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Post by Nightshade on Aug 22, 2017 10:59:23 GMT -8
The border here didn't seem like it had seen better days just like the electopian one. He did know know who completely destroyed this one but he did not want to know either. From the marks around it may have been Ruin himself just before trying to break in Electopia and succeeding.
Nightshade walked slowly, past the security controls and into Netopia. From now on, he was alone. No ONB, no Shane...hell not even Nebula System Dynamics would help him now. He was completely alone in foreign land, searching for something which seemed to not exist at all. Not only that, but he would have to not get busted from NIA operatives if he didn't want to spark up an international accident or get locked up in their own prison. He had enough time in New Life. The cat navi wasn't fond of the experience nor would it sign up for a redo.
The sky rumbled as droplets of water lazily fell down. It is said that cats hated water, but it wasn't so for the black and green cat known as Nightshade. He had always found its sound to be relaxing and tension relieving. The daily life would also slow down as less and less navis were outside running errands.
His paws "chick-ciaked" as he stepped over the muddy terrain. If he were to rest anywhere indoors he would have to clean himself, but for now he did not mind them. He was thinking about his mission.
Blues had said that there were ONB secret services in Netopia. Problem is...he had run away from New Life without asking for a contact in the region. Ah, hell...he was supposed to be working alone anyway.
The first thing he decided to do was finding out the nearest city or village to the border. Just like any good rpg games, poking your nose into an inn where the scum of the net gathered would be the best shot he had to gather info on this... "threat" going on.
His gut told him that this would be more than a simple investigation. And it could...go south fast. He had promised Shane he would he back soon though.
And he would not break that promise.
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Post by Zane on Aug 22, 2017 13:41:50 GMT -8
To say the border had seen better days would be a bit of an understatement. It was literally wiped off the map compared to the Electopian one. Whoever was here had come with the intention of destroying it. And all that was left was some bugged data and the overall decimation of the slightly remaining rubble. Nightshade would notice several things right after he had entered as it were.
The first was that there was no security. The patrols hadn't returned or had been destroyed in the battle that took place here. The second was that he couldn't reconnect with Electopia even if he wanted to. It appeared as though the connection was still cut, so either Electopia hadn't opened theirs back up yet or Netopia had theirs closed. But if it was closed, how did he get through suddenly?
Heading even further ahead was signs of another battle that had taken place. There was massive gashes tearing through the ground and fire that burned still. Another battle had taken place some distance away from the border, so it was uncertain if that damage had continued onward to the closest sign of civilization that would come up or if it had managed to be concluded here. It was something he would have to find out for himself.
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Post by Nightshade on Aug 22, 2017 15:16:41 GMT -8
The cat navi would stop for a few moments and kneel down to examine the gashes and fire. Sadly, with the rain, those marks wouldn’t last very long. He would try to make out the shape and the size of what could have caused such destruction. He would aslo look around for any sand. His mind was racing, and from the words Blues said, a beast was roaming these lands. And he knew of a very particular beast with immense power, able to breathe both fire and lightning. What if that Beast was indeed the one Captain Blues had sent him there to draw out and "Neutralize"?
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Post by Zane on Aug 23, 2017 14:17:56 GMT -8
Despite the rain the fire was burning strong and bright. Whatever had done it produced a remarkable flame that could resist the change in nature around them. The gashes had been very deep ones as well, tearing the land in two which caused the mud that approached it from the rain to flow down it like a waterfall. There was no signs of lightning having been used, perhaps unnecessary in the battle that took place. If it was the beast that he had in mind, it could have possibly been either one that had done this deed. But with the massive gashes through the ground it was more likely that if it was either of them, it was the one that walked instead of soared. But who would have any further information to go off to ask about here?
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Post by Nightshade on Aug 23, 2017 14:58:34 GMT -8
The cat navi paled a little. Blues probably didn't have enough information. But if that was the work of who he was thinking...well...there would be no neutralization. Either him...maybe negotiating a peace or probably getting deleted.
Nightshade got back up and scanned the area, following the marks. If it really was one of the two Legendary Beasts, there should have been sign of their passage. The gashes did look like claw marks. Just to be sure he used his own clawed feet to swipe at ths ground and compare the marks. They did look similar.
Not completely excluding the work of a flying beast, he would stand up and carefully move his eyes around. If it were earthbound a beast that size must have had more of an impact on the ground and area surrounding it. Judging by the size of the mysterious claw marks, the beast would be at least 10 if not more meters tall...and really heavy.
If no marks of his arrival or leave could be found on the ground, then the beast he was after would obviously be airborne. And it would make tracking it nigh impossible for him.
The little cat's plan became obsolete. Getting information from others would compromise him. This was a hunt he had to accomplish alone. However, how could a meager little navi like him confront one of the most powerful and destructive entities on the net? Of course, this was his mind playing with him. But what if he really guessed right?
Nightshade quivered at the thought. He would not hold up long against the might of a legendary Cybeast. If he wanted to get anything done with them he would have to take it veeeeeeeeery slow...
...and hope they understood common speech.
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Post by Tiefy on Aug 28, 2017 9:33:14 GMT -8
Silence, nothing but the pitter-patter and hiss of rain against the superheated earth, the crackle of crimson flames, and the howl of the heat-driven wind scouring away and spreading the ashes and dust of the mayhem and carnage across the desolated area. Not even a single Virus populates the area - either whatever has been through here has been quite thorough about depopulating as it goes, or else whatever survived the initial onslaught just peaced out entirely without a trace. That would've been the smart thing to do - and still would be.
And yet, as Nightshade traverses deeper and deeper into the storm's wake, a peculiar sound reaches his ears...
Uuuu laaa...
Almost an inaudible murmur, and yet somehow distinct and clear from the cacophany of atmospheric noises around Nightshade. The rain and wind fail to drown it out, somehow - a low-pitched, monotone drone, with a distinct bass tone to it. The din seems to waver and 'ripple' in intensity and volume, as if its source is shaking or vibrating slowly.
Uuuu laaa...
The further in Nightshade goes, the louder and clearer the sound becomes. It almost sounds muffled, and yet amplified by whatever is gagging the source. The pitch rolls and gurgles as before - if a deep lake could speak, this may very well be the voice that a passerby would hear.
Uuuu LAAA...
And then, Nightshade finds himself standing mere meters away from the source... a familiar, almost hulking armored figure, huddled in a meditative pose under the cascading sheets of rain, surrounded by a particularly dense pocket of flames and gouged earth. The 'eyes' upon the chest and extremities of the Eidolon-8 Armorframe are closed, and where one would normally see the reddish glow from the holes in the Daemon's draconian mask, there is only darkness. The creature's thick, gelatinous fingers are outstretched, curling around a small object upon the ground - Nightshade's keen eyes can discern the glint of gold, and a pair of interlocking shapes that he can't quite make out. An idol of some sort?
UUUU LAAAA...
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Post by Nightshade on Aug 28, 2017 11:37:03 GMT -8
The hulking armored behemoth would find itself tackle huggled by a small yet familiar face. Nightshade would hold on tight on Thrash's armored belly.
"THRASH! THRASH THRASH THRASH TRHASH!" He squealed, happy to see his big sister. He had been so lonely lately. A familiar face would do nothing but brighten up his mood.
The little Daemon would slowly loosen his grip and allow her some free space. "What the hell are you doing here? I missed you so much."
For anyone who didn't know their story, they would consider madness resting peacefully in the gelatinous dragon's lap, surrounded by its massive crystalline claws, helpless in its grasp and complete control. Yet for Nightshade it was perfectly normal. I would simply sit there in Thrash's lap, wagging his tail at the huge Daemon.
He looked up and smiled. For the first time in a while,Nightshade was happy.
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Post by Tiefy on Aug 28, 2017 18:47:51 GMT -8
In immediate response to Nightshade's... presence, the armored "eye" upon the Daemon's chest suddenly opens, the core's gaze now tinting the surrounding area in a deep red glow. Aside from this, the elder does not move, remaining stiff and motionless in its stance...
<...Hmhm. Not the beast that I was expecting to respond to the Call. But this at least confirms my suspicions - your disappearance and the lockdown of the Netopia border to civilians and lesser agents are not unrelated. It is good to see you unharmed after all of this.>
Now that Nightshade is closer, he is able to examine the small golden idol between Thrash's hands in full - a small golden statuette, depicting a pair of imposing figures locked in battle. From above, what appears to be some sort of eagle or falcon with great bladed wings, a set of hatchet-like crests to either side of its jagged beak, and a horn jutting from between its eyes like the point of a sword; the bird's talons flail and grasp at its foe, some terrifying armor-plated canine with a mane of long kite-shaped blades, its massive paws sporting curved claws just as menacing as its bared fangs, an eight-pointed star crest prominently adorning its forehead between its pointed ears. The statuette appears to pulse and throb with some unseen, intense force...
<I must admit, this is not what I was expecting to find when I decided to bypass the blockade and investigate the matter. I'm sure you saw it when you came here - the destruction and devastation, the gouges in the ground. It... brought back some interesting memories, to say the least. Enough that I felt a prayer or two wouldn't be the worst idea.>
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Post by Nightshade on Aug 29, 2017 0:36:14 GMT -8
"Does this all look familiar to you?" Nightshade asked, looking at the statue. "Considering your age...and the fighting that happened here, maybe you've already seen what is able to cause such unparallel destruction."
The litte cat would point over to the throbbing icon. "I was sent here to find out if an unknown beast roamed around here. But now I am beginning to think that if Greiga is really here, Falzar cannot be far behind."
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Post by Tiefy on Aug 29, 2017 8:15:18 GMT -8
The Daemon's shoulders suddenly slump, accompanied by what almost sounds like a sigh. Nightshade only now realizes that Thrash has only rarely vocalized up until this point - exactly what he was hearing as his "sister's" voice all this time is an exercise for the mind. How does a creature with no sort of vocal apparatus talk, anyway?
<...Clearly, I have missed out on a great deal during my hibernation if I somehow missed the resurrection of the most powerful Multi-Bug Organisms to ever walk the 'Net. I suppose it is not out of the realm of possibility for them to be recreated, either artificially or through the natural process that formed them in- ...I really do ramble too much, don't I?>
The statuette continues to pulse with energy - it is very likely that the idol is infused with a portion of the Daemon's own power, given that it is apparently one of Thrash's belongings. Regardless, the "elder sibling" continues to regard it with care and caution, sheltering it from the falling rain.
<To cut a long story short, the Great Cybeasts were destroyed during my operational period, after another syndicate's attempt to harness them as Dimensional Weapons - a scheme that I suspect inspired my old master's own plans for me. Perhaps that has something to do with the Cult's acceptance of me as an ally in those times... that, and they did business about as well as any other Underdenizen. Makes me wonder just what happened to the old UnderNet... but there is no question as to the fate of the Cybeasts. This idol is but a monument to dead gods, and my chant is naught but a tribute to deaf ears... even if this destruction does strongly resemble the aftermath of their trademark rampage.>
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Post by Nightshade on Aug 29, 2017 13:49:10 GMT -8
Nightshade looked at himself, then back to Thrash. Since his change into a Daemon his link with his big sis had grown stronger. It was amazing how she could speak to him with her mind. He quietly listened to all she would say before examining the old relic and snuggling closer in the Daemon embrace trying to cheer her up.
"I...Blues told me that a powerful beast was roaming here. And what you say is true. Just look at the marks, the fire...the destruction. Those a claws. And very big claws."
The little demon would flop with his back leaning on Thrash's legendary armor.
"I had no Idea you were part of the Cybeast Cult. How many secret will you keep from me, big sis? You know I get worried about you. We both just barely crawled out from a dark tunnel. I don't want to go back in."
Nightshade abandoned himself to the other Daemon. With her around he felt safe to relax. By now they both were soaking wet. He didn't really care. He couldn't catch colds. And he would remain with his big sister to ensure she was fine.
"...I was tasked to neutralize this beast. Yet I can't do it. Not alone at least. The only way to restrain it is to do as the old days. Like the legends speak. A hero made himself a vessel for the Cybeast and its power was stopped...you wouldn't know the sealing ritual, do you?"
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Post by Tiefy on Aug 30, 2017 8:16:56 GMT -8
<...Is that how history interpreted the use of the ExaMem to contain the Cybeasts? I was not personally present for either of the incidents where such an act was performed... but I am certain beyond a doubt that unless Navi data capacity has improved by leaps and bounds in the last century, such a feat is impossible. More likely, in a manner of speaking, the opposite would ensue...>
Thrash's fingertips tap upon the top of the bird-half of the statuette, causing its eyes to suddenly flash red. Another touch causes the tiny golden wolf's eyes to glow green...
<I do know rituals involving interacting with the Cybeasts and the disturbances caused by the sheer power they leak into the Net around them. The chant I was performing just now is one of them - technically, it is meant to empower the Beasts. In their presence, that mantra will awaken a Cybeast's will, unshackling it from any force that would seek to contain or control it. Once its wild inner nature is unleashed, the beast - regardless of which one - will instinctively seek out the other, or a place that the other has claimed as a lair. I must admit, it gives me a sense of homesickness as well sometimes...>
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Post by Nightshade on Aug 30, 2017 8:54:30 GMT -8
Nightshade nodded. "Well to be honest that could help. If it really is Greiga or Falzar they will be moving around. The worst part will be keeping them in check."
The little cat would look around and examine the surroundings, looking over to see if the chant did really awaken something. He was fearing that what his sister said might happen sooner than expected.
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Post by Zane on Sept 5, 2017 12:25:02 GMT -8
Fortunately or unfortunately, Thrash's five centuries old tactic didn't seem to have an effect then. Perhaps because there had been more improvements than the time-displaced blob expected, but such was the case with the know-it-all more often than not. Why it didn't work could be left up to any number of reasons. Perhaps it even did work? But standing around wasn't making anything happen for them. All that was left around them was the rain and a lone figure walking off in the distance, probably just a straggler or someone who came to see if they could leave Netopia but couldn't. So their job of neutralizing the beast was still at its starting point.
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Post by Nightshade on Sept 5, 2017 14:32:04 GMT -8
Nightshade sighed. "Well...doesn't seem like that kind of thing you do works anymore. I mean, I do not want to insult you Big Sis...but your methods are kiiiinda 500 years outdated. Even after your upgrade."
He moved to stand up, but then decided against it for a few moments more. He was enjoying his place in the huge Daemon's lap. "Blues talked about some spies here. Problem is, he didn't really gave me a contact and they seem the guys with information. Now, I have read some files while coming here and I know of a guy working undercover. And I think you know where to find him. What's the nearest slum district where all the criminal people go? I know they are the best in giving info no one can find...the Undernet peoples especially. If a multibug organism is around there sure will be more signs. Greiga is a smart wolf, but its size doesn't help him hide. But before that..."
In a burst of dark purple mist Nightshade's appereance shifted completely. The gray of his armor turned a deep black, with the green details adorning it shifting to their complimentary colors. The helmet extended and morphed into a mask partially covering his head. His body lost all color before turning to a see through deep nebula purple, red veins pulsing all over 6 red cores. He let out a little happy growl and stretched. "...I have to look the part. You know, big sis, you have no idea just how much your powers help me...other than feeling amazingly powerful. Being a Daemon isn't that bad afterall, the Eidolon Six is a masterpiece of engineering and a blast to wear. Sure you need to get over the fact of being a jello monstrosity but hell if this form doesn't spell 'bad guy' all over on my mask." ThrashCross Nightshade commented with a grin. "So...since you are ONB too, you coming or not? It could get interesting and you know just how much I like your help."
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