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Post by Kuma on Jan 7, 2019 5:04:52 GMT
-I know which is the fuckin’ fastest way, but sis here doesn’t want to take it because she is fuckin’ scared of the creepy armor guy.- Gen spoke with a mocking tone, scowling at his sister. Rin, who was already quite pissed off by the whole Dan ordeal didn’t cut words. -You can tell my idiot of a brother that I prefer taking a road that might be 5 minutes longer if it means avoiding a man who entered a max security prison and decided that killing a whole wing of inmates was the sensible thing to do.- She was matching Gen’s scowl, both of them staring at the other with such intensity it almost seemed as if lightning sparked between them. -What the fuck is it sis? Scared of a douchebag with guns? We’re in a fuckin’ prison!- Gen opened his arms and exhaled with frustration evident on his every move. Rin glared at him as if she was trying to stab him with her stare and opened her mouth to reply, but both of them turned their heads towards their previous location upon sensing Fighting Spirit. -WHAT THE FUCK!?- Gen exclaimed as he walked towards the rest of the group, followed by Rin who changed her bow into a spear.
Goemon looked at Dan with a strange expression. He had seen those eyes before. Or better put he had those eyes before. This was just like the time he asked Ichigan to become his student. The Karate Star hesitated, doubts piling on about revealing the chance of giving power to Dan. Goemon starred at the Pink Comet as he asked him to do it. The Karate Star realized that this might be a mistake, but he couldn’t back down right now, he spilled the beans without realizing it. -I’ll do it.- Goemon took a traditional Karate Stance and summoned his Fighting Spirit, something he rarely did after slowly developing his Ki, list most of the Spirit Boxers ended up doing. One of the very few high level Boxers he knew that kept using Fighting Spirit was his master Ichigan. Unlike his Golden Ki, his Fighting Spirit didn’t seem like flames, but like steam swirling around his fist. As he gathered his energy, he heard Gen and Rin coming towards him, but it was too late to stop him.
Goemon launched his fist directly at Dan’s chest and stopped a millimeter before hitting. Maybe he was hesitating at the last second, but truly he only pinpointed Dan’s diaphragm and performed a 1 inch punch releasing all the energy into Dan’s Ki pool. The mechanics behind it was relatively simple. Dan’s Fighting Spirit was like a reservoir of fuel. Goemon’s Fighting Spirit served as the spark to set it on fire. It was Dan’s job to control the raging fire exploding inside him. -Take it all in and breathe out!- Goemon instructed to Dan as he took several steps backs. He looked at Haruko. -Ms. Miyata? You should also back off and give him some space, he will need it.- Gen reached Goemon and turned him around pulling from the Gi. -What the fuck did ya do?- He asked, shouting at the Karate Star. Goemon looked down at Gen. -We had a problem and I found a solution, who am I to stop somebody searching for their own way?-
Gen facepalmed himself and almost punched Goemon, but stopped his hand by grabbing his own wrist, opening and closing his fist as if he was trying to release tension. -Ya lumberin’ fuckin’ idiot!- He pointed at Dan, that at this point would surely be releasing immense amounts of Fighting Spirit. -He is a fuckin’ beacon for every fuckin’ criminal on this fuckin’ prison! Didn’t ya think ‘bout that!?- Goemon stood there confused, looking at Gen. All the seriousness abandoned his face as he almost let out a goofy smile. -Oh… Shit… I forgot about that.- Both Rin and Gen reacted the same way, hitting their faces with their palms and asking internally what did they do wrong to deserve this, with Gen adding more curses than Rin.
-Thank you, Akane, for being so understanding.- Callis added before she moved away. The Beast Knight then turned and crouched besides the fallen guards. -Mes Walters, if you could be so kind, I would like to use your enhanced sensory abilities to look over these two individuals.- The Beast Knight pointed out a circle around their chest and then over their heads. -See if they’re carrying any kind of active charms on them or inside them.- He politely asked before standing up. If Stephan’s Nucleus Enhanced vision also allowed him a semblance of X-ray he might also notice something else apart from the charms that were currently deep inside their chests. And if the Nucleus was able to really decode magical effects he might realize about something more about the charms.
Callis who scanned the area for enemies saw Vladimir coming out and heard attentively to what the Paladin had to say. -Red moon? King? Never heard of that before…- Then he replied to Vladimir’s next inquiry. -To my knowledge different Yokai have different blood, but hybrids like these tend to have red blood, just like their human progenitors, maybe with a hint of another color mixed in.- The Beast Knight continued talking, as most of this information was thought to him by Norio Bushitora and he had memorized it, something he was actually quite good at. -Why’re you asking? Did the one inside bleed? Or did he- Callis was interrupted as a scream of agony, coming from the back room, reached even the hallway. -YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARHG!- Cadence vines managed to easily entangled the paralyzed Sankumo and generated enough torque to break 4 out of his 8 sharp legs.
Callis rushed towards the backroom, kicking the door down and entering with one of his blades out. He encountered a gross spectacle. Cadence surely used at least enough strength to break a regular human leg but the skittering insectoid limbs of the Kumo Clan weren’t as strong as regular human legs, as their distributed the weight evenly. Cadence didn’t break them, she tore them out. A spray of dark liquid jettisoned out from the stumps, covering the floor with an oily and thick almost gel like substance. The Beast Knight was too shocked to realize he was still not smelling anything, his only focus was on Cadence glaring at her as he asked. -What did you do?-
-I don’t care who kills who, we’re going to move and we’re going to kill all of them.- Ikari whole body flexed like a single muscle, his shoulders widening and his old and worn out tuxedo suddenly becoming a couple of sizes too small of him as his whole frame went bigger. The screens in front of him exploded as he turned around staring at Yuu. -You warn the Research Wing about new guests.- Ikari took a couple of steps towards the door leaving flaming footprints. -Tell them to prepare for Plan F, Shikishima should know what I’m talking about, then rejoin us.- The Agent of Hatred locked on to Z. -You follow me, we’ll pick up the Tomboy and my student on the way towards the unexpected intruders.- Ikari exited the room just as Martha and Riku were arriving. -You two, follow me, we’ve some pest to eradicate.-
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Post by othus on Jan 7, 2019 6:42:22 GMT
Akane facepalmed the moment she saw the mess Cadence had made, she was just talked out of killing these creatures and Cadence proceeded to do exactly that! her attention was suddenly taken as she looked at the floor, the monster's blood was not regular at all, it was oily, like...some sort of paint? She didn't know what to think of it, the Musashi had slain bug-like creatures in the past, but their blood was nothing like this. Akane grabbed Callis by the hand before he began an argument with the doll. "Callis, do not lose your focus...you said they had red blood, but look at the color. I'm not even sure this can be called blood"
The sudden surge of Fighting Spirit made her change her focus yet again, it was an aggressive burst, almost as if the individual was trying to make himself noticed. what exactly was going on?!
"Can you feel that Ki? It spiked out of nowhere! Callis, we shouldn't linger here much longer"
The collector stood in silence for a second as Martha left, most of her logic did not make any sense to him, why protect her sisters? why only Bad humans? what's a bad human anyway? they all seemed to be the same until 10 minutes ago. A final thought arose but she had already left."Friend?".
He got up as Ikari called for him, apparently, they were getting a bonus, and he could feel it. A sudden surge of Ki spiked his senses, that was exactly what he needed, he clenched his metallic hands in anxiety "Let's not waste any more time, Ikari, lead the way."
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Post by HungryHunter on Jan 7, 2019 8:12:26 GMT
Stephan wasn’t sure what Callis meant, but he knelt beside the fallen guards and checked them out anyway. He could just barely pick out some sort of magical charms deep inside of their torsos. He stared at them patiently until the Nucleus responded. A black lens slide over the blue and x-ray vision was added to his repertoire of senses. “I would find shelter, Mr. Nomene. X-rays are extremely unsafe.” His armor was turning flakey and silver, his antennae branching into strange, bushy structures. It took nearly a full minute for his body to prepare. At last, his antennae beamed out x-rays, just a few seconds worth before they stung and burned. In the few seconds he was given, Stephan looked into the cores of the spider-folk who lay battered on the ground.
Dan’s heartbeat reached his ears while Goemon gathered his power. It was far too late to back out now. He focused his attention on telling himself he didn’t want to. It worked until Goemon’s finger touched him. Having somebody else’s ki shot into your body was disturbingly intimate, invasive even. It very clearly didn’t belong, but there was nothing he could do about it. All he could do was let it flow through him and draw something incredible from within. It was like the birth of a star right in the middle of his heart. It was like being touched by God, if God was a cactus. It was like swallowing fireworks. He doubled over, gasping in pain and awe. He felt it raging out of control, a wildfire in his veins.
He could see the glow of it through his skin, escaping in blazing sparks and humming bolts. An aura rippled around him, forming a cocoon of light. He was lost to sight from the outside, trapped in a shell of his own making. He saw bits of skin beginning to disintegrate under his own power. Now the regrets began to come. Just what was he doing? Throwing himself into danger head first, consequences be damned. Every time! He did this every time he got the chance, and did it ever work!? He had killed people, become a monster, lost his son! And now he was dying! He looked at his hands, seeing nothing but the burning glow of his own uncontrollable power. Control! Since when is that something I’m good at!? He closed his eyes but he could still see the light. Maybe he wasn’t good at control. Maybe he wasn’t good at much at all. He apparently wasn’t even very good at knowing his limits. But he was damn good at taking the pain and pushing forward. This wasn’t the worst thing he had felt. This wasn’t even the worst thing he had brought upon himself. This didn’t hurt worse than burning all his skin off in one go. Elation was soaring in his soul. He had power! Power to defend his friends, batter his enemies, and have a damn good time doing it! He felt where the power hurt him most and concentrated on rolling it back from there.
It took titanic will, but no more than it did to jump onto a rooftop to save a tiny woman from cyborgs. Slowly the tide turned. The mindless mess of power swirled into a dim glow, and Dan stood from his cocoon. He looked down at his hands, burned, bleeding, but now glowing with a power all his own, not borrowed from a monster a million universes away. What he noticed made his grin wider than it had any right to be. “Gen, Haruko, I'm sorry for causing you so much worry, but it's alright now. I've got a great feeling about everything now.” Dan raised his fist in triumph. “It’s pink.”
Yuu shut her eyes and stayed perfectly still when the monitors exploded. She nodded as Ikari left and finally breathed a sigh of mixed relief and frustration. This wasn’t good at all. Every plan she had was falling apart. Her choice of location to confront her enemies in, her opponent, everything was slipping away. She sighed and tapped buttons on the intercom system on the wall. “This is Yuu Arachne. Prepare for Plan F. That will be all.” She backed away and hesitated. With chaos all around, her options were growing slim.
Would she take her chances with this mysterious new group? Or try to get Marika to leave right now? She knew it wasn’t a choice at all. She couldn’t abandon Martha. Martha may not think so, but they were family. She turned and followed behind. Martha was skirting the edge of the group, staying close to Z and far away from the glowering Ikari. Yuu waved to make sure Martha knew she was there, but the only response was Martha rolling her eyes. At least it was something. Yuu wiped her forehead with a handkerchief, attempting to look presentable. Her appearance was the only thing she had any control over. Preening formed an ocean of stability in a sea of chaos.
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Post by TimePuppy on Jan 8, 2019 7:36:57 GMT
Arthur was about to throw in his two cents about Gen and Rin's discussion, a group needs to resolve an impasse through discussion after all, but their shocked reactions drew his attention to Dan and Goemon again.
Whatever Goemon did to bring back his powers, Dan was producing quite a light show. The ability to sense fighting spirit wasn't required to tell what kind of explosive power was threatening to consume the pink fighter inside his cocoon. Even pinker now that his aura engulfed him, Dan struggled against his power and, in the end, came out victorious.
"That's great to hear! It's good you're back to your fighting self." Arthur patted Dan on the back. "'Cause from the sounds of it, you're about to draw a lot of fights our way."
The ice mage stepped back and clapped his hands. "Alright gang, if we're essentially calling over every person in the prison, we should probably take the quickest way to our target. If we're fighting anyway, might as well get it over with quickly. Right, Rin?"
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Post by Vapovile on Jan 10, 2019 1:08:56 GMT
When Sankumo’s legs unexpectedly snapped, Cadence stared at the stumps for several seconds, taking in the new information. Were his legs really that weak? She thought back to the time when she broke the legs of that martial artist on the day she was set free...his legs didn’t completely break off. Perhaps that was the tradeoff; more legs than a human’s, but they are all weaker?
She turned to address the incoming group, who appeared to have dealt with the other spider guards. Her face was as blank as ever, Cadence commanding her vines to bring the legs to her. The plant doll inspected the strange legs, making sure the strange blood was far enough away that it wouldn’t drip onto her body. “...fascinating…” She mused. Akane seemed to be distracting Callis while she thought of a decent response to his question. When she finished talking, Cadence spoke up. “...I was only stopping him from following us...I assumed you didn’t want me to kill them...knocking him out would...make him an issue later…wasn’t expecting his legs to be..weak...” She explained.
Before Cadence could explain further, she felt a strange rumbling coming from outside the room, the plant doll looking in the direction Akane was also paying attention to. Cadence pressed the end of her pipe to her lips and drew in a larger amount than usual, slowly exhaling. “...so either we have a showoff...or there is another group having troubles…” The plant doll remarked. She then commanded her vines to begin climbing upward, solidifying into a wide high-back wooden chair that then grew several colorful flowers along the bottom. Cadence pulled herself into the chair and laid lengthwise across its arms. This entire trip had already become exhausting for her.
“...I found a map…” The plant doll said toward Callis, moving the vine that attached to her chair so she was directly above him, holding down the map she found. “...I suggest we go toward the center...it is the most fortified place...so we may find something...or not…” She mused. It was clear from Cadence’s demeanor and position on her chair that she had little energy to spare walking around.
---
On Goemon’s suggestion, Haruko backed away several steps to let him work with Dan. She did find it a little annoying how he didn’t answer her question on how lethal this operation was...but both him and Dan seemed too thick headed to care either way. Her jaw nearly dropped to the floor once more when Gen explained what was about to happen. “You what?!” She exclaimed just as Dan began to surge with light. Why was this such a loud procedure?!
From her limited ki sensing abilities, Haruko could feel the strange fluxuations with Dan’s ki as Goemon’s ki took effect. When the entire display was over...Haruko stood still, not sure of how to react. While she did feel happy that he managed to gain some form of his powers back...he and Goemon just broadcast their location to the entire prison! As if their explosive entrance didn’t attract enough attention! Haruko joined Gen and Rin in putting her face to her palm and shaking her head. “...I’m happy that you’re back Dan...but...come on…” Her voice trailed off. Haruko had to stop herself from talking to these two like she talked to her children. “This...pretty much just broadcast to the entire prison ‘hey, there is someone strong down here! Come get us!’” She stated, still trying to keep calm.
After a few seconds, Haruko nodded her head. “Well, now that we don’t have to protect him as much...maybe this will be a net positive, right?” She said, giving a tepid smile that she knew wouldn’t help much. She did feel for Gen and Rin’s disappointment. But what’s done is done, they must keep moving!
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Post by RedLenai on Jan 12, 2019 1:50:16 GMT
It doesn’t smell like blood… at all – The ex-paladin said. In the moment the ki was sensed by everyone, the man positioned himself a step ahead of his team. With his spear in hand, Vladimir tried to detect where it was coming from, to anticipate any surprise attack.
Bráithre agus Siúracha, déan linn a chosaint – He spoken in Irish, a barrier appeared covering them. It wasn’t strong enough but it’ll make slower anything from reaching the team- Mr. Nomene… what do we do? – The man asked, ready to obey instructions.
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Post by Kuma on Jan 14, 2019 4:20:19 GMT
Callis stopped talking as the pieces of the puzzle slowly started to shift and get placed. Black Blood. Sensorial Dampeners. Irregular Speech patterns upon being damaged. Unlike the others, Callis didn’t even notice the sudden spike of Ki coming from afar. He was too focused on the task at hand. As the Beast Knight slowly stretched his hand towards the black tar-like substance, Stephan’s visor would clearly see a complete lack of innards and deep within swirling black liquid an Omnyo Charm with the word “Odorless” written in Kanji. Callis' fingers slid over the slimy substance and he moved them over his nose. Once again no smell, so he did the next best thing. He licked the substance and his eyes widened realizing what was happening. The Beast Knight stood up and without talking to anybody else he walked towards the whimpering Sankumo and with a single slash of his blade he decapitated him. The whole body fell apart like rotten jello, dyeing the floorboard to black. Callis muttered a name. -Sakka Jaakuma.-
There was a momentary pulse of golden light, coming out Callis body. The light stopped before too long and sounded like the clear twang of a bell. This moment of anger passed as he turned around keeping his composure, pushing away the memories of Sakka’s deception and the pain she made him and his friends suffer. -Whoever has the tablet close by, please look for the name Sakka Jaakuma, she should be a prisoner.- He continued. -She is dangerous and wicked, her ability allows her to create golems of ink that follow some kind of deranged narrative.- The Beast Knight shook his hand as if it was a blood-stained blade to clean the ink out of it. -We can’t be sure who is alive and who isn’t, but hopefully, Mes Walters scan can give us some clarity about that.- Callis popped his head out from the room door and shouted. -Mes Walters, come here!- He turned around and decided to reply to their individual questions. -Yes, we should not linger, you are right Akane.- He turned to face Cadence. -I am sorry for my rushed judgment C… Messa Cadence, thank you for the map and yes, we should move towards the innermost area of the prison, we might find answers there.-
Callis then turned around to face Vladimir. -Mes Kearney, we will not linger here and we will wander into the belly of the beast so to speak.- He smiled, breaking his seriousness. -Thank you very much for the barrier, so far you have proven to be a very useful ally.-
Ikari led the ground down a long hallway, the wooden planks creaking below them. Their long walk took them over a bridge, sticking right against one of the stone walls that formed the perimeter of the cube and over one of the 4 chasms that separated the different areas of the Maximum Security Wing. He was still emitting an aura of flames around him as he walked, leaving a trail of scent behind him. Weirdly enough, his flames had a strange incense-like smell, usually, nobody close by to him had the time to smell them, as most of the time he would let them out during fights, but right now his altered emotional state was pushing him beyond his usual composure. -We’ll wait for them and set up an ambush.- He said, turning around upon reaching to the similar staircase to the one they took to descend from the Research Wing. The signs pointed that these stairs connected to the “Minimum Security Wing”. Ikari pulled his tablet from inside his tux jacket and started moving through the security camera feed from before.
He showed the image of Gen and Rin bickering. -The muscular black-haired man is called Gen Shishioh, currently has powers akin to mine.- He pointed at Rin. - Rin Shishioh, his sister, Ki Enhanced fighter, her weapon can shapeshift into other weapons.- He scrolled through the feed until he found the images of Arthur, Haruko, Dan, and Goemon. -Arthur Cromwell, a wizard with ice powers, highly dangerous, priority target.- His fingers glided over the screen and reached Haruko. -Haruko Miyata, magically enhanced seamstress, I think your bunch have a story with her, right?- He pointed at Yuu and Martha. His next target was Dan. -Dan Drake, our latest Intel said he didn’t have powers, but I’ve seen him fight and he can be quite dangerous, Ki-like powers.- Finally, he pointed at Goemon. -This is Goemon Williams, the current master of the Mountain Slaying Fist…- He paused, looking at the Karate Star with inquisitive eyes. -He… He… used to be a movie star and decided to become a Hidden World Denizen… He trained a lot... He…- Another pause, the scowl on Ikari’s face slowly dissipated, his flames following that emotional shift.
The Avatar of Hatred shook his head and glared, the flames around him doing a short burst when they were about to extinguish. His scowl returned. -He is dangerous, but he is an idiot, avoid getting hit by him and you’ll be fine, he uses Ki and Fighting Spirit, like a Spirit…- Ikari stopped again. For a moment he looked at his own fist but shook his head again and finished. -A Spirit Boxer, just like Riku here.- He faced the Iron Clad Boxer. -He’ll be great practice for you, avoid getting hit by any of his punches and you’ll be fine.- Riku nodded. Ikari turned at Yuu. -You seem to have working neurons dedicated to traps, why don’t you put them to use here, I’m not one to use traps, but I would prefer to finish this bothersome fucking thing fast, so I we can go kill Cal… kill the other group.-
-Ya forgot ‘bout that!? Did ya get hit too many times in the head by fuckin’ Nagare!?- Gen was quite furious, but he was keeping it together because he knew that punching Goemon was both a bad idea for him and the mission. Goemon tried to excuse himself. -We had a problem and I tried to solve it, I had another idea, but it was even worse than this one.- Gen and Rin both looked at the Karate Star with a mixture of anger, shock, and complete and utter surprise. -Worse than this!?- They asked in unison, to which Goemon replied by pulling a small metal object from inside his Gi and showing the Shishioh Siblings the <Heat> Medal. <Oooooh, that one is fun, kiddo!> Battle talked directly to Gen’s mind, who quickly thought “Ya fuckin’ shut up, I don’t have time for ya right now!” Battle buffed, a bit offended. <No need to get pissy kiddo, I was just saying.> Goemon quickly put the medal back on the pocket he took it from and turned to face Dan to explain some basics of the Fighting Spirit.
Meanwhile, Gen and Rin replied to the inquiries of the others. -Yes, I think it would be for the best if we took the fastest route, even with the possible danger.- Rin admitted to Arthur with a defeated tone. Gen only had a momentary sing of victory, doing a guts pose before hearing Haruko’s logic. He sighed. -Yeah, fan-fuckin’-tastic, he can fight a little…- He rudely spat on the ground. -But after this shitshow, I would’ve fuckin’ preferred to keep him without fuckin’ powers, less fuckin’ noisy.- Gen walked apart from the group and without even caring he palmed both sides of his face as hard as he could, to chill the fuck down. -Alright, motherfuckers! Change of fuckin’ plans, we ain’t have the time to play this all fuckin’ sneaky like!- He pointed at the Hallway. -We’re goin’ to fuckin’ rush in and punch our fuckin’ way until we find my Master!- His tone was slowly morphing into the one used for epic speeches, even if he added one insult per 5 words. -And then we’re goin’ to fuckin’ book it before the fuzz comes! GOT IT!?- Gen rushed to the hallway. -THEN FUCKIN’ FOLLOW ME!-
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Post by othus on Jan 14, 2019 5:50:05 GMT
Akane walked next to Cadence as she slightly smiled at her
"Well, that was fairly well executed, it seems you are a lot stronger than you look...It's good to have at least another girl in the group you know? the boys all seem a little too...sensitive"- she said while glancing at Stephan for a second and rolling her eyes afterward.
She upped the pace in order to move next to Callis, but right before catching up she turned around once more, looking straight at the doll.
"I'll be counting on you, Cadence-chan," Akane said as she quickly winked at her, turning back in order to finally move next to her boyfriend.
*Mountain slaying...fist? Why do humans always use flamboyant words to describe the various ways they flail their limbs around?*
Z thought as he listened to Ikari's briefing, he didn't really care who was on that list, all that he wanted was to kill the man who served as a ki beacon, that would be a decent meal. All that was left was to confirm one thing:
"Are those bad humans?"- He said while looking at Martha as if asking for her permission to kill the bunch.
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Post by TimePuppy on Jan 18, 2019 21:33:24 GMT
Arthur didn't understand what Goemon meant when he showed the medal, even if the siblings did. All Arthur knew on the subject was that the medals were storage containers for the very dangerous Gainen, like mobile prisons that let you use their power somehow. Was Goemon suggesting they give Dan one of those? That didn't sound terrible enough to produce the Shishiou's reaction as far as Arthur was concerned, but again, his knowledge on the matter was limited. Doesn't matter anyway, now that they solved the situation.
In the meantime, Rin conceded and admitted faster was better now. Gen got overly proud before Haruko annoyed him again. He just couldn't be pleased, apparently... Maybe the stress of rescuing his master was getting to him? It didn't take long for him to slap some sense into himself and take charge again.
Arthur applauded Gen's little speech. "Great decision. I'm right beside you." And so he was, jogging next to the diligent student straight into the depths of uncertain dangers.
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Post by Vapovile on Jan 21, 2019 2:42:21 GMT
The name Callis announced made Cadence narrow her eyes with interest, also happy that she was higher off the ground and was spared having her dress dyed black. ‘ Sakka Jaakuma…? Golems of ink that follow a...narrative? ‘ Cadence thought to herself. So these golems were mere...characters in a narrative this...Sakka wished to create? Images of Marika flashed through the plant doll’s mind once more. The dolls were also meant to serve as ‘characters’ for Marika’s enjoyment, her own group of servants who served to alleviate the loneliness Marika brings upon herself. From her observations, Marika’s violent behavior is an abnormality in most human societies, so said behavior drives away people from being her friends. A brief glare pierced Cadence’s blank face as she thought of the time she was forced to stay in Marika’s Kaspa.
Unlike normal humans who would find a sense of family with the other dolls, Cadence felt no kinship with the other dolls she was created with. Humans developed bonds to stay safe, perpetuate their existence, fight off loneliness and form tribes that become societies. I am powerful enough to sustain my own safety, I am am immortal doll that can’t physically have children, I do not feel loneliness...and human tribalism is the reason for much of the world’s problems. Who benefits from country borders? The inhabitants who live inside, who wish to hoard their own natural resources that they happened to settle upon. Nothing ‘belongs’ to them; wars throughout history have shown how easily ‘property’ can be taken. And tribalism breeds contempt for groups outside of the tribe. Cadence thinks to herself. Truly...if humans are so incompetent as to destroy themselves and the world for the short term benefit of their tribe...they only deserve my contempt.
Her thought process is interrupted by Callis apologizing for his rushed judgement, and thanking her for finding the map. This one reminded her of Yuu...a person who loves to take charge, and keeps up the affable facade of friendliness to mask their social ambitions. Acceptance of a leader is easier with someone who is both charismatic and relatable, no? Cadence knew that Yuu was hiding a layer of malice in her protection of Marika under that facade...was there anything questionable in this man’s past that he tried to protect as well? “...that is a good idea…” She said, leaning against the side of her chair more and rustling a few of the flowers that acted as a cushion.
Akane was next to address her. The comment about being stronger than she looked was appreciated, but it was the next part of the warrior’s sentence that interested the plant doll. “...sensitive…?” Cadence repeated questioningly. The look toward Stephen was noted. Was the tribe already showing cracks, their own tribes being too different to act as a unit temporarily? Perhaps this warrior was more logical like herself...or maybe she took pleasure in hurting others like Patches. Cadence’s face darkens when she remembers the vulgar doll’s short life. How she wished she could have been the one to deal the killing blow. Cadence then presses her lips to the pipe and inhales another breathe of smoke, letting it out slowly to calm herself down again. Brutality itself isn’t something to strive for...if she outright killed these spider people, there would be no further option to gather information from them. Before Cadence could give a response, Akane rushed back over to Callis, turning back to say she’d be...counting on her, ‘Cadence-chan’? What did the ‘-chan’ honorific mean? Was Akane speaking in code? Clearly Akane saw herself as an ally...and had some sort of attachment to the leader. Was Akane planning a coup to wrestle leadership from Callis, and hoped for her support? Regardless, these two were ones to look out for, Cadence using her powers to move the chair down the hallway with the group and keeping herself in the middle to have a buffer should enemies arrive from the front or behind.
While she walked, Cadence turned to Stephen and began to speak. "...so...what's your reason to be here...?" Cadence asked the HWIC agent, hoping to see why Akane and this man had differences.
---
And just like that, Gen and Rin were back to being pissed off despite her trying to spin things in a positive manner. She tilted her head to the side slightly when Goemon showed off the strange medal. What was that thing, and how would it have helped a normal Dan who couldn’t even use ki? Before she could ask, Gen gave his speech and began to sprint down the hallway, Haruko’s jaw dropping once more in surprise.
“...I...guess he’s right? But this still seems rash...aaaaaagh, wait for me!” Haruko called up, making sure she was keeping up with Goemon by enhancing her feet with a small amount of ki. While her control was nothing compared to most other martial artists, she could still use it to slightly increase her speed or lift light objects to help her with work. She looked up at the massive man to her side. “So I have to know, what is that disc you showed us there?” Haruko called over to him, hoping to get an explanation before trouble arrived.
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Post by HungryHunter on Jan 21, 2019 6:16:29 GMT
By the time Stephan’s antennae stopped releasing x-rays, he had seen what he needed to. He didn’t know much about yokai, but certainly physical beings should have organs? The inscription on the charm he unfortunately couldn’t read, but he did realize something was deeply wrong here. “Mr. Nomene, they only have charms inside of them, no-” He stopped in shock when he heard Callis’ sword slicing through the neck of one of the other prisoners. He jumped up and stared in horror as Sankumo dissolved.
“...fake people?” He looked back at the spider-people with pity. What an accursed fate, to not truly exist. He thought. “Ah, yes. Those ones are fake as well.” He couldn’t look at them. It was no use dwelling on that. They began to move when Cadence came wobbling up on her strange walking chair. “Hm? Oh, I’m here diplomatically. The HWIC, wanted to improve relations with the JHWAB. I was here to assist with a routine mission. It’s a shame that this happened instead, but perhaps this will help mend tensions.” He sighed, not removing his armor this time. It slowly reverted to its usual green.
The glow around Dan’s fingers faded, and with it faded the high he was riding. He was left balanced on a cliff. Behind him was powerlessness, but he still had to face what he had done coming here. “Haruko… I’m sorry for lying to you. I never should have let you believe I still had powers. I just… you needed my help!” He struggled another second to swallow his pride.
“No, that’s no excuse. I shouldn’t have put everybody at risk like that.” He sighed, rubbing his face. His embarrassment quickly went to the back of his mind when he saw the object in Goemon’s hand. He ignored Gen’s big heroic speech to slide up on Goemon’s other side, flanking him with Haruko. “That’s what Gen uses to get all armored up! Does it do that for you too!?” Could it have granted him that power? It was certainly a tempting option. Another layer of power. He could fight stronger foes with that power and weaker with his spirit boxing powers. It would be lucrative on top of being awesome.
To say Yuu had a pit in her stomach would undersell the awful cavern that yawned within her. The fight they charged into now was bad enough. What was getting to her, though, was Ikari’s increasingly erratic behavior. She didn’t like him normally, but he was still a stabilizing element in the prison. Yuu could emphasize with that. Just like her, his role was to keep the dangerous personalities of the prison from tearing each other apart. But now, he seemed to be falling apart, twisted up by petty grudges and some sort of potential trauma.
“Uh, yes, sir, I had Sidney modify several showers on this each floor for my plans. We just need to lead them into one. But, I was wondering…” Yuu hesitated. One deep breath later and she continued. “Are you alright?” She whispered so nobody else could hear. Martha and Z were talking to each other and Riku was a robot in his own little world, giving them some degree of privacy. Martha was indeed not listening in. She was mulling over the names in her head. Some were definitely not bad humans. Arthur was a real good good guy, and surely he wouldn’t hang out with bad people? But one name was standing out to her. “Dan Drake… he was in the news, wasn’t he? He tried to destroy the world! He’s totally a bad guy! I guess Arthur just doesn’t know!” Poor Arthur, stuck on a team with such a bad guy. Well, Z and her could handle that before he caused any trouble! “So there, that’s the kind of person you can eat! I still don’t really like it, but if you have to eat people, that’ll be the sort to feed you with.”
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Post by RedLenai on Jan 22, 2019 0:34:55 GMT
Your welcome - The ex-paladin said, making his weapon small so he could put it inside his belt - The barrier will be active for at least 20 minutes, we can walk and move as we wish and still be protected - He explained as he began to walk with the others.
If someone is hungry I also can teleport some snacks from my house... - He said as they walked - If there are any! - He chuckled. Probably Lucille and his son already ate what he made at first for him, but he didn't matter. Probably something was left inside the cookie jar. Of course he couldn't avoid listen to Stephan's words
Mr. Stephan... I'm going to ask it directly, do you know by any chance Eve Harper? - The man asked with a serious expression on his face - Now that you mention both HWIC and the JHWAB, I need to know a bit more about them... More if the words "Eve Harper" and "Driaochta Kingdom" are related. You seem someone that is really informed so that's why I've decided to ask you first...
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Post by Kuma on Jan 22, 2019 15:03:40 GMT
-Thank you Mes Kearney.- Callis thanked the Paladin as the group advanced down a hallway moving deeper and deeper into the complex. The Beast Knight kept his eyes on the map but regularly kept sniffing out the path ahead. -I think if we keep this pace we will arrive at our destinat- Callis stopped talking mid-sentence as he senses a shiver going down his spine. His instincts kicked in and he jumped to the side as a splash of blood blasted out the back of his neck. -ARGH!- The Beast Knight jumped so wildly he slammed against the wall while covering the back of his neck with his hand. -What was that!?- Callis asked as his eyes scanned the area around them. -Something is around here!- This was a new experience for the Beast Knight. Usually, he could sense almost anything, but right now it felt as if the wind itself had sliced the back of his neck. -Mes Walters, do your eyes notice something?-
As Gen’s group rushed through the labyrinth of wooden hallways, following a trail of corpses, surely left behind by Falken Degiraz, Goemon explained both Haruko and Dan about the Medal -Is not just an armor Hibiki-san, is the prison for a demon.- He turned to Haruko. -There are monsters called Gainen that once attacked our world, Shishioh’s master and others fought them by capturing them and taking their power as their own.- Rin and Gen kept leading checking the signs and running in front. -The medals allow the users to draw power from these monsters, either as an Armor or as a Helper. It would’ve taken Hibiki-san much more time to learn to control the medal and it would’ve drawn even more attention, especially here.- The group reached the final stretch as the wooden walls slowly became made of large stones.
Kuro-san walked at a brisk pace on the third level of the Research Wing. Most of it was being used by Marika, but there was a single room he reserved for another purpose. He wanted more information about his objectives and deep within the prison, he found two individuals with information and resources. He passed the door to the Workshop, knowing that Marika was working there and wanting to avoid breaking her concentration and having the displeasure of being in the same room as her. Kuro-san considered most of his underling necessary evils, to achieve his goals. He kept walking and reached a wall, but without stopping he walked through it, revealing it to be a mere illusion, courtesy of Dr. Lazarus. The Forgotten Emperor arrived at his destination and opened the sliding door, revealing a large comfortable room with two individuals sitting in the middle on a kotatsu.
Both were extremely old men, one much older than the other. Both of them were hooked up to mobile life support devices. One was pretty much a technological marvel, all chrome, and carbon fiber, while the other had a distinctive magical feel to it, with glass tubes carved with runes and filled up with swirling green smokes and bubbling red liquids. They were sitting playing Shogi while cackling. The one with the high tech device attached to him was the younger one and he was completely bald, sporting thick glasses and wearing hospital clothing, he seemed to be around 80 or 90 years old. His opponent, connected to the alchemical tubbing and with many layers of paper charms over parts of his body, had very long hair and beard, shaggy and unkempt, but recently washed. He was wearing a kimono so long it almost reached the wall. He looked like he was 200 years old.
-Your flimsy defense is almost as pathetic as your faith in your scribbled pieces of paper you pathetic old coot.- The bald one said as he moved a piece forward. -Really? I thought your futuristic gadgets were the ones that kept failing… The power of magic has been here for ages, your whistling gizmos are younger than me.- The long-haired man moved his own piece, eating one of the pieces of his opponent. -Older doesn’t mean better.- The bald man replied by eating one of the pieces as well. -Gentlemen.- Kuro-san interrupted their banter. -I regret interrupting your free time, but it seems I have a small situation downstairs and I could use your advice.- The long-haired man smiled, showing his blackened teeth. -My boy, you never have to ask permission if you want my wisdom, anybody who managed to hurt my brother as you did will always have my support.- With evident strain the man stood up and bowed, his back crackling like a xylophone. -What do you need from the magnificent Haigo Yasumori?- He asked.
The bald man stood up faster than his Shogi opponent and also smiled. -And you got me out that haunted dimension, not to mention you turned that despicable Reiji Fukuma into a vegetal as well.- He also bowed, with much more ease. -The genius intellect of Eiyu Shomei is always at your service.- The former leader of the Ministry of Legends and the Creator of the Gainen Portal glared at each other with sinister intent as they waited for Kuro-san’s words. -My pet project seems to be acting up, I would like to hear proposals about how to control him or to end him if needed.- The duo of venerable villains chuckled in unison.
-Control or Extermination?- Haigo asked. -That sounds like a job for my paper charms.- Eiyu rudely blew out air. -Why use paper when you have strong Japanese steel available or maybe you can let me play with some of that veritable mound of Benkeinium you harvested from that subject that Kago fellow told me about.- Kuro-san nodded. -It seems is time for you two to get to work.- They nodded as they shuffled their feet behind the Forgotten Emperor as he left the room.
Ikari slowly turned to face Yuu. His face seemed off, tensed up in places while relaxed on others as if two different skins were fighting for dominance of his expression. The Avatar of Hatred had suddenly developed heterochromia, with one eye being its accustomed black, while the other had an amber-like color. His mixture of anger and shock gave him a ghastly visage and before Yuu could add anything he shook his head for a moment and his traits reverted to his usual stony scowl. -I’m fine.- He replied. -You do whatever you want, I feel like punching people.- As he spoke the sounds of people running echoed from the staircase in front of the group. Gen and Rin Shishioh rushed down the stairs and entered this opening lobby for the Maximum Security Wing.
-Oh shit!- Gen proclaimed upon looking at the group waiting for them, taking a battle stance as he shouted to the others behind them. -WE HAVE FUCKIN’ COMPANY!- Rin turned her elegant bracelet into a spear, prepared to fight. -Who’re these people!? What is it with this prison and people out of their cells!?- She muttered, as more and more people who shouldn’t be in the prison seem to be popping out of nowhere. Ikari smirked. -We’re the welcome party little lady and I’d hate...- He summoned a flaming blade of deep purple hatred. -If you missed the reception we prepared for you.- Ikari’s eyes were flooded with dangerous purple light as he stared the incoming enemies. -None of you will leave this place alive, I can assure that! This party is worth dying for- Gen clutched his Gainen medal ready to fight while scanning the enemies and realizing he didn’t know any of them. -Not if we fuckin' kill ya first old man!-
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Post by othus on Jan 22, 2019 16:01:24 GMT
"Callis! are you ok?!" Akane drew her blade as she looked around with her visor, there was absolutely nothing on display but she still had an ominous feeling about the entire situation. She quickly moved next to Callis in order to cover his blind spot, that should at least cover most sneak attacks.
"What the hell was that? we need to find the enemy, fast. Vlad, Cadence, stay close!" This was a very bad scenario, whoever was doing this, either had some serious skill or a very powerful ability. Akane heightened her senses, looking to slice anything that entered her sword range.
Z looked at his group, then back at the targets. this wasn't even gonna be a fight, it was gonna turn into a carnage, the type Humans fancied all too much. He focused his sight on the Pink warrior as he spoke.
"The time of your death has come. Do not resist, Dan Drake."
A killing aura that distorted the air itself enveloped Z as he moved closer, the metallic steps made an ominous sound as the dark figure approached. Any warrior with experience would immediately understand how terrible it was.
The collector got right in the face of the fighter, ignoring the rest of the group. No weapons on his part were drawn, for Z didn't even consider the encounter a fight. He slowly extended his hand, aiming to grab him by the face in order to drain all of his energy.
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Post by TimePuppy on Jan 22, 2019 17:40:45 GMT
Arthur didn't like this. He didn't like this at all. Out of the five faces that came to meet them, he recognized three. Two of them he knew were a super high threat. Yuu and Martha he recognized first, of course. He found their presence here weird and for a second thought they too came here for some strange reason. But then he recognized the man from the fake school. That's when he knew they were fucked.
"Gen, keep your cool. There's no way we're avoiding this fight, but if we're not careful, we're dead."
He looked at Yuu and Martha with a quizzical look while nodding his head at Ikari. After their encounter with him, how did they end up on the same team? He figured it had more to do with the orders of their mistress than their own desires.
Of the two people he didn't recognize, one showed a bewildering bloodlust aimed at Dan. His demeanor showed he himself was a very powerful individual but the other threats meant Arthur had to let Dan try and survive with his newfound power while they tried to rout the others. But who should Arthur deal with? Who could he deal with? The other kid he didn't recognize didn't seem that worrying on the outside. Whatever power he had, someone else could probably handle it. Martha and Yuu he didn't really want to fight, partially because he was on friendly terms with them and were probably here involuntarily. Plus, Yuu could burn him to a crisp with the power she showed against the very man she was now siding with. As for the man, his power was terrifying and not something Arthur felt like going against. But on the other hand, if he didn't someone else would have to.
He made a greatsword and ran forward, leaving only the boom of a broken sound barrier behind. Halfway between himself and Ikari, he tossed the sword at the avatar of hatred. At the same time, he leaped at blurring speed onto an ice platform next to Ikari then bounced to a floating wall of ice behind him. Two icy swords appeared in his hands and he pounced from there at Ikari's back with a cross slash.
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Post by Vapovile on Jan 25, 2019 4:32:54 GMT
Cadence made a mental note when Stephen spoke of charms inside of the creatures. So this was some sort of...sorcery? Perhaps attacking the charm directly would defeat the creature faster, like attacking a doll’s string. Her expression didn’t change when Callis suffered his injury, though the plant doll did rapidly begin surrounding her chair in a dome of plant matter. After several seconds, the chair was holding up a large ball of tightly woven plant fibers. A small hole in the center allowed Cadence to see outside.
“...since it got your neck...it’s probably behind us…” She observed, growing more vines out of her chair to feel out the floor, ready to wrap them around anything that would set foot in her range.
---
Goemon’s explanation made Haruko narrow her eyes in confusion. Gen’s master fought these...creatures, and these medals drew power from them? What was this about ‘armor’ and ‘helper’? She had seen Gen use his armored form back in Atlas Island...but could they also channel the creature to fight on their side? Her thoughts were soon interrupted when they ran into another group inside the prison.
The seamstress’s eyes widened with surprise when she saw the menacing Avatar of Hatred standing among Yuu, the one who had kidnapped her ex-boyfriend years ago. A frown spread across her face at the memory, the feeling of annoyance spread between both Yuu and John. The feelings she felt for John are long gone now, so she didn’t hate Yuu nearly as much as she did on that fateful date in Marika’s Kaspa. Her eyes than landed back on Ikari.
While she held hatred for Yuu in her heart that has now morphed into great distrust, Ikari has remained a person she dreaded running into again after both Osaka and Kyoto. The story Crow told her explained how the man made him and Sid look like nothing in comparison, and Callis only barely managed to stand his ground using his strange powers. Truly, he was one to avoid at all costs.
“Arthur, be very ca-” Before she could get another word out, the ice mage rocketed forward and took Ikari on by himself. Haruko stared for a few seconds at the display. Was he insane, or just ignorant?! The strange creature then decided to go after Dan, Haruko turning to fight the one other person she knew about. “Arthur doesn’t want her…” The seamstress muttered to herself. Staring straight at Yuu, Haruko grabbed the gemstone hanging off her necklace and infused it with mana.
The stone began to shine a brilliant pink, quickly engulfing her entire body. Her body stretched to around 6 feet tall, limbs elongating with a sparkling pink aura. A sleeveless black dress formed around her body, the bottom patterned with dark pink lace. A pair of long white gloves appeared on her arms, extending past her elbows, the gloves lined with small pink and gold gemstones that sparkled in the light coming from above. A pair of long white boots materialized on her feet, reaching past her knees and sporting pink laces along the front, the white color seeming to shine despite the low amount of light. Finally, Haruko's hair grew down to her lower back just as a simple black headset materialized on her head. The light around her body finally disappeared to reveal her gem girl form; Opal Song.
Once the transformation was complete, Haruko summoned a red spotlight to herself to increase her speed and rocketed off the ground, the spotlight converting more of her mana into raw speed. “Round two, Arachne!” Haruko called out as she summoned a large neon pink gauntlet over her right arm and aimed to drive it into Yuu’s stomach, attempting to send her flying across the room. She needed her as far away from Arthur as possible...and herself away from Ikari.
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Post by HungryHunter on Jan 25, 2019 7:06:47 GMT
Stephan was trying to talk to Cadence, but Vladimir came up on his other side to ask him an entirely different question. “Ah, that’s a bit of a pickle, Mr. Kearney. I know a lot about the HWIC and plenty about the JHWAB, but I’m not sure what they have to do with Eve Harper. I’ve never met her face to face, but she’s pretty well-known to us due to some of her activities and associates. As for the Driaochta, they’re an isolationist people. We don’t do any business with them.” He was suspecting that the Wild Hunt had done something obscene to the Driaochta Kingdom recently when Callis suddenly sprayed blood.
The Nucleus went into full alert, antennae sticking straight up into the air. Stephan had a good grasp on how the Nucleus thought. It was most efficient reacting to a clear and distinct threat. When something was as abstract as this, it had no idea how to react. The magic-detecting lens on his eye dissolved, replaced quickly by a thermal lens. His companions all glowed bright yellows and oranges, besides Cadence, who was nearly invisible in her cold surroundings. He didn’t know if he would see their assailant or if this would even be useful at all, but he couldn’t control what the Nucleus did. It made its own responses to threats and rarely, if pushed, other needs. All he could do was prepare his stance and remain vigilant.
“The name’s Drake.” Dan grumbled. Several gamers had made the comparison. Haruko had even convinced him to pick that character when they played Street Fighter, then proceeded to destroy him with Dhalsim. Still, the concept was fascinating. The extra layer of danger just made them all the more enticing. “So that’s what happened on that island.” He remembered the stone warrior he had faced and how it had dissolved into the medal. He wondered what sort of creature had given Gen his powers. Was it the same one that fought him on Sakurajima? “The one you took… was heat, right?” He examined the medal in Goemon’s hand before sharply standing straight. Where did the others on Sakurajima end up? The ones that didn’t fall down? Not to mention the one that dope Sid had. Crow had one too, before he went missing.
He remembered how powerful the monster that fought Gen was. Could creatures that strong be set back free from the medals left to their own devices? It took him another second that the bad feeling he got wasn’t just that. There was something else, like static on the back of his neck, growing stronger over time. It made his hair stand on end. What was that? Was that ki sensing? Before he could ask Haruko and Goemon for advice, they walked right into the source of what he was sensing. “Those aren’t prisoners! They’re in civvies!” Dan realized in an instant there was far more going on here than he thought. Falken wasn’t the half of it. His body tensed up. This was his first real fight since his powers were lost. He faced a true threat now, and he hadn’t even had time to test out his powers. It didn’t help that he felt like he had burned plenty of stamina just unlocking them. One member of the enemy group locked eyes on him and a chill ran down his spine. He recognized the look in those eyes. There was no understanding, no compassion or empathy or even bloodlust. All they saw was prey. He had seen that look in the eyes of the monsters he sired when they spotted a small animal. What happened next seemed likely to be his fate if the monster got ahold of him. It moved in elegant yet weighty moves, the floor noticeably buckling under its mass. It lead with a movement, a grab. Dan grinned. “Oh, you underestimate me?” A face grab. A face grab of all things. That was like starting a real wrestling match with a chokeslam. Dan ducked in under the grab and his aura appeared in full.
It wasn’t a fiery blaze Gen or Goemon’s but a wavy, blobby thing that loosely conformed to his shape, little lines of pink breaking off and reconnecting at the edges. He stepped in with a brutal uppercut meant to smash this brute’s mask right off. It was a stunning success, at least in making contact. The blow couldn’t be more solid. His opponent barely moved. Dan couldn’t even tell if he felt it. Dan’s own knuckles certainly did, even through his gloves. Worse, Dan’s aura was siphoned away where it touched the beast, sinking into his armor like a ghost passing through a wall.
“Wha-” “Don’t hit him, you jerk!” A white blur smashed him away from the armored beast. He skid back a few feet, stopping himself before hitting a wall. The two teams had effectively dissolved, but he now had two opponents facing him, one he couldn’t even seem to hurt. “Alright then. I’ll hit you.” He grinned, trying consciously to read the ki of his new opponents. The results were strange. The girl was barely a blip. From what Haruko had told him about sensing ki, her signature was like she was nearly dead, not actively charging around like a cheetah. And the monster… Dan didn’t know how he knew, but he realized that the only ki coming from the creature was his own. If he survived, he’d have so much fun experimenting with his new ability. He caught a spinning kick with one arm and used the leg as a lever to throw the white-haired girl at what looked like her twin, then put his full attention on the big guy. Everything else had to be secondary. Not far away, Yuu saw Arthur flying in. She didn’t move to intercept him as he attacked Ikari, only jumping forward when he swung his twin swords. She’d clip him, make it look like she really hurt him. She jumped forward, striking low to nick his hip, when Haruko came flying out of nowhere and planted her fist in her stomach. The two rocketed across the room in a neon stream, slamming into the wall. Yuu fell away from the cratered wall, gasping air back into her lungs. She wanted desperately to explain herself, but she couldn’t speak. Halfheartedly, she swung her sword at Haruko’s thigh, buying time.
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Post by RedLenai on Jan 25, 2019 14:26:49 GMT
Vladimir's face couldn't avoid make a dissapointed yet sad face. The man was sure he could gain more information but it seems he failed.
W-Well... thanks. I tried to ask since I've heard news the prince left--
He couldn't finish his sentence when he saw Callis movements, the blood that escaped the back of his neck was suspicious too. He nodded when Akane called him, he went closer and immediatly summoned another barrier, this one acting like a dome too. As he listened to Cadence' words the ex-paladin began to think for a plan.
Mr. Nomene, take this. It won't heal you completely but its better than nothing - The man offered a white marble to the Beast Knight - it's flavorless - He added just in case the other was picky about it.
I don't get it... the first barrier was active... - The man said to himself more than to his companions. He prepared his spear just in case, trying to detect any treats... he smelled the air, everyone has a particular smell. The strongest one were Callis'sand Cadence... one was Holy and the other conected to nature. There was another one, but he couldn't detect his location... how strange...
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Post by Kuma on Jan 26, 2019 4:31:33 GMT
Callis' eyes darted around frantically as he looked for the assailant who attacked him. -I’m okay Akane, we need to stay alert!- The Beast Knight replied as he focuses his senses, trying to find anything. -Thank you Mes Kearn- Callis stopped talking as The Paladin moved towards him, extending his hand towards him -MES KEARNEY DON’T MOVE!- Callis shouted a warning. Surely both Akane and Stephan, with their senses enhanced by their respective powers would also notice the source of the Beast Knight apprehension. Callis finally noticed what hit him, thanks to the blood he shed. Droplets of his crimson life force were suspended mid-air, caught on something invisible. Soon he realized the extent of this trap, as more of these invisible threads caught a minor reflection of part of his scarlet spray, allowing those with enhanced senses to perceive them. They were a trap set by Ginkumo, so they managed to avoid Vladimir’s Barrier. The threads seemed to be appearing out of nowhere and surrounding the group, locking them on their place. The skittering of many legs coming from down the hallway clued them into Ginkumo’s involvement.
-Hohohohohoho- She laughed while covering her face with an elegant spider themed fan. -Your rush has proven to be your undoing, as you have been caught in my Ghostly Spider-web.- Her clawed feet hold her body upside down from the ceiling as she got close. -I only needed to run and I knew you “heroes” would follow, such predictable behavior, so fitting for “protagonists”.- Her gruesome smile was put on display as she moved her fan away, her unhinged split jaw opened revealing fangs glistening with green ichor. -Now I’ll enjoy your feeble attempts to move and escape my trap, witnessing how your blood dies my spectral web into a beautiful art piece of crimson radiance.- She laughed again, covering with the fan with the same courtly manner. -The “Red String of your Fate”, that might be the name for the artwork you “heroes” will so kindly donate your blood for.- She stopped talking, watching what they would do, as the impossibly sharp strings were surrounding them, forcing the group to remain in their places.
Callis mind raced, trying to find a solution to this obstacle.
Ikari was beyond pissed at this point, he lifted a single hand and the greatsword of ice thrown by Arthur turned into steam as it connected with his hand. On his other hand, a large katana like sword appeared, one he placed over his shoulder, crossing over. He blocked the cross slash launched by the Frost Mage with ease. -I hate cowards who attack the back of an unarmed enemy.- Ikari muttered as he turned around. -And I hate even more those without the balls to attack up front without flippy shit or feints.- The Avatar of Hatred popped his neck and launched an overhead swing with both hands, his speed matching Arthur’s as a sonic boom blasted out from his blade, rippling the air behind the attack like a heat mirage. -EAT THIS FROSTY THE FUCKIN' WIZARD!-
Goemon dashed out the staircase and quickly scanned the fight. He remembered the Dolls from the whole debacle with the Ogre. And he knew Riku from the Spirit Boxing Federation. The other two were unknown to him. Goemon didn’t doubt for a second and went to help Dan, who ended up facing two enemies. The Karate Star jumped aiming to kick Z right on the face, but he was interrupted mid-air as Riku jumped and attempted to punch him. -WHOA!- Goemon used his Ki to propel his large body down, avoiding the attack and breaking his fall rolling on the ground. He quickly stood up and ended face to face with Riku. -You will be defeated by my hand and I will use you as a stepping stone for my ranking.- The Iron Clad Boxer tensed up his body on a battle stance while Goemon did the same. -Seems that school is in session.- For a moment, before they started, he took a second to shout. -Shishioh! Help Drake!- Using that moment of distraction Riku attacked, but Goemon was alert and their fist knocked against each other with a loud CLANG! that echoed all around the place. Riku’s charge allowed him to dodge the improvised projectile Dan used against him.
-Fuck.- Gen muttered a curse and rushed to help Dan. The Hot-Blooded Brawler decided to take advantage of the downed Martha and charged towards her, drawing a fraction of the power from the Gainen Medal to speed up and reinforce his foot. This didn’t turn him superhuman by any means, just stronger and faster, barely above peak human. His choice of attack was a basement dropkick, a double frontal stomp while sliding, aiming to hit Martha before she stopped moving and could form a proper defense. -I'll give you a hand Cromwell-san!- Rin decided to support Arthur, who to her was one of the few voices of reason in the team, changing her weapon to a bow and launching three Ki arrows at Ikari’s back.
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Post by othus on Jan 26, 2019 5:35:45 GMT
Akane did not move a muscle, she patiently waited as Ginkumo got closer, she wouldn't test the sharpness of the strings, if they managed to cut Callis, they were strong enough. Akane materialized two modified shurikens which she proceeded to throw just with the force of her fingers as Ginkumo did her monologue bragging about how smart she had been and how great her trap was. The projectiles were backed by her Ki, so they packed quite some power behind them, the two stars flew into the distance and then took an effect, going towards Ginkumo in an attempt to make her lose her footing and fall into her own trap.
"It would seem this artwork needs more of your essence in it"- she replied, almost as if to distract the spider from the incoming projectiles.
"Underestimating? If anything I must have overestimated you, your energy is unrefined and tasteless"
Z replied as he scratched his chin, the mask wasn't set over his face, it was almost as if it was a part of his skull. He dragged one hand into his cloak and took out a black weapon with a transparent sphere in the middle, it clearly resembled a blaster of sorts. The moment he gripped it, the gun's core got lit with a small rose gold dot.
"You can have your energy back, pink buffoon" -He said as he shot a beam of pink Ki back at Dan, the laser had the width of a pinky finger, but it had concentrated all of the Ki Dan gave on that last attack into a single point, the collector aimed with machine-like accuracy at Dan's right leg with the intent of piercing it, it was a nearly instantaneous attack.
Z looked around as he saw Martha being attacked by Gen, he narrowed his red eyes as he proceeded to charge with an unfathomable speed at Dan without losing sight of the former spirit boxer. Z then broke a Mach cone as he threw a kick aimed at Dan's solar plexus, with the full intent of sending him flying like a soccer ball straight towards Gen.
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