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Post by Halo on Apr 30, 2022 17:05:20 GMT -5
"Now that I can arrange..." He reached instead now for a cabinet in the corner of his tiny kitchen area, opened it, and pulled out a half-empty bottle of vodka. "Straight or in some seltzer?" He first began pouring two shots in two small glasses. For himself, he added in some seltzer to weaken it a bit. He wasn't really into straight shots. "Yeah, that's what I was thinking, too!" He then responded. "I guess she probably felt like I contradicted her, but I was responding to Kavisto, not to her, so hopefully she'll get it." [Apparently she was not going to.]
"Oh, good. That means we can kind of relax and wait for the alert..." Once Trevor had the appropriate drink for Jake, he would come up to him from behind, handing him his drink from behind him with one hand, and then wrapping his other arm around Jake's waist, forming a hug, resting his chin on Jake's shoulder. He let out a sigh. "I'm glad she's alive and seemingly back to normal now. I'm glad we're back home."
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Post by Skylos on Apr 30, 2022 17:18:36 GMT -5
"Yeah. Maybe not too hard. Mixed, please." Jake laughed. He wasn't looking to put himself into a coma over a somewhat failed mission. "At the end of the day, we're all on the same side, here." Jake said as the final comment on that train of thought.
Jake closed his eyes once the drink was securely in his hand. He leaned his head over to rest lightly against Trevor's. "Yeah... I probably won't be able to fully concentrate on any paperwork until we can talk with her. I need to know that she's really O.K." His free hand moved gingerly up to the side of Trevor's head, where he ran his fingers slowly through the Earth Human's hair. "I'm glad nothing happened to you." A bit of heat entered his cheeks.
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Post by Halo on Apr 30, 2022 17:32:57 GMT -5
"Naturally," Trevor agreed about Aqua being okay before paperwork could happen.
Nothing felt better than Jake's fingers through his hair. He could almost fall asleep when he did that. "Or you. Though I definitely am the bigger klutz, so..." It probably made sense for Jake to be generally a little more worried about Trevor than vice versa.
Trevor then moved away from Jake for a second, picked up his own drink and took a few long gulps before moving back over, this time facing Jake, almost-empty drink still in hand, and he felt compelled to kiss him. The aftermath of a mission like this left him feeling emotionally down, and it felt natural to want to replace that negativity with... well a much more positive mood. He vaguely hoped that Jake wouldn't mind it, seeing as Aqua was technically still under-the-weather, but most of his mind now just began to sink into the heat of the moment.
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Post by Skylos on Apr 30, 2022 17:49:46 GMT -5
"Hah." While Trevor was away, he took the time to take a sip of his drink. Savoring the taste for only a few seconds, he sat the glass down on the counter. It was then that Trevor approached him again. He welcomed the kiss. He found his arms instinctively wrapping around Trevor's waist as he held him close. This was all done without really thinking; his body was on autopilot and it cleared his mind almost instantly. Only Trevor was there.
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Post by Halo on Apr 30, 2022 18:04:02 GMT -5
Trevor continued to kiss Jake. His mind was also now on autopilot. He leaned into Jake more, causing him to fall slightly back into the wall nearby. He stopped for a moment, his eyes locking with Jake's intimately before he went and started kissing his neck. Meanwhile, Trevor's hands ventured underneath Jake's shirt. He loved the feeling of his bare chest. Trevor had the instinctive urge to tell Jake he loved him, but that bridge hadn't actually been crossed yet in the relationship, so he held that back. For some reason, he felt like he wanted Jake to be the first one to say it. At times he wondered if Jake felt as strongly about him as he did for Jake, but he usually shoved those thoughts down. He didn't want to ruin what they had going up to now. He didn't want to push things too quickly. The only people who truly knew how madly in love Trevor was were Angie and Maura, and they were sworn to secrecy.
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Post by Skylos on Apr 30, 2022 18:33:57 GMT -5
Jake gave a very light grunt as he was pushed into the wall. Jake's eyes met Trevor's. Staring right into them filled Jake with a certain peace that made all of his troubles seemingly melt away. He tilted his head up at an angle as Trevor went at his neck. Goosebumps appeared at his touch. A slight shiver ran through him at the touch of his chest. Without thinking, Jake slid his hand underneath the back of Trevor's shirt, lifting it upwards as his hand ran along Trevor's back.
The last thing that Jake wanted was to be pushy. In fact, he knew that if things were left up to him, he'd probably chase Trevor off. But right now, right now it felt right. The two of them in this space, holding each other. How much he wanted to tell Trevor something. How much he wanted to spontaneously lay on him all of his feelings. And that folks, is why I have to slow down. He'd be coming on waaaay too strong.
And he didn't want to tell anyone his feelings. He'd just die of embarrassment.
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Post by Halo on May 1, 2022 17:35:04 GMT -5
Completely wrapped up in the moment, Trevor pulled Jake's shirt off and tossed it somewhere. After that, it was mostly a blur of passion and emotional release. It was something Trevor felt thankful for, like in that mindset it was just the thing to help his entire mood and even gave him a more positive perspective for the future.
His mind flooded with the aftermath of the euphoria, he laid beside Jake, breathing lightly, mouth in a small smile. "What do you think of the future?" He asked. "You've seen so, so much more than me. And I sometimes feel so naive with you nearby," he chuckled. "I just don't know yet what life will bring. I'm only just about to hit 30 years old..." he paused, looked at Jake. ""I suppose I can only hope my future has you in it."
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Post by Aqua on May 2, 2022 0:23:24 GMT -5
Early the following morning of the mission, about maybe a mile off the coast from the harbor, a man was on a large fishing boat. He had longish brown hair pulled back in a ponytail, blue eyes, and a weird looking fishing rod. "Man, nothing's biting this morning...I've been up since 4 am, and nothing..." Then suddenly he felt a tug on his line, and he quickly tried to reel it in, but found his catch was massively heavy! "Whoa! Looks like I caught a big one for all this waiting!" He pulled harder and harder, but it showed no signs of reeling in. "Alright, game time!" He pushed a button on his rod, as it seemed to be charged with energy. His strength increased, as he was pulling his catch in. Then with a yell, he tugged the line out! Flying through the air was a half melted chunk of ice, with darkness seeping out of it. It landed on the boat with a thud. The fisherman scratched his head. "The hell? I caught an iceberg?"
Suddenly, with the touch of air on the darkness, the ice began to crack and shatter! Giga's mostly destroyed body was inside! The darkness was running like it was blood, as suddenly it began to form back into his body. He reformed with not a roar, but a pained moan. "Ugh...I can't remember the last time I was put through the wringer like that...I'm not sure I ever have...What was that power?..." Giga glanced around, seeing the rising sun. "Who knows how long I've been out...Ugh! And everything is...wait, is this soreness? I didn't even know I could feel sore. My regeneration factor...it doesn't feel right..." Giga then noticed the fisherman looking at him, as he glared. "What are you lookin at?!"
The fisherman looked more surprised then anything. "I didn't know turtles on Terra 002 could talk. Or were this big."
Giga looked shocked for a second. "Turtle?! I!..." Giga was more dumbfounded then anything, but just sighed. "I don't have time for this..." Giga's claws then glowed gold, as he slashed the air, making a portal with his claws. He left the boat by portal, returning to the nexus.
The fisherman just watched as his first catch of the day left. "Man, Terra 002 has some weird fish..." He then took his seat once again, and returned to his fishing.
Giga shortly returned back to Terra 275, Zalendor's home Terra. The dim sun rose on a gray skyed world, as Giga entered the castle. Meeting Giga in the entry room at the top of the stairs was Zalendor. "And just where have you been since yesterday?" Zalendor asked, annoyance in his tone.
Giga looked up, not having an excused planned yet. "...Reconnaissance."
Zalendor had an annoyed scowl on his face. "Don't give me that, I can tell you were out doing your own twisted form of fun with them. That's what you always do. The weakened state of your core tells me everything. I told you not to make any moves on them until I have everything planned out."
Giga glared at this. "Twisted? I only follow the orders of my design. If we are to make any move on them, we need to know at all times what their planning, and their mental state. I'm only doing what I've always done."
"Your orders were to keep tabs on the state of Terra 002 and the World Savers, nothing more. I haven't decided our course of action yet, and your rogue actions right now could be making things worse. " Zalendor said, arms folded.
"Worse?! The key to defeating them is to undo them from the inside! Compromise them! What do you even need to plan for, you have a dimension stone! The dimension stone of mind, no less! Surely a plan have formulated by now that could crush them forever." Giga said, not understanding his masters hesitation.
Zalendor sighed. "I still do not know if destroying them is the correct path to reach my goals, Giga. They may prove better use alive, if possible. I have never wished to pointlessly spill their blood." Zalendor closed his eyes. "I search day and night for the right answer to reach the ends I seek. I've been shown many potential ways to take care of them, but if I require them, doing them more harm then good will only harm me in the end." Zalendor opened his eyes, narrowed at Giga. "Besides that, having a dimension stone puts me right under Omni's watchful eyes. Do you really think it wise to attempt to crush his friends and family with no sort of plan? I am not stronger then him."
"Where is your spine, master? Your passion? Up until the events with Osric, you were sure of your path." Giga questioned.
"Trust me, if you had seen what I had, it puts a great deal of things into perspective..." Zalendor trailed off, lost in thought for a moment. He then looked back to Giga. "Brute force is not the way to control the Terras, Giga. Had it been, Krystallos or Yamiken, or any number of men would have already been on top. My passion remains for my goals, but I cannot fool myself any longer into thinking that might is the only option. Omni has done this himself, and proved it is not the way this will work. The Mind Stone will show the path, in time. Until then, information gathering, and real reconnaissance are your only orders. Do I make myself clear?" Zalendor asked, a serious look in his eyes.
Giga looked Zalendor in the eyes, as Giga sighed himself. "You've changed, Master...But I cannot tell if it's for the better or not..."
"If change is required, then I will do what must be done. As will you." Zalendor put his hand on his head. "Now that you've returned, and I do not need to search for you, my searching with the Mind Stone has left me drained. I must rest. I'm leaving you in charge of defense until I awake." Zalendor then turned to retire to his personal chambers.
Giga was left alone, stewing in his thoughts. He had moved to the roof, over looking the darkened world, hearing the low hum of the dark rune at the castle top above him. He was soundly defeated by Aqua and her team, of all people! Zalendor seemed to have lost his resolve. He was displeased with his actions, ones he used to request, or at least allow. What is wrong with Master?...The old him would have jumped at the chance to use a Dimension Stone to crush his enemies...Instead it's just been months and months of this 'planning'...It cannot be that hard to put the World Saver's in an unwinnable position...
"Normally, yes, it isn't hard to put them in their place, even more so when you have a cheat sheet like the Mind Stone. Though this batch of World Savers formed by the distortions truly are abnormal in the scope of their strength...A fact you've seen first hand just a short time ago..." A voice spoke to Giga, sounding almost like an echo. He quickly turned around to see Zane behind him! "How goes things since we last crossed paths? Your little Aqua plan working out?"
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Arianna
Niko
Dimension of Emotions
Posts: 2,241
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Post by Arianna on May 4, 2022 11:28:47 GMT -5
The Eye nodded, mostly to show the girls physically his thoughts rather then need to do it for himself. "It is a problem, to be sure. While I could work with him on this, and could possibly function a fix for him, he'd need to be able to go along with it. As of right now he just has little care for anything." He paused. " Though if I my be honest, today was the happiest I've seen him. He may not have seemed like it, but he greatly appreciated you two being there for him." "We didn't mean for him to be alone at all. Normally there is a lot of chaos when a crisis ends and begins to calm down, and a lot of the group didn't know what to do. But we wouldn't have shown up if we didn't care." Aqua explained. "And I believe he knows this. The memories may be false, but he knows your character and hearts though Rem." The Eye added. Today was the happiest I've ever seen him, was probably the saddest thing, she thought. "Hopefully he can speak to somebody who's more, um, qualified to help with the emotional and mental stuff soon. Maybe if he gets checked out by the medical wing.." Maura wasn't sure what else to say.
Kavisto looked disinterested as Maura began to pour out her heart and soul to him. Giving a light sigh, but not quite an annoyed one, he spoke. "Jake is your unit commander. More is expected of him, regardless of feelings. So you thought to check first?" Kavisto's expression couldn't really sour much more, but it did seem to change slightly. "But you did not. And you were not expected to in your position. You were following your unit commander's instructions. You certainly could have elected to, and you probably should have... " His eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "Staying even a few seconds more, you would have run into Agent Gaia and you could have briefed him of the situation and he would have told you to follow your unit commander..." Kavisto could sense her emotions in flux. "The bonds you make with people are two-edged swords, Maura. I am not going to lecture you on how you process emotions. Your ability to make rational decisions, however, is of great importance. Your sense of justice is far more important; do not second guess yourself, or you will lead yourself into trouble." Maura listened to Kavisto silently, still half holding her breath. She couldn't think of a single thing left to say, so when he finished, she quietly said, "Yes, sir," and waited for him to indicate that she was dismissed before leaving the room. Once out in the hallway, she leaned against the wall, closed her eyes, and finally took in a full breath of air and let it out. Her nerves were certainly rattled. She started off down the hallway towards her room, stewing on what had just been discussed. It still didn't feel right to her that Jake was to be blamed more than them, but she supposed half the reason she didn't stay behind for Magmore was because she was kind of surprised that Jake didn't... Still, it was an awful burden, and having Kavisto express his disappointment to Jake specifically like that, in front of all of them... she shuddered. On the way back, she grabbed a quick bite from the cafe before getting back to her room to change and wash up. It was late evening now, but she couldn't rest. She didn't want to see Trevor, which sucked, because normally that's exactly who she'd want to see in this situation, but she was still ticked off with him. Besides, he's probably with Jake anyway..Her thoughts began to turn back to Aqua. She knew they would be alerted if anything had gone horribly wrong, or when she woke up, but Maura couldn't put it out of her mind. Maura sighed, got up, and padded out of her room in sweats and slip-on shoes - down the hall towards the medical ward. She was too tired to fly. [And thus begins the filler segment where Maura visits Aqua in the hospital, leading to...] [2018] Angie shook her head. "Actually, no... I've been stuck working and as soon as I could I rushed over here. I haven't gotten to even see Trev yet. This must've happened on your most recent mission, I'm guessing?" She asked Maura. Maura nodded. "It happened earlier today. We went to investigate some activity but.. it was a trap. Aqua was separated from us, singled out on purpose to be tortured, and we couldn't get to her right away. She was in such bad shape..." Maura looked away, feeling awful about Aqua again.
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Post by Aqua on May 4, 2022 14:52:40 GMT -5
"Hopefully he will elect to do so. I won't make him, but should he speak to me for advice, I will suggest it to him." The Eye said to them. A master of mental powers did not make someone a understander of mental health. But he quickly picked up on the slight unease of the conversation and uncertainty of how to continue. "Well, that is all I wished to say. I do not wish to take up any more of either yours or Remone's time. Thank you for speaking with me, if just for a few moments. It's been some time since I've been able to do so. Hopefully we'll call again." At this point, he sat down on the side of Remone's bed. The Eye began to stop shining, as his body returned to normal.
Remone blinked a few times, still not entirely used to that feeling, but honestly it only really felt like he just zoned out. "Sorry if that was a bit weird." He laughed nervously. "I won't make things difficult on any of you, I'm sure you have things to tend to. I'll just rest here for now."
Aqua nodded in response. "I'll make sure we get some food prepared for you when you wake up, so don't worry about that."
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[2018]
[No one has to post to this yet if no one is ready, I've just been antsy to post something lol]
The next morning, early enough before most of the base was awake, Aqua was woken up in her hospital bed by the morning sun coming in through the window. By now the drugs had worn off, but she wasn't really in the same amount of pain anymore. She mostly only felt a general soreness, but healing took care of most of what was affecting her. She somewhat blankly looked around the room, making an assessment of where she was, and if anyone was around, which there wasn't. She was recalling yesterday, trying to see what the last thing she could clearly remember. Her dream...she remembered that. But up until right as she transformed was all that was clear to her, but through the pain the details were rough. She only barely knew the others showed up, as it seemed due to all the events she didn't feel like she remembered the rest of the fight in Pure Human form. She knew it happened, but her memories were patchy at best. Maybe it was partly due to the drugs and pain? She moved her right arm into her sight, as she looked at her skin. While healed, the scars from the battle would take a little more time to heal, as she saw the acid burns on her arm. She lifted her blanket back the best she could, looking to see the same burn scars on her legs as well. She put the blanket back, feeling no need to check anywhere else, as she could somewhat feel the scars on the rest of her body. She looked then to her side, seeing her left arm in it's cast. She couldn't feel much from it, but she did notice she could move her fingers without pain. She was at least relieved that she still had movement in her hand, she was worried she might have lost her arm. Giga could've easily ripped her arm clean off. She might not have survived that. Her expression didn't look sad or pained or anything as she inspected herself. Just...blank. She put her right hand out, feeling water connection again, as she seemed to make a watery clone of herself, standing up. "Visualize..." She softly said, still having her morning voice. The clone then started to have parts of it's body freeze over, showing the same wounds she had. She seemed to be checking her own condition using the water. "So...It's mostly just my arm now..." She wondered if she'd have any nerve damage, or if that was healed too. Granted if the worst did happen, she might be able to have Skylos heal her, but..she didn't like the idea of anyone at the cabin knowing what happened to her. She felt to much shame, not only losing to Giga, but...Her eyes closed tightly at the mere thought of remembering what happened. She didn't want anyone to know what happened, but...she knew her team had some idea. I'll probably have to tell them at least... Aqua then noticed a nurse enter the room.
"Ah, you're awake Miss Aquaris. I wouldn't use your powers too much, your body is still recovering it's lost energy. You used up quite a lot." The lady said to her.
Aqua caused the clone to fade away at this. "How am I? My arm I mean, Is it going to be alright?"
The nurse smiled at her. "Your arm is going to be fine, we had a great number of healers working on it. Now since your bones were in very bad shape, the doctors recommend you stay in a cast for at least two days to make sure your bones properly heal up. Otherwise you're free to go once the forms are done and the doctor checks up on you, if you'd like. Also, your team has been waiting for you to wake up. Should I let them know to come down and see you?"
"I...Sure, but...Can I...get my clothes first?" She asked.
The nurse looked a little nervous to answer that. "Umm well...due to the condition of your combat outfit, it was thrown out while the doctors worked on you. It wasn't really in a usable condition anymore."
"Ah...That's fine. Could you have someone get some new ones from my room in the base? The more covering the better." Aqua asked.
The nurse nodded. "I'll have someone get some for you. We'll need to be careful for the cast though with what you wear."
Aqua nodded. "That's no problem." The nurse turned to leave, but then Aqua called her back. "Oh, umm...Could I get something to drink, please? Anythings fine."
"Oh of course. We'll be right back with what you asked for, but use the call button if you need anything before we come back." She answered before leaving.
She leaned back in the bed again, looking out the window. Her mind was all over the place, as she struggled to piece together what she'd say to her team when they did show up.
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[2018. Terra 275]
Giga had turned to see Zane speaking to him, as he scoffed at him. "You're a real smartass...aren't you?"
Zane chuckled slightly. "Oh, come now Giga, just a bit of razzing."
"Then why are you here? Make it good, because I'm not in the mood..." Giga said, waiting for Zane's answer.
"Right to the point? Someone isn't doing so great, but that's to be expected considering what happened." Giga glared at Zane, to which he put his hands up in response. "Now now, I'm not mocking, let me finish. I mean you encountered an anomaly that shouldn't even exist." Giga's expression changed, as Zane continued. "You see...the events of yesterday are quite something in the span on the timelines. You remember what we spoke about last time about timelines, right? Where Aqua's other memories are from?"
"Yes, we have countless timelines. I believe you mentioned something about your goal is just to disrupt them, yes? What's that go to do with this?" Giga questioned.
Zane chuckled slightly. "It has everything to do with everything, my dear turtle. My last major move on this timeline was almost ten years ago, I believe? Time holds little meaning to myself. But the actions of me and your master, Zalendor, have had a number of effects on this timeline. That thing tends to happen when you mess with space time like that. That butterfly effect can cause any number of things to happen, you know. Like say Rem and Halo's relationship, Aqua's mental state...Zalendor's change of heart? It's weird how fragile time is. One thing happens out of events, and all of a sudden you have a damaged timeline. You know in the timeline where Aqua's memories are from, Krystallos didn't waken for many years from now, and Skylos and Neon had to seal him in the nexus itself? His early defeat caused a lot of out of order events in this timeline. Osric for one example."
"You mean to tell me one change did all that?" Giga asked.
Zane nodded. "Time is fickle Giga, I've learned that in all the timelines I've seen. Zalendor changed because he was exposed to events that changed the course of his life that normally would have never happened. Rem, Halo, Aqua...Kane. And that's just to name a few of those pests you hate."
"Ok, but why tell me this all of a sudden? I cannot travel the timestream like you." Giga questioned, wondering why Zane was wasting his time.
"That's easy. Because now you are the one with the chance to make it how you want it." Zane said to Giga, which really got his attention. "I'll be honest, you probably should've died yesterday. It's only due to the subconscious connection you have with Aqua that you managed to give her a reason to spare you, even if subconsciously. Your actions have pulled together pieces that would've never happened normally. It was due to the changes Zalendor and I made that caused Aqua to feel the need to be more hands on with the World Savers, and get her involved in a plot with that Abrianna that again happened early in this timeline. That gained her Mystic Power. Then, because Osric appeared far earlier in this timeline, Aqua acquired a Time Stone, and object she'd normally never have. And lastly, due to the trauma you inflected on her, she was able to remember her connection with the Water Elemental, and awaken to her Pure Human Power. There have been timelines where some of these things have happened, but time itself tries to prevent these things from coming together. Like how Void users try to avoid shadow contact, they just understand they are world breaking. Aqua's current state of power, along with her mental state, have made her a bizarre anomaly. Another abnormal event is Zalendor not only getting a Dimension Stone, but being the Mind Stones guardian. While not as rare an event, these two events happening in the same timeline is something that is truly rare. And with both of these events coming together in the way they have, plus you surviving your encounter with what I'll call Pure Aqua, you are now placed in a very interesting position."
Giga was very interested as he took this all in. "And what is this position then?"
Zane chuckled again, really enjoying himself. "You have all the tools you need to directly effect the course of events of this timeline. All you'll need to do is put them together, and bring about the end you want. Do you want to return Zalendor to his darker path, or maybe you want to rise to a further power? Do you want to plunge Aqua into even further depths of insanity? Knowing what you do of her past, you also have Kane at your desposial. She can't pass off his existance as false like she can those passing memories. And it makes it even better that Aqua has fallen for him." Zane dropped that last bit of info, which was new to Giga.
"This is a very useful piece of information, but don't you have your own plans with Kane?" Giga questioned.
"His only mission was to kill Halo, as he believes her death will set this timeline back on course, and save his history. Sadly for him, that isn't how it works. But this chance you have Giga? Oh ho, what even greater chances for chaos this brings about! This is far better of a distortion I ever had in mind. I entrust Kane's fate to you, as I believe he'll be a useful tool for you in the coming days. The boy should be used to being used by now, whats one more time?" Zane said, the joy in his odd voice very apparent.
"This...is a lot of information to take in, but...Why? Why inform me of this at all? What do you gain from it? I don't enjoy being used." Giga said, his guard still up.
"What I have to gain? No no no, you have me wrong. All my actions are always solely for the distortion of time...For my master, who grows more powerful the more timelines are damaged beyond repair. And any distortions that cause those World Savers pain and suffering I enjoy even more. You having your way with this timeline will do me nothing but good." He started laughing. "Ah, I can already picture it! The countless shattered timelines spawned simply from this one meeting! I can see so much destruction on the way, and I can picture few figureheads for destruction better then you Giga. I trust you won't disappoint me." He paused. "Now, if you still have doubts, feel free to put your faith in Zalendor and his new path, or trust that your natural way of getting stronger might actually beat Aqua in a second encounter. But you've seen what she could do when she was near death, you think it the same approach will result in victory when she doesn't let you hurt her again? Do you trust that Zalendor will stay the path you wish to follow?" Zane turned away, as Giga seemed to actually struggle with these thoughts. "Remember what I said. You have everything you need at your disposal to bring about the end you desire. The only question is this. 'What ending do you desire?' I expect great things from you Giga, so I hope you don't disappoint. We'll meet again soon."
After that, Zane seemed to be beamed up by a ray of light, as suddenly he was gone. Giga was left there alone, stuck with his thoughts. The end I desire... Giga turned to return inside. He had a lot of thinking to do on this matter.
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Post by Skylos on May 4, 2022 18:19:22 GMT -5
Completely wrapped up in the moment, Trevor pulled Jake's shirt off and tossed it somewhere. After that, it was mostly a blur of passion and emotional release. It was something Trevor felt thankful for, like in that mindset it was just the thing to help his entire mood and even gave him a more positive perspective for the future. His mind flooded with the aftermath of the euphoria, he laid beside Jake, breathing lightly, mouth in a small smile. "What do you think of the future?" He asked. "You've seen so, so much more than me. And I sometimes feel so naive with you nearby," he chuckled. "I just don't know yet what life will bring. I'm only just about to hit 30 years old..." he paused, looked at Jake. ""I suppose I can only hope my future has you in it." Jake pulled off Trevor's clothes and--- [The preceding scene has been cut to fit the 30 minute episode window. We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.] "The future...?" Jake repeated, his eyes dreamily looking towards the ceiling. "Anything can happen." the Fire Human then said. "You can try to plan for the future, but Time has a funny way of reminding you that anything can happen." He chuckled a bit. "That being said, I hope it has a lot of you in it." He turned his head to face Trevor and softly looked into the Earth Human's eyes. "A whole lot."
Maura listened to Kavisto silently, still half holding her breath. She couldn't think of a single thing left to say, so when he finished, she quietly said, "Yes, sir," and waited for him to indicate that she was dismissed before leaving the room. Once out in the hallway, she leaned against the wall, closed her eyes, and finally took in a full breath of air and let it out. Her nerves were certainly rattled. She started off down the hallway towards her room, stewing on what had just been discussed. It still didn't feel right to her that Jake was to be blamed more than them, but she supposed half the reason she didn't stay behind for Magmore was because she was kind of surprised that Jake didn't... Still, it was an awful burden, and having Kavisto express his disappointment to Jake specifically like that, in front of all of them... she shuddered. On the way back, she grabbed a quick bite from the cafe before getting back to her room to change and wash up. It was late evening now, but she couldn't rest. She didn't want to see Trevor, which sucked, because normally that's exactly who she'd want to see in this situation, but she was still ticked off with him. Besides, he's probably with Jake anyway..Her thoughts began to turn back to Aqua. She knew they would be alerted if anything had gone horribly wrong, or when she woke up, but Maura couldn't put it out of her mind. Maura sighed, got up, and padded out of her room in sweats and slip-on shoes - down the hall towards the medical ward. She was too tired to fly. Kavisto nodded his head. "Off you go." Once she was gone, he was left with an empty board room. Sighing lightly, he walked back to his office. It was always difficult to scold people, especially when they were trying their best. But if they didn't stick to the plan, there would be fewer people in the world that could try their best. Losing Aqua would have been terrible. Potentially losing a continent? Devastating. Seeing the Terra burn for the fifth time? ...How many more times would he see that? In the back of his mind, he knew it would happen sooner or later. It always did.
Sometime in the recent past... Spatial Coordinates: (0,0) Series 1 Universal NexusSkylos Pantech, Light and Death Human, stood at a familiar altar in a familiar place. It was a beautiful place, appearing to be but a small platform drifting amongst the stars. Today, he was making a rare trip to another Terra, alone. Tom's sunglasses were on his face, hiding his gaze. He was sporting his Holy-Death Human persona today -- his white leather jacket and other effects. He waited silently in anticipation.
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Post by Aqua on May 23, 2022 17:53:17 GMT -5
Skylos wouldn't have found himself waiting long, as shortly after he appeared someone else appeared at the Nexus. It was Edward Hawking, the prosecutor from Terra TEC, AKA Terra 238. He was accompanied by one TEC Trooper, Officer Kristine, who worked on the case surrounding Hunter R on Terra 002 just a few days prior. Edward approached Skylos, looking rather friendly, and as well dressed as ever. "Ah, pleasure to see you again Mr. Pantech. I hope we didn't keep you waiting long." He looked over to Kristine. "You might not be able to tell, but this is Officer Kristine. They didn't want me going to the Nexus alone, they are rather protective of me during this case." He laughed slightly, not thinking he was worth the fuss, but that was mostly due to how high priority the Hunter R case is.
Kristine looked to Skylos, and nodded. "Good to see you again." She said, giving him the respect of acknowledgement, but not saying much else yet since it wasn't her meeting or place. She was, as Hawking said, mostly here for his protection.
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Post by Skylos on May 23, 2022 18:08:27 GMT -5
Skylos smiled warmly as his guides joined him. "Oh, no worries. I just got here myself." He gave a small laugh and then nodded his head. "Good to see you again." He said, cordially to Kristine. He didn't have any specific feelings one way or another for this person. His attention returned to Edward. "Better safe than sorry. I'm sure you know just as well as I do that anything can happen here." Just a stone's throw away were the ruined arches that used to run along the path that lead up to the altar. "Shall we get going?" Skylos said, not wanting to attempt fate.
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Post by Aqua on May 23, 2022 18:25:36 GMT -5
"Far to much can happen here, yes. Let us be off." Edward and Kristine, followed by Skylos, would have went to the altar dial. Turning it to 238, and sent them moving. The three of them would have appeared on TEC. Now the first thing of note, was that many of it's buildings were very different looking from Terra 002's. The buildings looked very futuristic, or at least by what Terra 002's standards of futuristic were. Cars were both grounded and flying, the fashion sense looked weird honestly, and it just overall looked like a city from a sci fi flick, but in a more modern sense? The biggest building, towering far above the rest, was a mostly black looking tower in the city center. Though they were in front of a large building itself, which looked something like a police station? They had more TEC troopers outside of the building, so one could assume that. "Well, welcome to Terra 238 Mr. Pantech. Bit much on the neon and silver and whites, but aside from that the capital is a rather nice place."
"I guess when one is far more used to greens and browns of most Terra it does seem like a lot. You get used to it though." Kristine commented, hard to said who it was directed to though.
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Post by Skylos on May 23, 2022 18:48:15 GMT -5
Skylos laughed. "I'm fine with those colors." He was dressed in one of them, anyway. It was pretty amazing to see such a place. There wasn't really anything comparable back home. It was a wonder that anyone who Terra-hopped wanted to stay one their own Terra once they knew better places existed. "Hm. Rustic colors have their charm." Skylos said back.
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Post by Aqua on May 23, 2022 19:09:00 GMT -5
Edward chuckled a little himself. Kristine made her comment, to which he commented to as well. "Honestly my home Terra isn't quite as 'bright' as this one, so I am kind of partial to darker tones. Normally it makes it hard for me to relax."
Kristine nodded. "Honestly I think my time off Terra may be adjusting me to the more rustic colors, as I feel I'm always getting a headache when I return home."
Edward lead the walk down the street, as they would have come to the front entrance of the police station, as the guards halted the group. Kristine had them scan her badge on the chest of her armor, while Edward showed them a small badge on his collar. They seemed more on edge then they should be, but that was probably due to Hunter R in lockup. "Prosecutor Hawking and Officer Kristine. We've brought in a Mr. Skylos Pantech as a consultant in interrogation for Hunter R, as previously informed."
After a quick scan of both badges, and an aura scan of Skylos, they stepped aside to allow them to enter. The would of then handed Skylos what looked like a badge as well, but his aura was coming from it. "Please keep this with you, Mr. Pantech. This is a guest ID. It has your aura signature attached so that only you shall be in possession of it."
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Post by Skylos on May 23, 2022 19:24:35 GMT -5
The good thing about this guest pass was that Skylos had a very rare double Aura. Typically, Death Humans couldn't have have another Aura blazing, but Skylos was a very peculiar case due to half of Matthias' core being incorporated into him. He clipped the pass to his leather jacket's lapel. "Thanks. I'll be sure not to lose it."
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Post by Aqua on May 23, 2022 19:36:09 GMT -5
The guarded then turned to Edward. "Captain Rex is already waiting for you in Hunter R's interrogation cell."
Edward nodded. "Please inform him we are here, and will be with him shortly." As they entered, Skylos would've found the station looked more impressive on the inside. They guards seemed imposing, and security was tight in many forms. They weren't about to let the biggest multiversal criminal slip out so easily. "The Terra's leader has spared nothing in making sure Hunter R doesn't leave this building. You name it, it's in place." Edward said, though in the back of his mind, partly due to Skylos, he was worried it was containing the wrong man.
After a short walk through the station, they would've met Captain Rex outside the cell they were heading to. He had his helmet off to greet them. "Good to see you both."
Edward nodded. "As to you, Captain. I assume nothing has changed since yesterday?"
"Nope. We've tried mind reading reports, as well as light humans for lie detecting, but he's pretty well locked up in his own mind. No point in detecting lies if he isn't talking." Rex then looked to Skylos for a moment, then back to Edward. "I mean no offense, but what exactly do you expect Mr. Pantech to be able to do?"
"At his arrest Mr. Pantech and myself found it off how open Hunter R was with his lies in the presence of such a high level light human. This leads me to believe that he may want to actually speak with Mr. Pantech, which could help us gain some insight on him." Edward explained.
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Post by Skylos on May 23, 2022 19:56:58 GMT -5
Skylos rubbed the back of his head. "I don't entirely get it myself, but the way he was talking was incredibly strange for someone that had a lot to lose by lying. I mean, would you want to put yourself into this kind of situation on purpose?" he asked the captain. It was mostly rhetorical, but it wouldn't hurt to answer it. "Actually. He may want to talk only to me." Skylos crossed his arms and dropped to a neutral facial expression. His sunglasses hid his eyes.
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Post by Aqua on May 23, 2022 20:17:16 GMT -5
Rex seemed to take all this in, as he nodded soon enough. "Whatever his angle is, I do hope you can figure it out." He looked in through the one sided window, seeing Hunter R still in the stolen TEC armor. "He's in there. Though you may not need us, we'll be out here if you do."
"Thank you. Hopefully we will not need it." Edward turned to Skylos. "Let us go, shall we?" He then opened the door, holding it open for Skylos to follow inside.
Edward didn't speak first, as he already knew trying to speak with him was pointless. But then Hunter R noticed Skylos, and he actually looked up at him as he entered. "My my, isn't this a surprise. I didn't expect us to meet again so soon, Mr. Pantech." He said, as his voice sounded slightly echoy from the helmet. The visor was normally tented black, but it seemed Hunter R actually changed it to be clear so he could look him in the eyes. It did in fact look like Renka Straford judging by the scar on his eye, if Skylos could remember the finer details of someone he met so long ago. His eyes looked cold, but very interested in seeing Skylos.
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Post by Skylos on May 23, 2022 20:39:15 GMT -5
Skylos was already fact-checking from the moment that he entered the room. Seeing that... Renka... was allowing him to see his face intrigued Skylos a little bit. Counterparts still weirded Skylos out just a tad. Skylos took his sunglasses off for a moment. "Me either. But here we are, in places that we don't really expect to be." He raised an accusatory eyebrow at him.
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Post by Aqua on May 23, 2022 20:47:40 GMT -5
Hunter R chuckled at that. "That would seem to be the MO of your group on Terra 002, doesn't it? You didn't expect to be pulled into such events like Krystallos, or Fate the reality slayer, or hellspawn a thousand years old. Or involved with strange relics like Time Stones..." He paused for a second. It seemed he was well informed. "You know, your group are well known across Terra hoppers like myself, and by more of the advanced Terra in terms of being outgoing with other Terra. Very well known." He chuckled again. "You know, when we first met, I didn't think much of you. I just through you got lucky, but...I think it goes farther then that."
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Post by Skylos on May 25, 2022 17:19:58 GMT -5
"I can't really take credit for most of those escapades." Skylos wasn't affected by being reminded of his shared accomplishments. "Considering Fate was the one pulling the strings on most things that lured us out of our own Terra. Really, he could have picked on literally anyone else and suddenly you'd be talking with someone different right now." He shook his head as he thought about it. "I rarely leave my Terra otherwise; I don't really have much need to. It's not a particularly good idea to go mucking around with other Terrae."
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Post by Aqua on May 25, 2022 18:36:38 GMT -5
"Talking with someone different, or no talking at all as it would seem." Hunter R commented. "Power seeks out power, Mr. Pantech, I'm sure you know that more than anyone. Being what some would call the most powerful warriors in reality, Reality Savers if you will, that just invites challenge. You have realities biggest target on your back, from myself included." He leaned back in his chair a bit. "It's a real shame The Absorber didn't destroy you all, it would've really saved me the trouble in the long run. But that energy you all used to kill it...interests me..." He said, referring to Mystic Power, and how combined with Remone's third eye, destroyed The Absorber easily.
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Post by Skylos on May 25, 2022 18:55:40 GMT -5
Skylos rolled his eyes. "I don't want any challengers. You know what I actually want?" The Light Human crossed his arms." I want people to stay where they ought to, stay out of trouble, and most of all I want them to leave us alone." But that wasn't going to happen, now was it? "Oh, you're interested in that? Once again, that was just something bequeathed to us in the moment. Rather than killing things, my actual talents are with healing things." Skylos shook his head as he thought about where this was going. "And too bad. It's not something anyone else can ever use except for the select few of us it was bequeathed to."
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Post by Aqua on May 25, 2022 19:20:03 GMT -5
Hunter R chuckled a little at Skylos's confirmation. "Is that so? Well that just makes disposing it a much smaller scale ordeal." He commented, though who knows why he said that. Wouldn't he want the power instead? "Your point makes sense, but we both know those on a conquest for power rarely settle when more options present themselves. That's why it would be much simpler once all sources of such power and temptations are gone. People will stop trying to rise to the top when the means to do so are stripped away." He then looked at Skylos in a serious manor. "Consider this Terra for example. It's leader created the power suit I've stashed away, and because of my greater actions with it, he now asserts his own power onto those he has no right too. These TEC troops? Right now they just clean up his mess, but what after? When you control such a large and imposing force that works with other Terra, even if you are a good person, how long will it take before the temptation to make your justice the rest of realities happens? I may have done the deeds I've done, but think. How quick was the troopers, and even this prosecutor, to assert their justice on your own friend?" He paused, and put his hands together, keeping his serious look on his face. "Do you know why this Terra's leader really fears me? It's because I threaten everything he is. His throne of power, at risk of crumbling from underneath him because of me. The longer I roam free, the more other Terra grow restless with him. How long before other Terra decide he's gone to far, and will be stripped of power to prevent me from happening again?"
Edward was not speaking yet, but he was taking several notes, glancing to his pen from time to time.
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Post by Skylos on May 25, 2022 19:45:30 GMT -5
Despite his comments, Skylos didn't say anything else in regards to Mystic Realm Power; it was better left to Hunter R's imagination.
As the hunter talked, Skylos facial expressions soured, until they became something that looked a bit...tired. "Look. I'm going to level with you here, because I get what you're saying." So this is what it's about, huh? "But. That is the risk that's always going to exist. You can't just...erase things and expect that to be enough to level the playing field. There will always be people that are stronger than others. You can't eliminate that. You get rid of a strong Power? There are other strong Powers right behind that one. You get rid of those? There are strong, unpowered things that exist." Skylos' eyes looked off to the side. "I can kill you with a beam of Light through your heart, just as easily with a blade through your neck... Given the right conditions." He didn't like saying that. He then continued. "Recognizing something as an act of evil, and then doing evil things to combat it... Who exactly has the moral highroad to claim that they've done something right in that example?" Are you telling me you're a necessary evil? Dang it. I need the audience gone.
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Post by Aqua on May 25, 2022 20:33:03 GMT -5
Hunter R began to chuckle, as he looked down at the table. "You two listen well, because quite honestly you two are the only ones I really care to speak with here..." He started. "It's not a matter of morals, nor of risks of power balance, but rather how things are meant to return too...Everything has a cycle...The time where such powers are left to rule and fight among themselves will draw to a close...and the Essence of the Chaos Force will be all that remains..." He started chuckling a little louder and faster. "I do not fear death, nor you commendable powers of you and your friends, or even the entirety of TEC. What drives me is something everything will learn to truly fear..." Skylos would be picking up not only the truth, but actual fear from his tone. Like his breath and words weakened at the mention of what he spoke about. "You will learn, soon enough what true uncaring chaos has in store...The message of Chaos' coming was meant for your more...enlightened ears...Your efforts at prolonging creation are, in a sense, a reward from the chaos. A warning, and a promise. And no man, nor beast, relics or World Savers will prevent the coming of true chaos..." Again, no real lies or blowing of smoke. Just truth and fear, even from the speaker.
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Post by Skylos on May 27, 2022 12:43:47 GMT -5
Skylos was beginning to see what was going on here. My earlier thought had some merit after all. It has been a while since the gang had been subjected to the concept of Chaos. Skylos could only think of Lygizo when it came to alignment stuff... and maybe one other creature that he probably needed to have a chat with. Oh joy! Skylos now wanted confirmation. He started to pry gently into Hunter R's Aura. It was worth a shot, but he wasn't sure if it would work. He tried to look past it like Lygizo had taught him; he tried to look squarely at his Core, looking for the needle of Alignment.
"Thanks for the warning... But I think we can handle just about anything Reality throws at us." Skylos' expression became soured again. "I'm not bragging, it's just out of necessity that we've ended up with this strength." Personally, I wouldn't have chosen this path. "Instead of welcoming calamity, you should be helping us prevent it."
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Post by Aqua on May 28, 2022 11:05:30 GMT -5
As Skylos checked his Aura, not finding much oddly enough. Like...as he checked, he wouldn't be able to find his core. Not like it was hidden, but more like...it wasn't there at all. Something was up. Hunter R chuckled again at Skylos's opening comment. "I'll concede that if anything out there in this reality could, it would be you. It goes back to the comment I said before, you have a target on your backs for all reality."
Edward seemed to be in agreement. "With you here, combined with the help of Terra 002's reality savers, I believe you put more faith in this Chaos Force. And with this confession of his existence, TEC's influence will put many Terra into action of assisting in his down fall."
Hunter R got quiet for a moment, seeming to consider something. "You speak as if it's something that can be stopped. But I suppose that's to be expected, seeing what has cropped up so far to end reality in chaos' place. But everything has it's time..." Hunter R paused again, before continuing. "I...do not have much time left here, so I will be as frank as I can. If I am to be honest, you may be the only one that can listen...While Chaos' ears cannot hear in this place yet..." He paused again, as Skylos would soon be detecting fear from his voice again. "You say I merely welcome calamity, but that is a grave misunderstanding...I am not some agent listing to the call of some unknown force...I've seen it with my own eyes...I used to be like you once...But when a threat appeared from within my own ranks, we were all taken down from within. I only survived due to the fact that I always prepared for anything, but everyone I knew was gone...When I was on the run, with no where to go, that's when in the vast expanse of the Terra I encountered Chaos...After a very brief encounter, I was only spared so that I may in act his will on reality. It led me to being a sleeper agent in many Terra...Your Renka may not even exist as you know him. Another of my personas maybe?" This was the first lie he had seemed to speak, but the look he gave Skylos suggested that Skylos would know that, and he knew that as well. But the lie also seemed forced, and distorted, as if it wasn't a full lie? Could Hunter R actually mask his lies at will, even from Skylos? He looked out the one sided window, knowing others were watching. It seemed like it said it for their sake. Possibly to keep the illusion? "Chaos will not rest until all possible means to work against him are gone...Chaos grows stronger now that beings like Osric and Krystallos have failed to end reality...Once all has failed to end it, is when reality will end only as we know it. It will go on...but in a state that one would find to be...insanity..." He looked at Skylos, then Edward. "Your strength and your law...your truth...It will mean nothing when only chaos remains."
Edward was taking this in as he talked, realizing he was being caught up in something much bigger then the Hunter R case. "If Chaos needs you as his proxy, then you being here will surely slow it down."
Hunter R shook his head. "You think a force like I described needs me? Chaos has used others before me, and if stopped, will use others after. All this does is buy you time in the end."
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