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Post by mirror on May 14, 2015 11:49:56 GMT -8
On the outskirts of the Netopian capital lies a memento from events past - a hole so corrupt with bug energy that it was impossible to directly cleanse. The government simply layered over it with special antiviral coding and filled the remaining gorge with aqua data, turned the surrounding rubble into a park, and called it a remodeling.
Of course, these days, these facts have passed from most memory, and so a park it remains. Three paths lead to the lakefront on the longer side: One directly perpendicular to it and two more diagonally in to the corners nearest the city. From there the paths encircle the lake until three more leave on the other side in a manner mirroring those city-side, leading off to a number of winding trails through the local forest. These trails are lined by trees and lampposts and benches and digital works of artistic coding, all in a very aesthetically pleasing manner designed by the finest landscapers of the real and internet worlds.
The lakefront itself is a beautiful piece of work - grass leads up to a point a decent distance from the water, where stepping stones are laid in an extravagant pattern as the grass transitions to a dark sand. The stones abruptly end, and then the ground begins to slope inward for several more meters before the waves begin lapping over it, except for at a few choice points around the massive lake, where the ground continues out instead of leading down to the water (creating natural piers). As it moves, the water shifts its spectrum ever so slightly, giving an even more hypnotic lull to onlookers.
[smear:cccc00]Time begins to tick again...[/smear:00bbbb]
Still not satisfied with it's exploration of this place, Starless materializes along the edge of the lake.
Standing at the edge for some time, it stares deep into the center. There was an abundance of glitches in the area. The lake was a lake and not a lake, a city and not a city.
"What is it..." it mutters to itself.
It continues to stand there, wondering, deciding what it should do.
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Post by Genesis on May 14, 2015 13:08:51 GMT -8
*It was a somewhat strange feeling to think that the harbinger would go out in a city of bugs. Probably a bit fitting, even. Not too far from the lake, an orb of darkness hovered in place. The orb fell, hitting the ground and melding into it like a mass of ink, shadows extending out before something rose up from it. From it rose Xion, the navi looking about the area. So this was it. It was strange from the looks of it. He knew it would look like a mess given everything that happened and yet something was off, walking near the crater and ignoring that feeling since he was here to linger for a time anyway. He noticed something else here, but didn't address them either.*
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Post by mirror on May 14, 2015 15:49:44 GMT -8
It notices the grey one emerge from shadows. Another had come to observe the lake, and Starless was intrigued. Maybe the grey one would have answers. Approaching, it makes it's presence known, though the grey one likely was aware of it's presence already.
"Grey One, this place is different. Dual. What is it?"
The multi-toned voice, the strange figure that it came from. Perhaps Starless fit in here, in a way.
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Post by Shast on May 14, 2015 15:56:24 GMT -8
Iria The joes in the area still work diligently to repair the damage from the almost endless string of misfortunes that befall the lake. After receiving orders to ignore the trickle of bugs emitting from the lake bed the Joes committed fully to tiding up the landscape to its former glory. Unglitching trees re-sanding the beach front, etc.
It's during this time that Iria beams into the area. Being the hotspot for trouble as it was patrols of the area needed to be increases. A task Iria took up herself. Her red beam dispersed revealing the commander in her entirety. Scratching her head she idly paces around. Scanning the area for the Joe squad and any signs of trouble.
Joes, check, buggy lake, check...
Her eyes finally catching the most glaring change, a fading city. It looks vaguely similar to that party town Du soir.
There's nothing even remotely surprising about this. she mumbles to herself before moving on.
It's not long after this she spots two figures a fair distance away from her on the coast. One stands out to her.
Xion. Iria cracks her knuckles and bolts into action. Kicking up small bits of sand as she leaps into a punch. Engulfing her striking hand in cream white fire attempting to deck the darkloid in the back of the head.
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Post by Genesis on May 14, 2015 16:33:47 GMT -8
*Looked like the other one came up to him. He was used to be shorter than the people he talked to by this point, but this one looked like a hunk of rock. Jax enjoyed playing with that so it'd actually be pretty cool watching him use someone like a living bullet. Just a passing thought, seeing as Jax wasn't here to confirm if he could do so. Plus he was in an amiable mood right now so he decided to answer the navi's query.*
"You've got a funny voice there. But I don't know what's up with that. Probably has something to do with--blagh!"
*Except that because he was busy talking to Starless and not noting his surroundings any further besides the mindless drones doing their job he hadn't noticed anyone else coming into the area that might not be another Joe. Not to mention said person was behind him. The end result was him receiving a sudden blow to the back of the head as his head set on fire coupled with his rather fluent word that followed said blow as he fell forward and landed face first on the ground. He was still for a moment before the flames were swallowed up into the darkness on the ground, Xion rolling ahead from his position and getting up after to see who exactly had the guts to just deck him out of nowhere.*
"Iria. You would have the guts to do that."
*He knew better than to linger long on words with her. Plus he actually didn't get to finish up with her last time so this was good actually. Dark purple flames sprung up from his own hands, launching them off at the commander as they exploded almost immediately after he tossed them in a large blaze. And through the same blaze did Xion plunge through it, slashing with one of his claws enhanced by darkness.*
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Post by Shast on May 14, 2015 21:56:18 GMT -8
Iria Xion. A harbinger of darkness and of the cesspool of rejects the Chaotic. Trickery such as a blinding cover was expected from the likes of him. Always prepared for the standard tactic of a darkloid Iria deftly weaves to the side of the slash then pushing the arm up to get a better vantage to her evil opposition.
Honor for the honorless? Adorable.
Abusing her created opening Iria emblazons her other fist and uppercuts into Xions swinging arm while simultaneously gripping the arm with the first hand and pulling down. Attempting to break it. Followed swiftly by a release and repel of the darkloid with both arms, then assuming a readied position for what lay ahead.
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Post by Genesis on May 14, 2015 22:14:17 GMT -8
*She weaved past the strike fairly well, used to the standard trickery that would come from fighting someone like him. But his tricks had a simpler catch to them than most would expect. His other hand shot through while she was aiming for his open arm at lightning speed, striking with the empowered claw gleaming crimson with the intent to plunge it into her side, willing to take damage to give it back to the combat specialist before him. This all happened in the time frame that Iria was using to dismantle his arm. Her blow slammed into the arm with solid force, but the arm had darkness coating it then. It didn't stop her blow so much as dampen it so that it wouldn't break at least from her attempt, being repelled by Iria after and not entirely knowing the success of his own attempt on her side in the mess then.*
"Oh no, I appreciate your ruthlessness. It's much better than just plain being self-righteous."
*She still considered herself totally correct and morally superior, but he'd give her the latter of the two and she was willing to do what needed doing regardless of the views of others. Xion formed two blades of darkness, tossing them at his opponent as they changed angles with one going for one of her legs while the other was aimed at the shoulder of her likely injured side. The one thrown at her leg was slightly slower than the other though, given the blow that arm had just taken. That didn't stop him from going in and punching with the same injured arm, being his left arm in fact, aiming to take advantage of the weapons closing in on her at the same time for an attack from three angles.*
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Post by Shast on May 15, 2015 11:26:06 GMT -8
Iria An eye briefly winced. The only recognition she would give the injury. Not wanting to give Xion any indication of weakness. With the blades quickly spiraling towards her Iria crouches then fluidly picks up her feet into a squished aerial crouch. Clenching her teeth at the cramped position like shooting a glance to the wobbly blade below. Before she can completely revert her gaze Xion is already upon her with his next strike. She squints her eyes and attempts to bring both arms to bear but only one makes it in time.
The half block is enough to dampen the blow but not the knock-back. Iria is sent hurtling backwards a few yards, almost catching up the blades! She catches herself and comes to a stop using one hand to brace herself still crouched self and shaking the blocking hand a few times before clenching it into a fist.
In keeping the pace Iria slams the fist into the cushy sand. Then immediately pushes off into a leap. A few beams of white energy erupting underneath the sad excuse of a navi following suite. As the beams died off the attacker was already upon her 'prey' bringing down another fist in hammer strike fashion onto his head.
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Post by Genesis on May 15, 2015 16:29:52 GMT -8
*He was grateful for his earlier success at least. His left arm was doing better for it, the cracked armor and wounded arm slowly mending itself. Of course he didn't plan to let her off that easily, starting forward to close the gap between them. But then beams of energy shot up from the ground instead, causing him to halt and step back a few times, one beam shooting up and slamming dead into him to lift him off the ground just in time for Iria to bring her fist down onto his head again.*
*But as he went for the ground this time his hands went down first, catching himself as he turned quickly with his hands serving as the pivotal point, a well-aimed kick following this that was wreathed in darkness. He did several kicks this way before blasting darkness out of his hands, launching himself upward as he punched downward after. A blast of darkness shot forth and crashed down before spreading out over a wide area, inflicting harm haphazardly and without discrimination.*
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Post by Shast on May 16, 2015 8:28:10 GMT -8
Iria Still airborne, Iria catches the first kick with both hands but Xions momentum forces her to spiral with him as he proceeds breakdancing. She continues to hold herself from falling into the blending with one hand per half rotation of the duo. When Xion punches himself into the air and unleashes the attack Iria is pushed up along with him. An opportune time as any to get off the ride she propels herself slightly higher into the air.
The dark shockwave that resulted was an impressive waste of already wasted energy. Propulsion stops her from following up with a proper counter but was enough to avoid the attack. She again lands a few yards away. This time standing upright.
...That was stupid.
Iria begins to flex her hands and her forearms start to glow a light red. She slams a fist into open palm and the red shatters into a magmatic pattern and emit an immense heat. Then she bolts at Xion yet again. Opening up on him with a series of blunt street boxing attacks enhanced by literal firepower and aimed at his upper body.
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Post by Genesis on May 16, 2015 22:54:15 GMT -8
*Aww. He really wanted to land that last attack too. That said he had to give it to Iria: she handled that pretty well since she couldn't have had to deal with it before now. Xion landed on the ground too, turning to face her and her insult after.*
"I think you just don't know how to have fun."
*Tangible shadows crawled along his arms, bursting into purple flames after as he sought to meet her punches with his own. His blows had another incentive behind it, seeking to sap the strength behind her blows and lessen her defenses. But after exchanging these a few times though he decided against constantly trading blows with her, taking a few steps back first and waiting for one of the punches before he went into a slide to go under it and her. A light flashing through his left arm as a slot opened up on the backside of his hand as a sword-breaker sprung forth, swinging the weapon while he was still under her at her legs once before swinging it again in a higher arc, aiming for her torso instead.*
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Post by Shast on May 17, 2015 20:29:05 GMT -8
Iria As blow met blow molten gloves chipped and waned. An oddity given the durability the gloves have demonstrated in past missions. Xion must have some sapping abilities. Again, nothing surprising given his ilks nature.
She however could not keep up with what followed. The slide and swipe nicked her leg, causing a lurch forward in recoil. Ah! A light yelp escaped her as the blade dug into her back. Thankfully the recoil helped lessen the depth of the stab.
Iria stares down the lecherous filth beneath her. Visibly enraged and gritting her teeth she tightly clamps the still molten hands onto his head and drags the darkloid up and over. Bending backwards and bringing him full circle into the sand skull first. She forms an orb in each hand that explodes instantly in concise manner. Pushing herself upright with the blast and spinning a kick into Xions side.
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Post by Genesis on May 18, 2015 0:12:55 GMT -8
*As Iria stared down at him with such rage, Xion's eyes denoted that he was pretty much amused by the turn of events. Of course he probably should have considered moving rather than taking the time to admire the view.*
"Gahg!"
*Best sound he could make for someone who tried to crush his head. Of course that wasn't her only goal for grabbing him so tightly, seeing as he hit the sand next skull first. Didn't help she blew up orbs too and then proceeded to kick him in the side, uprooting him and sending him a few feet away, landing face first once again. Clearly someone was more then just a little upset at his antics. His armor on his side was cracked and his helmet had a few cracks in it as well from her angry assault.*
"Yup. Definitely does not know how to have fun..."
*Time to up the ante then. He flipped up from the ground, three kunai forming in hand that he tossed at her with uncanny precision with one aimed at her already injured leg, her injured side, and her uninjured foot before he landed and placed his hand on the ground, a dark twister launching forth that brought the sand along with it to add to its effectiveness. To top it off he shot off a massive wave of water into the twister to magnify the calamity further, hurtling dead at Iria and trying to suck her in as well. But he had warped from where he was at after, appearing behind her launching a double-palmed strike into her injury to also launch her toward the other attack he had conjured up not even moments before.*
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Post by Shast on May 21, 2015 12:14:14 GMT -8
Iria Leaning slightly back Iria smacks the highest kunai aimed at her side downward with calculated precision to the one at her foot, leaving her leg however undefended. The third kunai lodges itself into its destination. A grit of her teeth was the only visible reaction.
The grit intensified with Xions backstab. Just as she was leaving arms reach Iria turns slightly and snags Xion by the arm, swinging him with enough force to push her back away from the sludgenado and tossing Xion into his own home alone.
but she knew better. In the past Xion has utilized dozens of cowardly tactics, the most common being clones. Allowing her momentum to carry her she let herself slide past where Xion originally stood. Throwing multiple small orbs of her signature color around the spot as she passes. Then detonates them with the snap of her finger after coming to a stop.
No tricks, clown.
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Post by Genesis on May 21, 2015 12:31:22 GMT -8
*He had forgotten numerous times now that she was pretty good at this close range thing he had going for him. Or had he? Either way, this led to him being flung into his own attack, being engulfed inside of it. And as Iria expected nothing came out of the tornado, her blasts detonating where Xion once was and beyond as she did, taking him with the blast.*
*Or had it? The only thing that could go wrong was if she had assumed he was using the wrong cowardly tactic. Instead, something shot from the sludgnenado at even greater speed than originally, utilizing the tornado, Iria's own force from her throw, and his own force all at once as Xion flew into Iria and delivered a devastating punch fueled by darkness from it, driving it dead into her abdomen to send her hurtling off with the force behind it.*
"But it was I, Xion, the whole time!"
*He had figured that she would account for his usual tactics this time. He preferred being straightforward and playing by his own rules. He just hadn't actually thought of utilizing his most common trick at the time and had considered that she would counter him instead and planned accordingly. He wouldn't call it a trick, but he imagined Iria wouldn't appreciate it regardless. But even with an attack like that he knew better than to count her out just yet. So instead an orb appeared around him that was pitch black in color, like an egg as it sat in place after, pulsating as power seemed to be gathering inside of it as it sat in place, immobile still.*
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