3204/Woodvale Trial: Hivemind

Woodvale Trial: Hivemind
Date of Scene:	13 October 2015
Location:	Paragon City <CoH>
Synopsis:	A massive psychic presence is encountered in Woodvale. Heroes go forth to confront it.
Cast of Characters:	414, Karian Icefang, Neuroi Girl, 560, 769, 778, 821, 872

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Dr. Vahzilok (769) has posed:
    After the Devouring Earth invasion began a couple days ago, Woodvale looks very different. While the Arcadia neighborhood, closest to the security gate that leads out of the zone, seems mostly untouched, the central area has not only been devastated by stone spires that erupt from the ground, and blown up in places thanks to Blurr's bombs that took out the creatures on and below the surface, but a forest has grown practically before the very eyes of observers. What was once suburbs and facilities like the Circuit Court of Woodvale or a parking garage or a nursery have been demolish and overrun with vines and moss. Trees grow up out of the middle of streets, and a quickly forming canopy of other trees is growing thicker below street level, in the gulleys and ravines formed by Woodvale's destruction.

    It's kind of beautiful, in a sad and haunting way, how the steel and concrete and works of humankind that may seem like permanent changes to the planet can be replaced with nature given time. But the fact that it came at the cost of lives, and that the time that transpired was only a few days, not the decades or centuries one would expect, marks this 'nature' as unnatural.

    Devouring Earth monsters roam through the forests below, stomping through the human habitat like it is their own. Surprisingly, despite the presence of monsters and this being a human-inhabited area until recently, many birds and other forest animals have begun to move in already. It's a vision like this that may make one think for a moment maybe it would be better off if humans were just wiped out and everything was returned to how it should be.

    But that's probably just a deception. Some trick by the Devouring Earth. There have been reports of people in the Arcadia neighborhood who have yet to be resettled or gotten to refugee centers to just... Try to wander off into the Devouring Earth-controlled areas, in a trance. To walk around the Pit, or to cross it via the bridge that Shadowed Aesthetic creatured... That boundary the walking bio-weapons set that defines what is human territory and what is not. About 75 percent of the zone is now held by the Devouring Earth.

    And in the deepest region of the zone, the place some are calling 'The Hive', to the distant south-west, the creatures are building up their forces again after the losses the incurred. Hopefully they can't just replenish their forces from the planet itself... Because otherwise, how can anyone even stop them?

    Of particular note, though the super hero named Cortex doesn't know it as he gazes up all of the changes wrought to this zone, the entire zone has a pervasive aura of nature magic that has been accumulating as the invasion as gone on. And it didn't use to be there.

    Still a bit sore from his match, Cortex is not in prime condition to fight... But he is ready to do what he can if no one else is available to communicate with the psychic presence here. "So, uh, everyone ready to get going? We have some prototype jetpacks here that Ms. Liberty says a colleague is offering to let us use. Field-test them and fly over all of THAT at the same time. I can fly on my own, but for anyone who can't... You know?"

Shadowed Aesthetic (872) has posed:
    That bridge comes in handy for getting back across, doesn't it? Possibly to one's detriment, if the reports are correct. But anyway. Shadowed Aesthetic isn't a psychic. He is here, however, in case things should get too out of hand. He's seen the enemies here, and up until this point, they've not been the 'negotiating' type. So it stands to reason that the presence leading them is probably not the negotiating type either.

    The Moonsilver Alchemical stands near Cortex, realizing that no, the man's not at his best. Should this psionic presence harm Cortex, Shadowed Aesthetic will try to get him out of the area. He'll probably be one of many in that respect, but yes.

    He nods to Cortex's offer. "That would be nice, thank you," he replies with a nod. "I hadn't thought about getting a Plasma Thruster Assembly installed." Perhaps he should look into that, too; he's already looking into War Charms and improved dodging abilities.

Revan (414) has posed:
     This was hardly Lowri Revan-Shan's first dance in Paragon City; in fact, she even had the appropriate civilian attire for those times when she needed to blend in, at least with the non-superhero part of the population. However, for today the Jedi was dressed in the more familiar Jedi robes -- lightsabers affixed to each side of the belt -- yet only marginally seemed to stand out amongst the superhero population almost by seeming mundane in muted colours. Only the twin lightsabers and mismatched eyes made for noticeable features.

     The call itself -- Force powers were a little different from what were called 'psychic abilities', but the multiversal effect seemed to have lumped them in together -- was why she came prepared for business. Revan hadn't seen what Woodvale had looked like prior to recent events, but now it looked like Dxun. And like the jungle moon of Onderon, there was no telling what manner of dangerous creatures lurked within...not counting the Devouring Earth. In some ways, it could even be said to be hauntingly beautiful...but the ironic unnaturalness of it threw off whatever beauty it might possess. It had grown far too /fast/ to be considered otherwise, even with advanced terraforming.

     "Any chance we could import this to Coruscant?" she quipped wryly to her companion before flashing a grin to Cortex. "Not without my ship, I can't. I'd appreciate a lift."

Kyle Katarn (778) has posed:
    This however had been the first for Kyle Katarn, friend of Revan's of a sort and Jedi Knight of the New Republic. His clothing fit in well enough, as it was, but he came equipped with body armor and a helmet this time around for extra protection, something to get rid of annoyances in the middle of battle. Along with his rustry trusty lightsaber and blaster, Kyle had brought along a grenade launcher painted in what look like orange and black tiger stripes, custom modified for quick deployment and ease of use in the field. Along with that, he had thermal detonators and some detpacks, enough to provide some decent ordiance if he had a need for it here.

    The call was felt even through the force, thanks to the Multiversal effect of lumping any mental power together in the same boat, more or less. Arriving aboard the Ebon Hawk, Kyle falls in with Revan acquiring a jetpack. "Thanks, it sure beats having to look for an airspeeder around here." He nods, before giving Revan a wink. "I bet the jump brigade would love some new toys, we'll check and see later."

Neuroi Girl has posed:
     The Neuroi Girl known as Evangeline is floating around near Shadowed. She has no psychic abilities, but her ability to pick up on radio and other transmissions has brought her here. She needs no jetpack, so she just looks around at the others. "...should I use one so you may gather test information..?" she asks as she slowly circles the group. Her voice comes not from her lack of face, but from a large red plastic watch she has around her right forearm.

     As she listens to the others, Evangeline tilts her head slightly. "...do you have no plants on your world..?" she asks as she hears Revan talking. She floats a bit higher to observe the area. "...there seem to be many creatures in the area...how many are hostile..?"

Emiya Shirou (560) has posed:
    Emiya Shirou's also near Cortex, whom he's fought alongside once or twice here and there. The boy's starting to look... weary. Day after day of constant fighting, crisis, and panic taking its toll. Like some sort of hero machine he has followed every lead, fought in battle after battle, saved life after life... without any sign of being ready to stop or take leisure or even savor his victories.

    It is never enough, and never ending. From one problem to the next. So long as his body responds and he has prana to spare he's joined endeavors, only staying back when he is absolutely, positively sure that his presence would only hurt matters and not help them.

    Aside from the faint daze in his eyes from all the stress though, it's hard to tell any of that's at play. He's garbed in his usual gear, best manageable copies of Kanshou and Bakuya in hand. "Yo, Cortex. Are you sure you're up for this? We don't know what this thing's going to be, right?"

Archer (821) has posed:
     This. This had been what he'd meant when seeing Sanary Rondel's home be defiled. The crux of what he'd felt seeing the bloodshed.

    No matter how much good you did or how much effort you put into it... time, design or even simple chance always rendered it utterly pointless. Any and all struggles became moot in the face of the unchanging end-result.

    No matter what you did or tried... you could never truly save anyone... or anything. Not forever.

    The devastation of Woodvale was proof of that - of inevitability... and of how the World would always rebel against mankind... yet in an almost twisted sort of way, Archer could almost pity and sympathize with the wounded earth reclaiming it's lands.

    It came at the cost of human lives, though... and yet, such a thing was unavoidable, wasn't it?

    Nevertheless, Archer could not help but be weary of the almost haunting atmosphere that permitted the area.

    Beside him, the red-cloaked magus who served as his Master was more perturbed, yet did an admirable job. Enemy of technology that she was, Tohsaka Rin was still not quite so attuned to nature that she could see something like this as natural... especially given the creatures that roamed. However, at times her anxiety could be glimpsed - a stray glance here, a feint twitch of her fingers toward her coat there.

    She had claimed to come in order to try and observe - perhaps study - the Devouring Earth's 'Hive Mind' in person, and perhaps help reinforce Cortex's attempt to commune with it. Granted, magecraft was a fair bit removed from psychic abilities, but she she believed that Reinforcement might help strengthen Cortex.

    However... Archer doubted that was the sole reason. In all likelihood, she was more worried about the boy.

    After so many battles without definite victory or pause, Emiya Shirou was, as Archer had always predicted, starting to fracture from his inability to save anyone. All their efforts had ended with Woodvale falling regardless.

    As Archer regards two of the newer arrivals - two odd warriors, one in robes and the other in light body armor with a third that seemed to be an artificial construct - Rin herself takes the chance to approach Shirou, a more visible expression of worry in her eyes at the sight of him, more observant of his ticks then others might be, crossing her arms in a mock-cross gesture that hid her inner concern. "Emiya-Kun... have you even slept lately? If you're pushing yourself as hard as I think you are, you're going to burn yourself out at this rate."

     "Is that not to be expected?" Archer questions off-handedly, casting a sideways glance at the pair. "After all... his existence is devoted towards saving others. Isn't the logical conclusion - perhaps even the one he desires most of all - that he burn himself out for the sake of others?"

Archer (821) has posed:
     Upon observing the jetpacks... Rin seems to go pale, the device causing her to express more open fear then anything their surroundings had shown them. "Y... y-y-you expect us to... to fly with /these??/"

    Archer in turn simply sighs in exasperation, knowing all too well that the device would likely become more of a lit bomb in Rin's hands then a method of transportation. "I can clear them in my spirit form easily... but I doubt my Master will be capable of operating one of these devices without either crashing into something or blowing herself to pieces." Ignoring Rin's infuriated expression, Archer glances to the others. "If any of you can take her, I will serve as the scout to check the areas ahead for anything unexpected."

     The Magus's response was not quite as eloquent - "Don't pass me off like I'm some piece of meat, you jerk!"

Dr. Vahzilok (769) has posed:
    The black-and-purple-garbed super hero smiles towards Shadowed Aesthetic and says, "Well, these things have a temporary fuel cell that will last 30 days. They aren't meant for long-term replacement of flight, but they're also by design not going to be useful to any villains who get ahold of them for long. The fuel cell will expire, and then they'll have a hard time outrunning the heroes following the tracer beacon implanted in each one. We aren't going to be out here flying for 30 days, hopefully, so we should be out and back before the cell expires easily. Just keep in mind that I think that there's a safety mechanism to slow down movement if you start attacking while in flight. Keeps you from missing and hitting stuff civilians, or crashing because you're focused on attacking instead of where you're going. I think full speed kicks back in a few seconds after you stop attacking?" He rubs his head a bit, and turns to look towards Lowri, very pleased to see her here. Only to become confused.
    "--Import the monsters? I... I wouldn't recommend that, to be honest! They're horribly invasive as it is!" Cortex isn't sure he understood the question, though he realizes belatedly it was a joke. He's just missing context in relation to Coruscant. "Oh. Haha! Uh... Yeah. Still probably not a good idea!"

    He observes the interaction between Lowri and Kyle and arches an eyebrow. But then he smiles and says, "A friend of Lowri's? Nice to meet you! The supplier is over here."

    Faith Maccabe, a red-haired young doctor who works at Vasilikos Laboratories, is here in a labcoat, though even she has been given some light body armor just incase. She's stands over by a field hospital that's been set up in place of the children's hospital she was here to build originally. The half-completed structure has tents out front, and she has been administering treatment to survivors who haven't been relocated yet. In particular, she seems to be studying anyone who demonstrates signs of coughing. And there are several such individuals. She does not look happy as she sweeps a hand-held device over a girl with a stuffed rabbit in her arms. She has a nasty cough.

    She organized 'Taskforce Rose' and sent out the call for aid, but it's the man nearby to her who is explaining things now. A man in dark-blue military-style or SWAT-type body armor, with a crate of jetpacks nearby. Anyone who wants one of the jetpacks has their operations explained (they're surprisingly simple, though they are warned that some of the controls may need fine tuning for precise movements). The soldier-looking guy says to Kyle specifically, "I can't explain the exact technology behind them, but basically, as long as you stay up in the air, you don't need to worry about operating it in combat. As near as we can tell, most of these enemies don't have sufficient range to take out flying heroes. They have some nasty insects that have been designated 'The Swarm' by the ones who decide that kind of thing, but those can be taken out at a distance if you spot them, or just avoided if you don't get too close. They DO have projectile attacks, but flying away should be enough to avoid them if you come under fire. Try not to inhale any spores if you get hit with them though." The Supply Officer looks towards the doctor, and the coughing little girl. "They're bad news."

Dr. Vahzilok (769) has posed:
    Cortex turns to Evangeline and says, "If you don't need one, you don't need to take one! It's just there for those who can't fly! Or teleport. Or whatever. Better than trying to get through all of these ruins. You should consider anything we encounter out there to be hostile. Avoid fighting if you can, but if you're attacked, do whatever you need to do defend yourself. Civilians have been evacuated from the area beyond that... 'Pit' over there. The gouge in the ground. There aren't supposed to be any people over there. And I'd bet any who are would be up to no good." Cortex hasn't had much contact with Crey, but he has heard things thanks to a recent leaked report that they'd been involved in illegal wire-tapping of an embassy of all things! That doesn't sound like good guys to him!

    The superhero appreciates Shirou's concern, but tries to wave it off and push forward the same way Shirou does. The same way he thinks Lowri would. And he REALLY wants to impress her. The fight last night was intense, and showed him that if he pushes himself to his limits, he can be strong too. But that's not enough, is it? He has to keep getting stronger. So he says, "Don't worry about me! This is what I do for a living! I'd be a pretty sorry hero if I couldn't push myself a little bit!" He gives Shirou a thumbsup!

    "Being hero isn't about fighting the bad guys once or twice and then 'winning'. It's about being the person that others know they can depend on, no matter how many enemies must be faced, no matter how many disasters come. We need to be that person that gets back up no matter how many hits we take, to make sure that no matter what the end result, even if it might not be ideal, we know we didn't reach it because we gave up part-way through! You've been doing a great job of being a hero yourself so far!" He sure has gotten a confidence boost! And he seems to be someone just like Shirou, who knows what being a hero is REALLY all about! ...Hopefully this won't end badly.

    At Rin's protest, Cortex strokes his chin and says, "Well, I can fly on my own, with my own powers. I've working on trying to gather others up in my telekinetic field and fly with me, but I'd rather not risk such an unperfect technique right now. I could carry Miss... Tohsaka, was it? My powers aren't going to just stop working because of mechanical failure after all!"

    Well, unless something happens to his brain or he runs out of endurance or he dies or something, but pfft. Like that could happen. Once everyone is prepared in whatever manner they need to be, the airborne trek towards the Hive begins. Skyscrapers and office buildings are more easily seen from a bird's eye view, and the state they're now in. Impaled upon stone spires, torn in half, fallen over to crash onto other buildings. Windows woven through with vines like some sort of gardening lattice on a massive scale.

    There are still fires burning. And in the distance, a fire of the mind burns even stronger. A pressure that has even Cortex's enthusiasm dampened somewhat as it digs into his head the closer they get. There's a giant pillar of stone reaching up towards the sky that direction. Not just a mound of dirt anymore, but a tower. They not only repaired their Hive but made it into this... In just a few days...

Karian Icefang has posed:
    Karian gives a nod towards Cortex. Unlike the last time he was here, he had his Rune Priest Freyr with him. The wisend reader of the runes looks out, quiet and seemingly deep in thought. "Thanks, but we brought our own." He says of the jetpacks. While jump-acps werent so good on the hovering, they were great for impact. Also with Karian was his usual retinue of Wolfguard, but his actual wolf was home this time. "I've heard that the planet Catechan is like this....nasty place. Let's hope it's nothing like that, aye?" He asks to the retinue.

Shadowed Aesthetic (872) has posed:
    Neuroi Girl's words get a look from Shadowed Aesthetic, and he smiles. "All of them are, I'm afraid, dear," he cautions. "Be careful, hm? They don't take well to anything that's not... whatever they are." He waves a hand in the general direction of where the monsters are coming from.

    He does note the signs of fatigue in Shirou, but he doesn't comment. He wouldn't want Shirou to comment on any signs of fatigue he showed. Not that he would, at least not the same way. Hard to have bags under your eyes when your face is made of protean metal, clay, and semiprecious stone. But though he doesn't comment, he sends a sympathetic, encouraging look Shirou's way.

    Cortex's explanation of the jet packs gets his attention, and he nods, listening to it. "Oh, that's clever~," he observes. "A good idea, though, the tracer. Always assume someone's going to use your technology against you when you make it, hm?" And he chuckles a little at Cortex's reaction to Revan's words, politely covering his mouth with a hand to muffle it. As for who carries Rin? "I'm sorry. But if we have to fight I'll need my hands free," he says apologetically.

    He does approach the military fellow standing at the field/children's hospital for a jet pack. And he offers a sympathetic smile to the little girl with the bad cough. He can't really do anything for her, but he's sure she's in good hands! The mention of the spores gets a slow nod. "There have been so many times I've been glad I don't have to breathe."

    And he nods to Cortex's statement of being a hero. "That's true," he agrees. "It's a never-ending job as long as there's something to protect." A hero can't ever really 'win'. But a hero can always lose, and that's definitely bad!

    Flying, wheee~! He follows Cortex, observing the hero carefully. He can't feel that it's a telepathic wave, but he can sure sense that something's not right in the area, more than just with the nature aggressively eating the area.

Emiya Shirou (560) has posed:
    Concern from the magus catches Shirou off-guard, particularly when he was just asking something that same question himself. He gives Archer the typical disapproving glare, but answers Rin quickly enough. "I'm alright, Tohsaka. I've been getting plenty of sleep. The problems just keep mounting up without any end in sight over here... but the Lordran situation's looking about wrapped up!" and he does sound happy to say that while strapping on a jetpack. He is SO not sure about these things, but he does have an emergency plan if it fails. He's also come equipped for the spores, having brought a filtering mask from the Union armory... one for him, and one for Tohsaka, who he figured would be coming. "These things are supposed to block the spores while still letting you breathe. I wouldn't risk it though." Hopefully this will distract her from her indignant fury! Hopefully.

Revan (414) has posed:
     "Well after my time," the Guardian replied to Kyle with a smirk. "I have a feeling we'll be seeing Mandos with these things soon enough, though."

     She flashes a slightly bittersweet smile at Neuroi. "It depends on the world. This," she waved a hand at the jungle before them, "Is a bit what Dxun looks like...though hopefully without the zakkegs. Coruscant, on the other hand, is nothing but city. I mean that literally; it's nothing but one big planet-sized city. A few more plants would improve the place. Or better yet, Telos."

     He expression flickered for a brief moment, becoming one of mixed regret and guilt before it was replaced with a slight grin at Cortex. "Relax, I was joking. Though a few Devouring Earth might make things more interesting when it comes to galactic politics. Not that I'm advocating sending them down to the Senate or anything...I wouldn't wish that even on these giant walking shrubs."

     She tilted her head slightly towards Kyle. "He's a Jedi Knight, like me. And...rather unorthodox, like me." The Masters might have frowned at his grenade launcher, but Revan? She was carrying extra ammo. Her memories as a Republic commando might have been false ones, but damned if they weren't practical.

     "And by the way," she added. "Great job in the tournament. You might want to ease up on mind-altering attacks, though. I don't think the Dark Side works the same way outside our galaxy, but it's one of those grey areas where you really have to be careful. Just don't depend on them /too/ much, OK?" Lowri wasn't too worried just yet, but she figured nipping a potential problem in the bud was better than waiting until later. Some Masters, she reflected, might have rained down storms with how she had failed to go into a full Dark Side lecture, but the Jedi decided that scaring him would have made him over-correct. Besides which, she now had the burden of being responsible. Having someone look up to you put things in a whole new perspective, one she hadn't had since Juhani had been in her crew. She hoped it would keep her honest....and hopefully the young superhero, as well.

     And he seemed to have the right perspective in mind. "It's not all that different from being a Jedi," she added. "It's a life of service before anything else. And, tactically-speaking, you might even lose a few battles before you win a war. But you keep on going." She looked pointedly at Shirou. "Just remember that even a hero needs sleep now and then."

     For the Jedi, flying on one of these was a new and exhilarating experience. "This is incredible!" Lowri shouted as she looked down on the landscape below, though sobering a bit as she examined the extent of the damage, her mind shifting to tactical mode. "We should anticipate the worst, though. Is there any practical way to contain the growth?"

Karian Icefang has posed:
    Karian keeps up with the group, even with his jump packs. "Might be best to just set fire to it all. Burn back the infection to it's heart. Though it could be like a tyranid swarm too, kill the brain and the body should die." He explains. Meanwhile, Freyr looks at Lowri and Kyle strangely. "Pardon my assumption but....are you two psykers? My runes seem drawn to you but also...repulsed."

Kyle Katarn (778) has posed:
    Kyle nods, "Yeah, hi. Kyle Katarn, NRI." He offers a hand to shake to Cortex, firm and terse. He's definitely a military man, despite his time as both a mercenary for hire and a Jedi Knight. That said, he does seem to lighten up a bit around Lowri despite the presence of certain individuals. Shirou seems like a naive if good-hearted kid, still reckless. Karian, he's not so certain about given the Space Marine's allignments being 'complicated' at best.

    "Yeah." He answers tersely to the Wolflord, "Or close enough, anyway."

    He has no idea what to make of Asthetic, the Neuroi, or Archer and his 'master'. To be honest, Servants kind of creep him out, given the way they 'feel' to him in the Force. This guy is no exception, with experience and jadedness outstripping how he looks.

    Looking at RIn, he frowns for a moment. "She's your problem, buddy. No offense, but I figure you'd be best off sticking with her for now." He says, before Cortex offers to handle that problem. "...well, solution found."

    In any case, he accepts a jetpack before strapping it to his back, letting his grenade launcher hang along his left hip like a sheathed sword, close to his lightsaber's hilt as he gets ready to rear up and fling himself into the air.

    It's easy to figure out how this sucker works, and Kyle affixes a rebreather to his mouth, the device modified to cover his face and fit underneath the white and black Alliance helmet he wears. Considering how little often he's been able to use jetpacks, this is definitely a special experience.

    He allows a brief hoot of excitement as he takes off alongside Revan, flying in formation with her before he glances down at the terrain, a frown growing as he goes into business mode. "Looks like it's spread pretty far, if we burn it all we'll be at this for a good long while." He then calls out to Cortex, "Alright, buddy, where we headed?"

Archer (821) has posed:
    Rin seems to wince hearing the girl cough, with Archer looking at them with a feint trace of pity in his eyes... though what he says soon after may make those around him forget they saw it; "Are they a risk to everyone else if they become infected, then? And if so, does any cure exist? If not... it may simply be better to end their misery before it advances too far."

    Even though she had grown to expect her Servant to act coldly in these war-logic scenarios, even she looked disgusted, if not horrified with him. "Do you even realize what you're saying?" she asks coldly, her voice barely a whisper. "These are /kids/, damnit."

     "And if their only fate was a life that lasts only hours, full of suffering without salvation, would you condemn them to that?" Archer retorts evenly, though it becomes somewhat clear that he considers this a mercy more then anything else. "Moreover, I am asking for the sake of the mission as well - if one of our number become infected... we cannot let them carry it past Woodvale, anymore then the people here. I am not advocating it be the first recourse, Rin - just that you keep in mind that we may not have a choice."

    The mage grits her teeth, seeming torn between wanting to pity Archer for his viewpoint and wanting to curse him out for it... but eventually, she simply scoffs and turns away, her final rebuttal being characteristically defiant - "Like hell we can't try, though. I'm tired of seeing people suffer for no reason... and if you so much as try to take it into your own hands-" she motions with her left hand, referencing the Command Spells hidden beneath her glove - "I'll give you an adequate response" As she does, she pauses and leaves something beside Faith Maccabe - a small Sapphire gem. "If you ever need a burst of power... use this. It might help save someone one the edge."

    Inwardly... Archer hoped Rin was right. Yet deep down, a life of seeing hopes, dreams and fate crash down around him left him feeling that the outcome would be anything but.

    As usual, Archer felt the familiar scorn build in him listening to Cortex's attempt to reinforce Emiya Shirou's spirit, scoffing under his breath. "Depend on one person - or even one ideal - too much, and everything collapses the moment you so much as stumble. And oftentimes... the result is never worth the price that was payed. Look around you-" he gestures to Woodvale's overgrown status, and to the children being treated by Maccabe - "all our combined efforts amounted to /this./ Ruins, death and the erasure of everything the people here had built after surviving their prior misfortunes. At this rate, it may simply be safer to abandon this part of the world altogether, if not evacuate these people off-world entirely. I'm sure they could find someplace else to settle... and at the very least, they will have a chance to restart instead of fighting a hopeless battle."

    "Easy for you to say" Rin mutters. "This wasn't your home - it was theres."

     "Exactly" Archer counters evenly, crossing his arms. "Hence why I look at the situation without undue attachment. It is simply land - what value does that have compared to their lives? If they care about themselves or their loved ones, they will leave this place behind them. It would certainly be better then if the alternative fails."

Archer (821) has posed:
     Rin, obviously done with the debate, turns on her heal and moves closer to the rest of the group. Archer himself lingers a moment, seeming to contemplate the children's condition.

    And wondering if he will indeed have no choice but to once again follow through on what his twisted ideals dictated.

     At Cortex's offer of carrying her, Rin looks to be a mix between anxious, against and... insulted? Perhaps because a man asked to carry her - a girl - so openly and without reservation. The touch of embarrassment in her eyes at the idea seems to evidence that, though she keeps it relatively well-hidden. At the same time though, she seems to become almost horrified at the explanation behind the jetpacks - "So /wait/ - these things aren't even stable? They're just /experiments/?! And we're supposed to bank our lives on them?!"

    "Unless you think you can make it on foot" Archer quipped, gesturing to the path ahead... and after a moment of glaring at the distant creatures as if hoping they would just move out of the way, Rin reluctantly sighs and nods. "Alright... but I swear to god, if you drop me, I will find my way back out of this jungle nightmare and kick you over the edge to see how /you/ like getting left in a pit full of killer plants!"

    For a moment, Archer was temped to point out Cortex had not actually done anything, but he was content to just let her stew in her frustration for the moment.

    Hearing Shirou's response, and seeming subtly relieved to see him return to higher spirits. "That's good. I've only seen the reports, but it seems like Lordan's been a nightmare for everyone involved. I'm glad to hear at least one catastrophe out here is coming close to a resolution." She also appreciatively takes the breath-mask Shirou offers her, though she only gives a subdued nod. "I'll try not to rely on it unless I have to then. Oh, and..." she pauses, seeming a trite awkward for the briefest instant. "Thanks for the concern, Emiya-Kun." Thankfully for the jetpacks, Shirou's actions seem to have indeed distracted her form her prior fury.

    Rin scrunches her nose up at being called a 'problem' by the rather scruffy-looking man who has all-too-readily donned what she considers a suicidal deathtrap. Archer however gives a bemused smirk in reply to the man's quip that only leaves Rin fuming even more - "Well, it's not like I have a choice in the matter."

    However, he does attempt to discretely trace the man's weapon, if only to try and learn more about precisely what it was, and how to defend against or with it if need be.

Neuroi Girl has posed:
     Evangeline has never been good at conversation. So, all the exchanges going on around her that don't include her give her a chance to just observe and absorb. These people are Jedi, those two work together but do not seem to like each other. Rin does not like untested flight equipment or being carried. Karian seems to believe that unprejudiced destruction could be the answer. Not knowing exactly what they are facing, Evangeline is unable to disagree or agree.

     When the others take to the air, the roar of jetpacks completely overwhelms the fairy-like sound of Evangeline flying. She keeps pace easily enough with her sensors working overtime to observe and evaluate threats to the group. "...all the creatures below are enemies..." she repeats to herself, and the red panels on her leg wings start to glow. She is ready to fire at a moment's notice. As they fly, she looks toward Archer. "...you think we should not try and restore this area because such restoration would not matter to the people who call this area home when they eventually pass away from other causes..?"

Emiya Shirou (560) has posed:
    Ack, there's another person concerned for his health. Shirou blinks once at Revan. "Why does everyone think I'm not getting any sleep? Thanks for the concern, I'm fine though. Really!"

    Also..."Cortex is good at this stuff." Shirou points out, trying to reassure Rin a little while he fiddles with his jetpack. Strapping in and getting the harness figured out takes him a minute, and he can't exactly say this DOESN'T feel like strapping a bomb to his back... but they couldn't be THAT experimental if they're giving them to heroes, seriously.

    Belatedly he gives Cortex a look. That SHOULD inspire him. They are kindred souls in a way, but there is a drastic, fundamental difference.

    Someone to be relied on? Looked up to? No, that's not what Shirou wants.

    Saving people for the sake of it, that's his drive, even if he can't put it into words. He makes a strange face while momentarily lost in thought-- then, off goes the others! ACK!

    Shirou hurriedly ignites his ride and WHOOOSH, off he goes after the others in a sort of lopsided flight path... until he adjusts and compensates, pulling up alongside Neuroi Girl.

    "That's not what he meant. He means that we've already busted a gut and lost the war despite winning the battles... that there's a better chance for people living safely if we just let these monsters have the territory and focus elsewhere." He hates actually AGREEING with Archer, but he can't HELP it in this case.

    "But we definitely need to get to the bottom of this one way or another! These things won't just STOP because they've made camp in a city block or two. They'll keep spreading."

Karian Icefang has posed:
    Karian nods softly. Freyr was about to comment more, but he quickly fell quiet. "I see. I look forward to seeing what you can do very much." In truth, Karian knew little about jedi. Less so about their abilities. But he looks over to Emiya and nods. "Aye. We'll root them out. You can be sure of that."

Dr. Vahzilok (769) has posed:
    "Ohhh..." Yeah, that explanation makes more sense. The plants, not the monsters. A planet-sized city could be a bit TOO developed. "Heh. Some greenery might not hurt then. Maybe a few parks." The parks here in Woodvale look pretty good... Except for some of the trees being petrified now. "I'll keep that in mind." he replies to the comment about restricting his telepathic attacks. "Heh. That was a pun." he then explains for the benefit of anyone who didn't get it. His sense or humor suffers in dire situations. Sue him.

    Faith Maccabe would have given only a harsh look towards Archer for him asking that question where the civilians themselves could hear him, before moving to comfort everyone and assure them that not only would that not be happening, but that the man in the red coat did not in any way represent her or Vasilikos Laboratories or the officials of Paragon City, and would not be permitted to take actions that endangered civilians such as had just been proposed. All that kind of stuff to ease worries. But the doubt now exists, at least, thanks to Archer. And hroes may have a harder time protecting people that think that they're villains. Good job. She does say to Rin a bit sharply (likely due to Archer rather than Rin) when the crystal is left with her, "I am not familiar with the usage of crystals in my medicine, but I appreciate the thought. If it comes to that, I will try to learn how to use it in time to help." She DOES pocket it, not just leave it lying around. She meant what she said. But... She's a dotor, not a magus. If it doesn't have a button on, how could she activate the crystal? It's a mystery!

    The little girl is too busy coughing to really understand what Archer is implying, or the reassuring speech that follows, though she responds to the comforting looks and smiles with the best smile she can manage back. It is left to Cortex to explain other things once they're on the way, but at least first, puts off questions about what exactly the 'Dark Side' is for now, or answers to anything, until they're further from the field hospital. Hhough he keeps in mind what was said. In all respects. Sleep being something a hero needs too... That Kyle is like Lowri... The approval of having safety mechanisms in the technology... This Karian showing up and joining them and asking about 'psykers'... That his performance in the tournament so far has met with praise... So many questions Cortex wants to ask, but his attention is divided, and he needs to keep some level of concentration on his flight and the matter at hand.

    Though... Mind-altering attacks... Well, that's most of what he can do for offense. It'll be rough avoiding using them, now that he's finally gotten over the guilt of doing so... But he's sure he can scale back or at least reduce the amount of power he puts into them. Tension continues to show on his face more and more as he flies with Rin in his arms, his focus mostly on what's coming up ahead of them.

Dr. Vahzilok (769) has posed:
    He answers questions he's asked as well as he can, considering all of that. "South-west, that huge tower. It wasn't there three days ago." He can't really point at it with Rin in his arms but there's not a lot of other stone towers that reach nearly to the stratosphere lying around. As they get closer, they may see that the area where Portal Corporation's main headquarters used to be, the ones Archer blew up after they were abandoned to prevent more theft, are now nowhere to be seen. Because the location they WOULD have been has been completely covered by the expansion of the Hive.

    The name for this enemy group, 'Devouring Earth' could not possibly be more apt. It's like the planet itself is eating everything.

    Trying not to focus on that or the pain his head, he says, "I will say that the reason those people are in Woodvale, and not elsewhere, IS due to the risk of infection. After what happened to..." he chokes for a moment before he clears his throat and forces himself to continue in the same informative tone. "...To Dr. Vasilikos's father, the city is not taking chances with infectious material... But Vasilikos Laboratories has some of the most advanced medical equipment and most skilled physicians on the planet. Dr. Maccabe has been entrusted with finding a cure. But since she's chosen to remain out here, and not even in bio-hazard gear, she can't leave either. She... Thinks walking around in a plastic suit around these patients would be dehumanizing for them, and panic-inducing. And they've been through enough." No doubt SOMEONE has considered the possibility of executing the infected, but even during the plagues of Earth's history, many times people did not go that far. Doctors still treated the sick. It's a case like that. Even as risk to herself, this doctor and the volunteer staff are going to keep looking for a solution, not just giving up or taking the easier, 'safer' route because doing the right thing is too hard.

    "And no, we don't have a cure yet, as far as I know. And if we don't stop these monsters, not only will we not find one, but they'll just keep spreading. We're adjacent to many other lands here. These creatures have to be fought back, even if it's a long war instead of a few battles. Because the alternative is losing everything instead of just struggling to keep their numbers down." Cortex has been doing his homework. He also addresses Rin's concern.

Dr. Vahzilok (769) has posed:
    Cortex smiles at the magus he's carrying and says, "They aren't experimental. They've been tested sufficiently that they're considered safe to use. It's just calibration that's needed now. It's like... Uhh... You use magic or something? Does a new spell you've gotten to work right sometimes need adjustments to get the full desired effect?" Cortex has done far less homework on magic. He has no idea if he's talking nonsense or not. "We know that the packs work, and we know that they're safe. But if there's a delay in moving one direction or another, we'd want to find out and fix it before putting it into full effect."

    To Evangeline, he calls out, "Yeah, all of those are enemies. So stay out of their range if you can! And if you see anything that looks important, call out! We don't know what they've been doing over here exactly, and this also serves as scouting of their forces!"

    It's not a short flight to their destination, but it's still within the range of minutes, not hours or however long it would take to trek through the veritable jungle below, with monsters waiting to ambush them, or who-knows-what lurking in the shadows. When they get close enough, the buzzing of the Devouring Earth hive mind is so powerful that even non-psychics can feel it. It sets one's nerves on edge. Cortex, and others nearby, should be able to feel it as a pain behind their eyes, as though something were trying to worm its way into their consciousness. It might lead one to wonder how long one could stay here and remain unaffected. How long could one hold out before the overpowering will here found its way inside and made even an Elite one of them?

    The activity below is just as gastly. Giants of stone and crystal roam around below, many warped monsters like the ones Revan encountered inside Terra Volta what may seem like ages ago, with the wormy-looking mouths, lead or work amongst the others as they expand the Hive more and more. Greenery is everywhere. A forest of stone pillars was passed over on the way here. Huge fingers of earth erupted from the ground in other places throughout the city.

    The whole place looks like a warzone a long time after it happened, rather than freshly destroyed.

Revan (414) has posed:
     Revan regarded Karian curiously. The term was unfamiliar, but similar enough to 'psychic' that her natural ability with languages made a connection. "You mean those with mind-affecting abilities? You could say that...our abilities are possible through what we call the Force. If someone sensitive to the Force has a strong enough will, that person can influence minds in a number of ways and use his or her mind to affect surroundings."

     The Guardian eyed Archer curiously. "You know, there's something a bit similar in my galaxy; the rakghoul plague. Its curability seems to depend on astronavigational charts or something, but the point is that until they mutate in front of your eyes, it's Dark Side to kill a victim before that point, whether or not it seems merciful."

     The odd-eyed Jedi shook her head. "And trust me: nothing good can come from dipping your toes in the Dark Side even with noble intentions. The next thing you know, you'll become the evil you're trying to fight and end up just making the mess worse. Just a suggestion from personal experience."

     If he has any more ammunition for a philosophical debate, Lowri leaves off responding for now; they've work ahead of them as much as she loved a good debate. As for the war itself, she frowned slightly. "You have a point, though," she admitted to the red-haired magus and the white-haired Servant. "I'd need more time and intelligence to assess what could be done, but withdrawing for the moment was the best option. I'm sure it's possible to push them back, but that'll be easier to accomplish without having to worry about civilian casualties."

     Whatever humorous quip she might have said died on her lips as the hive mind of the Devouring Earth buzzed painfully in her mind. Revan gripped the sides of her head, screwing her eyes shut as if to stem the pain. Vaguely, she was aware of the other 'psychic' members of their team doing much the same. "Argh!" she cried out involuntarily. "Is that their...the hive mind?"

Shadowed Aesthetic (872) has posed:
    Shadowed Aesthetic keeps quiet on the trip. Partially because he's observing the area and avoiding Swarm, and partially because those who havne't been here need to know what's going on. And Cortex can explain it best. The Mirrorblade's job here isn't to fill people in, but to observe and make sure this troupe is reasonably safe from whatever might accost them on the trip.

    He's actually pretty comfortable with the jetpack. After all, it's not that he can be uncomfortable with technology-- he's MADE of technology after all! And so he just might be making a few more turns and twists than strictly necessary on this trip. Because it's not every day he can actually fly. And it's FUN!

    Or rather, it is until that pain starts building behind his eyes. He hisses quietly, wincing at the psychic pressure. "Ngh... that's unpleasant!" he declares, touching fingertips to his temple. Thankfully he's not as delicate as he looks. That's not enough pressure for those chrome eyes to pop out!

Kyle Katarn (778) has posed:
    Whatever glee Kyle has in flying on a jetpack is interrupted like it hit a brick wall. His head feels like something is slamming a frickin' drill in his skull, right in the middle of the frontal lobe. Growling, he shuts his eyes and jaw tight as he feels the Hive Mind for what it is. Millions of voices and thoughts experienced all at once, it's like having the Force always on, always sensing others' thoughts.

    Needless to say, IT HURTS LIKE HELL. Gripping his head, Kyle endures the feeling before willing the additional thoughts away through sheer grit, before flying to Revan's side. "You okay?" He offers his shoulder just in case, trying to keep her upright as they fly over the growths.

    "Makes Kashykk look like Tattooine..." He frowns, before noticing the massive crystal growths.

    "I dunno about you guys, but it's gonna be a miracle if we end up actually convincing a ceasefire at this rate. Like negotiating with a plague..."

Karian Icefang has posed:
    KArian looks down at the area and just marvels. This hive mind is exactly like the tyranids....they ravage a land and scar it forever..."He

Karian Icefang has posed:
    KArian looks down at the area and just marvels. This hive mind is exactly like the tyranids....they ravage a land and scar it forever..."He says low. If one noticed, they might spy his lips curling into a snarl. Such a thing angered the wolf lord, more for the loss of life of any unfortunate victims. He turned and was about to ask his rune priest a question when both of them instantly recoiled. "What in the allfather's name?!" shouted the Wolf Lord. Poor freyr was grimmacing and baring his own fangs, trying hard to shut out the pain and settle the beast within. "Such power! We must kill it quickly! You can feel it as well, Jarl...Inside....it's angry...the beast wants out!"

Archer (821) has posed:
     Truthfully, the Servant is not certain how he should respond to the way the girl looks at them as they leave, a mix of remorse and resignation forming within him.

    He didn't wish these people to suffer... yet he could not lie to himself or them and say that he would protect or save them no matter what. Especially when Cortex confirms that there is no cure for the spores.

    Assurances meant as little to the living as they did to the dead, should one not have the ability to see it through.

    Not even a God could guarantee that with impunity.

    He scoffs hearing about the risk Maccabe is taking - "She won't reassure anyone if she dies, much less save anyone." At the very least though, the one thing he does agree with is the remark that they need to forestall the Devouring Earth's progress for the immediate future. As they travel the woods, Archer notes the location where he destroyed the Portal HQ is not far from here, brow furrowing - "Watch yourselves. The last time I was here, a rather large earth-based creature was residing near this area. It may still be nearby."

    In turn, the Servant acknowledged the heterochromic woman with a probing glance, as if trying to discern something about her... then tilts his head and smiled in what, perhaps disturbingly, mock amusement. "Perhaps... but one should also keep in mind that there is also a difference between a fall and a sacrifice. Besides... perhaps such evils are necessary at times. Especially if some are too consumed by deliberation to do what is needed."

    Depending on how she sees it... the words of Archer may strike an eerily-similar cord with the latent memory of a warrior-commander fresh out of the Mandalorian Wars.

    In the meantime, as Master and Servant traveled, both had vastly different means of moving. In order to avoid the Devouring Earth, Archer had entered his spirit form, turning phantasmal and invisible to try and serve as a scout in case there were unforeseen dangers.

    On the other hand... Rin's situation was more comical, caught in a mix of awkward embarrassment and utter terror as she remain paradoxically locked between not wanting to cling too tightly to a man she's only just met... and yet so petrified of the idea that whatever force held him in the air might give out that she wished she could cling on tighter. If his powers were based on /spells/, perhaps she would have an easier time... but instead it was more blasted space-age nonsense.

     The concern that the infernal contraptions carrying their comrades would malfunction and send them plummeting to the ground and the Devouring Earth did not help matters - "Safe??" the magus all but blurts out, her composure cracking bit by bit as they move through the area past trees and obstacles. "You call those things safe?! They're barely more then fancy flare-torches hooked up to a tank of gas!! What satanic harbinger of the ninth circle of Hell could have possibly been silver-tongued enough to convince /anyone/ that those deathtraps were /safe?!/"

     In spite of himself, Archer is thankful for the brief moment of amusement Rin's situation gives him.

    It serves as a welcome calm before the storm given what lies ahead. As the other warrior had said... this was looking more and more like a plague.

     And in all honesty, there was only one way to handle such a situation. A belief that was only reinforced as he felt the growing pressure of... something beyond the hoards.

    Something immense... and quite possibly very, very malevolent.

Neuroi Girl has posed:
     Neuroi Girl turns her head toward Emiya when he speaks to her, then nods slightly. "...but...creatures like these...they do not simply take an area then remain content within it..." she says before Cortex explains about it. Apparently the main segment of the Neuroi are also like the Swarm and the Tyranids. They destroy everything in their path and form new hives to cause further destruction.

     It was to stop this very form of mindless destruction that Neuroi Girl joined the Strike Witches and the Union. As they near the tower, that psychic scream starts to reach even the Neuroi Girl. Her flight path starts to deteriorate as the interference from the hivemind infiltrates her mind. She is no psychic, but Neuroi are a hivemind themselves. Evangeline has separated herself from it, but near this powerful presense she starts to feel the familiar pull. A central mind controlling all the minions around it.

     It is something that scares the now independent Neuroi. She comes to a sudden stop as she feels it and just stands there in mid-air, face downcast. She is does not want to get any closer, fearing she might somehow be drawn in. At the same time, she wants to destroy it. To keep it from affecting or harming anyone else. She continues to just float there, caught between the two forces within her.

Emiya Shirou (560) has posed:
    Shirou is fairly quiet through the flight. he's angry at the state of the things, and the more he hears about those who are infected the worse that anger gets. Can they be saved? If not... arghh, then what?

    The hive comes into view though, and he veers AWAY from it when the painful buzzing assaults his mind. "GAh! It's like they're scratching my thoughts! Get out of my head!" He swerves wildly and starts gaining altitude, but quickly levels out after the initial shock's passed.

    "What can be DONE about that thing?"

Dr. Vahzilok (769) has posed:
    The mind that is felt is different from the Force always on in one very distinct way. Rather than millions of voices, it is only one. Rather than millions of minds, it is only one. One will, one voice, one power, with tendrils of itself throughout all of its forces. Whispering at the volume of a thunder storm within one's mind, as though trying to drown out all thought and at the same time supplant it with a soothing reassure that one's own thoughts aren't needed if one just listens to the invasive presence instead. It isn't targetted towards them. Not yet. It's just all around. In the air, in the earth... They're on the periphery of the hive mind. And it's already this bad.

    Cortex isn't sure he can tackle something like that on his own. It's like he's feeling something that's as close as he can imagine to the concept of Power Incarnate s He has no idea of the irony of that description, and likely never will. But right now, he is trying to focus on two things: Flying Rin around safely, and keeping his mind whole through whatever defenses he can manage.

    He can't defend the jet packs further since he didn't build them or anything anyway. "Negotiation may not be possible, you're right. But attempting contact to at least find out what it wants or see if we can learn anything from it might be an option. I'm... Not sure I'm strong enough to survive even a brief encounter. Maybe there's some way to combine our wills?" He has no idea. He has received advise from Sister Psyche, but nothing that would prepare him to deal with something of this magnitude. There's a difference between 'improvising a new technique' and 'suddenly developing mental defenses against a god-like presence'. When the idea seems to meet with some level of agreement amongst those present, he begins preparing his mind.

    He can't even rub his head, as much as it aches. "I'm glad we're doing something, at least. We can't just float around here forever, that's for sure." Cortex seems to realize at least one of them is not fully with the group anymore, or lagging behind a bit. He turns towards Evangeline, observes her hesitation, and just calls out, "Hey." When he has her attention, he smiles and gives a thumbsup as best as he can with Rin in his arms. "It's okay. You can fall back and make sure none of those insect Swarms that were mentioned come at us from behind. It would be pretty bad if we needed to escape in a hurry and couldn't. Or, if you want to focus on helping us from there, that's also okay!"

Dr. Vahzilok (769) has posed:
    Then, he turns his attention on the Hive, and whatever lies within, and focuses all of his telepathic power he can spare upon Revan, in conjunction with the wills and powers of everyone else who is adding to this gestalt. He has no idea what he's doing. He's just trying through the power of his psyche to find a new way of using it. A new ability.

    Whenever the process is completed, and Revan finds herself bolstered by everyone else around her, she can attempt to reach out and contact that presence. And at first, it may seem like nothing happens. Like she's not even noticed. But there's a slow, inexorable grinding, like a rock in the distance that continues to grow bigger and louder as it approaches, until one realizes it is a boulder, and then a rolling mountain... No... Even bigger than that.

    In the facets of its titanic presence, the layout of fault lines, of underground lakes, of ancient patterns that continents moved in as they split apart, of volcanic channels and magnetic fields, of all the lights of living things all over the world blinking out or blinking on as they live and die through countless causes, across plant, animal, and micro-organisms... All of this and more can be seen, looming closer and closer.

    Until a psychic representation of what Revan is contacting exactly comes to a stop before her.

    A ball the size of Earth itself.

    Because that's what it is.

    It is silent as it stands before her, impossibly huge, not just one part of the planet, but the whole of its everything concentrated into one place without sacrificing its size.

    Cortex, at least, has started bleeding from his nose as he tries to take some of that burden, that vast quantity of information that is being stuffed into Revan's head, but he doesn't know if he's even making a dent. Maybe the others are having more luck.

    The presence that mentally stands before them all remains where it is... Waiting.

Karian Icefang has posed:
    Karian and Freyr both grit their teeth and fight to shoulder their own burden. Karian winces as he feels it, but the rune priest is likewise bleeding. "Jarl...." He started. "Stay focused...remember your training, your brothers. We're stronger then this creature. We are Sons of Lemun Russ, the elite of the allfather! Hold strong!" He shouts to his longtime friend. But in reality, he was likewise suffering, but not on the same level.

Shadowed Aesthetic (872) has posed:
    "I haven't exploded yet," Shadowed Aesthetic points out as he nears Rin and Cortex. He is indeed wearing a jetpack. "Don't worry so much, dear-- you'll get wrinkles," he cautions gently. He notes Neuroi Girl pausing, and heads over to her. "Is something wrong?" he asks her gently. "I know it hurts... it hurts me too. Do you want me to stay back here with you?" he asks. He's not patronizing her. He knows she's scared. Heck, HE'S scared!

    He also sees Shirou swerving a bit, and calls out to him, "Mister Emiya, are you all right?" He relaxes a little when he sees Shirou level off his flight again. And then he quiets down so the psychichs can concentrate. Fans are brought out immediately and snapped open, and he begins to scan the immediate area for danger.

Revan (414) has posed:
     Though she had decided to put off philosophical debates for a time when they weren't on a reconnaissance mission, the Guardian couldn't help but study the red-clad Counter-Guardian with mixed curiosity and apprehension. She doubted the strange man with even stranger abilities truly understood the depths of her history -- just as she was ignorant of his -- but there was an undeniable sort of resonance to his words. Something that seemed to echo across the different universes within the multiverse. Maybe they weren't entirely so different after all.

     Perhaps surprisingly, her expression mirrored his own in some ways. "Point," she conceded as she dropped the subject for the moment. "As long as you don't start amassing a fleet conquering the galaxy and calling yourself Darth Fluffy, I suppose things are copacetic for the time being."

     In spite of that infernal buzzing bouncing around in her skull, Revan managed a weak grin at the other Jedi. "Yeah," she replied. "Like a night after a kri'gee bender. Force alive, the thoughts of these things are /loud/." She shook her head as if to try to clear the buzzing from her head. "Heh...negotiating with a plague...that sounds about right. Blast it...Kashyyyk would be preferable even with those damned tachs screeching constantly."

     But if this single mind could be reasoned with, of the diplomatic option /was/ possible, then it had to be attempted at least. And if not...that was why Jedi carried lightsabers. That was why, when the idea of creating a conduit through one of the gathered psychics comes up, naturally she volunteered. Same story, different universe, right? Revan's grin is nearly audible, her voice laden with a sardonic note. "Well, you know me. I always ~love~ basking in the attention of dangerous things."

     The suffusion of different minds and powers happened gradually, and Revan could feel her mind expanding further to encompass this strange being...a being the size of an entire planet. No pressure.

     Though she'd had her doubts about the Jedi Code at times,now seemed an appropriate time for it. She murmured the Code like a chant, softly, before it began.

         "There is no emotion, there is peace.

         There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.

         There is no chaos, there is serenity.

         There is no death, there is the Force."

     And then, with her mind properly focused and calm, Lowri addressed the entity which was the mind of the Devouring Earth.

     /Hello,/ she greeted reaching out with her mind. /My name is Revan. I and my allies come in peace. We only want to talk to you./

Neuroi Girl has posed:
     Evangeline raises her head as Cortex and Shadowed reassure her. She tilts her head slightly, then...pushes forward. "...no...I will not stay back...I will defend against threats as you and the others contact the creature..." Without any facial features she can't really express any emotions, but she is obviously determined to help.

     She catches up with Cortex, then takes up a position beside him and raises her sleeve-like arms. The ends start to glow with sinister-looking red energy. The Neuroi Girl doesn't fire yet, but she is on a hair trigger. She slowly rotates in place, the air around her practically charged with her intensity and determination in spite of her fear. Or perhaps because of it. "...I will protect you..." she says as she watches the area around them. Who? Everyone, if she has to. Protecting people is what she does.

Kyle Katarn (778) has posed:
    As the group confer their approach, Kyle can't help but nod in agreement with Revan. He's been close to the Dark before, but not as close as Revan has before...he can't claim to have the same experiences as her under any circumstances. Maybe Luke, but that's a different can of worms to open up.

    "We're lucky some haven't even gone that far." He says grimly, before he feels the buzzing in his head again. Sabacc runs through his head, running through strategies not unlike that of a certain Smuggler near to Lowri's time-line, in fact. IT's a reliable technique to keep others from probing your head, but Kyle sets it aside for now.

    When he feels Revan chanting, he takes her head, squeezing it in support of her as he speaks in tandem with her.

    "There is no emotion, there is peace."

    "There is no ignorance, there is knowledge."

    "There is no chaos, there is serenity."

    "There is no death, there is the Force."

    Focused, Kyle's mind is a bullwark against any that dare overtake it, sharpened like a blade and sturdy like a shield as he thinks very pointedly.

    ~If you're listening, take her advice.~

Shadowed Aesthetic (872) has posed:
    Shadowed Aesthetic smiles as Neuroi Girl grows braver and approaches the plant brain closer. And now that he's assured they're all in good hands, he'll near where the group is trying to contact the plant-thing. He's no psychic, but he does have a few things he can use that just might help everyone keep their strength against the immense psychic presence.

    He'll put a hand out, to try and make physical contact with the nearest psychic. And has he does he activates his Hierarchical Dogma Lock. It may not help much-- it really only works against normal convincing, as through conversation. Clearly unnatural mental control is a whole other thing. But it might at least offer a lifeline if the others find their wills slipping.

Emiya Shirou (560) has posed:
    Steel his will? Easier said than done, but like hell is Shirou going to come all the way out here without giving it his all. Although joining the gestalt is a weird-ass sensation - stranger than anything he's ever done, he focuses hard on just circling at a level altitude and keeping with the group while his thoughts harden and focus.

    And then, there's THAT GUY giving unwanted advice again. Advice that, once given, shapes Shirou's decisions whether he wants to listen or not... because it sounds like good advice.

    Why can't Archer give bad advice? He'd be able to ignore him then!

    Grunting from the effort, Shirou summons up all of his anger at the Devouring Earth and clenches a fist to stay focused and offer his will. Very, very glad that he's not at the forefront of this...

    Because once the presence really gets itself established, he lets loose with another piercing bellow! PAIN!

    "What is... going on?!"

    It takes agonizing effort to redouble his efforts in the midst of it all and not lose himself in the immense pressure bleeding through, pressure that threatens to override all his thoughts and push his mind into a painful corner where it can't perceive anything useful or command his body.

    That would be pretty bad when you're flying a jetpack...

Archer (821) has posed:
     Archer raises a brow at the words of the robe-clad warrior, regarding the odd title with curiosity... and apprehension.

    Darth... wasn't there a ranking member of the Confederacy that carried that name as well? A man in black armor? Or perhaps it was a title, as the woman's words seemed to indicate? Was she referencing that individual?

    Curiosity that it was, Archer resolved to look into it more latter - for now, they had more pressing matters.

    The same could have been said about Rin, as the off-handed quirk about wrinkles did manage to distract Rin from her concerns... though only by filling her to the brim with boiling rage - "What what that you chrome-plated excuse for a golem?! Just how old do I look to you?! - first Emiya-Kun and now this?! I'm not even close to being that old, goddamnit!!"

     The anger off-put her nervousness for a short time... but she was forced to compose herself as she felt something...

     ...

     Huge. It was huge. Beyond even that - it literally felt there was something sucking the air away from their immediate area, leaving them to suffocate.

    Archer in turn winces from what feels like the weight of a continent being around him... or being submersed in the bottom of a vast sea.

    And yet... in spite of that... Archer could not deny there was something almost hauntingly familiar about this presence. Something similar yet dissimilar to a force he had been around all too often in his time.

    Something that immediately has him on edge... yet almost seems to foretell that this fight will not bring any suitable result.

    Or rather.... that this was a doomed effort from the start.

     Rin, seeing that they are about to attempt contact with the creatures and watching Karian's comrades writhe in pain, bites back her concern and takes a deep, calming breath before pressing a hand to Cortex's torso, closing her eyes in concentration.

     "/Gib dem wanderanden Vogel das Trinkwasser der vom langen Weg kommt... Benutz den Vogelrahmen.... in dem der Schl�ssel nicht angewendet wird. Ich spinne den Regenbogen in neuem selbst./ - !!!!"

    That was all she needed.

    All she had to do before she felt like her head was about to explode.

     A choked gasp escapes Rin's lips, her throat suddenly tense and her body on fire as the nerves recoiled from the sheer weight of the sensory input and her head felt like a melon that was being pumped full of water, gradually squashing the insides until the skin split open-

    The World.

    That one, horrible realization nearly knocked Rin out her senses, even as she continued to add reinforcement to Cortex's efforts to coordinate the two other telepaths in their group, fighting back a sickening feeling of futility that Archer was all too accustomed to.

    The spirit of this planet's earth... the World as it pertained to this realm.

    ... and they were supposed to repel it.

Dr. Vahzilok (769) has posed:
    The wills of Jedi, of super heroes, of Wolves of Russ, of magi, of Servants, of Alchemicals all wind together and form the psychic equivalent of a tall, strong tree, flowering in a colorful display of peaceful intentions, serenity, but also determination. A unified strength for a unified goal. All their personalities, their individual strengths, bound together in this tree, are represented there. In a hollow within the tree, there is a gem stone, illuminated by two flames. One red, one orange. A hooded figure, seemingly carved from and grown from the tree, protrudes from its trunk looking down. The face and form of a knight lies upon the opposite side, facing upwards.

    The leaves on the trees are silver, the branches strong like formidable beasts, and crouched at the base of the tree, protruding from it like the other two wooden figures, is a man with a gouge across his forehead, who nonetheless seems about to rise from where he kneels at any moment, despite being made of wood.

    Their weapons are hidden among the trees boughs, and their open hands lie at the ends of its branches, and their very souls are driven into the mental landscape as roots.

    This is something strong. This is something that can refuse to sway in any storm.

    In response to the words spoken to it, the psychic presence begins to react through a gradual rumbling, cracking, and rumbling as a line seems to form right down the middle, from north pole to south. Oceans empty into the forming ravine, islands and coastlines slide into the emptiness. Volcanoes erupt, and magma glows from within as the abyss opens wider and wider, a mouth turned sideways... Ominous... But what's coming next?

    With Evangeline protecting their bodies, nothing will get through. Even as she prepares to defend them, an audible buzzing of insects from below may be heard, and a cloud of them starts to rise from the tree tops and head for her. Just one or two Swarms. With her arsenal, she should be able to take them out before they reach the group.

    Shadowed Aesthetic's reinforcement of them all, Rin's reinforcement of Cortex allowing him to share that reinforcement in turn with those around him... Everyone together, bolstering and strengthening each other, despite this presence that can not possibly fit in any one mind. There's just... Too much...

    All of them are able to work together like this despite the task they face, because they know that Evangeline is protecting them. And because they know that they are all protecting each other.

Dr. Vahzilok (769) has posed:
    But the Abyss continues to widen. The edges crumble, forming jagged teeth, as the molten core of the planet is exposed, the glowing mantle forming gums and gullet, leading to that center. And right before the Will of the Earth speaks, there's a rush of information and images and impressions.

    Billions of years. The birth and extinctiong of countless species. The rise of humanity comes in an eye-blink, the damage they have caused in such a short period of time a blight that spreads and poisons. And then there is a future where they are gone too. When every trace of them ever existing has been ground away into nothingness. When everything is so green that there's nothing that can even be seen but vibrant life.

    And at the center of it all, connecting past, present, and future, are two things.

    One is the outline of a man with antlers. He's somewhere here in Woodvale. He's suffering and screaming as his magic is torn and twisted. It's his magic, his nature powers, that are the key to letting the Devouring Earth spread to replace everything, everywhere.

    There is another thing, however. One with a much more mysterious meaning, only perceived for an instance. Beyond and within the core of Earth, it is there and yet also not.

    It is a Well.

    Then the world roars with the mental sound of continents shattering and oceans boiling into steam and every volcano erupting at once, all of it expressed through sheer, uncontained hatred of everything humanity is and represents, and all who would defile the world by existing.

    Sustaining the link in the face of this is might be nearly impossible. But a name is imprinted on the psyche of those who retain their <span class=" bold_bg_r fg_n ++ onnection.



            chr">HAMIDON</span>

    Cortex nearly falls out of the air, bleeding from his eyes, nose, mouth, and ears.

Neuroi Girl has posed:
     As soon as those Swarms appear, Evangeline is in action. The sinister red glow at the ends of her arms intensifies, then twin beams far wider than her small body should be able to produce are fired at the swarms. Those non-elite creatures caught in the beams simply disintegrate. But, the beams don't stop there. She can't really control them in that way.

     The entity may feel it's feelings about the destructive tendencies of humans and their like are confirmed when those red beams cut their way into the massive forest. Giant trees are splintered by the explosions produced when those beams rake across the ground. But, the primary objective of obliterating dangerous creatures is accomplished.

     Evangeline remains charged and ready to fire, but takes a moment to look around at the others. "...what happened...did it not wish to talk..?" she says, moving to take a position above them.

Shadowed Aesthetic (872) has posed:
    Shadowed Aesthetic merely chuckles at Rin's statement. Only because he's lending his strength to the circle, and trying REALLY DAMNED HARD to convince himself that the sensation he's feeling is indeed not the several Charms he has in his skull trying to jump ship and crawl their way out of his head.

    And the feeling only gets worse as Earth speaks. This is actually valuable knowledge for Shadowed Aesthetic, despite the mind-blisteringly painful way it's being delivered. Can he even RETAIN this information through this kind of mental assault? He can only assume it would be like this if he ever tried to talk directly to Autochthon. But a horrible realization hits him, like a second sledgehammer to the forehead, but emotionally instead of mentally.

    Humanity is responsible for this world's pain.

    And this presence, this World, tells Its story. Angrily, like an abused child who will take no more abuse. Finally standing up for Itself. Finally turning back at Its attackers. Stayed passive for so long but no more! No more chances!

    And then a horrible thought enters his mind. What if the Populat were responsible for the taint inside the Maker? Could it be they're similar to the humans here, and their very presence--

    NO! His Hierarchical Dogma Lock does its job-- though with a palpable, painful shock after the strain to his circuits-- and locks down that train of thought, derailing it completely. No. It is not. The Maker would not have put creatures inside Himself that would have been inherently poisonous to Him. Whatever the Void taint is, it is NOT from the Populat!

    And it turns out Shadowed Aesthetic is not the only one who is feeling as though they've taken a violent psychic beating, if the radio is any indication. The consensus seems to be to get out of here as soon as possible. This is something he will agree wholly with. He's in no shape to fight, and he probably took the least damage.

    And it's only now, after his aching mind can think again, that he remembers that he'd seen Woodsman in there. And he's somehow important to the Devouring Earth.

    Evangeline's question gets an answer. "Oh no, it had plenty to say. It turns out this entire world is angry with humans. It's the world itself, not some entity manipulating nature." He raises both hands to his temples, making circular massaging motions there. "Too much information and anger all at once."

Kyle Katarn (778) has posed:
    Something goes wrong.

    Kyle feels the swarms coming before he sees visions of a planet ruined by industry and polution. The man with antlers screaming seems to me some sort of nature mystic, the key to this swarm falling in and overtaking everything out there.

    Kyle feels his hand unclench, and he is about to rub his head in anguish before he realizes something.

    He sees Lowri falling.

    "-NOOOO!!"

    As fast as his jetpack will carry him, Kyle rockets his way towards his fallen friend, matching speed with her before he grabs onto her unconscious body with all his strength, then letting flight take him away from this place as far as possible...not for his sake, but for Lowri's.

    He could care less if he makes it back in one piece, so long as she's still alive.

Archer (821) has posed:
    Rin has no defense against this kind of thing. Nothing in human history has ever had the capacity to simply defy the /World itself/.

    So when Cortex's mind all but overloads from the shock, it is hardly any surprise when her own mind blacks out, dimly aware of a trickle of something leaking out of her nose, the feint, bitter taste of copper staining her taste-buds as the fluid passed down her lips.

    A moment latter, that same taste shoots up her throat and she coughs out a small gout of red, coughing and hacking as several vessels in her body rupture from the strain. "Ah... dammit... what was... I thinking? Trying to... support... that many..." her eyes start fluttering closed, her consciousness drifting in and out.

    She takes a raspy, wet breath as she tries to force air into her lungs past the layer of blood lining her esophagus, coughing up a mix of red fluid mixed with phlegm as she tries to clear her throat out.

    Of course... stilling her breathing is the least of her worries right now.

    .... what she had seen... what they had witnessed...

    Just what the hell were they facing here?

     ...

    Well... if nothing else... she was alive. That was something... right?

    That in mind, she was at this point too tired to care about just slumping against the nearest surface - in this case, Cortex - as she tried to catch her breath after having had so many images forced through her head. She managed to speak briefly with Shirou for a few more seconds, in order to reassure him she was alright - as always, he was thinking about everyone but himself... though she couldn't help but smile at how that part of him never changed. As a result, she couldn't help letting a touch of sentimentality slip out, though under the pretense of defending an ally; "Archer... you and Emiya-Kun... get everyone else back safe. I'm... going to sleep for a bit. Wake me... when we get back... and... don't cause a mess... while I'm out."

     Thus, as they pulled out of the forest, their attempt to reason with the Hive a failure but not entirely without result... Rin allowed herself to fall unconscious at last.

Archer (821) has posed:
    Futile.

    Futile.

    Of all the things that that they could try to face... it had to be the one thing that they could never hope to defeat. Not as they were now.

    Perhaps not ever if they did not find some way to stem the tide.

     ...

     Gaia. Mother Nature. The Primordial and many other names gifted unto it for ages since.

    The World itself... and it was their enemy.

    They were trying to fight the World itself.

    Impossible. It wasn't possible. Archer knew... he knew from experience that fighting the World - fighting the entity that represented the collective will of life on the planet - was a statistical impossibility.

     ... at least... not without rendering the planet itself lifeless.

     ...

     "This is never going to end."

    The words are out of his lips in a mournful resignation, compounding the suspicions he had been building on ever since the Portal HQ - it was not just some simple creature after this place... it was the world itself. It was wounded - tired and resentful of repeated catastrophe and calamity one right after the other... and all because mankind could not learn from it's mistakes.

     ...

     ...

     ... how absolutely... unsurprising.

    The very thought of it was both sickening and yet entirely expected by Archer. That humans had brought about their own grievances yet again...

     This wasn't a battle they could win. All they could do was stem the tide.

    And for a civilization that likely didn't deserve it.

     ...

     But... it was not all their fault. Humans were flawed - there was no changing that. If they left this world... that at the very least would be a stalemate... or at best a phyric victory.

    The best they could hope for under theses circumstances-

     !!!!!

     Pain.

    A disruption in the flow... the chains tied to the anchor rattled as the foundation was stricken by the shock-

    "Rin!"

    His musings forgotten for the moment, the Knight of the Bow rushed back to check on his master, wincing at seeing the blood dripping down the edge of her mouth and from one of her nostrils.

    And yet...

     In spite of that, the idiot girl had the nerve to smile of all things, before giving him the order to help ensure everyone got back safely.

    Not as if that wasn't what he would do already... but for her to force herself into speaking in that state....

     "Good grief... you really are a stubborn one, aren't you Master?"

    What else could he do but reply yes? It's not like she would have accepted any other answer.

    As such, offering to help Cortex back by letting the appointed 'hero' lean on his shoulder instead of draining his reserves flying or carrying Rin, Archer fell in step with the others... and kept a close eye on his Master's condition as they came near... and as he glances at Emiya Shirou - and, if not hesitantly, allows the boy to help carry Rin back so as to let Cortex rest should he wish to do so - he wonders just what the boy's response to what they saw was... and just how much of his vaunted ideals had survived the images.

    Though perhaps more then even that... he wondered just how the hell they were supposed to do anything that would affect this world's outcome at this point.

Emiya Shirou (560) has posed:
    The World, their enemy. The amber-eyed magus' whole spirit shudders in terror, shakes at the futility. With the psychics falling one after another he briefly bears a strain more than his feeble mind can take. Coughing out a spatter of blood and bile, Shirou blanks out and goes limp...

    Thankfully, it's for all of about five seconds.

    "Nnnn..nnngh..."

    Blink blink. OH CRAP HE'S FLING DOWNWARDS!

    Shirou quickly adjusts course... "Gotta get out of here..."

    He's just vaguely aware enough to make sense of Rin's words as he flies up alongside Cortex. She's okay. No, glancing around despite his mind screaming everything into a tiny corner of awareness, he can't see anyone who's fallen. They're all going home. Away from this place.

    "What about... the Woodsman...?" Where... where could he be?