Dead or Alive - Invidia
[Toggle Names]Description: Emboldened by an encrypted file given to them in secret during the tumult of the Darkstalker riots, Gregory and Velvet Blue have discovered that Ultratech's JANUS Project is hiding a secret -- that the process to separate the humanity from a Darkstalker is not always as clinical as its made out to be. Some, it works on, and the process is a success. Some are imprisoned forever as hosts for the very machines the company is fielding to capture them. And yet still others are somewhere in-between. Deep in the holds beneath the JANUS facility, the team and their erstwhile backup will find themselves face-to-face with the most devastating secrets yet.
[LYRAELLE]
==*== THIRTY MINUTES EARLIER ==*==
This laboratory in the JANUS facility should have been a sterile environment - after all, such are the demands of science - but the ethics of science had long been eschewed in favour of expedited results in a field that few had ever dared to explore. It was as much science as it was butchery, as much butchery as it was miracle-working.
It should have been sterile, but it wasn't - fresh blood and other bodily fluids still drizzled into the drains in the center of the fluorescently-lit chamber from the last experiment as the latest subject was wheeled into the room on a gurney: a pale, scarlet-haired demoness with black bat-like wings and horns, strapped down and sedated by a drip of potent tranquilizers injected into one of her arms.
"Ooh, what's this one? A succubus?" a bald scientist with round-framed glasses asks as he discards a pair of blood-stained disposable gloves and washes his hands in preparation for a fresh pair.
"Looks like. Managed to sneak into the Core. Management wants her processed - top priority. Apparently she's a dangerous one - damn near destroyed Hellbreaker," the brown-haired male lab tech receiving the delivery of the demoness tells the scientist.
"Hellbreaker? Jesus, that guy is a masterpiece," the scientist says with some surprise.
"We can rebuild him. We have the technology," the tech replies, grinning.
"Fuuucking... ashholes..." the doped redhead groans as her green eyes open and roll in her head.
"Shit, you'd better up the dosage," the scientist says, his expression becoming serious.
"At this rate, we're gonna need a refill. She's on a high enough dosage to keep a goddamn elephant under," the tech remarks as he loosens the valve on the drip.
"You assholes don't know who you're dealing with," the succubus slurs as she strains against the straps. "I'm a fucking celebrity."
"Celebrities don't blow up sky fortresses," a second tech, this one blond, tells the woman.
"Fine... then I guess I'm just a fucking goddess," Roisin claims, her speech shot through with spittle.
"Get her into the machine," the scientist insists. "We've never tried the Process on a goddess before. Should be enlightening."
==*== PRESENTLY ==*==
Within the Machine, the bindings that encage the succubus' limbs are much more sturdy than the straps that were holding her down before - to the fortune of her captors, given that her metabolism has begun to shrug off the sedation much more quickly than anticipated.
"Let me GO!" the succubus screams at the bulletproof glass in front of her. Twin beams of green energy flash from her eyes, causing the glass in front of them to glow with infernal heat - but it's not enough to melt the supermaterials used to create the JANUS unit's containment system.
"Look! I'm Lyraelle Darkheart! See?!"
The succubus' body shifts like quicksilver; in moments, her hair has become a long pink ponytail, and her facial features have become recognizable as the succubus celebre in charge of Darkheart Enterprises, purple replacing much of the black in her wings and tail.
"Jesus - is that Lyraelle?" one of the lab techs asks as he hesitates to turn a dial that would activate the next step of the Process.
"There's no time to test her identity, whoever she is. Besides, DNA identification for shapeshifters is way off the fairway," the scientist in charge, a silver-haired, bearded man, declares. "Continue to next phase."
"Continuing to next phase," the tech confirms before drawing in a deep breath as he turns the dial.
The chamber Lyraelle is in fills with blinding light as the sound of multiple voices screaming fills the laboratory...
...just as alarms raise, too late, to warn of the arrival of intruders on the premises.
[GREGORY]
The arcane assassin/courier found himself carrying a portable hard drive containing all sorts of information. It was a far cry when he and his ally of convenience had ended up with hardly any information when Cinder managed to chase them off with their flame engulfed tails between their legs(literally considering Gregory's jacket has a swallowtail and Velvet also having a tail)
Alarms go off in the background and war between his instincts telling him to just retreat and his greed telling him that throwing a spanner in the works will keep the monster hunters from horning in on his business as well as the fact that he's been around his target long enough to know how Velvet is going to react to this and as Velvet is probably already tired of hearing him say verbally, Velvet Blue is not allowed to die by anyone's hand but his own.
So he heads towards the sound of the scream as he stifles the urge to let out a long suffering sigh. Each step he takes towards the procedure is done with as much enthusiasm as someone would have walking over a trail of legos. He spots Lyraelle Darkheart trapped a moment before he's forced to avert his eyes from the blinding light.
[VELVET BLUE]
Armed with the information from the file acquired in their previous exploits (one might call them more disasterous blunders, though, considering the incident with Cinder, Velvet smelled of burnt hair for a week) in trespassing on DoATech's property, as well as the rioting--they've made it to this place. Avoiding a fight was someething Velvet preferred, and was better at than having to duke it out necessarily--so he would have been useful in bypassing more of the initial practical security, like watchtowers, guards--Gregory's teleportation magic was also indispensible in getting to the blacksite in question. They also had that stranger girl with them, the one who'd aided them against Masaru. It looks like she was coming along, also.
"They've probably got patients to be 'cured' in here, as well as a lot of nasty security--I'd like to avoid killing anyone--but, they'll probably not be very pleased with letting us in, or leave," Velvet brushed the long black hair back against his long ribbed ears, sighing a little while turning to Greg and Aeria, if the latter had decided to pal around with the group, or just shadow them.
The performer/vigilante perks a brow and tilts his head, hearing the klaxons from further in. "Sounds like the party started without us--unless we tripped something on the way in... but nobody has said hello yet, maybe we should check it out."
[AERIA CORDAY]
Aeria wasn't invited to the party in the first place, but she had been there with that Velvet guy and lived to talk about it while he had some nasty results. So now she is following him and Gregory by the same occasion.
She hasn't been walking with them per say, but to say she was shadowing them would be giving her too much credit at the moment. She is there like someone nosy you didn't ask for, but you might need later on. So when Velvet talks to Gregory and her by proxy, she answers, letting her presence known 'officially.' If they don't attack us, I won't attack back. Anything that does attack if fair game for fun and all the good stuff." Then she nods about checking things out. It would be silly to leave now. Would anyone consider that an option?
[LYRAELLE]
The sound of the devil-woman screaming from the inside of the chamber continues on the other side of a transparent screen of the same kind of ultra-glass that the containment unit is sealed by. The middle of the screen sports a security door that the trio have no authorization to access, creating a hindrance to their intrusion that may take time to bypass - though what's happening inside the laboratory is visible from their vantage.
"We've got intruders! How did they get in here?" a security guard demands to know as he and a female compatriot raise their submachine guns toward the door, covering it in case the trio attempt to get through.
"It's too late to stop now. Activate final phase!" the lead scientist bellows over the chaos of the laboratory.
"Activating final phase!" a tech yells back as he pushes a handle on a board.
The screaming in the chamber reaches a fever pitch as the blinding light starts to fade - and with the fading light, the disintegrating outlines of horns and wings and tail can be seen; every aspect which marks the Demon Queen as demonic purified as if by holy radiance. When it's finished, the succubus - no, the woman - goes limp inside the unit.
"All readings say... we've got a success," a tech says.
"Vitals are stable," another one says.
"Really? The Process has never gone this smoothly," the bald scientist says with a surprised expression. "This is fantastic! We may have perfected the Process!"
[INVIDIA]
Aside from the security guards keeping their watch over the door, all eyes in the laboratory are on Lyraelle - tentative celebratory applause and self-congratulation on the scientific team's part starting to fill the room.
No one is paying attention to the Scorpio prototype security unit - a robotic frame with a long segmented tail designed to 'pacify' any experiments that escape - activating in its bay in the side of the lab - or the pipe overhead which burst moments before to unleash a rivulet of sludgy biomatter onto the frame.
No one notices as the purple-red biomass starts to sentiently insinuate itself into the frame's workings, bonding rapidly with the Scorpio unit in an unholy amalgamation of machine and monster.
They notice, however, when one of the techs is lifted screaming off the ground by the hybrid, moments before the Scorpio unit's synthetic voice sounds throughout the room:
<<CONGRATULATIONS ON ACHIEVING GREATNESS - MY GREATNESS.>>
The scream is cut short as the tech's head is crushed under the metal hand's claws like an overripe melon.
The security guards turn to fire at the Scorpio unit, to no avail - the woman is impaled through the stomach by the Scorpio's tail, the man obliterated by a pair of green lasers that erupt from the hybrid's optical units.
"Christ! What the hell is going on?! The Scorpio units don't even have that capabilit-AUGHHH!" the bald scientist screams as the Scorpio unit slams a fist into the ground, causing an eruption under the scientist's feet that blows his legs off. Death by shock is swift to follow.
<<FOOLISH MORTAL. YOU DEIGN TO TELL ME WHAT I CANNOT DO?>>
"Everyone... EVACUATE!" the team leader yells. "Just RUN -"
As the Scorpio unit's tail slams into the lead scientist, sending him smashing into machinery - coincidentally opening the chamber containing the unconscious form of Lyraelle - the blond lab technician reaches the door to the lab, quickly pressing the button to open it.
"Let me through! I don't want to die!" the man yells hysterically as he dashes past the trio - leaving them an opportunity to enter the laboratory... if they dare.
<<I AM INVIDIA... AND AT LAST, I HAVE A BODY OF MY OWN. COME, WITNESS MY GLORY, AND YOU MAY JOIN IN IT!>>
COMBATSYS: Invidia brings Invidia's battle systems online.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|------------===
COMBATSYS: Velvet Blue has joined the fight here on the right meter side.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|------------===
> //////////////////////////////]
|-------\-------\0 Velvet Blue
COMBATSYS: Aeria Corday has joined the fight here.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|------------===
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Aeria Corday 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Velvet Blue
COMBATSYS: Gregory has joined the fight here.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|------------===
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////////]
Aeria Corday 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Gregory 0/-------/-======|
[GREGORY]
Gregory, who up until now, had been for the most part silent. Then the machine goes and burst skulls not unlike a Gallagher show.
"I /hate/ messy missions."
Any control he had over preventing the long suffering sigh is lost as his head lowers and his shoulders slump forward while his inner self wonders why he got out of bed at all.
Not knowing what to expect, he opts to not get any closer than he actually has to and creates a portal that opens up right behind the Scorpio unit and reaches through it to deliver a backhand the back of her head.
[VELVET BLUE]
"I really don't like this," the screams had been audible to Velvet as they made the approach to the sealed chamber. They sounded a bit... familiar. Which gave him an icy feeling deep in his gut--even worse than the two individuals pointing automatic weapons at them--the performer already trying to find cover incase they decided to open up with them. In the meantime, he has to wince and hold a hand half over his ear as the screaming rose to a crescendo. Again, the voice was familiar.
"Goddamnit--" Velvet banged a fist on the side of the wall of the corner he was currently taking cover behind, suddenly getting chills and freaked out by the pulses of energy that are being sent out from there--and it wasn't just the screams this time bothering him, of the woman or the technician.
As Scorpio begins crushing heads and wreaking havoc, the door to the lab finally opens as the other security and scientists begin to run--trying to urge the others along with him into the lab. Somehow it seemed like the real issue was in there. Call it a gut feeling.
Coming face to face with ~INVIDIA~ the large cybernetic unit, sensing fear, anger, rage--so strong it's nearly palpable, and rejecting it.
"Lets see if we can stop it without hurting the person inside!" apparently, he might not recognize exactly WHO it is in there, at least without the darkstalker attributes. Turning to the side, Velvet attempts to launch into a tumble--coming out with a kick to the unit!
[AERIA CORDAY]
"WEll things are happening now." She says. She didn't know the screaming voice, but when things go sour and both the guys start fighting she grins. When she sees the cybernetic unit, she grins even more. "Ok, now this is something to deal with.
She ponders only a short moment before doing an attack of her own, making sure to not get in the way of Gregory or Velvet. She could feel a real mind somewhere in there, so she reaches for it. She sends a mind blast to make it harder for them to breath. She is curious if that will do something, and then she moves so she can send a palm strike into the 'sternum' if she can do some damage there.
COMBATSYS: Invidia just-defends Gregory's Dimensional Reach!
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|------------===
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Aeria Corday 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Gregory 1/-------/=======|
COMBATSYS: Invidia blocks Velvet Blue's Wonder Wheel.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|-----------====
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Aeria Corday 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Gregory 1/-------/=======|
COMBATSYS: Invidia blocks Aeria Corday's Cordyceps Fungi.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|----------=====
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Aeria Corday 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Gregory 1/-------/=======|
[INVIDIA]
The sleek robotic frame identifying itself as Invidia rears up to its full height, towering at over nine feet as the three allies of fortune decide to approach rather than retreat from the obvious threat. From up closer, the Giger-esque interweaving of living flesh and machine is more painfully clear - the breathing magenta sinews contracting and dilating between the exoskeletal cages of limbs and what would constitute ribs in a real skeleton, up along the robot's throat and seemingly disappearing within the oblong casing serving as its skull. The silvery metal body glistens with blood and ichor both from its victims and its own elemental meat.
<<WELCOME>>
The multi-tonal voice booms harshly through the laboratory as the trio engage. The tail snaps up as the dimensional assassin strikes at the cyborg's rear, smacking the hand away from its intended target to leave the frame undamaged.
As Velvet wheels toward Invidia, it shifts its body slightly so that one of the thick armoured plates along its thigh catches the kick that follows - sending it only slightly off-center as the impact is absorbed and the energy dispersed.
The blast of psychic energy is caught by one of the creature's claws as it extends it, causing a shudder as the after-effects visibly ripple through the meat along the Scorpio unit's arm, the 'breathing' of the meat body seemingly momentarily interrupted. The palm strike to the mechanoid's sternum clanks against solid alloy, caught by one of the sturdiest elements of the frame.
All of these defenses occur within moments of each other - executed with seemingly perfect information regarding what to expect with each assault.
It seems that AI is a cheating bastard.
<<TO YOUR DEATH!>>
Metal footsteps echo thunderously through the chamber, rattling glass and tables as the exoskeleton approaches Aeria. Then, raising one of those steel feet up high, it hops forward, aiming to viciously stomp straight down at the girl's head and drive it into the floor!
Meanwhile, across the room, the pink-haired woman caught in the glass cage remains seemingly soundly asleep...
COMBATSYS: Aeria Corday blocks Invidia's Grandstand.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|--------=======
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Aeria Corday 0/-------/-----==|-------\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Gregory 1/-------/=======|
[VELVET BLUE]
The biomechanical horror that they were witnessing was worse than even some of the things Velvet had faced--and the realization that it was joining synthetic fibers and muscle tissue sent a shiver down his spine. It was definitely as unyielding as it looked, as well--Velvet's boot bounding back off it and feeling a pang of shock and pain that accompanies striking something that has no give. Wincing with pain, he draws back, as it strikes out at Aeria--he momentarily wished they hadn't brought a young girl here with all this danger--but then recalls just why she's with them as they seem to stop the frame's counterattack. That, and how she had apparently done what the two of them could not against Masaru back there. Velvet wasn't the type to feel emasculated, his old captor had done that plenty.
Now someone else was captive, apparently, and all that did was fill him with more resolve. Taking aim at one of the knees or other joints, Velvet turned himself partially around and their right booted leg lashed out again backwards towards the murderous frame, kicking at it a bit like a horse.
[AERIA CORDAY]
Aeria isn't thinking about what she is doing here or anything. Right now, there's a fight that needs fighting, and she's in the front of it. She's happy. Can she actually show what she can do again? Perhaps not right this moment as her hand bounces on the metal frame, and it isn't the most pleasant or effective thing. The psychic attack at least seems to have done a little something. No one was particularly successful right now, but three against one with her on their team. What more could they want?
Anyway, she doesn't have much time to think about it, as the Cyborg seems to target her. A big foot wanting to crush her. She should get out of the way because of her small frame. Instead she stays there and grabs the foots. It's painful for her arms, but at that moment, she actually stop it from crushing her and actually pushes it away a moment. With the strength of that cyborg. That might looks weird or out of place, but Aeria has tricks up her sleeves. "No thanks." She breathes deeply. Then she takes a step toward the cyborg, waiting for a good time to strike. When that time comes, she slams the heel of her palm upward toward the "head" area. Perhaps that would be easier to damage.
[GREGORY]
Gregory says, "| Of all the things the arcane assassin was thinking would happen, a dimissive tail smack of his attack was not near the top of things he expected to happen when he had opened the portal in order to strike the mechanical monstrocity. As he draws his hand back through the portal, he decides to reassess his positioning.
While the other two engage, the one dubbed 'The Phantom' moves in close and slightly off to the side. If it were a human he'd be attempting to move into the blind spot. A new portal forms on the otherside as he reaches out to grab the machine, pull her through the portal from the other side, hoist her up and slam her down on origin side of the portal."
Gregory says, "manipulate/dodge"
Gregory says, "manipulate/dodge"
Gregory says, "+ooc That's weird. I never turned it on."
Of all the things the arcane assassin was thinking would happen, a dimissive tail smack of his attack was not near the top of things he expected to happen when he had opened the portal in order to strike the mechanical monstrocity. As he draws his hand back through the portal, he decides to reassess his positioning.
While the other two engage, the one dubbed 'The Phantom' moves in close and slightly off to the side. If it were a human he'd be attempting to move into the blind spot. A new portal forms on the otherside as he reaches out to grab the machine, pull her through the portal from the other side, hoist her up and slam her down on origin side of the portal.
COMBATSYS: Invidia dodges Velvet Blue's Mule Kick.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|--------=======
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////////// ]
Aeria Corday 0/-------/----===|-------\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Gregory 0/-------/=======|
COMBATSYS: Invidia dodges Aeria Corday's Wolbachia.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|--------=======
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////////// ]
Aeria Corday 0/-------/----===|-------\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Gregory 0/-------/=======|
COMBATSYS: Invidia dodges Gregory's Dimensional Slam.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|--------=======
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////////// ]
Aeria Corday 0/-------/----===|-------\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Gregory 1/------=/=======|
[INVIDIA]
The woman that Robo-Invidia was trying to crush proves more resilient than what might be expected, withstanding the weight of the metal foot descending on her. After a moment, the machine must relent and retract its leg in order to regain its balance, withdrawing some distance as it steadies itself by planting its claws on the ground.
<<IMPRESSIVE - IN THE MANNER OF AN INSECT MAY DRAW ADMIRATION FROM MAN BEFORE HE INEVITABLY CRUSHES IT.>>
The words ring out coldly in the laboratory as the trio attempt a second wave, combining forces in an effort to damage the murderous monstrosity. Yet, as attacks come at it from every angle, it crouches - and suddenly, a pair of wings, their metal frame grafted and shaped along with the biomatter that makes them up, spring forth from the Scorpio unit's back, and a single flap of them in tandem with a prodigious leap sends the cyborg to the ceiling thirty feet above - eluding every effort to assail it in the process.
<<MY GLORY IS UNASSAILABLE. MY VICTORY, INEVITABLE. MAKE YOUR PEACE>>
As the arrogance of the machine is proclaimed, its feet anchored to the ceiling, it hangs inverted, coiling its clawed arms inward as the glow of green infernal energy starts to gather through their synthetic veins.
<<AND PERISH!>>
The mutant Scorpio unit sweeps its arms vertically, unleashing a green crescent blade of Chi that sails down from the ceiling toward Aeria - then it spins around, releasing its grip on the ceiling and unleashing another that flies toward Velvet Blue! Finally, as it plummets toward the bloodstained floor, it twists 'round one more time to unleash a third crescent in the direction of The Phantom!
COMBATSYS: Velvet Blue blocks Invidia's Remnant Flash.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|-------========
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////// ]
Aeria Corday 0/-------/----===|==-----\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Gregory 1/------=/=======|
COMBATSYS: Aeria Corday reflects Remnant Flash from Invidia with Medium Punch.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|-------========
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////// ]
Aeria Corday 0/-------/------=|==-----\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Gregory 1/------=/=======|
[VELVET BLUE]
"Damnit--" Velvet half-stumbles as his backwards kick meets only air, turning around and wiping sweat off his brow with a black-nailed hand. If it really was robotic, or some kind of cyborg--then /they/ would get tired far before it would. Probably it wouldn't at all. Which was... concerning.
With a ringing, metallic sound Velvet draws his blade and is able to divert most of the plasma energy from hitting his body with it--the other peppering his shoulder and the right arm of his suit, cursing and trying to alternatively pat out the burning material or slough it off with his short sword.
Taking in a few deep breaths, Velvet starts to rally energy around him, tilting his head this way and that, joints popping and becoming limber again.
COMBATSYS: Velvet Blue gains composure.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|-------========
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Aeria Corday 0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Gregory 1/------=/=======|
[AERIA CORDAY]
Ok, the wings and flying are cool, but that tin can with a monster inside is starting to get to her a bit. How dare it dodge everyone's moves. Worse of all, how does it dare compare her to an insect.
But she can't focus on that feeling too much. As a blade of green energy is coming toward her. Furthermore, she's kind of hard to reach where she is. Then she just knows.
"Fine then, let's change the rules. Maybe you can hurt yourself!"
Aeria gets herself ready. She makes a fist with her right hand and punches at the energy. As her fist moves, a sort of shield gets a few inches in front of it. When her fist hits said energy, not only does it protect her, but it also reflects it toward Invidia and hits her. She then winks at Invidia with a smirk.
"Good luck with your victory! And have a nice day!"
She then mouths 'Bitch' to her.
COMBATSYS: Gregory just-defends Invidia's Remnant Flash!
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|------=========
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Aeria Corday 0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Gregory 1/------=/=======|
[GREGORY]
For some reason, the mystic hitman is not suprised that Invidia avoided his attack in particular. The method however was a surprise. He did not expect for the mechanized enemy to spread its wings and fly. Nor did he expect them to cling to the ceiling. However before 'The Phantom' can even process that, a crescent of energy flies at them all with the final one heading his way.
His hands whip upwards faster than he can even think. It's all instinct at this point. He opens a pair of portals with the energy blade entering the one in front of him and then exiting the one behind him completely bypassing him altogether.
There's a slight pause in the action as he realizes what he just did before he moves to where Invidia is about to touch down in order drop as low as he can without his knee touching the floor. He'd like to not leave evidence that he was here if he could avoid it. He then wraps his arms around the knees before through with his shoulder in order to drop her on her back with a wrestling single leg takedown.
COMBATSYS: Aeria Corday successfully hits Invidia with Reflected Remnant Flash.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|-----==========
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Aeria Corday 0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Gregory 1/------=/=======|
COMBATSYS: Invidia blocks Gregory's Medium Throw.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|----===========
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Aeria Corday 0/-------/------=|=------\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Gregory 1/------=/=======|
[INVIDIA]
The energy blade that was directed at Gregory is sent flying through the mystical assassin's portal, bypassing the intended target to bisect a bank of computers behind him instead. Sparks fly and severed circuits hiss as cooling systems are ruptured.
In the meanwhile, the crescent that was sent toward Aeria is returned to its sender - clipping off of one of the robotic shoulders and sending glowing green sparks scattering across the floor. The hybrid's elongated head swivels to lock onto the girl who defied it, and it starts to stalk forward on digitigrade legs.
*KLANK*
*KLANK*
*KLANK*
Suddenly, it's interrupted in its progress as Gregory latches onto one of the machine-monster's lower limbs, straining to try and drop the creature onto its back. Something within the leg is dislodged, and a horrible spray of ichor-infused steam rises out of the joints in the thing's thigh-plate - but it wrenches itself free, slamming a foot down to create a rippling shockwave to force space to be given.
<<INSOLENCE. THE VOGUE OF YOUR FICTIONS. BUT I AM TIMELESS, AND YOUR FANTASIES ONLY SERVE TO GRANT ME POWER!>>
The eyes glow green as their gaze falls on Aeria, and the right arm extends, raising in a knife-hand position as the hand begins to glow green. Invidia lifts off, and the wings propel the cyborg forward, delivering a sharp chop with the glowing metal hand toward the girl - one that's followed by a scything arc of energy. The infernal attack would not cut physically, but instead strike at Aeria's very essence!
[VELVET BLUE]
Perhaps taking advantage of the fact that he's been somewhat overlooked due to hanging back and trying to save his strength, Velvet has a change for an opening again. He shuddered momentarily, hearing the imperious speech, and the energy radiating off the strange cybernetic creatures reminded him of something supernatural, something dark--and it's familiarity to someone he felt like he ought to know creeped him out.
As the frame launched a blade of energy at Aeria, Velvet flanked the side of it and tried to get out of the way of the other two fighting it--meanwhile bringing the short sword down against the creature's shoulder, trying to go for more of a disabling sort of hit than anything--but trying to cause some damage.
COMBATSYS: Invidia successfully hits Aeria Corday with Reaper Scythe.
- Power hit! -
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
1|-------------==|===============
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Aeria Corday 1/------=/=======|=------\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Gregory 1/------=/=======|
[AERIA CORDAY]
"You think you're timeless because you're boring me to death.", says Aeria in answer, but with the attack coming for her, she is not too sure how to deal with it. The hand she can handle. But she gets hit by that energy, and she feels it in the deepest part of herself. Her eyes water and she falls on one knee. But she doesn't give her the satisfaction of letting her know how painful that was. She breathes deeply and says: "It doesn't hurt at all." But everything about her at the moment shows it has.
Instead of coming back with an attack she closes her eyes. Aeria and what's inside her get into phase and lessens the damage taken at this time. She will still feel that damage for the whole fight and beyond. That's almost guaranteed.
COMBATSYS: Aeria Corday gains composure.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
1|-------------==|===============
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Aeria Corday 1/-------/=======|=------\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Gregory 1/------=/=======|
[GREGORY]
If Gregory were inclined to speak, he would probably tell this machine to be quiet because the arrogance was grinding his gears something fierce. In fact, if it wasn't for the faceless mask he was wearing, it would be obvious that he was rolling his eyes. So to the all of the world, except maybe for those who can read minds/emotions, the only response he has is a retreating step away from the stomp to give space.
As much of a boon the space is for Invidia, it is likewise one for the arcane assassin as well. A dark purple ball appears in the mystic's hand a moment before a portal forms both in front of him and on the other side of her from below, angled to go upwards. That ball of seithr laced energy goes through the portal near him only to exit out the other portal on a collision course for the winged machine.
COMBATSYS: Invidia blocks Velvet Blue's Medium Strike.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
1|------------===|===============
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Aeria Corday 1/-------/=======|=------\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Gregory 1/------=/=======|
COMBATSYS: Gregory successfully hits Invidia with Dimension Bolt.
- Power hit! -
INVIDIA
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
1|-------========|===============
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Aeria Corday 1/-------/=======|=------\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Gregory 1/---====/=======|
[INVIDIA]
With sufficient athleticism, Velvet's flanking maneuver brings them into position to try and slash into the shoulder of Invidia - but though he slashes through what seems like living sinew, the monstrosity is unabated in its assault on Aeria. It even seems to let out a deep, booming, tinny laugh as the energy blade strikes viciously into the girl.
<<HO HO HO HO!>>
It's something of an uncommon laugh for an English-speaker - almost a trace of a foreign accent in an otherwise impartial, robotic voice - and it's brutally interrupted by a ball of energy slamming into the robot's undercarriage, striking what apparently constitutes a weak spot as it sends the machine staggering forward several steps.
<<AN INTERESTING TRICK.>>
The machine's head turns toward Gregory.
<<ONE WORTHY OF ASSIMILATION. BUT FIRST>>
Invidia suddenly whirls around, one massive robotic claw swiping down to try and grab Aeria around the middle, clamping down with vice-like force. Should she be caught, she'd be lifted up off the floor.
<<A TOUR DE FORCE>>
From there - if Invidia captures its prey - it would leap into the air, spiralling on its mutant wings, before hurling the girl back down to the floor. It would then raise its other hand up above, gathering a green orb of chi as the organic veins pulse through its arm, the ball of infernal fire glowing like a sun - before hurling the massive fireball vindictively down at Aeria.
<<PERISH AND BE SILENT!>>
COMBATSYS: Aeria Corday fails to counter #Imperial Decree - Banishment# from Invidia with Fast Throw.
~ Cruel hit! ~
! VENGEANCE !
INVIDIA
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|---------------
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Gregory 1/---====/=======|=------\-------\0 Velvet Blue
COMBATSYS: Aeria Corday can no longer fight.
INVIDIA
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|---------------
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Gregory 1/---====/=======|=------\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[VELVET BLUE]
"Shiiit--" the frame is able to withstand the strikes from his blade, but that's not the only problem Velvet is faced with--the massive fireball that was just produced and tossed at Aeria--who is seemingly engulfed in it. Brushing hair and sweat away from their brow, Velvet draws in a large breath and stalks up around Invidia again, this time fixing to flank them again, it would appear.
"You can't ignore me now!" Vel rushes forward and draws one of their long booted legs back and twists sideways as they throw out the kick with the heel of their foot, trying to put the most amount of force into it, their tail lashing along with them as well--into Invidia's back or side--trying to throw them off balance.
[AERIA CORDAY]
Aeria is watching what is going on. Even as there is a laugh from the thing. Really fuck that thing. Gregory gets his first attack in, and that's pretty cool.
All too soon, the thing is ready to attack her again. A massive claw ends up grabbing her. She tries to turn the momentum on her by using her strength, but it unfortunately doesn't work. It all goes to hell for Aeria from there.
Invidia leaps into the hair and slams Aeria back down to the ground. A loud crack can be heard from the poor girl as it happens with such force. But it's not even all of it. Invidia also does a fire ball and it hits Aeria in a contained explosion. One would think the girl simply died, vaporized.
She's not moving and at the moment, she is burnt to a cinder. It hurts so freaking much. She can't remember feeling this horrible.
Good thing she also knows she will not die. Aeria is after all, not totally human. She can't move her body, but she is conscious again now. Through all the pain, she ends up alternating between coughing and laughing. "You suck at killing people." More coughing and laughing. "They will kick your butt.". Talking is all she can do at the moment. She is out of the fight as her body and what is inside her, are working overtime to heal all the damage.
[GREGORY]
With Invidia taking to the air once again, Gregory has no choice but to utilize creative use of his portals once again. Dealing with enemies with such a high level of air superiority was not exactly something that was in the portal mage's wheel house. He's clearly going to have to learn quick.
The portal mage breaks into a sprint and after five steps he throws himself into a portal. The portal he exits from is slightly above and to the side as he reaches out to grab the machine's wing and hoping to use both his momentum and gravity to smash into Invidia and ground it. If not for keeps then at least for a little bit of time.
COMBATSYS: Invidia dodges Velvet Blue's Heel Kick.
INVIDIA
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|---------------
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////////// ]
Gregory 1/---====/=======|==-----\-------\0 Velvet Blue
COMBATSYS: Invidia dodges Gregory's Power Throw.
INVIDIA
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|---------------
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////////// ]
Gregory 1/-======/=======|==-----\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[INVIDIA]
The wings keeping Invidia aloft flutter in a rapid, insectoid manner to keep it aloft as it hovers over the fallen girl. A red optical receptor glows as it hones in on Aeria's burnt form, flickering as analytical readings are taken.
<<AS DIFFICULT TO KILL AS ANY PARASITE.>>
Moments before Velvet can deliver the kick aimed at its leg, the brooding monstrosity's wings allow it to flit with swift speed to one side - and as the Phantom uses his portals to attempt an aerial takedown, Invidia buzzes forward across the room to land on the laboratory floor. It seems to beckon with its mechanical claws as it turns to exhort the two still in the fight.
<<COME, SHOW ME WHY THIS INSECT STILL EXTOLS YOUR VICTORY!>>
Leaping forward, the cyborg attempts to simply land with both feet on top of the Phantom - imposing the weight of its horrific form with enough force to crack the tiles beneath them!
COMBATSYS: Gregory just-defends Invidia's Fierce Impact!
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|---------------
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////////// ]
Gregory 1/-======/=======|==-----\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[VELVET BLUE]
"I guess she can ignore me--huff," Velvet puts a hand to his head and blanches at the abomination's speed and resiliance. He's also starting to get worn down again. Knew he should have done more cardio before this whole thing started...
"Guess hunters are good for drawing fire, at least, hnghh--" Velvet swings his short sword around, aiming the tip to try and draw it in some cruel slices across Invidia's side and center again--even his nerve is starting to fray a bit, and he's not being as non-lethal-minded as he was before. Something had to give.
[AERIA CORDAY]
At this, while the fight is going on, Aeria has passed out despite herself because of the damage. It's not super glorious, but as she is out, it allows her "friend" to use even more energy healing the poor Aeria.e
[GREGORY]
After the Phantom comes up empty on the attempt to get the drop on the cyborg's wings, he drops to the ground and into a roll to orient himself so that he can keep an eye on both his enemy and his allies of convenience. With Aeria having fallen, he needed to keep aware of who would be the next target. That's when he sees that he's drawn the machine's attention. He actually welcomed it. After all, Velvet Blue is not allowed to die by anyone's hand but his own.
As Invidia descends upon the portal mage, the Phantom steps backward into a newly formed rift leaving the machine nothing to stomp on. He then quickly closes the portal the moment he's on the other side of it, right near one of the wings. He then reaches out for it and yanks violently on it. His aim is to break the machine's posture and get it off balanced. If he manages to damage it enough to make flying difficult, more power to him.
COMBATSYS: Invidia blocks Velvet Blue's Quick Strike.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|--------------=
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Gregory 1/-======/=======|==-----\-------\0 Velvet Blue
COMBATSYS: Invidia dodges Gregory's Fast Throw.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|--------------=
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Gregory 1/-======/=======|==-----\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[INVIDIA]
The Phantom's portalwork causes the mecha-monster to come up short once more in its attempts to crush all who oppose, and the tilework of the Ultratech laboratory ends up suffering in the assassin's stead, a spiderweb of cracks spreading across them.
<<INSOLENT ...>>
As Velvet comes in to slice at the cyborg's side and center, Invidia whirls with speed to catch the sword with a metal claw and push it away - though the shortsword manages to slice through a patch of pulsating purple flesh on the monstrosity's palm in the process.
<<... PLEBEIANS!>>
Stalking to one side away from Gregory's grasp, seemingly somehow sensing the attempt despite its optics being turned elsewhere, Invidia sets its focus to the darkstalker that's scored a strike against its palm.
<<BE IGNORED NO LONGER>>
The hybrid spins around to aim to grab Velvet off of the ground and throw him callously into a nearby catwalk.
<<SHOW ME YOUR WORTH!>>
COMBATSYS: Invidia issues a challenge!!
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|--------------=
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Gregory 1/-======/=======|==-----\-------\0 Velvet Blue
COMBATSYS: Invidia successfully hits Velvet Blue with Dismissive Toss.
- Power hit! -
INVIDIA
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|------------===
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////// ]
Gregory 1/-======/=======|======-\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[GREGORY]
The assassin just barely restrains the urges to sigh and facepalm. He was no longer able to hold aggro and can only watch as the cyber monster grabs the darkstalker and rag dolls him into a catwalk. He fails to restrain the head shake, however.
After the brief show of emotion as quiet as it may be, he drops down into a portal while another appears above him. He finds himself in a perpetual fall for two cycles before dismissing the lower portal and creating a new one in the old one's place while another forms at the machine's flank. The momentum launches him at Invidia. He attempts to get his hands on the wings and then pick him up and then throw the enemy down into a new portal only for a new forms right above. The person in question would ideally be trapped in a portal free fall state, He then lets them fall over and over. Suddenly there's no portal on the ground and the enemy hit the ground, hard
[VELVET BLUE]
Velvet blinked and was captured by the giant frame's huge limbs, struggling with it as he was thrown--giving a shout as his body tumbled along the ground--unable to put his arms or legs out to stop his fall--he had to wait till he slid to a stop--coming in contact with one of the walls, leaving him with a series of bumps. Ouch.
"Ah, good--I now have your attention--" Velvet sucked in air and his tail lashed about behind him, his yellow cat-like eyes luminescent as he flashed foward with super speed--charging up whitish blue chi energy into a punch towards her midsection--almost like an up-close fireball, really--trying to smack Invidia right in the front with it!
COMBATSYS: Invidia dodges Gregory's Terminal Velocity.
INVIDIA
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|------------===
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Gregory 0/-------/----===|==-----\-------\0 Velvet Blue
COMBATSYS: Invidia blocks Velvet Blue's Star Struck.
INVIDIA
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|-------========
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Gregory 0/-------/----===|==-----\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[AERIA CORDAY]
Aeria's body, and all are still healing from the last assault from Invidia. She is slowly gaining some consciousness back. Enough to at least listen to what's going on a bit. She does not speak yet, however. If only she could get back up and help smash that damn "Machine.". Even with all the goodwill in the world. It's not happening at the moment. She lets the healing takes its course.
[INVIDIA]
The bellicose cyborg looms menacingly as Velvet is flung across the chamber, fluids of questionable origin starting to trickle down the metal skeleton from beneath the cybernetic skull - almost as if it were slathering, but with what tongue - in what mouth? The anathema seems focused on its quarry - but in the moment before the masked assassin can seize upon its glistening wings and send it into the portal, it twitches, then spins away from the Phantom, the segmented tail sweeping wildly across the floor and sending one of the broken bodies of its earlier victims sliding across the slick surface and into the portal in its stead, taking its place in the freefall.
<<A PRETTY TRICK>>
There almost seems to be something envious in the flesh-and-metal monster's tinny voice as it admires the sight for as long as it lasts - and the distraction serves to provide Velvet a window to cross the room again and strike for Invidia's thorax. One of the hybrid's arms interposes to catch the punch with an open claw, the blue-white fireball erupting inside the monster's grasp - leaving the steel hand sizzling and steaming in the aftermath as it pushes away.
<<YOU SEEK MY ATTENTION AT YOUR OWN PERIL>>
The infested Scorpio unit reaches down, attempting to wrap one of its hands around Velvet's tail and swing him around like a flail before smashing him into a monitor bank, then around the other way into the gurney the pink-haired woman was rolled in on, then throw him across the room into a mysteriously-placed red barrel!
COMBATSYS: Velvet Blue dodges Invidia's Repeated Slams.
INVIDIA
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|-------========
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////// ]
Gregory 0/-------/----===|==-----\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[VELVET BLUE]
"So loud--and such a diva," Velvet wrings his hands after coming away from his chi-infused energy blast, his hand still stinging from all the energy he put into it--which felt like it came up against a wall. After confirming his wrist was not in fact broken, Velvet tries to step backwards to give himself some distance--just as the Scorpio bot tries to reach down and grab--oh no--one of the darkstalker performer's more sensitive parts.
"Eh! Not the tail!" Velvet is quick to slap the appendage away from the bot's grasp, before giving another step back--and launching himself into a run this time--trying to jump and send those booted feet directly into the frame's upper body or face area, trying to do some damage--or at least put it off balance.
[GREGORY]
As the assassin watches as the corpse goes through free fall for a while, never having actually tracked how long the descent takes before the inevitable end. His only saving grace is the fact that his mask prevents a visual display of emotion be it the disappointment in seeing a switcheroo or annoyance in what he views as his future target trying to commit suicide to the Scorpio unit out of spite.
While Invidia is still occupied with his 'ally,' The Phantom leads with a kick to the leg, follows with a punch to the head, before dropping low as he tries to wrap his arms around the unit's waist, then finally scooping them and tackling them down to its back.
[AERIA CORDAY]
While Aeria is healing and conscious, she can hear the sound of battle as well as the fighters talking. It's when she ponders if she could call any of them friends, and truthfully she didn't know. Truth be told they probably stick with her because she was around and was useful last time. This time at the moment, not so much.
COMBATSYS: Velvet Blue successfully hits Invidia with Double Dropkick.
INVIDIA
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|-----==========
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Gregory 0/-------/----===|===----\-------\0 Velvet Blue
COMBATSYS: Invidia dodges Gregory's Combo Grapple.
INVIDIA
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|-----==========
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Gregory 0/-------/--=====|===----\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[INVIDIA]
The slippery darkstalker escapes Invidia's intentions for tail and owner, leaving the hissing behemoth off-balance. Before it can fully right itself, Velvet comes flying back toward it - and crashes into the parasitic growth encasing the metal chest with both boots, causing the creature to stagger backward a step as the pulsating extrusion pumps and sputters violently, a burst of purple ichor released to stain the floor.
<<YOU SHOULD HAVE FLED THE FIELD WHEN YOU HAD THE CHANCE, WORM!>>
Despite the robotic vocoder, the cyber-demon's vehement seething is practically palpable, and as Gregory aims his kick at the creature's leg, its evasive maneuvering is increasingly erratic - anger informing its sidestep to avoid the kick, the crouch under the punch, and the rapid backward crawl to evade the attempt to grapple it.
<<NOW, FEED YOUR KINDRED!>>
The raging robotic scorpion spins in a swift circle, the segmented tail whirling behind it, aiming to smash into both assassin and darkstalker in turn!
COMBATSYS: Velvet Blue blocks Invidia's Gigantic Smash.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|----===========
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Gregory 0/-------/--=====|=====--\-------\0 Velvet Blue
COMBATSYS: Gregory counters Gigantic Smash from Invidia with Rift Snare.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|===============
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////// ]
Gregory 1/-------/=======|=====--\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[VELVET BLUE]
"No way!" Velvet doesn't even think he /can/ escape at this point, Aeria is on crumpled on the floor, and he still has to deal with this situation. And there was no way he was leaving anyone at a freaking Ultratech Blacksite. Getting captured would be worse than death.
Landing back on the floor, he has just enough time to put his arms up and try to roll along with it as the tail crashes into them, sending him tumbling and skidding along the floor. He's very tired, but must persevere.
"Feed THIS--" Velvet brought his short sword up again, having to retrieve it from the floor, and gripping the handle with both hands as he tries to bring it up into that weird growth he'd just slammed his boots into earlier.
[GREGORY]
As a contrast to erratic nature of the machine's defense, the arcane assassin is poised in his offense in spite of the fact that he he is pushing his body harder than he ought to in order to squeeze a little extra speed out of himself. His shin doesn't connect, the punch goes harmlessly over the head, and the attempt to wrap the Scorpio unit up bears no fruit. Instead, he ends up dropping to one knee to get his hips back under him before standing upright once more.
He then glances around. He realizes that for all intents and purposes, he is their exit strategy. Velvet is positioned far enough away that he can't get to them right away, Aeria is too far away, period just due to the way the fight has moved.
As Gregory is thinking about all of this, the machine tail starts swinging around at the two remaining fighters and when the tail gets to the assassin, he summons up his energy to bring up a portal right into the path of the tail, letting it go in and then shrinking the rift enough to hold the tail in place while planar energy ravages the caught tail.
The assassin's overexertion finally catches up with him and he collapses to one knee.
COMBATSYS: Invidia blocks Velvet Blue's Power Strike.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
1|--------------=|===============
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Gregory 1/-------/=======|======-\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[INVIDIA]
After crashing through Velvet, the scorpion tail of the Scorpio unit aims for Gregory as well - and it's intercepted by the portal, caught as if in an interdimensional spider's web, the prehensile cybernetic appendage starts to crackle, the unseen weighted end assaulted by untold energies that cause the whole of the exoskeleton to shudder.
<<NO...!!>>
With the Scorpio's frame trapped, Velvet is afforded another shot at the gleaming beast. The sword thrusts with deft poise up at what seems to serve as the beating heart of Robo-Invidia - but at the last moment a claw encrusted with teeming biomass raises up in its path.
*SHKKKK*
The blade penetrates through the purple flesh as it finds a weakness, the end of the sword emerging from the other side of the claw with a mixture of steaming coolant, ichor and electricity.
With a mechanical roar, Invidia wrenches the claw away, sending the shortsword clattering across the floor. In the same surge of biomechanical might, the tail is ripped forcefully away from the portal - leaving the severed end of the tail hissing and sparking with steam and electricity, coolant spattering like blood onto the ground. In its place, purple flesh flows and forms into a new, sinewy and barbed tail of the same organic material that already covers the Scorpio.
Invidia turns its optics toward Velvet, the joints of its skeletal neck popping with the snapping motion.
<<FEED...?>>
The vitriol in the voice of Invidia is unmistakable, the vocoder projecting a horrific, multitonal chorus.
<<IF YOU INSIST>>
The creature raises its suppurating claw high as it looms over Velvet - then suddenly whirls around, aiming the open mutated appendage for the kneeling assassin with diabolical speed.
Should it manage to close its manipulator around the Phantom, his victim would be lifted off of the laboratory floor, held up as unholy green light surges along the cyborg's arm - and then, as its crushing grip would tighten, the assassin would feel his essence being siphoned rapidly away as he's subjected to the power of raw Envy.
COMBATSYS: Invidia successfully hits Gregory with Imperial Prerogative - Covetous Clutch.
- Power hit! -
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|-------------==
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Gregory 0/-------/---====|======-\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[GREGORY]
The assassin is pretty much a sitting duck as his muscles ache and his magic is not coming to him as easily as it was earlier in the fight. His escape route is no longer available, for now. The green light goes through him as he is essentially gripped by the machine.
That effort he put into faster casting and reacting drained him and then Invidia siphoning more off of him only added insult to injury. He doesn't have enough energy to fight his way out of the grip and it will be a few moments before he can call upon his magic leaving the only option to thrash wildly in a bid for freedom.
His limbs flail in every direction not caring where his hands or feet strike as long as it provides the necessary encouragement to release him.
[VELVET BLUE]
"No--damnit!" Velvet's short sword is balked by the creature's limb, just at the last second before it does any real damage--and he's pushed back, both having to retreat back before it retaliates and pushed by it's own weight being thrown around. At least that's the way it feels like--his weapon knocked away and the creature suddenly turning and driving a huge blade into Gregory--Velvet is temporarily knocked back and to the floor, momentarily recoiling in agony at the sheer force of not only the force at which he was knocked down but also what was going on. This is not going to work.
He scrambles along the floor, almost lizard-like, amidst what has to be blood, debris and weird chemicals from the scorpio frame, retrieving his weapon and pulling himself up. He wanted to call over to Gregory, but he already knew the status would not be good. The poor sap was over ther epractically /convulsing/ trying to get the thing to let him go, and it wasn't stopping. Part of him just wanted to give up, another wanted to just get out of there, as the very real danger of getting killed or capture was looming--and the latter was worse for his kind.
Hyperventilating a bit, he tries to steel himself and get ready, or maybe he's just having a bit of a breakdown, it's not clear.
COMBATSYS: Velvet Blue focuses on his next action.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|-------------==
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Gregory 0/-------/-======|======-\-------\0 Velvet Blue
COMBATSYS: Invidia endures Gregory's Improvised Smack.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|-----------====
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Gregory 0/-------/-======|======-\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[INVIDIA]
Though his efforts may amount to crude struggling, the Phantom's flailing is not without its own merit. Limbs smash into the workings running along Invidia's arm, destroying some tubing or cable that causes the green essence surging through it to escape, effectively putting an end to the draining effect.
Invidia refuses to let go so easily, though - for a moment, Gregory remains in its grasp.
<<COWERING, ARE WE?>>
The optics turn toward Velvet as the darkstalker attempts to steady his nerve.
<<WISE>>
Then, abruptly and viciously, Invidia lifts the Phantom up before aiming to slam him down to the ground amidst a fiery green conflagration that would send debris scattering about the lab. The monstrosity would then raise one digitigrade metal foot, before attempting to stamp down with cold savagery on the should-be fallen assassin as its speakerbox booms an odd laugh through the laboratory:
<<OH HO HO!>>
COMBATSYS: Invidia successfully hits Gregory with Daily Special.
~ Cruel hit! ~
-+- CALCULATED HIT -+-
INVIDIA
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|----===========
[ \\ < > //////////////// ]
Gregory 1/------=/=======|======-\-------\0 Velvet Blue
[GREGORY]
After not having any success getting separation from from the mechanized monstrosity, he finds himself pinned under the foot of it with it clearly not allowing him to get free. Well... So be it.
The machine will find a new rift forming under the both of them.
COMBATSYS: Gregory can no longer fight.
INVIDIA
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|----===========
> //////////////// ]
|======-\-------\0 Velvet Blue
COMBATSYS: Gregory successfully hits Invidia with Warp Zone.
INVIDIA
[ ||||||||||||||| ]
1|--------------=|===============
> //////////////// ]
|======-\-------\0 Velvet Blue
Gregory then grabs a hold of that metallic foot pressed against his chest. That's when the combination of gravity and his weight proceed to pull the cyborg into the rift.
"Let's take a ride."
The two fall into the rift while the energies of the portal tear into the both of them. Another portal spits them back upwards before they fall back in to be shot back up by the first only to get dropped back in. This process repeats a few more times before the portal only spits Invidia back out and then both portals close with the assassin no where to be found... For now.
[VELVET BLUE]
Velvet has managed to get himself together again, hope is dwindling here, and he's aware of that, but the instinct to keep going even through the maddening odds is still there--as well as his own desire to try and go on. He had been in worse situations, probably--but right now the strong of battles had worn on them all, more or less. He was aware of this.
Gregory takes a nasty blow and seems to now just be totally gone, the realization of this passes over Velvet quickly--he's probably not getting out of here, now. Something like a mixture of despair and anger boils up within him, and has him closer to a breaking point again, but in a sort of frustrated, berserk way.
Once Invidia was clear of the warp attack that Gregory had created, he's right there at her side, trying to crach into her side and tip her over someway, grabbing onto her--maybe he can bring it down by sending it crashing to the ground??
COMBATSYS: Invidia attempts to counter Medium Throw from Velvet Blue with Tiger Drop.
INVIDIA
[ |||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|-------------==
> //////////////// ]
|======-\-------\0 Velvet Blue
COMBATSYS: Velvet Blue reverses Tiger Drop from Invidia with Pearl Edge.
- Power hit! -
INVIDIA
[ |||||| ]
0|---------------|----------=====
> /////////////// ]
|=======\-------\1 Velvet Blue
[INVIDIA]
Invidia's metal foot twists cruelly atop Gregory's form, not content to simply accept its conquest of the portalmancer, but to savor it -
<<ANOTHER VICTORY FOR YOUR NEW EMPEROR>>
- and it's that vicious hubris that results in the dimensional invader being sucked into the gaping hole in reality that opens up beneath it.
<<AUGH!>>
The way that the creature flails as gravity takes over could almost be thought of as comical - or worse, pathetic - all five limbs thrashing at the air as it rises and falls in turn in a mockery of its storied past. At last, though, the Phantom's chicanery comes to an end, the assassin vanished in his own portal as the robotic mutant is left to crash brutally into the laboratory tiles, crushing several to powder and sending rippling cracks throughout the rest. As the damage to the environment spreads up the walls, it seems as though the entire chamber is in danger of collapse.
Like an insect, once landed on its back, the monstrosity is quick to flip over upright, hunkering down on one knee and planting a clawed hand against the floor as it almost seems to be catching its breath, myriad fluids running in rivulets to the floor below. Its shining white Giger-esque skull turns toward Velvet as its eyes glow a ghostly green.
<<ONE... MORE... MAGGOT... TO CRUSH . . .>>
The words rattle wet and cold from the cyborg's voicebox as Velvet runs foolhardily toward it.
<<I>>
The Scorpio unit's claws clamp into fists as it hunkers, one arm withdrawing slightly at the elbow joint.
<<RECEIVE>>
Time seems to almost freeze as the clenched claw hammers forward like a speeding bullet, aimed directly at Velvet Blue's sternum with enough power to shatter bone, a perfectly calculated interception.
<<Y->>
And yet -
[VELVET BLUE]
With speed that nearly defy physics, Velvet is no longer in the path of the Scorpio unit's fist--speed that was part of the power the white queen had given him. In a blink, he kicks off the wall nearby after bounding away, and lands atop the hulking frame's 'shoulders' so to speak, quickly hauling up their short sword with both hands, suspended above the strange parasitic 'growth' that festered on the monstrosity's front.
"Goodbye," with bared teeth and eyes clenched shut in a horrible grimace the blade comes down--sinking nearly to the hilt, what might have been blood (if it had any) spurting in shots around his white-knuckled, dirt and bloodstained fingers. The blade is twisted this way and that, using strength he did not know he had and finally wrenched free in a shower of gore and sparks, finally exhaling.
The black suited figure tumbled off the front and into a roll, the weapon clattering in as they loosely clutched in their right hand still, chest heaving.
[INVIDIA]
The monstrous mechanoid is caught off-guard by the preternatural burst of speed from the darkstalker as it seeks vengeance for its comrades. Velvet Blue lands on Robo-Invidia's shoulders, and the blade plunges through the corrupted growth and into the Scorpio's core - the biomass giving way to reveal that it has already begun to corrode the steel frame it clings to, providing a softened and vulnerable point to attack. The Scorpio unit tries to keep itself upright, but as its power source ruptures, its legs give way, causing it to drop back to its knees.
<<NOOO!>>
The pained realization of its fallible frame resonates through the mechanical voice as it fills the chamber with its despair.
<<YOU ... !!!>>
It crackles as the biological matter starts to spill onto the floor in gobs and flows, as though a faucet had been opened and could not be closed again.
<<THIS FRAIL MACHINE... COULD NOT HOLD... MY MAJESTY...>>
The neck cranks as the head turns slowly toward Velvet.
<<YOU HAVE ONLY... DEFEATED... THIS BODY>>
The eyes flare with green flame as they start to sputter out.
<<NOW... JOIN ME IN THE AFTERLIFE...>>
Twin rays of scorching infernal energy stream toward the darkstalker, then rake across the laboratory as the motors in the exoskeletal frame finally fail for lack of power. Machinery explodes, screens melt, and here and there, flammable objects ignite, including the mysterious red barrel -
*KABOOM*
- and soon the entire laboratory starts to crumble from the damage sustained to its support structure as alarms continue to sound throughout the building.
And meanwhile, the pink-haired young woman in the broken glass chamber stirs and shudders with a groan...
COMBATSYS: Invidia has suffered catastrophic damage and fallen offline.
> /////////////// ]
|=======\-------\1 Velvet Blue
COMBATSYS: Velvet Blue blocks Invidia's Balefire Gaze.
> /////////// ]
|=======\==-----\1 Velvet Blue
COMBATSYS: Velvet Blue has ended the fight here.
[VELVET BLUE]
Rising unsteadily to their booted feet, Velvet makes a face and touches their forehead, coming away wet with blood--frowning at it briefly before looking back at Invidia, who was somehow still active.
"Oh shi--" he has to jump forward and roll to avoid the incoming energy beam, landing hard and getting hit with tiny bits of shrapnel from metal it scythes apart.
"Ow," an understatement, to be sure, Velvet now pulls himself back up groaning and hissing in pain, trying to haul up Aeria at the same time stumble towards the area that 'Invidia' was guarding, eyes clenched shut as they stumble and nearly fall as they try to do both. Bent over with hands against their knees, Vel is urged only after hearing as well as /feeling/ the groaning, creaking ceiling overhead. Forcing themselves to reach down and prop up Aeria near the door as they make it through only to discover--
Well shit, ain't that a kick in the head.
"My Queen, we desire you accompany us," Velvet looks down at her with a calm, seriouslook only a former theater student could muster, holding out a hand to help her up.
[AERIA CORDAY]
Velvet triumphs as the lab is going down and alarms are ringing. He takes the time to help her. At this stage, her body is healed enough that she will be able to walk on her own soon, but she needs something to cover her. The clothes didn't survive. "Hey, you're like a knight in shining armor, without the armor and the knighthood. You ok? Your friend is ok?" Her body feels weird, but she's able to take a few deep breaths as she is propped against the door. She finally sees the "woman" inside. "Hope she's ok too. I think. That was quite a ride. Thanks!" She scans the surrounding with her eyes to see if she couldn't spot a doctor's blouse or something to cover herself. "Could me in to help for whatever soon." That was the least she could do, once her legs feel hers again.
[GREGORY]
After a few moments, the arcane assassin is suddenly ejected from a portal and is sent skidding across the ground until his body hits a wall. With a groan, he climbs to his feet while using the wall for support. His breaths are heavy, his body aches, and magic wise, he's running on fumes.
"Closing the portal on yourself before you can completely clear it? 0 out of 10... Wouldn't recommend."
The Phantom slowly moves towards the gathered before coming to a stop. His balance was shaky and he was only managing to stand through sheer force of will.
"Hope you don't need a fast exit because it will be a while before I have enough juice to manage any type of portal."
[INVIDIA]
The pink-haired ponytailed girl pushes herself up woozily with her hands, raising one to her head as the pain of a monumental headache hits her. A pair of emerald green eyes flit open to meet Velvet and Aeria as they approach.
"Velvet! Thank God - how did you -"
The eyes rove over the carnage of the laboratory - the mangled bodies, destroyed machinery, and the ruptured heap of metal and purple gore that remains of Invidia - and she blinks.
"Holy - what happened?"
Stumbling to her feet, the woman steps over the broken glass heedlessly, lurching from side to side like a drunkard as one hand remains on her head.
"I mean - thank you, minion -"
Suddenly, the Phantom returns to the room, interrupting Lyraelle's return to character as she finds her voice again. She looks the masked man up and down, not seeming to take him in with any depth of observation and only looking more frazzled and delirious with the mystical arrival.
"Oh... hi," she says, smiling faintly as the self-confidence of the Demon Queen surges anew. "Is it a quick exit we're needing? Don't worry, I'll make us a shortcut."
Swinging a hand back, Lyraelle gets a look of concentration, staring at the ceiling, then thrusts her open palm directly upward -
- releasing a cascade of sparkles that shoot up in the air before raining down like so glitter.
"W-what the fuck?!"
The dismayed cry echoes through the collapsing room as Lyraelle tries again to unleash the intended fireball - releasing another burst of what amounts to chi confetti as she does.
"No, no! Where the hell is my hellfire?"
She slaps her hands against her head - leading to another realisation.
"Where are my horns?!"
She flexes her shoulders, bending her elbows back as if stretching her shoulder blades.
"Where are my wings?!?!"
A hand reaches around behind her, feeling the base of her spine.
"WHERE is my TAIL?!"
Finally, she looks down, wrinkling her nose, and asks, with quiet bemusement:
"...Where are my clothes?"
[VELVET BLUE]
"Yes, that is a puzzle," Velvet reached up and brushed his forehead wearily, trying to wipe aside a mixture of blood, dirt and sweat. "I would appear that these scientists at this facility have been meddling with darkstalkers somehow--trying to change them, or extract their essence," Velvet quickly finds something to drape the obviously in need of it Lyraelle, perhaps a coat or shirt from one of the sec team or scientists, while Aeria works on rousing herself, who seemed to somehow be okay still.
"It's weird, I guess that's what they were talking about when they said they could 'cure' Darkstalkers, just draw out their powers or material and try to infuse them into something else--but it's less 'curing' it and more 'sucking it out', like a sponge," Velvet whews, having to unsteadily lean on Aeria, likely, putting an arm on her shoulder.
"Gregory, draw power from the shell of that shell out there--do you think you can do that? We gotta get outta here--this place is gonna cave in," he turns to the 'phantom', as it were. He's both impressed and surprised the hunter didn't just tip on out the door back there while he had a chance.
"Hell, I'll join you," Darkstalkers, man.
[AERIA CORDAY]
Aeria amusingly thinks when all women at a party are naked, it has been one hell of a party.
She felt weird and hurting, but she had that annoying grin on her face. Hey, whatever doesn't kill you, make you stronger, or some other crap.
The woman amuses her in some way, but she feels for her if she lost things that made her herself. She can't voice it though so she is mostly silent.
The sensation of Velvet putting an arm on her shoulder makes her feel all sorts of things. It makes her legs buckle slightly, but she doesn't fall, doesn't bring Velvet with her.
"I think I would like very much to leave as well. I do not wish to be trapped under rumbles." She grabs something as soon as she can to cover herself because that's the thing to do.
[LYRAELLE]
Covered in a set of bloody technician's coveralls, Lyraelle seems steadily more distant, eyes glazing over as she takes in the sights of the laboratory and the words of Velvet Blue - talk of 'cure' - an unseen one-sided conversation taking place in her mind as the sense of internal silence sets in.
Whatever the JANUS project was meant for, it seems as though this particular laboratory will serve it no longer - and with the crisis of an elemental evil reborn averted, for now, there is nothing left for the fated fighters but to escape as all evidence of the horror show is buried under tons of rubble...
Log created on 19:33:53 07/22/2022 by Lyraelle, and last modified on 19:00:09 08/08/2022.