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Post by Genesis on Oct 22, 2021 17:05:19 GMT -8
*This time rather than the primary castle, he would choose the Castle of the Fallen as their landing point. In one of the many rooms of disrepair would Jax land first, followed by Xion who stepped out next. He would waste no time holding his hand out to call up a large mirror from the ground, something that Lalonia would recognize from the fight with Nebula Gray. It was home to a few things now, but chief among them would be the very first thing that was added to their ranks during the battle itself. And he would call that person back out now, once again where they left things off.*
"Rise and shine, Slypner. We have some unfinished business to take care of."
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Post by Gaia on Oct 22, 2021 19:03:28 GMT -8
Hollow.___
Passing from the black hole, into the Undernet, and then to here without much of a word to Xion since his supposed infraction, Hollow alighted down and glided across the space, glancing about the Dark Colony again.
He looked on as Xion produced the mirror and called forth his next project. It was so strange, just how sure Xion was of his actions, and just how prepared he seemed for whatever came next. Nothing was done without purpose, and yet Hollow seemed so out of sorts and so under-prepared for it all. Xion was so sure and so driven, and Hollow observed as though he were simply walking in Xion's shadow.
Not that this was any different an experience than the normal. It was just further pronounced by his inability to commit to any course of action. He had forgotten that Xion was the only thing he had, so much so that he left something that was solid for something that was presumed. Even if he couldn't feel anything of connection, attachment, or even amiability towards Xion, Xion was ultimately more of an attachment than he had ever had aside from Lady Vega herself.
. . . For Xion to have brought her name back up, Hollow was momentarily furious. Now, if he could search himself, he was just empty again, but all the more aware of it. He was reminded of the hole where his thoughts for her once existed. Why, when all was said and done, did Xion mention giving her his regards? Did he know something that Hollow didn't? . . . Of course he did. Hollow's memories were fragmented and disjointed, and he was isolated and unattached for the majority of five centuries.
Now, here, Hollow glanced around, considering the space, and felt something . . . shifting. Like his influence was rapidly ebbing away. He held out his hand and considered that feeling back from the abyss that the cybeast was inside of, that feeling of disconnection. He needed not to test the power to realized what was happening.
" . . . The Undimension is collapsing. Already, pathways to other areas have become inaccessible. If it stops at me, then I will be all that remains of the Undimension. If I collapse inward, as well . . . " he paused, not completing his sentence.
Hollow looked to Xion, and, as time passed, he didn't collapse inward. He wasn't sure how he felt on the notion, but he felt less and less connected to the wellspring that granted him power. He could still create small voids into his own personal space, but all that remained of the Undimension was the portion of it animated and given form as Hollow.
". . . And so its gone."
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Post by Shast on Oct 22, 2021 20:01:20 GMT -8
Slypner
Slypners visage appeared from within the mirror. His small frame, pale skin, and navy blue cloak standing out against the empty void inside the mirrors confines. The darkened window to the void bulged slightly as the being was pushed out into "reality". In the same location where he fell to pieces, as if Slypner had never been destroyed at all.
*tap tap* His boots touch ground for the first time. His body wobbles slightly as it gets its bearings. Eventually the painter opens his eyes partially. Showing that despite this rebirth he was still the same apathetic creature he had been before.
I see. Very clever, Xion. We do have business left to attend to. Referring to their prior arrangement.
Jax
If navi's could experience the agony of bedsores Jax would be in a world of hurt. Thankfully he was programmed with no such nonsense. His body having recuperated enough energy to at least function the goliath navi stands up and rights himself. He checks his hands, shoulders, and flicks his fingers a few times to attempt creating a patch of grass out of the stonework floor in the corner. Ensuring that all his powers were online.
The earthen navi looks about the dark colony halls and nods, coming to Hollow, then Slypner, and finally Xion. He gives a small grin a if to let his comrade in arms know both of his appreciation, and of how hard of a hitter he must have encountered.
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Post by Genesis on Oct 23, 2021 7:58:41 GMT -8
*Hollow's words caused the orbs that were his eyes to narrow briefly. If he collapsed inward it would make logical sense given Hollow's existence, but seeing as it ended at him rather than take him as well must have meant that Hollow was in some small way different than the dimension that now lived entirely up to its name. It was effectively Undimensioned right on out of here, a move that was swift and sure given their very recent victory over Sirius. So they no longer needed it now that Sirius was defeated? ...No, if that were the case then the ones around would have been completely taken care of. This was another instance of them being allowed to continue presenting a new problem, unknown in nature but heinous in design. If they could be allowed a moment to breathe they could catch their bearings, but all they could do was continue to respond to each new thing as best they could.*
"Let's at least consider that now no one else can use it given our first surprise guest."
*Burai using it on his own when he arrived was one thing, now it at least meant no one else could do so. And it took off a checklist of something else too. Running down that list he would have to have Hollow cross that suspension bridge that was holding him up sooner or later, otherwise it was going to happen while he was otherwise too preoccupied to do anything about it. For now he had the luxury of time when it came to that, the only time that was a luxury lately. With Slypner and Jax both finally secured, giving a thumbs up to his silent partner, they could start the next step.*
"I figured it was best to prepare future options in the event we found another snag. And let's just say that there are snags in utter abundance. We may as well live in a forest with them hanging in all four directions. So before we get a move on, we need you to split a few more times. And we should also be mindful that whoever put Jax down is an attacker who's blows should not be taken lightly. And by that I mean they probably kill you."
*He was well aware that Jax was one of the few that could claim to be sturdy and not be blowing entirely hot air. Whoever put him under if it wasn't Rosso was no doubt a heavy hitter to say the least. It didn't look like it was the result of subterfuge like how Toxin solved all of his problems with the bulkier adversaries, so it meant the person simply possessed the raw force required to put Jax out of commission. Which also meant that it put anyone else here it hit likewise out of commission if they took it directly.*
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Post by Raven8 on Oct 23, 2021 8:25:09 GMT -8
Ho-HO! If it isn't the old group, back together for a new hoorah amid trying times?
Through the door of the chamber in which the group now meets, AirMan's shadow breaks the light and looms into the inner sanctum. With his hands crossed behind his back, he motions with his eyes for his six-Navi entourage to wait outside as he makes his way in and holds his hands out to motion to his compatriots.
AirMan: I must say, it is a pleasant surprise that we're all here today. A shame that business is so poor for the moment, but I have a feeling that this little group has the resources to turn things around.
AirMan takes his place in the growing circle, his black and red eyes scanning over the group before his hands fold behind his back again.
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Post by Genesis on Oct 23, 2021 10:19:18 GMT -8
*It had been a long time since they had to pool their team together for some good old problem solving. Every time they had done so in the past had been successful and even as their numbers dwindled, the other factions had as well. In the end the system of power hadn't changed and ultimately out of the group of normal people gathered they had become rather infamous for the fear they inspired in anyone who considered crossing their path. He imagined that was what that one group that went around gathering the people considered the strongest was for before, but they were already a thing of the past even by the time he had started making waves. And it no doubt showed an ironic painting that their group was one formed on trust now when The Chaotic had changed leadership entirely from a betrayal. When they overthrew the old leader and became a ragtag group of ruffians up until Toxin was removed from power by the ONB. After that they had kept their heads down and became quite benign due to the leadership role effectively passing on to Xion even then. It was funny how he was still unprepared for it even when the bombshell dropped that Toxin was removed from the picture by Turbine. And now here they were, about to cause a stir in the tides yet again.*
"This group hasn't had to make a group effort in years. But we need to remind them that we don't have any chipped fangs around here."
*He would extend his hand and hold it upward, the gem flickering briefly as a purple flame rose from his hand. He would let it hover forward as plantlife and vines spawned about to create the picture he wanted to show them. Here it would present the automaton he would presume in all its ivy glory, much larger than even Jax and as a towering behemoth that had an array of tools at its disposal that he imagined he decimated it quickly enough to prevent all of those tools from being brought to their full disposal. A fifty foot tall mechanical menace somewhat resembling some sort of warped bird, one could presume. It had an elongated back that formed back into what could be considered wings more than not that contained thrusters for sudden movement. With an elongated beak and single shining red eye that was different than the eyes the Reaverbots possessed. A long tail that swished back and forth behind it as it stood on two legs.*
"When I was hurled away into who knows where I encountered one of their disposable machines. Thing is that 'disposable' tool of theirs can maim singular opponents outright and I have no way of confirming that the one I took down won't be back. However for the time being they possess a critical flaw: multi-tasking. They excel even further than that one nerd Epoch did in a duel, but bring in variables and things change. I used Turbine's rusty Polaris to solve the trick back then, but one big man-child confiscated that when I passed it to Hollow so that's a done deal."
*So from the mirror he would call up what he had kept next. They looked to be arterilly of some kind in the shape of a condor. He had pulled one out to display it, but in the reflection one could see that there were quite literally thousands at his disposal within its depths. A trophy of war one might say, but ultimately the results of the insults that were thrown at him back at that stairway. Thanks to their abundance and the numbers available to them, he could ration them out without any problems whatsoever.*
"But we never did get to finish that project that we wanted to make. And I picked up something to add to it besides just Xyzillentz toxins that we kept around. With your winds, Jax's handiwork, and these we can have a constant answer to that problem available to each of us."
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Post by Gaia on Oct 23, 2021 10:51:26 GMT -8
Hollow.___
He watched as others came to and stepped up, the little circle forming. He had seen this very circle form so many times throughout history, he felt, but he had never stood in it himself.
Xion took to the stage to show off the efforts of his labors thus far, producing a large mechanical bird of some kind and showing literal tens of thousands of missiles trapped within his little mirror. He went over the reason for gathering these resources, and the danger that this beast presented, proving his own intellect and resourcefulness yet again.
As he went over the names of the individuals he intended to help in this project, Hollow noticed a rather lacking pair of names; his own, and Lalonia's. He kept his silent vigil for a moment longer after the names were called, but then he made his voice heard. He wanted to be useful, after all.
". . . And where do Ms. Lalonia, and I, fit in?"
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Post by Raven8 on Oct 23, 2021 11:07:28 GMT -8
With a booming laugh and a bombastic clap, AirMan's entertainment at the proceedings becomes obvious. He takes a step forward and motions to Xion, then to the singular monstrosity that he'd summoned.
AirMan: Ho-HO! I never took you for a chicken farmer, Xion. Yet here we are! A fantastic bird, to be sure, but tell me; how do we know that it wont betray us?
AirMan walks up and puts a single hand onto the bird-like mech, looking it over.
AirMan: It looks reliable enough, but anything programmed by our foes could turn back to their side. But what if we train them not as birds, but as horses, should you understand my meaning?
My first thought is the simple and elegant bomb that we may detonate them from within and cause much damage should they be turned against us. But given the rather diverse nature of our group, perhaps we could find an even nastier surprise than that, ho-HO!
AirMan looks on, joyfully considering the possibilities of using these things as something beyond a simple assault vehicle.
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Post by Genesis on Oct 23, 2021 11:46:17 GMT -8
*He snapped his fingers at AirMan's words, as the partner in deeds once again was a man with the plan. A plan that Xion was hoping he would voice just the same as it meant that they were still sharing the same wavelength as before. They might have lost their eternal funding, but that didn't do anything to effect the assets and feats they were always capable of when they started the business to begin with. And that was why this was able to come together so quickly.*
"I get your meaning all too well. And our trains of thought align perfectly. Their purpose in our grand design is to serve as a moving turret or a source of perpetual bombs. You'll be able to guide them with your winds, Jax can influence them with his ability over terrain as it's proven quite adaptable to such a thing, and we can load them with any number of nasty surprises."
*Suffice to say neither were fond of the idea of using something formerly owned by a foe. That was just asking for surprises. But as a suicide bomber or any number of other options available to them due to the number of chickens he added to his roast? That was where the real juice was at. And was precisely why he needed to be here before he took them out to play. This place was particularly nasty to things trying to mold it, and likewise allowed him to mold things that he owned as well. Once they were taken into the mirror, the plan was already set in place back then. He simply needed to get them out of sight and out of mind after he had pulled off the heist. These little birds would be the answer to the big bird and this time let them make certain that it stayed out of the picture. As for Hollow and Lalonia, their roles in this were pretty clear as it happened.*
"Lalonia's going to patch up Slypner after he gets beat up to multiply and then serve as his therapist. He has a dilemma that needs fixing when it comes to feeling things. As for you, I have a question for you to answer. Why did you do what you did back at the black hole?"
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Post by Gaia on Oct 23, 2021 12:14:17 GMT -8
Hollow.___
Listening to Xion's and AirMan's explanation of the intent behind the bird made it easy enough to see that Xion was not one to leave any loose ends uncut. It was an efficient and appropriate use of resources.
When Xion posed his question back to him, however, Hollow, for his part, did think carefully on his answer. He figured Xion already knew it, but he tried all the same. Why had he floated over to Gate's side when all was said and done? Not simply looking for purpose, but the truth behind even that reasoning? When all was taken away, what was the root of it? Xion did not deal in half-truths, and Hollow was an intelligent enough being to handle his own thoughts and make sense of his own decisions, even if he was not committed to them.
". . . Since the passing of my NetOp, I have been without purpose. Her directives gave me something to do. Without an understanding of emotions, I have no drive. As I have done before, I was seeking a new means of acquiring a purpose.
". . . I was seeking something separated from your shadow. If I only ever followed in your footsteps, I would never be anything more than the shadow of my progeny. Looking back, of course, siding with Gate would have not produced my own purpose or drive, either, but it would have been something new.
". . . I did not do it for a particular want, but it did have a reason. I was seeking purpose, as I have since your increased activity brought me out of my torpor. I have yet to find it, even in trying to march under your own drive, which seems to be ceaseless. Your direction and sense of purpose are lost on me.
"Now, I question even our . . . relation, as it were. You seem to know much of my past, questions budding ever since tasking me with taking us to that Maze, and we met the silver-haired warrior, Burai. Why am I so familiar with a place that I cannot remember? Why do I have knowledge that I seem unable to tap into?"
Finally, after a bit of exposition, the root of the problem begins to unfold. Hollow's frustration had been building up since that moment, his confusion behind what his memories were and what his own thoughts could find not lining up. For all the things Hollow had left of his old life, he still had his knowledge, even if he had no apparent need for it. Not being able to access his own thoughts, his own memories of his lady's passing being incomplete, and then these connections that Xion seemed to know more about than himself; all of these connected pieces were driving him further and further to seeking for something, whatever that may be.
He wanted to race towards it, even if he knew not what direction he was flying, or even the dangers that it presented.
". . . And, then, you used her name. More evidence that there is something you know that I don't.
". . . I seek a purpose for my form, to give reason to this shell called Hollow. What I want, however, is to know."
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Post by Genesis on Oct 23, 2021 13:32:55 GMT -8
*To be stuck living only in the shadow of someone else was something he equally disliked. He had made a point to go and obtain something different even if he could be said to have been a master of that something in his own right. His drive led him as such just as it led him to make certain that those he was with were never without. Jax may ignore him, AirMan may do shady dealings, Ruin may have caused mayhem, Kajira may have liked being police justice... Slypner may have liked not feeling, Joker may have been too self-centered, Merrill may have been too naive, Warrior may have been too indecisive. Lalonia wasn't a fighter, Resonance was tired, and his brother was a mess and more to put up with. But once he had their back, unless they turned their blades to him, he sought out a path to ensure that they would be able to stay afloat in their big old chaotic world. And to that end he developed and obtained any numbers of means while removing other obstacles to ensure exactly that. What Hollow was asking of him was tantamount to the exact opposite of that, and being aware of this, was why he was glad that someone wanted to take some time to sit down with Hollow. If there was one fix that he knew would work, it would be this one. And so he breathed out a sigh, looking directly to Hollow this time.*
"I know all about your past. The only reason you don't was for your own protection. Because of your emotional spectrum you would react in the only way you knew how. But living a shell of a life still can't be called living. And I know someone who undoubtedly has a way to remind you of what you lived for, as destructive of a relation as it is."
*Hollow would do anything for Vega after all. To live without her was something he never imagined, and to do so for centuries even moreso. Due to his apathy he could only seek out a purpose, but he could never obtain a purpose because he was unable to move on. It was something he was trying to avoid with Blake as well, to let her adjust with time for the brevity that was human life. She would learn over time, but not something she could adapt to right now. Even Hollow, with all the time he could ask for, was still left wandering. And so just as he would with Joker, he would need to bring him to someone who had spent the time analyzing enough cases to get the desired results. Because the last thing he would do is shackle Hollow as either a slave or a tool.*
"The reason she left you with both the Undimension and your other asset within yourself. We can only guess as to what she felt when she did. But what we do know for a fact is that back then she stopped you. Because whatever it was she discovered was too dangerous to be dealt with by you alone. No matter what I say I can't stop your flood of emotions from taking control of your actions, as that's just how emotions work. But if you will, wait just a while longer. Once you know, then you can be able to answer the question honestly. Who you are and what it is that you want to do. Because all of this time as you wandered, looking to know and looking into ancient history, it all boiled down to the same thing in the end."
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Post by Gaia on Oct 23, 2021 14:48:22 GMT -8
Hollow.___
. . . That made sense, actually. There was simply nothing he wasn't willing to do for his lady, even lay down his life for her. If she had encountered something before her research was complete, it would have been logical that she would augment his memories to prevent him from acting out. What he didn't understand, of course, was why.
He would have laid down his life for her. He would have sacrificed himself, instead. If this were the case, then the reality of his situation was that she instead gave up her life for his. Her mortal, fragile, finite life, for a program that she could have rebooted at any time. He was programmed to be her companion, to be her guardian, to be one alongside her . . . and then she left, as all mortal life would.
Now, closer to mortality thanks to the current anomaly, he had somehow persisted in an attempt to find something new. Why else, indeed, would he continue to push forward? Xion was hinting at the inevitable - that he of course knew what to say, and how to say it, to unlock the seal on his memories. To give Hollow clarity on what Vega had encountered that would require his memories to be sealed.
If Hollow knew who, or what, it was that had taken his lady from him . . . he would probably act out in the only way he knew how. For his lady's favor. He would interpret a need to avenge her. But . . .
". . . I am to follow her every order and wish. If it was her wish that she be sacrificed and I was to continue forward, then to charge blindly into anger would be against her orders. While emotions are not something I typically understand, I do understand that.
"She saw fit to sacrifice herself to ensure my survival against whatever it was she had encountered. . . . She did for me as was my purpose for her. I do not understand . . . but I will not dishonor her decision with rashness. It is beneficial that I do not typically understand rash action, anyways."
That said . . . Hollow was aware of the other asset, but he hadn't been aware that Xion had known of its existence. Hollow held out his hand and from his robe produced the incredible diamond of some black stone, with strange carvings and etchings over its face, some symbolic language that Xion would recognize as Murian. The power this black stone emitted was incredible, and yet . . . it emitted strength that wasn't entirely wave-based. Although fashioned with Murian technology, Xion wouldn't detect wave energy rolling off of it at all. The energy it emitted was something entirely different.
". . . Using that logic, there was something she had intended for me to be able to do, given time. There was a purpose given to me, even if I do not know it. Is my purpose, then, to live, as she sacrificed herself to ensure that I would?"
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Post by Shast on Oct 24, 2021 17:41:30 GMT -8
(So active so quick!) Slypner
Ok. Slypner responds. Not that he could, would, or had the will to dissuade Xion from enforcing the split, the logic the darkloid presented was sound. The being he referred to looked as though he could take quite the punch and while he himself definitely could not. Having another duplicate around could be valuable.
You remember how these "splits" work, correct? He paused, scanning the room and taking note of who was here. His eyes lingered on Hollow for some time. His conversation with Xion reminded him an alarming amount of himself. Right down to the emotional instability.
Jax
Jax continued to exercise his powers Modifying that same space into various forms, conjuring his weapon and dispersing it. Ensuring all his pieces were in working order. One last piece of self care was to run through and reinstate his archaic, yet top shelf firewalls and protection softwares. Thus eliminating any foreign or otherwise undesired malwares or bugs.
He glances over to Airman and nods in agreement to the plan.
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Post by "Bill" on Oct 25, 2021 5:30:03 GMT -8
*Slow to move, the hooded navi lurched through the portal, following Xion and his team into the Dark Colony. He made it to the diagram of the machine. Listening to Xion and AirMan speak at length about the weapon, he managed to get out his comment, rasping his voice as he spoke.
"Corrosion": If I may....There might be a way to...."convince" these things...that they belong to you...
*Reaching into his case, the navi pulled out an jet-black chip, with an almost violet sheen to it as it reflected the light hitting it.*
"Corrosion": DarkInvis....This chip could....manifest your DarkSoul....into it...It could overwrite...Their loyalties.
*He smiled as he produced the chip, and then looked over to AirMan, before choking out another sickly cough.*
"Corrosion": Believe me...Business...has been good for me...And my resources have a delightful R.o.I...
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Post by Raven8 on Oct 25, 2021 10:22:10 GMT -8
AirMan's expression is hard to read, especially since he basically has no expression. But, nonetheless, his attention is fastened to Corrosion as he speaks, and a booming, bombastic voice responds in kind.
AirMan: Ho-HO! Taking all advantages available, a fine strategy indeed. But perhaps we can take it even farther than that? If able to hack these fine beasts, what's stopping us from using our unique powers as digital life to create an infectious virus for them? Surely our friends have more than just these, so the power to turn our opponents' toys against them would surely be a fine asset.
...and this is when a light knock resounds on the door to Xion's chamber; a request to enter.
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