer said. Looking to his side, The President could see the emotions on the Wanderer's face. Anger, pity, determination, hope. They were things that existed in humans, but the presence was overwhelming, inhuman even.

[hr]

Spoiler: Meanwhile in Stillwater

Johnny Gat and Krizalid. Comms: Tactician Shorn, Matt Miller.
Location: Old Saints Hideout: Old Stilwater | USA: Stilwater City

"Someone remind me to punch him later." Gat reminded his new Irish comrade next to him.
"As for the name ... Well, he did ***** as I buried him alive." Gat said heavily, his tone was more suited to a murderer than a crazed, gun-slinging, psychopath. It was such a tone that no one would dare ask what happen. Looking around, Gat started to reminisce about the environment. Including when he and The Boss had to throw out the hobos, and how they turned it into a prime Gang HQ.

Now, in the present, Gat took one step into their former hideout. It was a wreck, again. Purple lights were faded, the main statue was broken, stripper poles were un-oiled, and naturally, there were more hobos. Almost scowling, Gat left the place and went back to Krizalid. "So ... Any ideas, or is it a grab and gouge?"

 

[Generic NPC 22]

Spoiler: Last Night

The Escapist Avatar Adventures | Airship Rising Dawn | The Canteen
///@KatyR: I dun feel so gud///​

[color=0E59E4]"I think it's a bit early for that, Katya. We just got back together. As for the former, it's dinner and a movie. What he has in mind for each, I'm not entirely sure. How about you? 'Interfacing' with someone, I heard?"[/color]

Well this was a change. It seemed that the probing that the ship's medic was giving the ship's hacker was having a sort of effect on Katya. A rush of heat to the young woman's cheeks heralded the pinkish tinge that surfaced almost immediately afterwards. Despite her outspokenness about the sexual escapades of others, or at least provoking conversations in regards to the sexual escapades of other consenting adults, Katya seldom commented on the actual status of her own. Sure she hit on others without regard to their feelings but it was all for display.

"Umm, well... no. I'm just debugging an interface module for Faust over here." The Hacker Heroine said with a nod towards the woman who was unsteadily perched on the bar stool next to her, on the other side of where Teri, "As for the other sort of interface... well... erm... none of your business lady!"

The pinkish shading on the girl's cheeks deepened into a crimson as the conversation progressed. It seemed that despite her rather Rated R vocabulary, Katya was more PG than one would expect.

"Well... ummmm... how about that mission?!" Katya blurted out suddenly, attempting, and probably failing, to change the topic of conversation. As she spoke, she looked for an exit, any exit, including the windows.

[hr]

The Escapist Avatar Adventures | Airship Rising Dawn | Katya's Quarters​

"uuuuuuuhhhhhhhh... fugggggggg.... wut?" Katya muttered as she heard the overhead PA system announcing the ships arrival at whatever destination it was that the ship's captain had designated, "Br... br... Black Mesa? New Mexico? JEEEEZUS! What in the hell are we doing in the middle of no-fucking-where?"

"We have arrived at the next phase of our mission, Little Miss"

B3WP responded quietly, careful not to be too loud as to disturb its mistress as she went through her morning routines.

"Wh... what in the hell happened? I... did I get drunk again?" Katya asked as she sat up in her bed. Looking at the view screen she saw what else she'd gotten into, apparently she'd used the ship's bandwidth to pirate Game of Thrones, Mad Men, The Walking Dead, Elder Scrolls Skyrim and the entire Nexus Mods catalog for Skyrim.

"Oh maaaaaaaan." The hacker muttered as she looked at the entire list of items she'd downloaded while drunk, deeply sad that work was calling her away from the siren's song of gaming.

Fully dressed, Katya started wandering the corridors looking for someone to talk to about what was going on.

 

[NotYetForsaken]

Avatar Adventure
Location: Alice's Room | Rising Dawn
​

Molli Faust

Faust woke up with the cold of fabric resting against her skin. The was warm and lazy and the soft hum of the internal machinery of the airship trembled upon her. Her head hurt and her muscles ached. The very core of her bones seemed to resonate with a dull pain. All of the feedback just served to confirm what she had feared the most.

She raised her hand to her face and placed it on her skin, running her fingers down her chin to her neck and down to her stomach. She could feel every inch of her form. She bit her hand. She felt that too. Underneath her pale skin droplets of blood gathered to form a bruise. I'm human. It made little to no sense that it had come to pass.

Faust threw off the covers and got dressed, donning her overalls. She rolled them halfway hup and then put on a form-fitting tank. It felt almost natural, almost as if she had done it a thousand times before. Faust looked at herself in the mirror. Her face was angular, she had high cheekbones and a sharp chin. Her neck was longer than normal and her shoulders were wide. She had a large chest with a modest 'chest' her waist was a little thicker than normal but the flare of her hips compensated nicely for what she lacked in the classical 'hourglass' figure. She leaned closer and touched her lips. Deep red, flushed with blood. My eyes are green. A fine soft green. It reminds me of grass. She smiled and leaned back. She put her waist-length hair up into a ponytail, leaving some sparse bangs to cover her forehead. She struck a pose, hands on her hips and wieght on her right foot.

She grinned.

A knock came on the door. "Molli, its me." Not only did Faust recognize the name, she also recognized the voice with an obscure familiarity.

"Come in, the door is unlocked," Faust said. She grabbed her boots from the side of the bed and slipped them on. She was still lacing them up when Dolores stepped through the door. She wasn't wearing her usual outfit. Instead of the silk shirt and black slacks Dolores was wearing a thick vest over a cotton-long-sleeved v-neck. Below that she wore a pair of padded trousers. She hadslung a black knapsack over her shoulder. She had small combat boots laced up to her knee. Dolores' long hair was bound into a tight braid and wound together at the back of her head. "Are you, going somewhere?" Faust asked, bewildered. She didn't know for sure, but she felt as if Dolores was not the type to dress like that without reason.

Dolores gave a coy girlish laugh. Faust had never understood how she looked so young. Despite being nearly twentyfour she looked in her mid to late teens. "I've decided that I want to go on an expidition with the heroes. Like a real big-shot!"

"What, why?" Faust was baffled.

Dolores sat down on the bed and leaned back. She stared pensively at the cieling before answering, "I realized something last night. I don't want to be stuck playing the support for my entire career. I want to go out there and prove that even someone like me can make a difference in the fight for the world."

"There's no reason for you to do that. You already do plenty on-board."

"I appreciate the sentiment Molli, but it isn't the same," she put an arm around Faust's arm and leaned into her, "you're actually part of the maintenance crew, or what's left of it. Me? I'm just a bartender. I do a job in the same category as a common whore."

Faust shook her head vehemently. "That's not true and you know it. You don't have to risk your life just to do something so fleetingly stupid!"

"No, I have to do this. You might not remember what happened last night, but I do. What I saw happen with the interface module is more than I can stomach. If we're going to get through this then this is something I must do."

"Why did you come here then?"

"I want you to send me off." Dolores took Faust's hand and pulled her close, "I want to know that there is going to be someone anxiously awaiting my return."

"You want a reason to come back?" Faust said slowly. Dolores nodded. "I see, it's a cruel world after all."

Avatar Adventure
Location: Hangar | Rising Dawn
​

First Lieutenant "Selmy"

Hi, my name is Dolores. My father gave me that name before he died. I never knew him personally, but I never really liked the name. It means "anguish." I never really understood why he gave me that name. It doesn't really fit a girl does it? I'm twenty four years old, I stand at 157 centimeters and weigh 48 kilograms.

Today I'm going to be joining the Rising Dawn main crew in battle. They're a band of super-human psychopaths who work to save the world from imminent disaster on a daily basis. They can be a little rough around the edges, but I think they're good people at heart.

The hangar is a big place, I felt a little out of place honestly. I'm short, this is something I've come to realize but the immensity of the hangar array would have made even a giant uncomfortable. Faust is behind me, I asked her to come along and see me off. Deployment wasn't for a while, but I felt anxious. I didn't get a lot of sleep at all last night. I spent most of the day cleaning myself in the shower. I scrubbed my skin raw becaue I felt violated by those imps.

I hate magic.

Molli tapped me on the shoulder and pointed at two mean conversing with a group of people. "Those two are Violet and Kazuya, I think they're the ones in charge of the operation. You should probably go talk to them." I nodded and ran over. My boots made soft clinking noises as they hit the metal floor panels.

"Mister Kazuya!" I waved to get his attention from the other person he was talking to. A Rising Dawn hero by the name of Ares. "I want to be a part of the mission, if you would!" I gave my best salute. I could hear Molli's footsteps getting closer. I swallowed.

Spoiler: First Leuitenant Dolores Selmy joins the Battle!

Name: Dolores "the Vessel" Selmy

Age: 24

Race: Human

Title: First Lieutenant

Clothing: Varies. Has full wardrobe.

Appearance: Blonde, green eyes. 5'1" and 48kg.

Weapons: Can use small fire arms and some assault rifles. More comfortable with SMG's, shotguns, and handguns.

Powers: Drive - Alius Trafero: She can manifest up to 28 different "Drives" or ability sets depending on her needs. They only last for a limited amount of time, but lets her manifest the powers and abilities of other heroes. Her favorites and proficiencies are listed.

Chain Revolver - Manifests twin pistols Bolverk. She can attack and move quickly in this Drive. Her attacks "combo" into each other and are inescapable for short durations. Boosts CQC and weaponskills.

Sword Summoner - Manifests the Murakumo sword-genesis system. Can create exotic matter blades and fling them. In this mode she can also access "Gravity Seed" which slows the movement of those in a target area.

Stein Gunner - Manifests the Kusanagi matter-genesis system. Creates nodes that release bursts of energy on command.

Soul Eater - Manifests the trick weapon Blood Scythe, and allows her to steal life from enemies on attacks. Also provides her with several dark-aligned magical attacks.

Overdive - Full Install: Manifests the hero that she is currently borrowing the Drive from into her body, changing her appearance and clothing to match. They possess no memories of their own, instead Selmy 'borrows' their body and full abilities. (Not just their 'Drive')

Weakness: Magic. True magic disrupts her abilities as the internal logics that she uses does not mesh well with that of magic. This does not include ki attacks or other magic-esque materia. Only things that are specifically named as 'magic' without any explenation of how it works.

Backstory: N/A

 

[Diablo1099_v1legacy]

Rising Dawn: Semi-intact Hanger: Kazuya, Violet, ARES, Dolores, anyone else

Violet was trying to process what ARES was saying for the most part as he forced his mind though the jet-lag while being handed the USB.
"Oh-...Right. That. Umm...Just-...I'll get to it once I have my coffe-"
[color=9f2b68]"Now, Dr. Violet..."[/color] Kazuya butted in, his suggestion seeming to have waken up the doctor more then any amount of caffeine ever would.
[color=9f2b68]"I'll be accounting for it in the briefing. While the President's status here does complicate matters, Should a situation arise, I can counting on the fact that he "Hired" the Rising Dawn for this task as our means in order to comply him to halt any possible attack. However, I'm not counting on that working, considering how thick the president is. Out best bet would be to ensure that our operation is completed in the least about of time possible. Smash and Grab. Go in guns blazing, grab Wesker, then get out. To that end, I would suggest a form that has either high mobility, both ground and air, or enough firepower to take down the base's re-enforced steel blast doors. We won't have the time to take the long way around."[/color] He then ordered the war-mech as he checked his watch, internally trying to figure out the ideal length of time for this operation.

It was then that this "Dolores" turned up, giving the CEO a salute and expressing her desire to be part of this mission, prompting a somewhat confused glance as he eyed her up, a slightly annoyed expression starting to form on his face.
[color=9f2b68]"...Good for you...Now get out of my face..."[/color]
"He means "Hi". That's his way of saying Hi..." Violet corrected as Kazuya resumed his relying of orders to his aircraft.
[color=9f2b68]"Urg, look, I'm a busy man and I don't have the time to entertain the follies of the youth. If you consider yourself ready for battle, get suited up in one of our spare combat outfits [http://static1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130509213510/tekken/en/images/f/f9/G_corp_trooper_with_SCAR_assault_rifle.png] and wait for the briefing..."[/color] He then added in an angry tone.
All the while, the remaining Soldiers that weren't killed by Furiae and weren't killed and/or fired for allowing Wanderer to blow up the hanger the night before began to fall in, one of them handing the "New Girl" a spare pair of fatigues.

Rising Dawn: Canteen: Rugal, Kalastryn, Boss, Edge, Selena, Blade, Faith

"..."
Rugal merely glared at Edge as he brought up a period of his life he had spent his entire time on this ship trying to move away from, as if to say "I will trip your tongue out and choke you to death with it!".
"...They are not "Laser" Fists, they are Ki Projectiles. They are two completely different disciplines. As for how many people I know who use them, look at any decent martial arts tournament. You Jackass." He spitefully answered before returning to his breakfast, shaking his head as he did.
"Morning everyone!" Blade then cheerfully said as he made his way into Canteen with Faith, quickly swiping a Coffee and some fruit.
"I take it you heard the jets outside this morning? Seems like Mr. Mishima is breaking out the big guns for this operation..." He said as he dipped his finger into the coffee before Absorbing it up though his skin.

There should be more here, but I'm busy, sorry ^^;

 

[NotYetForsaken]

Avatar Adventure
Location: Hangar Array | Rising Dawn
​

First Lieutenant Selmy

I can't say I wasn't a little disappointed. The commander shrugged me off with little regard for my person. He obviously didn't see me as anymore than the regular soldiers that he employed. A passing soldier threw her a uniform, complete with helmet and visor. A death sentence if I ever knew one.

No one ever cares about someone when you can't see their face.

"I don't know what you were expecting," Molli said, finally having caught up to me. She rubbed me on the shoulder, "Don't feel too bad. You really ought to just stay aboard the ship."

I turned around and put my finger on her nose, "Just you wait, I'll show them what I'm capable of soon enough!" I tossed the uniform to the ground and put my hands on my chest. "I'm not going to wear no uniform either." I walked over to one of the armory racks and pulled a pistol and a shotgun from the slots. But I will hold onto these.

I walked back to Molli and leaned into her, waiting patiently for things to happen. She patted my head condenscendingly. "You are very much still a child Dolores."

Spoiler: Paradigm Story

He Who Would be God
Location: The Bleak Heavens | The World of Darkness
​

Mu-12

Lambda - No. 11 and Nu - No. 13 made their appearance in a fit of dynamic showboating. Lambda landed in the middle of the worms and snatched Ruby into the air. The sky was filled with the clashing of sword. Nu-13 slammed into Kusanagi and brought her hard into the ground.

"Where did you two come from!?" Mu-12 spun around and slammed her petals into her light-blue themed younger sister (whose body was much more developed than Mu herself, much to her chagrin), Nu herself countered by deploying sword-petals of her own. The metal clashed together and flung glowing spars out into the the strange paradise.

"We were observed by the girl..." Nu answered. Her voice was just as monotone as ever. A real doll. She could be taking something up the ass and you wouldn't know. It really ticked Mu off. "She saw our reflections in you. As such, we are now here." Nu dashed forward and swung her forearm at Mu, narrowly missing her face.

Mu dashed backwards and suspended herself in the air, wary of Nu-13's exceptional defensive capabilities.

Off in the far field, Lambda tended tenderly to Ruby. Her softer-more human nature had been resurrected. An older sister to Mu as it were, but weaker. She had too many feelings where Nu had not enough. "Ruby, are you okay? Tell me if it hurts anywhere. I know too well what pain can do to a young mind like yours." She ran her fingers through Ruby's hair as swords whirled around them, shielding them from the creatures that sought to attack them.

"Oh sister dear, I recommend we try to make an escape. You can't take all of them at once. Even as the inheritor of the Eye, you are no match for two Boundary-Slaying swords." Mu-12 dropped low to the water, the surface rippled where she levitated against.

"Tsk," she scowled, "A turn for the worst in a world of lies." Two of her sword petals pierced the surface of the water and speared the fish below, trudging it back up to the surface. Two Stein Gunner's materialized and made short work of the fish, spilling its strange viscera into the pool. "Where is that Bewp bastard!?'

 

[Generic NPC 22]

Avatar Adventure | The Rising Dawn | Canteen | Breakfast Time
@StripKitty: @KatyR told you to watch what you drink, lil sis​

The sensation of 1024 hammers being stuffed inside your head while it's been shaken by a paint mixer isn't a pleasant one and yet, it was the sensation that last night's round of drinking had imparted on Katya Rostikova's brain as she attempted to blindly stumble her way through the corridors. Taking a turn, she opened the door to what she had thought was the Canteen but turned out to be some sort of training room with Kazuya, Violet, ARES and some others running around what appeared to be a semi-intact hanger. Letting her eyes focus a bit, she closed the door and turned the other direction. It wasn't quite the time of morning to even contemplate something as unholy as morning calisthenics or training. She also had the feeling that the man named Kazuya would be a royal pain in the ass this time in the morning.

~YAWWWWWWWWWWN~ The young woman yawned as she took another turn, passing the door of some one named Alice, the sounds from inside sounding something like ... something that the Rising Dawn's hacker had only heard in movies... those movies. There was a slight grin as Katya passed the quiet commotion that was inside.

Continuing on, the young woman caught a glimpse of her face and paused. It looked like a purple day. For some reason it seemed that sometime during the night, Katya had changed her hair to a midnight purple color, done up in a pair of tails with black flower like scrunchies holding them up. Her outfit had changed as well since she was now wearing a long red coat that trailed down to the back of her knees. She much have been binge watching anime again since it looked like the sort of outfit that some sort of modern day anime mage would wear. At least it wasn't some sort of maid's outfit.

Passing a room with the sounds of Bloodborne being played, the Gamer hesitated for a moment but moved on. There were some things more important than games and on top of that, she'd already beat the game a few times. Going through the motions again would be pointlessly boring.

"Here we are... urp!" The Hacker Heroine muttered as she came perilously close to horking up whatever was left in her stomach. Man. She needed something in her stomach quick. Entering the Canteen, she noticed that there were already a few people piled in, getting what nourishment they could before the next mission.

Sitting at a table, next to the occupied table, Katya ordered a prairie oyster from a passing imp.

"W..wut?" Katya asked as the imp mimed that it had no idea how to make one and that the Bartender, Luke was out, "Seriously?"

The imp shrugged and continued on, clearly having better things to do that deal with the over dramatics of a just barely into adulthood female human.

"W...wait. Where'm I supposed to get one then?!" Katya exclaimed as she stood up, just a little too quickly for her stomach's liking,

"Oh god." She managed as she ran to the nearest trashcan.

[hr]

Spoiler: Paradigm Story

Paradigm Story | The Black Heavens | The World of Darkness​

White Wolf will never know...[/center]

Surely it was impossible for Mu-12 to have discerned which of the members of the school underneath her contained the personality core that belonged to BEWP. Even as the Murakumo unit eviscerated the black koi, BEWP's core functions were already busy assimilating the monster that had swallowed it from the inside. Even as it reached the bottom of the lake, it had already been reduced in mass by 66%.

Internal Stores Filled.  Processing power at Maximum.

More. More was needed. Even at its strongest upon entering this world, BEWP had been unable to put up an adequate defense, let alone beat one of the Murakumo units. It continued to consume, assimilate, grow, replicate, consume, assimilate, grow and replicate.

Alert:  Capacity Expanding Beyond Preset Parameters.  Continued expansion will result in kill switch activation.

BEWP silenced the alerts. Ruby was in danger and the Observer that had posed as a friend was the one that placed her in that danger.

Critical Alert:  Kill Switch Engaged.  15 minutes until full system wipe.

-- Defensive Matrix = Active
--  Offensive Matrix = Active
--  Personality Matrix = Active

Spoiler: -- Media Player = Active

On the surface, the water under Mu-12 started to bubble, just a singular one at first but then a slow and steady stream that intermingled with the ripples she had created. Behind her, a dark figure rose from the water, its eyes swirling with the same bluish intensity as the world's atmosphere and a dark miasma floated about its body, the excess nano-agents that B3WP had created floated around, grabbing at more and more raw materials for which to use against the traitorous Mu-12.

"MU!!!' BEWP yelled, as if Mu-12 needed more of a reason to focus on her prey. It appeared to be just a shift of its foot but that shift sent BEWP charging at the unit, drawing her attention as a ring of dark portals rose from the water to surround the offending unit, each one projecting a spear at Mu-12.

From where she stood, shielded by the kindly Lambda, Ruby could only hear clashing and then the monstrous booming of BEWP's voice as he was rebirthed by the twisted paradise.

"BEWP!" She screamed, her mind aware of the danger BEWP had placed itself in, struggling against the gentle grasp of Lambda's hands.

 

[bluerocker]

Spoiler: Spell List, Bitches!

Also, something myself and Ninjamedic discussed was the possibility of putting a "Nonlethal" modifier on some spells, on account of this character's proclivity towards not killing people. These will be marked with [NL]

Effectively, Teri's caster level is 8 (Monk levels don't make you cast better), and gains bonus spells from her Wisdom modifier up to 4th level spells.

6 |0-level spells per day
4 + 1 |1st Level + 1 of Either Domain per day-1st Level Domain Spell
3 + 1 |2nd Level + 1 of Either Domain Per day - 2nd Level Domain Spell
3 + 1 |3rd Level + 1 of Either Domain Per day - 3rd Level Domain Spell
1 + 1 |4th Level + 1 of Either Domain per day - 4th Level Domain Spells


0 Level Spells
Create Water: Creates 2 gallons/level of pure water.
Detect Magic: Detects spells and magic items within 60 ft.
Detect Poison: Detects poison in one creature or object.
Light: Object shines like a torch.
Purify Food and Drink: Purifies 1 cu. ft./level of food or water.
Mending: Makes minor repairs on an object.

First Level Spells
Domain Spell: Cure Light Wounds: Cures 1d8 damage +1/level (max +5)
Entropic Shield: Ranged attacks against you have 20% miss chance.
Ice Slick: Creates a 20-ft. square of slippery ice.
Protection from Evil: +2 to AC and saves, counter mind control, hedge out elementals and outsiders.
Shield of Faith: Aura grants +2 or higher deflection bonus.
Shivering Touch, Lesser: Touch deals 1d6 Dex damage; reducing movement to enemy

2nd Level Spells
Domain Spell: Cure Moderate Wounds: Cures 2d8 points of damage +1 point per caster level (maximum +10).
Frost Weapon: Weapon gains the frost special ability +1d6 cold damage. [NL]
Healing Lorecall: [http://gaming.corellonshand.com/spells/HealingLorecall.html] Using Healing spells removes additional conditions with this buff in place.
Remove Paralysis: Frees one or more creatures from paralysis or slow effect.
Restoration, Lesser: Removes damage to one's faculties, via magic or mundane means. Also reduces fatigue in a subject.

3rd Level Spells
Domain Spell: Cure Serious Wounds: Cures 3d8 damage +1/level (max +15).
Mass Lesser Vigor [http://gaming.corellonshand.com/spells/Vigor_MassLesser.html]: Gives a minor regen effect to up to 4 creatures at once (1 creature/2 caster levels).
Remove Disease: Removes diseases, but can also get rid of parasites.
Remove Blindness/Deafness: Fixes damage to eyes or ear, magic or mundane. Won't give you back an eye if you poke it out.
Shivering Touch: Touch deals 3d6 Dexterity damage; robbing them of mobility. Depending upon how well this is rolled, it can paralyze.

4th Level Spells
Domain Spell: Control Water: Raises or lowers bodies of water.
Panacea [http://dndhandbook.com/spell-index-dungeons-and-dragons-3-5/Panacea/]: Heals a variety of conditions, as well cures 1d8 points of damage + 1 point per caster level (maximum +20).
Summon Monster 4: Can summon a Lantern Archon, Celestial Giant Owl, Celestial Giant Eagle, Celestial Lion or a mephit of some kind (that is not evil aligned)

Additonal note: Teri can use a Reppuken [http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b392/Zakotsu/GMOTW_NG_Rock-GustPunch.gif] (a ground bound projectile) from level 1 and higher, and costs 12 seconds of recharge after it's use; or a Kaiser Wave [http://www.fightersgeneration.com/nx9/char/cvs2/rugal/a/special/rugal-cvs2-projectile3.gif] (large aerial projectile), from Level 4 and higher, and costs 24 seconds of recharge after use.

Spoiler: Weapon Post, Bitches!

Caim's Sword 13:02

Crimson Hood 5:35

Fheng's Glaive 9:40

Guardian's Sorrow 10:40

Hymir's Finger 16:20

Ozymandias's Might 8:49

Slaughterism 9:49

Swordsmasher 15:35

Windsinger 3:45

On Loan to Angelus
Kingsblood 12:35

 

[Kalastryn]

Rising Dawn: Semi-intact Hanger: Kazuya, Violet, ARES, Dolores, anyone else

ARES listened to Kazuya's suggestion with the kind of serious demeanor one would expect of people in a briefing for a military briefing, her hands still never idling. "So this time the stealthy approach is most certainly off the table? Excellent." she says with a sigh of relief. "I'll confess that while our combined performance was not as expected for a stealthy approach, the combat prowess displayed by my peers leaves me optimistic about a more aggressive approach.

With her currently free hand, she strokes the bridge of her nose as if in a gesture of discontent. A crying shame that such collateral damage was involved though, and at such a great place of intellect... though it was being misused by our adversaries. I can't help but wonder if there really was any hope of avoiding it though. Any unit is only as precise as the least precise, as strong as the weakest, and so forth. We do have our target, but even though some of us were about as precise and discreet as a sniper rifle from a far away roof at the task, we ended up causing as much noise and damage as a rocket firing chain gun."

By this point, she hefts the final piece of rubble in place, and starts to secure it to it's previous state.

"Though since this task, if my auditory processors haven't deceived me, will have much more of a direct approach than the previous one... you say that I should either be mobile, or have enough firepower to break through a blast door? I believe I may have such a frame that would satisfy both criteria." she says as Wanderer's damages seem to be fully reversed. The nearly silent thrum of the Tesla rifle's welder stops completely, it's task completed.

As she finally turns away from all of her repairs, she does note Dolores making a peculiar decision to arm herself, but disregard the combat uniform. With her task complete for now, and the arcfolding process being available for delay just a while longer... she does decide to inform them of the oddity.

"Excuse me, I do hope it's not too much an intrusion into your own affairs but... well, am I to understand that your going to deploy with the rest of us? I don't mean to be rude, nor speak out of line in swaying you from your decision, but I would advise wearing a bullet proof vest at very least. Where I'm from, I was essentially mass produced infantry, so I'm a bit of an expert when it comes to advising on the situation of bullets... and how much they sting." she says with a mock, nervous laugh.

"Though now that I take a look at your attire..." she says, sizing up Dolores' outfit. "I assume that you intended from the start to create your own protection." She shakes her head with a sigh she leans in and whispers to the two of them.

"I apologize for "beating around the bush" as much as I could, as I desire very much not to directly say it, but I'd much prefer you not get hurt. Last time we went after one of our targets we had to level a building to subdue him, while being fired upon by a lot of others... I'm not saying I have any power to stop you, save for a humble suggestion that it truly is much safer up here in the air. Kazuya says he "doesn't have time for the follies of the youth" and while it's true he's a busy man, I think it's probably moreso because I know that even me telling you war is hell isn't going to stop you." she says withdrawing from them slightly with a sigh and a bow.

"I sincerely hope that I haven't in any way offended you with my concerns, especially if they do in fact turn out to be entirely misplaced and I've just come across as condescending, rather than concerned. If you are still set on joining us, I'll have your back just as the rest of us shall as well." She says with a nod, hoping that if expressing her concern was any transgression, it would be forgotten by the gesture of saying that they do in fact have their support in whatever decision they take.


Rising Dawn: Canteen: Rugal, Kalastryn, Boss, Edge, Selena, Blade, Faith

Kala couldn't help but chuckle at Rugal's reaction. "So Kazuya used to work for you? Guess that's the reason for the hostility towards you eh?" she asks, quite rhetorically since the answer is about as easy to see as water is to drink. Suppressing a small bit of laughter, she continues. "Sort of cute how you tried to dodge the issue though. Remember when we went through the whole Persona debacle? Wasn't that long ago Rugal, I'd perfectly understand the words "I don't want to talk about it." she says before taking notice to the entrance of Blade.

"Does seem like we won't be going in with any sort of disguises this time around... perfectly fine by me, after last time. I really should use what time I have to study my spellbook. Also, did you just drink your coffee through your finger? I don't believe we've met. My name's Kalastryn d' Zannifer, but most everyone here just calls me Kala." she tells Blade with a friendly nod.

and also Faith's entrance. "Did... did you dye your hair?" she asks, tilting her head to the side puzzled. "I thought it would have been nice for Mel not to be the only one aboard with green locks for a change or- oh... correct me if I'm wrong, you aren't Jenny are you?" she asks and rubs the back of her neck with an embarrassed sigh. "I do actually remember she got sent out on assignment if I recall correctly. Something about the Striders. Old friend who looked quite a bit like you... I'm sure it's not the first time you two have been confused with each other, or am I just that tired?" she says with a chuckle as she goes to take a sip of the empty coffee mug, for no other purpose than quieting herself.

 

[NotYetForsaken]

Avatar Adventure
Location: Hangar Array | Rising Dawn​

First Lieutenant Dolores Selmy

I felt Molli's arms close around me and pull me close to her. This ARES person was much more intimidating up close. ARES had a strange sensibility about her, a sort of awkward concern that bordered on condescending. I felt reassured by Molli' warmth against my back. "I'll be fine." Sometimes it sucks being this small, I can tell you that. "I'm not a child okay? I can make my own decisions. I don't need anyone coming in and telling me that getting shot is going to do me evil!"

Molli's arms tightened around me. "Dolores, you're the one being rude now." There was a pause as Molli drew herself to her full height, "I'm sorry for my friend's attitude. She has a bit of a Napoleon complex."

I swung my head back, knocking into her collarbone. She didn't budge. Instead she put a hand on my head and forced my head forward and down. "Dolores, thank ARES for her concern."

No. "No." I don't like being treated this way. "I have been working on this ship for the past four years." I don't like being looked down on. "I know well what I'm getting myself into. I don't want to do this. I have to do this." I don't expect you to know. "I was born here. This world, I know that all of you fight for it, but I couldn't care less that you do." I am not helpless.

"Dolores!" I felt her forearm hit the back of my neck and force me down. He held me by the hip and neck. "That kind of outburst is something you definitely should not say to one of the heroes!"

I felt a little betrayed, but I knew Molli was just looking out for my and her own best interest. No one really cared about us, for all they cared we could just vanish the next day and no one would bat an eye. Yeah, we could be so easily replaced by machinations. Like the imps, or the ship itself. How pointless we are. We live in the shadow of titans.

"Dolores!" Her voice came with an uncharacteristic sharpness.

"Excuse my insolence. I thank you for your concern." Immortal. That's what the heroes are. No matter how dire the circumstances they always found a way to stand back up. To win. They never really died. They just went away, went home. They were never just... forgotten. But are they heroes because they are immortal... or are they immortal because they are heroes.

Have my back. You have to be kidding me. I'm doing this to show everyone that you don't have to keep taking care of everyone. We can help ourselves too you know. We aren't just here to praise the ground you walk on, we aren't just here to be saved. If you think I'm going to be dead weight, just come out and say it, hero. At least with Kazuya I know that he's human, he has his faults just like me. With any of you people, you could all be gods for all I know.

"Thank you kindly ARES for expressing your support. I'd greatly appreciate if you could bring Dolores back in one piece."

Dolores. My name is Dolores. It means "I suffer." What kind of father chooses that for his daughter's name.

Spoiler: Paradigm Story

He Who Would be God
Chapter: 6 - A Betrayal, the Pain I Feel from Your Treacherous Smile
Location: The Bleak Heavens | The World of Darkness​

The Storyteller

"'No, no stay still. You're in no condition to fight.' Lambda held onto Ruby. Despite her soft voice and gentle eyes Lambda's touch was cold as steel. Her body, though it looked human, and was human to some degree, was still synthetic. She could bleed, but her heart was still.

Ruby cried out hysterically for her other half. The raging swarm of nanomachines that tore across the surface of the water. Around them in this strange alien world, life exploded into color and vivacity. The sky turned into an endless blue, a sweeping heaven punctuated by the soft luminescence of white clouds. The grass underneath glowed brightly a brilliant cyan that put the abilities of synthetic light to shame. A warmth unfurled across the world like a butterfly spreading its wings, and the sky above which had once been dark suddenly burst into day under the light of binary suns. Lambda held onto the small girl, coddling her. Her struggles pained her heart, but she held on. Lambda's petals and gravity seed kept the life around them at bay. But the world had turned maddened, furious.

Mu turned to Bewp, eyes wide in fear. Her eyes, blue to see but black to the feel. The spears tore at her through the air and the Murakumo unit was forced to bring her petals close in on herself. 'TSUNUGUI!' A blue barrier materialized around her petals, trapping Mu within a crystal of her own making. The spears struck the barrier and held the unit in place.

She grimaced. 'I am going to summon our barrier reserves.' That inner voice chimed. Mu shook her head. 'No, don't do it. Don't do it!'

The petals disengaged and a bubble formed around her, absorbing the spears and turning the matter into energy to be released back into the Azure. But it was then that two blades slammed into either side of the bubble like a guillotine.

'Number 12, you are not fighting only a single enemy. You are defective. Please self-destruct immediately.' The barrier shimmered and faltered, leaving Mu open to Bewp's oncoming form. Nu's blades broke through the barrier and cut into Mu's bare sides, drawing streams of warm blood gushing over the swords and flowing into her armor. The swords dug deeper as Mu struggled, she could feel it. The cold metal grinding against her bones, tearing apart her innards. The pain was intense, beyond anything else she had experienced. She was stuck.

'NO!'

Nu addressed Bewp directly, 'Make your time count formless one. This is your only chance.'"

 

[000Ronald]

Rising Dawn: Canteen: Rugal, Kalastryn, Boss, Edge, Selena, Blade, Faith

Edge chuckled. "Calm down, I didn't mean any harm. You used to be a bad guy. You aren't now. If I thought you were a bad guy, then I would've tried to kill you by now."

Just then, Faith tapped Edge on the shoulder. "Oh! Faith!" Edge stood up, and gestured towards Boss to do the same. "Boss, this is the person I told you about; her name is Faith, and she's going to train you to use her psychic powers. Hopefully." Edge looked around. "Where...where's Ryan? Never mind you can't-" Edge shooked his head, and walked towards the bar. "I'm gonna get a drink before we leave. Calm my nerves."

Boss rolled his eyes, and teleported in front of faith. "Hiya." he said, extending a hand. "Name's Boss, friends call me Boss. You already know Edge, I imagine?"

 

[Diablo1099_v1legacy]

Rising Dawn: Semi-intact Hanger: Kazuya, Violet, ARES, Dolores, anyone else

Kazuya wasn't exactly impressed with Dolores "I'm a big girl now!" routine, looking onward as his "Newest Soldier" conversed with ARES.
While part of him was glad to get another Rising Dawn Member on his team, he couldn't help but feel that this would only end badly.
That and the number of people in the world he didn't resent, either openly or covertly, could be counted on one hand so her chances of getting into his good graces weren't exactly stacked in her favor.
Violet meanwhile was trying his best in his sleep deprived state to assist ARES into getting Dolores to accept the armor.
*Yawwwwwn* "Hey...I helped to design that uniform. It's actually a lot more comfortable then it looks. The inner padding is actual Egyptian Silk while the outside is a rather fetching sea green! oh, and it will basically protect you from just about all small arms fire. Observe. HEY GUYS! HELP ME SELL THE UNIFORM!" He shouted to one of the soldiers as he got geared up.

Without so much as another word, The soldier pulled out his side pistol before aiming it at his own chest and casually pulling the trigger, reeling back a little from the force of shooting himself in the heart.
He then yanked out the bullet from the chest plate and posed as if to say "Ta-Da!" in a manner that seemed rather rehearsed, Violet clearly asked him to do that before.
All the while, Kazuya checked his watch, wondering when the others were going to get here.

Rising Dawn: Canteen: Rugal, Kalastryn, Boss, Edge, Selena, Blade, Faith, Katya

Back in the Canteen, Rugal was slightly embarrassed as he slipped his coffee, least Kalastryn was kind enough to drop the issue after Edge basically spelled it out for her.
"Thank you. Just I know for a fact that if Kazuya really wanted these men that badly, he wouldn't have came to us and US Law wouldn't stop him. But he wouldn't pass up a chance to drag my name though the mud..." He sighed as he finished up his meal right as Katya ran in, in dire need of a hangover cure.

*Whistle* "Yo Waiter! Crack an egg into a glass, top it with a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, two dashes of Tobasco, some salt and pepper, Serve." Blade was kind enough to explain as he went over to where Katya was and held back her hair as she dry heaved over the trash can.
"Me and J usually hit the bars hard when we do. Learned the recipe off by heart. Cheaper then a Full Heal" He explained as the Imp quickly served up the strange concoction, though he was still able to work some spice into it, sneaking it in with the salt.
Despite the scene, he was still able to converse to Kalastryn, stating "Oh yeah! I know you. Jenny told me about you, Said you were one of her friends. Name's Blade. I'm sure she told you all about me..."
A slight bit of cockiness slipped into his voice at the end, even as he stood there massaging Katya's back as she tried to keep the contents of her stomach inside there while the Imp brought over the drink.
"Alright, Down the Hatch and keep it there." He said as he basically forced it down the Hacker's throat.

 

[Diablo1099_v1legacy]

Spoiler: Meanwhile...

Spoiler: At Black Mesa

The President, Wanderer, and Merlin.
Location: Daedalus Mk II's Bridge | USA: New Mexico Airspace

Before long, a small Transport Unit was dispatched to the airship from the base, bearing the Black Mesa Logo as it entered it's hanger.
Out of it stepped out a small unit of Elite looking soldiers [http://media.moddb.com/images/mods/1/9/8709/Nod_Officer_Render.jpg] as well as a Rather Tall "Man" [http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2012/069/e/2/mr_x_render_by_violet_2010-d4sbtnw.png], all them standing in formation as a man who just screamed "I am Evil" [http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a0/Cc_kane_shot.jpg] stepped out.
"Ahhh. Mr. President, Sir. I am Kane. I operate the defenses here at Black Mesa. The Adminstrator has tasked me with escorting you to the base. Come. Come." He kindly said as he gave him a salute while his entourage stood at attention.

A quick flight later brought the President and his men to one of Black Mesa's own Hanger bay [http://fc08.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/234/5/f/hangar_by_unfor54k3n-d47ffeg.jpg], from what he was seeing so far, the entire base seemed far more technologically advanced then even the Daedalus!
"Impressive isn't it? Administrator Birkin really turned this place around. What was one the number one dumping ground of nuclear waste in the state is now the most productive manufacturing complex in the entire country, if not the world!" Kane boasted as his men lead the President and his group off the transport, the Tall one glaring at Wanderer for the entire trip, as if he didn't trust him.
"Now, Due to the nature of our research, I have to ask you to stay with the escort at all times. This is for your own safety, while Black Mesa hasn't had an accident since it's refurbishing under Birkin, we'd like to keep it that way. As a result, I will have to ask your friends to remain alongside you at all times. If you wander into a restricted area of the base without an ID badge, you will find yourself targeted by the bases's defenses. And, as the one in charge of said defenses, I can assure you, that is the LAST thing you want to happen to you. Now, shall we?" Kane said as he offered to lead the way to Birkin's office, an unsettling cheeriness to his voice as he did.

Spoiler: Meanwhile in Stillwater

Johnny Gat and Krizalid. Comms: Tactician Shorn, Matt Miller.
Location: Old Saints Hideout: Old Stilwater | USA: Stilwater City

"Aye, sure, You do the talking and once we know we go our man, I'll pound the ****!" Krizalid said as the sound of footsteps got closer.
"Ah, our guests are here. Break a leg, Lad. Heheheh." The new recruit said as he climbed up one of the abandoned buildings in the tunnel as the Desperado mercs arrived.
Gat could instantly tell they were the right people, the uniforms of the men matching exactly with the ones that crashed his operation a few days ago.
They were being lead by a man in a business suit with white hair and a hat, wielding a pair of Sai's [http://i0.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/588/157/6c5.jpg].
"Ahhh, Mr. Akuji I take it. Hm...Didn't think you would agree to meet us down here. Doesn't seem like the kind of thing your family would do. Ah well, Allow me to introduce myself. I am called Monsoon. I am one of the famous "Winds of Destruction". No doubt you have heard about us from our operations in Asia and the middle east." Monsoon said as he motioned for a briefcase to be handed to him before opening it up.
Instead of boring old papers, it instead unfolded into a small stand as the inside revealed a sort of computer screen, displaying a vendor of Desperado's services, everything from mugging to domestic terrorism, as he turned it to face Gat.

"Now...What can Desperado LLC do for you today?..."

 

[StormShaun]

Just so you know, I'm putting the President's part out of spoilers because it is now on the main arc line. Well, and near the main RD crew.

The President, Wanderer, and Merlin.
Location: Daedalus Mk II's Hanger | USA: New Mexico Airspace

When the transport arrived, it was introduced to a heavily armed platoon in the hanger. Every soldier held a rifle, and some held something even more. Before long, The President walked down with his own entourage. Including Wanderer, Merlin, and four bodyguards that looked like elite ninja [http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/18500000/Saints-Row-2-Ninja-Photos-ninjas-18513308-790-444.jpg].

The President stood tall and intimidating, his metal, power-suit was on full power, and it seemed he could easily kick a tank. Next to him was Wanderer, dressed in a actually clean lab-coat and holding a clipboard, he was giving it his all to be a "professional Doctor" which the other him really disliked. Then next to him, was Merlin, dressed in his usual Camelot Tabard, with his white hair waving around like a supermodel. The aura surrounding him was mysterious enough to avoid.

When Kane and his own group came out, each member thought.

("Looks evil.")
("Yup, totally evil, and ...")
("Looks like a *****.")
("Reminds me of ... Him.")

When the transport was along the way, The President passed control to Pierce, well, actually Kinzie, but he likes to throw Pierce a bone sometimes. By the time they got to Black Mesa, Wanderer was already looking around mostly at the technology, but also for something to steal. After all, technology like this would make a total killing in his home-world. Merlin was doing likewise, except no one could tell if he was examining something or going to sleep.

The President on the other hand.
"Many dangerous doors I'm guessing." The President simply muttered as he took Kane's tone into note. There was nobody here he could trust, only the people by his side. Naturally, closed doors only meant more secrets in this place, and The President could tell that these secrets were not the kind. Meanwhile with Wanderer, he simply gave a evil sneer at the tall man. "How's the weather up there?" He said with a snort.

Already, they had reached the end of the path.

[hr]

Spoiler: Meanwhile in Stillwater

Johnny Gat and Krizalid. Comms: Tactician Shorn, Matt Miller.
Location: Old Saints Hideout: Old Stilwater | USA: Stilwater City

"Go for the eyes ..." Johnny said softly, mostly a reminder for himself. Before the target arrived, Johnny was focusing, trying to remember the kid that he buried alive, only one thing came to him, "a whiny *****." Then the target came, the main male in particular was intimidating, even for one like Johnny. Still, he won't be intimidated by someone like this. Giving a tradition Japanese bow, Johnny rose. "Yes, your reputation certainly precedes you Monsoon-san."

Taking a long gaze of the surroundings, while Johnny loved the place, his identity on the other hand had to sigh. "Sorry about the poor circumstance. This place relates to my request." Johnny said as he walked up to the computer and selected "assassination". Nodding with satisfaction, Johnny took the moment to recall what happened. "A time ago, this was the hideout to the Saints, you probably heard of them, small gang, rose through the ladder, and now are in a high position ... But this position was gained through the death and blood of my operations and father."

Grabbing his temple, Johnny himself hated doing this performance, he even remembers when he had to sing in Hell! "Yes ... I know I cannot kill him myself, but I wish to request the death of the former Saint Boss." He said, and gave a smile that would mark him as "dishonoured brat out for vengeance"

 

[Generic NPC 22]

Avatar Adventure | The Rising Dawn | Canteen | Breakfast Time
@KatyR: @StripKitty I swear I asked you to stop giving me advice...​

As much as the ship's resident hacker and newest member of the Hangover Club wanted to speak, her mouth was in the process of doing battle with her gag reflex. Everything about the Prairie Oyster screamed "DON'T YOU FUCKING SWALLOW ME, *****!!" From the taste to the smell to the texture to the spices, everything single molecule of the foul concoction was telling Katya that she was to launch the drink from her mouth into the nearest garbage disposal.

In the end, it was sheer determination (and Blade's hand covering both Katya's mouth and nose) that won the day. The drink was drunk and Katya went into some sort of full blown seizure as her body tried to figure out what in the hell it just ingested.

"BLEEEEEEEEECH!!! AAAAACH!!! AARRRRRRRRRRGH!!!!!" The little sissy managed to exclaim as she scrunched her face up extra tightly that it appeared that it might collapse upon itself. The display lasted roughly a few prolonged moments before the Young Woman finally settled down and looked at her savior, Blade, "Th... thx... 1... th1nk."

Having not spent enough time around Katya, Blade might have found her vocal habits rather strange as they appeared to be more a conglomeration of what could have been verbal emojis than words.

"7h@7 suxxx0r3d h@rd." The h@xxx0r h3r01n3 muttered as she wiped the drool and residue from the corners of her mouth with a clean napkin that had been dipped in water. Surprisingly, Katya's breath didn't smell of Eggy Worcestershire and Tabasco, thanks to the fact that the nano-agents coursing through the woman's blood stream had removed the "food" from her mouth, "1'm K@ty@ by t3h w@y, K@ty@ R0571k0v@. N1c3 t0 m3@7 j00, bu7 1'm s0rry, 7h15 15 t3h f1r57 71m3 1'v3 h3@rd 0f j00."

Meaning, either Jenny didn't tell Katya much about Blade, or Katya didn't remember Jenny telling her about Blade. That didn't mean that Katya wasn't grateful for the assistance though as she followed the Strider Grovyle back to where he had been sitting with the others, Rugal, Kalastryn, Boss, Edge, Selena, Blade and Faith, nodding her greeting to each and every one at the table, not trusting her mouth enough to open without blasting each and every one of them with the contents of her stomach. It would take a moment to settle, she figured.

A few moments passed before she did open her mouth, luckily not hitting anyone with anything besides the vocal stylings of her words.

"S0000... j00'r3 a n1nj@?" She asked Blade, indicating the way he held himself, "H0wz 7h@7 w0rk1ng 0u7 f0r j00?"

[hr]

Spoiler: Paradigm Story

Paradigm Story | The Black Heavens | The World of Darkness​

The behemoth swarm of agents had, despite the artificiality of the construct, gone berserk. Unthinking and focused, it ignored whatever remaining attacks Mu-12 could muster despite her grievous injuries. The humanoid mass did not see, could not see that it was approaching an enemy that had betrayed BEWP's and Ruby's trust, instead it saw only prey.

"Muuuuuuuuuu!!!" it continued to below even as it was upon her, its hands scooping the wounded woman up into the air, high above its head, dangling her above its open maw. Sensing the breaches in Mu-12 defenses, a profusion of tendrils snaked from the open mouth, wrapping the woman up as it sought the breaches in her skin before delving inside her.

The sight, too violent for the young child, forced Ruby to hide her eyes behind the form of the gentle Lambda, her eyes awash with tears, red from fear. She shivered as the sound of BEWP's attempt to consume and assimilate Mu-12 into itself.

"no... this isn't right... this isn't right... no... no... no..." Ruby said as she rocked back and forth, her voice getting louder and louder as she attempted to find her resolve, "this-isn't-right.this-isn't-right. THIS ISN'T RIGHT!"

"BEWP!!!" Ruby yelled, causing the mass to pause, Mu-12 still wrapped up in the horrid black tendrils as it turned to look at the voice's source. Ruby froze at the sight. She continued to stand motionless even as the dark behemoth took a step towards her. For a moment, whatever processing loop BEWP had been stuck in was broken as it spoke to her.

Alert: Kill Switch Activation in 5:00 minutes.

Alert: Kill Switch Activation in 4:50 minutes.

"go." BEWP said even as it charged at Ruby and Lambda, "run"