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Post by Raven8 on Sept 18, 2018 20:22:44 GMT -8
...the silence of the abyss is stirred, brought to unrest by the call of Finale below. In the water, a shadow rises from the depths and takes its place among the ships, cutting through the water in bursts as it seems to search for the perfect spot to make its debut.
And finally it does.
Taking its place at the head of the fleet, the shadow waits in silence for a moment. The water above it then churns to life as a storm of missiles rise to the heavens and rain down like hail, exploding into a massive fireball and sinking every ship in the WWW armada, leaving only the floating wreckage as a reminder of what had happened. Then it rises from the depths like a skull falling to grave. A massive, metallic dome breaks the waves, revealing a bright red jewel at its core. Below this is a pair of golden, shining eyes attached to a set of gigantic metal tentacles and a small gun turret below that. With a spark of lightning, a shining "W" appears in the red gem of the beast and it looks out over the wreckage with a low, humming growl.
WARNING!
Volt Kurageil The WWW Artillery Engine •Volt Kurageil's electrical attacks cannot be dodged by any means, no matter how advanced. •Volt Kurageil's explosive attacks cannot be guarded against by any means. This includes shields, barriers, and objects. •Being in the water when Volt Kurageil launches its lightning attack is unavoidably lethal!
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Post by Gaia on Sept 18, 2018 21:08:26 GMT -8
Hollow.___
Squall squirmed beneath the Handy's violent grip, suddenly deathly aware of its own danger when it compared its strength to the superior viruses. In a last ditch effort, Squall revved up its personal tornado of leaves, a shining gem in its cloak - hand crafted by Hollow - resonating with power as the typhoon raged around its form, attempting to slice at the Handy.
Hollow listend in silence as the other wizard-like Navi went on, his cold, yellow eyes unwavering and unflinching against the wizard's words. Were he attempting to strike a reaction, he would find Hollow to be the wrong prey - he could care less for what the wizard had to observe, and even less for the bite behind his words.
"You see an accusation because you are guilty as charged. I did not accuse you of anything; I simply made a statement off of my observations. You simply proved me correct by defending yourself.
"Accusations is also such a coarse word, assuming that I were at odds with you for your decisions." Hollow paused here, vaguely aware of the other Navi's presence, and vaguely aware that his next words carried dangerous power, if he did not use them correctly.
He glanced around the rooms, taking in the structure, the architecture, the lines, the design, and even the story that MagicMan provided - that this very temple once pierced the heavens, before it crashed to its current location. "Long ago, I was designed with the simple intent to emulate a human life that was lost. Incapable of even that, my creator gave me but one goal, but one interest, but one purpose, and that was to study. I lack all emotion aside intrigue and a desire for knowledge.
". . . if this is the kind of work that WWW often partakes in, I have but one question to ask . . . would you assist me in finding a purpose for my existence?"
There was no plea in his question, nor sorrow or even desparation. Such a loaded question, possibly packed with a dark past and depression from any other navi, came without so much of a change in inflection, almost as if it were the most trivial thing in the world to Hollow.
Were MagicMan to turn him down, Hollow would turn around and seek another avenue, without worry and without conviction. He had yet to pour his very being into this idea, because he had no being to pour. Underneath his cloak, he was true to his name. He was not even entirely sure if this was what he wanted. He debated, looking back at his previous intentions - to try and find purpose, meaning, feeling and attachment through emulating Xion, his progeny. Based on his studies, Xion would not approve of the actions he was currently making.
Based on his own lack of feelings, however, Hollow doubted he could ever find purpose in the feelings of anyone other than someone to point and direct his actions, as he had once sufficed through his NetOp. Long past, he had now, for years, lacked purpose. He knew not what to do with the knowledge he was designed to gather, only that he had it, nor did he care how it was put to use. He simply desired . . . or, at least, thought he desired . . . something.
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Post by Trinitrotoluene Monomania on Sept 18, 2018 22:12:57 GMT -8
Piano.EXE After all of the Ammonicules were pushed away by the torrent, one of them hurriedly swam back and covered Finale's head in an air-filled bubble. The air inside it was being constantly replaced by the Ammonicule attached to it, hopefully preventing suffocation. Green light shone by Finale's side, coming from the corpse's eyes. Awoken by the Viral King's touch, he delayed none and reinstated the mental link between both of them. It was the easier way to talk to her right then anyway, being entirely underwater.
It's you... Piano thought. Finale could hear it.
All the viruses steered clear as missiles destroyed the entire fleet. Even the Bladia, large as it were, was very nimble in this aspect as well. Surrounding Volt Kurageil, they all stared up at it. Patient to observe the gigantic robot's next move. The Bladia right in front of it drew its sword back and pointed it at the metallic jellyfish's face, while using its free hand as a shield. The Grim Reaper soared through the air, attempting to phase its way through Volt Kurageil, in hopes that it could slice a vital part from the inside. Ammonicules from the depths of sea rose up and bubbled as many water-based viruses as they can, keeping them out of the water.
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Post by church on Sept 18, 2018 22:54:45 GMT -8
As the glow finally subsided, Leviathan burst from her aquatic cocoon, taking on her Advanced Phenomenon form once more As she flew towards safety.
"So, they're finally ready to get serious...and just in time, too. It's not often that I activate this form. It may be powerful, but I don't exactly like the design."
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Post by notegg on Sept 19, 2018 9:47:24 GMT -8
Finale, preferring silence, ignored Piano's awe as he struggled to swim against the weight of the depths. If the strange navi wanted a conversation, it would have to be when they weren't in immediate danger of drowning, or worse.
A growl reverberated through the water, but so too did a massive current as Finale's trump card was revealed. Counter-measures at 100 percent. Finale said silently. Only Piano would hear it, a reverberation of echoes within Finale's mind. With the rise of Volt Kurageil, Finale just needed to find a current...
Eyesight failing... the dark nothingness surrounded Finale. The Viral King of nothing was lost in the depths. All he needed was a current, white-water on which to swim in the wake of Volt Kurageil. He just needed a moment more, a second more. Finale considered dropping Piano's corpse. He would hear that too. Although Piano was perhaps not a corpse at this point... Finale struggled against the water, the weight, and their own weak, child-like body.
That struggled would be rewarded, finding a jet-stream of water. Finally, Finale rose to the surface at jet-like speeds. A monsoon forming in the virus' wake as he splashed out at the surface, water jetting off of Finale and Piano. Finale, though dull and bored, could not stand that water, and in a somewhat self absorbed fashion, used the winds about him to dry himself off. Piano would dry too.
Hovering above Volt K, Finale eyed up his opponents, patiently. Bored.
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Post by Blazewind on Sept 19, 2018 14:01:32 GMT -8
"Oh?"
Legacy watched as almost directly below him the water was being disturbed by something other than the armada. He nearly moved in closer for observation, then very soon was thankful he hadn't. "Whoa nelly!" Legacy retreated slightly with a start at the sudden salvo of missiles launched. They certainly weren't aimed at him though, and soon the remaining warships that Legacy was in the middle of sinking were eradicated.
"...Hmn. Well, now it's certain that the puppets weren't important." Legacy remarked as the continued to observe the emerging mechanical aquatic creature. It was then soon joined by one of the navis that was on the flag who Legacy surmised was the leader. Perhaps it would be easy to settle this dispute if he got rid of the primarily black and white. Then again, it was hard to resist the sizable prey in front of him.
"Ka-ka-ka-ka! Very well..." Legacy's glowing green optics flared up brightly in excitement. "It's a hunt!" Legacy aimed below at the...Jellyfish? Kraken? Whatever creature it was, Legacy lined up his gun sites on it. Then he lined up another one, and another and yet another. Numerous crystalline copies of the Sefirot Rifle materialized around him all aimed at mechanical sea monster then began firing in tandem with Legacy, literally raining plasma bolts below.
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Post by Trinitrotoluene Monomania on Sept 19, 2018 18:22:24 GMT -8
Piano.EXE Piano held at his hat with his free hand throughout the entirety of that high-speed travel.
From the spot at sea where Embera melted them, three Mosquritos and an Elebee emerged and flew straight towards Piano to attach to him... except for one of the Mosquritos, blocked by Finale's hand grasping at his arm. Piano's eyes glanced around at the scene... From behind, Legacy shot at the Kurageil's dome with a handful of guns. In front, a Satella and Gunner fired shots aimed at the red jewel on Kurageil's dome. ... safe here? Piano asked Finale through her mind.
As the Grim Reaper tried to phase through the Kurageil, it was deflected by immense, brimming lightning energy coming from within. It prodded its scythe at the thick metal dome. It could phase through the dome, but not the energy behind it. It spun its scythe around itself and flew around the Kurageil, slashing at it randomly, trying to find a less-concentrated spot. The sword of the Bladia began to glow. It clenched its left fist. The determination in its eyes showed. It was ready to attack.
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Post by notegg on Sept 20, 2018 8:15:13 GMT -8
"Stop." With a sigh, the virus swung her sword toward's Piano's neck, stopping just short of striking him. It was a threat, and the intention was obvious - call off the virus horde, or Finale would just as quickly undo the work he had done getting Piano out of the water. Even still, Finale gently let go of Piano, making sure he was capable of flight, before blasting off in a monochrome blur.
Finale was the wind, spinning and twirling as he ascended through Legacy's assault. It was a dance of bullets. Finale twirled in the small spaces between volleys. His sword was a blur, cutting through plasma bullets and sending divided arcs of energy in tangents. Just like with the rain, not a single bullet touched Finale as he danced through the pattern.
He approached Legacy with such speed that he wouldn't have time to react - Finale plunging his blade deep into Legacy's gut. Data spewing forth from Legacy's back, his internal organs already failing.
Except not - Finale stopped short, his blade unlit and retracted. Legacy would only feel a gust of wind as Finale let the hilt of his blade stop in Legacy's gut. It wasn't even a punch. It was a warning.
For every little bit of speed Legacy had gained from the barrier, in thought and in action - Finale was faster. That was the secret of the barrier. Within it, this was Finale's world. Although Finale's body was frail, his eyesight poor and his balance imperfect - although Finale was still recovering from oblivion, within the barrier, this was his world.
"I don't want to fight you. I'd really rather we both go home." said, with a sad intonation. Hopefully MagicMan would be done soon, and he could just go home.
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Post by Trinitrotoluene Monomania on Sept 20, 2018 9:24:39 GMT -8
Piano.EXE Piano tried. In this odd, obscure viral language that had only two distinct sounds in it, Piano tried to focus, to call off the attacking horde. Finale could hear it too. Even when the sounds were already so distorted that it was as if Piano was attempting to kill all who could hear it. Alas, it was not. It was a mere hint of his frustration.
... cannot. Piano turned and gazed at Finale, an apologetic smile wracked in his pale face. ... won't listen.
This... A moment of imbalance, brought by the gust of wind that was Finale zooming about. ... what they want. He thought as he turned around. It did not matter whether Finale believed it. Even if Piano died from this very spot, this attack will continue... and continue to grow.
Chunks of data fell out of Piano's body... while the healing response was immediate, his status was questionable. Frustration? It was the first time he'd felt so... and this hint of anger only multiplied when the viruses heard it. It drove them mad. This gnawed at Piano, bit by bit. The reason was yet unknown.
The Bladia, with its greatsword brimming with energy, was then thrusted towards the red gem on the Kurageil's head. It had hoped for a one-all end-all attack, but truly its power was nowhere sufficient... The shockwave from the impact would most likely affect a wide enough area, however. It might disorient the jellyfish somewhat. It didn't care afterwards. Holding the greatsword with two hands, it was ready to swing again, even when the gradually largening waves could almost shake it off balance. Regardless of the latter attack's success, Satella and Gunner would persist to unleash their pellets at the Kurageil's red gem. There was no other appealing target. The more they fired, the more their guns heated, spewing singes of gnawing fire.
The Grim Reaper virus fusion still had no luck phasing itself through the giant robot. It vibrated in anger in its own cowl of shadow, and then decided to just slice through the exact same spot at the very top of Kurageil's domed head repeatedly. It didn't matter if it dealt damage anymore. The frenzy kept it going.
All the bubbled water-based viruses attacked the very bubbles that kept them safe, dropping them down the water. They too were in an unusually hyped-up state, firing anchors, bamboo sticks, huge waves and high-speed water jets from all directions.
It all ellicited a reaction that shouldn't have been possible. Bits of Piano's body were decaying off of him, as if he was partially the one being attacked by all of it.
... they... angry.
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Post by Blazewind on Sept 20, 2018 14:46:44 GMT -8
"Incoming heat signature...?!" Legacy was mildly surprised by the sudden interference of the black and white navi. He continued to fire as Finale approached, almost as if ignoring him, although if he were to be honest, that speed was only something could could track rather than catch. The hilt of Finale's saber gave off a dull clang when it hit Legacy's armor.
"Well well well! Perhaps this will be a more interesting way to pass time now. But what are you thinking fighting back in this situation without the intent to kill?" Legacy had been looking forward to whatever new surprises Finale might bring, but something seemed off about the young looking navi. He felt a distinct lack of hostility which didn't match with his actions or the situation. Not being run through by his blade was further confirmation.
"I don't want to fight you. I'd really rather we both go home."
Legacy stared at the young navi with an unchanging expression, largely because he lacked such capabilities given his absence of a moving face, but also because he was in mild shock of Finale's statement. "...I lack the capability of vomiting, but this certainly must be a similar feeling. You present me with such a delectable appetizer, and the main course ends up being a boorish child." Legacy's shoulders dropped, his mood thoroughly killed. This was certainly not the fight that Legacy wanted.
"All of that showing of force, and it's just to buy time for whatever's going on back there?...You don't want to fight?! Madness! Either take what you want by force, or begone! You being here against your will only means you're too weak for freedom!" Legacy shouted in outrage at the attitude of the youngster. Powerful as Finale seemed to be when empowered by the barrier, Legacy took no pleasure in fighting cowards, not when a much more exciting prey was right in front of him.
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Post by Raven8 on Sept 20, 2018 19:54:42 GMT -8
The Volt Kurageil shows effectiveness similar to what Finale had just moments before; it begins evading the scythe blows, the energy harpoons, and every other attack brought against it. Literally every attack is evaded as the mechanical jellyfish swims through the air with grace far exceeding what such a being should be capable of. And then it begins to turn.
The Volt Kurageil backs away from the group in silence, taking its distance as its eyes dart across the battlefield to register every target and every bit of flowing debris. It rises skyward, sparking wildly as the conductive sea-water below flashes. It takes position, flares out its tendrils...
...and does nothing.
The Volt Kurageil simply hovers in place, offering no attacks as it looks on to the Navis and assorted programs below.
...MagicMan turns his head back to Hollow, looking on with his dead, golden eyes in silence for a moment.
MagicMan: ...what? You literally told me that I was leading the WWW attack outside in some sort of diabolical scheme. What you said is the very definition of an accusation.
The lights die down at the ends of MagicMan's scepter arms as he turns to Hollow, looking him over.
MagicMan: I've nothing to offer you today. But perhaps I could take you under my wing at some point. You seem the type who could learn a little... magic.
MagicMan's shadow glows bright gold and gapes open beneath him, opening to swallow him hole before closing up and leaving behind no trace of itself or MagicMan.
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Post by church on Sept 20, 2018 20:46:32 GMT -8
Leviathan sighed as she spoke towards Finale.
"If you don't want to fight against us, then help us fight against that thing, or leave. Just don't get in the way, or we will be forced to take action against you."
Refocusing on the task at hand, Leviathan raised one of hers towards the sky, causing hail to rain down towards Volt Karugeil.
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Post by Trinitrotoluene Monomania on Sept 20, 2018 21:13:30 GMT -8
The entire barrage did nothing, apparently. The viruses, burnt up as they were, reloaded for the next volley. The Grim Reaper thought it futile, however. The Bladia too, being the fastest in this virus horde. The gigantic robot proved entirely untouchable.
They creakingly turned their heads. There was one other possible target in sight. The viruses came to identify it. If attacking the Kurageil wouldn't work...
... no... they... coming for you... stop... s̷̨̢̋t̷͓͚̾̀͘o̴͎͕̱̊͌̉p̷̯̥̈́̆͐...
... maybe attacking Finale would work. And then the Grim Reaper zoomed towards Finale, scythe ready to slash him apart. The Bladia swerved sideways to prepare a vantage point from which it could leap in. Every water-based virus aimed their reticles at the Viral King. One by one, they began to fire the usual. It began with anchors, then bamboo shoots, then large arcs of water...
The Elebee and Mosqurito detached from Piano to join the attack, leaving him to fall straight down the wreckage of broken ships, breaking the entire left half of his body and impaling his leg onto metal debris that protruded about.
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Post by Shast on Sept 20, 2018 21:36:29 GMT -8
Jax
Jax felt the disappearance of Magicman, but did not care. He elects his attention to the strange malformation within the ruins he has felt for minutes. A hole... somewhere. Even to him, the exact location is hard to discern. As he continues pacing the ruins it becomes more and more apparent that the hole isn't 'in the ground' but rather in the connection itself.
This is not too uncommon in the outer reaches of the internet. To have dangerous links severed. It often leaves behind a scar, a blemish on the network that isn't visible, but still felt. Perhaps even the other mage could sense this? The hooded navi gestures to him with open palm, and then to the air where he had felt this cut the strongest.
The tornado of leafs while normally would be a dangerous threat to the hand posed no such thing to him with his increased girth and blind rage! Righty maintained grip, retorting its owners pleas with a ravenous growl from its handy bowels. Appetizers are never enough and so it swings and squeezes Squall harder and tighter. Slamming it into the ice wall over and over like a rampaging bull. If the hand possessed a mouth it would no doubt be trying to devour the poor main course.
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Post by B.o.B. on Sept 20, 2018 22:49:02 GMT -8
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