Enter The Arena As Your Avatar -- The Spinoff!

Wherever the elephant is

A loud thunderclap and a rumble announces the arrival of Mega-Paco◊, who somehow survived the F O G .

Come at me, ugly.

WHO KNOWS WHERE THE SCARY IS. I DON'T.

Apothea jumpscare.

Yep, she's back- it's been a long time coming. In the absence of Arbiter, to whom most of her character's development was attached, there wasn't much reason to use her.

But, she's here now, facing down a weird lookin elephant-looking fellow named Gedor. She might even be out of her depth...

Well, at least she isn't alone here. There's a bit of mercy for you.

Zeloai turns to face the vagrant with a briefly matched bewildered expression, the Jedi Master casting aside any ideas about the man's origins. The vagrant's attempts at sensing Zeloai's presence in the Force reveal Zeloai to be precisely what he said he was.

A robust, calm Force connection. Like an ocean wave gently striking against the sand, akin to a breeze through a quiet storm. Deep, powerful, yet silent and contained. He is a man in complete control of himself and his great power, a Jedi Master.

"Not emperor of the galaxy, not yet. The Jedi and Republic stand in his way of complete domination. I resist his efforts to gain more power through this place."

Zeloai pauses at the question of why the Sith had an academy here, the Jedi Master placing a contemplative hand to his chin.

"The Force is stronger here than on many planets I have been to. The Sith Academy on Korriban and the Jedi Academy on Tython are the only other locations where the Force's presence has ever been this clear to me."

He pauses for a moment, gathering his thoughts.

"Perhaps due to the nature of this planet, its secretive and secluded location, coupled with the strength of the Force here would make for an uncontestable training ground for Sith. It could very well shift future conflicts into Laxin's favor. The last thing I want is for Coruscant to fall again."

Certainly a lot of information to dump on this man at once, but Zeloai's baiting for answers.

Edited by KrampusTheTherapist on Jun 6th 2023 at 3:15:29 AM

Spooky Scary Elephant!!!

Since RDUMB is too lazy to say where the scenery is, Rumia is just walking around randomly when she suddenly runs into this random encounter type shit.

   "I haven't seen an animal like you before."    she remarks to Gedor.    "Oh goblins? We have hobgoblins back home and they're nice."   

She doesn't seem to think Gedor is a big meanie yet. She also notices Michael and vaguely recognizes him, waving at him.

The vagrant is very, noticeably quiet there, and there is a particular tension in the Force that becomes clear for a moment, right before it is shuttered away.

Whoever this hooded man is, he's definitely hiding something.

Still, he does not speak much, simply ending the matter with an: "...I see."

He hesitates, looking into the distance where the Sith Academy is said to be.

"Do you have others with you, then? Allies, companions?"

SOMEWHERE

GEDOR glowers at the opposition, towering above them! She is very big.

To Everyone
   "YOU MEAGER CREATURES DEIGN TO LIE IN MY PATH?! THEN BE SATISFIED WITH YOUR TRAMPLING, KNOWING YOU HAVE FELT THE PRESSURE OF A GODDESS!"   

To Flandre Specifically
   "NOT A FAN OF HOBGOBLINS! IN ADDITION, REFERRING TO ME AS AN ANIMAL HAS GREATLY DRAWN MY IRE!"   

She takes a BIG STEP with an elephantine foot! Being a Colossal creature, this would certainly crush any of the opposition underfoot. Also being a Colossal creature, these presumably swift combatants can surely just. Get out of the way.

Azura raises her bisento to put in on the Hand Axe's path after watching Morgan run by her. For just a brief moment, the light fade, allowing the Bisento's blade to intercept the Hand Axe halfway through without causing it to pass through. But before it can fall to the ground, Azura catch it, and hold it up, listening to Morgan.

I would advise you against turning your back on a cornered Nohrian, foreigner. she says, dismissing the brand as simply being a tryhard tattoo or something of that caliber. Why, it wasn't a design she knew of, but it was easier for Azura, at this point, to assume that Morgan was simply from a land south of Nohr, or just a fancy yet youthful merc, over a visitor from another world.

But still, Morgan buys Corrin time. This world is named Valla! Your name is Azura! I am Queen Mikoto's son, Kamui! Called Corrin by the inhabitants of Nohr! I can wield Yato! Corrin rips the weapon out of his sheath and hold it up to Azura. It could've been an easy way to avert this but he also feared that a pre-Conquest Azura would attack upon seeing the Nohr-like Sacred Blade. You like Sashimi Sushi and you keep putting on too much wasabi on it. Hinoka has taught you much about riding Pegasi. And Sakura loves your ghost stories. You write haiku together with Ryoma. Takumi respects you but somewhat grudgingly. And my mother taught you how to sing. Are we good?

Azura stops, hesitating slightly after hearing what Corrin has to say. How could he know all this? Moving lightly, almost like she's doing a ballet, she glances at his facial features and finally recognize Anankos and Mikoto's sons. The eyebrows, the mole on the lower right side of his face and his expressions are very tellingly Mikoto's but she's more convinced by the draconism and blue hair.

... Hmph. Azura says, albeit somewhat awkwardly. ... I thought you captured by your own father. Mikoto told me of this, at least.

It's a long story but we come from another Nohr. And that kid is from a world without Nohr. Or Hoshido, for that matter, he says, still holding Beruka close. He frowns, obviously unhappy with Azura's actions. ... You can help us. And if you do, I'll... I'll try to forget that you just tried to kill the woman I love. And a kid whom I'm not done speaking to. We're after Vallite weaponry to help us kill Garon.

Beruka coughs but stand back up on her two feet, glaring at Azura, holding the dented metal on her chest with something akin to amazement. She coughs again and turn to glare at the Songstress. Leave it to a Hoshidan rat to attack from the back, even with strength like that. She says, ego bruised at how easily she just went down. For her part, Azura sternly but quietly give Morgan his axe back, quietly contemplating a lot of sudden reveals.

Why would you need Vallite weaponry to kill Garon? When any regular weapon may yet draw his dragon blood from him? Azura moves her hand to her pocket, as if aiming to pull out a plot device, but Corrin nods. Realizing he knew of Garon's Zulo Form, Azura move on. Your best bet would be to unlock Yato's full power. These weapons target the soul. To fight Garon with them is akin to treading the desert for water.

We don't have the time. He's going to have a lot of my friends and siblings executed, including one you, and Yato can already hurt him at this point, right?

... Yes, should he stay in place and wait to be cut down for several excruciating minutes, Beruka groans, as if wishing to say something else, but she coughs again. She waves Corrin away when he gets closer. I have listened to your story. I will help you. But these weapons will be restored to Valla proper once Garon succumbs.

Yeah, just... lead us to them, alright? Says Corrin, still sounding irritated. He'd never realized she could be sassy. When she turns around towards the other hallway, he looks confused, but she react first.

It would be best to group up. I know of a place here where many weapons were stored at once. This side is empty though: I planned to subdue half of you here. I am glad to see that you readily went along. Azura blinks, her face expresionless behind the veil. ... Don't get lost down this narrow hallway, please.

I just might, so long as it slows you down.

Oh, I would pick up the pace in that scenario.

Beruka just grumbles, with Corrin glancing at her. Man she's a real hardass Morgan? No. I'm not gonna resume my speech now. But... are you alright?

...

Selena's veteran-like reflexes and quick speed allows her to easily mutilate and outmaneuver the zombie. The zombie's decapitated head roll at her feet...

... But stays facing her direction, allowing its body to try to attack her again, not losing much on the fluidity, if at all, because of this. Still though, the timing of the original decapitation leave it shambling back briefly, allowing her to gain some time and distance before it attacks again.

But yet, its severed hands and part of its foreams fall on the ground, now very visible as the dagger appears to partly disable the curse. If Selena can land a good stab on the body, perhaps she could quickly win? That or she can try to flee. The former isn't that hard, she's a lot more agile and fast than the undead, but with a gunshot like that who knows.

Meanwhile, Mordecai confirms that magic weapons are cool, but guns are cooler sometimes. The zombie is blown apart effortlessly by a crit steel rain, drenching Mordecai in cold water but allowing him to effectively kill the undead entirely. Holy shit. Time for a self highfive! There really is nothing else to add, that zombie had no chance. And should he open up the boxes, Mordecai will see a few more glaives, along with a few... white capsules of a sort, with a cork on each of them?

Should both exit the room in time, they'll see Salazar is also faring well, precisely pumping a zombie full of lead and making it precisely bleed water over the pavement. After about the sixth bullet, a carefully controlled gunshot to the head, he runs over and roundhouse kick the zombie back, failing to kill it but causing it to spread some more water out of its body as its sent flying.

Wow! And here I thought I'd need to put your zombified selves to the ground a second time! Alright, come my way please! There's more of them the way... the way you came actually!

Indeed there are. And because Salazar spread water all over the ground, the group will be able to see it ripple outwards as more invisible zombies walk across it and towards the trio. That way, they know that they're being approached, at least, by about... wow, a dozen zombies!

Well, even with all the water around, it's going to be hard to fight a mob like that up close without a better way to outline their silhouettes!

...

Wamuu grabs a scale as he, Se'arah, Nicole, Pucci and Yammers jump into the water. And there, the Pillar Man is surprised to find himself in the Astral Realm, glancing at the dimension with a rare look of outright surprise and subdued wonder on his chiseled manface. He says nothing but observe it all in controlled amazement, watching as his body is transported through the air.

And, behind the group, the rocks helpfully help in burying the way in, beyond even Iago's ability to chase after them!

No! Even with the power King Garon gave me I couldn't catch any of them! And it looks like they knew where to go before it all collapsed too! Gahh! Iago kicks a random rock, standing at the destroyed stable's entrance. Could this day get any worse?!

My liege! There are intruders by the-

GRAGH!

Meanwhile, in cheerier conditions overall, Wamuu and co land ashore, the former being surprised to find himself clad in a rather ominous light. The Pillar Man is aghast to glance at the Sun. Or what pass for it in this world.

Luckily for the group though, he doesn't melt. The super-vampire instead glances up at the sun with a look of almost awe on his face, his wound casually healing itself up as he sits down by the entrance. That warmth... that light... Was that what Lord Kars truly sought? How fascinating.

What a shame. For Wamuu to behold the Sun before his esteemed masters! He then yells, looking solemn and sitting down as if to meditate. Still, I must bow before its beauty.

W-well done! You've managed to grab an intruder and return faster than the other groups! I hope you were just fast while they're just busy! Ohh! And let me heal your wounds while I'm at it! Lilith rush over, trying to somewhat ignore Wamuu's exhibited body. Oh my! H-hello! I'm Lilith!

I see you've tamed a most bizarre yet submissive creature Wamuu bluntly comments.Wamuu needs no attention from the likes of you, beast. He only need to know where your master is. His power must be great for there to be a Sun in this realm!

He's... away. Erm! That sun is a magic sun. It can't hurt you, so you can take a nap if you want? At least I guess you won't get too hot, mister Wamuu. Lilith says, after some initial confusion at being called submissive and bizarre.

Nay. I wish to return to Nohr's unseemly darkness quickly! I shall not stay idle when the others are working to topple Garon!

...

The war between Nohr and Hoshido, Odin, Leo says, in a "it's kinda obvious" way. The entire army has been called to behold the execution when it should better be deployed elsewhere. We can't afford to be distracted or idle when our enemy is as devious and untrusting as Hoshido.

Yes, as odd as it is to say, it would be better for the war to become more of a... priority, to father. Hoshido's lush territory, food reserves, plentiful lakes and numerous towns are more important to acquire than anything else, Xander says. He and Leo have zero hesitation saying this. It looks like war is unavoidable in this world as well. We could even pin the blame on Hoshido for their sudden disappearance, should Father still be distracted.

That is a splendid idea, Xander! Let the blood of their Pegasi Riders rain from the sky and irrigate our desolate land!

Haha, be careful of me lapping it all up! Peri laughs, and so does Camilla, and so does Silas (in what's apparently genuine laughter), leaving Their Laslow and Odin to stand there and nod silently to their counterpart, smiling awkwardly. Notably, even Xander smiles at this: Nohrian humor is, huh, elaborate.

Yes, yes. But before that, we sill distract father. I am planning on having on having Corrin leave the fortress to meet him soon, Xander says, glancing at his siblings. Only the three of us may convoke Father to speak of him of these matters. But it would perhaps be simpler, and less suspicious, to exploit a coming ceremony: he is due for a speech within a few hours, during which he'll speak to the entire city in front of Krakenburg.

Yes, it would've been unwise to have them vanish after our request for a meeting. And with Elise away, half our convincing power might as well be gone, isn't it?

It could've been su-

There's a knock at the door. And everyone turns towards it, aware that there's a dozen people in it.

Oh sh

...

'IITTTTTTT. In his panic, the Paladin doesn't notice Ban casually yanking a giant bucket about. Instead, he uses it to its advantage, the horse slowing down as it attempts to avoid the mighty obstacle in its way. It could jump over it, most likely, but before it can do so, and as it stomps over Subaru (barely missing her)...

The Paladin leaps and wrestle it to the ground, the big man being able to put the horse down and overpower it relatively easily once he has a grasp on the animal. Despite its size and strength (being a full grown horse), the animal might as well be a newborn foal in the hands of the Paladin. After a few seconds of this, the animal calm down. Or is choked out by the Paladin. Who'd know? It suddenly act a lot more submissive as he lets go and stand up, smiling at the group.

He's a generic Paladin in look but his chin's sharp, almost poking out of his helmet with its shit-eating grin. I named the damn thing after my ex. And it's just as wily as her, hehe!] He holds his hand up and then lower it. [[green:Anyway. My little Bernie Bear does need a washing after all of this. I don't know what you were taking this bucket for but I'm going to be repurposing it. So follow me.

As he turns around, another Paladin and an Armor Knight likewise advance on the group from the direction he came from, the former having barely-visible green locks of hair under his helmet.

Edited by Bolded1 on Jun 6th 2023 at 8:51:02 PM

Nohr Rescue Mission (The royals)

Jeridan faced the ground as his expression turned morose at the mention of war, and he looks like someone just dragged him through cold, wet mud when the royals started joking about slaughtering Hoshidans and take their resources. While he has managed to collect his composure after killing many Nohrians, the young man still holds disdain for the idea of killing, even if it is necessary.

Regardless, this is no time to show weakness to the royals. The honorary agent schooled his expression into a neutral one, before hearing the knock at the door. Without hesitation, Jeridan coated himself in nanomachines once more and turned invisible, before hiding behind one of the royals he picked at random.

Crisis averted

How ironic for Azura to warn Morgan, given the fact that Morgan was the one who had attacked Corrin and Beruka. But let's not bring that up right now.

As for Azura's reaction, Morgan is kind of surprised that the Fell Mark makes no impression whatsoever. Thankfully Corrin takes over from here because Morgan genuinely didn't know what his next move was gonna be.

"Eh-thank you.", he awkwardly says as he takes his Hand Axe back and pockets it. He just lets Corrin do the further talking as he watches and listens.

He eventually turns back to Corrin, looking surprised that he's asking that.

"W-what? Oh, uh... y-yeah, I am. Thanks.", he says, still a little awkward for obvious reasons. A look of genuine concern crosses his eyes.

"Erm... are you guys alright?", he carefully asks, as if a bit afraid Corrin and Beruka wouldn't like it if he asked that.

-

Now that she has more time to work with, Selena switches to her katana, deftly dodges back, and-

"Let's get this over with!"

She moves in to go for a critical hit sword stab, aiming for a lethal blow. If this works like she hopes it will, she'll immediately start running towards Mordecai and Salazar afterwards.

Should that all work out, she'll reunite with them, only for more Vallites to start appearing.

"Don't look at me, I don't have a way to make them shine. Unless Lilith's scales can do that, but I'm not going to risk them activating and getting sent to her domain."

—

Anybody home?

"O-oh, in that way.", Odin sheepishly says. That would risk leaving them open to Hoshido, yeah.

Their reaction to the joking...? suggestion about framing Hoshido for the disappearance of the group's friends results in, funnily enough, the same kind of awkward smile as their counterparts. Which thankfully shouldn't be anything suspicious.

They're about to comment on what the royals point out, but then the knock happens. Oh no.

—

Wrestlemania

Ban puts down the bucket and seems impressed by what he assumed to be some random normal guy being capable of wrestling a horse.

Then it seems like their bucket plan is in peril though, and with more people approaching, Ban can't exactly resort to knocking the guy out.

"Sure thing, as long as you don't mind Princess Camilla getting mad at you. The bucket's meant for her wyvern to bathe in, you see.", he says.

Corn Zone

Yamame breathes a sigh of relief and stretches to help her sore muscles as they return to the astral realm. She then perks up at what Wamuu says.

"Huh, I didn't notice it somehow." Yamame remarks, looking up. "Reminds me how back home we have our own artificial sun in the underworld. Though she's a bit... bird brained."

For now she takes the opportunity to get healed and re-energize.

Elefant

It's Rumia not Flan you dummy!!!!

Rumia uses the secret technique of just dodging to get out of the goomba stomp's way.

   "Well I'm not a fan of you either."    Rumia huffs, truly a battle of wits. She then flies into the air and starts blasting all Vegeta's Technique style at Gedor's face.

Edited by shroobot3000 on Jun 6th 2023 at 11:30:48 AM

Nicole merely waits for Lilith heal her wounds and presumably purge the Wyrmslayer blade's poison from her body.

"Yeah..." Subaru grunts out as she picks herself up, backing Ban up. "She uh. Well I wasn't there when the order was issued I was just yanked away to help carry the bucket but the orders are from her."

Edited by Rbade on Jun 6th 2023 at 2:13:12 AM

Leo

Ms. Thingies was about to comment about the speech, when the knocking happened. She readies her new tome.

...

Horsing around

Cardboard answers: I don't mind sharing some water with you, but we can't give you the whole bucket. It's... a Camilla's order.

Huge elephant

Mega-Paco doesn't gets out of the creature's steps. He rather charges both fists with electric energy, and just when Gedor steps on him, he extends his arms, shocking her with a punch of 10,000 volts... That would leave her as if she had stepped on a nail, if lucky.

Yelephant, Pucc Ye

un elefanto

Michael saltó fuera del camino del poderoso pisotón del elefante, sacó un revólver de seis cámaras y disparó una sola bala de alta potencia al elefante para probar su defensa mientras lo hacía.

"¡Ye damned scoundrel beast!" El hombre rugió cuando golpeó el suelo con una voltereta y se puso de pie de un salto.

——

Nohr

Pucci huffed as he finally got to safety, dropping his new spear and placing his palms onto his knees.    "That was—an ordeal—"    He panted, the priest not used to running so hard. The adrenaline finally subsided as he looked to Wamuu and Lillith.

   "I agree with the naked ungorlike man. Surely, there must be something for us to do to aid in the defeat of Garon as we wait for the others to return, right?"   

SOMEWHERE

uh hold on someone turned the universal translator to the wrong language

Ahem.

Apothea, who had up to the point been relatively cautious, is now 110% in "Fight" mode, something most individuals she knows have not seen all too particularly much of. She knows the way things work there, and can be confident in her knowledge of what is and is not dangerous, using her strength as needed for a given situation.

Not here, though.

So, Apothea draws Nuwa's shattered sword, the gem on its guard turning a golden yellow. As Gedor brings her foot down, Apothea does the wise thing, and dodges, swinging her sword to let lose a few bolts of lighting towards the elephant-like Creature's foot.

These bolts are only intended to prod at the defenses of a being so huge and presumably powerful.

The intention isn't yet to be anything more than a nuisance.

With that taken care of, Mordecai sighs and rises to his feet. "Hoo..."

He turns to inspect the glaives and capsules. "Ooh la la, what do we have here...?"

The hunter promptly stuffs the capsules in his inventory and gathers up all the weapons he can, before heading outside to meet back up with the others.

"Oh, hell. Can't we just explore the other rooms in peace?"

He grabs Talon's foot and scrapes his own arm with it, then sends the bird off to scatter the blood onto the zombies.

Then he turns to Salazar and Selena, holding up one of the capsules. "Any idea what this does?"

Se'arah sits down on the ground. "Thanks for the healing. I'm gonna take a quick break. You guys can go on ahead."

I'm fine. Beruka hiss at Morgan, sounding absolutely mortified over his concern. Focus!

So, Azura, what are you doing here? Corrin asks, still sticking close to Beruka, eyes full of resentment. Do you go into that... dead place that often on your own?

Your mother and I often went to seek relics and weaponry from this world to bring it to Hoshido, so as to protect them from the undead. As luck would have it, I departed alone for this one mission, since I would've simply needed to recover mere weapons before going on my way. In fact, I would've been back to Hoshido by now, if I had not spotted you.

Why not let those weapons rot in there? It's not like Hoshido used them in the war.... so far, Corrin argues, folding his arms. I know that these weapons can close portals that lead to Valla. As I know that you stockpiled them shortly before the war began, precisely to take those portals out. Especially the ones in Nohr.

Azura says nothing, but stares at Corrin in a half-confused, half-"you got me" stare. The only thing I don't know about this place is who or what my father was to it, Azura looks away nonchalantly but has an air of Oh, Crap! on her face. And Corrin seem aware of it, approaching her with the intent of speaking face to face. Mom was... is from it, right? And so was my father, right? How else would I be able to transform into a dragon?

Your lineage is not important to this mission. Azura manages to spell out, her tone stern as the situation slips out of her control. Sensing weakness and wanting to support Corrin, Beruka jumps in.

It's important to him, Beruka speaks, although Corrin gives her a nod that, while thankful, also has a hint of "i've got this" before he turns to Azura, walking closer to her.

I don't know what's going to happen or if I'll be able to stay there for long once this is over. What I know is that I've been lied to all my life by now, including by you. Repeatedly. Who was my father?

... That boy is less of a child than you, Azura simply responds, composing herself into annoyance. As she does, Corrin look ahead of her, confused. And I will not be yelled at. Whatever it is that you seek about your father, it has no priority over our assignment. Focus now and... Azura stops, unaware of Corrin's bitter grimace behind her. She can hear the echoing gunfire, dialogue and screaming from the left side of the temple.

... Ah. Your teammates, Azura coughs into her throat and widens her arms to the side, You are the ocean's gray waves, destined to seek

Life beyond the shore just out of reach Azura stops at that instant, deciding to wisely preserve her voice: while a more complete verset can easily blow apart the undead en masse, it's still so profoundly exhaustible that in a situation like this, she deems it better to just let the others handle it while she weakens them.

As she sings, Corrin zooms past her, running at a fast speed back towards the entrance. Beruka is by his side but, being slower and wounded, she stops and coughs, prompting him to go back to stand by her. It's going to be Morgan Time!

[[gray:One second. You will be useless to them with your limited weaponry and your submissive personality makes you likely to panic. Now give me your axe,]] Azura reach into a pocket of her dress and pull out a small capsule like the ones Mordecai collected. Should he give her the axe, Azura uncork the capsule with her thumb and fling it upward, tossing coiling water at the weapon..

... And making, out of this humble hand axe, a Vallite Hand Axe with a flowing water-like blue energy "aura" around the bladed edge of the weapon.

I am curious to see how you can fare against the Vallites. I will not help you yet. Go.

Azura! They could be needing your help!

Without the right tactics and weaponry, those weapons are all but useless. Azura says, walking by while Corrin contemplates just punching a woman.

Elsewhere, Salazar glances at Selena. Weren't you given pow-owwwwwwwww boolickles! As a zombie visibly lunge, Salazar readies his weapon... but before that can happen, a sudden song deeper into the temple emerges, the harmonious voice paralyzing the zombies and making them flicker in and out of existence, although it becomes a decisive "in" when Talon covers the soldiers in their "blood".

There's a whole row of Vallites, some soldiers, other civilians, some young, some old, twitching and spasming about while giving out incoherent roars, switching out from their silent cries to humans screams eerily fast.

The Castellan smiles. ... I don't know what just happened or what that capsule do! I think it'd be bad if we drank from it though! Glancing at Selena's new Vallite Sword, he glances at it and the zombies. Hey! Try to decapitate them with this! I'd help but I don't have any weapons like this on me! Maybe this is a detail worth paying attention to heh?! He winks.

The zombies remain zombiing. Not very moving.

Elsewhere, Morgan will find that his hand axe is now glowing like a torch, which will reveal to him that some zombies had been following them all along, two of 'em, one a bearded man in a long white toga, the other a Nohrian woman with half her head precisely cut apart, both lunging at him in silence.

Morgan!

...

Yes. The ninja appears behind Pucci and Nicole, while Wamuu look on to Yammers, simply acknowledging her but finding what the ninja could say... more intriguing. There's a commotion in the castle. Men in... bizarre suits of armors, wielding weaponry capable of shooting out beams of light. They appear to be fighting -and overwhelming- the Nohrians sent their way and are securing a small area of the castle.

Warriors from futures yet to be explored, Wamuu smirks. I will assis you. It would please me to see what humans will evolve into as a warrior species... although I fear that they will simply grow reliant on technology.

They've hijacked a portion of the east wing of the castle. You'll have to emerge one at a time from a... barrel. I trust you'll find more on the way back. The ninja leaves, her "job" done.

But really, she was monitoring another situation.

...

The door to Leo's room suddenly swing open before more of the group can try to hide. And in walk Corin, Elise and Gunter, the older man standing by quietly while the excited royals almost run into the room. Their Corrin has a white suit of armor, shorter blue hair, a mole on a different spot of the face (above the nose) and, mostly, just look less... perturbed by what he experiences, saw and did.

It's Elise time! We're gonna have so much fun back at the cas- Elise opens her eyes and see that there's a bunch of strangers in the room. So does Corrin, who stops before he can speak. And so does Gunter, who regrets closing the door now. And protectively stand between Corrin and the group, although it also look like he's trying to stop Elise from seeing him shank them all.

...

...

Oh hey Corriboo!

... Could people stop showing up to my room unannounced?!!

But we knocked...

Only once! While Leo pesters, Corrin decides to address a much more pressing issue.

W-who are you?! Explain yourselves quickly! Lest I warn Father that my siblings are being held hostage by a bunch of strangers! His voice's a fair bit higher-pitched than Our Corrin too. And as he speaks, Peri get closer to him, apparently helping Gunter out, even with the old veteran's rather unpleased expression about this.

Calm down, Corrin. It seemed like your siblings were... talking to these strangers, he can quickly deduce, from Leo and Nile's casual positions, the two Laslows and Odins, Xander's relaxed stance and Camilla standing in the middle of the crowd, that they were all having a chat of a sort. Still, he frowns. This was all a weird situation.Nonetheless, you will explain yourselves, intruders.

Wow! They were organizing a party behind our backs?!

I prefer the name "or-"... Xander glances at Niles and he wisely shut up. Leo doesn't, but that's because he knew Xander would. And so does Camilla.

Corrin, Elise, what are you even doing here? It's rather haughty of you, Gunter, to ask for elaborations when we told you to keep them away from Krakenburg's troubled dwellings.

It is precisely because these are troubled dwellings that Corrin and Elise must spectate on those events, Lord Leo. It forges the character.

No, dad, we... Gunter, we... Gunter winks and Corrin get it, being happy about the idea not being blamed on him if his siblings get angry. Plus Gunter can take it.

This is getting crowded, Why, yes, let us head over to Camilla's exaggeratedly large ch- Luckily for us, there's enough chairs to go around.

Leo stays at his spot, looking almost aggressive whenever someone comes his way to take his spot. There's about 8 stools and 2 nice chairs, with Silas manspreading on a stool while Camilla grabs a chair. Xander sits on a stool, letting Elise sits on a chair while Corrin stays upright. Peri leans over next to Corrin, her elbow resting on his shoulder while he appears unfazed. A fazed Gunter stands behind them, while Laslow leans against a wall, prompting Odin to lay on his belly, seeing the situation as too bizarre for Leo to care.

... How exceedingly bizarre a situation. Gunter scoffs. But very well. Do tell this cantankerous old man what you're here for.

Should no one explain, Leo does. But he's just happy to try to see if they'll add or take away a detail or two to Gunter.

Their Corrin is just confused. Whoah, look, there's two Laslows!

Right! If I stab one, would the other feel it, you think?

...?

Huehue! I should have our two little Berukas fight and hire the winner! That way, we'll test it out!

On the way back, Leo locks the door. That way, they can have some time for themselves if someone knocks.

...

Camilla? Bah! A typical excuse! She would never trust a group of mangy dogs like you with her wyvern! The paladin stammers out, sounding hesitant nonetheless. When I get to wash my horse, it's almost like I get to... to touch my ex wife's greasy hair, you know? Aye, she was a quirky one that gal. She'd never take care of her hair, no please no please You could say she was my precious cinnamon roll, so awkward, nervous and shy! My god, I can still remember her habit of stammering over every word. She was like a cute little rodent, cowering in the front of danger, so easily startled and endangered! And it was up to me to shield my nasty little rat against danger.

we need to kill him Foxy warns the others.

But what can I say? It was inevitable that she would reach for the wrong cheese. Still though, the horse smells like her often, you know? I think the horse is my wife, reincarnated, and ready to serve me as a stronger and nobler animal. And when the time will come, I, too, will become a horse.

My father used to tell me I wouldn't do much in life. But I know I did more in life than him to be a Paladin. At a battle last year, I remember killing more civilians than he ever did, the fraud... And my mother-

Edited by Bolded1 on Jun 6th 2023 at 1:24:14 PM

"... Eugh." Mordecai, slightly repulsed by the effect of Azura's song, takes one of the blades he found and holds it up to his sniper rifle like a bayonet so he can stab an approaching zombie with it, then fire a point-blank chest shot.

Upgrades, people. Upgrades.

Morgan almost yelps at Beruka's response and goes silent again. He now simply follows, listens and puts his glove back on.

When things seem to get a bit heated, especially when Azura makes that remark involving himself, he quickly pulls his hood up as if to pretend like he's not there, because the way things are looking-

Cue the gunfire getting his attention though. When Azura sings he takes off his hood again, needing a moment to remember (from what he had seen of the Einherjar) that Azura is a powerful songstress. He looks at her when she talks to him, not even immediately seeing Corrin going ahead.

Normally he would protest against the notion that he has a submissive personality (the only reason he didn't do that before is because he was too afraid to speak up-... wait...).

He inwardly groans, then just gives Azura his Hand Axe. She seems to know what she's doing, and even if she doesn't, a Hand Axe isn't a big loss. Color him surprised when he gets an awesome water-elemental Hand Axe back a moment later though.

"How did you... nevermind.", he says, figuring it's not time for talking right now. He quickly starts running as well now.

-

Selena looks shocked when she hears the song.

"That's... Azura!"

She looks at the Vallites as they become visible, then at her apparently altered sword. ... well, at least Camilla won't have to be upset about her now non-Hoshidan sword.

"No need to tell me twice.", she grins before charging at the Vallites, going for a freaking sword spin attack, aimed for various necks.

-

Morgan indeed notices his Hand Axe now glowing. But it's Corrin calling out his name that gets him alert enough to realize he's about to be attacked.

In one quick motion he plants one foot firmly on the ground and does a circular swing, spinning in place on said firmly planted foot. If both the Vallites are adults, Morgan's height would mean that, if this counter-attack is successful, they'll be cut in half from the waist up.

—

Family Reunion

Talk about relief when Odin and Laslow see that it's Corrin, Elise and Gunter who show up instead of Iago, who they feared would've been the one behind that door. They're not weirded out by this Corrin looking different than the one they rescued, mainly because they already realized that Corrin can look very different across worlds. How? Well, they've served in their own version of Nohr too, so they have a Corrin of their own back there as well.

When Corrin briefly panics, Laslow chuckles a little in a friendly and even somewhat charming way.

"It's good to be careful, Lord Corrin. But we would be lousy at taking hostages when we're the ones with our hands up.", he respectfully points out once they are allowed to talk. He then looks comically nervous at Peri' suggestion.

"I can assure you that that's not how it works.", he quickly says.

The two of them stay standing for a bit, not sure if they too are allowed to take a seat. Only if it's noted that they are will they sit down.

Odin now speaks up, regardless of if he's standing or seated.

"We are alternate versions of the Odin and Laslow you know, Lord Corrin. We came here from a different world to save our currently captive friends, who came from the same world we were in.", he says to Corrin, Elise and Gunter. He does not specifically mention their Corrin, perhaps to spare this Corrin the thought of what Iago would do to him if he were allowed it. And probably to spare Elise the visual as well.

"We do not have any bad intentions in mind, nor any intentions to meddle in your affairs, I assure you. If we can save our friends, we will return to our world immediately."

—

Redditor Guard Hell

Ban would like to point out to Foxy that they can't, as there's still people approaching, but he can't say that out loud.

But then, as the guy continues, he suddenly tilts his head.

"... wait, so what you're saying is that you were married to some kind of rat horse?", he asks the rambling paladin, not even meaning any insult with it, just really confused at his misunderstood meaning. "And you're planning to become one too?"

A seemingly idiotic question from someone who has proven to be a bit rash, extreme, and perhaps a little bit more simple than the average guy, but not at all an idiot. And he's not being an idiot right now either. Instead he's trying to provoke the paladin into either insulting him (which may get the approaching people to tell him to back off) or attack him (which would justify Ban using 'self defense' to knock the guy out without it looking suspicious to the people around them).

AFROTHERIA

Gedor staggers back when Remilia starts pelting her with danmaku or whatever, seeming COMPLETELY SHOCKED and UNPREPARED for the little person to... do that.

   "WHAT"   

This, perhaps fortunately, prevents her foot from kershplanding on Mega-Paco by entire inches.

The uh. The revolver shot doesn't exactly. You realize there's a reason Elephant guns specifically exist right. I guess it's a high-powered one, the bullet bloodily lodges itself in the leathery folds of her elephantine foot. Ow.

Apothea's lightning seems to have little, albeit not no affect - the thick leather of Gedor's skin seems to be extremely effective at insulating shock.

   "HOW ARE YOU DOING THAT"    she barks at Rumia.

...

...

A SMALL GOBLIN DASHES OUT OF A HOLE IN THE GROUND AND TRIES TO SHIV MEGA-PACO IN THE THIGH

Subaru seems embarrassed for the guy, but not flabbergasted. Yeah, freaks like this exist, I guess.

"do you want to just"

"do you want to go to the water bucket room so you can wash your horse or"

Elephant

   "Huh? I'm just using basic danmaku. Even fairies can do that."    Rumia says, tilting her head in confusion. Did this giant monster really not have any magic?    "I'll show you more advanced ones!"   

   Moon Sign ~ Moonlight Ray   

Rumia charges up energy in her hands before firing a continuous laser from each at opposite sides of Gedor's head, which she then closes in a scissor-like motion. It likely won't decapitate her of course but will still hurt a lot.

The

Apothea figures, well, that didn't work very well. But, that was half of the point of a low-commitment attack intended to prod at her foe's defenses. It's no big deal... yet.

If she doesn't make pace with her allies, of course, that caution could turn into something more dangerous. To avoid this, Apothea switches her strategy.

The gem on her sword turns a light iceberg blue as she thrusts it in Gedor's... general direction. Not that that is a hard thing to do.

Anyways, this motion, through Apothea's magic, creates a huge, needle-sharp pin of extra-sturdy ice. This pin rapidly accelerates to a swift speed, on a collision course for the leg Gedor just stomped down.

Other than that, Apothea doesn't do much. Her lack of sight substituted for a sixth sense means she knows someone's about to get stabbed, but Apothea also lacks the ability to shout all too particularly much louder than an impolite conversation, so her warning of "Look out," is a bit easy to miss.

Not to mention nondescript.

Nohr Rescue Mission (The Royal Ensemble)

Jeridan undid his cloaking once it is revealed that the group does not consist of guards, but more royals and this world's Corrin's mentor. He looks positively baffled by the situation, not expecting more royals to show up. The young man can't help but let out a long-suffering sigh as he quietly took a stool and sat down, with his elbows on his legs and his hands rubbing his face.

The honorary agent stared with worry in his eyes at Corrin and Elise while battling some mixed feelings about these two specific royals joining the conversation. This Corrin doesn't appear to be tainted by the ugliness he will no doubt face in the future, so Jeridan would prefer not to drag the prince into this whole affair, lest Corrin tries to do something stupid like protesting to Garon. Elise is the other person that he absolutely does not want to be involved. Even knowing that the youngest princess might have more inner strength than most would expect, he can't help but worry.

"Prince Corrin, Princess Elise." Jeridan began as an attempt to get the conversation back on track. "What Odin- my Odin and Laslow said are correct, we are simply here to free our comrades that have been imprisoned and will be unjustly executed. Once we've done that, we will get out of your world as quickly as possible, as much as I'd like to explore some more for personal interests. Our goal is just that, and not to undermine Nohr."

Royals

Ms. Thingies puts the book back on her pocket, and she simply lets the Royalty talk, nodding with Jeridan's remark.

...

A man and his horse

The man's speech lulls Sawdust into sleep, while Cardboard walks stealthly behind him. She does nothing yet, but...

A wild goblin appeared!

Mega-Paco was about to unleash a strong electric discharge, when a goblin tackled him.

They managed to hurt him on the thighs, not without he thunder-punching them in their face.

Elephant, Annihilation Nergigante

Gaylephant

Michael, with a newfound understanding of the elephant's defenses, realizes he’ll have to up the caliber…

…Later. For now, he instead turns to the hobgoblin attacking Mega-Paco. If the man's electric-charged punch doesn’t end the pitiful green midget’s life, he intended to finish the job by fanning the hammer of his revolver and pumping that little fucking cobalt mine worker full of lead.

——

NIHIL NIHIL NIHILATIONERGIGANTE

Annihilation Nergigante seemed taken aback at first by this display of strength, though as it was spun, the ninety foot dragon dug its claws into the earth and used the momentum gained in its favor, allowing his tail to whip to his side and send Tatiana flying into a nearby wooden wall, howling as he did. Lutemis swooped down from above, slamming her talons into the Eater of Elder’s back and slamming him into the ground, if only for a moment. Immediately afterwards, the monster exploded upwards, a claw reaching out and ripping open the flesh on the flying wyvern’s chest. Lutemis roared out in pain as she crumpled back to the earth, crash-landing in a far corner of the marketplace. Luin hopped from her tame’s saddle, crouching down by her head and hurriedly ensuring that she was okay.

Landslide, however, reacted differently. The juvenile Larvitar hissed, staring down the beast some dozens of times larger than him. The young Pokemon reared his head back, firing a Hyper Beam at Annihilation Nergigante, who hardly seemed to care. The Dragon adopted an offensive stance, breathing in and preparing to annihilate the foolish challenger who stood before it…

The area went dark as something blotted out the sun. Luin’s eyes traveled up, a faint "Oh, no…" escaping her lips as she paused with her arms still resting on the injured Lutemis' head. Landslide, meanwhile, glared up at the sky and growled at the massive shadow overhead.

A beam blasted down from the heavens and razed the Annihilation Nergigante’s back, scorching the flesh as well as breaking multiple more spines and leaving almost none left. The Elder Dragon hissed, and located the source by the scent of it.

At long last, his eyes regenerated and sight was returned to him. The first thing his eyes were blessed with was a new challenger, one far larger and greater than any he had faced in a very long time; perhaps ever. Before him stood a nearly transparent dragon radiating an impressively blue glow. Annihilation Nergigante roared out a challenge to the Xeno'Jiiva, bounding forwards and aiming to rip its claws into those three orange organs on the side of its head, clearly its eyes…Right?