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Post by TimePuppy on Jan 15, 2020 21:01:54 GMT
Akane apparently had a reason for her cruel behavior. She whispered to him about her clan and its demands, showing off her curious irises. So she was being monitored by a bunch of cruel idiots? Wonderful! Arthur couldn't say he was a fan of pricks like that and it didn't make him like Akane's behavior more, but at least it was more understandable.
"Fine, I'll cut you some slack. And if your attitude gets you in trouble with them, well, I wouldn't mind helping a rebellious soul."
Their conversation over, Arthur could pay attention to Yuu's explanation. Eventually she mentioned a name that sounded familiar to him even though he couldn't remember him right away... Urnas the vampire... Urnas the vampire... Oh.
"Wait, that creepy school director is here? Wonderful... Wasn't he Ikari and that purple girl's enemy?" The briefing couldn't go on much longer though as the walkways started shaking. Some people lost their footing while others took combat stances. Vile voices piped up from the darkness proclaiming their hunger. Metal tendrils coated in familiar purple flames rose up menacingly.
"Looks like a magic robot beholder thing with Ikari's power. Put simply, it's trouble." He answered Haruko, joining her in the air. "Right, let's give everyone else time to get to safer ground before the tendrils destroy the solid ground."
While Haruko tossed her spikes at the tendrils, Arthur created a large vertical pillar of ice and hurled it at a group of tendrils on the other side, aiming to squish them before they could try attacking the walkways.
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Post by Kuma on Jan 20, 2020 3:58:47 GMT
-It seems I didn’t think this through, wouldn’t be the first time.- Eiyuu shrugged as he dark purple light emanating from Masako exploded outwards, dyeing the darkness with it’s sickly amethyst glow. Unlike the previous Ikari, that seemed to summon a wolf-like armor, it seems that Masako, or whatever was “driving” Masako right now, had a completely different understanding of the concept of <Hatred>. -Quite interesting effect, I was almost sure Benkeinium and Gainen energy didn’t mix, that’s why we made the new gate with the damn metal, but it seems that whatever biological remains were attached to the Benkeinium Entity managed to serve as some kind of bridge between two opposites. Curious.- Eiyuu walked back towards his floating platform as Masako’s body kept growing, expanding and creating new necks, which sprouted like fast-forwarded recordings of vegetations growing. Unlike Ikari, which only had dark plates, Masako’s new body was a mixture of deep purple metallic plates, amethyst crystalline scales and tying all of it up, Benkeinium, flowing like quicksilver suspended in 0 gravity.
Meanwhile, above the abyss the many heads of Masako popped out of the rapidly diffusing darkness, which was gradually being replaced by the sickly purple glow being radiated from The Apex Predator’s body. -By the Ancient Magus!- Callis exclaimed as he unsheathed his swords, taking a defensive stance. The Beast Knight had seen that kind of armor before and the chill running down his spine confirmed his fears. -Everyone!- He shouted, as the first wave of attacks, coming out from Arthur and Haruko, hit the some of the heads, making them recoil. -RETREAT!- Callis pointed towards the main prison block, made of solid stone reinforced with Omnyo Magic. -We cannot face this creature in open ground!- The Beast Knight knew how dangerous Ikari Fukushi could be or whatever this thing that felt so similar to him was. -I fought against this thing!- Callis proclaimed as he moved towards the stone structure in the middle of the massive center of the prison. -Or at least something akin to it, we don’t have the firepower to deal with it now.-
Callis hoped the group heed his warning, but still he remained standing in the doorway to the Maximum Security Block, waiting for everyone to get through. That’s when he realized that Gen, Rin, Goemon and Ichigan were too far away. But before he could act on that knowledge, the Hydras, momentarily held back by Haruko and Arthur’s combined attack, shifted to the offensive. 2 of them opened their metallic maws and spewed jets of purple fire, one aimed at Arthur, while another blasted Stephan. 3 others moved to attack, one of them dived nose first toward Akane, aiming to push her through the floor and force her to break the wooden, a second want swung it’s massive head like a hammer, attempting to use it’s metallic jaw to nail Dan through the floor. The last one went low and aimed to crash through the floor and swallow Haruko whole. 4 more moved in Gen’s party direction, slithering in and out into the purple glow, creating perfect arcs with each move.
-FUCK!- Gen and Ichigan said at the same time, looking at the incoming enemies. Then they glared and pointed at each other. -STOP FUCKIN’ COPYIN’ ME!- Almost as mirror images they grunted with frustration before Rin grabbed them by the wrist as she started running away. -Stop with the comedy act and move!- She barked the order as she pulled, forcing them to follow her. Goemon was closely behind, as the Hydra heads moved towards them, like ancient chinese dragons dipping in and out a cloudy sky. -This ain’t good!- Gen exclaimed as the enemies approached and he clutched the inactive Gainen Medal on his hand. -Just shut up and run!- Rin retorted as she took potshots at Masako’s new form, throwing arrow after arrow which bounced against the enemy plating without even leaving a scratch. Gen and his group were running in one of the walkways that followed the outer wall, if they kept moving they would reach the staircase towards the Research and Development wing, where Kuro-san made his base.
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Post by othus on Jan 20, 2020 7:21:34 GMT
Akane made a mental note on Arthur's words, she smiled and exhaled as if a weight had been taken off of her. of course, she would never trouble him or any other friend with something that was her responsibility. Still, she had to thank him for that gesture later.
When Callis called for retreat Akane knew this was serious, especially considering that with the number of people gathered at this point they were enough to be classified as a squad. Musashi did a quick check to see if there was anyone who couldn't make it, only to notice Cadence leaving in a completely different direction. She felt like running after her for a second, but any thought of dealing with her was crushed by Masako's attack, which made Akane jump out of the way and move towards Dan and Yuu in order to assist them in escaping.
"Tch, it seems you were right, Cadence is here for an entirely different matter."- She said as she helped Yuu move by holding her right arm
When Akane had some time to catch her breath, she would finally be able to address Callis, who had been awaiting for them at the entrance, Akane held his hand as she shared her thoughts with him.
"Cadence is after Marika. But nevermind that, staying in this prison is suicide. If that thing was Ikari Fukushi, we still have Falken Degiraz and lifeform Z to worry about. plus that new doll Kuro is trying to make. We have to escape however we can, and leave this to the higher ups at JHWAB and my older brothers, we just don't know how many more of those things are here, and now we are stuck at the maximum security wing"
Akane was visibly concerned, the last time Callis fought a high level tengu threat he literally died. and now there was not just one but almost half a dozen of those freaks roaming around. She really just wanted Callis to be safe.
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Post by RedLenai on Jan 20, 2020 18:31:20 GMT
Vladimir's pentagrams shattered in million pieces in their attempt of protecting his allies that were far away. The many heads moved like a Leviathan in the sea for him.
He followed his team and waited for them with Callis - There must be a way to lock it, this is a prison for dangerous criminals after all
He hoped as he waited for Akane, who helped Yuu and Dan. As he listened to her words he decided that the plant girl should not be helped, at least she wasn't a priority anymore after the group were separated in two and everyone made an effort to protect each other. Taking the book of Driaochtas, the ex-paladin attempted to look for a greater spell to lock the creature.
E-Eh?! - He tried to read the page as many times as he could but the confusion only increased, the words were written on enochian... but the order of the letters made no sense at all - The most powerful spells on the book aren't in enochian...? - He was confused, that was the enochian alphabet for sure, he knew it since he was a toddler but... that couldn't be read at all!!
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Post by HungryHunter on Jan 21, 2020 7:56:25 GMT
“Does the weird skinny guy not know what’s in his own spellbook?” Dan asked Yuu. “I don’t know him any better than you, but it does not seem so strange. Casters are a different sort from you and me.” Yuu shrugged. “Perhaps it’s new.” “Yeah, well- Ah, shit!” Dan grabbed Yuu and drug her sharply to the side, letting the beast’s chin smash through the floor right where they were a second prior. “I was hoping it would stay over there! This isn’t another of your boss’s things, right?” “If it is, it’s not something I was made privy to.” Yuu shook her head.
“Come on, this isn’t something you can punch.” She tugged on his jacket and he nodded, rushing with her in tow to the maximum security ward. He kept his eyes behind him for Haruko, but he caught Stephan more clearly. The HWIC agent was backflipping just out of reach of the purple flames, all the way up the the end of the bridge. Dan’s eyes widened when he ran out of room. Would he be burned or drop to the abyss? He ended up neither, instead landing right on the railing and springboarding off to jump high over the flames, landing safely on the other end of the bridge and making a run for it. “I don’t- I don’t think my suit can adapt to that.” He mumbled to Callis as he passed by.
Martha and Z found Robin sitting among dozens of boxes, scattered by whim where once they were carefully organized on the shelves around her. Each one was pasted with various numbers of paper charms, apparently keeping Robin from opening them, given she hadn’t done so in the time she had alone with all of them. Right now, she was wrapping her scarf round one of them, forming a tight knot with the intent of ripping it free without touching the charm directly. “Hm? Oh hey, Martha, other guy! Help me get these charms off! Damn things zap me every time I try!” “Uh, we’re actually preparing to get out of here. We need to get everybody and leave! Things are going downhill real fast around here!” Martha explained.
“Oh, come on! There’s so much cool stuff I could get!” Robin tugged at the paper with her scarf hopefully shielding her from the defenses. “Oh, come on. This puts us all at risk! Things are really bad around here. And maybe… maybe Z can help free us.” She mumbled. Robin hesitated a second. “It would be nice…” She untangled her scarf from the tag, flicking it back around her neck. “Damn. If only I had a bag, I could have it all…” She pouted over the boxes strewn across the floor. She couldn’t even tell what was in them. The ultimate loss, a mystery never solved.
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Post by Vapovile on Feb 2, 2020 23:52:54 GMT
Despite their efforts, it seemed like Haruko and Arthur's attacks weren't effective in hurting the giant monster hydra at all. "What is this thing...?" Haruko mumbled to herself. Hearing a loud crash, Haruko kicked off the air to get enough distance away just in time to avoid being swallowed, but the creature's massive head still sideswiped her, sending the seamstress tumbling through the air and only managing to catch herself a few meters down. "Ok, new plan!" Right on cue, Haruko hear Callis yell at them to retreat, something Haruko was more than willing to follow through. But the others needed to be protected.
"Frosty! Let's cover them!" She called toward the ice mage, creating another massive pink spike that she sends toward one of the heads, followed by her raising her fist upward and creating a similarly sized block that is sent upward to smash against the chin of one of the heads. While she was attacking, Haruko flew with the group to try and keep up with the retreat.
---
Having left long before the others and not attracted the attention of the giant monster, Cadence sped along the path toward the spot where Marika was said to be. The plant doll passed by several prison cells, and took a brief interest in the one cell that was suspended in the center. What kind of monster did they have locked away in there? As she neared the destination, Cadence looked back to see a group charging toward them. "...of course..." Cadence sighed, commanding a few of her roots to raise up ever so slightly off the ground to be within tripping height. I am sick of these interruptions...just get out of my way...and focus on the giant monster...! The plant doll thought to herself, the recent intervention with saving Yuu still stewing bitterly in Cadence's mind.
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Post by TimePuppy on Feb 3, 2020 19:04:22 GMT
Arthur and Haruko's attacks weren't very effective. They slowed them down, but more heads rose. This was definitely a losing battle. One of the heads came up and started spouting flames at Arthur. The ice mage defended himself by folding his wings into a dome in front of him. At the same time, a spike appeared above the creature's jaw and a flat pillar below it. As the pillar moved up to smash it closed, the spike plunged down to nail it shut. The flames still managed to melt his wings and he fell down on his ass. Another spider-legged throne grew under him when Haruko suggested covering their retreat. He didn't need to be told twice. He joined Haruko in running after the group while throwing frostballs at any heads that got close, hoping to freeze them in place.
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Post by Kuma on Feb 11, 2020 3:07:13 GMT
Callis checked that everyone managed to get into the prison cube and was safe before replying to Akane’s worries. -I agree, escaping would be the most logical course of action.- The Beast Knight lowered his head. -But there is a problem about that…- Callis scratched the back of his ear, clearly uncomfortable. -You see… We cannot leave this place, at least not until the barrier weakens again.- Two of the Hydra heads crashed against the cube wall, but before they could even reach the stone a barrier repelled them. The cube itself was inscribed with powerful and ancient Omnyo magic, something Callis remembered and that’s why he guided them towards it. -The name Shirokumo does not refer to this being a castle among the clouds, but that the actual fortress is the cloud sphere surrounding the castle.- The Beast Knight explained. -The powerful mystic energies of hundreds of Tengu keep the prison isolated in what my superior officers described as a…- Callis attempted to remember the wording, not to mention that his own translation spell had issues with concepts alien to his world. -I think they called it a realm of power or a pseudo dimension, as if they meant that what happens inside the storm bubble is out of synch with our reality.- Four thunder-like crashes hit the wall of the prison block, the Hatred Hydra kept striking, attempting to find a weak point in the powerful omnyo Barrier. -So we’re trapped until the next fluctuation in the barrier, in approximately 24 hours.- Callis looked at the group. -Anybody has any ideas?- He asked, hoping to get some tactical insight from his companions.
Meanwhile, Gen’s group ran as 3 of the Hatred Hydra’s heads followed them closely, breaking the walkway behind them, going in and out the purple flames beneath them. -FUCK! FUCK! FUCK!- Gen and Ichigan were running in front, insulting at the same pace as their feet were moving. After a couple of insults they glared at each other. -STOP COPYIN’ ME!- Goemon followed them, incapable of stifling his laughter, while Rin closed the group, shooting pot shots at the enemy, after a lot of trial an error she realized that piercing through the armor was basically impossible for her, but she could at least pinpoint the joints between the plated armor and send Ki arrows into them so the plates would stop sliding over each other, locking the Hydra movement for precious moments. -She has one hell of a shootin’ arm.- Ichigan praised Rin, after glancing back for a moment noticing an impressive barrage of 4 arrows she launched while vaulting over the walkway being destroyed beneath her. -She is the fuckin’ best.- Gen replied with a huge slasher smile on his face. They were going directly towards the same staircase Cadence would soon arrive if she kept following Yuu’s direction. -Master, we need to find stronger footing and fight them off.- It was Ichigan’s turn to smile.
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Post by RedLenai on Feb 12, 2020 2:10:05 GMT
Vladimir was at lost, he couldn't figure out what on the name of angels was written on the book. He began to doodle in thin air with his finger, a small trail of white fire formed what it seemed to be an ABC of strange figures, it was the enochian alphabet. The letters and numbers began to move from side to side, rearranging them forming different words. Vladimir was trying to decode the words on the book.
We'll be here for 24 hours? - Vladimir stopped his train of thoughts to listen to Callis before returning to his task, he even began to mumble a bit of the words - Stella Septe... Septentrionalis...? Regis imp... erium? I don't know what this is...
Vladimir paused as he began to get stressed, he processed what Callis asked. Right now or even later they won't be able to fight that hydra, it seemed it had more than just magic - I guess we should try to run away, facing the hydra would be as dangerous as drinking lava... We have to move and try to... find something that can defeat it, or find out the person that caused all this mess - Those were the only things that popped out on the ex-paladin's mind, maybe there was something inside that book that could be of help but he couldn't decypher it.
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Post by othus on Feb 12, 2020 6:25:04 GMT
"24 hours...alright, let's get to work. Callis, please hand me over the key to Yuu Arachnee's cuffs"- Akane told him in a serious tone, she then moved towards the doll and looked at her up close
"Turn around, I'm taking your cuffs off"
If Yuu actually complied, Akane would remove them, she knew they needed as much help as they could, and not only that, all her intel down to Cadence's betrayal had been spot on. It would seem she was willing to cooperate as long as it was in her best interest. Akane was not gonna give her the talk about betrayal or the warning, she knew Yuu did not care, but perhaps she was also aware that Akane would be paying close attention to her as well.
"Alright, we might have been saved by the barrier, but this only means we are stuck in a pretty dangerous place, it wouldn't be reinforced with magic like this if they didnt want to keep someone or something from leaving this area. Anyone's got any data on this? a map and a list of the criminals in this area would prove helpful. Not that we have any choice, our way back is blocked by that thing"
Akane inspected her gear, she still had all her flashbangs and smokebombs, plus a handful of throwing stars. 24 hours, she could make it! they had to.
Z looked at the small boxes, inspecting the seals.
"I could absorb the mana seal and tear them open, but it would take too long and time is of the essence. with her, we can now retrieve Yuu"
Yuu was a lot easier to locate, she was by the Maximum security wing.
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Post by HungryHunter on Feb 14, 2020 6:59:35 GMT
“We’re trapped here!?” Yuu yelled, breaking composure for the first time since the group had met her. “We can’t be! Cadence is unchecked out there! And assuming Marika is safe, she may finish Kuro-san’s project before we escape and he can act with impunity!” She eagerly showed Akane her hands, rubbing her wrists when the cuffs fell away. “Calm down, I have an idea. We’re in the maximum security wing, right? That’s what Gen brought us here for. His master should be here. I’ve met the guy. He could bust down the barrier and handle the hydra no problem.” Dan said.
“Dan Drake!” Stephan Walters turned from the door and strode up to the fighter. “I strongly advise you don’t speak another word, lest you incriminate yourself further. Gen Shishioh has been granted permission to speak to Reiji Fukuma, not break him out of prison.” “I was there the day he got arrested, things didn’t…” Dan breathed deep and thought carefully about what to say. “I’ll consider a better option if you think of one. In the meantime, I’m going to work on that. We have a ticking clock and I think a prison sentence isn’t as important as whatever Kuro-san’s cooking up.” He turned away and began walking down the hallway. “...Dan Drake, if you take one more step, you are under arrest.” Stephan growled, wrist blades flicking into battle-ready position. “Fucking hell. Arthur, Haruko, come on, back me up on this before I have to beat the shit out of a cop.” Dan half turned, casting a glare in Stephan’s direction.
“Wait, really? Come on, open a couple! At least one!” Robin begged Z. “No, he’s right. Bad things are happening, and we need to get out of here. We’re getting Yuu first, then Josefina, and then we’re out.” Martha grabbed Robin and tugged her to her feet. “What about Marika and Miles?” The other doll asked. “Forget them. At least Yuu’s useful.” Martha shrugged. “Chelsea wouldn’t like it if something happened to them.” Robin suggested, kicking at the box she had to leave behind. “...we’ll think about it after we get Josefina to leave. I doubt they’ll listen to us anyway.” Martha sighed and rubbed her forehead. “Now hurry up. If Kuro-san catches us ditching, he’ll be mad and Z will have to eat all his goons.” Martha led the two back out into the hallway. “Yuu shouldn’t be too far from where we left her, right?” She asked before other noises started coming up the stairwell. “Hey, that sounds familiar…”
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Post by TimePuppy on Feb 16, 2020 19:02:50 GMT
The group managed to get away from the hydra, hidden behind a barrier while another kept them inside. They were trapped for another 24 hours and they needed some ideas. While Akane sensibly wanted to gather more info, Dan blurted out a dangerous idea. Worse yet was threatening an officer.
"Dan?" Arthur put a hand on his shoulder. "Let's keep our cool here. We're just brainstorming things here, and that's not an idea worth getting arrested over. That being said..." Arthur turned to the officers of the law here. "If that man can help us out, perhaps seeking him out isn't a terrible idea. Think about it. This prison is no longer an actual prison. Bad guys took it over and the JHWAB have no power here. If Reiji helps us get out, you can put him into custody to relocate him to a proper facility. And perhaps even offer some leniency, like a reward for good behavior, for assisting us."
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Post by Vapovile on Feb 20, 2020 15:17:40 GMT
A whirlwind of confusion swept over the group as the hate-filled hydra continued its assault upon the room they were currently in. Haruko's eyes widened slightly when they released Yuu, but it was too late to argue the point. Dan's crazy idea then drew Haruko's attention away from that previous issue. The seamstress shook her head at Dan's comment about beating up a cop. "Dan, sometimes you make it hard to stay on your side." Haruko told the fighter. Once Arthur was done speaking, she nodded. "I do agree though. The situation is clearly out of control, and I don't think we have the manpower to get it back to normal on our own. Reiji gave himself up to law enforcement before, right? I'm sure he wouldn't just run off." Haruko tried to reason. She had only heard vague stories about Reiji, as she'd only briefly seen him in Osaka years ago. Could he be as strong as Dan claims?
---
Arriving at the staircase, Cadence wasted no time in commanding her plants to begin climbing, laying down as many foot-catching roots as she could, and purposefully making the stairs sloped with plant matter to try and slow down the approaching group as much as possible. A small pang of excitement welled up in Cadence's chest. This was it...Marika was within her grasp.
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Post by Kuma on Feb 22, 2020 1:55:46 GMT
-Here beloved.- Callis passed the tablet they used before, which had a map of the installation and a list of the prisoners with their intended locations. The Beast Knight turned to the rest of the group. -Is anybody in need of medical attention? Was anybody hurt?- He asked, as he pulled a small first aid kit from the back of his belt. Callis scanned the room hoping that nobody was hurt, when he heard Dan’s suggestion. He wanted to chime in, but Stephan was quicker. The Beast Knight once again attempted to talk, but Arthur, trying to be the voice of reason got his turn to talk. Callis didn’t even attempted to talk the third time, right as Haruko offered her opinion. The Beast Knight thought about what the others said and about the current situation. “Remember that not every goal is reached through a straight line Nomene-san” The words of Norio Bushitora echoed inside his head as he took a decision.
-We need all the assistance we can get, Reiji Fukuma is powerful and he will help us, not to mention we could find out what was so important for Gen Shishioh to infiltrate the most secure prison in Japan.- He explained as he turned towards Akane. -Akane, could you be so kind to find Reiji’s cell?- The Beast Knight thought it would be easy to find Reiji and spring him out, not to mention he would be happy to help. He didn’t know how wrong he was.
Meanwhile Gen, Rin, Goemon and Ichigan kept running away as the wooden walkway was being trashed behind them. They were approaching the staircase as Cadence was climbing it. The group jumped inside the stairwell just as the wood beneath their feet vanished into a shower of flaming splinters. Thankfully the staircase had similar warding as the main Prison Block, so when the creature attempted to attack a large Omnyo Barrier repelled it. The group caught it’s breath and Gen, looking upwards shouted. -HEY YA GREEN HAIRED HAG! WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENIN’!?- His voice echoed up the stairwell towards Cadence and beyond.
A wall of monitors was the only lighting in the room, each one connected to different charms enchanted to transmit images. Each spherical screen floated around Kuro-san, who observed the events with a detached expresion. -Urnas.- He said, coldly, as a tall and thin man covered in ancient armor surfaced from within his shadow. -Do you require my assistance?- Kuro-san pointed at one of the floating monitors half-heartedly. -One of Marika’s wayward daughters is attempting to reach this place, dispose of her.- Behind a veil of chainmail, Urnas smiled, his fangs gleaming with saliva. -It will be done.- And without any more words he sunk back into Kuro-san’s shadow, aiming to stalk his prey. Then Kuro-san turned to another screen, checking Marika's progress. -Arachne-kun, could you please give me an update?- He asked through the communication network.
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Post by othus on Feb 22, 2020 7:14:23 GMT
Akane began looking at the tablet, however, something took her attention off that. It was Dan, he wanted to release another prisoner? and now he was threatening Stephan? Musashi drew her blade with one hand, setting it right before Dan's neck.
"Yes, that is not a terrible idea. However I just released Yuu Arachnee. Her? I can deal with if necessary. Someone on Reiji's level however cannot be controlled. I have been observing you, Dan. I don't like the fact you are friends with a serial killer like Yuu Arachnee, and your suggestions of freeing an even more dangerous prisoner are unsettling.
Musashi set the tablet on the ground as she heard Callis's opinion. she frowned and wielded her blade with both hands
"Hold on, love. I fear this suggestion of his is not sincere. If we release such a powerful individual and he is being mind-controlled or if this is all a trap we could die in an instant. How about it, Dan? will you prove your loyalty?"
Akane calmed her breath as she looked at the pink fighter.
"My Kaneshige blade won't cut the innocent. If my weapon fails to kill you, then I won't go against your plan. Refuse, and you will only give another reason to doubt you."
Musashi readied her blade in an execution style, the blue aura on her blade shining bright as she swung at Dan's neck.
As Z moved with the new group he began reading more energy signatures. There was another quite similar to Martha and Robin's
"You lied to me, Martha. You said Josefina and Yuu were all the dolls left..."- Z uttered as they came across Caroline.
The Raian walked camly towards Caroline, examining her from head to toe. He wasn't particularly worried about the power level of the group behind Caroline, now that he had absorbed all the energy from the previous fights, only a handful of individuals were an actual threat.
"We don't have time for this. Martha, Robin, let's keep moving"- He said completely ignoring the plant doll. He would do the same again with Gen's group, unless they felt like starting trouble.
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Post by HungryHunter on Feb 22, 2020 10:47:38 GMT
Stephan was still bristling as everybody spoke, but Cromwell made sense. The prison was compromised. Releasing this Reiji may be the only way to keep him under any sort of legal authority. “If Callis agrees. However, Mr. Drake, I will expect you to submit to the HWIC for investigation after this is done.” Stephan said. “Fine.” Dan grumbled. He was staring at his feet. He had fucked up with Haruko again. Would she even be his friend after this? He wanted to ask, but the question choked on his tongue. He only looked up when Akane added her two cents.
“I’ll be friends with whoever I damn well please. The dolls are under mind control.” He sneered at Akane, not noticing that Yuu averted her gaze when he said the latter. “Prove my loyalty? To you? I’m not part of your little team. Never was, never will be. My loyalty is to my friends. And you are not my friend.” Dan growled. Akane flashed her blade and his arm raised. He only managed to block because she gave him a whole sentence of warning. That was a fast draw. Of course, a simple arm block didn’t help that much with a sword. It bit through skin and into muscle, deep, but stopping well before bone. He paused for a second, sword embedded in his flesh, considering his options. He settled on a decision and threw a hard punch for her stomach before pulling back and walking away. “The other option was I smashed your nose. Now come along and help me find Reiji.”
“Ah, crap, these guys again!?” Martha startled when she saw Gen coming up the steps. And they somehow got another guy? Were they releasing prisoners. “I didn’t lie! That’s… Cadence!” She shouted when she saw the doll. “She’s not… Cadence, what are you doing here!?” Martha broke out in an utterly massive grin. “Cadence?” Robin asked, tilting her head. “Oh, she… sorry, Marika ordered us not to talk about her. I’ll have her explain! Z, we should take her! Marika will kill her if she knows she’s here!” She glanced down at Gen’s group, not sure about how to handle them. They seemed reasonable. If Martha said she just wanted to leave, would that be enough?
“If you want me to finish anytime soon, tell your stupid henchmen to leave me alone. This is the most delicate part. If I get distracted here, this thing could be another Martha. Or even a Marceline.” Marika responded to Kuro-san’s summons, holding the thread through which she programmed the flesh golem. “What the fuck is going on on your end? Where’s Yuu? She left like forever ago and my only bodyguard is distracted!” She wiggled in Miles’ lap.
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Post by RedLenai on Feb 26, 2020 13:04:56 GMT
Vladimir raised his head when things became to turn dangerous but even if he tried to do something it was already too late. Standing up, he vanished the letters are symbols that surrounded him.
Before you go, Mr. Drake... wouldn't it be better to heal that wound? - The ex-paladin suggested. Even if both Akane and Stephan weren't comfortable with the idea. However he wasn't going to stop the man if he refused his help. He get it anyway, Dan was the type to follow emotion instead of being reasonable.
By other hand, I can't decode this - He raised the book he had in one of his hands - There is a part of this book that is written in enochian but its languague isn't... Someone knows what exactly means "Sicut stellam matu... matutinam cadit, Gaia in flammis or...ietur" - His pronunciation was off, he didn't know what that meant. So he gave up and asked anyway. Even if the spells were the most powerful ones and would consume his entire energy, he was ready to take that risk with the Hydra out there.
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Post by TimePuppy on Feb 27, 2020 19:09:48 GMT
Arthur had his hopes up when Callis and Stephan were swayed toward that plan. Even if Stephan wasn't completely swayed, Arthur hoped it wasn't anything some good lawyers on Dan's side wouldn't be able to sort out. Then Akane proposed a different trial.
"Hold on, Akane. That's going too f-" Swish. Her blade cut into Dan's arm already. Arthur took the fact Dan's arm was still attached a good sign. "Dammit, Akane. That kind of witch trial isn't something you should decide to do on your own." Arthur shook his head. "At least you trust him now, I guess."
Dan did not take solace in that fact. Instead he retaliated with a punch. Arthur sighed. It's not like he disagreed with Dan here, but this group was clearly gonna have cohesion issues... "Well, if you're all done attacking each other, I think we should get going." The ice mage followed after Dan, healing his wound and telling him: "Dan, I'm sure you like having powers again, but you should try not to give the others a reason to test them. A bit of tact goes a long way."
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Post by Vapovile on Mar 8, 2020 23:24:29 GMT
Haruko’s eyes widened when she heard Callis actually agreeing to Dan’s crazy idea, before a small smile appeared on her face. “Now that’s not the Callis I knew years ago. What have you done to this m-WHAT?!” Haruko let out a shriek when she saw Akane’s sword being swung straight at Dan’s neck. She reached to pull out an explosive knife, but it was far too late to do anything at this point. The seamstress let out a sigh of relief when Dan seemingly blocked the attack, but the sword still embedded in his arm.
“Are you serious?! Ok, hang on.” Haruko sucked in air through her nose, and let it out through her mouth. “Can we all please just move on now? Need I remind you there is a giant monster nearby?!” She yelled in a soft tone, as to not get Masako’s attention. Arthur was already telling Dan what Haruko was thinking, so she decided to focus her energy on scanning the room, looking for where Reiji could be held.
---
Giving no reaction to Dan’s shouts, Cadence continued making her way toward the room pointed out to her by Yuu. A small frown briefly descended down her face when she heard Martha’s voice, but it quickly went back to a neutral expression. ...why is that monster with her…? Cadence thought to herself. ...this makes things more difficult…
Glancing around, she saw a figure that she didn’t recognize. Was this another one of this Kuro-san’s henchmen, or was it a new doll? ...why is everyone...getting in my way today…?! The doll furiously thought, but showing no outward emotion. Her immediate response, to stealthily send out vines to break Martha’s legs, seemed impossible with Z around. Perhaps it would be better to play friendly for now.
“...hello, Martha. It’s been a long time…” She said, giving a small smile. “I’m just...passing through. These...people…” She motioned behind her. “...released a monster...I barely got out...could you help me stop them…?” She asked.
“So that’s what’s going on down there…” Martha looked down. “Of course we’ll help you! But we need to go afterwards!”
“These guys unleashed a monster? That sounds like something they’d do?” Robin looked over her shoulder at the people behind her.
“Well… maybe on accident? I think they’re good people.” Martha looked confused.
Cadence shook her head. “...it was no accident...trust me…” She stated, plants moving toward the hallway. “...I am in a rush...but it was nice seeing you...before I go...is Marika in there…? I need to...talk with her…” She said, a hint of venom in her tone.
“Aw man… guess I was wrong again.” Martha sighed, but slowly she comprehended Cadence’s words. “...you’re going to kill her, aren’t you?” She asked, eyes fixed on Cadence. The look in Cadence’s eyes remained blank, unfeeling. “...I prefer to call it...liberation…” She said. “...think about it...has she ever been kind to you…? You don’t have the power to defy her…” Holding out her hand, a nearby vine solidified into a large wooden spike. “...I do...now...do you intend to stop me…?” She asked.
“I’ll never defend Marika. I can’t pretend she’s anything but a monster. But…” Martha closed her eyes. Cadence was making her think, and think hard. She was so excited to see her, but she was there to kill a family member. Something twisted deep inside her, making it hard to take a breath. She had thought of it herself. How nice it might be to kill Marika. But then she thought of Jane seeing Marika dead, of Chelsea’s tears when she learned her only friend was dead, and Yuu… Yuu looking at her with disappointment. “There’s a lot of reasons I shouldn’t let you.”
“...Think about Jane...how much damage has Marika done to her mind...already…? The blood...will be on my hands...I’ll say you tried to stop me…” Cadence reassured, moving closer to the room. “But if you kill her, she’ll never be any better!” Martha yelled, but it slowly dawned on her that didn’t make any sense. Why did she say that?
A frown descended down Cadence’s face. “...I hear you’ve been listening to Yuu too much…” Cadence inspected her pipe for a second, then looked back at Martha. “...funny how she says she wants to help...but watches on as we’re all tortured...almost like she doesn’t actually care what happens to us…” Gaze fixed on Martha, Cadence’s tone became more serious. “...if Marka hasn’t gotten better after all these years...she never will.”
“Yuu wouldn’t… she can’t… she tries…” Martha hyperventilated, world spinning around her. Cadence had surgically removed a part of her, something placed there by Yuu. Nothing was certain. Somebody smarter than her was wrong. So… Cadence was also smarter than her. That was all she could trust. “Miles is with her. Be safe, okay?” Martha pulled Cadence into her arms, giving her a quick squeeze before pushing her along.
“...thank you…” Cadence responded, commanding her plants to move toward the room as fast as they could go.
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Post by Kuma on Mar 10, 2020 3:46:39 GMT
-AKANE!- Callis shouted as she dropped her blade. The wet sound of bloodied flesh echoing upon her sword hitting Dan’s forearm. The Beast Knight exploded into action, rushing in-between the Pink Comet and the Musashi Heiress, intercepting the strike aimed at Akane’s gut with his own, receiving with an stoic grunt. -Are you two insane?- Callis asked, his eyes glaring with mixed emotions. The Beast Knight intervention was forceful enough to dislodge the Kaneshige blade out of Dan’s forearm. Callis blue eyes locked on Akane. -Can you explain yourself? What were you thinking?- The Beast Knight couldn’t avoid displaying how pissed he was. -You need to work on your temper Akane, the true blade of a warrior is their Discipline and so far you have attempted to start fights twice with prospective allies.- Callis wasn’t just angry, he was more than that, he was disappointed at Akane’s rashness, but more than that, he was saddened by her actions. -As much as I love you, I cannot abide this behaviour, much less when you are technically working for the JHWAB alongside me, I made an oath to the organization and I cannot break it.- Finally, Callis managed to calm down. -We will talk about this later.- He said, before she could even reply, turning away to check on Dan.
The Pink Comet was already surrounded by Arthur and Vladimir, attempting to calm him down and assist his wounds. -Mes Drake, you do not accept offers like that, you will live a short life with that demeanor and conduct.- Callis chastised him as Vladimir was attempting to perform a healing spell. The Beast Knight overheard his attempts to read a passage and commented on. -I think that’s latin, the same language I use for my incantations.- He grasped the Grail image on his necklace and extended his other hand towards Dan. Golden light flowed around Callis, dripping towards his extended hand. A choir of ancient voices spoke alongside him, creating a perfect echoing harmony.
/Manus Redemptoris/
The golden glow reached Dan’s forearm and stopped the bleeding, helping the arm to heal, not to 100%, but just enough for it not to be an impediment for the Pink Comet. That would’ve been the case if Callis was the only one healing him, but the Frost Mage also got involved. Callis’ spell added to Arthur’s were more than enough to close the wound completely. The Beast Knight turned to Vladimir Kearney. -Mes Kearney, I think your book has two types of spells, just like I’m capable of using Druidic and Holy magic thanks to the sages and mystics inside the Grail I carry.- Callis was doing his best not to turn in Akane’s direction, he wanted to think about anything else rather than the disappointment he was feeling over his loved one actions. -I might be able to help translating some of it if we managed to come out of this place alive.- He then turned to the group, really making and effort to avoid making eye contact with Akane. -Our current plan of action is finding Reiji Fukuma and asking for his cooperation in this situation.- He turned to Stephan. -This will be, from now on an official JHWAB and HWIC joint operation with several freelance assets being deputized to help, including the Shishioh Siblings, Mes Drake, Messa Miyata, Mes Cromwell, Mes Williams, Messa Arachne…- Finally, with sad eyes, he looked at Akane. - And Messa Musashi.- Callis then pointed towards the center of the cell block. -Considering Mes Fukuma’s classification in the JHWAB archives he must be closer to the center of this wing.- And with that said he advanced onwards, attempting to put distance between him and Akane, too angry and sad to argue with her.
Gen’s group kept climbing upwards, rushing up the stairs as the enraged heads of the Hatred Hydra clashed against the Hydra, shaking the whole stairwell. -Gen are you sure we’re going the right way?- Rin asked, following the frantic pace of her brother. -No fuckin’ clue, just gettin’ away from the big fuckin’ monster out there.- Ichigan let out of groan of disappointment. -Goemon, ya might be fuckin’ wrong, no son of mine would fuckin’ ran away from a fight.- Goemon rolled his eyes and replied, before Gen could insult his biological father. -In Gen’s defense you’re running with us Sensei.- Ichigan grunted in disagreement, but before he could retort the group stumbled with Martha’s group. Gen who was leading, stop dead on his tracks, glaring at the doll. -Ya again? Do ya need another fuckin’ beatin’?- He asked getting ready to fight. Ichigan, Goemon and Rin followed suit, ready for a fight.
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