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Post by Deleted on Jun 18, 2014 10:19:11 GMT -8
Flashy, to say the least, but at least this merchant of sorts wasn't going to be hard to find. It would seem like these trees... Shadows... Treedows... Whatever they were, were leading to the place they needed to go to meet this one who carried perhaps what they were seeking.
Well then, seems like we have our path.
Ruin set off toward the the small depression filled with these shady trees, assuming very likely this was where he would find this rather secretive salesperson.
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Post by Genesis on Jun 18, 2014 10:30:48 GMT -8
*A thousand tiny echoes? That number being the one that accompanied the shadows number of voices was rather interesting in his opinion. But he didn't hate the show or get put off by it even when his eyes directed to the talking tree. That then became a shadow that didn't look intangible. Looks like all the trees did this in fact, looking up to the skies above for a moment before looking back away from the skies and focusing back on the land. Guess it was pretty simple to follow after Ruin for this one as his eyes went to the shadows a few times as he walked, liking the idea. But he did have to admit that once it had echoed it enough times that he was fairly confident that owing someone something was a bit funny. Ironic too because he did owe a few people himself anyway. Well, whatever. He didn't feel like doing all of that right now.*
"A rather fitting path really."
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Post by Vilicious on Jun 18, 2014 18:49:03 GMT -8
"...really, really, eally, eally, ly... ly... ly...?"
The shadows mock.
Their voices (tinged by accent, distortion, and echo) begin to sound more akin to chuckling children as the muttering turns to "lie... lie... lie...?" Each dark tree decomposes, melts, blends to the ground and slithers alongside and behind the seekers as the copse becomes clearer, each tree sharper. The crowd grows, and the crowd grows wild. It merges with the shadows of the governor and the destroyer, shapes them to their will with tongue-taunting and uncouth faces and pokes and prods and jabs, jibes, jeers; they jaunt to and from the copse, jest all of a faint voice and childish tone, and most of all they lead the pair onward. Onward.
Inside the concealment of the merchant's chosen meeting ground, thousands more boil from every nook, every notch, every forsaken crack in every overburdened branch to see Ruin and Xion in their entry. A singular and infinitely more defined shadow, the dark greys and blacks of the others but limned in violet (to reveal wavering spiked hair and a face obscured by smokey shadow) and decorated (odd pinkish bracelets trailing odder pinkish ribbons matched with anklets of the same style and a scarf colored again the same complete a suit of its own dark tones and made of its own dark materials) is seated off center in a stool canted for comfort. Its legs are crossed. One arm is across the chest, and the other stands propped along its face, supporting perhaps the most bored (bemused?) position this being could imagine. It's slight... long-legged, narrow hipped, narrow chested, utterly unimposing in physicality or pressure-of-presence. The chatter of shadows dies off to a subliminal whisper...
...and then an eye - a jarring, anomalous, all-too-human eye - opens. Focuses. ...The iris is the hue of the last vestiges of daylight along the bottom of a gathering storm, or maybe closer to the earliest predawn hints on a heavy, hazy day.
A smile thin as the navi forms. No lips are present to form it, but it forms all the same. The mouth opens slightly. Teeth are there, but are as grey and as unreal as all but that piercing, perturbing eye. A second eye never opens. The thing sits up, raises its hands to form two more seats, and then folds them upon an umbral desk as though it had always been there. The half-light from above the thin canopy occasionally gains enough strength to cut a brief path through the illusion, but it maintains itself well enough. Its voice - gentle as a breeze and somehow reminiscent of moonlight - whispers in a (unlike other aspects) definitively masculine... command. "Thy seats await," he speaks, and in those three words casually dismisses his own frailty, their esteemed status, and the bizarre setting encompassing them all.
The shadows whisper.
"await... a wait... wait... wait... wait...?" |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 19, 2014 14:25:02 GMT -8
The chosen decor was... interesting to say the least. But it certainly fit what they were purchasing, at least to what Ruin believed. Quite the show however, he could see this getting rather old rather quickly, especially if he had to proposition these services more than once. Approaching the rather lanky navi and taking a seat, Ruin awaited Xion to do the same. The whispers were getting rather bothersome, but again, it is something you come to expect with this line of work. When you deal in dark and illegal chips such as Darkchips and similar products, keeping away the spineless is often in your best interest. They are not for the faint of heart, that is for sure, without a strong will to take control of that power, it is easy to be consumed by it. At least, that was what happened to Ruin's old self. But despite this, Ruin stared into this navi's single open eye, his gaze unwavering as he waited for his accomplice to sit as well.
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Post by Genesis on Jun 19, 2014 21:34:23 GMT -8
*The crowd of shadows were pretty fond of mocking them from the looks of it. He wasn't particularly fond of that as it would happen, but they were still leading the pair onward while doing so. So if nothing else it was better than just being led forward in a simplistic manner. The chosen meeting ground wasn't much better in fact, since the shadows had increased. But there was one that stood out among even the shadows, for they were distinct in their own way. This one didn't seem imposing at all, but intriguing in its appearance as the shadows ceased their chattering and died down to a whisper, a bit of a welcome change since too much of something became annoying. And then the eye revealed itself. An all too human eye that reminded him of days long past. The days when those same eyes used to look down on him... and the last look in those eyes when the life was plucked from them.*
*Sure their world had become more capable of replicating these things, but this one stood out among the masses who did such things. And just like the shadows the iris of the eye had a sort of duality to them. The previous shadows because they were imitating them while the eye because what it presented them could be taken in more than one way, his own crimson eyes focusing on the eye for a moment before taking in the rest again. Not too soon even as a smile formed on the shadow's... face he supposed? One perturbing eye with a smile that was unrealistic. If this was the merchant he certainly was quite the character. Once the voice came from the shadow it revealed that it wasn't as frail as it let on, as appearances could be deceiving. And it also wasn't bothered by the rumors, whispers, or names that the duo had earned for themselves. He was actually fine with this, because he didn't like when people sucked up to anyone because of what they heard or knew about them. He did move to take a seat however, taking the newly formed one (or one that was always there) that Ruin didn't occupy. He figured they didn't have to introduce themselves, but unlike Ruin he wouldn't mind this sort of thing every now and again. Because a simple thing could become a boring thing faster than a somewhat captivating thing to him. And for that alone he could overlook the mocking and like it for what it was. He also figured that Ruin probably didn't feel like speaking much so the voices wouldn't mock him for it.*
"Quite the showing for a merchant I must say. But I do like it."
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Post by Vilicious on Jun 19, 2014 23:32:08 GMT -8
"...it? ...i-"
The shadows, interrupted.
A single finger is raised in reprimand of them from the seated merchant. Their chorus halts (at last), midbreath, and the ceaseless movements almost do. All glass eyes watch the clearing.
The shadow's smile, earnest for all that can be told of an otherwise impossibly shifting mask of features, remains as steady as the eye which locks with Ruin's own gaze. It stays there, contemplating the navi even as his head begins to turn to address the speaker, and then finally relinquishes to meet Xion with the rest of his body language. "Without 'tis production, thy escort, security mine and thine, and lure all, for mine business attracteth ilk such that might wants needs relieth upon... unsavory method. Within, 'tis convenience met amidst amusement. The fetchlings, ye understand." His eye moves to Ruin, back to Xion, and then he simply looks at his hands. Part of the desk peeks out from behind the defined hands to see the guests. The merchant shade looks back to them, grinning visage diminished.
"All such pleasantries bared, methinks ye didst not risk repercussions dire to exchange such. Afore thy sought business: Mine contract inhibits services unto greater than one entity per encounter. Logistics arranging contracts twixt third parties etcetera art outsides plainly comprehensible terms, and such leads unto... complications." Again, he takes measure of the two sitting in front of him. His mission was fresh, but that did not mean he could not stretch the limits of the agreement to maintain his own version of justice. "Couth maintained thee, a choice I present. A one of ye mayst avaunt, or each of ye needs answereth mine question in earnest: For what didst ye seeketh me?"
The shadows listen. |
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Post by Genesis on Jun 20, 2014 7:28:55 GMT -8
*Those were some persistent shadows. They got an A for that for sure. He gave a nod, understanding why it had to be like this. In essence one could say that people in general made this difficult for them. There was no helping that one. He found much enjoyment in others so getting rid of them all would be rather depressing even if he would get over it eventually.*
"Makes sense. Such is life as we would have it."
*Putting all that aside as the shady merchant said, the guy was right. He could also say "Nice job breaking it, Ruin.", but then that always fit right into what that guy did for stuff period. Now normally he'd be all for telling the destroyer to take a chill pill for a bit, but considering he ended up as Ruin from purchasing or finding certain wares for what led him down that path as GuitarMan, he would go for the latter of the two choices this time. An earnest answer, huh?*
"Curiosity would be my answer, what with the message not being removed and not being specific for who it applied to. Wares perilous beyond measure and all that. Then I planned to play a little trick on Ruin and make him wander around instead of awaiting contact for my own amusement."
*Because he was curious about something it motivated him to move. And because it would have amused him he would've led Ruin on like that had the guy actually started moving out in search of it thanks to being impatient. Though he didn't need to add that part, he didn't need to hide that he totally planned on doing it either. To be fair it would've been a harmless prank compared to anything else he could have come up with.*
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Post by Deleted on Jun 21, 2014 14:35:57 GMT -8
I did make sense, third parties did often complicate things, and to that end if this place did not have a way to deter others it would probably get much more notoriety, which would be bad considering what Ruin expects the wares to be. His reason for seeking him out however... His use of such perilous artifacts had been frequent for some time, it even changed him greatly so to better make use of them. However, over time, they grew weak, they lost their luster, and he had heard that there existed even more concentrated forms of dark power. Even greater destruction to be had at his fingertips, even the chance at such a power was intoxicating. This was what he was looking for. Even he had seen and heard of various jewelry that gave incredible abilities, but even greater were those forged of a purest darkness, which to those who embraced their power, gave power beyond imagination. Upon hearing Xion's answer, he shoots him a short glare, but it subsides shortly after. How very like him, though by far one of the more harmless things he could do.
"I seek always to better myself and to better take control and harness this power we have come to know as the Darksoul. To have nearly mastered those items which eminate this dark force, and upon hearing that such items exist in a more concentrated form. Just the knowledge of those existing pushes me to seek it out, to conquer that power for my own. Whats more, I know also that there exist artifacts of great power, and that there exist ones made of concentrated darkness as well. Again, simply knowing that these exist is enough to make me seek them, so at any chance that I could find them, be it here or elsewhere, draws me there."
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Post by Vilicious on Jun 22, 2014 8:16:55 GMT -8
The shadows, quizzical.
What was searched for was not the explanation but message. A single word would have sufficed as well as not, but each superfluous dissemination that was word after word gave a message more clearly - capriciousness and control? Guile and grandiosity? The merchant sits back once more and folds his hands upon his chest to take stock of the two afore him once more, perhaps for the last time. His eye closes at last (had he blinked yet?), and in the periphery of his guests the shadows grow restless and chitter and chatter in hushed voices. Their host cocks his head at strange intervals as though listening for something... and finally nods.
"Wert mine inclinations thus," he says, opening the eye and gesturing obtusely, "Thee shouldst have had mine graces... Ruin." The eye finds the correct subject, the one whom had tried staring him down from the first. There's a pause, a silent battlefield upon which the merchant plays a silent game of chess before continuing. "Fort such is what thee seeketh heretofore, is't not? Naught, affording ruin? To conquer et command et covet the powers thee dost, there art other cobbled streets to walk upon ere thee finds what thee seeks: Mine messengers shalt seek thee then and direct thee whither they will erelong, when thou hast prepared fort trials accordingly. Such said: Begone posthaste, other business hath I."
The shadows idle.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 22, 2014 20:14:21 GMT -8
Fair enough Ruin supposed, after all what he did seek was like was said, destruction, as his name would imply. It would seem that he would have to return at a later time, leaving Xion to his whims. Once they were done there, they would likely need to act with the Chaotic, reassembling everyone, there had been too much downtime, and they needed a new objective.
"Fair enough then, I'll take my leave."
Ruin then rose from his seat, walking back the way he came through the shadows and out into the tundra, as he was about to leave, he stopped for a moment to address Xion.
"Message me when you're ready to do something, the Chaotic needs a new objective, I'll do what I can to find Toxin, I'm sure you'll do fine with the other troops so long as you aren't too lazy."
With that, Ruin takes his leave, walking deeper into the the tundra before pounding the ground before him and hopping into nothingness.
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Post by Genesis on Jun 23, 2014 9:53:04 GMT -8
*Oh hey, so that eye actually could blink. It made sense for Ruin to be the right one to deal with originally. Just Ruin was missing something this time around. Ruin was confident in his destructive abilities, but felt he didn't have enough, huh? He supposed it was true that there could be room for improvement. On the other hand he felt perfectly fine in his skin. Because of this he hadn't sought this out because of power, but because of it piquing his interests. Also because he could mess with Ruin a little.*
"Hah, my mortal weakness. I'll try to evade its pursuit this time. That's that then."
*Motivation had been hard to come by lately. But he supposed that they had to act. He would have to go back to that colony again and shape them up a bit. At least so they could welcome guests more readily rather than get pulverized by whatever decided to show up there. You know, like every time the place had been attacked so far. Shouldn't be too hard. That left actual recruitment... well, that would be the fun part now wouldn't it? Contrary to Ruin's belief, Xion imagined a lot of them would take issue with him. But that was whatever and something to be seen to another time. He figured he didn't have to say anything else for it to get started since the businessman knew what he was doing. Obviously of course, but the thought still came to pass all the same.*
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Post by Vilicious on Jun 24, 2014 18:04:26 GMT -8
The shadows watch.
The merchant snaps incorporeal fingers as Ruin leaves, and the stage is set to darkness but for a violet glow strong enough by which to see each other and the table between. "Thou shalt have a selection, then. Understand pieces such as these art bound to mine own code until such time as thee cosigns a contract for transferal of ownership. Of the uncommon brand there must be withheld half... stock is of limited supply." Atop the desk appears a small table of names and costs above which the items themselves float.
20,000z DarkLaser - RELENTLESS POWER.
20,000z DarkLight - LIGHT SCOURS.
03,000z DarkPlus
01,500z DarkScythe
01,125z DarkShockwave
01,125z DarkWide
The shadows lurk.
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Post by Genesis on Jun 24, 2014 22:47:50 GMT -8
*And darkness took the reins once more, only for a violet glow to allow sight to still be used within the darkness. This was a good one here. After all if he had simply owned a stock then all he would have to do was rob him blind with force if he saw the chance at hand. He liked this dealer more every few minutes.*
"Uncommon for a reason after all. Time for some transferal of ownership... sort of like those contracts where people sell themselves off and such."
*Selling their souls was what they called it, right? But then he didn't really have one of those to sell. Probably why this used credits instead. His eyes didn't move, but they looked over the names and costs that he was about to cosign a contract over. The more costly ones were ones he hadn't quite had his hands on before, finding a bit of irony in the light scouring. It reminded him of a few things and so his original decision changed. Looked like simple curiosity had led to something quite perilous indeed. Pricy though they were he was up for it all the same.*
"Funny for me to pick these now, what with who I am and who just left, but relentless power with the scythe and the plus are good for me."
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Post by Vilicious on Jun 27, 2014 17:35:56 GMT -8
Shadows leer.
Their voices rise to the edge of hearing, and the merchant stares at the remaining patron. "Is't these that thee chooses? Verily, thine choices art... strong. SO BE IT. CONTRACT" he booms, and the selected items rise as the rest fade. A block of text floats on a file in front of Xion:
For the items "DarkLaser" "DarkPlus" "DarkScythe" Totaling 24 thousand and 5 hundred zenny: No terms of this contract shall be enacted until such time as both the buyer and the seller have signed the contract. All terms shall be void if any term changes after any party has signed. I, the undersigned buyer, having approached the undersigned seller to perform consenting business and willingly sign this contract, as well as to agree to make payments as labeled on the desired items, do consent to immediate transferral of funds to the account designated by the undersigned seller in exchange for goods as listed above. Should this transferral of funds to said account 1. fail or be tampered with* 2. prove insufficient** or 3. have detected any attempt be made to avoid or rescind payment*** now or at ANY later date, I agree that this contract shall hold power over me such that I will be at the mercy of he so slighted (the undersigned seller) and in such an event that the contract is breached do so willingly forfeit any means to defend myself including but not limited to self-defense****. I also agree that I shall make no profit from the use, abuse, or sale of any purchased items and that they shall be henceforth attached to my data excepting that they be refunded to the original salesman: Upon theft, they shall realign to me. Upon death, they shall reattach to me. Upon attempted sale, this contract will be breached, the item shall be returned to me, and all punishments described or not described above shall be enacted as though I attempted to complete a false transaction and the item shall be reacquired with no refund. I, the undersigned, understand that this contract is legally and code binding and that all terms and punishments contained within are fully real and will be carried out to the fullest extent able by this program and the program of the seller. Buyer: __________________ Witness and Seller: _________________ {Footnotes}-"This contract" refers to this the contract being read and signed at the time of sale.
-"Any Party" refers to "Buyer" and "Seller"
-"Time of sale" refers to the timestamp attached to this contract not to preceed or exceed the exact time at which the contract is signed by each party.
-"Buyer" is the one making the purchase.
-"Seller" is the one making the sale.
-"Immediate Transferral" will consist of funds being ordered transferred upon execution of contract.
-"Funds" are the zenny exchanged for the goods.
-"Goods" are any items being purchased by the buyer from the seller as described above. The names attached to the goods are to be the full file names and extensions of those items.
*: In any way be impeded, restricted, analyzed, or traced.
**: Be of less value than the agreed upon amount
***: Including but not limited to account hacking, bank robbing including receiving account, and assaulting or attempting to intimidate seller or those appointed over seller
****: Forfeiture includes but is not limited to: all battle stats shall be locked and HP shall be set to 1, and my mobility shall be restricted to the point of termination until such time as breaches of contract are mended or contract is terminated and "Goods" are reacquired
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Post by Genesis on Jun 29, 2014 6:41:34 GMT -8
*And the merchant's voice boomed now as well, another thing to set him apart from the frail imagine that had been set up originally before the man had spoken. And with that the rest faded away. That was always neat to see, watching as something faded like that. But he directed his attention to the contract next, the block of text floating in front of him. Once he had finished reading it and the footnotes, because skimming these things always were troublesome, he got down to the signing part. Another simple thing in appearance as violet darkness covered one of his fingers, signing the first line with his own name as it came out in red at the end of it. Sure he understood the implications, but he also couldn't resist signing it because of how it was worded and thought out. It was an awesome contract to use for anything. And really helped for something like this considering how they all were on the inside.*
Buyer: Xion.EXE
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