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Post by Nightshade on Sept 20, 2018 8:03:21 GMT -8
Nightshade remained unphased. "Very well then. If this farce has been dealt with, I shall take my leave."
With that said, the greiga infected navi wiped the blood off of him.
"Told you already. Karma will come bite you in the ass sooner or later just like it kees doing for me. Have fun doing what your doing. Time for judgement will come."
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Post by xoDeathy on Sept 20, 2018 9:34:04 GMT -8
Inori didn't stop looking down. She didn't cry. She didn't feel hurt, in fact she hardly felt anything. Perks of being dead. But, hearing what Caliga said, she had one last hope. Thoughts crossed her mind, scenes replayed themselves. Don't be foolish..
Save me..
Don't let him take me..
I don't want to die..
I want to be with you..
Save me..
.. save me..She lifted her head slightly, with a pleading look she was about to speak until Nightshade went first. .. a farce..
.. he doesn't even care..
.. he doesn't want to save me..
She began panting heavily.
.. he never cared..
.. he never loved me..
.. after all I've done for him..
.. he was the only Darkloid I ever accepted..
.. I loved him.. Instinctively, with his last word Nightshade would instantly feel a sharp sting against his right cheek as Inori's almost no longer good arm and hand gave him a powerful lady's slap. For the second before she put her head back down, tears welled in her eyes.
.. I hope that was real enough for you to choke on.. As Inori was still held up by Caliga, she mustered the last of her willpower to go closer to him, turning her head to the side and allowing her hair to cover the last in tact parts of her face you could call pretty. Nightshade was her most hated person, and she'd rather not be anywhere near him.
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Post by "Bill" on Sept 20, 2018 11:19:31 GMT -8
*As the events began, Embera looked at the cross around her neck as it retained a calm, shining glow. As she glanced down, she could see the black mist surfacing. A chill shot up her back. She could hear the cackle in her head.
Embera:no...no no no no no...! not now, not again!
*Her fight-or-flight reflex kicked in as she began running into the mist, hoping to dispel whatever nightmare the Black Diamond could be creating. Still obscured, she hid the Somnium Cross in her suit and watched as the events unfolded. It was Nightshade and....Inori? She looked so much worse for wear than when she met her at the Flower Shop. Seeing Nightshade so nonchalantly attack her with such ferocity was surprising, and she nearly jumped in to stop him, hoping to save Inori from Caliga's machinations. It wasn't until the smoke cleared, and the damage undone that Embera realized the truth of what was going on. Looking at the reborn Inori, and the black threads tying her to Caliga, Embera decided to make her presence known. As Inori moved back from the slap, Embera put herself between Nightshade and the duo. She saw the pain, the regret, the emptiness in Inori and felt those emotions gnawing at her throat, clawing at her mind. Embera began to cry, uncertain if she was being infected by sorrow, or if the mist was irritating her eyes.
Embera: That's enough!
*She yelled out to the Puppeteer himself. It was a false bravado, a metaphorical stab in the foot to push herself through this fear.*
Embera:...Let her go, Caliga...
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Post by Nightshade on Sept 20, 2018 15:46:18 GMT -8
The slap hurt. But that was the signal he needed. You need pain to wake up from a nightmare, and pain meant he was not allucinating. He would hope the trick had worked and he wasn't really allucinating again. Thay was the real Inori, there was a chance! They could run!
Then, suddenly, Embera came in to confront Caliga, for some reason. Which proved to be the distraction he needed. Now or never.
Quickly grabbing Inori's arm he pulled her over to his side. "Trick your friend to trick your enemy. I needed to be sure you're the real one." He whispered. He was sorry he had to do it to her. But his act needed to be convincing.
How to distinguish a true Inori from a fake Inori? Make her angry. That's how they met the first time,when she wanted to kill him. That's a look in her eyes you simply can't imitate. More over, he now also knew Caliga did actually speak the truth and his words weren't actually a upside down thing.
"Alright. We are both attached to this stupid black string thinghies, we need to cut these or he'll find us if we try to escape. How to cut demonic possession strings?" He asked, peeking over to the other side while keeping a hand on Inori's mouth, keeping her still in general right in his lap. It took him a moment to realize those strings couldn't be cut.
He thought he could bait and switch and run as usual at the last moment, but he had underestimated the guy's powers. Once again, his plan backfired on him. He thought he could have faked apathy and managed to get Inori and run. but both of them were bound.
Well then, there was but one thing to do.
He sighed nervously, adrenaline at an all time high. Maybe that was truly his final hour. "After what I've done I don't deserve you, Sunshine. But you don't deserve this. Caliga is right on one thing. I keep telling myself alot of lies. My love for you is not one of them. Never was, never will be. I love you, Inori. Whether you believe it or not. I wasn't there when you needed it but I am here now and I won't make the same mistake twice."
Settling her down he instead stood up and walked over to face Caliga.
"Alright. You win. I thought I could trick you and I failed. So I'm going to come clean. No more lies. You said you wanted a pawn right? Let Inori go and I'm all yours. Body, mind and soul. My life for hers."
The feline navi spread his arms wide at Caliga."I'll be your pawn. But leave herout of this. She doesn't deserve it."
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Post by xoDeathy on Sept 20, 2018 16:43:23 GMT -8
Get out.. leave me alone.. I want to die.. you are literally nothing to me anymore.. if you want to get devoured as well, be my guest.. piece of trash.. Inori tried to get up, but between the crystallization and the overall doneness of everything, she chose to lay there instead, but once again, crawled to her position by Caliga.
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Post by Raven8 on Sept 20, 2018 18:01:04 GMT -8
Caliga eyes Embera with a smile as she appears, stepping out from the shadows and mist to reveal his full form to the meager shadows of the blackened network. It's here that he raises his clawed hand again and pulls Inori into the air. Her surrender empowered the mad harlequin, and made the full situation all the more enjoyable.
Caliga: Poor boy; STILL you lie to yourself, and this wretched soul. Even now she's nothing more than an accessory to you...
Caliga's eyes slide down to Nightshade as he holds his sardonic smile, relishing every moment of this meeting.
Caliga: You didn't "get her angry". We both saw what you were doing in your own mind; you tore her to pieces without regret or remorse. As I said; you've already been my pawn for today, and I have no farther use for you. So kindly....
Caliga returns his gaze to Embera as he continues, snapping his fingers as he addresses Nightshade one last time
Caliga: Be silent.
At Caliga's words and will, one of the black diamonds affixed to the controller on his back lights up. In the wake of the dead-light of Caliga's power, Nightshade is forcibly brought to his knees against his will, and his ability to talk is shut down entirely, leaving him mute for the time being.
Caliga: Now then...
Caliga's body rises a foot or so off the ground and hovers in place, allowing the Black Diamond to cross his legs and lounge back with his hands behind his head just as he had the first time he spoke with Embera. As he does so, the crystallization across Inori's body stops, leaving her largely encrusted but still able to speak and move.
Caliga: Aaaaah, the junk data that thought she was a Navi! It's been far too long, Embera. Tell me; how is your little companion virus; Scrffy was it? Have those visions of yours come to pass yet...?
One of the red diamonds on Caliga's controller gains a wicked glow, causing Embera's hand to twitch and light on fire against her will.
Caliga: ....or is that something that still needs to happen?
The glow stops and the sickening familiar feeling of Caliga's control ceases, leaving Embera free. For the moment.
Caliga: Now tell me, Embera; what gives you the power to give me orders? What possible thing can you do to stop me, when we both know that the only reason that you stand now is because I'm allowing it?
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Post by "Bill" on Sept 20, 2018 18:12:59 GMT -8
*Embera's body tensed up as Caliga finally addressed her. At a foot off the ground, he was still much shorter than Embera, yet the forboding nonchalance of his voice kept putting her off. She only stood there, but felt exhausted already by how tense her body was. As he manipulated his controller, Embera could feel the threads in her arm shifting. It was a grotesque sensation of her own body becoming alien to her. Feeling the flame, she took a breath and prepared to continue.*
Embera: I am at peace, and will not be swayed again. I am not so foolish to deny the Devil his due, Caliga. I come not issuing commands, but offering a substitute. It's not about hurting people with you. You said it yourself, you can kill me now if you wished it. Instead, I've come to bargain.*
*Embera's knees quivered as she bit her own tongue, her eyes twitching just to hold back the tears. She breathed a deep breath, making a leap she could not turn back from.*
Embera: You have these cords in me. You can make me blow my own head off right now, but I offer you my heart, and if it would please you, I will give it to you myself personally.... But only by letting go of Inori.
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Post by Raven8 on Sept 20, 2018 19:39:25 GMT -8
Caliga smiles his sardonic smile, looking Embera over from head to toe for a moment at her offer. It was as though his vision pierced her very being and stared into the depths of her soul, irradiating it with seething, burning fear.
Caliga: An intriguing offer, Embera. You did once escape my grasp, and I promised that you'd be mine some day. Yes, I rather like this deal...
...Caliga's sly smile widens again, his abyssal eyes widening as he stares Embera down with a dark, growling laugh.
Caliga eyes Embera with a smile as she appears, stepping out from the shadows and mist to reveal his full form to the meager shadows of the blackened network. It's here that he raises his clawed hand again and pulls Inori into the air. Her surrender empowered the mad harlequin, and made the full situation all the more enjoyable.
Caliga: but, as I already said; this poor soul has a purpose for me; one that you are incapable of fulfilling. And besides...
The pupils in Caliga's eyes shrink to pin-pricks as he stares Embera directly in the eyes.
Caliga: it's so much more fun if you walk away from this knowing that you couldn't save a single soul because your life wasn't valuable enough to offer in trade
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Post by "Bill" on Sept 20, 2018 19:53:40 GMT -8
*Embera felt more at ease for some reason. It seemed she was comforted by the realization that Caliga has no desire to kill her. Refusing to alter her gaze, Embera's resolve began to steel. She stood straight and began to grin slyly herself.*
Embera: Wrong move, Jester. I'm not the one to play hero. I want the girl, and I offered you a fair trade. And besides, you were so caught up in your own grandeur you didn't listen to my words. I didn't offer you my life I offered you my "heart" I offered you a chance to relish in another's suffering. But far be it from me to keep you from your "master plan".
*Embera began turning away, before she made an about-face at the very essence of Nebula Gray, almost condescendingly. Her fear was gone, and she showed it on her face, having lost both her fear and respect for the Mad Harlequin.*
Embera: You missed your mark when you thought failure would get to me. For a puppeteer, you are lacking in your manipulative skills. Come out of the Undernet more, and see what I see if you wanna watch suffering.
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Post by Raven8 on Sept 20, 2018 20:17:52 GMT -8
Embera's words don't change a thing in the mad harlequin's demeanor. Rather, he waves off Embera with a smile as he leans back onto nothing once again.
Caliga: Aaah, you poor, poor girl. I came here today for that exact reason in regards to this lost lamb, and you truly believe that I missed the meaning of your thinly veiled words? No, sweet girl. I saw what you were saying, but still saw no value in it. If anyone missed the mark, it's you
Caliga's eyes open again, giving a knowing glare of joy to the Solar Empress.
Caliga: While your broken hopes would be a wondrous song to the ages, her suffering is a symphony of harmonious discord! And it's that symphony that will ultimately offer me what I truly desire.
Caliga stands once again, raising his clawed hand and sliding it onto Inori's shoulder, digging the bladed tips in and drawing a trickle of blood as he tightens his grip around her like the hangman's noose
Caliga: You see, Embera, your presence here has no meaning. The only remaining choice that you have is if you want to stay and watch... as I make this girl wish she were fortunate enough to have stayed dead.
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Post by "Bill" on Sept 20, 2018 20:26:11 GMT -8
*Embera herself was unfazed by Caliga's taunting. She decided it might actually be fun to play along. Walking over towards Nightshade, Embera leaned against his shoulder, crossing her feet as one would lean against a doorway.*
Embera: You know what...? I'm game. Hey Inori!? This is probably gonna hurt a whole lot, but before that starts, want me to say anything to your friends or operator? They miss you a heck of a lot and I don't quite think they'd feel good with me reciting screams of pain and horror! He hasn't crystallized those pretty ears of yours yet, so I know you hear me!
*Embera nodded to Caliga while raising a finger, as if to say "Just give us a quick minute and you can get on your own way."*
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Post by xoDeathy on Sept 21, 2018 15:41:44 GMT -8
Inori turned her head towards Embera, her mop head of hair covering her face with a veil of sorrow as she looked down.
Hmm? Don't bother telling them anything.. they'd probably only be in more pain--actually.. She slightly lifted her head, enough to make a gap for her right soulless eye to peer upon the lady of flame.
Tell them.. it was all that infidels fault.. I would love to see how Ma would break him in half..
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Post by "Bill" on Sept 21, 2018 16:41:43 GMT -8
*Embera nodded her head as if to assure Inori that it will be done. With a simple shrugging of her shoulders, she looked over to Nightshade.*
Embera: You really donked this one up, Boy. Now let's see if you have the stomach to see the results...
*As she spoke this, Embera dropped to one knee and grabbed Nightshade near his temples, holding his eyes open as Inori's empty, hopeless eyes gazed at them.*
Embera: I'll let them know, Inori. If you're committed to this, don't try to resist at all, it stings less, trust me. And hey, if you somehow come out the other side of this, maybe we can take a vacation some time? Not deal with Caliga, or Cataclysms, just find a nice island network and get away, y'know?
*Her eyes shifted slightly to Caliga, a look of dissatisfaction on her face.*
Embera: Sorry for the interruption, I wasn't aware you had her consent. Far be it from me to stop the two of you. You may be the Bad Guy, but you're not such a bad guy, and I'm not about to become that bad guy by getting in the middle.
*Embera let out a small chuckle to herself before continuing.*
Embera: You need to work on your performance, because it looked like you were brainwashing her and that would just be evil. Next time think first impressions. Anyways you're good, my bad. I'm just gonna watch.
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Post by Raven8 on Sept 21, 2018 17:36:33 GMT -8
Caliga knew that Embera had tried to do, and it came across as nothing more than irritating. However, the Black Diamond allows her to make her move. It isn't until she makes her final dig that his eyes grow black and his smile widens
Caliga: Oh, my dear Embera, I A-
...Caliga pauses and puts his masked face into one of his claws, obviously giving up for a moment.
Caliga: ...to be fair, you already know that I don't play in direct mind control. Just imagine if you were in a relationship with that and say that you wouldn't beg for me to take you too.
Caliga raises his head again and looks back to Inori, regaining his composure as he looks out over the bound soul that had long lost all will.
Caliga: But back the matter at hand. Take heart, young girl; sacrificing you is the first step on a path unlike any other....
Caliga then places a clawed hand on her shoulder again from behind, smiling a wicked smile as the low growl of his laugh causes the network to reel in pain.
Caliga: ....it's just such a shame that your first impression of the darkness was the correct one.
Inori's body breaks into light and shatters, dissipating from before Caliga and leaving nothing more than her Navi mark, encased in a black diamond.
Caliga: Never living, never dead. Wish for the embrace of either, but never touch them again.
With this, Caliga frees Inori from the bonds of death, and then imprisons her away from life. Within this crystal she finds no rest, no respite. A personal hell from which there is no escape; a personal hell sealed away as Caliga takes her diamond and places it onto the puppet controller on his back, affixing it in place with a smile.
Caliga: Aaah, another show without equal. Did you enjoy it, Embera? I hope so, as it may very well be my last for you... Caliga smiles one last smile... one far darker than before. one that revealed a truth that many had hoped to not see. Caliga was no longer acting randomly, enjoying the suffering of Navis as he moves about with impunity.
The Mad Harlequin has a goal, and this was the first step on that road to ruin.
Caliga: ...I have my heart set on far greater things now.
The mad cackle of insanity and woe rises from the very fiber of the net itself, glitching and warping the area wildly as the mists of Caliga's namesake gather to him and vanish, leaving the network in normal order once again, with Caliga nowhere to be found.
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Post by "Bill" on Sept 21, 2018 17:48:48 GMT -8
*Embera's eyes got wide as the entire network seemed to flicker as Caliga laughed. It was an awesome feat of pure malevolence that still seemed to shake Embera, even as she braced against Nightshade. As he departed, she could not even put into words a response for what she saw. Taking a deep breath to recollect herself, she dusted off Nightshade's shoulders.*
Embera: Okay! Soooo, that was absolutely horrifying. I'm gonna go tell my best friend what happened and then tell her best friends that this was all your fault sooo....enjoy the rest of your day and uh.....see ya!
*Embera then showed Nightshade her best finger guns as she nonchalantly walked back into Element City, hoping to rendezvous with Genesis.*
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