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Post by Gaia on Jul 7, 2021 12:25:53 GMT -8
StrifeMan.EXE
StrifeMan's charge was the Undersquare itself - the massive obelisk that extended from the ground, for all to see. Its place in the ground had a great pit surrounding it, the spire acting as a means into the deeper section of the Undernet proper.
With the Undernet's usual traffic, its actual denizens reside within and around the Undersquare, the monolith acting as a means to travel into its true depths. Usually, traffic was stymied at the monolith, and the monolith alone, but with the current state of the Net's concerns, its defender was determined to keep anyone not expected within the Undernet out of it. Their agreement with the forces that the world fought against made them a neutral power in all of this, and they intended to stay that way.
His shadow acted as a massive boundary around the pillar, the only sign of his presence being the small, churning hole at its center. A penumbral vortex surrounded the spire itself, spluttering out vermillion whisps, acting as the epicenter of the shadow that spread itself out on all sides. This was how StrifeMan kept aware of his surroundings, even while resting.
It had become his task from the Man with the Ribbons to guard this sacred place, and to keep all from it. He had done so with glee recently, and even recruited another to help him so. He did not know just what he would have to contend with next, however . . .
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Post by Genesis on Jul 7, 2021 13:25:27 GMT -8
*And so it was that their gateway had opened, having not planned to head to the depths to begin with. He'd rather not trouble his new partners with a lot of noise out of the blue after all, so he would figure out how to spin the webs next in order to get the ball spinning once more. It hadn't even been difficult for him to notice that things had changed a bit since he was last down here. No doubt that was because Serenade had taken what he deemed to be the necessary precautions to make certain that things didn't end up worse than they were. Which meant no unexpected visitors to end up bringing in a Trojan Horse that could ruin everything in the Undernet in one fell sweep. Which meant that vortex there was likely one of their own and sent to keep tabs on the general area, not bothering to address it as he figured they would know who he was already if they among the ranks. It was only natural given how climbing said ranks worked for them. So instead he took to his own thoughts now, crimson orbs looking downward as he started to sort things out. And ultimately was coming to terms with whose ears were to be the very next scapegoats for the cause.*
"Assuming the others are on their way, they can serve as part of the makeshift audience. Not necessarily a large crowd, but it should suffice up until this is taken care of."
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Post by Gaia on Jul 12, 2021 14:01:19 GMT -8
Burai comes in behind Xion, looking around the dark, decrepit Network with distaste. The centerpiece, the towering monolith, had a great shadow surrounding it, the epicenter of which radiated an incredible life force - it was the closest thing since Burai arrived to this world that he had ever detected to Sirius' own life force, aside from Le Mu herself, and it was as though the shadow itself were alive. As Xion touched down and turned back to talk to them, he stayed silent, observing his surroundings and wary; he hadn't been here, yet, and he knew that their stay would ultimately be short.
The Moon Disaster came flipping through the portal and immediately rose up high into the air, letting out a light show from his golden armor as he shouted ecstatically for the whole network to hear him. "YO YO, yo, Undernet! It's the master of catastrophe, the shimmering warrior, the Moon Disaster himself, yo yo!" He spun around, suddenly holding a microphone, and came rocking down towards the shadow to find himself a good place to set up stage. Burai was even more ready to be rid of this nuisance, now.
He looked up, however, as another portal opened, and others arrived. Seems that Xion's plan to collect a battle force went well . . .
Perhaps a little too well.
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Post by Gaia on Jul 12, 2021 14:12:14 GMT -8
Joker.DB
Joker arrived first, appearing just out of reach of the out stretched shadow, just as it appeared that Xion - who he had now guessed was operating through a clone earlier, as he was already here despite having just been back at the tower - and the others had, as well.
Only two others were with Xion now, however. The first was immediately noticeable, still using his armor as a disco strobe, spreading radiance and exuberance everywhere he went. This energetic fellow bounced around as if affected by reduced gravity, and radiated a strange energy that Joker was both familiar with and yet felt foreign to him all the same. He couldn't quite get why he felt that, and so instead pressed his gaze towards the other one present.
He was smaller than the first, even smaller than Xion, no taller than a child, but carried himself with certainty and strength. To say nothing more of the matter, either, as he indeed radiated it, as well as an intense sense that made it difficult for Joker to stand to approach him. What was this power?
Pushing past it, Joker made his presence known and made way for who would follow next, moving towards Xion while keeping his wits about him considering the two unknown powers present.
Hollow.___
The wizard arrived only a second behind Joker, and moved into place immediately. He traversed the space to close the gap between him and Xion, having already interacted with the lone child in the Maze. He took note of the loud one that Xion had warned them about, but couldn't find anything in him to note anything more than his appearance and general movement, considering purpose and ability without any care for his actions. He couldn't find it in him to care about his behavior, but he knew one thing for certain - once all of them had come through the portal, they could get on with their next steps.
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Post by Raven8 on Jul 12, 2021 15:31:52 GMT -8
Ho-HO!
A booming sound of surprise and discovery from a deep, powerful voice comes up from behind the group, very obviously attempting to draw attention, but in this case the attention of one very specific Navi. A somewhat abstract figure of a Navi now approaches, his green arms crossed below his fused torso/head that is little more than a single, blue turbine engine with black and red eyes peering out from above. He ignores the group and makes his way towards Xion, whom he greets with a wave.
AirMan: I'd heard that much was happening here, and it seems that your presence proves that fact, my friend.
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Post by Zane on Jul 12, 2021 17:06:11 GMT -8
It was in an instant, swifter than anyone there was prepared to respond to, that something flickered by. It bypassed the very shadow that would have served to keep it at bay as it moved by. A glint through the darkness, one might even say, as what they could see unfold in the world that was not the Undernet was likely the most akin they could be to witnessing hell on Earth. There wasn't a space that was safe, the world being engulfed as the panic that would ensue would very quickly give way to little more than agony and despair as the world was sent under in an instant. And as Grom managed to arrive through the portal and prepare to ask questions, he could see the calamity that was beginning to unravel and could only look to Burai, seeing as he was apparently the literal Precursor of Ruin by this point, with relative calm. As while being upset at the situation was the most reasonable reaction to have, he was frankly built differently at the end of the day.
"At the very least, please say that also isn't your doing."
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Post by Genesis on Jul 12, 2021 18:22:56 GMT -8
*He'd recognize that iconic and booming laughter anywhere. Man was he glad that word was through the grapevine and that the guy had opted to hunker down when Xion had kept a bit on the quiet side with him. It was typically the signs that all things had gone, as they said back in the day, FUBAR. And to say that their situation was going to be turning in a better direction anytime soon would be an absolute lie--*
"What the--?!"
*Between the flicker that he could barely even register and the fact that he could visibly see the world be reduced to ashes and rubbles down here meant that at the very least they were informed correctly. Had they taken the liberty of talking this out at the Melee Stadium they would have been eviscerated like everyone else. He supposed he could thank that to her doing what was likely a bit of insubordination in order to offer them a bit of a chance, repressing his very loud emotions to at least try and deal with something less stressful right now going for the fist bump with AirMan.*
"Yeah, I'd say my presence is telling of a lot of things happening today. We absolutely have to catch up, for old time's sake and then some. And then I can try and figure out where to even start to begin explaining how much has gone very, very awry."
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Post by Gaia on Jul 12, 2021 18:43:40 GMT -8
Burai first paid attention to the new arrivals, seeing Joker arrive with much the same stature he had from his own timeline, but his energy was a little bit different. All the same, it was evident that he was like Hollow - a Wave Being hiding in the Net, although his Wave data had mingled much more with the Net than Hollow's had since his creation over here, from what he could tell. Hollow followed closely behind him, and it was then that the newcomer - what looked like a fan on legs - approached Xion from afar. All of these new figures, gathering together in preparation for their assault on Sirius' home, and Burai only felt more pathetic for the necessity of it.
Then, of course, came a speed unlike anything he had observed thus far, his eyes so unaccustomed to it that even his keen vision missed it as it passed by. Burai turned, just in time to find himself face-to-face with a screen that allowed him to watch as the world burned.
He watched, mouth agape, unknowingly, as whatever they had all found themselves in the midst of came to fruition. The powers inside of him roiled and raged at what they saw, wanting to join in on the carnage, and he pushed them down, grimacing, and heard the one that appeared to talk to him. It was the same one from before, who had assigned Feint to him, and Burai's face answered his question for him before he had mastered his emotions and steeled himself again.
". . . No, this isn't my doing." He had more to say on the matter, but decided to leave it there, for now. What terrible agony to inflict upon this world . . . he considered his previous thought again, wondering if he would abandon the dangers of his timeline to help this one. He was almost certain he would, but his pride was ultimately too great to consider it.
The Moon Disaster had likewise paused, ceasing his singing as he watched the world give way to oblivion. It was similar to what he was capable of doing to lunar satellites, and yet the destruction was something on a whole other level all its own. Such unheard carnage unleashed upon all those people, and he could've been in space to prevent it. "Yo, yo, no . . ."
Joker saw the small one's eyes studying him from a distance, like he recognized him, but Joker didn't recognize him one bit. Closing the distance between himself and Xion, he prepared to speak, only for the blur to fly by and then the show on all of the screens around them.
Such untold destruction, and he could feel that some of it was from that very same energy that he had given sentience to. As the question was posed to Burai and the answer given, he couldn't help but feel that he was responsible in at least some way for this. He wasn't sure what that made him feel, truthfully, but watched as wave after wave of desolation washed over the world. In a previous life, the weak being washed clean would have given him solace and even joy - now, his introspection made that difficult, as he only considered what more he could have done to potentially prevent this outcome, or to follow through with the dream Unity had left to him.
It was only then that he thought of something else left behind on that world - something that he couldn't quite ignore, as he reached out using their special connection to see what he could find -
"Jokie! Nice of you to drop in, bro, it's only been forever!" Joker didn't immediately respond, knowing that if there was anything to report, his brother's personality wouldn't permit him from keeping it hidden. He wasn't disappointed. "In case you're wondering, don't you worry - we made it out safely, no thanks to you. Da's absolutely livid, which of course means we're all playing a game of cards without you."
That answered that question, at least. Joker disconnected himself from that line, knowing that the longer he kept such a frequency up the more likely someone could tap into it. As his brother put it, at the very least their father was capable enough to escape relatively unscathed. Even Joker couldn't be that lucky, after all of this time. His own choice to stay off the radar meant that when father inevitably called them all home, he didn't get the memo . . . perhaps for the better, considering how much he had changed since their last interaction.
He kept quiet on his thoughts on all this, wondering what, if anything, they would be left with, what they could return to. Did Xion know that this was happening? Was it a part of the threat that they were facing, or was it something else entirely? He didn't know. It was up to them to figure out the rest, though, it would appear.
Hollow saw Burai again, and felt that familiar paralyzing feeling as something deep within tried to well up to the surface again, but his own mind wouldn't allow it to surface. He did not struggle against it, but just noted it, and then, simultaneously, watched as the Earth crumbled away.
He recognized that many of the others in his surroundings were having responses to the desolation. He saw even Burai make a response in turn, and saw the only other being with a similar situation - Joker - have a response as well. The only thing Hollow could do as response was recognition of it, cataloging of the information, and begin to wonder of its implications. He couldn't even feel sorry for all of them, nor could he feel frustration or disbelief at it. There was nothing to do but do believe it - it was right there, after all.
He stayed silent, watchful, and waiting.
As others gathered around him, he remained silent and dormant, but stirred suddenly as the blur of movement rushed passed him. First, turning in ward in preparation to hunt after the intruder, StrifeMan then noticed those that came before him, and wondered if they were connected to him. Rising up from his place, StrifeMan regained his form, a terrible monstrosity with a red, scaley hide adorned in spiked, gothic armor, his skin coated in horrific wounds and glowing, whispy glyphs.
Hunched over, he took the persona of his original self, that fiendish visage, and his shadow receded into his body as he came upon Xion, the only in the bunch that he recognized. He looked around and counted those gathered, seven in total, and considered the interloper that had gotten past him. None of the others would, in that case.
"No, no, no! StrifeMan is here to protect, and he shall not neglect! The Man with the ribbons has given him and his and them and us a sacred charge, that no one else can come in or barge!
"He cares not who it is, no, does he, StrifeMan shall break thine spine over his knee! Suffering unending and calamities ridden, StrifeMan shall bring to you unbiden!"
It was then that what came after followed - suddenly the whole world was alight, and the suffering and calamity that StrifeMan claimed dominion over came from all sides, from all places, all at once. It was as crippling as it was empowering, forcing StrifeMan to take a knee while intensifying the shadow that followed underneath him.
. . . Such suffering, and all of these, then, were coming here to seek refuge? How did they know? What brought them here? So many questions, so little time, and he had to deal with them all for the sublime. ". . . StrifeMan relents this once, but none may enter deeper! Ruled with an iron fist of mercy, the man with the ribbons surely shall allow you to use these confines for your protection, but none are welcome within, save those that should and know to be."
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Post by Warrior on Jul 13, 2021 12:17:22 GMT -8
Arriving shortly after the others, Warrior and Feint were just in time to witness the calamity that ensued across the rest of the Cyber World.
" ! ! "
It happened as suddenly as it had been described: a glinting force streaking past them too quickly for any discernible features to be illustrated. After the brief silence that followed once it had left their immediate vicinity, the world above them was wiped out in the blink of an eye: absolute eradication of the surface networks with extinction-level impact.
From where they were standing, the digital "sky" composed of the underside of the networks above would appear to be ablaze after the wave of destruction resonated outward from the destination of the force that had flown past them just recently. Digital screens around the square that monitored each surface network would show but a glimpse of the annihilation before turning to static as their connections were severed by each deleted continent.
Electopia, Netopia, Creamland, Sharo, Gigamerica, and even the more remote networks such as Yumland and Netfrica were all but erased in that very moment, taking any active Navis out along with it. It made Warrior's carnage in Sharo and Joker's eradication of Creamland pale in comparison to the obliteration they had now witnessed. Whether the Undernet was intentionally spared or whether the wave of destruction just hadn't reached it yet was anyone's guess at this point.
The carnage had Real World implications as well: the loss of the Cyberworld meant the loss of the mainstream internet, which was a devastating blow to communications worldwide. With the evolution of technology integrating it even into household appliances, virtually all Real World machinery would malfunction if not outright shutdown. By virtue of the Undernet still existing, there still remained very few working network connections which was what allowed Jacob Rayner and Cherish Pele to even be here right now, much less anybody else.
This was most historically significant event to have happened since Eon, and one could safely argue that it even eclipsed that. There wasn't any time to let it sink in, though, as Var's answer to the ends of their means came back to Warrior's mind as if it were prophecy: a changed world. That was an end that lined up all too well with someone else's ideals here, as well.
" Congratulations, Cherish. Your dream came true. "
Feint shook her head, denying his accusation but still taking in the sudden calamity. Imagining Faith's fate was something they both pushed out of their own minds for now, knowing that nothing could change that fact at this point and dwelling on it would only hinder them from advancing onward.
" No, I didn't have a hand in this. This is too far. "
Her prejudice against Navis had softened lately, but there was indeed a time that she wanted something like this to happen -- or so she thought, at one point. Her ideals had changed since then, and even NIA's ideals were misinterpreted by most: it wasn't subjugation of the Cyber World that they sought, but merely elimination of the forces that sought to subjugate others, instead. They prioritized the Real World's interests, of course, yet that didn't mean that they entirely dismissed the Cyber World's as a result. It was a restitution of balance that they endeavored toward, nothing more, but their opposing factions tarnished their mission statement and diluted its interpretation by the world at large.
Having had sufficient time to take it all in and watch everything unfold from there, determining how to deal with Strifeman would be the others' call to make before Cherish came to her own solutions about it, but she'd give them a chance to choose the more peaceful approach first.
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Post by xoDeathy on Jul 13, 2021 19:31:42 GMT -8
Lalonia arrived ahead of Merrill. This disaster.. her heart dropped and she fell to her knees. She didn't know what else to do but cry.
She knew. She couldn't see it but she know. A bunch of life, gone. In an instant it was just gone. The poor unfortunate souls who were innocent in all of this.. just why? And how, even, was a better question.
=========
Altair stood a bit aways from Strifeman. A single Saber danced around her for her own amusement rather than a threat. The network buckled beneath itself but to be perfectly honest she was unfazed. It was nothing she hadn't seen before, from other places in her walk of life. But now, a party decided to show up at the front door. The crazed one was bothered at first but didn't seem to mind now. She waited, she didn't need to add her input just yet.
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Post by Xypher on Jul 14, 2021 15:13:47 GMT -8
Portals man.
Merrill finally pooped out the portal, carrying Jax somehow behind Lalonia. In fact, their timing was close enough, but he was barely able to glimpse a light, or whatever it was, he couldn't tell, before the ensuing chaos. His legs could barely get him next to Lalonia, a couple of feet behind Warrior and Feint.
"What..."
Words failed him. In fact, for several seconds, all he could do is stand and stare blankly. He listened to the pair's exchange in front of them, feelings and thoughts of the Undernet washed away.
His mind flashed back to calamity of Eon. But this... This was nothing like that. Eon's was almost an instant cleanse. This.... This was worse.
"Merrill.... I feel... Faint."
"?!..."
within the soulspace, Life had fallen to her knees, and similar to Lalonia, was crying. But her form had shrunk a bit, and she looked like she had aged considerably, compared to her usual youthful look.
Death however, looked younger than before, and at first, had had somewhat of a smile. However, upon looking at himself, that look vanished, replaced with confusion at first, and then a scowl.
".... This isn't right. I should be growing stronger! Deaths of others should be making me more powerful!"
"Really? Now is not the time for that!"
"These pour souls... Oh my Heart!"
He set Jax down in front of him, and kneeled next to Lalonia, placing his arm around her, expanding a wing around her as well. He couldn't come up with anything to say to her, so he held her quietly.
Merrill hoped that Cinnamon had been close to the young boy, Xy. While a thoughtful lad, Merrill hoped that he would continue to be smart and make safe and good choices. The boy was so kindhearted and pure, and he knew he himself was not like that. He also struggled to connect with the boy, never checking in with him.
The humans would have immediate chaos from this. Knowing that the two worlds were connected, he could only imagine how long before the human world began suffering casualties of their own.
Would Warrior be able to stick around to assist long term?
With Xylia deleted, his viruses Healer and Defender also gone Merrill had almost no one left.
"This... This is not what I wanted..."
Merrill could only look at the two of them in the soulspace, calculating and trying to figure out exactly what was going on there. But in any case he could put some pieces together without talking about it.
"Shut up Death! We still have a job to do, and we will help everyone along the way that we can, Life."
The two stared at each other, eyes locked. Both with fierce expressions on their faces. The space changed, as suddenly the weeping woman was between them. She spoke in between labored breaths.
"Enough... Please... We are in this... together!"
They stared at each other still, as if they were about to throw down, before Death looked away, down at her. They looked at each other, and something happened. Merrill couldn't tell what.
"... You are right. We have work to do."
Merrill's expression softened as he turned and mentally left the soulspace.
Meanwhile while kneeling, Merrill's own emotions were a wreck. His mind raced, a flurry of questions in his head, with no answers and no one who had them who he could ask.
Who could have done this? Why was another question, not that it changed the outcome. He recognized his emotions just in time to subdue them, focusing his mind elsewhere, lest he lose himself here, among others. Bad things happened and he had hurt others the last time he lost himself. He forced himself to remove his emotions, focusing on the others instead. He stared up and looked around while doing what he could to comfort Lalonia.
Based on what little information he had, none of them here were directly involved with this destruction.
But in a way, he was ashamed of himself. He had yet again, failed to save or protect anyone in such an instance. He felt awful. He felt guilty.
Who was to blame? Regardless of differences, could the constant infighting and inability of others to peacefully work out differences lead to this? Was it due to those like him, who had delayed taking action or secluded themselves from others?
Didn't matter, the utter destruction before them was real, and as far as they knew, they had survived. It was for them to deal with. They would have to rise to the occasion and deal with it together.
He shut his eyes, and silently offered an old prayer from when he was a child that his parents always used to say.
Things would only escalate and get tougher from here. He waited on someone else to speak, while formulating his thoughts and locking his emotions down the best he could.
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Post by Genesis on Jul 14, 2021 16:32:45 GMT -8
*And now to add icing to the cake, even down here he could tell that their undesired guest was here now too. The crimson orbs that were his eyes dimmed into darkness, likely a sign that he had closed them as he used the entirety of his fortitude to maintain what fragments of his composure barely was remaining. It wouldn't do him any good to give in to his lesser nature here. He had to keep them on point and steer this burning ship to some kind of shore, any kind of shore, that was better than what they were presently sucked up in. The guidance they got had served them well to say the least, but what to do with what was left was the question. So first would be addressing StrifeMan and Lalonia, his eyes not opening yet as he spoke.*
"Keep doing your gatekeeping duty until more come here, if any are even still around. After that say screw your boss and let however many you want inside. Your brand of mercy can differ from his brand of mercy. He doesn't own you. And before he considers this a reason to change his stance on matters, I think I can say that this is the first time where his inaction is preferred. No reason to paint a mark on yet another's back when their track record for people in his station is immaculate. Lalonia, please stay here and take care of Jax. We'll be needing Merrill again moving forward."
*He could see the images flickering in his head now. The old man and his jolly laughter followed by his fool of an older brother, their oldest sibling in fact. He wasn't exactly a fool if they were being honest, he merely had been doing what he was created to do. His programming had the better of him as it rightly should. Defying their hard-coded programming and purpose made them failures, but he could say that his brother had not been. He would surely relish that at least half of his assigned objective had been completed. Now then... next was addressing the frigid reality of their situation.*
"Now that we're in the Precursor of Ruin, expanded edition, we get the chance soak this in but not the time to breathe it in. First we annihilate the pampered child who goes by Sirius. Burai can fill us in on all of the details. We also have no reason to do this exactly to the point, and since Feint will take time to unleash all of the Artifacts unlike yourself, give another two more compatible ones to the others here. I know you want to debate for why you're against it, but as you can see by now such debates are long since off the table. I know you have pressing concerns on your end as well given the human side of things will be degrading heavily, but try to bear with us for a bit longer, Warrior and Feint. You too, Grom."
"He would take a seat as his eyes were open again, looking directly into the static of those monitors. Looking away from the carnage wouldn't make it go away. So he would make certain that the sight was engraved into him instead, to never let it go. The Navis who had been inflicted with their unsolved dilemma, namely all Navis, weren't able to return just like every Human that would suffer the same due to the large complications this would cause. He would understand if the ones here wanted to make sure their own were fine and Grom had an obligation to both ends of their world, but he also understood that the only way they would have at least some moments to themselves was after they were rid of the more aggressive of their pest problem. Until then, being concerned about everything that had gone wrong was more harmful than beneficial.*
"Moon Disaster. I would say that I don't want to rain on your parade, but I know you understand the gravity of the situation. We need your help to deal with the current goal we're after. After that, for what it's worth, you can come back with me to the colony. That way you at least won't be alone or have to deal with a grumpy landlord."
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Post by Raven8 on Jul 14, 2021 16:57:46 GMT -8
AirMan returns the fist-bump, his eyes smiling at Xion's response with a grandiose laugh.
AirMan: Ho-HO! Good to see you as well, and Loath sends his regards. The old man has been well despite the fact that he's lost Cache, and has been selling off much of his net-based real-estate for reasons he won't share.
...and that's when the destruction hits. At the very edge of the entire spectacle, AirMan jumps away from the Undernet border instinctively, his eyes wide and the leg nearest to the destruction folding up near his body in fright, very obviously startled by it all. He then regains his composure, coughing loudly and taking a strong stance with fists clenched again.
AirMan: ...*ahem* ...and the old man rides the financial wave before it hits yet again. But I suppose that this opens many opportunities for profit, but first we must wait for the initial carnage to die down.
AirMan's eyes then slide back towards the depths of the undernet as a feeling of surging power rises, bringing with it a sudden light in the darkness of the abyss itself.
AirMan: Ho-HO! Make way for the king....
The undernet itself lightens, turns from pitch black to brilliant white. The broken, jagged paths become straight and as polished glass, as if fixing themselves to feel worthy of the presence that even now comes. In a flash of white light, the dark skinned King of the Undernet appears in the midst of the congregation, smiling gently with closed eyes as he takes form. The raiments of silken fabric that trail him as a cloak rise from the abyss and take their place behind the Underking, holding position without moving as his eyes open and scan the group before him. He raises a hand and gestures to the crowd before at last speaking, his voice bringing with itself a calming tone and a commanding presence unparalleled.
Serenade: I'm pleased that you've all managed to survive all of this carnage. [/color] [/div]
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Post by Gaia on Jul 17, 2021 13:08:11 GMT -8
The Moon Disaster turned and looked at Xion, first, as the carnage unfolded, and suddenly it dawned on him why Xion had insisted on moving down here. Even if he didn't know that it would be this bad, he knew that something was coming.
What came next was something that he inevitably didn't expect, but would understand more than almost any other person here. First, the network was flooded by a blinding light - even brighter than the light of its own king - and then that light faded away in the same instant, replaced by an extreme weight that didn't seem to have any other negative effect at the time.
He kept his look on Xion, understanding what was at stake and, for once, only nodded his response. "Yo . . . I'll play my part and help, always and anything for a fan."
StrifeMan looked up at Xion as he was given his directive, to let people through and tell his new boss to deal with it. Such a thought sounded like a terrible idea to StrifeMan, but he did hear Xion's words. He could have a different form of mercy, and it was suddenly made apparent to him that he may have traded one form of servitude from Shin to another with the man with the ribbons -
- but the man with the ribbons had given StrifeMan purpose, and his job was to do as he was told. He couldn't consider Xion's words . . . could he? StrifeMan didn't know, no, no, he didn't, and it was only-
!
StrifeMan knelt down, taking a reflexive genuflect as Serenade appeared. The concern on his brow was unmistakable, worried that Serenade could've heard his unspoken thoughts, and didn't dare open his mouth until Serenade was done speaking. "Great Lord with the ribbons! All of these individuals have come before StrifeMan, asking for refuge and no refusal to be had will dissuade them from his charge! What would his merciful tyrant have the crazed one to do for you to them and him?"
Burai first paid more attention to the arrival of the crazed one, finding his personality slightly more annoying than even the Moon Disaster's, but not commenting on it. It was then that he felt the sudden shift, and saw the blinding light replaced by the weight that signaled his arrival.
Spoiled child was all too apt a description, but Burai felt his blood boiling as Xion went through the rest of his speech. The nerve . . . "Hmph." Recognizing when the odds were against him, however, surrounded by individuals invested in the continuation of their world and knowing that he was the only one with the knowledge he possessed, he'd prefer to not be a part of either an additional genocide or even, if he weren't careful, a suicide mission.
He turned to look over the crowd collected, his eyes seeing deeper than just the surface to discern their capabilities, rough strength estimates, and even if they were fully navi or something more. The majority of them actually pinged as something more than just a base navi, which was an interesting note, but the point still stood that he wasn't as familiar with their kind as he was with wave kind, and so analyzing Xion, Joker, Hollow, and even Feint, now, became easier for him within the confines of the Net.
He ignored the sudden arrival of the great light, but noted that he was the king of this space - as his people must have recognized, time was of the essence, and they needed to move forward regardless of his speech. Burai was quite tired of just how many incredibly powerful beings this world seemed to sport.
"We actually, in greater likelihood than not, have more time than you may think. Sirius is nothing if not theatric and patient. He won't be stepping out of his Server to directly deal with us, and he will wait for us to come to him so that he can have his entertainment before claiming what he wants. We have until his entertainment with us is fulfilled to prepare for him.
"That said . . . Sirius is presumed to be the single most powerful being within our timeline. He is at least as powerful as five of your, as you call them Titans, combined. He is a being from the depths of space that has the power to create and control Black Holes, and operates out of his central Black Hole Server to roam the cosmos and add to his collection. He is childish and aloof, truly, and he can be quite annoying to listen to as he gets on -
- but his power is truly undeniable, his force of strength absolute. Powered by the energy that his black hole absorbs, every star, planet, and even minuscule bit of life that it sucks up adds to his prominence within, and with each thing he deletes or absorbs his power grows.
"Sirius attacks mostly by means of the satellite wings that float behind him and answer to his whims. Crafted from Signal Waves, they are incredibly fast and capable of carrying a lot of information. He either sends them darting across the battlefield to strike people directly, or funnels his energy through them to release an array of energy beams. They can crisscross the energy in dynamic and unpredictable ways, making it difficult for anyone to evade, and it is less than ideal to be struck by them directly.
"Aside from the satellite wings, he attacks by using gravitational forces, either intensifying gravity in the space to crush his enemies, lightening it to make it more difficult to maneuver around, or using it to forcefully move individuals or previous trophies around. Planets, stars, moons, asteroids . . .
". . . as for his defensive, it is exemplified by the radiance that surrounds him. Sirius is the animated force of multiple stars worth of energy, and he has an incredible prominence that can act as both a defense and an offense. The light coruscating from his body can only be dimmed so much at a time, the weight of his black hole making it difficult for the light to escape him so easily. In short, constant force - and a lot of it - will be necessary to defeat him, and rapid vigilance to attend to his offensive measures.
"Any defensive measures, like barriers, shields, or obstacles, crumble away at the force of his attacks, so I would be mindful of your defensive if it relies on these things. Speed is a necessity.
"Finally . . . he needs to be contended with in large numbers. If he can focus his attention on any one individual, he can tear such an entity apart with ease. The power of the titans we need is not so much important as their number - which, is why this part is necessary."
He approached Merrill, first, maneuvering through the group of people to stand before him. Merrill would notice an almost creeping feeling to step away from the black-clad warrior, but the chill of his stare almost rooted him to his feet. As he closed the distance, Burai had to look up to stare at Merrill's eyes, and he reached out with his hand to rest his palm on Merrill's chest.
"You already have a powerful prominence within you . . . awaken, then, and behold the power of Apollon, Murian God of Flame.
The power bubbled first within Burai, an incredible glow within his chest - like golden fire - as the energy flowed from him into Merrill. The power was almost overwhelming, an incredible might that flooded Merrill's being from top to bottom and filled him with an incredible radiance that was unlike anything he had ever handled before, dwarfing even Pandemic's power within him.
"The Murian gods commanded mastery over their dominion. Whatever understanding you had of the fiery energy within you, even that of the sun that you glow with, unknow it. It is of no use to you in comparison to the strength you now wield.
"I suggest you take care with his power - the force to quake worlds and ruin civilizations resides within you. Apollon Flame will remain dormant inside of you, as he did with me, but when you are weak you give him the opportunity to be reborn."
Then, he turned his eyes to Joker, already priming the second force of power to give to the gigant. His energy was a little different, which confused him, but he still should be compatible enough with the force for it. "I know your power from a different time. Crimson is your birthright, correct? I will bestow upon you the power of the Crimson Dragon from my time, with the agreement that you and your allies must return the power that I granted. . ."
Joker watched all that was happening, and listened to Burai's explanation of the enemy they were about to face. As more and more information was given, he was prepared for the next steps, wondering if his force was adequate to assist in Sirius' destruction.
It was as Burai suddenly approached Merrill, and evidently bestowed great power upon him, and then turned towards Joker, that Joker held up his hand and stopped Burai's from touching him. Joker looked up from Burai to stare across the space at Xion, considering his next words carefully, but felt as though he were more sure of himself now than he had ever been up until this point.
"Our adversary seems great and powerful, and I recognize the need of someone capable of wielding the strength of a beast such as the Crimson Dragon. I was already felled by this monster, however, and I will not accept the spoils of another's conquest. I do not care how dire the situation may be." He turned, then, and looked back at Xion, and moved his head to gaze at Warrior and stopped at Merrill. "The power that you just received . . . you are surely deserving of it, for what you have accomplished in your time with us. I . . . still have errors of judgment and action to correct before I shall accept such a boon; I still have much to prove.
"I wish instead to make myself useful through an alternative course of action. I know where to locate a power that is more strongly connected to the power that I wield - the Crimson Dragon's power is no longer connected to me, and I have no use of it. I also know how to get to it. Is there time to make this venture, before we go?"
Merrill Receives -{ Story Mantle - Apollon's Prominence} The power of the Murian god of Fire, a powerful prominence that blazes about their person. Those protected by it will know both power and safety within its core. -- Enables the skills Apollon's Shell and Fiery Dominion. Grants the attack Apollon's Flare. Grants 5 Levels of the Divine Fire Element. [Apollon's Shell] An incredible prominence surrounds the user, a ring of flames that arcs around their body and protects them from all harm. Even when destroyed, the user's inner flame will soon reignite it. -- Triune Barrier with HP equal to 50% of the user's max-health. Immune to Destroys Effects. Only takes the base, unaugmented damage from any attack that strikes it. Benefits from any effects that restores the user's HP, as well. -- If destroyed, respawns at the start of the user's next defensive phase. --- [Passive] [Fiery Dominion] Yours is the power of flame. No one else may hold that power over you, and no one may hold secrets over its power that you cannot learn. No one can dare use your dominion against you, and you revel in the restorative properties of your own realm. -- You are immune to the effects of any Fire or Solar element Attack, and have unpierceable immunity to Burn and Irradiate. -- You may redirect any Fire or Solar Element Attack used on the same turn for free any amount of times another could use it, regardless of charge or cooldown, or you may heal from it instead. Only Giga Chips, Hyper Attacks, or Core/Weapon/Mantle Equipment-Granted attacks charged for 3 or more turns, or with 1 or more turns of full charge, can bypass these defenses. - Divine Fire - A power possessed by only one being at a time, this preeminent and absolute power over fire makes the wielder a master of the never-extinguishing flame. They bear a white-hot heat within their being that allows them to incinerate masses and burn worlds in an instant. Strengths: Laser, Wind, Dark, Wood, Aqua Weaknesses: Stone, Shadow, Sand, Bug, Divine Lv 5: +300 Base Damage. +30% Base Damage Calculation. The user may apply multiple charges to a single attack per turn. If the user has the Solar Element, double all benefits for the user. Damnation's Pyre::o:: Passive Special Property ::o:: Burn ignores Post-Infliction and Non-Perfect Immunity, and can be stacked indefinitely. Attacks with charge inflict 1 Stack of Burn per turn of charge. Burn executes victims it reduces to 0-HP. Searing White::o:: Active Special Property (3-CD) ::o:: The selected attack deals additional damage equal to 10% of the target's max hp per turn of charge applied, regardless of success. Burning Ash::o:: Active Special Property (2-CD) ::o:: This special property can be charged like an attack for up to 5 turns. When used, unavoidably inflicts 1 stack of Burn on all enemies per turn of charge applied. [Apollon's Flare]The ultimate attack of Apollon Flame, the user raises their hand and charges incredible power into their palm, creating a sun to eradicate all opposition. -- 250% of User's Base Damage. 1 Full-Turn Required Charge. -- Charges from other attacks can be dropped upon use to apply to this attack, gaining the benefits of all charge multipliers dropped. -- Cannot be Mitigated (Including by Gigas), Destroys: All, Cuts Survival Effects (Including Gigas), Hits All. Stacks of Burn inflicted by this attack are inflicted Unavoidably. -- 3-CD between uses.
Without warning, a voice spoke through the Undernet, clear and smooth. High pitched and aloof, the child emperor's voice called down on them as though a youngster considering his options for play. ". . . I will not deny that I do enjoy entertainment, but I will not simply be left without it down here. If you insist upon being better entertainment in such a way, then go, seek your power, but I require one of your own to join me here for each hour I am left waiting . . ."
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Post by Genesis on Jul 18, 2021 2:20:44 GMT -8
*For reasons he wouldn't share? It made sense of them not to explain all of their business moves with one another, but it sounded like Lex had been inducted into their schemes just as well. Small wonder so many things had gone unnoticed in Electopia then if they had him willing to float with them. And likely why the moment he lost Cache was the signal to start selling those exact net-based profits since it meant that they no longer would need to beat around the bush with him gone. What thorough timing these guys never failed to have and for him to give compliments where they were due as Lex certainly had no form of obligation to anyone of their side of things.*
"Well I can't exactly say I blame the old man for choosing a winning hand."
*Xion's tone even held a bit of bemusement at the whole idea. Lex would get out of this like a fat rat and at least AirMan could do the same in light of the situation. Better to focus on the ups of their new world rather than the ever growing list of downs. One wasn't exactly successful in large-scale business without being quite like that in tumultuous times after all. Another of the rare ups was that it had the Underking here now and honestly the Undernet was going to have another problem at this current pace anyway. It made sense StrifeMan would still ask permission on the matter and that was fine, as this was going to be StrifeMan's life in a nutshell so whenever he got a hold of those reins was his own issue for a while as he listened to Burai's final description of their circumstances, then to Joker's request, and lastly someone else just making demands of him as if it was their birthright to adhere to his demands. He was reminded of two things that stirred his earlier bemused tone just a bit more in all honesty. The first would be that Samhain was gone for a number of very good reasons now due to very clear similarities. The next was something someone else told him about when they were fighting someone with all the power they could ask for but no real experience behind it. He disliked having his brother's voice in his ear however, so he did his best to omit even that actually fruitful conversation from his mind and had a simple enough answer to give to Joker, managing to dial back his tone of voice before speaking.*
"I believe our omniscient one is giving you the all clear to do as you like within the span of an hour. Suffice to say any form of movement on our part doesn't even come close to taking that long, so go for broke. Just keep two things in mind: try to not let this be another one of those actions born out of an error of judgment. There's a difference between wanting to prove yourself and rushing to prove yourself. I can't call anyone out for not wanting anyone else's leftovers. And to do this within an hour or we'll head on in without you."
*Xion understood that gaze all too well. He understood both it and the feelings that it could give rise to. It was why he had gone and obtained what he had, or at least an additional motivator to the plan. And he had been successful, so it wasn't as though it were truly impossible to pull off so long as one had the capacity and the compatibility to go with it. So if Joker was going to do it, then he may as well go do it. They also didn't have any time to bother entertaining the whims of this guy was why the time limit would ultimately be an hour. If Joker went and somehow found himself lacking time to complete the endeavor, then they would do without him and go about giving the old youngster his last dance. In this regard he was again unlike his brother who had a great deal of patience for children beside themselves with power. Which left the other matter at hand now as it were.*
"While I can't say it doesn't feel good to some degree to have survived global carnage, I still certainly won't be having any form of survivor's guilt. What's your take on this, Serenade? If nothing else the voice in everyone's ear is unrelated so if you got involved there it wouldn't impact your decision either way."
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