No.270
>Date: September 19th, 2017
>Time: 1:00 PM
>Location: Interdimensional Magic Bazaar
>The bazaar is as crowded as usual, full of mages of all kinds from an almost unimaginable number of worlds.
"Tabitha! How's it going!?"
>An older man calls out from his stall towards an attractive young woman with deep red, waist length hair. The woman simply nods in the man's direction as she walks by.
"Fine. Good to see you today."
>The woman continues maneuvering her way through the crowd, occasionally waving at and greeting people. This continues on for a while, before she makes a stop at a small stand.
>Various dusty tomes and books line the counter and back walls of the small building, with an almost equally old looking woman standing behind the counter.
"Ah. Miss Tabitha. So good to see you."
>Tabitha nods at the woman, before turning her gaze towards the various tomes on display.
"You too."
>Tabitha examines the various books, occasionally picking them up and skimming through their pages. The older woman allows her to quietly look at her merchandise for a few minutes, before finally asking:
"Is there anything you're looking for in particular, dear?"
>Tabitha looks at the older woman.
"Yes, actually. Do you have anything on… astral communication?"
>The woman puts her finger to her chin, thinking.
"Hmm… I'm not sure. I don't usually carry those sorts of tomes. But I'll look in the back."
No.271
>>270>After a few minutes of searching her inventory, the old woman comes back to Tabitha with a look of disappointment. "I'm sorry, miss. But it seems I don't have what you're looking for. But we have plenty of other tomes to study, if you'd like to expand your knowledge.
>Tabitha shakes her head."Sorry, but right now I need something specific. Thank you for your help though."
>The older woman gives a slight bow."You are always welcome, Miss Tabitha. Have a wonderful day."
"You too."
>Tabitha walks away from the stand, weaving around more congestion in the aisle. Feeling mildly annoyed, she lets out a sigh.{"Should've known she wouldn't have something like that. Guess I better keep looking around."} No.273
>>271>Several hours pass, as the red headed sorceress travels around the almost endlessly large bazaar. Having had no luck in finding her desired tome, she appears visibly frustrated."Ugh."
>She sits down on a stool next to a bar counter, crossing her legs to try and become more relaxed. Just as she begins resting her head against her arm on the counter, the attendant grabs her attention."What'll it be, miss?"
"Nothing for now. I just need to give my feet a rest."
"Well we're having a special today. Just got a shipment of exotic spices from the Sapphire Fields. They're meant to be the most delicious this side of the curve."
"Uh-huh. Maybe later. Just give me a few minutes and I'll think about ordering."
"Okie dokie, ma'am."
>As soon as the attendant leaves her alone, Tabitha lets out a sigh. She adjusts her seating position - swapping her crossed legs around. "Having trouble?"
>Tabitha raises her eyebrow, turning her head slightly."Hm?"
No.274
>>273>Sitting on the stool next to Tabitha is a tall woman with a noticeably curvy body and silver hair. Her arms are crossed, placed just below her breasts in a manner that emphasizes their size. "I asked if you were having trouble, Miss Tabitha."
>Tabitha twists her body around completely, turning to face the strange woman. "Sorry, but you are…?"
"Oh, forgive me for my poor manners. My name is Aisha. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
>Tabitha stares at the odd woman with her brow still raised."…Right."
>Aisha bruses some hair out of her face, making her crimson red eyes more visible. "You've been looking for a tome that teaches Astral Communication, yes?"
>Narrowing her eyes, Tabitha asks: "…Mind explaining how exactly you know that?"
>Appearing shocked, Aisha moves in an exaggerated fashion, almost as if she's trying too hard to appear natural."Oh, I'm afraid word gets around fast! You've been visiting all the tome and scroll merchants today. It's all they could talk about. The great hero Tabitha the Red visiting them and asking to learn Astral Communication."
>Relaxing, Tabitha lets out a sigh. "Ah.. yeah. Those merchants do get chatty."
No.275
>>274>Aisha lets out a smile, again giving off the vibe that she's trying a little too hard."Anyway, I'm glad I found you. Because I."
>The woman holds out her pale palm, conjuring up what appears to be an old scroll. "Have just what you're looking for."
>Surprised, Tabitha nearly snatches the scroll right out of Aisha's hand. "You have one? Are you willing to sell it? I'll pay you right now. More than it's worth even, since everyone else came up short."
>Aisha shakes her head."No, that won't be necessary. I will give you the scroll for free. If."
>Aisha closes her hand around the scroll, locking it tightly underneath her fingers."You allow me to participate in the communication ritual."
>Tabitha cranes her head to the side, again raising her eyebrow. "…Why? Why not perform one on your own?"
>Aisha lets out a defeated sigh."Because I'm afraid the being I wish to contact simply is unreachable by a lowly mage of my power all on her own. I need the help of others just to be able to have a little conversation with them…"
>Tabitha blinks, thinking about what to do next. After a few moments, she says: "…Alright, fine. We'll perform the ritual twice. Once for me, and once for you. Does that work?"
>Aisha smirks as she nods - opening up her fingers for Tabitha to take the scroll."Oh yes, Miss Tabitha. That certainly works."
No.278
>>275>Location: The Bazaar - Caverns>Time: 7:00 PM
>Tabitha steps foot into a large cavern, now wearing a suit of metallic armor. She's followed close behind by three men, mages with their own unique skills.
>Aisha smiles at the arrivals, having already been waiting in the cavern for quite a while now."Welcome, to the center of the Bazaar. Here we'll have direct access to the stream of energies holding together this plane, which will make performing the ritual easier."
>Tabitha stares at Aisha. "Right."
>Gesturing at the men behind her, Tabitha says: "We've all studied the scroll and understand the ritual. And we're ready to begin, right away."
>Aisha smiles more, with her crimson eyes reflecting what little light is available in the room. "Good."
No.279
>>278>Three mages stand behind Tabitha, each with a set of glowing eyes. The man in the middle with the glowing green eyes stands forward - wearing a cloak and holding a staff."I assume this is another benefactor for our ritual, Tabitha?"
>The figure, whose face is concealed with a unique mask and cowl - waves the woman away."Her magical potential is incredibly low, either that or suppressed."
>The second man, with glowing red eyes and light hair - points at the first man."As if we're in a position to bargain. We need that power if we're gonna take back the kingdom."
>Finally, the third man with glowing blue eyes rolls said eyes."And again, Pavion, we're not going to just rush back in and take back the place. We need the power to build up our own armies."
>The man with the cloak, mask and glowing green eyes then turns back to Aisha, saying:"My name is Noridion. My associates here are Julius and Pavion. I would imagine you are familiar with Tabitha as well - a dimension traveling warrior. She has agreed to aid us in our goal."
>Julius crosses his arms as he speaks."We're trying to take back our kingdom of magical users - we were overrun by a group of demonic creatures who drain mana from living beings. They're slowly destroying us, as we need the power to fight back. The power of a higher magical being."
>Noridion then looks back at Tabitha, saying telepathically:{"Are you sure
we can trust her? We're going to need far more power to take over that dimension, and continue dominating the inhabitants. Kill her if she goes against us."} No.282
>>279{"Already ahead of you."}
>Turning to look at Aisha one last time, Tabitha says: "Oh, Aisha. One more thing before we start."
"Yes?"
>Moving in one swift motion, Tabitha materializes a dagger out of thin air - ramming it through Aisha's throat. Blood spurts out, staining the blade with a crimson red."Do you think I'm foolish enough to trust that you wouldn't disrupt the ritual, Effigy?"
>Surprised, Aisha lets out a cough - spitting up blood in Tabitha's face. "That's right. I've encountered your kind before. Your body reeks of poor magics strung together like a tangled knot."
>Tabitha yanks the blade from Aisha's throat, causing her to drop to her knees. "Your blood will be the catalyst for this ritual, puppet."
>The armored sorceress kicks Aisha's body to the floor - allowing her to bleed out, as her blood slowly begins pooling towards the center of the floor.
>Turning to face the three men, Tabitha says: "Get this trash out of here. Then we can begin the ritual properly."
No.285
>>282>The air of the Bazaar changes, ever so slightly with more darkness appearing. The ethereal light of the mana powered stars fueling the night sky - begins to change gradually.
>Noridion looks down at the Effigy, saying:"It was worth the effort to lure you in here. Now we can begin-"
>Immediately, Noridion begins coughing up blood as he looks down - seeing a gloved hand punching straight through his chest.
>Behind him, a hooded and masked figure speaks."And here I thought I'd be able to wait a few days. No matter, this will do."
>Removing his hand from Noridion's chest - the malevolent sorcerer, Faust, watches as the man drops to the floor - dying.
>Surprised and taken aback, Julius and Pavion both lunge at the man, generating powerful fire and ice spells with their bare hands."Where did you come from?!?"
"Bastard! You've ruined everything-"
>Before the magicians can speak, Faust points his fingers at both men - sending streams of condensed red mana into their hearts - killing them as well as the mana beans pierce their bodies.
>As all three men fall to the ground, dead, Faust looks up at Tabitha."I'm going to have fun with you."
>Holding out his hand, Faust then generates a significant amount of magical energy - shooting it up into the air as glowing runes appear around him. The shaping of the runes leads to a magnifier effect that immediately begins leveling several blocks in the Bazaar.
>From high above in the clouds, massive surges of reality distorting air appear, fracturing the sky. No.286
>>285>The sky then parts into cracks of the larger void - as hundreds of translucent, glowing white humanoid beings begin flying out of the crack and rupture in space-time. "And here they are. Right on time."
>Effigies, all hungry and searching for sustenance, begin flying around - crashing into magicians and using their fangs and talons to rip them up and consume them whole - gaining their bodies through metamorphosis.
>At that same moment, Faust fires another one of his powerful energy beams - blasting Tabitha in the heart as well.
>Looking at Aisha, Faust then says:"Time to eat up, Effigy. I've got some more food for you, if you do it."
>Looking up, Faust motions to three Effigies, each distinctly unique in appearance and surrounding Aisha's near dead body."You three need to eat up as well. I know you're friends of her."
>The three Effigies nod and immediately begin feeding on the bodies of Noridion, Julius and Pavion, showering the area in a sea of blood as they rise up - now fully human and in their bodies. No.287
>>286>Aisha coughs up blood, unable to speak due to her pierced throat. She reaches towards Tabitha's dead body, dragging herself across the floor at a snail's pace.
>After a few minutes of gruesome, slow eating, Aisha begins picking herself off the ground - with her body shifting and transforming as she does.
>Now appearing identical to Tabitha, Aisha says: "Finally, someone worthy of consuming."
>Adjusting to her new body, Aisha now moves in a completely fluid and natural manner - no longer appearing strangely stiff in her movements.
>Twisting her torso left and right, Aisha stretches. "What now? All you've done is let more us through. What about our god?"
No.288
>>287>Faust looks up at the swarm of beings appearing, left and right. He watches as magicians and mages create protective circles, runes and magical barriers and wards to fend off the Effigies."A pair of troublemakers I can't deal with are going to arrive soon and likely freeze the place in stasis. I can't imagine that being a good outcome."
>Looking at Aisha, he then says:"Tell your forces to scatter across the Universe. There's enough condensed magical energy here in the Bazaar to activate trans-dimensional portals. They need to start casting - now. Before the sorcerers appear."
>Turning towards Noridion and the other Effigies, Faust says:"Noridion, you and Aisha are coming with me. Pavion and Julius need to remain hidden, as a backup plan in case we fail."
>Turning around, Faust then snaps his fingers, generating a black and blue portal of dark mass - which distorts space and time."We're going to the prime dimension in this universe - and we're going to take it over, for good this time. Then we'll be able to get your god here."
>Faust points at the portal."But first, let's finish off where these runts started - with that kingdom…."
>Noridion nods and hovers in the air using his formidable air magic - slowing moving into the portal.
>Faust then looks at Aisha / Tabitha, clearly staring at her bust."We'll get acquainted better later on - for now, come on. We've got work to do."
No.293
>>291>Date: September 21st, 2017>Time: 12:00 PM>Location: Seychelles Islands, Anachronon Base
>Inside of the general command center at the center of the Anachronon Island - Fugue is siting at his chair, inside of the main building. A series of large, interconnected monitors and satellite feeds surround his periphery as he puts his hands together."….Esoteric energy signatures? At what latitudes?"
>Fugue is speaking to Phantom, making a note of her latest cartography report regarding geological anomalies around the planet."It's as I said sir. There are extra-dimensional energy signatures that I've detected with my prism scans. The anomalies are relative points in space-time that are causing drastic warps in the fabric of reality. I rated them on the Kurosaki scale."
>Fugue nods, aware of the scale of spatial distortions created by the Meta-Human scientist from Japan with the same name."Indeed. Good work. The supercomputers can take the information and process it. Alright Phantom, thanks for the report."
>After ending the video call, Fugue slightly turns his head in his chair - mentioning to Arsenal and Arcana standing behind him."I want both of you to do some reconnaissance. Ascertain the origins of these signals and report back to me. They've been tracked down to North America - right at the edge of the Western Coast. Funny enough, they're detected near San Francisco."
>Fugue then waves a hand, saying:"But later. For right now though, I'd like your assessments of our current headquarters. Do you feel we have enough recruits? Enough training? Resources? I'm all ears."
>Fugue says, as a crackle of supernatural red lightning courses through his body ever so briefly - a demonstration of his newest ability. No.295
>>293"Everything seems alright to me!"
>Arcana says, speaking in a cheery voice.
>Arsenal instead shrugs, not saying anything at all. "Why don't you come with me when we do reconnaissance, Jakob? You're always hiding in your lab anyway."
>Arcana is now sitting on Fugue's lap, with her arms around his shoulders and neck. No.297
>>295>Fugue looks up at Scott as he stares at him from the carapace of his helmet lenses."Because you're a one man army; simultaneously functioning as a walking artillery fortress, Scott. That and my 'lab' has been responsible for most of the advanced technology that we're using."
>Looking at Arcana, he then states:"You don't have to do recon if you don't want to. I'll go with Scott instead. For now, you can stay here - keep an eye on everyone."
>He then looks at Arsenal and says:"I'll go with you this time just to prove the point, Scott. But first. Where's Cynthia? She's due for training anyways."
>Fugue then stands up, Carrying Arcana in his arms until he lowers her to the ground."I need to assess her progress."
No.302
>>297>Location: Anachronon Virtual Training Facility
>Cynthia leaps out of the way, gracefully flipping through the air and smoothly transitioning to a landing through intricate control of water beneath her feet.
>Another projectile is fired towards her, only to be suddenly redirected by stream of water shooting up from underneath it. Moments later, an electronic voice speaks to Cynthia via the facility's speakers:"Agility Trial Three complete. Number of hits two. Number of dodges, thirty three."
>Cynthia lets out a sigh, wiping the sweat from her brow. A stream of water swirls downward from the air, spiraling around her body and under her feet - causing her to slide upright across the room faster than she could walk."I've had enough of this for today."
No.303
>>302>Fugue walks into the arena, looking at the information sheet projected holographically at the top of the nearby wall."Not bad. You're progressing faster than Myriad did. I'm impressed, Cynthia."
>Placing a hand on his waist, he then gestures to her with his other hand."Have you decided on a code name yet? You'll need one for field ops, if you decide to do so. Same with defense if you'd rather stay here and avoid heavy fighting."
>Fugue points to holographic screens on the other side of the wall, demonstrating the combat feats of Arsenal and Tacita - fighting entire waves of armies. No.307
>>305"How about Aquaria?"
>A figure says as they slowly walk into the room from the opposite entrance. Clad in a dark, metallic black armor with a robe and helmet. "Suits her, don't you think boss?"
>Tacita walks into the room allowing her height to demonstrate her more imposing nature over Cynthia. Looking at her, up and down, she then says:"Calculating too. I like her."
>Turning towards Fugue, she then states:"I'll do reconnaissance with Arsenal. He'll get over your methods eventually. As for her?"
>Tacita points back at Cynthia, saying:"She's the weakest of us - orders of magnitude below. You sure she's not collateral?"
>A blur of golden lightning strikes as it rushes into the area at blinding speed. Landing right beside Cynthia - she can feel a motion on her rear end as Mercury appears beside her."Woah. I didn't know you were getting more 10/10s on the team, Fugue. Not bad."
>Mercury says, glaring at Cynthia's bust the entire time.
>Tacita rolls her eyes, saying:"As moronic as Mercury is, my point still stands boss. She's the weakest of us - and that's going to be a problem if we're attacked."
No.308
>>307>Water immediately begins spilling out of Mercury's mouth, causing him to begin dehydrating.
>Cynthia glares at him, and coldly says: "You even think about touching me again and I'll turn you into a raisen."
>Turning to face the rest of the group again, Cynthia crosses her arms. She releases her hold on the water inside Mercury's body."I can handle myself well enough."
No.309
>>308>Mercury falls to the ground, panting. Raising his hand up, he goes."Ack! Shit, you didn't have to do that!"
>A force hits Cynthia's rear again as a second copy of Mercury appears."Is what I would say if you actually could kill me."
>The Mercury on the floor then disappears in a flash of electric sparks, causing Tacita to look at Mercury."Remnants? Really Garrick? You bent time for an ass grab?"
>Mercury shrugs."Hey, it was worth it."
>Looking at Cynthia, he then says:"If you really want a fight, get stronger. Tacita's right - you're too weak right now to have fun with in a fight."
>Mercury then disappears in a blinding flash of electricity and light, leaving Cynthia with Tacita and Fugue again."Ignore Mercury. He's gotten a bit more lively ever since we gave him speed."
>Silent for a moment, Fugue looks back at the scoreboard again before saying:"However, both of them are right. You need more power, and you need it fast. Come on, I have something I need to show you."
>Fugue motions to Cynthia to follow him out of the hallway. No.311
>>310>Location: Vulcanos Station>Time: 12:30 PM
>Fugue then walks through the portal into the large, alternate dimension. A soft blue hue covers the area as large asteroids hover around - recreating the atmosphere of space as large platforms hover in place - showcasing an expanse that stretches on for miles."This is, as you can probably tell, an alternate dimension. It was created using a combination of dimensional engineering and high order magic. Thaumaturgy."
>As Fugue continues walking, he makes a gesture with his hands, causing a few more large technological pillars and platforms to materialize in front of him."The ancient magicians who created this world were naturally called the Thaumians. They saw themselves as the gatekeepers of the universe - the harbingers of the end."
>More platforms materialize as Fugue walks Cynthia towards the large observational deck - where Chimera is sitting.——————————————————————————————————————
>Chimera can be found in the middle of the large technological room, hovering in mid air and telekinetically reading through multiple tomes. As he notices Fugue's arrival, he lowers himself down and says:"Hello Jakob. What's the occasion?"
>Fugue gestures behind him at Cynthia, saying:"Our new recruit. She's capable, but her powers are too situational. She's a hydrokinetic - incredibly skilled but lacking in raw power and versatility."
No.312
>>311>Chimera looks at Cynthia, sizing her up for himself. Considering his options for a moment, he then says out loud:"Well I'm certain that amplifying her powers isn't the answer. As you've stated, they're too situational. Grafting supernatural abilities onto her isn't possible either - Mercury's situation was a chance opportunity. We're going to have to find another method."
>Thinking more intently, Chimera then has an epiphany. Snapping his fingers, he generates a light pulse of magical energy as he says:"Malinalxochitl."
>A flash of light appears between Chimera and the other two figures - as a woman with an athletic build, a strikingly beautiful appearance and supernatural blueish-greenish hair appears before them."Aztec Goddess, Sorceress, and embodiment of Snakes and the Desert. While I can't invoke the powers of greater deities, she's still incredibly powerful - and far more versatile."
>Malinalxochitl then bows before Cynthia as Chimera speaks."Her greater form is likely being reconstructed in Godspace, after the accident with the Godslayer as I've been informed of. However, this body contains strong echoes of her Godly power. I was going to dispose of it eventually - but maybe you can find a use for it instead."
>Sending a mental command to the Aztec Goddess, Chimera watches as Malinalxochitl holds out her hands - palms perpendicular to her arms and flat in front of Cynthia's face."Connect her hands with your own, and she'll bestow her power onto you - before finally fading away."
>Bright mana particles begin to surge from Malinalxochitl's hands, growing brighter and more numerous by the second. No.314
>>313>Chimera continues reading his tomes intently as he responds."I suppose that comprehension isn't your strongest suit. This isn't Malinalxochitl's true form. That, my dear, has already returned to Godspace - where the core of the abstracts resides."
>Pointing a finger at Malinalxochitl, Chimera reiterates:"This is a physical echo of her, placed in an artificial vessel - a construct actually capable of holding a fraction of her tremendous power."
>Fugue looks at Cynthia, stating:"It's true. I've seen it with my own eyes. We observed two Sorcerers in combat with the rest of the Aztec Gods in their physical forms. You can turn the power down if you want, but I won't lie to you."
>Fugue points at Malinalxochitl."You're giving up a lot of power. Actual, true power, if you say no."
No.315
>>314>Cynthia rolls her eyes. "Who would of expected that the condescending assholes who run around wearing Halloween costumes are a bunch of crazy religious cultists. Of course."
>She uncrosses her arms. "But fine. I'll take the power from this "artificial goddess"."
>Cynthia immediately grabs hold of the goddesses' hands, causing her body to dematerialize into a shining mass of particles. The particles swirl around Cynthia's body, before flying into it.
>She blinks, looking down at her body. Holding out her arms, she says:"I don't feel any different. I was expecting to fall to my knees or get a massive headache or something."
No.316
>>315>Giving an amused scoff, Chimera then walks forward, stopping and turning around to face directly in front of Cynthia. A few meters away."Well since you're so accustomed to being talked down to, I would imagine there's a lot of anger in there. Especially considering how everyone's been barking orders to you for years."
>Chimera then makes a thinking gesture with his hands as he continues to speak."That explains the failed relationships over the years. The falling out with your family, who disowned you too. The lackluster mercenary gigs, oh and the death at the hands of a college kid with unrestrained psychic power far exceeding your own strength."
>Chimera then leans in closer to Cynthia, saying:"Maybe if you were stronger - people wouldn't be able to look down on you so much then?"
No.317
>>316>Cynthia clenches her fists, beginning to grind her teeth together. She pulls her fist back, causing it to begin generating a blanket of flames enveloping her arm.
>Not noticing, Cynthia continues to glare at Chimera for several more moments, before finally hissing out:"Fuck. You."
>She drops her arm to her side, causing the flames to vanish. She turns around, placing her hands in her pocket as water begins forming under her feet - causing her to begin sliding along the floor. "I'm leaving. Thanks for wasting my time."
No.318
>>317>Fugue watches as Cynthia slides past him, then turns back towards Chimera, sighing."….You are such an asshole at times Marek, you know that?"
>Chimera crosses his arms, saying:"If I wasn't the asshole, William would've ruined your life, not mine."
>Fugue is silent for a moment, before he turns around and says:"….Even so, you can't approach every situation with dominance. You know that."
>Looking at Cynthia as she goes away, Fugue then says:"…..I'll go talk to her."
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
>Finding Cynthia by the edge of the beach situated at the barrier field surrounding the Anachronon Island - Jakob walks towards Cynthia.
>Clearly trying to hide his figure and divert attention from his good looks, Jakob puts on his glasses and brushes off his wavy white hair. Sighing he then sits next to Cynthia."I'm guessing the flames don't help with the water control, huh?"
>Silent for a moment, he then sighs before speaking."….Sorry about Marek. He's been like this since we were kids. Our dad left us after we were born, and got himself killed. Mom skipped town after marrying our stepdad out of pity. Then we were saddled with him, and he was a verbally abusive piece of shit."
>Jakob rubs his eyelids, clearly trying to hide a pained expression."Marek got the worst of it, and Miranda took her first opportunity to leave due to boarding school. So Marek was the one who protected me, until we were strong enough to kick him to the curb with our powers - get him incarcerated for the crimes he did, and tried to bury as well."
>Jakob then explains the rest of his and Marek's past, before saying:"All I'm saying is that his point was that you're only in a better place if you're stronger than your enemies. People can't push you around if you can shove them right back, just as hard. That's what he wants you take away from this - even if he's an asshole about it."
>Jakob then falls silent, still sitting next to Cynthia on the beach."Besides….it was his idea to bring you back to life and give you a second chance. Most people may have thrown you away like trash - but not him. He doesn't inflict pain on people he thinks have suffered. Not on you really."
No.319
>>318>Cynthia turns to look at Jakob. Calmly, she replies: "I didn't ask to be brought back. And I didn't ask to be treated like a red headed step child, just because I speak my mind and don't share the same views as your little religion."
>She turns to look back at the ocean, watching the waves move calmly against the beach."If you're as amicable as you're trying to be right now, I would advise you watch yourself. I've known people with similar attitudes to him before. They say they have your best interest in mind, and that they're just being "realistic" or "giving tough love". But it's all bull."
>Now casually weaving a small stream of ocean water between her fingers, Cynthia continues: "People like that are either trying to fool you, or themselves. Sometimes both."
No.320
>>319>Jakob looks at Cynthia, saying:"The only reason why we're even here, is to clean up the bullshit mess that our stepfather created. If you had any idea the extent of megalomania a guy with his resources was capable of…."
>Jakob feels his temper rising as he closes his eyes and takes a deep breath."I know you didn't ask to be brought back. But I don't think you asked to be killed either."
>Waving his hand, he then says:"You're marked for death in pretty much every major developed country in the world. Your family disowned you like Marek said - and to be fair, you
did kill that kid's father. I know it wasn't your fault - but you did it."
>Jakob then continues."And apparently the sorcerers wiped his mind so that he wouldn't remember the trauma of it. So I'd say you got off scot free despite your recklessness."
>Feeling Cynthia's anger rising, he then states:"Hey, it goes both ways. If Marek really wanted to manipulate you, he'd wipe your mind and give you a new identity. I could've done it as well."
>Jakob taps his head."High order telepathy."
>Standing up, he then adjusts his glasses as he says:"But at the end of the day? We chose to give you a second chance. If you want to stay? Sure. If you want to leave? No problem."
>He then points at her."But if you say anything about this place, or us? I don't have to finish that sentence."
No.321
>>320>Standing up herself, Cynthia narrows her eyes at Jakob thinking through her options. "Well then."
>The waves begin increasing in intensity, as the water begins progressively covering more and more of Cynthia's body each moment. "We have an understanding. My lips are sealed tighter than an air lock."
>The water now completely envelopes Cynthia's body. No.322
>>321>Jakob thinks for a moment, going through his own options."….You're too much of a security risk at this point. And trusting you was a mistake."
>Jakob then focuses his mind as his eyes flash white with light for a moment - he then sends out a powerful psychic pulse into Cynthia's mind.{"Really wanted to avoid resorting to this, but you didn't give us much of a choice, Cynthia."}
>Jakob then uses his psychic powers, gained from the Meta-Human woman he last fought, to retool Cynthia's mind, making her more militant and dedicated to the cause.
>After finishing his work, he then says:"Drop the water and come on. We've got scouting to do."
>Jakob says, waiting for Cynthia to cooperate. No.324
>>323>Location: Anachronon Base
>As Fugue walks back to the base with Cynthia, he looks up ahead and notices a figure in battle armor standing at the entrance of the main building."Oh, Armistice. Haven't seen you in a while."
>Gesturing to her, Fugue then says:"Cynthia, this is Armistice. She's our weapons designer and general combat trainer. You'll refer to her when you want any weaponry or upgrades to your gear."
>Fugue then nods at Armistice, saying:"You can ask, Armistice. She's new anyways."
No.402
>>324>Location: Unknown Dimension
>Dusty grains float in the air as Faust walks through the wreckage of the Ancient Kingdom. Looking around at his handiwork, he then calls out to the supernatural puppeteers he's recruited."I assume the both of you have gained what you needed?"
>Noridion, the masked Effigy, slowly appears in a burst of air - landing a few meters away from Faust as he rises to his feet."Yes. I have the necessary incantations for the summoning. But I'll need-"
"A source of mana large enough to fuel it. I'm aware."
>Silent for a moment, Faust then snaps his fingers in a sarcastic display of epiphany."How about Chimera's little backwater retreat? That should be large enough."
>Noridion is confused by the remark as Faust shakes his hooded head."It doesn't matter. You'll see for yourself soon enough."
>Faust then calls for the other Effigy - Aisha."Did you find the weapon magic you were looking for? I chose this dimension for a reason."
No.404
>>403>Clapping his hands together with a resounding amount of force, Faust is then jubilant."Fantastic. Now we can get to the fun part of this operation. Burying Chimera and his sheep once and for all."
>Faust then points at Aisha, saying:"And
you get to be the Shepherd. While I've got some unfinished business with him, and the other Grayson."
—————————————————————————————————————————————-
>Location: Eukaryota Base - Northwest U.S. - Mountainous Region.>Time: 3:00 PM.
>Deep underground in a subterranean base, trained mercenaries run around, frantically trying to repair broken cabling and wiring - fuse junction boxes and restore power to the base. The last vestiges of the clandestine operation make quick work of their remaining resources - bringing back some measure of functioning power to their base of operations.
>A Magitek soldier groans as they assess the damage reports offered by rank and file personnel. Looking through the holo-reports in his armor, he curses to himself."We still never got back Gamma from the Anachronons. Damnit."
>The lead Magitek Soldier, Omega, sighs as he looks across the room at his subordinate. He then says:"Situation reports are about as I expected. We're going to need
her assistance after all."
>Blinking, Alpha points a finger at the woman leaning on the wall - olive skin, dark hair and striking green eyes"Her? Seriously? She's a fucking Meta-Human like the rest of them! Why did you even hire her?!?!"
>The woman, a known mercenary named CopyCat, rolls her eyes as she adjusts the straps on her form fitting body suit."Because he actually recognizes talent when he sees it - unlike you."
No.405
>>404>Omega looks at CopyCat, bringing up her profile in his H.U.D."Just have the codename - CopyCat. She can make energy duplicates of any Meta-Human she sees and command them to fight for her. Duplicates are at half power though and disappear after sustaining sufficient force."
>Pointing at her casually with his thumb, Omega continues:"She's a pretty good field officer for us - and we're low on numbers at the moment."
"But working with a Meta-Human? That goes against everything the organization stands for? We're here to protect humanity
from the Meta-Humans!"
"And our leader's been taken in by the MRD and tossed in the brig. Our forces were decimated by the Anachronons and our only chance left is to take them out of the picture - right here and right now."
>Looking at CopyCat, Omega then states:"Just a contract job. This doesn't mean you're a part of Eukaryota. But since we're low on personnel, you'll get to use one of these."
>Omega hands over a large, circular crate - enshrouded in complex metallic plating and glowing circuitry."It's our last Magitek Unit. You're Unit Zeta now."
>CopyCat blinks and then takes the crate - eyeing both of them."You're real pieces of work, all of you. But….you do pay well - better than most."
>Activating the crate, CopyCat then allows herself to be consumed by the swarm of metallic plating and complex mana circuitry….. No.406
>>405>After a few moments, CopyCat is then clad in a sleeker, thinner version of the same Magitek Armor used by Omega and Alpha. "Zeta you said? Fine. I'll humor the name since again, the pay was good."
>Tapping her chest armor plating, she then notes."What's this made out of? Titanium? Steel? Some kind of alloy?"
>Omega motions to other personnel in the distance with his hand, signaling to them to hurry up with the packing."Need to know basis - but it's not a normal metal. Conventional attacks won't damage it, so long as the energy supply is stable."
>Zeta then turns to Alpha, who crosses his arms and looks at Omega instead."….We better not be using the Champion clones still."
>Omega looks back at Alpha."We're using them. As we'll need everything we can in order to stop the Meta-Humans-"
>Looking at Zeta, he then states:"….The targets on the island. They've got equipment that even we aren't fully briefed on, and we'll need all the edge we can get."
>Zeta nods slowly, saying:"I'm assuming you have portable dampening technology?"
>Omega then walks over to a nearby crate and picks up a sophisticated blaster type weapon."Prototypes based on the information we got from the Outsiders - before we cut ties with them back in Sanctuary City. Seems to be a proof of concept design tested by the MRD - probably for field use."
>Omega tosses the dampener blaster at Zeta - who catches it effortlessly with one hand."Limited charge. Make every shot count."
>Zeta nods slowly, looking at the large set of identical humans in the distance - dozens and dozens of clones of the Proto-Human Warrior "Champion" all hovering in nutrient fluid tanks."Then let's get this over with. I'll lead initial recon and then report back."
No.409
>>406>Date: September 25th, 2017>Time: 10:00 AM.>Location: Seychelles Islands, Anachronon Base
>The island appears peaceful and quiet, as much as usual. Light gusts of wind gently push across the horizon, as the natural vegetation and animal life of the island continues to populate its cliffside and edges. A small ripple of water appears at the edge of the coastline - with a cloaked and disguised humanoid figure reaching the surface.{"Haven't tripped any alarm systems. Good. Haven't lost my charm then."}
>The cloaked figure then quickly runs to the surface of the coastline, using their suit's compressed soles to avoid causing any footprints to appear. As they continue to run, they make their way towards the edge of the Anachronon Base - hearing radio communications in their ears.{"Remember, Zeta. Your goal is to conduct reconnaissance and report back to us. We don't need another incident."}{Got it. I'm going to go in, steal their R&D information, and get out. You don't have to worry about me."}{"Remember Zeta. Fugue and the other Anachronons are incredibly dangerous. They may have recruited more powerful Meta-Humans to their cause after we last fought them. We barely got away due to our teleportation functions in our suits. Remember that's always available in case the situation gets problematic."}{"Acknowledged."}
>Zeta then leaps over the large, metallic constructs and pillars that make up the exterior of the Anachronon Base - with her augmented strength. Leaping dozens of meters into the air without effort, she gasps with exasperation and surprise.{"This suit is incredible. No wonder they didn't want me to have it. If they could mass produce this and wage a war on Meta-Humans….I don't even want to think about that right now."}
>Landing on her feet inside of the Anachronon Base, Zeta then leans against a bunker building - looking to see a figure in a White and Gold suit lazing around."Man, I'm so bored. I wonder how Avatar's holding up now?"
>Mercury, the speedster of the Anachronons lazes around, sitting on a reclined chair and looking up at the bright sunlight rays. His face completely obscured by his mask and cowl, he continues relaxing as Zeta remains cloaked in the distance.{"…..Best to just move around him then."}
>Making sure that her suit's sound dampeners are operating at 100%, Zeta slowly begins to stealth her way across the area - easily moving past an unfocusing and drowsy Mercury….. No.410
>>409>Making her way to the entrance of the Server complex at the Anachronon Base, Zeta looks around for an entrance.{"Tch. Blocked off. Typical."}
>Looking around, she then notices a figure walking towards the central courtyard of the area. The figure has blue skin, glowing sclera for eyes and radiant red hair. Remembering the dossier files for the known Anachronons, Zeta thinks to herself:{"Boundary. Perfect. No superhuman physicals, easy target."}
>Before Boundary can even think, she's hit by a tranq dark in the neck, causing her to fall to the ground. Quickly catching her, Zeta brings her a few feet towards the entrance of the Server building to use her biometric handprint scan - gaining access to the entrance of the building.
>After quickly moving herself and Boundary inside - Zeta then tosses Boundary to the floor beside the entrance and continues walking into the building's interiors - as the door closes behind her.{"Good so far. Just need to find the central databank and plug in the extraction algorithm."}
>As she makes her way deeper into the server rooms, Zeta finally finds what she's looking for. A gigantic room full of monitors, servers and other extraneous data equipment. Quickly looking for ports, she finds one and reaches for her wrist. Pulling out a nanomorphic extension cable, she then states:{"Easier than I though. Not much else to do now but - ack!"}
>In that moment, Zeta's cloaked wrist is blasted by a beam of heated plasma - vaporizing the wire. Quickly spinning around, she finds herself standing meters away from Phantom - the information technology and stealth expert of the Anachronons."Boundary? Really? Did you think nobody checks the security protocols for access in this place? Boundary doesn't even know how to use a computer, much less host a server. Pick a better target next time."
>Phantom readies her blaster in her hand, charging it with a glowing red light for another blast."Like me."
>The spectral Anachronon then fires a blast at Zeta - aiming right for her head. No.411
>>410>Using her advanced servos and motors in her suit, Zeta reacts quickly - dodging the blast and moving to attack Phantom. Rushing at her with incredible speed - only for Phantom to phase harmlessly through her."What-"
>Before she can speak, Zeta automatically reacts, dodging another blast of plasma from Phantom's blaster as she barrels out of the server room and into the larger Server building's hallways.{"Shit! I didn't know they had someone like her! The information was completely out of date! Idiots!"}
>Now cloaking once more, Zeta waits for Phantom to move past the hallways - hoping she'll think she's run away.
>There's silence for a moment before Phantom the speaks at the end of the hallway."You know I can still see you right?"
>Panicking, Zeta then leaps into the air, jumping into a ventilation shaft nearby - attempting to find another way out of the Server Room and back to the central servers.—————————————————————————-
>Back on the coastal waters of the island - miles away from the Anachronon Base, Omega, Alpha and the remnants of Eukaryota's forces remain huddled on large battleships - waiting for reports from Zeta."…..She's not responding to my hails."
"You think she's been captured?"
"It's possible. Damn. And I thought we could succeed with the stealthy approach this time."
"Serves her right. Never should've trusted a Meta-Human-"
"Oh will you just
shut up?! Trust has nothing to do with it! We need an edge in order to
win this fight!"
>Omega says, slamming a nearby datapad into the ground in frustration. Then raising his hand to his helmet, he sighs and shakes his head."Just get everyone ready. We're going to make one final push for the Anachronons. It's now or never."
No.412
>>411>Zeta continues crawling through the ventilation shaft and the network of large connections that lead throughout the giant server complex.{"How did she even get here this quickly?! I was at least a quarter mile away from the central command building!"}
>A voice can be heard, projected throughout the speaker system of the Server Building."If you're wondering how I got here from a third of a kilometer away so quickly? I'll tell you."
>As Zeta exits the ventilation shaft system into another server room, she's suddenly punched in the face by Phantom, appearing in a flash of bright light."Teleportation. We're not idiots, Eukaryote."
>Being knocked back into a wall of dead servers, sparks fly as Zeta groans and is knocked down to the ground.
>As Phantom slowly walks to her, Zeta looks upward, saying."I'm not one of those fucking assholes. I just took the money they offered."
>Phantom blinks to herself, saying:"Even if they hate Meta-Humans like you and me?"
"How did you know I was-"
>Phantom taps the side of her mask."Meta-Gene detection unit's built in. Same as what agencies all over the world use - just portable because we're ahead."
>Sighing, Zeta looks down and says:"It was just the money. That's all. Not personal in the slightest."
"Then what if we double your pay? Or triple it?"
>Silence for a moment as Zeta slowly looks from Phantom, to her own armor, then back to Phantom again."…..What?"
>Phantom shrugs nonchalantly, saying:"Well you hate the bastards, and money's the only reason you bothered. Plus, if we're being honest - they're not going back home after today anyways. Why not take a better offer?"
>Zeta thinks through her options for a moment, then says:"….Deal."
>Phantom then offers her hand up to her - and to her surprise, Zeta takes it firmly and rises to her feet."Then let's show them why they made a big mistake, siding with the losing team. Unlike you."
No.413
>>412>Time: 30 minutes later.
>The Eukaryota forces then begin their assault on the island, going into the island's interior from underwater - much like Zeta did.
>Omega and Alpha lead the remnants of Eukaryota's mercenary forces - as the dozens of Champion clones fly into the base from the waters as well."Remember, this is a scorched Earth mission! Destroy everything that you can, then get the hell out! We want them technologically destroyed!"
>The Champion clones begin to fly around at supersonic speeds, crashing through nearby bunkers as they cause massive explosions that chain into more explosions around the exterior of the base.
>During this, the mercenary forces quickly run to the interior of the base - only to be met by the very same Mercury - now clearly pissed."….You guys really know how to ruin a guy's day, don't you?"
>Confused, the Mercenaries then quickly begin to open fire on Mercury - only to hit his after image. Unable to respond, Mercury then moves at superhuman speeds, punching the Mercenaries with enough force to atomize them into particles. In seconds, Mercury disposes of the entire opening salvo of Eukaryota's land army - as he looks up in the sky to see the Champion clones.
>Tapping the side of his comms unit in his cowl, he then contacts Arsenal."Hey Scotty boy, I've got some target practice for you."
No.415
>>413>During the chaos, Omega and Alpha do a decent job taking down Weathervane and Boundary - but are then met by Zeta."Zeta! What are you-"
>Zeta then immediately fires a blast of plasma energy at Omega and Alpha, causing them to vault away on instinct."What? Did they get to you?!"
>Alpha snarls behind his mask, his animosity finally showing through."Fucking
Meta-Human. I knew we shouldn't have trusted you."
>Standing silent for a moment, Zeta then says:"Other way around. I shouldn't have thrown away my decent for a bunch of assholes like
you."
>Zeta then fires more blasts at Omega and Alpha - causing them to continue vaulting around the area as mercenaries fight with the other Anachronons in the distance. Omega and Alpha watch in horror as hundreds of their best trained units fall in battle, dying at the hands of the Meta-Human soldiers."What are they giving you?! Money?!"
>Omega says as he moves to strike Zeta in the chest. Zeta catches the blow with both of her hands - surprising Omega."What? But you're not physically stronger than me!"
>Still holding the punch with her hands, Zeta then says:"They gave me a lot more than that. They also gave me power."
>Now launching Omega back into the ground - Zeta watches as he grinds to his feet, face slamming against the pavement as he comes to a halt.
>Irate, Alpha then activates his wrist blades, leaping towards Zeta and beginning to attack her with a flurry of attacks."Stupid God damn piece of shit Meta-Human! William was right! You all deserve to go!"
>Calmly, Zeta continues parrying his strikes with her bare hands, seemingly glowing with a new, unique energy."And to think I thought you were worth the job. Amazing what a little bit of self-respect can get you."
>Quickly pivoting to the side, Zeta knees Alpha in the chest with that same energy applied to her kneecap - causing Alpha to fall over, screaming in pain."Walk
that one off, prick."
>Zeta then walks off, leaving Omega and Alpha to their wounds on the floor. No.430
>>415>Zeta then slowly walks towards the Anachronons - with all of them assembled before her. "So um…."
>Fugue then walks forward, speaking."We've been briefed by Phantom, and you've more than proven your worth to us."
>Fugue says, pointing at the damaged forms of Omega and Alpha behind them. "…..Are you going to kill them?"
"No."
>Fugue says immediately as he walks towards Omega and Alpha."Hello again you two."
>He says, kneeling down on both feet to face them. Observing their movements, he watches as they immediately try to fight him."Bastard! You're not going to win! Not after everything we've sacrificed!"
"Fuck you!"
>Blinking behind his helmet lenses, Fugue then finally speaks."William led you both to this moment - on the floor, bruised and defeated. He wasn't worth the effort for you."
>Holding out his hand, Fugue then concentrates his psychic power on both humans, completely wiping their minds and reseting their identities. At the same time, he uses his technopathy to remove the Magitek Suits from their users - reverting said suits to their crate forms.
>Standing back up, he walks over to Phantom with the boxes, stating:"Hide them away in the armory. We'll find a use for them later."
>Walking back towards Zeta, he then says:"CopyCat, correct? As promised, we'll triple your pay relative to Eukaryota's initial offering, on the condition that you work with us permanently."
>CopyCat thinks for a moment, before she then states:"Alright. Don't have anywhere else to go anyways."
No.431
>>430>Clapping can then be heard from a distance, causing the Anachronons to turn around and look up. "Not bad. You've all gotten a bit stronger since the last time."
>Immediately seeing the person standing on top of the building, Fugue immediately says:"Mercury. Get everyone but Arsenal and Arcana out of here."
"But chief-"
"…
Now."
>Without hesitation, Mercury then rushes around in a blast of golden lightning, sending everyone tens of thousands of miles away and halfway across the world to another F.O.B.
>Faust, still standing on top of the roof, is flanked by Aisha and the corrupted copy of Mercury. Pointing to him, he then says:"Oh this is Covalence by the way. Finally gave him a name."
>As Mercury returns to the fight, he points up at the evil doppelganger, stating:"The fuck, man? Why's this dude still around?! I thought we turned you into atoms!"
>Shaking his head, Faust then says:"What can I say? I'm adaptable."
>He then snaps his fingers as he says to Covalence:"Get him."
>Covalence then immediately rushes towards Mercury in a steak of unnatural dark blue lightning - causing an immediate fight as the two of them barrel around the Island at blinding speeds.
>Cursing to himself, Fugue then says:"Not sure how you're back - but if you're after the dimension, you're not getting it."
>Faust points a finger at Fugue."I know your
boss shifted its position in dimensional space - so I'm just going to find the portal here and now. Get out of my way if you want to keep your life - Anachronon."
No.432
>>431>Fugue then uses his scanning visor on the figure next to Faust - analyzing her structural composition with his suit's dimensional lenses."….Effigy."
>Putting his hand to his helmet, Fugue then says:"Chimera. It's an emergency. Faust is back-"
>Before he can finish, Faust appears immediately in front of Fugue and kicks him down into the ground - nearly a mile. Turning around towards Arsenal, he then says:"Hey bucket of bolts. You feel like taking a turn yourself?"
No.433
>>432>Without hesitation Aisha leaps into the air, materializing several ornate swords around her body. She holds her palms forward, remotely willing the wapons to be fired forward - only for them to suddenly stop in mid air, along with their owner.
>Unable to move her body, Aisha's eyes dart around in confusion.
>Standing on the ground, Arcana's hands are held out - remotely holding onto Aisha and the weaponry. Without saying anything, she begins causing the weapons to twist around - pointing back at their owner. The blades begin spinning, generating a purple tinted energy the faster they move.
>Now taking on a drill-like shape, Arcana fires the weapons towards the stationary Aisha - impaling her. "GK!"
>Without hesitation Arcana casually throws Aisha's body away, flinging it off the island and into the ocean. She lets out a huff of satisfaction, and then turns to face Fugue."Go Jakob! Get him! You can do it!"
>Arcana continues loudly cheering, hopping up and down as she does so. No.437
>>434>Faust then blasts both Arsenal bodies with his fists - sending them flying backwards for miles. "You'll have to do better than that tin man-"
>A glowing red fist, surrounded by red electricity connects with Faust's mask - sending him flying into the sky himself.
>Fugue then materializes on the ground beside Arcana, saying;"Sorry about that. Wanted to gauge his strength."
>Placing a hand on his opposite wrist, Fugue winces slightly as he says:"He's weaker than before - but still incredibly strong."
>Looking around, Fugue then says:"The weapon mage. Bring her to me if you can, Amanda."
No.439
>>438>Fugue then lowers himself to the ground and places a hand on Aisha's body - generating a pulse that creates a monochromatic bubble around her."Chronon's power finally comes to use. We'll keep her in suspended animation until we can find a use for her as well."
>Now standing up from the stasis affected Effigy body - Fugue then quickly strikes his fist in a 90 degree angle from his front - striking the newly appearing Faust in the face once more."How the fuck?!"
>Faust says as he skids to the floor, struggling to keep his balance. Angry, he then begins generating dark blue negation energy - creating large mountains of blue ice - which Fugue and Arcana narrowly avoid."Arsenal, you read me? If you do, get ready for a teleport attack."
>Fugue then blasts red homing lasers towards Faust - rapidly creating a machine like stream of precision energy bullets - keeping pressure on Faust as well."Arcana, he's vulnerable to magic from what I remember. Try a draining incantation if you can."
No.442
>>441>After getting confirmation from Arsenal, Fugue then turns his attention towards the streaks of lightning still rushing around the base."We're going to have to intersect him.
>Looking at Arcana again, Fugue then says:"I can only create a localized field of time dilation. Amanda can you do your best to slow down time? Help us catch up to Mercury and Covalence?"
>Fugue says as Arsenal reappears beside them both. No.443
>>442"Okay Jakob, whatever you say."
>Arcana's hands glow a bright purple, only for the world to suddenly desaturate around them. With time now slowed, Amanda looks at Jakob and says: "There you go!"
No.444
>>443>Fugue looks around in astonishment for a moment, watching as light itself bends to Arcana's will."….Incredible."
>After a few more moments, Fugue snaps himself out of it."Right, Arsenal come on. I'm going to need you on point."
>Generating a sphere of energy in his hand, he hands it to Arsenal to hold as he looks around."When you see Mercury and Covalence rounding the next patch of beach? Hit him. I'll go scope ahead and help Mercury to distract him."
>Fugue then flies off - looking for Mercury until he finally meets him and Covalence - watching as the two speedsters run around, still at relatively high speeds despite the world being slowed down relative to Fugue."Ack! Bastard!"
>Mercury gives Covalence a swift kick to the chest, as Covalence blocks the attack - grabbing Mercury's leg."Uh oh…"
>Covalence is about to swing Mercury around, as Fugue crashes into him, causing him to let go of Mercury and continue running."Ouch! Oh, hey boss!"
>Mercury says, running alongside Fugue."How'd you catch up with me? I thought your speed shtick wasn't that good yet?"
"It's not."
>Fugue says, flying alongside Mercury."Arcana's buying us some time by slowing down…well, time."
>Mercury's lenses widen."She can do that?!"
"She's a magical being. As far as I'm concerned, she can practically do anything."
No.446
>>445>As Covalence spins around and skids on the floor, his body begins to glow with magical energy. Now convulsing wildly, his body then glows more and more with magical energy - before he finally bursts into mana and light - disappearing entirely.
>Afterwards, Fugue watches as Arcana resumes time - causing them all to stand on the beaches of the Anachronon base.
>Mercury falls on the ground, sighing as he looks up at the sky."We just keep getting into this shit, honestly. How long can we keep doing this guys?"
>Fugue taps on his helmet, relaying a message to Chimera before saying:"As long as we have to. We take the brunt of this - so that people don't have to. That includes supernatural threats like Faust and the Effigies."
————————————————————————————————————————————————
>Location: Anachronon Labs>Time: 1 Hour Later.
>Fugue then performs an experimental scan on CopyCat's body in the lab, going over the details one more time. "Energy based constructs you said? That's impressive. Reminds me of a Meta-Human in Sanctuary City, funnily enough."
>Looking over the holopad details on the screen in front of him, Fugue orients the machine's scanning lasers for another perpendicular cross section of CopyCat's body."Your power's a bit unstable. Slight mutations to your genetic code - probably due to prolonged exposure to a radiation source in your line of work. We'll get that cleaned up for you."
>CopyCat nods as she leaves the machine and walks into the hallway."I've heard a lot about you guys. Some good, mostly bad. But….I didn't see anything really bad today. You stopped the people who wanted all Meta-Humans captured."
>Fugue hesitates for a moment as he throws away a data image on the screen."We're not perfect, and we're incredibly insular. Goal oriented to a fault, and arguably narrow minded. But if you agree to be one of us, we will look out for you. That's always been our goal with the Meta-Humans willing to actually work with us. We're not preaching for domination of the world like the MHA are. We just want a mediating force against the sentiment pushed towards us Meta-Humans."
>Fugue holds out his hand."And we'd love to have you working with us."
>Looking down at Fugue's hand for a moment, CopyCat then takes it and shakes his hand firmly."Glad to help. Better than mercenary work with no larger goal, that's for sure."
"Yes it is."
No.447
>>446>Location: Sanctuary City>Time: 12:00 PM
>In the middle of Sanctuary City's main district - the Financial District, a hooded figure generates pulses of black energy that send cars and objects flying into buildings - while crushing the ground beneath his feet.
>Enraged, the hooded figure of Faust continues his rampage and chaos spree, intending to bait out his target."Where are you Grayson?! If I'm getting something out of this fucking day, then it's your dea-"
>Suddenly, Faust senses an immensely powerful force - standing across the street from him. Unfazed by the onslaught of cars and objects being sent in his direction, the hooded figure seemingly inhibits the objects' motion - bringing them all to a halt around him and dropping them to the ground."…….."
>The hooded figure, Mosaic, stands in the middle of the street - clearly garnering Faust's attention."Well look who's here. The God damned goodie two shoes hero! It's about fucking time asshole!"
>Balling his hands into fists, Faust then begins laughing hysterically."Oh I'm gonna enjoy this! I'e dealt with your bullshit all of my life, and now I'm finally gonna ki-"
>An invisible telekinetic force immediately binds Faust to the ground - somewhat supernatural in nature. As Faust immediately begins to struggle against the binding force, Mosaic begins slowly walking up to him."Y-You don't fucking scare me Aiden! I'm not fucking afraid of you!"
>The noise of Faust's shouts is seemingly dampened after a certain range, unable to be made out by people - who have already retreated a few blocks down, minutes ago.
>The figure of Mosaic continues walking closer, unfazed still, as Faust grows more and more unhinged."I'm gonna break out of this stupid fucking bind and I'm gonna kick your fucking ass-"
>Faust is then knocked down further into the ground, now face down on the pavement as he struggles to stand. Panic begins to flare in his mind as he looks up and sees Mosaic approaching still."No….N-No! Get away from me!"
>Panic finally shifts to fear as Faust, or what's left of the original being, starts to frantically crawl away from Mosaic - as much as he can."I-I-I-I-I'm gonna get out of this, and then I'm gonna defeat you! Finally! I'm gonna do it! Just you fucking wait!"
>Losing his energy rapidly, Faust finally stops moving as Mosaic walks up to his side - and then in front of him.
>Looking up, Faust begins to scream."Fuck you! Just fuck you Aiden! I'm not gonna lose to you again! Do you hear me?!?!"
>More silence from Mosaic as Faust gets more erratic."You think this is some kind of joke Grayson?! I'm telling you right now, that I'm gonna destroy you! You gonna stand there and stay quiet still?!?! Huh?!?! Who do you think you are?!?!"
>Finally Mosaic speaks as he holds up a hand to Faust's mask."Someone who's finally tired of your shit, Jack. I don't have time for this anymore."
>Mosaic then generates a burst of magical energy in the form of a blast so powerful - that it vaporizes Faust on the spot, leaving nothing but ashes and burn marks as the figure disappears."……..Isaac and Stephanie really need to figure out where the source of these echoes is. If they separated the original Jack from this primordial being he was initially fused with…..then why do echoes of him keep reappearing?"
>Sighing and shaking his head, Mosaic then blasts into the air with his feet - hundreds of meters up in an instant, then flies away faster than the eye can see in real time.[To Be Continued]