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Post by Vilicious on Jun 29, 2014 7:06:31 GMT -8
The shadows grin.
The merchant turns the contract around, and with no pomp merely waves his finger over it - and the deed is done. 24,500 zenny are taken from Xion's account, wired instantly. The chips themselves disappear to the governor's folder, including the newest:
[DarkLaser]-[S-Attack]-[Dark/Laser] RELENTLESS POWER. 400 damage, 2 hits, Can't be countered, Avoid separately, Cuts Undershirt. Glitch: All activated programs are locked and their effects from this turn are lost, -1 use to all avoid skills.
All furniture but Xion's own seat fades into the surrounding darkness, and the merchant stands to a bow. "'Tis been a pleasure. Shouldst thou seek business henceforth, hesitate not."
The shadows disappear.
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Post by Genesis on Jun 29, 2014 18:58:59 GMT -8
*The transfer and deed were done just like that. And just like that he had acquired the relentless power, the plus and the scythe. The governor stood as the furniture disappeared, his eyes shifting a bit. It wasn't a glare, but more of a smile of sorts. After all his mask didn't afford much to show his expressions or mannerisms.*
"Likewise. I'll keep that in mind."
*He wouldn't hesitate indeed. But when this next showed up Ruin would be the one to get it this time to be fair to him. And he had said that he wanted them to do something soon with The Chaotic. That would mean trying to get in contact with the others among other things. He would go pay his colony a visit, see about that governing thing... And then see about that message about some 'game' that someone mentioned for them. It would be something to at least look into. And if things sounded favorable, something Ruin would enjoy.*
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Post by Shast on Dec 12, 2014 9:05:13 GMT -8
Iria [From Element City(pg37)] The energy touches down, denting the snowy earth melting a thin sheet of ice from the heat. I hate this place. I hate my programmers. I hate Genesis. I hate Gate. Cursing all four for their own reasons. Iria had never been a fan of the cold, a result of her creators programming a function like this into her, and finally Genesis and Gate for forcing her to come here to begin with. Materializing her duster she quickly wraps herself up in it and begins to scour the tundra, heading south towards the mountain range from the vacant drift she had ported in on.
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Post by Raven8 on Dec 13, 2014 15:10:26 GMT -8
The light of the sky breaks away, the shine of the network's artificial lighting dies. High above those within the network, the dome of data that represents the infinite sky pulses with a golden flash and begins to shatter in a display of surreal and other-worldly power. Piece by piece it shuts down, flickering with a gray static before disappearing. Behind it all, a fearful sight from centuries past, and a looming end with terrible inferences;
the network of Duo's meteor lays bare across the barren expanse, with a single active link within it; New Life. As those below look on, it quickly becomes obvious what's happening to any with knowledge of the ONB's current issues: Gate is in the process of attempting to hack Duo's Meteor Network, and New Life stands as the lone point of access between the two.
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Post by Shast on Dec 16, 2014 12:05:12 GMT -8
Iria Either trying to kill us or get the big guy to go away. She shivers in the cold. Either way I'm imprisoning him. bundling up once more she continues trudging through the dreary wastes. After some time a spec appears over the horizon. Wedged into the base of the mountainside. From this far no details could be discerned. More time passes... Finally it became clear amidst the falling snow and warped skyline. A building, nearly hidden in the snow but visible. Why they ever shut this building down was no mystery to Iria. It was in a frozen wasteland. Who would want to be here. [Iria -> Sharonian ONB Base]
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Post by Xypher on Dec 20, 2014 14:06:59 GMT -8
He landed at the base of a tree. His cloak landed above him. He had no idea where life and Death were, only that he was in pain and could hardly move. He had no idea where he was. His whole body shook.
"Interesting... I have awoken to a much stronger body..."
Merrill heard it, but couldn't pinpoint it. However, there was sudden agony in his head, and he blacked out.
As he did so, his middle wing on both sides started graying, turning to a gray color. His armor completely vanished, his hair gained a black streak through it, from the front right, to the black left, about an inch wide worth of hair. He laid there in a heap, body covered by his cloak, and the cloth clothing he normally wore under his armor.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2014 16:26:39 GMT -8
Another defeat, today. And a failed victory no less.
Warrior stepped through the portal with the unconscious girl still in his arms, and Merrill lying unconscious on the ground before him.
'Is it another transformation? ... Or is this the poison corroding him?'
Two victims of a foe he couldn't fall... and the echoes of the enemy's words still lingered between his ears. Had he been as strong as Remnant, surely this wouldn't hav-...
No.
Now was not the time for such self doubt.
Gate was making his final move, and one of Warrior's strongest allies was critically wounded, as was the woman he held closely to his chest.
"Merrill, are you okay? Are you awake?"
Was he breathing? Was his digital heart circulating life throughout his body?
Checking for consciousness after sizing up the scene was only natural response at this point. What to do beyond that... determined what happened beyond right now.
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Post by Xypher on Dec 20, 2014 17:29:37 GMT -8
Merrill stirred under his cloak. Everything hurt. He slowly came back to consciousness. Everything felt strange. As his body regenerated his power, it fought to throw off this poison. He ached and shook violently.
"Merrill, are you okay? Are you awake?"
He opened his eyes slowly, moving the hood away from his face. The bright light hurt. He squeezed his eyes shut, then slowly opened them, adjusting to the light.
"Warrior?"
His voice was rasp, but he managed to speak.
"I'm... Awake. Body... Regenerating. Need... a few minutes..."
As Warrior would look upon his eyes. they would be changed.. White and teal no more. One Red, One Teal.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 20, 2014 17:44:51 GMT -8
"..."
He wasn't sure if he should tell him that his appearance had changed, or if he already knew. Warrior was just happy to see he was okay, though. Well, recovering at least.
"We should be good now; the cloaked guy didn't follow us. Thing's are going down at New Life it looks like, but something's preventing us from entering. And this girl..."
Wait, was she even alive? Was he holding a dead person right now?
"... Is in worse condition than us both."
Though fortunately for Warrior, the only thing of his that was wounded was his pride. Which was more than could be said for these two.
"I know you need time to heal, but we don't have much. There's nothing I can do about the girl... but I believe there's something you can?"
A bold request to ask for Merrill's power when he was in such a weakened state. But Warrior knew Merrill, and he'd never seen pain prevent him from taking away somebody else's. Especially when their life was on the line.
"It's... a lot to ask, I know. But right now you're the only person that can save her. I know it'll cost you greatly in the state you're in, no doubt a great deal of pain, but if I may be so bold..."
A pause came... and silence confirmed his permission to continue. Warrior gave Merrill the chance to look at the girl before he proceeded.
"... Is she worth it, to you?"
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Post by Xypher on Dec 21, 2014 9:16:51 GMT -8
Merrill heard Warrior's request. He stared at the poor girl in his hands. She kidnapped Healer, and halfway got them into this predicament. However, she did fight with them after the mysterious madman killed his family. It was the least he could do short of an apology.
"... I shall."
Warrior was right. He should save her. He knew how bad this day had been for both of them.
They had been beaten. Their family have obliterated. Battle wounds or not, that last battle had more than solidified their Brotherhood. They were brothers. Always would be. Warrior was all Merrill had left anyway.
Yet, all was not lost. Warrior held a young girl in his arms. They could still scrap something by saving her.
"Bring her here... I'll heal her the best I can."
He started gathering energy from all sources around him. It wasn't a lot, but he would make it work. Then he had an idea. Knowing how badly both of their prides had been shattered, Merrill had a thought to at least try to help his wounded Brother...
"I'll need your help, Brother. I fear I can't do it without you. I need your strength, your energy as well to pull this off."
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Post by Deleted on Dec 21, 2014 15:17:19 GMT -8
" ..."
Merrill would have seen the shock on Warrior's face when he said that, then watch it quickly sink from self doubt.
He had planned to tell Merrill sooner, prior to the turn of events earlier today, but Warrior wasn't actually a Net Navi. No; just a 'weak' human (as he'd constantly been reminded), certainly not capable of the things that Merrill thought he was.
Remnant's extended interaction with Warrior had left a sort of residual force in his body; they separated to stop the effects from worsening, because it was potentially dangerous to Warrior's health. He could feel that energy flowing inside of him and even manipulate it, but this energy took life away, it didn't restore it.
At least... he'd never succeeded at that.
"I can try to channel some to you, but... mine's dangerous, Merrill. It may even worsen the situation, but I'll try to give you just enough that it doesn't."
It was like trying to strengthen a vaccine with deadly venom.
Dark black energy enveloped Warrior's left palm, it's color signifying its affinity, as he laid the girl down and stretched the infused hand toward Merrill. A visible trail of tiny particles could be seen in transit to Merrill as Warrior focused carefully on just how much of this lethal radiation he was technically 'infecting' Merrill with; it was just enough to probably give him a surge of unfamiliar strength, but not enough to have any lasting (potentially deadly) effects.
A reckless decision, with all things accounted for, but Warrior was more afraid of failing to try than of failing to succeed.
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Post by Xypher on Dec 21, 2014 19:54:57 GMT -8
Merrill nodded, accepting Warrior's word. He noted his facial expressions. Warrior was good, but Merrill caught the fear and doubt in his eyes. He felt it really. He would let it slide for the moment.
"Have Faith, my brother... In me, and in yourself.".
He reached out and grabbed Warrior's hand through his cloak. Latching to the energy Warrior gave him, he sensed a difference. He said nothing, but closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He connected his energy to his, and opened up his hand over the girl..
A warm glow radiated over her. The energy that Warrior gave him as the base of power. Then he applied the healing components. His life force generating healing energy. He pressed his hand over the blade wound. Her skin slowly healed up, the hole closing in her stomach. Pulling Warrior closer, he expanded the energy, Allowing Warrior to see and experience the healing that he, Warrior was causing.
"You see, brother, the power you hold inside you. You are the catalyst to make this healing work..."
As the warmthening glow encased the small group. Merrill again pushed the power through, make it stronger. Bigger. The wound had healed up, and now Merrill just channelled the energy towards general healing. Her wounds completely healed, he leaned back, so Warrior could see the fruits of their labor.
"You see, brother? You have the ability to help others.".
He never let go of Warrior's hand. With a small pull, he pulled Warrior's attention back to him. He tightened his grip, pulling Warriors arm against his own, his bare skin against his brother and surged his own power through them both. There was a sudden burst of white light. As it died down, Both navies glowed with the combined energy they currently had.
Merrill then pulled himself up, and stood next to his brother. He took a deep breath. His cloak blew with the breeze of their power, revealing his armor had vanished. He wore a pair of white pants, and a white sleeved shirt. His arms were visible instead of their armored form.
"Please, brother. Tell me what bothers you. She'll need a minute or two before she awakens. I felt your power. Thank you for lending it to heal us both. I'm sorry I took more than you probably wished for me to, but I needed to replenish my own enough for my own natural healing to kick in. Your energy... It was different. Amazing, but different. And I also felt you needed healing. So take that surge as a gift of Graditude from me. It will help you when you need it most. We have exchanged energy now. You may not feel it yet, but you have the power to call on it at will."
Before Warrior had time to respond or show emotion, he quickly added something else.
"Have no fear, whatever your afraid of to affect me can't harm me. I filtered it out and nullified it. I can prolly filter it enough to create a vacine of some sort.".
Looking down at the girl, he sighed.
They saved one of three. That bastard couldn't take the small victory from them. As he stared at her, he felt mixed emotions. But he hid them carefully. He lost two of the most important family members. But he wouldn't greive just yet. His heart felt heavy, but he had important matters at hand to deal with. He turned and faced Warrior, waiting patiently for a response.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 21, 2014 20:30:00 GMT -8
Warrior almost pulled back as Merrill moved to take in more energy than he was lending, but after seeing the positive effects of it, he let it continue. He didn't think this "poisonous" power (as he had always called it) was actually capable of that.
And as the process finished, he felt the 'poison' energy -- the residue of Remnant -- circulating his body again. It grew stronger every time he used it, which was why he didn't use it frequently.
"It's..."
He'd almost lied to Merrill just then; he could have said their previous defeat was what was bothering him. But perhaps it was time to tell the truth now, something he was feeling surprisingly more reluctant to do that before.
"It's a long story. But I'll keep it quick. And nobody else can know."
He'd have to keep it quick. If this girl woke up, or if somebody came along mid-conversation, he wouldn't have the chance to get it out.
"I'm not the 'Warrior' you remember from years ago. In fact... I'm not even a Net Navi."
He looked around quickly.
That was dangerous information, which explained why he said it so quietly, almost whispering it to Merrill.
"That 'Warrior' was deleted a long time ago against Eon and Forte, but his ghost still lingers. His ghost is Remnant."
Up until now, he had always told everyone that Remnant was "the embodiment of his dark past".
It explained why they acted differently. It explained why Remnant held so much resemblance to "the old Warrior".
But it was just a lie to protect Jacob Rayner's identity. The truth was, they were entirely different people.
That was why they acted differently. That was why Remnant held so much resemblance to "the old Warrior". He was the old Warrior, and "this Warrior"...
"... I'm his Operator."
-- though that was only a technicality as well.
"That's why he protects me; because I'm human. And that's why I'm not as strong without him..."
It was a weakness he'd been rather unhappy about lately.
"... because I'm only human."
A weakness that he could never change, no matter how hard he tried.
Yet Feint was human too, and she was capable of greater things without the help of a ghost.
"My real name is Jacob Rayner, but you must continue to call me 'Warrior' for my safety. Warrior and I are -- I mean, Remnant and I -- are separated right now because... well it's complicated, but basically the way our bodies interact has caused mine to get... 'sick', I guess you could say."
This was turning into a confusing story, but he was almost done if Merrill could bare with him a little longer.
"It's actually affecting my body in the real world, but staying pulsed in has shown to prevent the infection from spreading. This 'sickness' is like a residue of Remnant; I can tap into his power like you've seen me do before, but it causes the 'disease' to strengthen."
It was a tragedy, really. The more he used the powers of a Navi, the less Human he became.
He'd always thought of 'being human' as an irreplaceable weakness, and now that he had the chance to be something more, it was slowly killing him.
"There's more to the story, but that's all we have time for right now. There's trouble going on at New Life... we should head there as soon as possible."
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Post by Xypher on Dec 22, 2014 14:40:30 GMT -8
Merrill nodded, staying silent throughout Warrior, or rather, Jacob's story. It was a difficult concept to believe at first. But as the story was finished, it made sense. The differences between Warrior then and Warrior now.
"I see..."
He stared at Warrior. His sighed. Knowing the truth made his resolve only multiply. One one hand, it hurt that it Took Rayner so long to trust him, but in the end, he did now. He hid any form of that thought, and immediately spoke.
"Then I will help you. You, Warrior, will always be Warrior. As will Remnant. I see why you were so guarded to keep your secret. And I shall take it to my grave, need be. Which, I pray isn't for a long time.".
He placed a hand on his brother's shoulder.
"You are still my Brother. Human or not, nothing has Changed between us. I hope you know and accept that in your heart. And I will do everything I can to cure your diesease. Both here and for the real world.".
He then raised his hands, stretching his back and his chest. They were sore from where he had been pierced. But he could still move.
"The poison that he infected me with I negated by destroying my Armor. So I suppose I'll have to recreate it at some point. Until then, I'll use Energy armor to defend myself. I'm not aware of what the purpose of that blow poison was.. But whatever spell was cast, it seemed to have no effect. Good to note that my energy spells protected me."
He had no clue to any other changes. His wing had healed to normal white. His hair was now half black, half white, and his eyes did not. Peculiar.
"Anything else you can tell me about this poison? How it affects you in the real world?".
He raised both hands, starting a healing spell, casting it on Warrior/Jake. It should help, it was one of his strongest.
"That should help slow down if not stop its progression for a while. I can reapply that Remedy spell again later need be. Just ask.".
He looked back at his brother. He had one more thing to say before responding to the decision to move locations. Merrill picked up on Jake's feelings. He knew him well, dispite what anyone else thought, Jake included.
"First, Thank you. For everything you have done. You have again saved me. I can't thank you enough for the countless times you saved Healer and or Defender. Thank you so much. You were always an insperation to them, to me, to us."
He paused for a second to let that sink in, then continued.
"And just because you are human, doesn't make you weak. You are not weak. You, most of all have the ability to grow stronger. We all do. It's a trait of both humans and navies alike. You are anything but weak, "Warrior". You are one of the strongest fighters I have ever encountered. Do not take your humanity mixed with "navi'ty" as a weakness. It gives you an advantage, really. Diamond held on to that. Even when he died.".
"I Like to consider myself part human as well.".
He stepped forward, and Embraced his brother in a hug. There was a time to be strong. Not just for him, but for Warrior as well. He held fast and strong. He then stepped back and waited for his sole remaining person whom he considered family to respond. The embrace had said it all. And if Jake decided they would go to New Life, Merrill would follow. He would protect his brother. He would lose no one else today.
Her chest hurt. Her head hurt, but she was alive. She slowly opened her eyes, her hair a mess covering her face. She raised her hand and moved enough of her hair to see the sky. Where was she?
She was laying on the ground. She didn't remember much, only the agony of being run through, feeling her body's strength fail her. She felt the embrace of darkness, scared to death of dying. But.. Here she was.
She sat up slowly, feeling her belly. She was sore, but there was miraculously no wound! She had been healed! But how?
She looked around, and when she looked to her left, she saw the two others in an embrace. She cocked her head to the side slightly, watching quietly.
She sat and stared, unsure of what to say or do. She then felt guilty, realizing that the viruses were not with them. And it was strong. She had been the cause of their deaths. She waited to be acknowledged.
She was scared. She was scared of how angry the one would be at her for their deaths. She hoped and prayed the other boy would say something or protect her again.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 22, 2014 16:21:37 GMT -8
It meant more than he could express; to feel acceptance from someone he'd led to for so long.
Warrior looked away as Merrill cast the healing spell; unfortunately it would have no effect.
This sickness was more of... an "anomaly", so to speak.
Sicknesses can be cured by strengthening the immune systems, that's how most curative spells worked, but this mysterious infirmity was of an origin not of this dimension. Before the dilemma could truly be dealt with, they'd need to discover exactly what caused it, since afterall, it was rather strange for one person to get sick just by being around another.
The mystery beckoned to be explored, but greater things were at hand.
" I'd hate to be held responsible at your grave, but it means more than you know to hear you say that."
Merrill could read him like an open book; but self-doubt was a hard foe to overcome. His words had certainly wounded it today, turning the tide of the psychological battle that Rayner had been losing for quite a long time now.
He noticed the girl moving in the distance. New Life was still ringing in his mind, but there was one last thing to be taken care of before their departure from here.
" Looks like our troublemaker is awake."
And seemed like there were a few loose ends to tie here too.
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