Mission 111: "Songs Within The Tunnels"

[srwu_mods]

wyverncakes 10:17 am
(10:17:32 AM): Today, a Unity Group team (meaning you guys) is making yet another call to South America.
(10:18:20 AM): Thanks to the help of that ancient lady found during the last battle against the Ebon Court, another of the artifacts the Court was after had been located!
(10:19:13 AM): In fact, a regional archeological group had already been able to recover it and the plan had been to just go and bargain for it being handed over for security reasons.
VJockey 10:20 am
(10:20:22 AM): "Should be getting a warrant to get it from OSI some time soon..."
wyverncakes 10:20 am
(10:20:36 AM): Yeah, about that Calvin?
(10:21:02 AM): A message comes in from the OSI, terse as it is depressing.
(10:21:20 AM): "Permission denied."
VJockey 10:21 am
(10:21:25 AM): "............................"
wyverncakes 10:21 am
(10:21:35 AM): So...
(10:22:15 AM): Anticlimactic as it is, mission failed?
arachnion01@gmail.com 10:22 am
(10:22:55 AM): Jen: "...This still counts as a deployment for bonus pay, right?"
wyverncakes 10:22 am
(10:22:57 AM): Of course the shuttle still needs to refuel, and at the very least this is a chance to see the sights for however long that'll take.
tengusaur 10:23 am
(10:23:10 AM): Roger: "Do you think it would be possible to make them reconsider?" He is a negotiator, after all.
VJockey 10:23 am
(10:23:30 AM): [Calvin was just glaring daggers at the message.]
cubey@aol.pl 10:23 am
(10:23:34 AM): Sielje: "... OSI?" Another unfamiliar term.
VJockey 10:24 am
(10:24:00 AM): "I swear to god I will burn down the office and just take a goddamn dump at what's left of your desk you old-"
wyverncakes 10:24 am
(10:24:03 AM): Stare as you might, Calvin... the message does not change.
(10:24:11 AM): But... suddenly a second one comes in.
arachnion01@gmail.com 10:24 am
(10:24:24 AM): Jen: "Oh, it's Calvin's bosses. An investigative unit. Police, basically."
VJockey 10:24 am
(10:24:40 AM): [Calvin takes a hateful breath and sighs. What else could he have gotten?]
Atrament Corel 10:24 am
(10:24:44 AM): Elys: "Special police. But yes."
wyverncakes 10:24 am
(10:24:58 AM): This one's from the OSI's man in the field as it were, the guy who'd helped clue you in regarding the mine incident.
(10:25:04 AM): This message?
(10:25:19 AM): "-Please tell me you got the Artifact."
VJockey 10:25 am
(10:25:28 AM): "...."
(10:26:03 AM): "-Can't. Holstein kept us from getting a warrant to pull it from the Archaeology Group. Why?-"
wyverncakes 10:26 am
(10:26:09 AM): "I'm kinda praying you are because it's down to the wire."
(10:26:25 AM): "Couldn't drop a line until just now but for the love of god PLEASE tell me..."
(10:26:33 AM): A handful of images come in
wyverncakes 10:27 am
(10:27:00 AM): Snapshots taken from a small, spy camera, of locations that look immediately recognizable.
(10:27:13 AM): ... Of the city you're all in. At around this point in time.
(10:27:32 AM): And with a group that is heading towards the archaeology group's headquarters, being led by...
(10:27:37 AM): http://i1282.photobucket.com/albums/a526/V-Jockey/Character%20Icons/Lagardia_zps3151af91.jpg
(10:27:43 AM): Lagardia.
VJockey 10:27 am
(10:27:46 AM): "..................................."
(10:28:04 AM): "Well. Shit."
tengusaur 10:28 am
(10:28:06 AM): Roger: "...Looks like any negotiations would have to wait."
Atrament Corel 10:28 am
(10:28:41 AM): Elys: "I take it it's time to move."
wyverncakes 10:29 am
(10:29:07 AM): "Feels really rotten, and barging in through the front door might not work well. But here, if it's any help-"
(10:29:44 AM): Accompanying the message was a series of maps to the city. Not just the aboveground, but also underground tunnels. Big ones.
(10:30:04 AM): Ones that led to the headquarters no less.
VJockey 10:30 am
(10:30:38 AM): "Tunnel network right into the HQ..."
(10:30:56 AM): "A bit too convenient but I'll take whatever we can get."
VJockey 10:31 am
(10:31:14 AM): "We'd better get moving quick."
arachnion01@gmail.com 10:31 am
(10:31:53 AM): "Anywhere we could fortify in there?" Jen starts going through Cethlenn's boot sequence.
cubey@aol.pl 10:32 am
(10:32:24 AM): Sielje: "Ancient tunnels dug right under buildings? Who uses those?"
wyverncakes 10:32 am
(10:32:37 AM): You're about to find out, Sielje!
tengusaur 10:32 am
(10:32:39 AM): Roger: "I don't think we'll have the time for fortifying. Big O, it's showtime!"
Atrament Corel 10:33 am
(10:33:10 AM): Elys: "I'd normally be opposed to this, but there's no other choice."
Atrament Corel 10:33 am
(10:33:35 AM): Amagahara stands as well.
wyverncakes 10:34 am
(10:34:25 AM): It takes a little bit of finesse, but a tunnel's found near the outskirts of the city, unoccupied and unwatched for you to enter through.
wyverncakes 10:37 am
(10:37:12 AM): And then you're in the darkness, moving towards the headquarters. Service lights can be seen off in the distance, but in the outskirts regions there's not much to say about this. The going's quick enough though.
(10:37:59 AM): But then as you near the lights, rounding a bend, you suddenly see...
tengusaur 10:38 am
(10:38:20 AM): Roger: "Such familiar territory. I didn't expect to move in such environments outside Paradigm City again."
wyverncakes 10:39 am
(10:39:16 AM): ... What clearly shouldn't be here. Someone has been using these tunnels quite extensively... even expanding on them.
(10:39:24 AM): Turning them into an entire massive underground base!
cubey@aol.pl 10:39 am
(10:39:51 AM): The Knight's Arm looks around while peeking from behind the corridor's corner, curiously.
Atrament Corel 10:39 am
(10:39:55 AM): Elys: "Someone's been hard at work..."
wyverncakes 10:40 am
(10:40:10 AM): Tanks, jeeps, helicoptors, personnell running everywhere... and big, bold, red insignias being displayed everywhere!
VJockey 10:40 am
(10:40:15 AM): "...Explains why that bunch was walking around in the open and-"
(10:40:19 AM): "......"
wyverncakes 10:40 am
(10:40:20 AM): Even a recognizable mook design from the battle in the mines...
(10:40:37 AM): (Zer Blitzwaffe: http://s1282.photobucket.com/user/V-Jockey/media/sample_8d65dcb3b226d65410cf4925d332e865cbe9342b_zpsda0cc0cc.jpg.html)
tengusaur 10:41 am
(10:41:22 AM): Roger: "...How long have they been planning this attack?"
VJockey 10:41 am
(10:41:38 AM): "...What."
(10:42:26 AM): [Okay, he could get an incidental armor appearance and suspiciously historically reanacting jenices.]
(10:42:30 AM): [But THIS?]
(10:42:41 AM): "They're Nazis. They're actually Nazis."
cubey@aol.pl 10:42 am
(10:42:51 AM): Sielje: "..."
VJockey 10:42 am
(10:42:53 AM): "Those guys are working with FUCKING NAZIS"
cubey@aol.pl 10:42 am
(10:42:56 AM): Sielje: "Who?"
arachnion01@gmail.com 10:42 am
(10:42:58 AM): Jen: "...Um...?"
wyverncakes 10:43 am
(10:43:18 AM): Careful Calvin.
wyverncakes 10:44 am
(10:44:20 AM): A whirring noise and suddenly stone shifts not even fifty feet away from you all, a slew of figures walking out. Some dressed in line with the personnell off in the distance, armed with rifles and providing escort...
(10:44:25 AM): But others were being escorted.
Atrament Corel 10:44 am
(10:44:28 AM): Elys is equally confused here. She's paying more attention to what's going on though...
wyverncakes 10:44 am
(10:44:53 AM): Lagardia was present still, along with the rest of her court... the lot of them already in their transformed state save for Lagardia herself.
VJockey 10:44 am
(10:44:56 AM): "!!"
wyverncakes 10:45 am
(10:45:47 AM): Lagardia: "-I didn't come here to see a tour of your operations nor to hear you thank us for all of our help."
wyverncakes 10:46 am
(10:46:24 AM): (For the record you're not detected yet)
VJockey 10:46 am
(10:46:36 AM): "They haven't seen us yet. Stay low."
wyverncakes 10:47 am
(10:47:01 AM): "I came for two reasons. First, because you said you found one of the keys I need. And second of all my friend-"
wyverncakes 10:48 am
(10:48:44 AM): The Notzi in charge cuts her off. "Yes, yes! And Scylla und Charybdis has delivered on both fronts! But first we had need to SHOW you the strength you have lent us in return for our assistance... to show the fruits of your labors towards us!"
(10:49:05 AM): Lagardia is not amused and simply gives him a cold stare.
(10:50:33 AM): S&C commander: "... Yes-yes... pardons, Melancholy Emerald! The key is stored safely here, while your other concern is being kept safely in a sub-level!"
wyverncakes 10:51 am
(10:51:33 AM): Lagardia pauses, not answering immediately. But... "Avishai, take the others to check out this sub-level. I'll see to the key myself."
(10:51:51 AM): The large blue figure nods slowly. "Very well then."
(10:52:52 AM): The group splits off, the bulk of the court traveling down another service elevator and then down some stairs, and then winding around more military hardware until they are fully out of sight.
(10:53:04 AM): But as for Lagardia and the bulk of the S&C men...
wyverncakes 10:53 am
(10:53:45 AM): They travel to the very center of the massive underground hangar. Keys are put into consoles and fingerprints are scanned and then finally...
VJockey 10:55 am
(10:55:02 AM): [Wait.... no... they couldn't possibly be this lucky...]
wyverncakes 10:55 am
(10:55:19 AM): ... A pedestal rises up. Immediately Lagardia moves forward, and the top opens up to reveal -with some squinting on your end- a twisted, curved, rusting dagger.
(10:55:33 AM): Lagardia: "You actually did it."
wyverncakes 10:55 am
(10:55:46 AM): Voice hushed, she just stares at it.
(10:56:21 AM): "You actually did your job and got it. And those... Unity Group fools are entirely in the dark about it!"
(10:56:25 AM): (Or are you?)
(10:56:35 AM): (Free action time for anyone up for it)
VJockey 10:56 am
(10:56:47 AM): "Jen. Think you can grab it?"
arachnion01@gmail.com 10:57 am
(10:57:17 AM): "I can try it. Just say when."
cubey@aol.pl 10:58 am
(10:58:00 AM): Sielje: "What are you going to do?" She asks in a conspirational, very loud whisper. Good thing only the other UG people can hear her...
VJockey 10:58 am
(10:58:39 AM): "I'm going to make a distraction." *Calvin's going to take careful aim at some machinery at the other end of the Hangar... and fire a single round with his rifle!+
(10:58:42 AM): "Now! GO!"
tengusaur 10:59 am
(10:59:12 AM): Roger: "Be cautious."
wyverncakes 10:59 am
(10:59:44 AM): The loud ringing of the shot suddenly turns the entire facility on high alert.
arachnion01@gmail.com 10:59 am
(10:59:46 AM): *With that, Cethlenn breaks from cover and dashes straight towards the dagger. Smash and grab, go.+
wyverncakes 10:59 am
(10:59:55 AM): German efficiency for you.
wyverncakes 11:00 am
(11:00:28 AM): And excessive, militaristic German dialogue being shouted by pretty much everyone on the scene-
Atrament Corel 11:00 am
(11:00:31 AM): Elys: "The rest of us should be getting ready."
wyverncakes 11:00 am
(11:00:39 AM): Lagardia: "What- How did-?!?!"
(11:01:38 AM): ... But with everyone's attention turned in the wrong direction... the Cethlenn snatches the key right out from Lagardia and co.'s nose.
(11:01:47 AM): "...!!!"
(11:02:14 AM): [Jen] In a flash, Lagardia transforms into her green and black battle state, swords flashing with blinding speed straight!
(11:02:16 AM): (React: Jen)
VJockey 11:02 am
(11:02:24 AM): #Jen?
wyverncakes 11:02 am
(11:02:37 AM): (You guys have your own problems unfortunately, because...)
(11:03:32 AM): [Everyone else] The S&C forces aren't dumb, and they quickly trace back the general direction of where she came from to find you... Blitzwaffe mooks activating to open fire in your direction!
cubey@aol.pl 11:03 am
(11:03:33 AM): # Jen
wyverncakes 11:03 am
(11:03:39 AM): (React: everyone else)
cubey@aol.pl 11:04 am
(11:04:02 AM): Sielje: "Hold it!"
(11:04:25 AM): Sielje: "I am the knight Siel... ahh!"
tengusaur 11:04 am
(11:04:36 AM): Roger: "Looks like we've been spotted." Big O raises its heavily armored arms to intercept the incoming gunfire. +
cubey@aol.pl 11:04 am
(11:04:45 AM): *There comes the rain of bullets. Sielje moves her cloak with a swoosh to try to intercept them,+
VJockey 11:04 am
(11:04:51 AM): *Calvin was quickly going to raise his Custom Genoace's meagre shield and try to fend off as many shots as he can while he tries to find a better spot not to get shot at!+
wyverncakes 11:04 am
(11:04:52 AM): (If you can do it while also dealing with the mooks firing on you all as well. Calvin, changed my mind. If you can act in a way addressing both, you're good for it too.)
arachnion01@gmail.com 11:05 am
(11:05:24 AM): *Jen: "Surprise." She dives over Lagardia's oncoming attack, moving so those swords will slice through air just below her chest. One of the grappling guns on Cethlenn re-orients itself and fires to the rear, pulling Cethlenn up towards the ceiling and getting her up out of melee.+
VJockey 11:05 am
(11:05:32 AM): *That being said however he was going to try fire a flare right at Lagardia's face!
tengusaur 11:05 am
(11:05:33 AM): Roger: "What have you told the local archeological society to buy their cooperation? Are they aware of who exactly they're working with?"
cubey@aol.pl 11:05 am
(11:05:56 AM): Sielje: "Who are they working with? Who are Nazis?"
(11:06:05 AM): (Too busy defending for now)
Atrament Corel 11:06 am
(11:06:39 AM): Elys: "Here they come..." *No place for the long sword. Amagahara draws two blades that are shorter and twirls them to try to deflect the incoming shots.+
wyverncakes 11:07 am
(11:07:50 AM): Lagardia: "No... you're not getting away! Not with what belongs to me!"
(11:09:13 AM): [Roger, Sielje, Calvin, and Elys] Fortunately Big O's size and arm shields soak up the worst of the damage with little wear to show for it, making things more barable for the rest of you.
(11:09:19 AM): But Jen...
wyverncakes 11:11 am
(11:11:01 AM): [Jen] You narrowly escape Lagardia's attack and zip up into the air, but doing so also gives you a vantage point to see that you're not the only one hanging from the roof.
(11:11:06 AM): Err, ceiling, whatever.
(11:11:54 AM): Crawling creatures are coming out of the shadows, growling at you as they cling upside-down to the top.
(11:12:05 AM): (Watchers: http://safebooru.org/index.php?page=post&s=view&id=1348531)
(11:12:18 AM): And more enemies are emerging as well, not all of them human
arachnion01@gmail.com 11:12 am
(11:12:45 AM): Jen: "....nice doggies..."
wyverncakes 11:12 am
(11:12:46 AM): (Enemies: Lagardia, Zer Blitzwaffe x 8, Ash Hunter x 2, Blade Hunter x 2, Watchers x 3)
wyverncakes 11:13 am
(11:13:04 AM): (Initiative: Calvin, Sielje, Roger, Jen, Elys)
cubey@aol.pl 11:13 am
(11:13:04 AM): Sielje: "Beasts!"
VJockey 11:13 am
(11:13:18 AM): "Pretty much!"
wyverncakes 11:13 am
(11:13:22 AM): (Ash Hunter: http://safebooru.org/index.php?page=post&s=view&id=92807)
(11:13:34 AM): Err
(11:13:44 AM): (Bladehound, not blade hunter)
(11:13:51 AM): (Bladehound: http://danbooru.donmai.us/posts/251330?tags=monster+original)
(11:14:00 AM): (Calvin, Sielje go)
(11:14:13 AM): As for your question Roger...
(11:14:36 AM): S&C: "You think we 'bought' the cooperation of this archaeology group, do you?"
(11:14:39 AM): "How little you know!"
wyverncakes 11:15 am
(11:15:04 AM): "Scylla und Charybdis has many faces, just like the great serpent of our namesake!"
(11:15:55 AM): "Each has its place and its use, to gather power so we may one day rise again!"
VJockey 11:15 am
(11:15:58 AM): *Calvin was going to take careful aim with his rifle and fire at one of the Watchers up on the ceiling! Last thing anyone needed was one of those dropping down on them while they had to deal with everyone on the ground!+
wyverncakes 11:16 am
(11:16:33 AM): "To be a world power! To not have to hide underground in metro tunnels and try to steal diamonds off of ski resorts!"
cubey@aol.pl 11:16 am
(11:16:44 AM): Sielje: "..."
(11:16:54 AM): Sielje: "Who are you? What are Nazis, again?"
wyverncakes 11:16 am
(11:16:59 AM): Lagardia: "Donot flatter yourself, you let them take the key!"
wyverncakes 11:18 am
(11:18:18 AM): [Calvin] Fortunately for Jen, one precise shot manages to blast apart the Watcher closest to you, its form falling, falling, and falling aaaaaaall the way to the ground, where it landed in the most unpretty of ways.
cubey@aol.pl 11:18 am
(11:18:28 AM): *The Arm runs forward, gaining momentum for a quick leap upwards - the sword slashing in a half circle as the whole unit moves as one, trying to slice across the Watcher closest to Jen.+
wyverncakes 11:18 am
(11:18:59 AM): (Roger, Jen, and Ely can go)
Atrament Corel 11:19 am
(11:19:12 AM): Elys: "It's a long story, Sielje. Let's just say they're not good people."
tengusaur 11:19 am
(11:19:21 AM): Roger: "You want to rise to power through conquest and terror. I can't let you do that. I'm afraid you can't have the key!"
wyverncakes 11:20 am
(11:20:22 AM): [Sielje] Your quick jumping slash cleaves through another of the Watchers, but as you do that there is a loud, tinny howl behind you... one of the Bladehounds moving in to charge and slash at you with a claw!
(11:20:25 AM): (React: Sielje)
Atrament Corel 11:20 am
(11:20:43 AM): #Sielje, combined with action if that's okay
wyverncakes 11:21 am
(11:21:03 AM): (Totally cool. Go for it!)
tengusaur 11:21 am
(11:21:10 AM): * Big O approaches the closest Ash Hunter, holding its arms in a defensive position - and then it suddenly launches a strong straightforward punch, aiming to pin the monster into a wall! It's followed by several powerful hooks right to the monster's head. +
cubey@aol.pl 11:22 am
(11:22:28 AM): Sielje: "An attack from behind?"
arachnion01@gmail.com 11:22 am
(11:22:32 AM): *Jen, noticing the effect that rifle shot has on the Watcher, fires at those closest to her with her pistol. "Sorry ceiling-dogs, I'm going to be keeping this."+
Atrament Corel 11:23 am
(11:23:02 AM): Elys: "Behind you." *Little more than whistles are heard as a number of sharp blades are fired from Amagahara's bow. The target is that specific Bladehound targeting the Knight's Arm!+
wyverncakes 11:23 am
(11:23:36 AM): [Roger] The Hunter growls, trying to ward you off with a vicious blast of flame straight into your arms! But as hot as the flames burn, Big O can still take this heat and the attack quickly dies away in time for it to get smashed against a wall.
cubey@aol.pl 11:23 am
(11:23:46 AM): *She tries to spin around, the cloak twirling and hopefully positioning itself in the claw's way in time. Or maybe it will not be necessary at all, as Sielje uses the small slowdown granted by this move to extend her unit's leg - standing atop the beast's head, and jumping off!+
wyverncakes 11:26 am
(11:26:19 AM): [Sielje and Elys] The claw strikes into your cloak, rebuffing and tearing it a little but not noticeably. Jumping off the edgelord's head though is dangerous on account of the horn, but Elys's flurry of shots stab into the creature from the siide to keep it from exploiting this moment and the creature's knocked sideways onto the ground.
VJockey 11:27 am
(11:27:02 AM): "Okay... we can handle this. Just have to stay calm. We have the key. Just have to get out of here now..."
wyverncakes 11:27 am
(11:27:12 AM): [Jen] The last Watcher's shot apart... but unfortunately still have other concerns as rockets from the Blitzwaffe shake your position... making you fall! Right as Lagardia lunges to cut you down!
(11:27:15 AM): (React: Jen)
(11:27:28 AM): (Calvin and Sielje can act)
(11:27:57 AM): S&C Commander; "Ach! Do not damage our fortress more than you have to!"
cubey@aol.pl 11:27 am
(11:27:59 AM): # Jen (combining with action)
wyverncakes 11:28 am
(11:28:10 AM): (Approved0
cubey@aol.pl 11:28 am
(11:28:47 AM): Sielje: "I will be your opponent. Stand your ground!"
wyverncakes 11:29 am
(11:29:23 AM): Lagardia doesn't change course, Sielje!
cubey@aol.pl 11:30 am
(11:30:40 AM): *If she won't, the Knight's Arm will - landing and immediately tumbling into a roll, from which it raises in front of Lagardia, a single stabbing motion with Sielje's blade dealt.
wyverncakes 11:30 am
(11:30:40 AM): "I couldn't care less about honor right now!"
arachnion01@gmail.com 11:30 am
(11:30:47 AM): *Jen: "Shove off!" She throws a nanobot kick at the oncoming swords-but grapples, again, this time pulling her off towards the side of the chamber.+
cubey@aol.pl 11:31 am
(11:31:07 AM): *The stab immediately twists to the left, turning into a guard to block access to Jen - and to the Arm's vitals, too.+
VJockey 11:31 am
(11:31:07 AM): "Considering the maniacs you're working for this doesn't surprise me at all!"
(11:31:48 AM): *Calvin's flank the charging ancient and open fire on Lagardia to further cause her immense grief in trying to get to Jen!+
wyverncakes 11:33 am
(11:33:26 AM): [Sielje, Calvin and Jen] Lagardia's blade bites into your kick in spite of the nanobots, leaving a notch in Cethlenn's foot. But the Knight's Arm takes priority then, Lagardia swerving to dodge Sielje's attack and then failing to follow-up on the attack as Calvin starts firing as well!
(11:33:30 AM): But...
(11:34:25 AM): With a shuddering impact sound and tremendous tremors, metal flooring bursts open!
(11:34:40 AM): Sapphire: "Lagardia!
(11:34:47 AM): Ruby: "Calvin!"
cubey@aol.pl 11:35 am
(11:35:09 AM): Sielje: "Ahh!" The stance of the knight is being disrupted!
VJockey 11:35 am
(11:35:13 AM): "Oh sonova-!"
wyverncakes 11:35 am
(11:35:45 AM): The rest of the Ebon Court joins the fray... with both Lagardia and Maloz (ruby dude) charging at Calvin's Genoace, blades flashing!
(11:35:47 AM): (React: Calvin)
arachnion01@gmail.com 11:36 am
(11:36:07 AM): Jen: "Sielje!"
wyverncakes 11:36 am
(11:36:10 AM): (Quick reminder: Avishai is the blue dude. Stretchy sleeves and fireballs most notably)
(11:36:45 AM): (Maloz is the red dude. Has a sword and bow, along with crazy air rending slash/wind powers)
cubey@aol.pl 11:37 am
(11:37:08 AM): Sielje: "Worry not about me!"
wyverncakes 11:37 am
(11:37:09 AM): (Lucine: purple spear person)
cubey@aol.pl 11:37 am
(11:37:13 AM): It's Calvin who's in trouble now.
tengusaur 11:37 am
(11:37:27 AM): # Calvin
wyverncakes 11:37 am
(11:37:35 AM): (Graeme: big yellow guy, fast with hand-to-hand and barriers and magic blasts)
(11:37:36 AM): (Approved)
VJockey 11:37 am
(11:37:54 AM): *No time to deal with two different fronts, Calvin's going to fire a smoke bomb right into Lagardia's face and hope that holds her off... as for Maloz the most he can do is try fire several rounds before attempting to back off!+
wyverncakes 11:37 am
(11:37:58 AM): (Roger can also take his action/fuse it with the support. Jen and Elys can also act)
arachnion01@gmail.com 11:39 am
(11:39:49 AM): *Jen: "Got it!" She pesters Lagardia with more pistol rounds.+
tengusaur 11:40 am
(11:40:26 AM): Roger: "Let me take some pressure off you!" Big O moves in to protect the unlucky investigator by blocking Maloz's sword strike with both of its arms. This defense is immediately followed by a punch to the chest, to knock the wind out of the opponent, and then a devastating downwards strike to smash him right into the floor! +
(11:40:33 AM): (this is also my action)
VJockey 11:40 am
(11:40:53 AM): "Really appreciate this! I owe the both of you!"
Atrament Corel 11:42 am
(11:42:20 AM): Elys: "Never a dull day." *The bow is aimed at any other members of the Ebon Court that aren't being attacked - because they can add to this situation and make it worse. More blades/arrows are nocked and released like a rapid-fire weapon.+
wyverncakes 11:42 am
(11:42:30 AM): [Jen, Calvin, and Roger] The smoke bomb works wonders thanks to the support from Jen and Roger! From beyond the smoke comes Jen's bullets, forcing Lagardia on the defense as Maloz's swords strike into Big O's arms (but barely). He wasn't fighting a huge enemy before. "What the-" Those punches that follow send him being knocked back and down with a cry!
(11:43:04 AM): Lagardia: "You four... but what about-"
cubey@aol.pl 11:43 am
(11:43:28 AM): Sielje: "What manner of dishonor is this? I challenge you to a fair fight, instead of all striking at one!"
wyverncakes 11:43 am
(11:43:30 AM): Avishai: "Your safety came first, my lady! And we fully intend to not have you fight alone!"
wyverncakes 11:44 am
(11:44:55 AM): "... Especially... not now!" grunts Maloz as he rises up again! "Five against five. Evin if not duels, this still can end up being an excellent melee!"
(11:45:40 AM): Lucine: "But what's that phrase used so often nowadays? 'No honor amongst thieves'?"
(11:45:50 AM): "Well what do you think that makes all of you, hmm?"
arachnion01@gmail.com 11:46 am
(11:46:24 AM): Jen: "...Robin Hood."
tengusaur 11:47 am
(11:47:08 AM): Roger: "There is no way you would give up the key willingly, is there?"
VJockey 11:47 am
(11:47:11 AM): "Someone who isn't working with a bunch of insane madmen?"
wyverncakes 11:48 am
(11:48:15 AM): (Calvin and Sielje can act)
Atrament Corel 11:48 am
(11:48:49 AM): Elys: "Robin Hood's the closest, I guess..."
cubey@aol.pl 11:48 am
(11:48:53 AM): Sielje: "A challenge it is then. We will fight for the possession of the key!"
cubey@aol.pl 11:49 am
(11:49:38 AM): *The Arm stands proud, its footing regained and adjusted for the wrecked terrain. Sielje observes her foes keenly, sword held in both hands, the tip at eyes' level. Who will move first?+
(11:49:47 AM): (& actually)
VJockey 11:50 am
(11:50:25 AM): "... Considering that was what was happening anyway..."
wyverncakes 11:50 am
(11:50:57 AM): [Elys] Your blade/arrows surge forth, but as they do suddenly the hulking yellow Court member moves in for defense, raising his hands as barriers form between the attacks and himself. Each shot crashes into the field and is stopped cold, and then he's charging at you! "Regardless of talk of honor, we are all still here opposing each other. We cannot fail, just as you do not wish to either." Not like he's going to hold back though, his hands glowing again as energy blasts are unleashed at you!
(11:51:00 AM): (React: Elys)
wyverncakes 11:53 am
(11:53:08 AM): [Sielje] You stand at the ready, but Lucine is the one who moves towards you! "Suuure you will." The spear is brandished in your direction! "But since you're the one yammering on the most about honor, are you going to cry foul when I beat you with just this?!?" "This" in this case being her spear, thrusting out to strike at you outside of your own attack range!
(11:53:10 AM): (React: Sielje)
frifreeman2 has entered the room. 11:53 am
Atrament Corel 11:54 am
(11:54:50 AM): *Amagahara's bow vanishes while it meets this charge, using its agility to attempt to avoid the blasts. "You've got that right...!" But going against something that big and fast means she can't just go head-on all the way. In its evasion, the white and purple machine runs along the wall and the ceiling, manifesting its twin blades again to slash down on Graeme from behind or the side!+
cubey@aol.pl 11:54 am
(11:54:53 AM): Sielje: "There is no dishonor in melee weapons. However...!"
VJockey 11:55 am
(11:55:26 AM): *Calvin grits his teeth... well... damnit. His rifle was out and he had no time to reload without risking an attack... so...
(11:55:57 AM): He draws both knife and pistol, opening fire on Maloz and keeping ready for a charge!+
cubey@aol.pl 11:56 am
(11:56:01 AM): *Her blade swings down, trying to overpower Lucine's spear thrust and bring it to the floor! Sielje quickly advances, the blade held low as she cuts distance - and then spins with a whirlwind strike as she's close!
(11:56:17 AM): Sielje: "A longer reach one will not protect you from attacks up close!"
wyverncakes 11:56 am
(11:56:40 AM): [Elys] The blasts blow up a tank that had been a ways behind you, but you escape unharmed to attack from the side! But the big yellow giant is guarding as your blades slash down into his side, cutting along his arms as he falls back!
wyverncakes 11:59 am
(11:59:07 AM): [Calvin] Maloz does indeed charge, keeping his sword up in a guarding stance as your shorts plink off of it until he gets close enough... to strike! The sword comes spinning around to cut you down at the midsection! "And so we fight again, Calvin Eldred Edwards! But I must still ask..."
(11:59:22 AM): "If I am the one who falls here today, my name! Do you remember my name?"
(11:59:27 AM): (React: Calvin)
Atrament Corel 12:00 pm
(12:00:03 PM): Elys frowns at the hulking enemy as Amagahara stands ready again. "...Tough."
wyverncakes 12:01 pm
(12:01:00 PM): [Sielje] The sword comes smacking down against the spear, but Lucine quickly jerks her weapon to the side and then raises it vertical to stop your whirlwind strike! The force makes Lucine stumble back, but she defly kicks you away to deny you the chance to continue the attack!
VJockey 12:01 pm
(12:01:06 PM): *No! The cockpit was in the midsection! Calvin throws his Genoace into a roll to avoid the blade - focusing on staying alive rather than retaliating!+
VJockey 12:01 pm
(12:01:18 PM): [His name... his name...]
(12:01:22 PM): "Maloz... right?"
wyverncakes 12:01 pm
(12:01:35 PM): Lucine: "Well look at that. Someone knows the first thing there is to measuring distances!"
cubey@aol.pl 12:01 pm
(12:01:55 PM): Sielje: "Ghh! You are strong..."
wyverncakes 12:03 pm
(12:03:13 PM): [Calvin] The blade smacks down into the ground where you'd been just seconds before! But there isn't any immediate follow-up.
wyverncakes 12:03 pm
(12:03:32 PM): Maloz: "That you have remembered..."
(12:04:03 PM): "Regardless of your opposition to the Court... I thank you for this small mercy!"
(12:04:08 PM): (Roger, Elys, Jen can act)
VJockey 12:04 pm
(12:04:34 PM): [...Small mercy..?]
(12:04:43 PM): "What...?"
wyverncakes 12:05 pm
(12:05:07 PM): Lagardia: "Maloz, focus!"
tengusaur 12:06 pm
(12:06:24 PM): Roger: "You have a sense of chivalry, I'll give you that. Pity you use that sense to guide you towards evil goals." Slots in Big O's chest open, revealing several heavy missiles - missiles that are now flying towards Maloz. "I won't let you commit another massacre!" +
arachnion01@gmail.com 12:08 pm
(12:08:13 PM): *Jen takes a moment to put that key away in the leg compartment where she's normally storing her gun. But then it's back in action time, so she whips up a shortsword to go with her gun, and takes careful aim before placing three more shots towards Lagardia's head.+
wyverncakes 12:08 pm
(12:08:39 PM): [Roger] The missiles surge out towards Maloz... but they do not get to him as a flurry of fireballs intercept them! "If you think we would support Scylla Und Charybdis under normal circumstances, you would actually be quite wrong..."
Atrament Corel 12:09 pm
(12:09:44 PM): *The two blades in Amagahara's hands are replaced by the arrow-blades used for its bow - four in each hand. As the unit advances, these are thrown at Graeme!+
wyverncakes 12:10 pm
(12:10:50 PM): Avishai moves to interpose himself between Big O and the center melee! "However, their low profile made them viable allies... though 'friends' would be too strong a word."
(12:11:12 PM): Speaking of strength though, the various floating talismans get information around him, another flurry of fireballs blasting straight at Big O!
(12:11:15 PM): (React: Roger)
wyverncakes 12:13 pm
(12:13:39 PM): [Jen] Don't think Lagardia didn't see you do that, Jen. The green combatant darts forward and around your shots, closing the distance again! "-You're not getting away with that, mark my words!" She's on you blindingly quick, swords flashing to cut out your grappling tether AND Cethlenn's carrier leg!
tengusaur 12:13 pm
(12:13:40 PM): Roger: "What makes those circumstances unusual, then?" Big O braces against the ground, firing one last missile towards the talismans to disrupt them, and raises an arm to protect against the incoming big balls of fire. +
wyverncakes 12:13 pm
(12:13:44 PM): (React: Jen)
(12:15:29 PM): [Elys] Graeme's barriers guard against the first three... but the last of the bunch still manages to pierce through thanks to the damage he's already sustained, sticking out of one of his gigantic arms! But he doesn't yield, slamming his fists into the ground as colored lines seem to stretch from his striking spot towards you... before exploding into a sudden shower of lightning, ice, and fire!
(12:15:36 PM): (React: Elys)
wyverncakes 12:17 pm
(12:17:08 PM): [Roger] The Talismans wobble around a bit from the explosion, throwing off their aim somewhat. A great many fireballs still pelt Big O, knocking it back a ways and leaving a slew of smouldering dents in its arm shields... but more than a few went wild thanks to that last missile...
(12:17:32 PM): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn6hhrX34Pw
(12:17:52 PM): - Blowing up a part of the hangar and catching more S&C soldiers.
(12:18:13 PM): Avishai: "... Regrettable."
(12:18:16 PM): (Calvin and Sielje)
arachnion01@gmail.com 12:18 pm
(12:18:16 PM): *Jen lets the grappling tether release, and tries to pull her leg away from Lagardia. But the little green one is fast. So Jen gambles. She doesn't bother to parry the oncoming swords, instead jamming her own straight towards Lagardia's chest, firing more bullets into the enemy's face as she goes.+
Atrament Corel 12:18 pm
(12:18:49 PM): Elys: "...!" *Reacting as quickly as she can, Elys goes into evasive, but offensive mode again. This time her swords are brought to bear, and they are let loose - orbiting her for a while to shield her from the elemental assault - before she catches them and attempts to slash into Graeme's armor!+
VJockey 12:20 pm
(12:20:10 PM): *Calvin's going to have to risk quite a lot here.... so... he lets loose several flares at Maloz, seeking to scatter them across his vision before attempting to get under his guard and quickly try to get a strike in along his shoulder!+
cubey@aol.pl 12:20 pm
(12:20:16 PM): Available options do not look too good for Sielje. If she strikes directly, Lucine will overpower her again.
tengusaur 12:20 pm
(12:20:58 PM): Roger: "You don't have much compassion for the men working under you, do you."
cubey@aol.pl 12:21 pm
(12:21:07 PM): Sielje: "Regrettable, but... regardless of your reasons, I will not stand back."
wyverncakes 12:21 pm
(12:21:32 PM): [Jen] You open up on Lagardia, blasting her blurring figure head-on...! No, she was just dodging and all you do is shoot through an after-image! Her slash at your leg fails, but as you fall she kicks off the ceiling and dives down again even faster than before, plunging down with both blades ready to skewer you!
(12:21:38 PM): (React again: Jen)
cubey@aol.pl 12:22 pm
(12:22:02 PM): *The Knight's Arm holds its weapon high in a fencer-like grip, in preparation for a lunge. But before that lunge may come, Sielje charges forward, the cape spread wide to cover her unit's body!&
wyverncakes 12:23 pm
(12:23:22 PM): [Elys] The multi-element attack rages against your shield, straining it as you try to charge through! Your machine still takes damage... parts of it freezing and breaking off, other parts melting, yet other parts being zapped and shorted out, but you still reach Graeme, your swords slashing into his midsection and knocking him back!
(12:23:30 PM): "... In... credible..."
(12:24:14 PM): "I... really have to say that..." There's a big gash in his stomach now, a hand being held down there as he tries to steady himself.
arachnion01@gmail.com 12:24 pm
(12:24:19 PM): *Jen: "Aw...christ." She takes the swords head on.&
Atrament Corel 12:24 pm
(12:24:22 PM): Elys: "Gh...I'll say the same for you..."
wyverncakes 12:24 pm
(12:24:55 PM): Avishai: "They are not really working under us. More alongside..."
(12:25:10 PM): "... And as some of your friends have pointed out, they *are* successors to the Nazis."
wyverncakes 12:25 pm
(12:25:35 PM): ... Though oddly, in spite of all of the fighting going on against the Court, there still should be a lot more of the S&C people around still.
tengusaur 12:25 pm
(12:25:42 PM): Roger: "Aren't you?"
VJockey 12:25 pm
(12:25:59 PM): "They're something older."
(12:26:25 PM): "They probably just found a bunch of people hungry for the kind of power they could let loose..."
(12:26:44 PM): "Trying to get these things to unlock this 'Ebon King'... right?"
wyverncakes 12:27 pm
(12:27:13 PM): [Calvin] The red flares brighten things up against Maloz for a little bit, leaving him on the defensive for a moment as he tries to figure out what happened. You charge, and you're in range to stab at his shoulder! The knife bites down, Maloz grunting in pain... but he knees the Genoace, knocking it away from both him and your knife... and after switching hands for his sword he slashes again at you!
(12:27:15 PM): (React: Calvin)
wyverncakes 12:28 pm
(12:28:13 PM): [Sielje] "Trying to confuse me? Nice try!" Lucine pole-vaults into the air with her spear up and over where she at least THINKS you're going, spinning around to strike behind that cloak with her spear!
(12:28:16 PM): (React: Sielje)
VJockey 12:28 pm
(12:28:29 PM): *Calvin immediately jettisons his Genoace's shield into the incoming slash as he backs off, quickly using the delay to open fire with his pistol's remaining rounds at the injury he left!+
wyverncakes 12:28 pm
(12:28:32 PM): Lagardia: "... All of you, not a word."
tengusaur 12:28 pm
(12:28:44 PM): Roger: "In other words, their goals are not exactly benevolent either."
wyverncakes 12:29 pm
(12:29:09 PM): [Calvin] The shield is cut to ribbons in a single strike, but Malos can't continue the attack afterwards as your shots land around his damaged shoulder!
VJockey 12:29 pm
(12:29:47 PM): "Considering they left their own people in ruins, dead and forgotten they obviously can't be"
(12:29:57 PM): [Come on... take the bait...]
cubey@aol.pl 12:30 pm
(12:30:01 PM): Sielje: "There it is!"
wyverncakes 12:30 pm
(12:30:20 PM): [Jen] Both of Lagardia's swords skewer Cethlenn through the chest (miraculously missing your cockpit) and pinning you down into the ground! One of them's pulled out, moving down to sever your machine's leg, but for a brief moment, Lagardia seems to pause...
(12:30:25 PM): (React/continue: Jen)
cubey@aol.pl 12:31 pm
(12:31:29 PM): Of course it didn't go as simply, but it doesn't mean Sielje is useless here. She won't be, just you wait!
cubey@aol.pl 12:33 pm
(12:33:01 PM): *With a grunt, she tries to slow down the spear's blow - by grabbing it with the offhand hiding behind the cloak. While trying to secure the grab, she adds the other arm to it, not letting go off her sword but using the elbow and armpit as leverage.
wyverncakes 12:33 pm
(12:33:49 PM): (+?)
cubey@aol.pl 12:33 pm
(12:33:57 PM): *With this improvised grip, if only lasting for a moment, Sielje tries to spin on the heel of Knight's Arm's feet - using Lagardia's momentum against her, the spear becoming a lever to swing her through the air, and to the ground!+
arachnion01@gmail.com 12:35 pm
(12:35:14 PM): *Jen: "Aaaaugh!". While some nanobots start to try to patch up Cethlenn's wounds, the robot's left arm grabs Lagardia by the wrist. "...Got you." The rest of those nanobots go into a reaving cloud of destruction around her right fist-which snaps up at Lagardia's face.+
wyverncakes 12:36 pm
(12:36:00 PM): [Sielje] It's an awkward maneuver to say the least, but you do manage to stop it before it cuts into the Knight's Arm, turning Lucine's attack into your own! "What the-" Both of you crash into the ground, though it's far worse for the Amethyst Determination as she grunts in pain sharply.
(12:36:08 PM): Lucine: "-Son of a-!!!!"
cubey@aol.pl 12:37 pm
(12:37:30 PM): Sielje: "You were... mid air." She breathes deeply. That was stressful, in more ways than one.
wyverncakes 12:37 pm
(12:37:50 PM): [Jen] The nanomachines surge up Lagardia's form to her face, working as best they can to eat away at her head as she gasps in pain, reeling backwards.
(12:38:17 PM): For a moment it almost seems like you've got her even.
(12:38:21 PM): But then-
(12:38:28 PM): "-Not now, not when I've just seen-"
(12:38:40 PM): ... Seen just what though exactly?
(12:39:15 PM): A butterfly seems to drift between Lagardia and Jen... all of the other members of the Court suddenly breaking off to go towards her-
(12:39:23 PM): ... Right before the butterfly explodes!
Atrament Corel 12:39 pm
(12:39:37 PM): Elys: "What the..."
wyverncakes 12:40 pm
(12:40:02 PM): Lagardia's blown backwards, gasping but with the nanomachines knocked free! Cethlenn though, still grounded and small, gets rocked pretty bad by the almost grenade-like display.
tengusaur 12:40 pm
(12:40:04 PM): Roger: "..."
VJockey 12:40 pm
(12:40:15 PM): "!?"
(12:40:20 PM): "What the heck was that?"
arachnion01@gmail.com 12:40 pm
(12:40:25 PM): Jen: "Augh!"
wyverncakes 12:40 pm
(12:40:25 PM): And then... the soft sound of footfalls
tengusaur 12:40 pm
(12:40:31 PM): Roger: "Who caused this?"
cubey@aol.pl 12:42 pm
(12:42:07 PM): Sielje: "It was not work of one of the Court? Could it be..."
(12:42:12 PM): The Nazis have explosive butterflies?!
wyverncakes 12:42 pm
(12:42:41 PM): Far off, from the direction that the court had gone off to to see this "other thing" the S&C forces claimed to want to show them, a figure approaches.
wyverncakes 12:44 pm
(12:44:12 PM): Clad in black clothes with white trim, hair done up in a loose bun, and with butterflies surrounding her, she just continues to walk forward, face neutral.
(12:44:17 PM): Lagardia: "You..."
(12:44:21 PM): "You're okay...."
(12:45:36 PM): She starts to move towards the girl, as if not even the artifact mattered to her anymore. "Those fools said they would be able to help you recover and I had my doubts, but they were the only ones we could turn to and... and you're okay!"
wyverncakes 12:46 pm
(12:46:20 PM): The figure just turns its head slowly and almost seems to smile as she opens her mouth up to speak.
(12:46:50 PM): ... But instead of words, a soft, beautiful song begins to flow out.
(12:47:21 PM): S&C commander: "Yes... yes... she's finally ready! Containment and emergency conditioning proved difficult during the attack but we-"
(12:47:25 PM): Lagardia: "What?!?"
VJockey 12:47 pm
(12:47:30 PM): [Whatever he was expecting, it was most certainly not this... and Lagardia's reaction to the newcomer was definitely something that caught him off guard.]
wyverncakes 12:47 pm
(12:47:43 PM): And then suddenly it's not a girl standing there anymore.
(12:47:52 PM): (Songstress: http://safebooru.org/index.php?page=post&s=view&id=60959)
cubey@aol.pl 12:47 pm
(12:47:57 PM): Sielje: "What have you done?"
Atrament Corel 12:48 pm
(12:48:15 PM): Elys: "Emergency conditioning...?"
wyverncakes 12:48 pm
(12:48:16 PM): Lagardia: "What... what have you-"
wyverncakes 12:49 pm
(12:49:19 PM): The inqueries end as suddenly the butterflies begin to explode en-masse again, tearing up the hangar as she charges!
(12:49:21 PM): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XCLMaRfLY8
(12:49:44 PM): A hand reaches up, tearing the lance out of her frame... and suddenly you see that the trail behind this figure shifts.
(12:49:56 PM): From featureless and ordinary looking... to a trail of dead bodies.
(12:50:06 PM): S&C commander: "Th-the conditioning didn't-"
(12:50:11 PM): "D-did it escape?!?"
(12:50:27 PM): He's certainly panicking now... as should you all as that huge spear/lance/thing sweeps at the center group!
(12:50:33 PM): (Calvin, Sielje, Jen react)
cubey@aol.pl 12:50 pm
(12:50:53 PM): Sielje: "What has transpired here? Who is this?!"
Atrament Corel 12:50 pm
(12:50:57 PM): Elys: "Look out!"
cubey@aol.pl 12:51 pm
(12:51:00 PM): Either way, she does not seem friendly...
wyverncakes 12:51 pm
(12:51:15 PM): Lucine: "The flying fuck...?!?"
VJockey 12:51 pm
(12:51:20 PM): *Calvin's going to fire up his boosters and try to leap away from the sweeping attack! Hopefully the ceiling was high enough to get away!+
(12:52:02 PM): "Escape?! Are you saying this girl's some kind of weapon of yours?!"
wyverncakes 12:52 pm
(12:52:17 PM): Lagardia: "She... is NOT supposed to be a WEAPON!"
(12:52:39 PM): (Updated enemy: Songstress)
arachnion01@gmail.com 12:53 pm
(12:53:08 PM): *Cethlenn's not going anywhere right now with those wounds. Or it shouldn't be; Jen forces it into a high jump backwards and hopefully over the lance, servos sparking as she goes.
VJockey 12:53 pm
(12:53:17 PM): "Doesn't sound like what I heard from him... conditioning... containment?!"
arachnion01@gmail.com 12:53 pm
(12:53:21 PM): Jen: "What the ACTUAL HELL!"
VJockey 12:53 pm
(12:53:23 PM): "Who is she?!"
tengusaur 12:53 pm
(12:53:24 PM): Roger: "Whatever S&C has done to her, it must have been horrible. Is there a way to reason with her, or will we have to stop her by force?"
VJockey 12:54 pm
(12:54:06 PM): "...I don't know..."
Atrament Corel 12:54 pm
(12:54:22 PM): Elys: "I'd rather not fight if I can help it, but..."
cubey@aol.pl 12:54 pm
(12:54:30 PM): Sielje glances at the songstress, not losing attention given Lucine.
wyverncakes 12:54 pm
(12:54:43 PM): [Center people] As you all try to get away, the Songstress is nevertheless closing in, sweeping with her weapon. But there's a red blur there, Maloz, swinging his sword up to guard for you!
(12:54:59 PM): The impact still sends him flying away with a cry.
VJockey 12:55 pm
(12:55:00 PM): "?!"
cubey@aol.pl 12:55 pm
(12:55:00 PM): Sielje: "What will you do now, members of Ebon Court?"
(12:55:06 PM): Sielje: "!"
wyverncakes 12:55 pm
(12:55:18 PM): (Ebon Court members available for support now)
VJockey 12:55 pm
(12:55:23 PM): "Maloz-!"
tengusaur 12:55 pm
(12:55:29 PM): Roger: "I'd rather not kill her if I can help it. If anyone knows anything that can help us, say it now!"
wyverncakes 12:55 pm
(12:55:52 PM): (Roger, Jen, and Elys, go)
(12:56:10 PM): Avishai: "... Lagardia, at least the truth of this... they should know."
(12:56:19 PM): "At the very least to give her final peace..."
Atrament Corel 12:56 pm
(12:56:21 PM): Amagahara is supporting itself with one of its swords while kneeling from the damage it took from Graeme earlier. After seeing this, though, it slowly rises.
wyverncakes 12:56 pm
(12:56:41 PM): There is a dead silence from Lagardia as she turns to face the newcomer, before finally...
(12:56:49 PM): "She was my friend."
VJockey 12:57 pm
(12:57:15 PM): "... your.. friend..."
wyverncakes 12:57 pm
(12:57:25 PM): "The sixth of us, if you looked at it in a certain way."
cubey@aol.pl 12:57 pm
(12:57:41 PM): Sielje: "What has happened to her?"
wyverncakes 12:58 pm
(12:58:20 PM): "... But a certain affliction struck her centuries before. We had hoped that S&C could treat it, so i trusted... her to them."
wyverncakes 12:59 pm
(12:59:54 PM): S&C Commander: "Yes... yes...!"
(1:00:16 PM): The man is off, cowering behind a jeep.
Atrament Corel 1:00 pm
(1:00:47 PM): Elys: "..."
wyverncakes 1:00 pm
(1:00:51 PM): "Her mental state was tremendously decayed, but through implementation of our sciences, we were able to salvage and restore cognitive-"
(1:01:10 PM): -He's cut short as one of Lagardia's swords sails through the air, piercing through the vehicle and running him through.
(1:01:15 PM): Lagardia: "THat... IS NOT HER!"
tengusaur 1:01 pm
(1:01:19 PM): Roger: "This doesn't look like a treated person to me!"
VJockey 1:01 pm
(1:01:45 PM): "...That affliction.... you're talking about the 'madness' that wiped your people out!"
cubey@aol.pl 1:01 pm
(1:01:49 PM): Sielje: "Such dishonor..."
wyverncakes 1:01 pm
(1:01:55 PM): Lagardia: "..."
(1:02:08 PM): "... She needs to be laid to rest."
(1:02:19 PM): "... I tried to help and look where it got her."
arachnion01@gmail.com 1:02 pm
(1:02:26 PM): Cethlenn struggles to its feet, its wounds gently glowing as they try to get repaired. "...Got it." This is a familiar feeling...
VJockey 1:02 pm
(1:02:55 PM): "..."
tengusaur 1:03 pm
(1:03:23 PM): Roger: "...Very well. That is the least we can do."
Atrament Corel 1:03 pm
(1:03:55 PM): Elys: "I can't be of use in prolonged melee combat like this. But if it's support you need, you'll get it."
cubey@aol.pl 1:05 pm
(1:05:16 PM): Sielje: "I will do my best to bring her to rest. But if you try to use this opportunity to strike..."
(1:05:26 PM): She does not trust the Court one bit.
wyverncakes 1:05 pm
(1:05:36 PM): Lagardia: "The feeling is mutual."
Atrament Corel 1:05 pm
(1:05:38 PM): *And with that, Amagahara switches to its bow again. The arrows materialize in flashes of light and are let loose on the Songstress. But this is not the real attack - that will come from others!+
(1:05:44 PM): (Support requested)
arachnion01@gmail.com 1:06 pm
(1:06:08 PM): *To that end, Jen's nanobots gather again, forming two pistols. What exactly counts as a critical point here isn't really labeled, so she opens up on the Songstress's face for good measure.+
tengusaur 1:07 pm
(1:07:42 PM): Roger: "Bear in mind, this does not change the relations between Unity Group and the Ebon Court. But at this moment, our goal is shared!" Roger switches the controls inside Big O's cockpit to the O Thunder ones. One of the Megadeus' hands recedes into its arm, and the whole arm unfolds into a huge gatling gun, which proceeds to fire rapidly at the Songstress! The fire creates a ring of energy around the cannon, which follows up by flying towards the target and then exploding! +
wyverncakes 1:07 pm
(1:07:59 PM): [Elys] As you fire your arrows, the Songstress gestures towards you with her free hand, strange javelin-type objects materializing and firing. They pass through your own shots, though is that because yours are illusions or something else! But this distraction gives Graeme the chance to charge forward, punching hard at the Songstress with a meaty fist. She guards, but is still blown backwards a ways by the force... and left open for further attacks!
(1:08:04 PM): (React; Elys)
wyverncakes 1:08 pm
(1:08:23 PM): Graeme: "... I'm sorry..."
(1:09:49 PM): [Jen and Roger] Your joint assault on the Songstress tears into her form, but as she stumbles back and seems to scream out in pain, the air around her begins to twist and warp... the scream of pain transitioning into an offensive sonic scream!
(1:09:55 PM): (React: Roger and Jen)
wyverncakes 1:10 pm
(1:10:25 PM): (Calvin and Sielje)
VJockey 1:11 pm
(1:11:20 PM): *Calvin's quickly going to make a move to retrieve his rifle, load it up with a fresh mag of ammo and try to cut off that scream with several shots!+
cubey@aol.pl 1:11 pm
(1:11:21 PM): Sielje: "She is attacking! ... In some way!"
arachnion01@gmail.com 1:11 pm
(1:11:53 PM): *Jen hunkers down against the oncoming scream, using Cethlenn's forearms to try to take the brunt of the attack.+
tengusaur 1:12 pm
(1:12:08 PM): Roger: "It's a sonic wave! Watch out!" Big O hunkers down behind some industrial installations in the base, protecting its head and body with the armored arms. +
Atrament Corel 1:12 pm
(1:12:43 PM): Elys: "There...!" *The next set of arrows nocked are definitely meant to hit, and they're let loose with both speed and precision. Some to deal with the incoming javelins, and others for the Songstress!+
cubey@aol.pl 1:12 pm
(1:12:44 PM): *Sielje advances quickly - three steps' away from the target, she leaps and spins, delivering an above the shoulder wide slash! The attack has momentum behind it, hopefully enough to stagger the foe... and she will use that situation for a followup, striking the blade downwards at her head.+
VJockey 1:13 pm
(1:13:07 PM): Requesting @ from Maloz?
wyverncakes 1:13 pm
(1:13:22 PM): (Approved)
(1:14:36 PM): [Jen and Roger] The sonic vibrations rattle both of your machines, parts of both machines trembling and fracturing! But Graeme's also on the scene, raising a barrier to take the edge off of both of you!
wyverncakes 1:16 pm
(1:16:08 PM): [Elys] Some of the javelins are knocked off-course.. but some of your shots end up passing straight through them anyways! But the weird thing is that they still pierce through your own machine as if they decideded only NOW to solidify! The saving grace here though is your own shots did manage to strike the Songstress across her main body
Atrament Corel 1:17 pm
(1:17:10 PM): Elys: "Kh...those weapons..."
wyverncakes 1:18 pm
(1:18:11 PM): [Calvin] As you open fire on the Songstress though... it springs up in the air, smashing down with its weapon to try to crush you! But... "Calvin!" An arrow fired from Maloz throws her attack off, and then your knife comes flying back to you! Not directly at you, but striking into the ground at your feet!
VJockey 1:18 pm
(1:18:12 PM): "If i-... if she could make those explosive butterfly things... those weapons probably had some kind of trick to them too."
wyverncakes 1:18 pm
(1:18:21 PM): (React/continue: Calvin)
VJockey 1:18 pm
(1:18:28 PM): "!!"
(1:19:13 PM): *No time to talk further! Calvin has to abandon his rifle again, diving for the knife and trying to evade the incoming strike while stabbing upwards!+
wyverncakes 1:21 pm
(1:21:41 PM): [Sielje and Calvin] You both attack as the Songstress is exposed thanks to Maloz's arrow, blades slashing into the Songstress's front and tearing off part of its strange headpiece! Its moaning song wavers as sways away, but it smashes into the ground with both hands on its weapon, making you fall below as the illusion of magma appears around it, flowing down to where you're trapped!
(1:21:45 PM): Lagardia: "No! Get out of there!"
(1:22:06 PM): "If she makes it shift to being real, then-!"
(1:22:10 PM): (React: Sielje and Calvin)
(1:22:19 PM): (Roger, Elys, and Jen)
arachnion01@gmail.com 1:22 pm
(1:22:26 PM): # Sielje
VJockey 1:22 pm
(1:22:32 PM): "Shift to real-"
wyverncakes 1:22 pm
(1:22:35 PM): (Approved)
VJockey 1:22 pm
(1:22:49 PM): *OH HELL NO!!! CALVIN IS BOOSTING RIGHT THE HELL UP TO THE CEILING AS FAST AS HE CAN!!!+
cubey@aol.pl 1:23 pm
(1:23:01 PM): Sielje: "What is this?!"
(1:23:33 PM): She sounds surprised and shocked at this turn of events.
VJockey 1:23 pm
(1:23:46 PM): "Sielje! Get out of there!"
arachnion01@gmail.com 1:23 pm
(1:23:57 PM): *Sielje gets a helping hand! Jen latches a grappling hook onto her, one onto a wall, and starts pulling the knight away.+
cubey@aol.pl 1:24 pm
(1:24:32 PM): *This is bad. Sielje can feel the heat of the magma flow, real or not, and the Knight's Arm jumps up a wall, trying to kick off it and repeat the process as many times as necessary, before it's too late!+
(1:25:04 PM): Sielje: "I am trying!"
tengusaur 1:25 pm
(1:25:26 PM): Roger: "Watch out!" There is one way to distract the Songstress here - a Sudden Impact to the face! Though he makes sure Big O doesn't accidentally get covered in magma, as well. +
wyverncakes 1:26 pm
(1:26:57 PM): [Sielje, Jen, Calvin, and Roger] The Knight's Arm scrambles to escape from the lava pit before it, well, becomes an actual lava pit. But fortunately Jen's there to yoink her to safety while Calvin boosts away. The Songstress is already trying to strike you down again... but the Big O's punch sends her careening away with a scream!
(1:28:02 PM): A moment later though... the room suddenly gets a whole lot hotter, the burning heat of the lava making short work of anything too close to it.
(1:28:21 PM): Avishai: "I can't imagine this will be good for any machinery in here..."
wyverncakes 1:29 pm
(1:29:12 PM): Lagardia: "... She really can to this now..."
(1:29:25 PM): "They just... turned her into a weapon! A machine...!"
Atrament Corel 1:29 pm
(1:29:34 PM): *Meanwhile, Elys nocks the next set of arrows on her bow. She'll keep providing cover until the harder hitters can take the target down!+
wyverncakes 1:29 pm
(1:29:50 PM): Lucine: "And not even one safe for all of them, either!"
arachnion01@gmail.com 1:31 pm
(1:31:28 PM): *Jen pulls herself up towards the ceiling again, hammering away at the Songstress's face with her pistols.+
(1:31:55 PM): Jen: "We can talk about it later!"
cubey@aol.pl 1:32 pm
(1:32:04 PM): Sielje: "Ah... that was too close..."
(1:32:18 PM): "My... thanks for hasty assistance."
arachnion01@gmail.com 1:33 pm
(1:33:14 PM): Jen: "Ah, don't worry about it..."
VJockey 1:33 pm
(1:33:21 PM): "Illusions to reality... sonic attacks..."
cubey@aol.pl 1:34 pm
(1:34:04 PM): Sielje nods. She most definitely won't mention it.
VJockey 1:34 pm
(1:34:11 PM): "Need some kind of plan to keep her off balance before she pulls something bigger..."
wyverncakes 1:34 pm
(1:34:17 PM): [Elys and Jen] More arrows and bullets continue to pelt the Songstress... and a sudden flurry of fireballs accompany you courtesy of Avishai. The ancient staggers backwards, but furiously grips its polearm with both hands, screaming out into the sky! Or rather, ceiling.
(1:34:25 PM): ... It begins to shudder and crack.
(1:34:45 PM): Lucine: "Oh that's just-"
VJockey 1:34 pm
(1:34:58 PM): "!!!"
wyverncakes 1:35 pm
(1:35:02 PM): The tunnel system is directly under the city.
(1:35:22 PM): What's going to happen if the floor for tens of thousands just suddenly gives out?
(1:35:27 PM): (Everyone who wants to, go)
Atrament Corel 1:35 pm
(1:35:47 PM): Elys: "Aah!"
cubey@aol.pl 1:36 pm
(1:36:00 PM): Sielje: "We need to stop this! This instant!"
VJockey 1:36 pm
(1:36:02 PM): "Roger! Jen! Get some lines on her neck! Cut off the air flow!"
cubey@aol.pl 1:36 pm
(1:36:07 PM): She tries to sound louder than the sonic attack.
VJockey 1:36 pm
(1:36:21 PM): [He has no idea if it would work... but at this rate they had to try something!]
arachnion01@gmail.com 1:36 pm
(1:36:52 PM): Jen: "...Okay!" Sure, that sounds like a plan!
(1:37:52 PM): *Jen forms a monowire whip again-this time a single, long one, with a weight on the end-and swings it across at the Songstress's neck, so it'll loop around her.+
tengusaur 1:38 pm
(1:38:10 PM): Roger: "Such a brutal attack... But we'll see if it works." Roger smashes a button in the cockpit, sending several Moby Dick Anchors flying towards the Songstress, a few of them smashing into her body and one going for the neck, and latching onto it with its head. Then, Big O pulls hard on the chain! +
cubey@aol.pl 1:38 pm
(1:38:15 PM): Sielje: "... My apologies. This is the end."
(1:39:06 PM): *It's either the Songstress, or everyone above their heads. The Arm shifts to a two handed grip - and Sielje performs a vertical slash, at the neck's level, a power blow with all her remaining strength behind it.+
wyverncakes 1:40 pm
(1:40:34 PM): [Jen, Roger, and Sielje] The ceiling is crumbling and cracking... but suddenly the Moby Dick Anchors pierce into the ancient's body, and along with Cethlenn's cable ensnare her throat. And then Sielje's blade strikes into that exposed throat.
(1:41:27 PM): The sonic screaming drains away, the Songstress furiously shifting targets to you all again, priming to flait with its polearm.
Atrament Corel 1:42 pm
(1:42:24 PM): "If that's the case..." *And to add to the heavy attacks, since the Songstress is damaged, Elys fuses her twin swords into a strange, drill shaped blade that she readies as well. The 'arrow' is released - spiraling like a drill towards the target!+
VJockey 1:43 pm
(1:43:17 PM): *One problem out of the way... Calvin quickly charges in recklessly as he throws his Genoace under the sweeping attack to dive past the Songstress and attempts to bury his blade into her back!+
wyverncakes 1:45 pm
(1:45:37 PM): [Elys and Calvin] The arrow surges out, the Songstress beyond being able to recognize or care about it. For its troubles the arrow pierces through her entire form, getting a choked, tortured grunt even more unsettling than if Kagura would've tried to speak. And then Calvin's backstab hits home, buring into her back as the Songstress collapses to her knees.
(1:45:47 PM): "... Goodbye."
(1:46:07 PM): ... And then Lagardia's swords are shoved through the Songstress's face.
(1:47:10 PM): The maddened ancient's body goes limp from the numerous injuries given to it, and in the aftermath of her death: silence.
VJockey 1:47 pm
(1:47:42 PM): "... I...."
wyverncakes 1:48 pm
(1:48:04 PM): Lagardia pulls her blades free and just starts at the Genoace before kicking back and jumping away.
(1:48:32 PM): The rest of the Court's since made their escape. All that's left is Lagardia.
(1:48:53 PM): "I can't bring myself to care about that stupid key right now."
VJockey 1:49 pm
(1:49:14 PM): "...For what its worth... I'm sorry about your friend."
wyverncakes 1:49 pm
(1:49:16 PM): She turns and runs down the tunnel you all came through.
(1:49:38 PM): So hey, you actually got the MacGuffin you came for!
cubey@aol.pl 1:49 pm
(1:49:38 PM): Sielje: "..."
wyverncakes 1:49 pm
(1:49:41 PM): MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!
cubey@aol.pl 1:49 pm
(1:49:43 PM): At least they got the key.
Atrament Corel 1:50 pm
(1:50:06 PM): The bow returns to its mount on Amagahara's back.
VJockey 1:50 pm
(1:50:11 PM): [That was one bright spot. However small.]
cubey@aol.pl 1:50 pm
(1:50:12 PM): Sielje: "Is this... what hides under every Earth city?"
VJockey 1:50 pm
(1:50:32 PM): "Just this one... I hope."
arachnion01@gmail.com 1:50 pm
(1:50:44 PM): Cethlenn collapses on the ground, lying flat on its back. "Ugh."
tengusaur 1:51 pm
(1:51:14 PM): Roger: "...It's only a matter of time before we see them again. Is everyone okay?"
Atrament Corel 1:51 pm
(1:51:31 PM): Elys: "I'm okay, mostly."
Atrament Corel 1:51 pm
(1:51:46 PM): Elys: "Good job, everyone."
arachnion01@gmail.com 1:52 pm
(1:52:02 PM): Jen: 'Gimme a bit, I'll live."
Atrament Corel 1:52 pm
(1:52:05 PM): There's a bit of a mixed tone to that last bit though.
VJockey 1:52 pm
(1:52:14 PM): "I'm alright."
(1:52:23 PM): [Calvin's reply was somewhat hurried.]