|
Post by Genesis on Oct 15, 2023 19:24:41 GMT -8
*They would end up in the same place with Laplace, the facility in question having been cleared out already to accommodate them. As he said it wouldn't take him long to return, as Laplace would be here too. No way in or out and the feeling that Merrill and Laplace both felt was ominous to say the least as Xion held his gaze on Laplace for a time before he would hold his hand out to the right, a portal beginning to open.*
"Leaving behind Apollo Flame would have been enough for me to trace back to him and do my job at a later date, but leaving his partner here? He likely discovered the same mistake that everyone else who has haphazardly picked up things that aren't theirs. He left you to save himself. Of course. This is nothing personal..."
*The ominous feeling was all too clear now. This was the prison area, the very same one that turned off the strength of others who were confined here. Not only was there no way out, there also was no way out in terms of resisting whatever was coming next as well.*
"But he certainly made me agree that his world is an acceptable casualty after the stunts he pulled. I did say I would wield you after all."
*Most would say it was mad to discard this much outright power and the ability to be practically impervious to all harm that their world could offer against him for resistance. If he had never made it clear before, power alone didn't drive him. He could just as easily rid himself of power he gained under the right circumstances and as such, using it as a bartering chip wasn't the best token against him. This was such a circumstance, where he was willing to give up that potential...*
*In order to return the cancer that he tried to keep from his world right back to him. The Murians were great at destroying themselves after all, were they not?*
|
|
|
Post by Gaia on Oct 15, 2023 19:52:24 GMT -8
The ominous potential in the air as Xion returned was not lost to it. The negative energy he emitted with his emotions and his intent, the frustration that Xion held against its partner. Laplace could feel all of these things, the opposites of the gratification and the idolization that the goddess inside of it craved, and for once it considered Xion a threat, a danger.
It knew, though, from the energy in this space, that Xion was in control. No matter what strength it wielded, no matter the power that it possessed, here, in this space, no one held power that Xion did not will them to.
It narrowed its eyes, and held up one of its bladed limbs, lashing out at the air between it and Xion. It was obvious that it wasn't trying to harm Xion, just communicating its distaste at the implications he was making. Mistakes were made, calculations were incorrect, and an assessment of the world at large wasn't properly done before inviting the cosmic emperor, of that much all could be certain, but Burai never wished doom upon their world, and was fully equipped and ready to handle the problem on his own should he need to.
Laplace was unable to fully communicate with Xion, though, and so all of its own thoughts on the matter were moot in comparison. Laplace raised another hand, staring at Merrill, and simply implanted a single thought with its intention as they met stares -
Please don't let him make me kill them all.
|
|
|
Post by Xypher on Oct 15, 2023 20:09:37 GMT -8
As he entered into the area, he noticed the area was rather desolate at first. Merrill could tell something was amiss, but then noticedBurai's sword: Laplace.
It did not surprise him that his power was restricted, here. It didn't really bother him, as it actually gave him a chance to release some of the tension, if only for a brief moment. Even Life and Death were affected to a point, as by the rather uncomfortable feeling they were giving off, even if they said nothing.
As Xion spoke, he listened intently. He grasped that Xion intended to destroy this sword. He would be lying to say that his hair didn't stand up on edge just slightly. But if what he said was true, other weapons and tools made by the Murian's could also be seen as a... "double-edged sword."
"Strange. Feels a bit like deja vu, wouldn't you say? This isn't the first time we've dealt with such.... Unique swords."
He stood to the side, his face taking on a thoughtful look, as he watched Laplace and Xion.
"I do find it strange though, that Burai would just discard his companion blade so easily. That seemed rather foolish, unless he is dead, or slain? Please forgive my ignorance there, Xion.
He was quite for a moment, before continuing.
"In all serious though. If you believe that the sword is... booby-tapped, we'll call it, for lack of better term, do you believe that Apollon is, as well?"
Then it hit him, and he was able to put a few things together. He was quiet for a moment, before letting his thought out.
"When I had reunited with Joker after we were separated, he became agitated, and went on how I had become "a bomb". Do you think that this could be the case?"
He crossed one arm, and place the other under his chin, thinking, but watching both Laplace and Xion.
Then he heard the blade call out to him. He raised an eyebrow, staring back. He sighed.
Xion, did you hear that? Since when could the companion talk?"
"What do you mean, "don't let him make you kill them all? Kill who all? You have to give me more than that to work with."
|
|
|
Post by Genesis on Oct 15, 2023 20:36:51 GMT -8
"You and I have a habit of meeting around swords, now that you mention it."
*That time with Polaris too. Merrill had sought it for good reasons while Xion had sought it as a constant reminder to both Toxin's triumph and fall. That would have been the memento he kept for that fallen comrade as he had one for all of those who had gone through the trenches with them. Defending Burai only made sense on Laplace's part, but his eyes practically glowered at the thought of it.*
"Miscalculations and mistakes that could have been avoided with proper communication, which I'm well aware that literally everyone lacks because of their incessant love of their secrets. That cosmic temper tantrum saw us beneath his notice, telling Grom even the bare minimum once you initially arrived would have solved it without any risks involved. Not only that, Burai was allowed to pick up the means he used to fight back against him. The very things that now undermine him. He was prepared to survive himself, but that was it. That was nothing new to him."
*After all, he was used to be the sole survivor. And while he now sought freedom from his isolation in his actions, dooming them all was unacceptable. He would repay that favor in kind and with interest. To Merrill's question about why Burai would be without his sword, Xion had a good idea as to what happened given Laplace was still eager to not be sent back to end his life instead of being despondent that his friend was dead. Merrill continuing let him think about it from his perspective as well for the source of Joker's disagreement and Dynamo's arrival.*
"No doubt he encountered someone who informed him that he had taken the bait left out for anyone hungry enough to eat it. After that he left Laplace and likely got a replacement for his required assets and then left. Whether or not that one was trapped as well is anyone's guess, but at the very least this one absolutely is. The fallen sun god should have been fine since it came from Burai, but it is true that we got it after he had already obtained the numerous traps that are in Laplace now. If they thought you were bombed, wouldn't it have been because of something else you picked up?"
*The likely case for Apollo was likely someone just wanting to dissect him. They had any number of ways to deal with someone who was just a big gun more or less, so it wasn't a risk taking him in for dissection and him fighting back. It would be more risky for an unknown to happen, which he figured probably happened when he wasn't with them off and on. He only got bits and pieces of their escapades rather than all the details so as far as he knew, Apollo would have been fine from the outside voyeur and the 'bomb' would be considered something else.*
"If it is trapped then we'll dispose of him shortly as well, but for now we might need him for a moment in relation to what I presumed the bomb to be. You don't have to spill your guts, but I do need you to give me a direct answer. Are you a Navi or not? If you lie and I do this, you risk permanent death, so please be honest for your sake if nothing else."
*His intention wasn't to destroy Merrill after all, just to be rid of their ongoing problem. But he supposed he should also answer Merrill's final inquiry as well before he proceeded, since he'd only do that after he was done with Laplace anyway and there was no reason to leave Merrill in the dark about his intentions.*
"It speaks in a tongue that's difficult to translate given its ancient nature and the lacking translation machine. But it's asking you to save its world. Because no doubt once I send it back to where it came from, its world and the inhabitants will perish."
|
|
|
Post by Gaia on Oct 15, 2023 21:01:15 GMT -8
Merrill wasn't the only one perturbed by the thought of Burai leaving his companion behind, as his companion was quite non-plussed by the whole ordeal. It knew that the information stored inside of it was malicious in nature, dangerous, even, and its own familiarity with the energy just wasn't maturing fast enough to allow it to modify the code inside of it. If only it hadn't been so spoiled, insistent on finding companionship again . . . if only it hadn't trusted another mortal soul so easily.
Aeons of confinement and solitude, trapped beneath the sands, and once it was finally unearthed for only a few short years, it couldn't bear to be alone? How far it had fallen, the legendary blade Laplace - known in history by another name, the legendary weapon that would name kings, but never once did one wield it with the intent to see the kingdom it once protected restored. When discovered by Burai after so long . . .
Tsk! Zzrrtr!
Its waveform bristled and surged as Xion met its emotion with his own, making fair points but being quite unfair to Burai in the same stroke. Burai had no way of knowing that those trans-dimensional beings had invaded. Xion seemed able to understand its tongue, too, which confirmed something for it that it had guessed at, but not fully ever explored, respecting the navi too much for its own good.
We're of the same cloth, made from the same language. You diverge, but the roots are the same, strong and sure. Your world was never intended a casualty; we had every plan to protect it at all costs! Please do not make me into the instrument of desolation I refuse to be!
|
|
|
Post by Xypher on Oct 18, 2023 17:45:56 GMT -8
Merrill waited and listened as Xion spoke, first to him, before addressing Laplace. Xion made an excellent point about secrets, and that everyone's own adgenda through those secrets certainly got in the way of things. Communication wasn't exactly everyone's forte.
As for Burai, Merrill had only the single interaction with him, when he just asserted Apollon with him. While the information had been useful, Burai had been blunt, his stare had left a eerie feeling, and in a way, he felt that Burai had been, well, cold.
"I guess I can't say I know any better of him based on motives. He was cold, I'll admit, and he did look down on us, just as Apollon does. Maybe he didn't want to get attached to us, in case he failed... But I can also see your point, that he was prepared for himself, if we had failed."
But his felt a sense of, forbidding as the discussion continued.
"So many someone's, and so many in the shadows that we have yet to see or face. If Laplace was bait, he either didn't care, or was too motivated by something else, like revenge, and was willing to do whatever it took, huh?"
While it hadn't been directly said, Merrill was picking up that Laplace did not want to kill if he was sent away. He could only guess at what that meant, but his attention was immediately shifted as Xion mentioned the "something else."
Merrill thought deeply about it, for a second. There were indeed a handful of people that knew about Apollon, and considering others had more knowledge of the Murians than he did, it made more sense at the time that he was the target. Sure, he had briefly tapped into the power of Pandemic, but not once did Pandemic try and contact or understand them. In fact, it had felt like the being was too busy in its own mind to acknowledge or confer with them.
But then something hit him, like a brick wall. It was something Silence had mentioned, regarding the epidemic, and more specifically, "the hive mind forced inward to collect itself."
Life and Death seemed to come to the same conclusion, because they all spoke internally within the soul space at once.
"The bomb is Pandemic!" "The bomb is Pandemic!" "The bomb is Pandemic!"
He began to really think about their encounter, and how it seemed strange to discover that space to begin with. The "what if's" began to circulate in his mind.
What if Pandemic was there intentionally? If someone placed him there, hoping others would come across, just to take the power to have it backfire later? Considering Laplace was an example, literally right there...
He could have accidently killed his allies. Killed Warrior. Killed Lalonia...
But he forced himself to take a deep breath, as Xion continued, this time asking questions. Merrill quickly realized what was being asked and realized that this was not going to be easy, and probably hurt. A lot.
"All things considered; I have no reason to lie. I owe you my life at least once, if not twice, a debt we both know I am in no position to repay. But trust can be earned through honesty, and for what it's worth, I do trust you."
He was about continue to answer with "Navi" when his mind borked after Xion made his last statement on Laplace.
"Wait. What?"
He could only take a step back, as Laplace bristled and surged with emotion. He listened intently as it spoke, its begging giving Merrill a flashback to one of his own conflicts, and the devastation he had wrought when he let go. He wouldn't say it, but he felt a feeling of sadness and pain, one that was both strange and yet familiar. But ne wanted to confirm something, first.
"Just so we are clear, and that I understand correctly - If you send Laplace to wherever, his trap triggers, killing all on the other side? The world which Burai and the Murians are from?"
Who was he kidding? That was the answer. Send it back and let it's traps trigger, killing who knows whom or what.
Suddenly, Merrill was conflicted. On one hand, he felt that immoral. But as he had learned, not everything was black and white. In fact, he had learned that more and more was gray than anything. While he did not believe that all of the Murians could be bad, there was no evidence that he had to say that they were good, considering what knowledge and experience he was going off of. Not to mention, there wasn't anything he could do, even if he wanted to.
But did he want to get involved? Did it make a difference to him about Burai's world? Considering they had only caused destruction in their worlds, would killing them all actually solve the problem?
"All things have a beginning."
"All things have an ending."
The more he thought about it, the cloudier the answer became. Not that he had long to really think about it. He also had to deal with the internal threat, something that may kill him in the process.
So he chose to be honest. With himself, Laplace, Xion, Life and Death.
"This feels like a very Grom thing to do."
He paused, taking a moment to collect his thoughts, and taking a deep breath.
"In terms of honesty and transparency, the thought of being privy and standing idly by while an act of destruction on that level doesn't sit right with me. I know that in the past my ideals have been childish and pipe dreams at best, considering my ability to change multiple outcomes has been miniscule, if not negligible, at best. I'm also not naive enough to think that I can affect that outcome. The reality is, I can't change it, even if I wanted to. That's without considering my debts, and the fact I do believe that you have a hostile reason to do so. They attacked our world. If others must pay the ultimate price for the crimes committed by the beings that attacked us, because those who have placed calculated traps that will backfire on them, that is on them, no?"
"I believe that what I understand of your character is that you think and understand things in ways that are beyond basic thinking, and you have a way of understanding what may be, based on our past shared experiences. Besides, as demonstrated previously, I know you have a better understanding of such swords than I... Speaking of which..."
Merrill then stood up straight, and then made a full bow.
"I also wish to apologize, as during our previous encounter over the last sword, I myself was disrespectful, and acted out of fear, and treated you wrongly. For that, I am truly sorry."
Fear was no excuse. Merrill had just assumed that Xion was hostile, and that should have cost him his life back then. He knew he had treated Xion wrongly, and wanted to make up for that, at last, for starters.
Regardless of the outcome here, Merrill believed that if Xion had exhausted all other options, then so be it. After staring onto those eyes of his, Merrill could tell that there was a level of knowledge, intelligence and wisdom that he could not compare to.
"Considering what I understand about Grom's goals, based on my conversation with him, getting rid of everything and just ending them all is one way to go about things, I suppose. Not the best comparison to be made to, I understand. I mean absolutely no offense by it. Just being honest."
He looked down, scratching the back of his head. He considered a couple of things, when Death spoke up.
"Let me speak to him... Please."
Merrill sighed. It was hard to deny that Death had somewhat of an understanding and respect. After all, they did fight together, while he was unable to.
".... Fine."
He shut his eyes, his crystal changing over from his natural teal and blue, to one of a crimson. His white hair gained a blackish hue, and even his aura and presence would feel different. Merrill kept his control firmly over the body's actions, but Xion would recognize the changes. Death opened his eyes, now a crimson color as well, instead of the usual gold and silver.
"It's been a while, dark one. Good to see you again."
The tone of voice was also different, slightly deeper. But not raspy as when they previously met.
"No, I am not here to call upon my challenge. I have changed, and yet.. not grown as expected. You however, look much stronger than previously. Wonderful! Also, I say, blow those disrespectful bastards to oblivion."
Death smiled.
"I'll be brief, lest the boy yank on my chain. I have an idea of what you are asking, about his origins. For the purpose of dealing with the bomb, he's a navi. But I'm sure as you can tell, there's more to him than that. Considering what he can do, and what he is managing."
To anyone's surprise, he leaned his head forward and down, ever so slightly.
"Thanks for keeping an eye on him through some of these battles. With tougher times ahead, I look forward to working with you again. Hopefully in a more... Active manner."
With that, Death retreated.
Much to his surprise, Life also spoke up.
"I too, have something to say."
Merrill resisted the urge to facepalm. But at the same time, she was also likely to say something important, so he obliged.
Again, he shut his eyes, releasing enough energy to accept the slight, pseudo-transformed state. His white hair was prominent again, the aggressive and empty aura replaced by one of peaceful and warmth.
"I echo my counterpart's sentiment. I appreciate the fact that you have in a way, keep him and the others alive. Thank you for what you have done. And thank you for saving him previously, against Rosso. I will disagree regarding the destruction of all, that is all. Life shall find a way to continue, after all... Moving on. As one who understands, yes. The child for intents and purposes of his... container, is that of a navi. Considering what must be done to deal with this bomb, I will do what I can to keep the child alive. We are in your care."
Life too, returned to her soul space area, and began meditating.
"When there is time, you two owe me an explanation. Assuming we survive this."
Both were silent.
Merrill shook his head, sighing. More important matters to attend to. Conversation and else could be had after the fact... Assuming he survived the upcoming ordeal.
"Anyway. I'm a Navi. What's the plan to deal with it? What do you have in mind?"
|
|
|
Post by Genesis on Oct 19, 2023 23:55:10 GMT -8
*His eyes almost seemed to glower at that comparison. It would be not unlike the times where Laplace saw its partner compared to humans before. It wasn't a comparison that Xion was fond of it seemed, but it only lasted for a time. It was reeled in just as quickly as it appeared as Xion was in control of his emotions as ever as the same calm tone replied to its last line of defense against his allegations, their deeds and actions, and the aftermath of such a thing.*
"Of the same cloth? ...Setting my personal statements aside, I'm simply a courier for details that are no longer with their hollow container. Because if the roots were the same, I too would only be an instrument used either for reverence or for desolation. Which is what you were going to be in his hands soon and what you would be in my hands too. The same desolation he would inflict until the people he wanted to share companionship with yields to his demands. ...What a farce."
*It wasn't as if Laplace wasn't willing to be such an instrument. It simply wanted to not destroy Burai among the many that it would take apart. It was just coming to terms with the fact that it no longer had an opinion to apply for those targets. Merrill was getting up to speed with things on this front as well as his intention for this, nodding to make it clear what he meant. He already saw the signs at the tower when he met back up with the team at Gigamerica, the rest was simply measuring how thorough Immortalis was. He was willing to give full credit and respect to that relatively unknown figure, which meant that it was a done deal the moment it was all set into motion. Now why did he still intend on resisting in spite of thinking such thoughts? Those thoughts were for himself still.*
"It's far from the morally correct thing to do, that's for sure. Grom at least has the merit of looking out for the interests of mankind in his decision making and realizing that the Earth is a few wrong moves away from a disaster they can't walk away from. This is to say that it's not the right thing to do and that I'm willfully making a cruel decision."
*The purpose of the NIA was to eliminate the higher end beings who kept threatening the world. That was fair as Grom served as mankind's arms and legs to simply eliminate those cancers that would need to be excised or else humanity risked their own extinction. His desire for this wasn't so morally motivated considering this had nothing to do with the preservation of their world or the fear of the potential beings who rose up like the ones here. It was to pay the deed back to one who forwarded it by using them to accomplish his own ends. He would be dealt the hand he would because he again overlooked the situation of those he attempted to use for his own gain. Still, Merrill had a point that few ever paid attention to in the grand scheme of things.*
"The reality of it all is that very few of us have ever made changes to anything. It's good of us to be able to recognize how much we've actually influenced the outcomes we've been a part of. I came to terms with how influential one person could be ages ago, then put in a lot of effort thinking things through on a basic level as well as potential cause-and-effect outcomes. A bit further than that is thinking outside of the box that we're set inside of."
*His were things that happened in the background for his influence. He supposed he couldn't say that he was entirely useless in the grand scheme of things given how much had gone under the radar because of his actions and behavior as well. Understanding how something functioned and then working around that function were some examples like back with the Colossus before he arrived here. Many would assume being told that an ability wouldn't work on a target would be the end of the discussion, but he took that discussion a step further by applying some different thinking to the situation. Though he offered a wave off at the respectful bow that Merrill had for him now.*
"It's fine. Given the reputation I built for myself and what I did while I was there, it wasn't an unreasonable reaction. I'm not exactly the heroic sort."
*Most of the past sightings was him with The Chaotic. That alone spoke volumes given their tendencies to take down or ruin entire nations like Netopia and Creamland at their peak even with individual members alone, let alone a collective assault from the entire group. And being honest it wasn't as if he was aiming to wipe the world out to solve the problem. He actually very blatantly just wanted Burai and had no control over the trap snaring the entire world. Necessary sacrifice for a result that was mostly desired was what how it could be summarized. But this was a familiar presence from their altercation back at the lake with Rosso. He imagined Apollo didn't exactly earn himself much love in the shared living space given Death's opinion of it. ...That made this next series of events rather amusing in a sense for what was next on the list.*
"You have plenty of room to grow, just the opportunities passed you by. We'll be fixing that soon enough so that we can have that challenge without any interruptions after we take out all the interlopers."
*He wasn't one to shy from a challenge or be upset that someone was willing to challenge him. If you weren't willing to challenge yourself in his opinion then you had found your stopping point. The fact that they could have such a contest was proof that they hadn't accepted any sort of ceiling over their heads yet for their potential. The one that came next was a fair counterpart to Death that Merrill had to balance with Life. They likely wouldn't find a peaceful middle ground often, but both were ever intertwined. There wasn't any reason for them to be in opposition of one another. To live was to die, and life would flourish because death persisted. The potential for death was what brought about the struggle to improve, and so life prospered while death did its work.*
"If everything works out, their entire world won't die from this. Only the ones who stand out the most like Burai and his rival. More likely if my assumption is correct, the newer blood will be the ones who can survive this. If they can't, then it just means that they were discarded and is why Immortalis has shown no vested interest in them."
*Burai was ignorant to their plight against Immortalis as it was, which meant his world wasn't in shambles from the arrival of unknowns that couldn't be interacted with. They were ignored because there was no merit in acting out with them as far as he could tell, but he couldn't say he fully grasped the intentions of those they were against. That was intentional of course as tipping that would make their decisions far easier to make. He had limited interaction with them and would be fixing that soon as he nodded to Merrill.*
"First thing's first, sword goes. It's only options now are being tossed back or kept here where it can't escape and then dissected later so that I can take all of its benefits for myself after the threat of its trap going off is removed by removing the ones who laid the trap itself. Either way, Laplace would never get to see his friend again now that he stepped out of safety. Should he wait here to die slowly or be sent out to his world? Which is the lesser of two evils?"
*He would let that rest on the air for a moment longer. After all, he knew that it still meant that even if he didn't send Laplace itself back, if he took everything it had later he could simply do the feat himself at a later date. Laplace would still be the undoing of its world, whether it wanted to or not. The only grace it could have was that if Xion were to do it later he could very easily selectively choose to use the end of the world on a very specific target. But that probably wasn't in the sword's best interest either, even if they could be together again in oblivion. As Burai no doubt told Feint, they only have the one life and dying was rather permanent for the wave warriors.*
"The plan is simple really. The bomb inside of you should be connected across several targets, a hive mind so to say. That means that if I want to shut it down, I have to do a strike that would kill the entire hive mind at once. In order to survive, it will cut off the limb that would kill it, the one that you have in your possession."
*The temperature would begin to lower as he held his right hand aloft, a sphere beginning to form in it slowly but surely. Laplace would recognize it from the sight it had seen not that long ago. The thing that froze the very world around the Colossus and caused it to yield for the time being. The purpose of the weapon not used to obstruct, but to destroy.*
"If you weren't a Navi, you wouldn't be at any real risk. Since your container is right now, we'll use Life and Death along with a forced activation of Apollo Flame on my part now that we're here. These three checked boxes, while dangerously close for a margin of error if in the wrong hands, should make it where instead of you dying, only Pandemic is eliminated. When this is all settled and if I've risen to greater heights, I'll either rectify what was done here or you can go find another one of its hosts and reclaim what you earned for yourself."
|
|
|
Post by Gaia on Oct 21, 2023 11:09:16 GMT -8
Laplace narrowed its gaze, hearing that statement - the hollow container - and knew what he was referring to. To be connected to that one, and still be so closed-minded to the potential of the Murian language, it was confusing to it, but Laplace was far more interested in what the two had to say after. It was not a tool of desolation, nor a tool of reverence.
Merrill and Xion had good introspection of their own beliefs, of that much it could be sure of. The two were anything but brutes, and as frustrated as it was at the decision that Xion was making, in all its time and wisdom, it could see why Xion had come to these decisions. These terrible beings, whatever they were, from wherever thye've come, they have wrought desolation upon these people, and Laplace unwittingly was involved in bringing them more stress and carnage than they were due.
For that reason, it was upset with Burai, as well. The last Murian was far from its expectations of a king, but he had promise, prospect, vision, and drive, moreso than any other, and a desire to see his people grow. Xion and Merrill had gone through similar turmoil without the loss of everything they held dear in the process, which, with all laid on the table, made the lesser of two evils an easy enough decision to present. There were so many problems with the assessment, however, and Xion was willing to risk an entire world off of an assumption, a grave terror that Laplace was quite properly designed, instead, to prevent.
Seeing that chilling power, the force to stop the world in its wake, Laplace could no longer sit idly by and simply let them speak of their plans. It heard the grim navi's hopes for their plans, and heard even the intent to cleanse its world of the higher powers that be, but could not bare to allow them to make this mistake without considering its full consequences.
Laplace was no longer just the blade of kings - it was more, now, and it would try to ensure that such a thing never occurred again.
It moved, quickly, to interpose itself between Xion and Merrill, rising up a hand to stare down Xion. Regardless of its lack of any real power, here, it was still in control of its own body, and it was still a weapon. It would strike down Xion, or at the very least intended to try, if it must, to get him to listen to reason.
I am no more for reverence or desolation as that hollow receptacle is. As you should well know, not all things created by Her tongue was created from Her songs. This blade is a badge of office, a notice of status, a reminder of peace, a guide to the masses, and a weapon only in necessity.
You doom your world if you follow through this course of action without considering your enemies. You presume that the Alpha of the Hivemind is in control of its decisions, and that it will make the logical choice of saving the entire Hivemind in favor of the one. What say you to the threat of the Hivemind being in the command of another, and instead destroying every member of the hivemind, and everything it's connected to, and leaving only the alpha remaining?
|
|
|
Post by Genesis on Oct 21, 2023 13:29:32 GMT -8
*If nothing else he would applaud the sword for having witnessed everything he could do and still believing that trying to strike him down as it was would manage to accomplish anything. It didn't buckle in the face of what he was in the direst of times. Honestly speaking, he very much hoped that it would pick the lesser of two evils here. ...That was, however, if it could tell which of those options truly was the lesser evil. But it looked like he might have explained his intention with the upcoming action poorly, so he would elaborate a bit further.*
"...Ah, you misunderstand. There's a zero percent chance that Merrill has the Alpha of the pack. Who in their right mind would have left the alpha of the hivemind in a place for someone to casually stroll up and collect? That's poor resource management of the highest magnitude. If anything, it would probably be with someone like Rosso or not even in a position that we could attack so it could continue to propagate as required. The intent here is to have the member of this hive here destroyed by the alpha."
*As far as he was concerned, they had very little odds of directly engaging Pandemic now. The only shot they would have would be to abuse the connection Merrill had with it right now, but he wasn't going to do that. That would be using and abusing Merrill on a gamble that he couldn't guarantee results with. Worst case scenario he could very well hit many more targets than intended since tracking it already was shaky at best. That was why he needed to do this sooner rather than later. The longer he took to act, the more it spread and the more likely it was that he did in fact risk the world with this action. Right now at worst he just risked a lot of other individuals. That was within the margin for error as he also accounted for an unmentioned Third Party to notice that happening and take the necessary measures to minimize what he would miss on his end.*
"So, weapon of necessity, since you're not okay with being a reminder of everlasting peace and only needing to guide one last time, I did just have a good idea of what to do with you. Honestly, I'm surprised it slipped my mind considering what I already planned to do with the glorified battery that Merrill already has with Apollo. Forgot about the potential of the language for a bit there. Everything you just coined your blade as is a perfect fit for Merrill."
*On the bright side, it had potentially convinced him to not do the deed of destroying its own world? But that also meant that he also no longer planned on it waiting to have a slow death if left to his own thoughts and devices, so whether or not he was veered back on the course of the original plan was up to the others present instead of letting Xion begin acting with his ingenuity again.*
|
|
|
Post by Xypher on Oct 21, 2023 17:39:10 GMT -8
At first, Merrill was silent while Xion and Laplace exchanged words first. He was finally catching up and putting the pieces together, which helped allow him to understand things marginally. with Xion nodding, confirming his thoughts. He was quiet at first, before acknowledging.
"I see."
As Xion responded about his comment regarding Grom, Merrill nodded, hand to his chin again.
"Agreed. I acknowledge that options are limited, and that we are both understanding in that regard that it isn't moral. And it is fair to give Grom that merit for looking out for humanity. The same can be said for those looking out for navi's only, or wave beings only. Granted, we all can agree that in some cases, we are all a few wrong moves away from a situation in which none can or will walk away from. It's not just mankind. All parties need to be accounted for and heard."
He shrugged. It was what it was. But they could save the conversation on Grom for another day. That was it's own cluster to unravel.
"I respect that decision. We're running around more on gray area than not here. At the end of it, not everyone can take the harder paths or make such choices."
He was quiet again, thinking cap back on as he listened.
"You make great points! I suppose the first step is we recognize that changes need to be made. But like you said, and I agree, it requires a lot of effort. Change has to be wanted and strived for. On one hand, I supposed that change needs to happen with an individual first and go from there. I personally have done a lot of thinking and realize that I have reached that point where I am the one who needs to change and begin to step outside of that box. Not just that, but I need to consider each choice, as every action indeed causes its ripples."
He rubbed his chin. He couldn't hide the small, curl of his lips as Xion waved his bow off.
"Heroic or not, You have saved some, and to an extent, that counts for something."
He couldn't help but feel a bit of excitement at the thought of new challenges and striving for greater heights. For himself, Life, Death and even for Apollon, as he was attached with them. He could feel Death's excitement at the idea of the growth, and his desire to battle. Someday, but that day was far off for now, with so many tasks and checkmarks on lists to complete before then.
"I'll look forward to that day... Maybe boy, you will too...""
Merrill chose to not respond.
He shrugged, but was quickly sucked in at Xion's theory on the Murians.
"Okay. That does make me feel slightly better, that it is more of a targeted attack on those in the faction of Murains who are messing with our world. Do we know what their actual goal is with our world, Human and navi's is, by chance?"
At least he had more information, and a name, to go with another Murian. Burai's rival, maybe?
"So, Immortalis is one of their bigshots then, above Rosso? It may only be a name, but if he is one of the head Murians, that's something I'll keep in mind."
As for Laplace...
"You make good points, yet again. I don't really have answers, myself. In terms of the lesser of two evils, there is the mercy of knowing that he wouldn't be the tool to destroy the things he cared about, especially if it is to die, one way or the other."
As the temperature began to drop, Merrill took a deep breath, listening very carefully. What Xion wanted to do made a lot of sense. He also knew this was going to be difficult and very dangerous. but it seemed they had no other choice.
As Laplace spoke, referencing her tongue and her songs, and what the blade itself represented, Merrill was slightly confused.
"Can you answer a question for me then, Laplace? Since you are the blade, your will exists as what? You yourself, wills as what? Do you speak for yourself, or do you see yourself as a tool for "her?" Are you a fragment of "her" or what? I know not enough to fully understand the situation, although I am clearly learning bit by bit, my knowledge of your world is severely lacking."
Merrill gave Laplace an apologetic look.
"While I can understand your... drive to be more than just a weapon, just a tool. We can echo that sentiment. I wish that we could be more than just what we are at this time. But we are fighting to survive. We may not agree always on what's right, but we are at least trying to strive forward. I cannot agree or disagree with Xion choices. I am ill equipped to do so. What I gather is you do not wish to destroy your friend, and to destroy other Murians. This I understand, and empathize with that, at least."
He took a breath, then continued, a bit of a tired tone in his voice.
"I will say, the Murians do seem to underestimate us a lot. I will say this seems to be common, that they look down on us all the time. Please give us some credit, Laplace, we have met your... friend's expectations before, and we can meet or exceed them, again."
Merrill crossed his arms, listening as Laplace made it's case against Xion's plan, and his initial reply. He had to sigh and roll his eyes softly, slightly irritated by the fact that it was believed he was THAT weak. He looked at the blade as he spoke.
"That's actually a really good point that he makes. The hivemind has made minimal contact at all since I acquired it. In fact, it has not made contact with any of us that share my space, for lack of a better term. I mean, Apollon has given me a couple of SERIOUS headaches, and berates me on the reg, and I still show him compassion and try for us to find a mutual ground to start upon to get to acknowledge and grow with one-another. Plus, the others here, one whom would be very happy to "escape"."
Turning back to Xion, he raised an eye, very curious as to what Xion's new plan was. The only thing he could think of was, "a new battery?"
"Now I'm really curious. What are you thinking now? I already realize it's not going to be a fun time triggering all my states in a way for you to strike, but I am curious how Laplace could play a role..."
He raised an eyebrow however, at Xion's ingenuity for the blade...
|
|
|
Post by Genesis on Dec 2, 2023 16:55:33 GMT -8
*Xion at least had the benefit of not being anti-anything so far. It was just that one of the related parties would cause the subsequent end to another related party if left unchecked, so he had gone out of his way to ensure that never happened. Skirting as close as they did to it actually happening anyway in the end, while it almost caused the end of Hollow and somehow didn't, he was glad that they had started expiring before the sparks could fly.*
"As far as I'm aware, Immortalis is likely their ringleader. Their circle's a bit confusing to say the least on the matter and their agenda just the same. If the goal was total annihilation, they could have done that already. More than enough firepower and options at their disposal. They have an alternative aim, and while I can hazard a guess, being wrong just benefits them."
*Because it was easy to have them waste time on what would be a wild goose chase. In fact, they had already done so numerous times now. The entire thing with Burai and Sirius was completely unrelated to what was already happening and shifted their focus in the wrong direction. Deed was done now though, and they simply had to work with it. He could only shrug his shoulders at the vague notion of their grand plan, as much like every other mastermind, they kept it to themselves. Not like he was one to talk about others in that regard. At the very least, they would settle on the lesser of two evils, which meant that Laplace was about to have solace in knowing that he stayed his hand and didn't destroy the world that it loved by itself. It simply inadvertently did so by means of someone else using what he had access to by right of his partner being incredibly selfish and rejecting reality. That was why humans didn't need to try and obtain divine power, let alone the creations of mankind.*
*He would let Merrill speak with Laplace before they moved on. He knew full well that it was having second thoughts now, but all it wanted to do before was be a tool and be used by someone it deemed worthy. Though exceeding Laplace's friend's expectations this time wasn't exactly going to be the most beneficial interaction after the underestimations had reached their peak. But then again, that was just the natural cause and effect of the times. By this point of time, be it the Wave Timeline or the Digital Timeline, both had their beliefs about why one was better than the other. If circumstances were reversed, they would be in the same predicament. Actually, he couldn't really speak out on that matter. He wouldn't really be around if the shoe was on the other foot. As for the rearranged plan, he could speak up on it without issue here.*
"It's good to know that Pandemic isn't very vocal, which means my assumption that it prioritizes survival only stands correct. Don't threaten it and nothing goes wrong. Why I planned on threatening it all at once before it could react and also had to come here for an extra security measure, but that's neither here nor there. The role that Laplace will play is the same that Apollo will play, the very kind that Cache or Nebula or Samhain now play. Or anything that comes in contact with Forte."
*That he wanted to use anyway. Otherwise, it wound up in a very different situation. Though he supposed now wasn't the time for his usual wit, so he would dial it back some and get on with it. The longer they were here, the more he would have to clean up when he was back with everyone else. And while he was amazing as a janitor, it didn't change that he hated being said janitor when he could have prevented the spill to begin with.*
"To cut out the sass and get to the quick of it, their powers as is... are absolutely useless to us. While they would be helpful if we were opposing other navis or humans, we really aren't. Minus the occasional friendly fire. Anyway, we're fighting enemies who have conquered these so-called Murian Gods an innumerable number of times. The only thing they provide us is a neutralized attack if we use them to attack our enemies. We won't do that."
*He was disappointed that he would have to use this for this occasion, but he supposed time was something he had an abundance of. He could make up for it by making another faster next time. It would be a lot easier given how much more he had at his disposal without having to go to the deep end to succeed. Besides, Ruin wasn't around to need it anymore, so it wasn't exactly being wasteful. He wouldn't have used it anytime soon that he was aware of anyway.*
"Instead, we'll turn them into an alternative power source. Burai already did as much with all the gods in Laplace, including Apollo mind, anyway. I'll simply do the same but have them funnel power to the attributes that you've hidden and never fully utilized. That is, you, Life, and Death. They'll have all the power they need to fight however they please at the power level they were always intended to be."
|
|
|
Post by Xypher on Mar 16, 2024 8:28:14 GMT -8
Merrill listened to Xion intently as he spoke. It made a lot sense that they had an alternative goal, as if Xion was saying they had that kind of firepower, and hadn't chosen to wipe out their world and the human world...
"To think such powerful beings exist, and that there are even more interesting challenges ahead... This should be exciting!"
"To have our worlds challenged so, and to not have such a recollection of such beings, is slightly unsettling."
Merrill was quiet for a second. Xion was right though, that bad guesses were something they couldn't afford. He glanced at Laplace, whom had been quiet throughout this exchange, giving the blade an opportunity to chime in.
After a moment of contemplating, Xion spoke up about Pandemic, recapturing their attention. Considering some possibilities that could arise from Pandemic, and considering the fact that they were a walking bomb at this point, he realized just how much danger some of them would be in if this peice of the hivemind had felt threatened. Xion's careful planning with extra security measures to minimize all of the damage was well thought out.
"It is sometimes frustrating to know so little. About myself, about our worlds, and the worlds beyond."
He muttered quietly as Xion finished.
"Child, you are still quite young. Even considering the age of humankind, there is still vast amounts of knowledge to be discovered, even by beings such as us."
"Indeed. I hate to admit it, but my nature has limited and blinded me to much."
Merrill shook his head, removing such thoughts. They had work to do.
As Xion cut the sass and got directly to the point, he nodded. What Xion said was true, and to his surprise, all three of them agreed, very quickly. Death frowned within the soulspace, no hint of a wiseass remark or anything. Even with all of the training they have done, the testing of different uses of the powers gained by Life and Death, Merrill felt as if they were still lagging behind. He had wondered if it was his fault, not being up to the same level of technique as such others, like Warrior.
But what if the actual answer just was something simple as needing a bigger battery source? Sure, based on his affinities, that power would naturally grow, over a vast span of time, even if he limited his training and focused entirely on gaining and storing power. There was the question if his body could handle it, or adapt to a level power that he had not achieved before.
Xion pointed out that he needed to embrace and fully utilize the power he had, and not hide it away. Sure, the argument could be made that he didn't really know that he had such power, until the seal that had kept them separate had been broken, due to Warrior's choices. But since then, Had he inadvertently limited himself by slowly integrating Death's abilities, for fear of losing control?
Merrill looked at Xion, realizing the opportunity for his request had presented itself.
"You once told me a long time ago, to embrace that darkness. You had shown a curious intent when I did something that amused you. That being said, I realize that control is no easy task. I had hoped to request the chance to learn and understand Darkness itself from you, since you have mastered it so well. Obviously, times have changed and peace hasn't exactly given us the chance for me to formally request that from you, knowing that you could easily turn me down, or worse. Still could, for that matter. And this was before Death had entered into the equation."
He let out a half chuckle, half snort.
"But in a way, I suppose this situation will force me to confront and embrace that darkness myself. Right here, right now. In this situation, we are at least in a place where should something go wrong, I, no, we, shouldn't cause much damage. Not that I intend to lose control. Others have placed their faith in me, and I owe it to them to not fail."
He made up his mind. He would cast aside his doubt and embrace the change to come. He may change, his body may change, he himself may change. But that was a part of life. It was a part of whom he needed to be.
Within him, Death stirred uncomfortably.
"I am sad you think so little of me. But you have been correct in the past. However, for now, I am not in the mood to oppose you, boy."
He took a deep breath. Steeling himself, his mind replaying the words of trust from Warrior, Joker and Lalonia, he began willing his power, preparing for what is to come. He looked at Xion, erasing all doubt from his face, and his mind. The smallest hint of the edge of his lips curling up as he spoke.
"The fact is, once all of these messes are cleaned up, I still would like to study Darkness with you. If nothing else, you'd have a ragdoll to toy around with."
|
|
|
Post by Genesis on Mar 19, 2024 13:50:18 GMT -8
*He could agree that it was pretty unsettling how well they could avoid detection of even the highest pedigree. But it at least made them more credible as a result and in turn earned them their reputation as the threat that they posed. Or at least the threats they allowed themselves to be presented as. The other muttering was something that was a bit amusing, because while he agreed to a point, he was also a bit of the opposing end of the spectrum.*
"I'm actually somewhat of the opposite. While I do dislike being kept in the dark, I appreciate how much there is to find in the world and beyond. Makes it a lot more worthwhile than being a know-it-all with nothing better to do anymore in my opinion."
*He was someone who preferred to be ever in pursuit of something. Even if he met a goal, he always had a new goalpost in mind of his own. He didn't need much prodding or pushing for it, it was just his nature. Ever searching for another hill to conquer. He would be someone to pursue all such worldly knowledge and had done plenty of that in all the time he's existed, but he also was someone who likewise preferred for it to be ever-expanding. And for that very knowledge to be malleable enough for it to serve a different purpose in different hands, as he had proven when he turned the ultimate weapon into the ultimate obstacle.*
"People of all manner of being fear and shy away from things they don't like or understand. That lack of control creates all sorts of issues for them. But if something is a part of you, then you should have nothing to worry about from it. You can never control something that you fear, nor can you ever truly wield it in your favor. That isn't to say to be fearless, but to never fear yourself. Darkness wasn't always my ally either. I got it shoved down my throat and had to choke on it. But then I got up and asked for seconds."
*That was a fond memory, back in those labs. During the time when their lives were all about the pursuit of their grand purpose. How that grand purpose was beyond all expectations and imaginations. How those expectations were dashed. How those imaginations ceased. The start for several who made a name for themselves, and others forced to vanish into obscurity. And the starting point for one such Xion, who now stood in a position just as great as they always made it out to be for him. He still chuckled at the thought, but not because of Merrill's request. He'd cut the reminiscing and get back to focusing on the matter at hand.*
"I can help you study it, but what you make of it will be what you make of it. The only thing I ask for is for something better than a ragdoll. I much prefer equals and detest anyone looking down on me, so I keep the feeling mutual."
*Now it was time to get to work in the plane that was fully his to dominate. The first step would be the chill that he displayed to Merrill before. Invoking a weapon where one false step could mean either the world or himself were wiped out required the utmost finesse and confidence to wield. He understood why the previous owner didn't delve deeper into its mastery. The world wasn't at risk here but he still was, but he would be fine just the same as he would have to do another task at the exact split second that it would make contact. Merrill would notice that he had moved a bit to the side right after it supposedly struck.*
*The explanation for that was simple. As it made contact with the intended target, Pandemic, but before it would instantly then freeze everything else, Merrill was removed while it would be caught inside the permanent destruction. The necessary time was bought due to the foreign elements that he mentioned prior, being Life, Death, and Apollo. Merrill beat it before with the others, claiming it for himself again when it wasn't a threat to his well-being would be simple enough. He'd even help if asked to keep it fair. This left the next step in that for a brief moment a massive object seemed to appear before in a blink it was condensed, becoming a cube of sorts that he pushed at Merrill. It would hover in front of him before he reached out again, this time the heat of the so-called sun rising forth with Apollo from Merrill. It would be sent over into the cube first, going over to Laplace as he took the blade itself into the palm of his hand.*
*Unraveling it came first, a wide array of lights being what remained. This would be sent into the cube to follow Apollo as they melded together. Whatever was left behind was what he was also after here, because that was where his other malicious intents would take place as he stated before. The cube would shift into a hexagon and grow dull in color, indicating to him that it had reached the limit that he expected it to. Why he thought it'd be a hassle but also worth it to go to this extent. At each point of the hexagon was a node, but he'd finish explaining all that later as he let it finish hovering over to Merrill to pass into his data.*
"To sum it up without all the technological jargon, it serves as a battery, a protective measure, and a cloak for said battery. No one will look for you for using them to funnel your power through. For all intents and purposes, it makes their upper limit into your upper limit. Or adds to it, anyway. It doesn't give you access to their abilities however and they have no will to speak of, but even if they did the extra measures were taken where that wouldn't be an issue. You can give it a try while you're at it to make sure it's working as intended."
*Which was why he had mentioned that it would be all on the trio henceforth. It meant that their headspace would be a bit quieter now and that while this process would normally have more resistance, disabling all such resistance beforehand made it go a lot faster. At this point, Merrill would feel his strength fully returning to him, meaning his access to everything was fully restored to him by the owner of the dimension now that the coast was clear.*
|
|
|
Post by Xypher on Apr 2, 2024 19:02:29 GMT -8
Devine Prospects 4
Merrill was quiet at first, reflecting upon Xion's words about the universe. He made a wonderful remark about the silver lining of it all.
"That's... thought inducing. I hadn't considered that. Considering the vastness of it all, it just makes me feel small. However, I can't say knowing everything would be ideal either. Sirius, is a great example. He had all of his knowledge of the universe, and we still beat him. I suppose that just expanding our own knowledge and understanding of the universe, is all we can do in that regard, for now..."
The other two had thoughts, but the group chose to remain quiet. Merrill considered continuing, but immediately disregarded the thought as Xion's next speech was much more important. In fact, there were several very important keys to consider.
"You can never control something that you fear, nor can you ever truly wield it in your favor. That isn't to say to be fearless, but to never fear yourself."
Those words swirled in Merrill's head, but he couldn't help but let a breath out as Xion's agreed to his request. He quickly raised his hands up, waving them a bit.
"I do not look down on you. Let me make that clear. I also hope to live up to those expectations that others, yourself included. I will do my best to be much better then."
In a way, Merrill's eyes regained a bit of that fire, that hunger to grow again.
He was unable to say more, as he bolstered his energy to the highest degree that he could as the chill set in for Xion's to began his work. Knowing the slightest mistake was fatal, Merrill steeled himself at impact. There was a brief instance of pain, confirming that the attack had landed. In that instant, his mind blanked due to the sheer force, feeling so much, from intent, raw energy, and the sheer weight of all those in his soulspace. On cue, just as Pandemic reacted, he felt himself removed from everything, his body included. He felt weightless, and felt void of everything for the briefest of moments.
His mind flashed back to when he was in his village, the night that the village was destroyed, and his life forever altered. The images of his fallen loved ones, and those he witnessed parish. Merrill had time to forcibly recall those moments, especially of his failure to save any of them. Only he and Diamond, whom had since disappeared on a mission for Raven, had survived.
But Life persisted. He went on to make new friends and allies. He had gone on many adventures with them and faced many powerful enemies. He had shared many holidays with such new friends and companions. He had fought to save their world several times. He had learned so much, and achieved so much in that time. He could envision and see each of those people clearly, from Xylia, to Cura, Lalonia, Warrior (from David, to Remnant, to Jacob), Feint, Faith, Xion, Joker to Challenger. Each person helped heal that broken soul he had been, and helped create the person he was becoming.
During this moment of profound silence, he swore he could hear those loved ones calling out to him. He could feel them calling out to him. Telling him to come home. Telling him he had earned a long rest. A chance to see them again. A part of him wanted to reach out and to join them, but he knew that he could not. This was not the time for him to rest. This was not the time to give up or quit. This... This was time for a new chapter.
He was suddenly returned from that quiet place, noticing he was standing in a slightly different position related to where he had been. His vision adjusted, and he noticed that Xion had shoved a cube towards him. As he focused on it, he realized for a brief moment that everything was incredibly quiet in his soulspace. That for the first time in what felt like forever, it was quiet, and he was alone in that space.
And it felt... weird. He felt light, and unburdened. Yet, empty at the same time. It was a strange sensation, one he was unable to fully grasp or focus on as his soulspace began to change. To evolve.
He could only stare at first, as the so-called sun burst forth for a brief moment as Xion directed the force into the cube. He watched the array of lights that dazzled between them of Laplace, the feeling of its life force changing and fading as it slowly disappeared and was absorbed by the cube. Merrill watched in fascination as the flowing energy molded and melded, his existence itself capable of feeling the very life force as it changed.
"Wow..."
It was all he could mutter as the hexagon shape formed and hovered in front of him. He listened to Xion speak, nodding his head, both confirming and appreciating the safety measures in place. Knowing he was about to undertake drastic changes again, he spoke quickly, and as he finished his words, reached out and touched the icon, accepting the powers within...
"I appreciate all you've done, for me, for us, and for the future of our worlds."
There was a flash of bright light, and Merrill felt a sudden surge of energy. He felt the surge take hold, feeling his soulspace evolving. The drab space shone with brighter color, this time reflecting an array of colors, not just white, and black with a touch of teal. The energy tore at his form, and he chose not to resist, instead embracing the power. His regular, armor-less form rippled as it ebbed and flowed, the teal focus shifting to a lighter teal in some places, and a darker teal in others. He felt his eyes gain clarity, clearly able to feel and see life itself differently, including the energy emanating off himself and Xion. He felt that of Life and Death return, both of them less spirit formed and more humanoid. They were quiet for a moment, taking everything in themselves, and looking themselves over.
As the light faded, Merrill stood still, inspecting himself. With a wave of his hand, light formed in a reflective manner, so he could view his physical changes.
His crystal now pulsed with new life, the remnants of any damage now removed. His eyes now had a slight change to them, extra points on the one eye, and each of his irises now reflected a series of rainbow colors, instead of just the gold and silver. His hair, which had acquired red tips due to Apollon, now was a mix of black, white, red and light blue tips.
With a thought, he called forth his blades, his armor reacting and activating instantly. He was surprised, and felt that now, there was almost an ethereal feeling to it. Almost like an invisible layer of energy and life. He inspected his arms, feeling the ability to alter his armor between forms with shocking ease. The more he leaned into one side of his power, the more his armor adapted towards that side. The weapons themselves remained unchanged, sans an extra pair of gemstones towards the bottom along the grip and guard. He could feel the warmth within his chest. His armor could reflect spiked pads on his shoulders, and even his back, between where his wings were located.
"While I feel very different, I think I am still me..."
"And yet, I am me and you!"
A voice spoke out behind him. He jumped and turned to see... a mirror image of himself. Well, mostly himself.
"Interesting... A body of my own? Even though it reflects the young boy? Haha! This is a start!"
Merrill took a step back, so he could see both sets of him. He could feel them, as Life and Death, and yet, they were him.
He could sense through their eyes, feel their heartbeat as his own... It was a similar experience as to what he had gone through only once before, but the power before was more cline-like. This was different. He had to shut his eyes for a brief moment and adjust to the vast layer of senses, lest he hurl. Strangely enough, with them there beside him, he felt stronger at the same time.
"... This was not what I expected..."
With a thought, both of the bodies that resembled him disappeared, and he felt Life and Death return to the revamped Soulspace, which had changes, including furniture within each space. Even their own natural forms seemed to be more understanding, as he could see a beautiful young woman on one side, and a strangely powerful elderly looking man on the other. With a wave of his hand, he released them into the bodies of him again.
Life and Death reappeared, the only difference between them and Merrill was the color of eyes, and for a fact that each one carried a slightly more prominent hair color choice than the other.
"If you think about doing anything stupid, I will revoke your privileges instantly, I swear."
Merrill growled towards Death. In the meantime, Life turned and bowed toward Xion.
"Thank you. It seems we are alive, thanks to you. And clearly much stronger than before. I can feel Merrill's full power, both running through myself, and them..."
"I too, am grateful. While I am still bounded to the boy... This is at least different... I can... have an impact, instead of being on standby all the time... If the boy lets me."
He looked himself over, shifting to reflect the darker armor with spikes, pulling out the scythe from "their" arsenal.
"I think I could have some fun with this... This would at least give me the chance to show off utilizing your power, boy."
Merrill sighed. He had a feeling this could become a headache if he let it. But he quickly tested a theory and pulled out a scythe of his own. It seems that one holding a weapon didn't prohibit another from the same power... There was potential here.
"Don't get any ideas. We still have a job to do. Don't make me teach you a lesson, "old man."
Merrill himself turned to face Xion once more. He bowed first, before speaking.
"I do feel stronger. I am me and yet, I feel more than me. But I survived, and I am grateful for what you have done for me, and for us. I know we have a lot of work ahead of us, and I look forward to working with you. I have a feeling most of these new powers will be tested as we go, yes?"
Merrill could tell that this was just scratching the surface. If he pulled out the full power within him, he was curious, but at the same time, was not sure of their time restraints.
"I appreciate the extra precaution. It makes a lot of sense, considering that the... powers, weapons, abilities and titan class specifics seem to be a point of contention... among the factions. I feel slightly better about keeping my cards for the team hidden, at least."
He put his hand to his chin.
"So many tests regarding these new abilities... If we could be separated and still utilize our full power... that actually gives us an extra safety measure..."
His mind rattled with ideas, and questions, but figured he'd see what the next move was, first. He allowed his body to adjust to the powers of darkness through Death, his senses adapting in a surprising manner. The very senses of life he was used to was warped, from hearing to sense of smell. He would have to get used to it in order to adapt and accept this power of his, after all.
"As eager as I am to get started on our research and training, I understand we have a lot to do. What's our next move?"
|
|
|
Post by Zane on Apr 3, 2024 0:11:16 GMT -8
Just as Xion thought, the strike upon Pandemic was the moment it was disconnected from the hive mind and as a result, eliminated on the spot. Performing so in such a fashion also enabled him to prevent its intended result for the one that Merrill possessed, and as he surmised, unraveling Laplace left him to be able to witness what was left behind. It was still active even here, but dormant because its trigger condition wasn't fulfilled. It looked harmless from his perspective and shaped into an ironic imagery, the tell-tale M that was their favorite insignia to emblazon upon all their works. To say that they had successfully fulfilled their failed mission of ages past with their return. Like this, he would be able to keep it and dispense of it at his leisure. Just as he had planned originally to simply send Laplace back with it, now he had it at his disposal to simply do the same but without the sword itself. It would be the Chekhov's gun, the bullet for him to utilize later once he finished assembling all the pieces to ensure that it wasn't a battle that took place, but a massacre. A far worse fate than what could have occurred if he simply moved on his spur of the moment action before he was allowed to give it even deeper thought. Xion Obtains: The True End of the Stars Merrill Obtains: Core - The one who brings to Life the Faith
|
|