He couldn’t even conceive of a worse outcome. If the objective had just been to get Caedus’ starseed and take it to the Cauldron, then they’d certainly failed at that due to an absurd amount of meddling from hoards of senshi that it absolutely did not concern. Some condescending woman spoke patronizing words of their failure, so sweet and so antagonizing, in a domain that certainly didn’t look like a welcoming place. A handful of deaths on their end, cadets and commanders alike, with minimal losses for Order and Chaos. Fysarius had always been confident that none of these people were their allies. That resolve was strengthened, standing here. And there was that threat: ”…you can’t go home without it.”
Can’t because there was no point in returning to a world on the brink of destruction without something to heal it, or can’t because of a physical inability to do so? With all the resources they’d expended since their arrival, did they not have the ability to leave now? To abandon this ******** hellscape and all the war that plagued it? The rest of the Vanguard, those that weren't here now, did they even care if they were trapped here? Did they care at all about their world? How could so many of them not be here...?
Had anything gone right?
Fysarius almost thought it might have been better if they’d all bit the dust in battle or in the ensuing explosion instead of being brought here. That at least would’ve been quick. No more choices or conflict left to make if he was dead. Just that satisfaction that they’d done the best they could do, even if they failed. Not his problem, anymore. Much better, way better than some sardonic little woman looking so apologetic but sounding so pleased at the unfortunate turn of events. She made him sick.
This place made him sick.
Thinking of how many of the Vanguard would abandon their homes and families and friends because of one selfish life and whatever poison this world infected them with made him so sick.
He whipped around so fast it made him dizzy as someone inched closer from the side. The world tipped precariously. His body felt so high-strung. It couldn’t be anyone good because how could it possibly when Ny was on his other side. Fingers scrabbled for his blade because he was definitely, definitely going to stab any of the Negaverse’s creatures if they drew within a meter of him. His vision swayed back into place, somehow slower than he was used to seeing.
Cypher. It was just Cypher stepping nearer to him and Ny, huddling away from the rest of the anomaly. Fysarius’ brows pinched as his eyes squeezed shut. Not a monster, but he somehow didn’t feel better? Dizzy and sick and-
He threw an arm out, wasn’t sure himself if it was meant to land on Cypher for support or to push him out of the way because in the next second Fysarius was doubled over and vomiting on the ground.
One more thing that definitely didn’t go right.
Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2021 11:00 am
Cadet Nessaela
At first it was a small stroke alongside her cheek and inwardly Nessaela had wondered at the action. Eso's fingers finding an easy path down her pastel skin in an effort to rouse her from whatever state she had been in most likely. A gesture of protection - that would keep being offered it seemed. Even as she felt Eso's fingers curl around her own she kept her gaze lingering on the space around them. She caught a glimpse of movement from her peripheral vision and turned her head to glance in the direction. Soldiers of the Negaverse were crowded into this room as well. As her gaze passed over the lot she bit her lip in deep thought. Something seemed too familiar about an individual that her gaze had roamed over. She had only briefly seen this person once but it caused her to step back in shock. A quick movement on the battlefield - a comrade murdered. His very soul ripped from his body in quick succession. She had been alert for the entire debacle and had memorized the profile of the guilty party. Back then she wasn't free to do much to avenge Gaevan, but now was a different story. Nessa felt a flash of rage at knowing that the one that had murdered Gaevan was standing in this room with them. (( Guinevere ))
Although making the realization - she didn't rush off to try in order to correct the cosmic balance. For once she kept her head on straight. To try and murder someone of this place - in a room full of their people - including their queen, would be akin to an instant death wish. She pondered ideas before sighing. Avenging Gaevan would probably never happen in this realm. Nessaela returned the comforting grip of Eso's fingers before turning to gaze at Tenoch. Her expression softened before going straight to worried. He isn't alright. Her free hand reached up towards Tenoch in a small gesture before she flashed her source stone towards him. It was a reminder of the night they'd gone looking for answers on alien abductions. If he needed it - Nessaela would gladly extend the stone for Tenoch's use.
Bronze Coffee
Shiningamisgirl
noir songbird
spotting Guinevere briefly - enough to recognize who she is and what she did
Oh how quickly things nearly escalated when Fysarius shoved Cypher from behind. Almost squeezed the trigger, firing off a blaster shot in some random a** direction due to being unexpectantly jarred from his previous stance.
Loathe to tear his narrowed gaze from the coyly smiling woman, Cy reluctantly lowered his weapon and turned to tend to his comrade and friend. Rather than recoil away in disgust, he placed a hand on Fys's back and offered support where he could
It made no sense, to have the Commodore tell him directly to avoid interacting with Chaos, and yet their leader seemed to be more informed of the plan than they were. "You saved us from the explosion, for that, I feel as if I owe you a measure of gratitude." He leveled a steady stare at Laurelite. "I only speak for myself, but what I want to know is why you seem to have a better understanding of what the plan was than we did."
"We had been told," his gaze shifted to Lyndin for a brief moment then back to the Queen. "To avoid your agents. It was assumed that this was because of His Majesty's desire to destroy Chaos made you our enemy. But the events on the battlefield proved to be evidence of the contrary." Agents only attacked his fellow cadets if they had attacked them first; or if they came to the aid of the White Moon Senshi.
"Seems to reason we should have been properly introduced if you were going to instruct your Agents to protect the generators. That is, unless, part of this arrangement you had with our Commodore was to have us gather intel on your enemy as some sort of payment for cooperation.
Indigo_Plateau
The Space Cauldron
OOCly... mistakes being made on my part u_u; full regrets in posting but... characters sometimes demand to have things be said despite obvious consequences.
One moment she had been grappling with a Knight on the ground, defending herself against the onslaught of saturated perfume scents while clawing at the woman wildly. The next thing she knew was that the woman with the pink dress was now gone, dirt and grass beneath her had been replaced by a cold stone floor which she unceremoniously smacked her head against in her sideways tumble.
Lavendulan blinked multiple times in an apparent daze and noticed that the stars above were now nothing more than the high vaulted-ceiling of the unfortunately familiar castle she spent far too much time in. All too soon the battle had ended yet her youma nature felt far from satiated. One Page subdued as instructed but she wanted that Knight like something fierce but would have been content with that senshi that had run off to find her sister.
With a fair amount of effort she rolled onto her side, sneering at the discomfort in both her right shoulder and left forearm. Ignored it for the most part but did pause to take in her appearance. Blood caught beneath her nails, smeared over her skin and scales. Red bloomed at her side but fortunately none of it was hers. The sight of it should have bothered her, made her question her actions; yet she found it oddly freeing.
For years she clung desperately to the idea of maintaining, or reclaiming, her humanity as if it were a lifeline. So much so that the noose around her neck had become so tight it was all but suffocating. But now the leash had been given a measure of slack and for the first time she actually felt whole, not force to choose between the two sides of humanity or youma.
Perhaps it was Laurelite expressing her pride in all for them or the blanket of chaos that swept over the battlefield; like the coming tide it washed over her in welcoming waves unlike her promotion which had been pushed into her starseed forcing a physical, and painful, change. No, this feeling was one she could revel in gladly, would have found solace in and sought out either Wolframite or Lopezite now that she could move around more freely.
But then one of the Cadets (Cypher) spoke out and her ire from before returned ten-fold when her eyes settled on his crouched form.
Eyes narrowed dangerously in his direction, pupils pulled into slits so thin they nearly disappeared completely. Her lip curled and fingers flexed beside her. A low growl escaped her as she took a step towards the ******** that shot her in the shoulder when she’d made a move to subdue the Senshi that had been shouting at him.
He didn’t belong here, shouldn’t have been saved by Laurelite or any of them. If anything he should have been left to the same fate as the White Moon Senshi he ended up protecting.
MoonKitsune
Wolframite Mention
Kyuseisha no Hikari
Lopezite Mention
The Space Cauldron
She's trying really really hard to behave... Like really hard.
Oh, this was all so exciting! For one, the Negaverse had quite well filled out its ranks. So many new corruptions, so much to see here. And for another, they had some fascinating new allies, which made Amazonite perk up and take interest.
She liked new allies. She especially liked technologically advanced alien allies who might have very interesting things for her to study. Her tail swished, excitedly, and, bold as brass--either unaware of Lyndin and the Cadets' discomfort or perhaps deliberately ignoring it, with Amazonite it was hard to say and could very well be a little of both--she strode over. No one else was being welcoming; someone ought to do it other than Laurelite!
She swept a bow, because that seemed the polite thing to do when faced with an alien ambassador of sorts, and gave Lyndin a very cheery smile.
"Hello there! Commodore Lyndin, was it? I'm General Amazonite, and let me extend you the warmest possible welcome to Negaspace. I think you and I might have a lot to talk about--I'm a researcher, you see, and your technology! Oh, I'm so interested, I hope we can have productive collaborations!"
She certainly wanted to sound all sunshine and rainbows, as if she was totally oblivious to the tense atmosphere.
Reidite hadn’t been too injured in this little mission of theirs, so he stood with his arms crossed over his chest as he observed the crowd. He didn’t even mind as Cymophane felt him up, because that was totally normal. It was strange seeing a whole group of people around his height, but at least he wouldn’t be the only one suffering from low hung objects and doorframes.
One of the aliens (Cypher), seemed to think it was clever or maybe brave to speak directly to the Queen. Clearly they weren’t very observant, because not even those in the Negaverse were stupid enough to address the Queen directly without a very good reason. Especially not in a setting like this.
“In Russia, this would be very good way to disappear. Very effective. Or perhaps poison,” Reidite said thoughtfully to his General, Aquamarine and Cymophane as he tried to look over the crowd for his starburst friend.
Sunshine Alouettex
Guine
Crew
Lonely Explorer
Offline
The Space Cauldron
Captain
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Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2021 1:34 pm
Lyndin held his hand up just slightly to deny Aliez’s Source Stone. He nodded to him, and Vyn, to reassure them, but his attention was elsewhere for the time being. Itztenoch was not ignored, but Lyndin seemed guarded and wary to speak in this company.
The Vanguard was hurting. They were confused. Some of them were sick.
This wasn’t a good place for them right now.
He was going over his options, fully intent to just lie low, let them have their space, and leave when they could.
Discretion was not on their side.
When Cypher spoke, Laurelite’s attention turned to him immediately, and there was such amusement in her eyes. She looked at him as if she were both impressed and annoyed that he spoke to her.
Her sweet little smile never wavered.
“You’re welcome,” she said kindly, but her tone was just a little off.
Lyndin exhaled before she spoke; he’d tensed at Cypher’s words and had steeled himself. He was already exhausted, already burned out, even without expending his energy to try to maintain the thin layer of magical protection on the Cadets.
“I suppose you’d have to ask your Commodore,” she continued. “So you don’t have to assume. I wouldn’t dream to presume what information he thought you could be trusted with. It would be so uncouth of me to tell him how to run his people.”
Lyndin remained unimpressed and turned, just slightly, so he could address the Cadets quietly. “We’ll talk somewhere else.”
The stress was in his voice, but if his body was under so much strain it probably wasn’t surprising that he wasn’t holding himself together as well as he should have been.
But, the longer they were here, the worse it was going to get.
He’d probably reached his limit a while ago, he just didn’t know how to stop.
Amazonite’s attention was unwanted and he didn’t have the patience for her intrusion. He remained between her and the Cadets and looked down at her. "Later," he said, not quite dismissively, but certainly with the tone of someone who had too much on his plate to deal with anything else right now.
His attention returned to the Queen.
“We need a space to recalibrate and tend to our injured. We don’t want to interrupt your celebration. Please excuse us.”
“Oh, of course. Gladly,” Laurelite said sweetly. “Things are probably a little rough back in Destiny City. Why don’t you stay here for the night? Here,” she nodded and a youma weaved through the crowd by her will alone.
It was a tall thing, with long, muscular limbs and sharp teeth and claws. Every inch of its body seemed primed for battle, and she had chosen this specimen to showcase the ferocity of her army, in all of its variety. Lyndin was not bothered by the creature, but he kept his eyes on it just in case.
Laurelite continued, “An escort. We have a space prepared. It should be comfortable enough for the evening. We can speak again in the morning, Commodore.”
Lyndin watched her, nodded once, and tipped his head just slightly in what might have been gratitude.
To the Cadets, “Stay close.”
But, he didn’t really have to question if they would. None of them looked happy to be there.
The crystals of their fallen shimmered, dismissed to somewhere safer.
Quote:
All Cadets must exit with Lyndin to this continuation. The Negaverse can continue posting in this thread and there will be another mule post within 24 hours.
I'm here, said Albite, with a hand on her face, and Sylvite didn't think she'd ever been quite so happy to hear something in her entire life. She nuzzled into his palm like she was a puppy or something, not caring if her subordinates saw it on their way over and thought she was weird, or even, like, Laurelite.
She wanted to hold him even tighter, to wrap around him as much as her tiny frame would let her and not let go for a really, really long time. It was bad to squeeze people when they were all busted, though. She knew that, and anyway, she still had a couple others to look after, so she settled for giving him a smile, instead.
She was still stressed, and it still totally showed in her face, but a little bit of her grin broke through that.
"Of course you're here," she murmured to him. "You're not allowed to die, 'kay? That's like, an order."
The others seemed to be doing much better at not dying. They hadn't even almost died, by the looks of it.
She smiled at them, too, when they got closer. They really were great. Obedient, they came right up to her, but they still kinda had a spark to them, unlike, say, Cybele.
Vaguely, Sylvite had to wonder what was going to end up happening to all the new recruits.
She pushed that though away, too. "Just wanted to make sure you guys were okay. Super good job on the butt-kicking, by the way. Like, don't rub it in to the others, but our generator was up almost right up to the end."
Fulgurite said the mission was a success, and Sylvite nodded after glancing back to Laurelite for confirmation. She was sending the aliens off somewhere now, but still seemed pretty happy.
Sylvite pointed at each of the boys by way of introduction. "Adonis, meet Fulgurite. Fulgurite, meet Adonis." She brushed a bloody dreadlock out of Albite's face, her forehead still a little bit squished up from worry. "This is Albite, he's on Faustite's team, but he's my friend."
"I got hailed on, but it wasn't thaaaaaat bad." He was lying. It was awful.
Fulgurite looked like he got a scarf confused with a swimsuit, but at least the thing looked… Probably not made of people. Adonis could respect that. He smiled, gave a hearty 'Ey with a short wave.
The greater gather of his attention was, of course, the Space Opera that continued going down with Super Big Tall and his peck of purple prisoners. Looked like they had few words to exchange with Laurelite, who was — hot damn, goading them all sassy-like. He clapped for the Queen. Because, clearly, she was being charitable. And not doling out thinly veiled threats. Good for her!
Then it was back to Sylvite and her — oh, oh what's this — look at her getting all friendly with the roadkill (Albite)! Adonis smiled a little wider as he looked on over her. Friend could have a few connotations that he couldn't wait to see.
For now, he'd behave. Maybe. "Think I should flag done one of those youma? Someone made a real piece of work out of him, all hamburger-like. Maybe they've got, like. Starseed scones and energy eclairs. Food and energy in one, yeah?
"Whaddaya think, Albite? You want something to keep you going?"
Pink gaze glossed with shock that had snapped to the gentle touch on his cheek. To the familiar voice. Instant relief that had flooded his gaze in the aftermath of it all. Never in his entire life had Diasporite been so happy to see someone. To see his General. Felt like some faulty floundering fish as he opened his mouth - let it close again. Thin tight frown that took his features, because he knew --'I made a mistake - I lost Adonis - I'm sorry.... I- '
Then the world had fallen out from under him - the rude girl and ichor soaked grass had fallen away - morphed into hard stone floor and a room that flooded with auras. A room awash with a feeling like -- something soothing? Something like praise and care offered up, and whatever was going on in the background was beyond him, because his General had asked him a question and he could damn well get his scrambled wits together enough to answer it.
"I can try." and he would, for the sake of the softly asked question, found his legs like a new baby lamb and hissed for every moment of motion it took him in the trying of it. For how he swayed and nearly startled himself for the feel of -- 'Oh the kitty!?'
Snatched Enyo up into a weak hold, and reached for Rak to steady himself in the same motion. He hadn't meant to land on her like that - only spare her from the spray of shrapnel and ink.
"I think..I think that I've learned a very valuable lesson today..." and Diasporite had learned many lessons, maybe. The knowledge gained in ******** up, in nearly failing for having stepped away. How that felt infinitely more useful to express than begging forgiveness with apologies that weighed heavy on his tongue.
It was a thick heavy veil that blanketed her unconscious mind, trapping it in a dreamless sleep where only murmured sounds that bled together in a symphony of white noise could be heard. It folded around her, a welcoming embrace that encouraged her to rest her weary mind while in the safety of surrounding chaos.
Between being stabbed with a sword and being hit with two power surges from the generator that likely resulted in some level of concussion. The sharp pain in her side dulled to something more tolerable but her breaths remained shallow. However, the shift in weight as she was passed off to another, and the sudden pressure of something firmly pressed against the wound was enough to cause the Senshi of Static to more than stir.
Her breath hitched, froze in her lungs as she curled into the one who now carried her. While difficult to see, the now black uniform was saturated with blood spilled on the battlefield. A pathetic whimper escaped her unbidden and all she could do to keep from crying out was to bury her face in the soft warm fur.
Strickenized
Posted with Indi's approval to have Niter pass her off to Maikoh. Thank you for picking her up ;_; I appreciate it!
Nagyágite considered himself lucky. Except for some scratches from that bratty little Senshi's magic, he had mostly escaped that battle unharmed. Perhaps because he had been prudent, perhaps by sheer luck. Mostly, he was glad to no longer have to worry about managing the chaotic tableau of that messy, messy battlefield. Now, it was time to worry solely and entirely about getting cleaned up and finding a way to celebrate their victory.
Maybe he would go find Felicity. He hadn't seen her at the battle; perhaps that meant she had been smart and stayed out of the way, or she had some reason to not be there. Either was fine with him, and when he scanned the crowd and didn't spot her, he supposed it would have to be the latter. But he could share news of their victory with her, and hopefully share a lovely night with his favorite girl. That sounded like the ideal way to cap off his evening; he'd successfully participated in a magical battle, and he could go find Felicity and they could indulge in some nice wine and in each other.
Ah, lovely.
It was warm and comfortable here, in Negaspace. This was, after all, his home; he quite liked being back here, so while he had much more interesting plans, now, for the rest of his evening, he wasn't exactly booking it for the door. The Queen had words for them, and perhaps more, and in the comforting warmth of Metallia's pleasure....well, it felt a bit like stretching out and basking in the sun, the way his reptilian instincts sometimes longed to, and the way he had like dot do occasionally even when he was human. It was like being outside on a perfect summer day, as far as he was concerned. Perhaps others would be less comfortable, but for him....yes. Lovely.
He watched the alien visitors with undisguided interest, but unlike another half-youma, he did not approach or speak to them. There would be time later, he suspected, to address their brand new visitors. Strange bedfellows, he supposed, but whatever worked.
Their leader, though, he would stay away from. There was something about the determined set of Lyndin's jaw, about the coldness of his expression when directed at Laurelite, that made him take pause. That was not a man to be idly toyed with, and Nagya was not interested in getting himself in too deep.
The group left, and Nagya considered what he might do. For now, though, he would wait here, and listen to see if Laurelite had any other praise or gifts for them. After all, they had all done so well, and their Queen was clearly satisfied--perhaps there might be more than warm and fuzzy feelings on offer. Good work should be recognized, after all, if you asked Nagya, and as far as he was concerned, they had all done fairly good work.
But it was time to hover, and wait, and see. He would have all night to go home to Felicity.
To Adonis' greeting, Fulgurite put up two fingers and gave a half-salute of a wave. Seemed appropriate. What was he the senshi of, anyway? What kind of outfit was --
The praise brought a grin to Fulgurite's face, and he nearly declared right there that he assuredly would be bragging. Something felt good about doing so well at protecting what they were supposed to. Perhaps it was the fact that he swore Metallia was actually present in the room and not just the Queen he had grown used to facing. Might have preferred Metallia, actually. The Queen brought back bad memories--
"Starseed scones?" Fulgurite wasn't particularly fond of starseeding as a general practice -- hated it even more than he hated drawing energy for quota -- but the concept of a starseed scone made him scrunch his nose in distaste. "Wouldn't that just make the scone crunchy?"
He didn't know when he had become a food expert, but he knew scones weren't supposed to have a crunch to them. Maybe if they had nuts in them, but that implied the starseed was already ground up--
That sat uncomfortably. He buried the thought.
"Anyway. Probably right that we should get Albite some help, here."
He didn't want to get particularly close to those youma, though. At least he didn't see any that looked like anglerfish-- he shuddered, burying the thought that brought goosebumps back to his skin right where he had kicked the thought of crunchy starseed scones.
Shiningamisgirl
Albite
stari_maga
Sylvite
Strickenized
Adonis
Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2021 6:51 pm
General Chambersite
The aliens were... escorted down to different headquarters and Chambersite only shook his head. He would be incredibly surprised if they were actually allowed to leave the next day. This is something he would definitely have to tell with Roquefort. Perhaps the little Youma could gain some information on what was going on with the aliens and what the Queen wanted with them. Outside of the General-Sovreigns, he doubted that she would be telling anyone else.
The Youma was starting to finish up. There wasn't much that could be done for the internal injuries. The bandages would have to do for now. The others would require rest. Perhaps he could stay in his office for a bit. After all, they were supposed to heal faster while they were powered up. Better to spend half a month healing than 3 or more months.
((open for interaction!))
SSBrosB
Springtime Noob
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Sleet Tempest Snape
Noble Vampire
Offline
Posted: Mon Nov 01, 2021 8:54 pm
General Benitoite
With his cousin helping, and supporting him, the smaller blond nodded his head slowly. "Mmm, I'm sure you have just the bread - always baking. Where as he prefered to cook, he did prefer fresh food over the alternative but tonight was not the night for that. Stew bought from Omaha steak was just fine by him, it was good anyway. "I'll skip desert though." As he didn't have much of a sweet tooth, aside from his coffee orders.
Looking up at the plague doctor the blond general nodded his head. "I don't mind, I've had worse. I toook a few good hits to the face...right before the traitor went and joined the other side." He'd like to repay her gesture the next time they met. "I don't do well with pain killers anyway." It was, to those he was cclose to, well known that he avoided the painkillers doctors would prescribe as well as most over the counter ones. The stronger ones tended to leave him dizzy and with a bad case of vertigo which caused nausia and puking. He liked to avoid these things so he avoided such medications.
"I'll get something for the pain later." Once he was home and someone could raid his greenhouse for whatever he wanted. His jaw was, obviously, not dislocated or broken but no doubt he had suffered a lot of bruising and his nose hurt a good bit as well. But his nose had been bleeding before, and there was proof to that with the blood crusted about his nose and the stiff feeling up his nose from the hardened blood.
"You should see to Noctua as well, unless you think a hospital would be better. I saw her spit a tooth and I suspect a broken, or shattered, nose." He was worried for her, as he always was, she suffered in battles plus her sleep and general health. One day some senshi or knight would break her physically. He'd talk to their Queen about that but not tonight...but soon. It had been a concern but after tonight it was one he needed to handle. Maybe their Queen could offer some sort of help...or perhaps their alien friend?
"You should look her over first Arseno....I'm not nearly as bad." And his cousin was a good support to have. Mason was not going to be happy with him coming home hurt and bruised.
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