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Enter The Arena As Your Avatar -- The Spinoff!

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shroobot3000 Witch of Scarlet Dreams from Behind you Since: Apr, 2014 Relationship Status: You can be my wingman any time
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
#396676: Jun 8th 2025 at 4:32:38 PM

The robot stops, turning to stare at him.

"Want?" he repeats, as if perplexed by the notion. He stares for a few moments before continuing. "I am a weapon fulfilling what I was made for. Desires are irrelevant and unneeded."

Still no emotion is found in his tone but the fact he's processing this at all is noteworthy.

"That was a pointless encounter with a pointless person."
DevilPsyco from The Underworld (pretty deep down in the ground) Since: Jul, 2014 Relationship Status: In another castle
#396677: Jun 8th 2025 at 4:34:42 PM

"Really? So you wishing to fulfill your ultimate goal isn't a desire?", the old man asks.

In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
shroobot3000 Witch of Scarlet Dreams from Behind you Since: Apr, 2014 Relationship Status: You can be my wingman any time
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
#396678: Jun 8th 2025 at 4:40:43 PM

Pause.

The Gizoid's optics begin glowing as he processes this. A weapon has no need for desires yet he does feel a desire to fight others and evolve to fulfil his purpose. Another odd contradiction that perplexes him.

"...You and my previous master perplex me." he finally says.

"That was a pointless encounter with a pointless person."
DevilPsyco from The Underworld (pretty deep down in the ground) Since: Jul, 2014 Relationship Status: In another castle
#396679: Jun 8th 2025 at 4:45:55 PM

"Gyaa ha ha.", he laughs, seemingly knowingly. But there's no way he knows the Gizoid's previous master, right? Otherwise the old turtle would've known who the mechanoid was from the start. So what else is making him laugh?

All of a sudden the ground rumbles. Then again. And then again. As if something large and heavy is approaching their location.

"Oh, hm. Looks like we're about to meet someone.", the old man says.

In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
shroobot3000 Witch of Scarlet Dreams from Behind you Since: Apr, 2014 Relationship Status: You can be my wingman any time
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
#396680: Jun 8th 2025 at 4:49:36 PM

The machine instantly gets in a battle ready posture, energy blades extending from his wrists. His previous master instructed him to protect those unable to fight so that is what he will do.

"Preparing for combat. I advise that you seek cover." he says to the old coot.

"That was a pointless encounter with a pointless person."
DevilPsyco from The Underworld (pretty deep down in the ground) Since: Jul, 2014 Relationship Status: In another castle
#396681: Jun 8th 2025 at 4:56:55 PM

"Ah now, let's see if it's even a threat first. Large doesn't always mean dangerous.", he chuckles.

THUMP. THUMP. THUMP.

There's a low snarl rumbling throughout the area. The Gizoid should be able to tell that it's coming from very close by. Close enough that it should be able to see it already by this point, but there's no sight of any beast yet.

Is the creature invisible? ...

Or perhaps...!

In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
SacredSpirit123 Isengrim Heath-Stalker - Lupine Lawman from Jorrvaskr (Elder Troper) Relationship Status: THIS CONCEPT OF 'WUV' CONFUSES AND INFURIATES US!
Isengrim Heath-Stalker - Lupine Lawman
#396682: Jun 8th 2025 at 5:09:40 PM

Blackreach Alliance Headquarters

Shadow sighs, giving Pseudo a grim shrug.

   "At the moment? Probably brainstorm some ideas, ask around, see if someone knows someone who might have some experience with this kind of thing. I can bring one or more of my Nightfolk friends over here at some point and they might be able to offer some ideas, but let me tell you..."   

He smiles slightly.

   "...when you work with these particular Nightfolk, it's like herding cats sometimes. They're, ah...rather easy to distract. After all, they've spent most of their lives in a total sensory void, so they're pretty eager to experience whatever they can."   

He glances down, clicking his fingers, creating a notepad that he jots something into before dismissing it.

   "I could try asking Lar about this at some point, but like I said, I don't have a good feeling about it. We both agreed that having someone teleport over there and pick him up would be way too much of an obvious solution to work when I talked to him, and another fear that I have is that going ahead with the plan only for it to fail would only fortify his own belief that he's beyond saving, leading him to be more critical of our future efforts. He did say that, if I ever figured out a way to get him out that didn't involve letting the Assassins have their way, he'd be grateful beyond words, but for him, it'd be when the metaphorical pigs start flying."   

He then looks back to Pseudo.

   "Now...one last thing about Lar. It's nothing we can work on right now since it's way too vague, and Mara convinced him to drop the thought immediately after he mentioned it, but he did briefly lapse into introspection when I was talking to him, and mentioned he wished things could have gone differently if he'd had help before, and he wondered if a mysterious 'he' would have listened. Listened to what, I don't know, but this shows that we still don't have the whole picture on Lar or his history, which is unlikely to change unless we earn his trust, or at the very least, get lucky with Mara letting more information slip."   

He clears his throat.

   "Other than that, there was another near-catastrophic battle that took plase elsewhere in the Arena, but I was unfortunately predisposed with Mara when it happened."   

He clicks his fingers, producing two new sets of dossiers, handing out the first set.

   "It turns out that Grima, a dark, monstrous Fell Dragon born from experimentation with Divine Dragon blood, human genetic material, and various other alchemical reagents, had been laying low after their original defeat long ago, possessing a long-since-subsumed instance of one of their world's heroes, Robin. Grima grew in power, working to gain as much of their original strength as they could in preparation for their grand plan to resurrect their original body and rejoin with it. They brought an army of Einherjar with them, seeking to claim as many lives from those fallen on both sides of the battle in order to build their energy for this purpose."   

He then hands out the second set.

   "Evidently, they somehow came into contact with Alduin, a mighty Dragon from the world of Nirn, which you probably know quite a bit about, considering the Arena's currently copied the entirety of Skyrim. Alduin is a Demigod in his own right, claiming himself to be the Firstborn Son of Akatosh. I don't have the specifics of what Grima could have offered Alduin in return, but Grima had demonstrated that whatever it was, it'd been enough for him to teach them his signature Thu'um, or Dragon-Shout. Alduin used this in Skyrim to resurrect his Dragon soldiers for his uprising against all creation, but Grima used this to revive their own body, seeking to rejoin with it and reform their perfect self. They were slain before they could revel in their regained power very long, but this came at great personal cost for those who slew them, a cost that I hope they might be able to recover."   

"Life isn't a fairytale. There isn't always a 'Happily Ever After' waiting for you at the end of the road." ~ Isengrim Heath-Stalker
shroobot3000 Witch of Scarlet Dreams from Behind you Since: Apr, 2014 Relationship Status: You can be my wingman any time
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
#396683: Jun 8th 2025 at 5:17:38 PM

Reprium

The Gizoid says nothing to the old man, assuming that this must be a threat from its size. If it's a beast it can be scared off by...

If he could blink and cared for emoting, he might have done so now. He can clearly hear and feel the beast's steps yet there's no visual evidence of it. Interesting. The machine tries to pinpoint the source of the sounds and then whips around to try and slash at the seemingly empty space with a blade strike.

"That was a pointless encounter with a pointless person."
DevilPsyco from The Underworld (pretty deep down in the ground) Since: Jul, 2014 Relationship Status: In another castle
#396684: Jun 8th 2025 at 5:26:54 PM

Reprium

While the Gizoid doesn't hit anything specifically, both it and the old man will be able to hear something recoiling. And if the Gizoid pays close attention, it'll notice an unnatural shift in coloration.

That settles it. Whatever's near them isn't invisible. It's using camouflage.


Blackreach Alliance Headquarters

"... understood. I will keep any particularly loud individuals away from them if you bring them by to prevent their senses from overloading."

He definitely means Ken. And probably Ninten too.

He then listens intently.

"Unfortunately, unless he chooses to tell us more, or we get astronomically lucky and meet this mysterious 'he', we can't base any plans of actions around that fact. But it's something I'll keep in mind."

He then seems shocked.

"Grima? I've heard about that creature from the Shepherds. Were... they the ones who had to pay that cost?"

In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
shroobot3000 Witch of Scarlet Dreams from Behind you Since: Apr, 2014 Relationship Status: You can be my wingman any time
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
#396685: Jun 8th 2025 at 5:31:51 PM

Reprium

If his optics were capable of narrowing, they would do so now. Instead they flash as he realizes the enemy's trick.

"Enemy is using active camouflage." he notes aloud as he switches one blade for a blaster and takes shots at the color distortion, intending on injuring the foe and possibly hampering their camo.

"That was a pointless encounter with a pointless person."
DevilPsyco from The Underworld (pretty deep down in the ground) Since: Jul, 2014 Relationship Status: In another castle
#396686: Jun 8th 2025 at 5:40:06 PM

Reprium

"Hm. Then you were probably right in assuming it's hostile.", the old man says.

The shot lands and the creature flinches. With the jig now up, the creature slowly regains its natural coloration, revealing it to be...

The Indominus Rex, towering over the two of them.

It roars loudly enough to make the whole area shake. The old man almost falls over, which would be bad. Were he to fall on his shell, surely he wouldn't be able to stand back up.

"... well now, let's see what you can do!", the old man says, almost a little enthusiastically. He doesn't look afraid at all. Does he have that much faith in the Gizoid?

The Indominus Rex

In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
SacredSpirit123 Isengrim Heath-Stalker - Lupine Lawman from Jorrvaskr (Elder Troper) Relationship Status: THIS CONCEPT OF 'WUV' CONFUSES AND INFURIATES US!
Isengrim Heath-Stalker - Lupine Lawman
#396687: Jun 8th 2025 at 5:49:14 PM

Blackreach Alliance Headquarters

Shadow nods to Pseudo, his eyes glimmering with amusement as he gleans his meaning.

   "That'd be appreciated."   

He then nods again.

   "Understandable. Let me know if you figure anything out."   

And then, after a brief pause, as he collects his thoughts, he nods a third time, his expression solemn.

   "...afraid so. I believe Morgan sacrificed his life to ensure Grima remains gone for good this time. With the Arena, it seems like anything is possible, so I have hopes that the Shepherds will end up reuniting in one way or another, but I'm always one to look for a silver lining, and who knows how long that will take? For now...it's a grim time, a bittersweet victory that I'm not sure if they should celebrate or mourn. Grima's gone, but the Robin that they'd been possessing died with them, her identity having long since erased by the time that Grima enacted their master plan, and, now, so is Morgan."   

"Life isn't a fairytale. There isn't always a 'Happily Ever After' waiting for you at the end of the road." ~ Isengrim Heath-Stalker
DevilPsyco from The Underworld (pretty deep down in the ground) Since: Jul, 2014 Relationship Status: In another castle
#396688: Jun 8th 2025 at 5:53:30 PM

Blackreach Alliance Headquarters

"Morgan... I know of a Morgan, but I thought she was a girl. This must've been a later addition to their forces.", Pseudo says. "I know Thor visits them sometimes. Perhaps he can pass on my condolences to them."

In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
SacredSpirit123 Isengrim Heath-Stalker - Lupine Lawman from Jorrvaskr (Elder Troper) Relationship Status: THIS CONCEPT OF 'WUV' CONFUSES AND INFURIATES US!
Isengrim Heath-Stalker - Lupine Lawman
#396689: Jun 8th 2025 at 6:27:26 PM

Blackreach Alliance Headquarters

   "Aye, that's true. The Shepherds are a varied lot, especially when you throw an entire omniverse of possibility into the mix. I second that condolences should be given."   

He then sighs.

   "With that said...I believe that's the final part of my report, save for the matter of the Cyber Angels. Do you think we could speak to Iris now?"   

He then turns his head to Pilly and Helryx.

   "Ah, don't go anywhere, though. I'm gonna' need some help with something after I'm done talking to Iris, and I think you'll be a big help for that. Also got another of our allies in mind, and there's also someone I'd like you guys to meet who'll be contributing as well."   

"Life isn't a fairytale. There isn't always a 'Happily Ever After' waiting for you at the end of the road." ~ Isengrim Heath-Stalker
DevilPsyco from The Underworld (pretty deep down in the ground) Since: Jul, 2014 Relationship Status: In another castle
#396690: Jun 9th 2025 at 3:29:27 AM

Blackreach Alliance Headquarters

"I don't know if she's inside or outside of the headquarters right now, but she should be around. I'll call her name on the intercom.", Pseudo says. He turns his chair and holds a few button.

"Iris, if you hear this, could you please come to the main office? Someone wants to speak to you. Botar, please come here as well."

Pseudo calling for Botar may be surprising to Shadow. Pseudo lets go of the buttons and turns back to him.

"I figured you'd like to say hello to him.", he says. How thoughtful.

Meanwhile, Pilly hops out from behind Shadow, looking curious.

"You want my help? For what?"

"I'd like to know that as well."

In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
BoniniBanana Fortunate Sun I from real Since: Aug, 2021 Relationship Status: RelationshipOutOfBoundsException: 1
Fortunate Sun I
#396691: Jun 9th 2025 at 9:30:32 AM

LARP

Homelander will take what Manmoth said at face value. To Guivre's surprise he doesn't resort to instant plasmatic murder thanks to being amused enough.

"I'll allow you to continue acknowledgement of my heroism. This entire scenario has been so out-of-his purview that he can't help himself.

"But."

Ask. He raises his index finger and his face convincingly cringes before dropping the question. "Are you..." He clicks his tongue. "Turned on by this?" He finally says, adding extra hand-waving, referring to all the primates moving around. The loose cannon is about ready to fire depending on what Manmoth's answer is to that question.

Edited by BoniniBanana on Jun 10th 2025 at 12:31:07 AM

real
SacredSpirit123 Isengrim Heath-Stalker - Lupine Lawman from Jorrvaskr (Elder Troper) Relationship Status: THIS CONCEPT OF 'WUV' CONFUSES AND INFURIATES US!
Isengrim Heath-Stalker - Lupine Lawman
#396692: Jun 9th 2025 at 10:27:56 AM

Blackreach Alliance Headquarters

Shadow tilts his head as Pseudo hails Iris, then breaks into a smile when he hears him hailing Botar.

   "Y'know, that's actually really nice of you! Yeah, I haven't seen him since he's recovered, so it'd be good to check in."   

He coughs, and gives a sheepish smile.

   "You should've, ah, told me you were calling on the intercom instead of going to see her, though, because I'm actually gonna' have to ask you to make one more call, now. Think you could get Roll in here? After I helped her tune the Light Chip, I felt like she'd be a good help with what I have in mind."   

He raises a finger to Pilly and Helryx, signaling to wait a minute, still a bit sheepish.

   "Like I said, I’d like everyone to be present before I explain, if that's alright. I don't want to have to explain again after people start turning up late to the party, if that makes sense. I'll explain in due time after Roll gets here and I introduce my guest."   

"Life isn't a fairytale. There isn't always a 'Happily Ever After' waiting for you at the end of the road." ~ Isengrim Heath-Stalker
Bolded1 Fate, guide me from behind you!!!!!!!! Since: Mar, 2015
Fate, guide me
#396693: Jun 9th 2025 at 11:28:43 AM

The waves of UTOPIA resonates through the dimensions...

Citizens of the Principality of Zeon! Your leaders wage an unjust war for power that will not free you nor your Spacenoids fellows from your conditions! But Utopia will give you the freedom you seek!

Cybertronians, this war of yours has been going-on for millions of years! Is it not time to put your differences aside? We at Utopia are willing to offer you neutral ground to broker peace which your species and universe desperately need!

UTOPIA

Being suddenly shot at is bound to be a rather intense and unnerving experience for people but luckily, none of the people in the room currently being peppered with gunfire are the type to really get that to their nerves. Save for Lorelai, who happens to take cover behind Kusakabe as the latter is called out by DOLL. Thanks to Casper, Seeker and the Bassist putting up a protective front, Kusakabe is able to get behind cover. He'd have tried to use Simple Domain, but he views it as a better opportunity to take cover behind Nymbulda in case that something worse goes in.

Waller likewise dive for safety behind her. Where is the security?! I'll have their heads for this!

Eventually though, the sheer barrage of gunfire burst through the thick closet which Casper grabbed, and likewise overwhelm the protections put in place, fully sweeping over the room. This, however, gives Tony time to hear Vanilla out and slap the watch on his wrist. It appeared to be containing his armor, which quickly spreads to cover his head, chest and the arm wearing the watch, with Tony projecting an hologram field in front of him to stop the bullets.

Miquella, who's small in stature, hides behind Hydraxon, putting his knees up his chest. As he does though, he raises his hands, casting an Holy Incantation to cast a warm light, healing everyone it shines across of. My specialties unfortunately lay more in using healing incantations! He tells Jason.

For her part, steps by Hydraxon's side, holding up her shield. He's much taller than her, but she try shielding his legs to prevent him from potentially getting toppled, with her shield just big enough for herself and Hydraxon.

Tony is prepared to then try showing off more tricks but William suddenly tackling him proves to be a bit of a distraction. I'm going to give you the benefit of doubts for all of two seco- William's big fuck-off field, along with Gonzalez's ghostly tricks (which Kiryu and Nishiki hide behind), Law's ROOM and the Emperor, who gives a loud sigh at Seven hiding behind him before raising his hand to, likewise, stop some bullets telekinetically. He has to do minimum work though, thanks to William's power boost. And N hides behind him with Seven, waving at the latter.

By the time the violence ends, even Bruce is technically unharmed thanks to Cap's immediate assistance of him and the Medium Heal healing his wound. That, and Miquella's light quickly help him get back to his feet, the room completly silent as the sound of bullets can be heard dropping unto the ground after being blocked. And in the far distance, a flag can be seen. Waller immediately get up to see that it's a white flag with a fist on it. Said fist has all of its fingers clenched, aside from the mid-

Oh.

Either way, the shooter is gone. Alright, who's not dead? Sound off. Waller says, dusting herself off. She sounds slightly more appreciative, having seen everyone's skills at hands. Aside from, of course, Lorelia and Kusakabe, who's hiding behind Nymbulda's shield still, clinging his katana to his chest with a look of quiet resignation on his face. You guys sure got some motivated enemies! A shot like that would be hard to do with a single bullet and that guy far off just unloaded his entire clip into the tower! Nishiki says, getting up behind the barrier slightly. Kiryu does the same, raising a thumb to show he's okay.

The Emperor moves away from Seven, grumbling as he glances away. He could not peer into the attacker's mind. It was a long distance away, of course, but the Emperor was a careful one. And yet...

Such is the plight of those who fight for a better future. Leda replies to Nishiki as the Emperor ponders.

Is anyone in need of any healing? Miquella only replies, turning to Bruce. Bruce shakes his head, warmly smiling at Captain America in appreciation.

Ha! I didn't know you had a sense of humor, Amanda. He tells her. Thank you for your help. I'd likely have bled out without you three. Bruce Miquella, the guitarist and Cap. I'm sorry, Red Hood. I guess I'm not that fast anymore. He says, pointing to his greying temples.

I could not get a reading on the attacker's mind. They must have been some sort of automaton. Dissimilar from these ones. He says, pointing at N and Doll. Apply this information however you desire. He figures it's as good an information to get, and that telling it to others would make him seem more reliable. He still had some PR to salvage after the Moonrise Crypt fiasco, which had ended with him not getting anything he wanted out of this.

... We're safe for now, right? There won't be any more trouble? Kusakabe dares to ask. Tony nods, still taken aback at the process with which William took his energy. He points at the windows, as a flying drone sweep over the area.

My drones are going to cover the area. We should be safe, but it means that I'm going to have to dispense with the whole "debrief plus lunch" plan. He says, half-sarcastically. And as he completes his sentence, the doors leading to the room open up, and in enters no less than Beelzebub, staff in hand, research papers in another. He opens his mouth as if to say something, then notices the entire room having been destroyed and close it shut instead.

YOU!

That, or N immediately jumping at him overrides explaining stuff to people, with Beelzebub opting to instead repel him with his staff, vibrations emitting forth to block N and send him flying to the ground. N, underterred, moves to try to attack him again but is blocked by Stark, who's fully wearing his suit now. You're the one who took Uzi! Surprisingly, a few of the top members of UTOPIA turns their head to N in surprise before glaring at Beelzebub, who remains composed.

As it was needed. Beelzebub flatly retorts. Thanks to Uzi's assistance, we managed to save this floating city from the plight of the Absolute Solver. An artificial god he notices there's a dog amongst the cast and stop for a quarter of a second before continuing. Who can infect technology and convert it to its will. On every observed timeline where the Absolute Solver emerges, it destroys at least one planet - Earth.

The Emperor folds his arms. This one, he can feel, is a god. Although nowhere near as powerful as the ones found back home. He still take that into account.

We do not know how the Absolute Solver was snuck into UTOPIA but thanks to Uzi's efforts, we were able to contain it. Beelzebub says.

So we go home. Right.

Not quite. Those who snuck the Solver in there are still active. Beelzebub says, raising a finger. We suspect they're embedded into UTOPIA itself. Which is why we're calling upon you - all of you are strangers to our hierarchy and some of you have lived through accidents between worlds. This would make for valuable experience in stopping the conspirators before they can try to free the Absolute Solver.

Bruce listens to Beelzebub patiently, but glares slightly. Those close to him may notice that.

As for his part, Beelzebub briefly roll his big black eyes after making explicit praise of the gang's prowess. When said gang include a dog. Like... a dog.

There are three areas we would need you assist us in spectating or intervening to.

Our ears in the city have told us that warmongers from various universes are reuniting within one of the bars of UTOPIA. They are plotting to meet with a rogue agent, likely to introduce weapons within the city and assist in causing chaos and distraction. We would need you to go there and infiltrate that meeting. Anything that could cause the meeting to be adjourned is discouraged, so we would need the more... charismatic amongst you.

One of our research facilities has been compromised - we haven't heard from our scientists stationed there in a very recent while. This is where we are keeping the Absolute Solver sealed, and though our sensors are reporting the lowers levels have yet to be breached, we could use some hand in stopping the threat building up from within. Those of you who can fight against supernatural threats or move well will be needed - we suspect that water has breached into the third level.

Yet I would ask the strongest amongst us to escort me to the holding facility where Uzi Doorman is still being held. She still has traces of the Absolute Solver I couldn't get rid of. If she is accessed by a mole, the results could be... fairly horrible. Especially because this facility houses some of our more dangerous criminals.

So? Which path do you choose? I will go to the prison facility with you, as I am overseeing Doorman.

Miquella hesitates on where to go, finding his skillset appropriate for each situation.

Bruce groans. I'll stay back. I'll oversee your operations and try to inspect this... breach into our defenses as well. Waller nods, she'll do that too.

I'll go see Uzi! And make sure you didn't get anything greasy on her. N tells Beelzebub, who checks his hands in confusion.

Yah I'll go to the bar, thank you very much. Kusakabe says, raising his hand.

The other allies seem to be picking their side. Kiryu/Nishiki, The Emperor, Law, Iron Man, Miquella and Leda can be convinced to join any of the three branching paths.

BAR (LOW TIER)

FACILITY (MID TIER)

PRISON (HIGH TIER)

Edited by Bolded1 on Jun 9th 2025 at 8:28:53 PM

Nautolan picture belongs to Bonesmarinated on twitter
KiriK The Grey Pilgrim from across time and space Since: Mar, 2015 Relationship Status: Singularity
The Grey Pilgrim
#396694: Jun 9th 2025 at 11:42:30 AM

The Dream That Will Never Die

Freyja nods to Mugetsu. "I am Freyja, ruler of Dökkálfheimr, queen of nightmares. I have been aware of your exploits, Mugetsu."

Queen Mary and Don Quixote both begin to turn transparent.

   "It is as Ginnungagap said,"    Sancho mutters.    "The dream-eaters are beings of nothingness. The bodies will fade away with their master, returning the souls whence they came."   

Don Quixote smiles.

   "So be it. I will continue to wait for the day you can share your adventures with me."   

Omori is watching on.


UTOPIA

Seven gives N a confused look.

When Waller calls out, he raises his hand. "Seven here."

Blah blah blah Absolute Solver blah blah blah gods blah blah conspiracy blah.

Finally, Beelzebub lays out the plan of action. Seven immediately ducks away into the nearest available corner, crouching down and whispering to someone inaudible.

"Hey, Boss? Ya get all that? ... Where should I go? ... Uh-huh. Got it."

He stands up, turns around, and does a V sign with his fingers. "You can count on me to get you to Uzi safely!"

Young Sephiroth weighs his blade in his hand.

"...I will investigate the Solver. If something so dangerous was to be unsealed..."

"A wizard is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to."
engie Since: Jan, 2015 Relationship Status: [TOP SECRET]
#396695: Jun 9th 2025 at 12:00:58 PM

HUB CENTRALIS - UTOPIA DISTRICT - UTOPIA PLOTLINE

Having been the last ones onto the scene, Kuveli and the blue hoodie headset guy don't get much time to do or say much before getting whisked away along with everyone else.

...Not that the former of the two would have said much regardless, given, well. You know.

UTOPIA BUILDING - THE WAITING ROOM THAT GOT SHOT AT - UTOPIA PLOTLINE

And once they've brought over here, the two had also been content to stay more towards the back and just take everything in silently. Which is not to say that they were out of harms way, but they both clearly had their methods of getting through the danger. Kuveli has rather predictably summoned (her version of) Merulina, the surfboard-like infested creature idly floating in the air slightly off to one side of her.

As for the bloke, marks on the floor indicate he got pushed around a little, and despite mostly standing still right now, he's jittering all over. One could, at first glance, mistake him for having been rattled by the bullets, but he has far too confident a grin for that. Additionally, he happens to be holding a... soda can? One that is apparently radioactive, if anyone happens to have the means to detect that.

Once the danger is fully past, Kuveli gestures over at her summoned critter, which glides over to her and vanishes in a puff of red-tinted bubbly water, while the headset guy finally manages to stop himself from jittering.

"That's one way to shake up a meeting," he comments mostly to himself with a chuckle. Then he falls silent again, both him and the red lady listening in silence to the explanation, the woman idly tapping her fingers on the side of her skirt while the bloke habitually pulls out and puts away a rather large variety of items. Some of which might make a bit of sense, like a couple of flareguns, revolvers, and the like. Some of which are blatantly nonsense, like a conch shell or a banana.

Kuveli muses silently. The Absolute Solver... If it can infect technology, well. She's not exactly ordinary technology but that's still one hell of a risk to take, and going for the Prison would nearly guarantee a potential run-in. But at the same time, "charisma" is just about the very worst thing to demand of her, in her current state. Which rules out both extreme options... She raises her hand, two fingers extended, choosing the FACILITY.

The bloke who does have a name but hasn't had a reason to share it just yet turns away for a moment, talking to chat again, saying something about putting up a poll...

The fact that only 140 characters are allowed here is honestly so disappointing to me.
ArbiterOfTheBog Parasmagate from The Mortal Realms Since: Feb, 2022 Relationship Status: Cast away
Parasmagate
#396696: Jun 9th 2025 at 12:27:20 PM

Utopia

Taffy Jones begins to bubble and shrink into a more recognizable human shape, revealing Casper as he slumps to the floor. He is currently looking to the others, and does taide his hand for Miquella.

"Hey Golden dude, person, guy, can ya heal me up? My liver is currently inflamed and my lungs have a coating of salt or something."

He looks to Cap before continuing far more casually:

"Shape-shifting too much too fast can tear up my body. I'm technically already dead... but if there is a guy who can heal minor intent also wounds then... helps keep me in the fight. Like topping off a car's gas."

Nymbulda meanwhile looked to Kusakabe and the others behind her wirh a smile, shaking her horns as spent munitions fell from them.

"Were safe now friends." She stood back to her towering self, looking to Hydraxon and William with a respectful bow of her crown.

"Very good on you two! Hold the line like that again, and we can rattle the enemy's own defenses."

She rolled her shoulders before both her and Casper looked to Beelzebub and N, Casper's own fatigue as he began to piece his own conceptions together.

Ohhh boy.

Nymbulda for one thing could understand N's position, and so immediately put herself up:

"Knight-Errand at your service. I will help spearhead the approach on facility."

Casper sighed, looking to Captain America and the Emperor. Then he looked to the others, "Yeah uh, don't think I'm in the mood for talking... or prison.'


You were raised by wolves and voices

Every night I hear them howling deep beneath your beds

They said it all comes down to you

You're the children of silent watching stones

You watch the stars hurl all their fundaments

In wonderment, at you and yours, forever asking more

Awawa
DevilPsyco from The Underworld (pretty deep down in the ground) Since: Jul, 2014 Relationship Status: In another castle
#396697: Jun 9th 2025 at 12:48:40 PM

Blackreach Alliance Headquarters

"Roll? I don't need to make a call for that.", Pseudo smirks. He turns around again and presses some buttons, prompting a large screen to come down from the ceiling. Pseudo switches on the power, and Roll.EXE appears on it.

"A successful connection.", Pseudo says. "The two bases are now properly linked. Thanks to this, we'll always know if anything is happening at the other base."

"Hi!", Roll.EXE says, waving.

"Roll, Shadow here wishes to speak with you."

She looks over at him.

"Oh hi, I remember you! How are you doing?"

It's around this time that the door opens and Iris walks in.

"Ah, hello again-"

" I swear that cup of coffee was on fire before I got to the cafeteria please don't be mad.", she immediately says. Pseudo just pauses for a moment.

"... what?"

" What?"

"..."

Pseudo, now looking comically unamused at a sheepishly smiling Iris, simply gestures to Shadow.

"He wants to see you."

Iris looks at Shadow for a moment, and then back out the door.

" Alright, you can come in, he's not angry about the cup of coffee. ... I think."

Pseudo groans for a moment. Pilly can't help but giggle.


The Dream That Will Never Die

Niiue, Giegue and Ninten knew this was coming, but it hurts all the same.

   "Mother, I..."   , Giegue begins to say, but can't finish the sentence. Queen Mary lovingly pulls her three family members into a hug.

"It's alright. I know that you can save Magicant from its fate. And once you do, I'll be able to thank you personally again. Until then, never forget, that no matter what happens... I'll always love you."

They hug her back. Giegue's back shakes a little, as if he's trying to stop himself from shedding tears.

The others watch on as Queen Mary and Don Quixote are given their goodbyes. And soon after, Queen Mary's soul has left the Dream Eater body. Once she is, Ninten and Niiue look back at them with a sad smile. Giegue doesn't turn around. It seems he needs a moment.

"I know basically everyone but me was brought here to help save this realm, and I'm only here because I wanted to find out what was happening.", Ninten says. "But that still allowed me to see my great-grandmother again. So... thank you.", he says to Freya.


UTOPIA

Hydraxon glances down at the one aiding him. Going by his behavior so far, one may expect him to tell her that he doesn't need any help.

Instead, perhaps surprisingly, he nods in gratitude instead.

His upper body is still vulnerable though, and even with armor he's beginning to feel the effects of getting shot at. It's probably only thanks to Miquella's healing light that he's able to stay standing there without having to move away.

Since he can't find the shooter fast enough, he decides to unload his own shots on the incoming bullets, aiming to shoot some of them out of the sky. The large turret on his shoulder isn't as agile as a gun though, so he doesn't get all of them.

Anthony seems to take a deep breath before the holy light finds him, but otherwise doesn't react to it. The Annoying Dog is still in his arms, and he continues to hide behind Hydraxon.

And then... the bullets end. Hydraxon's turret deactivates and the titan looks down at his armor to assess the damage. Even with the healing light there's some clear dents in his armor.

"I can fix this, eventually.", he says to nobody in particular before looking back at the others. It seems everyone is alright enough, even Bruce. This fact, along with two of said allies aiding him just now, immediately improves Hydraxon's opinion of this group. He decides to be more open with them instead of solely focusing on his main goal, even if the latter will be his priority if he ever had to choose.

Anthony stands back up now, looking at Waller.

"Still alive."

"BARK."

And, well, it's already clear that Hydraxon isn't dead, or he would've collapsed onto several of his allies and probably crushed some of them to death. So instead he looks at Miquella.

"If your healing can repair my armor, I'd like some of it. If it cannot, then you should save your energy for later."

"Hey, so, how the hell did whoever did that know to attack the building? We just got here!", he says, sounding annoyed. And he brings up a good point. One that the Emperor seems to indirectly answer.

"Oh, great. So it was some kind of robot and it probably automatically opened fire once it saw movement."

Then the doors open, and Beelzebub walks in. This immediately gets Anthony's attention.

"Hey, we meet aga-"

Only for N to suddenly attack him, to Anthony's surprise. He lets it all play out though, not choosing to intervene. Infighting's just gonna turn this whole thing into a giant mess.

"You have the other mechanoid? You must tell me if she has a badge with a certain insignia on it.", Hydraxon says to Beelzebub. His tone of voice makes it clear he's not asking.

"And if she does, you will either give it to me as my reward after this mission is over, or you will destroy it, and you will allow me to see you destroy it. I care not for any other kind of reward. There are specific people out there somewhere who cannot be allowed to see that badge."

But it's also clear that he's not giving up on this mission either judging by what he just said.

Anthony stays quiet but looks interested. This took a different turn than he thought it would, and that could make this all entertaining.

... he then realizes he's still carrying the dog and puts it back down on the ground.

But when the three different options are presented, he immediately points down at said dog.

"You need charisma, huh? Well, what better to use to get on people's good sides than to bring a cute little dog?", he smirks. The dog itself probably has no idea what they're talking about, but it does seem eager to tag along.

"I'm a jailer, so I will head out to that prison."

"Hm... nope, bad idea.", Anthony says to him, prompting the titan to look down at the child who doesn't even come up to his hip.

"Pardon?"

"Look at yourself. You're tall and imposing. You really think you'll be able to get into that prison? They'll think you're a criminal too. I will go to the prison. You should go to the research station."

Hydraxon leans forward and down, glaring at the child.

"And why, exactly, should I consider your idea at all?"

Anthony grins up at him fearlessly, then holds up his index finger.

"Because 1: smaller people like myself will have an easier time getting in and out of a prison."

A second finger.

"2: I'm not gonna be potentially mistaken for someone dangerous."

A third finger.

"3: I know the guy we're supposed to escort, I've met him before. That robot there has beef with him, so I can help deescalate situations before they get out of hand."

A fourth finger.

"4: He just said parts of the station are filled with water, and those tubes on your back look like they can pump air into you. Someone who can breathe underwater would be vital."

And finally his fifth, now having an entire hand raised.

"And 5: I'm stronger than you."

That last one actually makes Hydraxon laugh a little.

"You? The small, soft pink thing? You're stronger than me? Is that a fact?"

"Yes. I can tell."

Hydraxon doesn't believe for a moment that this thing, smaller than even a Matoran, could ever be more powerful than he is. But the rest of the logic does seem to make sense for him. He can go underwater for as long as he needs to. The facility may house threats that need to be fought, while the prison wouldn't necessarily have any combat happening within, making it potentially safer than the facility. And if this small thing can help prevent infighting in his group...

"Fine then. I'll go to the facility."

Anthony looks content. He then looks at Miquella too.

"You're a healer, right? You should come with us, just in case the 'fairly horrible' results end up happening."

It's still Miquella's own choice of course, but the boy does raise a fair point.

BAR: The Annoying Dog

FACILITY: Hydraxon

PRISON: Anthony

Edited by DevilPsyco on Jun 9th 2025 at 2:28:57 PM

In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
ISZATSO The Web-Slinger from Queens Since: Apr, 2020 Relationship Status: All is for my lord
The Web-Slinger
#396698: Jun 9th 2025 at 12:48:49 PM

Only once the gunfire ceased did Lorelai lift herself off the floor, casting a glance around the room: nobody dead — yet. Even the one who’d been hit directly was still alive, somehow. She lifted her hands to her hips and frowned, somehow almost disappointed.

Captain America, on the other hand, was very thankful to see Bruce Wayne on his feet and nobody else off theirs. "I’m just glad you’re alright." Then fell Casper, and as with Bruce, the Captain arrived quickly. He heard Totem’s explanation, before extending a hand to help him to his feet.

He looked back, his gaze sweeping across the still-smoking bore punched into the billionaire’s suit jacket. Knowing what he did about the man, his clothes were made up of some material more protective than any Kevlar vest on the market. So then, that bullet…

His eyes next trekked to the shattered window and the tattered frame from which the leadstorm hailed, finding the waving flag. What on Earth is happening here? His pondering was ended earlier by the scientist’s entrance, and N’s subsequent attack. So, that’s Beelzebub? By Stark’s protection of him, it could be inferred he was an ally of sorts to Utopia…but the friend of a friend wasn’t always his. He recalled Spider-Man’s story, of this man’s cyborg lapdog and the destruction he’d wrought in Center Park (still not to be confused with Central Park). There was a perhaps visible lack of trust for the man, but the Captain nonetheless heard him out.

But as Beelzebub explained, Cap found himself glancing back at the still-fluttering flag. Terrorists. But why, if this UTOPIA was truly so idyllic, would anyone wish to dismantle it?

Yeah, I choose to go home! Lorelai almost said it, but hesitated…her presence here felt somehow correct, as though the path that brought her to this place had been trod just as it was meant to be. So, the Sith sighed and chose at random, blurting out the first of the three options which came to mind: "Facility. I’ll go to the facility."

The Captain, meanwhile, hesitated. One was closer up his alley but the other was what he felt he should do. It was a moment like this that the difficult decisions needed to be made for the sake of what was right; and he, unfortunately, could not be everywhere at once. Thankfully, he had some friends present to do what he couldn’t: "Tony, do you think you could head to the prison in my place?" He approached the man and asked lowly, casting a sideways stare at N. "I promised I’d help him get Uzi back, but I think I’m better suited to the bar."

Regardless of answer, once he stepped away, Captain America was suddenly conscious of his own costume. Not exactly the most inconspicuous attire in the world. So he looked up from it and around the room. "Anyone have some spare clothes?"

Edited by ISZATSO on Jun 9th 2025 at 3:49:05 PM

With great power…you know the rest.
shroobot3000 Witch of Scarlet Dreams from Behind you Since: Apr, 2014 Relationship Status: You can be my wingman any time
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
#396699: Jun 9th 2025 at 1:04:51 PM

UTOPIA

"I still function." Doll says to Waller's call out, also quoting a movie without realizing.

With the assassination plot foiled, Doll is left to mull the options.

"Yeah I'm not good with talking to a bunch of psychopaths or with water. I... guess I'll help Uzi." she says, to N's possible surprise. Nobody here is liable to know she's a Decepticon and thus surrounded by psychopaths on a daily basis.

Meanwhile... At New Helex.

   "And this message can't be blocked?"    Deathsaurus asks Soundwave with some irritation, pulling a classical slouch of villainy in his throne. Laserbeak sits perched on said throne's back.

   "No, my liege."    Soundwave replies in his usual autotuned tone.    "They are broadcasting from outside our dimension."   

   "Hmph. While their message's contents is laughable, this will still affect troop morale."    The Decepticon Emperor of Destruction noted.    "We'll need to do something to... remind them of our cause's strength. Hmm."   

   "Oh I have an idea. Make a broadcast on our network reminding everyone of the Black Box Consortia's little visit to the Omnicons' home planet."    Deathsaurus said, straightening up.    "A reminder of the cruelty of the organic pests will surely revitalize our troops."   

   "As you command, my liege."    Soundwave says with a bow, turning to leave as Laserbeak takes off and perches on his shoulder.

Also meanwhile... In Onyxis

Ribbons frowned at the broadcast being made.

"Pffft. Really? They think that's gonna work?" Hiling snarks, unimpressed.

   "Don't dismiss them so easily, Hiling."    Ribbons replies, shutting her up.    "Humans are a species easily led astray. Something that is both to our benefit but sometimes a detriment."   

"Alright, alright. So what's our plan then?" Hiling huffs as she leans against his desk.

   "I had been intent on saving this for later but an operation I have been preparing should serve as a sufficient morale booster."    Ribbons says, pulling up a folder on his computer and opening it to show Something to Hiling; which makes her grin.

"Oooh! If it weren't for you rebuilding my Garazzo I'd be almost tempted to ask to pilot this!" she coos, to Ribbons' slight annoyance.


Reprium

Curiouser and curiouser. Carth stands his ground, watching the beast roar and calculating optimal attack vectors; then dismissing them due to not having sufficient data on this beast yet.

So instead he goes for something simple, dashing in and leaping to try and slash at the dinosaur's side as a probing strike primarily.


Kaiju

The shield continues weathering the ranged attacks, though it looks ever so slightly redder which might indicate Something. Ghidorah snarls as Gman and the sped up Kong manage to knock the demon king off his feet and on his side. Not that this makes him helpless though. Sparks fly from his mouths as he attempts to point blank blast Goji with his Gravity Beams!


The Dream That Will Never Die

   "Oh? I'm curious what you think of them, Lady Freyja. Not often I get feedback, especially from someone of your standing."    she says, sounding oddly excited. Guess as demon born from nightmares she must be a big fan of a god of nightmares.

She doesn't really have any connection to the dream eaters so she doesn't really react to them disappearing all that much. Omori doesn't seem to care after all.

Edited by shroobot3000 on Jun 9th 2025 at 11:42:32 AM

"That was a pointless encounter with a pointless person."
IchigoMontoya (Don’t ask) Relationship Status: Not caught up in your love affair
#396700: Jun 9th 2025 at 1:18:51 PM

Once the shooting stops almost as quickly as it had begun, Jason slings his AK-47 across his back. He rises up from behind cover, narrowing his eyes upon catching sight of the flag in the distance.

"I'm guessing that's not a white flag of surrender the shooter just laid down," he remarks as he makes a mental note to keep an eye out for anyone or anything sporting that very... distinctive symbol. Either Utopia simply had enemies that really didn't like the idea of a peaceful haven for all or it was a worrying sign that he had the right idea to investigate the place.

Heaving out a sigh, Jason offers Nymbulda an appreciative nod.

"Glad you tagged along, Nym."

Glancing at Waller, he gives a her a quick thumbs up.

"Just a little hurt, but nothing I can't walk off," he replies before looking to Miquella. "That said, a bit of healing sure wouldn't hurt."

Jason then removes his helmet, showing Bruce a slight grin.

"Really? I couldn't tell. You still look like you could dodge the Flash if he came barreling straight at you," he replies. "Heh, it really is good to see you again, though, Bruce."

While he makes sure to keep what the Emperor had said about the mysterious attacker likely being a robot in mind, Jason mainly wanted to use this moment to catch up with Bruce and maybe ask him if he could find two certain things anywhere in Utopia. Before he can say anything further, however, Beelzebub suddenly walks into the lobby.

Jason opens his mouth to speak when N's outburst causes him to look between the drone and Beelzebub. Maybe Waller wasn't the only person he'd need to be suspicious of and keep tabs on around here. Nonetheless, he listens as the latter begins explaining why Utopia's leaders had called upon everyone who responded to Miquella's message.

Though he notices the slight glare on Bruce's face as Beelzebub gives his speech and figures they probably shared the same suspicion, Jason decides it would probably be better to ask him about it when Beelzebub isn't within earshot. Once everything has been explained, he speaks up.

"I'll hit the research facility. I'm packing enough firepower to handle whatever's going on and keep this Solver locked up," he says. "Hope you guys have a way to kill it, though. If this thing's as dangerous as you say, Utopia's gonna start looking more like Apokolips if it ever breaks free."

Jason then shifts his gaze to Leda, remembering when she'd fought alongside him and even hitched a ride on his motorcycle during the Hub Centralis Incident.

"Leda, right? I could sure use your muscle again for this job," he says.


Hub Centralis, Utopia District

The other two Outlaws, Bucky Barnes and Vi, are currently talking a walk through the golden city as Miquella gives his latest announcement.

"Is it just me or did that guy seriously mention Zaun earlier?" Vi asks.

"Sure sounded like it," Bucky replies.

Vi shoots him an odd look.

"How the hell could he know about Zaun and Piltover? It's like he just read my mind or something," she says.

Bucky shrugs.

"Maybe that Caitlyn girl you like or a version of your sister who, uh... turned out differently are around here somewhere telling him all this," he muses.

Vi shakes her head.

"Don't get my hopes up, Bucky. Let's just... keep moving. Maybe we'll find a nice bar or something until Red calls us."

Bucky cracks a slight smile.

"And if he doesn't end up needing us, well, at least we'll get some good drinks out of it."


Blackreach, Underground Base

Shortly after Iris enters the room, Thor, Loki, and Sylvie almost immediately follow suit.

"How the Hel did that even happen?"

"Don't look at me. I was nowhere near the machine when it happened."

"And this is why we just let that device do its bloody job."

Once they've arrived, all three Asgardians pause upon realizing that the base had a guest neither Thor nor Loki had seen in some time.

"Shadow. It's... well, it's certainly been a while," Thor says. "As you can imagine, a lot has changed since we last saw each other."

"Honestly, I was starting to wonder if maybe you'd left only to never be seen or heard from again," Loki chimes in. "And yet, here you stand, as though you'd suddenly warped through time and space."

"So you're this Shadow my brothers mentioned. Hmm. You're taller than I thought you'd be," Sylvie adds. "And just to get it out of the way, yes, I am a female variant of Loki here. If you think that's weird, there's a Loki variant who either is just an alligator or pretending to be an alligator for whatever strange reason."

Edited by IchigoMontoya on Jun 9th 2025 at 4:50:01 AM


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