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Enter The Arena As Your Avatar -- The Spinoff!

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ISZATSO The Web-Slinger from Queens Since: Apr, 2020 Relationship Status: All is for my lord
The Web-Slinger
#387001: May 18th 2024 at 8:11:55 PM

"Hey, you okay?"

"Mhm.."

"Wes?"

"Hm..?"

"Wes."

"Mh? Oh, hey, Kayla. What’s up?" The man groggily rubbed his eyes and groaned, stirring from the bed. He ran a hand through hair of tarnished gold and scratched his brown beard.

"You were mumbling in your sleep again." Kayla noted with a frown and a tilt of her head. Her hair, black like the pre-dawn sky outside fell to the side as a result, and she pushed it back behind her shoulder.

"Ah…old ghosts." Wes shrugged, pushing himself up in the bed and leaning against the headboard with a tired sigh. "Nothing more."

"You…wanna talk about it?"

Wes smiled and shook his head. "And spoil such a beautiful morning? Nah."

"Beautiful, huh? You haven’t even looked outside yet."

"No, but I looked at you."

Kayla scoffed and rolled her eyes. She crossed their room to the cabinet, and the sheathed blade propped up against it. The woman took it in hand and tossed it to the bed, where Wes lunged to grab it, before looking at the leather with visible confusion. "Uh, yeah, speaking of spoiling beautiful mornings…"

"Another Cataclysm Signal went out at 5 AM this morning, Hub Centralis."

"Again?" Groaned Wes.

"Again." Reinforced Kayla.

"Urgh…Alright." Wes sighed and pushed himself out from under the covers and to his feet on the wood floorboards. He clicked his tongue and whistled. "Péri!" From the other room, the duo heard the fluttering of wings. "So, what are we dealing with?"

"Class three. Flora Type. Don’t know much else besides that."

Wes grinned and stretched his arms. "A surprise, huh? Alright."

Edited by ISZATSO on May 18th 2024 at 11:45:40 AM

With great power…you know the rest.
BombonBombin Nightmare lord from Across time and space Since: Jan, 2021 Relationship Status: In love with love
Nightmare lord
#387002: May 18th 2024 at 9:15:41 PM

Ashes of Nohr

The two agents can't help but running through the hallway until they reached the pool.

My Castle

At the castle, the group meets up again!

Cardboard approaches Zamba:

Hi, Zamba! Glad you are OK!

Erm... Yes! He answers with a visible, glowing blush on his face.

I was hearing Gunther in my mind. I heard something about "disobedent people of the library" and I inmediately thought: "This is our Zamba!"

He can't help but laughing nervously.

By the way, who's your new friend?

Zamba's expression changed into nervousness. She was jealous of Nina? Or...

But she introduces herself.

Hi! Name's Nina, and I know him a lot of time ago! And you are...

Cardboard. I'm feom Garbage Island, and became a good friend of Zamba. Hope we can get well together!

Both girls give a warm hug. Zamba sighed of relief: they would be good friends in no time.

...Wait a minute: Cardboard considers him as a friend!?

...

Meanwhile, the ITIEI Agents spend their time (and money) improving their equipment.

Rosita buys the two Vallite Capsules, and gets back the Dry Ice Cannon.

As for Bombuccia, he retrieves the Time Machine from Zamba to charge it. He buys the two elixirs and the Reviving scroll. No amount of preparatives are enough.

Loinball buys the Mace, and asks the merchant if he can upgrade the Coke-and-Mentos Cannon.

Sawdust picks some Vallote capsules, and the Scrap. Hey, sis, do you still keeps the other pieces of scrap?

Yeah. Oh, there is Fores. I have some questions for him.

...

Do you remember Fores? He's here, selling weapons too!

     Fores' Big Stall 

He accepts almost any currency too.

  • Upgrade/Repair: If possible, he can upgrade and/or repair your weapons. Once per weapon, per visit.

  • Bonker: A huge hammer made with an oil barrel filled with concrete, and its handle is a metal pole. Very heavy.

  • Mini-Bonker: The "little brother" of the Bonker. Made with a can of powdered milk filled with concrete, and its handle is of wood. Can be dual wielded.

  • Glass swords: Made of glass from used bottles. Very sharp, and unusually durable.

  • Glass daggers: Small and made from used bottles. Can be thrown.

  • Origami shuriken (x50): Handcrafted by one Ms. Thingies. Very sharp.

  • Horned Helmet: An used construction helmet, with a literal trumpet tied on it. It can be played with a tied hose.

  • Glass shield: Made with thick glass bottles. Heavy and resistant.

  • Item crafting: If you bring him some garbage or things, he could make you a personalized weapon/armor/accesory. Once per visit.

And talking about that...

The girls approach Fores with the scraps.

Glad to see you again, Fores. What do you could make with those pieces of scrap?

He looks at them thoroughly.

"Hmmm... Those scraps aren't your usual garbage. Maybe they are something else... I think you should ask Corrin about them."

Cardboard goes with Corrin to ask them about the scraps.

What do you think they are?

Three freaking ghosts!
ISZATSO The Web-Slinger from Queens Since: Apr, 2020 Relationship Status: All is for my lord
The Web-Slinger
#387003: May 18th 2024 at 10:32:05 PM

DNC, Swords, Vandalon, Mutant Mons

Though he had asked, it truly surprised Ladwin to hear the members of their little party agree to his offer; for some it was the obvious choice, sticking with the larger group until they could get a ride out of here, but others seemed perfectly capable of leaving these lands behind on their own.

There was Taye, who appeared to be genuinely altruistic in her morals and reasons. She was a rare breath of fresh air in a world where so many seemed focused solely on furthering their own goals.

Medicine, who remained out of obligation to the hippopotamus oath and her honor as a doctor.

Hange, who remained on a seemingly selfless basis, proving that there was more to her beneath her unemotional exterior.

And Kana, of course, who desired purpose. She had offered her aid beyond the escorting of civilians. To hear her words and her offer elevated Ladwin’s hopes for but a moment, the idea of the half-dragon joining their war tricking him into a split-second moment of optimism, before he remembered just how utterly hopeless the situation was. But for now he said nothing, did not tell her that Queen Frilda had been the only one to remember the threat of Mordor nor that the rest of the realm had forgotten entirely of the dead land to their east and scoffed at the mere idea that it would one day rise again. He did not tell her that Al-Aggad was the first, last, and only shield against Mordor, smashed into thousands of minuscule pieces in a single night.

Grace did not say anything of the matter…of him, Ladwin was less certain. He seemed motivated to remain near to Medicine for the sake of his friend’s health, though, which was as good a reason as any. The knight suspected he’d also remain with the group for as long as Medicine was the only one able to care for his ally.

Ladwin hazarded the ghost of a smile before a a great groaning and crash sounded from beyond the walls overhead, where some unseen building crashed to the ground. The sky brightened with flame for a moment and another finger of black smoke stretched from the earth to the heavens. Taye brought up a good point, and Ladwin counted the group’s numbers. They were a person short. In all the confusion and panic of the attack and subsequent escape, he had somehow missed the disappearance entirely, or perhaps he had subconsciously noticed, and simply did not register.

Either way, he’d seen Taye’s capabilities in more than just combat, and her admirable attitude when it came to calming the refugees. If she said the missing member—Kaisui, Ladwin remembered—would be invaluable to their efforts, then he trusted her word. And beyond just that…a distraction could not hurt, for it was too soon to use the roads. They would be crawling with orcs and Mordorians. The Shadowtrees—that woods which bordered the Dragonsclaw Lake and stretched between Al-Aggad and the walls of Mordor, as well as curling around to the south of the city—would surely be infested with a healthy amount of foes as well, but hopefully not nearly as much, and there they at least had the blessing of cover.

Indeed, he realized, the first few days of our journey south will need to be made off-road, in the Shadowtrees. It’s our best hope at going unseen.

"Then let us search," he answered at last. "And make haste of it as well."

So search they would, and though there were many pillars of smoke rising from the Shadowtrees, it surely would not take long for them to find the one produced by their missing ally…

——

Liana’s had her singular moment and slash or stroke of luck already; now, she was condemned to inherit the shit-eating fate of every other Irish L-name character.

And eat shit she would have, had Bombon not neglected to mention her entirely and I were not as condemningly spiteful as I am. And through the spite of a higher power alone, Liana had the swiftness to prepare a Counter focused on Sam’s attack, and instantly striking back against the spinning slash with a powerful thrust aimed at his torso, just below the ribcage!

Idk whats going on with Dante-W and if he makes it to Nelo or not so I’m not gonna spend a round writing an attack only for it to be nullified entirely but i’ll do tjis at least

IF Dante-W reached Nelo Angelo without interruption, the demonic warrior would glance up at the approaching challenger. He dug a hand into the dirt and took out a palmful of soil, rubbing it between his hands before rising and reaching for the grip of his blade, half-buried in the ground. He tore the mighty armament from its earthen sheath and held it aloft in a single hand at his side, staring down the challenger clad in crimson coat.

This man…he knew him, somehow, though could not place just how. The familiarity of his presence was undeniable…but that mattered little. For now, they were enemies and nothing more. Nelo Angelo waited for the first move.

Taken by surprise by Ganondorf’s sudden appearance, Guts was struck by Apothea’s flames and stumbled backwards, a scorched cross embedded upon his singed chest armor, but thankfully it was that very same armor that prevented the flames from being fatal. In spite of it, it burned like hell, like his spirit.

Guts might not have wielded flame magicka or absolute sight, but he bore something arguably greater: an unyielding human perseverance, a powerful spirit, and the will to keep fucking fighting.

Even now he remembered the myriad tests thrown his way by life, the challenges and obstacles that no lesser man could’ve managed to surpass. A life of difficulty flashed before his eyes and he took the Dragonslayer in both hands, pushing forwards across the roof with a roaring howl. When he followed the Dorf’s attack immediately, not even allowing their target a moment to recover from her dodge, it was not Apothea he aimed to strike through the chest; it was life, it was every challenge he had ever faced down, every hardship he had ever suffered and endured and pushed through, and this would be no different.

"NOOOOOO STUPID ‘UMIE! DATS NOT 'OW YA WAAAGH. ITZ GOTTA COME FROM YA THROAT! ‘ERE, TRY IT LIKE DIS: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Okksbad violently molested both the air and his vocal cords as he surged towards Fighter, meeting the charging opponent with an overhead smash of his own wicked cleaver!

——

Mordran and Thorsig kept pace with Lute as she ran. Before them, two mighty stark white doors slid open, revealing some sort of hangar bay within. It was an easy two or three hundred feet wide and long, and much of that was occupied by blank space. There were very few spacecraft to be seen at all in the area—only three corvettes stationed outside the base, though each was nearly a hundred and fifty feet in length—and a small assortment of vehicles within the hangar. Boxes of cargo were moved via hovering platforms by machines and cyborgs, and the air was filled with whirs. Dotting the walls were windows that peeked into offices, whether on ground floor or twenty stories up.

Attracted by a signal sent by the former of the two Marines, a team of medical personnel surged forth from a side hallway. They brought with them a person-sized cryopod chamber, like a smaller version of the one Thorsig had burst out of to join in on the fighting against the Fallen, and opened it for Philip to be placed within. Once he was safely suspended in stasis they’d rush off back where they had come, Mordran following under the assumption that Lute would want to as well.

——

Little Yharnamtown, Hub Centralis

Screaming echoed off the ancient victorian buildings as people dashed the winding cobblestone alleys, in an effort to escape the mighty beast.

It rampaged down a main street, smashing apart shops and stands and wooden carts. It looked almost akin to a mix between a frog and an alligator, with course turquoise skin and a long, spiked tail. A pair of mighty tusks protruded from its wide maw, but what was perhaps its most notable feature was the genuine jungle growing on its back, trees and plants alike and draping vines that hung low and dangled almost to the ground. A more genre-savvy fellow might’ve been able to recognize it as a Venusaur, but certainly not any they had ever seen. It was far more monstrous in appearance than the ones they were likely familiar with, and much larger, at nearly forty or fifty feet long and over half that wide.

The creature moved sluggishly about on four legs, squat close to the ground, but swung its tail wildly into the storefronts and left ruin and debris in its wake. It paused to unleash a violent roar, the roar power proving enough to knock a fleeing child to the street. He tumbled and shouted, hands flying over his ears, stuck directly in the advancing Venusaur’s path. He screamed in fear as the monster grew near…

Thump.

Between the child and the beast, Wes dropped to the earth. He leveled his sword at the beast, which had stopped its slow approach so its inept mind could make sense of the man’s sudden appearance, while using his other hand to grab the child’s arm and bring him to his feet, before only half-gently pushing him away. Once the child was safely out of sight, Wes grinned and lifted the hand to the weapon’s grip, slowly lifting it to his head.

The first attack came almost blindingly quick, a vine that whipped at him from the Venusaur’s side. He batted it to the side with the weapon and leapt away, landing in a crouch upon the edge of a nearby building and looking down at the beast with a cheeky smile.

"How we doing?"

"Civilians evacuated, save a few…Arena "hopefuls". They’ll be joining in soon." Kayla’s voice informed from his earpiece.

"Hey, the more the merrier, right? Let’s get this wrapped up quick, and maybe we’ll have time for lunch leftover. I’ve always wanted to try Yharnish caviar…"

"Just get me a DNA sample, so I can start synthesizing an anti-cure."

With great power…you know the rest.
josh6243 Betty "Blast Hornet" Blanctorche Doppler from Digital Realm Since: Apr, 2009 Relationship Status: Anime is my true love
Betty "Blast Hornet" Blanctorche Doppler
#387004: May 18th 2024 at 11:56:59 PM

Albaz - Mission

All of a sudden, Albaz gets pressed super-hard by Desghidorah's earlier attack, causing the dragon to experience a near-death dream. Ecclesia is there to comfort the poor boy.

In Albaz's mind, he hears Ecclesia speak, "Are you going to let that meanie get the better of you?"

"   Ecclesia, is that you...?   "

"Yes! Stand up and fight again!"

Ecclesia - Ashes of Nohr

Still depressed, Ecclesia accidentally wanders into Fores' shop. "Hello..."

BombonBombin Nightmare lord from Across time and space Since: Jan, 2021 Relationship Status: In love with love
Nightmare lord
#387005: May 19th 2024 at 5:57:47 AM

Kaiju

The turbulences caused by the fight make the balloon shakes heavily, but the crew is still fine.

Get a strong grip, everybody!

I'll attempt to get the balloon in the correct direction!


Pica-Verse

For the group, that didn't saw Sora's interdimensional actions, he was just meditating or something.

Drawing!Belén talks: The book would only take us to the Center of the Pica-Verse. From there, we can only go to Madrid-1, where all those portals are.

Hatch chimes in. "Probably a portal has already opened there."

Probably. Just a heads-up: if all of us get into the book, we can't return to this world, unless somebody opens the book from this side...

Belén rips a page from the book, and pastes it on a wall.

...Or if there is a page of the book. Altough this can be a bit risky.

Emi can go with us. The other two will stay in the book until we find a way to recover their voices. Are you fine with this?

The other two nod.


My Castle

Fores notices Ecclesia approaching his stall.

"Oh, a customer! Welcome! What do you need?"


Little Yharm

The Mutant Child lands in front of the mutated Venusaur, releasing a shockwave.

[[evil:Heh. That priest was the main dish. You will be the dessert!

And then, he rushes to punch the mon in the face.

Edited by BombonBombin on May 19th 2024 at 10:07:56 AM

Three freaking ghosts!
shroobot3000 Witch of Scarlet Dreams from Behind you Since: Apr, 2014 Relationship Status: You can be my wingman any time
Witch of Scarlet Dreams
#387006: May 19th 2024 at 8:00:13 AM

Confluence of Fates

They'll find themselves running through a cavern full of familiar crystals, though they might find it alarming how while before they shone brightly with bioenergy when they first arrived, now they're all dim and dead looking.

Eventually they reach the surface, tall crystal formations forming a fence of sorts around an arena. Thunderclouds loom overhead albeit without any rain. Soulstealer seems absent again, as if he ran away.

Those with sensitive hearing might hear a sound almost like a diving jet, their only indication before Soulstealer flies by in a bombing run, dropping fireballs down at them as he passes by. He makes a second pass before finishing it up with a crash onto the ground, not aiming for anyone in particular as he lands and roars at them.


Little Yharnamtown, Hub Centralis

One of the "Arena hopefuls" is a confident looking young lady with blue hair and pronouns a fancy hat, who enters the area by hopping off a rooftop and across from the rampaging Venusaur thing.

"I don't know what kind of creature you are, beast, but I do know I can't let you continue to rampage." she says, smirking as she grabs an archaic looking Pokeball with a pink metallic band. She then tosses it into the air as a distinctly not-pokemon thing is sent out.

"Astalos! Show no mercy!" she barks out as the Flying Wyvern snarls and flies closer to deliver a powerful and paralyzing tail strike at the Venusaur thing's face.

Edited by shroobot3000 on May 19th 2024 at 8:33:27 PM

"That was a pointless encounter with a pointless person."
BoniniBanana Fortunate Sun I from real Since: Aug, 2021 Relationship Status: RelationshipOutOfBoundsException: 1
Fortunate Sun I
#387007: May 19th 2024 at 9:01:29 AM

AoN

Seeing the destruction Garon's causing with whatever monstrosity he's become, Mark's starting to think fighting him now is a really bad idea to stick around and high-tails it out of there with the rest of the group. He shoots the blades forward to quickly reel himself into the body of water just to make sure he's out of there.

"Holy fuck, what was that?" He's panting a bit from the mad dash away Garon moments ago. Corrin's mood and Gunter lecturing nearly all of them out soon after sours his mood too.

"We get it old man, we fucked up."

Anyway, he's off to the merchant to go get a couple of things.

Mark has bought the Bloodthirst Elixirs!

Edited by BoniniBanana on May 20th 2024 at 12:03:59 AM

real
KiriK The Grey Pilgrim from across time and space Since: Mar, 2015 Relationship Status: Singularity
The Grey Pilgrim
#387008: May 19th 2024 at 10:50:25 AM

Ashes of Nohr

The moment Corrin is free from Garon's grasp, Thel 'Vadam retreats into the ORB, not waiting to find out what'll happen next.

On the other side, he drops his Active Camo and buys an upgrade for his Carbine. In lieu of a status effect, it increases his ammo carrying capacity.

As for the Mgalekgolo, I'm just gonna repost that folder Bolded made.

    Hunters' Wares 

Saika - A soul-cutting katana. Used to steal its owner's soul but it doesn't now. Promise.

Smough's Greathammer - A bit scaled down next to the original. But that merely mean it's bigger than the average man. For pancake lovers.

Soultaker - A weapon that can cut souls. But it couldn't save its wielder's....

The Patriot - An assault rifle with unlimited ammo due to a simple life trick - they shaped the internal feed mechanism after the infinity symbol.

x2 Vallite capsules - They give soul-cutting properties to any weapon. You just need to uncork one and spill the water inside on the chosen armament.

Tenseiga - A large katana with fur at the start of the blade. Can't cut the living but can cut the soul.

x30 Katanas (out of 75 left behind) - There is someone in the prison who could make use of it. You should remember this for later.

Burial Blade - A sword with a particular handle that can be transformed into a fearsome scythe. How cool is that?

Mortal Blade - An Odachi capable of slaying immortal beings. Falter against godly might but never ineffective.

Blades of Chaos - Shortswords best used by tying the chains on them to one's arm. Sweeping, wide-reaching attacks capable of creating powerful fire effects will be available to one who doesn't lose themselves to madnesss.

Tommy Gun - It's fully loaded, so be careful with that - the previous owner didn't even put the safety on!

Fabricated Arbalet - An arbalet with a scope on it. Can be used to fire regular arrows, regular arrows that can mark and illuminate a target or a searing blinding beam of light.

Bolverk - The axe of a cruel king. Imbued with draconic power, it's sturdier than any axe.

Longclaw - The user's name was forgotten to time. The metal within it make it effective against the undead.

Serpent Hunter - A weapon meant to activate at a special time to help slay a truly titanic enemy. It can also stab small enemies.

x3 Scrap Metal - Golden bits of scrap metal. Given to an enlightened mind, it could probably be reforged into what it was.

Balrog - A pair of demonic gauntlets and greaves that can include shoulderguards. Change stances to blast or punch/kick your enemies with the power of the flames of hell.

Wooden Shield - A scoundrel's wooden shield. Can endure powerful punishment despite its humble appearance.

Heavenly Halberd - The legacy of a mighty warlord from the east. Said to be able to split the sky, but refuse to do so in the hands of anyone that isn't its owner.

Ebony/Ivory - Demonic handguns forged in the depths of hell. Fueled by the leftover demonic power of their own, they have bottomless magazines.

Moonlight Sword - a powerful greatsword imbued with the power of guiding moonlight.

Gauntlets Mark 50 - Nanomachines pilfered from an advanced suit of armor. Can cover the head for protection, the arms for stronger punches and blasts or the feet for powerful jumps and brief flight.

Nohrian Shield - A powerful shield crafted in the Land of Dusk. Can weather in against the hardest blows and deliver them right back.

Split Soul Katana - Another large blade with fur at the beginning of the bladed part. Can cut through the soul but can also cut flesh pretty damn well.

Noting the Scrap Metal retrieved from the Armory, the Arbiter also buys the Scrap Metal the Merchant is selling. Maybe they're all part of the same set. He'll keep Balrog, but wait a round before selling most of the rest of the luggage.

Edited by KiriK on May 19th 2024 at 12:55:36 PM

"A wizard is never late, nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to."
Bolded1 Fate, guide me from behind you!!!!!!!! Since: Mar, 2015
Fate, guide me
#387009: May 19th 2024 at 11:14:15 AM

Ashes of Nohr

My Castle

Beruka glances at Charlian and shake her head. Your advice was optimal and came at the right time. You do not need to apologize for it - it is a strength to tell people what they need to hear, not what they' 'want'' to hear. Besides - you were one of few not to blindly rush towards certain danger, Corrin included. Keep those wits about. She orders. As for Corrin, the young man groans as he adjusts his back, still feeling slightly sore down there.

And then he's approached by Cardboard, looking a bit baffled at being the one sought after for questions like these. It's not like he had exhibited much engineering prodigiousness, right? But he figures that it means he's being trusted. Or at least, expected to have answers to questions that other people ask themselves. And he's not sure if he should be glad or not about that position - he settle for the former.

On a closer look, the scrap metal is golden, and appears to be tied to some form of complex mechanism. One that can apparently fit on someone's wrist while handling tasks that would require much larger machinery.

Hm... Could it belong to someone who's in the jail cells? It could be good to give it back to them - but if you don't want to carry it with you, you can always keep it there.

And meanwhile, a portal above the gate open up, teasing a new arrival. But who could that be? Corrin glances upwards to see Shadowheart, Rumia and Pyre; Oh, good! It meant that only Vi, Vladek and Leonidas were unaccounted for. And pear or no pear, it was good enough that they were alive. But as he prepares to greet them and ask how their own quest went -to distract himself from how catastrophic his own was-, his red eyes widen in horror. No... Corrin raise his hands, attempting to try to get to the trio in time, but he's unsuccesful at stopping someone from once again breaking into the Astral Sea.

Within water, Azura moves fast. Much too fast for anyone to keep track of anything besides of a blue-and-white blur that comes crashing down towards the tube with the women in it. They'll barely be able to see two red dots moving their way at extremely high speed, and Pyre herself will barely get to feel cold iron wraps around her neck, before Azura yanks Pyre out of the tube, laughing along the way. Corrin's reflex is to try to swim after her, but with Azura's headstart and speed, the most he can do is be a bit closer to her as he watch her swim in mid-air, performing a sharp turn to the left as she veers off into a portal back to Moonrise Crypt.

What just happened?!

I couldn't even see her coming! How is that... Suddenly a bit fearful, Corrin swims back to the group. It'd be dangerous to follow after Azura alone - especially with the allies she could have around. And with everyone weary from the fighting before -even with Lilith's healing- it was a tall gambit trying to ask them to go off in what could be a trap.

Elsewhere...

His Castle

Azura burst out of the small pool of water clutching Pyre by the neck, leaping out of the water with literally so much strength that the liquid explodes all around them. PYYRREEEEE! PYRREEEEEE HELP US! Azura screams, not even glancing at Pyre as she raise her high overhead and violently smack her to the ground, with so much force that Pyre will bounce, allowing Azura to subsequently shoulder-smack her into the nearest wall. It holds against Azura's strength, with Pyre bouncing off the wall so hard that she literally get sent flying into a bunch of crates at the other end of the room, sending wooden chunks flying everywhere in a violent storm of dust and water. THE SHADOWS! PYRRREEEEEE! THEY'RE KILLING US! And should that be enough, Azura briefly stop, manic expression still stuck on her face.

Ad then, it melts into her usual poker face, and then devolve further back into a bored look as she move to seize a barely-conscious Pyre by the horns, dragging her along the ground. Refia watch from a corner of the room, touching the tips of her index fingers repeatedly as she watch Azura go. Y-yikes... But better me than her... She had warned Azura that the group was likely going to try to go back via the waterways. And to be truthful, she was glad they had picked that way. Because otherwise, she was going to be attacking them instead.

And she didn't know how long her urges could be held back in a fight.

As Azura approach her, Refia somewhat meekly follow her, the leading Demented Spirit not sparing her so much as a sight.

My Castle

How could she sneak past you like that? Isn't this your world?! Gunter's voice echoes in Corrin's mind, and the young man clicks his tongue in irritation.

Out here is the Astral Sea. I do not have dominion over it. Azura can still access that area. It's if she goes directly to my castle that she'd have problems. Entering the Orb directly should alleviate that issue - but any water way..

Is compromised? Can't you make more orbs?

Corrin shakes his head. Then remembers that Gunter likely can't see the gesture. Fine. We just need to be cautious with using those two. I'll warn the group in the city outside to be careful - but Azura is hardly omniscient. And at the moment, there is an easy way of seeing if she's active and close to a source of water. Before Corrin can ask Gunter what he means, Gunter use his powers to perform an impromptu zoom call, allowing everyone in it (aside from Leonidas, Vladek and Vi) the opportunity to see the following scene from an half-conscious Pyre's perspective.

And if they don't want, Gunter... doesn't force them to. Though they can choose to go in and out by simply thinking it.

Pyre's POV

The group will see her perspective as Azura (out of her vision) drags Pyre along, her face almost scraping the stone pavement. It's difficult to see much at first - but then almost coincidentally, Azura flips Pyre over her shoulder and toss her in the middle of what appears to be a large room. Over the course of the travel, the sound of roaring snow and crumbling debris can be heard, but aside from that, there's preciously little sounds.

With Pyre left laying in the middle of the room, she's left coincidentally staring at Ketheric's massive throne, with the man himself slouching on it, hand resting against the palm of his left hand, with the tips of the fingers of his right hand on the head of his massive golden hammer. But the first to talk and walk into frame is Garon - who's thankfully back to his regular form. Next to him is Morgan, with the Nohrian King apparently trying very hard not to look at him.

Azura! Have I put up a good showing?! Was I convincing? I've managed to kill one of them! Could the others manage that much? Refia walks to the right, purposely staying away from the others. As for Garon, something appears to scare him, and he take two nervous steps back, with Azura's wordless reply apparently not pleasing him.

Wasn't he immediately replaced? I hope it won't happen for each and every one of them! Morgan grabs the outer edges of his coat to fling it up over his shoulders, and then walk to the start of the stair leading to Ketheric, sitting down on it with a manspread for the ages. He glances up at Ketheric's position and then adjust his posture to imitate it, eyes set upon Pyre. But it's funny how none of the others could manage a single kill! How does that happen? We're usually more successful the first bouts. And how are you the last survivor? I kinda thought you'd get torn apart first!

I'm not weak... Refia replies, still a bit sullen, but with a defiance to her voice. ... I've even managed to learn that there are two Pears of Ignorance. How's that? One of them is lethal. Another isn't, but it kills memories instead. H-how's that for a contribution? Morgan goes "oohhh" and leans forward on his seat, while Garon folds his arms, appearing to look over Pyre to Azura to know what emotion he should take. And I even know the true Pear is by the heart of the fortress! Refia looks to the left and her eyes widen in fear, the Demented Spirit taking some steps back as someone approach her. W-wait! What are you doing?! I just helped you! W-why are you approaching me like that?! Refia briefly disappear from "frame", backing off.

A slight whistle, followed by the sound of sound of steel slicing through flesh (and also metal) is heard before Refia's severed head drops in front of Pyre, though she looks more dismayed and annoyed than shocked.

O-oohhhh, I get it, I'm shutting up now.

A figure crouch forward slightly, long thin fingers grabbing a firm hold of Refia's hair and lifting her head off screen, Refia apparently committing to her vow of silence firmly. A thin foot appears into frame, followed by another, panning up to reveal none other than Azura, with her long blue hair and white dress. She's missing a few extra jewelries - but only Charlian could really tell that there's a character design difference.

Her blue hair is longer than usual. Her yellow eyes are narrowed. Her lips thinner. Her expression colder and her naginata a much simpler blade than the weapon she had in the past - why, it looks more like a cross between a naginata and an outright trident. But she isn't the full star of this particular segment : for Ketheric shifts very slightly in his throne, his movement causing Garon and Morgan to glance up at him. And with that, I take it that all of the new Demented Spirits are dead.

yes they are If Ketheric's voice is heavy, outright crumbling with age and resentment, Azura's voice is a thin whisper at most. One that's barely audible despite her standing the closest to the "camera".

Hmph. And yet they could barely manage a single casualty altogether. You were not very wise in deploying them. Ketheric scoffs, getting off his throne slowly. Your decisions lack rationality and meaning. And I tire of having to surround myself with bloodthirsty dogs of your ilk.

Azura scoffs. And when she speaks, her diction is a little bit different from usual. I am a meaningless being. My actions reflect that.

Very melodramatic. Ketheric scoffs, stepping off his chair and descending the throne. If it is meaning you seek, you will find it in Lord Myrkul's infinite legions, bringing an end to the deathless worlds. But first, you'll need to tell me where "Prince" Corrin is.

i do not know where he is

Thorm sighs and leans his head on the right. I take it he is out of our reach. You wouldn't be waiting in place if he happened to be anywhere you could easily access.

no

Ketheric rolls his eyes, standing right in front of Azura, who has to crane her neck to look up at him. He glances at Pyre, and frowns slightly, with Morgan grinning in the background. Garon frowns, but doesn't attempt to push Ketheric off.

Wow, you're so cool, Ketheric! I thought you'd be very scared, what's with us knowing about the two pears! How'd you do that?

I would be concerned about that if your unstable lot had the competency to exploit that information. You don't.

So harsh... Morgan says, as Ketheric turns around, walking back to his throne. Gunter notices the ring he has on his finger but doesn't share the information yet.

And as for the people watching us - You've made a very poor choice of ally. Wherever you are, I know you'll need to come crawling out of it eventually. And please do make use of those weapons in the armory - they'll be used in service of Lord Myrkul soon enough anyway. There's no gloating or taunting to Ketheric's tone - simply a very formal, blunt tone. And a good contrast to the reactions Garon and Morgan proceed to have, the former glancing about in confusion while the latter has a good laugh.

But then, it's all overshadowed when cold hands grip the side of Pyre's head. And for five brief seconds, the group will only see Azura's head, her long blue hair falling all around it to completly hide the rest of the room. Her neutral expression quickly switch into sick joy, her eyes remaining completly, hopelessly cold while her mouth curves up into a sick smile.

See you soon, Corrin. And with that, she moves Refia's head to place the stump on Pyre's eye, as if to try to "block" the transmission; She succeed, because Gunter cut it out early. And as for Pyre, she'll be knocked out with a tap very shortly after. To the Dungeon she goes!

My Castle

Well... these are some very charming people. Shadowheart mulls, not even minding the sun. Ketheric Thorm was an imposing man, and Azura looked scarier than Garon... But yet she had the tools to kill them. And it appeared that, as scary as Thorm was, all but one of them had survived his troops's onslaught. And could he be single-handedly mightier than his army put together? No, it'd make no sense.

Still, his talk of infinite army confused her. And she found herself wondering what was gonna happen to Pyre.

She has thoughts patterns. But she was knocked unconscious - I'll be able to track her later.

As for Corrin, he keeps his cool, but Beruka immediately join up with him in concern, the two of them exchanging a silent glance. Nevermind Morgan - who was already shocking enough. What was Azura... They had heard she was there before, but seeing her in the "flesh" was still as shocking as anything else that had happened to them. And seeing her act so evil... No, even seeing Morgan act so evil was likewise shocking.

Thorm talked of "Demented Spirits", they can't simply be ghosts from my own past. They have to be something worse than that.

Yes. Morgan and Azura were never as bad as that.

One particular Ecclesia might remember a particular Demented Spirit that also behaved significantly worse off than the person she knew. But that's if she's in the mood, mind you.

Those rings of theirs - they make it almost impossible for me to work my magic on them. That could be how Morgan, Azura, Ketheric and even Garon managed to stay concealed for so long.

Either way, Corrin is left in deep thoughts, and so is Beruka. It was very convenient they'd all have the same ring, wasn't it?

City

Voss approach the group and stop a short distance from them, hand raised to signal the group to stop. The Githyankis next to him all spread out to encircle the group, though with having to take for Prime's size, it's a bit of a wide circle. Notably though, Voss is the closest to the group instead of having one of his troops "negotiate" in his stead. And behind him, the Githyankis are quick to gather up corpses, including those of Vladek's troops, gathering them in big piles that a passing dragon incinerate to nothing with a powerful gout of flames.

Voss hold on with the speaking until the group see that - a way for them to see the literal firepower held by the dozens of Dragons hovering over.

Removing the head is not enough, Istik. Incineration is the only way. Voss speaks, talking in a way that blows Gunter out of the water in terms of being haughty. This mean there will be nothing left of your corpse, should you fail to explain why I can sense Ghaik taint emanating out of you. Voss says, grabbing his Silver Sword and pulling it out, apparently for extra emphasis.

A Ghaik? Those people are not under any sort of mind control. Optimus protests. Despite his size, and the fact Voss is worryingly close to him, the latter doesn't seem to show fear at all, glancing up at Prime in annoyance.

Quiet, Cybertronian. You have no way of perceiving that foul psychic energy the way we can. Voss narrows his eyes, glancing at Kaa as well, though he appears almost confused when seeing her. And when he speaks to her, he does so the way a dog owner would probably rant to their pet. Istiks. There is no taint within you. And though your assistance was unwanted and unneeded, you might be granted the privilege of leaving, assuming you display proper obedience. Voss's eyes move away from Kaa,.

I told you not to approach them! Gunter hiss, annoyed. Leonidas doesn't mind, not even raising his shield to at least protect himself in one angle. The best he can do is to be defiant - if they try anything overtly hostile, there's a lot of Githyankis. And a lot of dragons.

I don't know what a ghaik is but if you harm those people, I'll kill you! Kaa says, actually sounding a little incensed this time. Leave them alone! Or it's you who's going to be put into the furnace!

You really wanna start a fight so close to the enemy stronghold? At that range, it's not like you can use your... dragons to roast us - we'll kick your asses before you can use more of those silly words I heard you guys throw about during the fight.

You overrate yourself. I will not need the assistance of our noble beasts to slay you. And if my troops fail, ‘’’I’’’ will suffice.

Yet still, Voss didn't give the order. Perhaps it was due to having to acknowledge that he was indeed not in a position where he was safe from an asskicking. Or maybe he was bluffing and trying to "test" them. The reality is that Voss indeed saw some Ghaik taint but was confused seeing how... "colorful" the thralls were. Far beyond the average sentience and competence of the average thrall.

And there was no way their master would use mind control to selectively make the thralls obedient but able to retain their main characteristics. Those pestilent atrocities could not fathom a lesser being having a particular skill or characteristic they could apply better than a higher being. And from a Githyanki perspective, receiving help from Istiks was humiliating.

But yet - Voss could tell he was in a complicated scenario. And the presence of a Cybertronian made things difficult on top of that. But still, the Ghaik taint was unmistakable.

Though perhaps with the right convincing or judicious persuasion, he could be made to stand down. Or at least, negotiate.

I can stun them with my powers - but you'll need to run quickly! These creatures think themselves superior beings and will not show mercy of any kind before words or reason.

Voss, it would be unwise for you to start a fight so soon after we've barely concluded one.

Edited by Bolded1 on May 19th 2024 at 8:27:24 PM

Nautolan picture belongs to Bonesmarinated on twitter
josh6243 Betty "Blast Hornet" Blanctorche Doppler from Digital Realm Since: Apr, 2009 Relationship Status: Anime is my true love
Betty "Blast Hornet" Blanctorche Doppler
#387010: May 19th 2024 at 11:27:56 AM

Ecclesia - My Castle

With a somber expression on her face, Ecclesia explains, "I, uh, need a way to cheer myself up. What do you have in this nice store?"

DevilPsyco from The Underworld (pretty deep down in the ground) Since: Jul, 2014 Relationship Status: In another castle
#387011: May 19th 2024 at 11:46:47 AM

Ashes of Nohr

Corrin's Castle

Dracus and Karzon... are completely unaware that anything went down, as they are currently in the mess hall eating something. Until they are randomly shown Pyre's POV of... something.

   "... I'm starting to think we're going insane."   , Dracus says, disturbed.

   "I wouldn't be surprised at this point."   , Karzon responds, equally disturbed.

City

Vladek and his Shadow Knights watch as they get surrounded and the now headless fallen are taken. The knights look about ready to intervene, but Vladek raises his hand to wordlessly tell them to stop.

"My lord, burning them...", one protests, already understanding what's happening when the Githyankis start throwing them all on a pile.

   "They know how this world works better than we do. Let them."   , Vladek says as they now simply watch the fallen being burnt to ashes by the dragon. Voss then confirms to Vladek that burning them is indeed the only way to prevent them from becoming a problem later.

They then simply listen, and while Vladek's blood boils at the fact that Voss is talking down to them, to him, he's not so stupid as to act out immediately. He's had years of experience with having to swallow his pride while in service to a king, as much as it angered him to do so each and every time.

Surprisingly, when he hears what Gunter suggests, Vladek simply thinks a response, knowing that Gunter will hear it.

   "Do not dare act unless it becomes clear we require it."   , he straight up commands.    "If they are as prideful as you say they are, then we should try to use that to our advantage, not make enemies out of them. Not unless it's necessary. Stand back and wait."   

Despite the clear threats made towards the group, Vladek has not yet drawn his blade again, nor has he given orders to his knights.

   "It would be unwise to start a fight at all when we share a common enemy."   , he speaks up to Voss, continuing off of what Optimus Prime told to him.

   "My more audible allies, they are ill-mannered due to being nervous. But I am an advisor to the king of an entire kingdom."   

Well, he was one. But that's not something Voss or the others need to know.

   "And as such, I can see things from a more strategically advantageous standpoint. Would it not be better for all of us to make use of this opportunity? To join forces, and to lead an attack on the greater threat? If you dislike the thought of us helping you, then why not consider it as... having extra bodies and power to send out into battle instead? Expendable warriors who can clear the path for you to succeed?"   

Is Vladek serious about offering his (and his allies') services to Voss in an attempt to have a more powerful force to work with? Or is he just trying to appease Voss into not escalating this situation? Or perhaps he's tricking Voss, trying to have them join forces so that he and the others can betray them when the opportunity arises? It's completely unclear, and knowing Vladek, it could genuinely be any one of the three options.

Edited by DevilPsyco on May 19th 2024 at 8:57:19 PM

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
#387012: May 19th 2024 at 12:26:21 PM

Ashes of Nohr, My Castle

Rumia lands without much fuss, waving to greet the others. Though it's only after does she notice Pyre's pointed absence. Oh dear that's a bit troubling. She'd mention what they found out but figures grumpy old man Gunter already did. Then said old man starts a zoom call.

   "The short one's annoying."    she comments after Shadowfart's statement, referring to Morgan. She opts to let the others plan their next move and focuses on preparing. She wanders near the two giant warriors and notices the pile of weapons they took.

One in particular stands out to her. The Moonlight Sword catches her eye, almost like it's calling to her. She picks it up and looks it over. Sure she's usually more of a scythe kind of person but she knows from Flandre how to use a sword.

   "I'll be taking this one~. Thank you."    she says to the two Hunters with a smile.

She then wanders over to the merchant man, not questioning his presence either. She opts for one BLOODTHRIST ELIXIR (it reminds her of Flandre) and two Weapon Upgrades (mmmm more damage).

"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
#387013: May 19th 2024 at 12:39:28 PM

Riften, Honeyside

It's a beautiful day outside. Tommy and Billy are playing outside (though close to the house at all times just in case and not in the water, it's too cold for that), allowing for Pietro and Wanda to have a moment to relax.

... at least until a rapid streak suddenly barges into the house, running around wildly everywhere. Is Tommy out of control again? ... though when did his brief afterimage change from blue to red in color?

In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
TheTropingAlliancer Kheshig, the Nonsense Man from Inside a PriPara (Experienced, Not Yet Jaded) Relationship Status: Raising My Lily Rank With You
Kheshig, the Nonsense Man
#387014: May 19th 2024 at 12:43:06 PM

YOU ARE THE OCEAN'S MISTAKE

Save

  • > Ashes of Nohr - Recuperation
  • A Trip to Tripartite Mall

Still a bit shaken by the intensity of the fights, "Pyra" decides that it would be a good idea to use this time in Corrin's Castle to recover via bass practise - the sounds cools their nerves.

They have carried Victoria and even an amp... but not headphones. Oh well, they'll have to play the songs out loud and hope no one judges their music taste.

Ui opens a YouTube playlist containing some of the songs "Pyra" often practises and floats as if acting like a music stand.

| You |

(Why is Lost In Thoughts All Alone in the playlist? That's too on the nose.)

| You |

(Painful History... Cheeky yet good pick, UI!)

They settle on this Kagura single.

Meanwhile, near "Pyra", the Squad finds a single human-sized white glove with a flexible screen on the surface, embroidered with a symbol of The Lily ("Pyra"'s character engine). Interacting with it shows functions similar to a smartphone (as holograms), and the ability to store physical cards digitally (as shown when they ejected the British Coord, the cards being caught by Zap.) Not knowing what it does yet, they put the glove near "Pyra" due to respect of the Typhoon and not fiddling with it without permission.

Hubcen Tripartite Mall

Save

  • Ashes of Nohr - Recuperation
  • > A Trip to Tripartite Mall

After the Bros have bought sheet music for Aikatsu (hey, there's Aikatsu on the 3DS) and (2) accidentally making Ui possess these electronic pianos that play prerecorded songs (imagine a piano that plays Time Pavement as an inbuilt song!), they part ways.

Grabbing some groceries (mostly food and some cleaning products at the supermarket on the floor below the music store), (2) returns home for the day.

Du-Du-Wa-Do-It, Arena Katsudou
IchigoMontoya (Don’t ask) Relationship Status: Not caught up in your love affair
#387015: May 19th 2024 at 1:00:32 PM

Before either Red Hood or Bucky can react, Azura suddenly comes out of nowhere and abducts Pyre as she arrives with the rest of her group, then leaves almost as quickly as she arrived.

"So much for downtime..."

Remembering that Beruka's axe had been destroyed in the skirmish with Garon, Red Hood removes the two shoto short swords he had packed for the quest from his belt before tossing them to her.

"Keep those. I won't have a hard time getting new ones."

Jason then retrieves the Soultaker katana from among the armory's available weapons, gives the weapon a quick flourish, and sheathes it.

"So, what's our next move? I say we figure out how we're gonna kill that blue-haired girl before she delivers another one of us to Kethric."

Bucky offhandedly tosses one of the library's books to Rumia and gets up from his chair.

"And save the weird demon kid."

"Yeah, I was getting to that part," Red Hood says. "And save the demon kid, even if she can be a handful."

-

Vi has to resist the impulse to immediately deck Voss right in his smug face. Even the snobbiest Piltie alive would probably think this guy was being a massive prick.

"Good to meet you, too," she snarks, not being one to take some asshole's bullshit lying down. "You normally this nice to everyone you met, or are you just making a special effort today?"

A small part of her had hoped that Vladek would put Voss in his place, but if he was trying to manipulate the Githyanki while planning to backstab him before he could likely betray them, well, she wasn't going to object to Voss being played for a sucker. Maybe he's even clear out the enemies in their path before it was time to wipe that smirk off his face.


Riften, Honeyside

Wanda, dressed in her lounging attire, spits out the tea she had been drinking prior to Tommy seemingly bursting in and literally running wild.

"Tommy, what did I say about zooming around in the house?"

Pietro, who'd been eating an apple nearby, raises an eyebrow.

"Wait a minute... I think you might have the wrong kid, Wanda."

Before Wanda can ask him what he's talking about, he dashes after Tommy(?) and moves to catch him by the shoulder.

Edited by IchigoMontoya on May 20th 2024 at 11:18:14 AM

DevilPsyco from The Underworld (pretty deep down in the ground) Since: Jul, 2014 Relationship Status: In another castle
#387016: May 19th 2024 at 1:07:33 PM

Tommy? gets caught... and as Pietro suspected, it turns out it was Billy instead.

"WHOA! Whoa, stopping that fast makes me dizzy. How do you and Tommy do it, Uncle P?", he asks, as if it's not incredibly weird that he suddenly has super speed.

As for Tommy, he can be seen peeking through the window now... while hanging upside down, indicating that he's levitating somehow.

"Haha, told you it wouldn't be easy.", he laughs at Billy, who only doesn't retort due to still being a bit dizzy.

In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
RainbyPlays fae being from yes Since: Nov, 2019 Relationship Status: Hiding
fae being
#387017: May 19th 2024 at 1:08:22 PM

AoN

Oh, fuck me.

Milin sighs as she sees Pyre get snatched and warped off, seeing things through the tiefling's eyes before going back to hers.

Guess I'm not getting much rest.

She gets up, dusting herself off and stretching before glancing at where the three came in.

"Well, this is going great. We should probably go find her, huh?"

Vandalon

Lute places Phillip into the cryopod and rushes off after it, keeping pace through long strides with her mechanical leg.

"It's gonna be alright. It's gonna be fine, he's safe, he's..."

Similar utterances come from Lute as she keeps moving.

If the cryopod has a scan feature, it'll pick up some of the following:

  • Phillip is suffering massive bloodloss from internal bleeding.

  • His eyes are cybernetic replacements, with telescopic and night-vision capabilities.

  • His skin is also artificial, sealing wounds quicker and hiding a subdermal lattice and armor under the surface. His lungs are similarly replaced.

DNC

Alice's ears prick up as she hears the rustling of foliage nearby. She quickly draws her flintlock, aiming it at the trees.

"Oi! Show yourselves!"

She doesn't need to wait long. She recognizes the familiar figures of everyone else she was traveling with... but most importantly-

"Taye!"

Alice rushes over, nearly tackling Taye to the floor as she pulls them into a hug.

Little Yharnamtown, Hub Centralis

"INCOMING, BITCHES!!"

Lilith was rapidly descending from the sky above, laughing like a madwoman as she unloaded a whole pre-fabbed LMG into the Venasaur's body. She tosses it to the side after- it can't be reloaded -and leaps back off of the titanic plant monster's back.

"Heyo! Need some heavy artillery?!"

Lilith's combat shuttle is currently in the upper atmosphere, ready for a variety of attack runs. She deploys a razor-sharp blade from her left arm and smirks.

"Let's cut this oversized tree DOWN!!"

aeiou: the second
IchigoMontoya (Don’t ask) Relationship Status: Not caught up in your love affair
#387018: May 19th 2024 at 2:18:33 PM

Needless to say, Wanda and Pietro are both understandably confused by the sight of Tommy and Billy displaying powers that neither twin has ever shown signs of possessing before.

"Boys... someone tell me what's going on here."

"Wanda, this better not be a sign that your magic's going all crazy."

Bolded1 Fate, guide me from behind you!!!!!!!! Since: Mar, 2015
Fate, guide me
#387019: May 19th 2024 at 2:18:56 PM

Ashes of Nohr - Smaller this time

Voss's eyes move over to Vi for a brief second, and he hold up his hand. Shhhh, pet. I will take one barking at a time. He glances back at Vladek, letting him finish by pointing at him, though his scoffing isn't all that reassuring.

Voss snarls. A kingdom is nothing to a knight of Vlaakith. I've been the end of kingdoms spanning entire realms. "High-advisors" and the very lowest of pages and servants are equally worthless before my eyes - blood to be spilled forth with a knife instead of an honorable sword. Voss could smell that Vladek was attempting to use him for something. But that was because he had suspicions that he and the rest of the group were the thralls of Ghaiks. Hence, he was more careful around them and could more easily see a lie.

But also, Voss was old. Though it was due to what one would call a cheat (and he didn't look like that), he's had to navigate his way across Githyankis politics for longer than most would like to believe. And if Githyanki warfare was already incredibly nasty, the little tricks and ploys that Vlaakith deployed to keep any potential challenger busy and overworked made the fiercest of battlefields look quaint.

That said, Vladek didn't know that. And to his credit, Voss did hear him out first.

Working with istiks is already a suggestion so low that a lesser Githyanki would be punished for merely conjuring the thought in their mind. But working with Ghaik thralls would be even worse! I have no reason to believe you do not mean to backstab us or use us to clear the path ahead.

Yet still, Voss himself saw them as useful. Vladek wasn't wrong in that. They could be useful. He just needed to find a way to ensure they weren't going to backstab him. He could do that by simply killing them, but that'd prevent him from using them as allies. Though he figured that these gauntlets would be a fine trophy.

Leonidas says nothing. He has an argument he want to say, but he, Optimus and Kaa are busy silently holding the line, bluffing the Githyankis into not attacking them yet and buying time for the others. Kaa is in a awkward spot of mostly glaring at Voss's feet due to not wanting to crane her neck too far up and show her face beneath the hood though.

... But yet a thrall would struggle forming a clear word. And you and the girl are both disagreeably coherent. If you are thralls, perhaps your conditioning is subtle, the others Githyankis glance at Voss, as if surprised he'd be reasonable. And it's true he'd have just probably attacked, but as said above, he was in a situation where he could use insurance. You will submit yourself to a psionic procedure. Should you pass, you will have the rare privilege of walking away - and may be given tools to survive a ghaik's mental assault. Should you fail, you will be killed. Voss remains straight-faced as he start doing hand signs, summoning some frustrated energy at being denied a role in Naruto.

Leonidas raise an eyebrow, a bit baffled at the manoeuver.

He's going to invade and destroy your minds! I will put up a defense, but you'll need to hold the line with your will!

You can refuse - in which case, you will die and be cremated.

Edited by Bolded1 on May 19th 2024 at 11:27:23 AM

Nautolan picture belongs to Bonesmarinated on twitter
DevilPsyco from The Underworld (pretty deep down in the ground) Since: Jul, 2014 Relationship Status: In another castle
#387020: May 19th 2024 at 2:40:02 PM

"It's 'cause of those cool stones we got at the Pizzaplex!", Tommy says as he climbs in through the window, after which he automatically floats up to the ceiling.

"The animal engravings started to glow while we were playing and all of a sudden I could run really fast!", Billy says as he takes out the Rabbit Talisman.

"And I make things fly, including myself!", Tommy says, excited. "And-and-and watch this!"

He descends a bit to line himself up with the window again before suddenly zooming off at such a speed that it creates a force of wind inside the room, after which he immediately comes back to the house at the same level of speed.

"I can combine my speed and this rock's power to shoot off like a rocket!"

"And so can I if I focus enough!", Billy says, equally excited.

"We're now officially faster than you, Uncle P. 'Cause you gotta look where you're running to not trip but we can just fly wherever we want!", Tommy grins.


Ashes of Nohr

As incredibly, seethingly furious as Vladek is at the way he's being spoken to (which his helmet thankfully helps mask), the information that Voss has apparently conquered kingdoms spanning entire worlds intrigues him enough to help him stay calm. Not to mention the fact that both his army and the giant metal being that's their ally don't seem to intimidate Voss one bit, indicating that either Voss has the world's greatest poker face, or he's 100% confident that his minions can decisively defeat them.

But then Voss provides them an opening. A small one... no, a minuscule one, especially since Vladek was already suspicious Gunter might've done something to them.

   "If you have ANY hold over our minds, no matter how small, relinquish it for now, unless you wish to see us fall."   , he thinks, figuring that Gunter will hear it.

Granted, if Gunter does have some hold over their minds and refuses to remove it, Vladek would not hesitate for a second to save himself and his knights and leave the others here to get slaughtered by the Githyankis. As such...

   "I fear nothing, and I have nothing to hide."   , Vladek says as he approaches, hands away from the hilt of his blade to showcase a lack of hostility.    "Do what you must."   

Edited by DevilPsyco on May 19th 2024 at 11:50:37 AM

In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
IchigoMontoya (Don’t ask) Relationship Status: Not caught up in your love affair
#387021: May 19th 2024 at 3:27:09 PM

Wanda raises a eyebrow. First the Darkhold, now these rocks? Who or what was stashing all of these insanely powerful magical items away in the Pizzaplex of all places?

"And these were prizes you just won at the arcade," she says.

Pietro's lips curl into a smirk.

"Is that right? Well, you gotta watch where you're flying, too, you know," he points out. "You never know what you could end up smacking into if you're not careful. One wrong move, and wham! Your face is saying hello to a tree."


Vi throws up her middle finger at Voss. Yeah, a stuck-up Piltovan aristocrat was starting to look like way better company right about now.

"Charming. Just hurry up and get your little ritual over with."

DevilPsyco from The Underworld (pretty deep down in the ground) Since: Jul, 2014 Relationship Status: In another castle
#387022: May 19th 2024 at 3:32:27 PM

"I won it at the arcade. Billy found his in some machine.", Tommy smirks.

"At least I didn't chea-", Billy starts while Pietro's also talking, though Tommy quickly interrupts the former to respond to the latter.

"That sounds like a challenge to me, Uncle P. Billy and me against you, let's go!", he grins. Billy, who would normally be annoyed at being cut off like that, does perk up at the prospect of a race. He'd always wondered what it would be like, and now he can actually find out.

"Yeah, let's race! And if we win... uhhh..."

"If we win, you have to teach us how you do that weird transformation of yours."

"Yeah!"

In the year 202X, all is devastation... Soon, any last shred of hope had by the saintliest optimist shall die and decay.
IchigoMontoya (Don’t ask) Relationship Status: Not caught up in your love affair
#387023: May 19th 2024 at 3:50:02 PM

Wanda turns her attention to Pietro after Billy's remark, both hands on her hips.

"At least he didn't what, Pietro? I hope you and Tommy haven't been doing anything-"

Before she can finish, however, Pietro immediately answers his nephews' challenge with a nod.

"Okay, you got yourselves a deal, boys! Just don't go crashing into anything or your mom'll be so furious with me!" he says.

Bolded1 Fate, guide me from behind you!!!!!!!! Since: Mar, 2015
Fate, guide me
#387024: May 19th 2024 at 3:52:12 PM

There's silence on Gunter's part, slight grunt aside.

Gunter does retire from their minds as a last ditch effort. It's not something he'd want to do but alas, that's the option that's the likeliest to get them off. Still, having to keep them out of his sight for a minute worries him. Especially because of their... rash behavior, Vladek aside. As for Voss, he doesn't notice this - the process was done skillfully enough that he can only feel lingering traces. Just enough to deduce that there was an attempt, but also just enough to tell that it had left.

As Voss complete his sign, he hold the palm of his hand at the group. And a blue flame appear in the middle of it, causing a strong mental backlash as Voss reviews their memories from the past two hours. He's lightly shocked at what he sees : Gunter's silence was him quickly removing memories of communicating with him, making him look like a mere commander giving out orders instead. An older man that Voss doesn't suspect. Since otherwise, he might believe Gunter to be the ghaik troubling them.

As a result, Voss doesn't find anything interesting. Yet. Which only make him more suspicious : he'll have to see what was up and verify if anyone on that group could have been a Ghaik in disguise. Though Voss didn't suspect that - Mind Flayers weren't ones to meddle in mortal groups. For they'd much rather make them lobotomized thralls. That, or it was a particularly crafty one.

Still, no point in sharing that yet. He could have use of that. Voss nods and the Githyankis back off, to the confusion of some. But none of them question him. And as they do, a large red dragon "replace" them, hovering over the group.

Fuckin' asshole... Leonidas groans.

I'm surprised there was a brain to rattle for at least two of you. You do not seem to be thralls... but Ghaiks work discreetly and from afar. If you answer my next question, you will be given a tool as promised - it's much more than what Istiks deserve talking back to a Kith'Rak. But I have greater needs to attend to. Voss would have told them to fuck off and leave, or even killed them anyway, but he was about to get busy. And for better or for worse, they seemed like common Istik adventurers. I checked your memories but hastily, I will admit that much. What are you out here for? He says, raising an eyebrow. Speak earnestly. I will know.

Kaa taps her skull, as if bothered, while a deep mechanic sighs escaps from Optimus.

Edited by Bolded1 on May 19th 2024 at 12:54:38 PM

Nautolan picture belongs to Bonesmarinated on twitter
BombonBombin Nightmare lord from Across time and space Since: Jan, 2021 Relationship Status: In love with love
Nightmare lord
#387025: May 19th 2024 at 4:06:47 PM

My Castle

"Here I sell some armor and equipment..."

Fores shows Ecclesia the list of articles for sale.

"...But if you need something else, I could help. Tell me, what are you worried for?"

Three freaking ghosts!

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