http://multiversemush.com/mw/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Shachihoko&feedformat=atomMultiverse Crisis MUSH - User contributions [en]2024-03-28T17:11:04ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.26.2http://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=5322/Gamer_Grrls&diff=144225322/Gamer Grrls2017-06-19T04:28:30Z<p>Shachihoko: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2017/06/19 |Location=Tokyo-52605 <NXC> |Synopsis=Random encounter, with Laura wandering through and crossing paths with a certain otaku foxgirl. |C..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2017/06/19<br />
|Location=Tokyo-52605 <NXC><br />
|Synopsis=Random encounter, with Laura wandering through and crossing paths with a certain otaku foxgirl.<br />
|Cast of Characters=707, 1111<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>Akihabara, the holy city of otaku. Especially gaming otaku. Plenty of game centers (read: video arcades) dot the main drag of Akihabara Electric Town, each one advertising a different selection of cabinets to draw in customers; Xiaomu is just stepping away from one of those 'storefront' game cabinets as it is, a little chagrined about getting her tails handed to her by the computer, but in good humor regardless as a boy steps up in her place to test *his* skills next.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1111|Laura Kinney (1111)}} has posed:'''<br>Laura Kinney had never been to Japan before. Well, at least not of her own choosing, and with the ability to decide what to do. Right now, she's wandering down the sidewalk, fully immersed in the riot of color and sound and smells, occasionally slurping noodles from a styrofoam cup in one hand. Mmmmm. Spicy~ Her nostrils flare a bit, gaze flitting across the crowd before locking on Xiaomu. Even over the nearly tear-inducing aroma of the noodles, she could still smell something about the girl. And those ears don't look like the headbands some other teens were wearing. This girl might not be human. Not that she's in any place to judge, though.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>It's quite possible that Laura's sense of smell is sharper than Xiaomu's, but the scent of prepackaged ramen prompts the sage fox to glance around briefly. She *almost* scoffs at the styrofoam cup ...<br><br>Well, it's not like your average street cart ramen comes in a cup that's convenient to wander around with, right? It takes time, and it also takes money, and Xiaomu can relate to having limited supplies of both. Still, all that leather? Xiaomu can't *quite* keep the distaste off her face.<br><br>She waves to Laura anyway, grinning briefly. "Enjoying Akihabara?" she asks cheerily.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1111|Laura Kinney (1111)}} has posed:'''<br>Laura Kinney locks eyes as her attention seems to be noticed, pausing in her eating to return the appraising glance. No smile, though. That's not quite her. "Yes. The food is very good, and there are many interesting things for sale. I have not been here before." Not quite the truth, but it's hard to sightsee when you have 22 minutes to find your target, kill them, and exfiltrate. "People also do not stare at me." Well, not any more than any gaijin gets stared at.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>Xiaomu grins, actually turning further away from the games to focus her attention more fully on the foreign girl. "If you're looking for souvenirs, you can get some of the best stuff in the bazaar underneath the train station," she points in the appropriate direction. It's not visible from the main street, but if Laura knows where Akihabara station *is* then she should be able to find it easily enough. "Just gotta know what you're looking for, but if you know *that* you can find basically anything you want. As for the food, there's this great place around the corner a couple blocks north - follow the signs for Kanda Shrine," which are labeled in English as well as Japanese (tourists are a thing), "and look across the street from the steps to the shrine grounds. Much better than convenience-store noodles," she grins.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1111|Laura Kinney (1111)}} has posed:'''<br>Laura Kinney gives a one shouldered shrug. "I travel light. Food is good, but these are easy to carry. And spicy. One of the food carts would not make them spicy enough." She takes another mouthful, seemingly unfazed by the heat. "This is a good city for the outcasts of society, though."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>"Fair enough," the sage fox replies. "So, you sticking around Tokyo for long, or just passing through from one place to another?" she inquires with a casual air. It's not a 'practiced' air, either - it's genuine, not affected. Xiaomu knows full well about the Multiverse; she's just not sure if the leather-clad girl is a tourist indigenous to Earth-52605, or a Multiversal in transit who just happened to be here for supper.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1111|Laura Kinney (1111)}} has posed:'''<br>Laura Kinney gives another noncommittal shrug. "Probably just one evening. Travel is a lot easier when you do not have to worry about distances." Well, that probably answers the second question. Finally polishing off her noodles, she tosses the cup into a trash can, not breaking eye contact with the fox girl. "I was starting to get cabin fever where I was staying."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>"Ooh? Where are you staying for now?" Xiaomu wonders, her ears pricking up.<br><br>... yes, those are definitely animal ears, not a cosplay prop. Sure, there are electronically animated/reactive cosplay animal ear things, but not THAT realistic.<br><br>"If it's here in Akihabara," she continues, "I know a few people who might save you a bit of money overnight ..."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1111|Laura Kinney (1111)}} has posed:'''<br>Laura Kinney shakes her head. "I do not like staying in areas I do not have time to scout out. I parked my motorcycle a few blocks away, I will take it back to the warpgate afterwards." Well, that's that pretty much confirmed. In turn, Laura certainly doesn't move like you'd expect someone of her age and appearance to. She doesn't waste motion, and seems to always be observing the area around her, as if she's watching for something. "I have a house. WIth friends." That's probablhy the best way to explain the Watch.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>Xiaomu tilts her head to the side at that, opening her mouth -<br><br>Then she pauses.<br><br>"Fair enough," she says with a grin and a game shrug of her shoulders. "I hope you have fun with your friends, then ... just be careful what *kind* of fun, mmkay?"<br><br>She grins, inclining her head to Laura, then starts sauntering away. "In the meantime, enjoy your visit!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1111|Laura Kinney (1111)}} has posed:'''<br>"I am very careful. I do not make mistakes." Laura calls out after the retreating foxgirl. Huh. That was... a bit strange. She'll have to do sme research later. in the mean time... Maybe she'll go try the noodle place that Xiaomu mentioned. She /is/ still hungry, after all...<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=5297/Recovery&diff=143915297/Recovery2017-06-10T18:09:23Z<p>Shachihoko: After Yuna tried teaching the Warp Iris about friendship, Yuna's own friends have to dive into her mind to help her recover.</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2017/06/07<br />
|Location=Equestria <KE><br />
|Synopsis=A few days ago, Yuna put her life and sanity on the line to teach the Warp Iris about friendship and love. She knew it was going to be a costly attempt, whether it succeeded or not, and while it didn't kill her, it scrambled her memories and plunged her into a coma which may or may not be laced with nightmares.<br />
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Elner has been analyzing the options, and has enlisted Flamel Parsons' aid to lead a group of Yuna's friends into the depths of her fragmented psyche, to repair the damage and help bring her back.<br />
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What secrets will they uncover, and which of them will hold the key to bringing Yuna back to the waking world?<br />
|Cast of Characters=385, 1094, 325, 42, 680, 454, 136, 857, 7<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Externally, Yuna seems to be sleeping peacefully, albeit in pony form; the blonde-maned white unicorn is stretched out on a bed in Canterlot's hospital, just as Mortimer Balman and Staren would have seen her when she was admitted. The little robo-faerie construct known as Elner of Wisdom hovers above the head of Yuna's bed like either a good-luck charm or a guardian spirit, depending on how well you know what Elner does for Yuna.<br><br>Internally ...<br><br>Well. That *is* what Elner's gathered Yuna's friends to try and work on.<br><br>"She's shown no sign of regaining consciousness on her own since Loci Iris finished with her," Elner reports via radio as various people are on their way. "Between Nettle and presumably Princess Luna, her nightmares are being suppressed, but if we can't get her memories into some kind of workable order, I'm not sure how well Yuna will be able to function when she *does* wake up."<br><br>It wasn't a general broadcast, either - Elner was very specifically calling for Yuna's friends, people whom she knows, trusts, cares for, and cherishes. Flamel Parsons is present because of his Psychonautry skills - the necessary 'outside element' to lead the group into Yuna's shattered mental/spiritual landscape and coax its pieces back into order ... or at least, that's Elner's general understanding of what's involved.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1094|Flamel Parsons (1094)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Agent Parsons is sitting, eyes wide under the sunglasses. They glow brightly, with a shining, warm, white light, obscured by them in a startling reversal of what sunglasses ought to be doing. The young-looking man-in-black looks concerned. Probably has something to do with the tiny, inches-high door on Yuna's forehead, comically out of place in this situation, granting Parsons access to outer psychic layers while he busies himself with astral projection. "I've got good news and bad news." He declares, seeming distracted with his projections. "Good news is that this isn't what I was worrying about, it's not a progressive issue. There's equilibrium. Bad news, whatever's going on in there is stuck pretty hard! So it's not getting worse, but it sure isn't going to get better."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Unless we do something, anyway. Something's stuck in the wrong place. Think of it like a broken bone. We've gotta set it, secure it, and then it'll heal on its own properly! Quicker than a busted leg too." He gestures over to Elner. "I've opened a signal on the Psycho-Portal, so Elner can modulate our depth and make sure I don't touch anything I'm not supposed to in her brain. I'm only on the outskirts right now -- this place is already rebuilding, but it's still a mess. Take a seat and let me bring you in, and we'll get this started. Any questions until then, I'm here to answer!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's true, in fact. Anyone who settles down and readies themselves will feel a gentle tug on their mind, one that they can resist, but if they don't, Parsons will begin the collective astral projection process, an extensive effort to bring the team into Yuna's mind, a strange and unnerving feeling of detachment from the body...<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There was no chance that the Guildmaster of the Izzet would leave one of her close allies to fend for themselves after what she had witnessed. The scream, the things that Iris did, the things it left behind, Rhapsody could only imagine the impact that it had on her mind. While she wasn't a psyciatrist (sp?) at least there was a mutual ally that would be able to help her, and let others do the same. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With Flamel here, Rhapsody arriving, and other concerned allies present, the non-ponified Rhapsody is ready to take part in yet another mind-dive. She's been surprisingly quiet, her concern for Yuna apparent across her features. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Parsons begins to speak, he has the dragon's full attention. The good news and bad news is taken in stride, and then her gaze settles on Yuna again as she settles back into her chair, familiar with the process about to happen. "Ready, Agent Parsons."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br>EARLIER<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren beams down just outside the hospital. If asked by any staff, Staren explains that he's one of the heroes who fought Discord, here to help Yuna as part of a team of outsiders going into her mind and fighting off the psychic residue of another universe... He's probably either waved on or left educating a curious staffmember quite a bit. Either way, he lets them know about Parsons and goes to wait for him.<br><br>NOW<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Mmm. We're going to unstick it." Staren finds a place to get comfortable.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nagato's one of the people who got the message, the Battleship in a state of worry about her newest Flagship and best friend. After hearing what happened to her earlier, she's been prepping a small kit to bring, just in case. A small bag consisting of Yuna's blanket, a doll of Nagato and a couple other nicknacks for the woman. It doesn't take her that long to get to where she needs to go, the tall woman ducking a few doors and buildings to the hospital.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's quiet as Parsons explains a few things, the Admiral looking over her pony-fied friend's form. There's a twitch in her eyes, but now wasn't the time to do that... she could do that later once she, and the rest of the people present are around... and while Yuna was in such a poor state of mind. "I'm ready. She's risked so much for the Fleet, not being here to help her out of this would be one of my ultimate failings." she looks to Yuna again...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We're here, Yuna..."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mortimer is sitting over by the window, chair kicked back slightly- every time Nettle was here, Mort was there. Same chair against the window, where the smoke from his mane (a sign of irritation to those who know him) and occasionally pipe could drift out. The issues held within Yuna's mind are far beyond Mortimer's field of specialization- and he's leery of letting 'Agent' Parsons project a portal into her mind. He never did have a lot of trust for government creeps, far too many negative experiences. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Switchbait however is far more optimistic about this scenario and thus, is quite able to convince his master that it is ultimately a wise idea. To this, Mortimer responds that if Switch is so sure of it, /he/ can go in. He's the psi-ops expert here. As this is a far better idea than having Mort himself go inside, Switchbait is all too happy to handle the task, and flutters over near Flamel. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "&lt;Ah, jolly good then, Agent Parsons. Seems we shall have a full team of skilled individuals to aid us in this endeavour. The odds are ever more tilting in our favour.&gt;" Nettle floats out of Yuna's head the second she SEES that damn portal open up, having less than no desire to get caught in such Psychic-type trickeries. "&lt;Hmm. A bold plan, Switch dear~ I wish you all good luck within, as much as I adore dear Yuna her dreams are empty calories at best. I should lose my girlish figure to keep this up~&gt;" "&lt;For the best then Nettle, do be a dear and watch from outside?&gt;" "&lt;Of course~&gt;"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>Equestria has remained for the most part neutral in the current state of Multiverse affairs. But it still helped to make sure everypony was on the same page so there was no misunderstandings when people of several different worlds showed up claiming to want to help. Fortunately Yuna had real friends in high places, so to speak, to put things in order. Some Royal Guards had been stationed near the hospital, just as a precaution, and when not tending to her other nocturnal duties this Equestria's Luna had been helping watch over Yuna's mental state.<br><br>Of the six heroines of Equestria though Rarity was closest to Yuna, so the unicorn of genereous styles is the one to be present now, one forehoof lightly gripping Yuna's. "Hang in there dahling. Help shall be shortly on its way." However this is going to work out.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When the call went out, Eve's response was terse but of course affirmative. She'd been quiet about her feelings regarding Yuna's condition. Possibly, if she'd been permitted, she'd have visited before. Whether permitted to visit or not though, nothing could have kept her thoughts from being with the woman who had saved her.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When she shows up this time, what with the call to gather, she arrived in short order. She looks a bit untidy, and those who know her would know that to be quite unusual. Her eyes are also red. Well, that's nothing unusual. Her irises are always red, or at least a pink suggestive of albinism, but now the skin around her eyes is also red. Puffy too. There's no sign of tears when she arrives though. She's stoic, or at least tries to be, but she can't seem to bear to look at Yuna's still form when Flamel gives the bad news.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She looks at Flamel rather than Yuna, focussing on the immediate need. "I'll do whatever Yuna needs." she says in a fierce voice barely above a whisper, hands closing into helpless fists.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1094|Flamel Parsons (1094)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The connection latches onto several minds. It grasps their spirits and astral selves, spinning off a projection. The feeling is like having a hose untangle in the brain, and start spitting water. Each individual is tugged, firmly but gently, out of their own skulls. Some secondary aspect of their vision -- like they were operating AmuSpheres, perhaps -- begins to light up, taking over their sight, as the door on Yuna's head opens. It's a cliche spy agency door, with a dramatic eye on a disjointed pyramid, on the glass.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Alright. Ready everyone? Prepare your minds."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;https://puu.sh/wdRir/a644413ad3.mp3<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The situation inside actually doesn't look that bad. It seems like, recently, some sort of hurricane or something blew through, but people have been rebuilding the past few days. The port city of Kagurazaka's mind is a strange mix, but one that draws on much familiarity. A lightly urban japanese-styled place, certainly, but between the sprawl of residential buildings, a mix of Ponyville structures and naval infrastructure can be found, integrated seamlessly, bridging buildings in complicated and confusing, but not threatening, ways. It draws as much from Yuna's home town as it does from Ponyville and Hikari Sea Port... The inhabitants, too, are a mix of human and occasionally pony, to add to that feeling.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Up on the hill, though, as the shore moves further and further up, a large building can be found. Reminiscient of the high technology and fairytale aesthetics of Beacon Academy, Windbloom Kingdom's Garderobe, and some manner of holy empire, mixing effectively with the urban buildings, the titanic skyscraping structure is... Not unfriendly! It actually looks elegantly designed in a positive way. But, unfortunately... It's dark. All the lights are out, and there's a distinct feeling that that's not the way things ought to be.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Parsons is nearby, though he's stayed at the docks, where the others now find themselves arriving, by boat! "Hey! Welcome... To the human mind! I'm thinking our best bet may be heading towards that central thing. Any time the secretive seat of power that exerts its hidden agendas over the populace goes dark, just no progress at all gets made. I think something went missing in there. I've been scouting it out, we can approach from all kinds of angles using the buildings around it and the city's canals."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh hey, I'm on a boat," Rhapsody muses, matter-of-factly, as her consciousness manifests inside Yuna's mind. A friendly wave is sent toward Agent Parsons as she reaches port, taking in the sights and making note of the diversity within Yuna's mind. It brings a smile to her face, reminding her of Ravnica ever so slightly, but this wasn't her home, it was Yuna's. The tower is noticed as Flamel mentions it, a nod of agreement given to the man. "I'll trust your judgement on that. I'll start walking. If anyone else wants to try something different, go ahead. This place doesn't feel like the others we've dove into, so I don't think just walking up to the front door should be -too- bad..<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Switchbait flutters about a little. As he is a projection and not in his physical body, he can 'speak' normally, without all the Pokemon biology issues rubbing too hard against common sense. "Ah, fascinating technique, Agent Parsons. You simply /must/ show me how you do that, sometime. For now.. Yes, let us get to work. I believe it may behoove us to begin searching those regions of the memoryscape that we are most familiar with, as we are most likely to notice those things which are out of place and report back to the others. Similarly if we are rooting through those areas and see something definitively out of place we may be able to solve minor issues by ourselves and thereby increase overall efficiency."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>There... really isn't a way to accurately describe the way this 'entrance' feels. Luna had warned her that venturing into the landscape of the mind tended to not follow the nature of the waking world. But Rarity couldn't help but feel a mild but vivid sense of trepiditation upon their arrival. By boat. Which did kind of make sense, it was a common way for visitors to arrive in a new land.<br><br>There is a hint of amusement at seeing that some of Yuna's adopted home in Equestria has become a part here, but that is quickly put aside for more serious matters. Keep focused, Rarity. "Switchbait is right. Best we keep ourselves moving. The less time we linger here the better." And with that the unicorn, well, just starts walking into the dream-city, in the direction of some of the more prominately Ponyville decor.<br><br>Don't worry about directions or logical paths. Go where the heart leads you, or risk getting lost in the maze of ideas and memories. That had been Luna's other advice on the matter.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br>Kotone has come to help Yuna was a friend and it's clear she needed it soon she would feel Flamel's pull on her mind once more and she would end up being tugged awayby the foce of his powers. Shedoesn't seem too upset she's done it before and she took a mental deep breath soon they would come out in a place in Yuna's mind she takes a moment to look atound and get he rbearings in the Town. It seem to be very interesting in the way it's set up. Part of her wonders what her mind would be like? Part of her doesn't want to know but that's something for another day. <br><br>"all right I'nm ready I thing but man what is this?" <br><br> She'l find herself on a boat and she doesn't think too much about the nature of the place after all it's a world of thought and she has experiance with that. <br><br> "We should try to keep from going off on our own if we have to."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's strange, the trip into someone's mind, she wasn't logging into ALO, but into Yuna's mind. She's just glad she has some manner of protection with her, namely her Garlean Gunblade. Though, the fact she's now on a boat, and it's not /her/... is a bit unnerving, but she's done it once before to Yamakawa's world... "Mmm..." her eyes scanning the horizon as she takes in what's going on. There was peices of the place she was in... then there's some for Beacon and the ones that strike out to her... Hikari Sea Port.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The suggestions by Switchbait and Parson's... she gives a bit of a nod. "I'll head to the section that has Hikari Sea Port in it, I know the area like the back of my hand." and with that, she just starts walking towards it, regardless of who comes, with her hand on the hilt of her Gunblade, a just in case measure since she didn't have her rigging here. "Anyone want to follow me, do so."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The mindscape is an interesting mix. Staren wonders what his own looks like... Also, it seems like the first one full of friendly NPCs. He asks a random pony, "So are you a particular aspect of Yuna's mind, or what?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Flamel thinks their mission is to go to Not Quite Canterlot Castle over there. The... way Flamel puts it is odd, but he's an expert on minds, so. Staren heads over to meet up with Flamel. "Is there any reason not to just go in the front door?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1094|Flamel Parsons (1094)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;THE FRONT DOOR<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rhapsody goes for the front door. The heavy doors are imposing in a friendly way, the way a royal palace's would be, and every bit as secure. It looks like they opened a while ago, and never once since. A lot of people had to leave, and then a lot couldn't get back in. Some very bright and positive-looking inhabitants have stacked a variety of crates of unknown nature here, and explain to Rhapsody that almost everyone had to head out to help deliver an important peace tribute to the docks, but when a storm hit, they all got stranded outside! They're just waiting and seeing how to get Yuna back into the door.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eve takes in her surroundings, Yuna's mindscape, with a calculated thoroughness. A slow panning of her head, careful craning to take in all details, scanning it like a security camera. She spends no time lingering over anything in particular, and her overall scan is fairly quick. It only seems like an actual scan in the absolutely methodical way she does it, not in the haste in which it's done.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She sets her jaw, then nods. "If that's where the problem is, I should fly there." she states. Then she pauses, considers. "CAN I fly here?" she asks, glancing at Flamel. Can she do anything, for that matter? She peers at her hand, clenching a fist and ballooning it out into a boxing glove. Well, it seems she can. She might even still be able to fly, though the idea of going through parts of Yuna's mind people aren't meant to go strikes her as somewhat uncomfortable.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Besides if no one else can fly, Eve supposes there's little point in going entirely alone. She wants to help Yuna, but this is hardly her area of expertise. Perhaps it's best to do as the one pony suggests and stick to areas in Yuna's mind that she recognizes. That would be the more urban areas rather than the port or Ponyville, of course. "Perhaps I WILL fly." Eve notes. Even if no one else does, an aerial perspective while staying with other urbanites might be helpful. Perhaps she can even get some perspective on the nature of whatever damage struck the city.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1094|Flamel Parsons (1094)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No reason not to, Rhaps is planning on it I think!" Parsons replies to Staren in a friendly way, gesturing towards the building, letting him know he can get going.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1094|Flamel Parsons (1094)}} has posed:'''<br>PONY MEMORIES<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Switchbait gets a grin and a wink from Parsons. "Trade secret! Not really. Astral projection just needs a lot of practice once you get the hang of it! Most people can't do it without a Psycho-Portal though, and those need a licence." Switchbait has good advice though, and Rarity head out into more familiar zones, and find themself in neighborhoods of the city that have more of a pony inclination.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Around here, Rarity is known quite positively, and she's able to recruit workers, acquire materials, and generally amass a group of fellow ponies (albeit only mental) that can help her in whatever way she needs. Nothing too out of place here, aside from the hurricane results, though it looks like power's been knocked out. Supplies being used around here to rebuild and to provide emergency power seem to be... Stacks of crates, full of odd, almost sketchy (in the artistic sense) imagination figments, frequently related to ponyville and to Equestria in general.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's a huge organization problem, and lots of people have lost track of the more positive memories, according to even the most brief investigation or eavesdropping.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A thoughtful moment is taken, glancing at the doors, the crates, while a polite thank you is given the citizenry that inform her of what's been going on. When they mention a tribue, she decides to try and look into that a bit more, asking about what this tribute would be given to or why it had to be taken to the docks. The building is also given a long hard look as the guildmaster considers other ways to, perhaps, enter.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1094|Flamel Parsons (1094)}} has posed:'''<br>SEA PORT MEMORIES<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nagato is more familiar with sea things, and she won't have any issue understanding the situation. She, as well, seems to have no problem being recognized by the locals, who offer her help in whatever capacity she seems to need within reason. Over near the shore, ships have been run ashore badly, and salvage crews of mental images of Hikari Sea Port's inhabitants are hard at work on recovering their contents. It looks like they were out returning from shipping something important out of the core mind, when a huge storm hit! Their cargo has been scattered all over, which is unfortunate, since so much of it is necessary to re-open the central administrative building, still currently on lockdown from the storm.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Switchbait starts floating after Rarity, but pauses for a moment. "Ah.. There's an idea. Half a moment madam Rarity, I think I can further improve our efforts.." He puts a tiny hand to his head and begins to concentrate.. And then he begins 'spitting' webs of very tightly controlled psychic waves, so translucent that the only indication they're even there is the mild crackling of power. The strands of 'webbing' seem to act with a mind of their own, stretching and spreading out and 'sticking' to the various persons who have followed Parsons into Yuna's mind- but without 'feeling' sticky. It feels almost like a hand on the shoulder, and seem more ephemereal than 'physical' and thus, do not get stuck on other objects. "There we are. A telepathic network. /Much/ easier to establish in the realm of the mind, rather than in Realspace." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He begins speaking to /everyone/, with this. "There we are. Do forgive the suddenness, it simply occurred to me as we were all splitting off that it would be wise to have efficient means of communication despite thought-distances."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>VIEW FROM THE AIR<br><br>As Eve flutters her way into the sky, she'd probably notice a couple of things right off the bat. First, the air is *REALLY* clear - there's no pollution at all, where even the real Shiraokadai has some traces of it. Here, it's like she were flying over Ponyville, maybe even clearer. Which is a little odd, considering that the Japanese city is highly technological, complete with a working spaceport. Even the school whose campus she can see from her aerial vantage point looks shiny and futuristic ... although it'd look a lot more shiny, in all likelihood, if it didn't also look like a tornado or something touched down and wandered through campus. The phys-ed grounds are a shambles, the library's been blocked off by strewn crates, and the outer walls of the main building have been fairly neatly sheared away - not like it's going to collapse, but she can fly past the outside and see into the classrooms.<br><br>Not that there's much to see at a quick glance. Might be something to hear, though ...<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren flies over to land by Rhapsody. "I think the tribute is like... a symbolic representation of the attempt to teach the Warp Iris about peace."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He considers the door. "Well, we probably shouldn't blast it open..." He gets on the radio, &lt;"Flamel, you said you looked around already, did you see any open doors or windows in the castle?"&gt;<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1094|Flamel Parsons (1094)}} has posed:'''<br>INDIVIDUAL DIALOGUE<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm not really sure what you mean...?" The pony says, canting its head to one side confusedly. "I just work here." It seems like they're just mental images and the visualization of mental activity! "If you're looking for the people Yuna know, most of them are stuck in the admin building, or they're working on helping rebuild the city. Can't get the place running again unless they can get in and out though."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Parsons waves vaguely at Staren, a sort of dismissing gesture. "Mental images aren't that complex. They aren't one hundred percent self-aware themselves since it's just the host mind filling in an archetype, but they're also not... I dunno, they don't care about not being real? It just doesn't process. Don't worry about it!" Then he answers Staren's question. "Not a one, at least none that didn't get shut tight with some heavy storm damage prevention shutters. Hmmmm... Blasting it down might not work, this is HEAVY duty. And, also, it sort of represents Yuna's own mental defenses, I dunno if they'd... Want those hurt, you know?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mmm, this isn't good. Cargo that should have gone out is strewn across... there's people working on it though. "Okay, let's organize this mess. Attention crew, Admiral on base." letting them know that she is there to take command of the situation. "Continue your work." she comments, making her way to one of the cargo boxes, looking to assist where she can. "Let's double time this, the faster we clean this mess up, the faster this base can work properly! You're in my subordinate's head, I'm sure you can work fast.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Upon hearing Switchbait's voice, she ponders... listening to this newfound radio. &lt;"I sense you. According to what's happened here, the Sea Port was shipping something from her 'core mind' when a storm hit. I'm... not a hundred percent certain what they mean but there's a bunch of cargo strewn across the ground and wrecked ships. What has everyone else found out?"&gt; she starts working harder on trying to gather what she can, without rigging is good, she's a bit faster to get this done... being able to fly would make this process easier but for now, she's running back and forth, helping the salvage crews.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You're probably right, but they mentioned something about the docks too, so I'm wondering if we should head down there," Rhapsody muses aloud with the intent of having Staren hear it. Hearing the transmission from Nagato, Rhapsody transmits back: &lt;What I got is that everyone was helping deliver an important piece of the 'tribute' but when the 'storm' hit everyone got stuck outside the tower. I'm going to head your way unless you have an idea for what I can do over this way.&gt;<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br>Kotone Yamakawa is going to be making for the habour like reigons he has experiance with the fleet she know is and there might be something accountable to heer there as she makes for the porr she arrives a bit after Nagato, or is that before? IT's a world of mind. She looks at one od the ships nad she sees the salvagte crews working. She picks up speed to head to those doing the alvage work to ask questions namely what's the cargo and what happened.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eve's not good at dealing with people, so taking to the air seems like a great idea. While she's more or less headed towards the castle, the girl meanders somewhat to get a good overview. She can be at the castle at any time really, so there's no reason to rush there. When she spots the devastation at the school, she figures it's probably a good idea to check it out. Signs of damage, after all, are probably key to figuring out what the Iris did to Yuna.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"There's a lot of damage at the school." Eve notes to the weird psychic communication channel. It's a weird experience, but Eve's pretty easygoing about weirdness. Mostly because she often lacks the experience to distinguish between everyday weirdness and the other kind.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On a whim, reasoned though it may be, Eve sets down in the courtyard of the school, close to the damaged walls and some of the strewn crates. She twitches at realizing some of the damage is to a library, but resists the desire to check that out specifically. Still, if putting the crates back in order frees the library... "Say. What would a library represent in here? If it's blocked up, would that be... Yuna's memories?" Eve wonders aloud.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1094|Flamel Parsons (1094)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Parsons gives his advice on the psi-net. "Well, libraries and schools can symbolize a lot of things. Learning, knowledge, and memories are pretty consistent among them. Give it a look over. If the storm hit anywhere especially hard, it's probably relevant! Aliens control the weather and usually if it hits anything really badly, it's important."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Okay, so, that was about 80% useful data.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Right then." Switchbait zips off past Rarity to begin digging across the odd melding of Equestria into other places. Looking for anything in particular that stands out. &lt;Damage to academia seems like it could symbolize some very important things, yes. Perhaps you might see if there's anything you can do to aid in the repairs? If Agent Parsons is correct we could get lucky and some light filing is all that's needed. Madam Rarity, do you see anything out of place? ...Besides the obvious, of course?&gt; For Switch's part, he's heading for where he thinks Yuna's Ponyville home should be, to see what sort of condition it's in and, if need be, do some tidying up.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;"Parsons, was it? Tell me this... what's the Core Mind and why are there ships trying to send things from it to here? And Rhapsody? I could use your help, there's a lot of salvaging that needs to be done here."&gt; the battleship ponders a bit more, &lt;"What could a replica of my port suggest then? I know she's been working for me for a long while..." she thinks a moment then taps her foot...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And with Kotone there, she gives a brief smile, "Kotone, double time, we should get this stuff sorted out and delivered, I know courier work isn't part of your job description but it is for the day..."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>AT THE SCHOOL<br><br>To be sure, there are a *LOT* of crates littering the front 'yard' of the library building. A lot of them have that 'important' sheen like the highly relevant crates that some of the others have found elsewhere.<br><br>But while Eve's on the ground, if she strains her ears, she can also pick out the sound of a little girl crying - from somewhere inside the main building. There isn't a whole lot of other noise or signs of life around the school grounds.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With Nagato's response received, the guildmaster turns to Staren, "There may be something here, but I'm not entirely sure. The doors seem pretty solid so, I don't think we should force our way in. I don't think there's a major threat or anything, we just have to, kinda, you know, organize things. I'm going to go give Nagato a hand," and that said, Rhapsody starts to make her way to the docks to help with the salvage ops.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br>Kotone Yamakawa grins for a moment to Nagato. "Actually I was a courier before i left my world. Did it to help pay my way through school. So sure I think I can do this." With Nagato asking the imporant questions she'll star to work with helping to sort otu things and she can carry them pretty well after all this is a world of thought and they are basically just data here. <br><br> "Humm I knew i should have tried to not sleep through pysch class..."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>For a few moments Rarity is just sort of.. standing there? One might mistake it for her enjoying the recognition. Really it's her trying to keep a grasp on the 'abstract' nature of the mindscape despite it's familiar tones. Eventually she shakes her head a few times, reminding herself to focus on what needs to be done, not how. Logic doesn't entirely apply here.<br><br>Organization, on the other hoof... Well she's not Twilight Sparkle but you don't run your own business without knowing a thing or two about getting things in order. And Rarity is very good at taking advantage of admirations, which she uses to try and get the workers into something a bit less disorganized. Get people on restoring power, on sorting through the dishevel of ideas and memories. Generally organize first, then work your way down into more specifics.<br><br>&lt;"I'm keeping an eye out,?"&gt; she replies to Switchbait and indirectly the others on the 'network', &lt;"But we're not going to find anything without getting some appropriate re-establishment of order here."&gt; Sigh. &lt;"This is a bigger mess than the last time I let Sweetie Belle help organize the storeroom. Likely the missing good memories are buried in all this debris of the psyche."&gt;<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren nods. He, also, has come to the conclusion that forcing their way in is bad. He follows Rhapsody, and decides to test whether 'salvage' will stack in his matter manipulator's inventory.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Supposedly the best way to help Yuna would be to fix the dark castle, but this seems important too. Plus it seems Eve's the one on the spot here, and it's something she seems in the best position to do something about. She nods to herself, looking about to decide what most needs fixing.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"There are crates everywhere." she says to the Psi-net. "Blocking the library. But the most damage is to the walls of the school building. I can see inside." she advises. Can see inside, to where learning is supposed to go on. That, metaphorically speaking, CAN'T be good.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eve muses on getting students to pick up crates and move them into position as temporary walls. But there's few signs of actual students in this school. Curious. The crying is curious too, though it tugs at Eve in a different way. She'd certainly help a little girl in distress, just as obviously as Yuna herself would.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Using wings where necessary but otherwise just walking and jumping like an ordinary girl, Eve starts tracking down the sound. Getting into the main building ought to be easy enough considering the wall damage, and the rest... well, she'll just follow the sounds of crying.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1094|Flamel Parsons (1094)}} has posed:'''<br>HIKARI PORT MEMORIES<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kotone and Nagato get to work! Tag-teaming the salvage effort and helping double-time the existing mental efforts, they begin recovering the cargo effectively. Within... Oddly, mental images of old Hikari Port memories. The crates seem to be rated in the positivity of the memories, which take the form of strange, sketchy mental images. Some are strewn about, others are boxed up tight, all of them still retaining just a little organization...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well," Parsons says, over the psinet. "It's probably her memories from when she tried to teach the infovore what friendship is. So if you're getting that right, it's mostly good memories related to friendship...?" Kotone manages to use her mechanical skill to breach a few particularly important craft, rescuing the sailors therein thankfully, and exposing the high-priority cargo.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Among it, a startlingly protective case, easy enough to open and salvage, but this one's notable. It's not as "doodled" as the others, instead it feels and looks very real. It's Yuna's Hikari Fleet uniform!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>SCHOOL MEMORIES<br><br>The sound of a little girl crying turns out to be coming, surprisingly enough, from a little girl. She's even smaller than Eve - maybe six years old, possibly older if she's short for her actual age, with blonde hair tied back into a ponytail that reaches to about the level of her shoulderblades. She's wearing a red dress that's probably seen better days, and is hugging her knees to her chest as she continues crying.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1094|Flamel Parsons (1094)}} has posed:'''<br>HIKARI PORT INNER ZONES<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rhapsody's path towards the docks leads them through more of the damaged city. When they get there, it should be simple enough to get to work. Their experience in dealing with catastrophically damaged places like the aftermath of Izzet experiments means they can deal with some of the boats blown clean into the city streets by the ferocious storm, and help scavenge from them. Many memories are useless, but some of them seem more real, and eventually... Much more real. It's secured in a quite protective weatherproof case, and for good reason. It's a cute little radio and music player! Well-worn and well-cared-for. Maybe the kind a young Yuna might have owned.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Salvage operations begin! There was no doubt of it, Rhapsody had experience dealing with such things. Between the explosive science of the Izzet and the aftermath of so many 'Incidents' within Ravnica, the 'storm' that came through here was a little bit easier to clean up. She didn't have the Izzet to help her, but she tries to call on the citizens of this mental city as she gets to work. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Some of the memories bring a smile as Rhapsody had never truly interacted with the Fleet, and very little with ponyville. What she is well aware of is Yuna's profession. When she spots the standout radio, she's quick to pick it up and take a good look at it. "Huh.." Then she transmits. &lt;I found a radio, has some other features.. but it looks kidna important..&gt;<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1094|Flamel Parsons (1094)}} has posed:'''<br>PONYVILLE MEMORIES<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Switchbait is pretty on-the-money there. Exploring around for Yuna's old Ponyville house finds it, after a lot of looking through rubble-strewn streets. There's already restoration works going on around it. It's hard to get access to it right now, due to some inopportune mudslides dislodged by the recent hurricane. That's where Rarity comes in! With her new organization tactics, the local workers are able to get to digging it out over the course of a long while, eventually giving Switchbait and Rarity herself access to the core of Yuna's Ponyville memories... And finding something odd among the materials kept there, not meant to be shipped out, but preserved in a similarly important way.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Among the debris, they can find more memories, one of the most important of which is a silver necklace with a single round-cut sapphire and a pair of matching earrings, kept in a battered but still airtight and resilient case. They just might be familiar to Rarity...<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well THIS is different. While not exactly a stranger to crying, Eve's not entirely sure what to do when confronted by a crying child. She has advice aplenty from books, but deciding just what books to apply to this particular situation is tricky. Too, this girl looks almost familiar. The long blonde hair in particular... well, part of Eve wants to say this must be Yuna herself as a child. But then, part of Eve simply can't imagine Yuna as anything but a self-possessed and unperturbable adult. No, surely this child is something else.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Even if the goal in Yuna's mind wasn't to set right what's broken, Eve wouldn't just ignore a bawling girl. She effortlessly folds her legs beneath her in the boneless way children sometimes do, bringing herself down to about the girl's level before her. "Are you lost?" Eve asks carefully. "Where are ... your parents?" she adds; a potentially thorny question that she falls back on only because it's so common in this sort of situation.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They don't stack. Darn. Staren isn't bothering to go /through/ boxes -- just sticking some in the matter manipulator, grabbing another box, then flying them all to the castle. He may have missed the point.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As Rarity has taken on the brunt of organization around the Mind's Eye Ponyville, Switchbait is probably the first to get access to Yuna's Equestrian home. &lt;I say, madam Rarity, I believe there is something of poignance here in Yuna's home in Ponyville. I am unsure of what to make of it offhand, though..&gt; He would begin describing the necklace to Rarity- probably only moments before she arrived behind him, no doubt. He would begin cleaning up the house itself while waiting for Rarity to both arrive and appraise the necklace, though. Like a good butler. &lt;Bloody mess in here.&gt;<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br>Kotone Yamakawa works pretty well with Nagato and she pauses as she works with her on sorting things. "You know I'm glad I met you Admiral." She girns as she kepes working with the meories bits tuill it gets working. She pause at PArons now unerstanding. "So thise would be ... good ot get bck to her." She dinds hte cargo and she'll call over others. <br><br> "Hey admiral I found ... Yuna's fleet uniform!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nagato's 'radio' buzzes and she stops, hearing Rhapsody's comment, &lt;"A radio?"&gt; she questions, blinking curiously, &lt;"Hold onto it and keep it safe... while it may not look important, it might be important."&gt; she comments, wandering over to where Kotone's rummaging through. She moves to help her with the wreckage, moving things around to get to the nice juicy cargo insides. Kotone's comment gives the Admiral a pause, a light nod, "Thank you but idle comments like that can wait until we're outside of Kagurazaka's mind."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though, the new call from Kotone catches her eye and she's strolling to where she is. "It's her Flagship uniform..." she mutters, moving to take it gently out of Kotone's hands, looking it over. She remembers that day on Hikari, as Tana, she gave gifts... and promoted Kagurazaka to a Flagship of the Special Division Project ships.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In her head, she goes through everything that Yuna's been through with her... from the initial conception... to the time in the docks... to the time Yuna was in the hospital... to the look on Yuna's face, the imagined look at least, when she promoted her. She clings tightly to the uniform, a few tears coming from her eyes.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yuna... I'm here... your friend is here. Come back to us in one peice please..." she whispers to the uniform... "Don't...let me lose you."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>The conversation between the other groups do help fill in some other possibly important details. If what Yuna did was focused on friendship, it would make relevance that the mess was similarly related. The 'storm' of trying to share with the infovore scattered the concepts she was trying to share with it. Logic might not always apply in the dream world, but deductive reasoning still has it's uses.<br><br>Having a general idea of what they're suppose to be looking to in relationship to what was attempted would hopefully help with the matter. Rarity doesn't get to the house quite as quickly as Switchbait, due to making sure the cleaning efforts stay organized. But once she is, she's almost immeadiately at the Butterfree's side after he mentions the necklace. "Yes, yes, let me see it dahling!" Magic glow claims the jewlery, holding it up for her to see. Just like the others were suggesting about friendship memories being important.<br><br>She makes a face at how dirty the necklace looks.... would cleaning it help? Would that represent repairing the memories? Worth a shot. Rarity produces a cloth and starts trying to polish the necklace. "Switchbait, there should be a pair of matching earrings." She pauses to squint at the necklace and see if her effort has any effect. "As you may of surmised, this is something I made for Yuna, long ago when we first met. Or the representation of."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>AT THE SCHOOL<br><br>"Lia ... Mai ... Erika ... where are you all ... ?" the little blonde girl sobs. Then Eve addresses her -<br><br>"KYAAAH?!"<br><br>A loud shriek of surprise and startlement accompanies the girl's sudden scramble to simultaneously put some distance between herself and the stranger, and reassert some fledgling semblance of dignity. Neither of those conflicting impulses really wins in the end; the girl winds up sprawled halfway under the next desk over, "Wueeeeeeeh," she whimpers, rubbing her head where she hit it on the way down, then sits up - well, kneels - facing Eve. "I don't know ... there was something big and scary and all my friends went away ... I can't find anyone ..."<br><br>She rubs her forearm across her face, sleeve wiping some of her tears away, and blinks at Eve with big green eyes. "Who are you, big sister? Do you know where all my friends went ... ?" She blinks a few more times, taking a deep breath and seeming to calm down just a little.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br>Kotone Yamakawa Says "right, I lost myself for a moment." She will be very careful with the uniform as she passes it off to Nagato trusting her far more than hersel to keep it safe. She recalls Yuna's reaction to getting flagship herself and that was a good day for Yuna she thinks. She looks around for a moment she makes no comment Yuna is a friend of her'sbut Nagato ius far closer to Yuna than she is she simply returns to her digging for memories to get back in order.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1094|Flamel Parsons (1094)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Huuuuuh... Maybe getting it /to/ Yuna might help?" Parsons talks over the psi-net to Rarity.<br><br>PONYVILLE MEMORIES<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The necklace, cleaned and gleaming, seems more and more real, somehow even more real than the rest of the mindscape around her. It's an INTENSE focus, like the rest of the world is a little out of focus.<br><br><br>HIKARI PORT MEMORIES<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The uniform has a similar sense of "reality" to it. Even as Nagato cries softly, it seems like the thing refuses to stain, and even in the musty, humid ship, it's suffered no decay. It has a supernatural positivity as an aspect of her core friendship memories.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Okay this is just weird. The girl who looks very much like Yuna must've. Sounds like her too, not necessarily in the actual pitch of voice but in certain phrases and in the language she seems to be speaking.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm Eve." she introduces herself, holding her hand out to the girl. Not to shake; the orientation's wrong for that. To take a wrist and give support, or possibly more. "I don't know where they went, but we can find them together." she assures the youngster, a measure of determination and quiet confidence in her voice.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"There's a lot of crates all over the place." Eve notes. "Your friends may be hiding from whatever happened. So why don't we look for people? If they aren't your friends, anyone we find can help pick things up, and the more people we find the easier it'll be to set everything back and find Lia, Mai and Erika." Eve offers.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Switchbait points off to the side while sweeping the floors and balancing a variety of objects, with his mind, so they can be put back into the proper places. "Over there, madam Rarity. I placed the earrings on the counter so that they would not get lost while I cleaned." PROJECTION! &lt;An excellent idea, Agent Parsons. I shall stay and continue cleaning up the house and assist with organizing the surrounding areas while madam Rarity brings the jewelry.&gt;<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1094|Flamel Parsons (1094)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With the salvage efforts elsewhere boosted to great heights, with Staren hard at work, and with Parsons himself going around and finding things himself, a strong effort's been made to resupply the mind's core with materials. The power flickers and sputters on and off. The main door hums, suddenly receiving power briefly, before it shuts down. If they could get Yuna there to unlock it she miiiight be able to undo the lockdown from there. Staren's invited to come help with the memory assemblies, which are hard to define and describe; complicated mechanical apparatuses all throughout the area act as power substations and require the assembly of strange artifacts of memory in increasingly convoluted arrangements to be able to supply small amounts of emergency power to the structure, enough that someone with more psychic presence might be able to take advantage of them.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Parsons has no idea how to solve this puzzle and just lugs boxes around with his telekinesis to help out Staren, really.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The suggestion is given and Nagato takes the tears from her eyes and clings to the uniform tightly, &lt;"Understood. Rhapsody, let's get this going. Gather that radio and whatever seems important and head to the giant tower, Kotone and I will be on the way."&gt; she shakes her head to compose herself and she turns to Kotone. "Come. Finding this uniform is probably the best thing that's happened here. Good work." she looks at the rest of the salvage operation...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Double time, once we get this back... I'm sure the area will quickly turn back to the port we know and love. Good work, crew, do your best for your Admiral and Yuna, we thank you." she salutes the Mind Crew, a pep talk and a good message from the Admiral should bolster morale and let them work even harder as she sets out into a running march towards the tower!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Fasinating, isn't it? I mean... whose mind, exactly, is coming up with these puzzles?" Staren wonders. "Is Yuna designing this unconsciously? Is it pulling it from /my/ mind to make something that sort of makes sense? Is Yuna making the concept of a puzzle, and the Multiverse is just... making it happen? Is it a facet of <span class="underline fg_n bg_n ++ u">your</span> psionic powers, Flamel?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren looks at the puzzle he's working on. "Fascinating. One day, when I finally understand how this conceptual stuff works, I'll be able to see if my recordings of this event line up..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1094|Flamel Parsons (1094)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Parsons explains as he wanders by. "Oh, I translate complicated neurological problems into things that look like 'puzzles' because neurochemical adjustment is really complicated! When you solve that, it's actually just using your brain's cognitive ability to find ways of equalizing totally unbalanced neurochemistry induced by severe psychological traumas! You see and remember it as a puzzle."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The More You Know, Staren.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Without any real idea what to do with the radio, Rhapsody tucks the device away in her jacket and sets back on getting more of the salvage taken care of. &lt;&lt;Anyone find anything else out there?&gt;&gt;<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>AT THE SCHOOL<br><br>The little girl who seems to be a younger version of Yuna (and will be referred to as Child!Yuna for simplicity's sake) gives Eve a wary look, but slips her hand into Eve's offered hand. "Okay ..." She gets to her feet with a little help, looking Eve over, and smiling. "You're really pretty, big sis! But how are we going to find the others? The city's so big, and it's only ever gotten bigger ..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br>Kotone Yamakawa Says "Right." She doesn't argue as she stops digging for items she knows it's time to go and she will haul it there makes no pretnes are humanity as she will run with eveyrthing she can do she does wait for Nagato to finish the pep talk to the locals she'll keep pace though not out pacing Nagato as they go.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>"Switchbait you are positively the best butler evah~" Rarity collects the earrings, bundling them up with the necklace in the clotch to keep them together and tidy. Though at this point the polished necklace/memory is almost shining through it. "&lt;A sound notion. Perchance if we resort the strongest of her memories, it will help draw the rest of her psyche back together.&gt;" With the restored memory safely secured Rarity departs the house and makes haste towards the tower to meet up with the others.<br><br>While on her way Rarity reflects to herself on what the necklace really was. Not only one of the first things she crafted for Yuna, but it was specifically for that first Grand Galloping Gala. That while normally a highly reserved event, the Queens had opened invitation to the new friends and allies of the Mane Six as a gesture of acceptance and comradery to the Multiverse. It had been the first big Equestrian event for their off-world friends.<br><br>Even if it hadn't lived up to the silly expectations the girls had put onto the event. That wacky hijinks had been exactly what Celestia had HOPED for it to make things more interesting. It had still been The Best Night Ever as far as being with their friends old and new, and that was what the memory likely represented. How Friendship can make even the most unexpected and unpredictable of events worthwhile, and entertaining.<br><br>... And dang it now I'm going to be humming Pinkie Pie's Pony Pokey song for the rest of the night.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Fascinating. Like that computer program that uses gamers to figure out the structure of proteins." Staren comments.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eve has no trouble getting to her feet even while helping the little'Yuna. She smiles down at the golden one, pleased at being called pretty even if she doesn't say anything. There's not any really good answer to that, not as far as she knows. Yuna's very pretty too, but Eve saying so right now would seem a bit weird.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eve considers the girl's question carefully. "Well, if you don't know where they've gone, we'll just have to search." she says. "And if the city's large, well..." she considers, looking down. There's no way she could sustain flight with Yuna normally, but a child? MAYBE it's within her limits. Besides, this is a mind rather than the real world. "Would you like to try flying with me?" Eve asks the child. "We can cover a lot more that way."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To the psi-net, Eve broadcasts &lt;"I've found a child in this mindscape. I think it's Yuna. Has anyone found any other children? And should I bring her to anywhere in particular?"&gt;<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;&lt;Oh, really? I think we should meet back at the tower. Easy to spot and I think some of the folks here are waiting for her. If any of us have found anything we could hand those items over too.&gt;&gt; Rhapsody transmits.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I do what I can, madam." Switchbait simply responds as Rarity rushes off to do her part. Now that there are no more distractions, he can begin working far more efficiently- other people have a terrible habit of inadvertently getting in the way. No marks on them for that of course, but even the Master sometimes does and this impedes his true cleaning power. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once the house is back in order, Switchbait flutters out to the streets. The disarray is offensive, even with all the work Rarity has done. "A servant's work is never done.." Tiny arms flex, eyes begin to glow and crackle with power. Rubble, crates, and other disorganized articles begin floating en masse. Flying to places where they belong, or if he is unsure of where they go, being directed to where they need to go with the aid of the 'NPCs' as Staren seems to think of them. Whole teams of dream-people are freed up to work on other aspects of their reconstruction and cleaning while Switchbait stands in the middle of a whirlwind of memories. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "A place for everything." His voice echoes across the psi-network. "And everything in its place."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>AT THE SCHOOL<br><br>"Sure!" Child!Yuna nods, beaming. She's not that heavy at all - probably even lighter in the mindscape than she would have been in the waking world.<br><br>SOON AFTERWARDS, AT AN UNCERTAIN DISTANCE ...<br><br>When Eve arrives and sets child!Yuna down, the little blonde girl just hangs onto Eve's hand for a couple of moments, looking at the others who are there. "Are these my friends?" the little blonde girl asks uncertainly. "But ..." Her gaze settles on Nagato. "Can I try those clothes on for a moment, Auntie?"<br><br>Assuming Nagato doesn't get emotionally taiha'd by being called 'auntie,' and in spite of the fact that the uniform is sized for a teenager or slightly older, the 'child' does pull on the blouse and skirt, the red dress simply vanishing underneath the other clothes - and by the time Yuna's done dressing, she looks bigger and older, like she were in her early teens. She seems ill at ease in it at first, running her hands over the cloth like she's not sure she should keep it on. "I ... fight?" she asks uncertainly. "But I sing -"<br><br>Her gaze shifts to Rhapsody, specifically on the jacket pocket, then settles on Rarity. "That's ... you're my friends? Not Lia and the others, but friends from other ... worlds ..."<br><br>She tries on the necklace next, and the awkwardness and discomfort seem to fall away. She's humming little snatches of music as though there's a song she's trying to remember ...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the group comes together, Rhapsody offers a bright smile to Yuna, "I would hope I'm allowed to call you friend. You've helped my home in significant ways. I can only hope helping you today repays that in some form.." She reaches into her coat, produces the radio, and offers it to the woman after she's put on her uniform. "I think this is yours.."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>The fancy necklace doesn't really go entirely with the military style uniform. But likely Rarity is the only one thinking of such things so there's no need to really bring it up. Minor detail, not important. Instead she gives Yuna a light hug, as Ponies are never shy about such things. "Different places, diffent worlds. It doesn't matter. True friends cross inconceivable distances to help one another."<br><br>Does venturing into the mind count as inconceivable distance? Close enough. It's fairly unusual, even to a magical land of talking technicolor equines.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gathered together, Nagato mmms a bit, more so when Eve arrives with Child!Yuna. The Admiral looks a bit towards this Child!Yuna and then Eve, "I think out of everything we found, yours... is probably the most important." she comments idly, looking up and down the kid in a studious gaze. She looked familiar but....<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When eyes meet, Nagato's gaze softens... Well, technically she /was/ the oldest one here but Auntie?! She shivers and at least gets moderately emotional damaged as she hands over the outfit. "You do, but for the best reasons. You fight for your friends, you fight for your family, you fight for what is right. You're an honorable woman... and one of my closest friends... and a really good singer, rivaling the base's Idol."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She steps back and turns around to try and repair the damage done to her emotions, turning back around with a small wad of paper stuck in her nose.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... It's tinted a slight red.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eve nods to Yuna, proud to be her friend. "You also help people." she replies, knowing the truth of it in her heart. "You make their lives better. Some you help by singing, and some by fighting." she says. "And sometimes... you get hurt helping others. But when you do, we're here to help you."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br>Kotone Yamakawa is going to follwo along after Nagato as she awill arrive wecond. Nagato has the uniformand sht estonger connection as she arrives. She waits and watch hopefully as nagato does her thing ith the rest of hte Gathering she sees young Tuna and smiles a little bit at her. <br><br> "I don't know you as well as I should but you have never crease to stick your neck out for anyone and I resprct that...Yuna."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;"Are they always children, in their own mindscapes? ...No, Ainsley wasn't..."&gt; Staren comments. "While I am not especially close to you, you have been a reliable ally of mine for many years..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>The music player is accepted, and the still-younger-than-normal Yuna untangles the earphones with the ease of considerable practice, setting them into her ears and playing a song, without really looking at which one comes up first ...<br><br>o/~&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I hear a voice calling to me,<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;telling me not to forget that I'm not alone ...<br><br>What were the odds that Yuna knew that song when she was in her early teens, or younger? Or the odds that it would be *this* song, seemingly at random? But no matter what the chances were, the song that she's listening to, and singing the chorus from, is also one of the most meaningful right here and right now.<br><br>o/~&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... All the people who can't be replaced are here,<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In a place where their hearts can shine ... stay in my heart o/~<br><br>Yuna opens her eyes again, now looking roughly the age she is in reality - late teens, arguably early adulthood. There's a slightly haunted look in her eyes as she glances around, most prominent when she looks at Staren. "I still don't remember," she admits, taking the earphones out again, "but ... I know who you all are. The friends I've made after I left my home world, the irreplaceable companions I've met along the way. You've given me strength so often, and here you are, coming to my rescue again ..." She smiles, blushing. "Thank you. Thank you all so much ..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Switchbait would totally be there if he wasn't busy cleaning. THERE IS STILL SO MUCH MESS, THIS IS INTOLERABLE. He's just kinda moving through zones at this point, committing himself to mass psychic work-fare while the rest are trying to stabilize Yuna<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1094|Flamel Parsons (1094)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mr. Parsons isn't among the group cheering Yuna on. He's just the Psychonaut. And a therapist is only as good as the friends they can help you learn to depend on. He cheers out when the group properly restores Yuna's mental archetype. "There! Yes! Good! Now she can get back in, now she can fix this!" With Staren's work complete, and the others having assembled the memories, Mr. Parsons flips one of the switches, letting Yuna authenticate herself for entry into her own powerful psychological defenses.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The others in her mind are all already assembling to get things started, to get the administrative structure opened, to get the lockdown lifted and to restore her mind to full, proper, working order. Things are recovered just that little bit more now, certainly, but the core of it -- the psychological "broken bone" -- is now set and ready to heal.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The group is gently given the chance to tug themselves out of the brain, another "hook" on their mind pulling slightly such that they can let go and return to their bodies. Once all this is done, the coastal trade city of Kagurazaka can begin its rebuilding. The administrative building lights back up, the city surges with life again, and the memories of old friends will roam under direction and bring back the buildings, the homes, and the streets. It'll become another bustling hub of connections with other minds, weathering a traumatic storm with resolve for its duty and through the help of its allies.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=5040/Hold_the_Line&diff=141355040/Hold the Line2017-01-23T04:44:22Z<p>Shachihoko: A bunch of youkai go after the Nintendo Switch preorder lines in Akihabara.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2017/01/22<br />
|Location=Tokyo-52605 <NXC><br />
|Synopsis=It's been a week since Nintendo held its big online (and RL) press conference with release details about their next game console, the Nintendo Switch. Now stores in Japan are finally taking preorders, and dedicated otaku have lined up overnight to ensure their places in line to place their preorders.<br />
<br />
Tokyo-52605 being what it is, though, an overnight gathering of otaku is unlikely to go unmolested, no matter how many of them can (or more importantly, can't) protect themselves. Good thing a certain sage fox will be around to call for backup, right?<br />
<br />
.... what, you thought Xiaomu's going to give up her place in line? Not that easily - although she will if she has to ... and then there'll be hell to pay for whatever forced the issue upon her.<br />
|Cast of Characters=707, 481, 898, 705, 8, 391<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>A little over a week ago, there was a big damn press conference hosted by Nintendo Co., Ltd., at which their next home* console, the Nintendo Switch, was formally unveiled to the world along with some of the company's plans.<br><br>Preorders *outside* Japan opened pretty much the very next day. Preorders *inside* Japan, however, were held off for a week ... and Xiaomu is one of many, MANY video game otaku who've been chafing at the bit for the intervening week; some of them have resorted to placing preorders overseas where feasible, while Xiaomu - taking advantage of her Multiversal contacts (read: Fayt Ravus) - has put in an inquiry about whether Fayt can get one for her if necessary.<br><br>Still. Ordering internationally (or across worlds) means waiting for shipping; Xiaomu would much rather go to the store, pay off the rest of her preorder, and carry her new Switch home on launch day. To that end, she needs to place her preorder in the first place - and here, now, she's in a fairly long line that literally formed overnight, the head of it being at the main door to the Akihabara gaming location of Sofmap.<br><br>The doors have not yet opened; however, Xiaomu's run down the charge in her 3DS *and* her PS Vita, and her smartphone is down to about 30% - close enough to plan on plugging it in to recharge as soon as she gets home. Many of the other otaku in line have been napping on their feet, or chatting, or conversing about what overseas politics will mean for the Switch and other game platforms over the months ahead.<br><br>None of them are paying any attention to a procession of youkai wending its way past the Kanda Myojin shrine a short distance away, and heading towards the main drag where Sofmap - and many other stores - are located. At least, Xiaomu isn't paying attention until a passing breeze bears a certain scent to her nose - that's the point when she looks up and around, vulpine ears pricking up.<br><br>She reaches for her phone, bringing up the actual 'make a phone call' screen and triggering a speed-dial code.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:481|Kirika (481)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nobody seems to give a damn about the foxy lady with a sword perching atop a rooftop. Not that they'd notice Kirika, she's awfully sneaky when she needs to be sometimes, being a fox. She's standing out in the cold, a thick winter cloak draped over her as she glances down at Sofmap, perking her eyebrow at the crowd gathered. "So many people wait for this sort of thing? So curious." she muses softly.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:898|Lumeria (898)}} has posed:'''<br>Lumeria's not exactly an otaku sure she plays video games but she's not the type to normally wait in line for them. Still, she needs to some to bribe a goddess for information with. The line was certainly long, being a female she's managed to talk a few people out of their places but she's still pretty far back. Sure, she could likely use her magic to move up but that might attract unwanted attention.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>Why is it always Akihabara?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It seems like the electronic city is a hotbed for happenings of the supernatural kind anymore. Maybe it's all the electronics stores. Maybe they've all been arranged in a great big pattern that somehow makes the district enticing towards all manner of beastly things. Or maybe it's just that there are a lot of people here who wouldn't object too badly with going along with a youkai or two. Heaven knows there's enough material on the subject in manga and anime these days.<br><br>But that's a digression.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A car passes by a busy intersection just moments before all the traffic lights in the district turn red. A lone man in a combat jacket somehow materializes behind the car as it drives by, standing right in the path of the advancing youkai. Reiji Arisu shoots the Hyakki Yagyo a glare, and unlimbers a...<br><br>...Megaphone?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Attention," Reiji speaks into the megaphone. "If you are here to reserve a new gaming console, please form an orderly line on the sidewalk leading up to the Sofmap. If you are here for the local attractions, please make your way to the cafe of your choice, but do not touch the maids. If you're here to cause trouble, turn away now or face the consequences."<br><br>Reiji Arisu is apparently doubling as Traffic Cop.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br>Deelel had taken up to playing User Games, sure they were fun and didn't mulch progeam like say the GAMES CLU ran though she wondered about the systems tht ran therm where there basics like here going about their lives while she played? That lead her to some very honestly? Scary relgious thought for her. She'd been in line near Xiaomu and she may end up having to give up her own place in line as something may be going on here. She lets out a unhappy noise, she wanted to get one of these things.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>Having heard about what was happening through StarkNet, Reina decided to come into the area to try to keep an eye on things just in case they got out of hand. She didn't have any weapons visible, but that could change at the drop of a hat. Not to mention her unarmed fighting skills and her TECHNICs worked wonders too. But for now, she was just keeping an eye on how things were for the time being, and she was hoping they didn't get out of hand. Although, her gut instinct was telling her something else was up...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>Fortunately, it's not exactly a Hyakki Yagyo in the strictest sense of the phrase. There aren't anywhere near a hundred youkai, and it's not so much 'night' as 'early morning,' so that's two kanji down out of the usual four.<br><br>Unfortunately, it's still a few dozen youkai sauntering down the street, ranging from kappa to bakeneko to oni. None of them look terribly well-nourished, most of them look various shades of irked, and as Reiji calls out his official spiel of directions and a cursory warning, a half-dozen kamaitachi erupt into motion too fast for the normal eye to follow. Three of them keep going straight for Reiji.<br><br>The other three hang a sharp right at the intersection, leading the youkai charge south.<br><br>It's about three blocks - long ones - from the intersection to the tail end of the line at Sofmap; there are lines outside a couple of other stores, like Gamers and Liberty and Yodobashi Camera, as well. Most of the youkai who continue into the intersection seem like they're inclined to join the rest of the southbound group - that is, if they make it into the intersection in the first place.<br><br>(There are exactly two catgirl-form bakeneko who duck *north*; both are in maid costumes, and they give sheepish-looking, apologetic bows to Reiji and any others as if to say, 'we're not with those troublemakers.)<br><br>And in the Sofmap line, Xiaomu just looks intensely annoyed as she peers northwards. "Can't promise much, Deelel, but I'll swing what I can. Got your credit card? That'll make it a little easier - and I swear not to use it for *my* benefit," she adds. It doesn't look like Xiaomu is going to get out of line to join the fray ... ?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:898|Lumeria (898)}} has posed:'''<br>Lumeria feels a twinge as the youkai get closer. This was a two-sided situation, a light mage was well equipped to deal with the Youkai but she's also quite vunerable to them as well. Still, if she didn't do something she might become too fatigued to stay in line. Not to mention she's likely a rather tempting meal for them.<br><br> It takes her a moment to think of a compromise, "If anyone takes my place in line, they're going to get a nasty rash in an uncomfortable place!" She glares at the others behind her as she says that and removes her book from its satchel. She keeps some distance from the Youkai as she steps out of line, letting them get within melee range of her wasn't a good idea.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:481|Kirika (481)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It doesn't take long for Kirika to get involved with the others via radio. Her surprise is definitely pretty great, but she otherwise takes Xiaomu's orders to head northward, swiftly taking off toward where it seems to be trouble is brewing, three blocks away from Sofmap.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She sprints and leaps from building to building, before she spies a few dozen thugs causing trouble. Leaping from the rooftop, Kirika teleports to ground level in a flash of petals and light, before she rematerializes, dropkicking one of the thugs swiftly out of nowhere.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You couldn't think of a more fittingly concise way for the fox to enter, really.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br>Deelel has a cash card ya it has a union special forces logo on it but shockingly it's still good the company that issued itsomehow /endured/ through this whole mess and she'll move to pass it to Xiaomu. "Do what you can and if not I'm crashing at your place to play!" <br><br> She makes a bit of a face at one of the few people who can legitly call her a kid. With that she's going to get going to try and help direct things she's not going to be moving to intercept the misbehaiving ones she notices the catgirls who seem to be ducking out of the way she'll accept htey are not looking for troubel meanwhile Deelel goes to end up being a distraction.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>There's something to be said about listening to a gut instinct, and that's why Reina listens to hers in this case. She spots the various youkai coming and she shakes her head. "It always seems that when things are at their worst, they can always get even more worse!" She sighs and shakes her head, before snapping her fingers on her right hand and causing her sword, with a blue energy beam for a balde, to materialize in her right hand. "Guess it's time for a little real life role-playing?" She says sarcastically, before looking to size up the situation and figure out which one to take on first.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>Of course, nothing can be so easy that just asking nicely will ever work.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Three Kamaitachi charge at the exorcist faster than the human eye can see. Reiji's lips tilt almost imperceptibly into a frown before he turns the megaphone so that its narrow end baps one Kamaitachi on the nose. Bernoulli's principle suddenly takes hold, causing that particular wind-weasel to experience a rapid and disruptive pressure drop while also actually widening out enough to slow the other two down. But, perhaps not enough for Reiji to avoid ending up with a thin, weeping wound across his face.<br><br>That's about when the remaining weasels get a flaming sword right to the snoots.<br><br>Specifically, a fire sword.<br><br>Reiji glances north towards those two Nekomata and frowns meaningfully as Karin burns through the Kamaitachis' airy essence. Just caught up in the crossfire, was it?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>For better or for worse, the youkai are NOT just all charging in a single mad rush. On the plus side, this cuts down on how many the defenders have to deal with at a time - but it also means the youkai who hold back have a chance to size up how the mortals' protectors are dealing with the first batch.<br><br>And speaking of the first batch, those three kamaitachi never stoof a chance against Reiji's speed, skill, and mastery of basic human physics. 'What has science wrought' just doesn't quite encompass it, y'know? That still leaves the OTHER three kamaitachi heading south, but if Kirika didn't drop in and kick one of them out of being a danger, they'll be easy enough prey for a well-timed spell from Lumeria. But that was just the vanguard of the first wave; there are a couple of nekomata heading south as well, three tengu airborne and headed for Reiji, and a pair of river kappa just looking to throw down with anyone they can get. One of them actually seems to have wrapped truck-suspension-grade springs around his arms and fastened cast-iron 'fists' to the end of each .... almost as if he's taking a page from one of the games announced alongside the Switch. What's up with *that*?<br><br>(Well, if a Chinese fox spirit can be a fanatical gamer ....)<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tengu, kamaitachi and kappa. What, did Ouma run out of Video Game money, or something? Did Saya's internet connection finally get cut? Reiji grimaces at the arrival of the airborne tengu, but replaces his trusty sword with his equally trusty firearms. Gold and Hollywood are fired into the air like a combination of flak cannon and CIWS as the exorcist strafes his way over towards the other members of today's throw-down team.<br><br>Or at least, to rendezvous with Xiaomu. That would probably be a good idea.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:481|Kirika (481)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;KIrika drops one of the thugs out of the fight. "Reiji," She greets the exorcist and fellow yokai fighter with a nod, before she draws her blade. "We should stop meeting this way." Her sword raises as she grips the weapon, blade glowing while she charges one of the thugs, specifically the Kappa with chain-fists as weapons.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She will first go for severing the springs, without harming the kappa himself, before she tries to go any further in subduing this hooligan.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br>Deelel has an idea as the trouble contiunesw to keep going, she sees the ones who left did indeed leave while more troublemakers keep comming. "You made me get out of line to handle this, I'm not happy and your not going to be happy glitches." She pulls omething out of her pocks and tosses them it seems to be some fort of grnade, the lucky thing is? It's just a flash one which could blind the whole horde. <br><br> "FIRE IN THE HOLE"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:898|Lumeria (898)}} has posed:'''<br>Lumeria's attention turns towards Reina as she says that, "Never say that, because then it happens." She's savvy enough to know that. Her attention turns the nekomata as she casts a light spell to drive the catwomen away. She figures it's not necessary to hurt them severely just enough to get them to run away. If they were smart kitties they would leave before any of the others go after them.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>"Too late for that now!" Reina comments as she takes aim at the nearest youkai. "We're gonna have to take them out!" She makes sure to aim away from the catgirls, being a cat lover herself. Instead, she aims for the more dangerous ones before firing.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>That certainly is a lot of firepower suddenly being turned loose against the youkai, isn't it? It's almost like a tower defense game all of a sudden.<br><br>First in the path of onrushing youkai is Reiji, running and gunning, strutting and cutting, and generally giving the first wave of youkai a really bad time of it.<br><br>Kirika is next, but rather than dispensing the kind of general damage that Reiji's displaying to thin the herd, the elseworldly vixen just disarms the kappa. Fortunately, the kappa's REAL arms weren't there to get cut - which might be why the spring-things were there, who knows? - but two good slashes sever the springs, and the vaguely turtley monster just runs for it, straight up 'nope.gif'-ing out.<br><br>Then, *GRENADE* courtesy of Deelel. Much of the pack which had managed to survive Reiji's onslaught without beign singled out by Kirika (read: everyone but that one kappa) eats flashbang, which takes a lot of oomph out of the general charge that was shaping up.<br><br>The non-hostile catgirls are far enough away that a decent pair of sunglasses would keep them safe from Lumeria's light spell. They aren't wearing sunglasses, though - the sun's barely up for crying out loud, you have to be standing on a street which points towards the sun to even SEE sunlight right now - and so they, along with the other catgirls and light-sensitive types of other youkai, are abruptly removed from the equation.<br><br>That doesn't leave very much left for Reina to shoot, but that doesn't mean there are *none* left. The Guardian from Gurhal has her pick of dangerous-looking youkai to open fire upon ... and even if none of them are actually killed, those she shoots at are, well ... discouraged.<br><br>Discouraged enough to turn off the street and run for safer parts of the city, at least.<br><br>Those youkai who hadn't joined the fray are also dispersing ... and instead of the roars of monsters or the screams of terrified innocents, the only noise which remains is loud cheering and applause from the lined-up gamers. The cheering barely subsides as the stores begin opening for business and their customers file in to place their preorders; if Deelel is fast about it, she can even reclaim her spot in line (and her debit card) rather than Xiaomu having to justify placing two separate preorders. If the good guys choose to linger, they might even be asked to sign autographs.<br><br>Hey, what better way to drum up hype for a not-yet-released game system than by staging a fake youkai attack in Akihabara? At least, that's what all the otaku are absolutely convinced it was - and nobody will ever be able to convince them otherwise.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Another day, another gaggle of youkai sent running for the hills. Reiji breathes a long, tired sigh as the last few break off and disperse back to whatever hole they might have crawled out of. That WAS some very strange behavior, though. Did some of them just want a brand new game console? Were the others just here for the chaos of it? But they all seemed pretty haggard and hungry. That's... Mildly disconcerting.<br><br>If they're here just to eat, then... Hmn.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Kirika," Reiji says to the former Unionite. "You know, you never did drop in for that tour. Though I suppose that vacation we talked about would be a bit difficult to arrange anymore, wouldn't it? Ah well." The exorcist is drawn out of his quick conversation by... The sound of cheers. Cheering nerds. He squints at their teeming, dakimakura-cuddling faces and shakes his head. Of course they all think this is some kind of publicity stunt. Why wouldn't they?<br><br>Well, it'd make the job easier down the road.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:481|Kirika (481)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirika doesn't seem to be too terribly disappointed by the Kappa's retreat. In all honesty, he made the right call running when the chips were down. THere's no dishonor in knowing when to fold, after all. She nods to Reiji again, sheathing her sword deftly before she tucks it in her belt. "Perhaps. I still have that card you sent me, whenever time permits, I've some matters in Kasun you and Xiaomu could be of great assistance to me." She says cooly, before her ear perks, her head turning to the sight of chanting fanboys and girls. She does allow a smile, however. "I've not forgotten my promise however, soon we'll have a chance to meet under more pleasant circumstances."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm still curious about the thieves themselves. I doubt they desired the devices for entertainment purposes. Perhaps..." She rubs her chin, like she were scratching invisible stubble as per the tradition of your average ronin. "Perhaps there is great worth in them on the resale market somewhere."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>"No, you'd be surprised about youkai and gaming consoles," Reiji admits with just a hint of fatigue in his voice. "I'm more concerned that they seemed to be more haggard than the usual fare. Maybe Ouma is trimming the fat and these guys were out a paycheck, or something." He shaks his head.<br><br>"Just let us know when you might need the assistance," he says, then. "We'll do as much as we are now able."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:898|Lumeria (898)}} has posed:'''<br>Of course Lumeria's not exactly the heroic type but she's not going to pass up the free attention. Besides she's even able to cut in line and is much closer to the front than she was before. If any of the others do compplain she'll just point out that she helped save the day.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br>Deelel looks s things seems to see tht hing have settled fown for a momeht she takes a deep breath as it seems to be down, she will end up having several people asking her to sign things for them. It seems some people recall her from being a Union Elite.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Reorientation_(Yuna_Kagurazaka)&diff=13944Reorientation (Yuna Kagurazaka)2016-12-14T06:04:49Z<p>Shachihoko: Yuna considers her options in the wake of the Multiverse reorganizing itself.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/12/11<br />
|Location=Hikari Sea Port<br />
|Synopsis=In the wake of the Multiverse reorganizing itself and the destruction of Njorun Station and the Citadel, Yuna considers her options now that both the Union and the Confederacy have essentially collapsed.<br />
|Cast of Characters=385<br />
}}<br />
"There's a message you need to hear, Yuna, before you go anywhere."<br />
<br />
Yuna blinks at Elner as she finishes getting dressed. "Eh? You mean while I was asleep?"<br />
<br />
The little robo-faerie bobs in the air, tilting forward just a bit: Elner's substitute for a nod. "You'll need your Scroll and earphones ... you do have both of those, right?"<br />
<br />
Yuna sticks her tongue out for the briefest of moments, then digs through the pockets of her uniform. The Scroll she's been using since she enrolled at Beacon is easy to find; her earphones, though, have gotten wadded into a smaller ball than usual, and it takes her a couple of moments to untangle them. She and Elner are still in Nagato's quarters - and the mental image of Nagato sleeping on the floor still has Yuna feeling like she owes something to the commanding battleship in return. But then Elner starts playing back the message ... or rather, the recorded conversation.<br />
<br />
Elner's voice: ''Yuna Kagurazaka is currently unavailable. Would you care to leave a message?''<br />
<br />
Another voice, unknown to Yuna, deep enough to probably be male: ''I believe so ... you are Elner of Wisdom, are you not?''<br />
<br />
The voice doesn't sound hostile, but the fact that the speaker knew Elner's name makes Yuna sit up straighter, looking at the robo-faerie. The recording continues, though.<br />
<br />
Elner: ''You are well-informed ... who are you, though?''<br />
<br />
The caller: ''I'll just say for now that we have several mutual acquaintances. I'm calling to offer Ms. Kagurazaka a new path forward, now that the Union is no more. I presume she intends to continue fighting as the Savior of Light?''<br />
<br />
Elner: ''... I will not speak for Yuna in this matter.''<br />
<br />
The caller: ''Mm. Fair enough. You know of the newly-organizing Commonwealth, though, and their 'Paladins'?''<br />
<br />
That word makes Yuna sit up straighter still.<br />
<br />
Elner: ''I've heard a few reports. I presume from your wording that you aren't with either group.''<br />
<br />
The caller, chuckling: ''True enough. And I doubt Ms. Kagurazaka would, either, their lofty name aside. The Commonwealth has made clear that their Paladins will have to abide by a number of limits and restrictions on their activity - much like the Union's enlisted rank structure. Ms. Kagurazaka fared rather poorly when she held rank, did she not?''<br />
<br />
Yuna shakes her head, "How could he --" But the recording continues.<br />
<br />
Elner: ''If you know that much, then you know what happened. Ultimately, she relinquished her enlisted position.''<br />
<br />
The caller: ''And the Paladins have no option for 'allies'. Commit fully, or remain apart; those are her options with the Paladins. But ... the Savior of Light is not merely a warrior, but also a symbol, is she not? We could use such a symbol on our side. You've also heard of the Watch, I presume.''<br />
<br />
Elner: ''So that's how you know this much ... You're inviting Yuna to join the Watch?''<br />
<br />
The caller: ''It would please many of us to count her among our numbers. Of course, she's rather visible - which might be a minor problem - but she has no need to fight alone.''<br />
<br />
Elner: ''I'll present the option to her. I make no promises; this is her decision alone.''<br />
<br />
The caller: ''Of course. Good day to you; may the Light shine over you.''<br />
<br />
The recording comes to an end, and Yuna slowly takes the earphones out of her ears, coiling them up again as she thinks it over. "So ... what's this 'Watch' he was talking about?"<br />
<br />
"You could consider it a 'conspiracy of light,'" Elner replies. "A secretive order, dedicated to protecting those they see as innocent or oppressed or endangered, against the excesses of those who wield power - political or otherwise. However, they're branded as terrorists by a number of governments, which would be a problem if you're publicly connected with them, and their operations often cause some collateral damage. It would give you greater freedom than the Paladins would, but ..."<br />
<br />
"'Collateral damage' ... they've let innocents die ... ?" Yuna lets out a breath, hugging her knees to her chest.<br />
<br />
"You don't have to join either of them, Yuna. But I don't believe you'll be able to keep fighting without a support network around you; you'll need to ally with somebody, sooner or later."<br />
<br />
Yuna nods slowly, chin resting on her knees. "What are the other options?"<br />
<br />
"I'm still gathering data. There have been rumors about the 'Concord,' but they seem like a bad fit for you. And there are hints of another organization coalescing, one which is more concerned with research than with its ethical conduct and applications."<br />
<br />
"Mmmm ..." Yuna groans quietly, then lets out a sigh. "So, you think the Watch is the best way for me to go?"<br />
<br />
"I don't know," Elner admits. "It seems like the best of the four options - you could simply remain in contact with the Syndicate, if all else fails. You would have friends there, but it seems like you would have friends in almost any of the new organizations. Of course," the robo-faerie adds, "even if you didn't to start with, I'm sure you would make new friends in short order."<br />
<br />
Yuna permits herself to smirk briefly at that. "Elner, tell me truthfully ... what's your take on the Paladins and the Watch?"<br />
<br />
"I think our contact was right in that the Paladins are a poor fit for you," replies Elner. "If they're as regimented as we're hearing, you would lose heart in short order, and -"<br />
<br />
"And everything Lia and Ryudia and the rest have done for me would be wasted?"<br />
<br />
"- that's a little more than I would have said," Elner admits. "Whereas the Watch ... could be bad PR. But the ability to act as you deem it necessary - Yuna, could you stand by as innocents were trampled, and remain bound by political or legal restrictions that were the only thing keeping you from assisting those in need?"<br />
<br />
"No way," Yuna replies, shaking her head vehemently. "You shouldn't even have to ask me that!"<br />
<br />
"In this case, I did; while it may be an unlikely scenario, the probability does exist. And for all that I know of your nature, I wanted to hear your response from your own lips." Elner flits around the room briefly, almost as if pacing. "If you had to choose between those two possibilities - to be bound by rules or orders against helping those in need, or to be tarred by association with those who risk harm to the very innocents you would protect ... Yuna, I'm not asking without a reason. This is the choice you have to make."<br />
<br />
Yuna hesitates, rubbing her face. There's a piece of her which almost wants to flop over, rest her head on the pillow, and go back to sleep again. "I'll keep doing what I've been doing: fighting to protect those who need me, as well as I can. If there are people out there who want to condemn me for protecting the innocent and the helpless, it doesn't matter whether I'm with the Watch or not - they'll still declare me their enemy. And I don't have to go out and call myself part of the Watch, right? I can keep that part hidden, and 'just happen' to show up alongside the Watch if they're operating openly as an organized group. And if I ''am'' on the Watch's side, I can do more to keep innocents from being in harm's way than I could if I were all on my own, if it were a real coincidence that we were in the same place."<br />
<br />
Elner bobs in another nod. "If you believe joining the Watch is compatible with who you are and how you fight, I'll arrange a more formal meeting."<br />
<br />
"The Savior of Light is more than just a symbol, right?" asks Yuna. "The mortal champion of the Queen of Light ... maybe my home sector is scattered now, or something, but - that doesn't mean my oath, such as it is, stopped binding me. As long as you're with me, as long as I have my powers ..." She slides off the bed, standing up straight. "I'm still supposed to be the Savior of Light, and to fight against the forces of Darkness which prey upon the innocent and helpless. If I get some bad PR because of it, I'll cope; if my allies start treating 'acceptable losses' like a thing, I'll push them to try harder to avoid it, or put myself in a position to protect them."<br />
<br />
"So your decision is made?" asks Elner, floating up to hover at Yuna's eye level.<br />
<br />
"Unless there's something major that I don't know yet ... yes."</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Restoration_of_the_Killing_Stone&diff=13828Restoration of the Killing Stone2016-11-27T13:59:08Z<p>Shachihoko: Fixing the "current" vs "finished" flag.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{TPPage<br />
|Summary=When the legendary fox spirit Tamamo-no-Mae was hunted down and killed on the orders of Emperor Konoe, it was said that her body was transformed into the Sessho-Seki, the "Life-Destroying Stone," which exuded a mist that killed any human who drew near. Eventually, the Killing Stone was destroyed, although legends differ as to who was responsible. Some sources say that a Buddhist monk interceded with Tamamo-no-Mae's ghost and persuaded her to move on; other tellings claim that a samurai was able to close in and shatter the stone. Either way, the Killing Stone was shattered and its curse was lifted ...<br />
<br />
But now, with new information as to the legend of Tamamo-no-Mae, the criminal syndicate Ouma has begun searching for the surviving pieces of the Killing Stone. Towards this end, Ouma has reached out to the Confederacy, seeking assistance in countering the likely interference of not only Shinra, but other members of the Union. Who will find the pieces of the Killing Stone - and what will Ouma do when they get their hands on it?<br />
|Scale=Minor<br />
|Plot_id=33<br />
|Runner=707<br />
|Contacts=Reiji Arisu<br />
|Theme=Namco X Capcom-1<br />
|Audience=Everyone<br />
|Genre=Supernatural scavenger hunt<br />
|Events=Last November, during an exhibition of Hokusai's work, there was a Confederate incursion at the Museum of National History in Tokyo-52605; during the clean-up, museum staff discovered that several pages of Hokusai's Otogizoshi - a collection of myths and folklore - had been stolen, specifically the pages retelling the legend of Tamamo-no-Mae. There were no leads towards finding the missing pages, though, and both Shinra and the museum's staff eventually turned their attention back to business as usual.<br />
<br />
Almost a year later, Ouma sent a message to the Confederacy, inviting representatives to meet with them. Those who answered the invitation (Adele Rozenbach's "gargoyle" Alexander, the hunter Kirikou and his twins Thunder and Fire, ninja Yari Takane, the Chaos Sorceror Ixqor "Alpharius" Nathrach, the Robot Master Metal Man, and a Wo-class Abyssal aircraft carrier) were conducted to the warehouse where Lord Sutoku, a great tengu, welcomed them and exchanged questions and answers.<br />
<br />
Ouma's initial plan for the reconstructed Killing Stone was to wipe out Tokyo; however, between Wo, Yari, and a local nekomata, Sutoku was persuaded that a more limited display of the Stone's destructive power would be in order. A formal proposal was written up, to be conveyed to Confederate high command by Yari, and Ouma began preparing to secure the first section of the Killing Stone - somewhere in Nasu, where the Stone originally marked the place of Tamamo-no-Mae's death.<br />
<br />
It just so happened that at the same time as Ouma and their Confederate allies moved to procure the first piece, Shinra agents Reiji Arisu and Xiaomu were taking hard-earned time off for a hot-spring vacation, a trip which coincided with a few of their Union friends and allies. Xiaomu was particularly fond of the inn they were going to - it was located on a strong natural ley line, which empowered the spring with extra supernatural energy and made it an excellent place for youkai (and humans) to recuperate from injury or illness. Unfortunately, that ley line had become tainted by the negative power of the Killing Stone fragment, forcing the Union group to trace their way up the ley line ... and by the time they got there, the first fragment was already gone, taken by the Confederate group. It was enough to put Shinra on alert, though, particularly given increased youkai activity elsewhere.<br />
<br />
One of those locations was Aokigahara, the "forest of death" infamous for the number of suicides committed there, and widely reputed to be heavily haunted as well. Shinra and Ouma both called for support at about the same time, leading to a throwdown in the forest between Union and Confederate Elites; the Union came out with the upper hand, and Shinra laid claim to the fragment which had come to rest in a dangerously-cold ice cave. Another fragment was located off the coast of Wakayama; the legendary youkai Nurarihyon had staked out a mansion near the shore, located on a ley line which would help locate the fragment itself, and Nurarihyon's "hospitality" meant that the Confederacy had a considerable head start - plus, Shinra wanted to evict the home-stealing youkai on general principle, so that the house's mortal owners could get back to life as usual. Between Shinra's focus on Nurarihyon and Ouma's Confederate allies knowing just where to find the fragment, it wound up in Ouma's hands.<br />
<br />
That left one piece hidden somewhere in (or under) Tokyo, but Lord Sutoku decided to launch a massive youkai uprising, ostensibly led by Ouma's forces. Fortunately for Shinra, the same tanuki who had stolen the Otogizoshi pages saw fit to steal them back from Ouma and hand them back to Xiaomu, providing a badly-needed clue on exactly where to search. While Ouma's youkai paraded through the streets of Tokyo and were confronted by Mel, Hravn, and Vivio, Xiaomu led Reiji and Reina through the sewers to Ginza ward, only to be intercepted by Metal Man and a force of robotic drone-soldiers. In the end, Ouma's "victory" turned into a resounding defeat, and despite injuries all around, Shinra's agents and allies collected two more fragments: the one beneath Ginza, and one that Ouma had chosen to carry through the streets in a portable festival shrine.<br />
<br />
The last piece wound up in Confederate hands, stolen away by Yari Takane as a bargaining chip: a means to ensure that the Confederacy could still gain some benefit from the chain of events. Yari and a couple of her allies found a small cave in the northeast of Tokyo (technically in the suburbs, just outside the city line), and the search led Xiaomu, Reiji, and their allies into an almost-trap. It was meant to get attention rather than kill or injure the Union Elites, and negotiations ensued. Ultimately, the final piece was returned to Shinra in exchange for a promise of amnesty for Ouma's rank-and-file members, and arrangements for a Confederate embassy in Tokyo-52605.<br />
|Info=According to the tengu Lord Sutoku (based upon Hokusai's research compiled into the ''Otogizoshi''), the pieces of the Killing Stone came to rest in four regions.<br />
<br />
The first of those was Nasu, in Tochigi Prefecture, a region known for its natural hot springs. While the original site of the Sessho-Seki is purportedly marked by a monument, this may not correspond with the truth of the lost legend; Ouma supposedly has more detailed information.<br />
<br />
The second location was Aokigahara, a dense forest at the foot of Mt. Fuji, also known in modern times as the "forest of death" for the many suicides which are committed there.<br />
<br />
The third location was the least specific: Wakayama Prefecture, on the southern peninsula of Honshu (the main island of the Japanese archipelago).<br />
<br />
The fourth and final location - not known directly to Hokusai or Sutoku, but deduced by Xiaomu after the pages' recovery - was in the Ginza district of Tokyo, near the spot where the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 sparked the biggest and most destructive fire.<br />
|State=Finished<br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Restoration_of_the_Killing_Stone&diff=13827Restoration of the Killing Stone2016-11-27T13:56:38Z<p>Shachihoko: Updating after the end of the TP</p>
<hr />
<div>{{TPPage<br />
|Summary=When the legendary fox spirit Tamamo-no-Mae was hunted down and killed on the orders of Emperor Konoe, it was said that her body was transformed into the Sessho-Seki, the "Life-Destroying Stone," which exuded a mist that killed any human who drew near. Eventually, the Killing Stone was destroyed, although legends differ as to who was responsible. Some sources say that a Buddhist monk interceded with Tamamo-no-Mae's ghost and persuaded her to move on; other tellings claim that a samurai was able to close in and shatter the stone. Either way, the Killing Stone was shattered and its curse was lifted ...<br />
<br />
But now, with new information as to the legend of Tamamo-no-Mae, the criminal syndicate Ouma has begun searching for the surviving pieces of the Killing Stone. Towards this end, Ouma has reached out to the Confederacy, seeking assistance in countering the likely interference of not only Shinra, but other members of the Union. Who will find the pieces of the Killing Stone - and what will Ouma do when they get their hands on it?<br />
|Scale=Minor<br />
|Plot_id=33<br />
|Runner=707<br />
|Contacts=Reiji Arisu<br />
|Theme=Namco X Capcom-1<br />
|Audience=Everyone<br />
|Genre=Supernatural scavenger hunt<br />
|Events=Last November, during an exhibition of Hokusai's work, there was a Confederate incursion at the Museum of National History in Tokyo-52605; during the clean-up, museum staff discovered that several pages of Hokusai's Otogizoshi - a collection of myths and folklore - had been stolen, specifically the pages retelling the legend of Tamamo-no-Mae. There were no leads towards finding the missing pages, though, and both Shinra and the museum's staff eventually turned their attention back to business as usual.<br />
<br />
Almost a year later, Ouma sent a message to the Confederacy, inviting representatives to meet with them. Those who answered the invitation (Adele Rozenbach's "gargoyle" Alexander, the hunter Kirikou and his twins Thunder and Fire, ninja Yari Takane, the Chaos Sorceror Ixqor "Alpharius" Nathrach, the Robot Master Metal Man, and a Wo-class Abyssal aircraft carrier) were conducted to the warehouse where Lord Sutoku, a great tengu, welcomed them and exchanged questions and answers.<br />
<br />
Ouma's initial plan for the reconstructed Killing Stone was to wipe out Tokyo; however, between Wo, Yari, and a local nekomata, Sutoku was persuaded that a more limited display of the Stone's destructive power would be in order. A formal proposal was written up, to be conveyed to Confederate high command by Yari, and Ouma began preparing to secure the first section of the Killing Stone - somewhere in Nasu, where the Stone originally marked the place of Tamamo-no-Mae's death.<br />
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It just so happened that at the same time as Ouma and their Confederate allies moved to procure the first piece, Shinra agents Reiji Arisu and Xiaomu were taking hard-earned time off for a hot-spring vacation, a trip which coincided with a few of their Union friends and allies. Xiaomu was particularly fond of the inn they were going to - it was located on a strong natural ley line, which empowered the spring with extra supernatural energy and made it an excellent place for youkai (and humans) to recuperate from injury or illness. Unfortunately, that ley line had become tainted by the negative power of the Killing Stone fragment, forcing the Union group to trace their way up the ley line ... and by the time they got there, the first fragment was already gone, taken by the Confederate group. It was enough to put Shinra on alert, though, particularly given increased youkai activity elsewhere.<br />
<br />
One of those locations was Aokigahara, the "forest of death" infamous for the number of suicides committed there, and widely reputed to be heavily haunted as well. Shinra and Ouma both called for support at about the same time, leading to a throwdown in the forest between Union and Confederate Elites; the Union came out with the upper hand, and Shinra laid claim to the fragment which had come to rest in a dangerously-cold ice cave. Another fragment was located off the coast of Wakayama; the legendary youkai Nurarihyon had staked out a mansion near the shore, located on a ley line which would help locate the fragment itself, and Nurarihyon's "hospitality" meant that the Confederacy had a considerable head start - plus, Shinra wanted to evict the home-stealing youkai on general principle, so that the house's mortal owners could get back to life as usual. Between Shinra's focus on Nurarihyon and Ouma's Confederate allies knowing just where to find the fragment, it wound up in Ouma's hands.<br />
<br />
That left one piece hidden somewhere in (or under) Tokyo, but Lord Sutoku decided to launch a massive youkai uprising, ostensibly led by Ouma's forces. Fortunately for Shinra, the same tanuki who had stolen the Otogizoshi pages saw fit to steal them back from Ouma and hand them back to Xiaomu, providing a badly-needed clue on exactly where to search. While Ouma's youkai paraded through the streets of Tokyo and were confronted by Mel, Hravn, and Vivio, Xiaomu led Reiji and Reina through the sewers to Ginza ward, only to be intercepted by Metal Man and a force of robotic drone-soldiers. In the end, Ouma's "victory" turned into a resounding defeat, and despite injuries all around, Shinra's agents and allies collected two more fragments: the one beneath Ginza, and one that Ouma had chosen to carry through the streets in a portable festival shrine.<br />
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The last piece wound up in Confederate hands, stolen away by Yari Takane as a bargaining chip: a means to ensure that the Confederacy could still gain some benefit from the chain of events. Yari and a couple of her allies found a small cave in the northeast of Tokyo (technically in the suburbs, just outside the city line), and the search led Xiaomu, Reiji, and their allies into an almost-trap. It was meant to get attention rather than kill or injure the Union Elites, and negotiations ensued. Ultimately, the final piece was returned to Shinra in exchange for a promise of amnesty for Ouma's rank-and-file members, and arrangements for a Confederate embassy in Tokyo-52605.<br />
|Info=According to the tengu Lord Sutoku (based upon Hokusai's research compiled into the ''Otogizoshi''), the pieces of the Killing Stone came to rest in four regions.<br />
<br />
The first of those was Nasu, in Tochigi Prefecture, a region known for its natural hot springs. While the original site of the Sessho-Seki is purportedly marked by a monument, this may not correspond with the truth of the lost legend; Ouma supposedly has more detailed information.<br />
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The second location was Aokigahara, a dense forest at the foot of Mt. Fuji, also known in modern times as the "forest of death" for the many suicides which are committed there.<br />
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The third location was the least specific: Wakayama Prefecture, on the southern peninsula of Honshu (the main island of the Japanese archipelago).<br />
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The fourth and final location - not known directly to Hokusai or Sutoku, but deduced by Xiaomu after the pages' recovery - was in the Ginza district of Tokyo, near the spot where the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 sparked the biggest and most destructive fire.<br />
|State=Completed<br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=4805/Mission_5:_Bargaining_Chip&diff=137954805/Mission 5: Bargaining Chip2016-11-25T22:25:17Z<p>Shachihoko: Final negotiations surrounding the fourth fragment of the Killing Stone.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/11/21<br />
|Location=Tokyo-52605 <NXC><br />
|Synopsis=Ouma's plot to reassemble the Killing Stone and unleash its power has been thwarted, and three of the four fragments are now in Shinra's safekeeping. But Ouma's erstwhile allies in the Confederacy stole away the fourth fragment - and as long as it's out there, any attempts Shinra makes to exorcise the ancient curse and purify the fragments are subject to fail. They need the fourth piece ...<br />
<br />
But the Confederates have their own plans to enact before they're ready to give back what they see as a potentially useful weapon.<br />
|Cast of Characters=691, 714, 11, 707, 941, 705, 984, 391<br />
|Tinyplot=Restoration of the Killing Stone<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> There really wasn't any 'hiding' of the Fragment. It being found was an eventuality, and taking it off-world was simply un-tenable given the circumstances. Privately, Yari Takane had half a mind to see it 'accidentally' destroyed. But given her desire to pull something useful out of this whole debacle, or at least see it through to the end, she had no choice. The Ouma were murderous fools. <br><br> And Yari has a reputation to uphold. Choosing the cave outside of a place no doubt very familiar to a certain fox youkai, outside of a park off of the Edogawa River. A small cave peeking from the rise of urban development, stashing the Fragment there was more than worthwhile given the houses and businesses nearby. <br><br> The Feds have taken some time in preparing their ambush: multiple nearby buildings have sniper enplacements by line Fed soldiers, and in the trees surrounding the cave's entrance, Yari and other Fed ninja-types await. Alas, explosives aren't an option given the risk of notice and civilian casualties, but a few traps have been set up including net-traps, as well as a large pit on an activator filled with spikes before the cave entrance. <br><br> There's plenty of places for Feds to be, both in plain sight and out of it.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br> Sanary's gotten herself in too deep with this whole matter involving the Fragment as well, and as much as she'd like to wash her hands of the whole matter, she can't just leave Yari to handle it alone. That's why a certain one-eyed healer is standing outside the cave today, carrying her trusty gunaxe and shield combo on her back as usual along with being clad head to toe in... <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... That white coat she wears with no armor on whatsoever. Strange. She's also looking around slowly, almost as if she's expecting something. Or someone, perhaps? Both, even, although she seems more bored than antsy or worried. The healer's just pacing around near the entrance of the cave, occasionally tapping on a chunk of stone or glancing outwards for would-be visitors walking the wrong way.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Metal Man is also here as he comes up along side the other confederate he seems more open to trading for this they could get some concessions out of the union and shinra tht might be pleasing to thier allies. For how though he remains silent he has his helemt off and is looking fairly generic with brown hair and he might be german form how he looks. He simply waits along side his allies for the Union.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>According to the geomantic principles of feng shui, there are two reasons for something to be located northeast of a significant population center.<br><br>One of those is to prevent misfortune and other forms of negative chi from reaching the city in question. Mount Hiei, northeast of Kyoto, became the location of several major Buddhist temples for exactly that reason, back when Kyoto was the capital city of Japan ... and that was why a certain sage fox staked out a cave northeast of what was, centuries ago, a fairly quiet little fishing village which she wanted to quietly watch over.<br><br>The other reason is if you want to *seed* that kind of negative chi. Technically you could do it from anywhere, but it's like water flowing downhill and whirlpools turning a certain way: it just tends to work more efficiently in that direction.<br><br>Of course, it's not like feng shui is all THAT straightforward anymore. This version of Japan has been more cognizant of chi paths and the like than some of its counterparts in other, less supernaturally-conscious worlds, but when you start digging things up to lay down pipes and cables and foundations and conduits and whatnot, it tends to screw with the leylines, even if it's not by all that much. But even then, some things don't really change that much. As Xiaomu picks her way through the park, she half-unconsciously sidesteps to avoid an old snake's nest, she remembers where a tanuki made her den once upon a time ... and she could still find her way, blindfolded, to any of the three closest Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines. (Okay, maybe not that last; she'd like to see when it's safe to cross the street instead of getting hit by a bus.)<br><br>She really never thought she'd be seeking out her old den after all this time; she CERTAINLY never expected that she'd be looking for the last chunk of a cursed relic. But leave the fragment here, and what happened to the hot spring in Nasu will happen to the whole city ... even if it takes a few decades. Mortals wouldn't care about that kind of thing.<br><br>She does. And it's a relief not to be alone in searching it out. "Watch yourselves," she murmurs to here allies. "Something isn't right ..."<br><br>Maybe she heard something, maybe she smelled something. Maybe it's just her instincts. Certainly, SOMEBODY must have moved the fragment here on purpose ... and if they had any idea whose old cave they stashed it in, Xiaomu plans to make them regret it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I don't like this."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mel Brock doesn't like this.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Marshal walks along in her usual longcoat uniform, for once not concerned that it might be seen as odd. If anyone asks her, she'll just tell them it's a space sheriff costume. Besides, it's not like it's all /that/ different at first glance; aside from the armored shoulder pauldrons, anyway. So if she can get away with it, she wants to be wearing her most protective gear. Because...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Too open. It wouldn't be so easy for us to find, it wouldn't be in such an easily-accessible place. They want us to know it's here. They want to lure out the people with the other three pieces. No clue what they have in mind, but I don't like it."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>Well, this is a blast from the past.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji has only been to this old den a handful of times, and even then, it's been years. Something about being a really good place to perform some ritual or another. That was in his father's day. Anymore, Shinra has other, more convenient methods to seal off the Kimon. Remotely, even. But now...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now someone's using the old foxhole for nefarious purposes. That's not just bad for the city. That's an insult to the family. Reiji is going to have none of it. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Mmn," he says cryptically. "There's going to be hell to pay for this. Stay sharp. If anything looks off, give a shout immediately. The last thing we need is to start setting off traps."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:984|Karal Rei Lin (984)}} has posed:'''<br>Lin stands out pretty weirdly in this locale, given her attire being almost a dead ringer for the region's distant past - the Lookshy style she's wearing certainly has some eerie cultural similarities...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Although to avoid questions, she's stuffed her weapon off into Elsewhere for the time being.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No kidding. Something feels... like it's about to happen." Lin uneasily scratches the back of her neck, restless as usual. She's so full of energy, but the local tension has her quieted....<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>All Reina can do is roll her eyes at the comment Mel Brock makes. Yeah, Mel doesn't like it, and honestly Reina doesn't like it either. At least to Xiaomu the response is a bit more respectful as Reina steps closer to her and nods a little. "I don't like it either, but if there's one thing GUARDIANS training taught me, it's that if you let your gut instincts become your fears, you're only going downward."<br><br>Looking forwards, Reina narrows her eyes a little and cracks her knuckles. "Who or whatever might be lying in wait for us had best watch out. My senses are on extra-high alert, and if anyone tries anything, there's gonna be hell to pay!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> Yari keeps an eye from her position high amongst the trees, not horrifically far from the Cave itself. Binoculars to her face, thanks to the various soldiers emplaced, it doesn't take long to spy the approaching group of Unionites. <br><br> The eerie silence and tension they feel seems to continue as they draw closer to the source, the Fragment. They pass unopposed until they're within range of the Elites that the Feds have gathered, when suddenly Yari beeps a signal across Fed comms. <br><br> All at once, the plan springs into motion. "Make them know we're here." <br><br> Snipers fire bullets towards Mel, aiming for just shy of her feet from a dozen angles, clear warning shots! <br><br> A few ninja toss smoke bombs towards Reiji's path, aiming to fill the area ahead with POMF's of white, annoying smokescreen. <br><br> Karal gets Yari's personal attention, as she tries to huck a similar bomb in front of the young Exalt, trying to block the way with a haze of smoke and lingering pepper spray mixture. All the while, her hand is on the trigger for a large pit-trap, should anyone start to get too close to the cave, in addition to whatever her fellow Feds decide to throw at the group of Unionites. <br><br> Whatever the case, there's a group of ninjas near the Feds now fading out of the shadows alongside Yari in plain view. The ninjas has something tall, and long in one hand, held upwards. <br><br> A white flag. She's silent, for a moment, as she lets her fellow Feds get out their own presence and warning. <br><br> "Glory and honor, Union. It's been a while." <br><br> The Feds say hi.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br> &lt;&lt;"Understood. I'm heading out. Er. Out more."&gt;&gt; <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With that message transmitted to her allies, Sanary emerges from her not-really-a-hiding spot as she draws that gunaxe, channeling a significant amount of magic into it to trigger the Fire shell inside. Spotting the approaching Unionites, she takes a few broad, overly dramatic slashes in the air with flames trailing from the weapon's blade, some of the slashes even firing off waves that are much too high to actually hit them. The massive weapon whirls around her almost looking like it weighs nothing to her, but still carrying a heavy weight behind each slash. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Even though the closest ones might come just within jumping distance above Xiaomu, Reina, and Reiji, it's clear that Sanary too is aiming to make it more of a spectacle of technique and control than one of actual harm. She's even got a confident and controlled grin on her face as she slows her movements, returning the gunaxe to her back with one last flourish. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Be cool, Sanary. Don't let anyone know you practiced that for three hours today. "Evening, Unionites. We wondering when you'd show up." She doesn't say anything past that, instead opting to just stare straight at the assembled group and watching for their reactions.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Metal Man is there along side yari for the moment he's not looking to fight just yet even though there is a chance of a throwdown. he folds his arms but he's not movng to attack yet he's clealry with Yari on this. He doesn't move to any direct attack he tilts his head a bit and flips a coin idly in one hand. <br><br> "Evening Union, we need to have a bit of a talk, don't we?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mel doesn't catch the eyeroll, but she doesn't miss the tone of voice in the second thing Reina says; she turns to look over her shoulder at Reina with a brief, somewhat sharp stare, before turning to look back at the road ahead. "Going into something like this assuming you can kick the ass of whatever's waiting, that's a good way to get yourself kil-"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bullets slam into the area around Mel's feet. Her immediate reaction is perhaps somewhat peculiar to see - the ground underneath her seemingly /explodes/ upward in a sudden push, flinging the marshal up and backwards. She manages to turn it into a backwards somersault on the landing, and by the time she comes up in a crouch, her pistol is in her hands.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And there's a white flag.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...You know, if you're gonna wave a white flag around, it's generally bad form to shoot at someone right before you do. Adrenaline makes people jittery. Distrustful, even."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>The other shoe drops.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gunfire lances down from locations unseen. Smoke fills the air. An ambush. But despite the firepower and the rising clouds of smoke-- irritating smoke, at that. They mixed something into it. Reiji holds his breath. Despite all that, there're no sounds of weapons being drawn. Not yet. Reiji changes that.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Flame dances through the smoke. Lightning arcs through the clouds. Karin and Chirai join in a furious flurry of blows. Indeed, toxins are frequently of wood or metal, after all. Fire consumes both, and Earth absorbs the lingering ash. Crashes of thunder and waves of roiling flame blast through the smoke-screen, and Sanary might have to be careful if she doesn't want to end up accidentally coming into contact with that crackling sword. The result of his flurry leaves Reiji standing amidst it all, blades already at the ready.<br><br>But... They want to parley first, it seems.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I figured that someone was trying to draw us out." Reiji rumbles, embers rising from the flat of his burning blade. "What do you want? You're waving that flag like you want to talk. So speak."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:984|Karal Rei Lin (984)}} has posed:'''<br>Lin's reaction is uncannily quick - the very instant danger occurs she yelps, ducks down and somehow manages to SKID BACKWARDS a few yards through that manuever. This manuever keeps her clear of the peppery yuck, but... smoke is smoke, and she ain't seeing through it quickly. Lin's quick to go on full alarm. Her senses sharpen and stance deepens, hands going to her weapon but not yet drawing it...a weapon that APPEARS SEEMINGLY OUT OF NOWHERE, the merest flash of golden light materializing the sheathed weapon into her grasp from seemingly thin air.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How the hell does THAT work, anyways?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As soon as she makes sense of who's approached them, Lin SCOWLS. "You could've lost your heads announcing yourselves this way! Startle a warrior at your peril. Gods...." Well.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;WELL, thankfully, the redhead doesn't seem to have gone full hostile. Just annoyed. And very considerably tense. Her eyes flick back and forth at all of the potential enemies present, alert for any funny business.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Though, they linger a bit extra long on Sanary's display...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>Xiaomu has been around long enough to know a warning shot when she sees one ... or hears or smells it, for that matter. The display of force is exactly that, an elaborate way of saying 'if we wanted you dead, you wouldn't be alive to appreciate it'. Not that knowing it's all a fancy way of saying 'hi there, ****heads' makes her any more relaxed - Reiji reacts to Sanary's not-exactly-assault with his usual pizzazz and panache, and the other attacks launched by various Confederates are pointedly leading their targets by *just* enough to be clear they were meant to be seen and not hurt.<br><br>"If you wanted our attention, just showing up with the flag would have done plenty," the sage fox says, her voice laced with a distinct undertone of 'you gotta be ****ing kidding me' ... and a just-as-distinct lack of her normal playful demeanor. "Not to mention that you left something in a place which you had no business being in the first place. So. You want to talk?"<br><br>She leans on her monk staff. "You can start by explaining why you're still hanging onto a piece of an extremely dangerous relic. If you were planning to use it against Reiji's and my home Tokyo, we'll be happy to give you the rest of the asskicking that we've been earmarking for Ouma, but I've got better things to do tonight than get into a fight out here."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>"I think you misunderstand me," Reina replies to Mel, her voice sounding slightly sarcastic but it's more of annoyance at the fact that some people don't understand how she thinks. "I'm not just about going in and kicking ass. I'm about achieving whatever the task is, no matter how risky it might be. You can see it how you want, but I--"<br><br>Fire, gunshots, other stuff like that, the former of which comes very close to making Reina's red hair even redder. Thinking quickly, Reina snaps her fingers on both hands, and her energy pistols materialize in each hand. Once they've materialized, she points them at Sanary, narrowing her eyes and raising an eyebrow.<br><br>"That was a pretty flashy introduction, I'll give ya that," She says, her sarcasm heavily noticeable. "But I for one ain't in the mood for a light show or anything, so I suggest you refrain from trying anything funny, or else..." She waves her left pistol as an indicator that Reina's not taking any funny business tonight.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> NOr do the Fed soldiers seem to move as the smoke, pepper spray, lightning, ground eruptions, and various other Elite-level chicanery dies off. Yari's gaze first goes to Mel. Then a narrowed look to the Exalt with her seemingly summoned blade. Lots of interesting ones to keep an eye on. <br><br> "Just a warning. You're not idiots, we're all jumpy from this...affair." She doesn't bother hiding the disgust in her voice. <br><br> But Reiji has the right of it. A nod, and even a salute to the man. Before Yari can lay things out, however, Xiaomu pipes up in her incensed way. Her eyes close a moment, and then she too nods. <br><br> "We aren't targeting your homeland. Specifically, anyway. There are bigger concerns. Frankly, we're here to negotiate the surrender of the last Fragment piece. This can be done peacefully. Our terms are that Shinra scedes a portion of land to the Confederacy for the purpose of allowing a youkai state to be made, free of human oppression with no need to hide themselves for the ignorant fear you humans place on them. In return, the Fragment is yours, and everyone walks away with their limbs." The ninja doesn't hold back her venom on that last bit. <br><br> Her arms cross. "Well?" <br><br> A glance to the others, Metal, and Sanary. She's glad they're here as her heart hammers.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br> Those reactions were about what Sanary expected, all things considered. Her last meeting with Reiji was less than friendly to begin with, and Karal and Reina actually seem to get her to puff up just a bit more once they address the Confederates. "We had to make things clear. 'specially with how you usually..." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sanary draws in a slow breath to calm herself, letting Yari handle the speaking more directly while she simply moves over to stand beside the ninja with a hand still resting between the gunaxe and shield. She can't be sure whether the Union is even going to listen to reason, but if not? <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At least they're ready to fight. "I'd recommend taking that offer. Better than shitting on the youkai and having a repeat of all this happen again, right?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No, you wanted to demonstrate negotiation from a position of power and deliver a veiled threat," Mel calls back to Yari and Sanary. "If you'd just been out here waving a white flag wanting to talk, I'd have personally smacked anyone who decided they were gonna be 'proactive' and come gunning for you. This is thug tactics. You wanna negotiate, call off the snipers."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> Yari shrugs. "I'll remember that you know how to do things properly, next time, Miss. But we'd be fools not to bring backup." <br><br> A snap of the fingers, and the snipers withdraw. There's still ninjas faded back into the shadows though, and the gathered Elites.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>If it's any consolation to Sanary, she's not the only one who needs to take a slow breath - or a few of them - to calm herself. Xiaomu is visibly incensed and almost as visibly disbelieving; the latter reaction gradually supplants the former, although the anger isn't going away any time soon. Yari signalling for the snipers to pull out is about the point when Xiaomu really *takes* that deep breath, letting it out slowly.<br><br>She still has that 'you gotta be kidding me' look on her face, though. "Okay. First off, you need to keep in mind that none of us are authorized to cede any chunk of land to the Confederacy, even if we were inclined to do so. Secondly, you're basing this whole 'offer' on a couple of false premises .. like the idea that youkai are oppressed. You just listened to Ouma's side of things and didn't even think they might be telling you less than the truth, didn't you?"<br><br>The sage fox takes another deep breath, letting it out more casually this time. "I mean, c'mon, seriously. Do *I* look oppressed to you?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Metal Man likes Yari and does consider her a friend of sorts, he's happy to back her up and Sanary has been honestly one of the sanest medics the feds have had in a long time. While not made of flesh he can get the idea of not being afraid of havin extra bits when you wake up as an issue when Sanary tends to you and he did march through a union fire team to pull her out after all. He loks to Mel and simply nods he doesn't a thing but he is seeing the point she's making and thus Metal man is just not going to open his snark trap. <br><br> "I have no forces here under my command, what you see is what you get with me. I darn well know your a bigger fish than I am Xiaomu."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>...<br><br>...What.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Really, that's about all that's on Reiji's face right then and there. Just a big, flat 'what.' He breathes a nice, long sigh and quietly picks up his discarded weapons rack to slide his swords back into place. "Look," Reiji says up at Yari. "Even if it were in our ability to negotiate that kind of thing-- it's not, Xiaomu and I are just field agents-- that's not something the head honchos would agree to, regardless of what kind of bargaining chips you have. Ultimately, that sort of thing runs counter to what the Shinra Organization was created to do. Now, if you want to negotiate instead of just spitting out a demand you know we won't accept, maybe step down from that, sure, I might be able to organize something."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But you've got something wrong there," he says, pointedly. "We don't shit on youkai. A good deal of Shinra's members are, themselves, spirits. You've been talking to a bunch of guys whose idea of 'not being shat on' is 'total domination of the mortal realm.' If you want to talk about whatever 'oppression' we've been doing, then maybe you should try to develop a less biased opinion."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:984|Karal Rei Lin (984)}} has posed:'''<br>This turn of events has Lin blinking a few times. There's an 'oh crap, important business' look in her eyes - deer in headlights really - as she tries to very quickly make sense of the situation being discussed.... while only having a few handfuls of information to go with. She squints over at Sanary.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So let me get this straight. You're saying 'shitting on the Youkai,' when not too long ago we ran into one who's been repeatedly muddling with people's minds with his spirit powers? You say humans oppress the youkai, but, uh... if you went and made a nation 'just for them,' what you'll get is a nation full of all the ones who hate or who'd take advantage of humans. What are you even arguing for, girl?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>Xiaomu and Reiji are the ones doing the talking, but Reina's not too keen on this stuff. Nevertheless, she keeps her weapons pointed at Sanary. You never know what can happen in a time and place like this. Not to mention, Reina still hasn't fully grasped the full concept of youkai and things like that.<br><br>Nevertheless, Reina does seem to be listening briefly to bits about what they're saying, and she starts to become a little uncertain at one point. Eventually, she puts together what she's heard, and she nods her head. "I think you need to learn to think things over more logically," She adds after Reiji finishes speaking, "Instead of jumping to these conclusions."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The snipers are called off; for now, Mel is satisfied. She makes a very big show of reaching up with her left hand to pull her coat open slightly; her right hand releases the futuristic pistol, which floats up and flies into that small space, presumably into a shoulder holster. Then, she simply stuffs her hands in her pockets, the way she always does. "Better. I'll let the two locals do the negotiating, and-"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She turns to Reina. "Hey. Weapon down. We're doing this peaceably. Negotiations go bad real easily when there's guns being pointed."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>At first, Reina is reluctant to listen to what Mel is telling her to do, but then she realizes there is a good point, and she does lower the pistols after a few moments of contemplation, but she doesn't disarm herself entirely. "Fine, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt." She glances down at her pistols, ready to raise them again if the need should arise.<br><br>However, as if attempting to prove that she's serious about easing up, Reina steps back a little to give more space to Sanary. Still, the look of uneasiness on her face doesn't go away.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Metal Man seems to heer Reiji's words and listens. "ALl right then Reiji I'll take you up on the offer then." <br><br> He seems to be paying attention to Lin fora moment looking at her for a moment. He thinks on what she's said but doesn't speak for once Metal Man is thinking on his words as well. He does shoot a look at Reina for a moment but turns away a moment later as he himself fully stands down.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br> "Maybe if we hadn't..." Is that a word? "... Weren't attacked first by the Union instead of getting any offers to talk way too many times to count, we'd actually try all these things you're saying. I'm remembering a lot of explosions and cars being thrown around when the youkai were having their little party, too, but... Well." Sanary gives Mel a light shrug before turning to Xiaomu and Reiji, the slightest of grins tugging at her mouth. Aside from that, her expression remains fairly neutral throughout, although she does give them a shrug as well at the questions. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "No, Xiaomu. You don't. Do I? Things are still bad at my old home and the nobles there still suck, but I'm doing fine just fine out here." She doesn't look all that convinced yet, although she is relaxing a little bit more now than she was a few moments ago. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Only a little. "So. You're saying you don't have authority. You don't have radios?" Sanary narrows her eye briefly at Reina as if daring her to fire, visibly relaxing a bit more when she lowers those pistols. Her attention turns to Karal next, giving her a confused look at the mention of spirit powers. "The hell are you talking about? Er... Aaanyway. We want them to have a place they can feel safe /and/ free in, not just living in alleys and underground." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary pauses, then glances around at the gathered Unionites again. "... Xiaomu. You were there when we met O-Hiko, weren't you? You should know exactly what I'm talking about." There's actually some fire in her voice at that last part, but it's clear that she's still trying to keep her cool here.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You mean when the youkai were marching down the street ready to murder anything that got in their way," Mel replies to Sanary. "And refused to disperse after I gave them clear, unmistakable warning - in fact, they decided to come attack me. You have a funny way of remembering things." The marshal crosses her arms.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> Xiaomu's words strike Yari straight in the heart. She knows all too well what it is to be held down, and it makes her jump at ghosts. The Ouma are idiots to her, bloodthirsty, but she can't help but cling to that small scrap of an idea even if she's realizing just how false it was. <br><br> Still, Yari's determined to salvage something from all of this. "I used my eyes after listening. The Ouma are bloodthirsty idiots that will get themselves killed, true. But their hatred is well founded. You Shinra are the ones forcing them to hide their true selves." The ninja spits out venomously. <br><br> But Sanary in particular gets a nod. <br><br> "The longer youkai are made to hide because of humans, the longer that hate will fester. You might be happy this way, but Ouma's existance proves that all you're doing is making your fellow youkai suffer. Are you alright with that?" <br><br> They predictably turn down the offer. The ninja doesn't budge, instead, turning to the radio. <br><br> But, the local Shinra Agents and Karal push back down. "However, we're willing to consider alternatives. I understand that any decision made here would be subject to your superiors' approvals. We'll be relying on your good faith." She eyes Reiji and Xiaomu, offering a nod as she sucks in a breath to calm herself down. <br><br> "Fine. Moving the state aside, we're willing to offer these terms: first, amnesty for the Ouma, or any youkai willing to cease hostilities for the time being. A ceasefire, if you will. Second, the Confederacy will establish an embacy, in order to negotiate with Shinra and the Union in political matters alongside Ouma or any other youkai-aligned beings that wish to be counted as our allies." <br><br> She lets that get across to the Unionites. She opens her opens, hostility fading for a moment. "A Fragment for a chance to slow the hatred of the Ouma. Xiaomu, speaking for myself, I don't want to see any more battles in streets, if we can prevent this. The Union and Confederacy, if not working together, at least offering diplomatic ties in this region might just slow some bloodshed." Her words are less guarded and more open than perhaps she should.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br> Sanary raises an eyebrow slowly at Mel and strokes her chin slowly, then raises a finger as if she's had... A REVELATION. "Oh! I remember. Yeah, they really attacked you good when they... Waved their asses at you." Her voice deflates audibly as she reaches the last part, looking even less amused than before. "Yeah, real reasonable. Someone moons you, you throw cars at them." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She lets out a disgusted scoff, and she doesn't look quite as ready to continue speaking just yet. Instead, she just takes another several deep breaths to keep herself calm while Yari offers further terms with a clearer head.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:984|Karal Rei Lin (984)}} has posed:'''<br>Lin looks bewilderedly between Mel and Sanary! It's pretty obvious who she's more likely to believe, so this leaves her giving Sanary the most gobsmacked look of... probably everyone here.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>"That was in Ravnica," Xiaomu points out to Sanary at the mention of O-Hiko. "If you think *Shinra* has any authority in that city, much less that world, then either you're giving us a lot more credit than we deserve, or you're a lot dumber than I thought you were. I won't argue, though - youkai pretty much *are* oppressed in a lot of worlds across the Multiverse. Mostly because mortals tend to be afraid of us, and fear overwhelms what *ought* to be good sense. You don't toss out centuries of superstitious fear that easily."<br><br>Yari then makes an alternative proposal ... and Xiaomu just has to reach up to rub her forehead. "Do you have any idea how many youkai split off from Ouma after that dust-up in the streets of Tokyo? Between the asskickings all around, the number of neutral youkai who came to mortals' aid, and the fact that whoever planned that operation went *way* off somebody's original script, I think we cut Ouma's membership by two-thirds or something. And it's not like we're handing out prison sentences or anything ... youkai act according to their natures, a lot like regular mortals do, and if somebody has an honest change of heart for the better, we can use the extra help too much to toss somebody in a hole, drop a boulder on the hole, and wrap it with holy ropes and talismans."<br><br>That, and the fact that trying to lock up a youkai is more trouble (and *FAR* more paperwork) than it's worth. It's easier to hook one up with a legit place to live, a job which provides a legal source of income, and a promise not to lapse into old bad habits. Sticking a youkai in prison just means the grudges have time to fester.<br><br>She doesn't comment on the embassy question - mortal politics make her head hurt, and even trying to simulate them in highly-simplified form in Civilization or something takes a lot of patience. Let Reiji answer that part.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"They mooned me and continued advancing," Mel replies to Sanary, nodding, "After being given a clear order to disperse. And one of them ripped a light pole out of the ground and started swinging, while a couple others ran in to just start punching me. Are you done trying to paint me as a trigger-happy thug, or do I need to call up the body cam footage? 'cause I can do that. I saved it."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>"No."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji crosses his arms. There's a look on his face that somehow causes the local temperature to drop by several degrees. "You don't seem to understand. Ouma claims to want to establish a dominion for youkai. Freedom for all the oppressed, they might say. But the truth of it is that they- the ones who're REALLY calling the shots- only want to spread chaos and disharmony. They endanger the lives of not only humans, but all the spirits, gods and apparitions who are trying to live peacefully among them. They have, and continue to be willing, to put the very fabric of our world at risk."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Sure, its membership includes a number of youkai who /aren't/ interested in that part of the plan. Who're just frustrated with how things are done. That's fine, we have no problem with them," Reiji shrugs. "If they want amnesty, fine. As long as we can prove that they were just frustrated, we can make that work. No problem."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But Ouma, the organization, its leaders and their agents. They do not get amnesty. They've done too much to our world. Hurt too many people, human and spirit both. If their footsoldiers want out, fine by me. But nobody above that." He slides one hand into a pocket and shifts into a mild lean. "If the Confederacy wants an embassy, we can make that work too, as long as it's strictly a political office. There'll be some terms that need to be hashed out, I'm sure, but I can at least convey the message."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Metal Man says "The hate from unable to opening be one's self?" <br><br> He's not going to butt in too hard but it sems something may end up being worked out. He knew the Ouma was a train wrekc but the Feds were there to ride shotgun on it, and hopefully score allies in the process that didn't go so well or them at all. He thinks over Reiji's offer it's not the best but it's better than nothing he muses to himself. "I will do my best to help keep the Embassy strickly a political office even if I need to have one of my brothers be on staff ther eto make sure nothing against any agreement happens."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> Yari tries to look unflappable, arms crossed and leaning on her flag of negotiation like some sort of spear. Her mouth is a neutral line and she stands mostly tall. But her tail sways slower, teeth grit a little less, and her scaled brow narrows just slightly at Xiaomu's words. Her gaze bores into the fox's own. <br><br> And she finds part of herself believing the woman. <br><br> Then Reiji speaks, and Yari remains silent for some time. There's a shiver through her body, and finally, she looks the man in the eyes. "Mister Arisu. Do you, and more importantly, Shinra, have tangible proof of this? Or leads that will give proof?" She starts. Waiting, a moment, she confers over the radio with her fellow Confederates. <br><br> One hand on the flag held high, she offers the other out as she slowly walks over to the mid-way point between the Confederates gathered and the Unionites. A hand, ready for a shake, is offered to the Unionites. Xiaomu and Reiji in particular. <br><br> "Fine. An Embassy with the usual caveats and negotiations, amnesty for the rank and file Ouma. And if you have it, proof of the Ouma leaders' treachery against their own." Yari's eyes darken, the thought forcing a hateful hiss through her mouth. <br><br> A glance back, to Metal Man and Sanary. A nod. "...You might even find that there are those amongst us who may well want to hunt down traitors to youkai-kind. If you're willing to put aside past hostilities."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br> "You know what I mean. Do the youkai here have anywhere to go that's even half as good as that town?" Sanary narrows her eye at Xiaomu for a moment, then shakes her head while crossing her arms over her chest. She's more than ready to keep quiet after that, clearly struggling to keep herself calm for whatever reason. When Mel speaks, she just gives the psychic a blank, disbelieving look before gesturing with both hands towards her in a 'go ahead' motion. Confidently, even! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Annoyed, too, but also confident. Reiji's response actually doesn't get much of a bad reaction out of the healer, and she doesn't even seem too surprised at Metal Man's and Yari's apparent acceptance. She still steps forward to keep close to Yari as she moves in with the offered handshake, however, her own hand still ready to grab for that axe juuust in case things still manage to go south somehow.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...You really want me to..." Mel stares disbelievingly. Then sighs. "Alright. Fine. Gimme a minute to pull it off my ship's data server."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A personal datapad floats out from somewhere in her coat, and she starts tapping away at it. It does take her a minute or two, but she finally taps at the screen a couple more times, before letting it go - whereupon it slowly floats across the distance between her and Sanary. The video is already loaded up and ready to play; it appears to have been shot, specifically, from the Marshal's left shoulder, probably within that pauldron. And it depicts... well, exactly what happened. Mel giving a rather rough, but very unmistakable warning, only to to be advanced on by mooning youkai. A large oni rips up a light pole and starts limbering up, while several kappa just plain break ranks and start advancing on her with pretty obvious hostile intent.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The entire time, Mel herself wears a look as if she can't believe she's doing this.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:984|Karal Rei Lin (984)}} has posed:'''<br>Lin is mentally taking notes here! She can tell good negotiation when she encounters it, and... as much as she doesn't understand all of the cultural implications? Some part of her is just resonating with this.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Respect. This effort deserves respect. She just hopes it works out...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lin finally stands up straight and lets go of her weapon. Which, for once, she hasn't had a reason to actually draw.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For now though, she watches Mel's video!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>Meanwhile, Reina has disarmed for now, but she can and will re-arm at a moment's notice. She's just standing there acting like a look-out in case something does go wrong. Although for the time being, things seem to be rather peaceful... Perhaps Reina can learn some things about negotiations here and now.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>"If you want hard physical evidence, that's gonna be tricky to come by," Xiaomu replies, "but if you'll settle for testimony from some of the ex-Ouma turncoats who're helping us now? Yeah, we can get that."<br><br>She's not really happy with the idea of the Confederacy having an embassy in her native Tokyo, but ... well, it'll be easier to get hold of Metal Man that way, and some of the other Confederates seem okay on a personal level. Sanary, however, gets a faint glower at that question. "Setting aside that gourd-headed geezer Nurarihyon, who just steals a residence whenever he likes? It's not hard to get an apartment, we probably have a higher rate for mortal homelessness than youkai, when you get right down to it."<br><br>She does shake Yari's hand, though.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Of course we have proof," Reiji answers as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, "You're looking at it." He pauses for a breath, then. "We can provide evidence of what they've done if necessary. If you're interested in getting an idea of what exactly they're capable of, have a visit to Shibuya. You can see for yourself what they did there."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But other than that, and the paperwork nightmare that's sure to come with the herculean task of figuring out which of Ouma's former membership /isn't/ a threat to national security, it seems like they've managed to reach a deal. "Again, I can't make any promises," he warns, moving to shake Yari's hand. "But I can at least make sure the offer is made."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> The fox gets a firm handshake, and a final nod from Yari towards Reiji and Xiaomu, as well as Mel and the other Unionites. "It's a start. Testimony can lead to evidence, with the proper motivation." <br><br> Letting go, she steps back, and offers a bow to the group as a whole. "You have done your countries, and the Union, Glory and Honor for peaceable negotiations today. I'll have our troops set up a perimeter in this area. The Fragment is in the cave." <br><br> There's a defensive line of ninja soon enough. Already, she moves to lead the way, back dangerously turned to the Unionites. <br><br> "I'll be interested to hear that tale soon, Mister Arisu." She adds as she heads on in.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>Xiaomu perks an ear, glancing briefly at Reiji. "... yeah, wasn't sure which evidence you wanted. If you want a tour of Shibuya sometime, Reiji or I can do that with you too. Just be careful, some of the buildings are a little unstable."<br><br>She *might* be kidding just a little bit about that last one.<br><br>She doesn't look terribly happy about sudden ninja perimeter, but she waits for the traps to be disarmed before striding into what used to be, once upon a time, her home.<br><br>Not that anyone would know by going in and looking at it. What possessions she had, she took with her when she went to live someplace else ... but that's another story.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br> When that datapad comes floating over, Sanary continues looking thoroughly nonplussed as it goes over the same events from a different angle. She actually looks disappointed when it confirms visually what she could only vaguely recall earlier: The mooning, the swinging, the posing, and the cars being thrown at the youkai before any attacks were made directly on Mel. Sanary still doesn't say anything, though, instead opting for another long look and raised eyebrowat the officer, then a look towards Karal and a gesture of her head at Mel. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Whatever that gesture was supposed to be, it probably makes more sense in Sanary's head than it does to anyone else. She does finally speak up again when Xiaomu mentions the homelessness rates, though, and although Sanary doesn't quite understand how those work, she does actually seem to be lightening up again. "Really? Huh... Well, something we can work on once all this gets sorted out." She even manages a chuckle before following Yari back, acting as the rear guard for the group of Confederates. "Just stick close, and don't wander. Can't guarantee your safety if you don't."<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=2741/Light_in_Chaos%27s_Shadow&diff=137412741/Light in Chaos's Shadow2016-11-15T04:43:02Z<p>Shachihoko: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/08/06 |Location=Fenris |Synopsis=Still recovering from the Noise Marines' Chaos Titan, Yuna goes to visit Karian at his home on Fenris, to tal..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/08/06<br />
|Location=Fenris<br />
|Synopsis=Still recovering from the Noise Marines' Chaos Titan, Yuna goes to visit Karian at his home on Fenris, to talk to the Wolf Lord and to try and lay some of her lingering nightmares to rest with his help.<br />
|Cast of Characters=451, 385<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:451|Karian Icefang (451)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Summer on Fenris was both a mix of beauty and savagery. Volcano's going off reminded the sons of russ that despite their strengths, they still were human, and could feel awe. Yet today, things were different. The usual busy hall was empty, with some aspirants off in a hunt and others out on missions with full Blood Claws and others. Karian and his thunderwolf Ygdril were waiting in the hall, with a platter of various meats, cheeses, and breads for consumption. Also was a selection of drinks, sinse none of the servitors seemed to know what the non-astartes elites liked to drink.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>The Mike-maru-go, Yuna's cruiser, comes in for a landing at the Fang's spaceport - of course, with the usual exchange to confirm that Yuna is there, it's not somebody posing as her, etc. She wouldn't want anyone sneaking in under her identity any more than the Space Wolves would want an impostor sniffing around their home base.<br><br>Yuna herself arrives in the feast hall not long afterwards, attired in her Light Suit as she most commonly is when visiting. The little robo-faerie, Elner of Wisdom, is accompanying her as is similarly often the case ... although most of the time, when Elner's with Yuna, it means one or the other of them is expecting some kind of trouble.<br><br>That doesn't LOOK like the case this time, although there's a very faint wavering behind Yuna's smile as she raises an arm to wave to the Wolf Lord. "Hey Karian, hey Ygdril ..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:451|Karian Icefang (451)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Karian offers a nod towards Yuna, whereas Ygdril simply whuffs. Seemed the wolf was content enough to know that it was safe. The Wolf Lord motions for yuna to sit with him, as concern was written on his face. "You sounded off on the radio, Yuna. Please tell me what is eating at you." He says, leaning forward a bit.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>"It shows, huh?" Yuna asks sheepishly, taking a seat (and a glass of something she can drink; Elner quite possibly scanned it to make sure it was healthy for a non-Astartes and non-alcoholic). "Although ..."<br><br>The blonde idol (and quasi-magical-girl) trails off briefly. "It's ... I've talked to a few others ... you remember that Chaos Titan? The ... weaponized speaker stacks, I guess?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:451|Karian Icefang (451)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Karian nods and keeps his one eye locked on yuna. He had a feeling he knew where this was going, and frowned softly. "Aye, I remember. Horrible thing...monsterization of such a thing. But I take it that it's more then just the speakers."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>"That's something of an understatement," Elner comments quietly from its spot next to Yuna's shoulder.<br><br>Yuna just lets out a breath, closing her eyes. "I'm still ... I still have nightmares about it. Not just about the fight ... but seeing how many - all the prisoners inside, twisted, fused with the systems .. and -"<br><br>Her voice breaks; she breathes in deeply, tries to let that breath out slowly, then lifts the glass for a careful sip.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:451|Karian Icefang (451)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Karian nods slowly, frowning. "I was afraid of this. Your purity sticks out to chaos. It wants nothing more then to take you and corrupt you." He takes a drink of ale as well, trying to think of how to explain what was going on. "This is something we encounter as well. It's an attempt to slowly corrupt you. To make you see the nightmares and drive you past insanity." He then pauses again, thinking. "Your not of the Imperium, but we find solice in our prayers. It helps ground us, and helps us fight. But...I must know. When you have these dreams, do you here whispers?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna shakes her head slowly. "No whispers, nothing that wasn't part of the noise of the fight ... the Titan itself, Jakuzure, the transmissions back and forth ..."<br><br>She sucks in another breath, sitting up straighter and opening her eyes again, looking at Karian. "What would it have taken to be able to save them, Karian?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:451|Karian Icefang (451)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Karian thinks. "Being there thousands of years before maybe. Those fused into a war machine...death truely is a better outcome. Some would lose their minds. Other's would go catatonic from the shock. More commonly, any who survive the removal are so addicted, they become cultists." He then sighs softly. "The unfortunate bit is that with the warp, it is more difficult. Time has no meaning there. A day in the warp can equate to millenia in real space. Worlds can change, people can be corrupted slowly, and when they emerge have nothing left to keep them sane." He explains. He looks to Yuna, concerned for her. "Many chaplains will give tokens to those whom feel their minds slipping, a focus point to keep them loyal and pure. For you, I think it can be different. Your music can be your focus."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna smiles wanly, "If I could just get enough sleep to get through rehearsals properly ..."<br><br>Elner says, "You *have* been getting more sleep, though. At least a little bit."<br><br>Yuna nods to Elner, then looks at Karian. "So ... all of them were too far gone?" she asks quietly, almost hesitantly. "When Elner scanned the crew - the ones who were still there after I cut the Titan open, anyway ..." She trails off again, turning the glass around slowly in her hands.<br><br>It's easy to miss the distinction between 'trailing off' and 'locking up,' though - particularly when the one leads into the other.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:451|Karian Icefang (451)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Karian nods softly. "To be honest, to be put into a titan like that is, as far as I know, irreversable. We also do not know how long they have been in existance. But know that you gave them mercy...more then any of them would have recieved if left in their state." Karian looks over to Ygdril, and sighs. "This is terror I had hoped to spare the Multiverse. The psychological warfare that chaos brings. This is why Space Marines often are they only answer to chaos...we can close ourselves off to it. The emotional stress, and lose ourselves in prayer and other acts of repentence for what we must do." He then takes a drink, mulling over what to say. "I have already asked the Allfather to take care of the souls of those who were in the Titan....to heal them and help them find peace. In the end, that is all we can do. Pray to our god that we have done the right thing."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna nods slowly, still looking at her glass. "There was .... if there was any way we could have saved any of the 'crew,' physically, it would have taken equipment we didn't have," she murmurs, as if picking up where she left off. "Surgeons and supplies to start mending their bodies ... Gods know what else. I knew ... a lot of them would have needed more, not ... not just physical, but their minds, their souls ..."<br><br>She sucks in a breath, squeezing her eyes shut, and lifts her glass to drink some more of the juice, or whatever it is. After that deep sip, she opens her eyes again, looking straight at Karian.<br><br>"I knew that if we were going to save any of them, it would have meant waiting for medical and other support to get there ... but I still know ... that was just making excuses. I still know I took the easy -"<br><br>"Yuna," Elner interjects softly as the singer's voice breaks again. "What you claim that you 'know' ... it's not wrong to want to save every life. But there are times that it's not possible. You're still a mortal girl who was entrusted with this duty, and even with the powers you were granted to fulfill it, there will be those you can't save."<br><br>The little robo-faerie looks over at the Wolf Lord. "What you've told us is that it was impossible to save the Titan's crew, not only logistically at the time of the battle, but that mentally, spiritually, they were lost when they were first embedded in its systems. Correct?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:451|Karian Icefang (451)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Karian nods. "Aye, Elner. That is perhaps what makes chaos as a whole so deadly." Though he leand forward and narrows his eye at Yuna. "Elner is right. Wanting to save everyone is not wrong. But chaos is adept at making situations where no matter the outcome, there is loss. But please never let yourself doubt that you are bringing peace to their souls. Now, you have changed them from a deamons plaything to one now able to take their rest, and be at peace."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna nods slowly. "Yeah ... I still haven't convinced myself, but ..." She sighs. "There's no way to go into the Warp and fight the Chaos Gods directly, is there?"<br><br>For all that Elner doesn't have a face designed to show expression, there's still a hint of the robo-faerie having known THAT question was coming. "Even if it is technically and physically possible, Yuna, it is not a fight that I'm going to permit you to embark on. Nor will the rest of your friends."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:451|Karian Icefang (451)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Not alone, Yuna. But sadly it is unknown if they even have physical forms. Besides...getting close would subject you to worse they you had seen from the titan." Karian explains. Though he does smirk. "But if we find a way, I will let you know."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Elner doesn't have arms or hands, either, or you can be fairly certain the robo-faerie would facepalm.<br><br>Yuna, on the other hand, actually giggles softly. "Just wishful thinking, really. But yeah ..." Her smile fades somewhat, although not entirely. "Thanks, Karian. I think knowing ... knowing for sure, that there wasn't really a way to save them ... I think that helps a little."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:451|Karian Icefang (451)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Karian nods. "Just doing my job.....quite literally. My task is to see to the spritual well-being of my company...to which you and many others unofficially belong to by association." He says, offering a warm smile...or at least as close to one he could manage, despite his fangs.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna smiles back, inclining her head to the Wolf Priest, then moves to start getting some food together to much on. She hadn't eaten supper yet before coming out, after all - but it wasn't a conversation she wanted to have over food. On the plus side, if her appetite had been suffering as much as her sleep had been, she seems to be recovering on that front. Time will tell if her sleep is any more peaceful.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3360/Roll_Out_the_Red_Carpet&diff=137403360/Roll Out the Red Carpet2016-11-15T04:25:07Z<p>Shachihoko: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/11/09<br />
|Location=Njorun Station - Central Plaza<br />
|Synopsis=Ruby Rose visits Njorun Station for the first time, and is met by several of her fellow Unionites. Friendships (and squeeing over weapons) ensue.<br />
|Cast of Characters=910, 385, 162, 172, 675<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:910|Ruby Rose (910)}} has posed:'''<br>Ruby Rose had seriously no idea what she'd find as she went through a few of the warp gates. She wasn't much of a traveler yet in Remnant, primarily visiting both Patch and Vale. So the idea of going someplace else that didn't have a Grimm infestation waiting was kind of exciting. She finally walks through the last portal and her eyes go wide with so much awe, it was borderline on shock. Her cape billwos behind her as she simply stares a tthe massiveness of this base, it being utterly unlike anything she'd ever seen before. <br><br>"Whoa....this is...way bigger than Vale..."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Technically, Yuna didn't need to come back to Njorun Station just to file a report on the previous night's incident on Afterus, but any excuse is a good one to meet up with friends, new or established. And she'll get to see some of both, from the sound of things. (Plus, socializing and showing one of the new girls around means she's got a perfectly valid excuse not to hurry up about the report.)<br><br>When Yuna emerges from the warpgate into the Central Plaza, she's in her cool-weather civilian attire - although she could probably have stayed in her Light Suit and hardly drawn any attention. The little robo-faerie, Elner, emerges just behind Yuna, flitting along next to her right shoulder for the most part.<br><br>Stepping out of the warpgate's emergency range, Yuna takes a moment to stretch, breathing in a lungful of the fresh air - air which is circulated, she's sure, by the very tree that Njorun Station is comprised of. She rarely takes the time to explore and enjoy the Union's headquarters, and this is a chance to see it through someone else's eyes, in a way.<br><br>Then she notices Ruby, and the blonde girl smiles, waving. "Hi!" she calls out, walking over to where the dark-haired girl in the red cloak is standing. "You're Ruby, right? I'm Yuna, this is Elner." Smiling brightly, Yuna offers a handshake to the girl from Remnant.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:162|Zephyr Windstar (162)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Kinda impressive, ain't it?" comes a voice from somewhere overhead. Anyone looking up at that point would see the teenage Mage floating slowly down on a quartet of purple 'pixie wings', which extinguish as soon as boots hit ground. "You must be Ruby." she says to the girl, then waves over to Yuna. "Heya!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Zephyr isn't the only Mage in the area who can fly! Sakura comes swooping in from above, doing a twirl in the air and landing in an almost dance-like display of grace. The absolute show-off. Her wings burst into rainbow-coloured feathers than promptly disintegrate into the air.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...Man, lotta magic around the warp gates for some reason," she comments idly. She's currently dressed in cold weather civilian clothes as well - a pink hoodie and pale blue jeans, with sneakers covering her feet. The sneakers are, of course, also pink. Her hair is kept in place with a cherry blossom hair clip.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:675|Cirra Constantine (675)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It is, rather extreme." Cirra says from aside the warp gate entrance. She's wearing her Alexander academy uniform as she leans against a wall. "It completely blows the scale of anything else out of proportion."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:910|Ruby Rose (910)}} has posed:'''<br>Ruby Rose can't help but be completely awestruck at the sight of Njorun in all of it's glory, the girl sliding a hand into her pocket for her smart phone, pulling it up without looking at it in a steady manner...and taking a picture of what she sees. <br><br> "Yang is totally going to FLIP when she sees this!" <br><br> It's immediately after that when the other girls all appear around...besides..and even above her. Normally she might back away from so many people randomly greeting her at once but Yang DID say to try to meet some more people. <br><br> And here totally are more people. So many people. <br><br> She composes herself before offering a wave towards them all, looking up towards Yuna initially and taking her hand to shake it. "Yep! That's me, Ruby Rose, new student to Beacon and...really new to this multiverse thing. If all the places are like this, I really could get lost. I totally see why you guys suggested I should get a guide or something. It's...it's nice to meet everyone." <br><br> The others get various looks, in particular the two flying ones, but she seems friendly none-the-less.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>"Yang?" Yuna echoes, raising her eyebrows slightly. "Yang Xiao Long was on the radio earlier, is that who you meant?" Possibly it shouldn't surprise her that two new arrivals so close together would be connected, but still - a bit of a surprise.<br><br>Yuna waves to the other new arrivals - Zephyr, Sakura, and Cirra - as they show up, then turns her attention back to Ruby. "Yeah, Unification and your first steps into the Multiverse can be kind of disconcerting. You're in good company, though; we've all been through the same culture shock, and once you get used to a couple of things you'll meet a lot of new friends."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:162|Zephyr Windstar (162)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Zephyr watches Sakura come flying in. "Show off!" she chirps goodnaturedly, grinning at the younger mage before turning back to Ruby. "Been off the radio dealing with stuff for the Bureau, but s'nice to see fresh faces 'round here." she grins a bit. "Name's Zephyr. So now you've got a face to the voice."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A soft chime sounds from the girl's right wrist. <span class="fg_m bg_n ++ m">&lt;Greetings to you all.&gt;</span> "Oh yeah, that's my Device, Divine Wind."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sakura gives Zephyr a flourishing bow. "If you've got it~" she begins, but doesn't bother to actually finish the cliche. Instead, she turns to regard Ruby! She raises a hand in a sort of half-wave. "Hey. I'm Sakura. I, uh... I've been with the Union for a -while-, so if you ever need a hand..." Shrug. "I know it can be daunting at first."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:675|Cirra Constantine (675)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cirra nods to the other arrivals, then turns to Ruby again. "I only recently went through what you are, so I thought I could be of some help. The least I can do is answer any questions you might have, but I think Zephyr and Sakura are more experienced with the Union as a whole."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:910|Ruby Rose (910)}} has posed:'''<br>"Yeah, Yang's my sister. I don't know where she is but I don't think she's seen THIS before." <br><br> Getting another glance towards everyone she stops a few technological things she's not aware of, which sends her anxiety through the floor. There we go, common interests! She relaxes considerably as the others introduce themselves. <br><br> "Yeah...it looks like it's pretty crazy here but...Uh..let's see, Zephyr, Sakura and...other girl." <br><br> She would consider speaking further, but she leans in close to look at the machine on Zephyr's wrist with intense interest. <br><br> "Ooooh. It talks! Is it a weapon or...?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:675|Cirra Constantine (675)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Cirra." The judge puffs her cheeks. "I was there when you first arrived. Though I Was wearing armor..." she stops when Ruby takes an interest in Divine Wind, and admits a certin curioscity herself.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:162|Zephyr Windstar (162)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Zephyr grins a bit. "Weapon, ally, friend... calculator." she adds the last bit on in a bit of a deadpan, then takes a step back. "Divine Wind. Set up!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A practiced motion kips the tiny coin out from the bracer. It spins lazily for a moment, before Zephyr's left hand snatches it out of the air, and she's engulfed in dark purple light. Sounds of metal clanking into place emit from within, before with a flourish, the barrier shatters into motes of light, and Zephyr is standing with her Barrier Jacket on, and her Device in its base Windshear Form, resting across her shoulders.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sakura takes a step or two away from Zephyr as she readies her Magical Girl Transformation, mostly to get out of the way. And so she doesn't get a bunch of magic blasted right in her proverbial eyes. "Man. That never gets old."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>"Oh, well, if we're transforming and showing off," Yuna smiles wryly. Maybe she should have come in her battlesuit after all. "Elner?"<br><br>"If you're sure you want to show off," Elner replies. "Don't ask me to revert you too quickly, though."<br><br>There's no more audible invocation than that before a swirl of wind and light rises around Yuna's body, starting at her feet and climbing from there, replacing her civilian clothes with the sleekly armored boots, gauntlets, and leotard that comprise her basic Light Suit. The Matrix Divider materializes as well, and after waffling briefly (while careful not to point it at anyone), Yuna positions her weapon with its tip down. "Sorry if my transformation's not quite as flashy," Yuna says with a wry grin (and a slight blush).<br><br>Image: http://safebooru.org/index.php?page=post&amp;s=view&amp;id=544202 (Ignore the stats, they're for the robofaerie rather than for Yuna herself)<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:910|Ruby Rose (910)}} has posed:'''<br>Ruby Rose 's mouth goes wide at both of the magical girl transformations, watching both of the girls quite closely as they show off their new forms. Unlike some others, she keeps her eyes wide open to take it all in, cooing in awe in just how...amazing this all was. When the light show ends she squeaks with joy over the new looks, the girl practically teleporting over next to Zephyr. Her voice is several octaves higher than it was before as she inspects several parts of her outfit, her voice unable to keep up with her enthusiasm. "OhmygoshOhmygoshOhmyGosh! Lookatyou! WiththeJACKETandtheTAILSandthebootsand...YOUTOTALLYHAVESWORDSNOWTHATISRAD! Oh my god!" <br><br> ANd just as quickly as she'd moved to Zephyr, she teleports over behind Yuna and does...much about the same thing. "Aahhhhh! That armorissocool! Andabigbigbigsword! DoesitdoanythingIbetitTOTALLYdoessomethingcoolTELLMETELLMETELLME!" <br><br> She then zips back to her previous position before giggling a bit, clearly quite excited about all this. Cirra's voice cuts through to her at that point though, as she sloowly leans over to look at her. <br><br> "Oh right! You were there. Sorry, I didn't realize but hey, thanks for helping out with the Grimm! You totally could be a hunter if you went to school for it!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sakura giggles a bit. "Maan, now I'm jealous. All I have is a key that turns into a wand~ No cool magical girl transformations or anything." She huffs and crosses her arms, before sticking her tongue out at Zephyr.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:675|Cirra Constantine (675)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cirra hehs at Ruby. "Thank you. But I already go to a school like that. Alexander Academy trains students to be Adventurers, to go through dungeons filled with monsters and treasures." she looks at Zephyr and Yuna, "Most of us aren't that flashy though. Mechanists or Magi-Tech knights maybe."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:162|Zephyr Windstar (162)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Zephyr sticks her tongue out at Sakura in return. "You also have what is it, fifty three magical spirits to do stuff for you, plush two familiars, and a shinki?" she shrugs Divine Wind off her shoulder, flourishes it a little before spiking the end-cap into the softer ground nearby, letting it stand on its own.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Divine Wind chimes. <span class="fg_m bg_n ++ m">&lt;I am an Intelligent Device. I am capable of automatically casting defensive spells to aid my Master. I also act as the primary focus for her magic. It is good to meet you, Miss Rose.&gt;</span> it says, unfazed by Ruby's highspeed monologue.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>The sudden gushing from Ruby catches Yuna a little bit off-guard, but she recovers quickly, grinning sheepishly. Mental note: Ruby loves weapons. "It's nice to meet someone who *likes* my Light Suit," the blonde magical-girl-paladin admits, "instead of insulting it by saying it shows my body off too much ..."<br><br>To be fair, it's mostly enemies in the field who talk about it like that.<br><br>"And yeah, the Matrix Divider is as much a rifle as a sword," Yuna continues. Granted, it's not MUCH of a sword to look at - no sharp cutting edges, at least in this form. But then, she isn't focusing her power through it right now, either - and Yuna's generally just as happy to take advantage of the Divider being a blunt instrument, however much that contradicts its name.<br><br>"You also have a friend who makes custom costumes for you, don't you, Sakura?" Yuna adds with a grin to the cardmistress. There's that term again that was mentioned earlier on the radio, though ... "Hey, Ruby? What are the 'Grimm' you and Yang were talking about?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:910|Ruby Rose (910)}} has posed:'''<br>Ruby Rose 's eyes water as the device speaks to her, leaning over a little bit. A giddy laugh escapes from her as she touches Divine Wind lightly before standing back up. She regains her composure, but it's still clear that she's grinning almost from ear to ear. "That's so cool! Augh! We don't have weapons that talk on Remnant...or...I guess maybe we have robots but they're all like 'Beep-boop-bop' and are only programmed for basic stuff. Though...I guess we have holograms too. Hmm." <br><br> She turns then towards Cirra and gives her a thumbs up. "That sounds like fun. I mean, I'll probably do a little bit of that, now more than before...but I've seen you fight. You can do it, I'm sure." <br><br> And next comes Yuna, who is met with a look of sympathy. "Oh...Well I think it looks cool and you think it's cool so you should just turn it up and prove them wrong! But hey, rifle-swords are cool. I've got a Sniper Rifle Scythe. Who needs to just worry about melee combat when you can...just...you know. Stick a gun on it. Instant upgrade!" <br><br> The next question about the Grimm forces her to cross her arms a little bit, nodding. "Cirra over there has fought them with me the other day. They...look like big scary black animals with bones sticking out of them and these weird masks. They are all over the place in Remnant...and if the other day proves anything, they'll be running around the Multiverse soon."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sakura grins a bit at Zephyr and Yuna. "Oh, yeah. I am totally spoiled and just whining because I don't have literally everything." My, she's self-aware! Or she's just being self-deprecating.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sakura rubs the back of her head when Ruby describes her weapon. "Scythe? I'd have expected an axe, to go with the whole... Red Riding Hood vibe you're giving off..."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:675|Cirra Constantine (675)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cirra chuckles a little at Ruby's encouragement. but she nods when the Grimm are mentioned.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"They're powerfull in numbers, but they don't seem perticulary intelligent. If anything they seemed to be driven by rage, at what i couldn't say for certine."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna blushes a little at Ruby's praise, letting the Matrix Divider disappear. "Well, it's the weapon I got when I first became the Savior of Light, so it's not like I've ever had to change it much ... although," she looks at Elner briefly, "then I got powered up and got some different weapons. The original's still kinda my favorite, though - no need to swap weapons if I have to switch between ranged and melee."<br><br>The brief explanation of the Grimm prompts a more concerned look to cross Yuna's face. Monsters like that, spreading across the Multiverse? "I should probably come to Remnant and check these monsters out sometime, so I know how effective my weapons are against them." But whatever Yuna was about to add is abruptly interrupted.<br><br>By Elner, of all people (or other entities). "Ruby," the robo-faerie inquires, "you said you're a student at a school called Beacon. Would they accept a student of Yuna's age to begin studies there?"<br><br>"Elner," Yuna groans. "I'm already taking lessons with Ryudia on top of my idol career ..."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:162|Zephyr Windstar (162)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Zephyr huhs. "I might be too old to be goin' back to school, but I'll come visit sometime. It'll be a good stretch, and it'll let the TSAB know how effective our Magic is on these things." she says, folding her arms over her chest.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:910|Ruby Rose (910)}} has posed:'''<br>Ruby Rose blinks at Sakura's frank assessment over her clothes, tilting a brow upwards. "Red..riding...what? Hey, these clothes are awesome. And pretty. And unique you know? Stand out from the crowd and since we're talking about weapons..." She looks between the girls present and takes a step back from them. She reaches to grab the collapsed hunk of metal on her back and pulls it out in front of herself. With a practiced flip she unfurls it into a massive scythe, spinning it around once to shoulder it like it was a large gun...which it essentially was. Ruby beams preemptively towards one of the highlights of her day; talking about HER weapon. <br><br> "Meet the Crescent Rose. It's classified as a High Caliber Sniper Scythe, or HCSS for short. A really cool and really hard to use weapon, but it cleaves through Grimm baddies like butter and it fires bullets capable of punching holes in several of them at once...and I made it myself...and..check this out!" <br><br> She flips it again and collapses it into a third, new form; a rather large looking bolt action rifle. She racks the gun once loudly. "If I don't need the scythe and just need to shoot, I can use this rifle form to do just that." She flips it back out into a scythe a second or two later, spinning it around to rest the blade on the ground behind her back. "...I like it as a scythe though. But don't get me wrong, Axes are cool too. There's nothing wrong with using the good ol' classics." <br><br> She listens to Cirra and nods towards her. "Yeah...they're attracted to negative emotions and I learned in class the other day that they come in alot of different sizes. I guess the ones we fought were kinda small compared to some that have been found." <br><br> She addresses Yuna next, nodding towards her. "See! That's how I feel. Just use a weapon that can do it all. And...be careful if you do that. I'd only go so far out of Vale; you'll see some...sometimes more than that I guess. If you go too deep, you might run into one of the nastier kinds out there." She turns down to look at Elner when she speaks and shrugs. "That'd...be up to the Headmaster. I know you have to be 17 to get in and you'd need a transcript from a combat school...though the Headmaster does make exceptions...sometimes."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>To be fair, Yuna *was* wondering what kind of weapon Ruby had, and she's not disappointed. She is, in fact, duly impressed; it's an intimidating weapon, and it looks like it would be hard to use effectively. "The recoil from the rifle helps pull the scythe's cutting edge into opponents, right?" she wonders. "How much training and practice does it take to use a weapon like that?"<br><br>There's a secondary question lurking in the back of her mind as she asks that, but Yuna dismisses it. Ruby seems WAY too nice to go after anything other than monsters with a scythe like that, and Yuna can't really believe that the younger girl could bring enough killing intent to bear that she would actually WANT to take a human life. So she turns her attention back to the answer to her own question.<br><br>"I didn't go to a combat school, just Shiraokadai Girls' Private High School," Yuna says, rubbing the back of her head. "It's mostly a regular high school, although it's called 'The Garden of Young Ladies' for a reason - a lot of upper-class girls go there, it was sort of luck that I got in."<br><br>How MUCH luck, even she still has to wonder.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:675|Cirra Constantine (675)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cirra watches Ruby display Cresent Rose with interest. "You made that?" she huhs softly. "You would make an excellt armor smith, if you ever lost the taste for being a Huntress... though you don't seem like the type to give up that." she hmns and drops her hand to her side, a tarrot card appearing between her fingers which she holds up and flick, in a flash it turns into a crystaline long blade. "This is a Judge Blade. A kind of magical weapon. Mine is a little different-" she flciks the weapon again, and the blade splits in half as the hilt turns into grip, turning it into a something like a rifle.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Mine can do this because I have something called a sub-Job, which is a second set of skills."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:162|Zephyr Windstar (162)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Zephyr blinks, lifts a hand to cover her ear, then sighs. "Gotta head back to HQ... the Ganamede's making final preparations to depart the sector tomorrow." she lifts off the ground, grabbing Divine Wind on the way up, before turning and jetting away, leaving a glowing purple contrail in her wake. "See ya later!" wafts back as the sonic boom dies down.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:910|Ruby Rose (910)}} has posed:'''<br>Ruby Rose nods towards Yuna's question after drawing her attention away from Zephyr's jet-exit. "Yeah. The Crescent Rose has alot of recoil, but if you just guide it, you can turn the kick-back into more damage and cutting power. It took me...years of practicing to get this good with it. Without my Uncle, I don't think I would have gotten the hang of it but, he's a really good teacher. He uses a scythe too and he is crazy fast with it! And if you haven't been to a combat school, don't worry about it too much; there's a test you can take that'll help you get in if you want; but I hear it's really hard." <br><br> She nods rapidly towards Cirra. "At Signal Academy, where I went before Beacon, every student makes their own weapon. So yeah...picked out the metal, the color, the shape...I spent months designing it in advance because I wanted everything to be JUST perfect. And it came out great I think. I know plenty about how to maintain it and they make magazines dedicated to just talking about weaponcrafting...but I don't know anything about Armor crafting." <br><br> She leans in to look at Cirra's Blade transform, oooh'ing with praise. <br><br> "That's really neat. Sword-guns are always a good mix to have, you know?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:675|Cirra Constantine (675)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cirra nods at Ruby and turns the law blade back into a sword. "It's usefull. I also have Law Cards, which let me cast speels to slow down my targets, or create barriers. In more dire circumstantces I can sacrifice my health for a power boost or attacks like the Sanguine Blade I used the other night."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna turns the latest clumps of info over in her head for a bit. She could PROBABLY use some more training in combat, and if Beacon takes students who've designed and constructed their own weapons, then they're probably used to a pretty wide range, from conventional swords and rifles to ... well, High Caliber Sniper Scythes, and whatever Yang uses, and so forth. Something like the Matrix Divider? They can probably help, and it sounds like the Grimm are monsters that she wouldn't feel guilty about helping to battle against.<br><br>Which is ESPECIALLY good if there's a chance of Grimm popping up outside of Remnant.<br><br>But she'd still have to investigate what kind of time commitment Beacon would require of a 'visiting' student - and it's possible that she's learned enough 'on the job' that Beacon wouldn't be worth the time. Yuna just makes a few more mental notes, and reverts to civilian clothing now that show-and-tell seems to be over. "Testing in without the transcript probably means you have to beat one of the teachers in single combat or something," she jokes. "What kind of classes do they teach at Beacon? It does sound more like a 'college' than a 'high school,' if you have to be seventeen to get in normally."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:910|Ruby Rose (910)}} has posed:'''<br>Ruby Rose nods towards Cirra's statement before flipping Cresent Rose back into it's storage form and reseating it on her back. "Yeah, I saw that...well I saw the blades come out. Those were kind of scary to be honest, but you almost got the Nevermore's wings. A little deeper and you would have cut them off. That...would have been great but..it might die in Remnant somewhere; we hit it pretty hard." <br><br> "Oh...no, I don't think so. But I don't know how well you'd do if you don't have an Aura. Things can hit pretty hard in Remnant and I know alot of people who'd be toast if they didn't have some kind of protection...though I guess regular rmor could work. Beacon does teach some basic classes, but most of it teaches how how to fight, what types of Grimm there are, Aura Training, sparring, training with dust...all sorts of stuff. I guess it's kinda like a college? I got in early, so I guess it kind of doesn't feel like that for me."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:675|Cirra Constantine (675)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cirra nods but frowns as she finds herself on the opposite end of what happened when Galandia unified. Miscomunication about the nature of the world. "We have defenses too. Even without your 'Aura' we have defense spells, barrier, protect. Galandia has mosnters too, Bugbears, Goblins, Maloboros." She pauses.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The worst part of Maloboros is the stench though."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We have a place - part of the world, called Odin. It's a mountain made mostly of metal. But smaller pieces of metal become... animated." she pulls out her phone and swipes through it and turns it to show Ruby a picture of a giant metal skeleton-golem. "We call these Nightmare Golems. They're one of the worst things on Galandia, but they can't leave Odin and you need special rank to enter the area where they are."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna nods. "My parents have been wondering if I'm going to go to college," she admits, sounding kind of sheepish again. "I haven't really been sure whether I should or not - it's not like there's any schools where I can learn more about being the Savior of Light. Ryudia held the role before me, and she's already teaching me what she knows; she was prepared for the duties and title a lot better than I was."<br><br>And Ruby's list of subjects at Beacon seems ... well, pretty much specialized for Remnant and for the tasks of fighting Grimm. Probably not something Yuna's going to get as much mileage out of as Ruby or her classmates.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:910|Ruby Rose (910)}} has posed:'''<br>Ruby Rose leans over to look at Cirra's phone for the picture, looking it over and gasping at it. "Whoa...that's a pretty crazy looking place...and those monsters...well...at least they can't roam around. I hope the Grimm don't cause too many problems for you guys. But at least you guys are strong, you'll handle yourselves. I'll be sure to ask the Headmaster to send over some information on them so that you guys know how to-" <br><br> A buzzing eminates from Ruby's skirt pocket. She slides a hand into it and draws out said buzzing object: Her phone. She looks over the screen and taps it a few times, her expression changing to one of mild disappointment. "Darn...I've been out here for so long and I haven't even seen what this place has to offer. I should get going though; it's getting late and I need to get some books back to the library before they close in Vale. It's been nice meeting all of you though!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:675|Cirra Constantine (675)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Of course," Cirra says as she puts away her phone, "Sorry to have kept you so long."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna smiles, "Good meeting you too, Ruby! I'll try and come visit your school soon; have a good trip back!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:910|Ruby Rose (910)}} has posed:'''<br>Ruby Rose waves towards the two of them as she slides her phone back in her pocket. "I'll have the radio thing on so if you guys want to ask me anything over that, you can. I'm happy everyone wants to know more about Remnant and I'll try to learn as much as I can so I can tell you guys about it. I should be back in a few days, homework depending. See you guys!" <br><br> She smiles towards the two girls before turning from them and walking back through the warpgate she had came through.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=2972/The_Care_and_Feeding_of_Friendships&diff=137392972/The Care and Feeding of Friendships2016-11-15T04:23:34Z<p>Shachihoko: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/09/06 |Location=Equestria <KE> |Synopsis=Eve runs into Yuna while visiting Ponyville, and the idol singer gives the younger girl a tour of the..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/09/06<br />
|Location=Equestria <KE><br />
|Synopsis=Eve runs into Yuna while visiting Ponyville, and the idol singer gives the younger girl a tour of the town, introducing her to Rarity along the way.<br />
|Cast of Characters=385, 857, 136<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna spends a lot of her time on Equestria in pony form ... but not all of it. Like if she's wearing one of her stage dresses when she heads back to Ponyville, she'll make a point of staying human on the way through the warpgate, or if she has to fly to the planet on the Mike-maru-go - she doesn't think she'll ever get the hang of using hooves instead of hands when she's at the cruiser's controls.<br><br>And sometimes, she just feels like staying human. The local ponies know her either way and she has yet to hear that any of them mind; there are plenty of others who stay in human (or other non-pony) form when they visit. It's also still easier for Yuna to write when she can hold a pen or pencil in her fingers, and as she sits at the cafe with the remains of a sandwich and a glass of apple cider in front of her, she's scribbling something down in a small notebook ...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eve's first day in the Union was eventful. She was taught those things she needed to know to be a proper Multiversal citizen, and to represent the Union fairly and appropriately. She of course soaked up information like a sponge, never needing anything repeated and often coming to good conclusions before being presented with all the necessary information. She's actually really easy to teach.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This, however, is another matter. What she REALLY needs rather than simple information is socialization, and to learn certain things that simply can't be taught in the classroom. Of course as much as she enjoyed learning new things, she also jumped at Yuna's offer to come see her cottage. Having learned how to navigate the Multiverse, it was pretty easy for her to find her way to the local jumpgate. To get to Yuna within Ponyville however had a bit of a delay. Not wholly unexpected, but still a bit odd for the girl who until now never even thought of herself as particularly human.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yuna...?" comes the hesitant voice. Eve seems to be a pony. A tiny cream-colored pegasus with a golden mane and pink eyes. No cutie mark of course, since she's too young. She's not really bothered by the transformation. Actually she thought it would be kind of interesting. She's just worried Yuna might not recognize her!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>A familiar voice, even if it's one Yuna hasn't heard a lot of yet, is still enough to make her look up from her notebook. "Eve?" she asks, a little uncertain - but something about the pony approaching her is familiar anyway. "That is you, right, Eve?" asks the idol singer, finishing the sentence she was writing before she closes the notebook, using the pen to mark her place. "You make a really cute pony - just as cute as you were as a human girl," she smiles. "How do you like Equestria?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eve's had some experience by now in urban environments. Sapidor, Urbania, and Njorun Station. This is her first open countryside sort of place. She looks around for a moment. "It's nice." she says. "Always changing." she adds, clarifying somewhat. Leaves moving in the breeze, grass, everything.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She doesn't deny who she is, clearly, but neither does she feel the need to explicitly confirm it. "Ah... should I ... NOT be a pony?" she asks, unsure if perhaps she's done something wrong, or possibly made things a little awkward. She doesn't mind being a pony really, and there seems to be something within her that yearns for the sky. That's got to be the reason she appeared with wings, right?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna shrugs a bit at that question. "It's ... I think Equestria 'prefers' for outsiders to take a pony form here, but the world is used to non-pony visitors by now. It took me by surprise first time I came here, but I adapted quickly and I kind of like it. It beats being a cat, at any rate," she adds with a grin.<br><br>Probably a lot of stories to go behind that set of words.<br><br>"Kind of ironic you caught me on a day when I stayed human coming back. How've your classes been going?" she asks, picking up her glass for a sip of cider. She catches herself before drinking, though. "Ah - did you want something to eat? It's all vegetarian food here, but I can order something if you'd like, my treat."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eve considers the question. With nothing to compare the classes to directly, she has to guess how they're going. Certainly learning like this has been a whole lot better than learning what her 'grandfather' wanted her to learn, so she nods. "They say I'm doing well." she says, absolutely clueless about how much she's understating things. Again, she lacks the means for comparison.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eve looks down at herself, not sure how eating and drinking will work in this form, and not yet having had opportunity to see someone else doing so in order for her to learn. "No thank you." she says politely.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna nods, and finishes off her cider. "One moment, then ..." She finishes her sandwich as well, and gets up to take her empty plate and glass inside (as well as to pay for her food, plus a tip).<br><br>She's back outside in well under a minute, and retrieves her notebook from the table. "Sorry about that interruption. So, I think I mentioned offering to show you my cottage here?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eve nods, and trots after Yuna. That sort of thing's easy enough thanks to the translation, but of course the girl has no clue that others might consider it odd to be walking on four hooved legs after spending a lifetime on two feet. She takes it, as it were, in stride. "You live here?" she asks, curious.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>"For now, at least," Yuna answers. "My original home isn't that convenient to Union territory, the first place I moved to turned unfriendly .."<br><br>It still hurts to remember what happened to the Holy Empire, and that shows in her voice.<br><br>"... although things are still basically okay in Windbloom. I didn't want to keep imposing on the palace's hospitality there, though, so Ponyville seemed like a good place to settle, and it's still not that far from my home Earth, even if the warpgates here are 'closer' to Njorun Station and other key places. - Ah, there's my cottage!"<br><br>It's a fairly small place, really, just one story tall and maybe the size of an apartment. If Eve has seen solar panels, she'll notice a few of them on the building's roof ... and room for one or two more.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No doubt Eve's seen solar panels but likely has no idea what they're for. She takes in the little home, studying it attentively and silently. When she's not examining Yuna, that is. The pain in Yuna's voice is fairly clear to her and though she doesn't entirely understand, a part of her does empathise. She may never miss Sapidor and the villa, but she can still sympathize with another's pain.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eve frowns slightly. "I've been told I can stay in Njorun, or I can have people who look after me." she says, a bit dissatisfied with the options. Nothing wrong with either, but it implies something. "I don't have... family." she says neutrally.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>"You've got the Union, and friends within it," Yuna notes kindly. "And I'd be happy to give you a place to stay that isn't Njorun ... although," she adds sheepishly, "I didn't really plan on having anyone live here with me ..."<br><br>She trails off, then sighs and shrugs. "Want to come in and look around? There isn't a whole lot to see ... or I could show you around Ponyville, see if any of my friends aren't busy with other things."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eve considers what Yuna says, and what she doesn't say. Yes Eve's got the Union. She certainly has friends, better friends than she's ever had before. But this doesn't quite sound like a ringing offer. Maybe she'd be making things difficult if she took Yuna's words as an opportunity to press in. And she doesn't... doesn't want to do that. Yuna's her friend, a wonderful friend who saved her. Eve's in no position to push, not when she has other options.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Little of this shows on her face. Eve has two basic emotional modes. Heart-on-sleeve, and blank. Right now, she's showing blank. This itself is a fairly obvious thing that Yuna might pick up on. She has been offered a choice however. Even though she's showing little in her expression, she still answers. "I'd like to see. And then maybe after, I can meet your friends?" she asks, her blank expression becoming a hopeful one. It seems THAT, at least, gets through to her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna nods, smiling. "Like I said, not a whole lot to see ..."<br><br>But she opens her door and lets Eve in, reaching over to turn on the light so the interior of the cottage is more visible. There are plenty of windows, but the lights do help; apparently supplying power for them is what the solar panels are for.<br><br>And it's not a big place. There's a 'living room' type of sitting area near the front door, with a kitchenette off to the side; there's a desk further back, and a low bed which is sized and situated to be convenient for either a human or a pony. Looks like there's a bathroom as well, the only part of the interior that's really walled off from the rest.<br><br>Yuna takes a moment to scurry around and make sure everything is picked up ... which it is, leaving her looking maybe just a little silly.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eve's pretty nonjudgmental about a lot of things, such as looking silly. She doesn't have much of a clue when it comes to such things, not yet. She looks around, studying the place with interest and the numerous windows with obvious approval. She even pays particular attention to the various views provided, taking in the house with respect to everything around it.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She doesn't really have a lot to say, but it's obvious Eve likes the place.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>"It's not much," Yuna says (again), "but I wasn't trying to build a lavish mansion - just a little place I could call my own. It does what I need, although I still need to pay for another solar panel on the roof to finish wiring this place up ... I miss being able to watch TV or play games, even if I'd have to get the signal routed from the Multiverse at large."<br><br>She grins sheepishly. "anyway. Anything in particular you'd like to see? There's the library, the bakery, Rarity's boutique ..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eve's ears literally perk up when she hears of the library. Pony form being what it is, after all. Though the rest doesn't sound bad at all. She's found food in the Multiverse to be a lot different from what she's used to. Sweeter, in many cases. And a boutique sounds exotic, though she's not entirely sure what that is. "I... I'd like to see them all?" she finally says. If she had to pick just one, it'd probably be the library. Books FASCINATE her. All that information about all kinds of things she'd never been taught, all set down in such a convenient manner.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna stifles a giggle, nodding. "All right. Rarity's shop is closest, and she loves making clothes for her friends ... I might have to tell her your native form is human, but I'm sure she'd be happy to make something for you. The concert dress she made for me is still a favorite of mine."<br><br>She closes her cottage back up and leads the way towards Rarity's fashion boutique.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eve nods her understanding, figuring she might have to come back at some other time if she really wants clothes here. Come back in her normal form that is. Still, make something for her? Dresses? That also gets a cheery little earperk from the little ponygirl. At the very least she can see some clothing and get an idea what sort of thing appeals to her, as opposed to wearing whatever was selected for her for a given occasion.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It's good that she won't mind I'm human." Eve says carefully, misunderstanding Yuna's emphasis. "And I look forward to meeting your friends." she adds sweetly, trotting along in Yuna's wake.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exotic is actually a pretty accurate descriptor, at least as far as this boutique goes. The round multi-story building of white and pink is designed to resemble a carousel (thus the name) stands out, especially against the rest of Ponyville being much more rustic in style.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On this day Rarity is actually outside right now, swinging a racket-like device with her unikinesis to beat the dust off of several tapestry banners hung over the clotheslines.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna giggles faintly as she spots the carpet-beater Rarity's using; it may not be EXACTLY like the futon-beating wands she remembers from home, but the similarity in function is unmistakable. "Hey, Rarity!" she calls out, raising an arm to wave to the white unicorn. "How's work going? Need an extra hand, or can you take a break to meet a possible new customer?"<br><br>Sure, shouting from a distance isn't the most polite way to get someone's attention, but Yuna doesn't exactly want to sneak up on the ever-classy seamstress unicorn, either.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eve for her part is fascinated by the carousel, by the white and pink cake-like edifice. It takes her a moment to clue in to the actual pony. Oh sure, she'd SEEN her right off the bat, but there's only so much you can stare at FIRST!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And while Eve may not be trained in a lot of things, she is trained in etiquette to an almost-courtly level. Her 'grandfather' wanted her to be able to blend into high society after all, so she could serve her intended purpose. She curtseys to Rarity, not speaking. And yes, she does this in spite of being currently four-legged and not wearing a skirt. Still a fairly unmistakeable gesture in spite of the lack.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rarity stops midswing as she hears her name and turns her head. "Yuna, dahling~! You know I've always got time for my friends." Unless she's overworked, but that's been less so the case these days. The summer fashion season has wrapped up for the most part and it will be a few weeks yet before autumn's starts to pick up. "Mayor Mare just asked if I would laundry the decorations from the town hall. But they get *so* dusty it's necessary to beat the loose debris off first." Because an explaination makes the whole ordeal look less weird, even if not specifically asked for.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The courtesy gets a soft giggle out of her. "Your new friend seems to be blending in well already." The way ponies do it is like a combination of a bow and courtsey, so a skirt isn't really necessary. Though Rarity would quite possibly be wearing one anyways if she hadn't been working. "Welcome! I am Rarity, the most faaaabulous fashionista in Ponyville~"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Opal looks up from where the white persian was napping on a window sill to deliever a deadpan "mew" as if to point out Rarity was the -only- one of said profession in the town. Then go back to indifference as cats tend to do.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>"Not that there's a lot of competition," Yuna admits with a friendly grin to Rarity, "but her designs stack up nicely next to some of what I've seen in Canterlot. There's 'flashy' and then there's 'overblown'; Rarity's REALLY good at knowing how much is enough but not too much. So these are wall hangings from the town hall ... I thought they looked familiar yet out-of-place," she muses.<br><br>"You thinking you might make something for the Mayor which goes with the designs?" she wonders aloud.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eve goes rather pink about the cheeks when Rarity says she's blending in, but it's a pleased blush. Blending in is something she wants to do after all. "Thank you, Rarity. I'm Eve." the new girl says, a hint of shyness present but outweighed by politeness.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eve has no reason to doubt Yuna's fashion sense. Sure, the light suit isn't exactly something Eve would be comfortable wearing, but her everyday fashion she wore on the streets of Sapidor - which Eve admittedly messed up a bit - was nice. She glances at Yuna. "I... won't be wearing wall hangings." she notes, like she thinks Yuna might be making a joke, but that she's honestly not sure.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rarity lets out an exaggerated sigh as Yuna points out the same thing Opal was. "That just means I was not lying, ne? Besides, working out of a smaller community does have it's perks. The problem with big city markets is, well, there is too much ... distancing between individuals." Then the unicorn rolls her eyes. "Dear Celestia I hope not. Just because it looks pretty on a wall doesn't mean it will look pretty on an actual pony."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>"Well, that's why we trust you as the fashion designer, right?" Yuna grins. "I just - well, that's why I'm NOT a fashion designer, or an interior decorator, I guess," she says sheepishly, 'giving up' her line of reasoning. "I just get on stage and sing my heart out for people."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eve looks up uncertainly at Rarity, considering her situation and her words carefully for a moment. "Ah, I'm not usually a pony." she explains seriously, as if there might be some doubt of this. "Though I still prefer dresses." she adds, in case she might otherwise imply that the wall hangings might look pretty on her if she only refutes that one part of Rarity's claim.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Yuna claims to just sing, Eve considers THAT too. "You do more than sing." she claims, with a certain stubborn set to her jaw suggesting that anyone who claims that's all Yuna does is going to answer to her. She gave Eve her heart after all! That had nothing to do with a stage!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>Rarity smiles at Eve. "Yes dear, I can tell." Though quickly holds up a hoof to ward off any possible objections. "Not that you have done anything wrong. But after having dealt with both ponies and humans and human-like others for long enough, you learn to see some of those little nuances that don't go away just because you are temporarily in another form."<br><br>Considering how many times -not- seeing those had nearly bite her in the flank back then, Rarity's learned to pay a little more attention to such things.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna grins sheepishly at Eve, rubbing the back of her head. "Well, yeah ... I don't like throwing my title of 'Savior of Light' around, though, and I'm honestly happier to be thought of as an idol singer - it's simpler than 'magical girl' or 'paladin of the Queen of Light' or anything more accurately detailed ... anyway." She looks at Rarity. "Eve's dress when I first met her was black, simple yet elegant ... buuuut you'd need her to come back in her human form to get measurements to make anything for her, right?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:857|Eve (857)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's a hint of a scowl from Eve at Yuna's protestations. Eve's fiercely loyal to Yuna for obvious reasons, and doesn't approve of anyone making less of her. Even Yuna herself. But Eve can understand humility, at least somewhat, and accept it.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With that settled she focusses on Rarity, and Yuna's words to her. "Black and simple is good." she agrees. "But so are colors, and maybe a bit of ..." she waves a hoof, searching for the right word. "... flourish?" It's not quite right, but she's still lacking the vocabulary to explain it. Give her a few days. "I'd like to see some designs, if that's okay?" she asks, betraying a certain eagerness, or at least an appreciation that Rarity should approve of. "We're here to meet people but... well..." she pauses, not sure if she's sounding selfish here.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>Rarity nods her head to Yuna, which makes her coifed mane bob a bit with the motion. "Yes dear, unless you already have them on hand." Then turns her attention back to Eve for a moment. "Any other preferences for colors? Black can go with almost anything, and to be honest, is kind of dull on its own." Which Eve just answered, sort of, save a specific choice.<br><br>When she asks about designs Rarity smiles, motioning towards the door. "The shop is right inside, dear. Most of the displays are Equestrian style, but it is not hard to adopt, as you put them, flourish to another form."<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=4120/Friendly_Visitor&diff=137384120/Friendly Visitor2016-11-15T04:21:54Z<p>Shachihoko: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2016/05/18 |Location=Fraulein Earth <GFY> |Synopsis=While Yuna is hospitalized on her home Earth to recover from the last battle of Operation Rei-G..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/05/18<br />
|Location=Fraulein Earth <GFY><br />
|Synopsis=While Yuna is hospitalized on her home Earth to recover from the last battle of Operation Rei-Go, she gets a visit from Nagato, and the two of them chat for a little while about various things.<br />
|Cast of Characters=385, 680<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>No matter where you are in the Multiverse, a hospital generally seems like a hospital. Carefully sterile, varying amounts of institutional, arranged for what the architects and staff consider most beneficial to delivering medical care in an efficient manner to those who require it.<br><br>Yuna Kagurazaka has been fairly lucky in her stay; while her injuries from the last mission of Operation Rei-Go weren't anywhere near life-threatening, she did need more attention than outpatient care would have provided. Technically, the only real reason for her to stay in the hospital is to make sure she doesn't do anything to mess up her foot while it's still healing. She's still debating whether she should request a wheelchair or something.<br><br>In the meantime, though, she's got a bunch of homework to work on from Beacon Academy, and while she's not really supposed to practice any of the songs she's learning, she can hum quietly - or just listen to the songs on a pair of earphones or something, and review the lyrics.<br><br>Right now, though, she's just sitting in her bed, her attention alternating at intervals between the window and a datapad.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And no matter where you are in the Multiverse, when a friend is injured, one should be there to see how he or she is doing, more so when it's a very close friend and fleet member. Some quick calls get Nagato's attention and with some rapid travel, and an outfit change, the fleet Admiral heads over to Shiraokadai.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's strange, to be in a human hospital. She's only been in one before due to Momoyo... and it was for one of Momoyo's friends, however, this is more important. Yuna was someone close to Nagato, one of the first to be part of an experimental project, one who took to it like she was born that way... and one who showed immense care for those in the fleet.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That, and Nagato had Shiraokadai as a vacation spot next in her list /anyways./<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Getting the permission from the nurses to head up, Nagato makes her way up the elevator to Yuna's room, showing up in a black buisness suit instead of her normal outfitt. "Yuna, it's Nagato, may I enter?" she questions, giving a few taps on the door.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>"Hm?" Yuna blinks, drawn back out of her momentary reverie by the light knock at the door. "Nagato? Sure - please, come in!" She makes a quick effort to tidy up the bed table, rearranging the books and such on its surface so it at least *looks* orderly and somewhat organized. She also fiddles with the bed controls briefly, elevating the head some more so she's closer to 'sitting up' than lying down.<br><br>She also looks fairly well-rested ... which is probably to be expected, given her circumstances.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nagato makes her way in slowly, the Admiral looking professional as all get out. Even on Vacation... she's still the Admiral. She does hold a small box in her hand, standing about a foot from the bed once it's lifted. "Yuna. Thank you for your help, I'm sorry my actions and requests put you into the hospital." she bows deeply, offering the box of chocolates as an apology. "I'll cover any of your expenses here with the fleet's funds." she offers.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nagato doesn't lift herself up until Yuna allows it, waiting for those words. "You've been there so much for the fleet and I asked you to do this and you get injured... not even thinking about your idol carrer. I do hope I did not ruin it for you. I could not allow myself to be forgiven for it."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>"You didn't know who the Abyssals would get help from, Nagato," Yuna says reassuringly. "I could have been up against anyone, please don't blame yourself so much." She reaches out to accept the box of candy. "And please, lift your head again. I'm glad I was able to help see Rei-Go through to a successful end; I got off lucky ..."<br><br>She trails off abruptly, remembering some of the others who WEREN'T as lucky. "Pull a chair over?" Yuna asks, trying to muster another smile - and for once, coming up just a little short. "Anyway, the doctor said I'll be fine, it's just going to take some more time before I can use this foot. I think he's erring on the side of caution, but I don't blame him."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I could have known." she whsipered "The patterns... the expectation..." she frowns a bit, "You're part of the fleet, Yuna. You're my responsibility when it comes to sorties... It's... it's my job to blame myself for things like this. For all of that." she lets the box go and she lifts her head, Nagato's face showing at least some semblence of being pulled together. She gives a brief nod and a chair is pulled over, moving to sit herself in it, hands crossed over her lap.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm.. I'm glad it's not going to be any permanent damage." she comments, "How are you holding up, hopefully it's not delaying anything major for you."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna grimaces slightly, "Not delaying anything we'd announced a solid date for, although I can't practice dance routines at this point. Other than that, I'm doing okay - it's a chance to catch up on assignments I'd been putting off," she taps a couple of books from Beacon Academy. "Oh, and my manager mentioned something else we might be gearing up for ..."<br><br>She pauses, closing her eyes for a moment. "Although, I'm not sure if I'm allowed to talk too much about that yet ..." She makes a face. "Anyway. How's the rest of the Hikari fleet doing? And how's your vacation? I heard there's some rumors about you and Commodore Thompson ..." She grins impishly, "Not that I really believe the rumors, mind you~"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nagato gives a brief nod. "It's always good to catch up on things missed, though it's sad that you won't be able to practice, maybe there is something I can assist with." she gives a look towards the books that are tapped, tilting her head at that, "Maybe I should see about Beacon Academy myself." she hmms, looking at the books a bit, though when she mentions something about her manager...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What is he planning? On my word, it won't leave this room." she nods, but when the rumors come up.. "I was just on vacation, nothing happened. Though, I have to admit, being in a hotel is different than being in the barracks." she thinks a moment, "Though, Commodore Thompson did lay on a few things quite thickly for the tabloids there... it's strange." a pause, "And I think I might have seen Destroyer Division Six there..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>"Her world, her mass media," Yuna muses. "Maybe she was trying to throw them off the 'correct' trail by making it look like something else ..." She shrugs gamely. "Anyway ..."<br><br>She pauses, chewing her lower lip for the briefest of moments. "Heck with it, there's already some rumors - you remember Star Ship Shoujo, that manga I donated to the Hikari base library for Christmas?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You're right." Nagato chuckles, "Perhaps she might have something under her sleeve I'm not catching either..." she gives a brief shrug, only to look at Yuna with a smile. Though, when the mention of Star Ship Shoujo... Nagato gives a brief nod. "Yea. I've not been able to check out the last volume... someone else seems to have it and Ooyodo isn't telling me who."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nagato pauses... "Something tells me this will involve the Fleet."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>"I wasn't going to go that far," Yuna smiles - no 'tries' about it this time, just a straight-up look of happiness. "Or maybe it will, but - the manga's still selling really well in reprints, and the authors have announced that they're working on a follow-up series. And," she adds, raising a finger as if to emphasize the addition, "the ongoing interest has Kadokawa - the publisher - planning an animated adaptation. That's still in the early stages, they haven't made decisions about who's playing which roles or anything - and that's why I wasn't sure if I'm allowed to say anything."<br><br>The blonde gets a sheepish look on her face. "I mean, if somebody overheard me talking about an anime that's being planned, the obvious jump for the rumor mill is that I'm going to have a starring role or something, and I don't even know for sure if I'll be involved yet."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Mmhmm." Nagato returns that smile with one of her own, "Perhaps I should grab the series for my own personal library. And end up losing it to my sister and Atago." she gives a brief shrug and a shake of her head. She does pause a moemnt, "Animated adaptation?" she ponders, "I see, well..." she takes a breath, "Let me know when they are wanting to do any of the roles, Perhaps I might show up to see how it goes, I've been curious."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She nods slightly, "You /are/ a popular idol, so I would not doubt those rumors being true. Perhaps you should spring for it?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna rubs the back of her head, an embarassed smile on her face. "Well, if nothing else I'll probably record another image song to go on one of the anime soundtracks or song collections or something. I'm not holding out for too much, but we'll see what happens, I guess. - I'll be glad to keep you updated on what I hear, though, at least that I'm allowed to pass along."<br><br>She pauses. "Nagato ... would you actually want to have a voice role in the anime? Or do you think any of the other girls would? Voice acting isn't quite as easy as it seems like - it's actually harder in some ways."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nagato gives a brief nod, "I'll be glad to hear it and add it to my collection of music." she comments, looking around some. "And thanks, perhaps it can be worthwile to see what goes on in something like that." she smiles slightliy and gives a pat to Yuna's shoulder.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then... the question. Nagato looks away from Yuna, a sheepish looking face upon her head. "Yuna, I promised you I'd take a vacation once Rei Go was finished. And I've been curious about a lot of things in my time in the Multiverse." she turns back to look to Yuna, "It's why I play ALO... and enjoy it. And perhaps, trying this hand at a role in the ... anime... will help sate some curiosity in that event, even if I do not get it, knowing I tried is good enough for me."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>"Hopefully I'll get a chance to show you around some parts of this world - and its neighbors - that I love," Yuna says. "As for the anime - I'm sure they'll do auditions, if mainly to match up available voice actresses with the different roles. I'll see what I can find out about extending some of the auditions for the Hikari girls, including you, to see if the production staff think you'd be a match."<br><br>Another awkward pause sets in; this time, Yuna grimaces as if bracing herself, and asks the question that's circled back across her mind ...<br><br>"Any leads on Kuma or the other girls we lost during Rei-Go ... ?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:680|Nagato (680)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'll be renting a hotel here for a few days then so you will have that chance, Yuna." Nagato comments, "And I'll be glad to join in on this and if you want to give me a tour of the place, just keep in mind, I can't fly outside of ALO." she gives a bit of a chuckle to ease things around, but when that grimace is seen, Nagato knows what's coming next.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I have no info yet. Ooyodo's been on constant alert, I've had expeditions looking for them. I'm doing my best with what I have available to find them.. and we'll bring them home, Yuna, I promise."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna nods. "Once I've got some time available to come back and help with the search, I'll let you know. Maybe they'll turn up before then, but either way .."<br><br>This does loop back to what Nagato said earlier, when she was apologizing, doesn't it?<br><br>"Nagato, I've been glad to help you all out as a special light cruiser," Yuna continues, smiling. "Once I got used to sailing the way you all do, I got to really liking it, and more than that, I know I'm helping take back the oceans of your world so regular people can travel safely by water. Even with my Light Suit, though, the danger has never *not* been there; no matter how good someone's armor is, there'll always be something that can get through it. My life has been on the line from the first time I met Elner and had to go into battle with little explanation."<br><br>Yuna takes a deep breath, looking at Nagato. "Even without being Special Light Cruiser Kagurazaka, I'm sure I would have been out there helping you. You didn't drag me into harm's way by giving me a chance to fight the way you do; what you *did* was give me a closer understanding of what it's like to be one of the Fleet Daughters ... and that's been a greater chance to forge my friendships with you, and with your sisters-in-arms. I wouldn't give that up for anything."<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Rectification_(Yuna_Kagurazaka)&diff=13736Rectification (Yuna Kagurazaka)2016-11-15T01:51:19Z<p>Shachihoko: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/11/14<br />
|Location=City of Ravnica <Rav><br />
|Synopsis=With her wrath at Ijiwaru starting to burn out, Yuna goes back to where it all began, trying to get a better grip on her emotions.<br />
|Thanks=Yunomi Stadler, Rhapsody, Ijiwaru<br />
|Cast of Characters=385<br />
|Tinyplot=Moeru<br />
}}<br />
The hotter a fire burns, the faster it burns out; unless it's tended and more fuel fed to the flames, eventually nothing will be left but ashes.<br />
<br />
So it is with Yuna's anger. At the moment that she heard Yunomi's death, her wrath against Ijiwaru was kindled, instantly igniting to a lethal blaze that should have ended in the magic-eater's death. She can still remember the sound of her fist slamming into his face, the feel of his jaw cracking under her knuckles ...<br />
<br />
But then, nothing. Ijiwaru vanished with the other magic-eaters, and Yuna's fury had no outlet - doubly so, when Maya tackled her. The Junker meant well, of course, and Yuna doesn't hold the intervention against her friend; normally, Yuna seeks to avoid taking a life, no matter what it costs, and the last time she resorted to killing, it nearly broke her spirit. But the loss of a friend's life - one of those irreplaceable treasures, precious beyond any metal or jewel - has never failed to incite Yuna's uttermost rage.<br />
<br />
After that, with no way to pursue revenge, Yuna succumbed to her grief. For a couple of days, she didn't even stir beyond her guest room in Thirix; when she did finally leave those walls, it was only to get a meal - something to keep the pangs of hunger at bay. Gradually, she began to open back up to her allies, communicating on the radio again, and starting to pull herself out of the emotional abyss into which she'd been plunged.<br />
<br />
And all the while, the fury which drove her to seek Ijiwaru's death was slowly ebbing away, dissolving into sorrow or simply burning itself out a little bit at a time.<br />
<br />
While anger comes easily for Yuna, hatred - which should be anger's neighbor - is largely foreign to her: the sustained malice which leads a person to desire someone else's suffering or destruction has never been able to find purchase in her heart. Even staying angry for a long time is difficult; Yuna ''can'' hold a grudge, but she doesn't enjoy trying to do so - particularly when she'd rather try to turn an enemy into a friend, even when that seems impossible. Ijiwaru is the first individual she's met whom she ''hasn't'' wanted to try and befriend, just because of his hunting of Yunomi and the feeling Yuna got when he first showed up at the Ravnican guilds' conclave.<br />
<br />
For the first time since Yunomi's ... for the first time since that day at the Nexus, when she had thought they'd be welcoming Yunomi home (even if only in passing), Yuna puts on the clothes she'd worn that day. White blouse and red skirt, reminiscent of a miko's vestments; a light blue sweater and midnight-blue tights, for warmth and to add the Izzet League's other color, complimenting the red. For jewelry, she puts on the red and blue magatama earrings and the silver dragon necklace she'd bought in the Namamura District, as well as the five-stone bracelet she commissioned from Rarity. She pauses briefly in front of the mirror, her face somber; this outfit was supposed to be celebratory, even if the circumstances had been far from ideal. Yunomi had only been coming back to face Ravnican justice, and Ijiwaru ...<br />
<br />
Ijiwaru turned it into a deathtrap for Yunomi herself. Even Sakiaro died, after being cruelly drained and used as bait to draw Yunomi out; his daughter's death was too much for the old tanuki to take on top of those, even after Yuna and Sanary had tried to get him to safety.<br />
<br />
Yuna opens her eyes again, gazing once more at her reflection. Even the clear memory of Yunomi's and Sakiaro's deaths doesn't quite drive her back to wanting to kill Ijiwaru with her own hands. When did mercy start to prevail over revenge again? Was it when Sanary proposed keeping Ijiwaru alive so that they could torture him with repeated deaths? Was it before that? Was it as early as Maya's reminder that Yuna is not a killer, that she ''should not'' be a killer?<br />
<br />
... It's not that important. Yuna straightens her sweater, making sure it's securely buttoned, and heads out; Elner teleports back from wherever the robo-faerie was, and flits along next to her shoulder, all the way down to the Mana Nexus.<br />
<br />
Not to pray, not to renew any oaths - at least, not outwardly. Yuna just looks over the plaza and the Nexus's structure, letting her thoughts drift over the events since Presentation Day. One way or another, it'll all be over soon ...<br />
<br />
And that's what Yuna is thinking when Elner addresses her - at the same moment that Mi, speaking on the radio, calls attention to the state of the Window.</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Rectification_(Yuna_Kagurazaka)&diff=13735Rectification (Yuna Kagurazaka)2016-11-15T01:48:22Z<p>Shachihoko: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2016/11/14 |Location=City of Ravnica <Rav> |Synopsis=With her wrath at Ijiwaru starting to burn out, Yuna goes back to where it all began, try..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/11/14<br />
|Location=City of Ravnica <Rav><br />
|Synopsis=With her wrath at Ijiwaru starting to burn out, Yuna goes back to where it all began, trying to get a better grip on her emotions.<br />
|Thanks=Yunomi Stadler, Rhapsody, Ijiwaru<br />
|Tinyplot=Moeru<br />
}}<br />
The hotter a fire burns, the faster it burns out; unless it's tended and more fuel fed to the flames, eventually nothing will be left but ashes.<br />
<br />
So it is with Yuna's anger. At the moment that she heard Yunomi's death, her wrath against Ijiwaru was kindled, instantly igniting to a lethal blaze that should have ended in the magic-eater's death. She can still remember the sound of her fist slamming into his face, the feel of his jaw cracking under her knuckles ...<br />
<br />
But then, nothing. Ijiwaru vanished with the other magic-eaters, and Yuna's fury had no outlet - doubly so, when Maya tackled her. The Junker meant well, of course, and Yuna doesn't hold the intervention against her friend; normally, Yuna seeks to avoid taking a life, no matter what it costs, and the last time she resorted to killing, it nearly broke her spirit. But the loss of a friend's life - one of those irreplaceable treasures, precious beyond any metal or jewel - has never failed to incite Yuna's uttermost rage.<br />
<br />
After that, with no way to pursue revenge, Yuna succumbed to her grief. For a couple of days, she didn't even stir beyond her guest room in Thirix; when she did finally leave those walls, it was only to get a meal - something to keep the pangs of hunger at bay. Gradually, she began to open back up to her allies, communicating on the radio again, and starting to pull herself out of the emotional abyss into which she'd been plunged.<br />
<br />
And all the while, the fury which drove her to seek Ijiwaru's death was slowly ebbing away, dissolving into sorrow or simply burning itself out a little bit at a time.<br />
<br />
While anger comes easily for Yuna, hatred - which should be anger's neighbor - is largely foreign to her: the sustained malice which leads a person to desire someone else's suffering or destruction has never been able to find purchase in her heart. Even staying angry for a long time is difficult; Yuna ''can'' hold a grudge, but she doesn't enjoy trying to do so - particularly when she'd rather try to turn an enemy into a friend, even when that seems impossible. Ijiwaru is the first individual she's met whom she ''hasn't'' wanted to try and befriend, just because of his hunting of Yunomi and the feeling Yuna got when he first showed up at the Ravnican guilds' conclave.<br />
<br />
For the first time since Yunomi's ... for the first time since that day at the Nexus, when she had thought they'd be welcoming Yunomi home (even if only in passing), Yuna puts on the clothes she'd worn that day. White blouse and red skirt, reminiscent of a miko's vestments; a light blue sweater and midnight-blue tights, for warmth and to add the Izzet League's other color, complimenting the red. For jewelry, she puts on the red and blue magatama earrings and the silver dragon necklace she'd bought in the Namamura District, as well as the five-stone bracelet she commissioned from Rarity. She pauses briefly in front of the mirror, her face somber; this outfit was supposed to be celebratory, even if the circumstances had been far from ideal. Yunomi had only been coming back to face Ravnican justice, and Ijiwaru ...<br />
<br />
Ijiwaru turned it into a deathtrap for Yunomi herself. Even Sakiaro died, after being cruelly drained and used as bait to draw Yunomi out; his daughter's death was too much for the old tanuki to take on top of those, even after Yuna and Sanary had tried to get him to safety.<br />
<br />
Yuna opens her eyes again, gazing once more at her reflection. Even the clear memory of Yunomi's and Sakiaro's deaths doesn't quite drive her back to wanting to kill Ijiwaru with her own hands. When did mercy start to prevail over revenge again? Was it when Sanary proposed keeping Ijiwaru alive so that they could torture him with repeated deaths? Was it before that? Was it as early as Maya's reminder that Yuna is not a killer, that she ''should not'' be a killer?<br />
<br />
... It's not that important. Yuna straightens her sweater, making sure it's securely buttoned, and heads out; Elner teleports back from wherever the robo-faerie was, and flits along next to her shoulder, all the way down to the Mana Nexus.<br />
<br />
Not to pray, not to renew any oaths - at least, not outwardly. Yuna just looks over the plaza and the Nexus's structure, letting her thoughts drift over the events since Presentation Day. One way or another, it'll all be over soon ...<br />
<br />
And that's what Yuna is thinking when Elner addresses her - at the same moment that Mi, speaking on the radio, calls attention to the state of the Window.</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=The_Tengu_and_the_Fox&diff=13712The Tengu and the Fox2016-11-07T02:30:30Z<p>Shachihoko: Lord Sutoku's fury at his subordinates is interrupted by another high-ranking agent of Ouma.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/11/06<br />
|Location=Tokyo-52605 <NXC><br />
|Synopsis=In the wake of Ouma's failed attempt to gather the Killing Stone's fragments and launch their planned attack, Lord Sutoku rages at his underlings ... only to have somebody dash cold water on his rage.<br />
|Cast of Characters=707<br />
|Tinyplot=Restoration of the Killing Stone<br />
}}<br />
"'''WHY?!''' WHY AM I SURROUNDED BY ''FOOLS'' AND ''FAILURES''?!"<br />
<br />
Unlike the repurposed warehouse in which Lord Sutoku and other members of Ouma met with the Confederacy's representatives, the chamber which reverberates with the tengu's furious shouts is deep beneath Tokyo. By all rights, it should at least be prominent on the side of a hill or a mountain, but necessity drove the youkai of Ouma underground. But at the moment, nobody is thinking about the location; except for Sutoku himself, most of the youkai in the room - those who escaped from Shinra during the round-up of the demonic parades, and a few other loyalists - are debating how many of them will survive their leader's tantrum.<br />
<br />
Sutoku continues to stalk among his kneeling underlings, kicking one or two of them as he passes - and at least one whose brains were already dashed out with a blow of his sharp-edged staff. "Both of our fragments of the Sessho-Seki, lost! The last one swept away by those damnable agents of Shinra! And even the Confederacy turned on us, stealing that fragment and fleeing! '''Tell me!!'''"<br />
<br />
The tengu's left hand lashes out, seizing a kappa by the throat and dragging the river-demon to his feet. "TELL ME WHY YOU DID NOTHING TO PREVENT IT!!" Sutoku roars, right arm drawing back in preparation to strike, or at least in threat; the kappa can't even speak for the talon-like hand around his neck.<br />
<br />
"You do realize, Lord Sutoku, that if you're going to execute anyone for foolishness or failure, you really should schedule your own suicide as part of that."<br />
<br />
The casual voice comes from near the main door to Sutoku's throne room; the tengu opens his hand, letting the kappa fall (and the water spills out of his head as the kappa sprawls on the floor) before turning to face the woman who spoke. "Saya," Sutoku snarls, his underlings forgotten. "You pick a fine time to show your face before me, when you refused to lend power or followers to my plan."<br />
<br />
The silver-haired kitsune shrugs fluidly, the languid motion tugging her breasts against her red-and-black leather bustier. "I've never seen a point to investing valuable resources in a scheme that's doomed to fail. I'd much rather plant the seeds for alternate paths to victory ... your scheme with the Sessho-Seki was ambitious, to be sure, but there were too many ways for it to fail."<br />
<br />
Sutoku storms towards Saya, hefting his staff of office as if he's planning to brain her with it next. "Is there no end to your presumptive airs, vile fox?!"<br />
<br />
"Only occasionally," Saya drawls. "But your plan depended ''heavily'' on things going a certain way: you assumed all four pieces would fall into Ouma's hands, you assumed you could bring them together without interference ... Shinra's personnel are very good at interfering with our plans, as I'm sure you'd noticed. Really, you should have given up on your intended masterstroke as soon as they obtained the fragment from Aokigahara. I'm surprised you tried to go through with the full scale of it after what you said to our Confederate guests."<br />
<br />
"It is our right as youkai to prey upon humans!! You of all youkai should remember that!"<br />
<br />
Saya lets out a breath, adjusting the angle at which her weapons rack hangs in her left hand - and only at seeing the motion does Sutoku realize that the silver-haired kitsune is armed. "Prey, yes," Saya says mildly, her voice as rich and mellifluous as ever, almost seductive ... but with just enough of a predatory tone of her own to be an audible threat. "You're not talking about predation, though ... you were planning not just to try and assassinate the Imperial Household and all its members, but however many other humans of Tokyo would have been caught up in that. Didn't you promise it would be a more limited 'display of power' than that?"<br />
<br />
"To be technical," Sutoku replies, grinding his teeth, "I made no such promise. I merely admitted -"<br />
<br />
"That we wanted them to suffer, not just get wiped out, right," Saya nods. "All right, I'll give you the technicality. But still ... you've been quite foolish yourself, so my earlier point stands. If you're killing perfectly good members of Ouma for failure -"<br />
<br />
Metal rasps against leather, and in the next instant, Saya holds a katana's edge against Sutoku's throat.<br />
<br />
"- then your head should roll as well," Saya finishes, her voice as near a purr as ever came from a fox's throat. "You're not the sole head of Ouma, and you've made some of your brothers and sisters quite upset with the way you've thrown away our followers. Killing them out of hand, driving others away because they didn't want to keep supporting your plan ... and, of course, the Confederacy." Saya pulls the katana back, sliding it into its sheath. "I think they can still be of use to us ... if your little farce didn't spoil ''them'' on working with ''us''. Maybe I should take your head with me anyway, it could turn out to be a useful bargaining chip - a sign of good faith, that we aren't all as bloodthirsty as you are."<br />
<br />
"You dare to threaten -"<br />
<br />
"Why, yes ... yes, I do dare to threaten the likes of you." Saya smiles lazily, looking deep into the tengu's eyes. "You claim the name of one of the Three Great Evil Youkai of Japan ... but I'm not so sure you live up to it." She rolls her shoulders again, then picks up her jacket and slings it around her otherwise-bare shoulders. "I'll leave you to pick up the pieces of your faction. Leave the next grand scheme to somebody a little more competent, if you please?"<br />
<br />
The door closes behind Saya; only then does Sutoku let out a scream of fury, his staff embedding its sharp-edged head in the wood.</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=4754/Mission_4:_The_Hour_When_Demons_Pursue&diff=137114754/Mission 4: The Hour When Demons Pursue2016-11-07T01:56:33Z<p>Shachihoko: The (intended) finale of the Restoration of the Killing Stone TP!</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/11/05<br />
|Location=Tokyo-52605 <NXC><br />
|Synopsis=The struggle for the pieces of the Sessho-Seki, the legendary Killing Stone, has reached its climax. Three of the pieces have been found; the fourth is somewhere in Tokyo.<br />
<br />
And so is Ouma's target for the Killing Stone's use.<br />
<br />
Shinra needs all four pieces in order to neutralize Tamamo-no-Mae's ancient and deadly curse; Ouma just needs to bring them all together outside Shinra's control.<br />
<br />
What forces will be unleashed in the streets of Tokyo, and who will carry the day?<br />
|Cast of Characters=707, 705, 691, 1056, 391, 127, 714, 941, 11, 737, 1014<br />
|Tinyplot=Restoration of the Killing Stone<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>"<span class="fg_r bg_n ++ r">We are the hunters.</span>" "<span class="fg_r bg_n ++ r">We are the pursuers.</span>"<br><br>Most humans never realize just how close the supernatural is to their ordinary, mundane lives. And by and large, that's exactly what Shinra has tried to ensure over the years - that no regular person realizes their neighbor is a kitsune, or that the girl who lives down the street is a bakeneko, or that the bouncer at their favorite nightclub is an oni or something ... even when they are.<br><br>"<span class="fg_r bg_n ++ r">We are those who lie beneath, and wait ...</span>" "<span class="fg_r bg_n ++ r">... to overthrow those above.</span>"<br><br>But today, there's a buzz in the air throughout Tokyo, from the downtown wards to the edges of the suburbs. The neighbor looks like he's anticipating something, the girl down the street is distracted, the bouncer seems more brusque and less hospitable to the human regulars. And when they meet with each other, more often than not, mysterious words are exchanged.<br><br>"<span class="fg_r bg_n ++ r">Order is transient -</span>" "<span class="fg_r bg_n ++ r">- chaos is eternal.</span>"<br><br>The sun crawls across the sky, and as shadows lengthen into dusk, the buzz rises in pitch and other beings begin to crawl out of hiding. Ghosts and goblins and spectres who can't or won't hide among humans begin to emerge, most particularly when they *never* emerge normally into human sight.<br><br>"<span class="fg_r bg_n ++ r">The day shall end ...</span>" "<span class="fg_r bg_n ++ r">And night fall once more.</span>"<br><br>Gradually, so subtly that most people can't hear the transition, the buzz becomes a scream. It's not the first time that the masquerade, so carefully maintained by Shinra, has been broken; Masakado's tantrum from last summer is still fresh in the minds of many Shinra agents, and that's just one recent example. But this time, it's not just a ghost's unrest that stirs up havoc.<br><br>"<span class="fg_r bg_n ++ r">Mortals shall perish ...</span>" "<span class="fg_r bg_n ++ r">... Their structures shall crumble.</span>"<br><br>This time, all of Tokyo feels the chill as the sun dips below the horizon. Or rather, all of *mortal* Tokyo feels it. Mothers usher their children in as soon as twilight falls across the city; salarymen eye the clock and hustle about their commutes home. None of them would ever know the reason for their unrest - why they don't look a neighbor in the eye, why they don't wave to the young girl down the street on the way home, why they skip their usual drink.<br><br>It may be a mere peculiarity, an inexplicable aberration in the rhythm of days, weeks, months. Or it may become something more. And as the twilight darkens into evening, the whispers of youkai reach their peak:<br><br>"<span class="fg_r bg_n ++ r">We are Ouma; our hour has come!</span>"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>Not all of Tokyo's supernatural population are on Ouma's side, of course. There are those, like Xiaomu, who are allied with Shinra, and those who haven't been called in for active duty are protecting mortals where they can. Outside of Shinra, a pink-haired nekomata protects her territory, or a tutelary kami wards danger away from its region; the Akihabara and Soto-Kanda wards are distinctly spared from spiritual unrest, thanks to an ancient samurai's ghost enshrined in that part of the city. There are many youkai who feel little need to support Ouma's goals, and even some of Ouma's allies take exception to this degree of unrest.<br><br>But that's the only real good news Shinra has to work with. Ouma almost never moves this openly, and that alone would be ample cause for an emergency scramble - if they didn't already have an emergency on their hands.<br><br>Two fragments of the Sessho-Seki are in Ouma's hands, or the Confederacy's; at this point, it's a relatively mundane distinction. Shinra only has one fragment of the legendary Killing Stone ... but they also have a strong lead on the fourth piece, and that's where Xiaomu and Reiji are headed. It's literally underneath the Ginza district, near one of the seismic faults that underlies the city; the earthquakes which have started there have devastated Tokyo on a fairly regular basis - not just from the quakes but from the fires which those quakes have triggered.<br><br>As for Ouma and their Confederate allies, both of their fragments are currently in motion - carried in the portable shrines called mikoshi, each at the head of a separate parade of demons, spectres, and apparitions. For Ouma, it is a carnival in every sense - why should they not celebrate the victory that's almost in their grasp? - and as soon as the fragments are united, it will become a true carnival of blood. But first, they have to lay claim to the fourth fragment and take back the one that Shinra stole. Then, they can march on the Imperial Palace and demonstrate Tamamo-no-Mae's deadly curse for all the world to see.<br><br>To Ouma's leaders, it seems only fitting. It was at the orders of a past Emperor that Tamamo-no-Mae was hunted down in slain; why should her revived curse not end the Imperial line of Japan, in belated retaliation? The numbers of other mortals who will perish along the way are of little consequence.<br><br>To them, at least. But there's a reason why there are fractures in Ouma's ranks - a reason which some of the Confederates on-scene might remember ...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While the vast majority of Tokyo's mortal population have retreated to the safety of their homes, there are those who instead walk boldly into the darkness. Those brave men and women who have sworn oaths to defend the common man, to protect the delicate balance between man and spirit. When faced with a thunderstorm, turn boldly to face it.<br><br>It's not just Shinra. Though that organization surely forms the front line of defense. But lay people; police officers, military personnel, priests and priestesses of all faiths all seem to sense the unease in the air, and do what they must to hold the line.<br><br>Meanwhile, Shinra works, as ever, to sever the threat at its source.<br><br>And so, deep beneath Ginza, Reiji pushes into the darkness. Not without a torch, mind you. His sword, Karin, provides ample firelight for the day's investigations. "Everyone is clear, right?" He asks the figures walking alongside him. "We need to get this fragment secure and sealed, then deal with Ouma. As long as we can keep the fragments separated, it's our victory."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> Yari, dressed in a kimono and trying to look the part of your typical Ouma member. She can't quite fit the 'kitsune' look, but openly showing scales and tail certainly help. She's keeping herself near one of the shards being transported: with Ouma being so open, she fully expects Shinra to have something to say about it. <br><br> Thus, she's right in between a gaggle of kitsune in similar kimono, trying her best to blend in as another party-filled youkai. <br><br> She's even sharing sake with one of them, laughing and singing joyously. Her tail flicks about, ever ready to pull a kunai on anyone who tries to get at the shard!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1056|Camilla Ulyssa (1056)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A purge. The triumph of the supernatural over the mundane-- those with power taking out those without, who discriminate and isolate. Camilla floats along one of the demonic parades, escorting a fragment. She's right at home with all these youkai, fox ears and tail not sticking out in the slightest amidst the crowd.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For her tonight isn't just an opportunity to get a good brawl in, although that's at the top of the list anyway. It's also an opportunity to see how a purge goes. Mistakes will be made tonight, and she intends to note them down and learn, for later.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For now, her sights are set on the fragments. One she's staying immediatly by, and the other is within teleportation range. Chances are if a fight's going to go down, the Union is going to gun straight for those two spots, and so that's where she'll sit and wait, content to keep her blades sheathed until something happens.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>While she doesn't exactly have the same oath that ShinRa does, Reina is nonetheless standing firmly in the face of a massive thunderstorm without flinching in the least bit. The senior GUARDAINS operative has been through hell and back a thousand times over (as well as variants of what hell could be considered) and no spirit of any kind is going to scare her away. Not in the least bit, no matter how gruesome or scary it might be. This red-head is red-hot about her being fearless in the face of danger.<br><br>Somehow levitating above her shoulder is a rather bright light, almost like a heavy-duty flashlight or something. Don't ask how it levitates, it's the technology of the Gurhalian System at work here. What matters is that it helps to brighten things even further, and given what they've been up against so far, Reina doesn't want to risk running into any more strange things without warning.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One wouldn't normally expect someone like Kirikou, with his Weapons, to try to blend in with a group of youkai. Then again... look at the season. There's one possibility that would help him and them blend in quite well indeed!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He and the Twins are here. They're in the middle of the parade, sticking close to the shards and to Yari. The Twins are wearing little kid kimonos and some elaborate costuming work, making them look like soul-eating japanese child-demons. A role which they can manage surprisingly well, to be honest. They don't even have to act, though they do seem to enjoy prancing around on parade.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kilik himself is wearing black, making himself into a 'shadow youkai' of sorts. It's not much of a costume admittedly. The only thing he's doing to make himself not look like his normal human self is to get rid of any accessories or clothing that stand out as human.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's more to this than protecting the shards, of course, Kilik remembers that the youkai care nothing for innocents who may be slaughtered. Indeed they revel in it, while it doesn't sit well with him. He has no problem with them kicking their oppressors in the teeth, or even with them ruling. In his heart though, he's willing to draw a line between necessary violence and viciousness on one hand and wholesale butchery and targeting of the innocent on the other.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br> To say that Sanary's wary about tonight's... Everything would be an understatement. Vague details about what Ouma has planned, marching the fragments right into open view where Shinra can actually reach them... Why the hell didn't they just leave these things somewhere safe? <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &lt;&lt;"I don't like this. It's too... Ugh. I mean, I ain't a strategist or anything, but it all feels too early to be doin' this."&gt;&gt; Sanary murmurs to her Confederate allies over their own channel, hand to head while the other holds onto a massive gunaxe that's slung over her shoulder. The healer's also carrying an ornate oval shield on her back and decked out in the darkest coat she has while overlooking the procession from a rooftop with a disapproving frown. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &lt;&lt;"Well... Whatever. Just keep your eyes open and stay safe, alright? I'm watching from up here."&gt;&gt; She's not really trying to blend in at all, but... Well, who ever thinks to look up when there's this much going on down in the streets already?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Just this once.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Just this once, Mel is not bothering with the masquerade.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's already half-shattered as it is. People are in danger. Lives are on the line. The supernatural is marching down the god damn street like it owns the place, planning on hurting people in the process of resurrecting a monster that'll hurt even more people. At this point, subtlety is out the window. Which explains why the Firestarter-C simply banks to a stop over the street, its door opens, and Mel Brock hops out. The vehicle quickly flies itself straight upward, soon disappearing from sight.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And Mel begins to walk down the street, hands in her pockets, calmly as if she were out for an evening stroll.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's in full Marshal uniform tonight, with a certain sword strapped to her back. But she's not drawing her sword, her pistol, or anything else. She's just walking. Right down the street, straight towards one of the youkai parades. But as she walks, something happens. She passes by an empty car, and it floats up off the ground, following in her wake. Another passed by, and it does the same thing. A third, a fourth. A seventh, an eighth. By the time Mel Brock is actually staring down the street at one of the processions of monsters, there are ten cars floating in the air around and behind her. And a single cargo truck.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ladies, gentlemen, and other assorted creatures, my name is Marshal Mel Brock, operating on behalf of Shinra. I'm giving you all exactly ten seconds to turn your asses around and go back to wherever the hell you came from."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, she finally reaches up, takes hold of Hravn's grip, and draws the blade.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And then I start throwing cars."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Metal Man has seen some crawling signs of it upon his own world, whispers in dsark corners. Long ago he dismissed it due to picking up modes of thought from humans he interacterd with. The multiverse has long shown how foolish it is to discount something when the rules change. SO here he ws but he would muses about a few things they were throwing a world of humans into chaos sure, then again? Who knows how this was going to pan out with Ouma. <br><br> This is a day when he wished Shadow Man was not needed for an urgant task by Dr. Wily. His skills owuld be invauable. Metal Knew this would happen one way or another and he's got to admit he's impressed to see many sorts he'd not expect to stand againt the Oni and their kin. The soul of humanity is not withering like it is on his world he muses. He keeps along but he seems to be alone save for another humanoid who is clad in bright orange armour. <br><br> "So the objective is get the killing stone?" <br><br> "Right brother." <br><br> "It's funny you'd not see this many humans stand up back home." <br><br> "It seems there are heroes left in man here." <br><br> The pair are perched also on a roof top much like Sanary and several Sniper Joes make themselves knowna s they form up and Metal Man opens a channel to his allies. <br><br> &lt;&lt;Crash Man and I are ready to deploy and we have Sniper Joes on sight as well.&gt;&gt;<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:737|Vivio Takamachi (737)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Atop a somewhat high building, Vivio sits on the edge of the rooftop. She's already in her Adult Mode, complete with Barrier Jacket. Supposedly there's going to be some fighting tonight.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, Vivio looks out at the closest parade as it approaches. Her eyes are wide as she sights the various types of people amidst the crowd. It's like some kind of festival. Vivio remarks to her companion, "It feels like a shame to intrude and break up something like this." Perhaps she doesn't believe them all to be bad. Perhaps they have the same rights to be proud of their heritage and this world as any of the human inhabitants. The plush bunny nods his head in agreement, but then waves his arms a few times. Vivio returns the nod, "I wonder if they all know what's actually happening... I hope not. That would be too sad."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio continues to watch for the moment, waiting for a sign to begin and intervene.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1014|Heaven's Armory (1014)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hravn is taking things seriously from the get-go. Rather, she's expecting danger from the very beginning. That means she isn't here in her 'human' form at all, and is only perceiving the scene from her exposed hilt. She's ready, naturally, to back up Mel's unspoken threat.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>It's not just that Ouma is celebrating the anticipated downfall of the Japanese imperial family - those fragments are being paraded through the streets for a very practical reason, and they're not in the same procession. Each of the mikoshi also has an attendant outfitted in ... well, they LOOK like priest's robes, or those of an ancient court onmyoji, either of which is ironic as hell all things considered. But between the two fragment-enshrining mikoshi, Ouma's daemonic parades are attempting to triangulate the locations of the other fragments - or more specifically, the one that hasn't been claimed yet. They'll worry about Shinra's fragment later.<br><br>And it doesn't look like the revelling youkai are taking Mel's threat terribly seriously. One burly figure who'd been slouching along suddenly stands upright, coincidentally reclaiming most of a meter in height (how *DO* you slouch like that, anyway?!) and the oni wrests a lamppost out of the sidewalk, taking a few practice swings like a batter warming up ... and the other youkai don't seem to give much of a shit about the metal pole whizzing over their heads, as long as it doesn't *hit* any of them. A couple of kappa also break ranks and walk more quickly towards Mel, rolling their shoulders and doing their own warm-ups ... much like you'd see sumo wrestlers getting ready before they throw down.<br><br>Still, about ... oh, half of the parade? Mostly smaller oni, and a rokurokubi and a couple of tanuki? They *do* turn around ... but mostly it's to moon Mel and her sword. And they keep walking, backwards, so they're still 'advancing,' even if some of them have their pants down (or their robes hiked up).<br><br>MEANWHILE IN THE SEWERS ...<br><br>Of course Xiaomu is with her partner; she may actually be in the lead, having figured out where the fragment was most likely to be, and being a little less vulnerable to lingering death-curse than the very human Reiji. "Whoever grabs the fragment is gonna have to keep it safe, though," the sage fox notes quietly. "That means either splitting off an escort to get it back to HQ, or just keeping it guarded while we try and squelch the uprising." She makes a thoughtful noise, "Wonder if there's any way we could spread Masakado's active influence further ... he *does* technically cover all of Tokyo, and our agents in Akiba have said it's still all quiet there. Even the catgirl meido are taking it easy and looking after their customers ..."<br><br>Xiaomu trails off, poking at the 'ground' ahead with the butt of her staff, then conjures a thick layer of ice across the next few meters. It reduces headroom a bit but there were some serious cracks in the sewer floor; better safe than sorry?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> &lt;&lt;It's practically a victory parade. And worst still, we're all but advertising where the Fragments are. This isn't good. If all else fails, we can steal the fragments and preserve them from Shinra. As long as we have at least one, then the Confederacy doesn't lose.&gt;&gt; <br><br> Offers Yari over the radio as she waits. There's a tone of nervousness and maybe even...regret? In her voice. This doesn't feel like a proper military action. It's one thing to kick down Shinra and the government. Quite another for the slaughter that awaits. <br><br> But either way, they need the fragments, and in that much she can agree wtih her fellow Confederates. <br><br> Yari doesn't yet realize the presence of the Union, what with Vivio high in the sky and surrounded by too many youkai. She occasionally has to bat a tail or two out of the way. Pffffft, fur to the mouth! Still, she does stop to dance briefly with one of the younger youkai even while keeping an eye on Kirikou and the Twins. <br><br> Fire and Thunder eventually get scooped up in Yari's revelty, dancing around with them in quick spins! Yari looks like she's enjoying herself a little too much tonight!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mel stares flatly at the procession.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"One."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;An oni- /is/ that an oni? It looks like one- stands up.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Two."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Most of the procession moons her.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...ten."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The cars start flying.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One torpedos straight towards the presumable oni. It's aimed so that it slams down into him - only to suddenly lift up, and then SMASH down again. And again. And again. Another pair are hurled straight into the kappa. Two more are tossed into the crowd. The Marshal waits all of about five seconds; and then the massive truck turns itself sideways before launching at the horde as well, aimed so as to sweep as many of them as possible.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finally, calmly, the psychic puts both hands on Hravn's grip. "I'm not messing around here." The weapon is pulled up into an aggressive guard. "Alright, now that you understand I'm not just blowing smoke, last chance. Go. The hell. Home. Or I will start getting rough." She still has five cars left.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Privately, Mel communicates with Hravn. 'I need to know how much wind you can make. Absolute, top-end output with me as your user.'<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>Xiaomu seems to know what she's going, so Reina lets Xiaomu take the lead while she lags behind slightly to act as cover just in case something happens. For the time being, though, things seem to be fairly all right, which is fine with Reina, since a place like this is not one of the better locations for a fight honestly.<br><br>It's only when Xiaomu stops suddenly, then invokes an ice spell of some kind that Reina is startled a little. After that's done, Reina half-smirks. "Nice trick," she comments. "I can do a similar one myself, but it doesn't stay in one place I'm afraid, so I'll leave that freezing-the-floor stuff to you."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1056|Camilla Ulyssa (1056)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh it's that cop again.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Camilla grins, whipping both of her blades out. Telekinesis, huh? Fancy. Her swords shine, bright white and blue. From her position near the fragment, amidst the march of youkai and demons, she crosses the twin blades in front of her in an X.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Threats don't usually work, you know?"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class="bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">&lt;They do if you back them up like she is.&gt;</span> her sword argues with their male voice. Camilla glares at them. "Are you on my side or hers here?!" <span class="bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">&lt;Whichever amuses me. Also, you're wasting time.&gt;</span> "Why you-- shit, right!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She slices. Too much time wasted. She didn't even have enough to think of a cool name for this technique. Damn, what a god damn loss.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Blades of blue light and energy lash out, straight for the incoming cars. All of them? Yeah, pretty much all of them. The blades break apart, shattering into a hundred cuts. A wall of luminous slashes, so fine and numerous it's not scrap that'll be left of those cars, it's dust.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None reach Mel. Maybe it was intentional, or Camilla overestimated her reach when spreading the power so thin. Either way, it should provide very efficient shielding for the army of demons, while Camilla remains floating by the fragment and its shrine.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Come on now! There's better targets than the small fry here. Don't be so boring." A taunt, or an invitation. Either or.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And that's one reason Kilik likes Yari. He wouldn't get along with a kid-hater for long. But between her and himself, he's content enough that his young Weapons are in no danger. The parade may be drawing attention to itself, but he's confident of being able to act before the Twins themselves draw any hostile attention.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;&lt;Problem is we don't have one. Ouma has two, Shinra has one.&gt;&gt; Kirikou says into his mouthpiece. They had to let Ouma use the shards to locate the remaining shards after all. Right now the Confederacy's holding nothing. Well, that should change soon enough. Either they'll find the final shard and claim it, or the Shinra people will show up and decimate some Youkai and the Fed elites with that group will get to pick up the pieces. Probably. Assuming they don't lose entirely to Shinra and guests... and Kirikou's not about to go down without a fight.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And yeah, Kilik's still pretty clueless about the presence of Union peeps. He's not with the group confronting Mel, which is fine with him. She and that sword of hers are NOT fun to face! Well okay, they /were/ pretty fun. Just that's not the sort of fun he's looking to go through just now. Either way he's sticking close. Very close, in fact, to the Twins. He has to. If shit hits fan, he needs to be within a few steps of them to keep them safe. &lt;&lt;Do we have any sign? Of the last bit maybe? Or organized enemies?&gt;&gt;<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I doubt there's much we could do about Masakado from down here," Reiji mutters, holding Karin's flaming edge into the darkness. The fire has the added benefit of burning through most of the scents one would traditionally associate with the sewers. "Unless this fragment's been sitting on a major dragon line, we'd need to set up a pretty big array to give him more elbow room."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also, if they DID expand his territory, he'd just get that much more uppity. They already do all kinds of crap to keep him happy and satisfied. How much worse would it get if they expanded his area of responsibility to All of Tokyo? But it's not like he's the only one enshrined in this place. "If we do that, I want to bring in Tokugawa, too."<br><br>After all, he's sitting pretty up in Ueno right now. Lazy bum.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"When we find this thing, I'll try to run it somewhere safe," he says, then, gingerly stepping onto the frozen floor. "The sooner we secure it, the better. And in the worst case..." In the worst case, he can deny anyone and everyone access to that shard. Permanently. But there are good reasons he doesn't want to do that. "Careful. Don't slip."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:737|Vivio Takamachi (737)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio watches with some amazement at the size of some of the oni. They look big... That could be fun to fight. And then a bunch of the demons proceed to moon Mel...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio giggles.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then cars start flying into the group. It's an impressive sight, though Vivio is briefly concerned whether their targets will be okay... Well, they're demons. They can take a few car hits, right?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Still, despite Mel's final offer, Vivio can't help but think after that assault the procession isn't just about to let things go. Vivio turns to her Device floating beside her, "I guess that's out que. I'm probably going to need you for this one." The plush bunny nods, flying over to float in front of Vivio before floating backwards and disappearing into her chest. Vivio closes her eyes...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;... And opens them again, a shine of determination within them. Vivio bangs her fists together, "Let's do this!" She pushes off the side of the roof and starts to run down the side of the building towards the procession beneath.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once Vivio reaches about half way down, she pushes off from the side of the building and starts to fall straight towards the center of the procession. Iridescent magic begins to form around her hand. Those demons below would hear the call from above, "Axel-" Vivio swings towards the ground rushing up before her, "-Smash!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's a brief flash of light before the magical energy rushes outwards from the point of impact, ripping up the street and throwing anyone caught in it away. As the dust and smoke fades, Vivio can be seen standing in the center of the crater she'd just made. She announces to the collection of non-humans around her. At least, those whose ears aren't still ringing from her explosive entrance, "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid we'll have to stop you from achieving your goals of killing people. Because that's what will happen if this plan succeeds!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br> &lt;&lt;"Seriously... Even I ain't that dumb."&gt;&gt; Sanary laughs lightly before sighing again, distracting herself with the sight of Yari and the twins having fun. She squints a moment later, however, as she spots some sort of movement ahead of her that isn't Metal Man and his Snipers. &lt;&lt;"Well, no need to go that far yet. Do we know where they're even holding the thing? Might need you in position to..."&gt;&gt; The healer trails off as she catches sight of Vivio in the air and Mel hurling cars at the procession, and Camilla moving to intercept said cars. &lt;&lt;"And there they are. O... Kay. Psychic cop's throwing cars, so watch your heads out there. There's one more coming from the air, too. Incoming!"&gt;&gt; <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary still hasn't moved from her position on the roof yet, although she does keep her gaze flitting between Vivio and the streets below for the time being, eventually leading to the same spot as Vivio heads for the ground. &lt;&lt;"Kilik, Yari. Any ideas where they might be hiding them in there? Metal Man, Camilla. Don't get yourselves too worn out defending the youkai."&gt;&gt;<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Things are getting messy up top and metal watches the Parade for the moment the old Wily robot watches the Oni move in. This was pretty trippy in some ways and he'd be letting Shadow Man just /see this/ Given the alien robot's love of Japan and it's culture. However he knows he'll be likely joining the Joes that are also lurking in the sewers. The joes plod foeward under the city trying to make for the objective as Metal Commands them much like someone playing an RTS. <br><br> &lt;&lt;I see them Sanary let's get ready fot it.&gt;&gt; <br><br> Crash Man however is holding back givne his function is to the explosion factory. <br><br> &lt;&lt;I'd not shocked if one of them is keeping the stone on them some how or at the very least our nerdy fox girl knows where. If we have to we use Reiji to get to her and the item...&gt;&gt; <br><br> Yes let's pick on Kyosuke Nambu's lost brother, that can't possibly end badly.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> Thanks to Kirikou and Sanary, Yari gets a warning as down comes crashing Vivio! The smoke kicks up, the young woman aks them all to stop. Truly, this whole procession indeed offers violence and Yari knows it deep down. She scowls deeply, and can't quite bring herself to disagree. <br><br> &lt;&lt;Ah! Contact! I'm not sure where exactly they're stored in those things, but I will do my best to liberate them if necessary&gt;&gt; <br><br> Out from the smoke, the kimono-clad ninja attempts to sneak up behind on Vivio, a trio of paralysis-venom tipped needles in her hands. Reaching out, she tries to use her artificial arm to grab her from behind in a sleeper hold and shove those needles into any fleshy-cloth bits she can get at. <br><br> "A human like you isn't wanted here. Sleep." <br><br> &lt;&lt;Take care of the kids, Sanary, Kirikou!&gt;&gt;<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1014|Heaven's Armory (1014)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hravn answers Mel's question via radio. No other particular action is yet taken by the sword, as none has been asked of her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Getting a literal heads up from other Feds and from Vivio's own attack cry, Kirikou's quick to move. He holds up his arms and whistles shrilly. Fire and Thunder, alerted to the danger, also move quickly. They streak to his upraised arms, literally streaks of orange and yellow light, and re-form around his fists as those familiarly oversize gauntlets of destruction.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No time to spare, really. Vivio's attack is powerful even if indirect. Kirikou shields himself from the blast, his fists somehow parting the blast to either side of him. He's still knocked flying though, arcing through the air to land nimbly a goodly distance away. &lt;&lt;Crap. We got meteor girl and psycho cop!&gt;&gt; Kilik calls out, recovering from his blast. He eyes the situation. He COULD go charging off to take on psycho cop once again. Only that's a few blocks away, and doing so could leave others open. So he just stands, straightens, and claps his hands together. The sound of metal on metal rings out, and he addresses Vivio. "You got guts, coming here alone." he says, not entirely unfriendly. &lt;&lt;No worries Yari. Nothing can harm them while I still stand.&gt;&gt; he adds, speaking only for the local Fed radio. And with that in mind, he continues with Vivio. Distracting her in the hopes it gives Yari a better stealth move. "You should leave before everyone gets to see those guts!" he suggests, grinning. Very white teeth, dark skin, darker clothes. Possibly all Vivio can see of him is teeth, eyes, and gleaming metal gloves.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:737|Vivio Takamachi (737)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio turns as she is addressed by someone who is still standing. This combined with his confident words suggests that he's one of the greater threats amongst the procession. Vivio grins at the compliment, "Thanks!" She keeps grinning at what she guesses was supposed to be a threat, "Thanks again, for the suggestion. But I'm not finished trying to get you guys to stop and I don't give up easily!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio is usually pretty good at keeping aware of her surroundings. Even more so when fused with her Device, who can track what's going on much better than she can. However, those pesky ninjas are good at avoiding being noticed! Especially when they have someone acting as a distraction. Vivio grunts as she suddenly finds herself in a sleeper hold, quickly moving her hand to grab Yari's artificial arm and struggle to keep it from strangling her. Meanwhile the poison needles hit their mark perfectly, but thankfully don't penetrate Vivio's magical defenses. Light flares from the impact point as her Barrier Jacket keeps the thin weapons from penetrating.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yari has Vivio in a bad position right now. But by doing so, has put herself in a bad position by bringing herself into melee range of a close combat fighter. Vivio begins to choke out, "D-Di-Divine-" An orb of magic appears in Vivio's free hand, which she proceeds to slip between her body and Yari's, placing it against the Ninja's stomach. Vivio then finishes, "-B-Buster!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's not the strongest version of the spell Vivio can muster due to her situation, but the large blast of magical energy is still impressive and should either force Yari to release Vivio to dodge... Or just blast her away. Either way, Vivio manages to get free.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wasting no time, Vivio darts out of the smoke of the resulting blast, but not towards Yari. Instead she's heading straight towards Kirikou, eyes focused in determination as she unleashes a battle cry and magic-enhanced right hook towards Kirikou's head.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>One car flying at an oni with a big metal cudgel? It might as well be a baseball; the giant oni swings at the telekinetically-propelled car, and likely sends it flying back at the psychic sheriff. But the oni isn't expecting the SECOND impact by the same car - and several repetitions later, the oni is down on one knee, lamppost smashed into a piece of abstract street sculpture. The kappa actually manage to meet their respective projectiles head-on, and stand their ground for a moment ... but sumo is a matter of decisive and solid movements, and the only times it's a matter of direct force vs. force over any length of time are typically accompanied by a lot of jockeying for position and leverage. Mel's not giving them the chance - and she's also flinging additional vehicles into the crowd. Fortunately for the crowd, Camilla's on top of that situation - and with so many youkai all bunched together, many of them not paying serious attention to the threat, they kinda need her. A rowdy cheer goes up as the extra vehicles are reduced to so much scrap metal, too small to do serious damage ... at least in most cases.<br><br>Still, the youkai aren't going much of anywhere until the roadblock gets cleared; the four youkai who are carrying the mikoshi just set it down (very, very gently) and ... break out a jug of sake and some of those shallow drinking cups. Yeah, they're just gonna watch the brawl. Apparently the oni and those two kappa are the only real fighters in the group. Which might be kind of suspicious in its own right.<br><br>That leaves the other parade, still relatively unmolested for the moment and continuing to wind its way through the streets. And meanwhile, in the sewers ...<br><br>Xiaomu makes a face as her partner points out that Masakado may be one of Tokyo's guardian deities but he *IS* still an infamously restless troublemaker. She remembers the crap from last summer even better than Reiji does .... and somewhat more literally. "I think we're getting close," the sage fox says, as if changing the subject - although she does grin briefly at Reina. "Yeah, it can be handy when you're wandering around unstable footing. We're getting close to the fault line ...."<br><br>Her vulpine ears prick up, and she holds up a hand to the others. "Footsteps," she whispers, "or something - sounds like metal instead of leather or rubber. Let's get to the Stone before they get here."<br><br>She'll use the butt of her staff to rough up the icy surface and reduce the risk of slipping, but another few meters and they're on solid ground. There's a side branch up ahead which is *UTTERLY* dark, it seems to resist even letting light reflect into it ...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And most of her cars have been completely disintegrated. Well. That's a thing.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"There's a problem with that line of thought," Mel calls out, the remaining cars shifting around her in the air. She starts to walk forward, shifting Hravn slightly, and fixes a stare on Camilla as she does so. It's a steady, calm advance. Unhurried, but also not slow. "I'm not real interested in being 'interesting' or picking 'good targets'. I got one goal and one goal only - clear all of you out of here so the good people of this city can rest easy and get in their cars tomorrow and drive to work."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She pauses, and glances at the projectiles she carries. ".../most/ of them."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Continuing, the Marshal adds, "But the funny thing is, now I've smashed up the goon squad, you don't have anyone distracting me from you. So you wanna play? Alright, let's play."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Catch."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All five of her remaining cars abruptly launch themselves at Camilla. Several tons of metal, plastic and rubber, all launched in an instant barrage that manages to come in from several angles. But having seen the previous display, it's little more than a distraction.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The real attack comes when Mel sweeps Hravn up, and then swings her downward with all the force she can muster - both physical and mental. The physical is a brutal swing through the air. It's meant more to act as a 'casting motion' for what she's doing. Specifically, she's using Hravn's power to try and push out a concentrated blast of air, the most powerful blast she can unload straight at the enemy swordswoman.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> Yari thankfully realizes the danger, but unfortunately she's practically grill-to-grill with Vivio and can hardly dodge even with her reflexes, at least entirely. Throwing herself to the ground as her needles snap against Vivio's defenses, both arms come up to block that blast of magic! <br><br> It sends the ninja skidding and rolling backwards tail-over-teakettle until she bowling-lizard-ball's into a small procession of the youkai gathered. A helpful spirit-kitty gets her on her feet, and a 'helpful' Oni douses her head in liquid courage and leaves her coughing until she pushes away in annoyance. <br><br> But Vivio is now up in Kirikou's grill with a magical punch, and rather than let her ally get beaten to a pulp, she makes several handseals and concentrates as magic surrounds her. <br><br> An illusion starts to settle near Vivio, the asphalt of the street seeming to harden and spike into sharp, jagged spikes and burning glass! Should it work, the illusory juts of hazards would burn like serpent's poison!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There are few things Kirikou admires more than a girl with fighting spirit. Or a guy with fighting spirit for that matter. He's not really sexist. And of course Vivio's in adult mode right now, so he has absolutely no reason to not anticipate a fun clash. He might feel a little bad punching a kid, but not someone who's apparently his own age.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He wasn't threatening Vivio so much as he was making a joke though. His style doesn't actually involve turning entrails into extrails. "That's the spirit!" he grins, seeing her charge in at him. Dodge? Block? Naaaaah.... strike!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a cheerful and surprisingly non-malicious grin, Kilik braces, pivots, and sends one of his gauntlets straight at Vivio's punch, meeting it head-on. Not a technique a boxer would use, certainly, but one that's a bit more feasible with the oversize gauntlets he wears.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1014|Heaven's Armory (1014)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sometimes, one might want to know, "what does a given windspeed mean in practical terms?" Or "what's the difference between a hurricane and everything else?" Or "what do those two red, triangular flags mean?" Fortunately, these are all answered by a single thing, the Beaufort scale. Or any equivalent wind force scale, but let's go with this one. A six is "plastic bins tip over," at 22 knots. An eight is "cars veer," at 34 knots. What Hravn answered Mel's query with was "safely, a nine." That is not what happens.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mel is the only one to hear Hravn, as she manages to--at least, it /feels/ like she manages it, even knowing that Hravn doesn't quite "talk" in "words" as a sword--fully verbalize a particular, short message. It's a familiar mantra, just slightly off what she has heard, audibly, once before. It's a mechanical sensation, an automatic system's response, delivering a verdict outside the immediate control of any party present or living. Immediately following that felt speech, Hravn's blade becomes incandescent.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This won't fill the street, but at thirty meters a second, a force of wind reaches an "eleven" on the scale. This is the point at which trees are torn from the ground, and more than shingles are torn from houses. This is "widespread devestation." This is the force of wind that falls in front of Mel, and turns and rushes forward, flying down a line that might not be more than five meters wide, but even those far from the line of attack are going to feel the sudden storm, gone as quickly as it came.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>It seems things are about to get serious for Metal Man He sees some of the oni scatter others are now fighting as Mel's just throwing cars about like she's Guts Man and he makes sure to not launch too many blades if any at her because he knows how that is going to end for him if he even thinks about doing such things. Now he gets ready to leap off the bulding from where he is. He however holds off, why? Because his focus is entirely upon the Sniper Joes that he's directing down there leaving him a bit open up above the city. The Joes optics flare up bright red as they move in getting orders from Metal Man, they move suprisingly like living things as they close in and Metal knows it may not be enough to stop Shinra but it could slow them down a good deal and that's what he's intending to do. The Sniper Joes up front ready their riot shields and the then will move to open fire, the second group is trying to flank but the team down there would be able to notice and act against it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:737|Vivio Takamachi (737)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fist meets fist. The blast of energy from the resulting strike (primarily Vivio's magic) expands outwards to the sides. No doubt both would feel the impact of each other's strike. But through the pain, Vivio can't help but smirk. Such a counter is very much the type of thing she's done before. Surely this man would make for an excellent fight!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately the current situation does no lend itself well to a friendly bout. Vivio suddenly notices the street itself jutting out to try and stab her. She is forced to jump away through the air to avoid Yari's illusion, but not before some of it rips into her and burns.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio lands again, wobbles for a moment, but then steadies. She stands as she looks at her two opponents. Being forced away from Kirikou was a shame, but it does place her in a great position to assault both at once!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A triangular spell circle appears on the ground beneath Vivio as she starts, "Sonic Shooter..." A dozen orbs of iridescent magic appear floating in the air around Vivio... Hmmm, there are two of them. She should probably up her game. Another dozen orbs appear beyond the first. The strain of that many shows on Vivio's face, but she doesn't succumb as she whips her hand out towards the two, "Assault Shift!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The orbs of light warp into beams which streak towards Kirikou and Yari, peppering them with magical explosions. Unfortunately the building behind them suffers the same fate as walls and support beams are vaporized by the blasts.<br><br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br> And then things are going to shit rather quickly. Yari and Kilik dealing with Meteor Girl, Camilla dealing with Psycho Cop, reports from various 'onmyoji' about movement in the sewers, and... Meteor Girl launching something at the very building Sanary's on. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Decisions, decisions. Unluckily for Sanary, the decision's made for her when the building promptly starts turning into rubble. She leaps off of it in an attempt to bring her giant gunaxe down on the punching girl to smash her into the pavement, but her jump is a little off the mark and she smashes through the ground instead! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &lt;&lt;"Geh... Watch your back, Metal Man. Looks like I'm heading down, too!"&gt;&gt; Luckily, though, that landing takes her right into the sewers themselves with only a small amount of splatter! And yet, unluckily... She's face-to-face with the trio going through said sewers. The healer gives them a rather deadpan stare, then sighs and readies that massive weapon against her shoulder while readying her shield. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "... Close enough. Alright, fun's over. We can do this the easy way or the hard way." She doesn't sound particularly interested, but she is in Reiji's, Reina's, and Xiaomu's way along with those Sniper Joes, and it doesn't look like she's here to talk!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1056|Camilla Ulyssa (1056)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Good! You can't afford to be distracted. Or can you? I've never fought a telekinetic before, I'm not sure how to adapt my strength to that. I guess I'll just wing it!" Cars. Lots of cards. Camilla obliges Mel, very literally.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In a flash, one of her blades returns to its sheath, and the free hand goes from there to up ahead again. Her magical reserves burn like a big, great bonfire someone's gone and poured oil over, augmenting her speed, her endurance and her strength. One empty hand catches the first car to reach her.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a bit clumsy. The impact causes her hand to dig into the side of the car a bit, through the metal, but now she's got a firm hold on it. Quite a few cuts and bruises, too, but as if she'd care. She swings the car, recklessly. Smashes the others out of the sky, sending them crashing into the buildings around, until she's not holding much a car anymore, just a battered frame. She discards it, as Mel and Hravn invoke wind. A lot of wind. Camilla steps off the ground again, and flies against the current. Is it safe? Most likely not. If Hravn's wind can cut, it does. If it can bruise, it does. Either way, the momentary wind tunnel allows Camilla to fly in place and accelerate to absurd degrees. Eventually she overcomes it-- eventually, the wind might even die.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The moment that happens, Camilla suddenly speeds upward and crashes back down with all of her velocity, impacting the ground in front of Mel, sending concrete everywhere, and kicking up a dust cloud. From the dust cloud comes a bright, icy blue glow, and the pinging of Camilla's blades.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class="bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">&lt;Your fate is sealed: <span style="color:xterm153">continuous ice beam</span>.&gt;</span><br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One can't see the slot machine of runes on the single unsheathed blade, but the meter and ahalf wide and tall beam of ice cold magic that blasts out of the sword towards Mel disperses the dust cloud moments later anyway.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Come on now! You've got a sword, use it like a sword! There won't be much of a city left if you try to keep me at range!" It's not a threat, it's the very real fact Camilla's ranged attacks are... well, see: meter and a half beam of ice. That's going to hit anything behind Mel if she dodges (and likely even if she doesn't), and the foxgirl is going to maintain the beam for the full thirty seconds she can if she isn't kicked out of it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>Underground:<br><br>You are in a maze of twisty little passages, not remotely alike at all and not all terribly little. Tokyo's a big city and it needs big sewers.<br><br>In this case, the Joes have been making their way towards the Shinra agents and Reina from a different direction; they're in basically the same tunnel, but coming from the opposite direction.<br><br>And then Sanary goes spelunking, coming down ... RIGHT at the intersection next to the ominously dark tunnel. She can probably feel a very distinct chill from that side.<br><br>That also puts her in front of Xiaomu, Reiji, and Reina.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kilik's got magic in his punch too, though it's well-contained and not given to explode out everywhere indiscriminately. He's a good guy after all. Well, for a given value of good at least. Still his own power - also that of his Weapon - protects him and he's not particularly injured by the clash of powers.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio's beam-of-building-destruction though, that's another matter entirely! The attack is too broad for him to effectively block. He's nimble though, and throws himself out of the way before the beam can do much more than scorch him a little. He watches the building begin to collapse, staring in wide-eyed amazement, also hearing Sanary's screeches as she's sent for a ride.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Damn girl. You seriously need to stop. If we don't beat you, either the youkai destroy the city or YOU do!" he says, not entirely able to pass the comment off as a joke. He's actually kind of serious, merely hiding it behind a somewhat insincere joke. Respecting an enemy is one thing... but it's pretty impressive that Shinra - and the Union, he supposes - are willing to trash this place just to stop it from being trashed by someone else.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&lt;&lt;Yari. Think there's any chance we can take the fragment here? Two of us, one enemy. I don't mind beating her, but if she blows away some of the defenders we might be better off securing the stone.&gt;&gt;<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The words are delivered while he's recovering his footing. Kilik sets himself, then pounds a fist into the pavement. Like Vivio's own earlier attack, it kicks up a wave of power. It's weaker than the explosion she'd caused, but it carries more actual exploding paving chunks and stone and stuff as the energy of his fist detonates in the strike. Less raw force, more debris, and that debris directed in a cone at Vivio.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>Reina does smirk a little more at Xiaomu, glad her joke had a positive effect, but then she stops when her ears prick up. "Footsteps?" She echoes in a whisper, listening carefully without moving her head around too much. It's somewhat faint, but Reina does sense the footsteps as well, and she narrows her eyes a little. "Someone else is here," She whispers. "And I don't think they're friendly."<br><br>That suspicion is confirmed when Sanary just happens to make her presence known in front fo Reiji, Xiaomu, and the red-hot red-head herself. Tsking a little, Reina shakes her head. "How nice of you to drop in. Unfortunately, you'll be dropping in more ways than one from the look of things!" She snaps the fingers on her right hand and her beam sword appears in her right hand. "Since neither of us is going to go peacefully, it looks like we're going to have to settle things physically." She smirks a little. "Although, when I dance with my foes, I'm a leader like no other!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I sense them too," Reiji says with sudden gravitas in his voice. "Multiple heavy footsteps. And one..." One Sanary Rondel. Of course, they'd send a whole bunch of shields to slow them down. "We don't have time for this," he mutters as Sanary interposes herself between them and their destination. "Rondel. I know you're not as bad as some of the others. Do you realize what will happen if these fragments are reunited? Do you understand what will be unleashed?"<br><br>"They call her one of Japan's Great Calamities. Tamamo-no-mae."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hundreds of years of malice since her imprisonment," the exorcist mutters, dropping into a ready stance. Karin is returned to its sheath, and the tunnel briefly falls into shadow. "Hundreds of years before then, each century spent devouring the souls of men and toying with the lives of innocent people. All for her own amusement."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You know that we cannot allow her to be released," he thunders. "Stand aside," Reiji takes a step "Or I will force you aside!" And suddenly he's in MOTION. A terrible, inexorable rush of movement into and OVER the shield wall, terminated by coruscating arc of lightning. Chirai explodes from its sheath, swung in blindingly fast, narrow cuts into the gaps in his foe's defenses.<br><br>He doesn't spare time for mercy. This is far too important for that.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> The crash of Vivio's beams into the building sends Sanary careening, and Yari's eyes go wide instantly. Oh, and there's the litte matter of debris. She instantly turns, making several handseals and jumping into the air! She can't help Sanary down here, but she can at least deal with the falling building. Spitting out a massive fireball that bursts into a small bombardment, she tries to flash-fry the larger of it so it doesn't end up impacting into the procession of youkai! There's marginally innocent ones in there, after all! <br><br> Kirikou's words give her pause, and then a small grin. An idea comes to her thanks to the man, and she forces her voice down to neutral. <br><br> &lt;&lt;The safety of the fragment is definitely our priority.&gt;&gt; <br><br> And then, the ninja acts. The first of Vivio's orbs gets leaped over in a dramatic backflip after she kicks off some of the falling debris. The next she ducks into a hard roll that rattles her legs and spine on impact, barely dodging it. Two more, and she's forced to kick one aside before the other brushes against her shoulder, sending her to a quick crouch. Her fake arm and kimono is smoking from Vivio's magic! <br><br> Yari concentrates, and three more Yari-clones appear! The ninja and her doubles leap, run, and otherwise leave speed-blurrs as they seem to 'defend' the container with the Fragment, a sudden ninja guardian force! Real-Yari and her fakes start to toss shuriken goadingly at Vivio, but mostly aiming for legs and arms and sides rather than anything meant to kill. <br><br> No, she wants to make Vivio mad with those poison-tipped weapons into pulling off another trick like that. Yari highly doubts the fragment could be destroyed by a simple laser blast.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>The problem with Kirikou's suggestion is that Ouma's youkai aren't going anywhere; the fragment is basically still heavily guarded, although the youkai are keeping away from the battle as well as they can - trying to go around it. There's a more contemplative sound to most of their cheering, though ... apart from the handful who yell Kirikou's and Yari's names as if they were cheering at a fighting tournament.<br><br>Meanwhile, Xiaomu comes to a halt as Sanary lands in front of the group. "Do you even know what Ouma is going to do if they manage to reconstruct the Killing Stone? Never mind resurrecting Tamamo-no-Mae, which *would* be all kinds of bad - the Sessho-Seki alone would be a supernatural weapon of mass destruction. Just *breathing* near it is deadly to mortals, and that curse doesn't care whose side you're on: you breathe the vapors, you're dead, and if you survive long enough to actually touch it, you're still dead."<br><br>Reiji's already on the attack and Reina's ready to back him up; that does't leave a whole lot Xiaomu can do on offense except for shooting around her partner and Reina. Which, to be fair, she totally COULD do - she's already moving for a better angle - but there's one other thing she wants to try and deal with.<br><br>Namely, when the Sniper Joes get close enough that she can see them setting up, she tries to channel enough of Suiren's elemental power to conjure a wall of ice behind Sanary - to make sure the Joes can't add their firepower to the confrontation. At least, not without breaking through the ice wall first.<br><br>On the bright side, that keeps Xiaomu from actually joining the fight as long as she's trying to keep that ice wall up.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The first thing Mel does is let out a very startled noise when Hravn unloads an incredible gust of wind, far above what she'd otherwise have expected. It comes at the same time as she has been told that she passes a 'judgement' - and the result is wide eyes, about a half-second before Camilla very suddenly slams into the ground in front of her. "Holy-"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ice.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's a half second of being blasted before the beam suddenly 'splatters' outward as if hitting an invisible wall. Mel has her left hand out, Hravn resting over her shoulder; the air between them flickers with the occasional, faint glimmer of purple as the barrier of pure telekinetic force bars the ice blast from passing her entirely. Behind it, a frost-covered Mel glares, grimacing faintly at the effective 'freezer-burn' and trying not to shiver too much.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"See there's a problem with that line of thought too. I've had this sword for a few months tops. I've had telekinesis for a decade and a half."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's when a lamp post tears itself out of the ground behind Camilla and suddenly flings itself straight at her back.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br> "Definitely not friendly. Sorry." Sanary actually manages a little smirk to Reina in response to that, although she's looking a little more caught off guard by the string of dropping and dancing... Puns? Quips? The healer doesn't look like she's sure how to even to react to that, and she even opens and shuts her mouth a few times before finally shrugging a shoulder. "... I got nothing for that. Uh. Dancing ain't my thing." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reiji and Xiaomu are easier to respond to, at least, and they gets a shield raised in their direction as the former's weapon is drawn. "Some ideas. I know they ain't all that good for..." Who /would/ all that destruction benefit, anyway? Another shrug, and Sanary braces the axe on her shoulder. "Well... Whatever. You know I can't just leave, either. I'm a soldier, remember? My job's not to decide what to do." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Uttering a loud shout to psyche herself up, Sanary stomps into the ground/disgusting sewer floor before bringing her shield up against Reiji's blade, meeting it head on and sizzling even from her head from the crash of lightning surging through her. Her defenses are strong, but not impenetratble, and she's not quite in the right position to handle the ice separating her from the Sniper oes. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Gghk... All I have to care about... Is the people I'm responsible for!" Relying on the magic circulating through her to help her heal through that initial shock and to bolster her physical abilities, Sanary rears back before swinging her gunaxe one-handed in a huge arc around her and at Reiji. Although it's not the fastest attack by any means, there's enough force in it to carve massive gashes right through the walls of the sewer, never mind a person!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:737|Vivio Takamachi (737)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio watches with some concern as the building she'd just incidentally assaulted proceeds to crumble and topple. She winces on instinct as it hits the ground (at least, those parts Yari doesn't stop) and kicks up a blast of dust and debris. After it's settled and Kirikou calls her out on it, Vivio laughs sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck, "Sorry about that." She smiles, "Don't worry about it though! Once the fight is over, I'll get my mama, or maybe Hayate, to use some reconstruction magic. It'll be as good as new!" After all, Vivio and other Mages from her world are fully aware of the damage they can cause. Of course they are considerate enough to have ways to fix it!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But now is not the time to worry about damage to the city. Vivio is fighting to keep people from being killed! As Kirikou unleashes the blast of debris at her, Vivio crosses her arms in front of her face as she is assaulted with bits of street. Her Barrier Jacket keeps the jagged rocks from causing too much harm, though it gets cut up in the process. Once the debris is past, Vivio lowers her arms again and grins, "Nice. But two can play at that game!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Magic gathers around Vivio's foot as she raises it up, before smashing it back into the ground again. The channelled energy causes a large part of street and earth to suddenly break off and launch just a few feet into the air in front of Vivio. As this happens, Vivio launches a standing spin-kick, her boot smashing into the briefly floating rock, sending it rocketing towards Kirikou.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio doesn't have time to observe the results of her attack though as she suddenly has numerous shuriken flying her away. She starts running... Straight towards them! Some she knocks away with her hands as she charges, others she twists around, their poisoned edges just barely cutting through her Barrier Jacket and skin beneath. The doses aren't serious and Vivio's Device fused inside her keeps the poison from having too much of an effect. It's his job as Vivio's partner to focus on her defense and survival so she can focus on attack.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And attack Vivio does! She quickly closes the distance towards the Yaris and Ouma defenders near the fragment. What proceeds is a series of punches, kicks, magical blasts and body slams as Vivio darts from one defender to the next, from one Yari to the next, utilizing her close combat skills to batter them into submission... Or unconsciousness, whichever comes first!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yes. I suppose that's all you care for." Reiji says with some finality. What did he mean by that!? Sanary swings her tremendous axe. It hews through stone, cleaves through anything that stands in its path. If it scored a direct hit, that'd be it. The end of the line. Reiji would be so much paste on the wall.<br><br>But Reiji is not.<br><br>Because Reiji knows how to DODGE.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The exorcist ducks into a crouch as that axe swings overhead. The wind whipping away from Sanary's swing slices into his brow, blood leaking down across his face. But his hand's already found its way to his rack full of weapons, tearing one away from the others with a solid 'clack' of clamps coming away. Hollywood swings up, as Reiji rises, its barrel levelled at Sanary's torso.<br><br>He depresses the trigger.<br><br>Several times.<br><br>The world fills with the scent of roasting wood and acrid gunpowder. Buckshot tears through the air. But can she block in time!?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>As soon as Sanary makes her presence known and indicates she wants to fight, Reina immediately goes on the defensive, attempting to watch her and move carefully. She knows an opponent can be dangerous if underestimated. But one thing she doesn't estimate is the ice that's still on the floor. She misses a patch with her eyes, but her foot doesn't. She loses her footing and in an attempt to right herself, she twists and slams headfirst into the sewer wall. Unfortunately, the hit is a bit harder than it should be. She drops like a sack of potatoes and doesn't respond.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1056|Camilla Ulyssa (1056)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Fair enou--OOF!" OOF is right. Mel's a cop, she knows how bulletproof vests work. Sure, they'll stop a bullet from putting a hole through you, but the impact's not magically absorbed. All that energy has to go somewhere. Now, the Vestis-- clothes, magical-- that Camilla wears might not be your common kevlar vest, but the same principles apply.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The lamp post slams into Camilla's back. She remains on her feet, not budging an inch, save for the obvious grunt of pain and the fact she's slouched forward now. Under her clothes, there's a big, nasty lamp post-shaped blue gash across her back, but nothing's broken. Lucky her. The magical hardness of her clothes keeps the lamp post from pushing any further, at least, without another swing.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Really? Ugh. Here I was hitching for a sword fight. Mars, were you hitching to hit a fellow talking sword too?"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class="bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">&lt;Leave me out of your fighting addiction, lady.&gt;</span><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Kinda hard to leave my WEAPONS out of that."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class="bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">&lt;Get creative, not my problem.&gt;</span><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well, fine."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Camilla actually goes right ahead and sheathes her sword, so that the two blades are back into their sheath. She reaches back, to grab the lamp post that so rudely almost broke her back, and then violently swings it in an arc towards Mel. "We'll just do it this way then!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On the bright side she's not exactly paying attention to the demon parade or the fragments anymore. She tunnel visions pretty hard once she gets hyped up for a fight.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Sorry, my Mom will fix it?" Kirikou asks incredulously, his tone sarcastic. Still, this is one person in the Union - well probably so - apparently willing to do what's needed, not counting the cost. Those are rare!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kilik oesn't really want to hurt Vivio, but then this whole fight isn't about beating up others. There's a goal here, and he's getting the idea from Yari's body language and actions that they're thinking much the same thing. He smirks, only to have the smirk wiped off his face as Vivio spin-kicks a rock at him. Wow, she's a LOT stronger than she looks! Then again... magic. He tries to dodge, but only gets it partway right. The rock smashes into an interposed gauntlet, spinning Kilik around and sending him sprawling.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fortunately Yari's able to keep Vivio busy, and she MIGHT have a shot at doing what needs doing. But Kilik gets up, dusts himself off, and starts to stride back into the fight.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deliberately, the Meister puts himself between Vivio (and Yari) and the parade. He drops into a wide stance. "Wall, it's been fun!" he quips. "But we ain't lettin' you get past us. Sorry 'bout this, but I'm all fired up now!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Raising his gauntleted hands up, palms upraised, Kirikou channels power into them. Power erupts, a fountain of flame surrounding one hand, a torrent of electric sparks around the other. Kirikou, in the middle, is buffeted by both sets of energies... but they don't seem to be causing him any harm even though the pulses engulf his head.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>The Sniper Joes react to Reiji opening fire with a volly of energy weapon fire but he's quick. He's about as fast as some combat robots or at least as agile as some it's turning out to be a bad day for them AS Reiji does manage to cut down a trio of the joes making a hole in the wall, oddly ther shields are mostly intact far more than thier bodies are as they lay there sparking in the muck and water of the underground. <br><br> Metal man is now moving to catch up with his drones but he's likely going to be too late while Crash remains top side while he's going ot hopefully be able to help Sanary if she need an evac afterwards. <br><br> The joes are firing where they can and Xiaomu would have one coming and and over it's loud speaker comes Metal man's voice. <br><br> "You both fight well, but I ask why do you protect these humans?" <br><br> The Shinra Fox girl is giving the Joes a hard time as Xiaomu might expect but even their surge protectors have their limits and they eventually give out dropping more and some of the few remaining ones are firing on her wall and ones? Chucks a grenade.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The downside to all this is that in the moment Camilla is reaching back, Mel drops her telekinetic barrier to lunge forward. It leaves her wide open to a sudden incoming hit. Her arm instinctively comes up, but it's not fast enough to stop the hit. All she can do is disperse the force, telekinetically hardening her body so that it 'spreads' and becomes a whole-body hit. That hurts. That hurts like hell. It's enough to stagger her several steps to the side, and shortly thereafter, the Marshal spits towards the street. It's red.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Gh... shit, that's what I get for dropping my guard. But alright, if you want to play it like that..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mel lunges in, and suddenly she's holding Hravn in preparation to actually /attack/. Her strikes are simple, straightforward; she's not a great swordswoman with years of experience, but despite her protests, she HAS practiced, enough to at least use the weapon properly. She lunges in with a quick series of slashes, aiming to put Camilla on the defensive, to lure her into a 'blade lock' with the lamp post.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's when the space cop pushes her will through the blade to release a sudden, concussive burst of air. She's trying to set it off right in Camilla's face.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But she's stopped using her telekinesis entirely. Why is that? Well, the youkai around the Sesshou-Seki fragment might be alarmed to notice that the container for it has begun to float up into the air seemingly under its own power. She's trying to get it up to the rooftop, out of the way.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> It doesn't take /that/ much to deal with Yari's clones! They're more or less illusions anyway, and with every hard punch, kick, or blast to the snoz causes a pomf of smoke to kick up in the air! One particularly hard strike on the actual Yari is met by an interceding kunai, then a kick of her own, only for the ninja to be forced back behind the young man! With her poisons not working particularly well, she's somewhat outmatched on the hand-to-hand front while she can't use all of her weapons. Besides, there's a plan forming. <br><br> Yari makes a show of gathering magic as Kirikou starts up his own lightshow. Indeed, there's no subtlety here as she seems to charge up lightning magic around her! <br><br> Her handseal shifts, and there's the slightest of motions. In her place, Yari has a clone doing the same thing, even as she ends her shift off to a convenient hiding spot near the Fragment's locations, and just out of what she hopes would be the blast radius. Crouched, hand holding a good half dozen smoke bombs, she waits for the inevitable destruction...and for the time to make her move.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1014|Heaven's Armory (1014)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One might expect a long, thin sword like Hravn to be the kind of thing you really don't want to swing at a lamp post. Generally, swinging it at anything made of metal at great force, especially if that thing is swinging back, is a good way to break, or at least dull, a sword. For some reason, neither of those things happen.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh, right. Magic.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A more reasonable prediction, given Hravn's sharpness and hardness, would be that she'd slice right through the improvised weapon. For some other reason, that doesn't happen, either, at least until Mel either gets the blade lock she's trying to bait Camilla into, or something changes the game.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>This is a pretty crappy situation, even apart from being in the sewer system. Maybe Xiaomu was being too careless with the ice magic earlier, but she hears Reina's head hitting the wall and *winces* at the sound of the impact. Then she has to dodge like hell to make sure she doesn't get cleaved in twain by that massive gunaxe. And on top of worrying about Reina and Reiji?<br><br>Yeah, that ice wall really ISN'T going to hold the Joes for long. Xiaomu does a double-take as she hears Metal Man's voice coming through the ice.- and she nearly regrets the distraction, bolting up practically onto the *ceiling* as the grenade blows her ice wall into snowcone ingredients. As if you'd want a snowcone made from sewer ice - even if the water was clear when it was conjured, *still*, ew.<br><br>Screw good manners; Xiaomu draws both handguns and goes all-out gunkata on the Sniper Joes, actually bolting up the tunnel to meet them as she leaps and bounds all over the tunnel - moving in three dimensions as opposed to the usual two, trying to get angles that the Joes' shields aren't covering them against. She's wasting anti-spirit rounds at the moment, but she'll worry abotu that when she reloads (and she's got a good supply of both).<br><br>"You SERIOUSLY wanna know why I protect 'these humans'?" Xiaomu calls out over the sounds of various and assorted gunfire. "Didn't I tell you most of that in Aokigahara? Don't tell me we damaged your memory core along the way!"<br><br>Xiaomu pauses briefly, zig-zagging frenetically back and forth across the corridor to throw the remaining Joes' aim off - as well as to confuse their shielding. *She* would chuck a grenade, but she knows better than to do that in close quarters, especially in a sewer tunnel. "Plus, I've been doing this for literal centuries - I've been on humans' side since I got my name, and that's not the kind of thing you give up on just because you run into a bunch of complete brainless bigoted idiots along the way! Yeah, mortals can be astonishingly dense dumbasses, and I've run into more of those than anyone should ... but once in a while, now and again, even if they're a century or so in between? There are people who can *LEARN!*"<br><br>That may be the last Sniper Joe she's putting some bullets into on the heels of her last statement, as if for added punctuation.<br><br>Meanwhile, above ground ...<br><br>The first Ouma parade troupe is still cheering Camilla on against the human policewoman. The second group - well, just because the youkai are leaving most of the fighting to Yari and Kirikou doesn't mean they CAN'T fight, and when Vivio tries to plow through them, they resist. They may not be able to do THAT much, but - well, Ouma hires kappa for a reason; there's a particularly squat and kinda ugly specimen near the mikoshi, and he (that *is* a he, right?) just aims a palm strike square at Vivio's solar plexus. A regular and unprotected human (read: not an Elite) would at least get flung back off his feet with the wind driven out of his lungs, and in a worse case, might be dealing with a bunch of cracked ribs around the sternum, maybe even a temporary glitch in his heartbeat.<br><br>Vivio is probably made of sterner stuff than that, but the kappa apparently doesn't quite grasp what 'Elite' means in terms of the Multiverse. Odds are he's about to find out.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br> "Yeah... I do." Sanary's tone is even as the axe leaves a wake of destruction and suspicious stains on the wall as it cleaves through nearly everything in its path, but unfortunately doesn't quite hit the mark against Reiji. It's not quite the best position for the axe-healer to be in, considering the speed and skill advantage he has over her, but with him moving even closer to her, actually swinging that weapon again isn't going to work quite so well unless Reina or Xiaomu move into swinging range. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's a small blessing that they're both occupied, at least, leaving her to focus her full attention on all those bullets coming towards her gut. The first two find pruchase in her midsection, drawing spurts of blood and only partially halted by that specially-woven shirt underneath her coat. She's able to cram that giant shield between herself and the barrel before the next rip through her, but instead of backing away... <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "... N-not going down that easy. My turn." She keeps advancing. The gunaxe's head makes a loud banging noise as it hits the ground, but the gun barrel in the handle of the weapon is swung around as she attempts to pin the too-many-swordsman between it and the shield with herself and return the favor with firepower of her own! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Literally, even. Instead of regular bullets, the barrel in the gunaxe's handle is spitting out fire! Sanary manages a pained laugh after that, although it's clear that she's reeling quite a bit from those close-range shots right into the gut. Blood loss will do that! Still, that healing magic is keeping her standing, and she's more than willing to trade blows instead of out-skilling anyone!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1056|Camilla Ulyssa (1056)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That lamp post makes for a poor weapon. A great club, but a poor weapon. There's no grace or skill possible with it; Camilla just swings, and swings, strikes telegraphed half a hour ahead despite her strength and speed. Something about it's off-- she's holding something back. The motions she makes seem like they should produce much better results than repeated, harmless clashes with Hravn, until a blade lock occurs. 'Blade' lock, anyway.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sudden burst of wind, and the magical sharpness increasing out of nowhere, bisect the lamp post, with enough momentum if Mel wanted she could get a slice on the fox's cheek. Whether she takes that shot or not, the blast of wind that follows actually knocks her back a few feet, and also messes her hair up royally. She doesn't seem to be taking it too badly though. She laughs, actually, despite the almost black eye that wind burst gave her.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Better! MUCH better! Keep at it, don't pause!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She has no attention left for the fragment. It's all on Mel and her sword. Camilla doesn't reach for her weapons, instead clenching her fists and having them glow blue. Another burst of speed and strength, scaling up with her enjoyment, adapting to match what she feels her opponent can take.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She lunges in. Starts punching. With each blow, a blast of raw magic, inefficient and flashy, but still dangerous. A flurry of punches, dozens, hundreds if Mel intends to defend. She'll punch until Mel's defense breaks, or until she's given a good reason not to anymore. And with her hands wrapped in that glow, she can handle being blocked by a sword just fine.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>As for the mikoshi which Mel is trying to telekinetically remove? There are a few problems with that. First is the quartet of youkai who have been carrying the thing around - they may not have been carrying it at the moment, but when the portable shrine starts floating up, they abandon their recreation and grab hold of the horizontal shafts, not trying to lift but to *pull down*. And they're strong enough between them to handle a weight which it would take eight to twelve regular, relatively strong humans to carry. These aren't lightweights.<br><br>The second problem is the onmyoji who'd been observing the fragments: he may be a kitsune of some type himself, although there's no visible tail, and his tall hat may be hiding any telltale vulpine ears. Whatever his true nature may be, he DOES possess magic of his own - and a series of ritual gestures, accompanied by a quick incantation, set up a warding spell of his own around the fragment's mikoshi. Whether that actually INTERFERES with Mel's TK is another question entirely, but it certainly won't make things easier.<br><br>What *might* make things easier, though, is another voice starting to chant some distance behind Mel - a counter-incantation. Looks like Shinra's personnel are starting to reach the scene ... not just at that parade group, but the other 'parade' as well. The Shinra regulars have finally managed to quell enough of the marauding youkai throughout the city to begin converging on the groups with the Sessho-Seki fragments: onmyoji, priests, miko, monks, even some relatively secular martial artists. (And, in all likelihood, a few ninja ... but good luck picking *them* out.)<br><br>There are *reasons* why Ouma hasn't overrun Japan yet. Reiji and Xiaomu are just two of them, and there are plenty of others.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>The Joes are made to not deal with Elites and they won't last forever. They are however fairly well programed and not your standard point and shoot drones. They are laying down fire and trying to use what cover they can, thankfully they don't need to worry about Sewer snowcones ever they can't even eat. Xiaomu opens fire the joes are working fairly well to block some of the shots but they can't block all of them and they are not made to deal with magic. <br><br> "Yes you did but it's also served to distract you." <br><br> Anotehr Joe goes fown from her gun shots take the the last two Joes are withdrawing though but one might hear the sound of foot falls. Metal Man is coming and maybe this is going to heat up some more.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:737|Vivio Takamachi (737)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's the strike from the kappa that cause Vivio to back off from her assault, jumping back away from the fragment defenders and landing again. She did feel the blow, but not as badly as the kappa might have expected. Vivio is breathing a little heavily as it's been a tough fight. She can feel the tiredness trying to creep in and convince her to stop. But she shakes it off, firming her resolve once more to stop this plan from succeeding and leading to the deaths of who knows how many.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio watches as Kirikou places himself between her and the fragment behind. She tilts her head a little as she listens to him... Ahhhh, she understands. When Yari apparently joins him, charging up some kind of lightning attack (seriously, IT'S ALWAYS FREAKING LIGHTNING!) Vivio smiles softly, lowering her head a little, "I see..." She taps the tip of her boot against the ground as she asks, "It's that time, huh?" An orb of iridescent light appears in Vivio's hand, which she swings out above her. The orb floats forward and begins to grow both in size and intensity.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the orb grows larger and large, Vivio begins to float up off the ground just to keep up with its size. She looks up again at her opponents with a smile, "I'm sorry too. As much fun as it's been, I still can't let you use that thing to kill everyone." Vivio moves a foot back as she brings her arm around, closing her hand into a fist. She calmly begins, "Sacred..." The hum of energy coming from the now large orb of magic is very noticeable now. Which is why, as she swings, she cries out to finish, "BLAZER!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Vivio's fist impacts the large orb of a magic, a large circular spell circle appears and spreads out from the contact. The orb then bursts, the massive rush of energy screams down the street towards the two, easily large enough to engulf them. It doesn't stop there though, continuing on to swallow up the Ouma and potentially more of the demon parade. Though thankfully for their sakes, Vivio's magic is non-lethal and as such won't kill them, or really harm them all that much. Though, depending on their strength, many are likely to be left unconscious as a result of the powerful blast. The beam does eventually taper off, though only after it's teared up a long scar through the street.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Following the blast, Vivio falls back down to the ground and drops to one knee. That attack always takes a fair bit out of her, especially towards the end of a tough fight. As she pants to catch her breath, she looks up to see how her opponents faired.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Healing magic can be a bitch, especially when it's affecting the OTHER guy. Reiji growls as he's suddenly sandwiched in between a rock and a hard place. Or rather, a rock and a Sanary place. He's a pretty mobile guy, but trying to dodge 'a wall' is kind of tough to pull off. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a result, Sanary's flame catches him straight on. Reiji yells as his nerves transmit every moment of his surprise immolation to his brain. But at least they're not bullets, and that means he can still move. And that means he still has the space to do what needs to be done.<br><br>Out of the corner of her eye, Sanary might just see an arc of lightning.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Suddenly, that arc turns into a pulse. Then a halo. A wreath of lightning coruscates around the exorcist's arm, sweeping through the wild flames erupting from her gunaxe's barrel, swallowing it up, feeding upon it. Reiji stares at her through the guttering flames, a large swath of his torso charred, the ballistic coat protecting him turned from red to black. And still he glares.<br><br>"<span class="bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">Fire,</span>" he says, "Returns ash to the <span class="bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">Earth.</span>"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then, he fires Hollywood straight into the flat of his foe's shield. Gunsmoke billows from the barrel as its concussive power forces the shield away just enough for Reiji to slip aside--<br><br>And sweep the supercharged wakizashi, Chirai, <span class="bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">Earth-Lightning</span>, right up at Sanary's flank. One, two, three, four, five slashes, each one lashing with arcs of biting lightning!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If Mel were more fully focused on the mikoshi - and not trying to let on what she's doing, preferring to keep Camilla focused on /her/ - her reaction to the four oni trying to pull it back down would be approximately, 'That's cute.' However strong the youkai might be, their attempt more or less goes unnoticed. It continues to rise with the four of them hanging on, completely unabated. Mel Brock is a woman who can lift a hundred tons with her mind, before stripping off her limiter. Hope they have good grips...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...because once that ward goes up, Mel sure doesn't. Her psionics aren't truly 'magic'. But the ward still interferes; it's like trying to hold something with a mind, it gets slippery, she has difficulty keeping it in the air. At least until the counterspell starts. Then there's quiet relief.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Right up until a punch clips her jaw.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The mikoshi wobbles in the air before she catches it. But while that recovers, Mel herself is having trouble. She's not a proper swordswoman. She's had Special Forces-tier close combat training, but that means little for something like this. All she can do is weave, parry, try to evade or avoid. Camilla has her on the defensive, and the pressure will get through her defenses again quickly if she keeps this up. Fortunately, however, the Marshal's sword isn't ordinary.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She twists Hravn up and makes a parrying motion, creating a solid wall of air that will deflect at least a few magically-charged punches. And in that moment, Hravn can feel a few things click in her wielder's mind. Using magic to boost power. To amplify attack. Compressed air. Sword swinging.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Propulsion.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When Mel suddenly lunges forward again, she attempts to create a blast of compressed air at the /back/ of Hravn's blade, lending the swing both strength and speed to make up for her own lack of experience. "HAAAAA!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Okay this might've been... not quite the best idea.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirikou's taking his time, both because this technique simply can't be done lightly and because he's secretly luring a shot in response. He'd smile, seeing Yari backing up the play, if he could spare the effort. He LIKES that woman, no doubt about it. It's good when someone like that, who thinks like you do, has your back.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He could have completed it faster perhaps, but spending more time just allows him to gather more power. And when the beam, so vast and seemingly destructive, fires out... well, it's a good thing Kilik trusts himself as much as he trusts Yari.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirikou might not have the destructive capability of a Takamachi but what he does have is tightly-focussed, both extremely destructive and powerfully-protective. There's no way he could launch that beam through Vivio's own attack and still have anything left to hurt her with, but he throws it just before him anyways. Detonating the soul energies there he provides himself a shield of sorts. Not enough to completely block the beam, but enough to cut a hole out of the heart of it. Enough to keep him from taking the full force of the broad beam. It helps that he falls well below his full height, crouching behind his fists and behind his blast, letting the bulk of the attack wash around him.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of course, with THAT kind of detonation of power, no one's going to easily see what happened to Kilik. He's still covered by the explosion. Now, hopefully Yari's able to do what the Meister hopes she'll do...<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1014|Heaven's Armory (1014)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Privately, Hravn is quite pleased with this turn of events. Oh, not the part where her wielder is getting punched--though that's really just part of the job, and expected. People she would pick out would never live quiet lives. People living quiet lives don't /need/ weapons of legend.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's happy that Mel figured out another trick, without so much as a hint. It's a good, workable one, too. Mobility is a prime asset of her magic, and force is just mass with changing motion.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Solidified air can block attacks, sure--it's as strong as her magic makes it, and behaves curiously with respect to being dislodged, seeming "stuck" where it is, to some extent, rather than being blasted back according to Newton's laws. This trick is simple, and one she's used repeatedly, in recent days. The propulsion requires more finesse, but with the third gate unlocked, it's manageable. It's not as if it needs to be as thin as a whip--but the blast must be precisely shaped.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A pleasant bonus to this technique, along with all her magic being essentially invisible, is that there's no real tell just before the sword seems to--and does--accelerate itself, hard enough to strain Mel's arms in keeping up.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> Yari is suddenly /very/ much glad she decided to not stand in front of that beam even /with/ Kilik protecting her. Not only does it put her out of harms' way, but she gets to witness both the impressive power of Vivio's attack as well as how much it takes out of her! <br><br> Kirikou tanks most of the blow, much of it goes for crowd-and-container. Just what Yari was hoping for. To say her clone is utterly annihilated would be an understatement, as there's not even a white pomf of magic as she's hit by the backblast of the combined powers of Kiri and Vivio! <br><br> Instead, the kicked up dust and debris get out ten times worse as smoke bombs fly out as Yari speeds from her hiding place to provide cover for what she's about to do! Speeding into the likely wreckage, she hunts for the Fragment, hoping to be able to grab it and duck towards the nearest alleyway while her smokebombs cover her! <br><br> With any luck, it'll seem like the ninja just dissappeared.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1056|Camilla Ulyssa (1056)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's okay, Mel, your opponent doesn't seem to be that much more skilled than you. Those punches may be coming in fast and strong, but a cop's seen them a thousand times before. They rate roughly somewhere between "that really burly guy at the bar last week" and "this guy watched enough kung fu movies he somehow soaked some moves in". Camilla's got a bit more experience fighting with her fists than Mel with Hravn, but we're talking in months, not years.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Helps when your sword is magic, though.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In a feat of quick thinking the marshal replicates the way Camilla is grossly abusing her infinite mana pool to inefficiently boost everything she does, to accomplish a much more specific task. Too busy punching walls of air and laughing, Camilla doesn't notice that the pair is up to until the cop has become a rocket.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mel pierces Camilla's own defenses with ease, and the blade cuts right through her left side. Lucky her she manages to side-step the worst of it, but Hravn cuts through the fox's Vestis and draws blood underneath, leaving a nasty streak just around the ribs.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The clothes mend themselves, but the injury doesn't quite. Still, she's... laughing. Enjoying herself. Camilla couldn't care less she just got hurt. This is GOOD now. She wants more.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You learn fast! Here I thought you were being totally honest with me about being a rookie with a sword. Let's step it up then! I've got a dozen more body parts for you to hit, keep at it!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The glow around her hands becomes intense, blinding, and she smashes her fists, both of them, into the ground. The ground quakes, light seeps through the cracks in the asphalt and concrete caused by the fighting. Pillars of light erupt from the ground. Under Mel. Under Mel again. Always under Mel. Where she goes, a new pillar forms. Camilla appears to be defenseless while she's pouring this much magic into the ground, but the air around her sparks, arcs of energy occasionally forming between tiny motes of light gathering about.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>"You think I didn't know that? Reiji's back there fighting your friend with the oversized axe -" One ear pricks up at the gunshot. "- and gun," she adds without missing a beat, "our other alley just got coldcocked, and I'm *keenly* aware that I'm just getting further away from both of them when they really need my help."<br><br>Xiaomu takes a few steps back towards the T-intersection where the other big fight is going on, ejecting the spent clips from her handguns and loading fresh magazines. "But I'm also aware that I *almost* beat you single-handedly back in Aokigahara ... I'm kinda glad you lived through that, I'd love to spend some time just talking. But I *really* don't have time for that right now, so if you actually show yourself, I'm going to take full advantage of what I know about you."<br><br>For now, though, she's hurrying back towards Reiji and Sanary, keeping her ears perked for additional footsteps behind her.<br><br>As for Yari's efforts to pilfer the fragment? Again, Ouma's members are *NOT* going to let that happen. Sure, they may not have done any of the so-called heavy lifting to *acquire* those fragments, but Ouma did the local groundwork, this is Ouma's scheme as a whole, and Sutoku's already going to be ticked off about localized betrayals - outright *failure* to retain those pieces is probably going to lead to murder, or something.<br><br>Although with Shinra closing in ...<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br> Sanary's got bigger things to worry about than a bit of light from the corner of her eye! If only she had two eyes for enough peripheral vision to realize just what that is. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alas, she... Doesn't. Not until it starts turning brighter and nigh-impossible to miss, anyway, and it gives Reiji that much-needed opportunity to knock her back with that next blast against her shield. Although the shield is withstanding everything rather admirably and her defenses are quite solid even as Reiji pivots to attack her from the side, the healer holding that shield isn't doing quite so well, especially not when that lightning courses through the metalbent shield. Metal and electricity don't mix well, after all! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Still, there's not a lot of good options for Sanary to choose from between 'get electrocuted' or 'get cut apart'. At least the latter's easier to deal with, and so.. She drops the shield and pulls the gunaxe closer! It's not quite as good at protecting her from the slashes as the shield is, but at least she's not getting (as) shocked. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Plus, it gives her an opportunity to pull out her trump card: Explosions! Namely, in the form of firing off a heat laser from her eye at the muck behind Reiji and creating an explosion, trying to blast them both at once in an attempt to do more damage to him than he can to her! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Either way, though, she's probably not getting back up after that.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> Yari's being actively stopped by the Ouma. The ninja scowls at her 'allies'. She has her orders. Lightning begins to glow along one of her arms, and she peers at them like fools. Her artificial arm is ready to take that fragment. Her tail points to the incoming Shinra troops. <br><br> "Would you like the fragment to fall into enemy hands? We're being overwhelmed, I will ensure the Fragment is protected! Now give it to me, this is for the sake of us all! You all should escape while you can!" She urges, one part hopeful, one part threat. <br><br> She's perfectly ready to fire a warning shot to make off with that Fragment, but hopefully good sense will prevail.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>The mikoshi that Mel is trying to 'steal' telekinetically is still rising into the air despite the efforts of the four oni - then three oni - then two, then one, and finally the last of them gives up.<br><br>Instead, all four of them charge straight at Mel, never mind that Camilla is already trying to fight the elseworldly law officer who has a sentient magic sword in her hand.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:737|Vivio Takamachi (737)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio would totally try and stop Yari and/or the Ouma from escaping with the fragment. But she's currently being delayed by Kirikou, trading punches with him.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sanary proves to be better at not dying than Reiji would have thought. But then, she's Not Died to worse than he's dished out today. The Onmyoji's lips draw into a narrow line when she suddenly reveals EYEBEAMS. Fortunately, she's not aiming at him. Unfortunately, she WAS aiming at... a mass of unspeakable ooze and poo gas. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Everything suddenly explodes. Because THAT'S WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SHOOT A HEAT RAY AT METHANE. Reiji growls as he leaps WITH the shockwave. "You idiot, do you know what that crap even is!?" <br><br>Crap. It's crap. Good job Sanary.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He surges forward, carried by the blast wave, and DRIVES A KNEE right into Sanary's jaw. Flame cooks his back as he passes over her, turning it just as black as his front end. He'll need some medical care after this, but MORE IMPORTANTLY--<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji... Turns around and goes to grab hold of the nape of Sanary's neck and whatever he can seize near her waist. "You want to use that shield so bad? Block that!"<br><br>For both their sakes.<br><br>Sanary plz<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I /am/ a rookie with a sword," Mel replies, backing off cautiously. "But I've had SpecOps combat training and the better half of a decade of field work to get used to fighting. So I'm not totally green." But then her opponent's fists slam down into the ground and- oh. Oh that can't be good. "...shit shit shit /SHIT/-" Boy can Mel run. But she gets clipped here and there. A blast tears away her suit's leg. Another takes a chunk out of her coat. A few come close enough to sting, badly, especially with the hit she already took. She's quickly taking more and more hits, and now there's four youkai charging right at her-<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-and no longer any need to do anything but 'hold the mikoshi in the air'.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Suddenly, Mel lunges /forward/. Towards Camilla. Charging right in. At first it looks like she might be trying a 'hit you with your own attack' gambit. But in the process she suddenly reaches back, sheathes Hravn, and then reaches out and downward with both hands.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As if reaching to grab something. Something low to the ground, and heavy.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The road around Camilla cracks and crumbles.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"HaaaaaaAAAAAAAAA!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mel makes a big, heaving motion. The ground buckles. Lifts. One huge, heavy slab, nearly a hundred tons of blacktop and concrete, heaved up and tossed over. Right at the four oni.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Metal Man hears Sanary isn't doing so good either and he's starting to move. He knowas thigns are almost FUBAR? Why was it military minded humans had a larger share of the little logic humanity seemed to have? At least when it came up to setting up how some things worked such as verbal short hand. <br><br> He kept moving he knew things would not be going well though. <br><br> &lt;&lt;Engaging recovery. Joes 45 and 42, secure a hatch I'll be there with Sanary, prep a medkit likely gunshot and slashing taruma.&gt;&gt; <br><br> Metal Man moves with in human spedd nev er losing his balance and would crash in on Reiji, the downed Sanary Xiaomu before he gets there he pauses for a moment, ording the deatchment of his wrist blade and body blades they shortly vanish into the muck odf the sewers he'll say nothing as he lunges in to grab Sanary and bolt. <br><br> &lt;&lt;Also be ready fot the mother of all infections, get antibotic damn it humans never come standardies. Pass all this info on to Confed medical Crash&gt;&gt; <br><br> &lt;&lt;Right, should have figured Oni would live up to their names in the end and everything goes to pieces. Right data's sent, don't come back a wreck Brother.&gt;&gt; <br><br> &lt;&lt;Don't plan to, our war isn't over yet.&gt;&gt;<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br> Despite barely being able to even hold onto her gear and having what feels like multiple teeth jammed into various parts of her face, Sanary's still grinning! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Also, bleeding a lot. Knees to the head will do that! "Hngh... It's crap." She sounds a little delirious, too, what with that blow to the head and the fumes and the EXPLODING everywhere. She's not quite sure what's going on between Reiji urging her to use the shield and Metal Man showing up, but whatever the case is? She's moving somewhere without having to move herself. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And while she's nursing those wounds, all she needs to do is focus on not dropping anything. She's in no condition to do much else than that and hope the rest of the Confederates get out safely with at least one of those fragments in tow. It'd be better than nothing, at least!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>This is also why Xiaomu was NOT tossing grenades of +4 Fire Element Damage around. She isn't even all the way back to the intersection when shit blows up.<br><br>What she *can* do from that damage is draw Suiren and stab into the 'floor,' channeling a wave of ice magic past Reiji and Sanary to bring up another wall between them and the explosion - and ANOTHER wall on the far side to try and make sure Reina doesn't get charbroiled.<br><br>If Metal Man wants to take undue and unfair advantage of her distraciton and momentary enervation, this is a prime moment in which to do so, while she's incapable of capitalizing on what she's learned about the Robot Master's weaknesses.<br><br>It's still probably going to take Sanary's shield to protect her and Reiji from serious burns, in any case.<br><br>As for what's happening on the surface ... the fighting is kind of tapering off by that point. Yari is actually escaping with one fragment, but she's going to have to avoid Shinra forces as well. Said Shinra forces are collecting the other fragment that was in Ouma's possession, bringing Shinra's total up to three.<br><br>But they are going to need that fourth one in order to wrap this affair up once and for all. 'Emperor' Sutoku, meanwhile, is going to be *utterly* (and impotently) furious about his underlings' failure; heads are very likely going to roll in the most literal sense imaginable - and the ranks of Ouma will be thinner for a while for a whole *slew* of reasons, ranging from 'penalty for failure' to 'I didn't like working with them that much anyway, screw that' to 'they wanted to do *what* to the mortals we take advantage of, wtf are you serious, was *he* serious?'<br><br>And as for the mortal population of Tokyo .... it's probably eventually going to be written off as a belated Halloween mega-prank that went horribly off the rails. But not as horribly as it might have. The kitsune who lives next door will say good morning when they're both picking up the morning paper from the front step; the little bakeneko girl who lives down the street will be playing with her normal human friends tomorrow afternoon when none of them have school ...<br><br>And the nightclub might have a new bouncer, or a substitute, for a couple of weeks while the regular guy's broken leg heals up. But he'll be back on the job too, with his usual hearty belly-laugh and the kind of back-slapping baudy good humor that the regulars have learned to laugh appreciatively at.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1056|Camilla Ulyssa (1056)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The hell's a SpecOps?!" Camilla asks, while she continues to channel absurd quantities of magic into very inefficient and collateral-heavy attacks. Then Mel charges for her. The air around her sparks again; the closer Mel gets, the easier it is to tell Camilla is surrounded by countless tiny specks of magic. Too many to count. Entering her melee zone would be a lot like standing in front of a low-power shotgun, most likely. Probably not lethal, definitely makes you full of holes.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But Mel doesn't go for melee. Mel begins lifting the ground. Camilla stops attacking, curious, under the rumble of the earth beneath her makes her leap back, into the air. Staying there, hovering, because she can fly, so why land. She watches Mel attacking the oni.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She doesn't attack Mel.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ugh. This was getting GOOD! Come on, that's just... uuuuugh!" <span class="bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">&lt;Maybe pay attention next time.&gt;</span> Mars intones, manly, smooth but flat robotic voice, coming from her swords' sheath. "The hell would it have changed?! I save these assholes' lives from her and they just throw it away to mess up our fight. Well, whatever!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The motes of light shotgun out, towards the remaining oni. Thousands of tiny blue and white balls of light. A quarter the size of your average marble, if that. Individually not much of a punch, but this is a shotgun blast's worth.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As if they didn't have enough to worry about with that giant rock coming their way.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Camilla huffs, turning away. "Buzzkills. Whatever, I'm out. Enjoy cleaning them up! Next time let's make sure someone can't just barge in and ruin the mood!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She doesn't intend to stick around. In a moment she'll be teleporting back who knows where. Takes a few seconds to cast, fancy magical circle and everything.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Missing_Pages,_Missing_Pieces_(Xiaomu)&diff=13706Missing Pages, Missing Pieces (Xiaomu)2016-11-05T03:56:48Z<p>Shachihoko: What was taken and believed lost is finally returned, and provides some clues that Shinra has badly needed.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/11/04<br />
|Location=Tokyo-52605 <NXC><br />
|Synopsis=Documents thought lost are returned, and with them, Xiaomu finally has the clues she needs for Shinra to get a head start on finding the last piece of the Killing Stone.<br />
|Cast of Characters=707<br />
|Tinyplot=Restoration of the Killing Stone<br />
}}<br />
Xiaomu looks around the park one more time, continuing to stroll through it with a deliberate air of casual nonchalance. It takes more of an effort than usual; even with a good stress-burning fight against that Omnic the other day, she's still wound up from the combination of Ouma's latest shenanigans and the Ravnica situation which she's been drawn into the edges of. But the message which was relayed to her from Shinra's informant line ...<br />
<br />
''"That which was taken and believed lost will be returned to you. Come to Ueno Park, ere the hour of the Dragon."''<br />
<br />
It's earlier than she wanted to be out and about, but anything in the "taken and believed lost" category warrants investigation - and the informant, whoever he might have been, did address the message to Xiaomu by name. Reiji isn't even close by, so far as Xiaomu knows; he's still out with one of the divination teams, hunting for leads.<br />
<br />
"Excuse me -"<br />
<br />
Xiaomu whirls to face the ... man? ... who addressed her while she was lost in thought. "That depends on whom I'm excusing and for what," she replies with a thin smile. The smile is fairly short-lived, though. "Wait ... I know you. Where was it ... Tokyo National Museum, you were a security guard at -"<br />
<br />
"At the Hokusai exhibition," the man nods. He seems nondescript enough for a human in his late 40s or early 50s, but there's something about his face. Most humans would probably think it's a hint of aging gently despite the wrinkles, but to Xiaomu, it's as obvious as editing ancient calligraphy with a Magic Marker.<br />
<br />
Xiaomu promptly all but drags him to a more secluded corner of the park, where the trees and bushes can hide them from casual onlookers. "Who are you really? You never reported back to work after that night, I've asked around. That makes you suspect number one ..." She trails off as the pieces start falling into place.<br />
<br />
"Yes, it does. Just call me Inoue," the 'man' replies - although Xiaomu knows for sure now that he's not as human as he currently looks. Her first thought is tanuki, since he doesn't have the air of a kitsune about him - kitsune would almost never be that up-front about something. "And I must beseech you and Shinra for protective custody; Sutoku will not look kindly on my treachery," Inoue continues. "We should not linger long."<br />
<br />
"No," Xiaomu replies, "we shouldn't. So what is it that needs to be returned?"<br />
<br />
Inoue answers by withdrawing a thick envelope from inside his jacket and offering it to her. "Something of great importance to one of Hokusai's oldest fans, I'm certain." He smiles wryly. "I did go back to the museum ... just once. Please give my apologies to Professor Hanayama."<br />
<br />
Xiaomu unties a few strands of twine which held the envelope closed, and lifts the flap just long enough to take note of the contents. She notices the smell first - old paper, carefully protected over the centuries by people who knew it was critically valuable. A little more effort gives her an actual glimpse of a page, and she closes the envelope, re-securing the flap with the twine before hugging the envelope tenderly against her chest. "We'll arrange for your protection. We'd better go right now."<br />
<br />
An hour later, they're in Roppongi at Shinra's relatively well-hidden headquarters. They're no longer together - Inoue is being debriefed for whatever he can tell them about Ouma's current plot, while Xiaomu is reviewing the once-stolen, now-returned pages of Hokusai's Otogizoshi. "How did he know this much was true ... ?" Xiaomu muses reverently, handling the ancient pages like the irreplaceable treasures that they are. There's been some damage - whoever was reading them for Ouma knew they couldn't be reconstructed, but they didn't care a lot beyond that. Still, the images are clear and the ancient writing is still crisply legible.<br />
<br />
What really astonishes her is how many pieces Hokusai had been able to put together over the course of his work on the Otogizoshi. The fragmenting of the Sessho-Seki in the Nanboku-Cho period, the upswing in ghosts and suicides in Aokigahara, the great Hoei earthquake and tsunami ... Xiaomu had always known of Hokusai's rare gift to see the truth of the world around him, and his willingness to accept the extraordinary and the mystical, rather than fearing them like so many other mortals before and since his time. She can feel herself growing a little misty-eyed as she gets lost in studying his calligraphy and his artwork; centuries since the Edo period, and yet she can picture him laboring in his studio, hear him instructing laborers in his workshop.<br />
<br />
Finally, Xiaomu sorts the pages back into order and slides them into the envelope, and gets up from her chair to examine the incident map.<br />
<br />
Nasu in Tochigi: Tamamo-no-Mae's "resting" place, and the place where the Killing Stone stood for long centuries - plus one piece which never left the mountains, even if it was relocated somewhat.<br />
<br />
Aokigahara: The "black forest of death," where another fragment landed.<br />
<br />
Wakayama: The closest region on Japanese soil to the undersea earthquake of the Hoei period, the most destructive in Japan's history.<br />
<br />
Xiaomu touches the locations on the map, her attention drawn to the Five Elements by a random thought. "Wood, water, earth ... no, wait. Wood ... earth ... start over: ''metal'', wood, earth, wat--" The blood abruptly drains from her face.<br />
<br />
"Awwwww, '''crap'''."<br />
<br />
She needs to find Reiji. Then they need to find their bosses.</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=4731/Mission_3:_Calamity_of_Land_and_Sea&diff=136634731/Mission 3: Calamity of Land and Sea2016-10-30T05:25:58Z<p>Shachihoko: The third fragment of the Killing Stone is in Wakayama; who'll claim this one?</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/10/29<br />
|Location=Tokyo-52605 <NXC><br />
|Synopsis=The 1707 Houei earthquake was the most powerful quake recorded in Japanese history; seismologists refer to it as a 'megathrust' earthquake, with multiple sections of an undersea faultline erupting almost simultaneously. Between the earthquake itself and the ensuing tsunami, it affected most of the main islands of Japan, and is additionally suspected of triggering the last known eruption of Mt. Fuji.<br />
<br />
But the legendary youkai Nurarihyon doesn't really care about ancient history. He's taken over a fairly luxurious estate in Wakayama, and a bunch of Ouma's members have been spotted in the area as well. They're looking for something, not just on land but underwater ... specifically, another fragment of the Killing Stone.<br />
<br />
Of course Shinra is going to get involved - if only because Nurarihyon is a jerk who takes over people's houses, but they can't let Ouma get another piece of the Killing Stone, either. And naturally, both sides will likely want whatever help they can get from the Confederacy and the Union, respectively ...<br />
|Cast of Characters=707, 691, 127, 1056, 391, 994, 984, 705, 11<br />
|Tinyplot=Restoration of the Killing Stone<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>UNION:<br><br>There's a problem in Wakayama - the sort of problem that Shinra specializes in dealing with. Namely, a fairly luxurious coastal estate has been taken over by a legendary youkai known as Nurarihyon - who specializes in moving into people's homes and acting like he's the homeowner. Sometimes he's more mischievous than malevolent, but sometimes his routine takes a more ruinous turn: making the actual residents into his servants, for a start.<br><br>The fact that there's been a massive uptick in youkai activity since Nurarihyon moved in here means that Shinra is taking this situation seriously, dispatching Reiji and Xiaomu and some additional support, but they're going to need Union Elites to help ... particularly since the studies performed on the Aokigahara fragment have let Shinra confirm that ANOTHER fragment of the Killing Stone is somewhere off the coast, not far from the usurped estate.<br><br>CONFEDERACY:<br><br>"Bring more sake for our wonderful guests!" Nurarihyon calls out, the gregarious (and gourd-headed) youkai holding court in the main room of the mansion he's taken over. It's big enough that it could have been a daimyo's manor a few centuries ago, if he wasn't worried about invaders - it's modern architecture, not feudal fortifications, but it's spacious and has lots of modern conveniences.<br><br>It's also located directly on a ley line which leads straight to the fragment's suspected resting place. While Nurarihyon is waiting for the sake, he turns to smile at the Confederates, fanning himself briefly before snapping the fan closed. "Sadly, our kappa friends are having a great deal of trouble getting close to the fragment; I'm hoping that you'll have better luck. The river kami are probably messing things up for us, but you may be able to bypass their power just by virtue of being mortal ..."<br><br>There's a faint glint in Nurarihyon's eyes as he mentions mortals. He's not trying to mind-bend any of his Confederate guests to add them to his household staff, though .... right?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> Yari is here! She's at the estate that the youkai has taken over, dressed in a kimono covering underwater tactical gear. Full scuba-tank and everything, just in case. After getting a few details, she awaits her companions, mask off and kunai decorating her gear rather openly. Overall, the ninja looks ready for combat. <br><br> Any fellow Confederates will get a deep bow as they all meet up at where the Ouma might have designated as a meeting point. "Glory and honor!" She offers, but otherwise remains silent as her calling demands. <br><br> She does snap up any sake offered though as she returns a peer to the youkai offering court. Her willpower is deep, and she all but seems /annoyed/ at the glint in his eyes. There's a kunai in her artificial hand. A deep cough. "I'm certain we will be able to bypass the enemy sentries, Sir. Aside from the Kamui, are there any other threats we should be aware of." Glug glug glug! Thankfully Yari's not a light drinker. Her magic gathers in her body, ready to swiften her pace underwater when the operation gets underway!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirikou's here, all decked out for undersea adventure. This requires something of an unusual gearset for him. He's wearing what appears to be a semi-armored wetsuit, complete with full-surround helmet and multiple tanks on the back for air and propulsion. And, of course, his metal gauntlets which somehow manage to make his armor look slightly less silly. On land it looks silly at least... lumbering and awkward. In its proper place however, he'll look like a sea-based tank. That or a Big Daddy minus the drill arm.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The helmet is slung back for now, and Kirikou's still wearing his glasses. He looks almost relaxed despite the massive diving suit that has to weigh a huge amount. He needs it all. He's diving for three, after all. He grins at Yari, taking up some sake as well. Not his preferred beverage, but nothing entirely foreign to him either! No doubt Yari introduced him to the drink at one point when they shared downtime. He's not a lightweight when it comes to alcohol either, fortunately. That's owing more to his self control and body mass than any great experience though.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1056|Camilla Ulyssa (1056)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Camilla hadn't been drinking, but instead asked for a gourd so she could keep the sake for later. She's not a HUGE fan of water, it gets her hair and tail wet and then she smells like wet dog for a hour, but equipped with her Vestis-- her clothes, nothing fancy has changed-- it wouldn't matter if the fragment was in space, in Chernobyl or in a lake of lava. The biggest inconvenience of water really is just the fact she'll get wet.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And the fact her Machina triggers certain elemental effects it might not work quite as well. Or too well. Doesn't really matter to her, though. That's just part of the fun.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She does ask Nurarihyon: "Can we touch this fragment or is it like the other one?" Probably important to someone.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>Reina's also in on this. The difference here is that instead of wearing her usual uniform, she's wearing a red and black wetsuit, along with a GUARDIANS issued breathing device that slips over her nose and mouth to allow her to breathe without having to surface for air every so often. How does it work? That's for another time.<br><br>As the others arrive, Reina decides to pass the time by doing some light stretching to warm up for their underwater adventures. After all, it's always important to be prepared before doing any sort of physical activity. Of course, that doesn't generally involve getting hurt beforehand, but with Reina's luck, that just happens to be the case. As she's warming up, she happens to step on a rock, which happens to hurt quite noticeably if you're barefoot, resulting in a yell of pain from her.<br><br>For a moment, the red-head can be seen hopping up and down while muttering various curse words under her breath. After a few moments of this comedic dance, she rubs her foot a few times then sets it down. "Well, this operation is off to a nice start!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:994|Athela Valemore (994)}} has posed:'''<br>And the distinct possibility of that broken artifact being somewhere off the estate, in the water, is why Athela is here. One of the benefits of being the Knight of Keldeo was the freedom of movement in the water, unhindered by the difference in environment or pesky things like needing to come up for air. At least two of her Pokemon could do the same, though the only one that's visibly followed her so far is her Vaporeon, who was already prowling at the edge of the meeting camp, attention fixated on the waters just beyond.<br><br>"Deal with the creature and free the rightful owners of this chateau." Athela exhaled softly, readying herself. One hand tightened around the hilt of Resolute Blade. The other gauntleted hand holds the Pokegem of her other Water type pokemon, ready to release him when it's time to crash the waves. She's trying to not feel bad for the people that need all the extra cumbersome equipment to do this. "The water is where we shall be, and put an end to this misplaced malignance."<br><br>Even if these were not specifically his seas to watch over, the presence of a corrupt artifact endangering -any- waterway was not something Keldeo was going to take lightly.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:984|Karal Rei Lin (984)}} has posed:'''<br>Karal Rei Lin, upon arrival, decides to spend a decent amount of time adjusting her outfit... which, oddly enough, is startlingly fitting for the locale, if far too authentically NOT the right time period, and even differs some from any time period the region might've experienced. Even her weapon, although greatly resembling a katana, differs - the grip's wrapping is of a very different style and pattern, and it has a crossguard.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And while she adjusts her outfit, there's the undeniable clink-clank of metal somewhere under the fabric. Armor, no doubt. Actual metal armor. Who wears that anymore?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So let me see if I understand this. A spirit's gone against provisions and set itself up as lord of a property and enslaved the inhabitants. Do we know why or the goals? And... uh... how do you want this resolved? Drag the spirit off to whatever court judges them? Cut them down where they stand...?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's absolutely no malice or eagerness in her tone behind either proposition. She is honestly confused about how things are handled here.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shinra Official Business was always an event. When you share office space with actual ninjas, you usually end up with a handful of them jumping at the bit to get in on anything that even remotely smells like honest to goodness covert operations. Reiji squats amidst a set of garbage cans behind the estate, a covert radio transmitter whispering into his ear. He's... Not dressed to kill today; not NECESSARILY to kill, anyway. Rather, he's... In what appears to be a three piece suit. His hair was even COMPLETELY black today! Apparently he can use hair dye, if he wants to. Almost as if he were trying to look like some kind of butler. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And that's largely because that's exactly what he's doing today. After all, if they just walked in and beat Nurarihyon over his oversized head, they might not actually learn anything about Ouma's search for the local shard. And that would just put them even further ahead. Thus, Reiji has chosen a more subtle approach than the usual; he's impersonating a servant. Or rather, he will be.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...One such butler walks out of a nearby door, and is summarily knocked right the fuck out. His monocle and pocket watch are both pilfered, for the sake of maintaining cover. "That's... not the plan, precisely," Reiji answers the one with the oversized weapon. "We need what they know if we want to find the target before they do. So go in, figure out what you can, THEN start making arrests."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Metal knew the nature of his mission and he's brought along Bubble Man of all people today as back up, Metal doesn't tend to travel alone when he knows a horde of Union is going to be there he looks to Nurarihyon and he nods. He gets the term mortal was not used as an instult, Metal and Bubble know they are mortal they just have ranks in hard to kill at a very high level. <br><br> "U undestand sir. Let us see what we can do." <br><br> Metal is rated for under water and Bubble /is made for it/. <br><br> "All right you lubbers lets get to this! This is what I was made for!" <br><br> He's very happy about this, seriously he's excited about this.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:984|Karal Rei Lin (984)}} has posed:'''<br>Eventually Lin does something weird. The redhead slips the sheathed weapon from her belt, twirls it expertly a few times and thrusts it into... absolutely nowhere? Space flares with light like reality itself's become a second scabbard that just sucks the weapon in, stashed into a golden ripple that vanishes almost instantly.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;From there, Lin heads behind a rock and starts changing. Apparently she doesn't grok the way of things in this modern world...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>UNION:<br><br>Xiaomu is already in full meido regalia - not the usual fanservicey sort of maid you might expect from her, either, but a long skirt (ankle-length, roughly; a proper maid wouldn't wear something long enough to trip over) with an apron, etc. - and she wastes no time in helping drag the butler around the corner of the house, ensconcing him comfortably behind what might have been used for a coal scuttle, a few decades ago. She returns to the side door with the others, dusting her hands off, and forms up next to Reiji. "Just remember," she asides to the others, "if you draw Nurarihyon's attention, that gourd of a geezer is gonna try to willpower you into doing things for him. Might seem innocent, but if he gets enough of a foothold, you'll forget you don't actually work for him. I'll try to keep him from turning the pressure up."<br><br>Before she can say any further, there's a call from inside: "Takashirou, where's the mutton?"<br><br>That was probably meant for the butler.<br><br>CONFEDERACY:<br><br>Nurarihyon lets out a hearty chuckle, picking up his sake cup and lifting it in a toast. "Ho ho ho ho ho! I love your confidence, Lady Takane; no wonder you've chosen to side with Ouma!"<br><br>A servant brings a gourd for Camilla - already filled with sake, and with a wax seal around the stopper to make sure it doesn't leak. "The sea salt and water have contained most of the Nine-Tailed Fox's malignance," Nurarihyon answers her question, "so it should be safe for you to lay hands upon it. You may wish to entrust the handling to your ally with his gauntlets," he states further, inclining his head at Kirikou."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:994|Athela Valemore (994)}} has posed:'''<br>Leave the sneaking inside and getting more information to those suited for it. Athela would only be a hinderance, so instead she will patiently wait under cover out here until it is time to take to the water. And to keep watch in case the enemy tries to go for the artifact before their allies return. Someone has to be ready to act in case that scenerio comes to past, since she and her pokemon can mobilize without needing to 'gear up' as someone else put it.<br><br>Eventually she lets go of the sheathed sword's hilt once she's reassured herself, instead withdrawing a spyglass from her pack and extending it to full size. There's a lot of coastline out there to watch from their little spot.<br><br>"Vaaaaaa," the vaporeon hissed softly, a bit of mist escaping between her lips as her fins twitch anxiously.<br><br>"Patience, Sprite." Athela lifted the spyglass to one eye, squinting the other to focus her gaze down the magnifying viewer. "We need to trust our allies to get more information. We can't waste the time it would take to search blindly, even with your exceptional tracking ability."<br><br>The merfox sits at her heels and pretty much pouts like a child would. The water was sooooo close and she's not allowed in it yet. Lame.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>Apparently one of Xiaomu's many hats is 'official costume designer,' because she probably put together pretty much everything everyone's wearing. For better or for worse. Reiji straightened his tie and gingerly set the monocle onto his eye. "Remember, we're here to gather intelligence. The moment we find out where they're looking, we can move on the target. Keep your eyes and ears open. If you need extraction, give the word, worst case we stop being subtle."<br><br>A call for mutton. That's his cue. Reiji nods to the others and steps over to the package the butler was almost certainly sent out to retrieve. "Coming!" 'Takashirou' answered as he entered the mansion, "Those deliverymen missed the drop-off again. We really need to look at hiring better help."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Whatever you say, bossman." Kirikou agrees cheerily, holding up his gauntlets. They clack-clack open and closed a few times, looking almost like lobster claws. Surely they haven't actually changed shape, have they? Can they even DO that? Only Kirikou would know for sure, and he hasn't really said. Either way though, the weapons show a certain organic-ness that's bound to be creepy to someone not familiar with them. And maybe even someone who is.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a bit weird for Kilik to be so agreeable to someone who's not actually friend or superior. Maybe he's got orders, or maybe it's the mental influence of the youkai. Well, so long as his inclinations don't get in the way of his orders there shouldn't be a problem right? "I'm not likely to be punching anything anyways." he says agreeably. "But don't worry Yari, I got yer back." he grins, patting one hand to a shoulder-mounted shark harpoon, currently pointing safely at the ceiling. Just because he can't punch doesn't mean he's weaponless. Or, for that matter, that he can't use the Twins in other ways. He hasn't left them behind after all.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> Yari gives a brief smile to her allies, Kiri in particular! He seemed like an underwater tank indeed! <br><br> She also raises her own glass in toast, before downing in. "Thank you, Sir! We look forward to pleasing the Ouma." A deep bow to the man, and then she nods as questions are answered. She definitely relaxes as that harpoon is mounted. Yup. Kiri has her back! <br><br> Thus, she doesn't slip towards the water line just yet. Something about Kirikou seems rather suspicious, and thus the ninja is inclined to be close. <br><br> She might be paranoid. Or she might just hate anything even vaguely like a Summon.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1056|Camilla Ulyssa (1056)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Suits me just fine, not having to lay hands on the condensed death and evil," Camilla replies, before stuffing the gourd of sake somewhere in her uniform. There's probably a bunch of inner pockets on that big coat she wears like a cape. It'd make sense.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's getting bored of just talking, though.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So, are we just going to stand around for a hour and keep giving the other party a headstart? I need to know if we're operating on a handicap here or not. Otherwise I'm going for a swim now."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Metal Man Seems to like the spirit of Nurarihyon he certainly seems like the sort of guy who'd be fun to go hit the bar up with. Howevedr that's not for tonight as they get some questiosn answered. "Look? I or Bubble Man are the best bet, we're not alive in the biological sense of the word so hopefully we'll count as non living to it but wearing gauntlets or gloves isn't a bad idea at all though." He thinks and he seems ready to move out. <br><br> "Come on let's shove off before the Union beats us to the prize."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>Once Reina recovers from her little accident, she sighs. "I hope this isn't going to be noticed by Laia or anyone else." She says, removing the scrunchee from her hair long enough to retie it into a bun. Underwater, having a long ponytail can cause some major issues. After that, she checks the area some more. "I hope there are no sharks or anything here." She pauses for a moment then chuckles. "What am I saying? I'd rather take on a shark than a De Rol Le!" She chuckles quietly to herself. "Just gotta wait for right time to move out." She adds as she puts on her breathing device.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:984|Karal Rei Lin (984)}} has posed:'''<br>"I understand." Lin exclaims quietly, falling into place behind 'Takashirou', whilst wearing a sheepish and nervous grin. She doesn't know how she's supposed to act so for now she'll act as an assistant for Reiji, following close behind...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>CONFEDERACY:<br><br>"Hohohohohohoho!!" Nurarihyon laughs, his gourd-shaped head tipping back in his mirth. "Yes, yes, to business. I'll have a feast of celebration ready for your return with the fragment in hand." He pours more sake for his guests, then raises his cup in a toast. "We are Ouma, our hour shall come!" And he drinks his sake down. "If any of you can trace the path of the leyline, just follow that into the depths, you'll be led straight to the fragment. Otherwise ... ah, I know!" Nurarihyon turns away briefly from his guests, looking among the servants ... "Ah, you there! Miko! Give me your gohei a moment, I need a few of its tassles."<br><br>Sure enough, there is a shrine maiden nearby, her robes in some disarray but still quite presentable ... despite the fact that she was sitting there like she'd been drugged into a stupor, or something. Nurarihyon's command induces her to jerk awake, and she staggers to her feet, walking over and detaching some of the zig-zagging paper tassles from her ritual purification wand she's carrying. Nurarihyon takes them, murmuring something ... it takes him a few tries before he's content with the results, and he hands one to each of the four Confederates. "There, those should help guide you."<br><br>UNION:<br><br>There isn't a whole lot for Athela or Reina to see out on the water so far; Athela might notice a couple of water spirits, if she's sufficiently attuned, but they're not an especially strong presence.<br><br>Inside, though, Nurarihyon's command to the shrine maiden is something that's audible even in the kitchen; a few of the 'staff' look up briefly, and then a tray is handed to Reiji 'Takashirou' Arisu with a bottle of sake and a stack of fresh cups. Karal and Xiaomu are handed trays of sashimi and onigiri, respectively. Apparently, whoever's in charge of the kitchen didn't realize Nurarihyon's guests were heading out just yet ... ?<br><br>Xiaomu, for her part, takes her tray without argument, letting Reiji and Karal lead the way.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> Charm get! With a sharp salute, the ninja nods. There's a brief glance to the miko. A slight offering of sympathy, but there's a job to do. She's drugged a few useful enemies before after all. <br><br> Thus, Yari is off towards the water, shedding her kimono in favor of the underwater gear. A leap! Sploosh! Then with a combination of handseals, kicking legs and tail, and that guiding tassle? She keeps to the darkness of the waves as she silently follows the layline, slowly breathing in and out with her tank of oxygen. <br><br> She tries to stay aware of her companions as well, especially the better-armored Kirikou!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirikou has no intention of getting far from Yari, or the other Feds for that matter. He frowns at the treatment of the Miko however. She seems out of it. Drugged, or the psychic equivalent. This isn't something he likes, but of course there's little he can do about it right now. Putting up with unpleasant allies, well, that's just a part of his life these days.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Still it does show that he's not wholly brainwashed himself. He shakes his head as if to clear it, then finishes suiting up. He seals seals, checks hoses and power equipment, and gets ready. It's not really armor, though it IS armored. Much of the weight of the suit is to compensate for the air he has to carry though, with the armor functionality somewhat secondary. Cool-looking though!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's definitely a weird suit though, with pneumatic hoses running from his back over his shoulders and then along his sleeves. The suit's bulky, almost steampunk. Functional yet apparently wasteful. And, once he gets in the water, there's little air bubbles coming out from around the helmet and ... of all things, from around his gauntlets.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once waterbound, he switches on the propulsion system. Jets of water make him somewhat more agile in water than his bulk might suggest, though nowhere near as agile as he is on dry land. He's not superstealthy, but at least his gear isn't roaring. Kilik also checks the communications system. Hopefully his team can hear him despite being all underwater. "Hey Yari. Nice outfit!" he calls out. It's not clear if he's teasing, flirting, or just passing off a compliment that means little.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>It's time to move forward and he smirks at Hura. "THen we should make hast." He doesn't need to eat but he can and it's not pointless back up biofuel reactor. Either way it was time to head out and they will look to the Shirne Maiden. He watches the process in silence but he and Bubble Man take the wards without another word save for a nod of thanks. He seems ready to go as does Bubble Man. They got a legendary stone to grab after all, right? A Stone of DEATH. <br><br> "Let's shove off then the Union will not be waiting for us to dally." <br><br> THey mo ve to follow after Yari and both of the robot masters are not bothere.d Hell Bubble Man showing why he's made for the depths and Metal seems mostly all right as they decend!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1056|Camilla Ulyssa (1056)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Camilla is handed a guiding charm, which she eyes and then stuffs into a pocket. She can feel the leylines clear as day; or it'd be more accurate to say she can smell the leylines clear as day. Magic-- no, all power-- has its own particular smell to a beastman of her kind. The more powerful, the stronger and more obvious it is, and she can track those smells for quite a distance. Even underwater! Probably less impressively, though.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Either way, she's in the water the moment the go-ahead is given, splashing with grace and then... flying? Her posture and movements are functionally the same, low-effort no-movements cutting through the water like it's not there.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;~Magic~.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She took a deep breath before plunging, searching for the particular odor of the fragment, and now she's following her nose, diving straight past the Confederates and beelining for it. It'll make navigating easy if they just follow her!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>A shrine maiden? They must have captured her from one of the nearby temples. And what he did to her gohei... Exerting control over the spirits within the sacred paper? Hmn. That could be a problem. Reiji's lips twitch almost imperceptibly into a slight, but still appropriately butlerly frown. "Mingle," he whispered over his shoulder as he took the tray of seafood treats.<br><br>Time to see what can be... overheard.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:994|Athela Valemore (994)}} has posed:'''<br>There's a few 'locals' at play in the water, but hopefully not something that is going to become a problem. They're more than likely to scatter if any trouble starts, from what limited experience with faes (and Fairy types) Athela has.<br><br>With little happening on the water at the moment she turns her spyglass up towards the coastline itself, looking farther up towards the mansion itself. Just in time to catch a glimps of the bulky form before it disappears into the water. "Our enemies are on the move," she gives a heads-up to Regina as she collapses the spyglass and tucks it away again. "Looks like we have no the leaisure of waiting for our allies."<br><br>No sooner are the words from her mouth and Sprite is on her paws bounding for the water's edge and dives in. Though there is no disruption of the water itself as the Vaporeon shifts to her watery form, quite literally becoming one with the water around her. An almost perfect elemental camoflague.<br><br>Not that Athela is far behind her. If she's watching Regina would see the young woman actually run -on- the surface of the water for several strides before finally taking a dive directly in. As soon as she's underwater she releases her other Water pokemon, grabbing the spines of the Samurott's armor and essentially riding him like one would those underwater scooters you see in the movies. Though the large sealion is probably a lot faster than those things.<br><br>If they have to they can worry about intercepting the Confederates now and deal with the actual artifact afterwards when their infiltration group has actual information.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:984|Karal Rei Lin (984)}} has posed:'''<br>Although Lin's never carried quite so much food at once before, she's been training hard her whole life! ... if she can't carry one heavy and precariously loaded tray while maintaining proper balance and not spilling it, she can't call herself a martial artist.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her gait down the hall's a bit weird, laden with the tray, but she manages with some unexpected poise, proferring the tray to guests while looking very much new to this job, if anyone glanced at her face.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>There's the sign, and it's time to move out! Reina's quick to jump into the water, albeit in a manner that keeps her from making a noticeable splash! She swims as swiftly as she can, her breathing device keeping her from running out of oxygen as she swims under the surface swiftly. "There they are, and here we go!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>CONFEDERACY:<br><br>The leyline is a fairly straight path, at least looking at it from above. Trying to follow the ground below the water, though, requires maneuvering over ridges and around seaweed and stuff. How quickly Athela, Sprite, and Reina catch up is mostly going to depend on how fast the Confederates can swim. The race appears to be on!<br><br>UNION:<br><br>There aren't that many people in the main room, now that Nurarihyon's guests of honor have headed out on their business. There are a couple of tanuki near the door, a female kitsune (albeit not one whom Reiji or Xiaomu would recognize) lounging in front of the entertainment center, and the gourd-headed home-stealing youkai himself, seated in the center of the room.<br><br>"You took too long!" Nurarihyon barks at the entering 'servants'. "Our Confederate friends have already left on their errand, you were supposed to have those ready before they got here! Lazy humans," he mutters, getting to his feet. "What am I going to do with you? Good help is so hard to find among you mortals nowadays ..."<br><br>"I'm sure we could find a use for them," the kitsune girl observes, sitting up and looking at the Unionites.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> Between the charm and the canine-Camilla? Yari's off to a good start. The beastwoman in particular gets a glance at that effortless movement. <br><br> Mental note, learn how to 'swim' like that! <br><br> Meanwhile, there's a blush beneath tactical gear! Her tail wiggles just a bit happily! <br><br> "I had it properly fitted for this mission, Mister Kilik!" She offers to the comms, proudly. Wiggle wiggle tail. <br><br> Why does she sound happy in all of this? <br><br> But the ninja doesn't end her vigilance either. Eyes are ahead, and ninja senses keened up. <br><br> Thanks to her speed-enhancing ninjutsu, she's not /quite/ as stealthy as usual, and some of Athela's pokemon might spot her! She certainly spots Sprite amidst the waves, and she draws several shuriken! Flick! Poisoned weapons flick out for the vaporeon!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>"My apologies," Reiji answers his 'master's' complaints. "But I'm afraid that isn't in my contract." Suddenly a flash of golden metal appeared in the Butler-Exorcist's offhand. Cracks of thunder rip through the air as he pulls the trigger, sending slugs of enchanted lead downrange. They don't actually HIT anyone, necessarily. Instead they go right over shoulders or under arms before freezing in mid-air and blossoming into arrays of blue light.<br><br>Sealing magic, it seems. Or at least, purification circles set up to hold the various youkai in place.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Nurarihyon and associated members of the Ouma organization," Reiji thunders, setting his tray aside and sliding a fresh clip into his handcannon. "You're all under arrest. I'd read you your rights, but that's not exactly my job. I recommend that you all surrender peacefully."<br><br>And of course, if they don't-- or if Nurarihyon even so much as begins to open his mouth, he's got a gun pointed at them. He can probably shoot the Youkai right in the kisser, if it comes to that.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:984|Karal Rei Lin (984)}} has posed:'''<br>Lin frowns. Sheesh, not only are they conspiring to just take places over and boss people around, but... the arrogance to declare said people lazy?!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lin's frown deepens with every second that passes as her head turns to face the usurper and his kitsune accomplice.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She heaves a sigh whilst setting down the platter carefully on a table. Good food's there, and good food shouldn't be wasted.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"They're gone already, are they? That's fine! They'll come back."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lin takes a few steps from the table. Golden light flickers at her side. With a single swipe she's yanked her weapon from the gleaming ripple. The blade's still sheathed, but she's advancing slowly and with one hell of a fierce scowl!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It works out better in fact. They're not here to help YOU, and you won't be in any shape to help THEM later!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The room's filled with the unmistkable sound of steel being drawn as Lin grasps her weapon's hilt and deftly readies it threateningly.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:994|Athela Valemore (994)}} has posed:'''<br>Interception was most certainly one of the trickery strategies to attempt. One had to balance giving the enemy just enough time to lead one to their objective while still leaving oneself time to actually intercept them before they aquire it.<br><br>But down here beneath the waves and in Keldeo's domain, Athela at least had some cards in her hand hopefully in their favor. Both of her aquatic pokemon are expedient swimmers, Samurott rocketing through the water like an armored torpedo even with her on his back. Vaporeon even moreso, being able to meld with the water itself means Sprite is mostly unbothered by having to clear underwater ridges and growth as she just follows the water's natural flow across them.<br><br>She's not entirely invisible though even in the water and the sharp senses of a ninja still pick her out as she rises over one of the ridges.<br><br>However the poisoned throwing stars whizz through the water... and right through Sprite as well... except not in severe injury due to her amorpheous state.<br><br>Well that does sort of take sneaking up on them out of the equation. Ci le vi.<br><br>Sprite's form regains its solidity as she refocuses, and returns fire! Only to miss and the pulse of energy slamming into the seabed near Yari.<br><br>Or maybe it wasn't a miss after all as the elemental pulse throws up sand and mud around the ninja, turning the water murky and hard to see in.<br><br>At least hopefully long enough for Yari to not see the giant armored sealion come barreling at her through it, and that lance-like horn on his helmet does not look pleasant to be on the opposite end of!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kilik grins at Yari's reaction, though of course he can't see her blush. He's not good at sensing emotions either, though she sounds proud. That can only be a good thing!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's not good at seeing through water either. Never mind that his glasses are kind of useless down here. He can see Yari move to engage something but can't tell what it is. He is, as it were, out of his depth. It doesn't sit well with him. First off, he prefers to tank. He's tough, fast and agile. He'd rather take a threat head on than avoid it. And leaving team-mates to take on a foe... that's twice as bad as avoiding it. It feels like cowardice. But they have their mission. He trusts his companions to stand and fight, or swim and fight as the case may be. The bravest thing might just be to trust them to fight while he completes his own mission... a role he's been in before.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Kick their asses, Yari!" he says in farewell. Letting her know he's turning off her tail (as it were) and heading on to the objective. Trusting in her skill and her judgment. He turns towards Camilla, goosing the water jets of his diving suit, speeding up. She's moving as if by magic here, but Kilik's biggest skill is adaptation. He'll do pretty good keeping up!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>A meido outfit goes flying, and Xiaomu catches her tray again even as her other hand grasps her monk staff. "Yeah, we know pretty much all we needed to, and this isn't your estate in the first place, you shrivelled old gourd."<br><br>Nurarihyon hardly looks THAT shriveled, at least beyond the wizened-elder appearance he favors. And at the moment, he's grinding his teeth at the three interlopers. "Mortals will perish, their structures will crumble, but we youkai are eternal," he seethes. His gaze settles particularly on Xiaomu - but while he does start to suck in a breath to say *something* to her, he refrains. Maybe it's the sound of Lin drawing her sword, maybe it's the fact that Reiji's still got a hand cannon pointed at his face.<br><br>As for the other three youkai in the room? The tanuki aren't even trying to put up a fight; one male, one female, both holding their hands up without any sign of resistance. The kitsune looks over the Unionites, then shrugs lazily, folding her hands behind her head. "I won't make any trouble ... I might even make it worth your while," she says alluringly -<br><br>Only to get smacked in the face with Xiaomu's staff. "No beguiling my partner, *kitsune*," the huli jing grumps at her.<br><br>Nurarihyon rolls his eyes and just holds his hands where they're conveniently visible. He's had a long and mostly successful career, he's not about to let some upstarts nip that (and his life) in the bud.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> Yari's eyes go wide. There's watery foam kicked up, sharp blades slice through water, and then Sprite comes back seemingly unharmed. <br><br> There's a vague thumbs-up to Kiri. Her eyes all but scream, 'I hate Tiny Not-Destruction-Sea-Animals'. She's well been outright out-sea'd. Which isn't much to say, given ninjas are more ground based. Maybe she should have packed the maid outfit. <br><br> WHUMP! A sea of mud and spray around her utterly destroys her vision, and so the ninja curls up into a ball. She waits, a long, hopeful moment. If she can't detect her oppoenent, time to let them get to her! Several handseals, and she sucks in a breath! <br><br> "Katon!" <br><br> The water around her boils into nothing just before the armored sealion races for her, slamming that horn through her side and out the other end! But he'll have to deal with the momentary lack of water as she evaporates it all with her burst of flame, as well as the fire trying to lash out at the bubbly vaporeon and generally anything around her! Blood leaks into the water thanks to the pokemon's charge!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>The leyline seem all in order the feds are moving on and Bubble Man who is made fot underwaqter is going ona head or trying to cover the others are they go. The race is going but Metal Man knows the union are coming for them and they need to stop them. They will trust in thier allies as both turn about and launch themselves towres Reina intending try and grab and restrian her. Which could be painful given Metal Man is covered in /blades/. <br><br> &lt;&lt;Oh you are going no where!&gt;&gt; <br><br> Well that's Metal and Bubble's intent and they will try to slow one of the union down for their allies. <br><br> &lt;&lt;I'm sending you to Davy Jones' locker Missy!&gt;&gt;<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1056|Camilla Ulyssa (1056)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sadly, Camilla could not teach Yari how to do that, because it's not really swimming at all! It's just flight. Used underwater. Magical sight would probably reveal strands of magic propulsing the fox in some capacity or another, like tiny, silent jet engines. Needless to say this lets her go much faster than normal people can swim.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That Vaporeon's distracted by a ninja.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reina probably couldn't keep up.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Camilla speeds ahead, further into the depths and away from the fight that's just breaking out. She's not hard to follow for Kirikou, but just in case, she starts glowing, burning mana for that sole purpose.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>Before Reina even knows what's happening, she finds herself being grabbed by someone or something. In fact, two androids are grabbing her, one of whom hurts her quite a bit as his blades cut into her flesh and her wetsuit! "Arrrgh!" Reina yells out through her breathing device, glancing from side to side before her reflexive instincts kick in. "You're not taking me down that easily!"<br><br>Despite knowing that she's underwater and that this could easily backfire on her, Reina decides to use one of her TECHNICs to try to break free and get away. Focusing as best as she can through the pain, she calls out, "ZONDE!" And she radiates the electric TECHNIC around her, hoping to give herself a chance to get free and get some distance.<br><br>And maybe deal with that wound too...<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:984|Karal Rei Lin (984)}} has posed:'''<br>"Even gods will die as heaven wills." Lin retorts accusingly, bringing the blade about to point rather rudely at Nurarihyon for a brief moment before she drops back into her guard.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She might not be traversing the world on any kind of idealogical journey to change it, but she sure as hell can't stand overt crookedness when it's right in front of her...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She does blink a few times at the Kitsune, but is apparently too naive to figure out what she's getting at...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:994|Athela Valemore (994)}} has posed:'''<br>Heat intense enough to flash-evaporate a large portion of water is also strong enough to cause considerable discomfort to the Water types despite their resiliance to Fire. Or maybe it's because it was ninja magic. The loss of seawater does cause Lancer to hit the seabed rather hard, but the Samurott is already in motion and momentum carries through. Though the sudden increase in friction on the ground instead of through water probably kept him from ramming Yari into one of the undersea ridges. Sprite hits the seabed with a hiss and a roll, though the latter may of been intentional on her part to smother any potential burns.<br><br>Athela most definately did not enjoy the sudden heat-flash. Now she knows what it feels like in a boiling stewpot, and that's not a pleasant imagery either.<br><br>It doesn't take long for the sea to dump water back into the void left around them, even as the sea-beast's charge has been brought to a halt. Athela braces herself to stand up on Samurott's backside, glaring down at the ninja gouged by his helmet lance. Oh here it comes, this is typically where knights spout off their soliequies of honor and justice and whatnot.<br><br>... Except not, as Athela once again proves to be a bit atypical to the cliche, and instead of saying anything just shifts forward to apply the heel of her armored boot to the ninja's face.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> This is a far more /active/ knight than most, and there's no justice speeches to be had! Just Boots to Faces! Yari's arm comes up defensively, the artificial one, and slams down that heel to her vulnerable wetsuit-clad face! There's a crunch of synthetics and other materials as Yari brings up that arm just in time for Athela's boot to impact her false arm, shattering most and otherwise kicking her back a good foot or so from the impact alone! Yari is bleeding and gasping in her air-tank amongst the now-filled waves! <br><br> Despite her hisses and general lizard sounds of pure pain, the ninja crawls herself together! Kicking her legs and tail around behind, she gets a good few feet away from the knight and her pokemon. Yet, she still weaves a grandious number of handseals, offering up a few vulnerable spots as she retreats for the knightess and her pokemon minions to strike! <br><br> Suddenly, the ninja wheels around, finishes her handseals, and all but shoves them towards Athela and company as a lightning-dragon thrusts out and grows through the rather ill-advised raiton-spell amidst the waves. <br><br> It's as powerful as any ninja magic as she has, and she's charged it up well. Thus, the ninja herself is caught in the backlash, already writhing amidst her own ninjutsu as she tries to catch Athela in an even-worse storm of water-borne lightning!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>Well. Honestly, Reiji was almost expecting more resistance than that, especially from this weird potatohead. It's really more of a bean, but this is autumn, and Reiji's seen way more potatos than beans lately. He gestures with his handcannon vaguely in the Nurarihyon's direction. His mouth, specifically. "Alright. Now I want you to release all of your 'servants' from your control. All of them. Including the divine spirits in that Gohei you whispered to a little bit ago."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No funny business," he warns. "What I've got in here aren't my normal bullets. Try anything, and you'll live the rest of your eternal life as an oversized disco ball." He glances briefly towards the Kitsune and only nods when Xiaomu gives her the business. "For the record, she's more dangerous than I am. So you'd best listen."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirikou has no second sight, magical or otherwise. He just follows Camilla, cutting through the depths like a shark. Or, well, more like a tank. Not the most aquatic of things, but boy can it move in one direction well. It helps when Camilla begins to glow. Convenient, that, even if it's a bit weird. "Just don't use so much light that you start floating!" he cautions.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:994|Athela Valemore (994)}} has posed:'''<br>Athela Valemore may not be the sort for making rediculous melodramatic speeches mid-battle, but she's still honorable enough to not fling an attack at a retreating backside.<br><br>Which immeadiately comes back to haunt them as the retreat turns out to be nothing of the sort, just Yari getting distance for some more ninja hocus pocus. The technique's discharge is literally felt in the water around them due to it's rather electrical nature, and unlike the flash-heat evaporation that's going to be extremely unpleasant for her Pokemon.<br><br>Which is likely why Athela launchs off the Samurott's backside to intercept it herself. Her sword is drawn as she surges through the water, and swung in an upward motion as she channels both her Tide Caller ability and the divine force of her patron legendary into the attack. The forward surge at first rises up in a sort of underwater wave due to her using Surf as a basis for the attack, but as the crest rolls over the water briefly takes an equine-like manifestation sporting a horn much in the same shape as the knight's divine sword before it crashes headlong into the electrical dragon surge.<br><br>The collision of two almost polar opposite forces is enough to cause a tremendous underwater explosion. Even if she spared them the electrical onslaught the resulting shockwave surging back through the water catchs Athela directly and hurtles her backwards into the grimy seabed once more.<br><br>Her Pokemon fair only slightly better, as Samurott dove to shield the smaller Vaporeon with his larger, armor-clad form. That's still taking a fair share of pounding from all the other deep sea debris being flung up in the submersive blastwave.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> That's...that's a lot of backblast! Even as Yari writhes in her own underwater backblast, as the crashing wave of water and pure power from Athela's strike bursts through her lightning-dragon more than enought to disperse it! Equines and dragons war, and send water surges towards both that blow them back, and Yari is eventually added to the foam above as she washes vaguely upwards by the water's boyancey. <br><br> Truly, the clash of dragon and unicorn meet with a frothing, furious wash of water towards anyone nearby, leaving up a wave of frothing salty water that Yari's body wakes across, leaving her wobbling above the surfaces. She flicks one final, single needle towards the knightess just before she falls unconscious amidst the waves! <br><br> It's a simple paralytic needle, designed to incapacitate rather than kill. Truly, the ninja has offer her final strike with sympathy.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Metal Man is now engaged with Reina along with Buvvle Man but it's taking them both to keep her busy at all and he knows it the Lighting under water? Metalgets a Oh you didn't just do this! While he and Bubble Man have surge protectotr theya re still being hit with lightning bolts under water but Given Metal Man has reached out? Reina might get zotted by her own /blot/ if he can get ahold of her again!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>Reina does get caught by the blot, but there's a surprise in store for Metal Man. Because even though Reina's weak against electricity, her wetsuit is reinforced to absorb electricity. So the effect is nullified entirely! She turns to give a sly wink as if to say, "Too bad!" Before swimming back towards the shore. "That was pretty good, actually... But still..." Something seems wrong to her...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>Nurarihyon lets out a breath ... then smirks. "You can't stop Ouma's victory, you know. You might have one of the fragments, but Ouma alrady has the first, and I'm sure the third will be in our hands shortly. That only leaves the fourth, and you couldn't guess where *that* is if it were right under your noses ... your precious day of human dominance is coming to an end, the sun rests on the horizon. Soon, night will fall, and with that, youkai will rule this world once more." He flicks a hand, releasing his power's hold on the estate's human inhabitants.<br><br>The charm he placed on those paper tassles dissolves at the same moment - but by this point, Kirikou and Camilla should already be close enough to the fragment to see it for themselves. Technically, this one is supposed to be delivered to an Ouma representative instead of the Confederacy hanging onto it, but since Nurarihyon is shortly going to be either in Shinra's custody, or gone from the immediate area, the Confederates might wind up hanging onto this one too ...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:994|Athela Valemore (994)}} has posed:'''<br>Athela Valemore glubs as she breaks through the frothing waters and spits a short fountain of it out. Just because she can magically breath under water doesn't mean she wants her lungs full of it! Now where did that ninja g--<br><br>Even on the brink of unconciousness Yari's aim is exceptional, the paralytic needle catching the young woman in the neck before she can dive back down. Accursed status effects! Not being hindered in movement in water doesn't do a lick of good when you can't move at all!<br><br>Good thing her pokemon are there, but even they realize there is not much they can do that wouldn't put their incapacitated trainer at risk. Sprite grabs Athela's cloak with her teeth to pull the knight up onto Lancer's back, and at least hold her there while he swims them back to shore.<br><br>Hopefully the mansion part of the mission went better for them.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>"So what if the sun sets?" Reiji asks with a slight smile. "That's why we invented lightbulbs. As for the fourth fragment... I'm sure we'll find our way there, one way or another. Or did you think you were the only ones with an intelligence apparatus?"<br><br>After all, they do have ways to get the information they need.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Metal Man is locked in combat and Reina has manqage to avoid it and she's able to get lose and pullback she lets her go as she's heading to shore away from the objective he's done what he's needed to do so he lets her go. He's damaged so is Bubble but they are functional still they turn to follow after thier allies with Bubble Man being the most likely to catch up first. <br><br> &lt;&lt;We're lucky the Doctor does not skimp in Surge Protectors&gt;&gt; <br><br> &lt;&lt;Aye we are! Who builds combat robots that are weak against lightning?!&gt;&gt; <br><br> Okay wily has but generally it's due to some issue with their robot's payload that makes it unavoidable.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=4682/Mission_2:_The_Forest_of_Death&diff=136494682/Mission 2: The Forest of Death2016-10-22T01:00:01Z<p>Shachihoko: Ouma + Confederates vs. Shinra + Union in the depths of Aokigahara, for the second fragment of the Killing Stone.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/10/15<br />
|Location=Tokyo-52605 <NXC><br />
|Synopsis=Aokigahara, a dense forest at the foot of Mt. Fuji's northwest slopes, is either famous or infamous for the number of suicides which are carried out there. Some people go so far as to say that the forest is haunted by the spirits of those who die there - whether by taking their own lives, or as a result of murder.<br />
<br />
And not all of the killers roaming Aokigahara are ghostly, or even of human origin. Ouma is scouring the Forest of Death for the second fragment of the Killing Stone, and they're calling in assistance from the Confederacy to boot; Shinra's agents can't deal with the combination alone, so they've requested Union support.<br />
<br />
Who will find the second piece of the Killing Stone ... and who will fall in the search for it?<br />
|Cast of Characters=707, 278, 941, 737, 985, 582, 391, 1056, 127, 705, 11, 1014<br />
|Tinyplot=Restoration of the Killing Stone<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>Aokigahara.<br><br>An almost primevally-dense forest at the northwestern foot of Mt. Fuji, long associated with deaths and with suicides, often said to be haunted.<br><br>But it's been more 'haunted' than usual lately; for the past week or two, youkai have been prowling the forest, sometimes binding ghosts to assist them, more often just chasing them away so they don't interfere with whatever the youkai are up to.<br><br>The hell of it, for Shinra, is that they know SOMEthing is going on in Aokigahara; they just don't know WHAT ... and with the other youkai disturbing the normal ghostly activities, it's difficult to even get a team in to see what's going on. According to office rumors, somebody suggested just sending in every agent they could rally to storm the forest; the idiot who suggested *THAT* was immediately suspended pending a full psychiatric and parapsychological examination, because it was a blatantly stupid notion.<br><br>But tonight, things are different.<br><br>A messenger conveyed a simple report and request to Ouma's Confederate allies: 'We found it but we'll need help getting it out.'<br><br>And the fact that a single kamaitachi was spotted fleeing Aokigahara on a beeline for the nearest warpgate was duly conveyed to Shinra, who in turn dispatched two top agents and requested Union support.<br><br>At this point, Xiaomu is standing a couple of meters inside the forest's perimeter, just off the main public trail - although Aokigahara's been closed to tourists since this mess started, and it hardly took Shinra's influence to do it (for a change).<br><br>Ouma's directing Confederates to reach the area through a different path, with youkai magic helping conceal its whereabouts; the Confederates *might* be spotted en route, but they'll be close to impossible to track them beyond a certain point.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:278|Bramble Patch (278)}} has posed:'''<br>The Confederacy was asked for support. Whoever was in charge of assigning said support took 'haunted suicide forest' to heart and picked one of the best matches for the mission they could find.<br><br>Bramble Patch lives in middle of the spookiest forest in all of Equestria, one which surrounds a creepy old castle. So just being dark and haunted and full of spiritual activity is really right up her alley.<br><br>Nor is she really bothered by whatever magic guided trek it takes to meet with Ouma and get to work. Earth Ponies are made for this sort of constant activity.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After their hot spring trip turned into a 'working vacation', Mel has been a little grumpy; not towards Xiaomu and Reiji, of course, but rather towards whatever malevolent force has plans and plots running to cause trouble.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And maybe a little towards herself, too. This feels way too much like her luck kicking in.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nevertheless, she's here, and while the usual Marshal jumpsuit and longcoat have been replaced with something more apropos to this world, the coat is still specially-treated to be bullet- and blade-resistant, she's still got her sidearm in a concealed-carry holster, and she's still wearing that sleek limiter on her right jawline, ensuring that she'll be able to cut loose the way she usually does if need be.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's also jogging rather than walking, having to hoof it for a good ways thanks to the need for concealing the Firestarter-C somewhere it won't be spotted or messed with.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:737|Vivio Takamachi (737)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio wanders up next to Xiaomu and looks deeper into the forest. She quints a little, musing, "This place looks kind of creepy..." She nods slowly, before turning to look at Xiaomu. Pause. Smile, "Oh! Hello again~ Vivio Takamachi is responding to the request for help!" Either the Union is getting desperate these days, or there's more to this eleven-year-old girl than is obvious.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:985|Nina Windia (985)}} has posed:'''<br>Nina volunteered for this.<br><br>No, literally, she actually did volunteer for this whole... thing after Xiaomu's last report. She didn't necessarily expect it to mean she had to come to a place like this, but it apparently does and she's up to the task. <br><br>More or less.<br><br>Nina has actually not taken to the air for the worry that it will make her far too obvious if there's someone else in the vicinity. After all, Shinra found out about it because someone /else/ was flying around, she thinks. (Kamaitachis fly, right? Nina isn't entirely sure.)<br><br>On the ground she's as fast as anyone who doesn't do a lot of running: that is, slower than Mel, but not so slow you'd want to leave her behind and ignore her. She has thrown a cloak over her back because she has a vague idea that nonhumans are in the minority here, as far as anyone knows, given the very small amount she knows about Shinra is that it is sort of a secret service.<br><br>It doesn't help, because Nina very obviously still has wings or is the world's most deformed hunchback. The cloak is barely big enough to get over them and is more of a bedsheet. But still, she tried.<br><br>Burdened by that, Nina is picking her way up toward the meeting point. If she's armed, or indeed brought any equipment at all besides herself and whatever she's wearing, it doesn't show. She doesn't say much; this place is already kind of edging at her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br>Ships can move on dry land, too, it turns out. It helps to be in a humanoid form factor. Despite this advantage in size, the Wo-class aircraft carrier is no expert in stealthy matters, so it helps to have the resident youkai more keenly attuned to concealing things on the job. Accutomed to such escort, she does not refuse it, instead sticking to the plan and paths already blazed by the enterprising beasties. She is here to add muscle to this expedition, and in the unforeseen circumstance it actually applies in a spooky forest, where abandoned tents and left-behind belongings are regular reminders of the nature of this place, her expertise. Aside from that, it's hard to imagine a more ill-fitting match than an aircraft carrier in a forest, but they'll make it work.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For the moment, she focuses on what she can do, which is helping to scout and observation of the route. With a beckon forward of one gloved hand, the hinged maw of the symbiotic creature she wears as a hat gapes open, the whine of a turbine spinning up audible from within. After a few moments, a flight of Abyssal scout planes, a smoothly aerodynamic and black shape, save the almost human tongue and teeth, flies out and begins flying just above the tree line, before fanning out in a search pattern. They instinctively keep below radar range, even though the opposition might not be so equipped, and maneuver so as to minimize the obvious vector they were launched from. She'll also keep her passive radar tuned in, though with all the trees and the terrain itself, its range and resolution is going to be quite limited. Don't want to pay too much attention to, heh, ghost reflections.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>Staring into the forest with her binoculars, Reina sighs as she puts them away and looks to Xiaomu. "I'm not seeing anything out of the ordinary just yet, but I'm ready to move out when you are. Just say the word." She narrows her eyes a little before looking into the forest again as she runs a hand through her red hair. "Ever since we got here, I've had the feeling there was something off about this place, and I was damn right too." She shakes her head and closes her eyes with another sigh before looking towards the forest again.<br><br>For a moment, she says nothing more, then she speaks again. "One thing I'm wondering, are my weapons going to work if we encounter whatever's supposedly causing this? I'm no spirit expert, but I've always believed that spiritual things can't be harmed with material weapons. That just leaves my TECHNICs, but even then I can't use those for very long before losing mental strength. What do you think?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1056|Camilla Ulyssa (1056)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'We need help getting something.'<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Translation: help us punch dudes.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It didn't take more to have Camilla onboard. Ever on the lookout for a fight, for a reason to waste mana and keep her body's balance in check. And so we find the dark gray-haired, fox-eared young woman trailing after Ouma, wearing a very large military coat like a cape, and another slightly smaller one underneath, like it's meant to be worn. Strapped around her by half a dozen belts, the large mechanical sheaths that house her blades rest behind her, under the large coat, visible regardless.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A twitch of her nose, and she sneezes.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This place reeks of magic. I don't mean it stinks, either, just... it smells strong, you know? Didn't expect that. I don't hate it. New smells! I can't tell what half of these are." A glance towards the pony following along. "You smell like plants." Then ahead, in no particular direction. "And... someone smells like they might have as much magic as I do. Raw energy." Another twitch of her nose, as she turns to look at Wo. "And you smell like... water. No, that's wrong. You smell like the depths, and a bit like a ghost." Like she needed her nose to tell that.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh, I love this! It's like being in a buffet, you just don't know where to pay attention first!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No haunted forest is going to scare Kirikou. Well, not TOO much anyways. Some of his friends are terrified of ghosts, but this Meister's a little too mellow for that. A bit on-edge perhaps. His Weapons don't like this place. For that matter they haven't liked a bit of anywhere they've had to go in this series of missions. But that's okay... Kilik's just explained to them that it's their job to go into these places where the earth is upset, and remove what's making it upset. So far, it's been the absolute truth.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He trudges along, shoulders bowed under the weight of his oversize gauntlets. Judging by his stoop, they look to weigh at least a hundred or so pounds each. He trudges stolidly though, arms dangling at his sides like massive pendulums, occasionally sniffing in disdain or disgust at something unobvious.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Aokigahara is not a pleasant place. Hundreds of suicides over the past century have steeped the forest in the kind of raw negativity that permeates the very air. Reiji doesn't like it here- it stinks of lingering self-loathing, shattered dreams, and the broken backs of those who succumbed to the crushing pressure of family and business and the obligations of life.<br><br>And so he's here wearing a mask.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a white affair decorated with red markings and sacred symbology, with a pointed nose not unlike that of a plague doctor's mask, but... not avian. Rather than looking like some kind of long-beaked bird, it's distinctly vulpine instead. A fox's mask. Reiji has little choice in styles because life is cruel and Urashima has a terrible sense of humor, but he doesn't seem too bothered.<br><br>If the last place- a hot spring- stank, then he can only imagine what Aokigahara might smell like... Especially if this is about what he thinks it is.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Thanks for coming, everyone," he says, somewhat muffled behind his foxy facade. "We appreciate the help." He fishes around inside a pocket and withdraws what appears to be a perfectly ordinary compass... except instead of pointing towards cardinal directions, the needle instead swivels around a series of eight trigrams. A portable feng shui compass, it seems. "Hopefully this'll point us towards any... odd spiritual energies. But stay alert regardless. They'll probably be trying to throw us off their tracks."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>So here So here was Metal Man but today he was not alone Wood Man had come along with his Brother given the enviorment. <br><br> "It's nice to see a healthy non cyber forest, Metal Man." <br><br> "It seems the humans on this world are bit better about not wrecking it." <br><br> "Not much but still better." <br><br> "True." <br><br> The two contiuned on in combat gear not seeming to be too out of place as they made for the location Ouma had given them. It's possible they might be spotted but the pair of Wily Soldiers were moving at a pretty good clip all things considered.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>CONFEDERACY:<br><br>At first, there doesn't seem to be anyone from Ouma there to greet the Confederates ... but then the air itself seems to ripple, as if pulling them deeper into the woods. "You came," a voice whispers -<br><br>And then the voice has an owner, as moisture condenses out of the air and freezes into a distinctly feminine form. It's not quite a yuki-onna, but she could be mistaken for one by those not well-versed in Japanese lore of the supernatural. The ice-woman gestures, beckoning the Confederates onward, and begins picking her way through the trees. "The fragment lies within a cave, but its power here - one must be corporeal to lift it, yet it kills those who have enough flesh to permit their deaths. The first fragment, I hear, did not possess such power ..."<br><br>She pauses, looking over the Confederates. "Among you," says the icy figure, "I believe you may succeed with your lives."<br><br>UNION:<br><br>Well, it certainly wasn't Xiaomu's suggestion! Even if she likes to see Reiji cosplaying (a mask totally counts!), she's not too wild about the Japanese kitsune, so Reiji's protective gear winds up balancing out to a neutral reaction from the huli jing.<br><br>The feng shui compass is definitely working, though - there's a powerful source of negative chi deeper in the forest, and it's powerful enough that the compass points the way without even wavering. Xiaomu looks uncertainly at it, then at the allies who've come to help. Then she checks the load in each of her three handguns, as well as double-checking her supply of grenades (which she's hoping not to use). "Anyone need to stop and make out your last will and testament before we go in? If so, too bad, because I don't think we've got time - Ouma probably knows exactly where it is and we haven't had the chance to map things out yet. Stay close, stay alert, don't die."<br><br>She grips her staff tightly, double-checks the compass Reiji's holding, and sets off, picking her way amongst the trees with the near-perfect silence of a ... well, of a fox stalking prey.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kilik has a bit of knowledge about asian culture. Japanese are well-represented at Death Academy, mostly because they're one of the Academy's biggest supporters among his world's nations. He knows Yuki-onna, at least somewhat, but tends to prefer a rather warmer type of girl.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Of course we came." Kirikou says, and then looks around among the Confeds. "Hey I got the last one. Not it." he claims, spreading his gauntleted hands wide. He's not at all sure he could do something here. Sure he's resistant to a lot of things, but 'death' isn't just something you go around casually blocking with armor. Well in point of fact you do, but only when that death is caused by sharp things.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:278|Bramble Patch (278)}} has posed:'''<br>Bramble Patch takes a moment to stop and -stare- at Wood Man. Mostly out of facination. A robot made partially out of wood?? That's crazy even by the standards she typically lives by being a pony from a magical brightly colored world with the occasional surprising dark twists behind the pastel palettes.<br><br>But back to the matter at hand as their contact manifests with a cool chill. "Oh, I'm sure we can come up with a way or two to deal with that." They have robots with apparently, after all.<br><br>"Or, y'know, deal with the smug so-called heroes that are eventually going to show up to try and stop us," the pony adds as she follows after the icy spirit. Who really just reminds her of a humanoid Windego. "Because you know they will."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Just so it's on the table, for the folks that don't know me, no, I can't act as any kind of psychic bad guy detector or anything," Mel says, offering this more generally to the group. Reiji and Xiaomu already know, but the others she's less familiar with in varying degrees. "My telepathy's crap, the best I can tell you is this place feels way spookier than normal. So keep your eyes and ears open, or... whatever other senses you've got." And shoving her hands in her pockets, the Marshal falls into step next to Xiaomu, perfectly content with taking up a 'meat shield' position for the rest of the group. Her barriers are pretty powerful, after all.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:985|Nina Windia (985)}} has posed:'''<br>Nina meets up with the others. And then...<br><br>"If you want me to, I'll take off and orient," Nina offers. It's at least half an excuse to ditch the cloak; it really isn't comfortable to bundle up in it, though it is giving her at least some camo. Then again, her black-purple feathers aren't easy to see as more than a silhouette in darkness, either. <br><br>Then again, she thinks, flying might not be the best idea if the forest gets thick enough. You can't really see through the foliage eventually, or even really fit through it until they find a clearing...<br><br>Nina stays on the ground for the moment, though, and walks with the others. She keeps an ear out when she can't keep an eye, looking around. She /really/ doesn't like this place; she's sensitive enough to be made uncomfortable by it. She hunches down, trying to make herself smaller. It's not fear, she tells herself. It's common sense.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:737|Vivio Takamachi (737)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Time for things to get serious. Vivio nods her head in understand to Xiaomu, gripping her straps on her backpack a little tighter. As it's mentioned that the place hasn't been mapped out, Vivio hmms quietly then turns her head to look behind, "Chris?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The little plush bunny that is Vivio's Device and partner pops his head out of an opening in the backpack. Vivio continues, "Can you please go up and check things out for us?" Chris bumps his pointed arm against his head, his version of a salute, then bursts the rest of the way out of the backpack. He flies up and disappears into the thick collection of leaves.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With her Device now off doing some scouting, Vivio begins to follow Xiaomu into the forest. She's not had any actual training or stealth or tracking or anything, but she is small and light on her feet! This means it's not too difficult for her to navigate through the thick forest without raising any particular alarms.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br>A glance is given to Camilla, by the carrier. It might be called quizzical, if not for the completely even and almost emotionless cast that her face usually has. After a few moments, she agrees simply, not seeming to be offended by being told what she smells like. "I was...sunk. Ma-ny decades ago," she explains. "Slept, for a while. You are, not wrong." Her speech has improved since her first emergence onto the Multiverse stage, but still has that barely strung together quality to it, on top of a subtle amount of reverb, like a typical anime monster.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She quiets again shortly after, though she does wonder absently, at something she overheard, "Cy-ber forest?" What an odd combination of phrase. Then again, the twisted shipwrecks of her home in Iron Bottom Sound, interspersed with corals and sponges, can resemble certain surface biomes, if viewed with the right eye and ambience. Perhaps that's the kind of thing they are talking about. To Wood Man, in particular, she states matter-of-factly, perhaps by way of coming to a self-realization, "You are wear-ing, a tree..." Maybe it's some kind of camoflage for the forest.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any attempts at small talk are halted once proper, face-to-face contact is made. The already chilly atmosphere gains an actual chill to go with it, it seems. "Un-derstood," she remarks, thinking over those words. "As I was never tru-ly, 'alive'... Hmm, we will, see." Wood Man and, surprisingly, Metal Man are realistic enough that she doesn't really consider that they would also fit the bill for such a task. She wouldn't volunteer them, regardless. With this, she continues following, still searching the surrounding forest from the air through her scouts, either for interesting sights or the intruders Bramble Patch expects.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What drives surface peo-ple, to this place," she wonders? "I don't under-stand..." There's a genuine confusion in her words, but it's an open question, not to anyone in particular.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji and Xiaomu both have kind of a bad track record with Japanese foxes. Which is really kind of strange if you think about it-- you'd think that they'd have more trouble with the Korean variety, considering the whole liver eating thing. But then, they ARE in Japan, and if there are foxes that're going to be raising hell in Japan, they're probably going to be nogitsune of some stripe.<br><br>Regardless. They have a direction.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Alright. Stay close, move as quickly as you can. We need to get to the target before they do, else we'll have worse than just a suicide forest to deal with," Reiji says before setting off alongside his partner. "There are ghosts here. Angry spirits anchored to the land by lingering resentment. This is a forest of curses, so be careful, and keep your eyes on us as much as possible. Don't follow foxfire."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>"Last will and testament?" Reina raises an eyebrow at Xiaomu. "I trust you're only joking!" She scowls a little. "The GUARDIANS are among the most elite forces in the Gurhal System. We are trained to face danger head on and deal with it no matter how risky it might be. We never put our own lives before those of others!" A pause as Reina realizes she's going on a bit of a rant, and she shakes her head. "Er, uh, never mind. I'm ready to go." She snaps her fingers of her right hand, and a pistol materializes in her hand.<br><br>"Let's move out," Reina says as she steps into the forest, not showing the slightest hint of fear or anxiety on her face. Then again, a woman like Reina is trained not to show emotion at times. "If there's something or someone waiting for us, I'm ready for it!" Famous last words, right?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1056|Camilla Ulyssa (1056)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Smug heroes tend to show up to stop smug people in general," Camilla quips, before glancing towards the Robot Masters, then towards Wo. "Hat-girl sounds like she could handle it. Or smells like, anyway. Kind of looks like she's already had a run-in with death, not to mention the ghostly smell." She was right, it turns out! Right-ish, anyway, she's not about to argue with Wo about what she is.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Well! Glad that's handled, because I'm not trying my luck at overpowering a superweapon fragment that kills anything that touches it." Handled in the sense she 'volunteered' Wo for the task, sure.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Another twitch of her nose, and a glance to the side. "Ah, all those other smells are getting closer and closer now. I'm getting impatient! Are you sure we can't just make a lot of noise, we're going to get spotted sooner or later anyway." For all she suggests it the fact she doesn't just up and do it suggests it's not a question that requires an honest answer.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Metal Man and Wood Man look to Wo for a moment humms and smirks then for a moment. <br><br> "I'm not born of flesh by how humans reason often? My brother and I are not alive but you can not debate that we are not aware." Yet they can die a Robot can be lost much like a human canbe. "Then you may be on to something Wo. I'll take a crack at it then." <br><br> He's got his pride as a Wily Robot though it may be the /death/ of him either way he just said he'd give it a shot if no one else will. Wood man meanwhile looks to Wo for a moment and gives Wo of all things a grin. He seems very relaxed for a combat robot.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:737|Vivio Takamachi (737)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio's Device, Chris, pops his head out of the top of the trees, glancing around. He flies out all the way, flitting left and right as he searches for any signs of something unusual going on in the forest. He stops to a hover, raising a pointed arm to his head as he squints, looking out into the distance.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br>The Device would hear it, or sense the pressure waves in the air if that's more apt, rather than see at first. The throaty roar of a jet turbine. Considering that there's probably a no fly zone in place to go along with the limits on tourists, that is likely quite the odd sound, especially this close to natural monuments. That's when radar and then vision would see it; a sleek, black shape cruising along just above the trees, not unlike Chris, though seeming to be a craft with at least some aerodynamism. It's about a meter and a half in size, now that it's in its fully deployed state. Moreover, judging by the active radar that passes over the Device's location, and the gurgling, buzzing sound now coming from the scout's jaw as it makes a sudden turn to take a closer look, it's likely that the spot was mutual.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:737|Vivio Takamachi (737)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chris blinks in surprise as he picks up on something nearby. It doesn't appear to be a bird, nor anything else one might normally find above a forest. So he goes to take a closer look, darting off in that direction. Soon enough Chris reaches the flying scout, coming to a stop a short distance away from it. The plush bunny tilts his head in wondering, then waves one of his pointed arms at it in greeting.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1056|Camilla Ulyssa (1056)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio's cuddly Device would be able to pick up another thing; a massive font of mana, walking along. Camilla can't hide it. With each breath she takes she exhudes enough magic that someone looking for it will find it. And once they're locked onto her, she's the equivalent of using infrared goggles to look at a pot of boiling water in a freezer.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This becomes especially obvious when Chris gets closer to attempt the world's first cuddly teddy bear to tiny abyssal plane exchange.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:278|Bramble Patch (278)}} has posed:'''<br>Bramble Patch isn't creeped out by the haunted forest, and she's mostly not creeped out by Wo being.... Wo, either. Though she's probably got the right idea.<br><br>"Yeah. We've got robots to do the handling." Someone planned that right. Or it was just lucky coincidence. Either works.<br><br>But they still need to find the cave with this thing first. Or find other people looking for the cave that need to be stopped. Bramble Patch gives a sharp whistle, and after a bit of rummaging around a squirrel pokes his head out of her mane with a yawn. "Go help the little plane-things look for the creepy cave of death we're looking for." Cupule squeaks at 'death' but climbs up atop her head all the same. Adjusts his acorn cap baret with one paw, then spreads his front limbs to flare out the skin flaps and reveal that he's a flying squirrel as he jumps off the Pony and goes soaring off into the trees.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br>The shape resolves, upon approach, into a slightly oblate airframe, with human teeth and a tongue to match it, though no lower jaw. There is also an exhaust port on the back, which seems to be emitting a mutedly glowing vapor. For what it's worth, as it closes in, it doesn't open fire, and it doesn't seem to actually carry any weapons. Instead, it goes into a momentary holding pattern around the waving plush, that warbling and buzzing vocalization arising from it turning from curiosity to outright confusion. Should it bother radioing back about what might be natural here? It gives a final appraisal of its scouting counterpart, before breaking away and beginning to speed back above the trees, before it vanishes into the noise of the foliage outright.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What a strange, if oddly cute, encounter.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While engaging in tracking as well as socialization on the side, Wo suddenly turns her eyes to something unseen in the distance, placing a gloved hand to the side of her head as though concentrating on something. "...you're cer-tain? A...plush rab-bit?" She questions of the koori-onna that is leading them, "Do you have, a haunt-ed toy deployed?" Otherwise, the scouts continue scouting, now aided by a flying squirrel, which at least blends into the environment better than either Abyssal aircraft or plush Devices.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>There's a distinct chill in the forest air as the two groups make their way through it. It's not just the coolness of autumn as it settles over the land; nor is it the cold that drifts down the slopes of Mount Fuji. Yet it's not quite the cold of death or of evil, either; while it's not wholly natural, neither is it entirely unnatural. The depths of Aokigahara are so thickly forested, the canopy of leaves and branches so dense, that they don't really warm up even in the midst of summer - and yet this cold runs deeper still than that.<br><br>CONFEDERATES:<br><br>The icy figure glances back at the Confederates, the side of her hand drifting past her mouth as a chuckle whispers from her lips. "As though I care whether you live or die ... ngk-!!"<br><br>And she goes rigid, additional layers of ice crystallizing around her body; another voice whispers scoldingly, <span class="bold_fg_c bg_n ++ hc">Behave, Setsuka. Behave or melt.</span> There's an imperceptible nod from the icy figure before she's released; Setsuka bows to the Confederates in contrition before moving on. There actually *is* a path now, resembling a game trail ... it seems there are some living things in these woods, after all. That is, under normal circumstances. Right now, though, the silence of Aokigahara's depths is absolute save for whatever noise the Confederates make as they traverse it.<br><br>UNION:<br><br>Xiaomu glances up as Nina offers to scout from the air. "The canopy's pretty dense, but thanks for offering," she replies to Nina. Mel gets a nod - Aokigahara is creepy even to the sage fox, truth be told. Chris's appearance and departure draws a brief grin before Xiaomu faces forward, only sparing a glance at Reiji's compass before continuing on her way. "I should hope you're ready for anything, Rei*GRK!!!*"<br><br>That was a totally harmless vine, wasn't it?<br><br>It's not harmless now, though: in the blink of an eye it wrapped around the sage fox's neck and hoisted her into the air, leaving Xiaomu kicking frantically as she claws at the vegetation latched around her neck, her staff falling over with a jingle of rings only after she's been yanked up off her feet.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:737|Vivio Takamachi (737)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chris scratches his head a little in confusion, watching the scout plane fly away again. Of course, he also picks up on the large magic signal in that general direction too. And decides it's probably best to report this. He turns around, darting back in the direction he came from.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shortly after, there's a small rustling from the trees above the Union group, before Chris flies out and down towards Vivio. He starts waving his arms, eyes opening and closing as he describes what happened before finally jabbing an arm in a direction. To anyone watching, it magically translates into, 'There was a flying craft of some kind, along with a large source of mana, in that direction!'<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio nods to her Device in understanding, before looking at the others, "I guess that way is where our rivals on this mission are?" She looks at Xiaomu, wondering what the fox wants to do... And that's when she notices the moving vine, "Look out!" It's too late though!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio dashes forward, iridescent light forming around her hand as she closes the distance to Xiaomu and the deadly flora. She then jumps, swinging her hand at the vine to try and cut through it with her magic!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>Ready for anythng indeed.<br><br>Except, apparently, for the forest itself to rise up against them.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Xiaomu!" Reiji roars as his partner is unceremoniously hoisted up by her throat. The exorcist freezes in his tracks, stuffing the compass into one of his pockets. That hand, now free, slides with lightning speed towards his assembly of weapons. His choice is obvious.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's a flurry of movement and a vast, wrathful plume of flame. Reiji rebounds off a nearby tree, leaping a dozen feet into the air to intersect the strangling vine. Karin slices through the vine, leaving Xiaomu to fall back to the ground-- hopefully to where someone will catch her!<br><br>"Damnit, the forest too. We need to keep moving! If they can turn the trees on us, then we'll need to blast our way through."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:278|Bramble Patch (278)}} has posed:'''<br>Bramble Patch just snorts out her nostrils, the ice spirit's proximity causing it to frost slightly. "And we could probably say the same about you, but yet we're all here -working together-, so you might want to... chill with the attitude." Starts snickering with her own bad joke. She's had to work with the likes of Gilda and THE GREAT AND POWERFUL (AND UTTERLY ANNOYING) TRIXIE, so a spirit getting a little snarky is barely enough to ruffle her tail.<br><br>It's still not 'true' self-sustained flight, but apparently Equestrian flying squirrels at least have a greater hang time. Cupule still comes to pause on a branch on occasion, looking around before launching off again. Still looking for this cave.<br><br>Bramble Patch could possibly use her powers to 'see' through the trees, but she doesn't want to risk pissing off the local spirits with her otherworldly magic. They don't need the additional animosity of mistaking the Pony for a tresspasser and coming after them too.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite having her hands in her pockets, Mel is on general high alert. Sweeping the forest with her eyes, listening hard; she's not accustomed to a forest environment at all, but she can try. Especially in one as... oddly quiet... as Aokigahara. But even with her attention sweeping the area, she's not expecting the vine to snap up and attempt to throttle their vulpine guide. "Xiao- shit!" A split second's confusion gives way to instant, trained crisis response. It's hard to say whether it's fortunate or unfortunate, but there is one trained crisis response that Mel almost always relies on.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brute, destructive strength.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A burst of telekinetic force erupts downward, a smashing blast from above to /crush/ the offending vine just as Reiji's slicing it apart. This also probably causes a crater in the ground, granted. But just as quickly, the PsiMashal moves to catch Xiaomu - curiously, doing so with her arms, rather than telekinesis. "Hey, you alright?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of course, Reiji has suggested 'blast our way through'. And all that prompts from Mel is a simple, flat look. It's like telling the Kool-Aid Man all that stands in their way is a brick wall.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:985|Nina Windia (985)}} has posed:'''<br>Nina didn't really want to leave the group, but she thought she'd offer, solely because she /can/ fly and most of the others cannot. As far as she knows. She nods, looking over at Chris curiously but knowing better than to try to chase after something like that. "I'll stay here," she agrees, somewhat gratefully.<br><br>This place feels... wrong to her. Nina has never been to a place like this, where she could feel it in her bones like this. She flexes her fingers, resting her thumb on the ring she's wearing.<br><br>And then - danger! A vine!<br><br>Nina leaps back, startled; her wings spread reflexively, which makes her cloak slide out of place, the great wings peeking out from underneath. She doesn't actually take off due to lack of room, though; it was ''just'' a jump, nothing more. "Xiaomu!" Nina doesn't know her well, but come on, killer vines are bad for everybody.<br><br>Nina starts to gather magic. It's actually visible around her arm, a pulsing blue-white energy that spreads from her fingertips up toward her elbow - but by the time she's formed anything useful with it, Xiaomu is free, and someone who actually has body strength is catching her. So instead Nina shifts her spell. She thrusts her hand out, the light flickering, pulsing - and releasing!<br><br>A wave of wind blasts out from her hand. It diverges into two as it parts around the rest of the group, then slams into the underbrush, pushing a good deal of it out of the way; it breaks branches, though it isn't strong enough to shatter trees. It /does/ leave a clearer path, at least, which may assist the others in clearing enough to run along.<br><br>And as an added bonus, it is both less randomly destructive and less blatantly obvious than shattering all the trees. So there's that.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>Even though her focus is ahead, Reina's still listening to what Xiaomu has to say. She nods her head a little to acknowledge she hears what's being said, which is why when Xiaomu gets strangled, Reina's spun and is aiming at the vine, or at least the direction it appears to be coming from, with her gun. She's about to fire when she sees Reiji slash at it with his sword.<br><br>When Xiaomu is free again, Reina's instincts as a GUARDIANS member kick in, going to check on Xiaomu to make sure she's not badly injured or unable to breathe still. Once she's sure that Xiaomu's OK, she shakes her head as she imagines how hard Laia would be reaming her for not paying better attention. "Well, excuse me, but..." She trails off, realizing she's talking to herself.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br>As they move deeper into the forest, what little light filtered in through the trees grows ever scarcer, before soon it's only indirect. In this kind of situation, the Abyssal scouts won't be able to make a proper landing, and they're slowly running out of fuel. In that same wordless communication as before, Wo glances upward and then back in the direction from which they came, beckoning momentarily with her command staff. With this, the Abyssal aircraft break off their search patterns and begin heading to try and make a landing closer to the warp gate they arrived at. She'll just have to rely on her own eyes and radar for the rest of the trip, however pointless either are in the dense wood. Cupule, and Camilla's sense of smell, taking over seems like a good idea. They're getting closer to their actual objective, anyway, so a more precise search area makes sense.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other than that, Wo doesn't seem offended by the spirit's barely contained ill will. She's been in a similar place, not so long ago. Resentments can be a real motivator, in both positive and negative directions. The carrier will also take the non-answer as a 'no' and assume the worst, judging by the description of Chris was cute, and the Union tends to be where cute people congregate: "They know we, are here," she says, with some certainty. "--should work quick-ly." If they can get in and out without a scrap, then it's an even better victory, as much as some might be spoiling for a battle. Though if they do approach too close, it might be hard to hide their presence, with how they're the only real source of noise here.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1056|Camilla Ulyssa (1056)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Their guide is put in her place.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Camilla blinks, as she had momentarily stopped paying attention at all. That must have been important! She didn't really care about her attitude, though. No, honestly, the attitude of some of her Confederate allies now and in the past bothers her much more than a guide with predictable xenophobia. Xenophobia's easy to deal with, as problems go.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She continues walking along, looking absolutely bored. Her ears twitch, the noises of a not-so-distant battle echoing about. Her nose wiggles and she sniffs the air for a moment, picking up the now much closer scents. So many of them! Oh why couldn't they have been just a bit faster. Then she might not be bored.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She turns to look at Wo, hoping that's a sign someone is about to burst through a wall, so to speak. "Well, you heard hat-girl, folks. Those of you who can pick up some horrible death-touch artifact, chop chop, pick up the pace! Let the rest of us handle the punching."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>UNION:<br><br>Good ol' Reiji, always coming to his partner's defense. Well, pretty much always. Except when he's the one 'attacking' her, be it in training or as a punishment for slacking off. Or making one pun too many.<br><br>But it's Mel who catches Xiaomu on the way down, and the sage fox grins wryly, "My heroes ..." She actually hugs Mel briefly, then peels the remnants of the vine off her neck and chucks them aside. Xiaomu's smile is already fading somewhat, her ears pricking up. "Think we're getting close," she stagewhispers to her allies. She shouldn't have to remind them to be careful, or be alert, or anything - not after what just happened (and how it COULD have gone). She retrieves her staff, holding the rings so they won't make any noise, and continues onwards - there's actually a clearing nearby, and the feel of the cold is even stronger ...<br><br>CONFEDERATES:<br><br>Setsuka inclines her head briefly to Bramble Patch, accepting the additional chiding without complaint. "We're almost there," Setsuka states as though in reply to Camilla. "My mistress will explain matters further."<br><br>And then they reach the clearing, which seems like it should be warmer given there's some actual daylight ...<br><br>BOTH:<br><br>Union and Confederate groups emerge on opposite sides of a clearing - not directly across, but equidistant from a third point to an imaginary triangle. That third point is marked by two things: the first is a rocky hillock, like a baby-sister mountain to majestic Fuji, with an opening like the mouth of a cave. The second thing --<br><br>Is a person.<br><br>The woman is clothed in an antiquated style of kimono, multiple layers of silk robes secured about her frame; if she has any animal features at all, they're hidden, but she looks more human than youkai. (Not that this is proof of much.) The woman's face is adorned in a similarly ancient style of courtly make-up; she could well be a member of the Heian-era imperial court, transported through time to the present day. Her expressionless gaze swings first towards the Confederates, then towards the Union - and only then do her eyes narrow slightly, betraying her emotions.<br><br>"So Shinra has led additional fools to their deaths this day," the woman intones - presumably a sorceress, given Setsuka's immediate obeisance to her. "You should already know that <span class="bold_fg_c bg_n ++ hc">we are those who lie beneath, waiting ...</span>"<br><br>Her glance flicks back to the Confederates as if expecting something.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is going to get interesting fast, isn't it? Kirikou trudges into the clearing, shoulders slumped under what appears to be some massive burden. That burden probably isn't the metal gauntlets, even as big as they are... they'd have to way an awful lot to make him slump that much.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He stops, eyeing the Union members on the far side of the clearing. Slowly a grin creeps across his face. Not a sneer, but something actually looking genuine. Things seem to have suddenly gotten better for him. He straightens, shedding apparently a massive burden, raising fists. Not to the attack, but in a sort of salute directed across the clearing.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He knows the answer the kimono-clad woman seeks. Another kimono woman... another code phrase. Man, these youkai keep going back to the same playbook don't they? Well no matter. With 'guests' showing up, it's time to drama-fy things up a bit! "Waitin' to overthrow those who think they're above you, right?" he smirks. "Well hey, come on over and I'll throw ya!" he invites.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mel smoothly puts Xiaomu on her feet, and gives her a quick, businesslike squeeze-pat-pat of a hug. "Just doing my job, ma'am." It's just as tongue-in-cheek, but after that, she's not taking chances. The psychic smoothly reaches back and draws out Hravn, holding the long blade in her right hand while she takes her sidearm up in her left. "But yeah, let's be prepared for just about anything from here on out.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prepared for anything... like emerging from the treeline only to see what looks to be a group of Confederates, and what /sounds/ to be an old enemy of Reiji and Xiaomu's agency. "Don't know who you are or what your deal is, but if you think we're just some random band of misfits off the street you can roll without a fight, you're in for a nasty surprise."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They are indeed getting close, as if the bone-chilling temperatures weren't indication enough that Something Was Wrong. Of course, by this point in his career, Reiji sees no trouble with rushing into danger. He nods at Mel for her assistance in the DARING RESCUE of his poor bevine'd partner. "Alright, looks like we're almost to where we're going. I'm going to go around and see about setting up a flank. I'll see you all soon."<br><br>With that, Reiji nonchalantly leaps /up/ into the canopy, racing vaguely towards the source of that terrible, unsettling feeling.<br><br><span class="bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">--SOON--</span><br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The clearing comes into view. It's a small miracle that a place like this exists in such a thick forest-- but then, perhaps that, too, is the doing of the foul spirits that haunt this place. No proper Evil Woods would be complete without a clearing perfect for atmospheric shots of a blood-red moon peeking through the clouds. The Unioneers and Confederites appear on either side of the grove, almost as if their encounter and conflict were choreographed, but...<br><br>...Where is Reiji?<br><br>Well. Xiaomu should probably know by now. There's a certain pattern that he follows-- especially given the presence of a certain landmark.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class="bold_fg_c bg_n ++ hc">"Because that's where we put you every damn time."</span> A voice suddenly declares from... Above!?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There! Atop the hill! The clouds part behind him. The wind billows through his hair! The moon's brilliant light forms a blinding halo that frames his silhouette and casts all else into its shadow! "Stop right there, witch. I figured Ouma was behind this the minute I caught a whiff of that stench." because that's almost always how it seems to turn out. "We'll end your plan right here!"<br><br>But...<br><br>WHO COULD THAT MYSTERIOUS MAN POSSIBLY BE!?<br><br>(It's Reiji. It's obviously Reiji.)<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:278|Bramble Patch (278)}} has posed:'''<br>A flying squirrel lands on a branch in one of the trees at the clearing's edge. Does Japan have flying squirrels? Other than that he doesn't look out of place. Save for the little acorn top on his head like a barret... And that he starts squealing up a storm at the sight of people emerging on another side of the clearing.<br><br>"For buck's sake Cupule, pipe down! You're suppose to be stealthy when you're scouting ahea--" Bramble Patch stops mid-sarcasm as she tromps past the treeline. "--Oh."<br><br>Almost immeadiately the earth pony's posture changes, lowering her head forward a bit and exhaling a snort that briefly flares her nostrils. "Figures a buncha goodie goodies would have to come shoving their noses in other's business." Beware the mad horse!<br><br>Or not, as despite her effort to look intimidating Bramble Patch still looks fairly cute as most Equestrian Ponies do.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1056|Camilla Ulyssa (1056)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Is that a secret password sentence or something?<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yeah, Camilla wasn't paying attention. She should have.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's alright, though, she's sure someone on her side has this handled. Probably the kid with the big gloves. For her part, she just wants to rattle some skulls and get her adrenaline fix for the day. Vent some mana, make the headache go away. Find a worthy opponent, maybe. The dirt tastes -great-; try meeting someone else who's happy to get her ass kicked.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She teleports, plain and simple. A brief flash of white, nothing unusual. She appears in front of the sorceress, arms crossed, 'cape' (it's a big ass coat worn like a cape) billowing behind her as she reappears. It's pointlessly dramatic, and looks fairly intentional on her part.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Green eyes settle on the Union, fanged grin on her face. It's not malice, it's excitement. Her heart beats. Her blood flows, faster. Reiji makes his entrance. She seems even more psyched than before.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Please, spare us the speeches. There's only one way this is ending, with or without all the acting. LET'S FIGHT!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1014|Heaven's Armory (1014)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hravn has been pretty quiet, hasn't she? You'd almost think she hadn't been here up 'till now, but since swords normally don't talk at all, that's pretty much the usual.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's not talking much now, either. Not audibly, at least, owing to not having her human form present. The decision to keep that vulnerability out of things seems all the better when opponents(?) show up on two fronts. Calling people 'goodie goodies' is generally not something she hears from... anyone, but does lend itself toward the 'villain' role, to some extent. Mel, at least, will get to pick up that mixture of confusion and concerned curiosity, but as yet no particular desire to begin the violence.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Metal Man is just doing his thing and eying up Setsuka with Wood Man at the answer about their mistress explaining things? Well that does make thins easier. He makes reayd to head towards the woman that has appered he bows slightly to her and pauses the clothing she's wearing? It's old, very darn old and Metal knows that much. He smirks for a moment and looks nodding as he thinks he knows what's up. <br><br> "Well lets get this over with. Shinra's such a loaded name, you know that? So don't we got a stone to lift that only one not alive can move without being killed?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>The sorceress inclines her head to Kirikou with a faint smirk. "Close enough .... We are Ouma," she says as if greeting them. "Our hour shall come -"<br><br>Then she turns to face the man standing atop the hill that *was* behind her. "Ah yes, the last of the Arisu clan ..." A sapling seems to sprout from the ground next to her, and she casually plucks it from the ground - not a sapling, but a *staff* conjured from the soil and the local wood. "Saya will regret missing her opportunity to kill you," the woman hisses, gripping her newly-conjured staff tightly. "But to avenge my lord father's re-sealing at your hands ... I see no reason to leave you alive for Saya's amusement." She glances towards the Confederates, tipping her head briefly back towards the Union personnel. "Slay them, and we shall resolve the question of retrieving the fragment!"<br><br>Meanwhile, Xiaomu - who was just a little too preoccupied while her partner was getting high - emerged from the forest with Mel and Hravn, and looks between the sorceress and the other bad guys. "I don't care how long it's been since you were alive, lady, but trust me, *nobody* says 'slay' any more and means it seriously." Still, the sage fox advances on the sorceress, drawing one of her handguns and attempting to form up with Reiji. A pincer maneuver's fine on paper, but she doesn't want to get Reiji in her line of fire - and presumably he has the same caution about stray shots that might hit Xiaomu. Of course, one or another of the Confederates could still jump in and mess THAT combination up.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:278|Bramble Patch (278)}} has posed:'''<br>"Hey! Slay is still perfectly acceptable venacular! And sounds much more sinister than just saying she's going to beat you to a bloody pulp!" The growing a staff trick would get more praise from Bramble Patch if she wasn't already shouting back snide remarks and focusing on the matter at hand. "But I think I agree with them, ain't no time left for talking."<br><br>The pony rears up on her back legs, hoisting her front hooves up in some kind of 'arise!' gesture. The gemstone affixed in her headband starts to glow, sending out whisps of ominous green and black magic that swirls through the treeline boarding the clearing.<br><br>Being inervated with the Everfree magic causes several of the trees to pull their roots from the ground, which start to twist around like tendrils for locomotion while they rearrange several branchs into gnarly fingered arms. Several of them start shambling towards the Union forces with creaking-wood moans and groans.<br><br>"I think it's time for this forest to claim some new victims. PERSONALLY!" Followed by Bramble throwing her head back and making a gleefully twisted expression while laughing maniacly. Only thing she's missing is some dramatic thunder.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kilik eyes the opponents. Reiji... annoying. While he could go for that, he's somewhat less inclined to go for guys with guns. They're not anywhere near as much fun as, say, girls with swords. Or women with swords. Or hell, anything with swords. Melee weapons are fun and sporting.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So, holding his fists out like he were a muay thai fighter, he advances. He faces Mel, making it clear he's singling her out, giving her time to get ready, to flee, or whatever she wants. As he approaches, he slaps his fists together in a painfully-ringing clash of metal on metal. "Nothing personal." he says. "But you people got no idea what you're meddling with. But I doubt I can convince you to just let us claim what we're here for... so?" he holds out those fists for all the world like he's a boxer expecting Mel to touch gloves.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Metal Man makes note of the name Saya, sounds like someone the Confeds should try to get to sign up but for now he'll focus on the matter at hand as he sees that there's a bunch of union here now too. "Slay? Only if you keep getting in our way." <br><br> Is Metal Serious? Who knows but Wood Man's falling back? Why? If the feds all go down someone needs to cart them all home, right? Metal Man him self is summoning his blades which appear in hand and he smirks. <br><br> "People made of meat really should think twice about fighting me. Or do any of you not have the bearings to take me on??"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>'Saya.'<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The air suddenly seems to grow colder, which is curious, because the ominous spiritual pressure that was present until just a moment ago seems to disperse before that sudden onrushing wave of <span class="bold_fg_b bg_n ++ hb">COLD</span>. It takes only a moment to recognize that it's coming from that man on the hill.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Your first mistake was choosing revenge over survival," Reiji drawls, his eyes drawn into tight, scornful lines. "Your second was coming here despite knowing that we would arrive to stop you."<br><br>"Your third--"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The exorcist vanishes in a flurry of movement. Weapons sail through the air as he rushes downward. Gunsmoke joins the gathering clouds of fog and blends as well the roiling swirls of heat, light and flame. <span class="bold_fg_w bg_n ++ hw">GOLD'S</span> heavy slugs blast downward at the Ouma agent, even as Xiaomu's own gunfire come in on an intercept course. "--Was speaking that contemptible name! <span class="bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">FLAME CONSUMES WOOD!</span>"<br><br>There's a flash of heat. A wave of flame. Reiji is at one side of the sorceress in one moment, and then on the opposite in the next, his crimson blade terminating its lethal stroke, "<span class="bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">Karin</span>," Reiji growls, holstering his handcannon just in time to catch the rack full of the /rest/ of his weapons. "Zero-Kata."<br><br>An explosion erupts behind him.<br><br>Because cool guys look away from explosions when they happen.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yeah, I'm gonna need to see your victim-claiming permit," Mel calls out to the cackling pony. "Hravn." She whips the sword around, and then slings it around with a flourish. The attack is intended to unleash the blade's 'wind whip' cutting technique, aimed squarely at the roots of those shambling trees; first order of business is cutting down their mobility so they can't easily join the fight. She'll worry about removing their ability to attack after tha-<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh, the guy with the gauntlets wants to fight. "Don't need to know what I'm meddling with. Just that it's bad news." The Marshal holds her fist out as if preparing to step forwards towards Kirikou... and then with roughly zero warning, unleashes a pulse of telekinetic power. It's almost invisible - almost. Faint flickers of shimmering purple accompany the wall of kinetic force as it blasts out towards him. "Have a seat."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1014|Heaven's Armory (1014)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The proclamation of the 'Ouma' representative does simplify the following. Hravn transmits a 'questioning' feeling to Mel, regarding the opposing side. Known quantities? She hasn't encountered them, and any tactical knowledge would help in formulating her own suggestions.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mel already has an idea of what she needs done, and Hravn responds immediately to the direction of that will. Her magic flies through the air from that slash, moving like a whip, and where it touches, the thinnest possible 'cord' of air behaves as if it were an incredibly sharp and curiously sturdy solid. It doesn't precisely follow the swinging arc of the sword's blade, but is subtly aimed, so as to strike through more targets than a simple line could have.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Those targets, of course, are the tree shamblers that Bramble conjured, right there at the roots.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cutting off the enemy's mobility is all well and good, but at this point, being outnumbered, Hravn's suggestion to Mel is a feeling that she should increase her own mobility. They have a few ways of doing that, using either the air magic or her own TK powers.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1056|Camilla Ulyssa (1056)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Camilla's teleport is on cooldown. That's what she gets for using it to shunt herself into position. Not an ideal position either; Xiaomu's coming from the wrong, Reiji from above. Coordinating against both of them sounds like a lot of work. Camilla decides that she'll let those robots hanging back handle the blonde and uptight fox lady, while she guns straight for the burly man carrying a big multi-sword sheath. Just like hers! Though hers is more mechanical, a bit bulkier. Just two blades, too.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a surge of incredible speed, she moves, gray hair and that cape tailing behind her. She doesn't let Reiji finish his motions. His very last strike clashes into another blade, Camilla now in front of him, one of her two swords unsheathed. The blade glows a dull blue light, magic without affinity, helping push back.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sorceress is still in trouble from everything that came before the final stroke, but the wave of fire washes over the fox-eared young woman instead, in large part mitigated by her clothing, though the heat makes her uncomfortable for a moment nonetheless.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hey, didn't you hear me? I said LET'S FIGHT!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The blade's glow becomes blinding, and Camilla pushes-- her strength adapts, to match Reiji's exactly. The blade releases a blast of mana as it pushes, which'll turn into an augmented slash if Reiji fails to keep the weapons locked.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:278|Bramble Patch (278)}} has posed:'''<br>The whipping winds wittle away at the wandering woods! Splinters of bark shatter off as roots are rended wrecked and boughs are broke.<br><br>Not that it seems to put a damper in Bramble Patch's spirits even as her arbor march is apparently brought to a blustery halt and the animate trees thud back to the ground, though still snarling and leering with their knothole-made faces. "Foolish human! You're just putting all the more obstacles in your own path!.. and stupid pink pony to sing some silly song about making them less scary with laughter, either. And while they may be trees..."<br><br>As Bramble makes another instructive gesture one of the trees pulls its branchs out of it's canopy of foliage and starts flinging leaf after leaf that has been magically sharped into knife like blades at Mel and her sword.<br><br>"You're the ones that should make like LEAVES and FALL!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Bad news? Kirikou might agree with that, which is why he's fairly determined that HE'S the one to capture it. Or rather, the Confederacy is. The Union might lock such power away, meaning it wouldn't be able to be used. That'd surely be better than these Youkai getting it... but that's an argument he's not about to start. Let the diplomats do that. Kirikou's here to solve problems with his fists.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The youth smiles when Mel holds out a fist, seeing it as an honorable return salute of sorts, but frowns when that surge of power lances out. He's no power-perceiver, but he doesn't need to be. This sort of attack is hardly unprecedented.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a frown, Kirikou steps forward, drawing his left fist up and smacking it down again with his step adding momentup to the move. There's a flare of power, yellow energy meeting purple, and a small detonation as the powers collide. Kirikou glares through the blast, drawing his right fist back. "Shocking." he says, showing teeth in what almost might be a smile. "I'm all fired up!" he adds, launching himself forward in a reckless headlong charge. Well, not entirely reckless. His head's forward, but much of his body is well-protected by those huge gauntlets which have already shown themselves to be capable of a degree of power. "Guess what? It's not the only thing here that's bad news!" he cries, closing distance and trying to go fist-to-blade with Mel and her weapon.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'Never met 'em before,' Mel replies silently. 'Looks like a caster-type and a melee type. Keep me appraised if you catch the caster doing anything I miss.'<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Increased mobility is not a bad idea. The PsiMarshal's usual method is to turtle up, but with someone who can at least stand up to her telekinetics and someone who can potentially work at right angles to it, so to speak, being able to shift her position more easily is very much a good thing. Already she's focusing on potentially pulling out Hravn's solid-air platforms, but just that moment of shifted focus means- "Agh!" A couple of leaves catch her across the arm, sharp enough even to cut through the bullet-resistant fabric of her longcoat. "Oh you are just /not/ allowed to talk anymore," she replies with something close to a growl.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Already, the psychic is ditching her sidearm, shoving it into a pocket in favor of just holding out her hand and unleashing a simple wave of telekinetic force at Bramble Patch. It's somewhere in the neighborhood of 'hit by a semi', but it's mostly fired-and-forgotten. Kilik is coming right in at her, and he'll quickly discover one thing.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mel is a trained fighter in general, and /has/ had sword instruction, but her bladework is amateurish. It's not how she's used to fighting. She's forced almost immediately on the defensive, barely managing to toss out any strikes of her own. Even her defense isn't the best - though it's supplemented by occasional barriers of what seems like solid air, rather than telekinetic power.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No, the telekinesis comes without warning, from below, a sudden burst of force fired from a downstretched hand that blasts at not just Kirikou, but the ground underneath him, creating a small crater to potentially foul his footing and footwork.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>Fire does indeed consume wood, and while the sorceress has elements at her disposal other than wood, Karin slashes through her staff like it were made of warm butter instead of relatively-green wood. Camilla's intervention ensures, at the very least, that the sorceress herself survives to escape - and her ice elemental, Setsuka, quickly assists her out of the clearing.<br><br>It's not like anybody's going to be in a position to follow them: Mel and Hravn are focused on the now-walking trees, at least until Kirikou steps in to fight Mel personally; that leaves Metal Man without a direct opponent.<br><br>At least temporarily. Xiaomu glances between Reiji and Camilla, then over at the robot master. "Reiji, you gonna need my help with this chick or shall I play with the robot over there?" Xiaomu inquires nonchalantly; she's still got her staff gripped casually in one hand, and a customized handgun held ready (sort of casually, but with proper trigger discipline nonetheless) in the other.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1014|Heaven's Armory (1014)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While she can't act truly independently like this, Hravn can still see, think, and react on her own--however a sword, entirely without eyes, sees, anyway. She's not fast enough to prevent those first leaves from cutting, but anything that flies through the air and has wind resistance--including stabilizing fins--is something she can do something about via lateral interference. Those first few hit, but gusts of wind from the side will catch and throw off-course many more.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She could do more than just defend, but--Kilik is there, too, and that means defending on two fronts. The solidified curtains of air his fists impact are relatively fragile, but they're also invisible, which makes it trickier to know where to strike, and easier to just throw off his aim. Unlike the whip-sword attack earlier, these are formed without any motion from Hravn, herself. They just appear near her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:278|Bramble Patch (278)}} has posed:'''<br>After the first cuts to Mel's arm the wind interference sends the other leaf blades scattering like... well... leaves. Some things no amount of magic manipulation can change.<br><br>And then a telekinetic blast SLAMS through the tree barrier, sending chunks of wood scattering like timber being shoved in a lumber mill chipper. Which does soak up some of the force, but it's still enough to send the actual pony behind what were trees rolling across the clearing from the invisible impact. Until she finally comes to a stop sprawled out on all fours. Bramble huffs out a groan, then gets her hooves back under herself and shakes off briefly. Hmm. Looks like Kirikou has the gal with the sword occupied for a moment. Maybe if she...<br><br>With an 'aha!' Bramble reachs into a pocket of her vest and pulls out a large pepper. That almost looks like it has a moaning ghost face on it, until she takes a bite and shoves it in her mouth.<br><br>A few moments later the Pony's form flicker and fades, turning not -quite- invisible. It's like the sort of barely there translucence you see when video games don't want to be totally cheap with cloaking abilities. It still makes her really hard to see as she goes to sneak back towards the fight, to sneak up on Mel and blindside her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Metal Man is not fighting anyone yet, he watches as the battle plays out beween his allies and his enemies. He then zeros in on Xiaomuy as she's already fighting someone. He'll break into a run at her leaping into the ait, at the apex of his jump he'll throw a balde at her before comming in for a landing then he'll starts to dart around. "So Xiaomu I have to ask, so why does an fox spirit behave like some nerdy human 20 something?" <br><br> Is it an insult? Is he curious? It's actually the latter.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>If Reiji fails to keep the weapons locked.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfortunately, or perhaps otherwise, Reiji is not a western swordsman. When his katana meets a sturider blade, he doesn't even bother trying to maintain contact. Karin's hard edge pivots a split second before contact with Camilla's blade. The katana sheds brilliant sparks as it runs along the flat of the other sword, with Reiji stepping in an acute angle to push himself past his opponent.<br><br>Camilla's shockwave ripples out from her swing, cleaves through empty air, and then topples a tree on the far side of the clearing.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"If you want a fight, I'll give it to you," the exorcist answers with a heated snarl. His blood beats hot against his eardrums-- his heart is racing. A dangerous opponent, then. One he can't underestimate. "Xiaomu," he answers, "Fluid tactics. Engage your target, but keep an eye out for opportunities."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"They've already retrieved one fragment. We can't let them get any more." He pivots, dancing forward for a quick series of sweeping strikes, Karin leaving a trail of billowing flame in its wake. But it's nothing more than a smokescreen. Smoke and mirrors. He sidesteps into the blaze, roaring fire and choking smoke disguising the sudden draw-and-fire of a sawed off shotgun into Camilla's flank.<br><br>Getting hit would be bad. He needs to keep moving. Keep looking for opportunities.<br><br>And as always, fight smart, not hard.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>The rings hanging on the headpiece of Xiaomu's staff jingle merrily as she twirls the staff one-handed, and brings it up to bat Metal Man's thrown blade harmlessly away from her - and/or away from Reiji as well, but by that point, the two partners have moved away from each other and each of them now has somebody to focus on.<br><br>"How long have *you* lived so far?" is Xiaomu's immediate rejoinder, even as she re-holsters her curernt handgun - and instead pulls out a different handgun, this one white in color with a black spot on the grip. "I've been around for centuries, long enough to see a little fishing village grow into the capital of an empire, and evolve into a metropolis befitting of the modern era," she continues, leveling the Roc's Icebrand and squeezing off a couple of shots of ice-elemental bullets. She's also on the move - sidestepping further away from Camilla and Reiji, to make sure their fights don't get mixed up by accident, and getting a better line of fire on the robot.<br><br>"Anime still feels like a new thing to me, and video games even moreso - and more than that, they represent humanity's creative spark. Mortal humans can invent things that not even the wisest youkai would come up with in centuries of struggling to create something new; that's the great gift humans possess, and I love them for it."<br><br>Another two shots; two more icy bullets fly towards Metal Man as if punctuating Xiaomu's words.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirikou isn't attacking Mel with everything he's got. Oh he's not holding back or anything, just not attacking all-out. He's remaining defensive, covering himself with his Weapons rather than slugging for the fences with every attack. He's keeping Mel's attention, like any good Tank should, and doesn't need to actually dish out massive damage.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Also, Kirikou's soul isn't being invested in his attacks, not yet. His fists are fast but they aren't yet flaming or fizzling. He's taking it easy, seemingly. That, and the invisible nudges by what he assumes to be telekinetic powers, keep him from landing any hits of consequence.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He keeps up the pressure though, and his gauntlets are fearsome weapons of mass destruction even without soul-shredding power coursing through them. He continues to fire out jabs, trying to learn the defensive patterns, changing his rhythm to try to draw out a wind-sheared block before the punch actually fires, hopefully giving him an opening. But he totally doesn't expect the ground attack. He blocks low easily enough, shedding the force directed at his knees, but the blast still strikes the ground and craters it.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirikou stumbles forward, tucking in and rolling as he does so. He doesn't try to fight against the crater, instead opting to throw himself into a diving roll, hopefully able to clear Mel before she can strike him with that sword. "You're a hole of a good fighter!" he grins, popping back up to his feet, apparently undaunted by the effective telekinetic strike.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1056|Camilla Ulyssa (1056)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Good, good! Come on then, show me what you can do! Those swords look a bit flimsy, but YOU don't!" Anyone who calls Reiji flimsy is clearly blind, or used to absurdly bulky and tanky people as their standard. He dwarfs Camilla, for that matter, but at least his own experience with Xiaomu means that he knows not to take her appearance at face value. "Besides, I don't really care for all this hub hub about a superweapon, you know? I just want to fight. Get me high on pain and pressure! Bring me down if you can!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's not a threat, or a taunt. It sounds unusually honest.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The feints do their job. Camilla is distracted by the showy flames, and eats a shotgun blast to the side. She's pushed back, several feet. Her boots drag dirt with her, but she doesn't go flying. She's sturdy. Still standing. The shells hit the ground.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They never made it past her clothes-- but what Reiji can't see, but can probably guess, is that like a bulletproof best, those clothes didn't stop the impact. Her skin's probably blue and purple under there. It can't be pleasant.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh, dirty fighting! You must be a survivor. Given your rivalry with ice ghost sorceress lady over there, I'd say you've been at this a long time. You have the edge on me, skill-wise! Well, let's spin the wheel of fate and see what we get, shall we?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Runes dance on the blades. Like a slot machine display, three columns spinning. They stop. The three winning runes forge themselves into the blank, dark gray and black steel.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her swords ping, suddenly. With a smooth, flat male voice they announce: <span class="bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">&lt;Your fate is sealed: <span style="color:xterm153">multiple ice blasts</span>.&gt;</span><br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She leaps for Reiji, through the smoke. A flurry of rapid slashes, clumsy but fast, strong. Each impact-- with the ground, with Reiji, with a tree or a rock-- creates an explosion of ice.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mel does not see Bramble Patch once she disappears. In this particular place, that's far too difficult. But it's not hard to surmise, with a heads-up from Hravn, that the pony has gone sneaky. With a psychic, Mel would simply resist the effect or try to brute-force push it back. But this is magic. So her choices are limited. She decides instead to take option A, 'don't be there when the sneaky pony goes after her'. Difficult with Kirikou there putting pressure on her, but not impossible; she just has to buy herself some space to get away from the brawler before he can- "Ngh!" ...slip a hit by and clip her along the side. "...dammit, what the hell am I doing?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The next time Kirikou swings, it's like hitting a solid wall. The air between them flickers and shimmers with faint, occasional ripples of purple light, a solid telekinetic barrier projected to buy her some breathing space. The Marshal uses it to lunge into a roll, coming out of it into a run that she tries to augment with Hravn's wind. It looks like she's making a run for the treeline... until she suddenly skids to a stop and turns around, extending her arms out to either side.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;KRAK. KRAK.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That was two different trees. Two very large, old, thick trees. Shattering near the base and teetering over and /FLOATING/. The psychic power required to lift them alone must be immense - and she doesn't just lift them. She THROWS them, sending one flying right at Kirikou, and the other... well, she doesn't know where Bramble Patch /is/, so Mel flings it at the space where she herself used to be standing. Sideways, so it has a wider impact zone.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1014|Heaven's Armory (1014)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'Keeping mobile' is high on the list of things that Hravn's magic is good for, and the wind pushes Mel along at a super-Olympian pace. This lasts just long enough to get her to where she's going, incidentally sending chaotic eddies through the rest of the field to give every other combatant a dramatic breeze.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not having to do anything right after that means she can keep a sharper eye out, and is a lot more likely to spot almost-invisible assailants, unless something distracts or needs her power, before she does.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Metal Man didn't expect to get Xiaomu on the fist shot but he has got her attention. <br><br> "Counting my time in the multiverse? I have lived to watch the ragged remants of broken words forge two massive empires and I'm one of the few who know how this war even started. There is no doubting the power of mankind's ability to dream. Behold myself and my kind!" <br><br> He watches the blade and shifts his body around for a moment. <br><br> "Then you are not a fool Xiaomu." <br><br> Metal is forces to dodge the ice bullets for the most part taking a few hits which does do some damage. <br>% "For all their creative spark? They desire a legacy to not be consumed by the sands of time like they never were. My ... crea ... my father? Wishes to leave a legacy a world where machines who have minds are no longer disposable things to be treated as you would a hammer or a saw blade. I was born of a purpose to fight that war yet? I was allowed the choice to leave and follow my own path. Some of my brothers have chosen to do so and we have left them in peace." <br><br> His own counters starts to intercept the ice bullets with his blades and he keeps bounding around. It also helped his brothers who left still sent money home so Wily could have clean money to pay the power, the water, food and medical bills. <br><br> "Do not think I hold malice to mankin. They need leaders who can ... think longer term for the sake of all."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:278|Bramble Patch (278)}} has posed:'''<br>Just because Bramble Patch is invisible doesn't mean she can't see you move!... Except a side effect of the ghosting pepper is that she can't move as quickly as a fully able equine should be able to.... So chucking the tree where she was going rather than trying to catch back up to Mel's movements proves to be a fine tactic.<br><br>There's nothing visibly hit of course. But the "OOMPH" of someone being hit and gasping heavily is unmistakable.<br><br>On the downside, there's now a tree lying right there next to where the Pony gets up as the transparency fades from being hit. "Oh, so you wanna play like that, do you? Because you're the one that should be feeling..."<br><br>Bramble turns around, jerks up on her front legs, and uses the back pair to buck-kick the tree with enough force to send it rolling back towards Mel!<br><br>"Tree-pidation!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The fight is pretty fun. A sharp contrast to his appearance before the fight began, Kirikou's now moving fast and snapping off attacks with his gauntleted fists like they're weightless.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At least, Kilik was having fun until he smacked his fist into an unexpected wall of force. The purple shimmer makes it obvious what he struck. His fist could easily enough shatter the wall, but he hadn't been expecting this kind of direct opposition. He hadn't channeled energy into his attack... hadn't shifted his Weapons into a mode that would counter such a force.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Easy enough to fix. He draws his right hand back, then lets fly with a howling punch. While it shatters the barrier with a blast of orange-red flame, there's plenty of time for Mel to get away. Even if she'd lacked Hravn's support, she'd have gotten clear. With the speed boost, the Meister doesn't have a chance of catching up any time soon.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Still he tries, and truth to tell Kirikou's fast as hell. Sprinting and leaping in bounds that would please a ninja, he doesn't so much go around obstacles as bounce off them, making up ground in a hurry. Only to see a tree suddenly getting larger and larger...<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh ya gotta be sh...." he cries out, dropping to one knee and hammering both fists upwards in a massive clubbing motion. He's under the tree's center of mass, and his upward strike drives it past him, the trunk splitting under the devastating impact. Newton has his due however, of course. The equal and opposite force drives Kirikou down and back, his foot and knee tearing furrows into the soft earth. He pauses, looking back at the shattered tree, then looking up again, panting harshly from the exertion and pain. "Gonna take more than that to make me leaf!" he says, managing somehow to spare some breath for the pun. And with that he's up again, taking off after Mel. He doesn't NEED to beat her. He just has to hold her long enough so someone can accomplish the objective... if anyone's actually free that is!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji has learned two things about his opponent. The first is that she apparently really, really likes to fight. A proper berserker, someone who's in it, evidently, just for the fun of it. Second, she can apparently take a close-ranged shotgun slug to the ribs and not have half her torso splattered on the ground, which either means she's invulnerable, or there's something else at play.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji makes no conclusions about their relative levels of skill. Underestimating an opponent is a critical error to make- one that can easily get him killed if he doesn't play his cards right.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For instance, there was no way for him to anticipate that his opponent would suddenly start generating ICE EXPLOSIONS with every swing. "I do what I must," Reiji answers as he finds himself suddenly on the defensive, "I have something I must protect. If fighting dirty was all I needed to do that, I'd be dealing with a lot less stress." Forced to dodge between slashes, Reiji only finds himself blasted by waves of frost. He hisses away a scream as a too-close call sees frozen spikes penetrate his lightweight armor and dig deep into his flesh. Blood flows, dying white cloth red and draining the exorcist's face into paler and paler hues. But...<br><br>If a little blood loss-- if a few pierced muscles were enough to put him down-- he wouldn't be where he is today.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Four swings in, the exoricst's tactic shifts. He sees something-- finds and opportunity and chases it. The positioning is right, he just needs the right tool for the job. His opponent wields ice. <span class="bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">Earth Swallows Water.</span> Reiji's eyes tighten as he slings his shotgun into its holster, drawing instead a smaller, deceptively delicate blade. Chirai crackles, the air around it suddenly coruscating with arcs of electrical fury. Reiji leaps INTO his opponent's swings, parrying strike-for-strike with lightning-fast sword-draws. But rather than merely push the blade aside, Reiji instead targets the points closest to Camilla's grip, forcing them both to one side or the other to avoid the threat of a crushing blow by a razor's margin. Lightning twists into the steel of her sword, seeming to swallow up the frigid magic-- and streaks down into her hands. Defense and offense all in one.<br><br>The philosophy of the eastern masters. But few stunning shocks won't do much to win the fight. He needs something more.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji swings one more time, this time pushing his weight against his short blade. Chirai responds with a crack of thunder and a wave of electrical force, pushing the swordsman back away from the storm of swings.<br><br>By the time he's landed, he's drawn... a handgun.<br><br>A very large handgun.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gold fires, .454 Casull slugs screaming downrange at speeds that shatter the sound barrier. One, two, four, six, each shot aimed for a vital spot. And one...<br><br>One aimed somewhere else entirely.<br><br>A single slug of heavy metal slings just to Camilla's left-- angled right for the center-mass of a particular robot master.<br><br>An opportunity found.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>Admittedly, thinks Xiaomu, Metal Man is pretty impressive - just the fact that he's a roughly human-scale and humanoid robot with true autonomous intellect and activity, plus the way he tosses those metal blades around. No youkai would ever have managed to whip up something like that ... unless, possibly, they were working off of blueprints designed and drawn by somebody who could weave the different technologies together that are required for a full-fledged AI-driven robot. And even then, just getting the idea to actually try it in the first place could only have come from particularly gifted mortal humans.<br><br>So yeah, Xiaomu does behold Metal Man. But she's also watching for openings, keeping her other attack options in mind while she evades additional blades; she's provided enough openings for him to counterattack, he'd be the fool not to take advantage of it. Unless he's just too busy talking to look for opportunities to go back on offense.<br><br>And then a new variable is introduced to the equation: its name is Reiji, and its value is an extra bullet aimed at Metal Man. Of course Xiaomu takes advantage - actually tossing the Roc's Icebrand up into the air, and using her staff to pole-vault at the Robot Master.<br><br>"HIGH SPEED XIAOMU!!!"<br><br>Vaulting isn't all she does with her staff, either; as the sage fox flies through the air, she grasps the staff's headpiece and draws Suiren from its hidden sheath, the sword glinting in the light and dropping the temperature another couple of degrees thanks to the ice magic with which the blade was imbued. The course Xiaomu's lithe form traces through the air, and the angle at which she jumped, allow her to slash at Metal Man with the ice-magic blade - and then her body finishes another half-flip ...<br><br>And if, as intended, the icy slash conjured enough ice to encase Metal Man in it?<br><br>Then that half-flip should end with her planting her feet on the robot's ice-covered surface, and kicking off hard enough to propel them in opposite directions.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mel has gotten herself some room, and unloaded tree attacks - one of which was kicked back by Bramble Patch. That surprises the psychic. "Whoashit-!" She's focused enough on making sure Kirikou can't close that the rolling trunk comes up on her before she can properly react. The brief beginnings of a telekinetic barrier are visible, a couple faint flecks of purple light, but it's not fast enough to stop the log, and just the impact againt the barrier transfers through to Mel enough to slam her back off her feet. A second or two later, though, the tree stops, once again in her psychic grasp. "Yeah, okay, both of you are pretty damn persistent. I'm gonna have to get rough here." First, the remaining tree is flung out again, this time at the charging Kirikou.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;KRAK. KRAK. KRAK KRAK KRAK KRAK KRAK KRAK.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That wasn't two more. Or even three more. That was /several/ trees being snapped off at the base, floating into the air, and surrounding Mel in the space above and around her. Where her previous display was powerful, this verges into ridiculous territory. Needless to say, she flings them. One after another, a barrage of forestry at both fighter and mage, what must be tons upon tons of aged forest wood.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's not even the kicker, though. With all of them flung? Mel brings Hravn up into a two-handed grip, and starts swinging. And swinging. And /swinging/. Over and over, pushing her will through the blade to try and unleash projectiles of wind, projectiles of /sharp/ wind. To cut up the logs, to batter them around, to surprise Kirikou and Bramble Patch both... whatever good they can do, using the element of surprise.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1014|Heaven's Armory (1014)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The rules behind how Hravn's power is limited without her wielder's direction are something even she--or perhaps, especially she--would have trouble explaining in detail. That they are lifted to the maximum authorized level when Mel puts her full focus behind an attack is simpler to explain. So long as she isn't busy with defense--something she isn't really the best at, in the first place--Hravn can put her full attention on this, too.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The end result of this is that every slash sends out a slashing whip of solid wind that breaks into precisely aimed blades, some aimed at Bramble position, many at Kilik, and yet more stripping branches, breaking trunks, or slapping the smaller, more manageable pieces onto better collision courses with one target or another. Computing trajectories on the fly is something she's pretty good at, too.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1056|Camilla Ulyssa (1056)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji's strikes channel electricity, and he comes in, matching Camilla's speed. Blades clash again, and again, and again, each time louder, with a crack of thunder as ice and lightning magic mix, cancel one another, or just leave the fox-eared young woman a fair bit shocked, but not grumpy for it. Her zeal increases, each time she yelps in pain a bit. Berserker isn't right-- she's sound of mind, at least as sound as one could claim someone like her to be. Blood knight is more accurate, after a fashion.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then Reji breaks the skirmish. It was a rough exchange of blows for Camilla, as much as it must have been for Reiji, but she seems unhappy when he distances himself-- not angry, more sad. She was clearly enjoying it.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Harsh return to reality when that gun opens fire. Too many rounds for her to count, make sure that they all hit her. She doesn't notice one's headed for a certain robot instead of her.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Too busy getting hit. She flinches after each hit-- her heart, shoulders, lungs, one just below the neck. Again, her clothes endure. There's no splatter of blood, no foxgirl sent flying by an impact. Just rounds that hit the ground after crashing into her outfit. After bruising skin and muscle underneath. Breaking a rib, even. The toughtest armor in the world, if it doesn't absorb kinetics, isn't that great a deal.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yet, she chides. "Come on, mister. If you really can do better, do it! What's your name, anyway? I'm Camilla. This is Mars."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class="bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">&lt;BEEP.&gt;</span> her swords reply.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"He's an asshole. He can talk, you heard him earlier."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She waits-- basic courtesy-- for Reiji to introduce himself. And... does not attack? Is she really giving him that free shot? "C'mon, c'mon! If you can knock me off my feat or force me on the defensive to avoid dying, I'll call my work here done and leave you be! How's that?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:278|Bramble Patch (278)}} has posed:'''<br>Bramble Patch has had enough of someone else barging in on her use of botanicals as a means of warfare. "Time for a log jam!" As she draws on the Everfree magic in her headband again multiple clusters of thick thorny vines sprout out of the ground around her to catch flying trees. Then turn to align the trunks like a group of soldiers ready to chuck spears.<br><br>Only for the slicing barrage of wind to hurtle through, chopping through the multiple vines instead.<br><br>The trees remain lingering in mid-air juuuust long enough for Bramble to look up as she realizes how this backfired, ears slicking back as she mutters a despondant "Oh horseapples"<br><br>And then the pile of released tree trunks falls on top of her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Metal Man sense of balance is inhuman as well, there just seems to be no chance for him to lose his balance. This power comes at a price, he's one of the most lighty armoured Wily Robots ever made and Reiji's shot gets more of a result than the Shinra Operative and Fox Girl Wrangler might expect. He's taken a good and noticable hit then he has to deal with Xiaomu. He knows she's quite the fighter and likely out powers him but when has that stopped him against Rock? Against the seemingly iron clad grim future of his world. <br><br> "Wait what?!" <br><br> Xiaomu is fast as him or just about and he's caught with the ice blade. Warning go off with that hit, he's got some problems due to not only the slashing damage but the cold as well. He's not down but he's been hit pretty damn hard. He seems to be breathing deeply? Odd or is he trying to cool his power plant which might be straining to deal with the damage using /air/. <br><br> "Not bad...but..." <br><br> He summoms more blades but doesn't stop as he starts to rain a storm of razor edged blades at Xiaomu and Reiji mmight get a few his way too.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All right this is bullshit. Sure, Kilik handled the hell out of the first tree. So she's throwing MORE? Fortunately for the Meister he's got plenty of warning. Dodging isn't really an option here. The woman's a telekinetic, and it'd be some sneaky thing for one of those to do, to turn a miss into a hit. No, Kilik has only one good option here, given his skills and the powers of his opponent.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fire and Thunder, fortunately, are both quite effective tools against trees in general. Well, fire and lightning at least. And fortunately for Kirikou the damage he's taken and the general skill and willingness of his opponent have heightened his fighting spirit. His fists blaze with elemental energy, and he punches tree trunks with blasts of fire and lightning backing up each strike.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The explosions, bright and thunderous, detonate all around the youth. Mostly right in front of him. He's not cool enough to face away from these explosions though. He just batters away hundreds of pounds of withered wood per blow. It drains his soul energies considerably, but better that than that he gets pounded flat by a massive tree trunk.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Only then, he gets caught by Hravn's attack. Invisible filaments of hardened air, when he was defending against massive and very obvious tree trunks. The tiny wind blades lash into him, shredding his sleeves and some of his chest, lacing him with a dozen tiny cuts. He's shielded, at least somewhat, by his gauntlets and by his native toughness. The gauntlets protect his vitals, so the damage is fairly superficial. It's nasty to see though, as the youth strides forward through explosions, covered in blood and shards of wood.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Alright, that was a good one." Kilik acknowledges, wiping one palm across his forehead, smearing it with a streak of his blood. "But you hurt my partner, so I'm gonna have to ask if you wood leave now." he adds grimly. Then his fists blaze, energy flowing between them, pale orange and actinic yellow-blue.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a cry of effort, Kirikou leaps into the air, bringing his glowing gauntlets down. Taking a page from Mel's own battle book he doesn't care if he hits her or not with this attack. It's a move he's used effectively many times though, not one he stole. Fire and lightning, a thunderous explosion, channeling earth-wrecking force into the ground and using THAT destructive power as his true attack.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>The Roc's Icebrand doesn't stay in mid-air forever, of course; Aokigahara may be spooky as hell, but gravity still works here, and Xiaomu was careful not to toss her handgun at such an angle that it'd get tangled up in the branches. But she also planned on CATCHING the ice handgun - and she does so at the peak of her return arc, landing on her feet and levelling the Roc's Icebrand at Metal Man. "Sorry, that was a li*YIPE!!!*"<br><br>Cue the mini-sawblades flying at her (and Reiji); Metal Man is spamming those things at a sufficient rate (and density) of fire that even the infamously agile sage fox can't dodge them all, nor can she shoot them out of the air the way Metal was doing to some of her shots earlier. She *does* try, briefly, but one countered blade to approximately three slashes across her arms and thigh is a pretty crappy ratio. Xiaomu hunkers down to try and reduce her vulnerability, stuffing the white handgun back into her vest, then draws Suiren out of its staff-sheath once more; this time, though, she just drives the blade into the ground with a yell of, "XIAOMU BLIZZARD!!".<br><br>And with that yell, she conjures a *BIG* wall of ice, tall enough and thick enough to keep Metal Man's blades from hitting her or Reiji for a while. At least, not until Metal Man circles around one side of it or the other. And Xiaomu's deliberately not trying to cut Reiji off from Camilla - just protecting against collateral damage from the Robot Master.<br><br>"... so yeah, I didn't really answer, that was kinda rude," Xiaomu calls out from behind her improvised fortification, drawing Suiren back out of the ground and re-sheathing it. "Be nice to talk to you some more sometime, I don't get to hang with many practical immortals ... but, well. We got a piece of super-deadly relic down there and we gotta secure that. So ..." She's pulling something else out of her vest as she finishes, "No hard feelings, I hope? You're pretty tough, this shouldn't kill you."<br><br>Some people might recognize the *ping* of a grenade's spoon popping away from the grenade itself, louder than the sound of the pin being pulled loose which precedes it. And then the grenade itself is pitched over the icy barrier, aimed to land roughly where Metal Man is standing at the moment Xiaomu throws it.<br><br>Whether he's still there when it goes off is another story - but if he is, his armor's going to be tested against magically fire-enhanced explosions. Combine the sudden heating with the chill from the earlier ice magic, and .... y'know, thinking about that makes *Xiaomu* wince. She really doesn't want Metal Man dead, just gone.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ah, shit, you're one of those 'keep getting up' types, aren't you-"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh /shit/-<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This time, Mel has enough warning, barely, to get a barrier up. It's not at full strength. She can't bring all of her force into it. She can't even bring Hravn's power into it, it's just split-second telekinetic deflection. It's enough to blunt most of the attack, with the remainder still enough to blast her clear off her feet, across a good fifteen or twenty feet, and right into another tree. "WGHF-!" She drops to the ground and immediately spits up a small splatter of blood, groaning. "Son of a bitch, he was holding off this entire time... alright, okay..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a bit shaky when she gets up, but she's still getting up. "You know what? The hell with you and your puns. You ever been hit by a hundred-ton weight?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Both hands on Hravn, she pours all her focus into the blade, and the air in front of her hardens. Solidifies. It's the strongest barrier of pure wind she's produced thus far, and she's got her mind on it just long enough to harden the defensive wall before leaving it to Hravn. The weapon is shifted to her left hand and held to one side, while her right? Her right she lifts up, pointing her palm at the space above Kirikou.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then slamming it downward.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's no fancy dropping object. No projectile, no fancy wind tricks. Just a torrent of pure telekinetic force, faint flickers and glimmers of purple in the air, the absolute upper reach of what Mel Brock can accomplish with her limiter on. One hundred metric tons. Straight down at the Meister. At this point, she's fairly sure it won't create a messy smear of the brawler - so she's willing to stop holding back.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Blades rain from above. Reiji dodges, because holy shit getting hit by a buzzsaw the size of his torso would PROBABLY straight up kill him. He's aided by the relatively large distance between he and the Robot Master-- and quite possibly by Xiaomu being the priority target. He whispers a mild curse as he's forced to deflect one blade with Gold's barrel, digging a deep trench into reloading mechanism. Down to one clip of ammunition, now. But hopefully, that's all he'll need.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Probably not, though, seeing as he just emptied a full magazine into Camilla's vitals and she's /STILL/ not on the ground. In fact, she's laughing it off. Reiji's lips draw into a thin line, then. "Alright," he breathes, "I accept. One strike."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The world seems to go still. The roiling fury that was present just moments ago seems to boil away, leaving nothing but a still, peaceful feeling. Reiji's breaths slow, the drumbeat of his heart slows to a steady, deep throb. It's a contagious calm. An insidious tranquility. Reiji lowers into a ready stance, tucking his rack full of weapons to one side. One hand hovers near the many hilts and handles, waiting for something. Anything. Daring for a sign to interrupt the serenity of the moment.<br><br><span class="bold_fg_c bg_n ++ hc">Meikyo Shisui</span><br><br>He takes in a breath as another buzzsaw slings down out of the sky.<br><br>A moment passes, he does nothing. The sawblade is inches away. Centimeters, now, a moment more.<br><br>Finally, he feels the rush of air.<br><br><span class="bold_fg_c bg_n ++ hc">Ken Kon Itteki</span><br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sawblade slides into moist soil with a wet slap. Reiji is... Gone. Vanished. Disappeared into sudden and decisive movement. The grass is still in his wake. Once before, he was witness to this; a peerless strike, delivered by a peerless swordsman. Three blows as one, defying all the world to produce perfection. Reiji cannot hope to match that skill- he is a man who lives in harmony with nature, to violate it is against his own fundamental nature. But the focus that he once witnessed, the perfect moment of peace that preceeded the strike, THAT is something which he has learned- which he has internalized.<br><br>A moment of peace.<br><br>A moment of judgment.<br><br>A single stroke to kill a man. The weight of life. The weight of death.<br><br>"Ittou--"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji draws in the same moment that he cuts- but the blade he chooses makes no sound, it deflects no light. It is as invisible as the cruel and impartial razor of the reaper itself. Darkdrift, the Blade of the First of the Dead-- Kuroshio, the Black Current-- emerges from its sheath like the whisper of a cat's fleeting footsteps.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He swings, drawing the blade in a flawless, diagonal cut- a strike of perfect focus. Nothing stands in Darkdrift's path- it passes through all obstacles until it meets living flesh. It's as if the blade is not even truly real until Reiji finds his target.<br><br>And then it is all TOO real.<br><br>"<span class="bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">--RYOUDAN.</span>"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:278|Bramble Patch (278)}} has posed:'''<br>Bramble Patch does eventually manage to crawl herself out from under the pile of logs.... But all she does is wobble a bit to were Wood Man has been sitting waiting the entire time. "It rolls down stairs, alone or in pairs~" Then keels over backwards. *wump* She looks close enough to a woodland critter for him to take pity on, right?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1014|Heaven's Armory (1014)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Even at full power, a shield of air is brittle, but stronger for that, until the moment it breaks. Hravn holds onto that, after the bumpy ride Kilik had given the sword-wielder pair, letting Mel focus on a purely offensive tactic.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1056|Camilla Ulyssa (1056)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Either knock her off her feet, or force her to defend.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji must have pondered hard. Took a gamble.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;What if it didn't work?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Camilla grins, readying herself-- not defensively, but offensively. Perhaps she intends to strike, if Reiji fails. It's a stance with no defensive qualities, an amateur's all-in.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He stills himself. Camilla does too.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then in less than a moment, he is upon her. A new blade, a dangerous blade, comes out. Diagonal-- Camilla just takes a step, an inch to the right or left, it doesn't matter. To make sure the diagonal is totally contained to those heavy clothes she wears, that military uniform in several layers. She's fast, as much as Reiji. Is she going to take it?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A spark. A voice.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class="bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">&lt;It's going to kill you.&gt;</span> Mars says, simply.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The gravity of the situation hits her. Mars, the AI of Fas Rota, her trusted weapon-- an asshole, non-cooperative. A true random number generator in personality, spiteful, seemingly always out to get you. It isn't now.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Her hands move. Both blades cross in an X-shape, intercepting Reiji's. A fraction of a second too late-- Reiji's blade already right through her clothes, into her shoulder. Not all the way, thank god. She likes her arm staying attached. Can't regrow them.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A wince of pain-- yet, she continues grinning. She's not mad in the slightest. Reiji wins. She underestimated him. She laughs, and pushes back, a titanic surge of mana pulsing through her blades like solar flares, not to harm Reiji, but to throw his dangerous sword (and him) away from her.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You figured that out fast. A deal's a deal! But come on now, at least tell me your name before I leave. I gave you mine."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Keep getting back up? I don't go down in the first place!" Kilik cries out. And no, he wasn't really holding back. It might look like he was, but that's just the nature of soul power. It's possible to begin with powerful attacks, with some effort, but it's a lot easier to build them up naturally as fighting spirit naturally amps up and things begin to get serious.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This though, this is going to utterly suck. Strong as Kirikou is, he can't stop a hundred tons of pure mental force. Even the 'impenetrable' armor of his fists couldn't take that kind of force. His soul would buckle under all that weight, and neither he nor his weapons would survive.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He sees the attack coming though, and throws up all his strength against it. Standing tall and rigid, the first moments of the strike clash against his guard. The irresistable force versus the immovable object... this isn't. He tries. He even does a credible attempt to resist the force. It crumples his guard easily though, mastering his mostly mortal strength many times over.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The blow may be far stronger than Kilik can resist, but the Meister's not one of the best for nothing! As his guard fails, he holds on. His will is unbreakable, moreso than his body. And he's strong enough that, rather than crumple and be crushed into paste, his body bows and he deflects the force. Not enough to let it slide past him of course. He's nowhere near that strong. But strong enough that Newton has his way once again. His strength far exceeds his mass so the net force pushes him out of the line of certain death like a watermelon seed squirting between pressed fingers.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Straight TOWARDS Mel.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The collision ought to be pretty epic. Kirikou's being launched fast... but there's no way he can launch himself fists-first. He just doesn't have the time for that. So he'll be hopefully pitting his mass and native toughness against that of the psy-cop. The ultimate battle of brains vs. brawn?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And that's it. After getting hit so hard by Kirikou, pushing herself up to her feet and unloading a massive torrent of psychic force is just about all Mel can manage. She stumbles about a step and a half to the side, and drops to her knees with a pained groan, sincerely hoping that the last of that blast will have been enough to stop Kirikou, or she's going to be pretty damn vulnerable while she tries to gather herse-<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mel quietly watches Kirikou go flying by.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...make like a tree and get out of here," she mutters, before dropping onto her ass and leaning back against the stump of one of the trees she'd used.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>The fight is getting pretty serious here he knows he's out classed just vs Xiaomu alone. Let alone with eveyrone else here. Oh there comes the ice from the Blizzard and he would end up having a veyr bad time with the ice as most of them block the majority of his shots. The grenade however is noticed he curses and is already leaping away but this has made it so he had to give up a very good firing sport vs Xiaomu. Wood Man is watching intely with a barrier sheild up of some sort, but he's not dropping into the fight. <br><br> "Your pretty up front for a fox spirit. You got to be the black sheep of your family, huh? I won't be dying here. I still have the purpose for which I was made for to finish." <br><br> What is thtbut it's clear he's damaged and if he pushes it much more he's going to be in for a bad time. <br><br> "Metal Man? The Doctor won't be happy if you come back in a KFC bucket." <br><br> Metal can see the wisdom in Wood Man's word and he's going to start to pull out. <br><br> &lt;&lt;Sorry I can't take any more, I'm going to lose weapons soon at this rate.&gt;&gt;<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To underestimate an opponent is a very dangerous mistake to make-- especially when you're dealing with an unfamiliar foe. Reiji knows it well; life is won and lost on the edge of a sword. He can tell that Camilla is dangerous, but... The same is, apparently, not the same for Camilla.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji's blade slides through his opponent. Kuroshio's invisible blade briefly flashes with spilt blood as it emerges, but... No kill. Today isn't Camilla's day to die. But it is Reiji's day to live.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The exorcist turns, wiping the last of the viscera from his killing sword. "You're good, too," Reiji answers, replacing the blade among its peers. "Not as unskilled as you make yourself out to be."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I am Reiji," he says, inclining his head... respectfully? Well, it was an honorable end to the fight, after all. "Reiji Arisu of the Shinra organization. You'll see more of me, if you keep supporting Ouma's plans-- I'm sure of it."<br><br>In a way, this is a good thing, but...<br><br>The next time, he probably won't be able to take advantage of Camilla's overconfidence. He'll need to be ready.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:278|Bramble Patch (278)}} has posed:'''<br>Just make sure some Confederate remembers to pick up the Pony on their way out. Bramble Patch is still entirely out of it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1056|Camilla Ulyssa (1056)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Eheh. I'm all power, all the time, Reiji," Camilla answers with her grin, explaining, "I haven't been at this very long. Not as long as you must have. In a contest of pure swordsmanship, no superpowers involved, I think you'd kick my ass. I can fake being good by pumping my magic into going faster, being stronger. Doing really flashy and destructive stuff. I wonder if it can really be called skill, though?" Humility? It almost sounds like bait. Like she wants people to treat her like an amateur with too much power. Could be either.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We'll see though! I'm not really impressed, but as long as working with her gets me fights, I might just do that. Well, I'll be seeing you later!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She raises one sword to the sky.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<span class="bold_fg_x bg_n ++ hx">&lt;Transfering.&gt;</span> her blades announce.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then she teleports away! Presumably, back to some Confederate holding. This is also available to Confederates who want to withdraw with her, if they'd like. It'll just extend the casting by several seconds per body, but since nobody's going to stop their retreat, it hardly matters.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>And with that, the fight is pretty much over.<br><br>The now-unguarded cave entrance leads more 'underground' than 'in' ... but where you might expect rocky passages, natural or otherwise, the walls and floor of the cave are instead lined with thick layers of ice - making the footing far more treacherous, and making the cave itself deadly for anyone who isn't prepared.<br><br>Maybe that's what Setsuka was talking about when she said those who were corporeal enough to lift the fragment wouldn't survive?<br><br>Either way, Shinra's personnel on the scene are taking no chances. Once Xiaomu gets those cuts bandaged, she'll be helping as she can with the retrieval effort; while she's not much more resistant to ice or freezing than anyone else, keeping the fragment (once it's found) encased in a thick layer of ice avoids the problem of anybody trying to touch it directly. The rest of it is basically a matter of careful spelunking and heavy enough clothing to keep from getting frozen to death.<br><br>It's going to take a lot of hot beverages to feel normal again after being down in the cave, though ... plus the usual rest and recovery from the strenuous battle for access to the cave.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=4648/Mission_1:_The_Nine_Tails%27_Curse&diff=136184648/Mission 1: The Nine Tails' Curse2016-10-09T05:22:02Z<p>Shachihoko: Reiji, Xiaomu, and a few members of the Union head to a hot-spring inn in the Nasu region. A few Confederates head for Nasu to help Ouma find the first Sessho-Seki fragment. Stuff happens.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/10/08<br />
|Location=Tokyo-52605 <NXC><br />
|Synopsis=The Nasu region of Tochigi Prefecture is primarily known for two things. For most people, it's renowned for its natural sulfur hot springs, and that's what brings Reiji, Xiaomu, and some of their Union friends to the region - a hot-springs trip that's been long in the planning, and forestalled by many of the crises they've had to help deal with.<br />
<br />
But Nasu is also where Tamamo-no-Mae was finally hunted down and killed ... and when her body became the Sessho-Seki, the Killing Stone, her curse lingered for many years, as the stone took the lives of those mortals who touched it. Eventually the Stone was destroyed and the curse lifted - but Ouma has discovered that there's still a piece of it there: the first piece they need if they're going to resurrect that ancient and deadly curse.<br />
|Cast of Characters=707, 136, 691, 391, 705, 714, 737, 941, 11, 1014, 127<br />
|Tinyplot=Restoration of the Killing Stone<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>(Union)<br><br>For elite Shinra agents Reiji and Xiaomu, downtime is hard enough to come by normally - Ouma never seems to take much of a break, and Shinra's agents have to stay ready to react whenever they do. But they *do* earn vacation time, even if they hardly ever get to use it.<br><br>Today is an exception. They've managed to get a weekend's worth of vacation - and been approved to take the same weekend, yet - and they're going to make the most of it. Additionally, in a rare show of fiscal discipline, Xiaomu's saved up enough to help pay for their visit to a good hot-spring inn in the Nasu region of Tochigi Prefecture, north-ish of Tokyo; she can afford to pay for a couple of guests as well, but only a couple. Too many tagalongs, and they'll have to pay their own way - but the inn should have plenty of room.<br><br>It's not a quick or necessarily easy trip, though. Two trains out from Tokyo, followed by a bus ride, then another bus, and a walk uphill from the bus stop. Even Xiaomu's good cheer is flagging as they reach the traditional inn; there are lanterns alight so it's not *dark*, and while it's fairly cool, it's not chilly. "Hello there!" Xiaomu calls out as the group reaches the inn's front porch; the innkeeper should be showing up momentarily ...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>(Confederacy)<br><br>Lord Sutoku's letter to the Confederacy stated that those who wished to help Ouma should go to the old location of the Sessho-Seki, the 'Killing Stone' which was supposedly the transmuted corpse of the ancient and legendary kitsune, Tamamo-no-Mae. It's kind of a tourist attraction, really - there's a spiffy little signpost put up to mark the spot, and a tablet which tells a little about the legend of Tamamo-no-Mae, the Killing Stone, and the samurai who were involved in ending both the fox spirit and the curse she left behind.<br><br>But with night falling, there are no tourists to be seen; anyone who *would* be here to gawk at the spot and mull over ancient legends and history has probably gone back to their hotel or whatever. The only figures to be seen ...<br><br>Well. One figure, really. A big one. Probably big enough to make three or four people, although some of that mass MIGHT be the armor he's wearing. And the ... weapon hanging at his waist; it's hard to tell whether that's a club, or just a sword with a *really* thick and heavy sheath.<br><br>He's just waiting at the moment. You probably don't want to meet the people he's waiting for - unless you're, y'know, one of those people.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>A luxury weekend staying at the hot springs of a exotic location. There is no way everyone's favorite fashionista was missing out on this trip. It was perfect timing, really. Rarity could get in some R&amp;R and exposure to another culture before she gets buried in the usually hectic holiday work schedual... And this world has things like demon hunting fox spirits and what not, no one is going to find a talking unicorn pony out of place, right? Right? Well okay maybe she can't wander out in bright daylight, but still.<br><br>That said, after several train and bus trips, and an uphill hike, even she's floundering a little when it comes to energy. "It's just... all the more reason... for a soaking in... those hot springs... make you work up... a sweat... getting here... Dastardly brilliant... business model."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> The midnight-blue clad ninja seems to all but melt in from the shadows near the representative in his massive bulk. Really, Yari looks like she could be just another spa-goer with that kimono on. Her tail sways as she awaits her compatriots to join her, but she's already bowing to their contact! <br><br> She's also vaguely reading up on their prize through her wrist-reader. <br><br> Otherwise, she remains silent, mind mulling over the mission.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>Put Reina through GUARDIANS training, considered by some to be the Gurhalian equivalent of USMC basic training? That's fine.<br><br>Make her fight several De Rol Le in succession (simulated or not?) Go for it.<br><br>Make her ride two trains, followed by two buses, and then a hell of a walk up to a traditional inn? That's another story.<br><br>Despite her usually sarcastic attitude and impatience within things, Reina's trying to keep the good mood going as best as she can. Although at times her sense of humor may seem sarcastic more than anything as she talks to the others. "Hey, these boots were made for more than just walking, you know," She comments. "If you want, I can try to order you guys a pair for next time we go out here!" There's a chuckle from her, but more than likely all she gets are glares and sneers as her sarcasm seems to mask the attempt at being funny. Eventually, Reina gets the message and shuts up, although it's not hard to notice the sideways glare on her face as she realizes that her humorous attempts have failed. Not to mention, even her feet are starting to hurt right now despite the claims about her boots. "Man, this is worse than that abandoned subway system I had to go through on my mission in Detroit-210 a few days ago," She comments to herself.<br><br>When they finally arrive, Reina breathes a sigh of relief and looks down at her boot-clad feet. "Maybe I should talk to Laia about creating an obstacle course like this?" She whispers to herself, but then shakes her head as she realizes that even Laia wouldn't like something like that. Although, it's easy to see she's having trouble not laughing at her own joke.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji can scale skyscrapers in a single bound, a bit of a hike up a mountain doesn't do too much to slow him down! A short break from all the hustle and bustle of making sure Tokyo doesn't go up in a puff of supernaturally empowered smoke is just what the doctor ordered, and the exorcist actually seems a bit... eager, for once. Or at least, he's wearing an expression that's more than just ':&#124;'.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Looks like we won't be spending the holiday alone," he says from atop the stairs, sitting on an old, leatherbound suitcase. "Hope the walk up wasn't too bad. Don't worry, though, you've all made it. No surprise second flight of stairs, or anything like that."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br> "Mrm... Oh. That place looks good..." Sanary mutters to herself with a quiet yawn, poking at a small tablet and occasionally peering at it as her walking path takes her in the direction of the massive figure. She stops for a moment to glance around, at her surroundings, staring at seemingly random patches of trees and occasionally in the direction of the Killing Stone that the Confederates have been tasked with finding. Her eye doesn't settle on any one spot, though, instead glancing around and almost looking lost several times in between rounds of jabbing at that small tablet. Just what is she looking for, anyway? <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "That could work, too..." At least she looks like a late-night tourist rather than a soldier tonight, clad in a yellow t-shirt and shorts with not a speck of combat gear on her! <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's only when the healer comes face to face with the armored figure that she holds the tablet at her side instead, staring at him for a while before offering him a brief two-finger salute and straightening up. "Evening, sir. You're..." <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ... Crap. Weren't they just supposed to find an item and not a guardian? Quick, Sanary, improvise! "... Really tall." Good job, Sanary.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:737|Vivio Takamachi (737)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;50% off coupon to some hot springs! How can Vivio refuse? And then to run into so many fellow Unionites on the trip to the hot springs, such coincidence!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By the time the slightly larger than expected group arrives at their destination, people seem to be rather tired as a result. As for Vivio, she's as energetic as ever, "Wooooow! This looks so cool!" She turns her head to look at Chris floating in the air beside her, "This is going to be great!" Chris looks a little less enthusiastic at the thought of soaking in hot water... Being a plush bunny and all.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio then looks at everyone else in the group, then tilts her head a little, "Why do you all look like that?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;? ? ?<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Oh well. Vivio bounces on her feet a little as she waits to see what the rest of the inn looks like.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While Xiaomu's good cheer might be flagging, Mel Brock doesn't seem to be fussed at all. She's got a rare weekend off, and an invitation from sensei isn't something she's terribly hesitant to take. Sitting on a train or a bus? Those are relaxing. A walk up a hill? She's in pretty good shape, so that's not too big a bother. By the time they get up there, the psychic - dressed for once in more comfortable clothing, some slightly baggy jeans, a hawaiian-style shirt with a galaxy print, and a white undershirt (and, of course, the limiter on her right-side jawline) - is still in pretty geat spirits, even with all the luggage she has to carry.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That particularly long 'bag' almost certainly holds a certain sword.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Look, I spend days or weeks at a time cooped up on my ship," she replies to Reiji. "If I can stretch my legs and take a walk with wind in my hair and clouds overhead, I'm pretty happy. I'd have no complaints with another set of stairs. /Maybe/ two. Maybe."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then there's Vivio, who earns a slight tilt of the head from the psychic. "Look like what?" She pauses, then turns to Reiji and mutters, "This, uh, this /is/ period-appropriate clothing, right?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>So a hot spring? That was nice sure it was mostly a human thing but Metal was a social creature much like humans were. Beside uit might be fun to mess with some people too just by behaving. Also hey getting to oogle some of the others might just be fun in an odd way. So here he was arriving a bit after Sanary and he's glad in civilian gear heck he mostly passably human or at least clearly corners were not cut on his out of gear mode. <br><br> He follows up behind Sanary and looks to be pulling out a camera. Totally a tourist<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1014|Heaven's Armory (1014)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There may be a sword in that case. There probably is. Certainly, there must be a sword somewhere nearby, because the woman in yellow can't travel without her true body being close at hand. And she is, still, wearing that high (fantasy) society dress, despite the occasion for others to get into something more shapeless. That the outfit is part of her materialization may be related, and that she spent at least part of the trip--perhaps the part that would require additional tickets--as, physically, luggage.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But now, Hravn is walking. The walk doesn't seem to bother her much, despite the lack of remarkably superhuman physical proficiencies. Her movements are all quite normal, though she might be getting more energy from some unusual source. And she does have enough of it--enough to engage in some casual curiosity of the surroundings, to talk idly, and to spend a fair amount of time watching Vivio, the least familiar figure to her currently present.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji just kind of shrugs at Mel's TERRIBLY LOUD INTERGALACTIC HAWAIIAN SHIRT. "Looks fine to me," says the man who spends all his time either doing paperwork or stabbing monsters in the face. "Not surprised you're not winded, though. If you can keep up with training, something like this shouldn't be much of anything."<br><br>What's a flight of stairs compared to ALL THE SWORD TRAINING EVER?!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hmn," he says then. It looks like he's... Scanning through everyone. Does he think something's wrong? Is it something else? "Looks like I might have my side all to myself." Oh. Oh it's just... That. "Well, I'll make do."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>(Union)<br><br>Xiaomu grins wryly at Reina and Rarity. "I don't know about an obstacle course, but it's definitely good endurance training. But yeah, I can't wait --"<br><br>And the front door of the inn slides open. "Welcome, travellers!" a rather pretty woman in her late 20s greets them. "This is the reservation under 'Arisu,' I gather?" She looks around briefly, counting heads. The sight of a white unicorn pony brings her up short. "I'm sorry, we don't have a sta--"<br><br>"She's one of our party, she can hold a conversation, she's from off-world," Xiaomu hastily interrupts before the woman can finish sticking her foot in her mouth.<br><br>".... oh. In that case, you seem to have one or two too many ... ?" The innkeeper frowns in thought, pulling a smartphone out of her kimono. "- oh, right, the contest. Yes, everything should be in order for you, the rooms were cleaned and made up earlier." She gives Rarity a rueful smile, "I'm not sure if we have slippers that will fit your hooves, though, and the tatami ..."<br><br>There's a quiet slap of palm against face, again from Xiaomu's direction. "If the tatami get damaged, I will *personally* see to the replacement or repairs, I know a couple of families in these parts who're still in the business. If you keep Rarity out of your inn because she isn't human, we will *walk back down the mountain* until we find a place that'll let her stay."<br><br>"Oh, no, that won't be a problem," the innkeeper adds hastily. "We don't get many Multiversal customers .... I do apologize most deeply, miss," she says to Rarity, bowing deeply. "I suppose I can just help wipe your hooves off on your way in, if that would be suitable?" She pushes the doors further open and ushers the group inside, expertly sizing everyone's feet up (except Rarity's) and getting out guest slippers for every member of the party. "We've had some recent issues with the hot spring but I hope that won't be a problem for anyone ...."<br><br>Xiaomu looks up from taking off her sandals, and replies to the innkeeper with a single, flat, "What."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirikou's a biiiit on the dubious side over helping this pack of oppressed monsters with their fight. He approves in principle and wants to help 'stick it to the man', and he wants the Confederacy to gain the promised reward after. Yeah, but that's the easy part. The hard part is what sort of things are likely to happen along the way.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And so he's here, coming in to join the group with a friendly sort-of smile. Here for business though. The Twins are here with him in their more martial form, as a pair of oversize metal gauntlets over his fists. He's not subtle, sadly. Oh well, at least he blends in with the dark somewhat, and with the armor-clad figure as well in a way.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So. Dressin' for the occasion?" Kilik asks neutrally. He could be talking to Yari, he could be talking to the big guy with all the armor. "What's the plan?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>(Confederacy)<br><br>The towering figure rumbles, "This is a bad time for you to venture here, mortals." His voice sounds like it was mined from the depths of the earth - deep, dark, and gravelly.<br><br>"I too was mortal once, and died on this spot centuries ago - my life torn away at the fangs and claws of the accursed Tamamo-no-Mae. My rage and my grief would not permit me rest, and I rose from the clutches of death - only to perish again by the power of the accursed Killing Stone. Again and again I struggled back, and became *THIS*!"<br><br>*CRUNCH* So much for the marker sign. As for what the sign was taken out *with* ... <br><br>Okay, that's clearly a club rather than a sword - mostly because the 'scabbard' didn't stay hanging from his belt when he drew. More tellingly, if it WERE a sword, it's the kind that gets forged from girders and I-beams, and if it were being statted for a tabletop game, the player who had it on his character would probably have to roll for two damage types with each swing.<br><br>"I am oni now, and your lives are forfeit should you challenge me. There is nowhere you can run where you will be safe, for <span class="fg_r bg_n ++ r">we are the hunters!</span>"<br><br>Somebody in that group should know the right answer to that. It's probably best if they're the first one to reply - before the oni swings at something with a pulse, unlike the historical marker sign which is now so much splinters and kindling.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>Despite the fact that the joke was rather sarcastic, Reina grins back at Xiaomu, glad to see SOMEONE is appreciating her sense of humor. Then the innkeeper arrives, and Reina looks towards her, smiling pleasantly... until she mentions Rarity and the issue with not having a stable. Reina can only sigh and roll her eyes a little until Xiaomu speaks up for her. At that, Reina enters along with the other guests, quickly removing her boots and setting them off to the side.<br><br>The red-head then starts to take in the sights and surroundings of the inn, starting to feel reminded of one of the planets in the Gurhal system she was known to frequent when she was younger. A slight smile forms on her face, until the innkeeper mentions problems with the springs, and as soon as Xiaomu speaks to the innkeeper, Reina looks to her as well. The slight smile that was forming on her face is replaced with a stern frown and a slightly lowered left eye.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>Rarity takes the woman's near faux pas rather gracefully... Considering it's hardly the first time the confusion has come up even with how long Equestria has been involved in the multiverse, probably not that much of a surprise. "Fear not for your lavish flooring miss, I had my hooves manicured just yesterday in preperation." Pauses as she holds a forehoof up partway to inspect. "Abiet, the walk up here was a wee bit rough on them, a quick clean up would be appreciated." She's not going to pass up a bit of pampering. And it doesn't hurt to let the staff feel they have made up for a possible mistake.<br><br>Once her hooves have been cleaned she watchs the girl handle slippers for everyone else. Then turns her head to open one of her bags with her magic, pull out a few spare materials a woman in her profession, regardless of species, always keeps at ready... and in a matter of moments has made four replica slippers for herself to accomidate her hooves. "Fortunately I came well prepared for possible... anatomical difficulties~ You shant have to worry about a--"<br><br>Then the innkeeper mentions problems with the hot springs.<br><br>Rarity, who would normally -be- the one giving that sort of response, wisely edges a bit -away- from Xiamou. "... This might get a tiny bit unpleasant." Depends on what the 'issues' are...<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Okay. She's not too terribly out-of-place. Good. "Hey, don't forget I'm SpecOps trained. I've always been pretty fit."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wait.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No hot spring?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mel quietly turns to look at Xiaomu with an expression that says... well, things that are probably best left unsaid. There might be swearing involved. But she's not happy either. Then she turns to Hravn briefly, before adding for the inkeep's sake, "You won't need spare space for her. She's my sword." If this is someone who knows the Multiverse, no reason to stand on secrecy. "I'll cover an extra meal for her, though." Hravn might not actually NEED to eat, but it can be enjoyable for her, so on occasion Mel does like to treat her.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:737|Vivio Takamachi (737)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio blinks and looks at Mel for a moment... Then rubs the back of her head, "Uhhhh, I wouldn't know actually!" She giggles quietly. She then notices Hravn watching her, giving the woman a friendly smile and wave. She was going to introduce herself, but that's when the innkeeper exits and greets them.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio clasps her hands in front of her and bows to the innkeeper, "Hello." She straightens again, "Thank you for allowing us to come and enjoy your hot springs tonight."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As they are ushered inside, Vivio removes her shoes and steps into the comfy slippers. She takes off her little backpack and puts it aside as well. She grabs her Device out of the air, hugging the little plush bunny to her chest as she says, "Come on Chris, let's go check out the hot springs right away!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio stumbles mid-stride as the innkeeper mentions the problems they've been having. She looks a bit dismayed, turning to the innkeeper and asking with concern "Oh no! What happened? Is there anything we can do to help?" To think, they're so close... And yet so far away~<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>Ah, and there's the innkeeper. What a lady she seems! Right up until she starts worrying more about the Tatami than the state of her guests. And then there's the news that the hotsprings are, apparently, broken. Reiji's brow twitches slightly. They have two days to enjoy themselves. Two days away from the hustle and the bustle of the city, and now they discover that there's... something wrong with the onsen that they came all this way to visit.<br><br>"What," Reiji echoes his partner in saying.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What kind of problem?" He asks. Did someone die in it? Is there an upsurge in monkey bathers? IS THERE A GIANT GORILLA INVOLVED? "What do you mean there's a problem with the spring?" Because if this turns into another job, Reiji is going to have to do some really uncomfortable paperwork with human resources.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He steps off his sutcase and gives his arms a good, solid cross. "If we can help, then please, let us know. We are quite qualified," Vivio is, of course, correct-- and has a leg up on him in answering first! Hmn. He's getting slow. Or maybe tired and jaded in his old age (read: twenties).<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1014|Heaven's Armory (1014)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hravn smiles back, lightly waving to Vivio--but then there's the matter with the innkeeper. Rarity is another unfamiliar person to her, though ponies in general are not. The quick-shodding technique was, yet again, outside her knowledge.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hravn looks at the innkeeper while she's talking, but doesn't seem to react to her otherwise. Might she be unfamiliar with Japanese custom? The lack of bowing probably won't be too upsetting when one remembers they're dealing with an (ambiguously East Asian-styled) foreigner, but certainly could be, otherwise. She'll accept a change into slippers, at least, her old shoes disappearing soon afterward. "I could eat," is literally true, "but won't require sleeping arrangements, no."<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The slippers look a bit silly, but this is an acceptable sacrifice for the experience of a hot spring--or, would be, if a hot spring were available. Hmm. That's not as visibly upsetting to Hravn as to some others here, but does evoke questions, as Vivio and others have already asked. "Why don't we just go and have a look?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirikou peers up at the massive oni. He could fight the thing, he figures. If he really had to. It's big but ... well, that's only one aspect of fighting. But this isn't a pissing contest, and it's not something they should win with their fists. Besides, Yari did say something about this earlier. "We're the pursuers." he replies carefully. "And while challengin' you might be fun, we're here to help instead. Maybe once this is all done, you'll be free from your ... ah, current state."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He holds out one fist, either in salute or in challenge. "Well, big bro? What's it gonna be? Is there a plan for today or are we just gonna smash stuff?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br> Would bringing armor have helped? Probably, but then Sanary would look too suspicious. Even bringing a shield could have drawn eyebrows! Alas, she'll just have to make do by relying entirely on Metal Man and Kirikou to handle the heavy lifting if anything does go down. Between the threatening figure shouting about his unfortunate fate and looking just about ready to smash the three of them to bits? <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yeah, it's definitely a good thing Kilik was there to respond properly. The healer takes a moment to sigh quietly and nod at him and Metal Man, then turns back to the large one before crossing her arms over her chest. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Wouldn't mind seeing how the four of us compare, but... Yeah, we can save the tests of strength for later. Business first." Turning around to face the path they had come from, Sanary switches her magitech eye to the thermal imaging function with a faint cringe. Who knows if someone might be following them up there or even wandering by at the wrong time?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Well the Feds are getting a good welcome he pauses at the spirit? He's not always up on Japanese Myth and legend which happens to be reality here. He smirks for a moment nodding to the Oni he doesn't seem to be looking for hte civilians and he follows up making reayd to back up the other feds and their ally. <br><br> "We got some business it seems Ma'me." <br><br> he ntoes to Sanary getting all business but he doesn't summon any weapons just yet he knows the oni is doing a good job of being a diversion for them so they got to make that count right?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>(Confederate)<br><br>There's an *almost* disappointed air about the oni as he returns his kanabou to his belt, chains clinking as they're wound about the handle to hold the weapon in place. "Well met, allies of Ouma," says the self-professed oni as - he's actually shrinking, it looks like; his height stabilizes at about two and a half meters, still probably looming over most people (and likely over the group of Confederates) but not the walking building he was before. "I am called Kibatsume. The fragment is in a cavern not far from here."<br><br>There's a rather distinct lack of caverns in the immediate area, though ... sure, they're currently on the side of a mountain, and there are plenty of other mountains in the region, but how far is 'not far'? Kibatsume doesn't linger to explain, though - he just turns and starts walking, clearly expecting the Confederates to keep up.<br><br>Sanary might take note of a bus passing on a distant road, but there are no other passers-by in the area. Certainly none on foot, and the bus driver is too distracted by the passengers he'd dropped off an hour ago to pay any attention to weirdoes he can't even see.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>(Union)<br><br>The innkeeper shakes her head, "The spring is still full, and we clean it regularly - I oversaw the cleaning earlier today, in fact, and everything *should* be in order. But some of our regular visitors have complained lately about the smell ... it still smells more or less as it should to me, though, and sulfur hot springs always have a certain scent to them ..."<br><br>Meanwhile, Xiaomu has changed into her slippers, putting her sandals in the appropriate cubbyhole, and seems to be whispering something to herself. It doesn't take terribly sharp ears to pick up on the subject, either: this is their VACATION, dammit, she doesn't want it to get turned into a busman's holiday.<br><br>But ... the hot springs aren't at their best, and 'complaints about the smell' mean something to the sage fox that ordinary humans might overlook. Not that anyone in the group is an 'ordinary human,' strictly speaking. "Fine, we'll ... we'll check and see if the smell bothers us," Xiaomu finally grumbles. "No guarantees if we can do anything about it. Which way?"<br><br>The innkeeper gives them directions to the area with the bath, then says, "If any of you would like a vegan meal for the evening, I can start preparing the additional dishes we'll need while you're investigating the bath." And once people have answered, Xiaomu leads the way to the bath area.<br><br>Along the way, Xiaomu explains, "This place has been around for generations, a lot of friendly youkai drop by. And it's located on a major ley line, fed straight out of the mountains - that makes it a better spot than usual for recovering from illness or injury, the positive energies saturate the waters and you soak those up while you're bathing." So that's why she picked this inn out of all the options that might be easier to get to.<br><br>Xiaomu leaves her slippers in the changing room, but she's still fully dressed when she steps out to the open-air bath itself, sniffing cautiously at the air, then inhaling more deeper. "Doesn't seem so-- GHK!!" She clamps a hand over her nose and mouth, her eyes watering; whatever she smelled must not have been evident right away.<br><br>And those who are supernaturally sensitive will notice it too: the stink of death, like a rotting carcass. Those without supernatural senses may just pick up on a 'wrongness' to the smell without being able to identify exactly what it is, other than the usual rotten-egg smell of sulfur.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Metal Man ius keeping things calm for the moment hesmirks for a moment as they get the password right. "Good thnk we were able to settle this without an issue, right?" He ponders about the Killing Stone, he's going to have to do some homework on the mission. He should try to finf out what wlse he could find out. He notices the Bus for a moment but shrugs as he's far than able to keep up whistling as he goes. <br><br> "So far so good right,Sans?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mel isn't quite supernaturally sensitive in the way others are - hell, even her telepathic abilities are rudimentary at best. But stepping one foot into the bath area, the PsiMarshal can feel something /off/. She can't tell what, but it immediately sets her on edge, and her body language shows it, especially in the way she's gripping the bag holding Hravn's true body harder. "...Okay, am I going insane, or does anyone else feel that?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>Rarity lets out a short sigh. Somehow she is not at all surprised that what is suppose to be a vacation is turning into a bit of work to earn it. This... seems to happen a lot. She could count all the times it has happened to just her and her friends alone, but she only has four hooves.<br><br>Speaking of hooves, she holds one up to motion to the innkeeper after the dinner query. "Please and thank you, dahling. Would be most appreciated." But first, there is a potential Friendship Problem to look into... this counts, right? Since it's bothering her friends' ability to relax and all.<br><br>She's quick to follow after the fox spirit all the same, bobbing her head a bit at the explaination. Until they get to the actual springs. She's two steps behind when she stops. While she doesn't have a specifically super sense, being a unicorn she does have a certain... resonance with magic and supernatural. And a sharpness for details when she's paying attention. That is enough to pick up on... well...<br><br>For sake of clarity we'll just go with calling it 'wrongness'.<br><br>The smell may not be entirely literal, but Rarity puts a hoof over the end of her muzzle all the same as she leers away from what should of been a soothing pool of naturally heated water instead. "How horrifying."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>Usually you'd get a snippy reply from Reina or something about this whole thing, but in this case she's decided enough's enough for one night, so she simply goes along with the whole thing. She nods intently as she listens to Xiaomu, finding the bit of trivia rather interesting, although the term 'youkai' is something that goes over her head. Shrugging it off, Reina follows Xiaomu to the changing room, where she changes into something more suitable for using the hot springs, also leaving her slippers in the changing room as well.<br><br>Once she gets outside along with Xiaomu, she smiles a little as she takes a deep breath of the area, before coughing a little. "Ugh... forgot this place smells like sulfur. I must remember to brush up on my knowledge of..." She frowns and stops abruptly, and then sniffs the air again. "Wait a minute... this isn't..." A few more sniffs and she scowls a little. "OK, sulfur may not be the most pleasant thing to smell, but this smells worse than your usual sulfur." She covers her mouth while holding her nose and waving with her free hand. "I dunno what it is, but I don't think it's an overdose of sulfur!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:737|Vivio Takamachi (737)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio listens intently before nodding enthusiastically, "Don't worry Miss Innkeeper, we'll check it out! Come on, Chris!" Like the plush bunny in Vivio's arms has any choice as she turns and starts following Xiaomu towards the bath area.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once they arrive, Vivio starts smelling... She's familiar with hot springs to a degree, so knows of the usual smells. But supposedly there is something else here? Vivio hmmms thoughtfully... She can't reall pick up on anything. She looks down at her Device, "What do you think, Chris?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio releases the plush bunny, who flies over to the hot springs. He ever so gently just sticks the tip of his pointed plush arm into the water, before pulling it out. After apparently studying for a moment, he turns back to Vivio and shrugs. Vivio scratches her head, "Not quite sure... There might be something?" She looks at the others questioningly.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br> Sanary breathes a sigh of relief when the oni sounds significantly less hostile than before, turning back around and turning off the thermal vision matrix. Seeing everything in distorted heat-based colors hurts after a while! She raises an eyebrow as Kibatsume shrinks right in front of them, but doesn't pay it too much mind before following their still-taller-than-her guide. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Looks like we should be safe out here, at least. Didn't see anyone comin' up this way, and if anyone does..." Sanary glances back and forth at each of her companions. None of them look particularly suspicious, so that's a good sign! "... Well, we'll figure it out later. If we can just get the piece and go, we should be safe." She's content to let the oni take the lead for the time being, still glancing back occasionally just in case they really do get followed by someone!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1014|Heaven's Armory (1014)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hravn's human form has no more sensitivity to smell than most any actual human. This, however, is something easily enough to penetrate the casing around her true body, and her full senses pick up on it.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ahh..." She doesn't look quite so perturbed as some others, as her eyes still shine with that ever-present curiosity for the world. "...could any scent be more familiar?" She steps over to Mel's side, leaning in to add, "It's that which is left, past the end. The air carries the sensation of it, rather than truly the smell. 'Death.'"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirikou's easily enough able to keep up with the oni, after the being shrinks enough to have an approximately-human stride. He's still a lot larger than Kilik, but not enough to make the boy gripe over having to walk fast. Or, for that matter, to complain over distance. So long as Kirikou doesn't have to carry anyone, or at least not anyone else, things are fine with him. He has to idly wonder why it is this oni hasn't just claimed the fragment. It can't be easy right? Else why call in the Feds for this? Suits him fine though. The more they can personally claim, the more leverage they'll have over its final use.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'A strange smell?' 'Only some of the customers have picked it up?' That can mean many things. Maybe it's just a sulfur buildup? Maybe it's a volcano acting up? Or maybe, just maybe, it's something much, much worse. But as soon as they enter the springs, it becomes abundantly clear to both of the resident exorcists that it's definitely the latter.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Nngh," Reiji growls, his arm rising to cover his nose and mouth. "This miasma-- Everyone, careful! Don't breathe too deep. This isn't a natural stench." His supernatural senses are firing on all cylinders. Everything here just feels... Wrong. Terrible, awful, like something old and dead got chucked into the water and left to rot.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The exorcist hauls his suitcase up from behind him and slams his heel on its lock. It pops open with a series of clicks, and Reiji drags a handful of paper talismans from one of the inside pockets. "You who stand at the northeastern threshhold, hear the words of your summoner," his words intone, suddenly rolling outwards like the distant rumble of thunder, "Great guardian deity, Bishamonten with your purifying light, I beseech you, purge this evil. Warrior at the gate, mightiest of the heavenly kings, with your guiding light, reveal to us the source of this evil!"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The talismans twist and flit from Reiji's palm, sweeping through the air until they align in an esoteric array before him. Each one suddenly seems to ignite, as if burning with the light of the sun itself. "<span class="bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">OM!</span>" Reiji roars, a ray of pure sunlight blasting out from the assembled array, "<span class="bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">BISHAMON-TEN SOWAKA!</span>"<br><br>Onmyo-do can be pretty useful sometimes.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>(Union)<br><br>It's not often that 'breathes easier' is taken literally, but as soon as Reiji's onmyodo goes off, Xiaomu lowers her hands from her face, gasping a bit as her normal color starts to return to her cheeks. "And this is why I keep working with you," she says to Reiji with a wry grin; his invocation of Bishamonten may not have gotten at the source of the contamination, but it *DID* scour the taint away from the springs themselves and is filtering the incoming water and energy very effectively.<br><br>Of course the source of the taint is 'upstream' - up the waterways, up the leyline, somewhere in the mountains that feed the hot spring. It's going to be a bit of a trek to get there, but the inn's guests can at least bathe, relax, and get a good meal and a good night's sleep before they set out.<br><br>Or they can be total workaholics and set out NOW, but it's already evening, and Reiji's purification will hold until morning. It's not like it's monsters trying to invade the inn and befoul the bathwaters directly.<br><br>(Confederacy)<br><br>It's a pretty lengthy walk, but one devoid of interference; with Kibatsume leading them, the Confederates make their way into the mountains, following one river upstream, then another, uphill all the way until they reach a small cavern with a sacred rope stretched across the mouth. The rope has a deep gash in it and is missing some of the zig-zag paper streamers, but it's still intact ... and the opening behind is clearly *WAY* too small for someone of Kibatsume's stature to pass through, even if it weren't for the holy wards that are in place.<br><br>Cut the rope (or burn it), make your way into the passage, and the Stone is there - as black as obsidian, and darker still if you're sensing its supernatural nature. Just touching it feels dangerous to those of mortal origin, but in its fragmented and weakened state, the Killing Stone is not going to live up to its name ... at least, not unless you try eating it or something.<br><br>Assuming one of the Confederates can fit into the cavern, getting the Stone's fragment out is not going to be difficult. And if push comes to shove, just getting rid of the sacred barrier would be enough to make getting at the Stone much easier - but apparently, Kibatsume can't do THAT part on his own. Thus the need for more-or-less mortal assistance, it seems ... ?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nothing wrong with these mountains... Kirikou seems just fine and seems to be enjoying the nature hike so far. Until the group reaches the cavern that is. Seeing the rope apparently, his expression goes grim. It's a bit of a rare look for the youth, and might attract attention from those who know him.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not that he gives much of a damn about the shinto sacred rope or anything. His world has similar-enough beliefs, but he's not much interested in magic or sacredness. He IS interested in his Weapons' sensitivity to the earth though. And this cavern, well, it's no doubt leaking some seriously bad mojo. Fire and Thunder are earth shamans, attuned to the natural order, and something within this cavern's decidedly unnatural and unpleasant.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a result he's a little kurt. "We'll get whatever it is out of there." he says quietly to no one in particular. "Then it'll all be better, right?" He then nods. Apparently he's talking to himself. Or for those who know him, talking to his Weapons. He eyes the opening. He's not as big as the oni, but he's still pretty big. Almost no body fat though, so he might be able to fit. "I guess I can get in there." he claims, sounding irritated. Someone else can cut the rope.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>Rarity waits an extra moment or two before lowering her hoof from her nose. "... Excellent work dahling. Much easier on the senses." The unicorn trots up to the edge of the springs once it's not setting off multiple feelings of wrongness. Now they can enjoy what they came here for!<br><br>Or can they?<br><br>Despite it being clear Rarity just stands at the edge for a moment... and realizing so simply is never the way it goes. She knows her friends that well, and the group she's with is pretty much of same mind. An investigate deeper into the matter is unavoidable.<br><br>A soft sigh escapes her as she hangs her head a moment, lamenting the relaxing spring soak she's probably not going to get now. Then turns to walk back to the rest of the inn. "I shall get my hiking gear."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:737|Vivio Takamachi (737)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio watches with interest as the talismans released, ritual performed and purification unleashed. It's always fun to watch other types of magic performed!<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As things settle, Vivio has to admit that things seem a little better now. And Xiaomu certainly seems to agree. However upon learning of the source of the infection, Vivio ehehehs, "That's a bit of a hike for this time of night..."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio does want to find out what was causing the weirdness, but she was also really looking forward to hot springs. And they're like, right here! So close! She looks at the others, "We can always go in the morning!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br> Further into the cave they go! Getting into the cramped space does look a lot more difficult than Sanary would like to admit, but luckily for her... She's not the one doing that tonight. Besides, the important thing is that the job is almost done! Kilik gets a direct link to the healer's energy reserves for his trouble in getting through that cramped space, augmenting his own energy reserves by letting Kilik draw from Sanary's and granting a boost to his natural healing should he need it. The stone does look rather ominous, if a little easy to grab, and Sanary's more than willing to let someone else carry it and take care of the rope so she can focus on her own specialty in healing magic!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'Workaholics' indeed. Reiji gives Xiaomu a quick nod and a... headpat. "You okay? I can sense something further upstream, but if you're not up for it, I could go check things out quick," he gives his suitcase another kick, and an entire rack of weapons just kind of falls out for Reiji to grab. "Just to get a look. If it's bad, I'll hold off, but..."<br><br>"Something about this doesn't sit right with me."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He nods to Rarity as the TINY HORSE voices her desire to go check things out. "Alright. I'll be going off too. The rest of you guys can rest here if you like," with that, he slides a holster full of handgun around his hips and leaps up into the woods. Time to go take a look, once Rarity and the others are all good to go.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br>Reina isn't keen on rituals like this, but she doesn't mind the fact that they work. The horrible stench is gone and Reina can breathe easily again. "Well, that's better!" She says with genuine sincerity in her voice. "But still, there's really something wrong with this whole thing. I don't like it one bit." She looks to Xiaomu and bites her lip for a moment before speaking. "We should check it out, definitely, but tonight might not be the best time. We don't know what might be waiting, and given how dark it is, I don't want to take any chances."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Arisu, it's late," Mel says, setting down the bag containing Hravn. "And whatever's going on, it's potent enough to pollute this place so /I/ could feel it, despite being way upstream. We're gonna want rest and numbers on our side. Think it's a bad idea heading up until we're all ready."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji gives Mel a look... Then a shrug. "Normally, I'd agree. But this is part of my job, too." He leaps onto a branch and secures the weapons on his mobile armory, "I'm sure you wouldn't wait if you saw a body in the street with a fresh bloodtrail leading from it, right?" He shakes his head. "I'm only going to take a look. If it's serious, I'll head back, but I can't just... leave this alone. I came here to relax, and this'd just set me on edge all weekend."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:941|Mel Brock (941)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sigh.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mel reaches down and picks up the bag containing Hravn. "Then I'm not leaving /you/ alone. Come on, let's get rolling. Sooner we look into it, the sooner we can get back here."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>It's less desire and more knowing most of her friends present are not going to be able to actually relax and enjoy themselves with this looming over them, so it's best to just get the obstruction out of the way. But close enough. Rarity will do it now so they -all- can enjoy the break afterwards, or it just wouldn't be right. Element of Generosity includes giving one's time and effort for others too, and all that.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:737|Vivio Takamachi (737)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio hmmmms quietly over it for a moment, before glancing at Chris, "What do you think?" The plush bunny waves his arms a bit, then jabs one towards Vivio as he narrows his eyes in what could be described as determination. Vivio watches him for a moment, then grins and nods, "You're right! This is no time to be sitting about when they could be bad things around maybe preying on innocent people."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio spins around to face the others and raises her hand into the air, "Vivio Takamachi will help find the bad things! And then we can stop them from doing their evil things. And then come back and enjoy the hot springs!" Vivio pumps a fist in excitement, a playful smile on her face, "They won't know what hit them."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Metal Man doesn't look like much without his combat armour he looks like he's a german man with brownish black hair. However he seems to have a balde handy somehow h summons one seemingly from nowhere he's ready to deal with the blade right? he's not sure if he can link himself but he does have hia blade. "There's few things my blades can not cut." Just the stuff Metool helmets are made out, Nerp or nothing man when it comes to that. He will make to cut the rope unless someone stops him or calls him on not doing it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>(Confederacy)<br><br>The rope is cut, the Stone fragment is retrieved. Now it's all over but the return home - *with* the fragment. Kibatsume certainly doesn't have a way to deliver it to Ouma forces elsewhere, and letting the Confederacy hang onto it will be a sign of good faith.<br><br>Just be careful about who's allowed to handle it. Ouma disclaims all responsibility in connection with deaths resulting from improper contact with a supernatural object of latent death curse.<br><br>(Union)<br><br>Xiaomu is extremely begrudging about going anywhere without a nice relaxing soak, a filling dinner, and a good night's sleep, but -<br><br>"Fiiiiiiiine," she groans. "Honestly, I can't take you *anywhere*, Reiji. We better get that vacation time back *double* for this. *And* a nice fat bonus."<br><br>- but Reiji's her *partner*, dammit, she's not going to let him go haring off to investigate MYSTERIOUS SUPERNATURAL POLLUTION without having his back, no matter who else is going to be there with him. At least, not when she's there to see what sets him on the case. Plus, well, this is kinda personal for her too: she's the one who picked this inn, precisely because she knew what made it so special. If something went wrong with *that*, she wants a piece of solving the puzzle ... and then making sure whoever's responsible pays the requisite hell in full, with interest.<br><br>But by the time they get to the point 'upstream' that the pollution was coming from ... there's nothing.<br><br>Well, that's not quite true. There's a cavern with the remains of a sacred rope barrier. There's a whole mess of footprints from one oni and a handful of unknown other people. And there's a lingering taint of the sort you'd expect from an ancient supernatural object of latent death curse that laid in that cavern for relatively untold centuries.<br><br>By the time the group returns to the inn for their belated dinner, more-belated bath, and a richly-deserved good night's sleep, Xiaomu looks like a foxgirl who actually needs (or at least really, really wants) to get drunk. "We're finishing our vacation while we can, Reiji. If that was what I *think* it was, it's gonna be a while before the next chance ..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:737|Vivio Takamachi (737)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Vivio is a little disappointed they didn't get to fight anything after all that psyching up. But at least they've confirmed that the world isn't going to end tonight, so they can now get back to their irregularly scheduled relaxation.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once they're returned, Vivio grabs her Device by the arm, "Come on Chris, let's go get changed!" Vivio runs off towards the changing rooms, dragging the plush bunny behind her, still looking so cheerful despite the late hour and long trekking.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:'''<br>Rarity just collapses in the hot spring as she finally gets the chance to enjoy this vacation. What's left of it. Nope. Investigation done. NOT MOVING FOR THE REST OF THE NIGHT.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3497/Inventory_Complete&diff=136113497/Inventory Complete2016-10-02T18:15:20Z<p>Shachihoko: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/12/09<br />
|Location=Tokyo-52605 <NXC><br />
|Synopsis=Reiji, Xiaomu, and Konoe make a follow-up visit to the Tokyo National Museum, and find out exactly what was stolen during the Confederate attack. Some other secrets come to light as well.<br />
|Cast of Characters=705, 707, 847<br />
|Tinyplot=Restoration of the Killing Stone<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>In the weeks since the Confederacy showed up to raid the Hokusai exhibition, repairs to the damaged building have gotten under way; where the hole was initially just covered by a tarp, the tarps are now draped around a set of scaffolding, and a bunch of building supplies and equipment are being put to use - at least during working hours. The construction crew's gone home for the day, a solid fence extending around most of the front half of the Tokyo National Museum, and security remains fairly tight at the entrances. The museum might be open to the public again before the reconstruction work is done, but the business offices have remained open throughout.<br /><br />The tight security means that even government agents have to check their weapons on the way in, and while Xiaomu is somewhat grumpy about letting Suiren out of her grip, she surrenders it to the guards without complaint. Her handguns as well, of course. "Konoe, do you have anything they'd consider a weapon?" she inquires of their catgirl ally while waiting for Reiji to hand off his arsenal.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is indeed a pile of weapons sitting on one of the security counters. A somewhat distressed black-tie agent stares daggers at the fact that this 'professional exorcist' is apparently carrying around actual swords. Clearly, this gentleman is new to the position. "No matter how much they'd like to, they can't actually take away your sorcery," the exorcist says as he places his rather oversized handgun alongside the rest of his equipment. "That's strictly our own jurisdiction."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He seems to have recovered well enough since Vega manhandled him and tried to shatter his skull like a ripe watermelon. At least, he's not wearing the bandages anymore. "Once we're inside, we'll go meet with the curator. See what exactly the damage is like."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's been a while since that art exhibit gone wrong. Konoe didn't do much of anything other than get caught by a net, and help free the mind controlled guests. In the weeks following, she occasionally visited on her own terms just to make sure that everything was alright, and there were no negative side effects. At this moment, she's here with senior agents, Xiaomu and Reiji. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The tight security is rather lost on Konoe because, well... "Um..." The miko looked towards Xiaomu and blinked. "I don't think I do. All of my 'weapons' are created on the spot. I can't just 'drop' them." ...Right. That. And so she shook her head, watching as Reiji handed off all of his fancy toys. r<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Putting that aside...They haven't come back, have they?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"The archery chick showed up while I was checking back about a week later," Xiaomu answers Konoe, "but she wasn't making any more trouble. She really didn't like what that jerk Vega did." She signs a couple of sheets of paper (a claim-check for her weapons, and the sign-in/sign-out form), then - once Reiji and Konoe are set - leads the way into the offices.<br /><br />She DOES seem to know her way around ... and a minute or so of navigating through corridors and cubicles leads to the office of Professor Michi Hanayama, the curator in charge of the ill-fated Hokusai exhibit. The door's actually standing open, and Prof. Hanayama is standing in front of her desk, looking at something, when Xiaomu raps lightly on the doorframe. "Sorry about the delay, Professor; we had a small crisis Saturday night."<br /><br />Prof. Hanayama turns and smiles; she's in her late 50s or so, with her hair starting to go silver. "No apologies necessary; I had budgets to review. Mr. Arisu," she bows politely to Reiji. "And ... Ms. Kanno?" She gives Konoe a similar bow.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's no real surprise that Xiaomu knows her way around a museum. In many ways, one could say that she almost belongs in one herself! Reiji would never say that aloud, though- or think it, for that matter. He just follows along in his usual manner, quietly and cooly, though he does pause for a moment to regard th ruins of the Hokusai exhibit.<br /><br />It's a shame that it had to happen on premier night.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But that's what they're here to speak about, so he doesn't dally. "Professor," Reiji says as they enter the woman's office. He dips his head and shoulders in a bow of his own. "I hope everything has been going well since the incident. We've been concerned about possible follow-up attacks."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I see...well, she seemed really bothered on the night it happened too." Since she's been learning how to read and write, Konoe was at least able to messily scrawl out her name on the sign in sheet. A mild improvement. After doing so, she followed along with Xiaomu and Reiji, continuing to speak. "I guess not everyone in that Confederacy group is like that Vega person." In fact, he might be on the extreme end of the spectrum. But her direct contact with feds has been surprisingly small, so she can't really say one way or the other. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once they finally arrived at their destination, Konoe bowed in return to the professor. "H-Hello." She nodded after Reiji and added. "And have any of the past staff or attendees exhibited any strange behavior in the past few weeks? That Vega person may have left something behind when he was controlling their minds." She didn't find anything on casual observation, but it never hurt to ask directly.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"We've been watchful," Prof. Hanayama replies, "but of the guards on duty that night, none are showing any aftereffects. We haven't been able to follow up with everyone who was at the exhibit that evening, but - well, you'd know better than I would if there were additional troubles among the civilians."<br /><br />To the extent that Shinra has a public face in its own world, it *is* basically Public Safety (when it has to be more than an unassuming import-export firm, or whatever business covers for its headquarters). Prof. Hanayama seems content not to dwell on it, though, pouring tea for her three visitors and offering some sweets to go with it. Not formal tea ceremony, just basic obligations of hospitality. Once tea has been poured, she picks up a clipboard - an actual physical, paper-and-pen clipboard, not a tablet computer. "As I told Ms. Xiaomu previously, we've been reviewing the inventory from the Hokusai exhibition, and re-checking a few things. Are all three of you *certain* that those ... 'Shadowlaw' forces didn't actually have the chance to seize any of the items on display that night?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm glad that your pesonnel seem to have recovered. That... Dictator of theirs, Vega, he is a dangerous man." Especially after a little bit of research into this Shadowlaw's activities. "We haven't seen any relapses among the populace yet, though we'll be monitoring those who've been affected for a little while longer. If your men consent, the research division would like to test for residual energies, just to be sure."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Their assault was relatively sudden, and was terminated before their agents could spread too much chaos," Reiji answers, taking his steaming cup in both hands and letting the warmth seep into his palms. "I do not believe that they would have had the time to steal one of the exhibits on display without us noticing. However..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His eyes dart to the tray of sweets. An uncharacteristic sweet tooth is a distinct property of this particular exorcist. He takes one of the offerings and chews on it for a little while before continuing. "That does not mean that they couldn't have been using the attack as a diversion to take something that was stored elsewhere. What seems to have gone missing, Professor?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cup held in her hands, Konoe ponders the Professor's question while Reiji speaks. Occasionally, she took sips while turning over the events of that night in her mind. "Mmn...Like Reiji-san said. The attack happened very suddenly. And they were kept too busy fighting to steal anything. When I swept the perimeter, I didn't see a single Shadowlaw agent make any attempts at theft." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She shifted her hold on her cup into one hand, her other hand coming to her chin. "It's mildly possible we may have been tricked, but I can honestly say that I saw no theft. It was way too busy for anyone to steal anything." That said, she took a moment to have another sip of her tea, creating a pause. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "But if you're asking this...is something missing after all?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"We're not talking jewelry, we're talking prints and paintings," Xiaomu points out. "The goons all had their hands full of guns and stuff, and their armor was buckled on pretty tightly. Folding anything down to pocket size would've made creases that would lower the resale value of anything they could've walked off with."<br /><br />She pauses, taking a deep sip of tea, letting the warmth and flavor soothe her from the inside out.<br /><br />"And if nothing were missing, Konoe," she adds, "we wouldn't have been asked to come back here." Xiaomu lets out a breath, her hair-tails flicking a bit as she rolls her shoulders. "Professor?"<br /><br />Prof. Hanayama bows her head briefly, almost more of a deep nod than anything else. "There are eight items missing, all part of a larger set. Specifically, they're from Hokusai's Otogizoshi .."<br /><br />This is the point where Xiaomu *really* tenses up - the Otogizoshi is a famous compilation of Japanese myths, legends, and folklore.<br /><br />"... the tale of Tamamo-no-Mae," Prof. Hanayama finishes.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Tamamo-no-Mae," Reiji repeats, sounding vaguely like some manner of snake. He breathes a long sigh and sets his saucer and the cup upon it on the table with just the slightest clatter of porcelein. "I see. It was on display, then, wasn't it? And the whole collection has gone missing?"<br /><br />That's... Troublesome. While the artwork itself is inordinately expensive, the subject matter is what is significantly more worrisome. Reiji reaches a hand over to squeeze gently at his partner's shoulder. "The paintings are missing. So the question is, then, whether Shadowlaw took them."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He takes a moment to lean back and draws his hands back together to steeple over his lap. "I'm almost certain that I didn't see anyone take anything during the raid. But that doesn't mean that someone couldn't have taken advantage of the chaos, nor does it mean that Shadowlaw doesn't have the capability to steal those pieces from right out from under our noses. My concern is that it seems a bit... too specific of a target."<br /><br />"I believe, though I'm not certain just yet," he murmurs, eyes sharpening ever so slightly, "That there might be more at work here than a simple multiversal raid."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Konoe vaguely pouted, ears flattening against her head at Xiaomu's comment, but she said nothing in response. Maybe that was a stupid question. She kept quiet from then on, letting the three talk. At the mention of Otogizoshi, one could almost see the question marks pop up over her head. "......?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, the mention of Tamamo-no-Mae roused a look of understanding out of the miko. She knew who that was. Though not personally, of course. Tamamo-no-Mae. The fox that infiltrated multiple royal courts, inciting chaos wherever she went... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But she was going off on a mental tangent now. She shook her head to clear her thoughts and listened further. "Mmn..." After Reiji was done, Konoe reluctantly spoke up again, adding her opinion to the mix. "I really...don't think Shadowlaw has anything to do with this. But I didn't sense anything during the raid either." She came to a pause, having a sip of her tea. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...We can try scanning the grounds for any errant energy signatures, maybe? But I'm completely at a loss as to who would do this, and why..." Then again, this wasn't her world. So the best she could do was offer support in the end. She couldn't come up with any conclusive answers. That was a job for the two senior agents with her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xiaomu lets out a breath. Reiji might notice more readily than Konoe, but the sage fox is REALLY twitchy. Her tails usually hang about as still as actual hair would, but right now, Xiaomu's tails are twitching like a bead curtain made of nervous tics. Nothing too flagrant, but ... if you know what to look for, it's there.<br /><br />"If Shadowlaw were out for profit," Xiaomu states as if she doesn't know her 'hair' is acting up, "they would've gone for big and valuable stuff. The Great Wave off Kanagawa, ukiyo-e, stuff Hokusai is known for around the world. The Otogizoshi ... you had to be doing your research to even know the museum would have it. I don't think Shadowlaw were the ones with sticky fingers ... but .."<br /><br />She turns to look straight at Reiji. "'Why' answers 'who,'" she states, nodding to Konoe. "I know some people who'd *love* to have the story of the fair-faced nine-tailed fox, and they wouldn't be above grabbing it while everyone else was distracted by a big flashy Multiversal invasion. They might even have helped set up for it, for all we know."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji has known Xiaomu for a long time. As long as he's been in this business, in fact. The Huli Jing's discomfort is as obvious to him as the sun in clear skies at high noon. He frowns slightly, but, for now, he can't do much to settle her nerves. Not while there's business to be done.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So then, our culprit is somebody who both knew that the Otogizoshi was on display, and who took the opportunity to seize it while the museum was under attack," Reiji says, his mind quietly putting together an image of the incident. "We haven't been integrated for very long into the Multiverse, so I'm guessing it was a local. But even then, the list of possible suspects is a long one."<br /><br />"However, there is another possibility."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The story of the Tamamo-no-Mae is a powerful one, and the Otogizoshi itself serves as a powerful record of the entities that dwelled in this part of the world. But beyond that," Reiji taps his finger on the porcelein dish. "Consider this. A great artist's birthday coincides with the display of his greatest work for public appreciation. Simultaneously, an attack takes place by an entity who was capable of wielding enough power to control the hearts and minds of hundreds of people at once. And, after the dust settles, a certain set of prints by this artist, detailing a creature said to hold sway over the Heian courts, simply disappears with no indication of where it has gone to."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Are we sure," Reiji says, then, "That they were JUST prints of the Tamamo-no-Mae? Or, at the time of their disappearence, were they something... more?" After letting the idea settle for a moment, he leans back and sighs, "Of course, it could just be that whoever took them knows something about those paintings that we don't. Or maybe they just like foxes. Still, I think it's worth checking."<br /><br />"Curator," he looks to the professor again, "Were there any strange incidents involving those paintings in the days leading up to the premier?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hmm..." Konoe tapped her chin, nodding to Xiaomu, and then looking to Reiji. "There's too many possibilities to be sure. Someone could have just made off with them after the dust settled...But then again, there's also a possibility that these paintings may not have been stolen at all." There's a pause as she tries to gather her thoughts. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "At least, not in the traditional sense. Well, I mean...it sounds ridiculous, but you know how people say 'Well it didn't just get up and walk off on it's own, did it?'" The Bakeneko smiled a small, sheepish smile. "...It could have." Wow that sounded dumb. Really dumb. But considering what they dealt with on a near constant basis... Well, she figured there was at least a small margin of error left for that possibility. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Of course, we have no clues and no facts, so...please, tell us if you remember anything, Professor."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xiaomu smiles wryly. "Trust me, Reiji. They were 'just prints'. Hokusai was an awesome artist, and he had eyes open enough to perceive the spirits who walked among mortals in his time ... but he was no sorceror himself."<br /><br />Prof. Hanayama raises her eyebrows slightly at Xiaomu. She's not 'in the know,' officially, about youkai and the like; she only knows what might be expected in her line of work - a familiarity with many stories, but little practical belief and no application thereof, beyond the customs that have taken root in modern society. But she also doesn't ignore what's right in front of her.<br /><br />Xiaomu continues, "Katsushika Hokusai knew a lot of stories, and he was perceptive enough to figure out how much truth lay behind the folklore. That was why he helped compile a new edition of the Otogizoshi - gathering up what he knew, and what some of his contemporaries knew, and putting it all together. He took fragments that others had never associated with the fair nine-tailed fox and pieced them all together - he might be one of the few mortals who realized just how far back her bloodstained trail through history actually *reached*. And you're telling us, Professor Hanayama, that his chronicle of her life is what went missing?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Prof. Hanayama takes a deep breath. "I had wondered ... at any rate, to answer your questions."<br /><br />She takes a deep sip of her own tea before speaking.<br /><br />"There were no peculiar happenings during our preparations for the exhibit, nothing to suggest that any of the works to be displayed were haunted or possessed or cursed. We did have an onmyoji advise us on arranging the exhibit spaces, but that was considered more 'for good fortune' than as any kind of 'preventative measure'. One of our security personnel has been on leave since the incident, but that was chalked up to stress related to the invasion." She looks wry, "He actually *called* it an invasion, too. I didn't think much of it at the time. The police have followed up with him, there was no trace of any of the missing items."<br /><br />The professor shakes her head slowly. "As for the prints 'walking away' on their own, they would have had to do so immediately after the incident, while everyone was preoccupied with first aid and emergency procedures. Our security footage doesn't show anything out of the ordinary, and the image quality is pristine. Wouldn't supernatural activity cause some kind of interference on the video footage?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xiaomu's concern is entirely too reasonable. The disappearance of objects of such historical significance is... extremely worrisome. Moreso considering what exactly the content of that history happens to be. Reiji takes another long draw from his tea as the professor speaks, setting the cup down after a moment. "We'll look into your guard as well. It's a good a lead as any. As for the security cameras..."<br /><br />Reiji shrugs.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"There are too many unknowns to say for sure. However, what I do know is that Tamamo-no-Mae was famous for her illusions. If these prints- or whatever spirit has animated them- shares any of her talents, then it may be the case that even the most flawless security footage might be... innaccurate." His brow furrows, then, eyes tightening ever so slightly. "After such a massive attack... How were so many of you cameras undamaged, exactly? I'd expect some distortion in the images after so much dust and debris."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Konoe set her cup aside, finished with it, and rest her hands into her lap. "I'm not that good with technology, but something strikes me as odd..." She paused to let Reiji speak, looking towards him. Once he had said his piece, she nodded. "...That's what bothers me." And she looked back towards the professor. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "If this disappearance is supernatural in nature, it would be child's play for someone with the right motivations and skills to fool a camera or two, I believe." Konoe took a small breath, and added one last thing. "Considering that this is a record of a rather famous mythological figure...I would say the right motivations were there." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Of course, there were still no leads. The miko tilted her head a tad in thought. "...Was there anything else?" She glanced upwards then. "I think we should have a second, more thorough look around. We might have missed something, don't you think?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Unfortunately," Prof. Hanayama admits, "there probably isn't any evidence left to investigate. We had to take everything out of the exhibit halls that had been laid open to the outside, for their own sakes as well as to clear the way for reconstruction. And the security cameras were covered or outright hidden, none of them had open mechanisms or lenses."<br /><br />The professor sets her tea cup down, rising from her seat. "There was one other thing I wanted to share while you're here, though ... and the way you spoke of Hokusai, Ms. Xiaomu, seems to have confirmed it." She picks up a rolled piece of paper, carefully removing the retaining clips at either end, then unrolls it, just as carefully, to show the three of you the print.<br /><br />It's clearly the work of Hokusai or a similar master; an expert could analyze the details and be more certain than an amateur as to who produced it. But of more interest than that -<br /><br />It's Xiaomu.<br /><br />The eyes, the vulpine ears and hair-tails, the playful curve to her lips, all are just like the sage fox herself sitting next to you in the office. In the print, she's dressed in a yukata or a kimono, and seems to have been captured in the midst of a dance, the back of her kimono drawn back far enough to show the back of her neck and just a hint of her bare shoulders.<br /><br />The actual Xiaomu goes quiet and still, blushing a little as she sips at her tea. There's a look of nostalgia in her eyes, though.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We may still be able to turn something up," the exorcist says with a shrug. "Konoe, once we're done here, I'd like you to take some personnel and sweep the area around the missing exhibit for... anything that might even smell slightly mystical. It may lead us to who we're looking for."<br /><br />And then... A very special painting.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji... Stares for a very, very long time at the woman in the scroll. You can tell that the gears are turning in his head as he mentally catalogues all of this mysteriously enscrolled figure's features and quietly makes the connections necessary to determine that, yes, this is indeed his partner in this distinctly period pin-up scroll.<br /><br />He takes another sip of his tea, savoring the rich flavors for a moment longer.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then he says: "Well, not to raise a scandal or anything, but I think they captured the curve of your neck quite nicely. I appreciate that they were able to portray the delicate lines of your shoulders so well, too. I don't suppose that this piece is for sale, curator?"<br /><br />This.<br /><br />This is Reiji's duty as Xiaomu's loyal partner.<br /><br />He doesn't get to fulfill it very often, but whenever the opportunity presents itself, he's on it like stink on a skunk.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Oh. Well, that's out then." Konoe sighed and shrugged her shoulders. Looks like they were back to square one! Oh well, they tried. But nevertheless, Konoe was vaguely certain they hadn't heard the last of this. "I think we've about done all we can for now. But I think we'll be revisiting this soon..." She glanced at Reiji and nodded. "I'll do my best." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That aside, the miko blinked once the professor brought up one other matter. "....?" A scroll was set out, and on it, a woman who looked kind of...no, exactly like Xiaomu was printed. This thing looked pretty old, so... "......" Silence. More silence. Even more silence. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Oh!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cue lightbulb. "So that's why you were so familiar with his work! I thought you were just a big fan..." And like a derp, she kept talking when she should have kept her mouth shut. "...But it makes sense. I mean, you are like, ten times older than me..." Konoe stop talking. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But she didn't. Curiously, she brought a finger to her cheek, tapping thoughtfully. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...Xiaomu-san, do you have kids?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Okay, time to go.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Professor Michi Hanayama smiles, carefully rolling the print back up. "The normal asking price for an original Hokusai print is probably beyond your normal means, Mr. Arisu ... but this is hardly a normal situation." She places the retaining clips again, then slides the roll into a carrying case designed for the purpose of protecting and transporting prints such as this one.<br /><br />"Given the circumstances, I'm afraid it isn't for sale ... but I should be happy to give it to the mysteriously young woman who was his subject." She offers the case to Xiaomu.<br /><br />Of *course* Xiaomu accepts it, handling the case as cautiously as if it were a holy artifact. "Thank you very much, Professor," she says quietly, standing up and bowing deeply to the curator. "If we can bring the Otogizoshi prints back as well, we'll certainly do so."<br /><br />She doesn't answer Konoe's question until after we're out of the offices - the museum is basically deserted EXCEPT for the administrative sections and some guards; the construction crews have gone home for the night. So it's nice and quiet and relatively private.<br /><br />"Like I said," Xiaomu says to the two of you, "Hokusai was perceptive. He saw the world around him as it was, and portrayed it as faithfully as he could ... and he was one of a *very* few people who saw me for what I was, and wasn't afraid. And," she admits with a sheepish grin, "yeah, I was a fan of his work, a huge fan. I came into Edo more often just to see what he'd produced, tried to scrape money together to collect what I could."<br /><br />The grin gives way to a more wistful expression as Xiaomu looks away, staring into space, one hand holding the carrying strap firmly. "Reiji ... you've never had to hide what you are. You're a human in a world full of humans, you might keep what you *do* under wraps, but not what you *are*. Hokusai ... I think he was the first mortal I'd met in centuries that I could be *me* around, and he wouldn't go screaming off for the police or an exorcist. I wasn't close enough to have had children with him," she adds, giving Konoe a rueful grin. "He had his own family, I met them a few times but always with my guard up ... but I didn't need him to be my lover. Being my friend was the second-greatest gift he could ever give me."<br /><br />She lets out a sigh, then takes a deep breath and stands up straigher. "C'mon, let's see if those burglars were sloppy after all. We've got missing art to track down if the trail hasn't gone totally cold."<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3437/Back_At_the_Museum&diff=136103437/Back At the Museum2016-10-02T18:14:29Z<p>Shachihoko: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/11/23<br />
|Location=Tokyo-52605 <NXC><br />
|Synopsis=While visiting the Tokyo National Museum to check on things, Xiaomu runs into Lina, who'd returned to the scene of the Confederate raid.<br />
|Cast of Characters=707, 889<br />
|Tinyplot=Restoration of the Killing Stone<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo-52605, is closed until further notice for repairs.<br /><br />That's what the signs affixed to the glass doors at the main entrance say. Most entrances to the building are solidly locked and have the alarms keyed to go off immediately if anything tries to open them; the only legitimate way in (or out) is through the back door which leads into the museum's administrative offices, with the tightest security that can be managed. The only OTHER way in (or out) is a certain hole that got blasted through a main wall courtesy of some horribly inconsiderate visitors, and that hole has been a major headache for several offices - including Xiaomu's own.<br /><br />Admittedly, there's a gradually-spreading awareness within Tokyo-52605 (and to a lesser extent, throughout that Earth generally) that the Multiverse exists. Shinra has mostly been trying to keep it quiet, but Shinra's authority ends at Japan's borders and there have been warpgates popping open in other countries. The Japanese government *outside* of Shinra has been working on how to explain this to the world, and Shinra's mandate technically only covers protecting the civilian populace from supernatural rampages in the first place, so warpgate stuff is likely to end up in somebody else's hands before long. For now, though, the story is that the museum was breached by a group of terrorists who wanted to loot artwork and artifacts - which is technically exactly what happened. The en-masse mind control had the side effect of befuddling most civilians' memories, so nobody's arguing with the official story.<br /><br />Xiaomu is at the museum for an almost completely unrelated reason, and leaves the curator's office with a look that's about nine parts dejection, one part irritation. Rather than leaving right away, though, she makes her way to the now-vacant exhibition rooms where all of the Hokusai stuff had been on display ...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tokyo-52605... the one that Lina assisted Vega with for a robbery. She gives a light sigh and shakes her head, what the hell was his problem. "I really didn't sign up for that shit..." she mutters in her currently vanished state. "Meh, today was just a bad day..." she muttered, looking around a bit before heading to the hole she made. That tarped up hole.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dropping out of her vanish state, she taps her foot in front of the tarp. Bow on her back and arrows in the quiver. "Well, maybe I should take a look at the damage Vega did. Maybe I can fix that mistake.." with a flourish, her knife comes out and she looks at the tarp with a frown. "Vega, you idiot..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The tarp is basically duct-taped down around the edges, but it's an ordinary tarp. If Lina wanted to slice through it, nothing would really stop her; any guards who are posted at this hole are presumably inside, and nobody's set up added security cameras or anything. Of course, what's INSIDE behind the tarp ... she won't know until she either pries an edge loose or slices her way in.<br /><br />If her hearing is really, really sharp, she might hear footsteps on the other side of the tarp.<br /><br />The footsteps belong to Xiaomu, a slow-cooking anger replacing her dejection. "Confederate *jerks*," she mutters, kicking at an empty spot on the floor.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a quick flourish, a cut is given to the tarp and... then the voice of one of those that was there causes her to freeze. She shakes her head and gives a brief nod, well, here goes nothing, right? She sheathes the wing edge and makes her way through the hole she made, "I know that fustration... I'm sorry." she starts, keeping her hands raised, "I'm sorry for what he did to your people, it wasn't supposed to go that way..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She takes a deep breath, shaking her head, "I didn't sign up for that, I thought it was going to be a smash and grab but, well, when people don't tell me anything. And I couldn't stand to use people as a shield... that's.. just inhuman..." Lina moves up against a wall and leans back, "Umm, so hi."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>If Xiaomu hadn't checked her staff with security when she came in, she would be readying it for a swing. But she isn't, so she doesn't, and she doesn't reach for her handguns either. "You're the least jerky of the bunch that came in here," she says to Lina. "And there was smashing enough already." She tilts her head at the hole. "It's the 'grabbing' part that's bugging me .. all the footage we've got says Shadowlaw didn't get anything except a beatdown. You were the first one to leave, did you snatch anything on your way out?"<br /><br />Her tone isn't accusatory, which is likely to be a good sign for Lina personally. The sage fox clearly wants to know, though.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Nope, didn't get anything. Heck, I even released your kittyperson there. I couldn't stand what Vega was doing so... I bolted. Sorry." she gives a bit of a bow. "There's a lot of nice art here... well, there was. Glad you got it out okay at least." she gives a bit of a shrug and looks towards the hole, "I was responsible for the hole though. Admittedly, I am a bit proud of it. Didn't think that combination of spells would do that." she gives a nervous laugh, trying to defuse the situation...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So, umm.. I just came by to see the place, I'm... sorry for actually helping that jerk of a person..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"If you feel that badly about it," Xiaomu replies with a perfectly straight face, "then I can dig up the estimated cost of repairs, and you can pay as much of it as you can afford without stealing from anybody else."<br /><br />She looks and sounds COMPLETELY serious, too.<br /><br />"But since I doubt you've got that much money, I'll settle for thanking you for that info and accepting the apology." Xiaomu shakes her head, running her fingers along a now-bare pedestal. "Don't expect me to gush or anything. This exhibit meant a lot to me. We may never get that much of Hokusai's art together in one place at the same time for a few decades, or longer."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lina shakes her head some, "I don't expect praise for that or gushing... I honestly didn't expect him to do that, man, was he crazy." she shakes her head a bit, a sigh, "Sometimes the Confederacy worries me... I haven't done much with them but... Vega's..." she shivers and shakes her head one more time. "Ah, if you want I could help out a bit... I mean, I was responsible for some of this, least I could do is make up for it..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She gives another bow, "I really AM sorry. The art was nice, it really was..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Of *course* it was nice," Xiaomu says bitterly. "Hokusai wasn't a great artist because of his signature - he actually *saw* the world around him, perceived it as it *was* instead of what he thought it should look like. And he learned how to capture that, in ink or in carved blocks for printing ... the beauty of the visible and of the invisible, from myths and legends to the reality around him."<br /><br />She lets out a long, slow sigh, then turns to look at Lina. "You're with the Confederacy. Would they let you quit?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lina frowns and looks away from Xiaomu, shaking her head, "Sounds like a few of the artists back home in Odin." she mutters, "Song, dance, things that could be passed on through time." she gives a light sigh and sits back.. "Probably nothing I could do to replace what was damaged huh?" Though, the question about quitting the Confederacy passes through her mind.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Mmm. I.. I don't know, I am not an enlisted person in their army. I mean, part of the reason I'm there is my tuition for my school, through my boss..." she gives a bit of a shrug, "I'm not really supposed to say who he is though.. sorry." she shakes her head a bit "I think it might be possible... why, do you want to hire me or something?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Union might cover tuition," Xiaomu muses, "but I don't know who you'd talk to for confirmation. Probably depends on your boss. Which school?" she wonders casually. She's not about to volunteer any school names that come to mind, though.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Alexander Academy." she states, "DO you think the Union would even want me? Especially after this and helping Number Nine?" she gives a bit of a shrug, "Not sure what my boss would say, he's providing most of the tuition... So I do owe him quite a bit..." she shakes her head some, looking up towards Xiaomu, "Heh, kinda feel like a heel right now.. thought this would have been the best for me to join with him and the Confederacy..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Alexander, huh." Xiaomu folds her arms loosely. "We HAVE got a few of their students in the Union, so there's that. And if you can actually switch to the Union, I'd be glad to have you on our side instead of theirs. Guess it'd be up to your 'boss' - is he in the Confederacy, or back at Alexander, or some other group?"<br /><br />She still seems generally peevish, a little bit, but being able to possibly ferret someone out of the Feds is at least something productive to do instead of sulking.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lina nods, "Alexander, yes. Oh, that's good, do they enjoy it there?" she questions, leaning back some, a grin on her face, "My boss is somewhat associated with the Confederacy. I hear him on their radio bands as well... and he's part of the Academy as well." she thinks a bit, tapping a finger on her chin. "Well, I would not mind... I think. I'm not... sure how I can get out of the Confederacy..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"I could ask if someone could advise you," says Xiaomu, "but that's about the most I can do. Maybe you know somebody who's in our ranks from school - well, probably they're allies, not ranking members. Anyway, I can let people know the question's come up."<br /><br />Her expression darkens again as her gaze drifts around the mostly-empty room. "When I get my hands on whoever grabbed those pages ..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Pages?" she questions, "I could help you." she replies, "Especially if Vega and his gang took them. I'll just take them from them and return them, would that.. at least help some?" she questions, frowning some, "If I can try to make right what happened here, I'd like to."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"You can ask them, sure," Xiaomu replies. "Maybe they grabbed something and kept the cameras or the rest of us from noticing, and if they *DID* then I'd be glad to get 'em back in the museum's hands. Won't mean the exhibit goes up again ..." She nods at the hole in the wall. "There's other suspects, though. Especially for what *did* go missing according to the first count. Staff has to go through one more time and check off every page and sheet they can account for."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lina gives a bit of a nod, "Alright, I'll see if he took anything and see if I can get my hands on it. I'm no thief, not even remotely close to my job classes. But... he owes me for what he did... Not money but..." she shakes her head, "If you need me fore anything else, I do track things and the like, I wouldn't mind helping if that helps..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Job classes, huh?" That term seems to catch Xiaomu's attention in a more favorable manner. "What *are* your classes, then? Archer and demolitionist? ... never played an RPG where 'demolitionist' was a valid player class, though. That'd be more of an FPS thing."<br /><br />Again, she sounds completely serious.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ranger and Red Mage." she starts, "With a bit of time magic as well, mostly utility magic." she gives a big grin, "What I used was a Fira and Quake infused arrow to blow up the wall. I wasn't actualy expecting that to work but hey, it did its job admirably!" a pause, "Sorry..." she shakes her head some, "I take it you like games?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xiaomu grins, "Yeah, big gaming fan. Not that good at some of them, but I hold my own with the stuff I like ..."<br /><br />She pauses, fishing her smartphone out and checking the time readout. "I'd better be on my way. You got enough skill points in Sewing to stitch up that cut you made, or do I have to explain you away so the guards don't freak out harder than they will anyway?" She pauses briefly, then adds,. "... and did you have anything else you wanted to ask before that?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lina shakes her head some, "Ah, well I don't have anything else to ask and yeah, I can patch that up with some ice magic." she grins, "But I won't keep you, and... once again, I'm sorry." she starts to vanish out of sight, a swirl of leaves and wind around her. "OH, the name's Lina. I'll let you know my last name later! Bye!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tarp moves a bit then suddenly freezes over and with that, the girl is out of sight!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"*I* could've done the ice magic with my staff," Xiaomu mutters once Lina's gone. And the ice won't hold forever.<br /><br />The sage fox takes one more look around, then goes off to let one of the security guards know that the frozen-over slash in the tarp isn't something to worry about. It just needs to be closed up better - duct tape or something once the ice melts.<br /><br />Five minutes after THAT, Xiaomu is talking to the curator *again*. The possibility of the missing items being returned is the only thing that mollifies her over the breach in security ... or what was passing for it.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3392/A_Night_At_The_Museum&diff=136093392/A Night At The Museum2016-10-02T18:12:19Z<p>Shachihoko: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/11/15<br />
|Location=Tokyo-52605 <NXC><br />
|Synopsis=A visit to the Tokyo National Museum in their world leads Reiji, Xiaomu, and friends into battle against an unexpected threat.<br />
|Cast of Characters=6, 391, 705, 707, 749, 847, 889<br />
|Tinyplot=Restoration of the Killing Stone<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The Tokyo National Museum in Tokyo-52605 started its big Hokusai around the end of October, roughly when Hokusai is believed to have been born. Hokusai was prolific enough over the course of his life (and multiple names) that a proper display of his work could probably completely take over a museum larger than the TNM; as such, the exhibit is representative rather than comprehensive.<br /><br />But they still managed to get some prints that have only more recently been confirmed as Hokusai's work, and which have never been publicly displayed before. That's enough to attract a lot of interest, out of everyone from legitimate museum-goers and patrons of the arts to the less savory sorts who might be looking to try and grab some loot. Security is reasonably tight for the exhibit proper ... at least, by mundane standards. There are no metal detectors at the doors - this is *Japan*, after all - but there are plenty of uniformed security guards arranged throughout the building, and the prints and paintings on display are generally behind glass, or in a few cases, sandwiched between layers of it.<br /><br />While the museum's security is a matter of some concern to Xiaomu personally, she's not working tonight. In fact, she's actually gone and gotten dressed up. Her usual qipao and vest have been replaced by a midnight-blue velvet cocktail gown with matching opera gloves, and the sandals she normally favors were supplanted for the night by proper ladies' dress shoes, with modestly high heels.<br /><br />She did mention the museum exhibit to a few friends, some within Shinra, some in the Union; she's currently waiting outside the museum for the group to gather.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Dressed rather formally for the evening, Reina looks more like a man than a woman with her jacket and slacks. But formal is formal, and at least it's not a guy wearing a dress, right?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nevertheless, Reina arrives a little earlier than one might expect her to arrive. Based on the way she's walking in her heels, one might think it's because she's not used to wearing them. Or it could be she's just being extra punctual tonight. What does it matter, it's not like she'd tell you.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The lack of a metal detector catches Reina slightly off-guard, but she shrugs it off and makes her way into the museum proper, looking for Xiaomu herself in hopes of greeting her quickly. If Xiaomu were to ask, Reina would insist that she was concerned about getting around the subway system and that she left early to ensure that she had enough time to get there. That's all she'd tell Xiaomu though. Although it should be noted that she realizes she DID see Xiaomu outside, she just didn't recognize her at first because of her dress, so she heads back outside to greet her properly. "I have my reasons for being early," She says, running a hand through her hair. "Let's just say the subway system is a bit TOO efficient!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Konoe had heard tell of this particular exhibit from Xiaomu some time ago, and honestly, she wasn't interested. Art had little meaning to her in any immediate sense. She'd never been in a museum in her life either. But nonetheless, she was mildly curious all the same. Simply for the very same fact that she never had been inside a museum. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Unlike most others however, she didn't have much in the way of casual or formal clothing. And so, she chose to wear her typical Shinra uniform, consisting of a red shirt, black tie, a black skirt, and a pair of white sandals. She wasn't too worried about being a strange youkai among humans tonight. At least they weren't in Akihabara. They place was dreadful. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After some trials navigating the city, Konoe eventually made it to the destination, and spotted Xiaomu some distance away. Oh, was that the building? It seemed like it. Nodding to herself, she decided to approach. "Good evening, Xiaomu-san." Konoe greeted, bowing her head a bit in the process. Reina was given a look and a nod after. "Reina-san, hello." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She came to a stop, glancing up at the building before them. "I'm not late, am I?" She asked, while studying the architecture casually, as if staking out potential danger, even though they weren't on the job.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's not often that Reiji gets to wear a suit. Not that he particularly minds being in combat gear ninety percent of the time, but it's nice to have a change every so often. The exorcist is wearing a sharp, if simple, black jacket, tie and pants with a white undershirt. All in all, about as you would expect for a man in formalwear.<br /><br />It's a little more casually fitted than the usual 'Men in Black' look, but that's not exactly hard to do.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You're fine," Reiji says to Konoe from over Xiaomu's shoulder. "We're just waiting for... whoever else might've decided to turn up." He does cast a somewhat... concerned glance at Konoe's fluffy ears, but the people here might think it's some kind of strange fashion statement, or something.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Going to be a pretty good exhibit, I think," he says, looking towards the museum, "Lot of art up tonight." Hopefully nothing happens to threaten it. Ueno is an excellent venue for something like this kind of thing, though-- there's a temple not at all too far from the museum.<br /><br />And that means logistical support! Just... just in case.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe has come to this event as why not she was curious, also of note she's in a fairly formal red dress which was a creation and gift from Frederica some time ago. She's also here as Tomoe rather than Sheena but she seems to be ready for the event. She was honestly excited to some see this. She comes in a bit late though as she's now looking for where Xiaomu and Reiji have got too. She's quiet as she enters. She's also pretty darn tall it seems she is about six one before any footware gets involved.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xiaomu grins, waving to Reina. "Yeah, the subways usually run pretty smoothly at this time of evening. If it'd been much earlier, or a weekday, it would've taken a LOT longer - and been far less pleasant." She wrinkles her nose, remembering the LAST time she wound up in a subway car full of salarymen on their way home from post-office drinking.<br /><br />The way she runs a hand over her 'hair' (tails) has nothing to do with that, really. She's glad Reiji was able to pry himself away from work's various forms, in any case. Konoe as well, even if she hasn't gotten locked into office work the same way the two Shinra veterans have. "Nope, not late at all, Konoe!"<br /><br />She pauses briefly, spotting Tomoe and waving the big girl over. "And I think that's everyone. Kenji wasn't going to be able to make it, as I recall ... Anyway. Let's go in!"<br /><br />Xiaomu pays for everyone's admission to the exhibit without any discussion; this was her invitation, she gets to pay for it, and it doesn't put a huge dent in her finances. There's a modestly thick brochure provided with the tickets, and a QR code printed on the back of that brochure so those who desire to can download a more extensive digital guide to their smartphone (or Multiversal radio, where compatible).<br /><br />A super-sized print of 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa' hangs on the back wall in the very first room, which provides a general overview of Hokusai's best-known works along with a capsule biographical profile. Beyond that, the exhibit is largely laid out to correspond with the major periods of Hokusai's life and work. Some of his student works are in the first room, along with a number of the brush paintings with which he first gained fame. Further in, you can see a number of the books which he worked on, from lesson-books in drawing to selections of the 'Hokusai Manga,' and a series of illustrations from an early-19th-century edition of the Otogizoshi, a traditional collection of Japanese folklore, myths, and legends.<br /><br />And Xiaomu appears to be *fully* engrossed in exploring the exhibit. She downloaded the full guide to her phone ahead of time, and is so attentive to taking a long look at every item that you'd swear she had a checklist and was working her way through it before moving on to each room. To those who know her more as a gamer or anime fan, this might seem out of place ...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So, tell me why we're doing this again? I'll bust the wall open for you but hey, I want a cut of whatever you're making here." the voice comes from the girl with a bow and a red and brown glowing arrow. "These arrows aren't cheap to make." they were but he doesn't have to know, right? Lina takes aim, muttering some kind of spell before the arrow glows brighter, "Well, here goes nothing, I've not tried a Firaquake Arrow before. This will be ... fun."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She draws a bead from bow sight to a side wall, nodding, "Do what you need to do, I'll prepare my net arrows to pin people down to make sure you're uninterrupted. HOpefully they don't mind a magical sniper." drawing the bow back a bit more, she's going to get every ounce of power out of this shot, the arrow finally reaching its max glow, the right amount of MP inputted. "Firaquake Arrow." and with the thwip of the arrow being released, she waits for it to hit the target.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The arrow embeds itself into the outside wall of the museum and soon, the entire building begins to shake rapidly, almost like a magnitude five earthquake. But what's not expected is the following. A loud explosion creating a firey opening from where the arrow hit, the size of a couple men could fit through it with ease. "Hey, it worked. After you, Sir."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reina isn't too big on art generally, but she was invited to come along so she does try to show as much interest in this whole thing as she can. It's a little forced, but hopefully it should look genuine enough to convince any onlookers that she's paying full attention to what she's seeing. She nods a little and makes random comments as to what she's looking at, although it's somewhat obvious she finds some of this stuff a bit on the unusual side.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hence the reason you need to brush up your cultural knowledge," Reina mutters to herself as she runs a hand through her ponytail while continuing to browse.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:749|Vega (749)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shinra fights monsters. That is what Shinra does. They regulate, protect, and face off against the various oddities of the Japanese spiritual world, the things that don't make sense in the world of the mundane and can't be known by the general public. They are the first and last line of defense against the myriad selfish, self-righteous, fickle creatures of the Japanese spirit world, who guard the public from those moments when the universes of monster and man collide and expand beyond the confines nature granted them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This is one of those moments. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Even before the explosion, there's a feeling of...unease...in the air. Patrons, tensed. Guards, reaching nervously for their weapons. There's something in the air, an unpleasantness, a palpable and notable *wrongness* that permeates the museum like a mist. It doesn't even take supernatural senses to feel it, as evidenced by the sheer number of patrons and guards getting twitchy with each other. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then comes the explosion as the arrow shakes and bursts. The wall comes crumbling in, filling the room with smoke and dust. Through it... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Through it come soldiers. They are well-trained men in black and red body-armor, wearing gas masks, with a winged-skull symbol prominently on their uniforms. They bear weapons far more advanced than anything in the current world, weapons that bear the distinct thrum of lasers, which they wield with surprising and professional aptitude, fanning out in all directions. A little bit of chatter can be heard as they move in small squads, guns at the ready: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sweep for Aurics!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So this isn't an attack on the tour group. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That, however, may be small comfort. As the soldiers fan through, behind them comes another figure. It's a beautiful man in a mask and tight pants and *nothing else*, a horrible-looking claw attached to the back of his hand, a serpent tattoo winding around his back. He walks in like he owns the place, immediately looking around. He taps one of the soldiers on the shoulder. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The soldier nods. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Enter, Master Vega, lovely miss," the tattooed man says, bowing low at the hole. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It is at this point that the second figure enters. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This figure is far, far more concerning. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He's only six feet tall, but his mere presence is like a physical thing, filling the room to make him seem larger than life, larger than the petty confines of 'flesh' can really bear. A cloak is pulled around his body as he *floats* - not walks, but *floats*, as if the ground itself is too base for him to set for upon - through the hole, and a hat sits perched upon his head, a hat with the same skull-and-wing symbol as the soldiers. His face is affixed with a terrible grin as he passes various civilians, blank white eyes - *soulless* eyes - sweeping the room with practiced ease. He's looking for something. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Fan out," the man intones, and his voice is as horrible as his presence, a mockery of everything light and good and just, a voice that cannot conceive of a joy not born of *hurting other people*, "Take everything we can fit in the carrier." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The monster - for that is the only thing he can be, a monster, a true and unrelenting Monster the sort that no longer shows up in these civilized centuries - tilts his head at Lina. "Yes. You will be well-compensated for this. The word of Vega is the word of Shadowlaw."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe is waved over and heads to join up with the tiny fox spirit. Or is that Oni? Demon? Sigh she'll figure it out and it's hard to tell given Xiaomu is about as much of a nerd as she is, if not more. She will have to talk to Xiaomu later. For now she follows along to take in the art, and she's got no issue triggering the QR code with her smartphone. <br /><br /> "You really like this don't you Xiaomu? See anything from when you were younger?" <br /><br /> She's not making an old joke here she's honestly curious if this is the sort of thing she might have seen them painted of was aware of them long ago. <br /><br /> She was enjoying herself too when everything goes to heck as soldiers and he yells about sweerping for Elites, okay someone's on the ball already from that and that feeling of uneash she felt. She's not even fully /here/, well it's explined and she's going to try to play dumb for the moment, as there's a lot of possible horages here, it could get messy very fast.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Uh-huh..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Konoe nodded at Xiaomu, managing a small smile as they made their way into the museum at last. They were paid for and were soon inside. She had no idea how to use 'QR Codes' or read very well, much less write, so the pamplet was mostly useless to her. But that wasn't what was important right now. What was important was that since the moment she set foot into this place, something felt /wrong/. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She couldn't place her finger upon what or how, but it just did. And thus, she couldn't focus. She passed by each piece, giving it a distracted look, and then moving on without really taking it in as the art it was. "Um, am I the only one who fee-" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BLAM <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There went a part of a wall on the other side of the grounds, opposite her position. She jumped at the sound, managing to keep from yelping out loud. "Wha-Who are they?" She muttered, stepping back as she watched the black and red garbed soldiers fan in through the hole. They were armed to the teeth. To a level she wouldn't place to this world. Offworlders? Maybe, but she couldn't be sure. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The man in the mask came next, which got a few slow blinks from her. ...She'd think he was a joke, if it weren't for that rather cruel looking claw he had on his hand. The last to enter gave her pause. "......" Whoever that man was, covered in a cloak and grinning in a manner that would equate him more with a monster than a human. "...That's...That's a human?" Anotheer muttered concern from Konoe as she frowned, and then took in the foot soldiers fanning out. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 'Sweep for Aurics!' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Her ears twitched at that. Aurics? What were those supposed to be? Elites? That was the term she'd heard most. Maybe that was it? Well, either way, this didn't look good. Rather than run in, ofuda blazing, the miko leaned aside to Xiaomu and Reiji. "Do we know who they are? How are we going to approach this? ...There are civilians around too."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xiaomu grins sheepishly at Tomoe. "Oh, you have *no* idea," she says playfully. The aura of unease seems to roll right off of her in the midst of the sage fox's good mood; she might not even be aware of that tension or the wrongness seeping through the museum. She doesn't even seem to pay particular heed to the earthquake - if you live in Japan long enough, you just get *used* to occasional rumbles in the ground. Sometimes you barely notice them ... but a magnitude-five temblor is pretty noticeable. Even then, Xiaomu seems more worried about the displays than the architecture; it's enough that she doesn't reply further to Tomoe.<br /><br />Then there's an explosion, and Xiaomu's good mood evaporates into shock. "... attacking a *museum*, of all the ..."<br /><br />The soldiers invade, and with her face going stony, Xiaomu crosses the rooms to meet them, her eyes narrowing at their leader.<br /><br />Auric? Xiaomu is downright supernatural, *AND* experienced enough to be an Elite even if her raw power wasn't enough.<br /><br />She's also pissed off, but - for whatever reason, self-preservation is only *one* possibility - restraining herself. "You have so much nerve," she growls at Vega. "Property damage, reckless endangerment ... and all just to steal a bunch of art? I thought the raid on the Exodar the other night was bad, but attacking a *museum* of all places - are there any depths the Confederacy WON'T sink to?!"<br /><br />She may be fully dressed, but Xiaomu feels decidedly naked without her staff or her guns. Not that a lack of weapons makes her entirely helpless; she just likes having a full deck of options. Hopefully Reiji is better-armed than she is; he seems to have slipped away for the moment.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Normally, Reina wouldn't be startled by something like this happening, since her senses are usually on high alert. However, her attempt to act interested has gotten a bit too real since she's engrossed in the artwork and is completely brought out of her trance when the explosion occurs. "What the hell was that?" Reina asks to no one in particular. Her instincts tell her it's most likely the Confederacy. Even if it's not, they're obviously not friendly, and must be taken care of immediately.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Unngh... ow... owww!" Reina whispers as she runs after Xiaomu, finding that running in heels isn't as easy as it might seem in the movies. She almost loses her balance at one point but regains her footing, pausing long enough to duck into a women's restroom and switch off her heels for a pair of regular sneakers that she snuck in (how? That's her secret!) Not as formal but desperate times call for desperate measures!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rushing back to where the explosion sounds like it came from, Reina is unsurprised to find a bunch of weird looking goons standing there. "So, attacking a museum? Either there's something VERY high valued here, or you're just very dumb." Reina folds her arms and clicks her tongue a little. "Either way, you're gonna regret messing with us!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The archer's sitting at the back, where she belongs, preparing another arrow and this one seemed to have a bigger tip inside of it. She pulls out a few more arrows of the same type and nods. "Let's see if I can do this..." she gives a bit of a nod and as soon as she gets her opening from Vega, she fires. Aiming at civilians to keep them pinned down, mostly to protect them. "Blizzara Nets powering up." and with four thwips of the arrows leaving the bow, they're off.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once past Vega and his 'army', the nets explode out into heavy ice-laced nets designed to keep whatever is under the net down and with this, she starts to stroll up towards the hole and Vega, a grin under that green Ranger's cap of hers, but before she gets there, a swirl of leaves and wind surround her, the ranger dissapearing from sight. "NOw they see me, now they don't!" At least, she hopes they don't see her.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The ranger girl takes a few looks around and pulls out one more arrow, readying it but not firing, that'd give her away. 'Now, what to get for Mister Vega. What would he like. Probably everything...'<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The second member of Shinra's most effective field team was, at that moment, on the museum's second floor. He had wanted to take a look at one of the artist's more recently discovered pieces for... personal reasons. Now, though, he's quite thankful that he made the move.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That there is the thing that Reiji was kind of hoping they wouldn't have to deal with. A nice day at the museum interrupted by what he can only presume to be are interdimensional super-Nazis. After the conclusion of Operation Tenebrae in the fourties, he was kind of hoping that those wouldn't even be around in any real capacity anymore, but that's the thing about the multiverse, he supposes.<br /><br />It's a good thing that the Shinra Organization has contingencies in place in case of spontenous jackbooted thugs.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji's brow furrows as he stares through the swirling dust and straight ahead into That Man's terrible aura. "One of these nights," he sighs, rubbing mildly at his forehead, "I'd really love to not have to deal with this kind of bullshit."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He draws back the sleeve of his coat, revealing what appears to be a completely ordinary and quite simple wristwatch. Except for the fact that Reiji has brought it up to speak into it. "Authorization Sigma-Rho-Tau," the watch's face flashes once. It blinks twice. "Mainterm - Access," A little antenna extends from its face. "Call - Ryuki," the museum seems to shudder briefly. For about a full city block in all directions, it's as though a minor tremor has taken hold. "Mode," his eyes sharpen, "Active."<br /><br />Another tremor. This one significantly more powerful than the first.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji simply unbuttons his coat. Casually, he steps towards the bannisters overlooking the floor below. With a flourish, he swings his jacket over his shoulder and leaps down.<br /><br />The wall behind him explodes.<br /><br />A MASSIVE RED TANK drives in, just in time for Reiji to land on its nose.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A man in a conspicuously voluminous black trenchcoat appears from one of the vessel's airlocks and slings a familiar set of weapons at the man on top of the vehicle. "Thanks, Yatagarasu," he nods to the apparent Shinra Agent before tossing his own suit-coat the man's way.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hey, Xiaomu!" Reiji roars over the panicking crowd as he leaps from his perch. Karin explodes from its sheath, swung into one of the aforementioned thugs. "We've got supplies!"<br /><br />Other Shinra Agents begin moving in, too.<br /><br />Did they plan for an attack like this!?<br /><br />Probably not specifically, but this is THEIR city, and they've got the resources to protect it.<br /><br />(As to how the tank got here so quickly-- well, Tokyo's rail system is a hell of a thing.)<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:749|Vega (749)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ah. The heroes arrive. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This is, more or less, how these things *go*. As soon as they show up, chatter among the soldiers *explodes*, and they start hurriedly training guns on Xiaomu, Reina, and the others who are actually making their pesence known. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lina gets an opening when the Dictator simply *vanishes*. There's a burst of purple fire, and he's just gone. He reappears in another flash, near the ceiling of the room. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That horrible grin has not changed. Vega's hands snap outwards, brushing aside the cape. He's dressed in gear that frankly looks worthy of the name /Dictator/, a heavy belt, a military uniform that bears resemblance to both German and Thailand officer uniforms, and, again, that damn Skull-With-Wings Symbol. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He starts laughing. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It is not a nice laugh. It is a skin-crawly laugh, the kind of laugh that makes fun of people who say things like 'depths'. In fact it is the word /depths/ that sets off his wild, mocking laughter, a laughter that - /most disturbingly/ - starts echoing through the *civilians* in the area. Panicking civilians freeze mid-motion to throw back their heads. Hostages start laughing and spreading their arms. Soon it's not one mocking laugh but a chorus of them, spreading like wildfire, like plague. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The man in the mask noticably shudders. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then the laughter suddenly stops, and the Dictator's massive finger points outwards, like an accusing judge. "What a foolish thing to ask of me. You who guard the purposeless world, rejoice! The artifice of your civilization - /depths/, /heights/, *morality*, *justice* - the gears that turn the purposeless engine you call the world - show their first cracks this day! Today is the beginning of a new order, a new existence, for this pitiably corrupt world spinning without meaning through the void of all existence!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I am <span class=" fg_m bg_n ++ m">Vega</span>, lord of Shadowlaw! Sing the hallelujahs of my existence, and know that today is the most important day of your lives - for I am he who gives purpose to the aimless, judgement to the weak, and strength to those who have the courage to grasp it!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vega flicks his hand outwards, and the <span class=" bold_fg_c bg_n ++ hc">mind-controlled hostages</span> start rising. They move to tackle Reina, Konoe and Tomoe to the ground, to impede the Shinra reinforcements. The soldiers, well-armed, start moving to flank with Lina, firing lasers in her targets' directions with a sci-fi PYEWWWW. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">Balrog</span> rushes to the fore, dancing between hostages with ease. He spins over the top of them and drops, raising a claw at Xiaomu. "I hope, senorita, that you are as much fun to peel as you are to look at it," he murmurs, and then his claw goes swinging in, fast and furious. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Meanwhile, <span class=" fg_m bg_n ++ m">Vega</span> turns to face Reiji and the tank. His hand reaches outwards, and purple fire engulfs the tank. His temple pulses with obvious effort, and a bit of blood rolls down his nose. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He makes a physical motion, a jerking motion, like he's pulling something. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The tank drags forward towards Reiji, and the museum, and the mind-controlled crowd at large. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What do?!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe Was having a good time with Xiaomou and the others she gets she's just here remotley and well she can get better if she gets taken down. She's an elite as well with a bit of experiance she's been smart enough to not start a fight outright given she was totally out in the open and hte ears are a give away she's not a local to be sure. She knows of Vega, but not his two main helpers. The man in the mask though gives off a vibe that sone of the Laughing Coffin did back in the day and she does not like that. She also knows that a lot of people are being controls here too. She's going to play along for now and look for an opening where she can act even if her gear's not out she still has her 'spells' for lack of a better term. She's got a plan but she need sto wiat it out while Balrog , Vega and Lina get more engaged in other things.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A sigh escaped from Konoe's lips and she rubbed her forehead as everything went to hell in a neat little handbasket at mach speed. "Not even on a day off..." The nets were fired in. "Kh..!" It was too late to dodge out of the way by the time she heard those thwips however, and before she realized it, she was pinned to the ground under a net that suddenly started etting /really/ cold. "What the-- Hey! Where did this even-" Konoe's immediate thought was to slash the net apart, but ice was quickly growing out from the net and onto her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Despite all of this, she could spy Vega floating high above near the ceiling. And then came the laughter. The creepy, terrifying laughter that echoed in from all around as innocents laughed along with him, as if possessed. This only made her glare up at him. "...This is supposed to be simple art exhibit! Where do you get off crashing in here, stealing what isn't yours, and threating innocent lives like this!?" She would have flown up and engaged him herself, but...well, this freezing net around her wasn't really helping that line of thinking. She'd have to leave that to Reiji and...the tank he called in. Well, that would do it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With Shinra personnel flooding in to meet with the Shadowlaw troops, Konoe redoubled her efforts on trying to break free of the net around her. It would have been simple if she could move her limbs and claw it away, but the ice was growing onto her body, lowering her internal temperature and binding her to the net. "Grrr....!" Who the hell fired this thing? It was cheap and unfair! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Whoever fired this, come out here and face me fair and square!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The civilians are definitely under mind control of some kind. Reina knows there's nothing she can do about it as they come at her. But she also knows that she can't risk hurting anyone either. At least not unnecessarily. Fortunately, Reina knows how to utilize CQC (or the GUARDIANS equivelant) in a situation like this, meaning that she's glad she doesn't have her weapons on hand right now. That would be risking civilian lives, and even one collateral damage case is more than enough to get Reina chewed out by Laia Martinez... and that is NOT pleasant!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm sorry I have to do this," Reina calls out, although it's more than likely the mind controlled civilians aren't listening anymore. "It's for your own good!" She attempts to grab the nearest mind controlled civilian coming at her and attempts to deliver a CQC-styled takedown. However, the takedown is done with extra control so that it's more like attempting to subdue the target rather than actually knock them out. She wants to avoid having to do that if she can.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>At the moment the icenet arrows were launched, Xiaomu was PROBABLY too close to Vega for Lina to aim at properly. Lucky her.<br /><br />However, Vega promptly TELEPORTS AWAY like a man with no sense whatsoever of good manners. And Reiji busts out a giant prototype mobile armory/urban tank, which prompts a faintly predatory smile to cross Xiaomu's lips. But before she can go fetch her weaponry, she's accosted by a clawed man who might be suave if he weren't so damn creepy.<br /><br />Xiaomu is fast enough on the dodge to twist away from the claw; one blade's tip nicks the shoulder of her dress, and fabric starts giving way. "Please," she scoffs at Balrog. "You know what happened to the last guy who wanted to 'peel' me against my will?"<br /><br />"Because *nobody does.*"<br /><br />And she doesn't even give Balrog time to parse the threat before she dives in, trying to get under the matador's guard and suplex his masked face right into the floor. Being disarmed only makes Xiaomu a little bit less dangerous - not helpless.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji watches as the Man In Red rises. He listens as he gives his speech. He... frowns severely as the whole mess of civilians start roaring with megalomaniacal laughter. "Mind control," he growls under his breath. "You're using civilians as shields? Wow, you guys really are Nazis."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;More immediately threatening, though, is the fact that the tank is being mind-tossed at him like some kind of massive, metal ragdoll. Agents yell warnings as they press back against the horde of Shadowlaw troops-- and now civilians. Reiji's frown only deepens.<br /><br />It's going to be one of those days.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a soft huff, the exorcist leaps into the air. He lands on its nose as it's jerked forward. Down below, agents peel through the crowd, moving desperately out of the way. Some fall prone, others brace themselves against walls.<br /><br />Reiji only speaks a command into his watch.<br /><br />"Flight mode."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tank, swathed in purple fire, shudders. Enormous wings unfold from either of the vehicle's sides as the dome on its roof slides apart to reveal a pair of turbofans. Wind blasts downward, blowing agents and soldiers and civilians alike away. Rockets engage, carrying the thing forward, upward, towards the man called Dictator.<br /><br />It only gets halfway before the engines die and the whole thing smashes into a wall and edges itself between a maintenance tunnel and a support column.<br /><br />Reiji is gone.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's gone because he's leaping, rapidly, up into the rafters. Karin blazes, filling the air with incendiary air as he dives in to take a swing at the psychic juggernaut that is Vega. "You're asking the wrong people to sing Hallelujah," he quips.<br /><br />"This is Japan. Most of us are only Christian when we get hitched!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:749|Vega (749)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Innocent lives. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vega's head tilts downwards, and his grin, already too large for his face, spreads even *wider*, like his skull is threatening to pop out of his skin. It's not pleasant. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Innocent lives?" The question has the tone of a scholar poking at some new, fascinating idea - one that runs contrary to *all* his theories. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He starts laughing again. The people, in mid-swing and mid-kick in *many* cases, start laughing with him once more. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You call these pitiful things /lives/?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vega's fingers close into a meaty fist. "Empty, worthless creatures. They amble about the world, drinking in its splendors, poisoning its glories. They feast like parasites on the resources of the natural world, without thought or care given for how much they consume. Self-centered and blind to that which lies around them, they devour glory, clawing for every scrap they can pry from the hands of the great in some effort to validate their emptiness. They are chaff, glue, the meaningless and bland that lurks between those of true ambition and will because something *must* exist for those with power to work their power upon." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Innocent lives," Vega, and the whole room mocks with him, "They cry out for someone to save them from their drudgery. They go through life, begging of the world: what is my purpose?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A bunch of the mind-controlled people echo him at random intervals. "What is my purpose?" floats around through the room as a bunch of civilians get taken down by Reina with ease. They're probably going to wake up sore, but they're out cold with no major injuries, so who cares about a few bumps and bruises? They're *alive*. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vega lets "what is my purpose" echo through the room from the mouths of the controlled for a moment before he picks up where he left off. "And I am the answer! Their purpose is Vega! They have lived, wandering, empty, for this moment! And if I so will it they will *die* for this moment!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As if to emphasize, several of the mind-controlled civilians rush the Shinra soldiers. The ones fighting Reina lift guns from the fallen Shadowlaw soldiers and start backing away from her, opening fire. Some of them even go rushing the tank, but when its engine bursts and it hits the support column, they turn their attentions to Reiji. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tomoe has something of an opening, if she wants to help Xiaomu - although dealing with the civilians may prove difficult! <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">Balrog</span> is engaged in defending himself from Xiaomu as he's caught in the throw. He goes slamming into the ground, though *not* facefirst - in fact, he twisted to protect his face, in a shocking display of acrobatic skill. There's still a nasty cracking noise - but not as much of one as Xiaomu probably expected. Balrog is much, much tougher than he looks. Bent-over backwards, Balrog wraps his legs around Xiaomu's waist. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Senorita," Balrog manages, "You will need to do better than this." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Balrog brings his feet up and around to smash Xiaomu down into the ground and get atop her. The claw swings upwards, going right for her face as she goes down - hoping to score something a bit more than a 'nick'. It's a technique you don't often see in Spanish fighting styles...but it also bears resemblance to riding a bull? Kind of?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:749|Vega (749)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class=" fg_m bg_n ++ m">Vega</span>, fresh from his speech, takes a burning sword to the chest. It carves through his outfit, setting his cape ablaze and digging deep into his skin. Blood pools out of the wound, spilling to the ground. It's a deep, nasty cut, made all the nastier for the black burn spreading across his skin. But, curiously, Vega's face doesn't...react. He doesn't scream, or cry out. He doesn't even *twitch*. He most definitely *took* the hit, and he's most definitely *bleeding*, and...humans should *scream* at something like that. Humans should have really big physical reactions, but Vega just.../doesn't/. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This is made all the more horrible as Vega surges forward, making a very good attempt to grab Reiji by the throat and *crush him into the wall*. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vega is *very* strong. That psychic power isn't just for telekinesis. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You have spirit," Vega informs Reiji with a horrific purr, "I enjoy breaking that." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Let us see how long it takes me." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; White eyes flare with purple fire as Vega removes his telekinetic might from the tank and starts applying all of it directly for Reiji's temples.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lina moves into place, kicking at the ice net that was made, breaking the spell off of it and hoisting the arrow back, reeling the net back in and putting it back in her quiver. She reappears in a another wind swept leaves and smiles at Konoe, "Hey, I'm sorry about that, didn't mean to hit you. Meant t hit the people around here to protect them. I know, I know, kinda awkward right?" she smirks. "So, are we okay? I mean, if you got frostbite I have a few cure spells I can do."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's about this time Lina finally pays attention to some of the stuff around her. The laughing people, the mention of human shields, something in her chest just sinks and, with a quick cure spell on Konoe, without hitting her with an arrow... she vanishes once more, backing away. "Woah, I didn't sign up for this. Thought this was just gonna be burst in, disable the guards, take the goods and run..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Heading towards her hole in the wall, she reappears once more, "I can't stay, this is not the way it should be, really..." and with this, off she goes, vanishing once more into nothing.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With the civilians taken care of, Reina breathes a sigh of relief. Then she spots the other cronies of Vega, his soldiers namely, as well as that guy named 'Balrog.' Reina could go after Balrog, but is having strong opposition internally to it. Then after a moment she decides to go after the soldiers instead. It might be one versus many, but before Reina was holding back. Now she's not holding anything back, so the soldiers had best not underestimate her! "Come one, come all, come take on the one they call Reina Kinney!" She says with an evil smirk before attempting to go after the nearest soldier.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xiaomu actually blinks as she feels Balrog counter-grabbing her. He's *human*, right? How the hell did he -<br /><br />*WHAM*<br /><br />How doesn't matter, really; what matters is that freaking claw driving at her face. Xiaomu's arms are free now, though; Balrog may have surprised her with that maneuver, and the impact rattled her pretty well, but she can still bring both hands up to catch Balrog's descending claw, two of her fingers sliding between the claw's blades. She's also STRONGLY aware that Reiji is in a hell of a lot of trouble at this particular moment, and that doesn't do her mood any favors. So ...<br /><br />"You're human behind that stupid plate of a mask, right? DAKKI NO KATA!!"<br /><br />Xiaomu fights dirty. One hand is pulled away from blocking the claw's descent, and she practically plants it on Balrog's chest as she starts trying to leech life energy away from the matador - and she's not holding back on the energy drain. She honestly wants this guy either dead or incapacitated, and if achieving the latter skirts a little too close to the former ... well, too bad for him, right?<br /><br />The drawback to THAT is that Dakki no Kata isn't a fast-kill move, or even a fast-anything. It's damage-over-time, and not an effect she typically sustains for very long at a go. But her other hand, while largely occupied, can still do things.<br /><br />Things like shooting dark magic lasers from her fingertips. That should tear Balrog's claw arm up some more; maybe she can even pull the claw off his hand if the 'laser' from her thumb happens to cut through the right straps or something. She's not being picky.<br /><br />Just pragmatic.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe is going to have to think like a support today and not a tank or damage dealer. She can try to hinfer the people who are being controlled for the moment she's got a few debufffs but not many, hopefully it will be enough though she starts to chant runes go flying about her as she rises, it's nose, badly accented norse and she'll attempt to debuff the civilians making movments harder for them to allow her allies better movment and Balrog might just get caught up in it too.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vega's entire speech sets Konoe's blood boiling. Gritting her teeth, she has plenty of choice words for him, but...those people being mind controlled, robotically repeating that like... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 'What is my purpose?' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ...Honestly, deep down, she asked herself the same question now and then. What /is/ her purpose? Why is she here now? Alive? "...No, no, no!" Rapidly shaking her head, Konoe dispelled the thought. That buying into the man in red's agenda! She wouldn't fall for that! She needed to break out of his net first and- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Whuh-?" Right about when Konoe was considering flaring up with her entire body to burn the net away, it's...removed? She blinked a number of times, looking up as Lina appeared before her and apologized. "Uh...um..." She blinked a couple times at the ranger, dumbfounded enough to fail to respond to her in a meaningful way. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then she vanishes. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "....That was strange." The miko stood to her feet, mumbling to herself as she stared off at the hole that the departed ranger left through. "...." Suppose that the enemy wasn't quite as unified as she figured? Shelving the thought, Konoe took a glance about from where she stood. What should she do? Reiji was busy with the man himself. Xiaomu was busy with the masked man. Reina was handling the foot soldiers, Tomoe was running support... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Her place wasn't up front, dealing with the major threats, Konoe nodded to herself and with a sleight of hand, several ofuda appeared in her grasp. Time to do something about these mind controlled civilians. Turning her back from the major conflict, Konoe threw out several ofuda charms that darted through the air and latched onto people's foreheads. They would actively attempt to purify any corrupted essence from their body of minds...assuming the root cause of this was something related to that brand of energy to start with. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Several more charms were thrown out occasionally as she navigated the grounds, avoiding getting tackled or attacked by sometimes narrow margins. Sheesh, stupid humans getting their minds taken!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Vega is human.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji is at least sure of that. His ambition, his desires, his twisted worldview, it's all something that the human race is inherently, intensely capable of. Few creatures in this world are capable of such hubris, though the Dictator's utter lack of response to Karin's burning cut is almost enough to make Reiji consider whether he's one of the other ones.<br /><br />And then the enormous juggernaut of a man has him by the throat.<br /><br />A split second later, and Reiji's body is used to smash a crater into a major retaining wall.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The exorcist's yell is crushed in his throat. Several wet pops and hard cracks resound through the hollow of his chest as bones break and ribs puncture flesh. Blood bubbles up his throat, leaking from between his teeth.<br /><br />But the worst part is yet to come.<br /><br />The worst part is when Vega starts trying to crush his skull with his mind.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji's scream fills the museum. It's a terrible, painful, blood-curdling noise. The sound of a hero pressed to the breaking point, of strength being bent over a knee until it begins to crumble to pieces.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The shock fades. The pain, filling all the world, dissolves into numb oblivion. Sensory overload leads to sensory dissolution. Reiji's eyes fall into a glassy, half-conscious dullness as his scream dies away.<br /><br />Karin clatters to the ground.<br /><br />The world draws into terrible focus. Black and white and grey, with vision and image vanishing into the abyss of darkness. The last thing he can see is the Dictator's terrible, hateful, mirthful stare.<br /><br />Silence falls.<br /><br />But.<br /><br />But that's not the way it ends.<br /><br />Silence falls.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the split second between consciousness and oblivion, between life and death, Reiji has chosen his trump card. A blade that is only a 'blade' in the broadest sense slides away from its sheath without even a whisper. No, not away. It slides *through* the sheath. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mortality made manifest, death's reach hewn into killing steel. Darkdrift- Kuroshio- is unleashed, the work of a distant, primordial God of Death, whose touch is felt lightly on this world. It moves through the air; quite literally it moves THROUGH the air.<br /><br />Molecules of oxygen and nitrogen simply do not see it- do not interact with it- as it passes them by.<br /><br />Space itself seems to bend to ignore it, as if the blade was something beyond its authority to restrict.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In a span of a fraction of a moment, Reiji swings that blade. Again and again and again, faster than the eye can see, he swings a weapon which light can barely even touch. In a desperate fight for his life, against an entity of tremendous psychic power, Reiji Arisu brings to bear the power of First Death.<br /><br />And for that terrible, subtle, violent, invisible flurry of motion, Vega can plainly see...<br /><br />Reiji's eyes-- the will within them-- they are all crystal clear.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:749|Vega (749)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Konoe's quick thinking saves her from her own misery. She breaks out of the net, hurling charms at the various possessed citizens. The charms spread outwards, knocking them unconscious, and they slump to the ground like puppets with cut strings. The ones who don't get cut get hit with Tomoe's debuff, slowing down to make it easy for the Shinra soldiers to take them, alive and unharmed. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">Balrog</span> gets a blast of that, too. The Spanish Ninja, normally *lightning*-fast, gets *heavily* slowed. Xiaomu gets her hand on him without problem, and starts drinking in his life force, and- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And he has a TON of it! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WAY more than an ordinary human should! He's got *massive* amounts of chi! In fact, Xiaomu can feel, he's actually in full control of his chi, and she's having a lot of trouble leeching from him because he's guiding it down into his legs - which answers that question pretty well! She's getting what she can, but she's not gonna be able to drink him dry any time soon, even by the standards of that technique. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Xiaomu solves that problem by shooting him in the arm. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Xiaomu pulls the claw off his hand, and Balrog shrieks and releases her, diving away. He goes vanishing into the crowd, *exactly like a ninja*, and, seeing this, the Shadowlaw soldiers start pulling out with him, leaving Vega behind to fend for himself. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This is not a thing that Vega is worried about. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vega is wrapped up in himself. Vega's ego is beyond human capacity. His delight in Reiji's pain is evident in his lips, if not in his eyes, his disturbingly-soulless eyes, those terrible, blank eyes. As Reiji wriggles and twists, as Vega feels him falling into unconsciousness, Vega starts laughing. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That laugh is a bit too early. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reiji carves through the air with the power of a god of death. The weapon comes uncomfortably close to Vega, but it doesn't actually *touch* him. However...however, as it cleaves through the aura around him, Vega actually *recoils*, releasing Reiji and jerking backwards as if he'd been struck, personally. He dodges out of the way *just* before the blade can be hit, but Xiaomu, Reiji, and Konoe can all feel a *powerful* psychic scream that rips through the area. Several civilians, not yet tagged or knocked out, fall over, unconscious. The Shinra troops probably get a blast of it too. Pretty much everyone in the *area*, psychic or otherwise, gets a shot, maybe even Tomoe. It's not an attack. It's a *thrashing*, a *pain*, like that strike on his aura hurt *him*, far more than the burning blade. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vega hovers there, with no visible, physical pain. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But that psychic scream is *undeniable*. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then, as suddenly as he came, Vega vanishes. There's a burst of purple fire, and he's gone. The Shadowlaw soldiers have retreated, too. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CASUALTIES: ........0! <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ART STOLEN: .....0! <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BONUS POINTS: +50 (DeClawed), +50 (Aura Break) <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; RANK: ........S! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MISSION COMPLETE!<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Restoration_of_the_Killing_Stone&diff=13608Restoration of the Killing Stone2016-10-02T18:06:33Z<p>Shachihoko: Created page with "{{TPPage |Summary=When the legendary fox spirit Tamamo-no-Mae was hunted down and killed on the orders of Emperor Konoe, it was said that her body was transformed into the Ses..."</p>
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<div>{{TPPage<br />
|Summary=When the legendary fox spirit Tamamo-no-Mae was hunted down and killed on the orders of Emperor Konoe, it was said that her body was transformed into the Sessho-Seki, the "Life-Destroying Stone," which exuded a mist that killed any human who drew near. Eventually, the Killing Stone was destroyed, although legends differ as to who was responsible. Some sources say that a Buddhist monk interceded with Tamamo-no-Mae's ghost and persuaded her to move on; other tellings claim that a samurai was able to close in and shatter the stone. Either way, the Killing Stone was shattered and its curse was lifted ...<br />
<br />
But now, with new information as to the legend of Tamamo-no-Mae, the criminal syndicate Ouma has begun searching for the surviving pieces of the Killing Stone. Towards this end, Ouma has reached out to the Confederacy, seeking assistance in countering the likely interference of not only Shinra, but other members of the Union. Who will find the pieces of the Killing Stone - and what will Ouma do when they get their hands on it?<br />
|Scale=Minor<br />
|Plot_id=33<br />
|Runner=707<br />
|Contacts=Reiji Arisu<br />
|Theme=Namco X Capcom-1<br />
|Audience=Everyone<br />
|Genre=Supernatural scavenger hunt<br />
|Events=Last November, during an exhibition of Hokusai's work, there was a Confederate incursion at the Museum of National History in Tokyo-52605; during the clean-up, museum staff discovered that several pages of Hokusai's Otogizoshi - a collection of myths and folklore - had been stolen, specifically the pages retelling the legend of Tamamo-no-Mae. There were no leads towards finding the missing pages, though, and both Shinra and the museum's staff eventually turned their attention back to business as usual.<br />
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Almost a year later, Ouma sent a message to the Confederacy, inviting representatives to meet with them. Those who answered the invitation (Adele Rozenbach's "gargoyle" Alexander, the hunter Kirikou and his twins Thunder and Fire, ninja Yari Takane, the Chaos Sorceror Ixqor "Alpharius" Nathrach, the Robot Master Metal Man, and a Wo-class Abyssal aircraft carrier) were conducted to the warehouse where Lord Sutoku, a great tengu, welcomed them and exchanged questions and answers.<br />
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Ouma's initial plan for the reconstructed Killing Stone was to wipe out Tokyo; however, between Wo, Yari, and a local nekomata, Sutoku was persuaded that a more limited display of the Stone's destructive power would be in order. A formal proposal was written up, to be conveyed to Confederate high command by Yari, and Ouma is preparing to secure the first section of the Killing Stone - somewhere in Nasu, where the Stone originally marked the place of Tamamo-no-Mae's death.<br />
|Info=According to the tengu Lord Sutoku, the pieces of the Killing Stone have come to rest in four regions.<br />
<br />
The first of those is Nasu, in Tochigi Prefecture, a region known for its natural hot springs. While the original site of the Sessho-Seki is purportedly marked by a monument, this may not correspond with the truth of the lost legend; Ouma supposedly has more detailed information.<br />
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The second location is Aokigahara, a dense forest at the foot of Mt. Fuji, also known in modern times as the "forest of death" for the many suicides which are committed there.<br />
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The third location is the least specific: Wakayama Prefecture, on the southern peninsula of Honshu (the main island of the Japanese archipelago).<br />
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The fourth and final location is somewhere within Tokyo, the capital city.<br />
|State=Current<br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=4624/Mission_0:_Yo_Ro_Shi_Ku&diff=136064624/Mission 0: Yo Ro Shi Ku2016-10-02T17:34:04Z<p>Shachihoko: Ouma invites the Confederacy to send representatives to a meeting.</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/10/01<br />
|Location=Tokyo-52605 <NXC><br />
|Synopsis=It's been over a year and a half since Tokyo-52605 Unified, and Ouma is finally reaching out to the Confederacy. An invitation has been sent by Ouma; in response, a number of Confederate representatives have gone to a meeting of Ouma's members, to make introductions and work out the beginnings of a working relationship ...<br />
|Cast of Characters=707, 1041, 127, 691, 977, 582, 11<br />
|Tinyplot=Restoration of the Killing Stone<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>By now, Tokyo-52605 is probably at least a known factor to the Confederacy - the 'home field' of a Japanese government agency called Shinra, and the city where a couple of Shinra agents (and Union Elites) are based. Whether the Confederacy expected an open invitation from a group opposed to Shinra, though - that's another question entirely. But one which is being answered.<br><br>There was a specific warpgate mentioned in the invitation - one which Shinra hasn't been able to start monitoring, yet, for whatever reason. There were guides, some looking mostly human (except for stray features like a horn or two on the forehead, a 'bald spot' that looks like it holds a pool of water), others less so (such as the woman whose neck is as long and sinuous as any snake's). And there are guards: a couple of feral-looking catgirls at one sewer-tunnel intersection, an oni at least twice human height with a cudgel like a telephone pole where you come out above ground, and a woman who might be utterly gorgeous behind that surgical mask who leans against the wall next to a warehouse door.<br><br>Inside the warehouse is something of a who's-who and what's-what of legend, myth, and folklore ... and not all of it is Japanese. The outsiders are given various looks - sometimes suspicious, but never outright hostile ... unless one of the visitors drops a reason for any of their 'hosts' to *be* hostile.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:1041|Adele Rozenbach (1041)}} has posed:'''<br>Adele had other things to do, but never let it be said she doesn't aid the confederacy. Tonight's Gargoyle is Alexander, a tiny little man with two faces melded together at the single, wide mouth, growing away from eachother sideways, until the head splits right below the ears. That overly wide mouth has multiple rows of sharpened shark-like teeth, and poison drips from every single tooth.<br><br>His entire body is clad in bone plates, with each of those plats covered in spikes. His left arm has large pincers, like those of a crab, and his right arm ends in a tentacle like a squid, ending in an oblong extremity covered in some kind of gluey substance.<br><br>His tail is is long and reaches over beyond his shoulder, if stretched out it can easily reach four or five feet in front of him. The tip of that tail is a large opening, lined with teeth like the mouth of a lamprey. Alexander is quietly present.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Perhaps not the best representation of Confederate badassery, Kirikou himself looks almost suitably thuggish. Black-skinned and with hair in cornrows, wearing some bling, he looks like someone with gang or at least hip-hop influence. And while he's fairly tall for his age and built roughly like a quarterback, his glasses don't exactly fit the hardcore ganger image. Neither do the two kids who trail him. While Kirikou's around 16 years or so old, the two kids behind him are perhaps half that. Where he's decked out in bling and sneers, they're dressed in OshKosh and scowls. To be fair, they DO look like they're able to look after themselves in a fighty sort of way. They have that confidence and attitude that suggests they've seen a number of battles if not murders. Kirikou's instructed them, before they came through, to have their game faces on and not to let down the side.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Still, the trio are almost perfectly mundane-looking. No obvious weapons, no inhuman features. They're travelling incognito so as to not attract undue attention, at least theoretically. They give little reaction to the guides. Well, Kirikou doesn't at least. The Twins do occasionally crack their grim facade. They're more likely to do that for things that are cute than for things that are scary though. And ... well, for them, cute might well be a fluffy pile of sewer rats. Kirikou himself only reacts to the catgirls, and that with a scowl. The snake-necked woman gets only a studied nonchalance. The woman behind the mask gets more of an outright study. Whether that's because he's trying to evaluate the purpose of such an out-of-place person here or simply because he's checking out a potentially gorgeous woman, well, he's not about to say. He's a teenager and a badass professional killer. Either is well within possibility.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> Yari is here! So much as she believes in her Confederate human allies (and secretly, several Union ones), she always feels slightly more at home amongst non-humans. Thus, she's come dressed in a simple cheongsam in a midnight blue, with her hair done up in a bun. She has a kunai to hold it in place. Also just in case their 'hosts' prove treacherous. <br><br> Her tail and horns in full view, she'll bow to the guides and guards as they pass by into the warehouse. She stays just behind her fellow Confederates, silently, ready to act in case of treachery. Sparking up her black and red pipe, her eye scans those gathered. <br><br> Kirikou /does/ get an elbow to the side and a shake of the head as he scowls at the catgirls. /Behave/, Kiri! Be more like your two kid-Weapons!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:977|Ixqor Nathrach (977)}} has posed:'''<br> Having emerged from the designated warpgate, Ixqor removed the helm from his head and inhaled deeply. He could almost taste the palpable energies that surrounded this would be lair of monsters and men. Magic and sorcery was abounding, so much so he might mistake this place for a cults gathering place. Never the less he was not here to enjoy the titilating energies that washed over his psychically gifted body. There was work to be done, and so he strode forth with the rest of the called elites. Were they for the most part human, or human sized, he would tower over them, standing at nearly seven foot eight while wearing his armor, and being wide enough wearing it to take up a small doorway. His face was palid, to the point where he looked dead, or near it, but his eyes burned a bright hazel, and his almost cocky smile told a very different story. He was very much alive, especially in a den of supposed sin like this. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; His eyes wandered to teh various creatures that they passed by. All appeared to be mutated to him, once human, now gifted by some fantastical, indescribable energies. He knew they were not gifted by his gods, but they would be revered as such for their 'enhancements'. He gave them curt waves or nods, striding confidently through the doorway to the warehouse. As they came to halt in the warehouse, Ixqor looked at the other Elites. A frail looking man, of signifgantly smaller stature with two faces, and a long tail. Surely HE was extremely revered by his gods, if he had any. Though Ixqor could not tell, this little man appeared capable enough, perhaps a sorcerer liek him, or a demagouge, so he decided to ask instead of guessing. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Well met, scion. Who or what brings you here, gifted one?" He sensed no psychic powers about the small creature, but it was likely worth study regardless. His eyes idly looked to the teenage boy and his lackies then. This was no place for children, though, they seemed to be armed and ready to kill. His stomach lurched and he blinked a few times, keeping cool though. Their pressence made him uncomfortable and he wasn't sure why. He though to himself again. 'This is no place for children'. Another came, a reptilian woman, one taht appears to have some manners about her, judging by the bowing. And something more, magical potential. His psyche was beginning to grow accustomed to sensing the magic of other planes, though he coudl hardly tell how capable she was. No matter. Any magical capability is extremely useful in his eyes, even if it is only of use to the daemon within his sword to feed upon. Speaking of that blade, it hung by his waist, sheethed, with teh star of chaos shinning like a microscopic star. It was alluring to look at, but almost terrifying in some aspects. Having checked out the party that had assembled so far, Ixqor patiently waited for the representatives of this shadowy clan to show themselves, and present their offer.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br>As they would be traveling through less obvious channels, the Wo-class aircraft carrier did not bother with attempting to conceal her less human features. Despite this, she scarcely imagined they would be travelling through the city's drainage system, and yet here they are. Any uncertain or analytic looks to her appearance are essentially ignored, as she's used to them by now from Boston, even though these are different sets of eyes, with very different ideals. Despite that, though, especially that surgical masked woman -- there's a familiar, almost nostalgic feeling about this whole set of affairs. She's more than used to hanging out with personified secrets the world was never meant to see.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She walks patiently, along with the other visiting Elites, stopping only for a moment when her enormous, bulbous creature that she wears for a hat bumps into a low-hanging bit of pipe and is knocked off her head. While the vent ducts on it almost seem to be ready to cry, if they had the capability, it seems to fare better once her gloved hands retrieve it and buff out the scratches to its exterior. All better.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The warehouse is an interesting, if not unexpected, venue. You might think that visiting dignitaries might at least warrant a hotel, but from the details of the dispatch, it seems that these may be the disadvantaged sort of opposition fighters. It's on their turf, as well, so for the time being, while her cyan blue eyes sweep those gathered, and those like her that are still gathering, she will merely wait her turn and allow them to speak first.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Metal Man :Was curious to see what the locals had to offer and so he was here. Metal Man had most of his combat armour removed so he didn't draw too much attention given how many blades his form was normally covered in? Would certainly get attention. What he does know there's a hell of alot of myhtical beings here but hey he seems to not be looking for a fight. <br><br> "So quite the assortment of people here...tonight."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>The 'Gargoyle' Alexander draws a few curious looks upon reaching the warehouse; however, nobody asks any questions. He might feel like he kind of blends in, given what a few of the spectres look like.<br><br>Kirikou and Metal Man don't seem to draw any particular reactions; neither does Wo, although the woman with the surgical mask seems to look her over with some degree of interest. There are a couple of oni who grunt a cursory greeting - a simple 'Well met' from one, an even simpler 'Hey' from another - to Ixqor, and might be weighing the chance to challenge him to a throwdown later.<br><br>Once the Confederates have arrived, though, there's a loud thump from a dais or low stage near one end of the warehouse - or more accurately, a *THWACK* of a staff's end hammering on the wooden surface - and the various youkai quiet down, their attention migrating towards the figure who occupies the stage: seemingly human, but with dark-feathered wings folded behind his shoulders, and a nose long enough to inspire jokes .... albeit to the swiftly-ensuing regret of the jokester, given the smoldering heat in the eyes above that elongated nose.<br><br>"Brothers and sisters of the shadows," the tengu begins, "we are gathered tonight for two matters - reasons to rejoice, if all goes well. Firstly, I present to you -"<br><br>He raises his staff, plain wood that it is, and gestures across the space occupied by the Confederates; the surrounding youkai clear away a bit so that the Confederate Elites have some space to themselves: space to be seen in.<br><br>"- at last, the proof that the walls have begun to crumble," continues the tengu without missing a beat. "Honored guests from the Confederacy, I welcome you in my own name - the name of Lord Sutoku, imperial arch-tengu - and in the name of Ouma. It pleases us all that you have answered our invitation; may this meeting be the start of a long and valuable alliance."<br><br>Quiet applause rises from around the Confederates; Sutoku actually joins in the clapping, if briefly. There's an expectant pause when the applause fades, as if seeing how their guests will react to that introduction - whether they'll introduce themselves, ask questions, or whatever.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> Yari immediately dips into a bow as introductions are made. It's low and very appropriate for a pseudo-japanese setting. She's /definitely/ feeling like home, here. <br><br> "Glory and honor, Lord Sutoku!" From a bow to a sharp, militaristic salute. The ninja stands at attention. "Ensign Yari Takane, Confederate special forces, Sir. We are honored by your gracious invitation to meet with you, and your allies." She begins, before nodding slightly as the applause fades. <br><br> "I must ask, however. You and the Ouma are an unknown entity to us. Who, or what, is the Ouma? What are your goals in regards to Shinra?" She starts off, tail flicking.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:1041|Adele Rozenbach (1041)}} has posed:'''<br>Alexander bows to Ixqor, "I follow the commands of the Princess, who has an interest in this operation." He says with little emotion, and leaves it at that for now. Until, at least, more have come and then the Tengu speaks. When it's done, the Gargoyle takes a mild step forward.<br><br>"I am Alexander, loyal servant of her Serene Highness, Princess Adele von und zu Rozenbach. My mistress has decreed that I aid you, and therefor my aid is yours." He steps back and lets that be his introduction, bowing once when he's back in his original position.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Startled, Kirikou grins sheepishly down at Yari, abruptly showing his youth. It's a surprisingly boyish smile and while it shows sheepishness it's utterly lacking in the cynicism or mockery more usual for violent killers. Yari caught him off-guard while he was letting certain associations get the better of him, and he deserved to be 'reminded'. Besides, Yari's kind of hot, especially in that kimono, and more importantly Kirikou's never had a reason to mislike her.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He behaves himself, at least other than the called-out moment with the cats. The irony, of course, is that he's doing pretty much the opposite of his common role back home. Powerful Meisters like him are expected to go out, hunt down and kill witches who threaten the peace with their unnatural and dangerous powers. Here he is today, considering helping these magical beings against their oppressors and killers.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This does seem to be Kirikou's sort of thing however, despite his originally-cast role. Even on his own world he'd been generally sympathetic if not outright friendly to the dangerous half-animalistic outcasts, even as he hunted down the ones that got out of line. This Shinra though, it sounds like bad business. Overzealous enforcement, fighting these people just because they're different. He doesn't mind at all delivering the smackdown to them, /especially/ if they're pretending to be the good guys here. It's the sort of thing he vastly prefers to, say, helping fellow Confederates enrich themselves through criminal behavior.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirikou's reaction to the speech is a studied, careful one. He doesn't really want to cause offense here, not with potential new allies, and he does appreciate their position here. So he's polite, returning bows with a nod of the head and less-formal greetings with a wave or a slight smile. He's not into the whole Japanese bow sort of thing, though he knows of it and can appreciate the respect and return it under other circumstances.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The twins however have little sense of decorum, and apparently little understanding of what's going on. As the gathered youkai applaud, the two begin to clap loudly and fiercely as well in perfect, eerie synchronicity. They don't say anything of course, but their applause itself is loud. Kirikou gives them a look intended to quiet them, but his rueful smile make that censure ineffective. They only stop when the rest of the room stops, turning to look at each other with broad self-satisfied smiles.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirikou himself doesn't speak up, content to let Yari do the talking for now. He's diplomatic enough, but sometimes it's easier playing the brooding Heavy. He pays attention though. Her question's a good one, and one that's pretty dear to his current interests.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br>Whether as a measure of respect, or because of the already limited space, Wo does remove her hat again, this time holding it under her arm as one might any normal cover. Except this one is quite large, so it's basically trading horizontal space for vertical. The sometimes whimsical features of their youkai hosts does not bother her, though it does get some curious looks. Especially the one that appears to be their leader. She had certainly heard of what a tengu was, since it has been some time since her own world's unification, and the features certainly fit, if almost stereotypically so.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yari, a woman with which the human-form carrier is familiar from various dealings in the past, is the first to speak up from their camp. A proper officer of the Confederacy, now, it's quite fitting that she would take those first diplomatic steps. Leaning slightly on her command staff, which looks more like a vaguely cane-shaped shank of weathered steel, with her free hand, she'll take her time in mustering her own energy for response, even if she did what homework she could ahead of time, to learn more about what they were walking into. Even though, understandably, information was a bit limited, besides what the more public Shinra has been up to.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I am, a Wo-class air-craft carrier," she begins to speak, in her slightly hindered monotone, though Yari would at least recognize her words do flow a bit better than they used to. "I believe your kind, would think of me -- as, a tsukumogami. ...I have had, li-mited contacts, with the ones you call -- Shin-ra." Those were mostly diplomatic in nature, admittedly, since Boston is an officially designated neutral area for her kind, but she is curious, "Miss Ya-ri's line of questioning...is re-levant to me, also." From current context and the way this meeting was arranged, however, as well as that 'crumbling' comment, she's already beginning to get the gist, and it's one she identifies with, herself. A fight to be recognized? Perhaps.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:977|Ixqor Nathrach (977)}} has posed:'''<br> The sorcerer brought his armored fist against his chest in a warriors salute to the Tengu speaking to them. He then took one step forward, asthough to address the whole room in his coming statements. "I greet thee, Lord Sutoku! This day is one blessed by the God's, for I do not come just as a representative of the Confederacy, I come as a prophet of the Dark God's of Chaos! I am their instrument, as much as i shall be yours in this coming conflict! I speak for them all, Khorne, god of blood, war, strength, and honour, who sits upon a throne of skulls amidst a sea of the blood of the slain, forever may he reign! For Tzeentch, the ever changing trickster god of sorceries and plots, of whom I am gifted with the powers of psychic prowess and might! For Nurgle, pestulant father of every disease known and unknown to man, of plagues that were, are, and are to come! May his putridness last an eternity! And for Slaanesh, the Prince of Excess, the siren of the Warp who calls all men and women to act on their primal instincts, and indulge in the greatest pleasures and pains! May he always corrupt the hearts of mortal man! I am one of their many messengers, and I humbly come before you with blade and bolter to offer. Know me as Alpharius!" His voice oozed charisma, a fire he usually kept inside him, as he has hardly found himself a place to openly represent his deities as such, and so his talent as a preaching man have so far went untapped. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The sorcerer took a knee then, bowing his head to the Tengu lord. "And now I too wish to serve you, as I serve my gods, for as long you require me." Standing from his knelt position, the chaos sorcerer backed into the crowd of other chosen elites, listening and watching their introductions.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Metal Man isn't looking for trouble heck he's trying to get a feel for everyone. He listens as the speech gets going. So they seem to be a gathering he listens and he does clap he does seem to get an idea about what's going on here. Both groups can gain from working together.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>Yari's question is, to a large extent, expected - even obligatory - and Sutoku nods his beak-nosed head in response to the ninja. However, the rest of the introductions take priority for the moment.<br><br>The words 'loyal servant' elicit a soft wave of discontented grumbling among some of the youkai. A *servant* was sent, even one who could be as powerful as Alexander appears to be? But another rap of staff on dais silences the youkai ... it's just that the silence may be a little less welcoming thereafter. *Just* a little.<br><br>Kirikou and his young colleagues - well, their clapping may bestir a chuckle or two. It's really Wo's introduction who gets the room to warm up again. And Ixqor ...<br><br>The response is decidedly confused in some ways - maybe even chaotic - but the mood of the room seems to settle towards 'appreciative'.<br><br>"From what a few of us have heard, Wo-class," Sutoku speaks, "you would seem to be not only a tsukumogami, but a vengeful ghostly spirit, which makes you doubly welcome here. However, Takane asked the most relevant question, and I would be remiss not to answer it."<br><br>The Tengu folds his arms, staff now cradled in the crook of an elbow.<br><br>"Ouma is a home for youkai, for all those beasts and apparitions and spirits who have been turned away by mortals. Humans have sought to impose their own sense of order on the world which we once ruled - an *order* which holds no place for us or our kindred. We are cast out, exiled from the places where we once held sway, caged and suppressed, walled out by the foolish mortals who believe that nothing should exist which they cannot quantify or control. And so we gather, we plan, we prepare - and when the opportunity presents itself, to remind the mortals why they fear us, to shake the foundations of their precious *ORDER* and to claw at the walls they've built - we strike forth."<br><br>And in the wake of Sutoku's explanation, a murmur rises from all of the surrounding youkai: "We are Ouma. Our time shall come."<br><br>"Does this answer your question adequately, Yari Takane?" Sutoku asks, gripping his staff again as he unfolds his arms, his wings rustling behind him.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> The presence of Wo and Kirikou have Yari at least confident. Kiri can handle himself, and can be polite when pushed. Wo is Wo, polite and well mannered. And a ghost-ship! The minion of her least-favorite vamp-doctor is a little more worrisome, and Metal's an unknown. As for Ix? <br><br> The raving zealot has her barely containing a scowl. She inches closer to Kirikou and Wo, ready just in case his rantings set them all off. If anyone gets hurt for such things? She hopes it'll be Ix. <br><br> But at the end of it all, Yari finds herself /feeling/ for these beings. Cast out, disrespected, tossed away...if it weren't for her Legatus, it'd be the same for her. Her eye closes, and she nods. "Humans who cannot value the strength and skills of others are useless garbage. Casting you aside so, out of fear, is shameful. I cannot help but feel sympathy in your honorable cause." She begins. <br><br> Another bow. "And the Confederacy would be willing to support your cause, provided of course agreeable terms can be provided. What would you ask of us, and what would you provide in turn?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fire and Thunder don't seem to really understand what's going on here. They seem to take laughter as approval however, so no harm's done. Kilik could've left them behind of course, but they're a part of him. They're a part of his fighting anyways, and in his mind they deserve to be present when a decision's made about how and why to fight. Even if they don't fully understand or fit in, they deserve to know. And, because they're attuned to Kirikou's emotions and he to theirs, they understand more than they might otherwise show.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Slowly the Meister stands up, stretching up to his full height. He's not nearly so physically impressive as the Chaos sorceror or the gargoyle, but then he also looks quite human. Also quite unarmed, and probably out of place because of it. He waits for a measure of attention to be turned his way, and then he begins to speak.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Where I'm from, people like me are trained to hunt and kill monsters." he says. His voice isn't loud, isn't threatening. He's sort of diplomatic in tone at least, though his words may seem otherwise. "But the monsters we kill are those who go too far. They're not monsters because of their bodies, they're monsters because they choose power over consequence. Most of them are as human as I am." he claims. "Except for being monsters I mean." he says, smirking.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Point is, I can't stand assholes who'd try to keep you down just 'cause you're different. The name's Kirikou Rung, and this is Fire and Thunder." the Meister says, gesturing to the Twins. They stand, arms crossed, in identical postures of defiant willfulness. They remain as wordless as ever, of course. "We punch things, and they explode. It'll be an honor to fight beside you, teach these assholes a lesson." he grins.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Metal Man says "I will be honest I am an andrioid a creation of a German Man who has been living in Japan for many years. I however do get it's wise to pay attention to the old stories in my experiances even before the multiverse. Machine and man would be arrogant to presume we're are the only things in existance after all. As all of you by simply prove by being here." <br><br> he hears the frusttions but he also hears the sort of talk that will spawn monster hunters. <br><br> "I presume you have plans laid and have standards in the nature of your targets you are picking? Target thier law enforcement their poltical centers, pure the fear you generate from the attacks to put pressure upon thier leaders, turning thier fear in a tool to break down the walls of which you speak. If you wontonly slaughter? You strike me as the sort who wishes to preserve the lives of the very people he is fighting for. You will have my aid on this matter and likely several of my brotheren."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br>Vengeful may be a strong word, these days. Certainly, when the Wo first awoke, the anger was all-consuming, and the common song of the Abyss, a relentless echo chamber, only reinforced it. Something funny happened, through the endless battle, however. She gained clarity, and a sense of self. She was able to channel and direct that anger, until she became the reasonable being that stands before the Ouma now. Nonetheless, despite those accomplishments, her place in her own world is still as a monster, and a relic of a past that the surface dwellers, as she knows them, would rather forget. It's something she refuses to let go of, until her and all of her sisters have a place at the table, and the peace and dignity of the sea is secured.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;While Sutoku's speech has a slightly more supremacist tone to it, compared to what she would say in his place, she accordingly can identify with their plight, and what has driven them to these extreme measures. Her support may not yet be unconditional, but looking at these disjointed masses gathered here, she's erring on the side of it. "I un-derstand," she finally speaks again, not seeming to do much of it, especially since Yari, and it seems Ixqor, are doing the bulk of it. "I have ma-ny others, like me...fight-ing to be seen, not forgotten. Will dis-cuss the terms, with them." As a representative of the Confederacy, however, she will mostly go as they do in this matter. Having Yari, sidling slightly closer, curiously, being the front woman helps.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I will make one thing, clear, how-ever," she does say, in a marginally excepting voice, given her dull tone. "If any tar-gets are innocents, in your struggle -- I would pre-fer, less lethal avenues." Note, not specifically not-lethal, and sometimes things just happen. You still have to protect your own.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:977|Ixqor Nathrach (977)}} has posed:'''<br> The sorcerer seems pleased with the reaction he received, pleased enough knowing he was unaware of the organizatiosn true motives when he made his speech. Now with Sutoku's explanation, he feels even more at home, for the Ouma fight a similar cause that the forces of chaos would in his plane of origin. To destroy the illusion of order, and to put mortal man in it's place beneath the gods, and the daemon spirits who govern the warp. "I wholly respect your reasons for war, Lord Sotuko, and all of you Ouma. You fight for the same reasons the gods of my pantheon have waged war on the mortal men and women of my realm. They would shun the spirits and daemons of teh warp for their so called 'unholiness'. It is one of teh many reason I fight for my gods, and now, for you, should you allow me." He nods in agreement. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; His eyes look now to the others joining in on this cause. Alexenday may be but a servent, but should he command any of his queens might, he could still be quite the ally. This queen of his also may be worth investigating, as she no doubt holds vast political power. And, based on alexanders appearance, they may have similar tastes in philosophy, and perhaps similar goals even. He pays no mind to Yari, not noticing her intense scowl at him, and assumes she is in aggrement with the rest of the group, including himself. The teenage boy, and his two twin lackies then speak up and Ixqor wrinkles his nose. The child, as he expected, is still pure at heart, to fight for the reasons he does. Normally it would irk him that a child would be brought to war like this, however in this case, the child is coming on their own accord, and so he makes no objections, to himself or aloud. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The spirit bound carrier then speaks up, an Ixqor listens well. Of the creatures and people present, she is the most out of place, save for himself, and she intruiges him greatly. Her origins are still unknown, and who she serves is an even greater myster, but one for another time. She brings up a non lethal avenue, and Ixqor can only shake his head. "No mortal is truly innocent. And regardless as to whether they directly turned away the proud Ouma or not, they support a system that does, and must be educated."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>Lord Sutoku smiles wickedly, his lips parting far enough to show his teeth. (Which might be more pointy than you expect from a relatively human-looking figure ... or maybe it's just a trick of the light.) "That is why we invited you to aid us, Takane - and the second cause for celebration of which I spoke."<br><br>He spreads his wings to either side, stretching his arms out as well, almost like he were preaching. "For at last, the secrets of Tamamo-no-Mae's fate have been discovered. The fair-faced nine-tailed fox spirit, my sister as one of the Three Great Evil Youkai: her resting place is now known to us, thanks to the Hokusai Otogizoshi stolen from the humans' museum!"<br><br>A rustle of excitement spreads through the warehouse full of youkai - although if the visitors are alert to details, it's not ALL positive. Some of the youkai are actually afraid at that name, for whatever reason. But Sutoku takes no notice of it, his wings snapping back before they furl and fold once more, his arms lowering to his sides once again.<br><br>"Where Tamamo-no-Mae was slain, we will find the first part of the Sessho-Seki, the Life-Destroying Stone which her corpse became. Our studies have also laid open the resting places of the other main pieces: Aokigahara, Wakayama, and Tokyo itself. If we bring these four together, Tamamo-no-Mae's vengeful power will be restored - the mortals will have no defense against her venomous mists. Tokyo *will* fall, their society will crumble with that pillar removed, and Japan will be ours once more."<br><br>Sutoku's gaze settles on Yari ... and it looks like the tengu's eyes are actually ablaze, glowing orange. "But we shall need help to find those fragments. If the Confederacy will aid us in finding the pieces of the Killing Stone, we shall grant you the use of that weapon after we have taken the capital city. Is this acceptable?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:582|Wo (582)}} has posed:'''<br>"As I, am un-derstanding it," the humanoid carrier pivots on a heel to face Ixqor more directly, in resonse, "They have ne-ver, had the chance to learn...a systematic campaign, of sup-pression. If they were to be killed, be-fore they can learn the truth...they were innocent." She likely could have aptly used the term civilian, in this case, but innocent seemed to fit better, since there's still no formal military agreement in place, at least before Yari takes the piece of parchment or whatever they have drawn up back to the office. She doesn't seem willing to waver on this, though it's hard to really tell: Her face has looked almost cast into that same non-expression for the entire duration of this meeting.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She draws quiet, however, as Sutoku goes over the details of his plan. She's not one to be off-put immediately by just outright the term 'evil' being right in one of the lynchpins of it, since surface dwellers name things funny sometimes, though it does set quite the precedent, considering what soon follows it. That face finally shows something approaching an emote, as her eyebrows subtly twist. "Your an-swer is genocide?" She lets that hang in the air for a moment, as though she's actually able to weigh it. "--your plan, is deep-ly flawed. For one, as I have come, to un-derstand...your kind needs humans. To feed upon. To trick. For a-nother...do you ex-pect, the other nations, to turn a blind eye to this?" This is without even going into whether she'd support the campaign at all.<br> <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lifting a black gloved hand to her forehead to rub at it, slightly, she seems mostly immune to the tense atmosphere. "I will a-wait, what the Confederacy has to say. I have res-ervations." Understated in her monotone.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> Yari fiddles with her radio, a conversation going on that informs her well. A small breath, and after Wo speaks, the ninja adds. <br><br> "I'm in agreement with Miss Wo. Outright genocide will only weaken your position. Were I in your situation, I would gather these pieces and then use it on a single Shinra compound to demonstrate it's power. Then, you would have a powerful negotiating tool to rightly claim your place, and you would have the human 'food' that require to continue to survive. All without potentially sparking a world war that would no doubt destroy your kind entirely." Adds the ninja. <br><br> "Your terms will be sent to the Confederacy. Use of the weapon, and I would suggest the use of your more covert agents and troops as you can spare I think would be appropriate compensation." Sneaks in the ninja, more than willing to push for more. A deep bow. <br><br> "Please draft the terms, and they shall be delivered, Lord Sutoku." Offers the ninja humbly, before peering back at the others for more input. The energy running through the crowd isn't lost on her.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:'''<br>Metal Man listens but also sees where this is going if one is mindless rage? You stop being the wily army and become Sigma's Mavericks he mused. He didn't speak out on this while he talked to the other feds over the secure comms. Then again he could be playing the crowd either way he'll see how this plays out one way or anotehr he's said he chip in and he shall. He is however already booting up a smart phone he has with him and running a couple of online searches, he's got some things to check before and he pauses checking the results on them. He grimaces and puts the phone away for the moment and listens.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:977|Ixqor Nathrach (977)}} has posed:'''<br> Ixqor definately does not agree with the statements made by Wo and Kiri, however this is not the time or place to discuss what is right or wrong, although Ixqor knows that not much of this matters much. It is but a stepping stool to further his own goals. He need only put up a guise of empathy, as he always has. Where he may sympathize with the daemon like creatures known as the Omau, they were secondary to his primary objective. "Your terms are most generous, lord Sotuko, I believe it almost wrong of me to accept such a grascious gift. After all, it will be you to unleash it's power, and you who informed us of it's existence, and even lead us to it. But I will not deny a gift so humbly presented." Ixqor bowed deeply to the daius where the lord sat. <br> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I find these terms more than agreeable, and offer my full arsenal to your cause, including the daemons and spirits of the warp. They are much like your kind, and will no doubt jump at the chance to help their own." Ixqor smiles widely, standing up tall, keeping cool amidst the stares the group is receiving. "I also agree with whatever motive or path you see fit to claim dominion over this land. Regardless of your methods, I stand with you."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br>Another rustle fills the warehouse as first Wo, then Yari, speak against the plan as set forth by Lord Sutoku; this time, the noise *doesn't* abate, and a number of the youkai closest to the Confederates begin eyeing them in a less than friendly manner. But before the tensions can escalate any further --<br><br>"They're nyat wrong, Lord Sutoku."<br><br>-- it's like that distinctly feline voice just popped a balloon and all the air (or tension, in this case) went rushing out. And Sutoku's ire is summarily redirected towards the speaker: a pink-haired young catgirl, with two tails rather than the usual one, and dressed in a rather abbreviated yukata. She wears it awfully well, though, the paired tails swishing behind her. "Explain yourself," Sutoku orders gruffly, gripping his staff like he's getting ready to throw it at something ... or someone.<br><br>"A lot of us youkai *do* depend on humans," the nekomata explains, tails still swishing. "It's meowre convenient to eat the fish they don't use than to raid the river ourselves, mew know?" She rubs the side of her hand against her cheek. "Nyat to mention, they're so fun to play with .... and we want the mewmans to work for us, right? They can't do *that* if they're dead either."<br><br>This time, the rustle is of (extremely grudging) agreement. Oddly, Sutoku looks the least swayed by the catgirl's argument. "You expect the vengeful spirit of Tamamo-no-Mae to show *mercy* when we unleash her?" he growls. ".... but I concede the point. For all of our kindred who have been exterminated, by mortal weapons or through their exorcist sorcery, mortal blood alone will not suffice to repay their suffering - not if all the islands of this nation were flooded with enough blood to raise the seas. Very well."<br><br>Sutoku is clearly still *pissed off*, but he looks at the Confederates. "We shall prepare a missive to be relayed to your ... *superiors*," he spits as if the word tastes bad on its way out of his mouth. They probably have human superiors of their own, these Confederate guests, but - well, Ouma occasionally finds humans who can cooperate with them despite Ouma's agenda. Or maybe he just thinks that Wo and Yari and Ixqor ought to be calling the shots themselves? Either way. "Expect it to be ready by this hour tomorrow night, if not sooner. Shall you bear it to your *leaders* by hand, or should it be received in the same manner as the invitation?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:127|Kirikou (127)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirikou knows his opinion isn't entirely a popular one, not in the Confederacy. It's one reason he's glad Yari's here, and he's a bit surprised and rather pleased to discover Wo sharing a similar attitude. Ixqor's opinion is, however, more like what he'd expect.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No matter. Kilik's not the sort to make grand plans and draw lines. Worse comes to worst, he could probably convince everyone that the weapon's better off in Confederacy hands rather than Ouma hands, and work for a doublecross solution. He believes it too, but that's a thought for a later time. For now he just rubs at one temple, not missing the hostility and potential division among would-be allies.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We're not diplomats." Kirikou abruptly says, standing up once again. "We're not even talkers. Well, not most of us." he adds. "We're fighters. The deal you offer is a good one. We help you get what you want, you help us get what we want. I think we can agree to work together on all this." he grins pleasantly enough. "We can work out the details later, including how much actual risk and effort's needed, specific plans, working details, that sort of thing." he says. "Including what the final use of the spirit of Tamamo-no-Mae will be. Might be the diplomats can come up with an idea that'll keep everyone happy." he offers blandly.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Hey, being diplomatic is actually something in Kirikou's training. It's on the curriculum of Death Academy, strangely enough. Just because Kilik prefers to seem like a thug doesn't mean he doesn't once in a while like to pull off a surprise...<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:691|Yari Takane (691)}} has posed:'''<br> Yari tenses, but thankfully, kitty to the rescue! As the Lord finally seems to give in, the ninja kneels placatingly. There's a smile on her face. Not smug, but perhaps a little consoling. A brief glance to Kirikou, then Wo, then Metal Man, and finally to Ixqor. <br><br> "I shall deliver it personally, should it please you, Lord of the Tengu. For tonight, and until it is drafted, I shall be your servant." <br><br> Yup, the ninja is going full-on diplomacy mode. It helps she figures she can survive even if the youkai turn on her. And if she can make in-roads with the people here? All the better. <br><br> Especially with the cat-woman that spoke up. Oh yes. She'll be useful.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:977|Ixqor Nathrach (977)}} has posed:'''<br> "On behalf of the God's of Chaos, and the daemons whom they govern, I thank you for this oppurtunity." Ixqor was more or less displeased with the intervention of the feline woman, though it may have brought the cabal into agreement with Wo, Kiri, and Yari, it has deprived Ixqor of an excellent oppurtunity. Hopefully he will get his chance anyway. "Me and my personal allies will await your orders. I shall inform a good friend of mine, a sorcerer of similar strength, of the Trickster god Tzeentch, who leads a formidable tribe of loyal followers. Perhaps I will be able to muster some of their strength to the cause. They will no doubt be in agreement with you and the Omau, and what you fight for." Ixqor stepped back, bowing once again.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=4518/It%27s_Not_Good_to_Be_Alone&diff=135334518/It's Not Good to Be Alone2016-09-07T00:09:33Z<p>Shachihoko: Yuna drops by to visit Rhapsody, who's been holed up in the Aerie since her press conference.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/09/06<br />
|Location=City of Ravnica <Rav><br />
|Synopsis=Rhapsody has been holed up ever since the one-sided press conference the night before. Yuna decides that isn't a good thing, and after convincing Rhapsody via radio, drops by for a private visit.<br />
|Cast of Characters=385, 325, 272<br />
|Tinyplot=Moeru<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>It wasn't how Yuna had wanted the conversation to go, but at least it worked out - Rhapsody opened the path for a visitor, even though she told Yuna explicitly to come alone and not to bring anyone else with her. She also said not to bother bringing anything, so Yuna's hands are empty. Elner does come most of the way up to the Aerie with her, but when Yuna steps up to Rhapsody's door - open or closed - Elner hangs back. If the door's open, Yuna pauses at the threshold to announce herself; if closed, she knocks. Either way, Rhapsody would hear her call out, "Pardon my intruding!" as per proper Japanese custom.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;At the knock,the well balanced door creaks a moment, then it slowly starts to creep inward. The state of the room inside in a word? Carnage. It is -clear- that when Rhapsody locked herself away inside, she purged a massive amount of anger into everything around. Everything except her father's hoard which she is currently curled up on in her true, nearly scaleless, form.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once Yuna is visible, the dragon still barely moves. The only sign that Rhapsody even knows she is there is a weary gaze sent toward the woman by a single eye. She stirs, lightly, but barely enough to even cause coins to shift under her. The gaze slips back to the door, looking for anyone else. Once Yuna was inside, the door closes rather suddenly. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hello."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How can a single word be so -empty-?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>The door closing behind her doesn't startle Yuna, as evidenced by the fact that she's already advancing towards Rhapsody before it. It's that hollowed-out 'Hello' that stirs the idol singer into a run, sprinting across the Aerie and trying to hug Rhapsody - even if she has to plant her feet on the edge of the hoard to get to her, even if Rhapsody *is* in her big dragon form.<br><br>Not trying to make conversation (yet). Just *hugging*.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''<br>A light, surprised, breath is taken by the dragon when Yuna starts running for her. She actually stars to stir, trying to stand, thinking something -else- may be happening. She stumbles a moment, clearly having not moved for some time, but when Yuna's arms wrap around her neck, she freezes. Rhapsody stays that for a long, long moment, and then she slumps back down against the hoard again, wordlessly. There's no tears, though. ... Those came the night before when no one else could see them.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>It's not the tightest hug Yuna's ever given; she doesn't want to strangle Rhapsody, even though her ability to do that seems unlikely. She keeps hugging the dragon, though, leaning gently against Rhapsody's shoulder for the time being.<br><br>"What did he *do* to you ..." she finally asks, almost whispering. "What did he show you that broke you ... ?"<br><br>Never mind that her question has already been answered on the Union chatter band; actually *seeing* Rhapsody in this state makes her start from square one in her worry over the Guildmaster.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''<br>The dragon almost seems to wither further due to the question. "He showed me that my first, and longest friend, wants to kill me," is Rhapsody's reply, her head setting down on the coins below a moment later. "Isn't that enough...?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>And that was where the discussion on the chatter band started to disintegrate. Yuna just lets out a quiet sigh and adjusts her position a bit, trying to hug Rhapsody more comfortably.<br><br>She can imagine, roughly, how much it would have hurt *her* to be presented with some kind of convincing evidence that one of Yuna's friends wanted her dead. Heck, plenty of people HAVE wanted her dead, although that was generally before Yuna made friends with them. The thought of Lia or Yuri or Erika flipping out and wanting to kill her after so long ...<br><br>Well. Yuna being Yuna, she wouldn't have let that stop them from being friends; she would have tried to find out why, what happened, all of that - basically the same slew of questions she needs to pin Yunomi down for. But ... they've had that discussion too, so there's little point in retreading it.<br><br>Instead, Yuna starts singing again, quietly and unaccompanied.<br><br>o/~&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now a shooting star flies across the night sky<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you see it, what will you wish for?<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The promise we exchanged when you started your journey<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Is always in my heart<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''<br>It is often said that music can soothe a savage beast. The creature currently occupying the Aerie of Nivix is hardly savage, just what amounts to a young girl that just desperately wanted her best friend back, but a world of politics, words, hate, and betrayal. The first few lines slip by without a reaction, but as they continue, the dragon would just curl in further, her head eventually ending up either against Yuna's side, or in her lap. It depends on the singer's reaction.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>o/~&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In a sleepless night, it's your voice I want to hear<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Talking all night until the morning sun rises<br><br>Side or lap, Yuna doesn't seem to mind or especially care; if fully cheering Rhapsody up is beyond her ability, she's at least going to try to be a comforting presence. And she's NOT going to pull away from Rhapsody ... at least, not unless the dragon tries to take a bite out of her or something, but Yuna trusts Rhapsody not to do that.<br><br>o/~&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Side by side, talking enraptured,<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Your profile was shining ...<br><br>o/~&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You who follow your dreams, I who watch over you,<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The same star sheds its light on us both<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to walk without looking back<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Enduring my tears until I see you leave<br><br>A little shifting of position probably helps settle Rhapsody's head in Yuna's lap, and the blonde girl starts stroking Rhapsody's brow and neck, as if petting her ... at least if it seems like a welcome gesture. If it seems remotely unwelcome, Yuna stops immediately - but keeps singing.<br><br>o/~&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now a shooting star flies across the night sky<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you see it, what will you wish for?<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The promise we exchanged when you started your journey<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Is always in my heart<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''<br>It would seem that the young dragon's head would end up in the singer's lap, which is fine enough for her. It may be a little clear, in such proximity, that there's an ever so slight shaking going on, as if she was trying to hold back the weight of an entire world and ws threatening to collapse under it. Then a single line rings out in the aerie, of stars looking down. That, alone, is too much for a daughter that has lost a father first, and a dear friend second, to handle. Yuna's consoling gesture will keep the dragon from spiraling out of control as far as she has in the last few weeks, but that sadness is spilling over the dam of emotions in her mind. There was simply no holding it back thinking about them both in the same breath.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna keeps stroking Rhapsody's head gently as she continues her song. She doesn't mind if Rhapsody starts crying openly; she'll just keep offering what comfort she can, however little it may be.<br><br>o/~&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to be the one who can always enfold you<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And softly hide you in the inviting loneliness<br><br>o/~&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I've started getting impatient that<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Time has flowed on since then, but ...<br><br>As the song continues, Yuna starts putting even more of her heart into the lyrics, her voice growing stronger. She picked this song half at random, but half because it seemed appropriate, and it feels like it's growing even moreso<br><br>.o/~&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If emotions overlap a dazzling star<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They can turn into a powerful love<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;So that the place where you walk by yourself<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Can become something we're certain of<br><br>o/~&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now a shooting star flies across the night sky<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you see it, what will you wish for?<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"No matter where you are, we're connected"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Your words are revived<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''<br>Sobbing openly was probably an understatement, but at least the dragon wasn't howling in the den. Yuna's relieving far more pent up emotion than the singer may realize. The song was simply perfect for the situation, and the lyrics were not lost on the dragon that was being sung to. Someday, for certain, Rhapsody would cherish the moment, but within it? She was hardly in any mindset to thank Yuna for it.<br><br>As she continues to sing, the door that Yuna had come in just a little bit earlier starts to creak open slowly, easily missed considering what was going on within the room. After a few moments, however, a particular Izzet Security drone makes its way from the door to Rhapsody and Yuna. The dragon won't notice.. but Yuna may recognize the slightly damaged drone that begins to orbit around them both.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>This is actually the point in the song where Yuna normally stops singing and lets the instrumentals take over; rather than going silent, though, Yuna hums the melody of the bridge as best she can. And if she hadn't noticed the security drone, Elner certainly would have - but given Yuna's promise not to bring anyone else, Elner stays in the hallway, leaving Yuna to keep an eye on that drone. If there's any sign of trouble from it, she CAN still transform into her Light Suit; it may mean a slightly less comfortable lap for Rhapsody, but better that than not being able to protect her in a pinch.<br><br>o/~&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;You who follow your dreams, I who watch over you,<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The same star sheds its light on us both<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I want to walk without looking back<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Enduring my tears until I see you leave<br><br>o/~&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now a shooting star flies across the night sky<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If you see it, what will you wish for?<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The promise we exchanged when you started your journey<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Is always in my heart<br><br>And that's where the lyrics typically end - but there's an instrumental lead-out as well; rather than humming this time, Yuna simply goes "o/~ La la la o/~" for about the length of another chorus, keeping the same rhythm and melody. And still minding the slightly damaged drone. Where did she see that particular damage before ... she can't remember.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Izzet security drone orbits the two in a quiet manner. Gone are its exited beeps and whirrr-ing noises, a large dent in the side of its Mizzium exterior. Its blue and red lights are dimmed, and every once in a while it gives an electric spark.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''<br>The dragon's emotions slow, tiring out, or vented, one or the other. Rhapsody does seem comfortable at least. A whispered 'thank you..' eventually makes its way from her muzzle. When her eyes open again, the drone is spotted as it continues its orbit. The dragon has to blink a few times to clear her sight, uncertain of what she's seeing, but finally she calls a name.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Pidge?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna bows her head briefly, smiling and patting the top of Rhapsody's head, then looks up again at the drone. "Hello, Pidge," she says quietly, smiling and offering it a wave. Now she recognizes the drone - less by sight and more by voice; 'Pidge' is what Yunomi called one of the drones she'd programmed, isn't it?<br><br>She wonders if that means Yunomi is watching them somehow through the drone ... but even just asking could make some kind of trouble. For now, Yuna just gives the drone a friendly smile.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Red and blue lights blink a little brighter. The sparks fly a little faster and the drone drops down suddenly, as if limping, but excited to be noticed. It attempts to beep, but instead 'blurrrps', and rolls over itself in the air, another little shower of sparks coming out.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''<br>"...He's damaged.." Rhapsody finally notices. Realizing this, the dragon stirs again, a little life seemingly coming back into the shell she had felt like since the day before. A light tap on a crystal nearby is given. A few moments later, Ryxinel comes rushing in, just happy to see the door open. <br><br>"I had no idea this was unlocked! Yuna, Thank you!" He doesn't notice Pidge until Rhapsody motions toward the drone with her head. "... Oh you poor thing, Pidge, what happened?" Then he notices the state of the rest of the -lair- and the FORGE NEXT DOOR. A cough. A -very- deep breath. At once he realizes what happened, but forgives his sister in the same thought. It had been a very -very- hard last 24 hours. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a flick of his wrist, a table simply comes up out of the floor. "You have no idea how many times I have stepped on tables by accident," he explains before motioning the drone over. "Here, Pidge, let me see you.."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>"Ah - ?" Yuna lets out a soft exclamation as the drone suddenly loses altitude, and tries to lean forward as if to catch it. Never mind that there's probably no way she could catch Pidge *one-handed*, which is the position she's in with Rhapsody's head in her lap.<br><br>Fortunately, she doesn't seem to need to worry, as Ryxinel comes rushing in. "You're welcome," the blonde idol says softly, her tone wry. "Rhapsody said not to bring anyone else in with me ... is there anything you need me or Elner to help with as far as Pidge's concerned?"<br><br>Not like Yuna herself can do much except hold tools, and she wouldn't know the difference between a sonic screwdriver and a hydrospanner if you told her fewer than three times. Elner doesn't even have *hands*, and odds are the dragon siblings know Pidge's internal systems better than the robo-faerie could diagnose anything, so it's mostly a pro forma offer. That doesn't mean it isn't a serious one, though.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pidge bubbles, and pops, and eases down into Ryxinels hand -- and then flops right out, into low orbit, circling Rhapsody's foot. Circle circle, circle circle... POP! Electrical smoke smell seeps upwards as the drone falls to the floor, and in its roundish form, just tries to roll, protectively, around Rhapsody's ankle, until it hits her leg. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It gives a frustraited, low-powered 'wwwrrrrrrk-k-k-k' sound.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''<br>Ryxinel would move to start fixing the little drone, but when it hovers off again, and starts to move around Rhapsody again, he can't help but sigh. "He's worried about you.." he explains before Pidge emits the POP and starts to smoke. That gets a surprised flinch out of both of the dragons in the room. While Rhapsody can't do a lot about it, Ryxinel moves to scoop the drone up and set to work on him, "Pidge, please, I can repair you and then you can protect her as much as you like, just allow me a little time, okay?" he insists, trying once again to set to work.<br><br>"Oh.." Rhapsody suddenly remembers her demand from the radio earlier. "Elner can come in... Yuna. If she can help, I'm sure Ryxinel would appreciate it." Her brother offers a nod to this. It actually reminds Ryxinel of something else and sets him searching around in all the pouches around his waist.. "Are you two around... and awake?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Elner flits in through the open door, flying over and hovering next to Ryxinel. "I doubt there's a great deal I can do to repair magically-based systems," the robo-faerie says, "but I'll help as I'm able." It starts scanning Pidge - strictly technology-based sensors, although Elner *may* have started figuring out how to track Ravnican-type mana 'circuits' based on observable phenomena like heat, electricity, and similar patterns.<br><br>As for Yuna, she grimaces as she sees Pidge pop and drop out of the air - like she were watching somebody stumble and fall over, and too far away to do anything to help. "It's okay, Pidge, Ryxinel's hands are some of the best you could be in ... did Yunomi send you to watch over Rhapsody? To make sure she's all right? Or is this your own action without her instructions?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pidge's lights blink at the mention of Yunomi, but he doesn't appear to be in much condition to do anything. In Ryxinel's hands, the little drone submits for repairs. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yu and Mi poke their heads out, the pink haired, adventurous Yu now sporting a small pair of goggles and a leathery work apron as she squeals. "I'm awake!", and Mi poking her head out from a different satchel with a yawn. She looks much healthier. "I am... sort of. What do you need, Sir?" the two inquire.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''<br>"Anything you can offer. Possibly some smaller hands for Pidge's more delicate bits to help with his repairs. There's no raw iron in him and from your perspective you may see damage I can't," Ryxinel explains to the pair. A nod is given to Elner as well. "Any aid is welcome. Normally I would need tools for such delicate work but if you all help me I think I can have him up and about in quite a hurry," he explains. First order of business? A tiny blue crystal is plucked from a pouch near Yu and quickly swapped into Pidge to replace his battery. "This doesn't mean lift off and stay near Rhapsody, your primary hover unit is damaged and your gyroscope needs swapped out.. and that's what I can see right now. Just trust me, Pidge, ok?"<br><br>With her brother doing what he does, obsess on his work, Rhapsody quietly sets her head down -beside- Yuna now, in case she wanted to stand. There is a very light press of her muzzle into Yuna's side, to thank her, before she settles down again. At least now she didn't feel completely empty.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>"I don't actually have hands," Elner finally comes out and says. "My ability to manipulate physical objects is a matter of force-field control. However, I'll see what I can find in terms of obvious damage."<br><br>While Elner sets to work, Yuna scritches Rhapsody behind an ear - and does indeed get to her feet, partly to stretch her legs and loosen back up. Elner starts quietly describing the interior damage that its sensors are picking up to Ryxinel - location within Pidge's structure, what sort of damage it is, whether there are detectable circuits broken or disrupted, details like that.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:272|Yunomi Stadler (272)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pidge was almost damaged beyond repair. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Almost. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Several of his innards were broken. It must have taken him ages to make his way to Nivix, and who know how long to navigate its floors and hallways, and seems extremely reluctant to leave Rhapsody. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But he remains cheerfull, beeping picking up as his core is charged, sparks beginning to lessen. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yu and Mi draw out of their satchels, and swing from the pouches up to the work bench to watch. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mi, though, is looking at Rhapsody. <br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"... I forgot how /big/ you are sometimes!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:325|Rhapsody (325)}} has posed:'''<br>"Mmm.. I don't know how often you have seen me in my true form, Mi.." Rhapsody points out as she seems to drift a little between being awake and being asleep. <br><br>Ryxinel winces as Elner provides a report on just how bad off Pidge is. "This may take a little longer then I thought. Still... it should be fine. Sidonia is in here, so we are safe." Wait, when did she slip in? ... And where IS she anyway? Who knows. That's just how she works, after all. "I'll need a few things from the.. forge. ... I'm sure they are still in there, you may just need to dig a little.." he notes as he looks toward his visible sister. She doesn't seem to have heard him, which causes him to give a relieved sigh. "Lets get to it, then.." he says, working as long as he would need for the drone.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>o/~&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Until the wind's direction changes, I'm just waiting in this place<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not even stepping forward, for fear of regrets<br><br>It's not like Yuna can do anything to help with the repairs to Pidge; Elner's doing what it can, but the best Yuna can do is stay out of their way. - Well, that's not quite true.<br><br>Or she wouldn't be singing.<br><br>o/~&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With my heart adorned in its opposite colors<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I was always stopping on my journey<br><br>Whether it's for Rhapsody - who sounds sleepy enough; Yuna knows that kind of weary sound - or for Pidge, or for Ryxinel to work by, the blonde stands a short distance from the edge of Rhapsody's inherited hoard, and continues singing another song that seemed appropriate to her. It's soft, slow, soothing ... not inappropriate for a lullaby, even if its meaning runs far deeper than to soothe somebody to sleep. Yuna's still on her feet, but her own eyes drift close as she sings the chorus - not because *she's* dozing off, but to put more of her heart into the words:<br><br>o/~&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I hear a voice calling to me,<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;telling me not to forget that I'm not alone<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All the people who can't be replaced are here,<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In a place where their hearts can shine ... stay in my heart<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Reassessment_(Yuna_Kagurazaka)&diff=13528Reassessment (Yuna Kagurazaka)2016-09-05T14:25:01Z<p>Shachihoko: Yuna grapples with the changing situation in Ravnica, when even Rhapsody seems to have turned against Yunomi.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/09/05<br />
|Location=Izzet Quarter - <City of Ravnica <Rav>><br />
|Synopsis=In the wake of Rhapsody's declaration on behalf of the Izzet League, calling Yunomi to account for her attempted murder of Rhapsody herself, Yuna comes to grips anew with the situation.<br />
|Thanks=325,272,1037<br />
|Cast of Characters=385<br />
|Tinyplot=Moeru<br />
}}<br />
It was far from a peaceful night's sleep for Yuna. Probably watching Ainsley and August test their Personas against each other didn't help, but more than the Mirror Forest, her dreams revolve around Ravnica, and to a lesser extent, Sydney. The imagery doesn't particularly change - the sight of Yunomi, alone and terrified, helpless as walking shadows drain away her power until she's a withered husk; sometimes Rhapsody is among those shadows, sometimes not, sometimes pinning Yunomi down for the magic-eaters, sometimes watching dispassionately.<br />
<br />
And they aren't even nightmares bad enough to wake Yuna up in their own right; only the light of morning streaming through her window does that, revealing the blonde girl in sweat-laden pajamas and the little robo-faerie hovering at the head of her bed. "Good morning," are Elner's first words.<br />
<br />
"Morning, Elner," Yuna says blearily, extricating herself from the sheets and peeling out of her pajamas. "Shower, shower ... ugh." She swipes the edge of her hand across her eyes, then fumbles her way to the guest room's bath. At least she doesn't have to wait for hot water, and the act of washing herself off helps to clear her head of the dregs of sleep.<br />
<br />
And while Yuna washes, Elner simply hovers in the bedroom, waiting until she's done. There's no need for the robo-faerie to ask how Yuna slept; even if she hadn't been tossing and turning and mumbling through the night, the simple fact that Yuna got up so quickly betrays an atypical desire on her part ''not'' to stay in bed. Only when Yuna emerges from the bathroom again, wrapped in a towel, does Elner address her again: "So what are you doing now? With even the Izzet League against her, Yunomi's fate appears to be out of your hands."<br />
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"Maybe, maybe not," Yuna replies as she starts getting dressed. Clean underwear first, then her Beacon Academy uniform - a decision which would raise Elner's eyebrows, if Elner had eyebrows to raise. "The one thing I do know is that we haven't got any leads left; I don't know Yunomi well enough to know where else she'd go outside of Ravnica, and her Sydney bolt-hole is gone now. If she ''is'' in Ravnica, she's hidden somewhere that we're never going to find her - and I don't think any of the Guilds would protect her at this point."<br />
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"We never did investigate the Shatterdome," notes Elner. "You don't think that's worth it?"<br />
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"They're in the middle of tearing it down," says Yuna, adjusting her red string tie in the mirror, then reaching for the vest which goes under her blazer. "Besides ... I don't think Yunomi would be hiding there. If you want to take the Matrix to look around, please do - and let me know right away if you do find something."<br />
<br />
"You won't need us on standby in Remnant?"<br />
<br />
"If the Grimm attack or something, I'll hang back until you can get into range and let me transform. And keep monitoring frequencies in case we ''do'' get some word about Yunomi, okay?" She finally pulls on her blazer, adjusting its drape a little before fastening the buttons. "I don't know how we're going to find her, but we have to. I'm not going to abandon her."<br />
<br />
Elner blinks. "Yuna, even Rhapsody isn't trying to stand up for her any more. Are you sure -"<br />
<br />
"That doesn't matter, Elner. Yunomi is still my friend; even if all of Ravnica is against her - even if the whole ''Multiverse'' is against her - I'm not going to turn my back on a friend."<br />
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"Rhapsody is your friend too, isn't she?"<br />
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Yuna pauses, letting out a breath. "Yeah. She is. I don't know what leverage Ijiwaru got over her last night, but if she has to stand by and let Yunomi die, it's going to kill her inside. But if I'm the only one who can fight ''for'' Yunomi, I'm going to, by whatever means I can use." She pauses, turning to look at Elner. "Are you going to stop me if it comes to that?"<br />
<br />
"I don't know," Elner admits. "Probably not. But be careful who you pick fights with, Yuna. Ijiwaru is a plausible enemy; if you wound up fighting other Union Elites ..."<br />
<br />
"It's not about the Izzet League or Ravnica or the Union, Elner. It's about helping a friend who needs us."</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Reverberate_(Yuna_Kagurazaka)&diff=13507Reverberate (Yuna Kagurazaka)2016-08-26T18:00:36Z<p>Shachihoko: Yuna tries to find a way to locate Yunomi in the Ravnican catacombs - before anyone outside the Union can do so.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/08/25<br />
|Location=City of Ravnica <Rav><br />
|Synopsis=With Yunomi not merely in hiding, but actively on the run from her hunters, Yuna scrambles for ideas to find her before anyone outside the Union can do so.<br />
|Thanks=Yunomi Stadler<br />
|Cast of Characters=385<br />
}}<br />
"There's got to be something we can do to find her," Yuna mutters, pacing back and forth. She's in her Light Suit again, not because she's expecting a fight - at least not yet - but because she knows she'll need to combine with one of her partners once she goes into the catacombs beneath Ravnica.<br />
<br />
At least, assuming Elner lets her leave the guest room assigned to Yuna. The robo-faerie is hovering right in front of the door, watching Yuna pace. "There's little we can do to add to the search," Elner points out. "Sidonia has been looking since immediately after the incident, and if she still hasn't found Yunomi -"<br />
<br />
"We can't just leave this up to Sidonia, Elner! That Ijiwaru guy didn't even try to hide what he wants to do; if he gets to Yunomi first, he'll kill her and never feel an ounce of guilt for it! And the ''rest'' of the Ravnican Guilds are getting in on it too!" Yuna sighs, shaking her head hard enough to make her ponytail whip back and forth. "We have to do something, there's got to be a way - !"<br />
<br />
"Yunomi is hiding from ''everybody'' right now," states Elner. "Friend and foe alike, in all likelihood. Even from you, Yuna; you did make a show of being ready to strike her down if she tried to kill Rhapsody."<br />
<br />
Yuna wilts, leaning over the back of a chair and gripping it to try and ground herself once more. Elner's right, of course, but she was so desperate at the time that the appearance of overkill was the only thing she thought might get through to Yunomi. "If she stays hidden up until she gets killed by somebody who wants her head more than the truth, we'll never find out what was going on ... we have to at least tip the scales, give her a reason to approach us instead of waiting to run out of hiding places." She breathes in deeply, slowly letting the breath back out as she tries to sort out her thoughts.<br />
<br />
"Is there any way we can encode a message to her ... ?" she wonders.<br />
<br />
"It would have to be something audible over the radio," Elner points out, "rather than encoding it into the carrier signal somehow. Yunomi is clever, but she isn't carrying a decryption-capable computer around with her that we know of. So whatever message you want to send would effectively be audible to anyone listening on the right frequency."<br />
<br />
Yuna purses her lips briefly. "I think I can work with that ..." She racks her brain briefly, then shakes her head. "We don't have a good way to embed a code into the music itself, either - maybe it could be done, but I'd have to write a song around the encrypted message, and we don't have time for that."<br />
<br />
"Then what's your plan?" asks Elner.<br />
<br />
"We know Yunomi's still monitoring radio activity, right?" Yuna says, standing up straight again. "We send a message that doesn't need to be encrypted."<br />
<br />
Shortly thereafter:<br />
<br />
"o/~ A thought spreads its wings, like tracing a spiral / As it soars towards our tomorrow / Oh, feel my soul; the resounding pulse / Dwells in this same hour ... o/~"<br />
<br />
Yuna hasn't recorded this song before; it's one that she learned just recently, and her schedule's been too hectic lately for a studio session. But more than that, the lyrics seem more relevant to this search than any other song she knows right now.<br />
<br />
"o/~ Even if you're too far to hear me shouting with all my strength / I'm sure my voice will reach your heart / Go round and round, there is no end of the world / Let's share a dream that floats in the same darkness o/~"<br />
<br />
Not that Yuna is singing openly as she roams through the catacombs underneath the city of Ravnica; she needs to stay alert, and she may need her breath for other things at a moment's notice. Rather, she's recorded the song to Elner's databanks, and the little robo-faerie is transmitting as Elner flies along next to Yuna and the rest of the Matrix of Light. Rather than being ready for a fight, though, Yuna has the full Matrix with her to maximize her options for traversing the catacombs - Powered Form for high speed along fairly straight passages, Flight Form to negotiate vertical spaces, even Marine Form if she needs to delve underwater for any reason.<br />
<br />
She's ventured into the catacombs once before - ironically, helping Yunomi deal with repairs (and an infestation of undead) - so Yuna knows what conditions are like ... and she's also prepared, just in case she runs into anything hostile that she can't simply retreat from. Yuna is determined to find Yunomi - and may the heavens help anyone or anything that gets in her way.</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=4238/Of_Physics_and_Philosophy&diff=133944238/Of Physics and Philosophy2016-07-10T18:17:45Z<p>Shachihoko: Xiaomu, Staren, and Sigrun discuss some possible intersections of science and spirituality in the Multiverse.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/06/21<br />
|Location=Njorun Station - Ring of Philosophy<br />
|Synopsis=What happens when you mix science and spirituality? Xiaomu, Staren, and Sigrun find out.<br />
|Cast of Characters=42, 707, 992<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>For many worlds, Unification is something of a mixed blessing. Language barriers are weakened or punched through, things believed imaginary or impossible turn out to be very real, and that's not even getting into those unfortunate realities which find themselves embroiled in the conflict between the Union and the Confederacy.<br /><br />Xiaomu considers herself lucky, though: she's fluent in a few languages already, her day job has been dealing with supposed-fantastical beings for any number of years now (not to mention that she *is* one to most people), and while the war is a hassle, she's also been able to take advantage of anime, games, movies, etc. from outside of her own world's bodies of work, which makes it all worth it to her.<br /><br />In fact, she was just out shopping when the conversation on the Union's chat band wandered across the subject of particle physics and how they work, and she chimed in with an off-the-cuff comment that nearly got somebody in trouble. So - having stopped off to get a box of inarizushi (to tide her over until she gets home for dinner) - the sage fox finds an open instance of the Ring of Philosophy, and invites Staren over to chat. She wouldn't be surprised if anyone besides Staren turns up, either.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren walks in, soon enough. He offers a wave. "Oh hey." He takes a seat nearby. "So, are you a zen master, ready to set me straight on things?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xiaomu waves to Staren, grinning. "Buddhist yes, but not Zen," she says good-naturedly. "Besides, the mark of a Zen master isn't that he sets anyone straight; he gives his pupils a compass and tells them when they're reading it wrong. Have a seat and some inarizushi?" She indicates the box sitting in front of her; eleven pouches of inarizushi rest within it, plus an empty space the right size to have held an additional pouch.<br /><br />"Anyway, I think it was quantum physics I meant more than discrete particle physics, but ... more than that, I wasn't trying to dismiss what you were saying. The conversation at the time was trying to get a better grasp on a magically-oriented world's underlying metaphysics, right? And how that translates into what you'd consider 'observable phenomena'?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren was smiling, but he gives a dismissive 'hrmh.' grunt as she describes a zen master's job. "Some what?" he looks at the pouch curiously.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Umm... the discussion waaaaaas..." He's obviously checking his headcomputer for several seconds.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Right. The curiousity of Sigrun's world being mirrored, and to what extent that applied. I had just discarded the idea that even her proteins and DNA are of reverse chirality, but then it occured to me, that perhaps spirits play a part in the digestive and metabolic processes, so it might well be that she can eat food from normal-chirality worlds and the spirits turn it into something she can use? Hard to say. I'm not sure if there's any upshot just yet -- this is just musing. It'll have meaning when there's a practical problem to solve, for which it is relevant. Actually now it makes me wonder, does her world spin around the other way too? If it spins the /same/ way, wouldn't that change the weather patterns? Hmmm..." he holds a finger to his chin.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:992|Sigrun Stem (992)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"They're interesting questions, certainly." Sigrun responds to staren as she comes in. She doesn't have the cane today, but her codex gem is still missing. Having learned the basics of how this special place works, she summons herself a comfy floating desk chair and leans back in it.<br /><br />"I can't say I know anything about chirality or the like. As I told you, I'm a Mage, not a Wizard." She looks towards Xiaomu at this point, "I am Sigrun Stem, as I'm sure you figured out." She removes her mask, revealing a face that aside from the battle scars would be described by most people as 'conventionally attractive.' "Nice to meet you."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xiaomu waves to Sigrun, "I was starting to come to that conclusion, but thanks for clinching it. Name's Xiaomu, I'm an agent of Shinra in my homeworld, and I work with Psyber's 'Heaven Or Hell' group as a Union member. Plus getting into unrelated scrapes now and again."<br /><br />She leans forward briefly, nudging the box of inarizushi towards Sigrun. "Have some inarizushi? ... Not that I was figuring on testing any of Staren's theories," she adds with a wry grin. "Anyway, good to meet you too, Sigrun."<br /><br />She sits back again, having claimed a piece of inarizushi herself while she was at it, and looking at Staren again. "So check me on a thing: what happens if you run across a problem that you don't understand well enough to solve? Do you just keep beating your head against it until something makes sense? Do you ever admit that something is beyond your understanding and likely to stay that way?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"'Wizards' sound a lot like 'scientists'." Staren observes. He chuckles as Xiaomu comments on testing the protein chirality theory. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He looks at the fox for a moment, thinkjing over his reply. "I come at it from another angle with what I /can/ do, if I think it's important enough to. Like, if maybe, I'm fighting a bad guy, and if I knew all the right things to say, I could talk them down, but I don't? I fight them and stop them. And maybe there'll be collateral damage, and killing them isn't as great as making a new friend, but it's better than doing nothing. If the problem is just stupid and frustrating to deal with, and there's other elites to handle it, I'll let them do it, like that shroud business. But if I was the only one there? I dunno, I mighta gone to more extensive lengths to save them whether they liked it or not. I mean, their kids were getting sick. On the other hand, if I fix /every/ group that's having problems, I'd be seen as a villain and get heroes on my ass, so, I guess it's a calculation of how much I think other elites are gonna come after me for it. I can do more good in the long run if I'm not fighting off heroes or getting killed by them like some villain, right?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...Anyway, what does this have to do with zen?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:992|Sigrun Stem (992)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Maybe so, Wizards are interested in understanding the unknown. Mages like me are more interested in what this knowledge can be used for." Sigrun is essentially talking about mages being somewhat akin to engineers. "I won't turn down food."<br /><br />She picks up a piece with her gloved hand and plops it into her mouth, she's clearly not used to this particular variety of food, but she seems to find it perfectly acceptable. "What's Heaven or Hell, exactly?" She asks with naked curiousity, "I'm sure I could look it up, but I don't have my codex gem with me so it's inconvenient right now."<br /><br />Staren's answer seems to cause a mildly confused frown, "Staren, the only reason I can see people on our side go after you for trying to help people is if the methods you're using wouldn't pass the ethics committee, so what are 'more extensive lengths'?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Like I said," Xiaomu says to Staren, "I'm not a *Zen* Buddhist. I'm not even sure if the sect I studied with is still around in China, let alone Japan. But one of the few things all branches of Buddhism have in common is the search for Nirvana, the ongoing endeavor to free one's soul from the cycle of rebirth. Zen does that through, among other things, trying to attain a form of enlightenment of the mind, not just the soul. You mentioned koans, right? Those aren't just meaningless riddles or pointless paradoxes; a proper koan conveys a deeper meaning, but you have to work to understand it - and in so doing, break free of the preconceptions that anchor you to the cycle of mortality."<br /><br />She pauses, munching on a bite of inarizushi; after she swallows, she finishes, "... or something like that. 'What is the sound of one hand clapping?' is one of the standards; you may think that a single hand can't clap, or can only fan the air, but contemplating it at length can lead to realizing that there are other answers. I don't think there *are* koans that have only one answer."<br /><br />She looks at Sigrun. "Heaven Or Hell is ... pretty much a paranormal and supernatural investigations team. It's been a while since Psyber mobilized the group for a specific mission, but I'm fairly sure helping save Priscilla's world wound up as a largely Heaven Or Hell operation?" She looks at Staren; he was part of that whole situation, so he can probably help confirm (or refute) her half-guess on that subject.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So, scientists and engineers. I've always leaned more towards the mage side myself, but I have a certain wizardly curiousity all the same. Hard to tell if it's because I'm just curious, or the 'mage' side of me knows the knowledge has a chance of bearing useful fruit?" He shrugs.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren listens to Xiaomu's explanation. "Yeah yeah. No problem with Buddhism. Well, I do, but not as severe of one and it's a whole other discussion. Um, and yes, they /are/ meaningless riddles. That's the point. Umm... you're backing this up with your admittance that there is no actual correct, enlightening answer to the riddle. So it doesn't teach shit, except that people like to be clever-sounding cryptic mystic jerks."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He looks back to Sigrun. "I was talking about an incident where some nature-loving folk who lived in a forest... well, they all worshipped the forest god, right? Only it went mad or sick or something, stopped talking to them, and choked the forest with ash and flame."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren shakes his head. "But these idiots, they refused to raise a hand against this god of theirs. And when I gave them help? Set up battery-powered air filters for their homes? They /refused to even change batteries or filters/, because touching technology was bad according to their god. You know, the same god now cooking and choking them?! And I mean, sure, people are free to make dumb decisions, right, that's what freedom means."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But this village had /children/. Children who risked being plagued by lung disease for the rest of their life because of their idiot parents at BEST, or who might perish in fire if their god rampaged in the wrong direction!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Now, there were some other heroes around, so I let them handle it because I couldn't stand talking to these self-destructive morons one more frigging second. But if those heroes hadn't been around? I dunno, maybe I coulda killed the god. Forest wouldn't have been a good place to live anymore though. Maybe I could build some kinda dome around them and get enough tech together to keep it running. Either of those are going against all their wishes and destroying their way of life -- well, no, not really, their god already /did/ that, see, but I'd be not respecting their wishes."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Alternatively, I could leave them to their fate and just abduct their children and try to find homes for them. But trust me, if someone came along then and talked to these people later, what light do you think these people would paint me in for /caring about their fucking children/ more than /they/ did? Not a good one."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren shakes his head. "Nah. People don't want to /actually/ fix stuff. I mean, look around you. People are growing old and dying ALL THE TIME. It's a freakin' tragedy! Millions! Billions! Gazillions, bigger numbers than you can ever CONCEIVE of, are dying, every moment, somewhere in the multiverse, leaving bereaved loved ones behind."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He begins to get increasingly angry and ranty, "And yet, everyone's been cultureally... ugh, somehow people are TWISTED into thinking death is NECESSARY and not just some cosmic bad luck happenstance that happens to some species and not others because of flimsy biology! But if I rounded people up and put people in computers where they'd never die, how would people see that? I'd be smashed by an alliance of dozens of heroes by the time I barely got started! And then the irony would be that they'd probably run around smashing the computers too, killing the few people I saved anyway!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He sighs. "Anyway, we're not here to talk about my complete inability to actually save the people of the Multiverse, we were here to make sure that I properly understand Zen and am judging it on its full merits rather than condemning some stawman."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He looks back to Xiaomu. "So far, I'm unimpressed, but maybe there's arguments yet to be made with more definitive merit?" He's trying not to look as scornful as he could, with mixed success. But on some level, he's honestly hoping he's wrong, because it would be socially mega-awkward to go to all the troubl<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>He's trying not to look as scornful as he could, with mixed success. But on some level, he's honestly hoping he's wrong, because it would be socially mega-awkward to go to all the trouble of having this talk with Xiaomu only for it to confirm his previous beliefs<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:992|Sigrun Stem (992)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sigrun listens to Staren's rant with a somewhat concerned look. "That's a sticky situation." She agrees, softly, "And I know not what I'd do if I could not call in experts, but I fear I'd do something wrong, even if that wrong is nothing at all."<br /><br />The monster exterminator also listens to Xiaomu, and Staren, and takes a moment to form her own take on the matter, trying to see if she understands what Xiaomu is saying. "It sounds to me like the point of the question is not the answer. It's how thinking about the question enriches your thinking. Like... it's all good and well to know that for a square triangle straight sides of three and four the hypotenusa is five, but what's the point in knowing that if you don't know how to get there?"<br /><br />Building on that, she adds, "If the questions are meant to engage the mind and encourage a new way to think about something, perhaps the answer doesn't even matter."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren looks at Sigrun. "That's different. The Pythagorean formula is a specific formula. How long is one side of a triangle given the other two sides has only one right answer."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>It's not every day that Xiaomu gets to meet a potential mad scientist ... although Staren seems to know enough about that genre to keep himself from sliding all the way into that sort of madness. So 'potential' remains the critical word, and even if she takes some issue with his disregard for Buddhism, she can't fault him for *having* problems with it - at least in his current mindset.<br /><br />The bigger problems - and the problems with which Xiaomu sympathizes even more - is the specific example of a forest god whose followers kept placing their faith in that same deity, even at the cost of their own lives. And that's where the sage fox just goes quiet for a while, letting Sigrun chip into the conversation.<br /><br />"I think, in a case like the one you just described," she finally says, "what you needed to do was try and help the god. Find the source of the illness - pollution or rot or just a big chunk of ill will, whatever - and treat the problem at its source. Not entirely unlike doing surgery."<br /><br />Xiaomu takes a deep breath, letting it out slowly. "That's the thing, Staren. You focused on 'help the people,' right? Which isn't *wrong* per se, not in its own right. But if the people are too devoted to the way of life their god taught them to turn aside from that devotion, there's only so much you can do. And sometimes, there's nothing. Mortal or immortal, we all have limits to what we can do. And mortals like you -"<br /><br />The smile which curves Xiaomu's lips has a touch of affection in it; maybe not for Staren specifically, but for the group he represents. "Mortals like you are so good at finding ways to stretch or bend your limits. You can *create*, which is something even I have a slippery time with."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:992|Sigrun Stem (992)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"And in mathematics there's always at least one correct answer even if that's just 'we can't know', but the real world isn't so clean, and being able to think about a problem through multiple channels, and knowing just how to think about it? That has value." Sigrun suggests to Staren, glancing back to Xiaomu as she offers another solution to the problem Staren mentioned.<br /><br />"I don't know if the methods of Zen are good at getting you to practice thinking about problems in new ways, but real life problems are often messy, and I approve of all methods that try to get you to be better about thinking of these things." Sigrun shrugs, "And maybe the packaging is a little specific and unusual. It doesn't have to work for you to have merit, does it?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren blinks at Xiaomu. "Yeah... okay, actually, treating the god like a patient is something I suggested at the time. But people were having none of that. Like, it'd be, demeaning to the god somehow, to treat it like a sick person or a wounded animal. The people refused to allow for such in their reverence. Only choice allowed was, I dunno, something about talking to it and subduing elementals? While the people suffered the whole time. Other heroes wanted to do that, so I let them and stayed out of it."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren shrugs. "That's true. Those people made their choice. But again, there were kids there. Kids who never /got/ to make a choice. Only had the circumstances under which they were born."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sigrun's advice causes a look on his face like bad-tasting food. "Ehhhhhnh... I suppose it might happen to help some people by coincidence, but it's not really designed for that. Maybe you can teach engineering -- magery -- by saying 'Here's the situation, find any solution that works' but it seems super sloppy for philosophy, because it's a lot less empirical to even judge what /is/ a right answer. In engineering either it works or it doesn't. When it comes to whether your clever twisting of 'one hand clapping' into something sensible-sounding is valid.... eeeenh."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren snaps his fingers. "It's like when people ruin a great story by saying the author meant a bunch of crazy stuff by it, and the author's not there to refute it, and it's pretty unlikely they meant /every/ crazy thing you ascribe to them. It's sloppy, there's no way to judge right or wrong, just a set-up to let a bunch of people get pretentious /because/ they can't be proven wrong in their own field. Yeah, that's pretty much exactly the vibe I get from every 'clever' zen koan I read, now that I think of it..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:992|Sigrun Stem (992)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sigrun shrugs slightly, "Xiaomu said it's part of a framework, a framework in which you're supposed to have a teacher to guide you if you're going nowhere. I'm not sure it's a good framework mind, because I have no experience with it, but I had philosophy classes in college. A lot of that boiled down to 'interesting question' and then discussing the question and thinking about what the answer may be and all too often the answer we ended up giving wasn't important, as long as the road we took to get there was sensible."<br /><br />For the last bit, Sigrun adds another bit, "I assume the cryptic phrasing has its purpose within that larger framework, and that outside the framework, those 'koans' lose their usefulness. Just like a lot of traditional Eastern--I guess you'd know it as Western--philosophy includes a lot of assumptions about how the world works without which the questions asked in that tradition lose meaning. Is it the asker's fault if it the question was never directed at someone who lacks the background that informs and contextualizes the question?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Somebody who takes advantage of their understanding of Zen to lord it over others is doing it wrong," Xiaomu states, wrinkling her nose briefly. "Even *I* know that much. You don't flaunt your enlightenment in the face of the unenlightened, that's bad manners and it undoes all of your hard work, *and* whatever progress they might have been making. But I mentioned Zen less because of enlightenment - remember, *I* am not a Zen Buddhist - and more because quantum physics."<br /><br />She looks at Staren. "I dunno how much of your work has been in quantum theory, but ... isn't a lot of that counter-intuitive? Goes against what's been established in more conventional fields of physics? Stuff like two particles that got split apart from each other and have nothing else connecting them can still affect each other? Or how a different particle could resolve into either of two states when you next try to observe it? That's what so-called 'Western' scientists have been coming up with ... and some things about that have made a lot of sense to great Asian thinkers, who come at it from their cultural mindset - accepting that mysteries exist, I guess you'd call it - instead of the 'everything can be quantified, and everything can be explained' headspace of Western science."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren looks from Sigrun to Xiaomu. "I've studied quantum mechanics some, but it hasn't really come up in my work." He rolls his eyes. "And yes, it /is/ counter-intuitive, but it helps to hear it explained conceptually instead of just looking at a bunch of formulas. As for 'spooky action at a distance', quantum mechanics /does not work that way/. That's like story-writers thinking that lightning or radioactivity can do anything. Quantum entanglement doesn't mean what people think it means. Well. Except in worlds where it /does/ work that way, I suppose."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren sighs. "But don't you see the contradiction? The point isn't that mysteries exist -- it's that mysteries are just knowledge waiting to happen, and even when shit is /really weird/, like quantum mechanics, it can /still/ be understood by scientist-wizards. You know what my honest guess is? That particle physicists who also study zen just want to feel better about their own incomplete understanding or want to glorify mystery, which is something a scientist /shouldn't/ be doing, but is allowed in worlds where 'being a scientist' means 'writing papers' rather than 'figuring shit out'."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"And Buddhism isn't for everyone," Xiaomu admits. "You have to want that kind of enlightenment, or it never *will* sound like anything more than pretentious mumbo-jumbo. Nothing good has ever been accomplished by trying to force anyone to take up religious beliefs that they aren't willing to agree with."<br /><br />She glances away briefly, her vulpine ears flicking. "Or spiritual beliefs of any sort, religious or not. Raise a community on tales of how foxes are conniving vermin out to bewitch them and steal their children for supper, and you'll be lucky to have an actual fox walk into town in the next two centuries and not get hunted down to stretch her pelt over a smoldering fire ..." Her ears angle back more sharply, and the look on her face becomes somewhat more angry - or perhaps, more pained.<br /><br />"... anyway. If I'd been trying to convince you of anything, Staren, this is about the point where I would give up. Whatever form *your* enlightenment takes, I hope it's one that lets you keep a mind open to where other people see or hear the truths that speak to them." She takes another piece of inarizushi from the box, not looking at either Staren or Sigrun at this point. "If every mortal could agree on one great Truth, you wouldn't have dozens of religions and denominations all butting heads with each other, that's for sure."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren shrugs. "Perhaps Zen can help some people. But it sounds to me like the great truth of Zen is that there /is/ no great truth of Zen, it's just a thing to help people find other great truths. And I say... why not just give them that great truth, then? At the very least, Zen needs to come with a disclaimer: 'Not for everyone. If it sounds stupid to you, then it's not for you. It is a teaching tool and everyone learns differently.'"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He stretches out. "It sounds like we all have some baggage that never quite goes away. Sucky stuff in our pasts. I guess that's just part of being a person."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...I have to wonder though... You go out there and you fight. Aren't buddhists pacifists? And isn't the whole point of buddhism learning to accept that the world is the way it is, and all unhappiness comes from silly mortal desires to change it? I thought nirvana was like... the idea that when you finally accept that nothing should matter to you, then nothing matters anymore, so there's nothing more to do."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:992|Sigrun Stem (992)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"I don't know much about the specifics of Buddhism, but well..." Sigrun half-shrugs. "I seem to recall reading about warrior-monks in Japan, and I'm pretty sure those were Buddhists." The rest of it, she doesn't really have anything else to say about it beyond, "Nobody is asking you to become a Buddhist, just to respect the people who are."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"That disclaimer should go on every religion and every school of philosophy out there," Xiaomu says with a wry grin. "Every single one. And as for whether Buddhists are pacifists ..." She trails off briefly. "The theory is to not harm any other living soul, because all souls are supposedly seeking enlightenment through rebirth. The ant that you step on, or the steer whose meat went into that hamburger, or the chicken that was fried for your lunch; any of them could have been a soul that was human the last time around. But by the same token, there's this category of spirit-beings ... dharmapala, 'protectors of dharma' - Fudou Myou-ou, the Immovable King of Light, is one of the better-known dharmapala. Basically, if you piss off one of the Buddhist deities, the ass-kicking with your name on it is gonna come from a dharmapala."<br /><br />Xiaomu smirks briefly. "Or something to that effect. I didn't say I was a good Buddhist."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Staren smiles a little. "I see. I suppose, in the end, what matters is that you're clear on what seems like the right thing to you. It doesn't have to have some fancy name or completely match a bunch of other ideas that are in a bag together with a fancy name." He stands up, taking one of the boxes of japanese food that the player still has no idea what it is. "Thanks for the talk, and thanks for the inu-whatever. I'm glad we could make sure this didn't turn into like, some kind of festering rift between us."<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=4201/Girls_Go_Shopping&diff=133164201/Girls Go Shopping2016-06-09T11:31:29Z<p>Shachihoko: Yuna and Kutsuuko go shopping.</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/06/09<br />
|Location=Fraulein Earth <GFY><br />
|Synopsis=Yuna and Kutsuuko go to the mall. No monsters, no bad guys, just a couple of girls out shopping.<br />
|Cast of Characters=385, 953<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Summer has come to Fraulein Earth a little early, and Yuna is taking the best advantage of it she can - particularly when she's got an afternoon off from both Union work and her idol career. Going shopping all by yourself isn't a whole lot of fun, though ...<br /><br />But while most of her local friends were busy, Yuna did remember that she had some SERIOUS catching-up to do with an old friend - well, arguably 'old enemy,' but they were friends now without any qualifications, so she would've sent Kutsuuko an invitation to go shopping with her. Fortunately, there's a warpgate fairly close to the Shiraokadai Shopping Mall, and it is there that Yuna can be found, sitting on a bench and looking up each time somebody passes through the gate ....<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:953|Kutsuuko Shiratori (953)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;/Why/ is Kutsuuko here again? Even these days, this is a pretty big stretch. It isn't as if she doesn't browse clothes at all, usually with Alisa, but everything she buys is ordered through Fenrir's terminal system and delivered to the Den. This 'going shopping' thing is a little unfamiliar, as is the still-weird experience of going to bright, pretty, functioning, outdoor cities without military police. It'll wear off with time, but . . .<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well she does kind of owe it to Yuna. Sort of. She had nearly succeeded in killing her a few years ago, and now being on the same side, she's offering this kind of chance to bond and make up for it. She'd have to be a total asshole to turn her down. For the kind of fashion of the time period, her outfit is a little dark and flashy, but otherwise doesn't stand out as being too anime. The only real sticking factor are her hands, with the right one bearing that heavy, red armoured bracelet, and the other clad in that military-looking black glove.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Admittedly, it's a little hard to pick Yuna out without the space suit on.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Hey Kutsuuko!" Yuna calls out, getting to her feet as she spots the God Eater; the blonde waves, partly in further greeting, partly to help Kutsuuko *find* her. (Yuna remains painfully aware that she's on the short side, even for a Japanese girl.) "Hope you didn't have too much trouble finding the right warpgate; how're things back on your Earth?"<br /><br />She makes sure her purse's strap rests comfortably over a shoulder, and is ready to head over to the mall proper once Kutsuuko's joined her. If Yuna has any particular thoughts on Kutsuuko's casual clothes, she isn't saying anything yet.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:953|Kutsuuko Shiratori (953)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then it's kind of weird for Kutsuuko hearing her name called from a crowd, doubly so for it being Yuna in person, triply so for it being friendly, and then quadruply so seeing her dressed in shopping casual. The look up and down her isn't even remotely hidden, but she smiles at seeing her all the same, clearly a little awkwardly, but not insincerely. "Hey. Not really I guess. They're intuitive enough to navigate when you know how to use them, and you're on the roster anyways."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She pauses a moment, and then shrugs a little noncommittally. "Better than they used to be. We're finally getting those imports at least. Now Alisa can stop whining about the soap and Lindow can quit bitching about the beer. It's actually getting a little overcrowded, if anything. We've got three newbies who're doing fine too, so that takes a big load off of everyone else. It's the most God Eaters we've had alive simultaneously on base . . . every, really."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>As weird as it might be for Kutsuuko? To look at Yuna, you would never know that there was once a time when she wanted to kill the girl whom she's meeting to go shopping with.<br /><br />It's not that Yuna has forgotten how she and Kutsuuko originally crossed paths; in fact, it was remembering the God Eater which drew Yuna's attention when contact was re-established between Fenrir Earth and the rest of the Multiverse, after things had been so quiet for so long. But Yuna also remembered just what came out of that battle - namely, a better understanding of who Kutsuuko was, and why she had to fight ... and to a lesser extent, why she was with the Confederacy at the time.<br /><br />If the two of them ever have a rematch, Yuna hopes for it to be on friendly terms, maybe in a simulated environment rather than with full-power weaponry, and definitely without any intent to kill. She's in no hurry to fight Kutsuuko again, though, and the bright warmth of her smile is genuine as she listens to the God Eater's description of how things are going back home. Enemies they may have been, but they're friends now - finally, and just as Yuna had hoped might someday be the case. "Base is getting full enough that you might have to expand, huh?" she smiles. "Well, if you need building materials, I'm sure Fayt'd be happy to make that delivery for you! And I could probably pitch in, if Elner and Jiina don't mind me using Powered Form for construction labor ..."<br /><br />Her smile brightens by a notch. "So what kind of clothes did you want to shop for today?" Yuna asks as the mall doors slide open to admit them, a gust of air-conditioned cool air blowing out from the building's interior. "... Come to think of it, don't those bracelets get in the way with some clothes?" She indicates Kutsuuko's right wrist with a brief nod before letting the God Eater precede her into the mall proper.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:953|Kutsuuko Shiratori (953)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That nerd?" Kutsuuko says without thinking as Yuna mentions Fayt, busy peeking into the entrance of the mall before stepping inside, as if she expects to be shot at from the many places someone could hide in there. "Oh, uh, yeah. There's been a lot of talk about it recently. The last thing anyone wants to do is stop the population from bouncing back, but expanding the size of a branch really isn't as simple as you'd think. Right now they're tossing around the idea of establishing satellite cities in places where Aragami don't naturally go, then setting up the usual stations and facilities to loosely connect them with home base while still being self-sufficient. I kind of like it to be honest. Gives people something to do rather than bum around the ghetto. Gainful work and a place to set up their families."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Eventually, she decides it safe to step across the boundary and get hit in the face with that old-style air conditioning, shivering briefly. "Oh like you wouldn't /believe/." is her reply to that last question. "Everyone's been nagging at R&D to make them smaller for years, but it's a 'priority two task' so it never gets done. You have to learn the 'techniques'." She punctuates the last word in the sentence with air quotes. "Honestly, I'm not really sure. Something nice to just wear around without the Fenrir logo all over it would be nice. I mean there's no hiding the P-51, and I'm pretty proud of my brass, but no need to go everywhere with boots on and a hardcase assembly right?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"'Techniques,' huh?" Yuna grins a bit. "Guess part of it is careful shopping, finding sleeves that can stretch around it ... ?" She thinks for a moment about the clothes she owns, whether any of them could fit around a bracelet like that one.<br /><br />Then she notices the way Kutsuuko is looking around. To her credit, Yuna doesn't giggle, but she does wave a hand as though to dismiss those fears. "Elner's keeping tabs on me like usual, and if anything happens, Jiina, Marina, and Erina can be here a little faster than I can transform. Besides, it's a *shopping mall*; nobody's going to attack us here."<br /><br />She suppresses the desire to knock on wood as she says that, though.<br /><br />"Anyway, sounds like a shoe store is the first stop. There's a really nice one on the far end of the first floor, the one upstairs near this entrance has a decent selection but the prices tend to be a little higher ... and then there's the department stores, of course."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:953|Kutsuuko Shiratori (953)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kutsuuko frowns slightly at Yuna picking up on it, maybe not being entirely consciously aware of it herself. "I got it. I'm not really worried, just . . ." She lets it hang for a moment. "It's weird seeing one of these places being used instead of nightmare buildings you don't want to go into if you can help it. Tons of blind corners and short lines of sight with open views from the top, and all the entrances are huge and the rooms all make for nice hidey holes. Call it habit." Yuna can probably imagine why a shelled out shopping mall is the last place someone would want to go hunting and unknown number of big, vicious monsters. Fortunately what looks to be the most fearsome thing likely to be encountered today is the bill.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh the what? I'm not really worried about the price. The contract I'm working on right now has a guy constantly paying me in gold bricks. Like actual bars of solid gold. I've got cash to burn." Kutsuuko grins, a little intensely at that. "You're going to know all the best places right? You live here! Show me what you've got and don't hold back!" The card she pulls out definitely isn't a modern one, but places near warpgates like this should have credit converters anyways. It looks to be a splurge visit either way!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>There are some bank machines near the mall's entrance, a combination of 'credit converter' and ATMs for the local bank network. There's also a short line for them - it looks like one of the machines is out of service.<br /><br />Some things never change no matter where (or when) you go, apparently.<br /><br />Yuna doesn't break stride, though, even as she grins impishly at the thought of being paid in bars of gold bullion (or something). "At least you can probably lift those without help," she says ... is that a teasing tone in her voice? The grin is definitely a playful one. "All right, if money's no object, let's head upstairs first - start thinking about colors you like, and what'll go well together. We'll probably want to hit the other store anyway, this is more of a 'dress shoes' store than 'walk around in comfort' store. Not that they don't have the latter ..."<br /><br />One escalator ride later, the shoe store beckons!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:953|Kutsuuko Shiratori (953)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The wild and crazy multiversal future and the ATMs are /still/ out of service. Frigging typical. It's a minor bother at least, but Kutsuuko is taken a little off guard by that verbal elbow from Yuna. "I guess? I actually didn't really think about it. Now I'm not sure how anyone but Setsuko is getting them home. I mean I have to carry around a God Arc all day so that's no real surprise but . . ." Dammit this'll bother her all day. How are Kyra and Raylene cashing in solid bars of gold.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kutsuuko is just about to give out the obvious answer on colours before she takes a second look at herself, frowns, and decides to change her answer. "Something lighter might be nice. I have plenty of dark stuff for . . . a lot of reasons." And then she is immediately caught up in shoes. "Hey! This is actual leather right? From a real cow? Oh that one's /sheep/ skin! I'm not even sure I could wear these without worrying about damaging them." Kind of focusing on the wrong thing here, given, but spending all that time with a Russian starlet seems to have rubbed off some fashion sense on her, because Kutsuuko is surprisingly quick to pick out (annoyingly, five) different sets of dress shoes that actually look good, though all of them are pretty far from what you'd wear to an interview or a graduation or a funeral.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Yep, real leather, which is part of why it's so expensive here," Yuna answers with a grin. Doesn't look like Kutsuuko needs much coaching; Yuna remains within easy earshot in case the God Eater needs to ask her something, but she has a couple of things to look for as well ... even if she only comes up with one of them. "Good thing my job pays for most of my work clothes, but I don't feel right about wearing work shoes to a personal thing," she observes when she meets Kutsuuko at the checkout counter.<br /><br />Then she looks at the five pairs of shoes which the God Eater picked out. "... you do know we're going shopping for things besides shoes, right?" adds the blonde with a wry grin (and possibly a sweatdrop). Not that she can *totally* blame Kutsuuko - particularly with how she was gushing over the selection.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:953|Kutsuuko Shiratori (953)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh come on! Do you have any idea how much these would cost back /home/? Cows and sheep are almost extinct! You'd have to pay ten times this to get someone to make leather out of them!" Well, mall shoes or not, somebody is going to be popular back at Fenrir. "Besides, I need to get some for Alisa too, and then some for Sakuya, and then a second set for Alisa so she doesn't think I like Sakuya more." This already sounds complicated. At the very least though, Kutsuuko isn't about to get bogged down by how heavy her bags are. Maybe get stared at a little bit, but not become encumbered, that's for sure.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You're not getting anything yourself?" she asks while exiting, jumping slightly at the little door jingle. She winds up looking all around the top level, and then a little forlornly at a place doing ear piercings, before skimming over tacky teen clothes and designer exercise wear to fixate on a store selling . . . pretty ordinary, if nice, outdoors summer wear. "That's pretty normal to wear around here, right? Outside I mean."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna does have one new pair of shoes to her credit, but that WAS just the first stop. And the shop's registers were able to process payment without issue even for Kutsuuko; apparently the mall is Multiverse-aware beyond the ATMs.<br /><br />When Kutsuuko asks about 'normal' clothing, Yuna follows her gaze, and nods. "Yeah, although you have to keep the weather in mind. Summer days can get pretty hot, but if you wear a sundress or something and get caught in a cloudburst, it can be pretty embarassing. - Hm, you don't really go swimming back home, do you ..." Yuna trails off. "Are there aquatic Aragami too?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:953|Kutsuuko Shiratori (953)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Oh I know all about hot." Kutsuuko says unpleasantly, but can't help but laugh a little bit at the rest. "Are you speaking from experience~? I think it'd be nice to wear something outside that doesn't need to have a ton of pockets and survive a lot of- well I guess Sakuya doesn't but how she manages it is a mystery to me. I'm not going to pretend the weather back home isn't kind of crappy, even without work to do. It's sunny often enough around the Far East Branch, but it's not exactly green lawns or fresh air. Depending on where you go it either gets it's smoggy and rainy and everything smells like bleach, it's stormy and windy and a lightning hazard, it's inexplicably freezing, or it's boiling hot because there was a mantle breach underground."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She considers the rest only briefly. "There are, and they're nasty as hell, but not usually around the shallow water. There's nothing to eat in little tide pools and nothing lays eggs in the sand anymore, so they're mostly all big, open water types, or bigger, deep ocean types. I've managed to squeeze in a swim trip a yearly thing though~ Water recycling doesn't like indoor pools, but around the coast of Aegis Island it's actually really not bad, though you need top level clearance to go there anymore. I own a swimsuit anyways though~"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite Yuna's advice, Kutsuuko seems intent on getting the most stereotypical sundress and hat possible, followed by an uncertain sequence of light tops and blouses in various degrees of fabric being cut off, as well as some proper shorts, which to her credit, mostly actually go with one set of shoes or another. The number of bags is starting to pile up to a comical degree though. Who'd have taken her for a shopping fanatic? "Ahh, I don't think I really need anything formal. I still have that junk from Lindow's wedding. I /definitely/ don't need outdoors gear either, as laughable as that is to look at. Hmmmm." She taps her chin as she looks around the lower floor. "There's some nice looking dresses there, but I'm not sure I'd ever get a chance to wear them. And I'm not really a hats girl. They don't look good on me. I'm not really sure about jewellery, but it looks like that or lingerie right now."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Well, if you run out of stuff that you 'need,'" Yuna notes, "you can save your money, or get some gifts for your friends and teammates while you're here ..." She ponders briefly. "Or you can relax a bit while I do some more of my shopping; there's a few things I still need to look for ... mostly lingerie," she admits with another slight blush. "The food court's got some good options if you're hungry but I might need to reassure them that Yuri isn't with me this trip; I kinda wanted to poke my head in at the arcade and see what their new games are like, too."<br /><br />She's been fairly selective about her own shopping; she's not coming away from any of the stores empty-handed, but compared to Kutsuuko's collection of bags, you'd almost have to wonder which one of them is the idol. But it's been a fun trip so far, so how much money they've spent is hardly a concern for Yuna - as long as she doesn't bust her own budget.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=4168/A_Few_Friendly_Spills&diff=132994168/A Few Friendly Spills2016-06-05T18:13:06Z<p>Shachihoko: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2016/05/30 |Location=Tokyo-52605 <NXC> |Synopsis=Kappa in Tokyo-52605 hold a sumo tournament; a few Multiversal guests drop by to visit. |Cast of C..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/05/30<br />
|Location=Tokyo-52605 <NXC><br />
|Synopsis=Kappa in Tokyo-52605 hold a sumo tournament; a few Multiversal guests drop by to visit.<br />
|Cast of Characters=8, 265, 459, 705, 707, 847<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>It's actually kind of amazing what oddities your average mundane civilian will pay no heed to.<br /><br />For instance, take the amateur sumo tournament that's being held in Ueno Park. Many of the participants - not quite 'all,' but a large majority - harbor various shades of green or (less commonly) blue, either in their hair or their skin. And a lot of them have either sparse or spiky hair.<br /><br />The truth of the matter is that the tournament is an excuse for a large number of Tokyo's kappa to get together and practice their sumo with each other, in a friendly setting where nobody's going to get hurt (much). The tournament's been going for a while now, and a number of participants have been eliminated - but they're all still watching, some more restlessly than others, as the remaining contestants go about their matches. The quarterfinals are just wrapping up now - two surprisingly lithe loincloth-clad 'men' size each other up on the baked clay 'ring,' then lunge towards each other, grappling and struggling fiercely. It takes about three seconds before one of them gets flipped head-over-heels, a splash of water sloshing down out of the hollow atop his head, and then the loser gets slammed down hard enough to drive the wind out of his lungs.<br /><br />Cue loud cheering from the onlookers, the winner raising his arms in triumph before helping the loser back out of the ring. Once there, an attendant dips a ladle into a cask of water and pours some into the loser's head-hollow.<br /><br />It's not hard to find the tournament 'grounds,' either; just look for the banners with the three Greek letters, 'Rho Kappa Sigma'.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>'Monsters' having a sumo tournament. Something other than pokemon, which is a nice change of pace for Alexis to come see if this sort of thing is as cracked up as it sounds. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Who knows. Maybe she'll find a kappa wanting a challenge.<br /><br />Not her. Though she totally could, sumo isn't really her thing. But she's got a standby if one of the duck-lizards (or whatever you'd call a kappa) is still looking for a scuffle.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel totally could pass for human really well she could most of the time unles she was hurt. Still the locak Kappa getitng out to have some fun really and part of her wonders? Do the locals know and just politely look the other way on issues of species all for everyone's sanity? Either way the basic has come to take in this match as it's much like the old non lethal disc wars back on the grid.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:265|Rabby (265)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Rabby came as well, since she's been out of here for awhile and wants to get back into things. She managed to snag a front row seat, which is interesting considering you'd think she'd be the least interested in seeing action up close and personal, but who knows? She makes her way into the area and takes her seat before waiting patiently for things to start.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At the edge of the arena, dressed in a sleeveless red dress shirt, black tie, and a black short skirt, stands Konoe. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "......." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She's not unfamiliar with kappa and their proclivities. But she's here today mostly to keep an eye on the proceedings and make sure nothing happens. Her arms are folded behind her back, and her face is set in a terribly business-like expression as she watches the proceedings with a somewhat bored manner. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Being an agent of Shinra wasn't always high flying action, walking away from explosions, chasing ghostly bikers, and dueling thousand year old warlords. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The tournament was at the quarterfinals now... just a little longer and then this job would be over, right? Hm...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not far from Konoe is a distinctly unassuming man in a completely unassuming black suit. He's on his first cigarette of the night, but given the situation is almost sure to add to that number as the event goes on. He's wearing a pair of black shades, obscuring his watchful eyes... But the only hint that he's anything but a completely ordinary salary worker is the scar on his head and the great shock of white hair on the left side of his head.<br /><br />It... kind of makes him look like some kind of Yak.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He is not, of course. He is Reiji Arisu, the Agent of Shinra voted most frequently beset with paperwork. Tonight he's on duty; though that largely involves keeping an eye on things and making sure nobody does anything stupid. If someone DOES do something stupid, well.<br /><br />Let's just hope nobody does.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>And rounding out the Shinra representation at this event is Xiaomu, taking a break from her usual downtime of anime and gaming to help watch things and make sure nothing goes pear-shaped. She also managed to draw the short straw for handling Shinra's logistical support for the event: the supplies which are being used - including a rapidly-diminishing stock of cucumbers - were brought in by Black Dragon Shipping on her arrangement.<br /><br />Once the last set of quarterfinalists (now reduced to semifinalists and losers, really) have left the dohyo behind, the head of the Ueno Park Kappa Association steps up, holding a microphone. "Thank you all, thank you for your support of all contenders thus far! At this time, while the semifinalists are preparing, I'd like to open up the ring for sumo enthusiasts not enrolled in the Association - anyone who'd like to test their skill, strength, and fortune among some of the first round's losers. Anyone?"<br /><br />While he's talking, about a dozen of the scrawnier-looking kappa - who were also fidgeting the most obviously a moment ago - bounce to their feet. (One bounces too vigorously and topples over again, since he just sloshed the water out of his head-hollow. There's some good-natured snickering at the mishap, and an attendant refills him.)<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>A Trainer tends to develope a keen sense for finding challenges, and Alexis' certainly prove to be as sharp as ever. A casual smirk curls her lips a little at the announcement, and a few moments after the pink-pigtailed Trainer nudges her way to the front of the crowd. "Hey! Over here!" She waves a hand over her head just to make sure she can get noticed, since considering this is some version of Tokyo the pink hair doesn't necessarily stand out. "I've got someone who'd be interested in challenging someone."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel figures the Shinra was here to keep the peace so to speak also enjoy the show if things didn't go nuts, right? She was just here to enjoy watching the fight for now. She seems amused but she's not going to laugh to hard. She does seme to be enjoying herself and cause a few hard light constructs to do what? Record or maybe even give an little concert depending on how things get going here.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Konoe blinks slowly, her expression unchanging. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Guest challenger hour? Oh boy. Her eyes swept the area slowly, taking stock of all the eager kappa, as well as the girl stepping up. "....." She didn't look much like a wrestler. She probably had something else up her sleeve. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She mentioned 'someone'. ...A friend? Familiar? Some kind of summoned creature? Hm. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Oh well, she'll see.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xiaomu raises her eyebrows a bit as someone actually offers a challenge. "You know kappa are super-strong compared to humans, right?" she calls out to Alexis - but, well, challenge accepted already.<br /><br />"Please come up to the dohyo, then!" the MC calls out, grinning and beckoning to Alexis. "We don't have many female challengers ..."<br /><br />Wait, he thinks *Alexis* is the challenger? She might want to set him straight, but one young and lithe kappa - the loser from the very first match, as it happens - is already stepping up into the ring, grinning in anticipation.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"I think you misheard me," Alexis replies as she saunters up to the dohyo, but stops outside of the actual ring. "I said I -have- someone." But look, here comes a challenger already. She should maybe feel a little bad about that. But that's what happens when you jump at a challenge before actually taking a moment to see what you're getting yourself into.<br /><br />Trust me, she's had to learn that lesson the hard way. Many times.<br /><br />On the other hand, the bit of confusion is amusing, so let's just roll with it. She plucks a pokeball from her belt, expands it, and flicks it towards the ring. "Take the field, Blockade."<br /><br />The brief discharge of glowing energy follows, and as the ball bounces back into Alexis' hand the glow dulls and consolidates into a massive rotound form mostly of blue-grey and cream colored fatness. "Snorrrr." A pause, and then it holds a paw up to it's maw as if yawning. "laaaaaax."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "......." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Facepalm. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Konoe broke her stoicism just for that. A snorlax. Really now? The thing was huge! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Good luck with that one, kappa guy.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>You know, there was a time not so long ago that Reiji would have been obliged to SILENCE THIS BLATANT BREACH OF THE MASQUERADE.<br /><br />But that's a multiversal, so that means he doesn't need to worry about it.<br /><br />Instead, Reiji just leans back and takes a draw from a can of Sapporo beer. It's not... TECHNICALLY his day off, but...<br /><br />May as well be!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Whatever you may have to say about the kappa who are gathered here, they certainly seem eager and friendly - there's an actual round of applause as the Snorlax is unveiled, and Alexis's opponent seems even MORE eager to wrestle the Snorlax now. "Well well well," the MC crows, "a *true* challenge from the Outside! Embargo vs. Kawanosuke, get set!" He takes a few steps back as the kappa - apparently Kawanosuke - grins widely, bowing (while keeping his head up) to the Snorlax, and then getting into his ready position behind one of the rope-bale 'lines', knees bent, knuckles resting on the clay.<br /><br />... and then he backs away, scooping up a bit of salt from a nearby pail and tossing it into the ring. "Ritual purification," Xiaomu explains, having scurried up to Alexis's side. "Have Embargo mimic the gesture, then they can get into ready positions and go for it."<br /><br />The sage fox pauses. "Embargo *does* know basic sumo rules, right ... ?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel starts playing some music over her constructs to add to the match it's pretty high paced music hopefully it will be suitable but it's clearly not japanese at all. She's hanging back amused moving her fingers as she controls the units hovering by her. <br /><br /> "Come on Alexis!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Alexis gives Xiaomu a small smile over her shoulder. "Yeah, but thanks for the refresher." She gives the Snorlax a nudge before stepping back out of the way. "You heard her. Do the same thing he did."<br /><br />"Snor." With the rotound build and not really having a visible neck it's hard to tell if that was a nod or not, and Blockage squats down into a similar position. Knees bent? One presumes so, all you can really see with all the bulk is his feet as he manages to get his front paws to the ground.<br /><br />"Okay, now the salt. But don't eat it." Trust me, this is a necessary warning for a Snorlax. "And not too hard. No Fling-ing."<br /><br />The step back is ponderous, rumbling a faint response as the behemoth dips his paw into the pail. And gets an extra stern look just to make sure that 'no eating' got through.<br /><br />And a lump of salt thumps into the ring. "Lax!" What, he's got big paws. But despite the ponderousness he sounds ready to go.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mizunosuke grins ear to ear as he settles into his ready posture, nearly vibrating with anticipatory tension as he gauges Embargo's size, weight, and probable strength. If he's about to lose, the young kappa still wants it to be awesome for all to see - and despite how lithe the kappa is, he's pretty sure that with the right leverage, he *could* lift the Snorlax.<br /><br />And Xiaomu, judging by the look on her face, wouldn't be surprised either. Kappa are *strong*, there's a reason why the superstitions say to trick a kappa rather than accepting a challenge. Of course, the Kappa Association has its own rules which include 'go easy on mundanes' as an explicit commandment to all members ... but just in case?<br /><br />Xiaomu has detoured to where the cucumbers are being kept, and is busy cutting Embargo's name into the peel in katakana. Just in case.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Once the traditional salt-toss is finished the Snorlax ambles into position. He doesn't have to -try- and do that wide foot-stomp gate sumos often use, his form is pretty much built to move that way in the first place. He settles into the beginning stance... again, it might just be the bulk combined with stout limbs, but Snorlax appears almost designed for this sort of thing as it stands, waiting for the start signal.<br /><br />Alexis chuckles a bit. "Don't think you have to go easy on him!" She's shouting that to Mizunosuke, actually. "Good luck you guys!" Because as tough of a girl as she is, Alexis is still a good sport when it comes to a compatition.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mizunosuke just grins even wider - and at some unseen signal, the young kappa lunges. If Embargo reacts to the same instinct, the clash is on - but if the Snorlax stays put, they'll have to back off, toss some more salt in, and then get back into position.<br /><br />At least, that's how they'd do it in professional sumo when there's a 'false start' like that. If Embargo doesn't know the routine and takes the opening, Mizunosuke will play along.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:265|Rabby (265)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Meanwhile, Rabby has just been sitting there watching this whole thing... and actually enjoying it! She's enjoying this whole spectacle, despite what one might think of her upon first glance. "This wasn't too bad of an idea, actually," Rabby comments to herself. "Maybe I should come out to this area more often!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The kappa lunges. The Snorlax... it's more like a lumbering stomp, but with his size that's all it really takes. There's an audible *WHOMP* of flesh against flesh as the two creatures collide. On one hand, the Snorlax has a lot of fat to possibly hold onto. On the other, it might be a bit hard for the smaller Kappa to get his arms far enough around to get a good grip and leverage. Blockade, or 'Embargo' as they're translated his name to just puts his big paws on the smaller kappa for the grappling. It's rather intense! Though at the same time, a little comical looking.<br /><br />"Snor... Laaaaax. Snorrr.... Laaaaaax." What is that? Some kind of growl? A chant to keep motivated? "Snorrrrr...." The girth of the pokemon seems to settle even more against Mizunosuke. "laaaaaaaax....."<br /><br />No, it's.... snoring.<br /><br />The snorlax has gone back to sleep. Standing up. And still isn't budging from the stop they grappled at, aptly living up to his name. It's like a sleeping cat, all the mass settles in one spot and seems to be even heavier.<br /><br />Even Alexis has to facepalm at this, but you can hear her snickering softly behind her palm. "I've heard of doing things in your sleep, but this is rediculous."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Mizunosuke blinks as the fight seems to just go out of his opponent. He keeps trying to grapple the Snorlax, though ...<br /><br />... even as the massive 'mon's weight settles more and more heavily against him, until finally the kappa goes down UNDERNEATH Alexis's Pokemon. There's a muffled yelp, and you can't even see or hear the water slosh out of the poor kappa's head-hollow, but there's an unbridled roar of cheering and laughter from the spectating kappa.<br /><br />And even Xiaomu has to laugh at the sight, clapping energetically. "Way to go, Blockade! Nice win, Alexis - hope you can wake him up!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel is just having a grand old time with the music as shew watches the whole fight go on, even if no one ever asks about it a bunch of beings from another world heard her music and that's enough for her, right? She on the edge of her seat as she watches the Snorlax get going, wait no it's falling asleep, well it's won? The Pokemon has earned a nap, right?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Yeah, give me a moment. You might want to get some water for his head though." To refill it I mean. This is a kappa after all.<br /><br />While the crowd is celebrating Alexis steps into the ring to walk over to the sleeping behemoth. She rummages something from her pocket, waits for the Snorlax to open his mouth in another snore, and drops the Chesto Berry in. "Snrr.. Lax?" Eyes actually blink open briefly, before resuming their usual squint as Blockade hefts himself off the ground.<br /><br />"There we go." Alexis helps Mizunosuke back to his feet so they can clear the ring for the next competators. "Good job, you tried hard! That is pretty much how a Snorlax fights though. Being the immovable object... They're almost impossible to budge."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>One of the attendants is already on hand with a ladle-ful of holy water for the defeated kappa; it's only when his head-hollow is refilled that Mizunosuke regains his strength. Xiaomu steps up to give the kappa that cucumber - not really the 'decoy' that she thought she would need, but more of a consolation prize; in light of this, Mizunosuke actually snaps it in half and offers half to Blockade with a big grin. Good luck understanding what the kappa says, though - Tokyo resident or not, his accent is impenetrable even with the translation effect.<br /><br />Luckily, Xiaomu caught enough of that to translate. "He says it was an embarassing loss but a lot of fun nonetheless," she explains, "and he'll remember this day to tell his children and grandchildren."<br /><br />Meanwhile, the MC is exhorting the spectators. "A big round of applause for Embargo and Mizunosuke! Does anyone else want to challenge one of our earlier losers, to test their strength and skill?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:459|Alexis (459)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>It probably isn't a surprise that the Snorlax isn't as talkative as some of the other pokemon Alexis has. He's just... well... ponderous. The kappa is impossible to understand, but maybe that's not such a bad thing, as the sentiment seems to get across. Though Xiaomu being able to translate some seems to help. Blockade gives Mizunosuke a pat on the shoulder with one paw, and takes the half of a cucumber. It's technically food, but he seems to get that under the circumstances he's maybe not suppose to eat it. Yet.<br /><br />"Where I come from, there's a saying," Alexis adds as she pats the Kappa's other shoulder. "A loss is a loss, but it's only a defeat if you don't keep trying. Right, Blockade?"<br /><br />The Snorlax opens his mouth as if to actually reply for once... But instead he emits what by the sound can only be some sort of burp and a plume of a fumes right in the tomboy's face. Alexis staggers a moment, clasping one hand over her mouth and nose while trying to wave the fumes off with the other. "Gah! I forgot Belch triggers from eating berries. Should of used the g'damn flute!"<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Reflection_(Yuna_Kagurazaka)&diff=13264Reflection (Yuna Kagurazaka)2016-05-28T01:28:38Z<p>Shachihoko: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/05/27<br />
|Location=Fraulein Earth<br />
|Synopsis=The day after Yuna helped ambush Yari Takane, she consults with a friend about an unresolved aspect of the fight.<br />
|Thanks=Yari Takane<br />
|Cast of Characters=385<br />
}}<br />
Yuna double-checks the address of the flower shop she's standing in front of, confirming it against the information displayed on her phone's screen, and takes a deep breath before stepping inside, the door automatically opening to admit her. "Hello! Is Mari here ... ?"<br />
<br />
"Is that voice ... ?" There's a brief rustle of movement from the back of the store, and then Mari Teshigawara - Mari of the Flowers, to use her old title - emerges into the main area, leaning a little bit to her side to avoid brushing against stray leaves. "Yuna? What brings you here? It's been so long!"<br />
<br />
Yuna smiles in relief, reaching out to clasp Mari's offered hands. "It ''has'' been a while, hasn't it? It's good to see you again - I'm sorry I haven't been around to visit more often. How's your work going?"<br />
<br />
"Well enough," Mari answers. "Come to think of it, the last time we talked was just after that Neuronoid invasion, wasn't it?"<br />
<br />
"Neuroi," Yuna corrects, smiling wistfully. "I'm still glad everyone was able to help protect the populace back then; every time I think about what could happen to our Earth -" Her smile vanishes like a snuffed candle as she shudders at the thought. And it's not just her imagination that provides fuel for that thought: she hasn't forgotten her world's first contact with the Multiverse at large, the day the Confederacy invaded her planet.<br />
<br />
Or rather, the day the Confederacy ''tried'' to invade her planet.<br />
<br />
Mari squeezes Yuna's hands, nodding solemnly. "Still, that's why you went off to join the Union, isn't it? - Here, come and sit down; I can make some tea if you like. It won't be up to Yoshika's standards, but she recommended this kind ..."<br />
<br />
Yuna shakes her head slightly. "I wish it were purely a social visit, but ..."<br />
<br />
"Yuna," Mari chides her gently, "I saw the look on your face just now. Polite restraint is all well and good for a proper young lady, but gracefully accepting hospitality is also a matter of good manners. And we're hardly swarming with customers at the moment, so you're not pulling me away from anything."<br />
<br />
Yuna hesitates, then nods. "Okay. I actually needed to ask your help with something - well, your advice."<br />
<br />
Mari simply raises her eyebrows at that. "Still, let me make some tea for us. I could use a cup, so you're hardly imposing to accept one for yourself."<br />
<br />
While Mari makes the tea, Yuna takes a few moments to look around the shop. Its stock consists mostly of flowers and plants native to Japan, although there are some imports which even Yuna can recognize as coming from other parts of Earth, or even - in a few cases - from other planets. "Isn't that Marianan kelp in the front corner?" Yuna asks as she sits down at a small table in the back of the shop.<br />
<br />
Mari nods, "I picked up a few seeds when I was there on holiday last summer. They grow marvelously in a shallow bath of salt water; you should see it in full bloom. - So, what business did you want to discuss with me?"<br />
<br />
Yuna hesitates briefly, biting her lip, then starts telling Mari of the previous night's events. Nagato asking for her help, the two of them plus Momoyo locating and attacking Yari Takane, Sanary Rondel joining the fray; Yuna tries not to go into detail, but the memory of Yari losing her eye (by accident) and her arm (by a very deliberate act) is still painfully vivid, and she can't help wincing as she mentions how badly the reptilian kunoichi had been hurt.<br />
<br />
Mari listens silently until Yuna finishes, her tea sitting untouched. "You seriously didn't know how badly they'd be hurt? And that worries you more than ''your'' injuries, or those of your friends?"<br />
<br />
Yuna bows her head, her fingers interlacing in her lap. "I knew the plan was to beat Yari up. I didn't ... I didn't want her to get maimed like that. And Sanary was hurt badly, too - I wasn't fighting her directly, maybe I shouldn't feel guilty about what Nagato or Momoyo did to her, but ... she was still there. She was just trying to protect her friend Yari. She didn't deserve to get hurt -"<br />
<br />
"She's an active Confederate, she's been complicit in gods know how many actions against Union territory or personnel, or even against the neutral territories you've helped protect ..." Mari makes a face, picking up her teacup. "She's hardly an innocent, Yuna, and if she was as frenzied as you made it sound? Whatever your friends did to her, she had it coming. And you say this Yari girl tried to murder Nagato outright, not to mention coming so close to killing ''you'' ... The only thing that surprises me is that you agreed to help the other two."<br />
<br />
"Nagato pledged that we weren't going to kill Yari," Yuna says, looking up and meeting Mari's gaze without flinching. "And we didn't. I didn't think any of us would go as far as Nagato did in the end. - Anyway, that's ... I want to send them flowers. A get-well bouquet."<br />
<br />
Mari's teacup settles on the table with a soft clink as she puts it down. "You want to send get-well-soon wishes to your ''enemies''?"<br />
<br />
"I want to send flowers to some people I know who got hurt. I was hoping you could help me pick out appropriate flowers for them. Something that says 'I'm sorry' or something like that - I really didn't want them to get hurt that badly."<br />
<br />
"''Hanakotoba'' doesn't really do apologies, but ..." Mari trails off, mulling it over briefly. "I'm not sure we can fill the order appropriately here. And we don't have any provisions for shipping to Confederate territory, certainly not in any timely manner."<br />
<br />
"Thank you, Mari!" Yuna smiles in relief and gratitude. "I just need to help sort out what to send, I'll find a florist somewhere who can put the bouquets together and deliver them in a timely manner."<br />
<br />
-----<br />
<br />
Later that day, modest bouquets would be delivered to Confederate medical for Yari and Sanary. The flowers which Yuna chose, and their meanings:<br />
<br />
Anemone - Sincerity; Cherry blossoms - Kindness and gentleness; Daffodils - Respect; Jasmine - Friendship or grace; Pansies - Thoughtfulness, caring</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Reflection_(Yuna_Kagurazaka)&diff=13263Reflection (Yuna Kagurazaka)2016-05-28T01:27:30Z<p>Shachihoko: Yuna visits an old friend for help picking out flowers to send to two opponents.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/05/27<br />
|Location=Fraulein Earth<br />
|Synopsis=The day after Yuna helped ambush Yari Takane, she consults with a friend about an unresolved aspect of the fight.<br />
|Thanks=Yari Takane<br />
|Cast of Characters=385<br />
}}<br />
Yuna double-checks the address of the flower shop she's standing in front of, confirming it against the information displayed on her phone's screen, and takes a deep breath before stepping inside, the door automatically opening to admit her. "Hello! Is Mari here ... ?"<br />
<br />
"Is that voice ... ?" There's a brief rustle of movement from the back of the store, and then Mari Teshigawara - Mari of the Flowers, to use her old title - emerges into the main area, leaning a little bit to her side to avoid brushing against stray leaves. "Yuna? What brings you here? It's been so long!"<br />
<br />
Yuna smiles in relief, reaching out to clasp Mari's offered hands. "It ''has'' been a while, hasn't it? It's good to see you again - I'm sorry I haven't been around to visit more often. How's your work going?"<br />
<br />
"Well enough," Mari answers. "Come to think of it, the last time we talked was just after that Neuronoid invasion, wasn't it?"<br />
<br />
"Neuroi," Yuna corrects, smiling wistfully. "I'm still glad everyone was able to help protect the populace back then; every time I think about what could happen to our Earth -" Her smile vanishes like a snuffed candle as she shudders at the thought. And it's not just her imagination that provides fuel for that thought: she hasn't forgotten her world's first contact with the Multiverse at large, the day the Confederacy invaded her planet.<br />
<br />
Or rather, the day the Confederacy ''tried'' to invade her planet.<br />
<br />
Mari squeezes Yuna's hands, nodding solemnly. "Still, that's why you went off to join the Union, isn't it? - Here, come and sit down; I can make some tea if you like. It won't be up to Yoshika's standards, but she recommended this kind ..."<br />
<br />
Yuna shakes her head slightly. "I wish it were purely a social visit, but ..."<br />
<br />
"Yuna," Mari chides her gently, "I saw the look on your face just now. Polite restraint is all well and good for a proper young lady, but gracefully accepting hospitality is also a matter of good manners. And we're hardly swarming with customers at the moment, so you're not pulling me away from anything."<br />
<br />
Yuna hesitates, then nods. "Okay. I actually needed to ask your help with something - well, your advice."<br />
<br />
Mari simply raises her eyebrows at that. "Still, let me make some tea for us. I could use a cup, so you're hardly imposing to accept one for yourself."<br />
<br />
While Mari makes the tea, Yuna takes a few moments to look around the shop. Its stock consists mostly of flowers and plants native to Japan, although there are some imports which even Yuna can recognize as coming from other parts of Earth, or even - in a few cases - from other planets. "Isn't that Marianan kelp in the front corner?" Yuna asks as she sits down at a small table in the back of the shop.<br />
<br />
Mari nods, "I picked up a few seeds when I was there on holiday last summer. They grow marvelously in a shallow bath of salt water; you should see it in full bloom. - So, what business did you want to discuss with me?"<br />
<br />
Yuna hesitates briefly, biting her lip, then starts telling Mari of the previous night's events. Nagato asking for her help, the two of them plus Momoyo locating and attacking Yari Takane, Sanary Rondel joining the fray; Yuna tries not to go into detail, but the memory of Yari losing her eye (by accident) and her arm (by a very deliberate act) is still painfully vivid, and she can't help wincing as she mentions how badly the reptilian kunoichi had been hurt.<br />
<br />
Mari listens silently until Yuna finishes, her tea sitting untouched. "You seriously didn't know how badly they'd be hurt? And that worries you more than ''your'' injuries, or those of your friends?"<br />
<br />
Yuna bows her head, her fingers interlacing in her lap. "I knew the plan was to beat Yari up. I didn't ... I didn't want her to get maimed like that. And Sanary was hurt badly, too - I wasn't fighting her directly, maybe I shouldn't feel guilty about what Nagato or Momoyo did to her, but ... she was still there. She was just trying to protect her friend Yari. She didn't deserve to get hurt -"<br />
<br />
"She's an active Confederate, she's been complicit in gods know how many actions against Union territory or personnel, or even against the neutral territories you've helped protect ..." Mari makes a face, picking up her teacup. "She's hardly an innocent, Yuna, and if she was as frenzied as you made it sound? Whatever your friends did to her, she had it coming. And you say this Yari girl tried to murder Nagato outright, not to mention coming so close to killing ''you'' ... The only thing that surprises me is that you agreed to help the other two."<br />
<br />
"Nagato pledged that we weren't going to kill Yari," Yuna says, looking up and meeting Mari's gaze without flinching. "And we didn't. I didn't think any of us would go as far as Nagato did in the end. - Anyway, that's ... I want to send them flowers. A get-well bouquet."<br />
<br />
Mari's teacup settles on the table with a soft clink as she puts it down. "You want to send get-well-soon wishes to your ''enemies''?"<br />
<br />
"I want to send flowers to some people I know who got hurt. I was hoping you could help me pick out appropriate flowers for them. Something that says 'I'm sorry' or something like that - I really didn't want them to get hurt that badly."<br />
<br />
"''Hanakotoba'' doesn't really do apologies, but ..." Mari trails off, mulling it over briefly. "I'm not sure we can fill the order appropriately here. And we don't have any provisions for shipping to Confederate territory, certainly not in any timely manner."<br />
<br />
"Thank you, Mari!" Yuna smiles in relief and gratitude. "I just need to help sort out what to send, I'll find a florist somewhere who can put the bouquets together and deliver them in a timely manner."<br />
<br />
<br />
Later that day, modest bouquets would be delivered to Confederate medical for Yari and Sanary. The flowers which Yuna chose, and their meanings:<br />
<br />
Anemone - Sincerity<br />
Cherry blossoms - Kindness and gentleness<br />
Daffodils - Respect<br />
Jasmine - Friendship or grace<br />
Pansy - Thoughtfulness, caring</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Recovery_(Yuna_Kagurazaka)&diff=13218Recovery (Yuna Kagurazaka)2016-05-18T01:41:10Z<p>Shachihoko: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2016/05/16 |Location=Shiraokadai General Hospital, Fraulein Earth |Synopsis=Yuna's injuries from the final battle of Operation Rei-Go are heal..."</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/05/16<br />
|Location=Shiraokadai General Hospital, Fraulein Earth<br />
|Synopsis=Yuna's injuries from the final battle of Operation Rei-Go are healing, slowly but surely.<br />
|Cast of Characters=385<br />
}}<br />
"Nngh - !"<br />
<br />
The doctor glances up briefly at the sound of his patient's wincing. "Are you quite sure it doesn't hurt, Ms. Kagurazaka?"<br />
<br />
Yuna grimaces. "It's not painful, so much. It doesn't -" She winces again, trying to hold her foot still. "- doesn't feel comfortable either, though. - Gah ..."<br />
<br />
"You're still a very fortunate young lady," says the doctor, waiting for the tension in Yuna's leg and foot to subside before he goes back to work. "How you kept this wound clean when it happened is a mystery to me, but the fact that it was kept so sterile means you might not even have a scar when all's said and done."<br />
<br />
Yuna winces once again, looking away from the doctor - partly so she doesn't have to think about the way he's cleaning out the inside of a puncture wound on the sole of her right foot. "I ... had help, I guess you could say." 'Help' in this case meaning as much the Light Suit itself as the support of Elner, her partners, and the Hikari Seaport personnel who made sure Yuna got back from the fight safely. Waking up in the hospital in Shiraokadai had been a surprise, though.<br />
<br />
"Well, be very kind to those who helped you," the doctor says, cutting off Yuna's train of thought. "You'll need to stay off this foot for a while longer, but it's healing quickly, and somehow the bones in your foot weren't damaged when that - you said it was an icicle?" he asks as he starts applying ointment around the wound, then begins bandaging it back up.<br />
<br />
"Weaponized icicle, really," answers Yuna; she winces again, but it's at an all-too-vivid memory of the fight rather than any sensations from her foot. The ointment has a soothing effect, not just numbing away the pain but leaving a faint warmth in the skin and muscle that it seeps into - probably helping the healing process, she thinks, but she hasn't had a chance to ask. "'A while longer'? How many days?"<br />
<br />
The doctor hrms thoughtfully as he finishes wrapping Yuna's foot in bandages. "I would say another week. It ''might'' not take that long," he adds before Yuna can protest. "You're healing remarkably quickly, but we'll have to see. And if you want it to heal without scarring, I do mean staying off this foot entirely. We can get a wheelchair or hoverchair for you, if need be?"<br />
<br />
"I'll think about it," Yuna says quietly. "I'm going to have so much to make up for as it is ... training, rehearsals ..."<br />
<br />
The doctor smiles faintly, straightening his glasses. "Well, there's nothing to stop you from getting visitors, or reading or writing, while you're laid up. You don't actually have to stay in the hospital, either, although it may be a good idea."<br />
<br />
Yuna nods, then says, "Thank you, Doctor," as she musters as bright a smile as she can. It's still mostly an honest, heartfelt smile, even if she has to strain just a little for it.</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Reverie_(Yuna_Kagurazaka)&diff=13035Reverie (Yuna Kagurazaka)2016-04-05T01:01:36Z<p>Shachihoko: Forgot the character ID when I posted this originally. Oops!</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/04/03<br />
|Location=Baths - <Hikari Sea Port><br />
|Synopsis=In the wake of the near-disaster that was Operation Rei-Go stage E-2, Yuna struggles against her own memories and emotions.<br />
|Thanks=Nagato (for the TP), Yari Takane (for the immediate set-up)<br />
|Cast of Characters=385<br />
|Tinyplot=Operation Rei-Go<br />
}}<br />
Outwardly, Yuna's injuries are fairly minor: a few stabs, a number of cuts, some noticeable bruises, all of which were treated before she was placed in the baths at Hikari Sea Port. A passing observer might wonder why she's sleeping in a hot bath, but beyond that, there seems to be little of concern. The blonde girl simply appears to be sleeping peacefully, if not quite comfortably.<br />
<br />
Inwardly, however, matters are far from peaceful, much less comfortable.<br />
<br />
''... you must slay your own heart ...''<br />
<br />
Kanmusu and Abyssals do battle on the sea, alongside their allies from the Union and the Confederacy, respectively. For Yuna - the special-duty light cruiser Kagurazaka - what began as another opportunity to help her friends turned into a desperate struggle, and her brain raises it to the level of nightmare, amplifying the sounds of screams and the thunder of explosions. The bomb which sank Kuma holds the potency of a thunderbolt, malevolence and darkness reverberating in the echoes of an unheard shriek of agony.<br />
<br />
''To truly survive in war, you must slay your own heart ...''<br />
<br />
She fights to protect them, friends and strangers alike. Nagato, the coolly withdrawn admiral who so rarely shows her warmer side; the quietly vivacious Kuma, bombastic Kongou, even the belligerently foul-mouthed Akebono ... and apart from the kanmusu, there are Rebecca and X and Kotone. Friends or strangers, but allies all; Yuna's resolve as the Savior of Light is not to leave them to suffer at the hands of any enemy, a resolve which overcomes her own reluctance to cause anyone else - even the Abyssals - to suffer. The knowledge that a sunken Abyssal may be reborn as a kanmusu helps give Yuna the strength and will to fight against the terrors from the ocean's depths.<br />
<br />
''To truly survive ...''<br />
<br />
But by the same token, Kuma and Natori were lost - perhaps to resurface as Abyssal forces, perhaps lost forever; Yuna has no way of knowing their ultimate fate. In that moment, she knew only that they were lost, in pain and terror, and her fury was stoked to a deadly frenzy. Cannons and torpedoes gave voice to her vengeance, and as the Abyssal transports and escorts were smashed, her anger was barely quenched.<br />
<br />
And then Yuna herself was assassinated.<br />
<br />
Not fatally, although the loss of her equipment would have doomed her as surely as to lose consciousness in the middle of the ocean; she knew, despite the pain of her injuries, that they were disabling rather than deadly, relatively superficial, easily mended. But as her awareness ebbed ...<br />
<br />
''Well, you're lucky I have no orders to kill you. Let that be a lesson to you. To truly survive in war, you must slay your own heart before you ever point a weapon at a foe.''<br />
<br />
Those words echoed in the shadows falling across her mind, and in the depths of her slumber, they resonate still. Pitted against them is only her heart's stubborn, unrelenting light - a conviction that her friends, however close or distant, are a precious, irreplaceable treasure, and that all lives are just as precious ''because'' every life is that of somebody else's friend. She cannot kill her heart, because her own friends would grieve for the loss.<br />
<br />
They did before, after all, when she came to that same conclusion of her own accord. To cripple and maim her own heart for the sake of waging war ... Yuna tried to do so, when she bore an enlisted rank with the Union, and it was Lia and Ryudia in particular who shook her awake, and guided her back to the path she needed to walk.<br />
<br />
''... slay your own heart ...''<br />
<br />
'''I pray ...'''<br />
<br />
Out of the depths of her memory come the words to fight a memory.<br />
<br />
'''I pray for a heart which shines as bright as the sun.'''<br />
'''I pray for a heart as clear as a white jewel.'''<br />
'''I pray for a heart inclined to justice.'''<br />
'''I pray for a heart which is lovely, without misleading inclinations.'''<br />
<br />
'''I pray that no matter what happens,'''<br />
'''No matter who may face me as an enemy,'''<br />
'''No matter how dark the storm or the night --'''<br />
<br />
"-- I pray that I will not falter ..." Yuna sucks in a breath, her eyes fluttering open as she gasps.<br />
<br />
And she begins to cry.</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Reverie_(Yuna_Kagurazaka)&diff=13032Reverie (Yuna Kagurazaka)2016-04-04T01:33:07Z<p>Shachihoko: Fixing some formatting</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/04/03<br />
|Location=Baths - <Hikari Sea Port><br />
|Synopsis=In the wake of the near-disaster that was Operation Rei-Go stage E-2, Yuna struggles against her own memories and emotions.<br />
|Thanks=Nagato (for the TP), Yari Takane (for the immediate set-up)<br />
|Tinyplot=Operation Rei-Go<br />
}}<br />
Outwardly, Yuna's injuries are fairly minor: a few stabs, a number of cuts, some noticeable bruises, all of which were treated before she was placed in the baths at Hikari Sea Port. A passing observer might wonder why she's sleeping in a hot bath, but beyond that, there seems to be little of concern. The blonde girl simply appears to be sleeping peacefully, if not quite comfortably.<br />
<br />
Inwardly, however, matters are far from peaceful, much less comfortable.<br />
<br />
''... you must slay your own heart ...''<br />
<br />
Kanmusu and Abyssals do battle on the sea, alongside their allies from the Union and the Confederacy, respectively. For Yuna - the special-duty light cruiser Kagurazaka - what began as another opportunity to help her friends turned into a desperate struggle, and her brain raises it to the level of nightmare, amplifying the sounds of screams and the thunder of explosions. The bomb which sank Kuma holds the potency of a thunderbolt, malevolence and darkness reverberating in the echoes of an unheard shriek of agony.<br />
<br />
''To truly survive in war, you must slay your own heart ...''<br />
<br />
She fights to protect them, friends and strangers alike. Nagato, the coolly withdrawn admiral who so rarely shows her warmer side; the quietly vivacious Kuma, bombastic Kongou, even the belligerently foul-mouthed Akebono ... and apart from the kanmusu, there are Rebecca and X and Kotone. Friends or strangers, but allies all; Yuna's resolve as the Savior of Light is not to leave them to suffer at the hands of any enemy, a resolve which overcomes her own reluctance to cause anyone else - even the Abyssals - to suffer. The knowledge that a sunken Abyssal may be reborn as a kanmusu helps give Yuna the strength and will to fight against the terrors from the ocean's depths.<br />
<br />
''To truly survive ...''<br />
<br />
But by the same token, Kuma and Natori were lost - perhaps to resurface as Abyssal forces, perhaps lost forever; Yuna has no way of knowing their ultimate fate. In that moment, she knew only that they were lost, in pain and terror, and her fury was stoked to a deadly frenzy. Cannons and torpedoes gave voice to her vengeance, and as the Abyssal transports and escorts were smashed, her anger was barely quenched.<br />
<br />
And then Yuna herself was assassinated.<br />
<br />
Not fatally, although the loss of her equipment would have doomed her as surely as to lose consciousness in the middle of the ocean; she knew, despite the pain of her injuries, that they were disabling rather than deadly, relatively superficial, easily mended. But as her awareness ebbed ...<br />
<br />
''Well, you're lucky I have no orders to kill you. Let that be a lesson to you. To truly survive in war, you must slay your own heart before you ever point a weapon at a foe.''<br />
<br />
Those words echoed in the shadows falling across her mind, and in the depths of her slumber, they resonate still. Pitted against them is only her heart's stubborn, unrelenting light - a conviction that her friends, however close or distant, are a precious, irreplaceable treasure, and that all lives are just as precious ''because'' every life is that of somebody else's friend. She cannot kill her heart, because her own friends would grieve for the loss.<br />
<br />
They did before, after all, when she came to that same conclusion of her own accord. To cripple and maim her own heart for the sake of waging war ... Yuna tried to do so, when she bore an enlisted rank with the Union, and it was Lia and Ryudia in particular who shook her awake, and guided her back to the path she needed to walk.<br />
<br />
''... slay your own heart ...''<br />
<br />
'''I pray ...'''<br />
<br />
Out of the depths of her memory come the words to fight a memory.<br />
<br />
'''I pray for a heart which shines as bright as the sun.'''<br />
'''I pray for a heart as clear as a white jewel.'''<br />
'''I pray for a heart inclined to justice.'''<br />
'''I pray for a heart which is lovely, without misleading inclinations.'''<br />
<br />
'''I pray that no matter what happens,'''<br />
'''No matter who may face me as an enemy,'''<br />
'''No matter how dark the storm or the night --'''<br />
<br />
"-- I pray that I will not falter ..." Yuna sucks in a breath, her eyes fluttering open as she gasps.<br />
<br />
And she begins to cry.</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Reverie_(Yuna_Kagurazaka)&diff=13031Reverie (Yuna Kagurazaka)2016-04-04T01:31:12Z<p>Shachihoko: Yuna's body is healing after Operation Rei-Go stage E-2 ... but what of her heart?</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/04/03<br />
|Location=Baths - <Hikari Sea Port><br />
|Synopsis=In the wake of the near-disaster that was Operation Rei-Go stage E-2, Yuna struggles against her own memories and emotions.<br />
|Thanks=Nagato (for the TP), Yari Takane (for the immediate set-up)<br />
|Tinyplot=Operation Rei-Go<br />
}}<br />
Outwardly, Yuna's injuries are fairly minor: a few stabs, a number of cuts, some noticeable bruises, all of which were treated before she was placed in the baths at Hikari Sea Port. A passing observer might wonder why she's sleeping in a hot bath, but beyond that, there seems to be little of concern. The blonde girl simply appears to be sleeping peacefully, if not quite comfortably.<br />
<br />
Inwardly, however, matters are far from peaceful, much less comfortable.<br />
<br />
''... you must slay your own heart ...''<br />
<br />
Kanmusu and Abyssals do battle on the sea, alongside their allies from the Union and the Confederacy, respectively. For Yuna - the special-duty light cruiser Kagurazaka - what began as another opportunity to help her friends turned into a desperate struggle, and her brain raises it to the level of nightmare, amplifying the sounds of screams and the thunder of explosions. The bomb which sank Kuma holds the potency of a thunderbolt, malevolence and darkness reverberating in the echoes of an unheard shriek of agony.<br />
<br />
''To truly survive in war, you must slay your own heart ...''<br />
<br />
She fights to protect them, friends and strangers alike. Nagato, the coolly withdrawn admiral who so rarely shows her warmer side; the quietly vivacious Kuma, bombastic Kongou, even the belligerently foul-mouthed Akebono ... and apart from the kanmusu, there are Rebecca and X and Kotone. Friends or strangers, but allies all; Yuna's resolve as the Savior of Light is not to leave them to suffer at the hands of any enemy, a resolve which overcomes her own reluctance to cause anyone else - even the Abyssals - to suffer. The knowledge that a sunken Abyssal may be reborn as a kanmusu helps give Yuna the strength and will to fight against the terrors from the ocean's depths.<br />
<br />
''To truly survive ...''<br />
<br />
But by the same token, Kuma and Natori were lost - perhaps to resurface as Abyssal forces, perhaps lost forever; Yuna has no way of knowing their ultimate fate. In that moment, she knew only that they were lost, in pain and terror, and her fury was stoked to a deadly frenzy. Cannons and torpedoes gave voice to her vengeance, and as the Abyssal transports and escorts were smashed, her anger was barely quenched.<br />
<br />
And then Yuna herself was assassinated.<br />
<br />
Not fatally, although the loss of her equipment would have doomed her as surely as to lose consciousness in the middle of the ocean; she knew, despite the pain of her injuries, that they were disabling rather than deadly, relatively superficial, easily mended. But as her awareness ebbed ...<br />
<br />
''Well, you're lucky I have no orders to kill you. Let that be a lesson to you. To truly survive in war, you must slay your own heart before you ever point a weapon at a foe.''<br />
<br />
Those words echoed in the shadows falling across her mind, and in the depths of her slumber, they resonate still. Pitted against them is only her heart's stubborn, unrelenting light - a conviction that her friends, however close or distant, are a precious, irreplaceable treasure, and that all lives are just as precious ''because'' every life is that of somebody else's friend. She cannot kill her heart, because her own friends would grieve for the loss.<br />
<br />
They did before, after all, when she came to that same conclusion of her own accord. To cripple and maim her own heart for the sake of waging war ... Yuna tried to do so, when she bore an enlisted rank with the Union, and it was Lia and Ryudia in particular who shook her awake, and guided her back to the path she needed to walk.<br />
<br />
''... slay your own heart ...''<br />
<br />
'''I pray ...'''<br />
<br />
Out of the depths of her memory come the words to fight a memory.<br />
<br />
'''I pray for a heart which shines as bright as the sun.<br />
I pray for a heart as clear as a white jewel.<br />
I pray for a heart inclined to justice.<br />
I pray for a heart which is lovely, without misleading inclinations.<br />
<br />
I pray that no matter what happens,<br />
No matter who may face me as an enemy,<br />
No matter how dark the storm or the night --'''<br />
<br />
"-- I pray that I will not falter ..." Yuna sucks in a breath, her eyes fluttering open as she gasps.<br />
<br />
And she begins to cry.</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3920/A_Wild_Ride&diff=129703920/A Wild Ride2016-03-18T01:35:33Z<p>Shachihoko: Reiji, Xiaomu, and a number of their Multiversal friends go up against a bunch of ghostly highway ruffians in Tokyo-52605.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2016/03/16<br />
|Location=Tokyo-52605 <NXC><br />
|Synopsis=A bunch of ghostly bosozoku are haunting the highways of Tokyo, and it's up to Reiji, Xiaomu, and some of their friends to put a stop to the spectral shenanigans.<br />
|Cast of Characters=8, 255, 391, 705, 707, 711, 714, 847, 906<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>It seems to be a constant of the Multiverse that wherever you have both vehicles and laws regarding them, there will be SOMEBODY who flouts those laws for the hell of it. It doesn't even have to be specifically motorized vehicles, really - anything that was meant to get people from one place to another independently of human footpower, whether horse-drawn, engine-driven, or simply willed into motion through literal magic is just as prone to being used outside of legal limits by those who love their means of transportation *that much*.<br /><br />(There's little evidence of rickshaws or palanquins being used that way, probably because the motive manpower wouldn't stand for it beyond a reasonable limit.)<br /><br />In Japan, the bikers, hot-rodders, and rough-riders were collectively referred to as bosozoku, or 'the unruly tribe'. Unfortunately, the name was mostly superseded precisely because of the romanticized image of the bosozoku, but whether you call them bosozoku or chinsodan, the principles are the same: they soup up their vehicles (motorcycles, cars, whatever), they go out on the roads to have tons of fun ... at the expense of everyone else on the roads.<br /><br />There's been a recent upswing in bosozoku activity along some of the main highways in the greater Tokyo metropolitan area of Japan-52605, and the regular police have been running into substantial amounts of trouble - mostly because they don't have handcuffs that will hold ghosts, but since nobody who likes their job is going to write THAT on an incident report form, the matter was covertly brought to the attention of the relatively-secret government agency 'Shinra,' in the hopes that they can deal with it. instead.<br /><br />From there it was assigned to the elite two-person unit consisting of Shinra agents Reiji Arisu and Xiaomu ... and the duo have determined that they're gonna need some help with this one. Thus the request to the Union for some high-speed support - although you'll have to bring your own vehicles. (They're not turning away non-Union help, though ...)<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yang heard the call-out, and thus, comes roaring out on her motorcycle. It's not the /fastest/ thing on the roads, but it has plenty of oomph to keep up with most civilian vehicles, and has the endurance to keep pushing long after other vehicles have given up. She even has space for a passenger, if someone needs a ride!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel would get along with the Bosozoku pretty well given she was connected to group akin to them back home in Argon City. Though certaint hings were different but she loved the peed and she was more than happy to poke into things here. The Shinra has done her world some major favours in the past so here she was more than happy to help she also did have a ligh rod visable on her thigh which was just holding to the cargo pants she was wearing, how did she /do/ that. <br /><br /> The other noticable thing was the discmount on her back but otherwise she might just pass for a more odd local in terms of vashion. <br /><br /> "You know Xiaomu? Reiji we should talk abou the Argon Race, It's comming up and it might be fun ... if your into stuff like this."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Call them bosozoku, call them unruly, call them whatever you want. Reina wants to refer to them as being taken care of, as in right this minute! Unfortunately for the bosozoku, but fortunately for those who are after them, Reina's been working in the workshops and tinkering with tools in order to build herself a custom ride for ground-based assignments. And tonight will be the night that her new ride is put to the test. Given the nickname of 'Flamebird,' Reina's motorcycle is definitely made for high speed chases while giving her enough room to take cover if need be. She's even got a 'cruise control' built in so she can leave the motorcycle going at a steady rate while she focuses on firing if need be. Then again, Reina is ambidextrous with her handguns, but still...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nevertheless, as Reina comes into the area, her ponytail can be seen flying behind her head as she does so. She grips the bike with both hands, carefully taking each turn and corner as if she's trying to save the main action for later.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Sanary's not one to turn down a chance to stretch her legs, even if it means getting involved in something that the Union's... Wait, how'd she even get called in for this job? She's not all that fond of those that would desecrate the dead (if they're not Confederates), so news of a a roving undead biker gang in one of many Japan's isn't going to go ignored. But where's her ride? <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She's wearing them. The AANS have been her transportation of choice lately, although she'd probably be moving faster if she wasn't carrying shields nearly as big as her on each arm and on her back. It's better than trapping herself in one of those four-wheeled deathtraps, at least, and she won't have to worry about getting any glass in her eye if she crashes into anything. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She just has to worry about crashing into literally anything else.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>There's an old proverb about having to fight fire with fire. This proverb also applies to motor vehicles. It's hard to catch someone with a high powered, suped up ride if your own cruiser isn't also top of the line. It's the reason some big cities have Lamborgini or Mustang customs for pursuit cars. But that doesn't do much for the fact that police still can't break their own rules or take the risks the lawless would to escape them.<br /><br />That is when you turn to something a little more... on the side of unorthadox speed.<br /><br />And the wild ride the cosmic cowgirl comes roaring up in definately counts. For the most part, the vehicle's chassis is what many would classify as one of those high speed, hard running off-road buggies. Complete with the oversized back wheels, wide stabilizing spoiler, and metal rollcage over the seating area.<br /><br />Then you get to the matter that almost the entire back of the buggy is made up of engine, with two exhaust stacks puffing out oddly green-blue exhaust angling back from it, and that the front 'hood' is instead a metal sculpture of a longhorn bull skull, with headlights beaming from within the eye sockets. The back wheels are actually metal coated with rubber for durability, and by splatter of mud and warning hashmarks covering them the wheel guards also came off some piece of heavy machinery. To top it all off... The contraption doesn't even have front wheels! Instead it extends out into a single fixture like a tri-wheeler, except instead of a wheel the front pod is a heavy duty halftrack tread.<br /><br />As it pulls to a stop with the others Corona leans out a bit, tipping her hat to the gathered. "Heard y'all need a extra bit of speed."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Konoe is from Gensokyo. She doesn't need a ride, thank you very much. Instead hitching a ride, she soars through the air, just above vehicle altitude, and eventually comes flying alongside Sanary. "......" She glanced aside at the healer, arching a brow at...all of that equipment. In the end, she couldn't help but speak up. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Do you seriously need all of those shields?" The miko asked in a mildly incredulous tone. Right now, she was wearing her Shinra gear, consisting of a short, black skirt, a red button up, white sandals, and a tie. Around one of her thighs was a small pouch with cards in it. Likely spellcards or something. All in all, she was dressed way lighter than the one eyed flying tank beside her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:255|Setsuko Kaminagi (255)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Out of deference to this particular world's vague semblance of a masquerade, Setsuko has responded to the call with a relatively mundane vehicle.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We won't discuss the fact she actually carried it most of the way here while flying. She's riding it now, and that's what's important.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's a sleek and sporty one, too; a jet black street bike, matching her outfit to an extent. And while it's not really a high-performance model - in fact it's pretty 'cheap' as far as motorcycles go - her ability to fly can give it a little extra push that allows her to more than make up for that deficit, and to weave through traffic easily besides.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Of course, then she looks up, sees Konoe and Sanary overhead, and quietly wishes she'd brought the hoverbike instead. Or just flown.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Fortunately for the general public, most of the on-ramps to the highway have been closed; one of those ramps is currently cordoned off as a staging area, readily identified by several large transport trucks that can't possibly be fast enough to keep up with bosozoku. And sitting on a lightcycle which Deelel would recognize on sight is Xiaomu, her usual qipao and vest replaced by an impressively form-fitting leather jumpsuit, black and red with some highlights in silver. She's also wearing sturdy biker's gloves, and a customized red helmet sits on what would be the lightcycle's gas tank ... if, y'know, it ran on gas.<br /><br />Biker Xiaomu looks around at the others as they arrive, nodding and/or waving, occasionally quirking an eyebrow at someone's choice of vehicle. Sanary's, for instance. "So is this everyone?" she asks as the group gathers at the base of the on-ramp. "Remember, we aren't quite sure what we're getting into up there, but emergency services are standing by at other on-ramps. They may not be able to do much until the chaos goes past, but we'll have something. Right, Reiji?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> At least Sanary's dressed for... Something! Kimonos are regular Japanese clothes, right? Perfect thing to wear on an air-to-ground combat mission. "Of course I do! How else do we stop those bikers once we knock 'em off their... Bikes?" She wobbles a bit in midair while responding to Konoe before righting herself again, actually managing to maintain a good top speed in that odd getup. She won't be making any hairpin turns or even outmaneuvering a helicopter with a drunk pilot, but at least she can go fast! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Not too fast, though. At least not for now. She's not racing anyone, and the healer much more comfortable sticking closer to the few people she does know (particularly Setsuko) instead of taking the lead. Although... She's definitely thinking about it. For now, however, she'll just gather with the rest of the group, using her shields as counterweights to keep herself steady in the air.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Reiji Arisu does not do leather.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sure, he probably got offered some combination of chaps* and biker-jacket. He might have been given a pair of sweet shades and a fake beard. But just because he's been handed a costume doesn't mean that he's about to put it on just like that! The pride of the Arisu family demands that he at least look like he's trying to get the job done while he's at work.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Which is why he's in his usual Shinra uniform, and is presently straddling Xiaomu's very own Light Bike. She gets to drive today. He's taking the back seat. Except that 'back seat' in this case means 'right up against the driver.' To his credit, Reiji's expression is about as serious as it usually is.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hopefully," Reiji answers his partner. "Unless we end up driving through a rift or something like that. Just stay alert, and aim for their wheels and motors if you can't get a good shot at the drivers. We should do fine."<br /><br />(*The exact nature of these chaps may explain why he's not presently wearing them.)<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Well, I'm here and so is Flamebird," Reina comments with a smirk, gesturing to her new motorcycle. The motorcycle is mostly red with some black parts, designed to make it look like flames in some parts. Indeed, it does live up to the flame part. The only thing that it could make it live up to the name even more is some nitros, but Reina's not authorized to use those yet. Besides, she's here to take out the bosozoku, not to race them!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I can cast a healing TECHNIC if need be, also," Reina adds. "Let's just hope it doesn't come to that though." She plants her boot clad feet on the ground to keep her balance as she revs the engines of her cycle. "At any rate, I'm ready to go when everyone else is!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yang takes off her helmet for the briefing, setting it on the Dust-tank for the time being, and pulling the goggles she was given by Kyle Katarn up and onto her forehead. "So we're chasing these guys down, and disabling their vehicles before they can cause more damage or get someone killed?" she asks, just to clarify it in her own mind. "Good thing I brought Impulse instead of Impact rounds." she says, deploying her left-side gauntlet for emphasis, before retracting it again and putting her helmet back on. Goggles down, and she thumbs up. "Ready to go when you are!" she calls, before giving the deep, growling engine of her motorcycle a rev.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:255|Setsuko Kaminagi (255)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pulling to a stop at the on-ramp, Setsuko plants one foot, and gives the two exorcists a brief nod in greeting. "Arisu, Xiaomu. Do we know how hostile they are? Is lethal..." She pauses, frowns, and then continues, "Is exterminationary force on the table?" There's also a Sanary there, to whom the demigod gives a faint nod. "Rondel." Known Confederate, but... not a bad person. Someone Setsuko can respect, by this point.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> "......" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sanary got a weird look for her answer. And for her getup. A kimono with shields. All of the shields. Well, she shouldn't rag on other people's choice of gear. No, she's just going to do her job. It's been a while since she's been out to do *this* sort of job. After all that fiasco in Gensokyo, it was kind of nice, actually. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hello Miss Xiaomu, Mr Reiji." She greeted her superiors, coming to a float nearby. Setsuko already asked the pertinent questions, so she would just stay quiet at that and wait for them to confirm the details.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Doncha worry none, Xiaomu. We'll have this roughrider road rodeo rounded up in no time... And yeah, took the possib'lity of the riders not bein' shootable, bein' ghosts and what not, into account." Though rather than elaborate on how that has been taken into consideration Corona just pats the side of her buggy before dropping back down into the driver's seat.<br /><br />And grabbing her tail to make sure it gets pulled inside. One of those things only anthro type people have to worry about.<br /><br />She takes a moment to adjust her hat, not bothering to swap it for a helmet. The stetson is already reinforced with a metal frame and bronze plates riveted to it, after all. Pulls on her own goggles, and when she sits back the brief clicking of gears can be heard as a harness clamps down into place. So at least she's got proper safety precautions going. Gloved hands grab the control bar and give the motor a few revs, which is followed by a hiss and whistle of pressure of some sort being released. Though by the green-blue, faintly glowing fumes that puff from the exhaust pipes and the nostril ducts of the bull-skull, it's not normal steam.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel grins widly as everyone else starts to show up and then she pulls the rod off her leg and gives Xiaomu a wide grin before she takes the rod and hunches over. Those who have not seen this before would get quite a show as it also takes shape the wire lines form out glowing a golden yellow as they do. One can see the internals take shape inside the hull of the craft. It doesn't take long as it moves Deelel's body into a full on riding postion and takes fully solid shape she guns the engine once or twice and seems to be ready now as she looks over to Xiaomu. <br /><br /> "Right no cubings, got it, besides users leave a mess when they go down." <br /><br /> A little grim humor on Deelel's part but the basic is quite chipper and also getting ag ood look at Yangs bike. <br /><br /> "Ooo a User made bike? This should be ... good Yang."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xiaomu shrugs, "Our main goal is to drive them off the road; just killing a ghost tends to mean they bear a grudge when they reform, *if* they reform. Given the way they've been driving, they'll probably respect the fact of getting beaten and leave the mortal world alone. At least, that's our operating theory. But if we have to go on full offense, then we use whatever we've got. I'm not above putting magic into my trailwall if that's what it takes, but I can't make it selectively permeable so that's kind of a last resort, or a 'finish off one who's been separated' deal so I don't block --"<br /><br />There is a *distinctly* unearthly timbre to the howling engines approaching along the highway; Xiaomu grimaces and pulls her helmet on. "That's our cue, folks! Reiji, hang on tight!"<br /><br />She gives her partner about two seconds to follow instructions as she fires up the lightcycle's engine, and with a shout of "HIGH SPEED XIAOMU!!" she's off, leading the way up the on-ramp as if she means to be at full speed before she reaches the main roadway.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That'll mostly depend on them," Reiji answers to Setsuko. "We're not usually in the business of killing people for traffic violations. But if they leave us no other choice, then we'll need to do what we'll need to do." After all, it's not like these ghosts are particularly malicious, in the grand scheme of things. They're just... Rowdy. Very, very rowdy.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Konoe's return doesn't go unnoticed. The exorcist gives her a warm (or as warm as Reiji can manage without pulling a muscle) smile. "Welcome back," he says, settling a helmet of his own onto his head. "We can talk more once we're done here. I think we're about ready to start the opera--"<br /><br />HIGH SPEED XIAOMU<br /><br />"-TIOOON."<br /><br />Well, at least he's got a decent grip on Xiaomu. That could've been bad, if he didn't.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:255|Setsuko Kaminagi (255)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Understood." That's all Setsuko needs to hear. Her bike gets one rev, two, and then she's off with Reiji and Xiaomu down the highway. Her handling of the motorcycle is smooth and precise, and she's already pushing it as hard as it will go - both in the sense of cranking the throttle to max, and in the sense of adding her own push with her ability to fly. First step is to catch up to them. Second will be to remove their ability to keep driving. They'll have to decide from there if more steps are necessary.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And the chase is on. Yang nods to Deelel with a grin, revs the engine, and wheelies after Xiaomu's high speed set-off. Bumblebee isn't the /fastest/ bike in the Multiverse, but it's got some decent oomph to it. The deep, growling engine is build for endurance over speed, but it's kicking out a good amount of power regardless.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She falls into formation beside Xiaomu once she catches up, hunched over the tank to maintain aerodynamics. Anyone able to see into the large wheels, would spot the mechanisms inside rotating to maintain balance. She keeps her eyes on the road ahead, presumably the targets will come screaming past them and the chase will then be truly 'on'.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Revving the engine a couple more times, Xiaomu nonetheless has Reina's attention as she listens to the instructions at hand. She nods attentively, before waiting for Xiaomu to take off in the lead. Then she's off, following not too far behind her. Inside her communicator, she's tuned it to a playlist of high intensity tunes to get her adrenaline going and give her a big grin on her face. "Whoo! Ain't this something!" She yells out, apparently having never ridden a motorcycle like this at high speed before. "This really does wonders for my hair!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;After a moment, though, Reina's attention shifts back to the highway at hand. She knows she's here on business, and Xiaomu and the others aren't gonna like it if she keeps this up most likely. "Now then, where are those biker goons we're supposed to be looking out for? Because while I'd love to say I'm taking them out on a date... with the local police!" She can't help but laugh at her own sarcastic one-liner.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Corona Arclite's ears actually slick back a bit beneath the brim of her stetson at the unearthly roar. "Holy hells that sounds like somebody redone Riders In The Sky on badly tuned motorbikes."<br /><br />All the same she lets the the engine roar loudly and takes off up the ramp. The cockpit of the vehicle is actually a bit on the cramp sided, considering she's surrounded by several levers or pull-handles that one can only assume control whatever gadetry she's rigged into it. On top of the handlebars and pedals used to actually drive the thing.<br /><br />Since the Tri-Buggy is a bit bigger than the others' rides Corona hangs a bit back for now, letting the smaller cycles get into position first.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> "Kaminagi. Good seeing you again." Sanary flashes the demigod a brief grin before kicking her boots together and accelerating again. "Sounds like I'll be on healing duty with... Uh. Technic-lady if anyone needs us for that, then." She calls out, glancing over at Reina for a moment. "And if things get real dicey, stick near me! Got all these shields for a reason." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Konoe's getting a bit of a grin at that last part. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then it's time to fly! Working those magitech anklets much like one would handle a pair of jet boots, Sanary's legs are getting quite the workout as she rockets forward along the highway, trying to keep her pace steady with Xiaomu's and Yang's rides. She opens her mouth to say something, but sputters before bringing one of the shields up in front of her face and tilting her head away from the rush of wind. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Pfftah... We're trying to avoid-grk... Collateral, too, yeah?!" She really should have brought a helmet.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel says "Right right, ghost data got it." Deelel does seem to b e in good spirits. "So beat them at their own game and they will respect that? Sounds better than cubing to me." She looks the fox woman over for a moment. Before she makes ready to head out with everyone else. There's a strange noise and Deelel figues it's the ghosts. IT takes a moment as she powwers up her own cycle and takes off with Xiaomu and the rest. She'll see how Yang does with this.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Konoe nodded to Reiji. "Yes, of course. Don't abou-" HIGH SPEED XIAOMU. "...Nevermind." She mumbled, turning and bursting forward through the air, following after the others as they kick their rides into high gear. People and their rides. Everyone should just fly. ...Okay maybe that was a bit unrealistic to expect. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Racing down the highway now, the miko kept entirely silent, and instead produced several ofuda in each hand. Both sets were deployed with the character for 'Sharpness' written on each of them. Wonder what she planned to do with those. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For now, they revolved around the youkai in two distinct rings, waiting to be shot off. But first, she'd wait and see what their targets were like. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And yes, Sanary. Konoe saw your grin. And she just frowned.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>As the living riders merge onto the main highway, they're already nearly getting sideswiped by the ghostly motorists - motorcycles, hot rods, even a jeep and a couple of 4x4s, their 'drivers' shrieking and gibbering and war-whooping ... and that's BEFORE they realize that fresh meat has joined their revenants' race.<br /><br />"AAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" a blood-curdling laugh rises from the lead motorcyclist. "Looks like we've got a rival gang tonight, boys! SHOW 'EM WHO OWNS THESE ROADS!!"<br /><br />The chorus of shrieks and whoops redoubles in intensity, a few motorcycles pulling further ahead as if their engines aren't limited by horsepower; the speaker and another biker try to take the lead, with a third biker attempting to slide in between the three lead bikers (Xiaomu, Setsuko, and Yang) and cut them off from the rest of the living group. A fluorescent green low-rider hot-rod swerves around a bit next to the remainder, its driver leaning on the horn ...<br /><br />(Did you know how unspeakably obnoxious the classic Macross theme song can be? Well, you do now.)<br /><br />And then another hot-rod, this one not riding QUITE as low, just tries to sideswipe whichever of the living 'racers' is closest.<br /><br />Needless to say, Xiaomu is now a bit too preoccupied to answer Sanary, instead jockeying for a chance to overtake the ghostly 'leaders' of the race. If anyone has a clear enough head and attention to take a count, though, it looks like there's about a dozen of the undead roadsters. Just over a dozen, to be exact.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yang narrows her eyes. That's how they want to play it, huh? Fine by her! The side-swipes are returned in kind, a powerful kick sent into the frame of the vehicle trying to take her out. "So you guys wanna race, issat it!? C'MON THEN!" she roars over engines and shrieks and that DAMN OBNOXIOUS HORN.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She guns the engine, and flicks a switch on her controls, dumping a whole Fire Crystal into the converter. The engine takes on a different timbre, and she surges forwards, trailing flames from the exhausts and leaving a short-lived trail of what looks like napalm in her wake. "SEE YOU GUYS AT THE FINISH LINE!" she crows, as she comes up alongside the cycles trying to cut her and the others off, and starting to pull ahead.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:255|Setsuko Kaminagi (255)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Setsuko's hands are steady and sure. Even with a ghostly biker gang bearing down and trying to scatter them, she doesn't panic or lose her cool. One of them's sliding in and trying to cut them off, but he seems to have missed a rather important detail, or perhaps he just hasn't realized how meaningful the katana sheathed at her side is.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The answer turns out to be 'very meaningful', because of course it is.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With her left hand to steer, the demigod reaches her right down to her side, drawing Zanjintou in a smooth motion. There is one very simple solution to this, which carries no risks for the driver because the driver is already dead. She simply pulls forward, and swings the blade in a simple bid to cut the front wheel right off the bike. Hers is a blade that can shear through steel easily.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whether that works or not, though, she guns the engine and pulls ahead, trying to push herself up towards the leader and his riding buddy. If he looks back, she'll point Zanjintou right at him in challenge.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Reina's too preoccupied with keeping her focus on the road so she doesn't suffer a massive wipeout, lest she be cleaned off the road with a squeegee or something similar. She's caught by surprise by these gang members, and she veers to the side slightly as she hears them coming up from behind. "What the Falz?!" She exclaims, looking to see who's arrived, and then in a fraction of a second, it's all put back together again. "Oh great." Reina is genuinely embarrassed by this, but she doesn't let that get her down.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So, you guys wanna play like this, huh?" Reina revs the engine a little then lets it fly as she increases the speed on her motorcycle. "I was only warming up Flamebird. Now let's see what happens when she's at full throttle!" She tries to pull up behind the bosozoku goons (in her mind that's what she calls them) and hopefully attempts to flank them to show that she's here too, and she's not taking any nonsense tonight!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Metal rattles against metal and sparks fly from the two vehicles end up griding together.<br /><br />The thing is, that's mainly due to instead of trying to swerve away from the hot-rod, Corona veered her own vehicle right -into- the sideswipe. Partially to keep it from actually getting to her allies on the smaller motorcycles. But this is exactly why the tri-buggy has rubber-encased metal wheels with their own rail guards, so they can take this sort of beating.<br /><br />At first glance one might expect the buggy to be on the losing end of the match-up. But it's built out of the same heavy duty alloys Brimsteel uses for its super strong super-locomotives, so it's throwing back just as much as its taking. Espectially when Corona veers hard into the hot-rod a second time, trying to push the hot-rodder into the guard rails on the other side of the highway and tear his car from -both- sides.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> And then it's time to race! Or stop the race. Same difference! Sanary's making sure to keep high off the actual road to avoid getting hit by anything, but she's still rather wary of the vehicles. They could have guns or something in there, after all, or even a mage! Unless... These ghosts aren't the sort being controlled by a necromancer? Whatever the case is, she's got a job to do, and her gaze locks onto the jeep as it zooms by. She'd be grinning if not for the previous wind issues she's been having, but it doesn't hinder her maneuvering too much more. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I got this one!" She calls out as she picks up speed, aiming to land right on top of the vehicle and wedge her shields into the roof to anchor herself. With any luck, she might even hit the ghost driver! Or... Something. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She's not quite sure how any of this really works. Then again, she's seen ghosts fight people before, so maybe this shouldn't be too much of a surprise for her. "Hey! You in there! I'm taking this ride!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> "Oh boy..." Konoe muttered once the noise started up. Her ears twitched every which way, picking up all the sounds and it made her wince. Dam it why was everything ever so damn loud? Why did everyone have a hard on for making as much noise as they humanly could manage? Who endorsed this? Not her! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And so, as several of those ghostly motorbikes pass, with all of the hooting and hollaring, the miko decides to set her sides in that general area. Directing an arm forward, the two rings of ofuda revolving around her flying form went rigid, sharpening to a razor's edge before firing forward. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They shot out in a high speed spread, aiming to strike tires and throw the vehicles off course along with their riders.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel does not even stop it, Deelel actually like the song she's hearing but she sees the various ghost riders comming in. She calls for a moment. <br /><br /> "Oh do you got game?! Let's see what you got!" <br /><br /> There's a roar from the light cycle engine as she takes off a head trying to do what she can to get a chance to go after the leaders, though for the moment she does not turn on her light wall at all. She know sthy are trying to not take out the ghosts so much as beat them but if she's got an idea, though she catches sight of Sanary, this could be a very big problem.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>How do you make biker punks even more obnoxious than they usually are?<br /><br />Make them ghosts and give them an over-inflated sense of personal invulnerability.<br /><br />In other words, make them teenagers. Mostly Dead Teenagers.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Under the present circumstances, Xiaomu is too busy steering to properly defend their position. But that's fine. That's what Reiji's here for. The exorcist's arms unfold from his partner's waist and sweep back to unholster a pair of familiar firearms. <span class=" bold_fg_w bg_n ++ hw">GOLD</span> glints in the dark. <span class=" bold_fg_g bg_n ++ hg">HOLLYWOOD</span> clatters with ominous noise.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"These roads are owned by the Tokyo Municipal Government," Reiji drawls, his guns snapping out to either side, "And you're trespassing. All of you are under arrest!" Bullets and buckshot tear into the mean streets. The exorcist isn't actually aiming for the ghosts themselves; these ARE anti-spirit rounds, after all. Rather, he's aiming to shoot their bikes out from under them! Gold's stopping power and Hollywood's raw volume of fire should do more than just knock a few riders off balance!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yang's Bumblebee is fast enough to keep pace with the lead motorcycles without too much trouble; when she tries to get ahead, though, their engines' screams actually rise further in pitch, fighting YAng and her custom motorcycle for every single inch of road. The biker who spoke earlier is noticeably faster, though, and his companion starts dropping back. Meanwhile, Setsuko is taking even more direct action; a single slash of Zanjintou separates a wheel from the rest of the motorcycle - and the wreckage crashes out immediately in an all-too-material fireball and an ethereal scream. One down, but everyone who was behind that is going to have a bad time if they weren't fast enough to dodge.<br /><br />Corona's efforts against the hot rod prove rather effective; the driver may be a ghost, but the car is apparently still a car, and just grinding it against the guardrail tears speed away as brutally as the paint gets abraded off of that side. Too bad the hot rod's driver has buddies; one of them swoops up and tries to crush Corona into the guardrail the same way!<br /><br />Konoe's and Sanary's efforts are just as viable, albeit lesser in scale and thusly in effect as well. The riders shriek in pain as ofuda or shields gouge into their ectoplasmic bodies; Sanary finds a crowbar being lashed at her through the very openings her shields are making. They don't seem to have anything to throw, though, so Konoe is relatively unmolested ... for now, at least.<br /><br />Xiaomu glances over her shoulder briefly as she feels Reiji letting go, then focuses on the road and her steering once again. She can't afford to swerve too sharply or her partner might fall off, and hitting the pavement at this speed would be, if not fatal, then at least far too injurious.<br /><br />Two down, although the hot rod might recover and rejoin the chase; eleven to go - make that ten when Reiji opens fire and blasts one of the other bikers out of the run, a similar fireball and shriek rising to when Setsuko sliced a wheel off.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:906|Yang Xiao Long (906)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yang is enjoying this, as she takes the lead rider on. She glances over at him as he keeps pace with her. A grin is given, and she pushes her bike to the limit. If it's a fight he wants, it's a fight he's going to get!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This guy's /fast/." she says, transmitting to her allies. "This is gonna be /good/."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Reina picks up the pace and gets closer to the other bikers. For a moment, she considers going for her gun, although it might be hard to do so with one hand. Then she remembers she can use her TECHNICs as well. She debates which TECHNIC to use first, before she settles on Zonde. It's ironic, considering that she's weak against electricity and things of that nature.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As she gets closer to one of the bikes, she points at it and says, "This is going to be a bit shocking for you!" She doesn't know if the rider hears her, but they will notice when their bike gets electrocuted as Reina calls out, "ZONDE!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:255|Setsuko Kaminagi (255)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The bike being used by the leader is apparently faster than most of these vehicles. Even giving the motorcycle she's using an extra push, there's only so far she can take it before it simply can't keep up. There's a simple answer to that, one she'd hoped not to dip into... but with all the people flying, and with the freeway empty of civilian traffic at the moment, she might as well.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For a moment or so, the black street bike she's on slows down, as she swerves it off towards the shoulder... and then she leaps clear of it, landing boots-first on the road and launching into a dead, full-speed sprint.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And moving /faster/ than she'd been on the bike.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With one hand on Zanjintou's sheath, the other returns the blade there and rests on the grip, keeping her in prime quickdraw position. Silver hair flying behind her, the swordswoman hurtles down the freeway, still focusing on the lead rider, pushing herself to her maximum running speed to catch him up.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She has no plans to attack the other rider, the one now falling back, but if he's foolish enough to go after a woman who can sprint as fast as souped-up motorcycles can drive, well, she'll have no problem delivering consequences.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, her bike is probably skidding or tumbling to a stop some ways back. But at least it's on the shoulder.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Sanary does not like crowbars. She does not like them in her legs or in her torso, no she does not. Pulling herself back onto her feet with her shields as anchors, she bites down on her mouth to suppress a yelp of pain at her shin taking a direct hit from the crowbar. "Son of a...! Oh, screw it!" She draws one of the shields out before slamming it back into the jeep, trying to smash it right into ghosts themselves before... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Her brain starts working. Bashing a car apart is one thing, but she just needs to disable it, right? What better opportunity to try doing something a little different? Focusing her energy on a distinctly non-healing purpose, Sanary starts directing her energy into the interior of the jeep as a grayish mass. It's not very dense, but it is very opaque and feeling like an odd mixture of plastic and shaving cream. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If left unchecked, it also spread through the jeep very quickly. She's trying to just overflow the entire vehicle with the gray gunk!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Zoom zooom, Deelel has yet to get into a real scrape with the various ghots but they need to force them off the road right? She's checking speeds and that's when the light wall comes on she's not trying to knock out the ghosts with it but she's trying to use the glowing wall for area control as she zips along the roadway she doesn't leave it on for too long though, plusing it on and off as she goes. <br /><br /> "Come on I been racing for hundreds of cycles lets see what you who refuse to let death keep you off the road can do!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Konoe is left uncontended for now. That left her time to focus on other things. Like the fact that her fellow flyer was being crowbarred. Ouch. She produced a single ofuda and the character for 'healing' inscribed itself on it. She tossed it out towards Sanary and it flew over to her, attaching to her wounded leg and releasing waves of restorative energy. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Try not to get hurt so much, would you?" The youkai grumbled, eyes narrowed.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Normally Corona would lob a bomb or something back to make sure that hot rod stays down, but that would be a bad idea on the highways of a major metropolis. If he does manage to catch back up, we will deal with that when it arrises.<br /><br />A ghost biker gang wasn't too different from phantom outlaws back home that often used steampunk bikes or jeeps in place of horses. So it's not like Corona was riding this rodea without experience. When the other hot-rodder roars up beside her and tries to pull the same move she just did on his gang member, Corona does what could be the last thing the speed demons would be expecting in middle of a intense chase.<br /><br />She hits the brakes.<br /><br />More accurately, she pulls the emergency break, which drops the wheel guards down against the rear wheels as well as the normal brakes to make a sharp drop in speed. The loss causes the tri-buggy to jerk backwards with the loss of momentum and the hot-rodder careens forward into the space where the cattlepunk buggy had been.<br /><br />Which was now right in front of it.<br /><br />Corona pops the brake off and hits the throttle as soon as the guards click back into place, and yanks on a different lever as she's now the one chasing the hot-rod! The devices swing up from the sides of the vehicle chassis, revealing a pair of gearwork gatling pods spinning to life. Fortunately Corona still took urban warfare in mind, and as the weapons open fire they're not gatling off normal bullets, but shells that explode in globs of sticky highly viscous tar. That's going to nastily gunk up any exhaust or moving parts it gets into.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Eventually, a situation might grow so dire that you're left with no other options but the most extreme measures imaginable.<br /><br />This is not one of those times.<br /><br />Reiji Arisu likes to live dangerously.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Xiaomu," he says, suddenly on his feet. Somehow, he's standing ON TOP OF the motorcycle. His guns are back in their holsters. In their place is his trusty MOBILE ARSENAL. His free hand hovers dangerously about the hilts of his blades. "I'm going to jump."<br /><br />What, right here, right now!?<br /><br />EVIDENTLY.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji doesn't wait for the bikers to get any bright ideas. He leaps from the saddle, sailing through the air at incredible speeds. His heel drops onto the back end of one ghostly bike, pushing him forward onto the next, then the next after that. The bikes have become to him what the eight ships were to Ushiwakamaru at Dan-no-Ura.<br /><br />And on the eighth, Reiji leaps one last time.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji draws. Karin erupts from its sheath with a sudden flare of flame and heat. Fire showers the street in sparks as Reiji tries to use the blastwave to unseat the target of his ire! Then he'd fall right into the saddle and take over.<br /><br />CAN IT TRULY BE DONE!?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Stupid gaijin bitch!" screeches the lead biker. "You're up against Tokugawa of the Coast! Do you actually think *you* can outrace ME?! I'll take your bike out from under you, and --"<br /><br />And he should have been paying more attention behind him, for multiple reasons. Let's go down the list, shall we?<br /><br />Deelel's light wall tactics are super effective; the ghostly riders react quickly enough to avoid plowing into it, but the jeeps and 4x4s have to shed speed to avoid getting broadsided off the road. And the oversized monster truck which was bringing up the rear winds up getting tilted right onto its side; whether intentionally or otherwise, Deelel didn't leave enough room for something THAT size to get past on all of its wheels. Sanary's jeep is summarily gunked up by that conjured goop, and its engine dies in short order, leaving its ghostly driver flickering in and out, hovering on the very edge of visibility, never mind tangibility.<br /><br />The hot rod which was giving Corona some trouble swiftly finds that Corona's more than capable of giving trouble *back* in spades; the tar-bullets start stripping miles-per-hour (or more accurately, kilometers-per-hour; Japan is metric) off in a hurry. Presumably she can swerve around the car without too much trouble ... ?<br /><br />Meanwhile, Reina's electrical tech shorts out the last of the racing motorcycles. That just leaves Tokugawa, who's pretty badly distracted from trash-talking Yang by the fact that Setsuko is keeping up with him ON FOOT. Plus Reiji is hopscotching from one bike to the next, finally perching on the rear of Tokugawa's seat and slashing through the ghostly rider, dissipating the ethereal form. Claiming the now-vacant saddle is no real trouble after that. Taking over ...<br /><br />Well, how good is Reiji at steering a motorcycle which is now veering wildly all over the road like the motor-vehicle equivalent of a bucking bronco? The motorcycle itself does NOT want him riding it, and the engine's shriek takes on a gutteral quality .... actually, no, not gutteral.<br /><br />Try 'sepulchral'.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel was not expecting to get the monster truck but her tactics seem to be doing a pretty good job on things Still there's a lot of them and she's gong to keep going zipping about as she goes so. Still that was a heck of a stunt. "Still got it!" She calls out and she is taking care to not get the way of her own allies. She guns the engine to full blast now and zips ahead trying to go fior as much speed, and her inhuman reflexes are starting to show. She's admitted to her friends she's not made for combat by her User. What are high end combat progeams like in a fight if she can do this? She also will start deploying the light wall once more.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The Tri-Buggy swerves aside to avoid rear-ending the tar-slogged hotrod, and then Corona lets up just enough on the throttle to come up along side the slowing vehicle instead of speeding right ahead. She turns to flash a grin at the driver, and raises a finger in a wagging motion. "By the way, Ah wouldn't light no demonic fires or nuttin' in there iffen Ah was you. That tar is sticky -and- flammable." With the advice/mocking given Corona shifts back into gear.<br /><br />There's the audible click-clack as she yanks up a shotgun, one-handed pump action and all, which she then flips back into firing grip, sticks out the side of her buggy, and cracks a shot off at one of the remaining vehicle's tires.<br /><br />Then leans out herself to shout with questionablly helpful advice to Reiji and an encouraging whoop. "IFFEN ITS GONNA BUCK LIKE A BRONCHO BOY, BUST IT LIKE A BRONCHO! YEEEHAH!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Feeling that ofuda wrapping around her leg, Sanary can definitely feel the healing effects even if she doesn't look directly at it. She does spare a grudging nod towards Konoe, however, acknowledging the assist with a light grin before turning back to the jeep in front of her. She keeps pouring magical gunk into that jeep even as the engine putters out, waiting until the vehicle has actually stopped moving before yanking her shields out and taking to the air again. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sanary here. Got this one down!" She calls out before taking off once more, seeking out another functional ghost-vehicle to... Try something else. That something else? Ramming into it from the side with her shields. She's strong, but is she strong enough? Only one way to find out!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Reina uses some swift moves to avoid being hit by possible debris or things like that, while keeping an eye on any remaining enemies. Her electricity did a good job of taking out the biker she was after, and it led to her laughing quite a bit. "I'm the queen of shock treatment!" She says, before looking for any possible targets. She frowns when she sees just one remaining, and it's already being tended to. Sighing, she looks behind her to see if anyone else might be coming up behind them.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Sigh. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It felt like babysitting now. Rather than facepalm like she really wanted to, Konoe created another set of ofuda, the character for 'Force' inscribing on them. And then she spun in the air, flinging that set past Sanary and towards the side of the van she was tackling. Upon contact, they would immediately release a strong force aiding Sanary's efforts with a burst of momentum and energy. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Do you do this sort of reckless nonsense often? Because if you do, I'm surprised you're still alive." She spoke after flinging the seals, brow twitching in exasperation.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Turns out that ghostly motorcycles tend to have a mind of their own. Who'd'a thunk it?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji grunts as the unliving machine beneath him starts bucking and swerving like some kind of angry stallion desperately fighting to remain WILD AND FREE. Unfortunately, while it may be a motorcycle, it is still just a ghost, and Reiji Arisu is still Reiji Arisu. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The exorcist's arms go stiff as the thing underneath him struggles against his control. But it's not through strength alone that he'll tame this wild beast! No. The key here is one of spirit, and Reiji has a whole lot of that. Contrary to everything that they teach you in driving school, Reiji closes his eyes at the wheel. He reaches deep down into the seat of power burning at his very core and allows it to expand to fill the world all around him. Dark, blue light begins billowing from the exorcist's body like flame from a torch. He widens his spiritual focus, causing the world to fill with raw, supernatural pressure.<br /><br />He drives it against the bike's spirit, looking to subdue it with force of will alone! Ideally BEFORE it drives off the side of the highway.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Reiji's co-opted motorcycle isn't going to be suppressed without a fight, and it's putting up a big one - but Reiji's spirit, while still mortal, is naturally powerful *and* strongly trained, so it's like a back-alley brawler going up against a wizened kung-fu monk.<br /><br />Meanwhile, the last of the 4x4s - and the one with the strongest 'ghost' in that class of vehicle - loses a tire to Corona's shotgun, slewing and teetering and skidding to a halt as its engine roars in impotent fury. Sanary similarly repeats her performance on the last jeep, which is also putting up a massive fight - but the spirit possessing it just can't supersede Sanary's tactical abuse of the laws of physics.<br /><br />Reina looks back over her shoulder at just the right moment to see the final hot-rod trying to rear-end her! On the other hand, another dose of Zonde - or any other Technic she might have - to the right part of its engine will disable the vehicle quite effectively.<br /><br />Xiaomu hunkers over her lightcycle, murmuring a quick incantation ... and her lightcycle puts on a surge of speed, catching up once again with Tokugawa's motorcycle. Her own trailwall is active, but it's a VERY short trail, dissipating too quickly to pose a navigational hazard to either friend or enemy. She hasn't quite caught up with the motorcycle (and Reiji) when he finally forces the ghost out of the motorcycle -<br /><br />Which is exactly the moment when its engine just completely dies, as the spirit is banished from the physical form to which it had been clinging. No possessing spirit means nothing compelling the machine to stay in motion, so unless Reiji's REALLY quick to react he's liable to take a tumble that he's not really dressed for.<br /><br />Fortunately, besides Xiaomu herself, Yang and Setsuko are close at hand too; Reiji should be spared the aforementioned tumble.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Someone's trying to rear-end Reina? Bad idea, especially considering how much she loves her new motorcycle. "Hey, pal, no tailgating!" She exclaims angrily as she points at him. "But since you seem a bit intent on doing so, I'm afraid I'm going to have to take care of your hot-rod... Namely cool it off a bit!" She grins this time and calls out, "BARTA!" A chilling blast of ice shoots at the hot rod. "Next time, just chill out already!" She adds while laughing.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:714|Sanary Rondel (714)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> "Hey, hey. I'm a healer, too. Gotta be tough to have survived this long. Besides how else am I supposed to do it? I can't just throw these and call 'em back." Sanary gives Konoe a grin at first, although she eventually just stares at her for a moment before looking towards her shield, then that mass of gray mush that had been used to disable the jeep. It's time for an experiment! She projects a small dense hoop around the handles of the shield, then steadies herself in the air before flinging it at the second jeep that her ramming and Konoe's ofuda had just disabled. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; On the plus side, her shield throw does clear a few feet. For a regular human, it'd be impressive if they could even throw it a few inches with that heavy weapon! Alas, it's not the sort of throw that'd really be dangerous to anything that the shield wouldn't just end up falling on instead. Still, having that hoop in place means the shield does (slowly) float into the air enough for her to pick up while speeding along in mid-flight. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's a start. "How many do we have left?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>That seems to be all of the posessed vehicles.<br /><br />Instead of persuing farther Corona pulls up next to the 4x4 once it's stalled out, putting her buggy in park but keeping the engine warm, just in case. The vixen tucks the shotgun back into its safety rack, undoes her saftey harness and pulls herself up to peek out of the rollcage. Pulls out her analyzer, and after adjusting it's settings to 'Paranatural' tries to scan the 4x4.<br /><br />Let's just say after some other recent events back home she has more than a passing interest in forces capable of animating heavy machinery.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> Konoe just gave Sanary an umimpressed look. "Really? You? A healer? Could have fooled me." Really, what with all the shielding and tackling and being in the enemy's faces and all that. Still, she rolled her eyes and watched as Sanary acted on her own theory. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ...Well, it went a few feet. And it managed to float. That was a start. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Konoe just sighed again and followed along. "It's done. There aren't anymore." Someone had to keep count here.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel own lightcycle slows down a bit now as she seemns to think hings are finally finished or just about she however does star to slow down, weave and then try to make sure she doesn't catch anyone on her side but she's not about to let hings just get well worse but it seems things things are finally done as she starts to slow down to rejoin the others as it seems to be over...<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Reactions_(Yuna_Kagurazaka)&diff=12406Reactions (Yuna Kagurazaka)2015-12-24T20:00:49Z<p>Shachihoko: Yuna is an assassination target for HK-47. What does that mean for her career ... ?</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/12/24<br />
|Location=Fraulein Earth<br />
|Synopsis=After finding out that she's on HK-47's list of targets, Yuna has to wrestle with what that, plus other factors, mean for her career going forward ...<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=385<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
}}<br />
Yuna's manager, Mr. Ishikawa, blinks a few times, peering at the blonde idol singer. "I'm sorry, Yuna, would you mind saying that one more time ... ? I can't possibly have heard you correctly."<br />
<br />
Yuna's jaw clenches briefly; it's the only movement she can make with a seamstress making sure the dress fits her just right. It's only one of the dresses she'll be wearing for that night's concert, but Yuna still wants to look her best in whatever she's wearing. "The Union discovered last night that I'm an assassination target for a Confederate-allied droid," she repeats, almost exactly as she said it the first time. "I want to go ahead with tonight's concert; the risk should be minimal during the truce between the two superfactions."<br />
<br />
Ishikawa closes his eyes for a half-second before looking at Yuna once more. "Why am I only now finding out that one of my star idols is in danger?"<br />
<br />
"We didn't know before," answers Yuna. "I mean ... you know I'm the Savior of Light, I haven't been keeping my identity that big of a secret -"<br />
<br />
"Most idol singers don't break out a personal giant robot for _Super Iron Chef_, after all," Ishikawa interjects with a smile.<br />
<br />
"- but ..." Yuna trails off with a sigh, then winces and stands up straighter as a needle briefly pokes her through the cloth. "Mr. Ishikawa, please don't tell me *you* want to cancel -"<br />
<br />
"*Want* to cancel? Of course I don't want to!" Yuna's manager protests. "But I don't want you to get killed either, especially not on-stage in the middle of a live concert - the biggest concert of the year, for you and for many of your fans. And never mind what would happen if any of the audience got hurt when someone was after you; forget about the scandal that would erupt, *you* would never forgive yourself for letting such a thing happen. Am I right?"<br />
<br />
Yuna grimaces, nodding.<br />
<br />
"All done," the seamstress interrupts quietly. "How's the fit?"<br />
<br />
Yuna takes a moment to pose a few ways, making sure the dress stays properly snug without restricting her movements. "Feels all right to me," she answers; her manager promptly turns his back to her, permitting the semblance of privacy to change back out of the stage dress and put on her rehearsal leotard. "You can look now, Mr. Ishikawa."<br />
<br />
"So am I right?" Ishikawa repeats as he turns to face Yuna again, averting his gaze for an extra split second before she pulls a T-shirt on over it. "Whether I've 'officially' known about your other job or not, I've been your manager long enough to know what kind of girl you are, and scandals worry you less than people's safety does. It makes my life a little too interesting sometimes."<br />
<br />
Yuna smiles ruefully, starting to do some proper warm-up stretches. "You're right," she admits. "But if HK-47 shows up, or any of his minions ..." The smile fades from her face, replaced by a cold, hard resolve; her eyes, normally alight with good cheer, glint like the reflection off a sword's blade for one moment. "If anything happens, no force in the Multiverse will stop me from destroying him completely."<br />
<br />
"And that," Ishikawa says quietly, "is the part that worries me." He steps closer, reaching out to squeeze Yuna's shoulder gently in a gesture of reassurance. "You shine brightest when your smile is honest, Yuna - when your heart glows with joy and love, when there's no such thing as an 'enemy' in your world. I'm not asking you to be so innocent that you're an easy target, but ..."<br />
<br />
Letting out a sigh, Yuna reaches up to rub her face with both hands, grateful that she's not wearing makeup yet. "You want me to be safe, physically and emotionally, right?"<br />
<br />
"There's only so much I can do," her manager admits. "But the schedule you're picking up ... training at this 'Beacon Academy,' you said? We may have to cut back on your workload as an idol in any case - it's not like Shiraokadai Girls' High School, you'll have a major commute to work around for - what is it, college?"<br />
<br />
"Pretty much," Yuna admits. "Or at least it seems like it - seventeen's the usual age for enrollment, and I've got a good team around me for Beacon. Then there's my training with Ryudia, although she's stepping that down now that I'll be going to Beacon."<br />
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Ishikawa nods, looking away briefly to piece things together. "And you don't want to retire from singing yet."<br />
<br />
"Of course not!!"<br />
<br />
"We'll see what we can manage," Ishikawa says with a chuckle. "Certainly you've polished your skills as an idol singer; I still want to see if we can get you started as an actress - although that may take a while. The skills could be useful outside of performing, though."<br />
<br />
"They might," admits Yuna. "Any last-minute additions to tonight's sets?"<br />
<br />
"I think the sets you've been working on are the best we're going to put together. Ready to start rehearsal?" Ishikawa has a feeling that the other conversation isn't over, but they can return to it later. If the concert isn't being cancelled, then there's only so much time for Yuna to rehearse before she has to stop for make-up and wardrobe.<br />
<br />
Yuna's smile is as bright and warm as ever, seemingly without a care in the world, as she replies, "Ready!"</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3497/Inventory_Complete&diff=122363497/Inventory Complete2015-12-09T23:28:38Z<p>Shachihoko: Reiji, Xiaomu, and Konoe pay a follow-up visit to the Tokyo National Museum, and learn a few new things.</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/12/09<br />
|Location=Tokyo-52605 <NXC><br />
|Synopsis=Reiji, Xiaomu, and Konoe make a follow-up visit to the Tokyo National Museum, and find out exactly what was stolen during the Confederate attack. Some other secrets come to light as well.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=705, 707, 847<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>In the weeks since the Confederacy showed up to raid the Hokusai exhibition, repairs to the damaged building have gotten under way; where the hole was initially just covered by a tarp, the tarps are now draped around a set of scaffolding, and a bunch of building supplies and equipment are being put to use - at least during working hours. The construction crew's gone home for the day, a solid fence extending around most of the front half of the Tokyo National Museum, and security remains fairly tight at the entrances. The museum might be open to the public again before the reconstruction work is done, but the business offices have remained open throughout.<br /><br />The tight security means that even government agents have to check their weapons on the way in, and while Xiaomu is somewhat grumpy about letting Suiren out of her grip, she surrenders it to the guards without complaint. Her handguns as well, of course. "Konoe, do you have anything they'd consider a weapon?" she inquires of their catgirl ally while waiting for Reiji to hand off his arsenal.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is indeed a pile of weapons sitting on one of the security counters. A somewhat distressed black-tie agent stares daggers at the fact that this 'professional exorcist' is apparently carrying around actual swords. Clearly, this gentleman is new to the position. "No matter how much they'd like to, they can't actually take away your sorcery," the exorcist says as he places his rather oversized handgun alongside the rest of his equipment. "That's strictly our own jurisdiction."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He seems to have recovered well enough since Vega manhandled him and tried to shatter his skull like a ripe watermelon. At least, he's not wearing the bandages anymore. "Once we're inside, we'll go meet with the curator. See what exactly the damage is like."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's been a while since that art exhibit gone wrong. Konoe didn't do much of anything other than get caught by a net, and help free the mind controlled guests. In the weeks following, she occasionally visited on her own terms just to make sure that everything was alright, and there were no negative side effects. At this moment, she's here with senior agents, Xiaomu and Reiji. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The tight security is rather lost on Konoe because, well... "Um..." The miko looked towards Xiaomu and blinked. "I don't think I do. All of my 'weapons' are created on the spot. I can't just 'drop' them." ...Right. That. And so she shook her head, watching as Reiji handed off all of his fancy toys. r<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Putting that aside...They haven't come back, have they?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"The archery chick showed up while I was checking back about a week later," Xiaomu answers Konoe, "but she wasn't making any more trouble. She really didn't like what that jerk Vega did." She signs a couple of sheets of paper (a claim-check for her weapons, and the sign-in/sign-out form), then - once Reiji and Konoe are set - leads the way into the offices.<br /><br />She DOES seem to know her way around ... and a minute or so of navigating through corridors and cubicles leads to the office of Professor Michi Hanayama, the curator in charge of the ill-fated Hokusai exhibit. The door's actually standing open, and Prof. Hanayama is standing in front of her desk, looking at something, when Xiaomu raps lightly on the doorframe. "Sorry about the delay, Professor; we had a small crisis Saturday night."<br /><br />Prof. Hanayama turns and smiles; she's in her late 50s or so, with her hair starting to go silver. "No apologies necessary; I had budgets to review. Mr. Arisu," she bows politely to Reiji. "And ... Ms. Kanno?" She gives Konoe a similar bow.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's no real surprise that Xiaomu knows her way around a museum. In many ways, one could say that she almost belongs in one herself! Reiji would never say that aloud, though- or think it, for that matter. He just follows along in his usual manner, quietly and cooly, though he does pause for a moment to regard th ruins of the Hokusai exhibit.<br /><br />It's a shame that it had to happen on premier night.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But that's what they're here to speak about, so he doesn't dally. "Professor," Reiji says as they enter the woman's office. He dips his head and shoulders in a bow of his own. "I hope everything has been going well since the incident. We've been concerned about possible follow-up attacks."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I see...well, she seemed really bothered on the night it happened too." Since she's been learning how to read and write, Konoe was at least able to messily scrawl out her name on the sign in sheet. A mild improvement. After doing so, she followed along with Xiaomu and Reiji, continuing to speak. "I guess not everyone in that Confederacy group is like that Vega person." In fact, he might be on the extreme end of the spectrum. But her direct contact with feds has been surprisingly small, so she can't really say one way or the other. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once they finally arrived at their destination, Konoe bowed in return to the professor. "H-Hello." She nodded after Reiji and added. "And have any of the past staff or attendees exhibited any strange behavior in the past few weeks? That Vega person may have left something behind when he was controlling their minds." She didn't find anything on casual observation, but it never hurt to ask directly.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"We've been watchful," Prof. Hanayama replies, "but of the guards on duty that night, none are showing any aftereffects. We haven't been able to follow up with everyone who was at the exhibit that evening, but - well, you'd know better than I would if there were additional troubles among the civilians."<br /><br />To the extent that Shinra has a public face in its own world, it *is* basically Public Safety (when it has to be more than an unassuming import-export firm, or whatever business covers for its headquarters). Prof. Hanayama seems content not to dwell on it, though, pouring tea for her three visitors and offering some sweets to go with it. Not formal tea ceremony, just basic obligations of hospitality. Once tea has been poured, she picks up a clipboard - an actual physical, paper-and-pen clipboard, not a tablet computer. "As I told Ms. Xiaomu previously, we've been reviewing the inventory from the Hokusai exhibition, and re-checking a few things. Are all three of you *certain* that those ... 'Shadowlaw' forces didn't actually have the chance to seize any of the items on display that night?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm glad that your pesonnel seem to have recovered. That... Dictator of theirs, Vega, he is a dangerous man." Especially after a little bit of research into this Shadowlaw's activities. "We haven't seen any relapses among the populace yet, though we'll be monitoring those who've been affected for a little while longer. If your men consent, the research division would like to test for residual energies, just to be sure."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Their assault was relatively sudden, and was terminated before their agents could spread too much chaos," Reiji answers, taking his steaming cup in both hands and letting the warmth seep into his palms. "I do not believe that they would have had the time to steal one of the exhibits on display without us noticing. However..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His eyes dart to the tray of sweets. An uncharacteristic sweet tooth is a distinct property of this particular exorcist. He takes one of the offerings and chews on it for a little while before continuing. "That does not mean that they couldn't have been using the attack as a diversion to take something that was stored elsewhere. What seems to have gone missing, Professor?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cup held in her hands, Konoe ponders the Professor's question while Reiji speaks. Occasionally, she took sips while turning over the events of that night in her mind. "Mmn...Like Reiji-san said. The attack happened very suddenly. And they were kept too busy fighting to steal anything. When I swept the perimeter, I didn't see a single Shadowlaw agent make any attempts at theft." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She shifted her hold on her cup into one hand, her other hand coming to her chin. "It's mildly possible we may have been tricked, but I can honestly say that I saw no theft. It was way too busy for anyone to steal anything." That said, she took a moment to have another sip of her tea, creating a pause. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "But if you're asking this...is something missing after all?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"We're not talking jewelry, we're talking prints and paintings," Xiaomu points out. "The goons all had their hands full of guns and stuff, and their armor was buckled on pretty tightly. Folding anything down to pocket size would've made creases that would lower the resale value of anything they could've walked off with."<br /><br />She pauses, taking a deep sip of tea, letting the warmth and flavor soothe her from the inside out.<br /><br />"And if nothing were missing, Konoe," she adds, "we wouldn't have been asked to come back here." Xiaomu lets out a breath, her hair-tails flicking a bit as she rolls her shoulders. "Professor?"<br /><br />Prof. Hanayama bows her head briefly, almost more of a deep nod than anything else. "There are eight items missing, all part of a larger set. Specifically, they're from Hokusai's Otogizoshi .."<br /><br />This is the point where Xiaomu *really* tenses up - the Otogizoshi is a famous compilation of Japanese myths, legends, and folklore.<br /><br />"... the tale of Tamamo-no-Mae," Prof. Hanayama finishes.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Tamamo-no-Mae," Reiji repeats, sounding vaguely like some manner of snake. He breathes a long sigh and sets his saucer and the cup upon it on the table with just the slightest clatter of porcelein. "I see. It was on display, then, wasn't it? And the whole collection has gone missing?"<br /><br />That's... Troublesome. While the artwork itself is inordinately expensive, the subject matter is what is significantly more worrisome. Reiji reaches a hand over to squeeze gently at his partner's shoulder. "The paintings are missing. So the question is, then, whether Shadowlaw took them."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He takes a moment to lean back and draws his hands back together to steeple over his lap. "I'm almost certain that I didn't see anyone take anything during the raid. But that doesn't mean that someone couldn't have taken advantage of the chaos, nor does it mean that Shadowlaw doesn't have the capability to steal those pieces from right out from under our noses. My concern is that it seems a bit... too specific of a target."<br /><br />"I believe, though I'm not certain just yet," he murmurs, eyes sharpening ever so slightly, "That there might be more at work here than a simple multiversal raid."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Konoe vaguely pouted, ears flattening against her head at Xiaomu's comment, but she said nothing in response. Maybe that was a stupid question. She kept quiet from then on, letting the three talk. At the mention of Otogizoshi, one could almost see the question marks pop up over her head. "......?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However, the mention of Tamamo-no-Mae roused a look of understanding out of the miko. She knew who that was. Though not personally, of course. Tamamo-no-Mae. The fox that infiltrated multiple royal courts, inciting chaos wherever she went... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But she was going off on a mental tangent now. She shook her head to clear her thoughts and listened further. "Mmn..." After Reiji was done, Konoe reluctantly spoke up again, adding her opinion to the mix. "I really...don't think Shadowlaw has anything to do with this. But I didn't sense anything during the raid either." She came to a pause, having a sip of her tea. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...We can try scanning the grounds for any errant energy signatures, maybe? But I'm completely at a loss as to who would do this, and why..." Then again, this wasn't her world. So the best she could do was offer support in the end. She couldn't come up with any conclusive answers. That was a job for the two senior agents with her.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xiaomu lets out a breath. Reiji might notice more readily than Konoe, but the sage fox is REALLY twitchy. Her tails usually hang about as still as actual hair would, but right now, Xiaomu's tails are twitching like a bead curtain made of nervous tics. Nothing too flagrant, but ... if you know what to look for, it's there.<br /><br />"If Shadowlaw were out for profit," Xiaomu states as if she doesn't know her 'hair' is acting up, "they would've gone for big and valuable stuff. The Great Wave off Kanagawa, ukiyo-e, stuff Hokusai is known for around the world. The Otogizoshi ... you had to be doing your research to even know the museum would have it. I don't think Shadowlaw were the ones with sticky fingers ... but .."<br /><br />She turns to look straight at Reiji. "'Why' answers 'who,'" she states, nodding to Konoe. "I know some people who'd *love* to have the story of the fair-faced nine-tailed fox, and they wouldn't be above grabbing it while everyone else was distracted by a big flashy Multiversal invasion. They might even have helped set up for it, for all we know."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji has known Xiaomu for a long time. As long as he's been in this business, in fact. The Huli Jing's discomfort is as obvious to him as the sun in clear skies at high noon. He frowns slightly, but, for now, he can't do much to settle her nerves. Not while there's business to be done.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So then, our culprit is somebody who both knew that the Otogizoshi was on display, and who took the opportunity to seize it while the museum was under attack," Reiji says, his mind quietly putting together an image of the incident. "We haven't been integrated for very long into the Multiverse, so I'm guessing it was a local. But even then, the list of possible suspects is a long one."<br /><br />"However, there is another possibility."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The story of the Tamamo-no-Mae is a powerful one, and the Otogizoshi itself serves as a powerful record of the entities that dwelled in this part of the world. But beyond that," Reiji taps his finger on the porcelein dish. "Consider this. A great artist's birthday coincides with the display of his greatest work for public appreciation. Simultaneously, an attack takes place by an entity who was capable of wielding enough power to control the hearts and minds of hundreds of people at once. And, after the dust settles, a certain set of prints by this artist, detailing a creature said to hold sway over the Heian courts, simply disappears with no indication of where it has gone to."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Are we sure," Reiji says, then, "That they were JUST prints of the Tamamo-no-Mae? Or, at the time of their disappearence, were they something... more?" After letting the idea settle for a moment, he leans back and sighs, "Of course, it could just be that whoever took them knows something about those paintings that we don't. Or maybe they just like foxes. Still, I think it's worth checking."<br /><br />"Curator," he looks to the professor again, "Were there any strange incidents involving those paintings in the days leading up to the premier?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hmm..." Konoe tapped her chin, nodding to Xiaomu, and then looking to Reiji. "There's too many possibilities to be sure. Someone could have just made off with them after the dust settled...But then again, there's also a possibility that these paintings may not have been stolen at all." There's a pause as she tries to gather her thoughts. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "At least, not in the traditional sense. Well, I mean...it sounds ridiculous, but you know how people say 'Well it didn't just get up and walk off on it's own, did it?'" The Bakeneko smiled a small, sheepish smile. "...It could have." Wow that sounded dumb. Really dumb. But considering what they dealt with on a near constant basis... Well, she figured there was at least a small margin of error left for that possibility. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Of course, we have no clues and no facts, so...please, tell us if you remember anything, Professor."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xiaomu smiles wryly. "Trust me, Reiji. They were 'just prints'. Hokusai was an awesome artist, and he had eyes open enough to perceive the spirits who walked among mortals in his time ... but he was no sorceror himself."<br /><br />Prof. Hanayama raises her eyebrows slightly at Xiaomu. She's not 'in the know,' officially, about youkai and the like; she only knows what might be expected in her line of work - a familiarity with many stories, but little practical belief and no application thereof, beyond the customs that have taken root in modern society. But she also doesn't ignore what's right in front of her.<br /><br />Xiaomu continues, "Katsushika Hokusai knew a lot of stories, and he was perceptive enough to figure out how much truth lay behind the folklore. That was why he helped compile a new edition of the Otogizoshi - gathering up what he knew, and what some of his contemporaries knew, and putting it all together. He took fragments that others had never associated with the fair nine-tailed fox and pieced them all together - he might be one of the few mortals who realized just how far back her bloodstained trail through history actually *reached*. And you're telling us, Professor Hanayama, that his chronicle of her life is what went missing?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Prof. Hanayama takes a deep breath. "I had wondered ... at any rate, to answer your questions."<br /><br />She takes a deep sip of her own tea before speaking.<br /><br />"There were no peculiar happenings during our preparations for the exhibit, nothing to suggest that any of the works to be displayed were haunted or possessed or cursed. We did have an onmyoji advise us on arranging the exhibit spaces, but that was considered more 'for good fortune' than as any kind of 'preventative measure'. One of our security personnel has been on leave since the incident, but that was chalked up to stress related to the invasion." She looks wry, "He actually *called* it an invasion, too. I didn't think much of it at the time. The police have followed up with him, there was no trace of any of the missing items."<br /><br />The professor shakes her head slowly. "As for the prints 'walking away' on their own, they would have had to do so immediately after the incident, while everyone was preoccupied with first aid and emergency procedures. Our security footage doesn't show anything out of the ordinary, and the image quality is pristine. Wouldn't supernatural activity cause some kind of interference on the video footage?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xiaomu's concern is entirely too reasonable. The disappearance of objects of such historical significance is... extremely worrisome. Moreso considering what exactly the content of that history happens to be. Reiji takes another long draw from his tea as the professor speaks, setting the cup down after a moment. "We'll look into your guard as well. It's a good a lead as any. As for the security cameras..."<br /><br />Reiji shrugs.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"There are too many unknowns to say for sure. However, what I do know is that Tamamo-no-Mae was famous for her illusions. If these prints- or whatever spirit has animated them- shares any of her talents, then it may be the case that even the most flawless security footage might be... innaccurate." His brow furrows, then, eyes tightening ever so slightly. "After such a massive attack... How were so many of you cameras undamaged, exactly? I'd expect some distortion in the images after so much dust and debris."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Konoe set her cup aside, finished with it, and rest her hands into her lap. "I'm not that good with technology, but something strikes me as odd..." She paused to let Reiji speak, looking towards him. Once he had said his piece, she nodded. "...That's what bothers me." And she looked back towards the professor. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "If this disappearance is supernatural in nature, it would be child's play for someone with the right motivations and skills to fool a camera or two, I believe." Konoe took a small breath, and added one last thing. "Considering that this is a record of a rather famous mythological figure...I would say the right motivations were there." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Of course, there were still no leads. The miko tilted her head a tad in thought. "...Was there anything else?" She glanced upwards then. "I think we should have a second, more thorough look around. We might have missed something, don't you think?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Unfortunately," Prof. Hanayama admits, "there probably isn't any evidence left to investigate. We had to take everything out of the exhibit halls that had been laid open to the outside, for their own sakes as well as to clear the way for reconstruction. And the security cameras were covered or outright hidden, none of them had open mechanisms or lenses."<br /><br />The professor sets her tea cup down, rising from her seat. "There was one other thing I wanted to share while you're here, though ... and the way you spoke of Hokusai, Ms. Xiaomu, seems to have confirmed it." She picks up a rolled piece of paper, carefully removing the retaining clips at either end, then unrolls it, just as carefully, to show the three of you the print.<br /><br />It's clearly the work of Hokusai or a similar master; an expert could analyze the details and be more certain than an amateur as to who produced it. But of more interest than that -<br /><br />It's Xiaomu.<br /><br />The eyes, the vulpine ears and hair-tails, the playful curve to her lips, all are just like the sage fox herself sitting next to you in the office. In the print, she's dressed in a yukata or a kimono, and seems to have been captured in the midst of a dance, the back of her kimono drawn back far enough to show the back of her neck and just a hint of her bare shoulders.<br /><br />The actual Xiaomu goes quiet and still, blushing a little as she sips at her tea. There's a look of nostalgia in her eyes, though.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We may still be able to turn something up," the exorcist says with a shrug. "Konoe, once we're done here, I'd like you to take some personnel and sweep the area around the missing exhibit for... anything that might even smell slightly mystical. It may lead us to who we're looking for."<br /><br />And then... A very special painting.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji... Stares for a very, very long time at the woman in the scroll. You can tell that the gears are turning in his head as he mentally catalogues all of this mysteriously enscrolled figure's features and quietly makes the connections necessary to determine that, yes, this is indeed his partner in this distinctly period pin-up scroll.<br /><br />He takes another sip of his tea, savoring the rich flavors for a moment longer.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then he says: "Well, not to raise a scandal or anything, but I think they captured the curve of your neck quite nicely. I appreciate that they were able to portray the delicate lines of your shoulders so well, too. I don't suppose that this piece is for sale, curator?"<br /><br />This.<br /><br />This is Reiji's duty as Xiaomu's loyal partner.<br /><br />He doesn't get to fulfill it very often, but whenever the opportunity presents itself, he's on it like stink on a skunk.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Oh. Well, that's out then." Konoe sighed and shrugged her shoulders. Looks like they were back to square one! Oh well, they tried. But nevertheless, Konoe was vaguely certain they hadn't heard the last of this. "I think we've about done all we can for now. But I think we'll be revisiting this soon..." She glanced at Reiji and nodded. "I'll do my best." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That aside, the miko blinked once the professor brought up one other matter. "....?" A scroll was set out, and on it, a woman who looked kind of...no, exactly like Xiaomu was printed. This thing looked pretty old, so... "......" Silence. More silence. Even more silence. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Oh!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Cue lightbulb. "So that's why you were so familiar with his work! I thought you were just a big fan..." And like a derp, she kept talking when she should have kept her mouth shut. "...But it makes sense. I mean, you are like, ten times older than me..." Konoe stop talking. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But she didn't. Curiously, she brought a finger to her cheek, tapping thoughtfully. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...Xiaomu-san, do you have kids?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Okay, time to go.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Professor Michi Hanayama smiles, carefully rolling the print back up. "The normal asking price for an original Hokusai print is probably beyond your normal means, Mr. Arisu ... but this is hardly a normal situation." She places the retaining clips again, then slides the roll into a carrying case designed for the purpose of protecting and transporting prints such as this one.<br /><br />"Given the circumstances, I'm afraid it isn't for sale ... but I should be happy to give it to the mysteriously young woman who was his subject." She offers the case to Xiaomu.<br /><br />Of *course* Xiaomu accepts it, handling the case as cautiously as if it were a holy artifact. "Thank you very much, Professor," she says quietly, standing up and bowing deeply to the curator. "If we can bring the Otogizoshi prints back as well, we'll certainly do so."<br /><br />She doesn't answer Konoe's question until after we're out of the offices - the museum is basically deserted EXCEPT for the administrative sections and some guards; the construction crews have gone home for the night. So it's nice and quiet and relatively private.<br /><br />"Like I said," Xiaomu says to the two of you, "Hokusai was perceptive. He saw the world around him as it was, and portrayed it as faithfully as he could ... and he was one of a *very* few people who saw me for what I was, and wasn't afraid. And," she admits with a sheepish grin, "yeah, I was a fan of his work, a huge fan. I came into Edo more often just to see what he'd produced, tried to scrape money together to collect what I could."<br /><br />The grin gives way to a more wistful expression as Xiaomu looks away, staring into space, one hand holding the carrying strap firmly. "Reiji ... you've never had to hide what you are. You're a human in a world full of humans, you might keep what you *do* under wraps, but not what you *are*. Hokusai ... I think he was the first mortal I'd met in centuries that I could be *me* around, and he wouldn't go screaming off for the police or an exorcist. I wasn't close enough to have had children with him," she adds, giving Konoe a rueful grin. "He had his own family, I met them a few times but always with my guard up ... but I didn't need him to be my lover. Being my friend was the second-greatest gift he could ever give me."<br /><br />She lets out a sigh, then takes a deep breath and stands up straigher. "C'mon, let's see if those burglars were sloppy after all. We've got missing art to track down if the trail hasn't gone totally cold."<br> <br><br />
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<br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=2351/A_Deadly_Debate&diff=122042351/A Deadly Debate2015-12-08T02:11:18Z<p>Shachihoko: Reiji tries his hand at sparring with Fayt.</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/05/31<br />
|Location=Njorun Station - Ring of Philosophy<br />
|Synopsis=After Xiaomu's two sparring bouts with Fayt, Reiji steps in to personally put Fayt through his paces at greater length.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=319, 705, 707<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji Arisu waits in an unused section of the Ring of Philosophy. Through the magic of Union Technology, the arena has been reformatted into a vast bamboo forest. Shoots of green, growing things stretch from earth to sky, obscuring the holographic heavens with a dusky, jade canopy. The ground is positively thick with the things- moving more than a foot without needing to dodge a shoot is nearly impossible.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The only exception of a single, raised wooden platform, set up in a jarring gap in the vast emerald sea. Reiji Arisu waits in the clearing, his knees and shins bent underneath him. He waits in seiza, it seems, for his opponent to arrive. His mobile arsenal is set upright at his side, the blade Darkdrift is strapped over one shoulder.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A small incense burner glows in front of him, releasing a thin contrail of fragrant smoke that rises inexorably toward the invisible sky. His shoulders rise and fall as he cycles through deep, calming breaths. He can enjoy the tranquility for a little while, at least.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:319|Fayt Ravus (319)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Right on time, Fayt shows up, the tiny timid trader looking just a tad nervous as he climbs onto the platform. He's come prepaired however, haveing already taken his staff off of his back and letting his wing scarf switch from scarf to wing form as he climbs on to the platform. he comes ot a halt as he spots Reiji. "Um... Hello?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Ah, and there's his opponent. "Are you ready?" Reiji asks, utterly motionless on the platform, except for the steady rise and fall of his shoulders- and the movement of his jaw. His eyes remain closed, his hands and arms are relaxed, folded atop his knees.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xiaomu is presently sitting cross-legged on a corner of the platform behind Reiji; an unopened bag of fried tofu rests in her lap.<br /><br />Why unopened? Basically, because Reiji is taking this so seriously and she doesn't want to break his focus by treating it like a common sporting event. She's nominally here to cheer her partner on, and possibly to help drag him down to Medical if Fayt should happen to pwn the fsck out of Reiji in their imminent bout; more likely she'll have to help carry Fayt down if Reiji goes too hard on him.<br /><br />And speaking of the trader, she raises an arm to wave politely to him. Still trying not to distract Reiji, it seems like.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:319|Fayt Ravus (319)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fayt looks to Xiaomu, offering a small wave back to the fox person.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He then looks back to Reiji, Watching him quietly for several moments before saying simply. "Well, about as close as I can manage at least." Fayt to be honest has no idea how it got to this, He jsut offered ot spar someone a few weeks ago, next thing he knows he ends up owing Xiaomu a rematch, nearly blowing her eardrums out and getting one hell of a surprise when literally knocked the surge out of him, and now? now Reiji has gone all scary serious mode. How'd it ever get to this?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;with that said, Fayt's wings start flapping as he begins to take off, no waiting for an opening this time, if he can help it, he's starting things airborn.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'If he can help it' indeed. Xiaomu is correct that Reiji seems to be taking this seriously. Deadly seriously. He intends to test his opponent with all the strength he can muster. She could tell that he's not just sitting there- his muscles and tendons are primed, coiled like springs or the cord priming a catapult.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji explodes into motion just as soon as Fayt finishes speaking. His eyes fly open. His foot shoots forward, toes digging into the wooden arena. He vanishes into a haze of forward momentum. Chirai tears out of its sheath with a crack of thunder. Lightning spills over the platform, licking against distant bamboo shoots, blackening leaves and wood. The wakizashi sweeps out, aimed...<br /><br />For Fayt's scarf- and his throat!?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:319|Fayt Ravus (319)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fayt's not a fighter. Well, that's not quite true. He can fight, and he's not half bad, he's just not as dedicated it to as many other elites are.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's also not stupid. Xiaomu immediatly charged him in both fights, and he suspected Reiji to do the same, hense going airborn immeidatly. Fortunatly, he also has just the spell for dealing with situations like this. He points his staff at Reiji as he rushes in, and says calmly. "Force wave."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A shockwave suddenly fires from Fayt's staff, quickly fanning out to cover the area in front of the little mage and hopefully knock Reiji away if he doesn't back off on his own.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Fayt is not the only one who studied his previous fights.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One thing that Reiji noticed is that speaking before deploying a spell is either an inconvenient tendency of Fayt's magic, or a bad habit. His first word causes Reiji's brow to twitch. Fayt's second- and the sudden whoosh of air- has him slam his foreward leg into the floor. Reiji leaps skyward, his eyes fixed on his foe. The exorcist twists like a cat, or like a leaf in the wind, curving overtop the wave of force.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One leg kicks through the air, pressing against the back wall of the force-wave. Once more, his trajectory shifts, using his opponent's spell as a platform to continue pursuing his foe.<br /><br />...And the pursuit of an opportunity to cripple his opponent's wings.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:319|Fayt Ravus (319)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fayt frowns as Reiji jumps OFF the wave. Quickly he starts to pull back in the air, staff twisting about in his hands as he takes aim and calls up another spell. "Burning hands."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This time there's a loud *FWOOSH* as a wave of fire errupts from Fayt's staff again fanning out to cover the area in front of him. So help him he's not letting Mr. 'no holding back' anywhere near him!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Fire.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A wave of flame washes over Reiji as he continues his chase. It swallows him up entirely, the exorcist vanishing into the pyre. For a moment, it seems as though he might have been consumed- burnt to a crisp like a pile of tinder.<br /><br />And then a shadow appears in the midst of the inferno.<br /><br />A split second later, Reiji emerges a mere foot from Fayt.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His face is burnt, the tips of his hair are charred. His clothes are singed and parts still burn. But his arsenal is held up as a shield. lightning crackles around his body, hungrily devouring the flame like a starved wolf. Chirai is held in a thrusting stance, the electricity draining the surrounding fire deep into the steel.<br /><br />Fire turns to ash. In doing so, it feeds the Earth.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His shift in position means he can swing the arsenal to try and hook into Fayt's head. Chirai shrieks and pops as he plunges the blade in, seeking the scarf around his opponent's neck!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:319|Fayt Ravus (319)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fayt... Fayt's eye go a bit wide at that. "What the..OH GODS!" Fayt ducks, letting out a small yelp as the arsenal skims the top of his head, drawing blood. As for his neck? There's nothing there. as the Scarf isn't actualy a scarf right now, instead taking the form of a harness with a pair of wings on it's back, though for obvious reasons, Fayt's quick to jerk his head away.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "GAH!" Fayt sounds unnerved now. "No beheading allies please!" and he honestly means that. He doesn't want to test how good the safeties here are if he can help it. The paperwork would be a nightmore if he died.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;plus, you know, he'd be dead. That'd suck!<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With that request out of the way, Fayt suddenly thrusts his staff at Reiji, trying to jab it into his gut before saying quickly. "Shock bolt."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This time, a small bolt of electricty fires from Fayt's staff. If he did things right he'll be too busy having a staff in his gut to make with the fancy dodging.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>It would be fair to say that Xiaomu's loyalties are just a little divided at this point.<br /><br />On the one hand, Reiji is her partner, and she's kind of obligated to root for him - even if she's doing so quietly, and not trying to distract him in the course of his match with Fayt.<br /><br />On the other hand, she's developed a modest soft spot for the trader-mage, and the fact that Reiji is going for Fayt's neck pretty consistently actually has her worried ... at least, until she remembers that the Ring of Philosophy is set to prevent serious 'training accidents'. At least it SHOULD be, and she didn't see Reiji trying to mess with the settings.<br /><br />Still, her attention is very much on the fight between Reiji and Fayt to open her bag of fried tofu; it's not even just a matter of respecting the event, she's that caught up in watching. (And still debating who she should be 'cheering' for, however quietly she might do it.)<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's not like Reiji's trying to kill the mage! Not permanently, anyway. That's why they're doing this here, instead of at Shinra HQ or somewhere similarly unprotected by the Union's miraculous training technology.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You are not an ally today," Reiji hisses in reply, his eyes narrowed tight. Fayt's staff jabs into Reiji's abdomen- dodging in mid-air can be somewhat difficult when one cannot fly on one's own power. As Fayt speaks his first word, though, Reiji swings his arsenal down into the wooden shaft--<br /><br />Too late.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The shock bolt surges down the staff. Reiji managed to knock its tip into his right leg, but that doesn't help matters. His body seizes as the bolt courses through his body... Which is about when Fayt might notice a similar sensation blossoming from the point where his neck meets his collar.<br /><br />As well as the distinct feeling of cold steel pressed flat against the flesh there.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Chirai acts as a conductor, the lightning coursing through Reiji's body pushing back up the right side of his body, through the sword and back into its caster's body. This... is one hell of a counterattack.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:319|Fayt Ravus (319)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cue a screma from Fayt as the electricty runs through him. worse yet, it's enough to make his wings seize up, as he drops back to the ground like a stone, landing with a loud THUD!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fayt's alarmingly quick to scramble back to his feet however, "Look, I get you're a hardcore badass but seriously." he says, a little shakey as he aims at Reiji again. "The safeties don't-cold bolt-fix everything so a little-split-caution on the lethal-turn-tactics, eh?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yes, Fayt is casting and talking at the same time. He normally doesn't but well, it's a warning wroth giving, though god only knows if Reiji can understand hFayt as he keeps abruptly interrupting himself.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;On the upside, Reiji might not see the spells coming for the exact same reason, Fayt's suprisingly good at switching between casting and talking on the fly. Even if the results sound REALLY weird.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And what's Fayt actually casting? Cold bolt causes a small bolt of pale blue mist to fire form Fayt's staff, it's cold, REALLY cold, enough to form ice whever the bolt lands. The real weird part is the extra commands Fayt gives, however. Split causes the one bolt to suddenly split into many, and turn makes them scatter, flying off in several different directions before turning to converge on Reiji.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Each additional command is met with something else however; there's an odd eletric buzzing sound as multi-colored electricty starts to build up around Fayt's head. There's that surge building up again.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji drops not long after Fayt. His body continues to convulse as he falls, and the exorcist lands hard on the platform. He bounces once, before he fights his way back to his feet, flesh smoldering a little more than it was a moment ago.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"A cornered rat can kill a cat," Reiji replies cryptically. His brow twitches at Fayt's sudden spurts of language. His suspicions are confirmed when the mage releases a wide array of bolts. The soft crackle of freezing moisture reaches his ears, just as the faint notes of water and metal sing against his mystical senses.<br /><br />Ice, is it?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The magic missiles sweep out, twisting through the air in wide, erratic patterns. He can't possibly follow them all with sight and hearing alone. Even his more magical senses can't track so many projectiles simultaneously.<br /><br />And so he doesn't.<br /><br />He elects instead to leap into the bamboo forest.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji bobs and weaves through the shoots of emerald bamboo, trying to use them to block and absorb the freezing bolts. Chirai scythes out of its sheath, hewing through shafts both thick and thin, obstructing their pursuit with as much wood as he can manage.<br /><br />But defense is not his only goal.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His mobile arsenal is clutched in his teeth, freeing both hands. One clutches tightly to his electric blade. The other has found his handgun. Gold roars, sending heavy, penetrating bolts towards Fayt upon the wooden platform.<br /><br />He saw that corona of lightning surrounding his head once before.<br /><br />What happens if it builds until it bursts?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:319|Fayt Ravus (319)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm told I'm more a mouse."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Reiji runs into the Bamboo, Fayt doesn't bother to command the bolts any further, Instead taking his departure as a good time to get himself airborn again.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thisi s followed by a pained yell as he taeks a bullit to the shoulder. qucikly he points his staff at Reiji in responce. "Fireball."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's the old magic-users standby, a large ball of explosive flame fires from Fayt's staff, quickly headed in Reiji's direction. Granted, throwing a fre that big around a bamboo forrest might be a little insane, but between the wings an his own ice magic, Fayt's not too worried about that at the moment.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>As she's just watching rather than fighting, Xiaomu has the leisure to take mental notes on how the fight is going. Reiji is certainly using all of his advantages - and arguably, he's holding his end of the fight better than Xiaomu did with either of hers. But at the same time, Fayt's playing to his strengths as well, and it seems to be working out for him ...<br /><br />Then again, she reflects, Fayt *DID* tick her off in their rematch, and so far, Reiji seems to be keeping his temper about him. Apart from the whole 'going right for Fayt's neck' thing earlier, at least.<br /><br />She can't see Reiji as well while he's running around the forest, but her ears are perked up so that she can at least *hear* where her partner is. She's not going to give Fayt any help pinning Reiji's position down, though.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Flame blossoms through the forest. The bamboo smolders, catching fire and spreading, leaping from shoot to shoot. It quickly fills the air with clouds of choking, smothering smoke. And Reiji is ostensibly caught in the middle of it all.<br /><br />Ostensibly.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The first sign that something may be wrong is that the exorcist fails to emerge from the inferno, even when it would probably be wise to pull away before he burns to a crisp. The second is the chanting. It starts, low and firm- a tone that is simultaneously commanding and reverent all at once. It seems to come from all directions at once, the words occluded by the roaring flame.<br /><br />But they're words that Xiaomu would recognize immediately.<br /><br /><span class=" bold_fg_g bg_n ++ hg">Wood</span> fuels <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">Fire</span><br /><span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">Fire</span> returns all to <span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">Earth</span><br /><span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">Earth</span> holds within <span class=" bold_fg_w bg_n ++ hw">Metal</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A figure walks from the inferno, his clothes and patches of flesh blackened, smoldering, cooking. Fabric is merged to his skin in places. Still, he stands strong, his eyes burn with cold fire. He lifts Gold one more time.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The bamboo provides the Wood. Fayt set it all alight, giving Fire. In Reiji's hand is Chirai, the blade of Earth, and Gold, blessed with Metal. But...<br /><br />He lifts the gun. Gold crackles with power, driven by the churning elemental cycle. But one's missing. One is missing... Isn't it?<br /><br />The gun fires. A slug of metal erupts from the barrel. It spirals through the air... The air, still thick with the lingering motes of ice magic Fayt had conjued only moments ago.<br /><br />There.<br /><br /><span class=" bold_fg_w bg_n ++ hw">Metal</span> carries <span class=" bold_fg_b bg_n ++ hb">Water</span><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There's a flash as Gold's slug suddenly seems to ignite with the power swirling in this place. Ice crystals follows the round. Swirling leaves and flame and ash all follow soon after. If the bamboo is real enough to burn, it seems that it's real enough to do... /this./<br /><br />"Whatever people say, you are a man," Reiji growls as he looses the bolt of raw, elemental power. "Not a mouse. Now, defend yourself!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:319|Fayt Ravus (319)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fayt blinks as he hears the chanting. Elements? Hmm... There's a pause, before forwning, Fayt points his staff behind himself and says quietly. "Black bolt." A bolt of black energy fires from Fayt's staff, flying off into the distence.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fayt Unfortnatly, has no defences. He relies almost entireally on blasting things and making sure they never get close. so it's no surprse as there's a terrified Scream as the slug tears through him, the ice adn ash following behind him. Whne it's over, Fayt's sprawled out on the floor. he's not out yet though, He starts to stand up, proping himself with his staff as his one arm hangs uselessly at his side. "I... really, REALLY didn't want to do this part. turn." There's a buzz and more electricty around Fayt's head, The bolt from eariler makes a wide turn weaving through the bamboo as it aims to apprach Reiji from the side. "Split." another buzz, more electirty, The bolt suddenly splits into several and it's...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji and Xiaomu might remember Fayt firing a few healing spells in their last fight. That was positive energy, very nice stuff, very usefultends to heals things. These black bolts are negative energy and it's honestly some pretty nasty stuff. Whatever the bolts touch tends to start to break down and decay.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The fact that Fayt is still conscious after taking a Great Cycle enhanced shot from Gold is pretty impressive in and of itself. That he's still able to direct his magic is even moreso. The bolts of negative energy register like orbs of raw /wrongness/ in Reiji's spiritual awareness. Areas of pure, blighted oblivion, mobile counteragents to life itself.<br /><br />He can see them. But can he defend against them?<br /><br />...Perhaps.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One of the bolts sails close. He feels it through the flame, a void of utter nothingness swaddled in warmth. The exorcist pivots, his joints screaming in protest. There's a sound unlike any other, halfway between a whisper and a cat's footfalls. Reiji's hand moves, tracing a line through the air. Negative energy meets... Empty air?<br /><br />No. There's something else there.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A blade forged of death and shadow- Darkdrift slices into the bolt of pure unlife. A burst of shrapnel follows as Hollywood looses a cloud of shredding, blessed wood. Another bolt chases in, Reiji meets it with that same combination.<br /><br />Again.<br /><br />And again.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is an attack he cannot afford to be struck by- and so he fights against it with the best tools he has at his disposal. Hollywood is a weapon infused with <span class=" bold_fg_g bg_n ++ hg">Wood</span>- green, growing, LIVING energy. Darkdrift is a weapon forged of death by death. Wielded together, Reiji might just get out of this one in one piece.<br /><br />...Hopefully. His spiritual resistance might absorb one or two bolts, but all of them? Certainly not.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:319|Fayt Ravus (319)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Figures he'd have soemthing for That.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If Fayt REALLY wanted, he could ry hiting Darkdrift with positive energy, but that means thrwing what would basically be healing spells at Reiji, bad idea.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;fortunatly for Fayt, there's a much simplier solution. Wobbling on the spot, a bleeding mess barely able to move as he leans on his staff with his good arm. Fayt says weakly. "Turn. Split. Turn. Split. Turn..." It's simple, each turn redirects a few bolts away from Reiji so he can't stop them, and each split brakes them up into new bolts. Bit by bit, Fayt's building up a massive cloud of bolts to try and flat out overwhelm Reiji.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This unfortunatly comes at a high price. Each command is met with a buzz and mure electricy around his head, and wit hthe sheer numbero f bolts he's controling, it's building up FAST. It's bad enough that some of it has started to run down his arm towards a blue armband he's wearing, a little something he had built to help control the surge.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Somebody might want to stop things soon, because Fayt's either too far gone to realize what he's doing, or he's stoped caring.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>And Xiaomu is thinking that maybe - just *maybe* - she should step in. They're both putting up a pretty impressive fight, but if Fayt's chaos magic passes the critical point - and just the fact that his armband is working to drain it off suggests that it's a lot higher than it got in either of his bouts with Xiaomu - then, well, the sage fox *IS* sitting pretty close to what's going to be 'ground zero' for the surge in question, just by virtue of the fact that she's still sitting on the platform, and Fayt is standing on it - not THAT far away, really.<br /><br />Taking a deep breath, Xiaomu gets to her feet, grabbing her staff with one hand (rings jingling audibly as the staff is moved) and her bag of fried tofu with the other ... but only so it doesn't fall off her lap; she sets it down right where she was sitting, as if to reserve her seat. "Hey, uh ... Fayt? Reiji?"<br /><br />She thumps the butt of her staff on the platform, eliciting a louder jangle from the rings attached to its headpiece.<br /><br />"You're both putting up a REALLY good fight here, but I think it's time to call a halt - Reiji's pushed you more than I did, Fayt, and I'd say you've lived up to the challenge just by *you're still standing* at this point."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A few dozen bolts, he can handle. But there are more than just a few dozen here. Still, the invisible blade that is Darkdrift whirls invisibly through the swarm, knocking as many aside as he can manage. Hollywood screams as he begins going through his ammunition at an unsustainable rate. Shards of shrapnel peel through the dense cloud of negative energy, their high concentration meaning each shot shatters several at once.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He doesn't respond to Xiaomu- but only because he's presently busy trying to fend off the storm of dark magic. Even so, one bolt penetrates his guard and slams into his shoulder. Reiji winces as he pushes back against the encroaching chill with a flash of will and raw spiritual resilience. The position he's in is untenable, but...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He can't fire on Fayt. Xiaomu is far too close- Hollywood's spread would catch her as well as his target. So the only remaining choice is to fight through and strike a definitive, finishing blow.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Darkdrift and Hollywood whirl and dance, shattering as many negative-energy orbs as they can. Reiji lunges, twisting like a leaf through the narrow gap his weapons can open. Several more spheres slam into his body as he rushes through. His will pushes back, dispelling much of their power, but still he feels one shoulder go numb, the flesh there deteriorating beneath the necrotic touch.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But the swarm can only follow him now. Reiji leaps around the still-burning forest, swinging Darkdrift into the still pursuing orbs of negative power. All the while, he lines up a shot. With the orbs chasing him instead of swarming all about like some kind of nightmarish cyclone, Reiji trades his shotgun for his handcannon.<br /><br />...And Gold is much more well suited for lining up a final, precise shot.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:319|Fayt Ravus (319)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Turn. Split. Turn. spl-huh?" with Xiaomu standing near by, the ringing get's his attention. Slowly he turns to look at her. THe looks... out of it. "Yes?" He looks alarmingly close to surging, might want ot do something about that.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fortunatly for Reiji, Fayt turning away means the bolts are no longer being redirect after him, making breaking through realtively easy, once he closes in however, he suddenly looks back slowly raising his staff up to pointi at Reiji... and then unless someone catching the little guy quickly, he'd immeidatly fall over due to no longer having his staff holding him up.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Fortunately, Xiaomu IS standing right there next to Fayt when he starts to collapse -<br /><br />And in the process of catching him, her staff brushes up against his hair. Right through the cool little cloud of doom .... er, of stray chaos magic.<br /><br />*ZOT*<br /><br />Fortunately, Reiji's bullet doesn't hit either of them, and Xiaomu goes cross-eyed for a few moments from the combination of unfamiliar stresses. "Ugh. Okay, if I have to be the referee, I'm gonna call this for Reiji just because Fayt went down first ..." She pauses, blinking a few times to try and clear her vision.<br /><br />"Fayt? Why is your hair blond all of a sudden?" asks the now-bluenette sage fox.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>...Or rather, Reiji would have lined up a final shot, had Fayt not collapsed, leaving his necromantic bolts without direction. Reiji lowers his gun, allowing him to focus entirely on defense, knocking a few remaining spheres away. He leaps away from the rest, letting them slam harmlessly into the ground.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In a few moments, he makes his way back to the central platform, Darkdrift looming invisibly in his right hand. "...Not bad," Reiji murmurs, his eyes narrowing. "But you kind of wore yourself out, huh?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's... Not quite sure what more to do about the crackling electrical halo besides what Xiaomu is doing. Or... Or why Fayt's hair has turned gold. Doesn't that usually happen when things are powering up?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:319|Fayt Ravus (319)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fayt's head rolls around weirdly as Xiaomu catches him, his entire body limp as he currently has no strength left. At Xiaomu's question, he jsut makes this weird murmuring noise. The only other reaction he gives is a slight twitch as Xiaomu's attempts to draw the excess energy off of him ends in a minor surge, causing the two to swap hair colors.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Here's hoping Xiaomu likes blue.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Reiji squints at Xiaomu's head, too. "Uh." He says. "Xiaomu. Why are you blue?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Because it's not easy being green," Xiaomu replis to her partner ... then pauses. That was a serious question that probably warrants a serious answer.<br /><br />So she gently tugs one of her tails forward so she can see its color for herself. "... Or that might explain why Fayt's a blond," she amends. "Huh. Interesting ... Hopefully not permanent."<br> <br><br />
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}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=2582/Soldier%27s_Heart&diff=122032582/Soldier's Heart2015-12-08T02:08:54Z<p>Shachihoko: The morning after Nettle helped Yuna with her nightmare, Yuna talks to Mortimer about it.</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/07/05<br />
|Location=Equestria <KE><br />
|Synopsis=The morning after Nettle helped with her nightmare, Yuna talks to Mortimer about the dream itself and the events (and emotions) which spawned it.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=385, 454<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Whenever Yuna could dredge herself out of the land of slumber, she would awaken to a house filled with the smell of cooking food. Within the kitchen there was Switchbait, a dozen or so trays and pans and utensils all floating and swirling around him as he prepared food for the various denizens of the house. Fish was being lightly fried for Roll and Reder, great big raw steaks were being browned and marinated for Falstaff and Ulbrecht, and for pony-fied folk there was sauteed wildflowers and fruits being prepared in a large pan with olive oil and lemon squeezings. The little delibird Roll was busy playing with the ancient Absol, Falstaff, who was mostly using his psychic powers to juggle her around while she squealed and clapped her flippers. Somewhere Reder, the wartortle, was being a lazy-shell and sleeping on top of a bookcase where others probably wouldn't pester him, though he was occasionally mumbling in his sleep about annoying little sock-bitches, so Nettle was probably harassing him in his sleep. And outside, Mortimer was busy teaching the absurdly gigantic thunderwolf Ulbrecht basic attack commands using wooden mannequins about the size of the average Space Marine. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's a beautiful day outside. Sun shining, birds chirping, the whole nine yards. If it was any more idyllic one might slip into a diabetic coma.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna sits up with a yawn, her brain going 'oh right, pony form' as she stretches. "Good morning," she greets the household as she clambers off the couch, trying to smooth her mane out. "Is it okay if Elner comes over? She can bring a few things I should've packed."<br /><br />She pauses, looking about as she starts folding up the blanket she used. "Mortimer's out?" If she happens to see him out the window, that'll answer her question conveniently enough.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Switchbait looks over his shoulder, "&lt;Ah, good morning, madam Kagurazaka. Food shall be prepared presently. Hm? Yes, the Master is outside. If you can't see him he should be around Ulbrecht's general location, over there. Do you require a drink, or p'raps a light snack, before lunch?&gt;"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Blink. Blink blink. "Lunchtime?" Yuna asks sheepishly. "Eheheh ... sorry, I didn't mean to sleep that late ..." She finishes folding the blanket while considering. "I think I can wait for lunch, how long do you figure it'll be?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Switchbait wiggles a paw a little, "&lt;Twenty minutes, half an hour, p'raps? Not long. And no worries about sleeping so late, the Master often takes naps at odd hours, as opposed to proper sleep.&gt;"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna grins sheepishly at Switchbait, "Thank you ... yeah, I can hold out for half an hour. I ought to brush my teeth -"<br /><br />At about that moment, Elner flits towards Mortimer and Ulbrecht outside. "Good morning!" the robo-faerie calls out. "I brought a couple of things for Yuna; I hope she wasn't any trouble. Is it all right if I teleport inside to her?" Notably, Elner doesn't SEEM to be carrying anything.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The giant wolf lets out a surprised bark at Elner, then bounds behind the far, far smaller pony. An odd albeit amusing sight, no doubt. Mortimer simply squints at the little faerie-thing. "Ah, yer Yuna's little helper, aye? Sure, sure, g'head on in an' bring'er whatever she needs. Hope you brought her a toothbrush, she really needs to brush her teeth."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"She thought to pack a couple of things last night," Elner answers, "but she didn't bring them with her. I have the bag. Thank you." The robo-faerie bobs in a passable representation of a bow, flits towards the house -<br /><br />And rather than opening the door, teleports into the living room. "Good morning," Elner greets Switchbait and the others; the bag it was talking about appears on the coffee table, and Yuna scoops it up. "Thanks, Elner!" She grips the handle loops in her teeth as she heads down the hall ... the bathroom should be obvious enough, right?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The bathroom is obvious enough, though it might surprise Yuna that there's.. Really not much of a bathroom at all. There's a small shower and a sink with a tiny mirror and medicine cabinet. Definitely not Equestrian designed, something close to a Japanese apartment. Except there's no tub or toilet- those are in different rooms altogether. This may be odd depending on the housing layouts she's used to.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>So after dealing with personal necessities of the morning, Yuna returns to the living room and offers to help getting lunch on the table. She may have to see about coming over sometime when she's in her human form, but it's bad manners to deliberately fish for an invitation.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Switchbait declines the offer for help, citing that in a Groudan household, it is considered rude for a guest to be required to assist unless they are family or intimately close friends. Mortimer would trot in, with Ulbrecht sticking his head inside through a window, making a loud whurfing sound until Switchbait launches an oversized steak at his face. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And thus does lunch begin, with everyone digging into their food with an almost ferocious appetite. Reder and Mortimer are swift and voracious eaters but, oddly, not very messy ones- indeed they don't drop a crumb. They do seem to almost /inhale/ their food otherwise, though. The rest are less fast about their indulgences, and yet somehow more messy.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna has a notably hearty appetite as well - partly because she 'missed' (slept through) breakfast, partly because she's actually pretty well-rested. If conversation is being made, she'll certainly join in the chit-chat to the best of her ability; otherwise she's content to eat quietly. There is one lingering question in the back of her mind, though ... and if Nettle is at the table, the Shuppet may catch note of an occasional glance from Yuna.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nettle is not /visibly/ present, but she is present. Somewhere at the back of thoughts, in the little ethereal pockets where physical matter is a silly suggestion. "The longer you wait, the harder it'll be to ask, dearie~" comes a voice echoing in Yuna's mind. It's Nettle. "Try not to forget who it is you sup with. They will understand~"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Rather than interrupting lunch with it, Yuna waits until the meal is mostly or entirely done before bringing it up. "So, uh ... Mort. Did Nettle tell you anything about the nightmare she ate for me yet ... ?"<br /><br />If she sounds awkward about bringing it up, that may be largely because it's an unfamiliar topic for her.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mortimer's already puffing on a pipe by the time Yuna asks, and lifts a brow. "Hm? No. That's between you an' her unless you feel like sharin'. 'Round here we respect peoples' privacy unless it becomes a problem that forces us to get involved, y'know?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Nettle figured that you probably should," Yuna answers. "I'm not sure what you can do other than helping talk it out, but ..."<br /><br />She trails off, finishing the last couple of leaves from her food, and inclines her head to Switchbait. "Your cooking really is excellent; thank you for letting me share your meal. I know it's part of hospitality to a guest, but ... I didn't know for sure I'd be here overnight until I was settling in, so I really do appreciate it."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Switchbait bows his head a bit, "&lt;Thank you, madam Kagurazaka. Here, allow me to clean up..&gt;" The assorted trays, dishes, and bones begin to levitate off the table and floor, and float behind Switch as he flutters back to the kitchen. The assorted beasts go back to their naps or playing, leaving Yuna and Mortimer to chat. <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The latter exhales a large plume of smoke from his nostrils. "Hm. Dunno what the problem is 'till you tell me, but if Nettle said to talk to me about it, she prolly figures it's somethin' I know enough about that maybe I can help.."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Hopefully the smoke isn't drifting (or being blown) in Yuna's direction; even her politeness has its limits when it comes to other people's smoke. But presumably Mort is more considerate than that.<br /><br />Waiting for the others to vacate the table also gives Yuna time to figure out how she wants to talk about the nightmare. "You heard about the Noise Marines' attack on that outpost a couple of weeks ago, didn't you?" she finally asks. "Where they'd remodeled a giant robot into a walking weaponized speaker stack?" She cringes a bit just at the general memory; though the basic context of the battle wasn't nightmare-inducing, Yuna has a long-standing belief that music shouldn't be weaponized in the first place.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mortimer shakes his head. "'Fraid I hadn't. I'm not part of the 'loop' so far as military operations go- and information networks are expensive as hell, and i don't have that much money to go 'round anymore. So I don't find out unless it's real public an' I'm payin' attention, or if it goes on the news, or if someone tells me.." He shuts up to let her explain and then rubs his chin a bit with a hoof. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hn. Noise Marines.. I've heard the term afore, but I can't quite recall the details I fear.. You'll hafta give me a synopsis of the battle."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Chaos Marines, cultists of Slaanesh or something," Yuna answers, grimacing. Elner's hovering next to her by now, although the robo-faerie will withdraw if instructed or asked to do so. Yuna continues, "They attacked a Union outpost - not sure if it was a basic military strongpoint, or a surveillance station, or what ... it's gone now," she adds with some chagrin. "The Titan's speakers had been tuned so that the sonic bombardment itself was damaging, destructive .... El-Line was able to block it with my shield, Shugoseiheki, but that meant I couldn't dodge or fight as much. And I was - we were able to let most if not all of the personnel get to safety ..."<br /><br />She trails off abruptly.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mortimer's otherwise pleasant disposition fades visibly when Yuna mentions the word 'Chaos'. "Ah, Traitor Legions.. Naturally.." He is of course, not blowing smoke in her direction- indeed it's all being directed at the window, and floats out there. He is noticeably smoking more as she speaks, though. "Titan.. Ah, one of those giant robots they're so fond of in that galaxy. Curious to bring out such a valuable asset on such a simple assault.. But no matter. I presume you defeated them?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Yes and no," Elner answers. "It was a joint Confederate assault with multiple Elites, as near as we could tell at the time, and the base was ultimately damaged to the point where it'll need to be rebuilt from scratch. We did save the bulk of the personnel, although it was a near thing in some regards."<br /><br />Yuna takes a deep breath, looking up at Mort. "I thought it was just another giant robot, with a pilot in a cockpit or something like that, maybe a small crew. But ... when I took out the main speaker, the subwoofer ... when I opened the Titan up with that strike ... there were *people inside it* - hundreds of crew, if you could still call them crew when they were - so many of them looked like they might have been dead, *should* have been, their bodies were ..."<br /><br />Yuna sucks in a deep breath, trembling in her seat, and swipes her foreleg across her eyes briefly. "They were still alive," she says shakily. "Part of the Titan's machinery and they were *alive* ..."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ears perk up, intently listening to Yuna and Elner. "Say Elner, why don't you go take Ulbrecht out for a quick walk? Have him run to the edge of the Everfree, bring back one of his dragon bones to chew on? I'd appreciate it a lot if you would." Not the most subtle way to ask for a few minutes alone with Yuna but it should, hopefully, get the point across. "He doesn't need a leash, just hold onto his fur."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"That could be somewhat difficult without hands or arms," Elner replies in a neutral tone. "But if Ulbrecht will follow me without contact, I can manage ..."<br /><br />The robo-faerie looks to Yuna briefly; she's still trying to pull herself together, but returns Elner's glance before looking at Mort. "You don't ... Elner knows what happened, Mort. She was there, part of El-Line during the battle, and she knows about my nightmares. If it's my privacy you're worried about ..."<br /><br />She doesn't seem to notice when Elner DOES flit out, whether to take the thunderwolf on his walk or just to give them the privacy Mort was asking for.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mort nods to the little robot faerie. "Thanks Elner. Yer a good fella." Yuna probably wouldn't notice that they had been quite a degree of privacy- all the Pokemon had left the room too. So, Mort stands up and walks to the window. "Hellish stuff, the shit the Traitor Legions pull outta the Warp. Slaaneshi cults.. Yer lucky that's all you saw." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; His face has hardened by this point, but the frown has been directed outside rather than at Yuna. Doesn't want her thinking he's irked at /her/ or something. "Pretty sure this ain't the first time you've been put into a position of your life or theirs, you've been workin' for the Union fer years. Can't see many reasons why this'd shake you unless they put somethin' /real/ damn awful inside that Titan."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna's voice remains shaky, although she isn't outright crying. At the moment, anyway. "It wasn't ... Mort, I wanted to save them. It wasn't my own survival at that point - I almost wish it HAD been, in a way ... but the base, the evacuees were still behind me, and even that damaged the Titan kept going ..."<br /><br />She hesitates, only now realizing that Elner left after all. If the robo-faerie were still here, Elner could tell the rest of the story for her.<br /><br />"I wanted to save them, to save as many of the crew as I could ... I knew that should be my priority, always. To defy the Darkness, to free and help the victims whenever I can ... but the Titan's legs kept pushing it forward, even crippled ..." Her voice is still ragged, although less so than before - even if only by dint of pushing herself to keep talking. "Saving them ... I knew it would take more than I had, more than the Union Elites still there could probably do ... I should have tried anyway. I ..."<br /><br />Her voice finally breaks off.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ahh, there it was. One of the harsher questions. Mortimer took a deep, smoke filled breath, held it for a moment, then exhaled. "How does one weigh sapient life?" He'd turn and walk toward her. "A pack of screaming hostages, crying /victims/, against untold numbers of helpless people who will become victims? And in the middle of such questions, soldiers who have only a second's time to choose. To make a command decision on who will sacrificed on the altar of War." His eyes close for a moment, then open. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The query hangs for a moment, but he does not give her time to say much, "The answer is that we choose the option that lets us save as many people as possible. And then we will tear ourselves apart for those we could not save, as though it was really up to us- that we really had a choice in who we could bring home. But we don't. All we're allowed to do is guess at how many we can bring back with us, and from there who lives.. And who dies. And very few of us are ever prepared to make, much less live, with those decisions."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna doesn't look up. "Elner's already tried to tell me that I took the only option I had," she says quietly. "That realistically, there was nothing else I could have done ..."<br /><br />There's an audible sniffle before she speaks again, still looking down. "It's ... I know what I chose, Mort. I know I decided, in that moment, that the most I could do was end it cleanly. To take out the powerplant and ... and let them - let their suffering end. I was right there with them, the explosion seared El-Line's armor and I felt it in the cockpit ..."<br /><br />Somehow she suppresses the desire to curl up into a fetal ball in her seat. "I chose their deaths ... maybe that weight should be on the cultists, but ... I didn't try to save even one of them, because I didn't know how I could ..."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mortimer leans down so he can be closer to eye-level with Yuna. "Then you've done all you can do, Yuna. "Maybe" you could have done more. "Maybe" if you'd tried to save them, even more would have died. My eldest brother Alphonse was fond of saying this about 'maybes'- Maybe if your uncle had tits, he'd be your aunt. Maybes don't mean anything if they can't become definitelies. And I know that doesn't sound very comforting... And I'm sorry. ..That's the world soldiers live in." He'd trot off for a brief moment, let Yuna think. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And come back with liquor. Two cups, bottle of sake. A cup poured for Yuna. "Drink. It helps a little, eases the mind, as long as you don't crawl into a bottle. When you get back to yer Union friends, you should seek out a professional therapist." He'd down his first cup and then pour himself another. "But while you're drinking, Yuna. I want you to think about something very important. If those people were enslaved by those who follow Slaaneshi.. Then death is probably the greatest mercy you could afford them. Slaanesh is a Chaos God of /lust/ and /desire/.. Its followers always looking for the next great high- /any/ kind of high." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yuna should hopefully get the terrible, chilling subtext of what that means.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Normally, Yuna would refuse alcohol outright (albeit as politely as possible). This time, for whatever reason, she doesn't; she accepts the cup, holding it in front of her to be filled if it wasn't already full when handed to her. "When Elner was scanning the 'crew,' she got some of that data too ... maybe not direct from sensors but just from seeing and hearing -"<br /><br />It's a testament to the intensity of those memories that she cuts that sentence off without finishing it; it's equally a testament to either her control or her habits that she doesn't quaff the cupful of sake just to fend off whatever memories came with those words. "It would have taken a lot of counseling at best to help them, according to what Elner figured. That ..."<br /><br />She lets out a sigh, looking up. "Mort, I can't - I can't accept anyone's death is for the better. Partly it's who I am, partly it's who I would become if I *did* accept that way of thinking. I guess I started out lucky; with the Queen of Darkness, the girls she captured could be set free as easily as beating them in a fight. Same with the Erika Seven after they were enslaved by the Eternal Princess ..."<br /><br />She takes a small sip of sake now. "The Thirteen Frauleins and the Erika Seven, plus Erika herself ... they kept their battlesuits somehow, they're my friends and allies back home. A lot of them are still fighting, keeping our home worlds safe while I'm not there."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mortimer nods a bit, offering a small smile, and making sure her cup is full. "I understand. Yer a magical girl of some sort or another- beacons of hope an' all that- so I don't expect you to accept it. But fates worse than death exist. And being a slave to the Chaos Gods, I'd call that one of'em. An endless cycle of torture and degradation.. They are, at the very least, free of that torment. And better Gods will have taken them home by now, I am certain." Another puff of smoke. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Queen of Darkness.. I'm afraid I've no idea of that chapter in your history. But I do know what happens.. If you can't accept it, if you can't accept that you can't save everyone. You end up going Article 12, and then you can't help anyone at all."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>If Yuna can get away with declining refills, she's going to. She's small, it really doesn't take much alcohol to knock her brain out of the loop, and she'd just as soon keep her head straight for now. "Savior of Light," she says. "That's my title. Kind of a paladin to the Queen of Light of my universe ... Elner can tell you more of the background; Ryudia - my predecessor - has been giving me history lessons and trying to help me grow more into the role."<br /><br />She smiles ruefully, "Maybe someday I'll feel like I can use the title without putting on airs just saying it. But I don't think I'll ever feel like death is a preferable fate to much of anything ... I mean, I understand the concept, and you could be right that the - the 'crew' of that Titan ..."<br /><br />She almost sips from her cup again, but it's pretty obvious that she knows and respects her own limits. "All I know is that once somebody is dead ... there's nothing else for them in the mortal plane, for good or for ill. Even if they can't suffer any more, there isn't anything good for them either ... Every life is precious, a sacred treasure that can't be replaced by any of our works."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mortimer nods, still offering that small, sad smile. He hoped she could always refute that, inside. That she'd never /really/ see what a fate worse than death truly was. But he also knew that the probability of such sights grew every day she fought against horrors and evils of the Multiverse. What could he do? Tell her to quit? Yeah that wouldn't work. Might's well tell her to take up the oldest profession 'cause that wasn't gonna happen. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He'd let her finish, and pause a moment. "Well.. That's not true. There may not be good for them /here/, sure, not as we can see it. But there's more waiting for them, on the Other Side. If their own gods will not them what they deserve for the suffering they have endured, then others will. I can say with absolute certainty that Mew would give them succor if none others would. But death is not simply an /end/."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna nods slightly. "Different religions treat that differently, but ... I think every religion I've learned about treats death as not just an 'end' but kind of a 'beginning' too. It's just ... once somebody dies, they don't come back - well," she amends, "usually. There've been ..."<br /><br />She sips from her cup again. "Hina came back after she was killed because she was a goddess, and people prayed for her return. Everyone who was reported dead during the mission to Annu ..." She trails off, looking straight at Mortimer. He was on that mission himself, as she recalls - and if she hadn't remembered, the Mark of the World-Slayer is virtually impossible to miss. "... it turned out the Confederacy lied about that, kind of, didn't they? Everyone came back in the end. And the people who died during the Neo-Saiyan invasion of Reptilon were brought back to life by the Dragon Balls. There are lucky little exceptions like that ... at least, out in the Multiverse."<br /><br />Yuna lets out a breath. "But without - what was I saying ... The souls of the dead don't come back to us, unless you believe in reincarnation, and even then they're not the same people we lost. Even if death is a beginning as well as an end, it's not a beginning that the living can reach beyond." She gives what's left of her sake a mildly petulant look.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mortimer briefly looked up at his forehead, where his unicorn horn sprouted from the center of the broken sun. "..Yea.. I suppose so." For his part he felt that the Mark of the World-Slayer, indeed being dragged back to life, was a curse more than anything else. But then he'd lived a very, very long time, and was tired. Life had its perks but seemingly endless life, drawbacks- a brief pang of aching and longing for all his friends and loved ones from his younger years waved over. ..But, oh well. He wouldn't mention that part to her. "I do see what you mean.. But try not to look at it that way, even so. It's a path we'll all take in time, so.. Well, I suppose if you make it as far as I have it'll seem less like the terrible thing you do when yer young.." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He finishes his cup of sake off, and a fourth- fifth?- one is poured. "All I can really say with that in mind, Yuna, is don't blame or hate /yerself/ over it. Go talk to pros over. But feel free to get upset. Get get angry, shout, get blood ragin' /pissed/- but at the people who put you into that position, at the situation and how unfair it was /itself/. Not at yourself. Because /you/ did /nothing/ wrong. You did everything right that you possibly could."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"I'm not sure it's about blaming myself, except ..."<br /><br />Except that's where the nightmare hits its peak, and she knows it. If not from simply blaming herself for having no other choice, then for the trauma that the taking of a life inflicts on a relative innocent, like Yuna.<br /><br />"Thanks, Mort," Yuna says with a faint smile. "For Nettle's help, and for listening to me talk about it. It's ... I'll see who I can talk to professionally, maybe there's somebody in the Union."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mortimer nods. "Good.. You do that soon as you can, okay? Because if yer gonna keep followin' this path.. It /is/ inevitable, that this'll come up again. Maybe not the next fight, maybe not the next hundred. But the enemy will always do what they can to deny you a fight on /your/ terms. ..And I don't wanna see you break 'cause of that."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna nods, "I'll keep my eyes and ears open. Elner's not going to let me go without getting help either - she was pushing me to talk to people in the first place, and she doesn't want to have to go looking for ANOTHER Savior of Light if I ..."<br /><br />She makes a face, trailing off. "Anyway. I really do appreciate it, Mort ... thanks."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:454|Mortimer Balman (454)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "If's aren't any better than maybe's. So don't think like that." He'd reach out and give her mane a fuzzling, then smile. "You can stick around long as you want, though if yer gonna be here longer'n another day or two I'm gonna ask yah chip in with groceries!" Gwaha. "But hey, my door's always open. I'm gonna go get some gardenin' done. You wanna laze around on the couch, g'head. You wanna do somethin' constructive, you can make sure Elner hasn't gotten lost somewhere in Ulbrecht's fur."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Going for a walk sounds good," Yuna replies; she looks at what's left in her sake cup, sips it decorously (and maybe carefully) and sets the cup down before getting up from her chair.<br /><br />And then being grateful she's on four legs today. "Yeah, gonna go for a walk or something, I think, get some fresh air. Elner's not that far ... see you around!"<br /><br />She dips her head as though bowing, then makes her way towards the door, wiping her hooves on the mat before she heads outside. Elner flits over to join her as well - either the robo-faerie and Ulbrecht already made it back, or they never actually went to the Everfree Forest border like Mortimer 'asked'.<br> <br><br />
<br />
<br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3360/Roll_Out_the_Red_Carpet&diff=121613360/Roll Out the Red Carpet2015-12-03T04:21:17Z<p>Shachihoko: Ruby Rose visits Njorun Station for the first time, and meets a bunch of people.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/11/09<br />
|Location=Njorun Station - Central Plaza<br />
|Synopsis=Ruby visits Njorun Station, and meets a bunch of people (and their weapons); information is exchanged about Remnant (and the Union).<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=162, 172, 385, 675, 910<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:910|Ruby Rose (910)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ruby Rose had seriously no idea what she'd find as she went through a few of the warp gates. She wasn't much of a traveler yet in Remnant, primarily visiting both Patch and Vale. So the idea of going someplace else that didn't have a Grimm infestation waiting was kind of exciting. She finally walks through the last portal and her eyes go wide with so much awe, it was borderline on shock. Her cape billows behind her as she simply stares at the massiveness of this base, it being utterly unlike anything she'd ever seen before. <br /><br />"Whoa....this is...way bigger than Vale..."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Technically, Yuna didn't need to come back to Njorun Station just to file a report on the previous night's incident on Afterus, but any excuse is a good one to meet up with friends, new or established. And she'll get to see some of both, from the sound of things. (Plus, socializing and showing one of the new girls around means she's got a perfectly valid excuse not to hurry up about the report.)<br /><br />When Yuna emerges from the warpgate into the Central Plaza, she's in her cool-weather civilian attire - although she could probably have stayed in her Light Suit and hardly drawn any attention. The little robo-faerie, Elner, emerges just behind Yuna, flitting along next to her right shoulder for the most part.<br /><br />Stepping out of the warpgate's emergency range, Yuna takes a moment to stretch, breathing in a lungful of the fresh air - air which is circulated, she's sure, by the very tree that Njorun Station is comprised of. She rarely takes the time to explore and enjoy the Union's headquarters, and this is a chance to see it through someone else's eyes, in a way.<br /><br />Then she notices Ruby, and the blonde girl smiles, waving. "Hi!" she calls out, walking over to where the dark-haired girl in the red cloak is standing. "You're Ruby, right? I'm Yuna, this is Elner." Smiling brightly, Yuna offers a handshake to the girl from Remnant.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:162|Zephyr Windstar (162)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Kinda impressive, ain't it?" comes a voice from somewhere overhead. Anyone looking up at that point would see the teenage Mage floating slowly down on a quartet of purple 'pixie wings', which extinguish as soon as boots hit ground. "You must be Ruby." she says to the girl, then waves over to Yuna. "Heya!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Zephyr isn't the only Mage in the area who can fly! Sakura comes swooping in from above, doing a twirl in the air and landing in an almost dance-like display of grace. The absolute show-off. Her wings burst into rainbow-coloured feathers than promptly disintegrate into the air.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"...Man, lotta magic around the warp gates for some reason," she comments idly. She's currently dressed in cold weather civilian clothes as well - a pink hoodie and pale blue jeans, with sneakers covering her feet. The sneakers are, of course, also pink. Her hair is kept in place with a cherry blossom hair clip.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:675|Cirra Constantine (675)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"It is, rather extreme." Cirra says from aside the warp gate entrance. She's wearing her Alexander academy uniform as she leans against a wall. "It completely blows the scale of anything else out of proportion."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:910|Ruby Rose (910)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ruby Rose can't help but be completely awestruck at the sight of Njorun in all of it's glory, the girl sliding a hand into her pocket for her smart phone, pulling it up without looking at it in a steady manner...and taking a picture of what she sees. <br /><br /> "Yang is totally going to FLIP when she sees this!" <br /><br /> It's immediately after that when the other girls all appear around...besides..and even above her. Normally she might back away from so many people randomly greeting her at once but Yang DID say to try to meet some more people. <br /><br /> And here totally are more people. So many people. <br /><br /> She composes herself before offering a wave towards them all, looking up towards Yuna initially and taking her hand to shake it. "Yep! That's me, Ruby Rose, new student to Beacon and...really new to this multiverse thing. If all the places are like this, I really could get lost. I totally see why you guys suggested I should get a guide or something. It's...it's nice to meet everyone." <br /><br /> The others get various looks, in particular the two flying ones, but she seems friendly none-the-less.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Yang?" Yuna echoes, raising her eyebrows slightly. "Yang Xiao Long was on the radio earlier, is that who you meant?" Possibly it shouldn't surprise her that two new arrivals so close together would be connected, but still - a bit of a surprise.<br /><br />Yuna waves to the other new arrivals - Zephyr, Sakura, and Cirra - as they show up, then turns her attention back to Ruby. "Yeah, Unification and your first steps into the Multiverse can be kind of disconcerting. You're in good company, though; we've all been through the same culture shock, and once you get used to a couple of things you'll meet a lot of new friends."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:162|Zephyr Windstar (162)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Zephyr watches Sakura come flying in. "Show off!" she chirps goodnaturedly, grinning at the younger mage before turning back to Ruby. "Been off the radio dealing with stuff for the Bureau, but s'nice to see fresh faces 'round here." she grins a bit. "Name's Zephyr. So now you've got a face to the voice."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A soft chime sounds from the girl's right wrist. <span class=" fg_m bg_n ++ m">&lt;Greetings to you all.&gt;</span> "Oh yeah, that's my Device, Divine Wind."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sakura gives Zephyr a flourishing bow. "If you've got it~" she begins, but doesn't bother to actually finish the cliche. Instead, she turns to regard Ruby! She raises a hand in a sort of half-wave. "Hey. I'm Sakura. I, uh... I've been with the Union for a -while-, so if you ever need a hand..." Shrug. "I know it can be daunting at first."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:675|Cirra Constantine (675)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cirra nods to the other arrivals, then turns to Ruby again. "I only recently went through what you are, so I thought I could be of some help. The least I can do is answer any questions you might have, but I think Zephyr and Sakura are more experienced with the Union as a whole."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:910|Ruby Rose (910)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Yeah, Yang's my sister. I don't know where she is but I don't think she's seen THIS before." <br /><br /> Getting another glance towards everyone she stops a few technological things she's not aware of, which sends her anxiety through the floor. There we go, common interests! She relaxes considerably as the others introduce themselves. <br /><br /> "Yeah...it looks like it's pretty crazy here but...Uh..let's see, Zephyr, Sakura and...other girl." <br /><br /> She would consider speaking further, but she leans in close to look at the machine on Zephyr's wrist with intense interest. <br /><br /> "Ooooh. It talks! Is it a weapon or...?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:675|Cirra Constantine (675)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Cirra." The judge puffs her cheeks. "I was there when you first arrived. Though I Was wearing armor..." she stops when Ruby takes an interest in Divine Wind, and admits a certin curioscity herself.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:162|Zephyr Windstar (162)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Zephyr grins a bit. "Weapon, ally, friend... calculator." she adds the last bit on in a bit of a deadpan, then takes a step back. "Divine Wind. Set up!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A practiced motion kips the tiny coin out from the bracer. It spins lazily for a moment, before Zephyr's left hand snatches it out of the air, and she's engulfed in dark purple light. Sounds of metal clanking into place emit from within, before with a flourish, the barrier shatters into motes of light, and Zephyr is standing with her Barrier Jacket on, and her Device in its base Windshear Form, resting across her shoulders.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sakura takes a step or two away from Zephyr as she readies her Magical Girl Transformation, mostly to get out of the way. And so she doesn't get a bunch of magic blasted right in her proverbial eyes. "Man. That never gets old."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Oh, well, if we're transforming and showing off," Yuna smiles wryly. Maybe she should have come in her battlesuit after all. "Elner?"<br /><br />"If you're sure you want to show off," Elner replies. "Don't ask me to revert you too quickly, though."<br /><br />There's no more audible invocation than that before a swirl of wind and light rises around Yuna's body, starting at her feet and climbing from there, replacing her civilian clothes with the sleekly armored boots, gauntlets, and leotard that comprise her basic Light Suit. The Matrix Divider materializes as well, and after waffling briefly (while careful not to point it at anyone), Yuna positions her weapon with its tip down. "Sorry if my transformation's not quite as flashy," Yuna says with a wry grin (and a slight blush).<br /><br />Image: http://safebooru.org/index.php?page=post&s=view&id=544202 (Ignore the stats, they're for the robofaerie rather than for Yuna herself)<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:910|Ruby Rose (910)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ruby Rose 's mouth goes wide at both of the magical girl transformations, watching both of the girls quite closely as they show off their new forms. Unlike some others, she keeps her eyes wide open to take it all in, cooing in awe in just how...amazing this all was. When the light show ends she squeaks with joy over the new looks, the girl practically teleporting over next to Zephyr. Her voice is several octaves higher than it was before as she inspects several parts of her outfit, her voice unable to keep up with her enthusiasm. "OhmygoshOhmygoshOhmyGosh! Lookatyou! WiththeJACKETandtheTAILSandthebootsand...YOUTOTALLYHAVESWORDSNOWTHATISRAD! Oh my god!" <br /><br /> ANd just as quickly as she'd moved to Zephyr, she teleports over behind Yuna and does...much about the same thing. "Aahhhhh! That armorissocool! Andabigbigbigsword! DoesitdoanythingIbetitTOTALLYdoessomethingcoolTELLMETELLMETELLME!" <br /><br /> She then zips back to her previous position before giggling a bit, clearly quite excited about all this. Cirra's voice cuts through to her at that point though, as she sloowly leans over to look at her. <br /><br /> "Oh right! You were there. Sorry, I didn't realize but hey, thanks for helping out with the Grimm! You totally could be a hunter if you went to school for it!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sakura giggles a bit. "Maan, now I'm jealous. All I have is a key that turns into a wand~ No cool magical girl transformations or anything." She huffs and crosses her arms, before sticking her tongue out at Zephyr.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:675|Cirra Constantine (675)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cirra hehs at Ruby. "Thank you. But I already go to a school like that. Alexander Academy trains students to be Adventurers, to go through dungeons filled with monsters and treasures." she looks at Zephyr and Yuna, "Most of us aren't that flashy though. Mechanists or Magi-Tech knights maybe."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:162|Zephyr Windstar (162)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Zephyr sticks her tongue out at Sakura in return. "You also have what is it, fifty three magical spirits to do stuff for you, plush two familiars, and a shinki?" she shrugs Divine Wind off her shoulder, flourishes it a little before spiking the end-cap into the softer ground nearby, letting it stand on its own.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Divine Wind chimes. <span class=" fg_m bg_n ++ m">&lt;I am an Intelligent Device. I am capable of automatically casting defensive spells to aid my Master. I also act as the primary focus for her magic. It is good to meet you, Miss Rose.&gt;</span> it says, unfazed by Ruby's highspeed monologue.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The sudden gushing from Ruby catches Yuna a little bit off-guard, but she recovers quickly, grinning sheepishly. Mental note: Ruby loves weapons. "It's nice to meet someone who *likes* my Light Suit," the blonde magical-girl-paladin admits, "instead of insulting it by saying it shows my body off too much ..."<br /><br />To be fair, it's mostly enemies in the field who talk about it like that.<br /><br />"And yeah, the Matrix Divider is as much a rifle as a sword," Yuna continues. Granted, it's not MUCH of a sword to look at - no sharp cutting edges, at least in this form. But then, she isn't focusing her power through it right now, either - and Yuna's generally just as happy to take advantage of the Divider being a blunt instrument, however much that contradicts its name.<br /><br />"You also have a friend who makes custom costumes for you, don't you, Sakura?" Yuna adds with a grin to the cardmistress. There's that term again that was mentioned earlier on the radio, though ... "Hey, Ruby? What are the 'Grimm' you and Yang were talking about?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:910|Ruby Rose (910)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ruby Rose 's eyes water as the device speaks to her, leaning over a little bit. A giddy laugh escapes from her as she touches Divine Wind lightly before standing back up. She regains her composure, but it's still clear that she's grinning almost from ear to ear. "That's so cool! Augh! We don't have weapons that talk on Remnant...or...I guess maybe we have robots but they're all like 'Beep-boop-bop' and are only programmed for basic stuff. Though...I guess we have holograms too. Hmm." <br /><br /> She turns then towards Cirra and gives her a thumbs up. "That sounds like fun. I mean, I'll probably do a little bit of that, now more than before...but I've seen you fight. You can do it, I'm sure." <br /><br /> And next comes Yuna, who is met with a look of sympathy. "Oh...Well I think it looks cool and you think it's cool so you should just turn it up and prove them wrong! But hey, rifle-swords are cool. I've got a Sniper Rifle Scythe. Who needs to just worry about melee combat when you can...just...you know. Stick a gun on it. Instant upgrade!" <br /><br /> The next question about the Grimm forces her to cross her arms a little bit, nodding. "Cirra over there has fought them with me the other day. They...look like big scary black animals with bones sticking out of them and these weird masks. They are all over the place in Remnant...and if the other day proves anything, they'll be running around the Multiverse soon."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sakura grins a bit at Zephyr and Yuna. "Oh, yeah. I am totally spoiled and just whining because I don't have literally everything." My, she's self-aware! Or she's just being self-deprecating.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sakura rubs the back of her head when Ruby describes her weapon. "Scythe? I'd have expected an axe, to go with the whole... Red Riding Hood vibe you're giving off..."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:675|Cirra Constantine (675)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cirra chuckles a little at Ruby's encouragement. but she nods when the Grimm are mentioned.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"They're powerfull in numbers, but they don't seem perticulary intelligent. If anything they seemed to be driven by rage, at what i couldn't say for certine."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna blushes a little at Ruby's praise, letting the Matrix Divider disappear. "Well, it's the weapon I got when I first became the Savior of Light, so it's not like I've ever had to change it much ... although," she looks at Elner briefly, "then I got powered up and got some different weapons. The original's still kinda my favorite, though - no need to swap weapons if I have to switch between ranged and melee."<br /><br />The brief explanation of the Grimm prompts a more concerned look to cross Yuna's face. Monsters like that, spreading across the Multiverse? "I should probably come to Remnant and check these monsters out sometime, so I know how effective my weapons are against them." But whatever Yuna was about to add is abruptly interrupted.<br /><br />By Elner, of all people (or other entities). "Ruby," the robo-faerie inquires, "you said you're a student at a school called Beacon. Would they accept a student of Yuna's age to begin studies there?"<br /><br />"Elner," Yuna groans. "I'm already taking lessons with Ryudia on top of my idol career ..."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:162|Zephyr Windstar (162)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Zephyr huhs. "I might be too old to be goin' back to school, but I'll come visit sometime. It'll be a good stretch, and it'll let the TSAB know how effective our Magic is on these things." she says, folding her arms over her chest.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:910|Ruby Rose (910)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ruby Rose blinks at Sakura's frank assessment over her clothes, tilting a brow upwards. "Red..riding...what? Hey, these clothes are awesome. And pretty. And unique you know? Stand out from the crowd and since we're talking about weapons..." She looks between the girls present and takes a step back from them. She reaches to grab the collapsed hunk of metal on her back and pulls it out in front of herself. With a practiced flip she unfurls it into a massive scythe, spinning it around once to shoulder it like it was a large gun...which it essentially was. Ruby beams preemptively towards one of the highlights of her day; talking about HER weapon. <br /><br /> "Meet the Crescent Rose. It's classified as a High Caliber Sniper Scythe, or HCSS for short. A really cool and really hard to use weapon, but it cleaves through Grimm baddies like butter and it fires bullets capable of punching holes in several of them at once...and I made it myself...and..check this out!" <br /><br /> She flips it again and collapses it into a third, new form; a rather large looking bolt action rifle. She racks the gun once loudly. "If I don't need the scythe and just need to shoot, I can use this rifle form to do just that." She flips it back out into a scythe a second or two later, spinning it around to rest the blade on the ground behind her back. "...I like it as a scythe though. But don't get me wrong, Axes are cool too. There's nothing wrong with using the good ol' classics." <br /><br /> She listens to Cirra and nods towards her. "Yeah...they're attracted to negative emotions and I learned in class the other day that they come in alot of different sizes. I guess the ones we fought were kinda small compared to some that have been found." <br /><br /> She addresses Yuna next, nodding towards her. "See! That's how I feel. Just use a weapon that can do it all. And...be careful if you do that. I'd only go so far out of Vale; you'll see some...sometimes more than that I guess. If you go too deep, you might run into one of the nastier kinds out there." She turns down to look at Elner when she speaks and shrugs. "That'd...be up to the Headmaster. I know you have to be 17 to get in and you'd need a transcript from a combat school...though the Headmaster does make exceptions...sometimes."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>To be fair, Yuna *was* wondering what kind of weapon Ruby had, and she's not disappointed. She is, in fact, duly impressed; it's an intimidating weapon, and it looks like it would be hard to use effectively. "The recoil from the rifle helps pull the scythe's cutting edge into opponents, right?" she wonders. "How much training and practice does it take to use a weapon like that?"<br /><br />There's a secondary question lurking in the back of her mind as she asks that, but Yuna dismisses it. Ruby seems WAY too nice to go after anything other than monsters with a scythe like that, and Yuna can't really believe that the younger girl could bring enough killing intent to bear that she would actually WANT to take a human life. So she turns her attention back to the answer to her own question.<br /><br />"I didn't go to a combat school, just Shiraokadai Girls' Private High School," Yuna says, rubbing the back of her head. "It's mostly a regular high school, although it's called 'The Garden of Young Ladies' for a reason - a lot of upper-class girls go there, it was sort of luck that I got in."<br /><br />How MUCH luck, even she still has to wonder.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:675|Cirra Constantine (675)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cirra watches Ruby display Cresent Rose with interest. "You made that?" she huhs softly. "You would make an excellt armor smith, if you ever lost the taste for being a Huntress... though you don't seem like the type to give up that." she hmns and drops her hand to her side, a tarrot card appearing between her fingers which she holds up and flick, in a flash it turns into a crystaline long blade. "This is a Judge Blade. A kind of magical weapon. Mine is a little different-" she flciks the weapon again, and the blade splits in half as the hilt turns into grip, turning it into a something like a rifle.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Mine can do this because I have something called a sub-Job, which is a second set of skills."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:162|Zephyr Windstar (162)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Zephyr blinks, lifts a hand to cover her ear, then sighs. "Gotta head back to HQ... the Ganamede's making final preparations to depart the sector tomorrow." she lifts off the ground, grabbing Divine Wind on the way up, before turning and jetting away, leaving a glowing purple contrail in her wake. "See ya later!" wafts back as the sonic boom dies down.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:910|Ruby Rose (910)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ruby Rose nods towards Yuna's question after drawing her attention away from Zephyr's jet-exit. "Yeah. The Crescent Rose has alot of recoil, but if you just guide it, you can turn the kick-back into more damage and cutting power. It took me...years of practicing to get this good with it. Without my Uncle, I don't think I would have gotten the hang of it but, he's a really good teacher. He uses a scythe too and he is crazy fast with it! And if you haven't been to a combat school, don't worry about it too much; there's a test you can take that'll help you get in if you want; but I hear it's really hard." <br /><br /> She nods rapidly towards Cirra. "At Signal Academy, where I went before Beacon, every student makes their own weapon. So yeah...picked out the metal, the color, the shape...I spent months designing it in advance because I wanted everything to be JUST perfect. And it came out great I think. I know plenty about how to maintain it and they make magazines dedicated to just talking about weaponcrafting...but I don't know anything about Armor crafting." <br /><br /> She leans in to look at Cirra's Blade transform, oooh'ing with praise. <br /><br /> "That's really neat. Sword-guns are always a good mix to have, you know?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:675|Cirra Constantine (675)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cirra nods at Ruby and turns the law blade back into a sword. "It's usefull. I also have Law Cards, which let me cast speels to slow down my targets, or create barriers. In more dire circumstantces I can sacrifice my health for a power boost or attacks like the Sanguine Blade I used the other night."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna turns the latest clumps of info over in her head for a bit. She could PROBABLY use some more training in combat, and if Beacon takes students who've designed and constructed their own weapons, then they're probably used to a pretty wide range, from conventional swords and rifles to ... well, High Caliber Sniper Scythes, and whatever Yang uses, and so forth. Something like the Matrix Divider? They can probably help, and it sounds like the Grimm are monsters that she wouldn't feel guilty about helping to battle against.<br /><br />Which is ESPECIALLY good if there's a chance of Grimm popping up outside of Remnant.<br /><br />But she'd still have to investigate what kind of time commitment Beacon would require of a 'visiting' student - and it's possible that she's learned enough 'on the job' that Beacon wouldn't be worth the time. Yuna just makes a few more mental notes, and reverts to civilian clothing now that show-and-tell seems to be over. "Testing in without the transcript probably means you have to beat one of the teachers in single combat or something," she jokes. "What kind of classes do they teach at Beacon? It does sound more like a 'college' than a 'high school,' if you have to be seventeen to get in normally."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:910|Ruby Rose (910)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ruby Rose nods towards Cirra's statement before flipping Cresent Rose back into it's storage form and reseating it on her back. "Yeah, I saw that...well I saw the blades come out. Those were kind of scary to be honest, but you almost got the Nevermore's wings. A little deeper and you would have cut them off. That...would have been great but..it might die in Remnant somewhere; we hit it pretty hard." <br /><br /> "Oh...no, I don't think so. But I don't know how well you'd do if you don't have an Aura. Things can hit pretty hard in Remnant and I know alot of people who'd be toast if they didn't have some kind of protection...though I guess regular rmor could work. Beacon does teach some basic classes, but most of it teaches how how to fight, what types of Grimm there are, Aura Training, sparring, training with dust...all sorts of stuff. I guess it's kinda like a college? I got in early, so I guess it kind of doesn't feel like that for me."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:675|Cirra Constantine (675)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cirra nods but frowns as she finds herself on the opposite end of what happened when Galandia unified. Miscomunication about the nature of the world. "We have defenses too. Even without your 'Aura' we have defense spells, barrier, protect. Galandia has mosnters too, Bugbears, Goblins, Maloboros." She pauses.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The worst part of Maloboros is the stench though."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We have a place - part of the world, called Odin. It's a mountain made mostly of metal. But smaller pieces of metal become... animated." she pulls out her phone and swipes through it and turns it to show Ruby a picture of a giant metal skeleton-golem. "We call these Nightmare Golems. They're one of the worst things on Galandia, but they can't leave Odin and you need special rank to enter the area where they are."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna nods. "My parents have been wondering if I'm going to go to college," she admits, sounding kind of sheepish again. "I haven't really been sure whether I should or not - it's not like there's any schools where I can learn more about being the Savior of Light. Ryudia held the role before me, and she's already teaching me what she knows; she was prepared for the duties and title a lot better than I was."<br /><br />And Ruby's list of subjects at Beacon seems ... well, pretty much specialized for Remnant and for the tasks of fighting Grimm. Probably not something Yuna's going to get as much mileage out of as Ruby or her classmates.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:910|Ruby Rose (910)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ruby Rose leans over to look at Cirra's phone for the picture, looking it over and gasping at it. "Whoa...that's a pretty crazy looking place...and those monsters...well...at least they can't roam around. I hope the Grimm don't cause too many problems for you guys. But at least you guys are strong, you'll handle yourselves. I'll be sure to ask the Headmaster to send over some information on them so that you guys know how to-" <br /><br /> A buzzing eminates from Ruby's skirt pocket. She slides a hand into it and draws out said buzzing object: Her phone. She looks over the screen and taps it a few times, her expression changing to one of mild disappointment. "Darn...I've been out here for so long and I haven't even seen what this place has to offer. I should get going though; it's getting late and I need to get some books back to the library before they close in Vale. It's been nice meeting all of you though!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:675|Cirra Constantine (675)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Of course," Cirra says as she puts away her phone, "Sorry to have kept you so long."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Yuna smiles, "Good meeting you too, Ruby! I'll try and come visit your school soon; have a good trip back!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:910|Ruby Rose (910)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Ruby Rose waves towards the two of them as she slides her phone back in her pocket. "I'll have the radio thing on so if you guys want to ask me anything over that, you can. I'm happy everyone wants to know more about Remnant and I'll try to learn as much as I can so I can tell you guys about it. I should be back in a few days, homework depending. See you guys!" <br /><br /> She smiles towards the two girls before turning from them and walking back through the warpgate she had came through.<br> <br><br />
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}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3437/Back_At_the_Museum&diff=119103437/Back At the Museum2015-11-23T03:32:56Z<p>Shachihoko: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2015/11/23 |Location=Tokyo-52605 <NXC> |Synopsis=While visiting the Tokyo National Museum to check on things, Xiaomu runs into Lina, who'd returned..."</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/11/23<br />
|Location=Tokyo-52605 <NXC><br />
|Synopsis=While visiting the Tokyo National Museum to check on things, Xiaomu runs into Lina, who'd returned to the scene of the Confederate raid.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=707, 889<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo-52605, is closed until further notice for repairs.<br /><br />That's what the signs affixed to the glass doors at the main entrance say. Most entrances to the building are solidly locked and have the alarms keyed to go off immediately if anything tries to open them; the only legitimate way in (or out) is through the back door which leads into the museum's administrative offices, with the tightest security that can be managed. The only OTHER way in (or out) is a certain hole that got blasted through a main wall courtesy of some horribly inconsiderate visitors, and that hole has been a major headache for several offices - including Xiaomu's own.<br /><br />Admittedly, there's a gradually-spreading awareness within Tokyo-52605 (and to a lesser extent, throughout that Earth generally) that the Multiverse exists. Shinra has mostly been trying to keep it quiet, but Shinra's authority ends at Japan's borders and there have been warpgates popping open in other countries. The Japanese government *outside* of Shinra has been working on how to explain this to the world, and Shinra's mandate technically only covers protecting the civilian populace from supernatural rampages in the first place, so warpgate stuff is likely to end up in somebody else's hands before long. For now, though, the story is that the museum was breached by a group of terrorists who wanted to loot artwork and artifacts - which is technically exactly what happened. The en-masse mind control had the side effect of befuddling most civilians' memories, so nobody's arguing with the official story.<br /><br />Xiaomu is at the museum for an almost completely unrelated reason, and leaves the curator's office with a look that's about nine parts dejection, one part irritation. Rather than leaving right away, though, she makes her way to the now-vacant exhibition rooms where all of the Hokusai stuff had been on display ...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tokyo-52605... the one that Lina assisted Vega with for a robbery. She gives a light sigh and shakes her head, what the hell was his problem. "I really didn't sign up for that shit..." she mutters in her currently vanished state. "Meh, today was just a bad day..." she muttered, looking around a bit before heading to the hole she made. That tarped up hole.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dropping out of her vanish state, she taps her foot in front of the tarp. Bow on her back and arrows in the quiver. "Well, maybe I should take a look at the damage Vega did. Maybe I can fix that mistake.." with a flourish, her knife comes out and she looks at the tarp with a frown. "Vega, you idiot..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The tarp is basically duct-taped down around the edges, but it's an ordinary tarp. If Lina wanted to slice through it, nothing would really stop her; any guards who are posted at this hole are presumably inside, and nobody's set up added security cameras or anything. Of course, what's INSIDE behind the tarp ... she won't know until she either pries an edge loose or slices her way in.<br /><br />If her hearing is really, really sharp, she might hear footsteps on the other side of the tarp.<br /><br />The footsteps belong to Xiaomu, a slow-cooking anger replacing her dejection. "Confederate *jerks*," she mutters, kicking at an empty spot on the floor.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a quick flourish, a cut is given to the tarp and... then the voice of one of those that was there causes her to freeze. She shakes her head and gives a brief nod, well, here goes nothing, right? She sheathes the wing edge and makes her way through the hole she made, "I know that fustration... I'm sorry." she starts, keeping her hands raised, "I'm sorry for what he did to your people, it wasn't supposed to go that way..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She takes a deep breath, shaking her head, "I didn't sign up for that, I thought it was going to be a smash and grab but, well, when people don't tell me anything. And I couldn't stand to use people as a shield... that's.. just inhuman..." Lina moves up against a wall and leans back, "Umm, so hi."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>If Xiaomu hadn't checked her staff with security when she came in, she would be readying it for a swing. But she isn't, so she doesn't, and she doesn't reach for her handguns either. "You're the least jerky of the bunch that came in here," she says to Lina. "And there was smashing enough already." She tilts her head at the hole. "It's the 'grabbing' part that's bugging me .. all the footage we've got says Shadowlaw didn't get anything except a beatdown. You were the first one to leave, did you snatch anything on your way out?"<br /><br />Her tone isn't accusatory, which is likely to be a good sign for Lina personally. The sage fox clearly wants to know, though.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Nope, didn't get anything. Heck, I even released your kittyperson there. I couldn't stand what Vega was doing so... I bolted. Sorry." she gives a bit of a bow. "There's a lot of nice art here... well, there was. Glad you got it out okay at least." she gives a bit of a shrug and looks towards the hole, "I was responsible for the hole though. Admittedly, I am a bit proud of it. Didn't think that combination of spells would do that." she gives a nervous laugh, trying to defuse the situation...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So, umm.. I just came by to see the place, I'm... sorry for actually helping that jerk of a person..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"If you feel that badly about it," Xiaomu replies with a perfectly straight face, "then I can dig up the estimated cost of repairs, and you can pay as much of it as you can afford without stealing from anybody else."<br /><br />She looks and sounds COMPLETELY serious, too.<br /><br />"But since I doubt you've got that much money, I'll settle for thanking you for that info and accepting the apology." Xiaomu shakes her head, running her fingers along a now-bare pedestal. "Don't expect me to gush or anything. This exhibit meant a lot to me. We may never get that much of Hokusai's art together in one place at the same time for a few decades, or longer."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lina shakes her head some, "I don't expect praise for that or gushing... I honestly didn't expect him to do that, man, was he crazy." she shakes her head a bit, a sigh, "Sometimes the Confederacy worries me... I haven't done much with them but... Vega's..." she shivers and shakes her head one more time. "Ah, if you want I could help out a bit... I mean, I was responsible for some of this, least I could do is make up for it..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She gives another bow, "I really AM sorry. The art was nice, it really was..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Of *course* it was nice," Xiaomu says bitterly. "Hokusai wasn't a great artist because of his signature - he actually *saw* the world around him, perceived it as it *was* instead of what he thought it should look like. And he learned how to capture that, in ink or in carved blocks for printing ... the beauty of the visible and of the invisible, from myths and legends to the reality around him."<br /><br />She lets out a long, slow sigh, then turns to look at Lina. "You're with the Confederacy. Would they let you quit?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lina frowns and looks away from Xiaomu, shaking her head, "Sounds like a few of the artists back home in Odin." she mutters, "Song, dance, things that could be passed on through time." she gives a light sigh and sits back.. "Probably nothing I could do to replace what was damaged huh?" Though, the question about quitting the Confederacy passes through her mind.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Mmm. I.. I don't know, I am not an enlisted person in their army. I mean, part of the reason I'm there is my tuition for my school, through my boss..." she gives a bit of a shrug, "I'm not really supposed to say who he is though.. sorry." she shakes her head a bit "I think it might be possible... why, do you want to hire me or something?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Union might cover tuition," Xiaomu muses, "but I don't know who you'd talk to for confirmation. Probably depends on your boss. Which school?" she wonders casually. She's not about to volunteer any school names that come to mind, though.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Alexander Academy." she states, "DO you think the Union would even want me? Especially after this and helping Number Nine?" she gives a bit of a shrug, "Not sure what my boss would say, he's providing most of the tuition... So I do owe him quite a bit..." she shakes her head some, looking up towards Xiaomu, "Heh, kinda feel like a heel right now.. thought this would have been the best for me to join with him and the Confederacy..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Alexander, huh." Xiaomu folds her arms loosely. "We HAVE got a few of their students in the Union, so there's that. And if you can actually switch to the Union, I'd be glad to have you on our side instead of theirs. Guess it'd be up to your 'boss' - is he in the Confederacy, or back at Alexander, or some other group?"<br /><br />She still seems generally peevish, a little bit, but being able to possibly ferret someone out of the Feds is at least something productive to do instead of sulking.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lina nods, "Alexander, yes. Oh, that's good, do they enjoy it there?" she questions, leaning back some, a grin on her face, "My boss is somewhat associated with the Confederacy. I hear him on their radio bands as well... and he's part of the Academy as well." she thinks a bit, tapping a finger on her chin. "Well, I would not mind... I think. I'm not... sure how I can get out of the Confederacy..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"I could ask if someone could advise you," says Xiaomu, "but that's about the most I can do. Maybe you know somebody who's in our ranks from school - well, probably they're allies, not ranking members. Anyway, I can let people know the question's come up."<br /><br />Her expression darkens again as her gaze drifts around the mostly-empty room. "When I get my hands on whoever grabbed those pages ..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Pages?" she questions, "I could help you." she replies, "Especially if Vega and his gang took them. I'll just take them from them and return them, would that.. at least help some?" she questions, frowning some, "If I can try to make right what happened here, I'd like to."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"You can ask them, sure," Xiaomu replies. "Maybe they grabbed something and kept the cameras or the rest of us from noticing, and if they *DID* then I'd be glad to get 'em back in the museum's hands. Won't mean the exhibit goes up again ..." She nods at the hole in the wall. "There's other suspects, though. Especially for what *did* go missing according to the first count. Staff has to go through one more time and check off every page and sheet they can account for."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lina gives a bit of a nod, "Alright, I'll see if he took anything and see if I can get my hands on it. I'm no thief, not even remotely close to my job classes. But... he owes me for what he did... Not money but..." she shakes her head, "If you need me fore anything else, I do track things and the like, I wouldn't mind helping if that helps..."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Job classes, huh?" That term seems to catch Xiaomu's attention in a more favorable manner. "What *are* your classes, then? Archer and demolitionist? ... never played an RPG where 'demolitionist' was a valid player class, though. That'd be more of an FPS thing."<br /><br />Again, she sounds completely serious.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ranger and Red Mage." she starts, "With a bit of time magic as well, mostly utility magic." she gives a big grin, "What I used was a Fira and Quake infused arrow to blow up the wall. I wasn't actualy expecting that to work but hey, it did its job admirably!" a pause, "Sorry..." she shakes her head some, "I take it you like games?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xiaomu grins, "Yeah, big gaming fan. Not that good at some of them, but I hold my own with the stuff I like ..."<br /><br />She pauses, fishing her smartphone out and checking the time readout. "I'd better be on my way. You got enough skill points in Sewing to stitch up that cut you made, or do I have to explain you away so the guards don't freak out harder than they will anyway?" She pauses briefly, then adds,. "... and did you have anything else you wanted to ask before that?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lina shakes her head some, "Ah, well I don't have anything else to ask and yeah, I can patch that up with some ice magic." she grins, "But I won't keep you, and... once again, I'm sorry." she starts to vanish out of sight, a swirl of leaves and wind around her. "OH, the name's Lina. I'll let you know my last name later! Bye!"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tarp moves a bit then suddenly freezes over and with that, the girl is out of sight!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"*I* could've done the ice magic with my staff," Xiaomu mutters once Lina's gone. And the ice won't hold forever.<br /><br />The sage fox takes one more look around, then goes off to let one of the security guards know that the frozen-over slash in the tarp isn't something to worry about. It just needs to be closed up better - duct tape or something once the ice melts.<br /><br />Five minutes after THAT, Xiaomu is talking to the curator *again*. The possibility of the missing items being returned is the only thing that mollifies her over the breach in security ... or what was passing for it.<br> <br><br />
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}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=It_Is_Purpose_That_Defines_Us_(Xiaomu)&diff=11908It Is Purpose That Defines Us (Xiaomu)2015-11-22T23:23:27Z<p>Shachihoko: Associating it with Xiaomu. Whoops!</p>
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<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/11/15<br />
|Location=Tokyo-52605<br />
|Synopsis=Xiaomu reflects on her past while compiling a report on the museum incident.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=707<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
}}<br />
'They go through life, begging of the world: What is my purpose?'<br />
<br />
Xiaomu gives the security footage a baleful look, moving the cursor to click the Pause button on the playback. She'd missed Vega throwing that question out in the midst of his taunts the other night, being too deeply engaged in struggling with the masked and clawed creep to pay much attention to his dictatorial superpowered creep of a boss, but even at what should be a comfortable remove, the question slides sideways through her psyche and leaves a trail of thin slime behind it.<br />
<br />
Purpose. She spent centuries without worrying about having one; 'purpose' was something for mortals to worry about, humans who needed to know their place in the social order. But when descendants of the priests and priestesses she'd once supported in passing sought her out a couple of decades ago, she found a purpose that suited her pretty quickly.<br />
<br />
And she's never looked back since then. Creating a buffer to protect both humans and youkai from each other, working and sometimes fighting to ensure that mortal civilization would keep its footing in balance with the supernatural world ... it's a purpose that satisfies her, at least for now. She loves the fruits of human society, and always has, even if she doesn't fully belong to it.<br />
<br />
Xiaomu shakes her head, expression darkening, and her gaze shifts to her phone, displaying an e-mail from the curator of the Hokusai exhibit. She's read it half a dozen times already, and a couple of words still catch her eye without a close look. She'd been CERTAIN the Shadowlaw jerk crew didn't have a chance to pick anything up before they fled ...<br />
<br />
Shaking her head, Xiaomu turns her phone's screen off and slides the device back into her vest. A two-key combination toggles the monitor back to her word processor, and the sage fox resumes typing up her report.</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=3392/A_Night_At_The_Museum&diff=118173392/A Night At The Museum2015-11-15T23:54:00Z<p>Shachihoko: What should have been a nice relaxing out for Xiaomu, Reiji, and a couple of friends turns into a desperate battle when Shadowlaw tries to rob the Tokyo National Museum.</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/11/15<br />
|Location=Tokyo-52605 <NXC><br />
|Synopsis=A visit to the Tokyo National Museum in their world leads Reiji, Xiaomu, and friends into battle against an unexpected threat.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=6, 391, 705, 707, 749, 847, 889<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The Tokyo National Museum in Tokyo-52605 started its big Hokusai around the end of October, roughly when Hokusai is believed to have been born. Hokusai was prolific enough over the course of his life (and multiple names) that a proper display of his work could probably completely take over a museum larger than the TNM; as such, the exhibit is representative rather than comprehensive.<br /><br />But they still managed to get some prints that have only more recently been confirmed as Hokusai's work, and which have never been publicly displayed before. That's enough to attract a lot of interest, out of everyone from legitimate museum-goers and patrons of the arts to the less savory sorts who might be looking to try and grab some loot. Security is reasonably tight for the exhibit proper ... at least, by mundane standards. There are no metal detectors at the doors - this is *Japan*, after all - but there are plenty of uniformed security guards arranged throughout the building, and the prints and paintings on display are generally behind glass, or in a few cases, sandwiched between layers of it.<br /><br />While the museum's security is a matter of some concern to Xiaomu personally, she's not working tonight. In fact, she's actually gone and gotten dressed up. Her usual qipao and vest have been replaced by a midnight-blue velvet cocktail gown with matching opera gloves, and the sandals she normally favors were supplanted for the night by proper ladies' dress shoes, with modestly high heels.<br /><br />She did mention the museum exhibit to a few friends, some within Shinra, some in the Union; she's currently waiting outside the museum for the group to gather.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Dressed rather formally for the evening, Reina looks more like a man than a woman with her jacket and slacks. But formal is formal, and at least it's not a guy wearing a dress, right?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nevertheless, Reina arrives a little earlier than one might expect her to arrive. Based on the way she's walking in her heels, one might think it's because she's not used to wearing them. Or it could be she's just being extra punctual tonight. What does it matter, it's not like she'd tell you.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The lack of a metal detector catches Reina slightly off-guard, but she shrugs it off and makes her way into the museum proper, looking for Xiaomu herself in hopes of greeting her quickly. If Xiaomu were to ask, Reina would insist that she was concerned about getting around the subway system and that she left early to ensure that she had enough time to get there. That's all she'd tell Xiaomu though. Although it should be noted that she realizes she DID see Xiaomu outside, she just didn't recognize her at first because of her dress, so she heads back outside to greet her properly. "I have my reasons for being early," She says, running a hand through her hair. "Let's just say the subway system is a bit TOO efficient!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Konoe had heard tell of this particular exhibit from Xiaomu some time ago, and honestly, she wasn't interested. Art had little meaning to her in any immediate sense. She'd never been in a museum in her life either. But nonetheless, she was mildly curious all the same. Simply for the very same fact that she never had been inside a museum. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Unlike most others however, she didn't have much in the way of casual or formal clothing. And so, she chose to wear her typical Shinra uniform, consisting of a red shirt, black tie, a black skirt, and a pair of white sandals. She wasn't too worried about being a strange youkai among humans tonight. At least they weren't in Akihabara. They place was dreadful. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; After some trials navigating the city, Konoe eventually made it to the destination, and spotted Xiaomu some distance away. Oh, was that the building? It seemed like it. Nodding to herself, she decided to approach. "Good evening, Xiaomu-san." Konoe greeted, bowing her head a bit in the process. Reina was given a look and a nod after. "Reina-san, hello." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She came to a stop, glancing up at the building before them. "I'm not late, am I?" She asked, while studying the architecture casually, as if staking out potential danger, even though they weren't on the job.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's not often that Reiji gets to wear a suit. Not that he particularly minds being in combat gear ninety percent of the time, but it's nice to have a change every so often. The exorcist is wearing a sharp, if simple, black jacket, tie and pants with a white undershirt. All in all, about as you would expect for a man in formalwear.<br /><br />It's a little more casually fitted than the usual 'Men in Black' look, but that's not exactly hard to do.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You're fine," Reiji says to Konoe from over Xiaomu's shoulder. "We're just waiting for... whoever else might've decided to turn up." He does cast a somewhat... concerned glance at Konoe's fluffy ears, but the people here might think it's some kind of strange fashion statement, or something.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Going to be a pretty good exhibit, I think," he says, looking towards the museum, "Lot of art up tonight." Hopefully nothing happens to threaten it. Ueno is an excellent venue for something like this kind of thing, though-- there's a temple not at all too far from the museum.<br /><br />And that means logistical support! Just... just in case.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe has come to this event as why not she was curious, also of note she's in a fairly formal red dress which was a creation and gift from Frederica some time ago. She's also here as Tomoe rather than Sheena but she seems to be ready for the event. She was honestly excited to some see this. She comes in a bit late though as she's now looking for where Xiaomu and Reiji have got too. She's quiet as she enters. She's also pretty darn tall it seems she is about six one before any footware gets involved.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xiaomu grins, waving to Reina. "Yeah, the subways usually run pretty smoothly at this time of evening. If it'd been much earlier, or a weekday, it would've taken a LOT longer - and been far less pleasant." She wrinkles her nose, remembering the LAST time she wound up in a subway car full of salarymen on their way home from post-office drinking.<br /><br />The way she runs a hand over her 'hair' (tails) has nothing to do with that, really. She's glad Reiji was able to pry himself away from work's various forms, in any case. Konoe as well, even if she hasn't gotten locked into office work the same way the two Shinra veterans have. "Nope, not late at all, Konoe!"<br /><br />She pauses briefly, spotting Tomoe and waving the big girl over. "And I think that's everyone. Kenji wasn't going to be able to make it, as I recall ... Anyway. Let's go in!"<br /><br />Xiaomu pays for everyone's admission to the exhibit without any discussion; this was her invitation, she gets to pay for it, and it doesn't put a huge dent in her finances. There's a modestly thick brochure provided with the tickets, and a QR code printed on the back of that brochure so those who desire to can download a more extensive digital guide to their smartphone (or Multiversal radio, where compatible).<br /><br />A super-sized print of 'The Great Wave off Kanagawa' hangs on the back wall in the very first room, which provides a general overview of Hokusai's best-known works along with a capsule biographical profile. Beyond that, the exhibit is largely laid out to correspond with the major periods of Hokusai's life and work. Some of his student works are in the first room, along with a number of the brush paintings with which he first gained fame. Further in, you can see a number of the books which he worked on, from lesson-books in drawing to selections of the 'Hokusai Manga,' and a series of illustrations from an early-19th-century edition of the Otogizoshi, a traditional collection of Japanese folklore, myths, and legends.<br /><br />And Xiaomu appears to be *fully* engrossed in exploring the exhibit. She downloaded the full guide to her phone ahead of time, and is so attentive to taking a long look at every item that you'd swear she had a checklist and was working her way through it before moving on to each room. To those who know her more as a gamer or anime fan, this might seem out of place ...<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"So, tell me why we're doing this again? I'll bust the wall open for you but hey, I want a cut of whatever you're making here." the voice comes from the girl with a bow and a red and brown glowing arrow. "These arrows aren't cheap to make." they were but he doesn't have to know, right? Lina takes aim, muttering some kind of spell before the arrow glows brighter, "Well, here goes nothing, I've not tried a Firaquake Arrow before. This will be ... fun."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She draws a bead from bow sight to a side wall, nodding, "Do what you need to do, I'll prepare my net arrows to pin people down to make sure you're uninterrupted. HOpefully they don't mind a magical sniper." drawing the bow back a bit more, she's going to get every ounce of power out of this shot, the arrow finally reaching its max glow, the right amount of MP inputted. "Firaquake Arrow." and with the thwip of the arrow being released, she waits for it to hit the target.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The arrow embeds itself into the outside wall of the museum and soon, the entire building begins to shake rapidly, almost like a magnitude five earthquake. But what's not expected is the following. A loud explosion creating a firey opening from where the arrow hit, the size of a couple men could fit through it with ease. "Hey, it worked. After you, Sir."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reina isn't too big on art generally, but she was invited to come along so she does try to show as much interest in this whole thing as she can. It's a little forced, but hopefully it should look genuine enough to convince any onlookers that she's paying full attention to what she's seeing. She nods a little and makes random comments as to what she's looking at, although it's somewhat obvious she finds some of this stuff a bit on the unusual side.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hence the reason you need to brush up your cultural knowledge," Reina mutters to herself as she runs a hand through her ponytail while continuing to browse.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:749|Vega (749)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shinra fights monsters. That is what Shinra does. They regulate, protect, and face off against the various oddities of the Japanese spiritual world, the things that don't make sense in the world of the mundane and can't be known by the general public. They are the first and last line of defense against the myriad selfish, self-righteous, fickle creatures of the Japanese spirit world, who guard the public from those moments when the universes of monster and man collide and expand beyond the confines nature granted them. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This is one of those moments. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Even before the explosion, there's a feeling of...unease...in the air. Patrons, tensed. Guards, reaching nervously for their weapons. There's something in the air, an unpleasantness, a palpable and notable *wrongness* that permeates the museum like a mist. It doesn't even take supernatural senses to feel it, as evidenced by the sheer number of patrons and guards getting twitchy with each other. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then comes the explosion as the arrow shakes and bursts. The wall comes crumbling in, filling the room with smoke and dust. Through it... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Through it come soldiers. They are well-trained men in black and red body-armor, wearing gas masks, with a winged-skull symbol prominently on their uniforms. They bear weapons far more advanced than anything in the current world, weapons that bear the distinct thrum of lasers, which they wield with surprising and professional aptitude, fanning out in all directions. A little bit of chatter can be heard as they move in small squads, guns at the ready: <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Sweep for Aurics!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So this isn't an attack on the tour group. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That, however, may be small comfort. As the soldiers fan through, behind them comes another figure. It's a beautiful man in a mask and tight pants and *nothing else*, a horrible-looking claw attached to the back of his hand, a serpent tattoo winding around his back. He walks in like he owns the place, immediately looking around. He taps one of the soldiers on the shoulder. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The soldier nods. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Enter, Master Vega, lovely miss," the tattooed man says, bowing low at the hole. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It is at this point that the second figure enters. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This figure is far, far more concerning. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He's only six feet tall, but his mere presence is like a physical thing, filling the room to make him seem larger than life, larger than the petty confines of 'flesh' can really bear. A cloak is pulled around his body as he *floats* - not walks, but *floats*, as if the ground itself is too base for him to set for upon - through the hole, and a hat sits perched upon his head, a hat with the same skull-and-wing symbol as the soldiers. His face is affixed with a terrible grin as he passes various civilians, blank white eyes - *soulless* eyes - sweeping the room with practiced ease. He's looking for something. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Fan out," the man intones, and his voice is as horrible as his presence, a mockery of everything light and good and just, a voice that cannot conceive of a joy not born of *hurting other people*, "Take everything we can fit in the carrier." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The monster - for that is the only thing he can be, a monster, a true and unrelenting Monster the sort that no longer shows up in these civilized centuries - tilts his head at Lina. "Yes. You will be well-compensated for this. The word of Vega is the word of Shadowlaw."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe is waved over and heads to join up with the tiny fox spirit. Or is that Oni? Demon? Sigh she'll figure it out and it's hard to tell given Xiaomu is about as much of a nerd as she is, if not more. She will have to talk to Xiaomu later. For now she follows along to take in the art, and she's got no issue triggering the QR code with her smartphone. <br /><br /> "You really like this don't you Xiaomu? See anything from when you were younger?" <br /><br /> She's not making an old joke here she's honestly curious if this is the sort of thing she might have seen them painted of was aware of them long ago. <br /><br /> She was enjoying herself too when everything goes to heck as soldiers and he yells about sweerping for Elites, okay someone's on the ball already from that and that feeling of uneash she felt. She's not even fully /here/, well it's explined and she's going to try to play dumb for the moment, as there's a lot of possible horages here, it could get messy very fast.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Uh-huh..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Konoe nodded at Xiaomu, managing a small smile as they made their way into the museum at last. They were paid for and were soon inside. She had no idea how to use 'QR Codes' or read very well, much less write, so the pamplet was mostly useless to her. But that wasn't what was important right now. What was important was that since the moment she set foot into this place, something felt /wrong/. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She couldn't place her finger upon what or how, but it just did. And thus, she couldn't focus. She passed by each piece, giving it a distracted look, and then moving on without really taking it in as the art it was. "Um, am I the only one who fee-" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BLAM <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There went a part of a wall on the other side of the grounds, opposite her position. She jumped at the sound, managing to keep from yelping out loud. "Wha-Who are they?" She muttered, stepping back as she watched the black and red garbed soldiers fan in through the hole. They were armed to the teeth. To a level she wouldn't place to this world. Offworlders? Maybe, but she couldn't be sure. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The man in the mask came next, which got a few slow blinks from her. ...She'd think he was a joke, if it weren't for that rather cruel looking claw he had on his hand. The last to enter gave her pause. "......" Whoever that man was, covered in a cloak and grinning in a manner that would equate him more with a monster than a human. "...That's...That's a human?" Anotheer muttered concern from Konoe as she frowned, and then took in the foot soldiers fanning out. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 'Sweep for Aurics!' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Her ears twitched at that. Aurics? What were those supposed to be? Elites? That was the term she'd heard most. Maybe that was it? Well, either way, this didn't look good. Rather than run in, ofuda blazing, the miko leaned aside to Xiaomu and Reiji. "Do we know who they are? How are we going to approach this? ...There are civilians around too."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xiaomu grins sheepishly at Tomoe. "Oh, you have *no* idea," she says playfully. The aura of unease seems to roll right off of her in the midst of the sage fox's good mood; she might not even be aware of that tension or the wrongness seeping through the museum. She doesn't even seem to pay particular heed to the earthquake - if you live in Japan long enough, you just get *used* to occasional rumbles in the ground. Sometimes you barely notice them ... but a magnitude-five temblor is pretty noticeable. Even then, Xiaomu seems more worried about the displays than the architecture; it's enough that she doesn't reply further to Tomoe.<br /><br />Then there's an explosion, and Xiaomu's good mood evaporates into shock. "... attacking a *museum*, of all the ..."<br /><br />The soldiers invade, and with her face going stony, Xiaomu crosses the rooms to meet them, her eyes narrowing at their leader.<br /><br />Auric? Xiaomu is downright supernatural, *AND* experienced enough to be an Elite even if her raw power wasn't enough.<br /><br />She's also pissed off, but - for whatever reason, self-preservation is only *one* possibility - restraining herself. "You have so much nerve," she growls at Vega. "Property damage, reckless endangerment ... and all just to steal a bunch of art? I thought the raid on the Exodar the other night was bad, but attacking a *museum* of all places - are there any depths the Confederacy WON'T sink to?!"<br /><br />She may be fully dressed, but Xiaomu feels decidedly naked without her staff or her guns. Not that a lack of weapons makes her entirely helpless; she just likes having a full deck of options. Hopefully Reiji is better-armed than she is; he seems to have slipped away for the moment.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Normally, Reina wouldn't be startled by something like this happening, since her senses are usually on high alert. However, her attempt to act interested has gotten a bit too real since she's engrossed in the artwork and is completely brought out of her trance when the explosion occurs. "What the hell was that?" Reina asks to no one in particular. Her instincts tell her it's most likely the Confederacy. Even if it's not, they're obviously not friendly, and must be taken care of immediately.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Unngh... ow... owww!" Reina whispers as she runs after Xiaomu, finding that running in heels isn't as easy as it might seem in the movies. She almost loses her balance at one point but regains her footing, pausing long enough to duck into a women's restroom and switch off her heels for a pair of regular sneakers that she snuck in (how? That's her secret!) Not as formal but desperate times call for desperate measures!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rushing back to where the explosion sounds like it came from, Reina is unsurprised to find a bunch of weird looking goons standing there. "So, attacking a museum? Either there's something VERY high valued here, or you're just very dumb." Reina folds her arms and clicks her tongue a little. "Either way, you're gonna regret messing with us!"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The archer's sitting at the back, where she belongs, preparing another arrow and this one seemed to have a bigger tip inside of it. She pulls out a few more arrows of the same type and nods. "Let's see if I can do this..." she gives a bit of a nod and as soon as she gets her opening from Vega, she fires. Aiming at civilians to keep them pinned down, mostly to protect them. "Blizzara Nets powering up." and with four thwips of the arrows leaving the bow, they're off.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Once past Vega and his 'army', the nets explode out into heavy ice-laced nets designed to keep whatever is under the net down and with this, she starts to stroll up towards the hole and Vega, a grin under that green Ranger's cap of hers, but before she gets there, a swirl of leaves and wind surround her, the ranger dissapearing from sight. "NOw they see me, now they don't!" At least, she hopes they don't see her.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The ranger girl takes a few looks around and pulls out one more arrow, readying it but not firing, that'd give her away. 'Now, what to get for Mister Vega. What would he like. Probably everything...'<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The second member of Shinra's most effective field team was, at that moment, on the museum's second floor. He had wanted to take a look at one of the artist's more recently discovered pieces for... personal reasons. Now, though, he's quite thankful that he made the move.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That there is the thing that Reiji was kind of hoping they wouldn't have to deal with. A nice day at the museum interrupted by what he can only presume to be are interdimensional super-Nazis. After the conclusion of Operation Tenebrae in the fourties, he was kind of hoping that those wouldn't even be around in any real capacity anymore, but that's the thing about the multiverse, he supposes.<br /><br />It's a good thing that the Shinra Organization has contingencies in place in case of spontenous jackbooted thugs.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji's brow furrows as he stares through the swirling dust and straight ahead into That Man's terrible aura. "One of these nights," he sighs, rubbing mildly at his forehead, "I'd really love to not have to deal with this kind of bullshit."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He draws back the sleeve of his coat, revealing what appears to be a completely ordinary and quite simple wristwatch. Except for the fact that Reiji has brought it up to speak into it. "Authorization Sigma-Rho-Tau," the watch's face flashes once. It blinks twice. "Mainterm - Access," A little antenna extends from its face. "Call - Ryuki," the museum seems to shudder briefly. For about a full city block in all directions, it's as though a minor tremor has taken hold. "Mode," his eyes sharpen, "Active."<br /><br />Another tremor. This one significantly more powerful than the first.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji simply unbuttons his coat. Casually, he steps towards the bannisters overlooking the floor below. With a flourish, he swings his jacket over his shoulder and leaps down.<br /><br />The wall behind him explodes.<br /><br />A MASSIVE RED TANK drives in, just in time for Reiji to land on its nose.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A man in a conspicuously voluminous black trenchcoat appears from one of the vessel's airlocks and slings a familiar set of weapons at the man on top of the vehicle. "Thanks, Yatagarasu," he nods to the apparent Shinra Agent before tossing his own suit-coat the man's way.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Hey, Xiaomu!" Reiji roars over the panicking crowd as he leaps from his perch. Karin explodes from its sheath, swung into one of the aforementioned thugs. "We've got supplies!"<br /><br />Other Shinra Agents begin moving in, too.<br /><br />Did they plan for an attack like this!?<br /><br />Probably not specifically, but this is THEIR city, and they've got the resources to protect it.<br /><br />(As to how the tank got here so quickly-- well, Tokyo's rail system is a hell of a thing.)<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:749|Vega (749)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Ah. The heroes arrive. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This is, more or less, how these things *go*. As soon as they show up, chatter among the soldiers *explodes*, and they start hurriedly training guns on Xiaomu, Reina, and the others who are actually making their pesence known. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Lina gets an opening when the Dictator simply *vanishes*. There's a burst of purple fire, and he's just gone. He reappears in another flash, near the ceiling of the room. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That horrible grin has not changed. Vega's hands snap outwards, brushing aside the cape. He's dressed in gear that frankly looks worthy of the name /Dictator/, a heavy belt, a military uniform that bears resemblance to both German and Thailand officer uniforms, and, again, that damn Skull-With-Wings Symbol. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He starts laughing. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It is not a nice laugh. It is a skin-crawly laugh, the kind of laugh that makes fun of people who say things like 'depths'. In fact it is the word /depths/ that sets off his wild, mocking laughter, a laughter that - /most disturbingly/ - starts echoing through the *civilians* in the area. Panicking civilians freeze mid-motion to throw back their heads. Hostages start laughing and spreading their arms. Soon it's not one mocking laugh but a chorus of them, spreading like wildfire, like plague. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The man in the mask noticably shudders. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then the laughter suddenly stops, and the Dictator's massive finger points outwards, like an accusing judge. "What a foolish thing to ask of me. You who guard the purposeless world, rejoice! The artifice of your civilization - /depths/, /heights/, *morality*, *justice* - the gears that turn the purposeless engine you call the world - show their first cracks this day! Today is the beginning of a new order, a new existence, for this pitiably corrupt world spinning without meaning through the void of all existence!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I am <span class=" fg_m bg_n ++ m">Vega</span>, lord of Shadowlaw! Sing the hallelujahs of my existence, and know that today is the most important day of your lives - for I am he who gives purpose to the aimless, judgement to the weak, and strength to those who have the courage to grasp it!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vega flicks his hand outwards, and the <span class=" bold_fg_c bg_n ++ hc">mind-controlled hostages</span> start rising. They move to tackle Reina, Konoe and Tomoe to the ground, to impede the Shinra reinforcements. The soldiers, well-armed, start moving to flank with Lina, firing lasers in her targets' directions with a sci-fi PYEWWWW. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">Balrog</span> rushes to the fore, dancing between hostages with ease. He spins over the top of them and drops, raising a claw at Xiaomu. "I hope, senorita, that you are as much fun to peel as you are to look at it," he murmurs, and then his claw goes swinging in, fast and furious. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Meanwhile, <span class=" fg_m bg_n ++ m">Vega</span> turns to face Reiji and the tank. His hand reaches outwards, and purple fire engulfs the tank. His temple pulses with obvious effort, and a bit of blood rolls down his nose. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He makes a physical motion, a jerking motion, like he's pulling something. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The tank drags forward towards Reiji, and the museum, and the mind-controlled crowd at large. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What do?!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe Was having a good time with Xiaomou and the others she gets she's just here remotley and well she can get better if she gets taken down. She's an elite as well with a bit of experiance she's been smart enough to not start a fight outright given she was totally out in the open and hte ears are a give away she's not a local to be sure. She knows of Vega, but not his two main helpers. The man in the mask though gives off a vibe that sone of the Laughing Coffin did back in the day and she does not like that. She also knows that a lot of people are being controls here too. She's going to play along for now and look for an opening where she can act even if her gear's not out she still has her 'spells' for lack of a better term. She's got a plan but she need sto wiat it out while Balrog , Vega and Lina get more engaged in other things.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A sigh escaped from Konoe's lips and she rubbed her forehead as everything went to hell in a neat little handbasket at mach speed. "Not even on a day off..." The nets were fired in. "Kh..!" It was too late to dodge out of the way by the time she heard those thwips however, and before she realized it, she was pinned to the ground under a net that suddenly started etting /really/ cold. "What the-- Hey! Where did this even-" Konoe's immediate thought was to slash the net apart, but ice was quickly growing out from the net and onto her. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Despite all of this, she could spy Vega floating high above near the ceiling. And then came the laughter. The creepy, terrifying laughter that echoed in from all around as innocents laughed along with him, as if possessed. This only made her glare up at him. "...This is supposed to be simple art exhibit! Where do you get off crashing in here, stealing what isn't yours, and threating innocent lives like this!?" She would have flown up and engaged him herself, but...well, this freezing net around her wasn't really helping that line of thinking. She'd have to leave that to Reiji and...the tank he called in. Well, that would do it. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With Shinra personnel flooding in to meet with the Shadowlaw troops, Konoe redoubled her efforts on trying to break free of the net around her. It would have been simple if she could move her limbs and claw it away, but the ice was growing onto her body, lowering her internal temperature and binding her to the net. "Grrr....!" Who the hell fired this thing? It was cheap and unfair! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Whoever fired this, come out here and face me fair and square!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The civilians are definitely under mind control of some kind. Reina knows there's nothing she can do about it as they come at her. But she also knows that she can't risk hurting anyone either. At least not unnecessarily. Fortunately, Reina knows how to utilize CQC (or the GUARDIANS equivelant) in a situation like this, meaning that she's glad she doesn't have her weapons on hand right now. That would be risking civilian lives, and even one collateral damage case is more than enough to get Reina chewed out by Laia Martinez... and that is NOT pleasant!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I'm sorry I have to do this," Reina calls out, although it's more than likely the mind controlled civilians aren't listening anymore. "It's for your own good!" She attempts to grab the nearest mind controlled civilian coming at her and attempts to deliver a CQC-styled takedown. However, the takedown is done with extra control so that it's more like attempting to subdue the target rather than actually knock them out. She wants to avoid having to do that if she can.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>At the moment the icenet arrows were launched, Xiaomu was PROBABLY too close to Vega for Lina to aim at properly. Lucky her.<br /><br />However, Vega promptly TELEPORTS AWAY like a man with no sense whatsoever of good manners. And Reiji busts out a giant prototype mobile armory/urban tank, which prompts a faintly predatory smile to cross Xiaomu's lips. But before she can go fetch her weaponry, she's accosted by a clawed man who might be suave if he weren't so damn creepy.<br /><br />Xiaomu is fast enough on the dodge to twist away from the claw; one blade's tip nicks the shoulder of her dress, and fabric starts giving way. "Please," she scoffs at Balrog. "You know what happened to the last guy who wanted to 'peel' me against my will?"<br /><br />"Because *nobody does.*"<br /><br />And she doesn't even give Balrog time to parse the threat before she dives in, trying to get under the matador's guard and suplex his masked face right into the floor. Being disarmed only makes Xiaomu a little bit less dangerous - not helpless.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji watches as the Man In Red rises. He listens as he gives his speech. He... frowns severely as the whole mess of civilians start roaring with megalomaniacal laughter. "Mind control," he growls under his breath. "You're using civilians as shields? Wow, you guys really are Nazis."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;More immediately threatening, though, is the fact that the tank is being mind-tossed at him like some kind of massive, metal ragdoll. Agents yell warnings as they press back against the horde of Shadowlaw troops-- and now civilians. Reiji's frown only deepens.<br /><br />It's going to be one of those days.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a soft huff, the exorcist leaps into the air. He lands on its nose as it's jerked forward. Down below, agents peel through the crowd, moving desperately out of the way. Some fall prone, others brace themselves against walls.<br /><br />Reiji only speaks a command into his watch.<br /><br />"Flight mode."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The tank, swathed in purple fire, shudders. Enormous wings unfold from either of the vehicle's sides as the dome on its roof slides apart to reveal a pair of turbofans. Wind blasts downward, blowing agents and soldiers and civilians alike away. Rockets engage, carrying the thing forward, upward, towards the man called Dictator.<br /><br />It only gets halfway before the engines die and the whole thing smashes into a wall and edges itself between a maintenance tunnel and a support column.<br /><br />Reiji is gone.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He's gone because he's leaping, rapidly, up into the rafters. Karin blazes, filling the air with incendiary air as he dives in to take a swing at the psychic juggernaut that is Vega. "You're asking the wrong people to sing Hallelujah," he quips.<br /><br />"This is Japan. Most of us are only Christian when we get hitched!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:749|Vega (749)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Innocent lives. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vega's head tilts downwards, and his grin, already too large for his face, spreads even *wider*, like his skull is threatening to pop out of his skin. It's not pleasant. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Innocent lives?" The question has the tone of a scholar poking at some new, fascinating idea - one that runs contrary to *all* his theories. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He starts laughing again. The people, in mid-swing and mid-kick in *many* cases, start laughing with him once more. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You call these pitiful things /lives/?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vega's fingers close into a meaty fist. "Empty, worthless creatures. They amble about the world, drinking in its splendors, poisoning its glories. They feast like parasites on the resources of the natural world, without thought or care given for how much they consume. Self-centered and blind to that which lies around them, they devour glory, clawing for every scrap they can pry from the hands of the great in some effort to validate their emptiness. They are chaff, glue, the meaningless and bland that lurks between those of true ambition and will because something *must* exist for those with power to work their power upon." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Innocent lives," Vega, and the whole room mocks with him, "They cry out for someone to save them from their drudgery. They go through life, begging of the world: what is my purpose?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A bunch of the mind-controlled people echo him at random intervals. "What is my purpose?" floats around through the room as a bunch of civilians get taken down by Reina with ease. They're probably going to wake up sore, but they're out cold with no major injuries, so who cares about a few bumps and bruises? They're *alive*. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vega lets "what is my purpose" echo through the room from the mouths of the controlled for a moment before he picks up where he left off. "And I am the answer! Their purpose is Vega! They have lived, wandering, empty, for this moment! And if I so will it they will *die* for this moment!" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As if to emphasize, several of the mind-controlled civilians rush the Shinra soldiers. The ones fighting Reina lift guns from the fallen Shadowlaw soldiers and start backing away from her, opening fire. Some of them even go rushing the tank, but when its engine bursts and it hits the support column, they turn their attentions to Reiji. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tomoe has something of an opening, if she wants to help Xiaomu - although dealing with the civilians may prove difficult! <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">Balrog</span> is engaged in defending himself from Xiaomu as he's caught in the throw. He goes slamming into the ground, though *not* facefirst - in fact, he twisted to protect his face, in a shocking display of acrobatic skill. There's still a nasty cracking noise - but not as much of one as Xiaomu probably expected. Balrog is much, much tougher than he looks. Bent-over backwards, Balrog wraps his legs around Xiaomu's waist. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Senorita," Balrog manages, "You will need to do better than this." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Balrog brings his feet up and around to smash Xiaomu down into the ground and get atop her. The claw swings upwards, going right for her face as she goes down - hoping to score something a bit more than a 'nick'. It's a technique you don't often see in Spanish fighting styles...but it also bears resemblance to riding a bull? Kind of?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:749|Vega (749)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class=" fg_m bg_n ++ m">Vega</span>, fresh from his speech, takes a burning sword to the chest. It carves through his outfit, setting his cape ablaze and digging deep into his skin. Blood pools out of the wound, spilling to the ground. It's a deep, nasty cut, made all the nastier for the black burn spreading across his skin. But, curiously, Vega's face doesn't...react. He doesn't scream, or cry out. He doesn't even *twitch*. He most definitely *took* the hit, and he's most definitely *bleeding*, and...humans should *scream* at something like that. Humans should have really big physical reactions, but Vega just.../doesn't/. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This is made all the more horrible as Vega surges forward, making a very good attempt to grab Reiji by the throat and *crush him into the wall*. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vega is *very* strong. That psychic power isn't just for telekinesis. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You have spirit," Vega informs Reiji with a horrific purr, "I enjoy breaking that." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Let us see how long it takes me." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; White eyes flare with purple fire as Vega removes his telekinetic might from the tank and starts applying all of it directly for Reiji's temples.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:889|Lina Brand (889)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Lina moves into place, kicking at the ice net that was made, breaking the spell off of it and hoisting the arrow back, reeling the net back in and putting it back in her quiver. She reappears in a another wind swept leaves and smiles at Konoe, "Hey, I'm sorry about that, didn't mean to hit you. Meant t hit the people around here to protect them. I know, I know, kinda awkward right?" she smirks. "So, are we okay? I mean, if you got frostbite I have a few cure spells I can do."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It's about this time Lina finally pays attention to some of the stuff around her. The laughing people, the mention of human shields, something in her chest just sinks and, with a quick cure spell on Konoe, without hitting her with an arrow... she vanishes once more, backing away. "Woah, I didn't sign up for this. Thought this was just gonna be burst in, disable the guards, take the goods and run..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Heading towards her hole in the wall, she reappears once more, "I can't stay, this is not the way it should be, really..." and with this, off she goes, vanishing once more into nothing.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:391|Reina Kinney (391)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With the civilians taken care of, Reina breathes a sigh of relief. Then she spots the other cronies of Vega, his soldiers namely, as well as that guy named 'Balrog.' Reina could go after Balrog, but is having strong opposition internally to it. Then after a moment she decides to go after the soldiers instead. It might be one versus many, but before Reina was holding back. Now she's not holding anything back, so the soldiers had best not underestimate her! "Come one, come all, come take on the one they call Reina Kinney!" She says with an evil smirk before attempting to go after the nearest soldier.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Xiaomu actually blinks as she feels Balrog counter-grabbing her. He's *human*, right? How the hell did he -<br /><br />*WHAM*<br /><br />How doesn't matter, really; what matters is that freaking claw driving at her face. Xiaomu's arms are free now, though; Balrog may have surprised her with that maneuver, and the impact rattled her pretty well, but she can still bring both hands up to catch Balrog's descending claw, two of her fingers sliding between the claw's blades. She's also STRONGLY aware that Reiji is in a hell of a lot of trouble at this particular moment, and that doesn't do her mood any favors. So ...<br /><br />"You're human behind that stupid plate of a mask, right? DAKKI NO KATA!!"<br /><br />Xiaomu fights dirty. One hand is pulled away from blocking the claw's descent, and she practically plants it on Balrog's chest as she starts trying to leech life energy away from the matador - and she's not holding back on the energy drain. She honestly wants this guy either dead or incapacitated, and if achieving the latter skirts a little too close to the former ... well, too bad for him, right?<br /><br />The drawback to THAT is that Dakki no Kata isn't a fast-kill move, or even a fast-anything. It's damage-over-time, and not an effect she typically sustains for very long at a go. But her other hand, while largely occupied, can still do things.<br /><br />Things like shooting dark magic lasers from her fingertips. That should tear Balrog's claw arm up some more; maybe she can even pull the claw off his hand if the 'laser' from her thumb happens to cut through the right straps or something. She's not being picky.<br /><br />Just pragmatic.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:6|Tomoe (6)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Tomoe is going to have to think like a support today and not a tank or damage dealer. She can try to hinfer the people who are being controlled for the moment she's got a few debufffs but not many, hopefully it will be enough though she starts to chant runes go flying about her as she rises, it's nose, badly accented norse and she'll attempt to debuff the civilians making movments harder for them to allow her allies better movment and Balrog might just get caught up in it too.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vega's entire speech sets Konoe's blood boiling. Gritting her teeth, she has plenty of choice words for him, but...those people being mind controlled, robotically repeating that like... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 'What is my purpose?' <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ...Honestly, deep down, she asked herself the same question now and then. What /is/ her purpose? Why is she here now? Alive? "...No, no, no!" Rapidly shaking her head, Konoe dispelled the thought. That buying into the man in red's agenda! She wouldn't fall for that! She needed to break out of his net first and- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Whuh-?" Right about when Konoe was considering flaring up with her entire body to burn the net away, it's...removed? She blinked a number of times, looking up as Lina appeared before her and apologized. "Uh...um..." She blinked a couple times at the ranger, dumbfounded enough to fail to respond to her in a meaningful way. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And then she vanishes. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "....That was strange." The miko stood to her feet, mumbling to herself as she stared off at the hole that the departed ranger left through. "...." Suppose that the enemy wasn't quite as unified as she figured? Shelving the thought, Konoe took a glance about from where she stood. What should she do? Reiji was busy with the man himself. Xiaomu was busy with the masked man. Reina was handling the foot soldiers, Tomoe was running support... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Her place wasn't up front, dealing with the major threats, Konoe nodded to herself and with a sleight of hand, several ofuda appeared in her grasp. Time to do something about these mind controlled civilians. Turning her back from the major conflict, Konoe threw out several ofuda charms that darted through the air and latched onto people's foreheads. They would actively attempt to purify any corrupted essence from their body of minds...assuming the root cause of this was something related to that brand of energy to start with. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Several more charms were thrown out occasionally as she navigated the grounds, avoiding getting tackled or attacked by sometimes narrow margins. Sheesh, stupid humans getting their minds taken!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Vega is human.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji is at least sure of that. His ambition, his desires, his twisted worldview, it's all something that the human race is inherently, intensely capable of. Few creatures in this world are capable of such hubris, though the Dictator's utter lack of response to Karin's burning cut is almost enough to make Reiji consider whether he's one of the other ones.<br /><br />And then the enormous juggernaut of a man has him by the throat.<br /><br />A split second later, and Reiji's body is used to smash a crater into a major retaining wall.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The exorcist's yell is crushed in his throat. Several wet pops and hard cracks resound through the hollow of his chest as bones break and ribs puncture flesh. Blood bubbles up his throat, leaking from between his teeth.<br /><br />But the worst part is yet to come.<br /><br />The worst part is when Vega starts trying to crush his skull with his mind.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji's scream fills the museum. It's a terrible, painful, blood-curdling noise. The sound of a hero pressed to the breaking point, of strength being bent over a knee until it begins to crumble to pieces.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The shock fades. The pain, filling all the world, dissolves into numb oblivion. Sensory overload leads to sensory dissolution. Reiji's eyes fall into a glassy, half-conscious dullness as his scream dies away.<br /><br />Karin clatters to the ground.<br /><br />The world draws into terrible focus. Black and white and grey, with vision and image vanishing into the abyss of darkness. The last thing he can see is the Dictator's terrible, hateful, mirthful stare.<br /><br />Silence falls.<br /><br />But.<br /><br />But that's not the way it ends.<br /><br />Silence falls.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In the split second between consciousness and oblivion, between life and death, Reiji has chosen his trump card. A blade that is only a 'blade' in the broadest sense slides away from its sheath without even a whisper. No, not away. It slides *through* the sheath. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mortality made manifest, death's reach hewn into killing steel. Darkdrift- Kuroshio- is unleashed, the work of a distant, primordial God of Death, whose touch is felt lightly on this world. It moves through the air; quite literally it moves THROUGH the air.<br /><br />Molecules of oxygen and nitrogen simply do not see it- do not interact with it- as it passes them by.<br /><br />Space itself seems to bend to ignore it, as if the blade was something beyond its authority to restrict.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In a span of a fraction of a moment, Reiji swings that blade. Again and again and again, faster than the eye can see, he swings a weapon which light can barely even touch. In a desperate fight for his life, against an entity of tremendous psychic power, Reiji Arisu brings to bear the power of First Death.<br /><br />And for that terrible, subtle, violent, invisible flurry of motion, Vega can plainly see...<br /><br />Reiji's eyes-- the will within them-- they are all crystal clear.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:749|Vega (749)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Konoe's quick thinking saves her from her own misery. She breaks out of the net, hurling charms at the various possessed citizens. The charms spread outwards, knocking them unconscious, and they slump to the ground like puppets with cut strings. The ones who don't get cut get hit with Tomoe's debuff, slowing down to make it easy for the Shinra soldiers to take them, alive and unharmed. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span class=" bold_fg_r bg_n ++ hr">Balrog</span> gets a blast of that, too. The Spanish Ninja, normally *lightning*-fast, gets *heavily* slowed. Xiaomu gets her hand on him without problem, and starts drinking in his life force, and- <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And he has a TON of it! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; WAY more than an ordinary human should! He's got *massive* amounts of chi! In fact, Xiaomu can feel, he's actually in full control of his chi, and she's having a lot of trouble leeching from him because he's guiding it down into his legs - which answers that question pretty well! She's getting what she can, but she's not gonna be able to drink him dry any time soon, even by the standards of that technique. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Xiaomu solves that problem by shooting him in the arm. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Xiaomu pulls the claw off his hand, and Balrog shrieks and releases her, diving away. He goes vanishing into the crowd, *exactly like a ninja*, and, seeing this, the Shadowlaw soldiers start pulling out with him, leaving Vega behind to fend for himself. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This is not a thing that Vega is worried about. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vega is wrapped up in himself. Vega's ego is beyond human capacity. His delight in Reiji's pain is evident in his lips, if not in his eyes, his disturbingly-soulless eyes, those terrible, blank eyes. As Reiji wriggles and twists, as Vega feels him falling into unconsciousness, Vega starts laughing. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That laugh is a bit too early. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Reiji carves through the air with the power of a god of death. The weapon comes uncomfortably close to Vega, but it doesn't actually *touch* him. However...however, as it cleaves through the aura around him, Vega actually *recoils*, releasing Reiji and jerking backwards as if he'd been struck, personally. He dodges out of the way *just* before the blade can be hit, but Xiaomu, Reiji, and Konoe can all feel a *powerful* psychic scream that rips through the area. Several civilians, not yet tagged or knocked out, fall over, unconscious. The Shinra troops probably get a blast of it too. Pretty much everyone in the *area*, psychic or otherwise, gets a shot, maybe even Tomoe. It's not an attack. It's a *thrashing*, a *pain*, like that strike on his aura hurt *him*, far more than the burning blade. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Vega hovers there, with no visible, physical pain. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But that psychic scream is *undeniable*. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then, as suddenly as he came, Vega vanishes. There's a burst of purple fire, and he's gone. The Shadowlaw soldiers have retreated, too. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; CASUALTIES: ........0! <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ART STOLEN: .....0! <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; BONUS POINTS: +50 (DeClawed), +50 (Aura Break) <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; RANK: ........S! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; MISSION COMPLETE!<br> <br><br />
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}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=It_Is_Purpose_That_Defines_Us_(Xiaomu)&diff=11816It Is Purpose That Defines Us (Xiaomu)2015-11-15T23:41:26Z<p>Shachihoko: Xiaomu reflects on her past while compiling a report on the museum incident.</p>
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<div>{{Cutscene Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/11/15<br />
|Location=Tokyo-52605<br />
|Synopsis=Xiaomu reflects on her past while compiling a report on the museum incident.<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
}}<br />
'They go through life, begging of the world: What is my purpose?'<br />
<br />
Xiaomu gives the security footage a baleful look, moving the cursor to click the Pause button on the playback. She'd missed Vega throwing that question out in the midst of his taunts the other night, being too deeply engaged in struggling with the masked and clawed creep to pay much attention to his dictatorial superpowered creep of a boss, but even at what should be a comfortable remove, the question slides sideways through her psyche and leaves a trail of thin slime behind it.<br />
<br />
Purpose. She spent centuries without worrying about having one; 'purpose' was something for mortals to worry about, humans who needed to know their place in the social order. But when descendants of the priests and priestesses she'd once supported in passing sought her out a couple of decades ago, she found a purpose that suited her pretty quickly.<br />
<br />
And she's never looked back since then. Creating a buffer to protect both humans and youkai from each other, working and sometimes fighting to ensure that mortal civilization would keep its footing in balance with the supernatural world ... it's a purpose that satisfies her, at least for now. She loves the fruits of human society, and always has, even if she doesn't fully belong to it.<br />
<br />
Xiaomu shakes her head, expression darkening, and her gaze shifts to her phone, displaying an e-mail from the curator of the Hokusai exhibit. She's read it half a dozen times already, and a couple of words still catch her eye without a close look. She'd been CERTAIN the Shadowlaw jerk crew didn't have a chance to pick anything up before they fled ...<br />
<br />
Shaking her head, Xiaomu turns her phone's screen off and slides the device back into her vest. A two-key combination toggles the monitor back to her word processor, and the sage fox resumes typing up her report.</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=Radio_Frequencies&diff=10598Radio Frequencies2015-09-10T21:57:42Z<p>Shachihoko: Adding a frequency for Crystal Caravan scenes</p>
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<div>This page aims to list all radio frequencies which are either public or semi-private, based on voluntary listing. You can add them yourself, or send Homura an @mail with the listing information if you don't feel comfortable editing this page yourself or hate Mediawiki code.<br />
<br />
Please note that whether or not a frequency is marked as encrypted or public doesn't make it any less impolite to just jump onto a frequency your character has no immediate tie-in to. If you have the slightest doubt about it, make sure to ask the owner whether or not your character can get on it or if it's alright to observe.<br />
<br />
'''Freq''': The frequency.<br />
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'''Owner''': The current moderator of the frequency.<br />
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'''Enc''': Whether or not the frequency is encrypted, and how to get its encryption key, i.e. "ask owner".<br />
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'''Purpose''': What the frequency is for.<br />
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==All-Purpose/TP Frequencies:==<br />
{| class="wikitable sortable" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" width="100%"<br />
! style="text-align:left" width="5%"| Freq<br />
! style="text-align:left" width="10%"| Owner<br />
! style="text-align:left" width="5%"| Enc<br />
! style="text-align:left" width="75%"| Purpose<br />
|-<br />
|| 06.08 || [[Milla Maxwell]] || No || Tales of Xillia-1 stuff, doubles as local cross-factional during scenes.<br />
|-<br />
|| 16.03 || [[Homura Akemi]] || No || Anyone involved, wishing to be involved, or planning to get involved in Madoka-1 scenes, whether random ones or TP ones, is free to have this frequency on. It will not always be used, but expect it to replace Union-IC when Unaffiliated or Confederate parties are involved, or when we have to discuss things and X-U isn't an option. You should only actually ICly know about/use the frequency once you've been told about it, though. (Attend a scene/be told/etc.)<br />
|-<br />
|| 95.5 || [[Courier Six]] || No || Mojave Wasteland general frequencies, also Radio New Vegas<br />
|-<br />
|| 413.612 || [[Summer Powers]] || No || Pesterchum Chat. Open to public. Codenames are used. Two words together, first one lowercased, second capitalized. profoundBadness and crowravenWolfmoon are examples.<br />
|-<br />
|| 66.6 || [[Psyber]] || Ask || Heaven or Hell backup radio. Will be utilized for smaller scenes featuring group members as well as splitting conversations off the main band.<br />
|-<br />
|| 11.5 || [[Elise Leroy]] || Ask || XCOM-1 'public' radio frequency, for allies not directly involved in XCOM day-to-day activities. Used for field ops also.<br />
|-<br />
|| 13.33 || [[Wuyin Tsai]] || No || The Buzzing. Lore drops from the Bees of [[Agartha]]. Receive /only/ except under exceptional circumstances.<br />
|-<br />
|| 8.33 || [[Wuyin Tsai]] || No || General TSW cast/world radio frequency. Information is generally available to whoever wants it, no permission needed to join. Used for anything happening on The Secret World or for conversations involving its cast or concepts therein.<br />
|-<br />
|| 13.37 || [[Chris Rothschild]] || No || Hacknet, a public frequency for techies, hackers, etc.<br />
|-<br />
|| 305.19 || [[Elliana Fairchild]] || No || Frequency for all cross-factional communications related to Elliana's various scenes, plots and TPs when J-IC isn't an option.<br />
|-<br />
|| 42.0 || [[Theo Morrison]] || No || Radio Free Nerdery. Public channel for casual talk from nerds of all stripes.<br />
|-<br />
|| 3.853 || [[Kirito]] || No || Radio frequency for Kirito's Node scenes (Abstractum TP).<br />
|-<br />
|| 192.9 || [[Eliot Ness]] || No || Radio frequency for Assassin's Creed: The Untouchables scenes.<br />
|-<br />
|| 7746.54 || [[Fuki]] || No || Radio frequency for Confederate Shinki.<br />
|-<br />
|| 45.55 || [[Serori]] || Ask || Radio frequency reserved for Dragon Ball Z characters and scenes.<br />
|-<br />
|| 4.97 || [[Mizuki]] || No || A frequency to share dreams, both the ones you have when you sleep and the ones you have when you're awake. Casual philosophy talk is also permitted. All of this is IC, cross-factional, and anonymous unless a person intentionally reveals themselves. The owner of the channel is common knowledge, however. Completely public.<br />
|-<br />
|| 53.13 || [[Sakura Kinomoto]] || No || Frequency for discussion related to the Deck of Light node.<br />
|-<br />
|| 80.8 || [[Goffard Gaffgarion]] || No || Frequency for those wishing to solicit Gaffgarion's services as a sellsword. Note: It's usually going to be Ladd answering unless it's specifically requested that a caller wishes to speak to Gaffgarion.<br />
|-<br />
|| 140.5 || [[Sir Bedivere]] || No || Semi-public radio frequency for the Knights of the Round Table, and residents as well as visitors to Dún ReáltaÃ.<br />
|-<br />
|| 442.2 || [[Quote]] || No || Public radio frequency for the Flying Island, particularly during the [[Cave Story]] TP.<br />
|-<br />
|| 9.999 || [[Landon al Cid]] || No || Multiversal radio frequency for interaction with Galianda and the Final Fantasy Act: Class theme members.<br />
|-<br />
|| 407.3072 || [[Optimus Prime]] || Yes || Private channel for active Autobots. Ask for encryption key.<br />
|-<br />
|| 16.37 || [[Snow White]] || No || Public radio frequency for the world of the Fables.<br />
|-<br />
|| 1994.0 || [[Emiya Kiritsugu]] || No || Public radio frequency for Fate/Zero Earth. <br />
|-<br />
|| 996.5 || [[Simon Petrikov]] || No || Public radio frequency for Mushroom War Earth. <br />
|-<br />
|| 22.2 || [[Eryl Fairfax]] || No || Public radio frequency for Scorched Earth.<br />
|-<br />
|| 756.980 || [[Gaius Van Baelsar]] || Ask || XIV Legion Private Channel. Ask for permission to join.<br />
|- <br />
|| 290.591 || [[Gaius Van Baelsar]] || No || General Public Eorzea/Hydaelyn Radio. Open to everyone.<br />
|-<br />
|| 969.001 || [[Admiral Merlwyb]] || No || Eorzean Alliance & Union Radio Service. Open to all Union and allies of.<br />
|- <br />
|| 756.900 || [[Gaius Van Baelsar]] || No || Confederate Dungeon Exploration in Hydaelyn.<br />
|-<br />
|| 579.001 || [[Gaius Van Baelsar]] || No || Primal battle radio frequency.<br />
|-<br />
|| 101.010 || [[Rainbow Dash]] || No || Equestrian IC radio frequency. Open to everyone.<br />
|-<br />
|| 19.85 || [[D]] || No || Scene radio for D's world. Open to whoever is present.<br />
|-<br />
|| 20.40 || Busou Shinki Battle Rondo || No || BSBR broadcast radio for announcement of fights and fight commentary.<br />
|-<br />
|| 1022.13 || [[Miko Fujimoto]] || No || Midnight Shrine Tokyo local/TP frequency.<br />
|-<br />
|| 6.29 || [[Demetrios Vasilikos]] || No || Paragon Police Department. Local IC radio for heroes and police department, coordinating for missions, etc.<br />
|-<br />
|| 7.77 || [[Sarah Parsle]] || No || Afterusbound Pesterchum. Used for IC text chat room communication amongst the Afterusbound cast and other interested people. <br />
|-<br />
|| 1.0 || [[Vruasa Telash]] || No || Multiversal PBS. Public Info Dump channel for extended IC theme discussions that have no dedicated +radio yet.<br />
|-<br />
|| 229.77 || [[Samar]] || No || Kantai Collection-1 Abyssal Navy IC radio communication network. Confederate-aligned radio. Non-Confed listening is OK OOCly.<br />
|-<br />
|| 353.38 || [[Kongou]] || No || Kantai Collection-1 Fleet Daughter IC radio communication network. Union-aligned radio. Non-Union listening is OK OOCly.<br />
|-<br />
|| 4.0 || [[Priscilla]] || No || Dark Souls-1 TP cross-factional collaboration radio.<br />
|-<br />
|| 432.1 || [[Zwei]] || No || Radio frequency for use in Automated -blank- scenes.<br />
|-<br />
|| 764.94 || [[Crystal Caravan]] || No || Radio frequency for use in Crystal Caravan scenes.<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Personal Frequencies:==<br />
{| class="wikitable sortable" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" width="100%"<br />
! style="text-align:left" width="5%"| Freq<br />
! style="text-align:left" width="10%"| Owner<br />
! style="text-align:left" width="5%"| Enc<br />
! style="text-align:left" width="75%"| Purpose<br />
|-<br />
|| 141.80 || [[Solid Snake]] || Ask || Snake's personal CODEC frequency.<br />
|-<br />
|| 9979.5 || [[Iria]] || Ask || Iria's communicator frequency.<br />
|-<br />
|| 723.98 || [[Rebecca Chambers]] || No || Rebecca's main communicator frequency. Can be used to request MedEvac if needed.<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==WMAT Frequencies:==<br />
{| class="wikitable sortable" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" width="100%"<br />
! style="text-align:left" width="5%"| Freq<br />
! style="text-align:left" width="15%"| Arena<br />
! style="text-align:left" width="75%"| Purpose<br />
|-<br />
|| 900.1 || All || All-purpose WMAT IC chatter frequency.<br />
|-<br />
|| 900.2 || Devil's Hand || Frequency for listening to specific match commentary.<br />
|-<br />
|| 900.3 || Diablo Desert || Frequency for listening to specific match commentary.<br />
|-<br />
|| 900.4 || Gizard Wasteland || Frequency for listening to specific match commentary.<br />
|-<br />
|| 900.5 || Northern Mountains || Frequency for listening to specific match commentary.<br />
|-<br />
|| 900.6 || Spinach Wasteland || Frequency for listening to specific match commentary.<br />
|-<br />
|| 900.7 || Yunzabit Heights || Frequency for listening to specific match commentary.<br />
|-<br />
|| 900.8 || Tournament Stadium || Frequency for listening to specific match commentary.<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==Out of Character Frequencies:==<br />
{| class="wikitable sortable" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" width="100%"<br />
! style="text-align:left" width="5%"| Freq<br />
! style="text-align:left" width="10%"| Owner<br />
! style="text-align:left" width="5%"| Enc<br />
! style="text-align:left" width="75%"| Purpose<br />
|-<br />
|| 140.6 || [[Sir Bedivere]] || N/A || An OOC channel for the ''Fate/stay night'' cast, and those involved with the cast.<br />
|-<br />
|| 12.1787 || [[Landon al Cid]] || N/A || An OOC channel for the ''Final Fantasy Act: Class'' cast, generally used for app discussions so we don't swarm under E-Chardisc.<br />
|-<br />
|| 211.314 || [[Gaius Van Baelsar]] || N/A || An OOC channel for the ''Final Fantasy XIV'' cast, and those involved with the cast. Open to everyone and anyone.<br />
|-<br />
|| 1941.45 || [[Kongou]] || No || [[Kantai Collection-1|Kantai Collection]] OOC chatter.<br />
|-<br />
|| 30105.00 || [[Duke]] || N/A || [[Digimon:_Great_Demon_War-1|Digimon: Great Demon War]] - OOC Channel for chatter, character concept talk for the theme, plot discussion.<br />
|-<br />
|| 113.8 || [[Revan]] || N/A || An OOC channel for the various casts of the ''Star Wars'' universe and those involved with the casts, and general discussion. Open to everyone.<br />
|-<br />
|| 4.28 || [[Demetrios Vasilikos]] || N/A || An OOC channel for City of Heroes/Villains/etc. discussion and cast chat. Open to everyone.<br />
|-<br />
|| 98.01 || [[Sanae Kochiya]] || No || OOC channel for any Touhou Project discussions or chatter. Open to anyone that has an interest.<br />
|}<br />
[[Category:Index]]</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=2950/WMAT_CQ2_Bahamut_vs_Sagat&diff=105132950/WMAT CQ2 Bahamut vs Sagat2015-09-04T23:15:07Z<p>Shachihoko: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/09/03<br />
|Location=WMAT Arena - Yunzabit Heights<br />
|Synopsis=For the second round of WMAT qualifiers for Bracket C, Bahamut and Sagat face off. It's tiger vs. dragon; who will emerge the winner?<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=95, 528<br />
|Tinyplot=WMAT 2015<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sagat has been working out harder since what he thought would be his elimination from the tournament after the first round of qualifiers; there didn't seem to be many other possibilities given that he had two matches and lost both of them. On the other hand, good training never goes to waste ... and finding out that he actually WASN'T out of the running, entirely, meant he just had to trek back to the world which hosts the WMAT.<br /><br />That journey, too, was training. People underestimate the value of walking to get from one place to another.<br /><br />The harsh cold and wind of the Yunzabit Heights hardly seem to bother Sagat, even when he's only wearing his usual fighting outfit of shorts, handwraps, and footwraps; if his arms are folded across his chest as any kind of buffer against the cold, that paltry gesture is the only concession he makes to the prevailing weather conditions. He's more concerned about his opponent.<br /><br />... who may or may not count as a force of nature in his own right. Sagat's going to wait and see.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When Sagat reaches the arena, Bahamut is already there. The large metal dragon is perched atop one of the rocky spires, like a falcon awaiting its prey. His wings are spread wide and his arms are folded over his chest. His colorful plumage is reflecting the sunlight, showering the area in front of him with prismatic effects. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once Bahamut spots Sagat, he grins. Then, with a flap of his mighty wings and a leap he is soaring through the air. He circles around above Sagat, then slowly makes his way downward in a corkscrew pattern. When he nears the ground, the pulls his wings in and with a thud he lands. His sharp talons dig into the ground and his bulk shakes the ground a bit. He then rises to his full height and lets out a short roar before again folding his arms over his chest. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He looks Sagat over, then grins. "You look tough, especially for a human." he says in his deep, booming voice. "I must admit, I was surprised and delighted to hear I was not quite out of the tournament. I trust you will be a worthy adversary."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Agreed," Sagat grunts, "on all counts." He doesn't seem terribly intimidated by the size of Bahamut, although he may pass a favorable aesthetic judgment in the back of his mind. It's not going to make him hold back.<br /><br />The fact that both Sagat and Bahamut are standing in roughly similar poses - tall and proud, arms folded across chest - might be amusing to somebody. What amuses Sagat somewhat more, though, is the fact that Bahamut is only around twice Sagat's height, maybe a little more. He expected a 'King of Dragons' to be bigger than that - or dragons generally, for that matter.<br /><br />He's not going to betray the fact that he's amused, though. Maybe after they've finished their fight.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With the pleasantries out of the way, Bahamut rumbles heavily. His opponent seems like the stoic type. The type who is unlikely to exchange much in the way of talking during their battle. So, Bahamut starts them off. He bares his clawed hands, then charges toward Sagat. He is pretty fast in a straight line, but his bulk makes him less than agile. Still, his reach is long and he is an experienced fighter. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Which he is hoping will be enough for him to slash Sagat across the chest with those large talons of his.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The long reach was certainly expected - and Sagat is gradually getting used to NOT always looming over his opponent. 'Gradually' doesn't help a whole lot, though, particularly given Bahamut's claws and the leverage offered by his superior size. Sagat brings an arm up to block the dragon's first strike ... and that keeps the talons from slicing across his chest, at least.<br /><br />At the cost of nearly laying open his arm.<br /><br />There's a loud hiss from the Muay Thai fighter as he swings his arm down, so as not to get it lopped off wholesale; his one visible eye burns with anger and pain ... and then he delivers his counterstrike, jumping up just far enough that he can aim a punch at the elbow joint of Bahamut's arm, before he can bring it back up after the slash. He may well be out to try and break that joint, in fact ...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There is a loud 'clang!' as Sagat hits that joint. Metallic armored hide cracks from the hit, but the joint itself survives. Bahamut growls in pain from the hit, but like the warrior he is he does not complain. He digs his feet into the ground and brings himself around quickly. But, he doesn't stop with just facing Sagat. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He continues around, bringing that long, broad tail of his in for a powerful strike against the tall Thai. The strike itself is strong, but again the real danger comes from the sharp edges inherent to a metallic armoring.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The problem with doing a tail whip attack in a martial arts/close combat competition is, basically, that if you have to turn your whole *body* in order to bring your tail to bear, it telegraphs the incoming strike like nobody's business. The only question Sagat has to resolve is what height the tail is going to come in at ...<br /><br />And then he just ducks under it, bringing one arm up to strike the flat of the 'blade' on its way over his head. He probably could have done without that, in hindsight - hitting metal is still hitting metal, and whatever Bahamut's natural armor is formed from actually seems a lot more durable than the sheet steel that cars are made from in his world.<br /><br />At least he didn't get cut again.<br /><br />And this may be the point where he gives Bahamut a compelling reason not to turn his back on Sagat again, because he promptly charges at Bahamut's invitingly exposed back, leaping up off the ground and driving a quick pair of kicks at ... well, where the spine SHOULD be. Dorsal 'fins' are going to be a problem if they exist, but SAgat can get around that by focusing his kicks to one side of it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bahamut's back has no fins, so hitting it is pretty easy. The big dragon grunts as he is struck, causing him to stumble forward as he spins back around to face Sagat. He chuckles at his opponent's speed and his own folly as he regains his balance, then lunges at Sagat again. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But this time, he goes for a pouncing tackle, claws extended. If successful, his claws will dig in while he bears Sagat to the ground beneath his broad shoulder. With all the weight behind it, it could be a dangerous attack.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>There's a loud grunt as Sagat's back-first impact with the ground drives the air from his lungs - and possibly a faint grin on his face - before he brings his legs up, curling nearly into a fetal ball, and straightens his legs hard and fast - trying to kick the dragon off of him, break that grip, and try to build up some momentum to get free of Bahamut's grip.<br /><br />Secondary to 'break the grip' is 'get out from under the bigger and probably heavier opponent,' of course ...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bahamut growls as he is kicked upward. He is impressed that a seemingly normal human can kick him into the air, but that doesn't mean he isn't going to take advantage of it. His wings spread quickly, then he swoops in on Sagat again, this time seeking to land on him with his taloned feet first like some kind of giant raptor pouncing its prey. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once he has pounced, Bahamut's wings spread again, ready to take him back into the sky. He is definitely grinning. A strong opponent, an honorable fight. Bahamut enjoys this sort of thing.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sagat sees THAT coming and maneuvers out of the way, or tries to. At least he doesn't get pinned to the rock, although the talons slide against his skin, opening a new couple of cuts.<br /><br />... and then the dragon simply takes to the air. Again. And seems to intend on mostly staying there. Dragons can usually breathe fire or something, so Sagat knows this isn't really a good situation for him - but he's not going to give up so easily, either.<br /><br />"<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">TIGER UPPERCUT!!</span>"<br /><br />And he sets about making his dissatisfaction known, rocketing fist-first into the air. The only thing that really saves Bahamut from an even more vicious strike is the distance he's already opened up before Sagat comes flying at him ...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bahamut is surprised on two fronts. One, he is hit mid-air right in the jaw by a leaping human. Two, that the hit carries such force behind it. Even after all this time in the Multiverse, he is still surprised at the strength of the inhabitants. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The hit flips Bahamut over as he soars through the air, and he falls from the sky before landing hard on his back. His metallic body digs a ditch in the ground before he can stop himself. When he rises, he is still grinning. "Impressive." he says, then raises a hand toward Sagat. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Electricity sparks over his claws before a bolt of lightning crackles across the air between them, aimed at Sagat's chest.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>That was not a breath weapon - and while Sagat got his arms up to try and 'block' the 'projectile' ... well, it's not really enough, particularly when the lightning spell does NOT work by the same rules of 'chi projectiles' that Sagat is used to working with; the Thundara spell hits his arms rather than his chest but the voltage still courses straight through Sagat's body, making him twitch and collapse.<br /><br />He's NOT grinning now. And while he doesn't get to his feet right away, he also makes clear that he's not unconscious or out of the fight -<br /><br />"<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">TIGER!!!</span>"<br /><br />- specifically, by focusing his signature Tiger Shot and sending it flying straight up at Bahamut. He may be aiming for a rather ungentlemanly spot on the dragon's anatomy, but ... well.<br /><br />Street fighter, right?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Tiger Shot is well aimed, but like his opponent, Bahamut brings his arms in to block the attack, having to use a downward cross block to keep from being neutered. The dragon growls at Sagat, though he is still grinning. "Would you really deprive the worlds of more like me?" he asks even as he clenches his clawed hands and his body shudders as energy gathers into three orbs that circle around his shoulders. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He lets out a vicious growl and flexes, causing the trio of grey-white energy globes to fly toward Sagat. They aren't particularly well aimed, but their blast power is enough that if they explode near him he is sure to be hit.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sagat is also not stupid enough to STAY lying on his back; as soon as his Tiger Shot is on its way, he leaps back to his feet, keeping his attention on Bahamut as well as he can given the dragon's altitude. There is not a whole lot he can do about the bracketing salvo of spell balls that get launched down at him, though ... <br /><br />Well. There's one thing that comes to mind. It still entails taking pretty much the full force of the blasts going off around him ... but on his terms, so to speak.<br /><br />This results in Sagat leaping *over* one of the globes just before he expects it to detonate - and while he takes the full force of the explosion, he does so *on purpose* to help propel himself towards Bahamut. The explosion knocks the air out of his lungs (again) for good measure ...<br /><br />But if Sagat gets close enough, he grabs hold of one of Bahamut's wrists and lashes out with his legs, trying to land a series of kicks on the dragon lord's forearm with not just his feet, but his knees as well.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bahamut's altitude, or lackthereoff at the moment, makes it pretty easy to grab on to him. He takes one solid hit to his forearm, again cracking a metallic armor plate, but the following hits are sent off target by Bahamut raising his arm, then bringing it smashing down into the ground. Hopefully with Sagat still attatched to it. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bahamut brings as much force into the blow as possible, and quite possibly makes a small crater when he punches the ground using Sagat. Then, his wings spread and he makes a flying leap to get some distance between him and his agile opponent.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The impact hurts quite a lot - and not all of the pain starts to fade with the rest of it. There are some bones in the body that even a Muay Thai practitioner has trouble reinforcing ... and even then, bones have limits. Some of Sagat's ribs might have reached theirs by now.<br /><br />But the Emperor of Muay Thai STILL refuses to back down; he rolls back to his feet and sprints to catch up with the Lord of Dragons, actually picking up speed as he gets closer -<br /><br />"<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">TIGER UPPERCUT!!!</span>"<br /><br />This time, he doesn't have nearly as much vertical distance to make up as he did the first time he pulled that move out. The impact should be correspondingly greater - and is liable to dent some of those metal plates that cover Bahamut's form.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bahamut manages to arch backward just as Sagat is throwing that Uppercut. The fist sails right past Bahamut's snout, but even that is enough to dent the metal plate that is his jaw. Bahamut rumbles heavily as he is falling back, then uses the momentum of his backward arch to bring his legs upward. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What follows is a powerful double kick with talon tips, aimed at Sagat's torso as he falls from the uppercut attempt. Bahamut lands on his back afterword, but his momentum pulls him into a tumble that brings him to all fours, looking more like the dragon he claims to be. He roars at Sagat. Not out of anger or pain, but simply because the battle is that intense.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sagat roars back as he slides to a halt on his already-abused back, bleeding from several new lacerations - but he vaults to his feet once more, bringing his hands up in front of him as chi flares and crackles between his palms ...<br /><br />"<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">TIGER CANNON!!!!</span>"<br /><br />... and then it erupts outwards as a massive, focused wave, the Tiger Cannon's blast intense enough to drive the cold and repel the wind as it flies towards the King of Dragons.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All that weakening of Bahamut's armored plates finally pays off as Sagat fires that Tiger Cannon. Bahamut is caught fully in the blast, and most of the places where a plate of armored hide was weakened or cracked before now split wide open. Bahamut lets out a new roar now, but this one is as much pain as anything. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When the chi blast passes, Bahamut is barely standing, having to lean his weight on one arm to keep from falling over. His royal blood flows from several places. Bahamut coughs, a bit of blood flowing from his mouth, then chuckles. "So, the Tiger finally decided to take me seriously." he says, panting raggedly. He slowly stands tall again, then rumbles deeply. "I should repay your strength in kind." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bahamut then leaps backward and somersaults before landing on all fours. He firmly plants each limb, then growls as the golden gyro that has just been mysteriously floating behind his shoulders begins to spin. It rapidly gains speed and energy start to arc over it, then Bahamut opens his mouth. Energy starts to arc from that gyro over Bahamut's body and gathers in front of his mouth. The bolts quickly concentrate into a brightly glowing blue-white orb. The orb just as quickly grows to nearly as thick as Bahamut himself. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then, it fires. The beam is perhaps even a bit more broad than the King of Dragons, and the beam of blue and white and grey energy sears its way through the air and across the ground. The beam is pure energy, and whatever it hits is not only super saturated with white-hot energy but soon engulfed in a nearly continuous explosion.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"If you think it took me this long to take you seriously," Sagat huffs - not out of exasperation, but out of catching his breath - "then you must have a terribly poor opinion of me. Or of yourself."<br /><br />And then the King of Dragons starts powering up for what is probably his most powerful assault. It took long enough for the dragon to break out his breathe weapon, thinks the Muay Thai fighter.<br /><br />Sagat can't run fast enough to get clear, but he can stand his ground, dig his feet in, and brace for the impact before it happens - and he can then hope for the best.<br /><br />There's a loud yell of pain, which is - for a few moments - the only confirmation that the Emperor of Muay Thai has not been outright disintegrated by the Mega Flare. The yell lasts about half a second longer than the Mega Flare itself does - and as the light subsides?<br /><br />*Sagat is still there*. Vapor, either steam or smoke, rises from every exposed inch of his skin - and rather more of his skin is exposed than was before; his hand-wraps have basically burned off, his shorts are in tatters, and his eyepatch seems to be more smoke than solid matter judging by the wafting miasma from both the patch itself and the cord that holds it in place.<br /><br />But he's still there - he's even still on his feet. And to judge by his next movement - namely pulling one foot free of the ground, stepping forward, then pulling his other foot free and repeating the process ... he's still CONSCIOUS on top of all of that.<br /><br />And while he staggers with his first few steps, he's recovering enough of his balance to quicken it to a proper walk. Then a lope. Then a run -<br /><br />"<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">TIGER KNEE!!</span>"<br /><br />- and a jump, trying to slam his right knee into Bahamut's armored form with enough force to ... maybe, decide this match in his own favor.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In his weakened state, Bahamut just watches the attack coming. He chuckles and grins, just waiting for the hit. It is a solid blow, knocking him back again and onto his back. He lets out a long, pained growl before he goes limp. His eyes remain open, gazing up at the sky as his vision gets blurry. His last thought as the medical team moves in is that he has failed to defend the pride of the titles he so proudly proclaims. King of Spiran Dragons. Aeon of Bevelle. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Still, it was a well fought battle. He of course is not happy to lose, but he does not regret the fight. Once the match is called, he is quickly carted off to the nearby Papaya hospital. "Well fought, Sagat." Bahamut rumbles as he is carried away.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Very well fought," Sagat agrees. He could use medical attention as well - and probably quite a bit of it - but at least he can walk under his own power.<br /><br />... more or less, anyway.<br> <br><br />
}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=2950/WMAT_CQ2_Bahamut_vs_Sagat&diff=105122950/WMAT CQ2 Bahamut vs Sagat2015-09-04T23:14:32Z<p>Shachihoko: Second-round qualifier match between Bahamut and Sagat.</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/09/03<br />
|Location=WMAT Arena - Yunzabit Heights<br />
|Synopsis=For the second round of WMAT qualifiers for Bracket A, Bahamut and Sagat face off. It's tiger vs. dragon; who will emerge the winner?<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=95, 528<br />
|Tinyplot=WMAT 2015<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sagat has been working out harder since what he thought would be his elimination from the tournament after the first round of qualifiers; there didn't seem to be many other possibilities given that he had two matches and lost both of them. On the other hand, good training never goes to waste ... and finding out that he actually WASN'T out of the running, entirely, meant he just had to trek back to the world which hosts the WMAT.<br /><br />That journey, too, was training. People underestimate the value of walking to get from one place to another.<br /><br />The harsh cold and wind of the Yunzabit Heights hardly seem to bother Sagat, even when he's only wearing his usual fighting outfit of shorts, handwraps, and footwraps; if his arms are folded across his chest as any kind of buffer against the cold, that paltry gesture is the only concession he makes to the prevailing weather conditions. He's more concerned about his opponent.<br /><br />... who may or may not count as a force of nature in his own right. Sagat's going to wait and see.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When Sagat reaches the arena, Bahamut is already there. The large metal dragon is perched atop one of the rocky spires, like a falcon awaiting its prey. His wings are spread wide and his arms are folded over his chest. His colorful plumage is reflecting the sunlight, showering the area in front of him with prismatic effects. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once Bahamut spots Sagat, he grins. Then, with a flap of his mighty wings and a leap he is soaring through the air. He circles around above Sagat, then slowly makes his way downward in a corkscrew pattern. When he nears the ground, the pulls his wings in and with a thud he lands. His sharp talons dig into the ground and his bulk shakes the ground a bit. He then rises to his full height and lets out a short roar before again folding his arms over his chest. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He looks Sagat over, then grins. "You look tough, especially for a human." he says in his deep, booming voice. "I must admit, I was surprised and delighted to hear I was not quite out of the tournament. I trust you will be a worthy adversary."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Agreed," Sagat grunts, "on all counts." He doesn't seem terribly intimidated by the size of Bahamut, although he may pass a favorable aesthetic judgment in the back of his mind. It's not going to make him hold back.<br /><br />The fact that both Sagat and Bahamut are standing in roughly similar poses - tall and proud, arms folded across chest - might be amusing to somebody. What amuses Sagat somewhat more, though, is the fact that Bahamut is only around twice Sagat's height, maybe a little more. He expected a 'King of Dragons' to be bigger than that - or dragons generally, for that matter.<br /><br />He's not going to betray the fact that he's amused, though. Maybe after they've finished their fight.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With the pleasantries out of the way, Bahamut rumbles heavily. His opponent seems like the stoic type. The type who is unlikely to exchange much in the way of talking during their battle. So, Bahamut starts them off. He bares his clawed hands, then charges toward Sagat. He is pretty fast in a straight line, but his bulk makes him less than agile. Still, his reach is long and he is an experienced fighter. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Which he is hoping will be enough for him to slash Sagat across the chest with those large talons of his.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The long reach was certainly expected - and Sagat is gradually getting used to NOT always looming over his opponent. 'Gradually' doesn't help a whole lot, though, particularly given Bahamut's claws and the leverage offered by his superior size. Sagat brings an arm up to block the dragon's first strike ... and that keeps the talons from slicing across his chest, at least.<br /><br />At the cost of nearly laying open his arm.<br /><br />There's a loud hiss from the Muay Thai fighter as he swings his arm down, so as not to get it lopped off wholesale; his one visible eye burns with anger and pain ... and then he delivers his counterstrike, jumping up just far enough that he can aim a punch at the elbow joint of Bahamut's arm, before he can bring it back up after the slash. He may well be out to try and break that joint, in fact ...<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There is a loud 'clang!' as Sagat hits that joint. Metallic armored hide cracks from the hit, but the joint itself survives. Bahamut growls in pain from the hit, but like the warrior he is he does not complain. He digs his feet into the ground and brings himself around quickly. But, he doesn't stop with just facing Sagat. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He continues around, bringing that long, broad tail of his in for a powerful strike against the tall Thai. The strike itself is strong, but again the real danger comes from the sharp edges inherent to a metallic armoring.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The problem with doing a tail whip attack in a martial arts/close combat competition is, basically, that if you have to turn your whole *body* in order to bring your tail to bear, it telegraphs the incoming strike like nobody's business. The only question Sagat has to resolve is what height the tail is going to come in at ...<br /><br />And then he just ducks under it, bringing one arm up to strike the flat of the 'blade' on its way over his head. He probably could have done without that, in hindsight - hitting metal is still hitting metal, and whatever Bahamut's natural armor is formed from actually seems a lot more durable than the sheet steel that cars are made from in his world.<br /><br />At least he didn't get cut again.<br /><br />And this may be the point where he gives Bahamut a compelling reason not to turn his back on Sagat again, because he promptly charges at Bahamut's invitingly exposed back, leaping up off the ground and driving a quick pair of kicks at ... well, where the spine SHOULD be. Dorsal 'fins' are going to be a problem if they exist, but SAgat can get around that by focusing his kicks to one side of it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bahamut's back has no fins, so hitting it is pretty easy. The big dragon grunts as he is struck, causing him to stumble forward as he spins back around to face Sagat. He chuckles at his opponent's speed and his own folly as he regains his balance, then lunges at Sagat again. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But this time, he goes for a pouncing tackle, claws extended. If successful, his claws will dig in while he bears Sagat to the ground beneath his broad shoulder. With all the weight behind it, it could be a dangerous attack.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>There's a loud grunt as Sagat's back-first impact with the ground drives the air from his lungs - and possibly a faint grin on his face - before he brings his legs up, curling nearly into a fetal ball, and straightens his legs hard and fast - trying to kick the dragon off of him, break that grip, and try to build up some momentum to get free of Bahamut's grip.<br /><br />Secondary to 'break the grip' is 'get out from under the bigger and probably heavier opponent,' of course ...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bahamut growls as he is kicked upward. He is impressed that a seemingly normal human can kick him into the air, but that doesn't mean he isn't going to take advantage of it. His wings spread quickly, then he swoops in on Sagat again, this time seeking to land on him with his taloned feet first like some kind of giant raptor pouncing its prey. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once he has pounced, Bahamut's wings spread again, ready to take him back into the sky. He is definitely grinning. A strong opponent, an honorable fight. Bahamut enjoys this sort of thing.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sagat sees THAT coming and maneuvers out of the way, or tries to. At least he doesn't get pinned to the rock, although the talons slide against his skin, opening a new couple of cuts.<br /><br />... and then the dragon simply takes to the air. Again. And seems to intend on mostly staying there. Dragons can usually breathe fire or something, so Sagat knows this isn't really a good situation for him - but he's not going to give up so easily, either.<br /><br />"<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">TIGER UPPERCUT!!</span>"<br /><br />And he sets about making his dissatisfaction known, rocketing fist-first into the air. The only thing that really saves Bahamut from an even more vicious strike is the distance he's already opened up before Sagat comes flying at him ...<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bahamut is surprised on two fronts. One, he is hit mid-air right in the jaw by a leaping human. Two, that the hit carries such force behind it. Even after all this time in the Multiverse, he is still surprised at the strength of the inhabitants. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The hit flips Bahamut over as he soars through the air, and he falls from the sky before landing hard on his back. His metallic body digs a ditch in the ground before he can stop himself. When he rises, he is still grinning. "Impressive." he says, then raises a hand toward Sagat. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Electricity sparks over his claws before a bolt of lightning crackles across the air between them, aimed at Sagat's chest.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>That was not a breath weapon - and while Sagat got his arms up to try and 'block' the 'projectile' ... well, it's not really enough, particularly when the lightning spell does NOT work by the same rules of 'chi projectiles' that Sagat is used to working with; the Thundara spell hits his arms rather than his chest but the voltage still courses straight through Sagat's body, making him twitch and collapse.<br /><br />He's NOT grinning now. And while he doesn't get to his feet right away, he also makes clear that he's not unconscious or out of the fight -<br /><br />"<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">TIGER!!!</span>"<br /><br />- specifically, by focusing his signature Tiger Shot and sending it flying straight up at Bahamut. He may be aiming for a rather ungentlemanly spot on the dragon's anatomy, but ... well.<br /><br />Street fighter, right?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Tiger Shot is well aimed, but like his opponent, Bahamut brings his arms in to block the attack, having to use a downward cross block to keep from being neutered. The dragon growls at Sagat, though he is still grinning. "Would you really deprive the worlds of more like me?" he asks even as he clenches his clawed hands and his body shudders as energy gathers into three orbs that circle around his shoulders. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He lets out a vicious growl and flexes, causing the trio of grey-white energy globes to fly toward Sagat. They aren't particularly well aimed, but their blast power is enough that if they explode near him he is sure to be hit.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sagat is also not stupid enough to STAY lying on his back; as soon as his Tiger Shot is on its way, he leaps back to his feet, keeping his attention on Bahamut as well as he can given the dragon's altitude. There is not a whole lot he can do about the bracketing salvo of spell balls that get launched down at him, though ... <br /><br />Well. There's one thing that comes to mind. It still entails taking pretty much the full force of the blasts going off around him ... but on his terms, so to speak.<br /><br />This results in Sagat leaping *over* one of the globes just before he expects it to detonate - and while he takes the full force of the explosion, he does so *on purpose* to help propel himself towards Bahamut. The explosion knocks the air out of his lungs (again) for good measure ...<br /><br />But if Sagat gets close enough, he grabs hold of one of Bahamut's wrists and lashes out with his legs, trying to land a series of kicks on the dragon lord's forearm with not just his feet, but his knees as well.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bahamut's altitude, or lackthereoff at the moment, makes it pretty easy to grab on to him. He takes one solid hit to his forearm, again cracking a metallic armor plate, but the following hits are sent off target by Bahamut raising his arm, then bringing it smashing down into the ground. Hopefully with Sagat still attatched to it. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bahamut brings as much force into the blow as possible, and quite possibly makes a small crater when he punches the ground using Sagat. Then, his wings spread and he makes a flying leap to get some distance between him and his agile opponent.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>The impact hurts quite a lot - and not all of the pain starts to fade with the rest of it. There are some bones in the body that even a Muay Thai practitioner has trouble reinforcing ... and even then, bones have limits. Some of Sagat's ribs might have reached theirs by now.<br /><br />But the Emperor of Muay Thai STILL refuses to back down; he rolls back to his feet and sprints to catch up with the Lord of Dragons, actually picking up speed as he gets closer -<br /><br />"<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">TIGER UPPERCUT!!!</span>"<br /><br />This time, he doesn't have nearly as much vertical distance to make up as he did the first time he pulled that move out. The impact should be correspondingly greater - and is liable to dent some of those metal plates that cover Bahamut's form.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bahamut manages to arch backward just as Sagat is throwing that Uppercut. The fist sails right past Bahamut's snout, but even that is enough to dent the metal plate that is his jaw. Bahamut rumbles heavily as he is falling back, then uses the momentum of his backward arch to bring his legs upward. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What follows is a powerful double kick with talon tips, aimed at Sagat's torso as he falls from the uppercut attempt. Bahamut lands on his back afterword, but his momentum pulls him into a tumble that brings him to all fours, looking more like the dragon he claims to be. He roars at Sagat. Not out of anger or pain, but simply because the battle is that intense.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Sagat roars back as he slides to a halt on his already-abused back, bleeding from several new lacerations - but he vaults to his feet once more, bringing his hands up in front of him as chi flares and crackles between his palms ...<br /><br />"<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">TIGER CANNON!!!!</span>"<br /><br />... and then it erupts outwards as a massive, focused wave, the Tiger Cannon's blast intense enough to drive the cold and repel the wind as it flies towards the King of Dragons.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All that weakening of Bahamut's armored plates finally pays off as Sagat fires that Tiger Cannon. Bahamut is caught fully in the blast, and most of the places where a plate of armored hide was weakened or cracked before now split wide open. Bahamut lets out a new roar now, but this one is as much pain as anything. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When the chi blast passes, Bahamut is barely standing, having to lean his weight on one arm to keep from falling over. His royal blood flows from several places. Bahamut coughs, a bit of blood flowing from his mouth, then chuckles. "So, the Tiger finally decided to take me seriously." he says, panting raggedly. He slowly stands tall again, then rumbles deeply. "I should repay your strength in kind." <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Bahamut then leaps backward and somersaults before landing on all fours. He firmly plants each limb, then growls as the golden gyro that has just been mysteriously floating behind his shoulders begins to spin. It rapidly gains speed and energy start to arc over it, then Bahamut opens his mouth. Energy starts to arc from that gyro over Bahamut's body and gathers in front of his mouth. The bolts quickly concentrate into a brightly glowing blue-white orb. The orb just as quickly grows to nearly as thick as Bahamut himself. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then, it fires. The beam is perhaps even a bit more broad than the King of Dragons, and the beam of blue and white and grey energy sears its way through the air and across the ground. The beam is pure energy, and whatever it hits is not only super saturated with white-hot energy but soon engulfed in a nearly continuous explosion.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"If you think it took me this long to take you seriously," Sagat huffs - not out of exasperation, but out of catching his breath - "then you must have a terribly poor opinion of me. Or of yourself."<br /><br />And then the King of Dragons starts powering up for what is probably his most powerful assault. It took long enough for the dragon to break out his breathe weapon, thinks the Muay Thai fighter.<br /><br />Sagat can't run fast enough to get clear, but he can stand his ground, dig his feet in, and brace for the impact before it happens - and he can then hope for the best.<br /><br />There's a loud yell of pain, which is - for a few moments - the only confirmation that the Emperor of Muay Thai has not been outright disintegrated by the Mega Flare. The yell lasts about half a second longer than the Mega Flare itself does - and as the light subsides?<br /><br />*Sagat is still there*. Vapor, either steam or smoke, rises from every exposed inch of his skin - and rather more of his skin is exposed than was before; his hand-wraps have basically burned off, his shorts are in tatters, and his eyepatch seems to be more smoke than solid matter judging by the wafting miasma from both the patch itself and the cord that holds it in place.<br /><br />But he's still there - he's even still on his feet. And to judge by his next movement - namely pulling one foot free of the ground, stepping forward, then pulling his other foot free and repeating the process ... he's still CONSCIOUS on top of all of that.<br /><br />And while he staggers with his first few steps, he's recovering enough of his balance to quicken it to a proper walk. Then a lope. Then a run -<br /><br />"<span class=" bold_fg_y bg_n ++ hy">TIGER KNEE!!</span>"<br /><br />- and a jump, trying to slam his right knee into Bahamut's armored form with enough force to ... maybe, decide this match in his own favor.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:528|Bahamut (528)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In his weakened state, Bahamut just watches the attack coming. He chuckles and grins, just waiting for the hit. It is a solid blow, knocking him back again and onto his back. He lets out a long, pained growl before he goes limp. His eyes remain open, gazing up at the sky as his vision gets blurry. His last thought as the medical team moves in is that he has failed to defend the pride of the titles he so proudly proclaims. King of Spiran Dragons. Aeon of Bevelle. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Still, it was a well fought battle. He of course is not happy to lose, but he does not regret the fight. Once the match is called, he is quickly carted off to the nearby Papaya hospital. "Well fought, Sagat." Bahamut rumbles as he is carried away.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:95|Sagat (95)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>"Very well fought," Sagat agrees. He could use medical attention as well - and probably quite a bit of it - but at least he can walk under his own power.<br /><br />... more or less, anyway.<br> <br><br />
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}}</div>Shachihokohttp://multiversemush.com/mw/index.php?title=2892/Heads_Will_Roll&diff=104982892/Heads Will Roll2015-09-02T03:26:47Z<p>Shachihoko: Somebody defiles the grave of Taira no Masakado's head, and all hell breaks loose in Tokyo, especially in Akihabara.</p>
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<div>{{Log Header<br />
|Date of Scene=2015/08/23<br />
|Location=Tokyo-52605 <NXC><br />
|Synopsis=What happens when a thousand-years-dead samurai warlord's rest is disturbed by a fox defiling the place where his head was buried?<br />
<br />
(Answer: Chaos and awesomeness, plus the occasional rolling head.)<br />
|Thanks=<br />
|Cast of Characters=8, 255, 290, 560, 606, 626, 705, 707, 715, 774, 828, 847<br />
|Tinyplot=<br />
|Tinyplot2=<br />
|pretty=yes<br />
}}<br />
{{Poses<br />
|Poses=:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>A few moments ago, Xiaomu was heading to the Mound of Masakado's Head in Omotesando, Tokyo-52605, when she saw (or smelled) that the mound had been desecrated.<br /><br />As of right now, though, all hell is breaking loose across the city: the weather has gone from 'sunny and mild' to 'outright calamitous' in record time (even for Tokyo), and it's not just thunderbolts and spiky hailstones that are starting to descend out of the clouds.<br /><br />Kamaitachi (sickle-weasels) are riding the winds and trying to slash at pedestrians fleeing the sudden rain; spirits that look like nothing more than flying heads - some normal, some huge - are swooping down on others, disrupting their flight for safety - and is that a nue flying around amongst the thunderclouds? At least *it* isn't making trouble ...<br /><br />Or it doesn't SEEM to be, until a bolt of lightning crashes down onto a train intersection, knocking out the Yamanote loop until they can reset the breakers.<br /><br />There's trouble all over, really, but there's a particularly bad patch in Akihabara: bakeneko who've gone from blending in with the cat-eared maids to lashing out like any alley-born stray gone feral, oni who could have passed for sumo wrestlers throwing down with anyone who catches their eye ... fifty-seven varieties of chaos, and counting.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:828|Geralt of Rivia (828)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well, this city certainly is different to any Geralt has encountered before. It's only due to his unique Witcher mindset that he's not too enraptured by all the sights, sounds and bright lights that make up the city. He focuses on the ghosts and monsters because, well, that's his job. The city itself is like something out of a fever dream to a man who comes from a medieval world. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So, silver sword in hand, chain and leather armor on, wind whipping his white hair about, Geralt makes his way down the street, looking like he's going to pick a fight with the biggest oni in Akihabara. "Hey," Geralt says, trying to get the monster's attention away from a group of civilians. "How about you pick on someone your own size?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The chaos is pierced by a gleaming red flash seen across a few blocks. A crimson streak flies up towards the Nue!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Emiya Shirou stands atop a rooftop holding a black bow, exhaling and letting his body recover a little from the strain that was projecting, altering, and firing a pumped-up (and wildly unstable) version of HRUNTING, the sword that will not miss.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And it won't miss, either. Should the Nue dodge or parry the weapon will just turn around in the air and try to hit it again. On impact it will EXPLODE like a grenade. Not a cataclysmic eruption of power, Shirou doesn't have the prana or experience for that.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But it'll definitely hurt.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Thi is way too crazy!" His teeth are clenched tightly, rage filling him. Rage at whoever started this riot. Where are they, anyways?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:290|Rebecca Chambers (290)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Normally, Rebecca Chambers is used to dealing with bio-organic weapons that manifest themselves in the forms of zombies and other monsters that could only be described as things that come out of horror movies. More traditional spirits and things like that aren't exactly her forte, but she's willing to give it a try. No matter what the risks or how bizarre it seems. Then again, can you really blame her after all that she's been through in her years with S.T.A.R.S.?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Nope, didn't think so!)<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a tactical shield strapped to her left arm, Rebecca Chambers arrives in the area quickly and takes note of what's going on. She's dumbfounded, but not too shocked, as she's become accustomed to weird things like this happening all the time. When she finally spots the monster, she peers out long enough to yell, "You are going down, there's no other way of solving this!" Forget rules of engagement where you have to shout for compliance, does anyone really think this thing will surrender peacefully?<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:255|Setsuko Kaminagi (255)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;'Don't use flashy powers'.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Setsuko soars in over the city, she grimaces quietly. Her choice in vehicles at least shouldn't be that problematic; a hoverbike is futuristic, but it's not supernatural. However, restricting her obviously supernatural ability cuts down a great deal of Setsuko's arsenal. No releasing Zanjintou to its full size, no blasts or cutting waves of divine power, no flight. She'll even have to be careful how much physical prowess she displays.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But that's fine. She can still draw her sword and cut down her enemies, and so she can still fight.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The hoverbike darts and swerves, the swordswoman defending herself against hail with her blades; upon spotting a kamaitachi going on the attack against civvies, however, her reaction is immediate: She guns the hoverbike, dives down, and starts going right after them. Anything within reach, anything attacking civilians, whether they be spirits or youkai, is subject to attack from the demigod.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;How does the fury of a single god turn Tokyo from a bustling metropolis into a supernatural hodown? Something to do, maybe, with the fact that Taira no Masakado is a probably one of the oldest spirits in the city. Or maybe it's that he's a ridiculous powerful ghost-samurai god.<br /><br />Or maybe, just maybe, he's got one hell of a protection racket set up and happens to be footing the bar tabs of a half dozen Oni crime bosses.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Whatever the case, the city of Tokyo is thrown into chaos, which means it's time for the Shinra Organization to take to the streets.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A bakeneko collapses in a pile of unconscious catness, largely by dint of the sudden crack of a pistol butt against the back of her head. The (un)fortunate young NEET underneath her stares up at his savior, and says, "Damnit, man! I totally had her right where I wanted her! We were goin' place--"<br /><br />Reiji Arisu shoots him a glare that could quite possibly freeze an erupting volcano.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"We're presently in the middle of a state of emergency. If you do not want to be victim to this outbreak of..." Shit, what is it today, sunday? "--Cannibal Fever, please move to the evactuation centers, sir," the Shinra agent drones, loading a fresh clip into his handgun.<br /><br />"S-so she... LITERALLY wanted to eat me?"<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yes, sir," Reiji grunts, firing an anti-spirit slug into an otherwise inoccuous swirl of cutting wind. A Kamaitachi tumbles into a nearby bush. "At least, I assure you that she did not want to figuratively eat you."<br /><br />"Oh."<br /><br />"...Can I take her--"<br /><br />"No. Please go, and please do not give me reason to confiscate your phone."<br /><br />Goddamn, some days.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:774|Dorian Pavus (774)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"The things I stumble into... sometimes I think the Maker hates me..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Muttering under his breath, Dorian views the choas happening with a critical, dry look. Nonetheless, he heads into the fray himself, firing a few blasts of fire from his staff at some of the sickle demons plaguing travelers.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Now that's not nice at all," he says disapprovingly, with a cluck of his tongue. "Don't you know it's not polite to eat tourists?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:715|Kenji Kawasaki (715)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Anger. Kenji can understand anger. Kenji can understand anger really, really well. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It's not really anybody's fault that things got complicated. It's really not. It's not her fault, and it's not his fault, and it's not the other guy's fault. It's just that...it's just that Kenji thought one thing, and he was stupid, and that led to something else entirely. And like any human being, Kenji doesn't like feeling stupid. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He's angry about a lot of things around that situation. And just the other day he asked if they had anything really big he could hit. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Well, here he is. Kenji walks forward, hands in his pockets. His eyes glance left and right at Kamaitachi he can't see, as if he's getting a heads-up from some invisible source (he is). He ducks around some oni who, when he gives them the eye, just sort of back up. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kenji is looking for a fight and someone has provided. None of these others want to be the goon who gets on his bad side. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Geralt, Shirou, and Rebecca get offhanded glances as he walks through the chaos with the self-assured madness of somebody working off irrational, illogical fury, self-hatred, and - worst of all - mixed-up romantic feelings. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And /teen hormones/. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As he moves into the center of it all, Kenji throws out his hand. Fire burns at the end of his palm in an instant. It looks almost like it has a face. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "KOJI SHINTAI!" Kenji roars, and shoves the fire into his chest. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He ignites instantly. The blaze is staggering; heat rolls off the young teenager in waves. The fire crawls up his arms and down his pants, burning away the black of his leather jacket and the blue of his pants. It burns up his head, his hair going from laid-back black to burning fire. It ignites in his eyes, turning them from simple organs to pools of flame. It burns, in the chest, a circle, with a little fire insignia in the middle. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kenji lunges forward for the first thing he can grab. The first unfortunate monster gets a taste of a literal burning finger as Kenji shoves his hand onto the creature's face. It screams, twitching under his assault, until it falls still. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The next monster gets a blow to the face from a fist backed with divine power and holy fire. Then a second. Then a third. Good old-fashioned street fighting has a lot of kick when it's backed by a god. Kenji hammers it rapidly before he grabs a nearby fallen folding chair, and *that* then ignites, and he just starts beating the monster in the face with it until it, too, goes down. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kenji stalks past Reiji without a word, advancing down the street. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Yeah, he's literally on fire. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; No, Kenji doesn't have a 'subtle' mode. It's okay. He usually gets included in the 'mass hallucination' part of the story, and nobody'd recognize him anyway. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Besides, he's way, way, way too pissed for 'quiet'. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!" Kenji roars, bringing his fist down on another monster. A corridor of fire pours down out of the sky, slamming into the thing like the fist of an angry god (it is). It ignites a few of the trees and plants, burning them to a crisp in the span of a heartbeat. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "FUCK YOU!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel had head enough she'd heard about the shrine the problems Xiaomu was having and she'd be happy t help. Maybe even her keyblade might be of use given the situation here she wss. Her fashion was a bit odd, or was it a bit more fitting given how Reiji and Xiaomu were dressed most of the time. She is coming on on her light cyckle as hey? She got asked to get here fast, thankfully the light wall is kept off after all. She doesn't want to cause issues coming to help. IT doesn't take long beore she arrives and the craft vanishes into wireframes, them motes of light. <br /><br /> "So this ... is quite a thing isn't it?" <br /><br /> Oh from what Reiji was saying ya things are about to get very insane.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "...What...huh?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One of the actual still sane Bakeneko around muttered, stepping out to Reiji's side. "What did he think she meant by eating him?" Konoe asked curiously, arching a brow. She was wearing her Shinra vestments for this outing. Stuck out less. ...Well, less than usual. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A rustle from nearby is met with a rapid sweep of the arm and a trail of red. Several flaming needles are sent out like bullets, piercing into a nearby kamaitachi and putting it down without a fight. "...And now he wants to take her." She frowned. "Is that legal? That doesn't sound legal." Her ears twitched a bit, totally suspicious of said NEET's creep levels. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Where to next?" She asked, watching Kenji literally ogo on a warpath. ".......Wow."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:606|Jimmy Wen (606)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Mo-ther-fucker." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A pristine Honda Civic weaves in and out of traffic. Its driver, on a day with less hail and mass pandemonium, would almost certainly be pulled over for reckless driving. The rental agency is certainly going to have words with him--the hexing effect has already killed the right blinker after just ten minutes. His left hand holds a large roadmap, written entirely in Japanese, plastering it ineffectively to the steering wheel. Used to LA traffic, he leans on the horn proactively, before anyone else can do the same thing to him. A large block of hail crashes against the hood, and he makes the strategic decision to turn the wipers on. He looks to his right, at the passenger seat which holds his exorcism kit, resting snugly against the seat thanks to the seatbelt. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jimmy takes his eyes off the road to squint at the map. He makes a valiant attempt to read Japanese. "Sword, funky 'A', letter 'H' over a pine tree, home for sale sign. That must mean I'm he--" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; THUMP <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A catgirl is plastered across the windshield. Jimmy turns the wipers on again, then kills the engine before his magic does and steps out of the car.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Kyra arrives on the scene, she's immediately struck with the feeling of whiplash, brought on by the extremely variable weather Tokyo is currently undergoing. Muttering, she digs into one of the pouches at her waist and scoops up some headache-calming ibuprofen pills she dry swallows as she runs. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Before engaging anything, though, Kyra ducks into an alleyway so she can load hipotion dart rounds into her hunting rifle. Although she does have the CURE-ALL with her, it might be tricky trying to explain how a thing that looks like a grenade launcher actually heals people instead of blowing them to pieces. As she stands there in the rain, water sluicing off of her hood, loading the darts, trash cans crash and rattle behind her. When the white mage finally looks up, she finds the voluminous form of an oni towering over her, backlit briefly by a flash of lightning. Kyra's eyes widen and a squeal escapes her mouth as she drops the rifle (which dangles, because she wears a strap with it) and starts to reach for an ornate-looking pistol at her waist. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She's not able to draw her weapon fast enough, instead caught by a backhand from a tree trunk-sized arm that sends her flying out of the alley and into the side of a parked car.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Most of the spirits running around are relatively weak, and easily disrupted - even WITHOUT anti-spirit weapons or munitions, although those certainly make things easier. Kamaitachi are small-fry wind spirits, easily scattered on the breeze again; the bakeneko whom Reiji took out would have been more difficult if he hadn't gotten the drop on her (plus his expertise in dealing with unruly youkai).<br /><br />On the downside, the oni are starting to focus their efforts; a pack of five of them is heading towards a jewelry store for anime fans - magical-girl anime jewelry, tokusatsu henshin toys with extra bling, the kind of stuff that LOOKS valuable if you don't know it's mostly plastic underneath the metallic veneer. Others are just continuing to roam around and raise far too literal sorts of hell. And then there are all of those flying heads; a small pack of them converges, gibbers together briefly, then zooms off at Setsuko as if they were actively in an attack formation.<br /><br />(Hint: THEY ARE.)<br /><br />Down on the ground, a 'catgirl' who looks more like the spawn of a tiger and/or a jaguar than your typical housecat comes around a corner ... spots Reiji ... and *POUNCES* with a yowl that's equally probable to be happy or hungry. He might need help with this one!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:828|Geralt of Rivia (828)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One down. Geralt takes a moment to wipe some gore off his silver blade and ascertain the situation. Alright, so, these 'oni' are still wandering about, looting whatever they find. There's a group of five and, while no one appears to be in danger, someone's going to have to deal with that. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Someone like a professional monster hunter. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Geralt interposes himself between the five and the jewelry store. He's not protecting the merchandise per se, but rather the people who surely depend on it to make a living. He holds his silver sword in one hand, his body in a relaxed but ready stance. "So," Geralt says, "Any possibility you five might decide t'go back to wherever you came from? Not gonna ask again." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Still, one on five isn't good odds. He might need a hand.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:715|Kenji Kawasaki (715)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Weak is not really satisfying. It isn't doing anything for Kenji's anger. It isn't making him feel better about himself, it isn't letting him vent, it isn't letting him hit hard enough to get a really good impact off. They're just there. They're minor impediments. It actually pisses him off *even more* that nothing is putting up a real fight. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He continues towards the shrine, his fists, fire, and fury hammering against whatever gets in his way, and woe betide them all. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kojin, who has seen Kenji *angry* but never *in a blind fury*, worries from Kenji's chest. But there's not much he can do - he's not the driver, as he said, he's just the fuel.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:290|Rebecca Chambers (290)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By some luck, Rebecca just happens to be approaching the spot where the jewelry store is. Even with her shield up, she still has a small 'slot' which allows her to see in front of her. And while it's small, it still gives her a good view of what's in front of her. And there just happen to be some oni approaching. Even if they're demonic, that doesn't mean Rebecca's going to waste time looking for some kind of spiritual weapon. She's going for her Beretta, which she already loaded before her arrival.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She doesn't know Geralt or notice him right away, but he's not going to be alone for the time being. Rebecca's opening fire by popping out from behind her shield long enough to fire off a couple of shots.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a situation as bad as this one, there are so many things that COULD go wrong that it's impossible to address them all and stay sane. Kenji's fury is one that Reiji really, really wishes he didn't have to worry about. "Damnit," he mutters as the junior agent displays a worrisomely uncharacterstic disregard for his own safety. "I'm going to need eyes on him at all times," Reiji says to the ones still following him, his handgun targeting- and eliminating- another couple of Kamaitachi.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;His glance flickers briefly towards Konoe. How... does he explain this one, exactly? "It's not," Reiji explains, "In fact it's very illegal. Don't worry about it for now, I'll explain... later. For now, we need to keep making our way to the shrine. Stay close."<br /><br />Provided, that is, that the situation doesn't find a way to get even worse.<br /><br />Speaking of worse.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Most cats exhibit at least some amount of subtlety. Not this one, though. Reiji turns just as soon as the tiger, or jaguar, or WHATEVER she is leaps into that terrible pounce! "Tch. Shisa!?" Gold fires, but is quickly replaced, a blade exploding from its sheath with a blossom of flame. Reiji manages to catch the tiger's claws along Karin's edge, but even the strongest exorcist can't just overpower a tiger. "The hell is it doing in Akihabara?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ughhh." Kyra groans as she picks herself up and quickly dives on the other side of the car, fearing that the oni will follow her. She waits, her revolver-the Luna's Resolve-gripped in her hands. After a few seconds pass... <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nothing happens. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyra peeks over the hood of the car to see the oni walking off to join another group that are off to...rob a jewelry store? "Are we sure Lute isn't behind this?" Kyra asks no one in particular. Happy for the distraction, she trails behind the oni a few feet before calmly shooting the thing in the back. It's only one shot-one is hopefully all she needs because the Luna's Resolve actually shoots holy-aspected bullets that were custom made by Lloyd Irving.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:255|Setsuko Kaminagi (255)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fortunately, you caught Setsuko on a good day, Geralt. She can offer /two/.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;That's not always the case.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The demigod's hoverbike swerves overhead as a formation of spirits come at her, using the fact that they're chasing after her to lure them away from people for a good long while. Just as she comes to a stop in the air above Geralt, however, she brings the vehicle about and then stands her 'ground', waiting until the last second... and then taking a single slash through the whole formation at once.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She doesn't even wait a heartbeat after that before dropping ten feet down to the ground, which puts her right beside Geralt, Zanjintou in hand. "They probably believe you so laughably weak that they find your threats amusing. Unfortunate for them," she adds.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All Emiya SHirou can do is try to deal with the Oni by raining some 'sword arrows' down on them. They're Youkai, so he expects they can handle a few impalements through the gut! So if he misses... not that big a deal, hopefully.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;But before he does so, he fires a warning shot. A FROBERGE slams into the ground in front of the Oni pack from what's easily a kilometer away. Yeah, he's sniping from quite a ways up with that bow, somehow.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;If he didn't know how to Reinforce his muscles for the strength needed, and his vision for the sight range, that would be utterly impossible!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Either way, the pavement in front of them goes KABOOM most spectacularly and chunks of legendary sword roll along on the broken ground out of it, before dissipating.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yeah, that's a warning shot. That might knock them all on their collective asses.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel takes a moment focuses and summons her keyblade, the weapon takes shape in her hand. the weapon might feel a bit strange but it might be due to Deele's nature as living data. She's quick to take action aginst the spirits, she'll be making use of the weapon to just cut them down, and hopefully dispell them for now. There are Oni and Deelel's rampage across the spirits doesn't last for too long to dela with the Oni on the other hand? That's going to be a bit more of a handfull really from the looks of it. <br /><br /> She wheels about and starts bounding after the Oni calling out. <br /><br /> "Hey boys! You got Game?"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:774|Dorian Pavus (774)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With the sickle demons at least shoo'd away for the time being, Dorian again pauses to take stock of the situation. There's a lot going on in the air; unfortunately, aside from shooting fire or lightning randomly into the air, he doesn't have too many options to assist there. He does see something he can do something about though. Those very large, ugly giants. Well, he assumes they're giants. And someone he knows -- someone who actually did a favor for him not too long ago -- seems to be about to tangle with them.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He heads over in Geralt's direction, echoing something he said on the radio earlier. "We simply must stop meeting like this. It's hazardous to both of our health." He also greets Setsuko, though the situation rather prohibits much of an introduction aside from a pleasant nod. At least he's capable of keeping a smile in this situation, so he at least doesn't seem too unwelcoming.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Huh..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Konoe let it go. There was already more trouble than they could handle for dumb questions. "Okay." For now though, they should make their way to the shrine. But first... <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It must have come from the shrine." She surmised, drawing a few seals as the beast leapt upon Reiji. The man could handle himself, so she stepped aside to give him room. Rather than attack, she decided to support. "I'll try and capture it! Take it out!" A seal was slapped into the ground, producing a magic glyph onto the ground. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; SPIRIT SIGN - DUPLEX BARRIER <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A storm of seals erupted from the circle, forming a restrictive barrier to keep the shisa in place.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:606|Jimmy Wen (606)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jimmy opens the passenger door of the rental car and grabs a shoebox from the passenger seat, held closed with several judiciously applied rubber bands. Some research prior to coming here has given him an angle of attack. Most people in the past who tried to force Masakado into doing something have ended up with a sword in their gut. It's just as well, too, considering Jimmy's always been a honey before vinnegar kind of guy. All he has to do is get to the shrine with the others and talk some sense into the guy--treat him with the respect he feels he deserves. Or... take care of whatever's got him so pissed in the first place. That would prevent the necessity of dealing with him in the first place. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jimmy ducks into a nearby alleyway, then vaults onto a dumpster beside a one-story building. Standing on the edge of his toes, he places the shoebox on the roof of the building, then clumsily scrambles up and heaves himself over. Standing up, he dusts himself off and opens up the box. It's time to get some advice from the locals! Well, when one thinks of 'local...' <br /><br /><br /> The circle is drawn. Will is poured into it, sterilizing it, making it into a container. Jimmy begins shuffling his playing cards, a focus for the art of ectomancy. "Ancient enemy of the demigod Masakado! Your people have need of you, and this worthless outsider desires your counsel. I call to you in my time of need! Taira no Sadamori! Taira no Sadamori! Taira no Sadamori!"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>A *silver* sword? Geralt can almost hear the oni thinking about how shiny it looks - and they focus on him first, their impromptu leader wresting a lamppost out of the pavement for an improvised cudgel, raising it high to knock Geralt out and steal his shinies. Shirou's 'warning shot' puts a swift and decisive stop to that, though - the 'arrow' explodes less than a pace ahead of the temporary boss oni, and with a frenzied howl, the towering demon staggers back, lamppost crashing to the ground as he clutches at the spot between his legs.<br /><br />Yes, oni have dangly bits. Apparently a piece of dislodged pavement hit the oni in them.<br /><br />Setsuko's trap pays off in spades; the ghostly heads charge right in and are easily sliced out of the air with eerie shrieks, and then she and Becky form up next to Geralt, Kyra keeps the would-be robbers from getting any reinforcements, her shot causing the oni to collapse onto its face, hard enough to crack the sidewalk. If it's not dead, it's at least out of the fight.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Shisa bats her eyelids at Reiji, leaning harder into his sword. "But it's been so long, Arisu," she sort-of-whispers, seemingly paying no heed to the barrage of seals erupting around her. "When were you ever going to come back to Okinawa for --" Suddenly, Kenji's Divine Flamethrower lights her fur on fire, and she runs off screaming, bouncing into the wall Konoe set up and trying AGAIN to break through it. Looks like the interns are earning their pay ... that is, if Kenji's paycheck doesn't all go into replacing incinerated trees and whatnot.<br /><br />And Jimmy's incantation elicits a howl of spectral fury as the invoked ghost materializes. "<span style="color:cyan">Masakado ... that murderous lout who doesn't know his place!! WHAT HAS HE DONE NOW, THAT UPSTART!?</span>"<br /><br />And the ground shivers beneath everyone's feet .... just briefly, but if you're attentive, you'd probably notice it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyra quickly runs up to the collapsed oni as the revolver chambers the next round. Casually, she puts a foot on its back and kicks the oni a few times. If he's nonresponsive, she goes on ahead. If he's still conscious, Kyra will shoot him again. <br /> <br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Following that, she continues her sneaking along after the rowdy group of Oni looking to steal costume jewelry. As she gets closer, she picks up another oni to target, staying out of sight and hopefully our of range while she finds a good spot to load up her shot. There is a brief pause before she fires as the ground beneath her feet rumbles a little.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:828|Geralt of Rivia (828)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "You could say that," Geralt tells Dorian, spinning his sword in a lazy arc. To Setsuko, he says: "Well, might as well see if they want to leave. Don't fight more than you have to." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They're not leaving though, evidently, because one of them swings a lamppost at the Witcher. Geralt jumps over it, somersaulting, and lands on his feet. They're bigger than he is, stronger than he is, but Geralt has fought trolls and giants before. It's a simple thing to remain nimble and quick on his feet. After all, they might only need one blow to put him down. The silver sword flashes out and Geralt hacks through hamstrings and calves, aiming to cripple the Oni, before he finishes them off with a flourishing blow! <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Geralt grunts, drawing his sword out of an Oni. "Could use a drink," he asides to Dorian.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:290|Rebecca Chambers (290)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rebecca was originally focused on the oni, but something about the ground beneath her gets her attention. Sure it might be Tokyo, and there are earthquakes there, but something about this doesn't seem right. Call it a sixth sense, call it intuition, call it what you will. Something just doesn't seem right. Even if it is brief, it's still gotten Rebecca's attention.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Keeping an eye on the remaining Oni, Rebecca takes a moment to reload before going after the remaining ones again. She doedsn't respond to Geralt just right now, since she's not in the mood to criticize other people's actions, especially those who aren't Union.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:255|Setsuko Kaminagi (255)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That's my usual policy. It's not a very kind one, though," the swordswoman admits to Geralt. Dorian receives a simple, respectful nod. And then it's down to business.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There is little hesitation in Setsuko's demeanor. She can't utilize her divine power directly, and she can't use the full size of Zanjintou. So she has to get close. And that's exactly what she does, shifting a step or so to one side and then charging in. The demigod is careful to keep her speed within human limits - barely - but she still needs as much of the element of surprise as she can muster. With everyone descending on the oni at once, it shouldn't be hard; and when the opportunity to finish an ogre-like being in one stroke with a sword capable of cutting steel presents itself? You do whatever you can to take it.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;When you're a super secret government spook-and-exorcist, you begin to develop a long and sordid history of strange encounters and unusual rendezvous. Apparently this creature is one of Reiji's- but it doesn't exactly seem to be a particularly... happy reunion. Or rather, the happiness associated with it is rather one-sided. "This is really not the time," the exorcist growls, leaping back as a mixture of divine flame and spiritual binding makes short work of his... possibly amorous(?) assailant.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji huffs, coming up behind the tigress to press Chirai's flat against the back of her burning neck. Lightning should incapacitate her for at least a while. But...<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The ground begins to tremble. Reiji's brow furrows as a not unfamiliar spiritual pressure exerts itself upon the surrounding area. "Didn't like the feel of that," he murmurs. "Konoe, Kenji, nice work," Reiji says, moving again towards their destination, "Let's keep moving. The sooner we subdue Masakado, the sooner we can get this mess to resolve itself."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And the Oni are stunned. And confronted by pretty much EVERYONE!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Doesn't leave a lot more for Shirou to do over there, so instead he turns sharp eyes to scanning the streets. Here and there he fires off more arrows - swords, that is - which STAB HARD INTO THE GROUND in a rather scary way!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It is literally raining swords. Though most of them are minor swords, these DO bear enchantments against the supernatural and will sting pretty bad if they hurt.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It should serve to scatter the wind weasels and other troublemakers too!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:774|Dorian Pavus (774)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dorian can't help a bit of a wince at the oni's plight. It's reflexive. Very few men can stomach the sight of another man -- or, well ... in this case, 'male creature' -- taking a hit to the junk. He is, however, not affected enough to be unable to act. When all hell breaks loose around them, the first thing Dorian does is try to place a barrier around himself, Geralt, and Setsuko (and whomever else may be close enough to benefit from it).<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As Geralt and Setsuko spring into action, he backs up, to fling a few more fireballs from the serpentine dragons at the end of his staff, whenever it looks like there's space for one. Wouldn't do to cause /too/ much more collateral damage, after all. So he saves his bigger explosive spells, just in case. Besides, there are enough people on these creatures; he doesn't need to start blowing things up.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;And then Geralt mentions a drink! Dorian smirks. "Sounds good to me. We can see if there's a tavern still open afterwards." He looks in the direction everyone else seems to be heading. "If not, there's the Bar and Grill," he suggests.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;To Setsuko, "You're welcome to join us, of course."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel is getting an idea just how nuts things are here, and she wonders if this is a normal day on the job for Shinra? She's going to have to ask about it later now she's caught in the after effects of Shirou's workd and is pelted with wreckatge her a few bits cut her and deelel does not bleed. There's a strange blue glow from the wounds an she doesn't seem to happy. It's not really Shirou's fault however, really. she's now tracking the Oni that seem to be going here there and everywhere. She now takes to using the blunt side of the keyblade to smack the Oni. <br /><br /> "Are you really that glitched up?! Hey Xiaomu?! Are these things some kind of matter space virus?!" <br /><br /> She keeps working to dance about and get the Oni's attention. Maybe her glowing arm tattoos might get some notice here too as she attemps to deal with these guys.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:606|Jimmy Wen (606)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Now it's time for Jimmy to do what he does best: talk. "You mean you don't know? My lord, please forgive me for being the one to deliver such offending news to you." The wizard promptly takes a knee before the ghost, even though his will is holding Sadamori firmly within the bounds of the summoning circle. Let Sadamori think that he's in charge, and that his ideas are his own. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "It's not so much what he's done as what was done /to/ him. Masakado's shrine was profaned, and he has taken the lack of any clear and immediate culprit as proof that all of your people are to blame. One can always expect an undignified tantrum from an uncivilized brute. Some fool has provoked him, and he's raised an army to exact vengeance--demons from all corners of Hell are running wild, and I fear they won't stop until their furious master calls them off! My friends are on their way to do battle with him, but you of all people know a fight is exactly what he wants." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jimmy lets out a fake exasperated sigh, then looks up at Sadamori's ghost. "I bound you to this plane for counsel, because I'm truly at a loss, honored spirit. If only there were someone brave and noble enough to track down the wretched criminal who stirred up this beehive in the first place. Someone unbound by the bylaws of mortal existence... But where could we find such a hero?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Komoe nodded, letting the barrier dissipate. She could feel that pressure herself, and a frown adorned her face. "Yes. This nonsense can't continue." And she looked aside flatly. "If more people want to take youkai home like that other person..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A lot of morons were going to get eaten. Or maimed. Or maimed and eaten. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The cat sighed and pressed on after Reiji, catching up with him and procceding onward. "Why cause so much chaos within the city anyhow? Is Masakado trying to destroy everything?" The miko produced another set of seals and a few enchanted needles, keeping herself prepared just in case anything ELSE jumped out at them on their rush to the shrine. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I hope Kenji-san is okay..." Yes, he was on fire. That didn't look healthy. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ...Not that she had any room to talk about being on fire.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Subjected to a joint assault by Geralt, Becky, Setsuko, Dorian, and Deelel, with Shirou raining arrowswords from his vantage point, the oni are effectively dispersed. Granted, in at least one case, "dispersed" means that the particles comprising an oni's physical body are dispersing; the survivors are clearly looking for easier prey.<br /><br />The tide is turning, though - and the subtle temblor seems to have abated. Taira no Sadamori is looming over Jimmy Wen like a terrifying spectre. "<span style="color:cyan">I cannot pursue Masakado for you while hemmed in by this -</span>" The ghost kicks at the edge of the circle, but the barrier holds. "<span style="color:cyan">But I may seek action from authorities on the other side. If --</span>"<br /><br />"<span style="color:orange">SADAMORI!!!! AGAIN YOU PLAGUE ME?!</span>"<br /><br />Remember all those heads flying around? An especially fearsome and ferocious-looking one dives from the sky, icicles like a storm of arrows surrounding and following it, and the ghostly head of Taira no Masakado ... slams into the barrier of Jimmy's circle. That probably didn't do his mood any good, but Masakado gnashes his teeth at Sadamori before spinning to face Wen. "<span style="color:orange">Find me that fox and make a rug of her pelt, lest I do it myself!! Bad enough for me to be insulted so in life, but to be so disrespected in death is beyond any tolerance!!!</span>" Masakado pivots to glare at Sadamori again ...<br /><br />And then, with a howl that can only be classified as a bloodlust-filled battlecry, Masakado's spectral head goes rocketing off to the west of northern Akihabara. Reiji should know what's there; Kenji too, if he's thinking rationally at *all*.<br /><br />And for everyone else ... well, as if Masakado's howl was a beacon, EVERY youkai in the greater Tokyo metropolitan area seems to be homing in on the same point.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Well. That certainly was a hell of a yell.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reiji stops in his tracks, staring briefly up into the sky. His expression turns only slightly less pleasant. Or at least, it becomes noticably unpleasant, unlike his usual, unreadably stoic visage. "Right, change of plans," the exorcist mutters.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"You two," he gestures at the two interns-- and immediately begins moving west. "Follow me. He's going after one of his shrines. We need to intercept him before he can get there."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:290|Rebecca Chambers (290)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rebecca notices where all the youkai and things like that seem to be heading. Figuring something big must be happening there she moves in after them. She keeps her shield raised just as a precaution, as she knows nothing about what else could be waiting around the corner. But she's definitely ready if there is anything... hopefully!<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:255|Setsuko Kaminagi (255)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, that's more than a bit worrying.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Perhaps another time," Setsuko says to Dorian. "I have some duties to attend afterward." Then, she reaches into her pocket and taps on a small device there, a control that tells the hoverbike overhead to lower itself down. Though not a two-seater, there's at least room on it for one more if they don't mind not having a proper 'seat'; if Gerolt or Dorian want to jump on, they'll have a chance.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Either way, she's gonna wheel that hoverbike up into the air pretty soon, and head straight in the direction all the other spirits and youkai are going. It's hard to miss, really.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Coming!" Konoe answered quickly, bounding off after Reiji. They would need to move fast if they were going to intercept Masakado. Time was of the essence. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Which meant that the youkai that seemed to be all going in the same general direction were an annoyance and a distraction. Flaming ofuda and persuasion needles were tossed out to help keep the path clear enough of errant youkai and make the trip a straight shot through. Over cars, through underpasses, bounding down the streets. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She hoped they could make it on time. She didn't want to imagine what would happen otherwise.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel is dealing with the Oni and it seems they are done. She pauses as they seem to be turning to energy? How normal compared to other thing in this world. She now lowers her weapon for a moment it seems like they might have things mostly under control. She she's got an idea of what's going on now. She looks to the others now as they need to get going. <br /><br /> "All right lets go." <br /><br /> She pulls a rod out of a pocket, her blade vanishes in aburst of light. A moment later there's another thing forming a light jet takes shape and she's taking off to chase after him.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:606|Jimmy Wen (606)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Jimmy goes board-stiff as Masakado berates him. Yeah, he probably shouldn't have been talking shit about the guy, but a little grease goes a long way. As Masakado flies off, he conceals his inner mirth with a convincing frown. "Did you see the way he gnashed his teeth at you? Disrespectful. You know, I think you were right, lord Taira. Masakado is forgetful of his place." At that point, Jimmy drops the faithful servant routine and exerts his Will over the ghost, attempting to force Sadamori into doing his bidding. "You should go wait for him at his shrine. He's bound to return, and when he does, you can settle the score with him."<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Let's cut for a moment to the scene of the original problem - the Mound of Masakado's Head, in Omotesando, on the other side of Tokyo from Kanda and Akihabara.<br /><br />Xiaomu had the misfortune of being first on the scene to discover the desecration of the shrine, smelling it before she saw it. And that was just before all hell broke loose. Since then, Xiaomu has been hunkered down, occasionally darting to better cover as she shoots at various youkai who have homed in on her current hiding spot. As she confers with her allies on the radio, though, and hears how the situation is evolving elsewhere in the city, the sage fox is slowly coming to a particular conclusion: she can't just sit here and wait.<br /><br />Taira no Masakado is on a rampage that could well destroy Tokyo - if not physically wrecking the city, then at least uprooting everything about it that makes it a hotbed of human society. If Ouma was behind this, their scheme is well on its way to *working* - and Xiaomu happens to LIKE human society.<br /><br />The discussion on the radio turns to the subject of trying to make things right there at the head-mound. Xiaomu looks askance at the mess some fox left on the mound itself; Shinra's got a specialist team on the way, people who know how to re-sanctify the mound and clean the mess up without making things worse. Can she afford to keep waiting for them? ... Probably not, particularly given the bloodcurdling screech as Masakado rallies every single ghost and apparition that's surfaced since this crisis started.<br /><br />On the PLUS side, that takes the pressure off Xiaomu herself; she quickly walks over and kneels before the head-mound, keeping a tight grip on her monk-staff with her left hand. "Taira no Masakado, ancient warrior," she speaks softly but formally, "I do not know the fox who has desecrated this place of your honor. Should I find her, I shall hand her over to Lord Inari's judgment. Until then ..."<br /><br />She steels herself, reaches forward, and begins removing clumps of the fox's leavings, by hand for lack of a better tool, and setting them on the ground next to her - off the mound. "My comrades will soon arrive to properly cleanse your burial place," she continues. "I ask your patience just a little longer ..."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyra looks up after briskly hiding her gun underneath her hoodie. Sure, they /said/ she wouldn't get in trouble here if she was caught with a gun due to the current state of emergency but the punk white mage doesn't want to take any chances. Especially when she just busted a cap in the back of some mob-boss looking fellow. She's not eager to explain to a bunch of cops why she just did some kind of gangland hit. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As the youkai start to move, Kyra follows them, quickly joining up with the others. She seems to gravitate towards Shirou who has proved to be a respectable meat shiel-er, tank, previously.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:774|Dorian Pavus (774)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;They're moving to a different place now, and Dorian doesn't have his horse with him. He does, however, know of a way to get there. When all hell started breaking loose, people started leaving their vehicles behind, with the keys still in them. There's got to be one that's open enough for him to get into it.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"All right, let's see here..." he murmurs as he sets the staff in the floorboard on the passenger's side. He begins to assess the vehicle's controls. "Hmm... three pedals, a wheel, and lever. Can't be too hard to figure out."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...Famous last words.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel is making her way with the others to the next shrine. She doesn't like the smell at all and that's saying something given her experiance in materila space. She comes in for a landing, her craft vanishes in a burst of light and she's falling in to work with Xiaomu. She bows slightly to the spirit? The God? She's not sure but she's going to be respectful that' much is clear.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:828|Geralt of Rivia (828)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Hey, wait a second," comes a gruff voice from outside Dorian's car. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Geralt of Rivia pokes his head down, glancing in through the window, golden eyes alight in the darkness. "This thing's some kind of cart, I'll get in the back. You know what you're doin'?" <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And Geralt does exactly that, hopping into the backseats - somewhat awkwardly given his combination of physique, two swords and armor. Still, he manages it. "Go," he advises, although he has no idea how this thing is supposed to go. Where's the horse?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Thankfully for Shirou he's not as stuck on that rooftop as he looks. With all of the distance involved, not counting his height, he's got very few options here. Gulp.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Guess there's no choice... Trace on!" A spear forms in his grasp, but not just any. It's an AERODYNAMIC ROCKET SHOCKSPEAR. One of Vruasa's. He mounts the thing precariously and takes off with a PCHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yeah, BANG, ZOOM, off goes Shirou on a flying spear. Hanging on for dear life!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Right after the Youkai.<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>With a growing retinue of specters, apparitions, and assorted other Japanese things that go bump in the night, the floating ghostly head of Taira no Masakado is rapidly approaching Kanda Myojin Shrine, howling in the anticipation of triumph. Nothing, mortal or immortal, can stop him from reaching the shrine where he is honored as a guardian deity of the city of Tokyo; never mind that he's far from his appointed role as a guardian, Kanda Myojin is STILL a power base that he can capitalize upon.<br /><br />He doesn't count on the youkai that his activity stirred up actually getting in his way, though. Masakado keeps plowing forward, but the crowd of youkai and spirits is slowing him down regardless - and when Dorian figures out how to make a car move, if he can keep it on the road and not play bumpercars with other abandoned vehicles? He's going to make pretty good time. Nowhere near as good as Shirou, mind you - the young swordmage is probably going to be the very first mortal (or near-mortal) arrival at the shrine. Kanda Myojin is a pretty small place, tucked away where you have to know it's THERE to find it on foot, but the flocking spirits make a really good landmark.<br /><br />There's one other being who doesn't have to put up with the restrictions of mortal ground-traffic, too: Taira no Sadamori, unleashed by Jimmy Wen's conjuration and manipulation, makes a beeline for Kanda Myojin, bulling through spirits even more brusquely than Masakado himself - not in time to stop Masakado's arrival, but no sooner does Sadamori cross the shrine's perimeter than Masakado lets out a roar of utter fury ...<br /><br />And the ancient ghost starts to manifest the rest of a body for himself, seemingly drawing shape, armor, and swords right out of the ground of the shrine.<br /><br />It's not exactly 'materializing,' mind you: Masakado is still a ghost, and it would take a LOT more power for him to become corporeal again. But he looks much as he did in life now, clad in full samurai armor, drawing his katana as he snarls at Sadamori, "<span style="color:orange">Once again you stand in my way ... and this time, I will take your head for the affront!</span>"<br /><br />Sadamori - who was at least a 'full-body' ghost, not just a head - responds by armoring up and drawing one of his swords. "<span style="color:cyan">Wrong, Masakado! It is time to expunge the stain you left on the Taira clan, once and for all!</span>"<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:774|Dorian Pavus (774)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The question of does he know what he's doing gets Dorian to reply cheerily, "Not a clue, I'm afraid. But I'm sure it can't be that hard." He /has/ watched some television, so he knows there's a key to turn. He does... and nothing happens. "Hmm..." Wait that's right. The pedals. Which one? He always saw the right one be stepped on. So he turns the key again, pushing the right pedal. "Ah! There we go," he proclaims as the car starts.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"All right." A look back at Geralt. "You may want to use those convenient belts they have back there to strap yourself in. I'm told they'll keep you safe." Yes he's arrogant, but he's willing to admit he doesn't know everything when someone else's life may be in danger.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;...This is likely to be an unpleasant ride. Geralt may later thank whatever gods or spirits he venerates that this car isn't a stickshift. Dorian will follow the youkai to the shrine, and will indeed get both himself and Geralt there in one piece, though the car will require a little body work. A little Bondo and buffing and it should be fine, right?<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Actually no. When Dorian does finally get to the shrine, the front bumper is hanging loose, the back bumper is missing entirely, the trunk is open, the paint has been scraped on both sides, and both headlights and taillights are broken.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;HEY EVERYBODY'S ALIVE AND THAT'S WHAT MATTERS! Also they're there.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dorian gets out of the car, bringing his staff with him. Then he surveys the damage to the car. "...Well that could have gone better," he mutters. A mild understatement. Though to his credit, he didn't cause too much damage for having never even seen the driver's side of a car in real life before. When Geralt gets out, he'll add, "But we're here, and not dead! So that's something."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Then he looks up at the ghosts. Now what?<br> <br><br />
<br />
:'''{{#var:255|Setsuko Kaminagi (255)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A mad dash towards a shrine... only to come to a stop just as she arrives. Setsuko is fine with this, mostly for the reason why; she will be able to witness a warrior god doing battle. As a half-deity whose divine side is aspected to war, and whose human side is a lifelong soldier, it's something she's quite content to spectate.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;However, things could get out of hand. So, with a simple hop, she jumps off her hoverbike and plants herself on the ground, one hand on Zanjintou and ready to draw. If she has to exert herself to contain the fight, she will. But otherwise, it's not her duel.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:828|Geralt of Rivia (828)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Geralt frowns at Dorian, obviously expecting him to know how to handle this mechanical horse-less cart. He looks at the belts and fiddles with them for a moment, managing to strap himself in. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Which, really, is a good thing. Geralt's not sure what a good driver is like but he also really has no idea what a bad one is - maybe Dorian is just the standard? He bangs his head at least once and swears under his breath. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Geralt steps out of the car, one hand on the swords at his back. He glances at the car, then at Dorian. He grunts out, "Yeah, good handlin'," he says. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I've got a few bombs that can work on ghosts, a few signs. What've you got?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shirou comes to a screeching, hoppingg, shakey halt near the shrine. ... meaning, he goes tumbling across some grass and is lucky to have landed in any at all. He rattles, rolls, and bounces. The boy REALLY has to work on those landings! The only reason he's not getting killed from them is a bit of magic in his favor. "Arghkch... I really need to practice using that thing..."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This gives him a prime opportunity to get a load of the ghost duel as it starts up.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cue his eyes going hella wide. This isn't what he was expecting to see!<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyra cannot keep up with a TIME ROCKET SPEAR. Her hand strays to the Summon Matrix strapped to her belt, though bringing a chocobo into the world would be 'breaking the Masquerade' and-"Screw it." she mutters to herself. "If people get to fly around and summon ghosts-" she turns the dial on the egg-timer-looking device and seconds later, a yellow-feathered chocobo pops into existance next to her with a spray of green sparkles. <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A bit of chocobo-riding later, she manages to get ahead of the wave of incoming demons and arrive just as the two ghosts are squaring up against each other. Kyra looks contemplative and hops off of her temporary transportation, which disappears seconds later. As the rest of the demons catch up to them, she grins. "Alright folks, looks like we're about to have a serious rumble in a few seconds! Who wants to place bets?" Kyra pulls out her mPad, ready to record some bookkeeping.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Even while on-foot, Reiji Arisu is apparently capable of making some pretty damn good time. Years of practice in keeping up with spirits of all kinds have made him remarkably swift in his own right. Unfortunately, it's not quite quick enough to make it to Kanda Myoujin before Masakado and his eternal archrival begin setting up to turn the temple into a battlefield between two terribly dangerous ghosts.<br /><br />But there's presently a slightly more pressing threat to the city- that of a veritable horde of evil spirits encircling the shrine.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This is just the symptom of a much larger problem, of course. But Masakado is presently contained, and he can give the so-called Guardian God of Tokyo a piece of his mind after they've arrested and/or pacified the youkai. Reiji descends into the horde like a man possessed, Karin exploding from its sheath in a plume of heat and fire.<br /><br />And if the ghosts are still going even after he and whoever else is helping out have done Masakado's job for him, THEN there will be a hell of a reckoning.<br /><br />For now, Reiji Arisu has different sorts of monsters to mash.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Konoe had no vehicles or ROCKET SPEARS, but...she was from Gensokyo. She didn't need those things. Without any incantations or preparations, the cat just lifted right into the air and proceeded to FLY through the city streets above, avoiding the crowding youkai above and picking off any aerial annoyances on the way. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Even she doesn't make it in time to stop Masakado from reaching the shrine, but from her vantage point, she can see that another ghost was holding him off. A duel? ...Well, far be it for her to interrupt a duel between SWORN ENEMIES. So instead, Konoe decided to set her focus on the more immediately pressing task at hand. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The swarming youkai. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They couldn't gain entrance to the shrine, but nonetheless, as long as she was an agent of Shinra, clearing them out was also a priority. Right? ...Maybe. Whatever! Drawing an ofuda, the miko set it ablaze, burning it up and drawing on the spiritual power contained within. <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; UNKNOWN RELIC - FLAME SANCTIFIER ORB <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A flaming ying yang orb formed above her opened palm, raised in the sky. It grew larger and larger, until it was quite huge. Like a massive spiritual bomb. And then she hurled it down below, aiming to scatter the youkai ahead of Reiji.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel is looking at the spirits she knows things are strange here to her. She knows some of them are not inately hostile or bad so she'll give them their due. After all the locals have a Shine for some of them so there is something to that ot so she feels. Then the other rrives and the pair are about to have a show down it seems. She tenses up a little bit and starts to fall in as she looks at the hordes of Youkai she redies her keyblade which is a weapon of light and a fairly strong one too. <br /><br /> She start to focus and chant casing a haste spell on her allies which should speed up and help them in this pending fight should they need it. She's going to leave the two to their duel she's not the sort to crash that, she gets that much about the culture here.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:707|Xiaomu (707)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Picking off swarming youkai is a good idea; it makes sure that any who don't choose to remain a captive audience aren't going to get the chance to go back to raising hell (in variously literal shades) once the show is over.<br /><br />As for the duel itself ... it's the first time in centuries that anyone has had a chance to see real samurai (even ghosts) fighting. It's not quite as rigid as a kendo match; while ghosts can recover from damage to their bodies, it takes time and effort - and neither Masakado nor Sadamori are going to allow each other the time or focus required; furthermore, they both know it. The two ghostly samurai battle back and forth across the shrine grounds, going from single- to dual-wielding as their battle progresses, too focused on each other to do much in the way of collateral damage (which is likely just as well) - until finally, Masakado manages to stab Sadamori in the leg, ripping his blade out in such a way as to sever a spectral hamstring, leaving Sadamori on one knee.<br /><br />The next thing to be cut through is Sadamori's neck, and Masakado follows that up by kicking the now-headless body over while Sadamori's spectral noggin rolls and bounces to a halt.<br /><br />"<span style="color:cyan">Damn you, Masakado - !!!</span>" are Sadamori's last words before his ghost disintegrates. Masakado, for his part, simply sheathes his blades and sits down on the ground, arranging his legs underneath him seiza-style. He looks around at the mortals (and near-mortals) who came to Tokyo; the youkai are thinning out even faster now.<br /><br />"<span style="color:orange">So. Tokyo has changed much since I last awoke to take notice ...</span>" His gaze rests in particular on Konoe, Geralt, Deelel, and Dorian, with a curious glance at Shirou. "<span style="color:orange">Interesting. Perhaps conquering Japan again will be worth the effort someday.</span>"<br /><br />He turns to look towards the southwest. "<span style="color:orange">But not today. Sadamori lies defeated, the desecration of my head's resting place is being rectified ... Some of you, I should love to fight myself. Not today, though.</span>"<br /><br />The look that he sweeps across each of you is partly a smirk, partly a sneer, and partly a genuine smile of appreciation. "<span style="color:orange">Brave warriors, all of you. I think we shall meet again - perhaps not as enemies.</span>"<br /><br />If one of the exorcism specialists tries to lay Masakado's spirit back to rest at the end of that speech, there's basically no resistance. Otherwise, he just fades back into the aether and stops being visibly present - and by the time he's fully vanished, so have the youkai who'd been stirred up.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:255|Setsuko Kaminagi (255)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I would not be displeased to fight alongside you, Masakado," Setsuko replies, lowering her hand from her blade's grip. "May it be a battle we can both take pride in."<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With that much dealt with, she turns to step away, taking a quick hop upward to mount her hoverbike again.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;She'll help with the mop-up, if need be, and deal with any youkai or spirits still hanging around the city.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:774|Dorian Pavus (774)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"I have magic," Dorian responds to Geralt's question regarding what he can bring to the battle. "Here, you'll need this." A blue-white glow forms in the palm of his left hand, and he makes a sweeping motion with that arm. A blue-white magical circle appears one the ground under both Geralt and Dorian for a moment, and Geralt might find himself covered by the same Barrier spell as before.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Picking off youkai? Good idea. While the two more powerful ghosts fight, the Tevinter mage does exactly that. If Geralt does the same, Dorian will move to support him along the way-- Geralt can engage a youkai and have Dorian whittle it down with fireballs, or Dorian could freeze a youkai in place and let Geralt carve it up. Heck, if it comes down to it and a youkai goes melee range to Dorian? It will likely get bludgeoned!<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The numbers of youkai will probably thin out by the end of the battle enough that Dorian can afford to turn and see what's going on with the two ghosts. It so happens that he turns just in time to catch the end of the ghost's battle, and sees Masakado's ghost behead the other. Can a ghost even die? Well, something like a spirit of the Fade, they'll probably just go back to wherever they came from.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well, once it's all said and done, Dorian listens to Masakado's words. He nods, and then bows politely and respectfully. "Rest well, great spirit." Once Masakado disappears, he sighs. "What a day..."<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:626|Kyra Hyral (626)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Curses. Kyra's plan to extort money from demons has failed. Clearly this sort of thing must only work in Shin Megami Tensei Japan. She looks forlorn, especially as she goes unacknowledged by either ghost. "Hashtag healer problems." she mutters, nonethless sticking around to help with the cleanup of Akihabara.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Well that was anticlimactic. But that's GOOD by Shirou's standards. No more people will get endangered. As the ghosts fade out, he gravitates over towards Kyra. "Hash-what?" Seems he might've heard her, if only barely. "These kinds of things just keep happening. Are you alright?"<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:705|Reiji Arisu (705)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fortunately, Reiji is agile enough to avoid being caught up in Konoe's rather tremendous firebomb. He does, however, use the ensuing explosion to leap deep into another cluster of youkai. By the time he's done, there's... Not really all that much left, to be honest. With pretty much everyone else pitching in, the work isn't all that difficult to handle.<br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Soon enough, all that's left are the ghosts- and even they don't dwell for too long. Reiji grunts as Masakado triumphs over his hated rival, sliding his own blades back into their sheathes. "That could have gone worse," he mutters, taking a moment to empty his handgun's slide. "Konoe, everyone, nice work. All that's left now is the cleanup."<br /><br />...And the inevitable mountain of paperwork.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:847|Konoe Kanno (847)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Konoe watched from her position in the sky, looking between the end of the duel and the cleanup of the youkai below. Both seemed to have gone without any further trouble, thankfully. Once it was confirmed that it was over, the cat descended from the air, landing nearby Reiji. "...It could have been much worse." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; She looked around, noticing the mess, now that the adrenaline was fading away. "...Cleanup..." <br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Her ears flattened against her head and she narrowed her eyes.<br> <br><br />
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:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Deelel takes a moment to listen to the spirit? Or is it a god? She's not sure which but the battle seems to waining now as she starts to make use of her keyblade now the weapomn swings well enough and it's got a lot of mass going, which Deelel seems pretty apt to make use ot the weapon. IT's blade slices through the air as unlike most keyblades the duel disc has a actual cutting edge to it. <br /><br /> Then it comes to an end and she bows after banishing her weapon. <br /><br /> "Thank you and I hope so as well."<br> <br><br />
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}}</div>Shachihoko