As if on cue Hugbell made her way towards Corvus. "Are you coming or staying as backup?" She asked pausing looking around at everyone who was going on. She was watching others who went into the portal.
She was heading in, she knew she was. Either to watch over the chibis that went in or in general watch over where everyone was. She looked towards the older senshi, "Someone has to watch over them, make sure as many come out as possible."
Skye Starrfyre
Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2016 5:33 pm
If there had been any warmth in the features of her face when Hugbell had first spotted her at the start of the night it had since disappeared. The Senshi of Vengeance now wore a mask of seriousness, a stern set to her jaw. So many had already gone into the portal; one by one, even the little ones.
As Hugbell asked if she would be joining them her heart tugged, fingers clenching as her lips pressed together. "No. I won't be following anyone into the fray tonight. I ---," Corvus glanced over her shoulder to where she had left Denebola and Celsus, "I have my reasons and I wish you wouldn't, but if you are -- Hugbell, I don't want you going in without a warning."
The elder senshi's voice dropped low as she took hold of the former chibi's hand, giving it a squeeze. The words that she spoke were soft, intended for no other than the young woman who stood before her. "Do not trust Gevaudan. If you must go in, stay as far away from him as you can and keep the young ones away as well. Castor," the Prince had left and she could not blame him; not with how suspicious everything seemed, "when last I saw the Prince of Hail he was covered in blood at Gevaudan's hand. He called the Knight by another name. Wolframite."
Hugbell was looking at Corvus' face studying her features. There was a soft frown but she nodded to show she understood, "I'll keep you on speed dial." She said softly as she watched, "Still, there's more to this than there seems--. . . "
She stopped though when the other said she had a warning. Her eyes shifted in the crowd looking for the one as she spoke. "Wolframite?" She questioned, looking concerned, "T-they can't purify without wanting to be on our side right? We can't force it."
She wrinkled her nose a little though, "I'll keep an eye on him. He's left me a present in the past." She was looking at her hand where she'd been cut. She looked to Corvus, "What else should I know?"
Skye Starrfyre
Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2016 6:04 pm
"I don't know how purification works, but I know what I heard and I know what I saw. The fight between them was no accident and the blood -- Hugbell, so much of the blood belonged to Castor." If she thought on it too much she would see it again and his blood would blend with memories of other blood; aliens and trees and so much blood.
Corvus swallowed hard to keep her stomach steady, squeezing Hugbell's hand just a bit tighter as she steadied herself before releasing it.
"Ganymede, the royal who went in, is his Princess. If she's the one who purified him and he can't be trusted I wouldn't trust her either. Please, just... Please be careful."
Aegir had expected Caedus' answer, but he'd hoped for better. Unfortunately the senshi of silence didn't have much time to contemplate what this meant in the greater scheme of things, because the moment Caedus made a portal, Monty <******** walked right in. I can't believe-- But then Thyrmr went too and the curly-haired man was left standing with Ash on his shoulder and a look of disbelieving annoyance on his face.
"...I'm going to beat them black and blue if we survive this." He spoke to Ash, while also pulling out his phone - the normal one, and starting to rapidly tap out a message. Quenton needs to know, he might want to come. Maybe Aleksy. What about Van? He didn't have much time, since the others went through - with more following - so he went as quickly as he could.
Once he'd sent the messages he meant to, Aegir took a steadying breath and reached up to give Ash a little chin rub. "Shall we?" With her assent, he moved to and went through the portal. Into the breech, once more...
[Aegir and Ash thinking with portals!]
kuropeco
frootloop is so in trouble
ivynian
SMS reads: Going to Caedus' place for an hour. 'friends' went in w/out me. This is an awful idea.
frayedflower
monty you little s**t
whimsical blue
ugh our team is dumb :B
shibrogane
SMS reads: If I don't come home, take care of Tribble plz. Catfe owner can help, probably.
Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2016 6:54 pm
Hugbell frowned softly as she listened to Corvus, pulling the older senshi into a hug when she noticed, she was unnerved. Then she was looking back to the portal.
"I don't think it's a trap the way everyone believes it is, but I'll keep an eye out for her as well;" There was a pause, "Though, it is a death trap. I've talked to Caedus before this, before we came back to meet here. He seems to be alright." She paused, "I'd trust him before some others, and I think that says a lot considering I also talk to Negaverse agents."
She had stepped back taking Corvus' hand again, "Have hope and keep courage that we'll all come back safe. For every questionable senshi and knight, negaverse officer and dark mirror, I take comfort in knowing there's just as many like you. I'll do what I can to protect those that go with me."
She smiled, "We'll be back before you know we were gone. Just keep watch, and hold here. If we do need back up."
Skye Starrfyre
The senshi of supersititon was standing there listening to the chatter, there were talks of death, cowardice, and other horrible name calling. She frowned as she listened and her head tried to keep up. A lot of people were talking about what could happen, what they've seen. She wasn't sure what was going on but none of this sounded good.
Then one of the royals walked away. She turned to watch him for a second before shifting a little, the crowd was huge. However that was a curiousness for Halley that she wanted to figure out what was truely going on. She wanted to go through and figure out what others had been through. To see what sort of experiences were here to better figure out if she actually wanted to do this.
Yet, Halley found herself drawn towards the portal when it was opened. She paused, though stopping herself surely this wasn't that bad of an idea right? After all, she'd walked through construction sites and wondered if someone with a chainsaw was going to chase after her. How much worse could this be?
"Alright Halley, so in twenty years when you're standing around talking and they ask you did you go into the portal? Do you want to be the one that chickened out?"
Boots stepped forward, "Get in the Portal Halley!" She told herself, "Just run right for it and hope for the best on the other side. Right?" There was a pause, "Man I wish I'd thought to bring some glitter bombs."
She laughed and shook her head, "Alright lets do this!" Finally with the weird pep talk over, Halley ran into the portal.
"Stay safe," she spoke softly, not trusting her voice at the moment to say much beyond that. Dampness was clinging to the corners of her eyes as she gave Hugbell's hand one more squeeze before letting go. Her heart hurt, but she had to let go. She had to get that distance back between them so that she could walk away.
The Senshi of Vengeance took a step back, giving Hugbell one more look over. One more face into the fray. One more child who had grown up in combat... How had she stayed so sweet?
Corvus turned slowly away from the Senshi of Comfort, gathering her thoughts together again as she made her way back to Denebloa and Celsus.
They would not be following the others into the portal. They would remain with Caedus; watching him just as they watched the pathway that had been opened. They would hold the line.
LP
kuropeco
Nuxas
The Space Cauldron
Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2016 8:04 pm
Mauvian Ash
Aegir was concise and thorough, at least… catching her up and what had been discussed and what was planned.
When the portal opened, her back arched and a low, burbling noise slipped from her throat before she could stop it. The feeling that poured out of it was so… hostile and horrible. How could anyone ever find that place appealing or actually want to go there? And that was, of course, exactly where they were going… It was probably lucky his fur collar padded him, or she might have accidentally driven claws into the shoulder that was her perch. And then, of course, feel bad for hurting him…
Fingers under her chin drew her attention back to the man she stood upon and Ash huffed softly, her eyes narrowed at the portal.
“I suppose we can’t very well leave them alone in there, can we? None of mine are going in there without me…” She grumbled as she rubbed her face against his hand.
Ash clung as Aegir stepped through the portal, bracing herself for whatever they might find on the other side.
Apologizing seemed to be second nature by now. Celsus tried not to think too hard about what was happening, his eyes tracing the faces of each person who disappeared through the portal. He could feel himself shaking, the tremors still making it hard to do much with his hands, and for the first time that night, his fingers curled the tiniest bit more securely around Denebola's.
Corvus had stepped back over as well. Celsus felt nausea in his throat, and he broke free from the two of them, though not out of a desire to get away. He made it a few steps away and then sat down, with some effort, onto the grass a short distance from Caedus, his legs bent, his arms resting on his knees.
He was silent for a moment, and then said, very quietly,
"Do you think they'll be all right?"
nuxaz
skye starrfyre
Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2016 8:31 pm
Hugbell gave a bright smile and nodded, "Always!" She said before turning to move, she glanced back to give Corvus a wave. Afterwords she moved to the portal and was gone.
Forward to the unknown. However, Hugbell held high hopes for the best outcome possible. Whatever was going to happen, she was sure that things wouldn't be the same when they came back out.
Skye Starrfyre
[Hugbell Exit]
"Do you think she's held up?" Snowball asked Niflhel cutting through the tense silence between the two of them as they continued to listen to the chatter and the bickering. Everyone was so tense, it was like a bomb waiting to explode. He wished he had another way of doing things. Maybe something to create a distraction. His ears twitched catching chatter here and there.
He noted the anger in voices, those that were afraid. There were lots of people going on. Others were trying to take charge. He frowned as those that had purified spoke, could they really remember all of that? His ears twitched, what if things had changed since their information? Those things could all be null and void now.
He watched as after the portal was open the senshi and knights trickled into the Portal. "I wish Polaris would come on . . . " He said softly, he'd feel better if she was there. They'd have another Royal, as it was Castor was leaving, and that left one Royal. One who he didn't know but he knew she'd spoken a fair bit at the last meeting.
"She'll come if she can." Niflhel replied softly as he watched the others cringing at the in fighting, it was always the same. Never did they all agree. It was what made them unique, but it also hurt them sometimes. . .
"I know, but . . . it'd be easier with her." He said softly, "We could at least do well on our own if nothing else." He leaned against Niflhel's cheek as he watched everyone, "I mean . . . look at them all fight."
He was amazed that order hadn't been picked off more by this sort of fighting. None of it made sense, none of it made things better. If they were going to go into somewhere as dangerous as this. Which if at least enough people agreed there could be groups formed of the same opinions. That'd help right? He wasn't even sure anymore.
Niflhel chuckled softly, "I would too Snow, I would too. But that's the way things go." He said softly, "Sometimes there's things more important than this." He smiled, "Even if she doesn't make it to this, she'll still be with us."
Snowball looked at Niflhel, "I think I liked you better all batman serious and melancholy."
"That can be arranged." There was a pause as the knight thought, "Probably in there it will be all serious face." He couldn't help that he married the light of his life.
They had stalled as long as they could really, Snowball shifted as he looked towards the portal. "True, true." He was thinking as he looked around, "Think I should shift to my human form once we're there? That way I won't slow you down. I'm sure there'll be enough to worry about besides carrying a cat."
The cat was nibbling on the bottom of his lip, he knew it was odd but, "Hopefully we'll be able to get in and get out fast."
"That sounds like a plan, then you can help." Niflhel replied as he moved forward. "We can't afford to wait much longer, lets go."
"Right, in we go. What's that thing you quote?"
Snowball paused, "Oh right! All in the valley of death, Rode the six hundred. 'Forward, the light brigade! Charge for the guns!'"
"No . . . not quite" The knight shook his head as they entered into the Portal.
Nirvana has listened to every word that had passed Phact's lips. He gave her a firm and gentle nod as she gave him his assignment, looking to Havasu and grinning. "Sorry man, gotta do what the woman says. I am not getting my a** kicked by her."
He could see the doubt in Hav's eyes when Phact named him leader, he moving to the other man's side, he placing a hand on his shoulder only moments after Phact moved into the portal. "We will work together, Hav, don't worry. I might not be as strong as you, but I am far from weak in a fight, and I can have your back."
He gave him a wink before taking his first few steps toward the portal. "don't let the meek one run. She has potential that she doesn't even know." He was gone moments later, he darting into the portal and vanishing from sight.
((Nirvana Out))
---------------------------
Kastra found comfort when Mel returned to her side. She kneeling down before him as the portal opened. She smiled warmly at her companion. "Mel, we are going someplace dangerous, and I will need you to have my back, ok?" She pet his head gently, placing a kiss on the star mark on his head. "You can do this for me right? Be my eyes where I cannot see?"
She rose to her feet, eyes following Nirvana as he made comment about her. She shook her head and looked to Havasu. "I will not run. I gave my word to Phact that I was part of this team. Even if I am not a fighter, I can support you all in other ways." She kept one hand on Mel, using him to keep her nerve.
"Come on Mel, it is time to do this..." She looked toward the portal, her gaze distant, as if she was looking passed it. "You can do this Kastra...get in there..." She took the first few steps before she forced herself into a run, she darting into the portal, calling to Mel to be on her heels."
((Kastra Out))
Torvil
Sirene Naiads
Sleet Tempest Snape
Shanyume
Fiction1119
Natsuko-neko
Posted: Wed Feb 10, 2016 11:23 pm
It was going to be a disaster. Centisima was 95% sure of it. With all the arguments, with everyone shouting and the lack of leader, they would be floundering around in Negaspace until something big and mean turned up to kick their a**. He could easily be killed but did he really want to miss out on that? If he went in there and came back out again, it would be a hell of a story. <******** it. Sorry, Sedna," he said suddenly, grabbing at her arm to give it an apologetic squeeze. "I’m going in. You don’t have to follow but uh… wait for me? Yeah? I’ll try come back in one piece."
He should have been more afraid as he turned away from her and approached the portal. He didn’t look back as it swallowed him up.
Centisima exit!
Lucyal
moving us along ;D he'll be on the other side if she wants to go in too!
Ruriska
Invisible Dabbler
Offline
Strickenized
Garbage Cat
Offline
Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2016 1:45 am
The few who turned up to greet him - Babylon, Hvergelmir - soon went on their way to other topics; the pair were highly sought-after for their knowledge and willingness to guide, and Scholomance was ever delighted to see both their presence. He offered little more than a nod, however; given the circumstances of their meeting here, he felt it ill judgment to pursue side conversations with an established exchange. And Caedus received everything he solicited, as a multitude of crystals surfaced in the palms of the many senshi and knights gathered here. Perhaps Scholomance was the only one to keep his.
Dissent ensued, as expected. Scholomance heard valid points raised by Aegir. and dissenting opinions from people like Phact. Caedus seemed disinterested in waiting, expressing that his own time already waned. The squire's mouth drew to a thin line beneath his mask. This little trick is going to happen whether we want it to or not. How many will participate, I wonder? If I turned it down, would I be the only one to do so?
Would I be the last knight left if everyone headed into the Negaverse's domain and died?
The mask betrayed nothing of his countenance.
Space time crumbled in on itself to reveal a vitriolic portal within. It drew his eyes foremost, beyond the surfeit of powers jockeying for position. It beckoned to many, and as he noted, he would not be the only one to stay behind - a Chronos Knight remained steadfast while others began the first ventures into the portal. Interestingly, Mont Blonc was the first to press into its domain. Several others followed, mostly alone, or solemn, or somber, or resigned, or even afraid of what lay within. The one who gave detailed information about the Rift looked livid as he reentered a domain he still remembered.
Finally Scholomance stepped forward, expression still hidden behind his garish mask, and started within a portal that may well snap shut behind him.
I surrendered myself to change in any form when I moved here. I just never expected this.
Posted: Thu Feb 11, 2016 4:46 am
Subamara, Senshi of Coffee
Subamara stood back solemnly as Caedus explained why he couldn’t go home yet. It left her sick and sad, a hollow feeling in the pit of her stomach, to know that all they’d given was not enough to do the good deed that went along with the dangerous mission he was proposing. Worse, that he seemed to feel he’d had to promise them this chance to earn a right to their help. Everyone deserved the chance to go home. Maybe she was just too tired for this.
She turned back to Caedus. “You know we would have helped you get home, even if you didn’t promise? We would still help.”
But the portal was already open.
There wasn’t really any choice, there never was.
The various plans and arguments sounded around her, but though she listened, she had little to add. She wasn’t a big gun, and definitely not a tactician. Some were calling it a suicide mission, others comparing to battles of the past. She could kind of see both angles. But Caedus had been a prisoner down there, and the knight with the eyepatch, Intel Guy, had mentioned living statues? Who was to say they weren’t mounting a rescue mission after all?
Ultimately, it was a numbers game. You couldn’t win without a full deck. Even if she wasn’t a very useful senshi, just being one of the many was important, especially with others walking away. The prince had left, and she could see she wasn’t the only one shocked. But others were arriving. It wasn’t hopeless yet.
She added her plus-one to the mission, stepping through the portal.
Tomlin’s coppery orange eyes narrowed at the response he received from Caedus, and then turned to fix on the strange green crystal that appeared in the entity’s covered hand.
“Hmm,” he said, but the tone wasn’t hostile, or even doubtful. The aura-dampening crystal held far more interest to the ginger cat than the previous meeting’s draining crystals. He began to weave through the crowd for a closer vantage point, a better look. He paused only when he was close enough for the soft green glow to cast reflections off his luminous eyes. He still couldn’t tell if it was a natural crystal or a technological device, and he wasn’t (quite) prepared to get any closer to the hooded figure to investigate.
So this was where the aura-numbness they were experiencing was coming from. It seemed to have a wide range, and must be doing a stellar job given how many senshi and knights were here, and how long the meeting had been undisturbed by their enemies. Was it running on energy, he wondered. And if so, whose? Maybe they could hook it up to a less creepy power source down at the HQ. Reliable, too, if it had been active all this time.
Though the entity’s phrasing bothered him a little – aura dampening was never ‘wasting’ energy. It was one of the most important things a cat could do. Unless Metallia was weak to feline energy-bolts? Might be worth a shot.
The rest of the meeting was much like other Order gatherings he’d attended, though with his mind and energy free from having to look after the auras, he could pay more attention than usual. Tempers were running hot again, and opinions were flying, but somewhere in all that argument, some level of planning was getting done. They were getting better at this.
If there was a part of him that worried about the mission itself, the sheer abominable stupidity of entering Metallia’s realm, he squashed it right down. Of course their senshi would come back. He couldn’t let himself believe any other outcome. Better to focus on the practicalities than on the way the portal swallowed them whole into blackness, one by one.
He watched two cats go through, and it looked like others were holding the fort here. With Mauvians on both sides of the gate, they should be able to do something about the auras when that crystal ran out of juice. And he still wanted a closer look at the device.
Tail held high, Tomlin jumped through the portal into the abyssal enemy stronghold.
