|
Post by Xypher on Mar 26, 2023 7:41:22 GMT -8
As Merrill watched Joker stand tall, his face remained neutral. He couldn't help but be proud how Joker reacted, realizing his posture and pose, and taking the necessary steps to refrain from giving off an aura of threatening intent. Merrill's eyes reflected this, a glind of pride quickly crossing through. He listened to Joker's words, he couldn't help but feel a tiny bit of pride in the fact that Joker had called him a trusted friend. Coming from him, Merrill knew that those words meant a lot.
"I mean, I get that you keep most of them in the dark about what and who you truly harbor, boy. And there's no way that scan of his detected us, you are too crafty to let our existence be known so easily... I feel... almost angry. If nothing else, I feel insulted. All of his knowledge, and yet, so mistaken..."
"How do you feel about this, Merrill? So far, the power of the Pandemic you have only used once, and albeit a very short time. It has not reached out or tried to connect or commune with us. It's so quiet, I only know that it is alive, it doesn't show any feelings, or intents that I can detect... But, to use as a weapon in the manner described..."
Merrill sighed, both audibly and internally.
"There are many issues here. One, Joker didn't have that when he entered here, correct? Who knows exactly what that device will do to us if equipped and turned on. Whilst I trust Joker to an extent here, we also know that depending on who created that, we could all be being duped. Joker was already betrayed by Gate, and while we have absolutely no idea who Dynamo works for, it could be the same individual. Even if it isn't, we know nothing about that device."
He looked at the device in Joker's hands.
"Further, we have no idea if Pandemic is even the true target. It could be Apollon. The device could hurt any one of you, something that I do not want to happen. It could cut us off from each other, to be left in the dark of our own devices, for all we know. I don't know about the rest of you, but while Joker's intent doesn't seem like it is bad, the intents of others are hard to determine."
Listening to Joker speak with Glassman. He wanted to smile, and tell him how proud he was of the choice he was making, but in the same moment, it was hard. He was running out of time to respond, as well.
"What a pain in the ass this has turned out to be. We are kind of trapped in which how I respond. Having others along, while not a bad thing, would make me feel better if Lalonia was with us as healing aid.
"You just miss the girl." Death teased, as Merrill looked at him with a dangerous glint in his eyes for a brief second. It faded, as Life spoke up suddenly.
"Wait. Merrill, why does Joker want to go to Electopia? Didn't Xion tell you to stay there?"
Merrill froze, his brain suddenly clicking.
"I didn't think of that! That certainly raises a question. We also know little of Ace, and considering what Joker told us of his past..."
Stepping forward, Merrill turned and bowed towards Glassman.
My apologies on not introducing myself, and not showing my manners... I've struggled a bit with that. I'm Merrill. Pleasure to meet you. And yes, you heard that correctly about a Cybeast. But lets keep that quiet for now, shall we?"
Turning back to Joker and Dynamo, he put his hand to his chin as he looked at Dynamo, a slight smile on his face at his reaction of raising his hands harmlessly as if he were caught in the act or something.
"You have quite a talent, I must say. You are quite entertaining. If times weren't so dire, and trust at a premium, I'd invite you along, we would all probably learn some new things."
Turning to look at Joker, his smile faded slightly, turning to more of a curious expression more than anything.
"What is going on in Electopia? I have heard from one of our allies that the next location that requires my attention is not there, but elsewhere."
He made no gesture or mention of the device. Information needed to be traded here. He needed to be able to get his point to Joker without alerting Dynamo, lest he tag along. That had its own set of complications. And he wasn't foolish enough to think that Dynamo wasn't crafty, slippery, or sly. He knew that there was more to that man than met the eye, and he both respected that, and was wary of it.
If Xion's order was correct, and based on the additional knowledge from Apollon, his next target, or what Xion needed or wanted him to complete, was here, and probably tied to that power.
"Come on Joker. I know you can do it..."
He thought to himself, eyes looking at the tall wizard, look of questioning on his face.
|
|
|
Post by Genesis on Mar 26, 2023 14:42:33 GMT -8
*Trust was at a premium as Joker went and invited the others there along, huh? It was no harm, no foul really. You were liable to be burned if you trusted everyone that came along. Besides, it looked like they had a bit of confusion on what they should be doing next. Merrill had one destination in mind while Joker had another. Joker's location entailed fighting given his earlier inquiry about whether Merrill would be combat operative or not, and Merrill didn't want the whole world knowing what he had. Merrill had contacted his allies while they were speaking, so it made sense that he knew what the next step was, though it was stranger that Joker wouldn't be in the know about it. Dynamo offered up a harmless shrug at Merrill's words just the same.*
"It's all good. I wouldn't necessarily be able to tag along anyway. I haven't finished looking for those in need of assistance around these parts after all."
*That did imply that Merrill's assumptions earlier were off the mark and that Merrill wasn't his goal here. Either there was someone else that he needed to lend assistance to, and he found them on his way there or he went to them first and then would head there after this.*
|
|
|
Post by Gaia on Mar 26, 2023 14:56:39 GMT -8
#s://cdn~discordapp~com/attachments/858178610224562196/1049866352405532782/JokerAcidCard~png
There was confusion among the ranks, it seemed, and Dynamo had recognized it, now, too. Joker furrowed his brow, realizing once again that pieces were in motion without his knowledge, and that information was being shared between Merrill and their allies that Joker had yet to be filled in on. That said, Joker likewise had information from Xion that perhaps Merrill wasn't privy to, and the answer was really quite simple - Joker had little trust for Dynamo, to be sure, but Dynamo was at least a Navi, which meant that Joker had more reason to trust him than not.
Joker knew that Merrill would have much to say regarding his desire to go to Element City, especially if he knew the core reasoning behind it, but Joker had his reasons, and divulging them in front of Dynamo was not something he was particularly fond of.
"Ace and I have some business to see finished in Element City, is all," Joker said succinctly, turning from the others to Merrill and Dynamo once again. "I can meander only a little while longer, as our goal is somewhat time sensitive." Joker said very little to follow that, as when it came to following Heartless' directions, Joker had no intentions of letting her down.
"If I must leave without you, Merrill, I will. But if you are to come with me, with the safety of others, and even my family, at stake, you must accept this safety precaution." The statement was said with a familiar coldness to it, and it sounded more natural to Joker's ears - a test of strength if there ever were one, he had challenged Merrill to defy him, and had every intention of doing what must be done should he say no.
|
|
|
Post by Wackoguy on Mar 27, 2023 0:05:34 GMT -8
Glassman hadn't expected this bit of confusion. As far as he could tell they were on the same page as far as things to get done...but now it seemed they had come to a crossroad.
"As much as I'd like to help you both at the same time, we'll be assisting Joker for now." Glassman spoke, having made up his mind (and trying to stick to his decision earlier as well).
"And nice to meet you, as well, Merrill." Glassman said with a nod in his direction. "Stay safe out there."
The more information Joker shared, the more dangerous his target location seemed to be. But at this point everywhere had a tinge of danger crawling about. Glassman did his best to steel his resolve, keeping in mind that if they made it through whatever this hurdle was...they'd potentially be much stronger to face the future head-on.
|
|
|
Post by Mega on Mar 28, 2023 17:05:39 GMT -8
#s://i~imgur~com/kSO5WfX~jpg Steve's head would hurt if he was privy to all of the exposition and inner character monologue happening. Oh wait someone was actually talking to him finally? Steve moved suddenly and sent his clone tumbling off of their Steve-Stack, and thus falling into a Steve pile. Well that was embarrassing. Steve and his clone made assorted Steve Sounds which didn't sound like he was against the idea one way or the other. He was just eager to be helpful!
|
|
|
Post by Xypher on Apr 21, 2023 16:58:30 GMT -8
Merrill sighed.
"Stubborn computer."
He heard.
"Then it seems we must part ways, for now. I would like to go with you, but at this time, I think it is better for us to separate. I understand your hesitation about having me around your family in my current state. and I respect that."
In his heart, he knew that this wasn't exactly what either of them wanted. But it would be the path they chose.
He chose not to acknowledge the hint of challenge behind Joker's words.
"I respect your reasons, but I also ask that you respect mine. This is clearly a difficult time for all of us. Can you complete your quest in Element City, and then reach back out to me? We can reconvene on this matter after."
His expression was one of calmness, despite his own frustration at the situation.
**************************
While Merrill was talking, Death leaned over and whispered to Life, whom nodded. Merrill did not miss this, but chose not to react, his focus clearly onto Joker.
"While I understand, you know you can't trust that device. For now, this is for the best."
Merrill nodded.
"I KNOW."
"You will have to make a choice, Merrill. You know what Joker is going to do."
"For what it is worth... If he throws the first punch, I will NOT take it lightly. But I am curious.. Will he fight you over this? Based on what we know, he doesn't know of us... So there's that."
"I fear he may learn... Today."
***************************
Merrill took a half step back, and turned, taking his eyes off Joker.
If he was honest, he was curious to spend some time with Ace. This could give him a bit of time to understand more about Joker past, and comprehend more of what they went through.
"Ace, care to accompany me?"
|
|
|
Post by Gaia on Apr 22, 2023 19:36:06 GMT -8
#s://cdn~discordapp~com/attachments/858178610224562196/1049866352405532782/JokerAcidCard~png
Joker's jaw stayed carefully clenched as Merrill gave his response, feeling something familiar build up inside of him alongside the coldness that he had used to respond just a moment ago. His analytics told him he should have expected this outcome of events, but that didn't make it any easier to accept. He was still just as disgusted by the outcome.
As Merrill responded, Joker couldn't help but hear the words, the refusal to sacrifice something that didn't even belong to Merrill, and hear weakness. Not just weakness, but a lack of recognition of the power that Merrill possessed. Merrill had already turned away from him, and towards Ace, when Joker had finally collected his thoughts. He had his fists clenched, and he had unintentionally began coiling crimson energy, as well as black tendrils, and a familiar but long since seen platinum energy that denoted his connection to the generational power . . .
"Oh, me? Well - unless Heartless has something really daunting, Joker and I probably don't need to go together. We're the strongest of our family; a proper hero and his only rival to tag along!" Ace said with a gleeful smile and cheerful tone, eying Joker carefully. He took a careful step forward, moving so that he was just a little ways between Merrill and Joker, as Joker looked like he used to - this was the Joker that Ace remembered a little too well, now that he recalled, although the power he was pulsating with was nothing like how he was when he just controlled crimson. "Jokie, remember? You got something to do for Heartless, right?"
Joker didn't seem to be listening, as he glowered down on Merrill. "Your battle prowess has improved almost tenfold. Your combat efficiency rating is still abysmally low, comparatively, and your threat assessment is by far the least valid of your assessment functions," Joker stated, his voice flat, cold, and careful, emulating the intellect he housed to a tee. "You release energy haphazardly, direct resources with abandon, measure out power in inconsistent waves, and, to top it all off, you still don't have the strength to stand on your own two feet." Fists clenched and jaw locked, Joker took a dangerous step forward, the force of his energy so great that it caused small cracks in the space around him, and for his form to flicker and warp as time bent around him.
"You tell me you have acquired strength, to stand alongside me and Warrior, but you don't believe that you yourself are strong; you simply believe you wield strength. Strength you carry and strength you have are two different thing, Merill, and you're holding onto something that makes you feel strong, but you know the truth.
"You're weak, and you're holding onto something that isn't yours to hold yourself aloft." At this point, he had gotten close enough to Merrill that he was once again towering over his fellow, with only Ace separating the two of them, who was intentionally keeping himself between Merrill and Joker at this point.
He bore his cold stare down on Merrill, his eyes glowing with fury behind his blue visor. "I was programmed to destroy the weak," he said simply.
"Joker, stand down," Acid Ace growled, flaring a small bit of energy that successfully pushed back Joker. Joker just stared down at his brother, and then back to Merrill. "That's enough. You told me this was a friend."
"He is. A friend doesn't hold onto power for the selfish desire to feel strong, though. At least, not in the definition of it that I have learned. A friend is willing to make sacrifices, even if they are dangerous or uncertain. He taught me that much."
Joker turned away, and took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. "I'm going to Element City, Ace. You stay here. I'll be back, soon," he said simply, dissipating into energy to travel out of the Network.
|
|
|
Post by Genesis on Apr 22, 2023 21:24:46 GMT -8
*It looked like they definitely were having a bit of a tussle over this. Merrill didn't want to budge on the matter, and it clearly upset Joker as well that he was so adamant on his stance. He would pick up the device where Joker left it, rubbing the back of his head that such a fuss had been caused over something so insignificant.*
"It's all good. If you don't want to wear, you don't want to wear it. Don't sweat it too much."
*He shrugged, pocketing the device as he had when he first revealed it. His work here was done, so it was about time he hit the dusty trail as well. The message that appeared inside of his visor for his eyes only relayed as much as well. So instead of tarrying any longer, he'd get right on to what he was doing before his walk led him on this road.*
"I'm going to be heading on out now. Going to be doing my part to keep searching around and helping where I can. Take it easy and don't stress yourselves out."
*He would beam out now, going to do as he said he would and leaving them to their own devices. What they did from here was on them.*
|
|
|
Post by Gaia on Apr 22, 2023 22:12:29 GMT -8
#s://cdn~discordapp~com/attachments/858178610224562196/1099577272014491668/FlameMu~png
. . . An overflowing heat fills Merrill's body, as the heat of a star ignites within his chest. The prominence that flowed over him and protected him so valiantly before ignited with a vigor and a strength unlike what it possessed before, as the soulspace within Merrill suddenly became much brighter.
[smear:FF5555]
You are in danger. Something powerful has awakened and is threatening your world. I will not stand idly and wait to watch you be obliterated.
Yield. Do not make me waste resources forcing you to a knee. My attention is required to raze whatever this is.
[/smear:ffff66]
|
|
|
Post by Genesis on Apr 22, 2023 22:48:42 GMT -8
Topic: Altercations Sender: Xion Recipient: Merrill Message: Let's just say a lot happened since the last message and the short time span of a few conversations. Despite all of the previous warnings, get out of Creamland. Electopia or Netopia is safest. Pick one and go. If anything gets between you and this objective, spit it out and let it fly in the air like Icarus.
|
|
|
Post by Xypher on Apr 23, 2023 13:08:58 GMT -8
"..."
Merrill stood his ground as Joker took offense at his choice. He placed one hand to his chin, and the other behind his back, clenching a fist. Even with Ace between them, Merrill could feel his ally's frustration and anger at his choice, egging him on to argue. Even as he was called weak, and how Joker threatened him, he refused to budge.
That damn computer! He clearly hasn't learned much from you, boy. Let me take a swing! He needs to learn his place!"
"How unfortunate. He's being so critical and harsh of Merrill... And yet, I don't know if he could understand his choice... I get that Joker doesn't have all the pieces to the puzzle here, but that is quite an extreme reaction. I also have to disagree with his assessment in several regards..."
Within the soulspace, Death snorted loudly, clearly riled up.
"The boy's combat efficiency isn't low! How dare he insult our powers! That hunk of scrap metal, can't even properly scan! Why we should pun-"
"That's enough, Death. Seriously. While I do not agree with Jokers assessment at all, he is only trying to elicit a reaction. He may threaten Merrill, but he doesn't know the truth about him. I doubt anyone does. We have to remember just how much that he is suppressing at all times..."
As Ace and Joker had their staring contest, and Joker commented about him being selfish, Merrill's neutral front cracked at that. His expression changed to one of hurt by that comment.
"This isn't about being selfish... I'm sorry, Joker, that you don't understand me, or can't understand me, yet..."
"That's some horsesh-"
"Calm down!"
"Let me at him!"
"Are you going to even defend yourself, Merrill?"
He shook his head.
"Not this time."
He sighed as Joker finished, leaving the area without looking back at them.
"I am sorry for causing a scene."
He bowed to each person in turn. He ended on Dynamo as he commented about leaving.
"Safe travels and good luck. I'll see you around. I have a feeling you'll find me when I have that job ready for you..."
Turning to Glassman and Steve
"Since Joker went on ahead, I suggest you guys catch up to him. I -"
Suddenly, he felt Apollon, and nearly at the same time, he received a message. His face paled as he dealt with both, simultaneously.
His body heated up and he felt the start's power rise. He held himself strong, a small glint in his eyes. He wondered if he could get used to the heat.
"I do appreciate the save, and the protection. Starting to care about us a little, are we?"
He KNEW he might pay for it later, but he could not pass up the opportunity to point it out to Apollon.
"We aren't going to idle much longer. We've got new directions. Netopia or Electopia, eh? Well, with Joker going to Electopia..."
Reading the message, he finished his comment to Glassman and Steve.
"I'm sorry to cut this short, and I apologize that we didn't get to chat much and get to know each other better. But you guys should catch up to him, if you are going with him. Sorry to put him in a grumpy mood, that you'll have to deal with."
Turning to Ace, he spoke.
"I guess I've been given my moment of reprieve and recollection. Time to go. Off to our next adventure."
He raised his hand, a small portal of light appearing.
"Let's see how this works."
He walked towards the portal. Just before he stepped through, he looked back at Glassman.
"Please pass on a message to Joker, when it is safe to do so. Please tell him I said this conversation isn't over. He better reflect on his choices and the words he spoke to me in anger today."
With that, Merrill stepped through the portal, which would allow Ace to enter, should he choose to do so.
Merrill ==> Somewhere in Netopia
|
|
|
Post by Wackoguy on Apr 24, 2023 13:18:06 GMT -8
Once the group dispersed and went their separate ways, Glassman heaved a sigh and shook his head. There were very rocky matters going on between Joker and Merrill. But they had their sights set on Element City for now. He tried to keep Merrill's words in mind too - after all, it was important to value one's friends and allies. And there were now unsettled matters between the two of them, with Steve and himself going off with the hotheaded one of the bunch...
Interesting times were ahead, at this rate...
"Well, off we go, guys! To Element City-!" Glassman said, beaming off in the network's direction.
To -> Element city
|
|