#Which is fair; I was planning to avoid it so I’d be effectively immortal | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

rpchive · 8 years ago

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Sixty Second Encounter-- To Arms

this log might be choppy and weird since the internet here kinda sucks but I DID IT ANYWAY SO yeah

Shortly after the burning hand incident, Barbell, Tori, and Collin regroup with the others in the foyer. The fountain's purple water slowly begins to return to normal as he fills in the rest of the group on what has occurred. Barbell: ... So, are there any questions so far? Nydins: This all happened so fast I'm not entirely sure what to think of it. I think we all have a lot of questions that don't really have answers right now... Barbell: I suppose that's fair. For once, I don't think I have all the answers either. Instead, I can offer a plan. It's already late, so for now I think it's best if everyone got some rest. I'm going to spend the rest of the evening scouring some old maps I have. Hopefully I can find some sort of building or structure east of here that could possibly be the place Jezebel described. Assuming I can find something, tomorow morning we set out immediately to put a stop to this before things get any worse. Firefly: Sounds good to me. Here's hoping we can make it happen. Barbell: I'm sure we can manage. Now, as for staying arrangements, you're free to go back to your ship if you'd like. In fact, it'd probably be worth at least stopping by to fill in the others on what's going on. If you'd rather stay here, I can easily make some arrangements. It's up to each of you, really. Rio: We should probably go back; XL would get worried if we were all gone for a whole day. Barbell: Alright, I'll see you all tomorrow morning. Don't sleep in, or I'll have to bang on the door until someone wakes up. Oh, and Collin, if anything else happens with your hand, let me know as soon as possible, alright? Collin: Will do. Barbell: Thank you. Goodnight then. With that, Barbell leaves for his study. Relana follows him out, occassionally glancing back to the group as she exits. Karumet: ...So, was it worth punching me in the face? I mean, I kind of overestimated this I think, so really you just hit me for pretty much nothing. Zomrabitt: Y'know, can't say I really feel too bad about it. I guess I'm sorry, but not really. You're kind of a jerk the more I talk to you. Secondly, why do you keep...blatantly avoiding letting other people hear what you're saying? I know you can speak English... Karumet: Why not? You aren't going to hear the language anywhere else at this rate. Zomrabitt: Yeah, but you're just using it to keep secrets and trash talk people; that's not very productive. Karumet: Details, details; don't you need to tell the doctor what happened today? Zomrabitt: Hey, there's more than one person here; I don't have to. Fawkes: Woah woah, slow down you two. Let's try this from the top, shall we? You first, Karumet. Repeat after me: "Tori, I'm sorry I've been saying rude things in an alien language." Fawkes' "apology" scrolls across his visor in text as he speaks. Karumet: Oh, of course; Tori, I'm sorry you've been hearing me speak your real language. Lornicai: Fawkes: No adlibbing. Take two. The text scrolls across once again. Zomrabitt: You're absolutely insufferable. I don't understand...

I mean, there's not a whole lot to understand. Karumet's just kinda...mean because she doesn't really know any better? like, she's not trying to intentionally be an asshole, it's just some stuff that she vaguely "remembers" that she acts on without realizing; stuff we'll get to in s3 but for right now she just comes off as another asshole

Karumet: And you're ignorant because you refuse to understand! Look, I'm not saying you have to quit chasing these bunny trails, but you're making a huge mistake going around with this specific person tied to you like a ball and chain, and it's going to Weight you eventually. I wouldn't be surprised if you woke up tomorrow and tried to off half your friends because you didn't even know where you were at this rate. It's bad enough nobody around you knows what you are, but the fact that even you don't will be the death of you. I'm just trying to help you. Zomrabitt: Yeah, well you're doing a real piss poor job at it if all you really want to do is tell me to ditch people and give up. Nydins: Look, this argument is probably nessicary at this point, but could you two take it outside at least? It's getting late, and I'm sure you two are gonna start yelling if you keep this up... Karumet: Suit yourself; meet me in my room. She takes her leave without acknowledging Tori whatsoever. Fawkes attempts to mimic Collin's frustrated nose pinch, but it's far less effective due to his lack of any facial features. "Alright, everyone else out. Let's not start any more fights in here." The group returns to the IT, where XL is already waiting in the console room. XL: Sounds like things out there were...interesting, to say the least. Though I can't say everything she said wasn't biased. Collin's not dying, right? Collin: It doesn't sound like it, but I've got a weird tattoo on my hand that can set it on fire now, so... kind of a mixed bag? XL: Careful; get too many of those and you'll start looking like me! Haha...

actually he looks uhh...more like someone I was gonna introduce later? (or soon, who knows)

Collin: Heh, I'll try not to. I think having one person made of fire's a good number. XL: Anyway, Tori, I think you and Karumet need to talk, but certainly not alone. I don't trust that thing as far as I can throw her, but she does have some valid points on the fact that there's...several things about you we don't seem to know anymore. I don't think we should be keeping big secrets considering the last time one of us did it changed the multiverse itself. Zomrabitt: This is a private conversation; I really don't want to talk to you guys about this when I barely know anything about it myself.

ugh, okay, I'm still like lowkey kicking myself that I wound up making this log at least 1/4th-1/2 mine; I got a little over-eager and a little too anxious and I'd like to apologize for that

XL: Then let's find out together; you don't have to push us away just because you're scared and you don't understand something! All of us came this far because we trusted each other; that isn't going to change no matter what she has to say about you. Zomrabitt: And I understand that, but this...this isn't something I can talk about to everyone. If you and Collin want to be there, that's fine, but I can't have everybody I know knowing about all this.

woopsy

XL: Those are some shady conditions...but I guess that's something we'll have to find out in private. Just tell me now, is this going to compromise everybody else? Zomrabitt: As far as I know? It's only centered on me. XL: Alright, then patient-doctor confidentiality; we'll meet on it privately when you're ready. As it stands, tomorrow's more important, though I would ask about whatever that weight thing was she was talking about. That didn't sound like something to sleep on. Collin: Yeah, that certainly doesn't sound like a good thing to me either. Nydins: Just don't start a fight over it; tomorrow's...probably going to be important. The last thing we need is you doing something unpredictable again, especially if it's...literally going to blow up in our faces... Zomrabitt: I'll...try to keep it down. Tori heads for Karumet's room, XL following shortly after. Collin nods slightly to the rest of the group as his farewell and follows after them. Karumet's room seems unsurprisingly unpersonalized; keeping the bare minimum of anything she would practically need around with little to no signs of anyone actually using it as anything other than a place to sleep. Lying on the wrong side of the bed, Karumet doesn't bother to make eye contact with anyone other than XL, who has no eyes to begin with. Karumet: ...No, it's not 'clinical depression with self harming tendancies;' Weight is what happens when a kleivenn goes against the wish that brought them into existance to begin with. It clouds their tether, which would eventually block off their driving wish entirely but continue to pull magic from their heart. Unstable; purposeless; ignorant; kleivenn like this are little more than feral animals that react on whatever instinct drove them to Weight to begin with; and if I had to guess, your ball and chain is going to pull you into the sea if you keep worrying about what happens when he dies. This is why most Saa never meet the person that brought them into existance. Many would form close personal bonds; realize the mortality of their counterpart; further realize their own immortality; and then just...lose themselves to the overwhelming desire of 'if they can't live, then why should I.' They find their lives, their wishes, pointless and hopeless efforts that won't do a single thing to impact their own goals. A selfish Saa is always quick to die; why do you think so many of them willingly joined the humans in the war?

still I got to cover a lot of vocabulary and stuff I needed to touch on before s3 so I'm kinda not sorry about that? I mean I'm still sorry but I had to do some of this anyway so [shrug] but yeah she did kinda non-magically describe what Weight is; basically it's what makes a Saa become Shalvenn, which is irreversable. Weight is reversable, but once you're fully Weighted, it's not anymore it's kinda like finding a hole in your shirt or something; by the time the hole's big enough for other people to point it out/for you to see stuff through it that you don't want people doing, if you can't fix the hole, then the shirt's beyond redemption, yeah?

Collin: Woah, slow down there a second. I think I get what you're saying, but what could we realistically do about this? I mean, Tori and I have been together before he even "became" a Kleivenn in the first place. Karumet: That's why I've been telling him to leave you behind this whole time. If he keeps you around, he's only going to get worse. Unless he lets go, but if it isn't obvious by this point, he's quite stubborn. XL: So what, we either leave Collin behind or Tori's just going to...basically die? That doesn't sound very fair. Surely there's something that can be done about this... Karumet: Well, a temporary solution would be to shatter him, but then he'd be just like me, not knowing a single one of you; who he is; where he came from; what he's done...he'd hardly even be the same person; either way, I think you're going to lose somebody because of a terrible mistake. XL: You've got to be holding something out, you always do. You're hiding something to get what you want. Karumet: If I am, I don't know what it is, so what good would it do you? Maybe there's a different solution, but if nobody knows it, is it really an option? You're losing a friend here no matter what, doctor; I just hope you have what it takes to make the right call.

okay but by the end of the log Karumet does remember the solution and doesn't hesitate to tell Collin as soon as she does? not to say XL's being untrustworthy or that Karumet isn't totally bad, but Karumet does try to help 2ri once she remembers something can be done

XL: ...And just what do you think is the right call? Karumet: If you want me to be honest, they're both sort of a problem, aren't they? But none of you could bring yourselves to do that. I would shatter your friend; you at least get to keep both of them that way, but seeing as how most of the things he knows are here, he would very quickly remember who he was. It would buy you time, but not much. Knowing you, you would be able to find help before things got out of hand, but whatever that help truly is, I have no idea. Collin: You've got a really fucked up way of looking at this, you know that? Karumet: I probably wasn't always like this... Collin takes a quick breath before he speaks again. "... Look, I get that this is something we need to address, but is it really such a dire emergency that we need to deal with it now? I mean, I don't think I could ever bring myself to do something like that to Tori, but especially given the current situation...?" He holds up his left hand for emphasis. Karumet: It doesn't need your attention yet, but it's...certainly something to consider for the more immediate future. It won't happen overnight if that's what you're worried about.

>"It won't happen overnight" >happens next day I mean...

Collin: Alright, then we'll get to it as soon as I know I'm not going to turn into XL 2.0 or something. Right now, I think we need to get some rest. I get a feeling tomorrow's going to be a rough day. Karumet: See you in the morning, then. Collin takes that as his cue to leave Karumet's room. Tori and XL leave as well, returning to their respective rooms. Collin eventually makes his way to their room. "Well, today's been a big bucket of fun, huh?" Zomrabitt: Seriously... He walks up to Tori and pulls him into a tight, one-armed hug, being careful to keep his left hand down at his side. Zomrabitt: ...I just...wish there was something I could do. I couldn't even fight that creep...I couldn't do anything...

methinks Collin's mortality isn't the only thing eating this protag

Collin: It's okay, we'll figure it out. Personally I'm thinking a more standard means of attack might be better against her. Less magic, more... I don't know, normal weapons? Heck, maybe just bean her with a couple of nice sized rocks, that oughta knock her around a bit. Zomrabitt: I guess so. I never even tried to make a normal weapon; hell, even I'm pretty much just solid magic at this point... Collin: Might not wanna try hugging things out with her then, huh? Although if she doesn't know that, I doubt she'd think to try...

AND SO HE DID...

Zomrabitt: Ugh, I don't want her anywhere near any of us. I didn't even want her near you, but that...didn't work out... Collin: It's not your fault. I was the one trying to get her away from you, really. I guess she must've been expecting a move like that though. Zomrabitt: ...You really shouldn't have. Karumet's kind of right; dying's not as big of a deal for me as it would be for you. Collin: What, you expect me to just stand around and watch you get hurt or worse? Zomrabitt: I don't even care about that stuff! I mean yeah, it hurts, but I get better. You die and you're just...gone. And I just have to sit on it because that's what you wanted to do. I'm not all bent out of shape because you're gonna die someday; I'm mad because there's nothing I can do about it. I can do anything I want; go anywhere I want; be anything I want; but none of that matters if I can't--...ugh... Tori buries his head in his hands. "I just...don't see a point in it..." Collin: Tori... I get what you're saying. I really do. I'd be devastated if something happened to you. For a while, I'm sure everything would feel meaningless and empty, but... life's worth living for yourself, not just us, you know? And while I don't want "us" to end any time soon, I also don't want you to feel anchored down by me. We'll figure this out, okay? Zomrabitt: I guess, but...everyone else is just gonna die too. Robots shut down; stars burn out; hearts stop beating; but a wish will outlast even the person that made it. I'm going to be stuck in another stupid box for countless ages and everybody I'm ever going to meet is just going to drop dead and leave me... At a loss for words, Collin simply pulls Tori into another hug and buries his face into their neck.

anyway I don't know if it's a trope or not but it's certainly something I never wanted 2ri to boil down to; uhh, basically what I've been sitting on for...several months now, is "what do immortals do when they don't want to wind up alone?" and the answer was basically a vampire complex of "I don't care if you don't want to be like me, if you can't die, I can't be hurt by it" basically what I'm saying is if 2ri was ever entirely Weighted he'd either make all his friends immortal by whatever means possible, so like, Bad End spoiler, but if everyone dies, 2ri's going to wind up like a villain version of Firefly

Tori pulls him closer, being careful not to hold him too tightly. Though he refuses to allow himself to audibly cry, he's still shaking despite his efforts. Collin: ... Man, one-armed hugs suck, huh? Zomrabitt: Haha...yeah... Collin: C'mon, let's get to bed. We've still got a lot to do tomorrow. Zomrabitt: Right...yeah... The next morning, Tori wakes up to find that Collin's already out of the room, and a short handwritten note has been left on his pillow. The note reads in somewhat messy handwriting, "Morning Tori, The mark spread out a fair bit last night, so I've gone to see Barbell about it. I'll see you in a little while. -Collin" Slowly, Tori pulls his pillow over his face and groans into it. Pulling it down, he slips out of bed and picks up Demo's goggles off the dresser. "Do you think I can have a heart attack? I'm kind of hoping..."

anyway this plot made me like, physically ill irl

Demo: Hey sport, don't feel so down; if he loses an arm he's just gonna be a little closer to the robot he was always destined to be anyway. I don't think this is all that bad. Zomrabitt: Wow you are really not helping this. Demo: Sorry; can't say I ever really saw your friends in the same light as you. Anyway, you should probably tell your friends he made like a banana so y'all can meet up with him; pretty sure he's not gonna come back and hold your hand to daisy chain y'all over to the cultist for your next tea party or whatever. Pulling the goggles over his head, Tori hides them under his scarf and heads out to the console room with the note.

of course reading this log now I realize that Demo's goggles are still on 2ri's person in their Weighted state and that's... huh...

Nydins: It's about time you got up! I was starting to think you were gonna sleep til noon! Zomrabitt: Nah; no time for that. Looks like Collin went without us; better go catch up with him. XL: Alright; just...be careful. And don't hit any more of your friends please; the last thing we need is another problem. Zomrabitt: I woooon't... Opening the door, Tori heads off toward's Barbell's place; Karumet and Firefly not too far behind. Fawkes: Hey, wait for me! Fawkes' heavy footsteps grow louder as he jogs after them. "Did you think I was going to let you guys go without me?" Karumet: Like we could ever walk fast enough...

don't be rude

Fawkes: Probably not. I haven't tested my top landspeed yet, but I have to imagine it's considerably fast... Firefly: So it's still spreading? I wish I knew something about this stuff; I'm sure there's someone in the forest that does, but with the council still hot under the collar about our last run-in, I can't say my ties could really help us in the long run. Zomrabitt: You and me both; but unfortunately I think this is gonna take a little more than a magic school bus field trip to patch up, assuming it can ever be fixed at all. Karumet: And if it can't? Zomrabitt: Then I guess Collin better steer clear of small children, or else they're gonna start asking for Barney's autograph. Fawkes: I certainly hope he doesn't become dinosaur-shaped... The group knocks on Barbell's door, and after a few seconds Barbell himself opens up for them. "Good morning. Are we ready to go, then?" Zomrabitt: As ready as I'll ever be. Barbell: Alright, we're off then. Collin, we're going! Barbell exits the house and Collin follows soon after. His left arm has been wrapped in bandages going up to his elbow, although small bits of purple markings can be seen poking out from under them. Before anyone can react, Collin says, "Don't freak out, they're just to keep that solution stuff on it." Firefly: Ahhh...o-okay...

anyway it's no surprise 2ri doesn't talk that much from this point on because hahaha wow he was...very much not okay with this

Barbell takes out his brass whistle and summons the Aurum Express once again. As the platforms begin to extend from the back of the train, Fawkes notices something off. Fawkes: Hold on, where are the golems? Barbell: I sent them with Relana back over to Jezebel's place. I sent a letter with her so that Jezzie would know what we're up to. I don't want Relana here if that woman shows up again while we're gone. Karumet: Understandable considering how things went last time. Barbell: Now, everyone embark. I'll fill you in on what I've found out while we're traveling. Tori gets on the train and attempts to ignore Karumet's smug look as she stands behind him. Firefly gladly takes the spot by Karumet, eager to thump her if she smarts off. Barbell and Collin take their positions as well, and the train sets off, Fawkes running alongside once again. Barbell turns to face the others and raises his voice slightly so he can be heard. Barbell: So, I'll make this quick. After digging around in some old books and cross-referencing them with some maps I had lying around from ages ago, I found a couple of different points of interest. Ancient stone circles from Root mages long past, old estates worn away by time, so on and so forth. Of particular interest are records of an old castle of sorts, said to be once inhabited by a well-to-do thaumaturge. And if that wasn't suspect enough, well... Collin, would you like to share your discovery from this morning? Collin raises his left arm and wiggles his fingers slightly. "Well, I can't quite explain it, but I can... 'sense' when I'm headed her way. I think this weird curse of hers is going both ways, whether she likes it or not." Barbell: And Collin's secret magical compass is pointing right for the castle. Firefly: Well, that's much better news than I was expecting! Good to hear, I think.

[Lemony Snicket voice] but it wasn't good news; in fact, it would be the opposite of good news

Barbell: Indeed. Now, I'm going to speed this thing up a little bit. We should be there within half an hour after that. Remember, you can sit on the platform if you like, but be careful not to lose your footing. Now let's move! Barbell pulls a chain on the engine, and the Aurum Express blows its whistle two times and immediately picks up speed. Fawkes takes to the air to keep up, and the group is on their way east. About twenty minutes later, the ground once again takes on a strange, dark hue as the train begins to round the base of a large hill. Barbell: It appears we're getting closer... A few moments later, Collin hisses quietly as grabs his left elbow and mutters a rapid string of "ow"s. Zomrabitt: Are you okay?? Collin: Yeah, it's not that bad, I just- He pulls his hand away from his arm to reveal that several purple markings have spread up from the elbow to about a quarter of the way up his bicep. "Dammit... How did I even sleep through that?" Tori buries their face in the edges of their scarf, grateful that his groan cannot be heard over the train.

LAY WASTE TO ALL THAT OPPOSE YOU

Barbell: Damn, I was afraid of that. The environment here must be exacerbating the Flu- The train finishes rounding the hill, and ahead of the train is an open, grassy field. A river runs perpendicular to the train's path, and just across from that is a large hill with a decrepit ruin of a small castle, with the broken remains of a giant glass orb resting above one corner of the castle walls. Of more importance, however, is the massive network of purple tendrils that sprawls across the landscape. The river seems to be more sludge than water, with strange ball-shaped plants floating on its surface. The castle itself is almost more Flux than stone. Large spikes made of what looks like purple crystal jut out along the upper parts of the walls and rooftops. Barbell: By the gods... Firefly: This looks really bad... Barbell: I... I've never seen anything like this. I didn't even think an area could be this tainted. This is... How am I even going to purify this? Barbell's musings are interrupted as purple mist begins to rise up from the ground. In a matter of seconds, the mist conglomerates and forms several undead horses, saddled by pairs of riding and bow wielding cultists that begin galloping alongside the train. Barbell: Blast, we've got company! Barbell's wand snaps to his hand, an icy blue orb attached to its tip, and he begins flinging shards of ice out toward the riders. Karumet: Archers, huh? If I didn't have to hold on, this would actually be fun. Oh well; second best thing, I guess. Waving her free hand lazily, she creates a surprising amount of quite physically real arrows. Brushing her hand forward, she launches them in volleys towards the various riders and undead. "At least these don't explode." The cultists are knocked off their mounts and scattered in short order, but the horses themselves are relatively unharmed as the arrows pass through their bodies and clatter against their bones. After a few moments, new sets of cultists reform onto the horses. Barbell: It looks like those horses are the key! If we take those out, we should be safe for now! Collin raises his right hand to fire a concussive blast with his gauntlet, but as he raises his arm, the markings glow for a moment. In an instant, crystal shards similar to those on the castle erupt upward from the ground and shatter the horses and cultists alike. He then grabs his arm immediately afterwards as the markings creep up the rest of his bicep. "God, what the hell?!" Karumet: Looks like your arm's really trying to book it... Collin: I'm not sure if I'm more concerned about the arm or the giant fucking crystals I just ripped out of the ground! Karumet: I mean, one of those things is literally consuming your body, but feel free to enthuse about some rocks.

I mean Mood™ but also quit being mean

Collin starts to respond but is cut off as Barbell shouts "Hold on!" The train rapidly approaches the river, and right before it reaches the riverbank, the track mechanism places down the next track at an incline, and the AE hurtles across the river and slams back down onto the ground. Almost immediately after that, the train starts up the winding path that leads up the hill toward the castle. Barbell: Everyone alright? Firefly: M-miraculously, I think so!! Barbell: Good! We're on the home stretch now. We just need to get up this path and then we should be at the castle proper- An arrow glances off the top of the engine and snaps on impact, and the group looks up to find several archers atop the castle wall firing down on the group. As they fire off the next volley, Fawkes flies overhead and activates his barrier, acting as a mobile shield. Fawkes: I can block their shots, but I can't do much about the archers themselves now! Anyone mind lending a hand? Karumet: Well, I'm not out until three strikes, right? Karumet attempts to return fire with her arrows again. The archers are blindsided from the sudden attack, and their bodies dissolve in midair as they topple over the castle wall. Shortly afterward, the Aurum Express finally comes to a stop not far from the castle gate. The rotted door is sealed shut by an eye shaped sigil. Barbell: Hmm, I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that the front door is locked, huh? Firefly: Should we break in, or should we find another way? Collin: I... think... Collin seems to become somewhat delirious, and he slowly makes his way toward the door, stretching out his left hand toward the sigil. Just as his hand makes contact with the glowing eye, he appears to be pulled straight through the door as if it wasn't there at all.

you've awoken a dangerous, horrible part of me that's been dead for 11 years and frankly I'm scared of the fact that I had mixed reactions then again when you're co-con with the other protag it's hard to tell why you feel the way you do

After a few moments, the eye blinks a couple of times, before focusing on the group. Dezdemona's voice echoes around the group. "Ah, I see you found your way here after all!" Karumet: Much to everything's misfortune, it would seem so. Dezdemona: Now now, don't be so dreary. Today is a red letter day! This boy's arrival sets in motion the events that will lead to the birth of a new age!

buddy the only red I've been seeing is literal blood because all this stress made my nosebleeds come back please stay dead forever you miserable little prick

Karumet: Seems like we're arriving at a lot of things, like your front door, and the realization that I'd much rather be doing literally anything else right now. Anyway, if you don't mind, Nobody would like to hurt you. Without warning, she stabs the eye in the door with a dagger. The eye snaps wide open before bursting into a shower of sparks, accompanied by a pained screech that quickly devolves into a quiet wimper, which then mutates into a dark chuckle. "Ohh, how interesting. I think I like where this is going. Very well, then. You want him back? Come up and get him." The door swings open inward slightly, beckoning the group to enter.

nanana come on?

Firefly: Well, it...did open the door... Karumet: Let's just get this over with before she tries to pull any more shenanigans. Barbell: Alright, everyone stick together and keep your guard up! Barbell pushes the door open the rest of the way, and the group finds themselves in the ruined grand foyer of what must have once been an impressive home. Threadbare remains of tapestries and banners adorn the walls along with long since rotted artwork. Tendrils of Flux stretch over much of the interior's surface and up the sides of a large, central staircase that leads up to the second floor. Firefly: Think they're in another basement? Fawkes: I certainly hope there isn't another place like this one... Barbell wastes no time with chatter and immediately begins ascending the stairs, only to be greeted by a wave of knights that rise up from the molded carpet lining the stairwell. Barbell: Gods, we've already got company! He slings an icy spear from his wand that pins a knight to the back wall, but quickly begins backing down as the wave presses forward. Zomrabitt: Ugh; no magic, no power, fine, back to basics! Summoning forth their old sword, Tori charges for the knights; Karumet readying her arrows behind him and Firefly drawing her sword as well. As the others move to meet the incoming knights, several casters rise up behind them from the entryway. Fawkes spins around and deploys his shield just in time to stop the group from taking several fiery blasts to the back. Backing up towards the others, he rotates his head 90 degrees to glance behind him. Fawkes: We need to get through here quickly or we'll be surrounded at this rate! Karumet: So what do you suggest; making a line or just trying to pass them? It's clear there won't be time to fight them all. Zomrabitt: Look, you and I both know I can't get us arround these things without doing something stupid; last time I tried that we wound up in this mess, so I really don't think running around them's really going to fix it. Karumet: But if we waste time fighting, who knows what will happen? Besides, they can't hurt you if you don't get caught, right? Zomrabitt: I feel like you're severely underestimating the magic in this place. That or you want me dead. Either way, I'm not sure what to do. Barbell mutters something under his breath as the orb at the end of his wand flies off into his robe as another takes its place. The glass orb appears to be containing a roiling cloud of colors, occassionally accented by tiny crackles of electricity. Barbell: Alright, you've forced an old man's hand! He swings his wand out in a wide horizontal arc, and a blast of raw magical force obliterates the immediate group of knights. The blast leaves a trail of mixed environmental damage, scorching some areas, freezing others, and cracking apart the rest. The wall behind the stairwell begins to crack and crumble under the sudden impact. Barbell: Move, move! The group doesn't hesitate to make for the cleared path; though Firefly keeps an eye out in case anything decides to pop out at them. Everyone reaches the second floor as large stones begin to tumble down the stairs from the decrepit wall. Barbell pushes forward through a wooden door that leads into a long hallway. Not far down the hall, another stairwell leads further up into the castle. As the group nears the stairs, a knight suddenly drops down through the ceiling and charges at Barbell with a spear tipped with a serrated blade. Pushing forward, Tori attempts to disarm the knight. He successfully deflects the spear, but the knight carries through with their momentum and tackles straight into Tori. Awfully annoyed at the onslaught of company, Karumet tackles the knight in return. "Geeeet off of him!!"

you're like 4 feet of pure rage and salt; you don't have the weight or size to make an impact

The knight topples backwards and dissolves back into mist as they hit the ground. Barbell: Phew... I'm really going to owe you kids when all of this is said and done, eh? Zomrabitt: At this point, it's all just part of the job. The party ascends the steps and makes their way into the ruins of a ballroom. Sets of decorative armor and weapons line the far wall, while a piano and a stage for performers and musicians rests against the opposite wall. At the far end is a large doorway sealed by a sturdy iron door, clearly a more recent addition to the castle than the rest of the decor. Dezdemona's voice trickles down from above. Dezdemona: Oh dear, I thought I'd have more time... You're surprisingly quick for such a motley crew.

AND BRING BACK SWIXTEEN; MADONNA; WAITING FOR NIRVANA

Zomrabitt: Well what can I say; my parents taught me not to keep a woman waiting. Shame yours never taught you any manners. Dezdemona: There's only one being that I consider above me, little boy, and he'll be here soon enough. However, I'm still getting everything ready for him, so if you could do me a favor and spend some time with my pet, I'd truly appreciate it. Firefly: ...Pet what... Purple mist rises up from the floorboards and flows into the suits of armor and sweeps up the mounted weapons. The assorted pieces of warfare drift into the center of the room as wires from the piano rip themselves up and begin stitching the fragments together. In moments, a giant four legged beast of steel and wire rises up in the middle of the ballroom. It then rears up on its hindlegs and roars with the sound of grinding steel and mismatched musical chords.

Firefly's probably getting very tired of the color purple

Karumet: ...Don't think we're gonna be able to stab this one to death, champ. Fawkes steps past the group, making movements with his hands as if to crack his knuckles. "Then we hack it apart. I'll try to keep it busy, you guys find a way to cut those cables holding it together." Firefly: Got it! Tori heads for the left side while Karumet takes the right; Firefly, being the only one of the three that can fly without having to change anything, heads up for the top of the construct. Fawkes and the beast charge headlong for each other and slam together, Fawkes catching the creature by either side of its head, inches away from a snapping mouth of blades. He begins losing traction to its force but engages his boosters to break even with its strength. Weapons rise up from the creature's body attached by wires, but are reduced to blindly swinging as Fawkes wrestles with it. Barbell switches back to the ice focus and begins hurling shards of ice into the beast from further back to try and shred any exposed wires. Karumet attempts to use her arrows rather than the dagger to split wires, aiming for quantity over quality, while Tori and Firefly stick to their swords. As the beast begins to lose cohesion, it turns the brunt of its attacks toward Fawkes in an attempt to disengage. Several blades and hammers begin battering Fawkes' outer shell, sending sparks flying with each hit. Plates of armor begin to slip loose from the creature and a mass of wires becomes exposed just behind its head. Tightening the grip on her sword, Firefly immediately goes for the wires, slashing fiercely. A shrill, inharmonious screech of cables snapping heralds the end of the armored construct, and the entire mass collapses apart, causing Fawkes to stumble backwards as he avoids getting swept over in the flood of scrap metal. Fawkes: Thanks for the save there. That was getting a little dicey. Is everyone alright? Karumet: Seems like it for now, fortunately. Fawkes: Good, I'm glad to hear it. Come on, I think we only have one stop left to make here. After a bit of resistance, Fawkes forces open the iron door and the group ascends a spiral staircase. Passing through a simple wooden door at the top, they enter into the repurposed remnants of an old laboratory. Strange writings and alchemic circles cover nearly every surface, and odds and ends of broken equipment are scattered around. In the center of the lab is a large circle of pedestals with an assortment of magical items placed on each. Four curved pillars of stone surround a central pillar, atop which Collin stands, seemingly in a daze, as a strange block of etched stone hovers above him. The markings have now covered almost his entire body, and Dezdemona has one arm draped around his shoulders, standing along the edge of his pedestal.

Dezdemona: Ah, you're just in time! Your timing is impeccable. Tori's sword vanishes with the words he no longer seems to have. Karumet, however, has a temper as short as her physical form, and has no shortage of attitude. "Will you leave him alone?! Clearly none of you were ever taught not to take things that don't belong to you." Dezdemona: I prefer not to steal usually, but I'm afraid he's the only being I've seen that could fulfil our needs. My lord gave me a gift so very long ago; a gift to see not what is, but what could be. He is the god of Change, and I am blessed with his sight. She pulls back her hood, and underneath is the face of a woman nearly entirely covered with Flux. She stares out to the others not with her eyes, but with the gold and emerald replicas that have taken their place. "This boy holds an untapped power deep inside of him. Surely you've seen the signs leaking out from him? How he does things no other human could possibly do, that defy explanation?" Karumet: That's not because of magic you fucking weapon! I don't really understand him myself, but even I can see that much. She turns to face Collin with a sad expression, but he doesn't seem to react. "Do you hear that? They don't believe in how great you could be. But I believe in you. I see how powerful you can become..." Barbell: Stop this madness, woman! I recognize this arrangement. You can't possibly believe that you can successfully attempt- Dezdemona: Human transfusion? Oh you poor little man, this is only the half of it. Regardless of the results of this ritual, the resulting discharge of Flux will tear the final veil between this world and the Void, and Israphel can return to give his own gift to everyone! And don't you worry, you'll be the first to receive your gifts! My cultists are already finished converting the obelisk outside your home into Israphel's gate. All that's left is to start my last ever infusion... Barbell: Like hells I'll let you get away with that! His wand swaps over to the highly destructive focus and he lets loose another concentrated blast of raw energy. The shot slams into a forcefield arranged around the infusion altar, and stray bits of elemental energy scatter off of its surface. Dezdemona: Now now, let's not get hasty. You haven't even heard the best part. If this ritual is successful, this boy will become the reincarnation of one of the ancient magical gods that cast Israphel out! But with his Fluxed nature, Israphel will be able to bend one of his previous captors to his will! I consider it my "welcome home" gift to my lord. I'm not sure which form of magic will resonate the most with the boy, though, which is why I decided to acquire a nice little assortment of items! Dezdemona: Ah, but I waste time. I shouldn't keep Israphel waiting, should I? She places a gentle kiss on Collin's cheek and steps down from his pedestal, and immediately a large purple sphere envelops him. Dezdemona steps out from behind the forcefield as the infusion begins, and one of the pedestal items begins to dissolve and flow into the sphere as the room begins to rumble. "So, who wants to try and stop me first?"

anyway you might as well have written this entire segment in mandarin or something because I lost all form of coherent thought and as of writing this still can't force myself to read the whole thing

Karumet: You know, I think I'm going to sit out for the rest of your field trips from now on. Summoning forth her bow, she forms her arrows once again. "Just try not to fall apart; the last thing we need is you flying off the handle again here and now." Tori answers through clenched teeth, struggling to recreate any sort of coherent weaponry. "No promises..."

also you can literally pinpoint the moment 2ri just kinda accidentally am become sponge'd but I also can't be too surprised because honestly if I saw all that I'd let the darkness consume me too; hope that shit pops me like a fucking balloon lmao

Fawkes leaps over the rest of the group and hurtles downward toward Dez. She casually hops away to her left as Fawkes slams into the ground, cracking the stone floor beneath him. "Stay focused! We need to stop her!" Firing off volleys of arrows, Karumet slowly repositions herself to keep Fawkes out of range and give Firefly an opening. Tori continues to struggle with summoning forth a weapon, swearing under his breath as he scoots behind Karumet. Barbell moves past the others and approaches the forcefield. He points his wand at its surface and begins moving the wand in intricate patterns, which causes the field to shimmer slightly. Meanwhile, Dez casually dances out of the way of Karumet's arrows and ducks another massive swing from Fawkes, who skids away from his momentum. Karumet: Don't tell me you're already too far gone to be useful here...I mean, I'm shattered and I can still do something. Surely you're not spent just yet...unless...you're not actually trying? She readies her next volley as Firefly swings at Dezdamona. Zomrabitt: Believe me, I'm trying, it's just...not working...nothing's coming together right; if I try to make one thing it just jumbles into three others and bursts. Nothing's sticking together... Dezdemona: Aw, I'm sorry to hear you're having trouble, sweetheart. Oh, excuse me for a moment. She deflects Firefly's strike with a movement of her arm, and then leaps over and lands next to Barbell. "Nah-ah-ah, no cheating old-timer." She winds back and punches Barbell square in the face and he flies away from the forcefield, his wand and the remnants of his goggles hitting the floor as he tumbles away.

pretty much the only coherent thought I could form was "keep your hands; your face; and your dimension off and out of my boyfriend" and the rest just sort of happened, I'm sorry

Reaching both his limits and the end of his fuse, Tori refuses to maintain his human facade any longer; however, the form he takes is not his usual dragon-like form. Though he remains bipedal, this form seems more like an odd cross between an alligator and a wolf; however the tail seems to still be the same. an elongated mouth with hundreds of razor sharp teeth; thin spikes running from the top of their head to the base of their back, each about 8 inches long and 2 inches wide; but other than that, the claws and eyes seem to be just as sharp and bright as usual. the gaping hole in their chest remains, but the visible ribs have overlapped his heart enough to keep it from being fully exposed. through the cracks, however, the faint blue glow is visible through what appears to be an endless stream of black smoke. Whipping his tail anxiously, Tori's eyes narrow into green slits as he lets out a trilled screech, rapidly closing the distance between him and Dezdemona.

fuse Feraligatr with both Lycanroc forms and give it Krookodile's mouth and you pretty much have what it looks like

Dezdemona, clearly shocked by the sudden transformation, hesitates on how to get out of Tori's way and ends up taking most of the charge after trying to jump straight up too late. Screeching loudly once more, Tori fully intends to cut this short, aiming for the woman's throat with his powerful jaws as he attempts to pin her arms to the floor. Two magical arms of force shoot out from her sides and latch onto either of Tori's jaws, putting all of her strength into just holding off the sudden onslaught. After a few seconds of struggle, Dez manages to speak despite their struggle. Dezdemona: I'm... impressed, boy... Even I couldn't... see this coming... But I'm afraid time... is my ally this day... At that moment, the last of the infusion items finishes dissolving, and an enormous boom rings out that shatters the forcefield and knocks everyone to the ground. The stone cube above the altar sends a solid beam of red energy straight up through the roof and into the sky before exploding, and a thick cloud of smoke fills the entire chamber. After several seconds of dead silence, a green light shines from inside the smoke, before taking on a humanoid form. The figure appears to be staring at the ground, paying no mind to the others in the smoke. Dezdemona: Well, what do you know? It looks like the god of Botany now serves Isra- ... what? As Dezdemona speaks, another figure of light, this one a bright purple and gold mix, appears opposite the green one. Soon, the cloud is filled with different colors as more figures appear in the smoke, each looking at the same spot. Red, then cyan, then yellow, until the light is almost blinding. Finally, one last figure rises up from the ground, purple lines tracing all around its body, and the others' gazes rise with it. In a flash, the final figure turns its head around to stare straight at Dezdemona, its eye glowing with a piercing light, and every single figure turns to face her as well. With the same movement, the cloud disperses, and Collin is left standing alone amongst the remains of the infusion altar. Karumet: Wh-what just happened?! Collin speaks, but his voice is echoed by many other unknown voices. "I... think I can explain. When I was in that ball, I had... a dream? All of these people appeared to me, and said that in order to avoid catastrophe, something had to be done. But they couldn't return, so instead... they asked me for help." Dezdemona: Wh... What? That's absurd! You can't possibly be trying to tell me that- Collin: Oh I'm not joking. It wasn't just one of your items that stuck. It was all of them. And I figured something else out too... As he speaks, the lines on his body reshape and thin out, until the markings change into thin lines that travel in straight lines and right angles, occasionally terminating or joining together in circular nodes marked with runic symbols. Collin: This... magic? Power? Whatever you want to call it, it's shaped and commanded by the owner's will. That's why you kept trying to keep me in pain and dazed out of my wits. It's the willpower of the person that determines their strength. But Dez, "sweetheart"? You could not have picked a worse person to challenge to a contest of will.

I'm thrilled to bits but still trying to calm down honestly; it's cool and all but wow the buildup was miserable

The stone under Dez's feet rip upwards in a column and send her tumbling into the ceiling, and she falls in a graceless fashion back onto the floor. Before she can get back on her feet, Collin seems to levitate her and hurl her into the wall, cracking the stone with the sheer force of impact. After a few seconds, she staggers onto her feet and lets out a wheezing cackle. Dezdemona: It doesn't... matter now! Israphel will be here in a matter of minutes! You've all failed! ISRAPHEL LIVES! She lunges forward, pulling a sword with a black blade from her cloak as she makes a mad rush for Collin. The instant before she reaches him, he makes a single motion with his hand and Dez vanishes in a blast of sparks, and Collin's markings seem to vanish almost entirely, save for the back of his left hand. Collin drops to one knee after a moment, and his voice seems to have returned to normal. "Guh.... This is... still pretty exhausting though, I gotta admit. Is... everyone okay?" Tori answers in a grated mess of Kleivenn language, tears streaming down his odd face.

I'm so sick of you calling it that? it's Chariot; idk why it's called that, that's just what the language is

Karumet: I...couldn't really understand that, but I think he's alright? Well, as alright as...that could be... Firefly: Wh-what happened to him?? What happened to you?? Collin manages to get back onto his feet and make his way over to Tori. "Well, Tori's 'human' body is actually just an illusion. Kleivenn are usualy a lot more animal-oriented in shape. I will say that this isn't what Tori normally looks like out of human form. Also, Tori, could you please shrink back down? I can't really hug you when you're this big..." Tori blubbers out another incoherent response and flickers briefly, but does not successfully return to his human form. Ears folding back, Tori wrings his tail in his claws as he whines yet another response lost to his Weight. Collin: Tori, please, I need you to calm down, okay? I'm fine. If we're going to stop Israphel, I need your help. Hell, I'm going to need everyone's help. But before any of that.... I need to understand what the heck you're saying. Take a deep breath or two, and then switch back for me so we can talk. Grumbling a little more, he finally manages to calm down enough to go back to normal, though the symbol on his shirt is most certainly no longer a star and his eyes are the wrong color now. "ᴏʜ-- Okay...I think I did it..."

he looks like me now; you're welcome

Collin: Well... it's close enough for now, although I think we're really going to need to talk with Karumet after this. Some muffled groaning is heard, and Barbell turns over onto his back. Barbell: Ugh... Can someone... help an old man out a little bit please? Going over to Barbell, Firefly carefully helps him off the floor. "Are you okay? It looked like you got hit pretty hard..." Barbell: Well, that'll probably leave some wicked bruises for a while, but I think my biggest concern after all this is done is making a new pair of goggles, wouldn't you think? He opens his eyes and looks at Firefly, and she finds herself looking into two small orbs of pink fire where his eyes should be. Firefly: U-um!! I would...certainly say so!! Barbell: Hah! You should see the look on your face! What, does no one think my eyes are pretty? Karumet: You don't even have any!! Barbell: Oh I do, they just exist a little differently ever since the Flux hit way back when I was a spry young lad. Unfortunately my new eyes see a little too much for their own good. My goggles don't augment my vision; they limit it so that I'm only seeing the layers of the universe I need to see at any point in time.

all this is revenge for that one Atlas pitch Felix made in one of the Starbound logs isn't it please don't take out and/or replace anyone's eyes...

Firefly: That's...absolutely fascinating, but unfortunately I don't think we have the time to hear about that right now... Barbell: You are absolutely correct. We'll table it for another time. Barbell reaches into the front pocket of his robe and pulls out a small pair of round-frame reading glasses with purple tinted lenses which he promptly slides over his eyes. "The emergency pair isn't the best, but at least I can see people and not incomprehensibly dense clusters of molecules now. So Collin, you said you had an idea on how to stop this?" Collin: Right. When I was in... wherever I was during that ritual, the gods told me that if Israphel makes his way entirely out of his portal, it will be next to impossible to seal him away again. The gate will be open any minute now, so we won't have much time to stop him once we get there. Karumet: So he's...gonna be on Barbell's lawn? Collin: Quite literally, yes. And the easiest way to stop him at this point is to, uh... Okay, saying it out loud makes it sound a lot dumber... Karumet: Well go ahead, share with the class. Collin: Well, when he starts crawling his way out of the Void... we shove him back in. Zomrabitt: ...Seriously? Collin: Binding him again is out of the question. I may have been given a fair bit of power, but I'm still not an actual god. I don't have the power to do something that intense. That being said... Collin glances around the room, thinking for a moment. "... I think I can get a fair bit of charge from this place. Not enough to seal him, but..."

okay but godshards are an actual thing? like, they aren't fully the god they used to be but rather they're a reincarnated fragment of a former god you made him cool like us; that's so sweet...I think...

Barbell: If you can slow down his advance, I have just the thing to play Smack the Moles with an evil god.

smack the pony and leave; bone app the teeth

Karumet: As small as I am, I'm pretty sure I can help push a guy into a hole. Collin: He's.... a lot bigger than you guys are probably thinking... Zomrabitt: I mean, if big's the problem, I can push big. Collin: Well, first thing's first. We need to go to the roof. I want to try out a little theory of mine. Collin waves his hand, and a portal opens up on the wall closest to him that seems to lead to a large balcony area somewhere else near the castle roof. "So, shall we?" Karumet: I guess? Not like we have anywhere else to go right now. Collin leads the group through the portal out onto the balcony. The tainted landscape sprawls out before them as an ominous wind blows in from the west. Collin: Now I'm not totally sure if I'll actually be able to do this, but assuming I can, things are going to get a little interesting. Firefly: What're you gonna do? Collin: Well, let me just take a swing at this. It should speak for itself if it works. Collin balls his hands up into fists and closes his eyes, leaning his head back as he does. After a few uneventful seconds, the tendrils of Flux on the floor of the balcony begin to slowly dissolve and flow into him, and the circuit-like marks on his hand begin to spread out again as this happens. In moments, the effect has spread outwards and the castle begins to become untainted as Collin absorbs more and more Flux from the environment. His body becomes entirely covered once again as the castle is entirely purified, but the effect doesn't stop there. The ground itself returns to a bright shade of green and the river becomes clear and drinkable. As the last remains of Flux are sucked from the very ground itself, Collin's skin turns a much lighter shade of purple, and a floating hologram of the Aperture symbol seems to hover in front of his chest, glowing a bright blue and spinning in a slow circle. At last, he opens his eyes again, which are now bright shining lights. He laughs, and his voice seems to reverberate slightly all on its own. Collin: Well, I think we can count that as a success, yeah?

all this is cool and all but what does the Aperture logo have to do with any of this that fruit loop wasn't right about him having some kind of natural untapped power was she? I mean, wasn't the whole point of him Being A Thing supposed to be that he was Human After All?

unless this was all just buildup over the will thing whICH IS REALLY FUNNY BUT I CAN'T TALK ABOUT THAT HERE LMAO...

Karumet: I mean, you're very much purple now, but that does seem to have worked... Collin: Bah, colors are just colors! That's easy to change! He seems to briefly blink out of existence for a moment before popping back in. "Woops, that was no color, not a different one. Whatever, I'll play around with it later. Right now we've got a bigger problem at hand. Everyone ready to wrestle a god?" Zomrabitt: As ready as I usually am to wrestle gods, I guess. More ready than most people, when you think about it... Collin: Alright, let's see what we're getting ourselves into! Collin reaches out and seems to grasp at nothing before pulling back part of the world in front of him like a curtain to reveal a portal opening out to the foyer of Barbell's house. "After you guys!" Firefly: That is so cool...

Sixty Second Encounter-- Everything Is So Cool

2ri's just mumbling "I used to be cool too"

Tori mumbles something before going through the portal, Karumet and Firefly following shortly after. Fawkes and Barbell follow after them, with Collin entering last and pulling the world's "curtain" back into place. They quickly exit out the front door and find themselves facing an enormous obsidian portal where the obelisk once stood. The portal stands almost five stories tall, with spikes of obsidian and volcanic glass jutting out of its sides. An enormous ring of robed cultists seems to be concluding their chanting as the sky goes dark and the portal's frame is filled with an inky blackness flecked with tiny specks of light like distant stars. One of the chanting cultists notices the group's arrival, and a small army of knights begins to rise up from the ground. Barbell: Alright, I'm going to make a run for the top of the hill and begin my preperations. I need you kids to buy me about five minutes or so. Think you can handle it? Firefly: Should be easy enough! Hopefully... You just be careful getting there! Barbell: Bah, I'm old, not feeble! He turns from the group and makes a dash for a slightly less steep side of the hill and makes his ascent. Fawkes: I'll head for the IT. Someone needs to get it out of here before it gets stuck in a warzone. I'll return as soon as I can. Fawkes bolts for the IT and makes his way inside. Collin: I'll stick with you guys until the big guy shows up. Ready? He grins and floats up several feet above the others, looking down expectantly. Summoning her bow, Karumet glances to Tori briefly. "That might be a good question..." Please; just because I can't summon my weapon still doesn't mean I can't defend myself, even if I do hate fighting like that. Karumet: Better vulnerable than dead I guess. Not like they could kill a concept with weapons and spells anyway. Just don't get shattered due to some rash mistake. Zomrabitt: Whatever; you're not my mom. Going back to his other form, Tori still does not resemble his more dragon-like self. The smoking still doesn't seem to have stopped, but other than that, nothing has changed since the last time either. The knights take Tori's transformation as a provocation and charge forward. Collin swings an arm downward, creating a floating arcane circle above some of the knights that blasts a beam of light, vaporizing them instantly.

Puello Magi Collin Magico

Staying close to Collin, Karumet fires her arrows as Tori and Firefly make for the oncoming knights, careful to avoid getting caught up in crossfire. With each knight felled, more rise up from near the portal and charge back into the fray. Collin switches to a more precise form of attack as Tori and Firefly enter the fight, and begins calling down tiny stars from the sky that strike down and pierce the knights like celestial arrows. Firefly and Tori take turns with each other's targets; Tori tearing off armor or disarming the knights with his claws while Firefly finishes them off with her sword. The group manages to hold the line against the horde of armored cultists. An earthshaking rumble suddenly stops everyone dead in their track, and the darkness inside the portal seems to ripple like the surface of a murky pond. The knights and robed cultists both stop immediately and turn to face the portal, dropping to their knees and bowing down to the ground. Another tremor rocks the area, and an enormous hand lashes out from the darkness and slams into the ground. Its skin is pure white, and its arm is wreathed in a solid black cloak that moves and shimmers like fire. The hand crushes several robed cultists beneath it, and they seem to crumble apart into sand along with the ground underneath it. Firefly: Y-you're gonna wrestle that?! Karumet: Well, it was nice knowing you while it lasted... Collin: Don't worry about me. Just focus on not letting this thing touch you- Another hand stretches out and smashes the ground, disintegrating several more cultists. A head emerges from the portal, its head bald and wrinkled and its face hollow, more like a jackolantern than a person. It lets loose a sound like that of a deep roar mixed with an animalistic howl. Fawkes flies in from behind the group and touches down next to Firefly. Fawkes: This is... unreal. What are we supposed to- Collin: Just fall back! Keep Barbell safe until he's done prepping! Don't worry, I've got this! Karumet: Boy I hope you're right about this, kid. Letting her bow vanish, Karumet heads off for the direction Barbell went, more than happy to keep her distance. Folding his ears back, Tori just sort of nervously shrugs at Firefly, who seems equally confused about her options. Israphel raises his right arm and reaches out to them, and Tori, Firefly, and Fawkes find themselves swept away by an unseen force and tossed after Karumet as the hand smashes down and converts the grass into sand. The knights seem reinvigorated by the presence of their god, and rise up and renew their assault on the hill. Karumet: Well, this is going swimmingly! Are all your field trips this awful?? Tori, don't answer that, I still can't understand you. Summoning her bow back, Karumet fires off into the crowd of knights as Firefly and Tori land. Firefly: Gotta say, this is probably the first war-like experience I've had in a while... Fawkes hovers down next to them. "Wait, are you saying you've fought in a war before now?" Before she can answer, Collin's voice echoes out. "Alright Sandman, that's far enough!" He pulls his hand back into a fist, and a colossal arm of ethereal magic shimmers into being and then swings straight into the side of the god's jaw. Israphel reels from the impact and then roars in fury, his body beginning to stretch out from the portal. He attempts to slam his hands against Collin in a massive clap, but he counters with two more magical arms and starts a grappling contest with the warped god. Collin then summons forth a massive hammer in the hand of the first arm and begins striking downward onto Israphel with earthshaking force.

TAAAAAAKE MY HAND OFF TO NEVER- NEVERLAND

The cultists, unswayed by the massive battle behind them, press forward and attack the others. Mildly annoyed with being unable to answer, Firefly quickly falls back into her previous pattern with Tori. After several more blows, Israphel rears his head back and unleashes a massive cloud of black smoke from his mouth, which seems to eat away at the magical weapon and arm until they dissolve within seconds. Israphel pushes forward again, his body stretching out all the way to his waist. Collin appears to flicker slightly as he struggles, and his skin returns to its normal color. Suddenly Barbell's voice rings out to the group below. He appears to be standing next to an enormous silver bell covered in intricate carvings which has risen from the top of the hill. Barbell: Kids, get clear! Now! Firefly: What in the-- She doesn't get to finish her statement as Tori pulls her out of the way; Karumet dashing the opposite direction to give Barbell his requested opening. Barbell: Alright you abomination, let me show you why you should never fight a Golemancer on their home turf! Fawkes flies after them right as Barbell pulls a chain attached to the bell's assembly, and the resulting tone sends out a shockwave that pushes the cultists back. A second pull causes the bell to ring as if multiple bells were being struck at once, and an even bigger shockwave sends the knights head over heels. One final ring blasts forth as if a hundred bells joined in a chorus, but no shockwave accompanies it. Instead, two giant balls of yellow fire ignite on the hillside several feet to either side of the doorway and slightly above it. The ground tremors violently as two enormous arms of earth break free of the surrounding area and push upwards, upheaving an enormous humanoid body that towers above the battlefield. Firefly: Okay, I know we're in the middle of a fight, but this is so cool... Barbell wraps the pullchain around his arm to anchor himself, and points toward the portal. The golem lurches forward and makes its way across the field in great, sweeping strides that send the knights scattering away. Barbel: COLLIN, MOVE! TERRA, SHOW OUR NEW GUEST THE WAY OUT! Terra winds up its right arm into the stance for an enormous swing, and Collin seems to blink away instantly, causing Israphel's once occupied hands to come crashing down to the ground. He rears up from his fall only to catch a gargantuan right hook square in his face, and the force pushes Israphel almost all the way back through, leaving only his face and hands exposed. Before he can attempt to claw his way back, Terra delivers a tremendous kick and sends the corrupted deity spiraling back into the Void, while simultaneously shattering the portal and sending the top part of its frame hurtling into the distance. After dealing such a powerful blow, Terra seems to wind down significantly. It turns back around to face its original location in the earth and sits down on top of the remains of the portal, crushing it almost entirely. It then assumes a meditative stance and its eyes wink out, the bell atop its head sinking back down into its resting place. Barbell steps out toward the front part of its head and calls down below. Barbell: Is everyone okay?! Karumet: Fortunately, yes! It looks like it! Barbell: Thank the gods! Then the only question that remains is... Well, how to get down from here. Collin reappears in front of the golem's face, his markings slowly beginning to recede. Collin: I think I can help, hang on! He raises his hands in front of himself, and the ground in front of the golem rises upwards to form a small ramp that leads up to the front door. The remaining gap between the ramp and the door is filled in by an iron bridge that seems to stretch out from the newly formed ramp. Just as the new formation is complete, Collin's markings recede fully and he begins to fall, but catches himself on the guard rail of the bridge. Collin: Uh, some help please! Whining in frustration due to the lack of his current form's wings, Tori folds his ears back and looks over to Firefly, who's already kicked off the ground and is gliding over. Firefly: I'll get him, you just worry about...not looking like that. Pretty sure everyone's gonna want to see what all that noise was about...

I can't believe Felix turned me into a furry

Barbell calls down after Firefly retrieves Collin from the bridge. "Can it be my turn next?" Firefly: I'm comin', I'm comin'...jeez, all this magic and you still can't fly? Barbell: I don't have the thaumostatic harness on me! It's too big for casual wear in its current form... Firefly: And you can't just...shrink it? Barbell: Not without destabilizing the potentia compensators! Thaumaturgy is a delicate balancing act, my girl. Progress is rarely immediate. Collin makes his way back down to ground level and makes a beeline for Tori, while Fawkes takes off to alert the IT that the coast is clear. Tori keeps trying to go back to their human form, but can only maintain it for a few moments before being forced back. Dragging their claws down their face, they whine something to Karumet, but it's still just as garbled as the last time. Karumet: Please calm down; you sound like you're speaking with a mouth full of crayons while you're trying to take all the wrappers off. Tori whines something in response, but it remains incoherent. Collin: I don't understand, what's wrong? Karumet: It's hard to tell, I think he's trying to tell me but I can't understand him. I don't think he's capable of switching back, but by all accounts, he should be able to...even with Weight, a kleivenn still has their two forms. Usually something like this happens if a Saa doesn't have the magic left to hold themselves together; but if that were the case, he shouldn't even be able to stand... Collin: Well what do we do? I mean, I still have a little bit of magic left in me, I think. I could try giving it to him, maybe? Karumet: Oh, magic isn't the problem; you see, a saa is like a-- oh... Collin: What? What's the "oh" for? Karumet: Well, um! See, for most kleivenn, they pull their magic from gods, or their jobs, or from their own natural limits, so once they're spent, they're spent; but since a Saa has no physical form, they're beings of pure magic, with the only physical part of them being their hearts, of course. But if they run out of magic, they put their heart at risk by fully exposing it, so Saas have the unique ability to pull magic from their environments with or without trying to do so. If I had to guess, with all the panic of trying not to mess up and trying to summon a proper weapon on top of all the weight and the unstable environments...um, well, it...kind of looks like a lot of factors led up to this, really. Long story short, you put a freshwater fish in salt water, and it's not doing so well regardless of you adding a filter. But I...I didn't even think about that; they had been here before, so I thought...

he gave all your fluxy bullshit the succ and now he's a furry

Collin: You're... you're kidding me... Karumet: I didn't think he couldn't stop himself!! Only children don't know how to control their bodily functions; unless he was raised in some kind of messed up zoo ran by humans, there's no way he could've been so isolated he wouldn't know how to stop... Collin: But Tori wasn't raised by Kleivenn! He was raised by a human family! Look, it doesn't matter why it happened. How do we fix this? Karumet: Unfortunately he's not actually a sponge, so we can't just wring out all the bad stuff. Truth be told, I don't know how to fix this. His heart's all blocked off now; there's all this black smoke coming out of him; and he can't turn into anything we can actually reach through him as...I don't think there's an immediate fix for this, but...I do think I know someone that would know what to do. Collin: Well that's good to hear, but what do we do in the meantime? Do we just... let the others see this? Karumet: I mean, what else could we do? Sneak him onto the IT? They seemed pretty understanding once they found out you'd been cursed; I don't see how this can be any different. Collin: I guess you're right. I was just hoping we'd only have one weird thing happen to someone while we were here, but we're never that lucky, huh? Karumet: Hey, at least nobody died? And you're still in uhh...one? Piece? Collin: Well, I didn't lose the arm, so I'd say so. Karumet: Let's just...get back to the others. I'm sure they want to know what happened to you, and we've got...a lot of explaining to do... Collin: No kidding... Heading back to the IT with Tori, Karumet gets visibly concerned seeing that everyone is crowded outside speaking with Firefly. Nydins glances over to see them briefly, goes back to her conversation, then registers what she saw and fully turns towards the approaching trio, drawing the attention of the rest of the group as well. Tori curls their tail beneath themself, ears folded back with shame. They cannot meet the eyes of their friends when they catch up. XL: What happened to you two?! Collin: I became a demigod and Tori got a magical cold.

I mean it's way more severe than a cold but whatever helps you sleep tonight

Nydins: Wh-what?? How?! Collin: Well, a cultist used me to summon their god, but the ritual sort've backfired on them. As for Tori, well... All the bad magic here got the best of them, basically. Nydins: Is that what all that purple stuff was?! XL: But you're okay now, right? Collin: I'm fine... I think? But we've got to get Tori some help, otherwise he's stuck like this.

yes and no, but one of us mentioned that earlier

Nydins: Can we really just leave? Don't you need to say goodbye or something first? Collin: I... suppose we should, yeah. I kinda got distracted with all of this happening... Karumet: You go ahead and do that; I'll help Nydins figure out where we need to go. I uhh...don't think Tori's going to be able to say goodbye like this, but I'm assuming the sentiment is there. Collin: Yeah, it's fine. Is anyone coming with me, or...? Firefly: I did bring Barbell back down, so I'll be coming. XL: Hard pass; I want answers, not formalities. Collin: Alright, I still have enough power to portal us back over, so let's do this and get back. Collin opens up a portal leading to Barbell's lawn, and Collin, Firefly, and Fawkes pass through. As the trio emerges, they find Barbell face down on the ground, trying desperately to get up from underneath Jezebel, who has sat down square in the middle of his back. Relana and Iris are making their way around the golem, completely awestruck. Jezebel turns to face them as they emerge. Jezebel: Ah, there you are. Are the others in your group alright? Firefly: They are! Well, most of them. Tori's a little...off, but it's nothing bad, I think? Jezebel: I see. You'll have to excuse us, I was just teaching Barbell a lesson on running off on his own when things get dangerous. Barbell: Listen, I didn't think things were too out of control until Israphel started crawling around on my front law-owowow! He's cut off as Jezebel twists around a bit before standing back up on her feet. She then turns to Barbell and helps him up off the ground, and he begins dusting himself off. Collin: Uh, listen, I just wanted to apologize for all the trouble. Is there anything I can do to help clean up?

okay but my question is if Yogstower cannocly exists then who the fuck are the gods; just rando OCs?

Barbell: You apologize? My boy, none of this was your fault. If anything, it's because of all of you that we didn't lose everything in this world to a vengeful god. If anything, it's I that owe you an apology. Don't worry about us for now, we'll get things settled. You should stop by again sometime soon! I'll try and come up with something to reward all of you for what you've done here. Jezebel: And I owe you for keeping my wreckless and idiotic best friend alive even when he gets in way over his gray head. Barbell: Hey, that's- ... Alright, I'll give it to you this time. I'm sorry. Jezebel pulls Barbell into a one-armed side hug. "I'm just glad you're okay, Barbell. But if you ever do something like this again, I'm suplexing you straight into the Void so you and Israphel can be best buddies instead." Barbell: Ehehe, understood... Firefly: Happy to help! I'm just hoping the next time I have to do something like this, nobody winds up getting caught up in anything bad again. Seems like nobody's exempt from getting cursed on either side of the Twilight Forest portals... Barbell: Our worlds might have a little more in common than you might think, Firefly. I do wish all of you weren't so busy saving worlds and such all the time. I'd love to really get to talk with everyone. Don't feel shy about dropping in, alright? This place is just as much your home as it is ours, especially after today. Firefly: Well, if life's kind enough to slow down, I'm sure everyone would be more than happy to come back here on better terms. Barbell: Please do. But I can see that you need to get going now. Don't worry, we can handle things from here. Take care, you crazy kids. Jezebel: Goodbye. I look forward to meeting with you again. Firefly: You too! Hopefully it won't be too long. The three say their farewells and head back to the portal. On their way back, Fawkes turns to Firefly, still scuffed and dented from the events of the day. Fawkes: Oh, Firefly, I don't think I ever properly thanked you for your help with that monster in the castle. We were all a little rushed at the time, I suppose.

I tried really hard not to steal your thunder but bits of this log did wind up being ours due to just kinda how things naturally wound up flowing; I'm sorry about that

Firefly: I'm just sorry I couldn't do more to help... Fawkes: What do you mean? You stopped it before it could do any serious damage to me. Firefly: But you still got all beat up... Fawkes: Don't worry, I'm insured. Firefly: Um...o-okay? Fawkes: That was a joke. But in all seriousness, I can repair the damage. It's just cosmetic work. I fully expected to take some hits. That was the point in fact. You are all biological beings. Those weapons could've done some serious damage if they had struck you. That was why I tried to take the creature's attention the way I did. I'm entirely mechanical, with a sturdy armored casing. Repairs to me are far easier than they are for you. Firefly: Oh, you didn't have to worry about me! This body's just a shell anyway, the real me's just a tiny bug. There's over 100,000 other fireflies in the Twilight Forest that are just like me. Even if I'd been crushed, it wouldn't have made that much of an impact on anything major... Fawkes: That's preposterous. I could create one million copies of my personality, install them exact replicas of my body, and within the span of minutes, no two of those copies would be exactly alike. Statistics mean nothing at a personal level. In the same way that a million copies of me would never have the exact same experiences in life, so to is it impossible for any of your 99,999 siblings to be anything like you. And besides, even if your body is simply a construct like mine, I find the idea of you being injured...unpleasant. Firefly: As poetic and touching as that is, it's still a bit of a strange concept. Despite everything, I'm...still just a bug. Bugs are small, and abundant, and they all die quickly. If I hadn't become apprentice to a lich, in all likelihood, we wouldn't have even had the chance to meet due to my natural lifespan. I don't know; it's a bit of a miracle and a curse. Even if it's a good thing, it still feels really bad somehow; even if I can do so much more, it still just feels like it's all very wrong and out of line, like I'm doing something that shouldn't have even remotely been an option. There's a lot of times where I just feel like I really don't belong outside of the forest; but then I think about all the places I've been, and everyone I've come to meet and befriend, and honestly? I don't even care how weird or hard anything is anymore; everything's worth it at this point, and I wouldn't trade that for anything. Fawkes: I'm glad to hear that. The latter part of that, I mean. I- Collin's voice calls out from the other side of the portal. "Guys, normally I'd give you all the time in the world to talk like this, but I'm afraid we've got some pressing issues still. Could you pick this back up once we're back on the IT?" Firefly: R-right! Sorry! A bit green with embarrassment, Firefly goes through the portal. Fawkes scratches at the back of his head as he steps through behind her. "Of course, my apologies." Collin lags behind the two slightly so that he can physically gesture his amazement at what little he heard from the other side, and they join the others on the IT.

I guess we'll be launching into s3 next, but we still need to give the Starbound war closure we'll also be meeting a new character soon, I think

#[S2]

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ben-j-man · 6 years ago

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Secret War chapter 27

Link to chapter 1- http://ben-j-man.tumblr.com/post/180097372453/secret-war-chapter-1

That white light slowly began to melt away, revealing the white marble ceiling overhead. It took me a second or so to realise I was moving, that I was being carried by two of Taryst's mercs on a stretcher, through the fortress-mansion.

I groaned as the pain in my limbs and exhaustion suddenly returned. The sharp sting from the cuts that covered me came after, making me hiss through clenched teeth.

I lingered in my thoughts, trying to take my mind off the pain. So I was immortal, or as the Farseer had termed it, a 'perpetual.' I wasn't sure in all honesty what to make of that; it was something many over millennia had coveted, quested for, sacrificed for, yet here I was, just given it. Well...perhaps not 'just given it,' the tortures, the dreams that were something I'd never want to go through again.

I wished Faleaseen had told me more, like how did that shielding work? Would I be stuck like this, practically catatonic after each use? Did it drain my soul as I'd thought? So me being a 'perpetual' would it re-generate? I hoped so.

Next time I sit in that backyard, I swore I'd ask more pointed questions about, well, everything. Even knowing of my supposed immortality, I'd still do my frigging best not to die, this for a few good reasons, first being it'd probably be frigging painful, depending on the how or why of course. The second, I wouldn't want to spend any time within the warp, no way in hell. Knowing what little I knew of that hell and knowing our souls were destined to go there when we die, terrified me beyond measure. Even knowing that I'd have no consciousness, or at least I hoped I wouldn't, perhaps being a 'perpetual' would change that. The last reason was the thought of being brought back from the warp and how it could affect me, how it could change me physically and mentally. Could I even come back a daemon?

Hell, now knowing this I swore I'd fight harder to stay alive than ever before.

Again, I sighed and tried to ignore the pain, tried to move and despite my best efforts and much grunting, found I still couldn't.

Then a thought hit me, which made me hiss through clenched teeth and sent a cold shiver up my spine. What had Edracian, I mean, Etuarq said before? Of the irony of my earlier speech about my death?

Did he know? Did he know of my status as a perpetual? But wouldn't that have made all his plan void? He knew I'd survive the explosion; he knew I'd escape the destruction of Omnartus, but still told us of his plan. Why? I couldn't understand, I couldn't comprehend. He did all of this knowing I'd come back from the dead.

The only explanation I could think of was that it was a lie, a bald-faced lie. But why not just stay silent, just let the reveal of Edracian's being a corpse be enough?

Wesley, Emperor rest him, was right, this was getting frigging stranger and stranger and stranger.

Did Etuarq have plans for me even beyond the destruction of Omnartus? And by trying to bring him to justice would I be just falling into that plan? The cruel, cruel shit he'd said was that to make me hate him, inspire me to stop him. But again, why?

Perhaps it was to dissuade me from hunting him? No, that couldn't be it, it seemed so strange, so illogical. But he did look quite insane, and the insane weren't known for their logical thinking yet, as much as I hated to admit it, his plan thus far had been brilliant, bloody brilliant.

Perhaps my first idea was right; perhaps if I tried to track him down, I'd be falling into whatever plan he had for me. Perhaps the best thing I could do was avoid it entirely? Runaway and live a solitary life back on Elbyra? I couldn't do that, I swore I'd bring him to justice, and after all the shit I'd been through I was sure I couldn't live a normal life. If I tried that, people, innocent people might start mysteriously disappearing after I'd moved in.

I shuddered at the thought.

No, I couldn't avoid it, I had to hunt Etuarq, no matter what, I'd just have to be careful. Anyway, even if I did hideaway, I'm sure he'd just engineer something to bring me back into the fold.

"You alright?" asked the merc carrying the end of the stretcher.

I groaned and looked at the merc, recognising him from somewhere but couldn't recall his name.

"I'll take that as a no," said the merc. "Fair enough."

"Uh huh," I sighed, I could barely speak, my throat felt like someone had torn it out and replaced it with rolled up sandpaper, "where are we going?"

"Outta the mansion," came the answer, but not from the last merc, it instead was said by the one carrying the front of the stretcher. I recognised the voice but again couldn't recall who it belonged.

"Back to the base, your part and ours by extension is over in this farce," he said. "Thank the Emperor."

My eyes widened at his choice of "farce" in that sentence, what a fitting word to describe this whole situation.

"It...it isn't a farce that so many have died, taking this place, Roldar," said the other.

Roldar sighed, "yeah, that isn't a farce, sorry, Jelket. Poor choice of words."

I couldn't help but smile at that.

Roldar and Jelket, I remembered them, they were two of the mercs sent by "Olinthre" earlier to escort me from my hab block. Funny that these two just happened to be my stretcher bearers.

"I'd say being downgraded from your being your guard to your literal carrier would be well, shit, Attelus," said Roldar. "But if it gives me an excuse to get outta this place and away from being shot at, it isn't quite as shit."

I cleared my throat, "not 'literal' as you're actually 'literally' carrying a stretcher, that just so happens to have me on it. Now if you were carrying me on your back, then you'd literally be my carrier. But otherwise, you're using 'literal' in the wrong context."

Roldar took a good few seconds before he said anything, "anyone ever told you, that you're a smart arse?"

"Yes."

"And you say that like it's something to be proud of?" snapped Roldar.

I frowned and furrowed my brow; it was just a joke, lighten up.

For a long time, I laid in silence, just watching the marble ceiling pass above.

Finally, I heard Roldar sigh and say, "sorry, didn't mean to jump down your throat like that, mate. Just tired of this shit is all."

"It's all good," I croaked. "I know exactly how you feel."

"I can't believe it," said Jelket. "Both the major and sergeant Garrakson, dead. That Brutis Bones fellow seems to be taking charge. But wheres Taryst? Shouldn't he take over? He is our leader."

"Either him or the colonel. Maybe Taryst will call him back from recruitment duties," said Roldar. "Although I'd rather not have that frug head back, especially now."

The corner of my mouth twitched, great one Glaitis your idiotic quest for vengeance has now left the organisation effectively rudderless. How were we going to stop the Exterminatus now? I guessed this was all according to Etuarq's plan too. I also couldn't help wonder what happened to the mercs Hayden had left to guard Glaitis back at our tower. It must've been a bloodbath there I was pretty sure.

There were a few who could take over from Olinthre, though. There were two or three captains who worked under the major, although I'd hardly had any interaction with any of them and had forgotten their names entirely.

I hoped one would step up and take charge, but with everyone believing both Taryst and Barhurst being still alive, I doubted it. What a brilliantly convoluted mess we've got ourselves in yet again.

Brutis Bones was taking charge, though. I just hoped the three disparate organisations could work under him. He was once an enemy, and not many knew of the convoluted events which transpired into the creation of our desperate alliance.

I sure as hell didn't envy him.

"How long have I been out for?" I said, thinking that should've been my first question.

"That pretty boy, what's his name, Darrance?" said Roldar. "Had said you'd been out for a good five minutes before we'd arrived and we've been carting your sorry arse for about two minutes since then. So not long, why were you unconscious anyway? It didn't look like you'd hit your noggin' on anything or anything."

I fought an urge to frown that I'd 'fainted due to severe panic attack' wasn't something to go around telling, especially to hard arse military types like Roldar.

"Blood loss," I said. "A cut in my side given to me when I'd fought off two Death Cult assassins."

"Yeah we heard about that fight," said Jelket. "Falone said you'd saved their arses back there."

I sighed again, "yeah, and I only made it through because my arse was saved in turn."

"Yeah well, still, good work," said Jelket. "You guys also took out their boss, so again, good work."

"Yeah but that ain't stopping the enemy remnants fighting to the last," said Roldar. "Frigging insane if you ask me. That also begs the question was this boss, this Edracian that was killed, actually their boss? I know a merc when I see a merc and these guys are mercs, they should've given up already with their employer dead."

"Professional pride, perhaps?" I suggested but thought it more likely mind control.

"I doubt that," said Roldar with a sniff.

"Wheres everyone else?" I asked, wanting to change the subject.

"The rest of them are going to help fight the enemy remnant," said Jelket. "Including that Brutis Bones fellow, I saw his injuries. Being still able to fight with them that takes balls of steel."

"Or insanity," said Roldar. "Wasn't he our enemy only a few days ago? Weren't Attelus here and the rest cutting a bloody swathe through the Moody Hammers he'd brought under him? And now he's our ally against this frigging Edracian guy? I don't get this shit; I don't get this shit."

I stayed silent, not wanting to draw any questions my way.

"You know, don't you?" said Roldar. "You know everything don't you, Attelus?"

"No, no I don't," I said, I didn't know everything like the future or how our galaxy became into being, so I was telling the truth. Again, it was the best way to lie.

"Don't lie," said Roldar.

"I'm not," I said with conviction. "I'm not lying, that I swear."

I paused as I realised something, "well, I am 'lying' on a stretcher, but I'm not 'lying' to you."

Abruptly Jelket and Roldar stopped.

"You really should've worded your question better, Roldar," said a deep voice that I instantly recognised and the realisation made my eyes widen, and I hissed through clenched teeth. "As he is telling you the truth, he doesn't know 'everything' about everything, but he does know everything of the why and the how we are here."

"Torris," said Jelket. "What are you doing here?"

"Waiting for you, naturally," said Torris. "Don't underestimate young Attelus, here. He's as canny as they get, or if one isn't generous in their words, as manipulative as they get."

"Torris," said Roldar warningly. "I don't like your tone, mate, now, please. Step aside."

"I just wish to exchange a few words with my good friend, here, sergeant Roldar," said Torris. "Is there something wrong with that?"

"Torris, step aside," repeated Roldar, his voice like iron.

"Alright! Alright!" sighed Torris. "Just let me walk along with you, I'll escort you. Brutis Bones was pretty silly not sending you back with a guard."

"He didn't," said a fourth voice, another I recognised instantly, and Arlathan Karkin emerged from the shadows. His left arm in a sling, his right holding a raised Las pistol. "Now step aside."

"There's no need for that, detective," said Torris. "Lower your gun."

"That's the thing, I may be a lowly Magistratum detective, and you were a high and mighty Arbite, but I've seen that look on your face, I can recognise your tone of voice, that's rage, white rage," said Arlathan. "You have no intention on guarding anyone, now step aside and let us through."

"But…!"

"I understand, Torris," interrupted Arlathan. "You've lost a friend, a good friend and you're angry about it. You want to put all the blame of his death onto Attelus, here. You want to take out your anger and grief on him."

"I…!"

"It's basic stuff, Torris," said on Arlathan. "Taught to us in the academy, the stages of grief, remember? Surely the Arbitrators of Malfi would learn it too?"

"Of course I did."

Arlathan nodded, "so now you know you're not thinking straight, right? You know you've thrown reason out the window right now. What you'd said earlier of Attelus manipulating Jeurat Garrakson into sacrificing himself, may have some merit. I don't believe it to be true, I saw what happened, I saw all of it and it sure as hell didn't look like he'd been manipulated to me. It looked like he knew exactly what he was doing, that he was fully prepared to sacrifice himself to save us. To avenge the one he loved and his comrade."

Arlathan clenched his teeth and braced his pistol, "now please Marcel Torris, step aside. You seem like a good person, Torris. Are you a good person, Torris?"

"I...I try to be," said Torris.

Arlathan smiled, "well, then you're a better man than me. I am starting to try now, too, though. But no matter how many years I live from now on I believe I'll never be half the man you are. Show us, Marcel, show us just how good you are, by stepping aside and not letting your thirst for revenge, whether it's justified or not, consume you, so please, step aside."

"I...I...You're good at this," said Torris, sounding just as impressed as I was.

"I didn't make this rank for nothing, believe it or not," said Arlathan.

"Yeah, yeah I see that, alright, I'm sorry," said Torris.

"Thank you, Torris," said Arlathan as Jelket and Roldar began to move again. "There's nothing for you to be sorry for, I'm just glad that you didn't do anything that did."

Arlathan fell in step beside my stretcher, and I saw Torris as we walked past him, the poor man looked at me with wide tearful eyes that made my heart sink.

"I'm sorry," I hissed. "I'm so, so sorry."

Then we left him behind, and his cry of anguish echoed down the corridor.

"Will he be alright?" asked Jelket.

"Yeah," said Arlathan. "He'll be alright, just give him time."

"Did you mean that?" I said. "Did you mean what you just said?"

Arlathan sighed, "yeah, yeah I did. Do you think that Torris would've stood down if I didn't?"

I nodded and let out a long relieved sigh, then quickly realised I could also move my fingers as well.

I hoped I'd be able to move soon. I had a bad feeling about the near future.

A really bad feeling.

In silence, we moved through the corridors, the only sound the footfalls of Arlathan, Jelket and Roldar. At times we stepped aside to allow groups of mercs as they trudged past going the other way.

Along the way to the elevator, after much effort, I was finally able to move my left arm and my right leg. I activated my vox link and listened to the chatter. A captain named Helma had taken over from "Olinthre" I could hear her yelling orders over the link and much to my surprise all three organisations were working well under her. They'd already taken the eighth floor, and the sixth was very near to falling.

All the elevators had been searched and activated now, and it turned out I was right, the only one trapped was the one we'd checked.

I couldn't help roll my eyes at that.

We finally found the elevators, and after Roldar exchanged a few words with the leader of the guard, we got on and began our descent.

"Torris said you did know everything," said Roldar. "Are you ever going to inform us of this shit?"

I swallowed, "it's uhh complicated."

"He's dead isn't he?" said Jelket. "Taryst is dead."

Taken off guard, I couldn't help but flinch and share a glance with Arlathan.

"That's...Awfully presumptuous of you, Jelket," said Arlathan.

Jelket sniggered cynically, "so it is true, so for how long? How? Why? Who did it?"

He sounded disparagingly uncaring as he asked his questions.

"It's complicated," I hissed.

"Yeah I bet," said Roldar bitterly, "and what makes you so damn special that you get to know all this shit? I've been in this organisation for twelve frigging years! Why do you get told this and not us?"

"I only know this 'shit' as you keep insisting on calling it, because I went through 'shit' to find it out," I snapped. "I lost the girl I loved, I got the ever-loving shit kicked out of me I...I."

I exhaled, trying to calm myself, "I earned it, believe me, I frigging well earned it."

"You'll have to tell us how sometime in the future," growled Jelket.

"I'll make sure to write it into my memoirs," I said sarcastically. "Give you free copies when it's done. I'll make sure to write it in graphic detail, every kick and punch and splatter of blood because I'll surely remember it all in such detail."

"Why?" demanded Roldar. "Why did you keep it a secret? Why did you lie?"

I sighed, "because in the situation I was in I had no choice, Roldar. I didn't want to keep this shit a secret, but under the circumstances, it was the best way to go. We had to; there was a mission we needed to complete."

"What? Taking down this Edracian, right?" said Roldar. "Didn't Brutis say he was an Inquisitor?"

"Him being an Inquisitor, doesn't that give you a clue that there's heavy shit at stake?" I hissed. "That Brutis Bones is also one too, doesn't that also add to it? You're a soldier; I understand that you don't think so much in the grey as I. But sometimes secrets need to be kept. If Taryst had bothered being truthful with you from the outset, then perhaps none of this complicated matter would've come to pass, and I wouldn't have been forced to lie. I apologise for it but do not regret it."

Roldar was about to open his mouth in reply when the elevator found the ground floor and with a ding, the doors slid open.

Roldar and Jelket picked up my stretcher then moved into the foyer. Arlathan following just behind.

"Alright," sighed Roldar after a few long seconds of silence. "I guess I kind of understand. But you will tell us eventually, right?"

"Yeah," I said and meant it. "I will when the time is right."

Roldar briefly looked over his shoulder, and he clenched his jaw, which said, why not now?

I just pursed my lips and shook my head.

For a good ten minutes, we again carried on in silence, as I continued to fight to get my limbs moving and listened to the vox traffic. We were doing well, the sixth floor was just taken, and only the seventh remained.

It was Jelket who broke the silence, "so, Attelus, where are you from?"

I sighed, small talk, really? But still answered, "Elbyra a small agri world bordering the Halo stars, you?"

"Archaos," said Jelket. "Was in the Archaosian 39th as a heavy weapons trooper before joining up with Taryst."

"How'd you get out?" I asked, thinking that talking about this might help with any reservations the Mercenary might have about me, also hoping his backstory wasn't as tragic as Olinthre's and Garrakson's.

"Saved up my pay and bought my way out," said Jelket. "Took me a good twelve years but got there eventually."

I frowned, twelve years? How old was he anyway? Signing age was eighteen (on most worlds anyway) he must've been at least thirty but seemed much younger. He could've lied about his age, though.

"Colonel Barhurst recruited me only a few months after I left," Jelket said on. "Been with the organisation for a year, now."

I nodded absently, barely listening being still on the vox.

"Yep! Working for Taryst was a pretty sweet gig," said Jelket. "Good pay, mixed with pretty easy going work. Not getting shot at was pretty good, until now of course where I've been shot at more times in the past six hours than I have in an entire year."

"Uh huh," I muttered while changing my link's channel, to hear what squad twenty-three were up to, they were on the forefront of the fight, battling with a group of Brutis' Bones Hammers in a large recreation room.

"I've also killed more times in the last six hours than in six months!" he said. "Lost count after seven, even managed a few good headshots. With not much time fighting, I've been putting a lot of hours at the shooting range and…"

Anger suddenly overtook me then, and I snarled, "yeah! Thanks for reminding me how much of a sweet time you've had doing nothing while I was busy fighting and constantly killing over the past few months, and by the Emperor, you can blabber on, can't you?"

Jelket flinched, "yeah sorry, I'm just not good with long silences."

Roldar snorted, "tell me something I don't know, try working guard duty with this frugger," he said in good humour. "Running his mouth off seems to be one of his only talents."

"Hey!" said Jelket with feigned hurt, "I resent that statement, I've got tenth highest accuracy rate at the range!"

Roldar sighed, "yeah I know, I know you've only told me that two hundred times now."

"What's your accuracy rate, Roldar?" I asked, finding all of this very amusing.

"Fifty-sixth, last time I checked," Roldar replied hesitantly. "I'm more of a close quarters guy myself, give me a las gun on full auto at medium to short range, and I'll fry 'em before they can think."

Not me, though, I thought with a smirk.

"What's Attelus' rate?" asked Arlathan, causing me to crane my neck up to glare at him witheringly and he just smirked back.

Jelket shrugged, "I don't think Mr swordsman here's been at the range enough to get one."

"I only logically need to go once to get an average, Jelket," I sighed. "It's based on averages, right?"

"Well, I've never seen you on the record," said Jelket. "And I've looked way, way back."

"How far back?" asked Arlathan.

"Past the three hundred mark," said Jelket.

"Ooooh, not even close," said Arlathan as he inhaled sharply. "That's gotta hurt."

"And what's yours?" I snapped. "Surely the Magistratum keep records for their practice range?"

Arlathan grinned and shook his head, "sorry about this, kid, but I'm seventh at the range and first at hand to hand."

Roldar let out a long whistle, "nice! How'd you manage that?"

"Yeah well, I can dodge bullets," I stated before Arlathan could reply.

There was a long moment of silence.

"Bullshit," said Roldar.

I opened my mouth to argue but abruptly shut it, thinking better of making them believe it.

"Yeah, sorry, just wanted to win this pissing contest," I said.

"And that is exactly what it is," said Arlathan.

"Can you move now?" asked Roldar. "We'd appreciate if you could, I'm getting a bit tired of carrying, your stretcher around."

"Stop," I said. "Let me try to get up."

Roldar and Jelket did as told.

Slowly, shakily I sat up and slipped off the stretcher. It took me a good few minutes, and when I was finally on my feet, I almost lost balance entirely. It was only because Arlathan stopped me that kept me from falling on my face.

"You alright?" asked Arlathan and I replied with a nod.

"I just frigging hope this doesn't happen every time she uses that shield," I muttered through clenched teeth as Arlathan stepped back and I began slowly walking on, struggling for every step.

"What?" said Jelket.

"Nothing," I sighed. "Don't worry; I said nothing."

"Well, you said something," said Roldar.

I just grimaced, shrugged and placed my forearm against the wall for support as I walked.

"Let's just move," I growled. "Anyway, Roldar where's the rest of your squad?"

Roldar shrugged as he fell in step with me, showing remarkable patience at my slow pace.

"Our squad were ordered to guard the elevator controls along with some of the moody Hammers, but we got a call for help, so me and Jelket went to help," said Roldar. "left Halick in charge. Shit! If I'd known we'd have to haul your sorry arse back, I'd have sent him and Jelket instead."

"Gee, thanks," said Jelket sarcastically.

I smiled, "I appreciate the help, I do. If you want to, you can head back to rejoin your squad now. We can carry on from here."

Roldar shook his head, "Nope, sorry, we're staying. We've got our orders, and despite you being a snarky, paranoid little shit, you're not too bad."

I didn't reply to that, just furrowed my brow at the backhanded compliment and carried on.

It took us almost half an hour to reach the exit. In that time I listened to the comm chatter as Jelket and Roldar constantly talked, their dialogue mostly consisting of good-natured teasing. I couldn't help be impressed by their wit, trading barbs back and forth with surprising speed and regularity. Jelket was exceptionally quick and witty, this despite Roldar being his senior, it made me smile. It was obvious they were true comrades and good friends, it made me want to laugh, it made me want to cry again.

A thought had occurred to me as we walked and I'd turned to Arlathan.

"Shouldn't you be with your men?" I asked.

Arlathan shook his head, "I've left my second, Delyth in charge. He knows what he's doing; they'll do fine without me."

I'd frowned, his tone implied he believed they'd do better without him. It was obvious his confidence had taken a hit since the daemon attack, but perhaps even worse than I'd first thought. I almost felt sorry for him, but it seemed he was re-thinking his attitude, perhaps it was for the better.

We'd just walked through the guards at the west exit and were headed toward Arlathan's Magistratum command truck waiting for us in the courtyard when I heard the call over the vox, the last of the hostiles were reported killed. Funnily enough, it was Verenth who had the honour, despite his injury.

We were in the truck when we got the call over the vox, all of our commlinks beeped and showed a call on channel fifty-six. We shared silent glances and quickly tuned in.

"What's this about?" growled Roldar.

"It's probably Brutis Bones going to make some uplifting, awe-inspiring speech about our victory," I said cynically. "If you can call it that."

Jelket frowned, "then what else would you call it?"

For a few seconds, I thought on that, with the buzzing of the active vox in my ears as I taped my index finger on my sharp chin absently.

"A single small step," I said. "A single, minute step on a road as long as this galaxy's length, one which I'll continue on walking, even if it eventually kills me."

I wanted to say, 'even if kills me a thousand times,' but wisely refrained.

Roldar and Jelket shared glances.

"That was awfully poetic of you, Attelus," said Jelket. "Do you think you'll make it to the end of that figurative road?"

"Yes," I said with a smile.

Roldar furrowed his brow and opened his mouth to respond but stopped as Brutis Bone's voice abruptly burst into our ears.

"This is Inquisitor Brutis Tybalt of the Ordo Hereticus, and I address all of you today with a truth, a truth all of you need to hear."

Hearing this made me hiss through clenched teeth, I wanted to say something, stop him, but the link was one way.

"I come to you with a few truths; the first and foremost is this, the employer of many of you, the rogue trader named Taryst, is dead."

I looked at Jelket and Roldar with wide watery eyes. I could only imagine the reactions of the many mercs hearing this and hoped Brutis wasn't going to mention my organisation's involvement in Taryst's murder.

"Those that were, directly and indirectly, involved in Taryst's death, have been brought to justice, they are dead, along with him," said on Brutis, "as well, the rumour of Major Olinthre's demise is true."

Brutis sighed, "I have also received news that Colonel Barhurst is dead also. Only a few days ago this news would've brought me joy, but then we were enemies. Now we are unlikely allies; we are now allied because we have a greater enemy, an enemy which has manipulated both of us into this war, this enemy as many of you have already guessed was Inquisitor Nonin Edracian, he is responsible for the deaths of billions of innocent, Imperial citizens. For decades he has manipulated the Imperium against itself, just as he has manipulated us. In storming this fortress, in defeating him and his army, you have done the Emperor's work. You have performed a great service that will allow your souls to one day be at Emperor's side. That I promise you."

"I, as an Inquisitor of the Holy Ordos take command, it doesn't matter if you are a Magistratum Marshal or a Mercenary once under Taryst you now answer to me, this isn't over I'm afraid. Soon ships of the Imperial Navy will emerge from the warp, and they will attempt to destroy Omnartus and the billions of people living on its surface on fire. Exterminatus has been ordered on this world, and it is up to us, along with the Planetary Defence Force to stop it."

"I am afraid, though, that I must take my leave of Omnartus, my mission here is complete and as a good friend of mine had suggested, this knowledge I must take to the Calixian Ordos so to prevent Edracian and his allies causing any more destruction."

That I knew to be a lie or at least I hoped it to be, we really couldn't trust the Ordos anymore, who knew how many within it were allied with, or even under Etuarq's influence? Even so, I felt Brutis had made the right decision.

"As my first order to you I order this building to be evacuated then destroyed," said Brutis. "My second is also my last, once that is completed captain Helma will be in charge of Taryst's forces, she has proven herself an excellent commander, you will follow her like she was Olinthre, hell, like she was Taryst himself. You must co-operate fight together like you have just now or else all will be lost. Do you understand?"

There was a long pause, and I wondered what the others listening were doing during that time.

"Thank you!" said Brutis at whatever response was given and I guessed it was positive, somehow. "Now go! Do the Emperor's work!"

Then the connection was cut.

For a second or so we sat in grim silence, it was only interrupted by the beep of Arlathan's vox link making Arlathan and me flinch in fright.

"Detective Karkin here," he said, and I watched as he listened to whatever was said down the line, then his already remarkably pale face whitened even worse.

"Yeah, got you," he stammered and cut the link.

"What's wrong?" I asked, although I already had a good idea.

He just treated me with a wide-eyed fearful look, then immediately tuned his vox.

"Inquisitor?" he said. "I'm sorry, but we've got to talk, now. Can you meet us outside the western exit, ASAP? I just got a call from my boss, the Astropaths have detected the enemy fleet, it is in the warp and scheduled to enter the system in about an hour."

There was a pause before Arlathan answered, "yes, thank you, sir. Will meet you soon."

"Shit!" snapped Roldar.

"'Shit,' doesn't even begin to describe it," I sighed.

"No," said Arlathan, his voice in soft contemplation as he stroked his stubbly chin with a thumb. "No, it doesn't."

We didn't have to wait long, only about fifteen minutes before Brutis Bones arrived, he was now out of his Power Armour and while he was still large he was distinctly smaller without it. He wore an armoured black body glove, and his wounds thickly bandaged. He somehow managed to carry his bolter with as much ease when he was armoured, though.

Accompanying him was captain Helma, she was a plain-featured, grim-looking woman in her late thirties whose blonde hair was cropped short. She wore aged, but well-maintained Storm Trooper carapace and carried a Hellgun. Like me, she had a large, ugly scar on the left cheek, but unlike me, she didn't hide it beneath long hair.

Also with him were Selg, Verenth, Darrance and Hayden and much to my surprise, a still sullen Torris.

"Alright," said Brutis as he approached us, straight to business as usual. "I thought we'd have more time."

Arlathan shook his head and licked his dry lips, he'd been silently pondering the whole time we'd waited, "I'm afraid not, Inquisitor," said Arlathan. "It was only a small rift in the warp, that was why it wasn't sensed hours ago. According to the head Astropath, a rift that small would be made by only five or six ships…"

Arlathan trailed off in his sentence as he, along with the rest of us saw the look of horror cross Brutis' face.

"Only five or six ships?" said Helma, her voice deep, commanding and gravely. "You only need that amount for an Exterminatus?"

"Yes," said Brutis. "Damn it! Why didn't Wesley tell me?"

"Why didn't Jeksen tell you what, boss?" said Verenth.

"Why didn't he tell us that Torathe had so much pull!" Brutis snarled. "I was hoping he'd bring Inquisitorial ships and an Imperial navy escort! Not this. Anything but this."

"Anything but what, Inquisitor?" said Helma, her jaw clenching in impatience.

My eyes widened with the dawning realisation, and I quickly understood Brutis' apprehension and just when I thought it couldn't get any frigging worse.

"Space Marines," I said, "Inquisitor Torathe has brought frigging Space Marines."

Brutis nodded with watery eyes, and he pointed at me, "you better pray to the God-Emperor, detective, that it's just a Rogue Trader group or pilgrims or anything else or this will change everything. Everything."

Then I swore I heard Arlathan mutter softly under his breath; "I'm not gonna waste my breath."

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