Enter The Arena As Your Avatar -- The Spinoff!

"You got yourself a deal."

Nicole catches both of the Berserker's wrists before they can reach her neck, flashing a dangerous smile as she attempts to drive her knee straight into his groin.

"Big mistake, dude."

Should her counterattack prove successful, she moves to seize the Berserker by the throat, hoist him off the ground, and chokeslam him with all her considerable might before punting him like a football towards the other gathered Nohrian forces.

Pucci, with his attention centered mainly on Wamuu, had been paying critically little attention to the Nohrians who had just spilled into the room like a cup runneth over with the blood of thirty-six dead atheists.

So, when one approached in an attack with the intent to kill, the priest had only managed a split-second last-chance dodge (more of a flinch) away from the blade, hearing the hum of the steel as it swung through the air only a mere few inches from his head, singing the song of death. His dodge was more animalistic instinct than any sort of technical ability, though what came next was entirely deliberate.

Whitesnake burst from his body, a glob of acidic goop forming into a recognizable figure as his fist launched forwards and at the Hero's head. Breaking jaws in the name of Gor, could anyone imagine a better way to live? Pucci hoped the force of the punch wouldn't be sufficient enough to kill the man, but if it did…He swung first.

Se'arah takes a few steps back, then gets into her fighting stance.

Versus - Heaven Pierce Her

As the battle with the guards rages around her and Wamuu, she stabs the Firesweep Sword into the ground and drags it forward into an uppercut, launching a projectile shockwave at Wamuu's feet, then leaps up to stab down at the Pillar Man from above.

—

Wordlessly, Mordecai covers Salazar's shifting aim, pointing his customized sniper rifle at the monster's face and firing a shot at its head. A headshot won't just be a Critical Hit for extra damage, but with the rifle's properties, the monster will also be Slagged to take even more damage from the others present.

Edited by KiriK on Jul 12th 2023 at 2:12:33 PM

Nohr Rescue Mission (Camilla the Silly Prankster)

Jeridan allowed the metal bundle that is his collapsible lucerne to drop into his hands, only to breath a sigh of relief when Camilla revealed her prank. "Your highness, please. Don't give us a heart attack." He spoke only half jokingly, while his heart rate slowly settled down as he followed the princess to Leo's room.

As they made their way down the hall, Jeridan can't help but worry a little. If Leo is the type to attack on sight, wouldn't it be safer to talk to Xander first? Though, getting the hard part out of the way may be helpful, so he has no complaint either way. "Hm, I wonder how we'll breach the subject to rescue our comrades to Prince Leo." The young man said half as a offhanded remark and half as a question for Odin and Laslow.

VALLA

The invisible soldier has its head blown off by Mordecai, gets its legs shot out by Salazar's shotgun and has Selena's sword splice it further, with its headless half and its legless half falling apart together. Both halves fall into the sand, one making a... huh, mutilated hips-shaped thing and the other a headless torso shaped one. Water bleed out of the creature's massive gaping wounds...

But then, the legless half begin to trash about, its removed limbs making it unable to do much more than that and the headless upper half start to crawl at the group at high speed, looking absolutely unbothered by its lack of a head. Why, it even begins to run in circles, unable to locate itself, strangely pathetic in its absolutely blind hatred.

Only for Corrin to stomp the undead and drive Yato into its spine, with a cold look at the invisible undead. Letting out a confused, yet strangely human gasp, it melts into water, expiring at the literal feet of our heroes.

Blasting off their limbs won't put them down. Heads too. It's why they're so tough, he gestures to it. That and they're very silent. With swords and armor and other weaponries. Some have tomes... So be careful.

Keep moving, Beruka orders the group. We've got no interest in standing there talking when we're not even sure we have what we need in here. Beruka starts heading for the temple, leading the group along. She noticeably walk at a fast pace with something of an angry look on her face. Which is typical but seem more present than usual.

There's some water in between but it's not deep enough that they can't just walk on it. Well, Salazar is short enough though, so he's reduced to swimming.

Is it safe to swim? What if a zombie come up to bit my crotch off. Again? Salazar comments, obviously refusing to elaborate on the more troubling parts of his sentence. Corrin winces in sympathy, swimming behind the group and looking around them at all times.

The water is still. And the undead, stupid. They cannot simply lie in wait.

... You seem angry about something, Beruka, are you okay? Corrin asks, his eyes still darting about with attention.

I thought you wouldn't take us to that dead world without a solid plan, Corrin.

I don't know much about this world, Azura never elaborated much on it. It was just the place the zombies came from...

Which is why we need a solid plan to avoid spending too much time within it Corrin.

It's not like there's someone out there who's going to hand us a map over isn't it? Corrin and Beruka stop arguing for a little bit to look around, as if hoping that this would happen.

It doesn't.

... Azura is still in Hoshido.

Right.

We should've gone to her for counsel on where to go. Beruka says, her tone making the solution sound oddly dire. Like taking off an arm to suppress some kind of infection.

There's a bunch of stuff we'd need to have told her you know? And you know how Azura is. She's cryptic! She would've told us not to go. Wouldn't have explained why. Or she'd have lied somehow. It's like she doesn't want me to see this place.

Because it's a dead world full of invisible ravenous zombies, Corrin. That's a very good reason unto itself.

Well I'm sure it's more than that, Corrin pouts, as they walk on an island closer to the temple. It looms over the group, casting a shadow. ... What if I asked mom? She's from here.

... But there's a lot more I'd like to talk to her about first.

Beruka nods, eyes a lot more sympathetic. If you want to talk to her once this is all over, I'll wait. Don't worry.

There's a general bunch of things they could point out relating to Corrin's relation with Valla if they want but Salazar simply chortles to himself, finding the argument pretty funny and being generally unconcerned about invisible zombies. Well if we kill all the zombies this could make a fine resort! He offers.

Meanwhile, deep in the far depths of the ocean, millions eyes look up, discreetly following the group's path. Once they pass by, the eyes snap back to their original position once more.

...

WAMUU smirks when he sees Se'arah's peculiar wind technique. As she rush over to where he is, there's a brief breeze as her attack is deflected, a weaker amount of wind "catching" the projectile and deflecting it elsewhere.

You fight with the wind as well? This will be interesting! Wamuu stick his feet out towards the sword as Se'arah stab it at the ground, but right before she can try to stab through it, it tear itself out in half, the sword passing through the strangely bloodless gap in his limb and ending its journey by stabbing itself into the Stable's floor.

As for Wamuu, once the sword has passed, he stomps at the sword's handle with a downward kick using his heel, attempting to stomp Se'arah's hands grasping it but also dig the sword deeper into the ground, so that she won't be able to use it so easily. And then, he does a much more straightforward kick at her face, trying to toss her a fair distance away.

Notably, instead of having to pull his leg back a bit for a proper kick, his muscles and bones just suddenly stretch forward to hit her as she goes.

But are you reliant on this sword for your technique? With mine, my very body is a conduit for the wind itself, although you've yet to prove yourself worthy of seeing my Mode!

Elsewhere, the Berserker doesn't display fear even as Nicole easily overpower him, snarling and biting at her face until she knees him. Which does work better for stunning him before he's tossed into his allies, successfully toppling dozens of them and taking him down. This cause the Nohrians to stumble unto each other...

Yamamae successfully blitz the Nohrian Sorcerer before he can get a spell off, his eyes widening as he gets taken down by her in a swift instant...

And Pucci's Whitesnake is unable to be seen by mortal eyes, which prompt the Hero to wonder what exactly just hit her as she's sent flying, Whitesnake's overall strength proving sufficient to take her down in one blow...

But yet many more come;

Around Yamamae, a hefty General comes down with a brutal stomp using his right foot, attempting to stomp her flat with the Sorcerer below her. That way, should he succeed, he and a bunch of common grunts attempt to immediately run her over with their spears, trying to stab the shit out of poor Yammers uncaring for the Sorc below.

Another Sorcerer with a perfid mustache learns from his colleague's failure and hang back. He has a different outfit than most other Sorcerers, more elaborate, with a regular golden circle of a sort behind his head, a collar with white feathers on it and overall more of an "outfit", with a proper shirt and pants to complement his long cape.

Proving himself to be an Elite Mook, he take out a Staff and attempt to cast Immobilize on Nicole. The spell is undodgeable. What will matter is Nicole's strength and overall raw resistance to being magick'd herself that will help her out. A General take point in front of the Sorcerer while no less than four Berserkers rush Nicole, their movements demented and cackling as they attempt to smash their axes into her face over and over again.

And finally, to deal with Pucci's invisible force, four Generals slowly walk his way, shields raised and spears tall. They're backed up by two sly rogues, Adventurers, who shoot two arrows each Pucci's way, trying to see the limits of his guardian angel before the Generals get to him.

...

NILES lower his hand, revealing his eye's fine as he stares at Odin. Hey O.... ld up. He stares at the people following Camilla and then Camilla herself, raising an amused eyebrow. Yeah, not dealing with that. Hey, Prince Leo! Odin! Check this out!

Niles! You would dare interrupt me in the midst of my daily ritual to seal my dark self?! We are creeping on the edge of DOOMED ANNIHILATION with every instant not dedicated to SEALING BACK THE INSIDIOUS BEAST DEEP WITHIN MY SOUL! Dark Odin can SEE the world ahead! He can TASTE it! As he can FEEL the flames of war as his fing-what the hell The other Odin stares dumbfounded at his other self, as Camilla quickly usher everyone in into the room and close the door.

Niles stares briefly at the group of goobers and frown. Wow, check this out! You only ever see a cast this diverse in underground orgies! Hehe, anyway, I-

Camilla.

Leo's room is kind of fitting for him, in that it's very properly put together with no specific eccentricities. Whereas Camilla's room is very Camilla, Leo's room simply look put together, albeit it has a few desks full of big tomes of doom in a corner, with a door leading to what must be Leo's studies. A treasure trove of tomes and all sort of knowledge, be they at politics or casting spells on ninjas.

Leo himself is sitting by his desk, his casual clothes without armor looking like a business set for anyone else. He's a young blond man with what can be politely described as a resting bitch face most of the time, although it's looking more like a very sharp, very annoyed glare. Bryndhildir is resting by his laps, his finger tapping the surface of the awesome tome.

This is either you doing a very poor job at bringing in a swathe of intruders or you cooperating quite eagerly with them. Either option very unpleasant.

... Behold! A man of striking figure and bold words! He is surrounded by a cohorts of strange intruders from another world! And... he is quite literally me!

Lord Leo, I'll admit getting to hear the kind of sounds Odin make when he dies is enticing. Niles smiles, his tone sarcastic. Possibly.

Oh and, Hi, Laslow. Can't say you're in worse company than your usual. Well, barring the high and mighty Xander himself.

Well why, my dear Leo. I am indeed making new friends from other worlds, she says. If she's nervous, she's not showing it. And I've been convinced that the next round of executions to come is perhaps a fair bit more unjust than any other, if that is possible.

Leo frowns, having perhaps expected Camilla not to be so blunt. These people are intruders from another dimension, Camilla. And a direct threat to our family. Nevermind the ones that are royals from Hoshido! Your decision is utterly baffling, his eyes do soften a bit. ... If you're perhaps being blackmailed, I will do anything I can to help-

Blackmailed? Me? I would be worried about all the red not going off my walls! Camilla scoffs lightly. I'm choosing to help them off my own free will. What we're going to do to these people isn't right, Leo. The smartest out of any of us should know what.

Leo scoffs, not amused at the flattery. That make it far worse, Camilla.

...

BAN WILL STRIP of his clothing he has over his regular clothing and, welcome again, Seven Deadly Sins arstyle!

There's probably going to be a staff already assigned to this. And with the recent evasions, security's likely going to be thick! We'll need a very convincing reason to be breaking it into that vault or we could move around until we get there and get rid of it the old-fashioned way. Andbyweimeanthegirlandtheimmortal

What we need is to find a possible escape route that we could take once we've recovered the weapons. And...and...

Foxy freezes, his eyes widening.

... Do any of you know what these blessed weapons look like? I... huh... I don't really remember.

Edited by Bolded1 on Jun 1st 2023 at 12:35:51 PM

Land of the Dead

"Is... is that thing bleeding water-WHOA it's still moving!"

"Now I know for sure Julius doesn't have any of these things around.", Selena comments on Morgan's surprised reaction. She then moves after Beruka, with Morgan quickly keeping up the pace right after. Selena looks back at him all the way until they reach the water, from which point she lets him go back to being in front of her.

As they move and Corrin and Beruka talk to one another; Selena would have commented on the whole Valla thing if she weren't already aware of it. And as for Morgan... he's already anxious over when Corrin's going to have that supposed talk with him, he does not want to put attention on himself too much.

—

Prince Leo

"As sudden as it may be, we should not waste too much time, lest Lord Leo wrongfully assume we're trying to waste his time.", Odin says to Jeridan. "We should introduce ourselves and get straight to the point."

Cue the other Odin appearing.

"Quite the shock this must be, but your eyes don't deceive you one bit, other self!", Odin says. Laslow shakes his head.

"Please refrain from making this a dramatic speech-off.", he says, having already dreaded this inevitable meeting. He looks back at Niles, greeting him by raising his hand and about to speak...

But then they get to see Leo. Both Odin and Laslow look more serious now, knowing they can't risk blowing what may be their only chance to talk to him. They don't enter Leo's room, respectfully waiting to be told they can. If not told so, they'll assume that Leo doesn't want them in there.

"We understand your suspicion of our motives, Lord Leo.", Laslow says. "But we assure you, our friends are not intruders nor threats, and all we want is to save them."

"Our friends, they did not come to this world willingly. As bizarre as it may be to claim, even with two of myself being here right now, we are from a different world entirely, as are our captive friends.", Odin says. Leo, Niles and this world's Odin may be a little surprised to see him being so serious.

"I too am a retainer to my world's Lord Leo. As such, I'd like to believe I know you well. Surely you must have some doubts of this whole affair with our friends? Especially since some of our friends are still children. For them all to be put to the blade, perhaps even without as much as a trial..."

—

Ban's near-existential crisis

Ban takes off his helmet and looks back at his reflection, sighing in relief.

"Phew.", he says before putting it back on.

He then looks at Foxy and shrugs, but he doesn't look nervous at all.

"Not a damn clue. But I've got the instincts of a thief. I'll know something valuable when I see it. As for a reason..."

He grins and leans in close.

"We could tell them that King Garon has given direct orders for us to retrieve the weapons so that we may deliver them to him and his children, so that they may be used to annihilate the intruders, should said intruders attempt to capture them and use them as hostages. If an intruder gets their hands on the royalty, the people here would be in a big dilemma, wouldn't you say?"

"What, you're not going to help?" she asks Foxy, crossing her arms.

When asked about the weapons, she shrugs.
"I imagine they just look like, swords and stuff. But not grimy like the ones all the regular guards are using?"

Yea ban with the plan, lets go wiht that!!

"I just make wind, I don't control it."

Se'arah grimaces as her sword gets dug deeper into the ground. She keeps trying to pull it out until she loses her grip via Wamuu kicking her away, but she staggers to a stop against a wall of the stable.

"But I also.... don't... need it!"

She runs at her sword and kicks it free with all her might, sending it spiraling into the air, then catches it by the hilt. Then she throws a punch at Wamuu with her bare hands. Expecting him to warp his body around it like he did with her initial attacks, she twirls out of the motion into a low horizontal slash.

Mordecai shrugs as they proceed. "I have a pretty good eye for loot. If someone gets me high up, I might be able to tell where weapons are."

Pucci recoiled backwards as the arrows sped towards him, their paths like an arrow in and of itself. As Pucci leaned away, Whitesnake's hands crossed into an X-like pattern as the Stand grasped for both, only catching and snapping one in his hands as he just barely managed to twist his body out of the way of a fatal hit from the other, nicking his neck as it sped path both the Stand and Pucci. Interestingly for the viewers, they'd see that, though the second arrow missed the priest entirely, a small dribble of blood still ran from a new, small cut on the side of his neck.

With Whitesnake still hovering in front of him and both halves of the broken arrow now on the floor, the man of Gor eyed the shield-bearers surrounding him with caution, uncertain of how to deal with the situation.

   "Come no closer,"    He warned.    "It may be the last mistakes you ever make."   

Wamuu

Yamame thankfully wasn't planning on lingering, which is a good thing or she'd be finding out how a spider being swarmed by ants feels. Instead she simply goomba stomped the sorcerer to keep herself mobile, sticking to a wall to stay out of the immediate range of the newcomers.

She then fires some webs in a crisscross pattern above them before swiftly sliding along them, dropping purple orbs of magic which explode into just plain pain and also her usual disease that makes breathing a bit spicy.

Resisting the Immobilize spell as best she can, Nicole spreads her dragon wings before using them to shield herself from the onslaught of axe blows from the four Berserkers. Not to be outdone, she cracks a fierce grin at her assailants before beating her wings hard enough to kick up a powerful gust of wind once she has enough breathing room. Assuming the Berserkers have been blown back, she rockets towards the first Berserker and goes for a momentum-fueled uppercut, aims a spinning wheel kick at the second's face, and caps off her assault by unleashing a close-range Arcane Blast at her final two enemies.

Turning on both the Sorcerer and General, she sends an Arcane Beam arcing through the air towards them. While she does cast the briefest of glances at the fierce duel between Se'arah and Wamuu, her attention remains firmly on her own battle.

Edited by IchigoMontoya on Jun 1st 2023 at 6:19:19 AM

Batman, Luin, Annihilation Nergigante

Hospital

Bruce Wayne glanced up at N just as she disappeared, holding his over his torso to plug the flow of blood. The resemblance drawn between his cowl and the silhouette of a bat was not one he had yet heard before, though…it interested him. Perhaps that was a road he could go down, and option he could pursue. There were few things that scared him more as a child than bats. That fear, maybe, could be used to his own advantage. Regardless, the man felt his pain and injuries fade away as energy returned to his body. He looked up at Nia, nodding with gratitude in his eyes. The man rose to his feet and glanced across the museum. His gaze finally settled on the two newcomers, and his lips parted as though to speak a question into existence, before a voice played in his ears. Another dispatch, this time for elsewhere some city blocks away. Murder of an on-duty officer by what she described as a "moving shadow", an assailant who had disappeared just as soon as he appeared.

The Blackwood Syndicate.

Bruce Wayne's jaw clamped shut and locked in place once more. Just because the situation here had finished didn’t mean the city was at peace. He was needed elsewhere, for other reasons. And so, the Batman turned, exited through Aofushi's shattered window, and disappeared once more into the night.

Ms. Thingies

Time to get that ambassador on, Thingies.

Indeed. As my friend says, we didn't came willingly. And those children are my students! Good children, altough with difficult lifes! But now I know all that hardness in where you live, We are working to get rid of the leash on your people, and bring you true peace.

She takes an origami pinwheel, and offers it at Leo.

For you, as a symbol of good will.

...

Cardboard and Sawdust

Hmmm... I like your idea, Ban.

Sawdust rises a hand, as if she's still in school.

Do you think they have a... Bucket in this place? We could take some water with us, and...

Edited by BombonBombin on Jun 1st 2023 at 9:34:09 AM

Minira Marketplace

"Captain Ashka, I got eyes on the woman and the monsters!"

"Yes, yes, I see them too. Hold off…We wait for the perfect opportunity."

"Yes, sir…Hey, wait a second…Hey! Hey, what the hell is that!"

______

Luin◊ smiled as money and goods changed hands. She let the pouch of zenny drop into the merchant’s hands as he pushed towards her a device of some sort, one that Luin fitted onto her arm. Two horns attached to a base with a thin yet gaunt fiber running between them gave the appearance of a forearm-mounted slingshot, which, for all intents and purposes, it was.

"Always a pleasure doing business with you, Luin." The man grinned, storing the coins away beneath the counter of his stall.

"You too, Goldie." She chuckled, admiring the new tool on her left arm. A hook loaded into it split up into three claws as she spread her fingers, took aim, and balled a fist. The motion caused the three prongs to shoot out on a cord, digging into an apple being sold by an adjacent stall, before zipping the apple back into Luin’s hand with the return of the "claw." The vendor looked to her, eyebrows lifted in a mildly discheesed manner.

"Sorry!" She spoke, crunching into the apple. A smirk crossed her lips as she sauntered over to the man, reaching for her item pouch to pay him for the fruit. As she crossed over, she paid little attention to the way the people in the crowded marketplace glanced up to the sky, curiosity in their eyes becoming fear and terror. She paid little attention to the way the area went dark, as if a thick cloud had just meandered before the shine of the sun, casting darkness onto Minira. She paid little attention to the "Oh, shit" that escaped the vendor’s mouth as she tried to hand the unresponsive merchant reparations for the fruit, only taking notice when she spied Lutemis looking up with a snarl out of the corner of her eye, the Rathian aggravated about something.

"Lutemis?" She called out, started to push through the entranced crowds. "What is it, girl?"

A whistling from above. Not the sort that comes from mortal, fleshy lips, but the whistling of oncoming death, of something falling from the sky…

Luin finally looked up. The world seemed to freeze in place as her eyes locked on to what looked like a second sun beneath the clouds, flaming closer to the earth. She drew her shield, hiding behind if. At last, the ball of flame collided with the market. The world exploded in chaos.

The shockwave sent her flying backwards through stalls, her bones prevented from instant pulverization only by the shield that had taken the brunt of the force. Many of the vendors had not been as fortunate. Those few stalls that remained in the market were flaming, the rest reduced to nothing more than ashes.

"Goldie…"

As the crowds panicked and screamed and ran, Lutemis roared a challenge to the shadow in the sky. She spread her wings and lifted off, attempting to bite down into it and rip it apart midair as revenge for what it had done to her when last they met, but her attack was dismissed as though it had been done by an insubordinate toddler. The dark maw of the demon blocking the sun opened, revealing razor-sharp white fangs that clamped down around the Rathian's neck and drove her into the ground as the beast landed, throwing her into a building. Luin looked back at her tame, her friend, as she disappeared beneath rubble, before looking back at the cloud of dust and ash within which resided the silhouette of the monster who had just destroyed the marketplace. She didn’t even need to see it to know immediately who—no, what it was. Her heart sank even before its earth-shattering roar blew away the plume of debris surrounding it, revealing the Annihilation Nergigante.◊

Minira

What the-!?

Just when Joy and Grace arrived to the capital city of Estraole, they found the city being destroyed by Annihilation Nergigante.

So, what Icarus said was true! What do we gonna do, my friend?

We've got your back!

"Stand Proud" - Hajime no Ippo

In this moment, Susana Distancia◊, along with Tatiana and Paty, landed in front of them.

Tatiana orders: Susana, go to the marketplace and help the people to evacuate. We will manage this.

Susana nods, and flies with the explorers and the fleeing people.

Hey, monster. We will protect the people of this place, because we are the People's Barrier!

Tatiana puts on her dukes, while Paty materializes a light bow and arrows, aiming at the monster.

Edited by BombonBombin on Jun 1st 2023 at 9:55:03 AM

Hub Centralis - Museum

Watching the bat-dressed man (metaphorically) scuttle off, meeting his nod with a nod of her own, Nia faces Aofushi.

"That... was Moebius," she says, choosing her words carefully as she looks towards the spot that N disappeared from just a moment ago.

"I can't really recall it, t'tell the truth, I think both of us are almost as in the dark as you are. But I'll do my best to explain."

Nia clears her throat.

"I'm not sure if I've told you this yet, but me and Melia, we aren't actually from the same world. At least, not originally. S'abit complicated, but essentially, not too long ago, our worlds were separate. Thing is, there was kind of a... complication, along the way. As far as most people are concerned, it's like nothing happened, but..."

Melia interjects, picking up after Nia's loss for words.

"To begin with, the intention was never to combine the worlds at all. The machine we devised was intended to allow them to destroy eachother, after which, it would recreate the unsubstantiated worlds, and their inhabitants, anew- trajectories no longer upon a dreadful collision-course."

Nia nods.

"That machine, called Origin- it didn't exactly work right. All those souls stored in one place, all that... fear, and anxiety, it gave birth to a collective being, an embodiment of their desire- to force the worlds from changing, at all costs. That being, known as Z, founded an organization called "Moebius", and created a world set in an eternal status quo."

"That world was suspended in a single moment of time. When Z was vanquished, and Origin successfully reactivated, the result was as though nothing had occurred at all. It took us days to realize what had caused Origin to malfunction, despite the reality of it being..."

"...That I, and Melia, had existed within that frozen world for thousands of years, fighting Moebius with our each and every breath."

"So, that... N, I believe she said. A member, of the Moebius organization that seems to exist within the arena..."

"The very fact that she's here at all is, honestly, a little terrifying. S'like my shadow's gotten up and tried to shoot me..."

Nia lowers her head in thought, for a moment, before straightening her posture up, and turning towards Aofushi once again.

"Guess it's not so surprising. The arena has always been a nasty reminder of that incident. S'kinda the reason we're even still in this crazy place."

Edited by Whoma on Jun 1st 2023 at 10:35:44 AM

Sith Academy - Tropique

A tall black-as-night obelisk stretches high from a mountain's peak; a terrible bastion pushed into the stone far beneath it. The Imperial banner flies high, billowing its crimson-red fabric through an intense breeze. More present than that was the lingering evil permeating this place, an invisible aura piercing all things, darkening every bit of stone. The trees below were not so verdant green, the dirt drained of its rich brown color, now more akin to sand. The presence of mighty Sith can cast lingering, draining echoes on the life around them, even here in the Arena. This terrible fortress is Laxin's latest power statement, an attempt to establish a Sith Academy within the confines of the Arena.

A training ground for the deadliest of the Empire's soldiers, from the lowliest Sith Warriors to the most dangerous of Sith Lords. Within the massive double doors are several floors of training simulations, sparring chambers, study rooms, classrooms, and private chambers for high-ranking Sith. While within it is a massive structure, there are not many students. The total capacity of this academy ranges in the thousands, but only a few hundred skulks through the halls, heads buried into holocrons and hands hovering their lightsabers.

This academy's sole purpose is not just as a bastion for the training of the next generation of Sith Warriors but also a political move by Laxin to gain support from his home universe. The dark lord's shuttle and several other high-ranking Darths are all at the academy. They are deep within the walls, dwelling in one of the observatory chambers above a large sparring room.

Laxin slowly places back and forth at the edge of the glass, staring at the fight below. The others present were none other than the Dark Council, the deadliest Sith in the Empire appointed to positions of power over specific sectors of the Empire's development. They are all relaxed in chairs, doted upon by server droids with fine Corellian wines and flavorful spiced meats.

Laxin looks over his shoulder, rolling his eyes at his 'fellow' Dark Lords. One Dark Council member decided not to partake in the decorum and snacking, simply staring Laxin down when he turned his gaze. Perhaps, like Laxin, he just liked wearing a helmet◊.

Darth Xarion, as he was named, stood from his chair and crept over to Laxin.

   "Summoned us from another galaxy for this drabbery, Laxin?"   

He quietly said to Laxin, a faux superiority in his tone. The two Sith share a sweeping glance at the rest of the Darths, Laxin clearing his throat.

   "Darth Xarion is right, you've all had plenty."   

He waves out, dismissing the server droids from the chamber. One◊ Dark Lord takes this particularly offensively, snapping his gaze to Laxin with an angered scowl.

" Being drunk is the only way to tolerate your psychotic babbling, 'Emperor'"

The room falls quiet, the silence broken by a stifled chuckle from Laxin.

   "My biggest mistake was believing I could ever tame that mouth of yours Vowrawn, you are lucky I see no sufficient candidate to replace you."   

Laxin speaks in a low and controlled tone, conveying his mild annoyance with gritted teeth. Darth Xarion steps away from Laxin, retreating to his chair. Laxin gestures to the roof.

   "I first apologize for not telling you all of this planet sooner, but it was of supreme importance it remained secret until I could be sure."   

Another Dark Lord◊ chimes up.

   "Sure of what?"   

   "Do you not feel it? This is the source of the Force; it swells here, a focal point in the world between worlds."   

The Dark Council falls quiet, uncertainly gazing at each other as if they had collectively not heard Laxin. Laxin's brow twitches ever so slightly, furious that his words have gone unheeded. Until the final member◊ of the council spoke.

   "The Force is strong here Laxin, but the source of it all? Unlikely."   

   "Stay, and you will see I speak the truth. Power untold will be yours. All I require is your full support."   

Laxin's hand crackles with Darkness-infused lightning, and he reveals for but a brief moment his full presence in the Force, prompting quizzical looks from each of the council members.

"You have our attention."

Vowrawn leaned forward.

   "Indeed."   

Xarion affirms.

Edited by KrampusTheTherapist on Jun 2nd 2023 at 2:53:08 AM

Minira

Sebastien had been in the middle of shopping for his own supplies when Mr "Even Elder Dragons Tremble" showed up. He quickly started ushering survivors away, briefly drawing his daggers before putting them away. He wasn't geared for fighting monsters of this size that was for sure. Still, he readied his crossbows, he could at least distract it until everyone cleared out.

Estraole, Subterranean cavern

Meanwhile, deep underground in a cave full of crystals, something stirred. What resembled a cocoon soon fell apart as a large, otherworldly dragon fell out, snarling as it recovered its stance. It clumsily stumbled around the cave, inspecting it but hissing when it found it lacked the bioenergy it needed. So it decided to simply leave, crawling towards an exit vent while trying to sense any further sources.

Then it noticed one, quite a distance away. It glowed like a bright sun and a buffet to it. It spread its wings and began flying in that direction, like a moth to a light. Or a bug zapper.

Nohr Rescue Mission (Leo)

After letting the royals and the retainers discuss for a moment, Jeridan decided it's best to introduce himself. Stepping forward, he dropped into a brief kneel on one knee. "Greetings, your highness." Lifting himself back up, the young man took a quick deep breath and continued. "First and foremost, I can assure you that I did not come with some malicious intentions"

"I am simply here to help rescue a few comrades of these two-" The honorary agent gestured to Shepherd!Odin and Laslow. "-who have, not of their accord, entered this world. I am aware that Nohr is a kingdom of upmost cautiousness, but this seems a bit... much. Please, is there anything we can do to prove that we are not here to simply wreak havoc?"

Hub Centralis Museum

Aofushi has vague memories of the world combination incident from her first interaction with Melia, but she drank in the information anyways. After the pair finished their story, the woman took a deep breath and quickly adjusted her hair. "Believe it or not, I actually know how it feels to fight a more psychotic version of yourself. It's not literal, but it's close enough." She shivered at the memories of pastel colored blood flying everywhere as a clown chased her down.

The magical girl then cracked her knuckles to feel the satisfying pop, prior to facing the two proper. "I know my performance wasn't much, but trust me when I say I can pose a decent threat to these horrendous criminals. Should you two need help resolving this, I'll do whatever I can. I may not look it, but I am supported by a goddess, and she has a nice wealth of wisdom I can draw on."

VALL A

... Well we're making it to the temple without too much problems so far, I think. Corrin comments, the quintor walking unmolested across the island. Still, he and Beruka move at a fast pace, not wanting to be out in the open for too long. A wise decision in enemy territory, with the "enemy" being generically homicidal and invisible.

Who's to say they aren't waiting for us within the temple? Beruka says, planning for the worse from the get-go. But also making a point that could be sensible: In a world suffering from a magical Zombie Apocalypse, it's fair to assume a temple could have more undead crawling about than a generic vast open field. Especially since the collapse of their civilization was not a quick affaire.

And indeed Beruka was right. And that "was" could've been an ominous "is" if the group had gotten there five minutes ago. A big puddle of water is rolling down the stairs leading to the temple, the place overall looking like a whole wave crashed into it somehow. The temple's façade, the pillars on it, the stairs are all looking like a giant just playfully splashed it with an enormous bucket of water.

Noticeably though, the big red doors leading to the temple's interior are not wet.

There must've been dozens upon dozens upon dozens of zombies slaughtered there at the same time... But who...?

It's Azura.

Are you sure? Surely she's not the only one capable of moving to this realm, Beruka says. There surely must be more people aware of this world and capable of accessing it. Perhaps it could even be some kind of creature as well? We should remain careful and assume this entity could be, best, unconcerned with our search. At worse...

Corrin shrugs, doing a half-concede, half-"heh" gesture. I don't know, look at the doors, he point out. Beruka, who concerned herself with the "blood" around, notices quickly. And so did Salazar, who deduce it quickly... but then crouch to try to tap the water before bringing the tip of his index to his tongue, licking it.

Taste like water. Salazar comments, with a tense tone.

... Right, so, let's be careful going forward. Corrin concedes. He leans in against the door and, before anyone else can come in and help, push them open, barely groaning as his draconic strength open doors that stand taller than the small buildings scattered around in front of them. The effort doesn't appear to strain him that badly though, he's more focused on the water at his feet, leading into the temple's interior.

Isn't he strong? Beruka says, pointing at him with a slight smile. She then goes off and assist Corrin, going off to try to help him push the door open. It's a reminder she has his back, which is probably a good thing after days of both of them being alone and isolated.

Salazar also pop in and try to push against the heavy door but, after a short moment, he gives up and return to the group. I was almost a third wheel! However, Corrin and Beruka don't mind allies, since Corrin is doing most of the work at this point.

With a grunt, he push the doors open, dust pouring off them in great quantity, despite having been moved before recently enough. Whoever's done it, they have strength matching Corrin for sure.

Inside the temple is pure darkness mostly, but there's a bunch of floating torches with blue flames within, illuminating the whole temple, revealing the statues of great conquerors, philosophers and leaders alike, distinguishable by the tools they wield. At their feet is a bunch of rubble and dust, the temple having been left to rot like the rest of Valla.

But once, it had looked great.

A particular statue is cast in shadows still. And by it's side there's two hallways.

One has blue torches within it.

...

THINGS GET COMPLICATED

Allow me to doubt it. Wamuu fold his arms, smiling cockily as he watch Se'arah go for another pass. The way you cravenly sought to recover that sword cast a heavy shadow upon your defiant words! He does warp his body to avoid her sword, shoving his entire mid-section back like it was just punched comically hard. But when she comes at him with a stab, he... take some steps back, opting for a Boring, but Practical solution.

But upon the last step, Wamuu spins on his heel once and... resume his previous posing, unbothered.

However, a small small sharp blade of wind attempt to cut into Se'arah's lower face, attempting to carve a small yet deep and bloody gash into her chin and lower lip, the likes of which is gonna shoot high-pressurized blood out of it, somehow. She can avoid it but she'll need to be perceptive and reactive for it.

If it hit though, the Pillar Man leans forward a bit. I will aim for a carotid or artery next. This is a reminder that this is a fight to be taken seriously. I shall heal from anything you may inflict me. You won't. Split me in half if so you can!

Elsewhere, the Generals simply approach Pucci. He can bleed! That means he can die! Keep these arrows going! Still, the Generals only know that Pucci can bleed if struck, or at least his guardian spirit can. But can they withstand him?

They eventually decide to try to back him away into a literal corner, waving their shields and lances to attempt to intimidate the based Gor enjoyer further from his allies, as the two Adventurers move into position, trying to get a better shot off at him.

As for Nicole, she successfully overpowers the spell and succeed in easily overpowering the Berserkers, them howling in agony as they're kicked about, punched and burned to gruesome effects. S-she's a goddamn dragon! Yells the General, shortly before her Arcane Beam slam into his shield to great effect, causing a sizable explosion and casting a plume of smoke upon part of the stable...

...From which the General emerges, his shield impressively cracked but functioning, if his unblemished armor is any indication. Perfect.

Treat her like she's some wyvern! After the General, from behind roll, roll six Heroes, wielding silver shields and Wrymslayers swords. Bad juju to be hit by for Nicole. And, as they attack, they follow up upon each other well. Should one fail or get blocked, the other roll in with a stab. And should that fail, another one roll in, etc.

These weapons suck to be hit by. They look like big fleshy thorns with sharp yellow feathers coming off them. If Nicole get hit, they'll tear through her flesh, leaving out some "feathers" to stick out from her wounds, slowing her down as if afflicted with a poison of a sort.

And as for Yamame, she gets to down a lot more soldiers this time, blasting off dozens of them and poisoning more. But they stumble back to the healers in the background, clutching their heads as several Adventurers, about 4, and two Sorcerers, Nicole's one included, attempt to shoot her out of the sky. With arrows and no less than two Thoron spells going off like mini railguns, blasting off holes into the walls and roof of the Stable.

Gah! Kill the inhuman one quicker!

...

LEO raises an eyebrow at the Origami Pinwheel and doesn't handle it. The other Odin does first, in a way that imply that he's trying to cover for them, a little.

I shall study this mystic item! To see if a most nefarious curse is not woven deep into it! Shall there be evidence of treachery, then beware Odin Dark's wrath! And bemoan the destruction that will be caused in a fight between our Dark Hands!

Please check on it. And as Jeridan go, Odin walk back with the Origami in hand, as Niles snidely chuckles at Jeridan's intro. Those boots of yours are about to be licked clean, milord.

Leo raises an eyebrow, not impressed by Ms. Thingies much unlike Camilla. You are planning to topple Father, he says, frowning in anger. A "leash"? True Peace? Yes, you must be coming off another world to spout off bold inanities like that. I am the first to admit that my father is... zealous. And I would perfectly understand saving your friends from execution, but I will not abide treachery.

Camilla groans, lightly irritated by Ms. Thingies's lack of cautiousness on that one.

Ms. Thingies is simply an... idealist. King Garon will stay on the throne. But those people, as Laslow, Jeridan and Odin said, do they really deserve an execution? Please.

With what you've brought me, I do believe it to be a case of... alternate worlds, yes. I do not believe that these people should die for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, suspicious as their affiliations and appearance were. Especially my brothers and sister, Leo says. ... Furthemore, I've lightly researched on the topic of Outrealms over their stay in the castle, he alludes to a pile of books. But yet my suspicions were only confirmed today. Never in recorded history has an alternate self ever... left their home realm, so to say.

It could be troubling to leave these wounds in space-time fester too... Leo mutters, although he focus back on the group quickly, pointing at them.

But with what was said, how am I to believe that you will stop at freeing them? Convince me that you are not out to topple King Garon. Convince me that my sister and I are not being manipulated by you to kill our own father and cripple our Kingdom as it prepares to wage its greatest war against its eternal rival.

I do not suspect you to be enemies to the kingdom or its people. But if you are from other universes, you might... have enmities with our father or Iago specifically. And Nohr cannot lose its king, he says, emphasizing it, leaning over slightly. Lest it collapse.

...

FOXY shrugs at Ban's suggestion, simply. Heh, sure, but... we're servants, are they gonna let those weapons be transported by those? If we could have that red-haired chick or the bozos with us, it'd work a lot better, but ya know... He rubs his chin, eyeing Subaru. Well nah, I'll help. But ya know, you're probably stronger than I am, despite those thin arms of ya. I'd trust you to bust down a door fast.

... Heh screw it, we'll just handle it. I had my fair share of convincing authority figures to let me through big thick doors and-a bucket? Wait...

Foxy snaps his fingers. There were those big buckets at the Dungeon. What if we go and get one in here? We can all jump in there once we grab the weapons. And if we're servants, I bet they won't give a shit about it.

Behind Subaru is a wooden door leading to another section of the Water Halls. It's the supply room, most likely, with a lot of buckets to go in. Some the size of the ones where the old man fled through, some bigger.

Yeah we'll need a big one to immerse ourselves into, right?

But yet, could there really be just that in the room? There must be more... or is it?

Ms. Thingies

It's... free of curses, sir. Just lots of love.

Ms. Thingies sheepishly lowers her head after her blunder. She has a bit of nervousness by being in front of somebody as imposing like Leo. She takes a deep breath, and... Uses her imagination.

We don't want to topple Garon simply because we came from other universes. We have nothing to do with your conflict, and don't want it. We just want our friends and my students back, please.

...

Cardboard and Sawdust

Sawdust claps quick, but silently, because their allies understood their plan.

Is there something else we could do?

Wamuu

Yamame can't dodge all of that so she grits her teeth and lets some of the arrows hit but the Thorons have enough oomph to them that even a dodge knocks her out of the air anyway and makes her tumble on the ground, though she gets back into a standing position. She's grateful that as a youkai she's a lot more resistant to physical blows than magic or spiritual ones.

Still hurts though. She grumbles as she raises both hands up. From her left she fire a big web that upon closer inspection is made of more danmaku projectiles similar to her last attack, though they move as if they were a single big structure falling onto the enemy.

From her other hand she tries to block their escape routes by firing danmaku bullets like a machine gun, these "just" being plain energy projectiles without any poison to them. Of course the issue with all this is she has to stay still to fire all this.

Valla-aaaaaaaaaaaaaah

Selena and Morgan mostly stay quiet as they follow, the former because she's keeping her attention on their surroundings at all times. It's dangerously easy to be snuck up on by invisible enemies, after all. Even the slightest bit of seeming movement is suspicious.

Upon getting to the temple, Selena is as shocked as Corrin and Beruka are. She doesn't remember Azura being particularly good at fighting, was she really the one who did this?

Upon Beruka's comment regarding Corrin after the latter opened that door, Selena shows her a friendly smirk and a nod. She's happy to see Beruka doing better.

Once the door is open, Selena and Morgan also enter the room, the latter noticing the hall bearing the blue flame torch.

"Which way?", Selena asks.

"Maybe that one? Blue fire is unusual.", Morgan comments.

—

The Mindgame

"My Lord Leo, we may be from a different world, but we indeed still remain loyal to Nohr.", Odin says. "And as our companion says, we simply wish to free our friends. We are not to be involved in this conflict."

"Once our friends have been successfully rescued, we shall leave. I will not lie, after what Iago did to Prince Corrin in the dungeon he would definitely be on our bad side. But we assure you that we will not go out of our way to attack him. You have my word on that."

"In fact, I would stake my very life on Laslow's words.", Odin says, slightly overdramatic as usual, but looking genuine.

—

Bucket

"... guess you got me there.", Ban says. "Your bucket idea sounds much better. We can just claim we were tasked with bringing those somewhere. Anyhow, let's get goin' then."

Edited by DevilPsyco on Jun 2nd 2023 at 10:31:20 AM

Nohr Rescue Team (Leo)

Silently resisting the urge to throttle Niles out of a window, Jeridan let out a quick sigh and looked directly at the prince. "I don't have any vendetta or even a reason to harm your king, and I'll admit while I don't like Iago from what I've heard of him, I would never do something as rash as killing some of the most important people in Nohr to satisfy some personal enmities."

The young man crossed his arms and continued to appeal to Leo's logical and responsible side, now sounding more confident as the conversation continued without much problems. "While Hoshido is a relatively peaceful country overall, I'm under no illusion that they have their share of schemes and closet skeletons. If Nohr shows any weakness, they will absolutely take advantage of the opportunity to eat this country alive, bones included."

"If I do something stupid, it will mean sacrificing the lives of innocents for no reason." His confident look took a darker turn. "I believe that's about as terrible as directly slaughtering people. Besides, it's not exactly my place to change the tides of history." The honorary agent's expression turned positively morose for a second before returning to a more neutral look. "I can assure you with what remains of my face that I will not endanger this country. We're just here to get our friends and comrades."

She looks over her arms for a sec.

"Yeah, it is a little weird. You'd expect that I'd have muscles at this point, right?"

She decides to take a peek through the wooden door behind her, opening it JUST a bit.