Dead or Alive - Dominus
[Toggle Names]Description: The roar is louder than anything has a right to be. The plan was to escape, to pull back, to finally enjoy some peace and quiet. Then apparently a tyrannosaur broke confinement. During a relatively uneventual checkout at one of the Dead or Alive Visitor's Centers watching the final matches and accompanying news from what one would imagine to be a safe distance, an entire wall caves in. Apparently, Darkstalker attacks have destabilized nearby JANUS facilities, and well, apparently there's some confusion about where the sophisticated ICE system is supposed to be. As well as where Rafferty is supposed to be. Oh dear.
[NENA]
The liquid blue light of an enormous interlocked modular electronic display screen reflects in the mirrored black lenses of Simon Washington's ever-present sunglasses as he stands silently smouldering in the cool electric glow of the Dead or Alive Visitor's Center, Southtown, Japan, night.
The two-story building is a testament to the technocratic corporate future, the converted retail space covered in small, modular high-tech displays placed on pillars, protruding on robotic arms from walls, even positioned on the ceiling in places. Here, the prophesied dystopia of Orwellian paranoia is inverted. DOATEC is not watching you; DOATEC demands that you watch.
At present, though, all eyes in the Center are focused on the titanic gestalt of broadcasting technology that dominates the entire northern wall. An hour or so earlier, the screens along the wall had all shifted on mechanical arms, rails and magnetic lines to join together into a single, massive monitor in preparation for the live transmission of the final match of the Dead or Alive tournament. The controversy of the events surrounding the tournament - from the assassination of Douglas Fame to the recent reports of attacks on Ultratech and DOATEC facilities - seems far away from this particular venue.
It's why Simon Washington is here. To be any closer to the action would put both himself and his adoptive daughter in danger. To remain at his own home, though, would leave them both sitting targets. He's sure that Ultratech have been making plays, and the fact that his fugitive daughter's school was broken into makes him suspect that the hounds are at his heels.
And so, he's come here to watch. The question, he asks himself as he stares expressionlessly at the screen, is whether Big Brother is watching back.
"Sweat loss at four percent above projected average for a standard hour interval during the previous thirty-day cycle. Ambient room temperature is twenty degrees Celsius. Simon, are you nervous?"
The sound of Nena's voice draws Simon out of his thoughts as he looks down at her, suddenly realising that she's holding his hand. It's a strangely human gesture.
"Are you just trying to measure how sweaty my palms are, or...?" the afro-American's gravelly baritone breaks through the electronic hum.
"No. I wanted to hold your hand," Nena replies evenly, the smooth yet stilted tone of her voice contradicting Simon's confirmed suspicion: that the artificial intelligence is trying to be more human.
Perhaps even convincing itself that it is human.
At times like these, Simon almost feels himself being convinced.
"That's fine, Nena. ...I am nervous. I'll feel better when they get here."
"So will I."
[RAFFERTY]
*****EARLIEST*****
After their flight down from the rooftop, Rafferty and Edenlith make their way back to Southtown, in search of a safe haven and extra security in the form of the male model's teen terminator love interest, Nena. The blond boy is bursting with stories of his heroic endurance of his time as a penthouse prisoner and the dramatic escape that followed, thanks to his badass buddies, Eden and Daisuke. He's hoping to get Nena's protection and perhaps some words of praise, but alas, there no sign of her anywhere on the Pacific High campus.
"She's probably back at the house" he says sulkily, giving a sideways look to his friend."Let me just grab a few things and then we can make our way over there."
The items he chooses to bring are unusual to say the least. There's a bottle of aftershave, a pair of sunglasses and a gilded gold mirror. Not a handheld or pocket mirror either. This is the kind that might be seen hung on the wall of a grand mansion.
*****EARLIER*****
After lugging the mirror and themselves across town to Simon and Nena's residence, they are left dissapointed again after finding there's nobody home.
"I need a new phone" Rafferty whines. "The stylish yet sinister man took it from me, after luring me into the backseat of the car. Come on, we'll have to go to the mall!"
*****EARLY*****
After what seems like an eternity, especially to his aching arms, Rafferty finally settles on a device that matches his satisfaction, an iPhone 14 in Starlight. After connecting to his cloud, he finally can communicate again. Resisting the urge to take a selfie for his socials (he's been getting serious withdrawal) he instead opts to call Nena.
*****NOW*****
The call has led Rafferty and his blue haired bodyguard here, to the DOATEC Southtown visitors centre. As they search the gathered crowd, his piercing gaze seeks out Simon and the schoolgirl and he starts to head in their direction with a spring in his step.
As they get closer, he shoots a dazzling superstar smile at his amor and a salute at Simon, which he immediately regrets, as it leaves him holding the mirror with only one hand.
[EDENLITH]
So much time lost looking for Nena and having Rafferty carry a mirror... a big Mirror. What the hell? With that thing you can call Bloody Mary and she will find where Nena is. But after what seems like an eternity, he finds a phone and calls Nena.
While Rafferty is doing that, it gives her time to think about the whole thing. It feels like it has been a year already or 10 years. She's not sure why it feels like this whole thing hasn't been so long, but that's how she feels. At least she doesn't have to think about it for too long. Rafferty has an address. The DOATEC Center.
Once they get there, safe and sound for the time being, she sees her not a robot friend and her "father." She nods at both of them and then tells them. "Rafferty brought a mirror. He needs to do some reflection on his life and that's the quickest way." She grins. If some (or all of them) think she's mocking Rafferty for taking such a big mirror, they would probably be right.
She takes a moment to look around before she asks. "Do you guys still need me around? It has been so quiet now." Unaware of what was to come.
[NENA]
As the sound of teenage footsteps echoes across the tiled floor just beneath the reverberation of the cinematic sound system as it blasts each blow of the ongoing exhibition, Nena turns her head around, her imperceptibly artificial green eyes falling on Rafferty.
"Simon. Rafferty, my boyfriend, is here. And, so is -"
Suddenly, the entire thirty-foot-tall bank of conjoined monitors explodes in a sudden eruption of glass, sparks, plastic and debris as a cybernetic behemoth comes crashing through the wall behind it with a ground-shaking <<<ROAR>>>.
"- a powerful electromagnetic signature," Nena finishes her sentence, her expression unchanging as she turns ninety degrees to the right on her heels to face the robotic monstrosity.
"It probably would've been more important to mention there was a Dino-Bot about to show up than to tell me your boyfriend was here, Nena!" Simon shouts as he starts to back up, trying to drag Nena away with the sudden flow of the Center's screaming patronage as they start to run for the exits and evacuate the premises with all the suddenness of a toilet bowl that's been flushed.
"Sweat loss increased to two hundred thirty nine percent of thirty-day average," Nena notes as she's pulled along another step before standing her ground, her hand escaping Simon's slippery grasp. "Simon, are you -"
"Not the TIME, Nena!" the normally-cool customer that is Simon Washington calls out. "That's an Ultratech -"
"Tyrannosaurus Rex, artificial. Detected armaments include dual chainguns, sharp teeth, and more," Nena reports stoically as if reading from a list as her green eyes flicker with blue light. "Designation: EMPYREAN REX. Threat Level:"
She pauses briefly as the blue light dies down.
"'ULTRA.'"
Simon is nearly to the nearest exit already, coat flapping behind him, as he turns around to cup his hands to his mouth and shout one more time: "Nena, RUN!"
"Complying," Nena says, before springing into action, skirt and school shirt bouncing as her cybernetic legs pump audibly to carry her with superhuman speed - straight toward the colossal robotic dinosaur as it gnashes its teeth menacingly.
"I meant AWAY, Nena! AWAY!"
"Negative," Nena states as she launches forward, the lower half of her body starting to swivel rapidly and independent of her upper half as blue rocket boosters in the soles of her white boots ignite. Blue flame trails her left foot as it spins helicopter-like toward the synthetic tyrannosaur's leg.
COMBATSYS: Nena brings her battle systems online.
EMPYREAN REX
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|---------------
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Nena 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Empyrean Rex endures Nena's Blade Runner.
EMPYREAN REX
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|---------------
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Nena 0/-------/------=|
COMBATSYS: Edenlith has joined the fight here.
EMPYREAN REX
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|---------------
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Edenlith 0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0 Nena
COMBATSYS: Rafferty has joined the fight here.
EMPYREAN REX
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|---------------
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////////////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-------|=------\-------\0 Nena
[\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/-------|
[RAFFERTY]
Rafferty doesn't seem offended by Eden's mild mocking, he simply gives her a serene smile. He does set the mirror down however, because it's feeling kinda heavy, man.
"I think you should stay. The more people I have to protect me the better" he decides, striding towards Nena with the intention of settling in a seat next to her.
He's still dressed in the luxe loungewear provided by his captors and though it feels fabulously soft and smooth against his skin, he could curse himself for not taking the time to get a change of clothing at the dorm or mall. Slipping his sunglasses on, he lets out a sigh and ponders if he's perhaps suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. If he's losing his passion for fashion, then there's obviously something dreadfully wrong.
He's saved from his self pity by the sights and sounds of the visitor's centre being invaded by something straight out of some twisted nightmare. Simon's cry of "RUN!" seems like solid advice to him in this situation. He stops to swoop down and save the mirror and then starts to sprint away from the scene. He could probably make it out of here, given his speed, but then he hears Simon's follow up cry of "I meant AWAY, Nena! AWAY!"
She isn't going to fight that thing is she? She's brave, she's beautiful and he'd bet on his babe in most battles, but this is the stuff of monster movies! What if she breaks and this time can't be fixed? The teen is torn, his natural instinct is to save his pretty posterior, but the affection he feels for his artificial amor is genuine. He can't just leave her...
He takes off his shades and stares into the mirror, looking deep into his own eyes and studying himself. Does he have it in him to be a hero? I guess there's only one way to find out. With nothing but hope, and love in his heart, he moves through the crowds (all moving in the opposite direction) towards Nena and the killer dinosaur.
Before he can reach her, an horrific booming bass echoes around the room. His hands move to his ears, whilst he witnesses the effects of it send the robot reeling.
"NOT MY NENA!" he screams, before fixing his gaze on the fearsome foe. His bright blue eyes shift to green, flashing with energy and then firing psychic lasers at the deadly dinosaur!
[EDENLITH]
Eden is about to say something else to one of them, when that delicious monstrosity shows up. Simon wants to leave with Nena, which means Rafferty will leave too. So it will leave her alone with that thing. She licks her lips at the thought.
But then Nena doesn't leave, but instead attacks the beast. "Well, ok then. Allow me to." She runs to the Rex as the ROar starts. Yet she pushes more. If she has her way, she runs up its body and then circles its head, making copies of herself. Then they all strike at it, before only the real one drops to the ground. "Come on!"
Also, now that she realises what Rafferty did, she feels like her jaws could easily hit the floor. That was very new to her, and very cool. Rafferty has fangs now.
COMBATSYS: Nena blocks Empyrean Rex's Grid-splitting Roar.
EMPYREAN REX
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|-------------==
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-------|==-----\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/-------|
[NENA]
The scorching heat of the rocket thruster emitting from Nena's boot combines with the force of her revolution and the solidity of her alloy endoskeleton to assault the Tyrant Lizard's enormous support leg with the elements of fire and metal.
*KLANG*
The creature stands firm even as a molten dent forms on the side of its digitigrade leg. The bass-boom of the Ultratech Tyrannosaur's titanic maw as it leans its head down until it's face to face with Nena and <<<ROARS>>> in retaliation.
Far more than mere special effects meant to grant a resemblance to the cyber-dinosaur's cretaceous ancestral likeness, it is truly weaponized sound. It washes over the artificial girl, sending reverberations through her frame that cause even the normally unflappable fem-bot to start to slide backward along the floor as the seams of her shirt and skirt start to tear with the force of the displaced air, her brown ponytail blown loose, her hair fluttering wildly in the artificial wind. There's a worrying creak from the mechanics operating beneath her skin as monitor screens on two pillars behind her crack and fall to the ground as the pillars themselves start to crumble from the force.
Nena remains standing, though, her expression unchanging.
"Structural damage: minimal."
Her head turns around in an unnaturally almost-owl-like manner to face toward her boyfriend.
"Rafferty. Please excuse yourself. You are a designated non-combatant, and your structural integrity is not adequate in the event of attack," she warns Rafferty helpfully before turning her head back round moments before the psychic eye lasers fly past her. She doesn't seem to react whatsoever to them, instead remaining focused on her own next step as Eden starts to run up Empyrean Rex's structure.
"Scanning," she says as she turns her eyes up toward Empyrean Rex, blue light flickering behind them again. "Analyzing attack patterns."
"Kids, you gotta get outta here!" Simon yells from behind the doorframe to the southern exit.
"Simon, its objective is to recapture an Ultratech asset," Nena's voice projects calmly across the chaotic chamber.
"If we leave, it will follow."
COMBATSYS: Nena calculates her next move.
EMPYREAN REX
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|-------------==
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-------|==-----\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Empyrean Rex blocks Edenlith's I am here, here, here and here.
EMPYREAN REX
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|------------===
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-------|==-----\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/-------|
COMBATSYS: Empyrean Rex fails to slow Smoulder from Rafferty with Firewall EX.
- Power fail! -
EMPYREAN REX
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|------------===
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-------|==-----\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/-------|
Meanwhile, the hardened alloy exoskeleton of Empyrean Rex proves difficult for even an assailant as enthusiastic as Edenlith to find a weak point in. The metal hide seems to suffer some scratching from the attack, though, perhaps leaving it more vulnerable to further abuse.
As the eye lasers emit toward it, Empyrean Rex turns its head with surprising speed, its mouth opening wide as a brilliant glow appears at the back of its mechanical throat. It looks as though it may well be on the verge of going full Godzilla in retaliation, but the beams strike it right in the craw, causing a flicker of light to burst forth before an explosion within the metal gullet can be heard. The robot reels with what sounds like an almost pained (or perhaps just angry) cry, shaking the entire room.
[RAFFERTY]
"Do you speak dinosaur?" Rafferty wonders of Nena, calling out loudly to try and be heard over the noise. "I know you spoke to that bear that one time!"
He's relieved to have Eden join the assault, aware of her considerable fighting skills and her lack of fear. "Don't bite it" he suggests to her, aware also of her wilder tendencies.
He can't help but admire Nena, as she wages war on the Rex. "Looking good, babe!" he compliments. "You've got that whole wind in your hair thing going on. Tyra would approve!" A childhood spent watching reruns of America's Next Top Model with his mom has left the California kid with great knowledge. The fact the fem-bot's clothing is falling off isn't wasted on him either.
He lets out a cheer as she announces that the damage to her is minimal and then another for himself, as he launches the laser eyes towards the electronic Empyrean.
"Woah, what just happened?" he asks, spinning around to see the reactions of his teen teammates. Eden looks mildly impressed, Nena appears not to have noticed.
"Am I like, a superhero now?" he questions. "Did they put something in my food at that place?" His expression appears to be somewhere between triumphant and confused.
He watches in awe as he sees the effect he's had on the digital dino. "I could totally use this in action movies. With my looks and moves like that, I'll be AMAZING!"
Looking down at his hands, Rafferty finds himself fascinated as green energy seem to move around them, mimicking their shape and contours. He swallows hard, testing them out and finds that he can form them into fists, just like he would with his own. He flexes his fingers dramatically, feeling them now become claw like with the motion. His lips curl up into a smug looking smile, as he rushes towards the robotic dinosaur with superhuman speed, aiming to swipe at it repeatedly with each telekinetic hand in turn.
[EDENLITH]
She's aware her attack didn't do much damage. Nothing has so far. But Rafferty has been pretty cool. Nena seems to ponder her next move while she talks about Rafferty and how he shouldn't be fighting. Let the boy fight, it might harden him a bit. Through the way he reacts, he might get destroyed if he thinks he's that amazing. Note to self, don't let Rafferty get flattened by the Dinosaur, or worse. Or Simon, but Simon is not fighting, so that's less of a problem.
Then Rafferty asks her to not bite the Dinosaur. D.O N.O.T B.I.T.E T.H.E D.I.N.O.S.A.U.R. Of course, why would anyone think Eden would try to bite a mechanical monster?
Without further thinking for her teammates, she throws her knives high up, then she jumps and grabs them in midair, slashing toward its neck in a wide arc, before grabbing it and trying to sink her teeth into some wires perhaps, or she might have wondered how it tastes like. Never tell Eden what not to do, as she will do it. Challenge accepted!
[NENA]
Nena's eyes continue to flicker as she remains oddly-serene as ever under the shadow of the hulking dinosaur invading the Visitor's Center seemingly from both past and future. The fingers of her right hand flex and spread apart mechanically as the hand twists in its socket, the arm extending up toward the undercarriage of Empyrean Rex.
"I do not speak Dinosaur," the girl declares as she steadily adjusts the direction of her open palm. "However, I have successfully accessed the master network that dictates its command protocol for the purposes of signal decryption."
"Nena, you need to stay off that network," Simon calls out. "Rafferty, tell your girlfriends to - what the heck are you doing?"
As Rafferty leaps forward to slash at the dinosaur's legs, the hand that Nena's holding on target suddenly detaches from her wrist with a hiss of ignition and steam, exposing mechanical and electronic workings where bone and meat should be. Blue rockets that match the boosters that her boots displayed earlier propel the hand, launching it up toward what would approximate the cybernetic Tyrannosaurus' synthetic rib-cage as it steps over her.
COMBATSYS: Empyrean Rex endures Rafferty's Intensity.
EMPYREAN REX
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|----------=====
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-----==|=------\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/------=|
COMBATSYS: Empyrean Rex blocks Edenlith's Here let me help you.
EMPYREAN REX
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|---------======
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ///////////////////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-----==|=------\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/------=|
COMBATSYS: Empyrean Rex reflects Ex Machina from Nena with Archeosimulated Tyrant EX.
- Power hit! -
EMPYREAN REX
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|-------========
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > ////////////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-----==|=======\-------\1 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/------=|
The archaeofuturistic cyberbeast doesn't seem to sense the threat as Rafferty leaps at him, perhaps deeming the schoolboy to be as much of a danger as everyone else involved would have previously presumed him to be. This gives the blond youth a chance to dig his psychokinetic claws into the tyrannosaur's titanic metapodia, sending liquid coolant and sparks splattering and scattering about the cracked tilework of the Visitor Center's floor.
Empyrean Rex is instead distracted by the assailant that has mounted its back and is attempting to sink blade and teeth into its electrics, shaking its back violently to make getting a real grip and gouge a troublesome task even for the deft and manic teenager.
This would all seem to leave Empyrean Rex open to the hand flying toward its underbelly. Suddenly, though, a set of coverings over what appear to be lights open in series along the side of Empyrean Rex's chassis, bathing the cyborg girl in a grim red glow. Then, suddenly, a red field of pure force appears in the air - right in the middle of the cable that was anchoring the hand to its socket, severing it in half. The cable whips violently, shooting out sparks as it retracts into Nena's wrist. The android starts to shake as more electrical backlash spurts from her now handless wrist and the hand itself bounces harmlessly off of Empyrean Rex's metal belly before flying off into the night air through the gap in the shattered glass wall behind the dinosaur.
"Fiddlesticks," Nena states flatly as she twitches uncontrollably with pulsing feedback.
Meanwhile, the red field disappears once more.
[RAFFERTY]
"I said DON'T bite the dinosaur!" Rafferty says with a sigh. "You're gonna have to invest in a dental plan, if you carry on like this." he warns Eden
His flawless face then runs through a series of expressions, something that's not too tricky to master for an experienced model and aspiring actor like him! Dissapointed that Nena can't speak dinosaur, relieved that she can access the network, concerned that Simon thinks this is a bad idea and then amusement when Simon refers to both of the other teens as his girlfriends.
"Simon, I assure you that I'm a one woman, man. Well, a one robot man, but you know what I mean!"
The schoolboy's assault is not quite superhero worthy, but he at least makes some mark on the machine. It feels kinda good to be reacting with fight, rather than his usual flight and to get to feel like he's part of the teen dream team with the other Pacific High pupils.
"Back off my woman, you bastard" he demands of the dinosaur, as it sends her hand flying. Marching over to the monster, he uses one of his telekinetic hands to try and punch it in the head with his full force.
[EDENLITH]
Edenlith is not able to penetrate as she wishes. So instead settles to land in a superhero pause on one knee. In time to see the damage done to Nena and an angry Rafferty for it. Seems her little Rafferty grew up to be a man. They grow up so fast.
She then speaks to the machine. "Hey, oversized tin can. Why don't you take on someone your size? Why don't you attack Rafferty there!" She smirks a bit, a playful jab at her friend, before she continues. "I mean attack me you scrap metal! And I will show you pain!!!" After saying that, she's upright and slides quickly to the side of the left leg of the creature, striking very quickly. As she does so, water chi seems to come out of Edenlith and play. Making Edenlith blink and then shrug. She doesn't do Chi, but sometimes Chi does her.
[NENA]
Nena remains twitching for a few more moments as she stabilizes from the loss of her disembodied hand. She still seems to be disoriented to some degree, but all in all, her reaction is much more understated than a typical teenager's might be to the circumstances.
"Please refrain from engaging with my boyfriend he is not thinking clearly," she says to the cyberdinosaur as she starts to advance toward it, running along the tiles and drawing back her remaining hand, her body pivoting at the waist before swinging back as she forms a fist and aims a hard punch at the creature's leg.
COMBATSYS: Empyrean Rex blocks Nena's Fierce Punch.
EMPYREAN REX
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|------=========
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-----==|=======\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/------=|
COMBATSYS: Edenlith successfully hits Empyrean Rex with Quick Strike.
EMPYREAN REX
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|-----==========
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-----==|=======\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/------=|
COMBATSYS: Empyrean Rex dodges Rafferty's Fierce Punch.
EMPYREAN REX
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|-----==========
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-----==|=======\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/------=|
[RAFFERTY]
The dynamic dinosaur shrugs off the punch from Nena with relative ease. It also appears to shrug off her advice, as it shows no sign of disengaging from Rafferty, other than manoeuvering itself out of the way of his telekinetic fist. Eden has better luck however, her speedy strike smacking into its left leg and causing it to ROAR in protest!
Lights start to stream from the Rex's frame, projecting on to the ground before the teen trio. Now it's got them in its sights, the Empyream starts to simulate a dense spraywall of thorns to serve as a blockade that will smash and deflect any attempts to attack by its assailants.
Defences in place it seeks to aim the thorns towards the students, shooting the spiked lasers at each of them (as well as the surrounding scenery) in turn.
COMBATSYS: Empyrean Rex successfully hits Rafferty with ice.sub.barrier.ACACIA.
EMPYREAN REX
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|---------------
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/=======|=======\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/------=|
There's no screaming in reaction to Eden's playful suggestion, Rafferty instead flips her the finger, before enquiring "Where's my best bud Storm anyway? He still in your dorm room? I hope someone's been feeding him while you were busy saving my beautiful butt."
Of course the blue haired battler would really want their foe's focus on her. She thrives on the fight and obviously gets a buzz from it. He doubts he will ever feel like that, but at least this is tolerable, whilst he doesn't have to directly touch the enemy.
Manicure immaculate, he makes his way forwards, moving through the mess of the centre until the cybernetic creature launches it's laser show.
He stops in his tracks, turning to look at Nena and Eden to see their positioning. Whilst distracted he fails to spot the spiked lasers soaring towards him and by the time he throws his hands up in protection, they've already penetrated his flesh, shredding his luxe loungewear in the process!
The boy is brought to his knees in shock, his bright eyes showing his fear. For a moment he's tempted to revert to his old ways and run, leaving the warrior women in his life to deal with the danger. Something stops him though and instead he allows himself time to recover as he plots his next move.
COMBATSYS: Rafferty strikes a dramatic pose!
EMPYREAN REX
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|---------------
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/=======|=======\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/------=|
COMBATSYS: Edenlith dodges Empyrean Rex's ice.sub.barrier.ACACIA.
EMPYREAN REX
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|---------------
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/=======|=======\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/------=|
[EDENLITH]
Edenlith sees all that's happening. She focuses on the wall of laser thorns, and says nope. She moves out of the way with movements that almost look like a series of dance moves. They all miss, some more narrowly than others. "Nice try."
Once that's done, she grins at the big metallic creature and then moves under it before jumping and trying to stab it under the jaw. There could be something sensitive there. Who knows. Whether she succeeds or not, she then lands safely to the side.
COMBATSYS: Nena blocks Empyrean Rex's ice.sub.barrier.ACACIA.
EMPYREAN REX
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|---------------
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/=======|=======\===----\1 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/-----==|
[NENA]
Nena's calculated strike toward the massive robot's leg only seems to dent the plating of the point where her fist lands. Meanwhile, the knuckle-flesh of said fist appears to be torn to shreds by the impact, leading skidmarks of skin stuck to the beast-bot's leg and metal knuckle joints beneath the former flesh exposed to the air. Nena shows no signs of pain at the exchange, though she steps to one side to avoid being crushed under one of the dino-fiend's feet as it stomps forward, leaving spiderweb fractures in the tilework.
The thorn-like projectiles rain down toward Nena, as with the other students, and two penetrates through her artificial frame, holes forming beneath her right shoulder and in the approximate position where her liver would be before the shots strike the floor behind her.
Fortunately, Nena does not have a liver, nor does she require one.
"Damage sustained: moderate. Damage to Empyrean Rex Unit: moderate. Rafferty, please provide a status report. On a scale of one to ten, what is the level of your pain?"
Clearing out from underneath the cybertitan's shadow, Nena leaps up into the air, rocket boosters in her heels propelling her higher as she engages them, before swinging her legs to redirect herself, aiming a descending kick toward the Empyrean Rex unit's cybernetic spine as the thrusters disengage.
COMBATSYS: Empyrean Rex endures Nena's Diving Kick.
EMPYREAN REX
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|--------------=
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/=======|=======\===----\1 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/-----==|
COMBATSYS: Empyrean Rex blocks Edenlith's Evasive Strike.
EMPYREAN REX
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|-------------==
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/=======|=======\===----\1 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/-----==|
As Rafferty lurks on the perimeter, awaiting his moment, Empyrean Rex assigns the bulk of its defensive subroutines to the two females that are still engaging directly with it. Blurred images flicker across whatever monitors remain functional along the bank of screens behind it, and the overhead lights on the ceiling shift from a turquoise hue to red to signal that the Visitor's Center has registered a state of emergency. Speakers throughout the building begin to chant in unison:
"Visitors are advised to follow the marked evacuation routes. Security Forces are en route. Lockdown is imminent. Please avoid the following areas: Lobby. Main Viewing Area. Northern Fire Exit. Exterior, North. Visitors are advised..."
The leaping upward thrust from Edenlith deflects off of the metal monster's skull as the primal pinnacle of robotic assault technology thrashes left and right like some base beast. However, its distraction does provide a moment for Nena to smash into the cyber-dino's spinal column foot-first, dislodging a couple of plates from its back as the Ordinary Girl skids across it, sending up sparks.
It is undeterred - in fact, Empyrean Rex seems to surge with power as electronic light runs up along its spine, brighter flashes shining from the exposed sections of its back. Adapting to the speed of the smaller, nimble humanoids, the cyberbeast rakes its claws at Eden one after the other in an attempt to capture her for a bite from its massive jaws. At the same time, the lengthy tail sweeps above the floor to try and slam into Rafferty and wrap around him before hurling him away. Meanwhile, the violent motions threaten to hurl Nena from its back, into the deadly path of its stomping feet.
COMBATSYS: Rafferty endures Empyrean Rex's Purchasing Overpower.
EMPYREAN REX
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|----------=====
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Rafferty 1/----===/=======|=======\===----\1 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/-----==|
[RAFFERTY]
"I'm gonna settle on a six, babe" the boy responds to Nena through gritted teeth.
Rising to his feet, he looks down at his athletic attire. "I'd say an eight for the clothing though. I guess I'm going with the distressed look today."
When the tail is wrapped around him by the battle beast, he finds himself trapped by it, unable to break free of its mighty metal grip. Trying to push against its power is doing nothing but exhausting his endurance. Instead he closes his eyes, focusing on how it would feel to be free again. As he does, the centre is plunged into darkness, causing several of the spectators that remain on the site to shake and scream.
In this darkness, something is taking shape. When Rafferty opens his eyes again, only he, the Empyrean Rex and a perfect mirror image of the model are visible to him. It's eerie. The two blond boys are identical, even down to the torn tracksuits.
As he turns his face sharply to the left, his twin makes the same gesture to the right, whilst they simultaneously send barrages of telekinetic energy at each other. If the dangerous duo can pull off their poses, the dinosaur will be hit with a barrage of rebounding, barely-detectable attacks as they fire back and forth between Rafferty and his mirror image, flashing each time the bot is struck.
The effect would resemble them being photographed on a catwalk.
COMBATSYS: Empyrean Rex successfully hits Edenlith with Purchasing Overpower.
EMPYREAN REX
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|-------========
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > //////////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-------|=======\===----\1 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/-======|
[EDENLITH]
Is focused on the fight. She does hear about the evacuation protest, but no one is going to make her leave. She's having too much fun right now fighting that heavy metal beast. Attacks don't penetrate it too well, but she was biding her time, even as her last attack bounces off of him. At least it seems to buy time for Nena.
No more time to think about that, however. The Rex is on the offensive and manages to capture Edenlith as she tries to move out of the way. 'Ok, that's going to hurt' She thinks to herself as he brings her in for a bite. At the same moment, everything goes dark. Signs point to Rafferty. When did that boy grow up so well... She won't say but she is impressed.
Back to her predicament. She is pleasantly surprised when the pain of the metal teeth enters her body. At least some of them. It doesn't hurt as much as she expected it to. It's not fun by any means, but it's not taking her out of the fight at all.
As blood taints the metallic mouth of the beast, she unleashes a quick kick toward the inside of its mouth. Perhaps to hurt it, who knows? But at least to get out of there.
COMBATSYS: Empyrean Rex successfully hits Nena with Purchasing Overpower.
EMPYREAN REX
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|---============
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-------|>>>>>>>\>>>>>>>\2 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/-======|
[NENA]
The flicker in Nena's eyes starts to dim back toward the usual humanoid green hues of her artificial irises as Empyrean Rex bucks beneath her. Though comparisons could be drawn between the two, they represent a clear divergence in design: one is an attempt to replicate the human body, hiding superhuman capabilities and durability inside a mask of flesh, with a mind programmed to guide itself toward greater humanity. The other is simply destruction incarnate, an apex predator that wears no masks, pure power in a form that has no place in polite society.
"Perhaps we can arrive at mutual understanding," Nena says as she crouches atop Empyrean Rex's back, moments before she's thrown down to the tilework, her dense weight fragmenting the floor beneath her as she lands. Her eyes snap upward just in time to see Empyrean Rex's clawed heel descending on her.
*KRUNCH*
There's a horrible sound of metal crushing metal as the foot clamps down, sending sprays of red fluid, sparks and steam spewing from tears in Nena's flesh as it's rent asunder, sliced through by the silver talons of the cyber-tyrant.
"S-Structural damage... s-severe," Nena remarks, her vocoder jittering as her body twitches with electric feedback. "Diagnosis: Empyrean Rex is not capable of self-determination or evolution. It is purposed exclusively for destruction, and does not attempt to preserve life. Categorization: artificial non-sentient weapon. Safety protocols overridden."
As Empyrean Rex moves to lift its foot off of her, Nena holds fast, attempting to keep it in place as her eyes flicker with red light.
In the darkness that falls as Rafferty begins his display, Nena's voice can be heard throughout the room:
"Calculating coordinates. Remote Weapon Systems charging. Warning: Please stand clear of the robot dinosaur."
Then, as the light display flares up between the two images of Rafferty, another light appears from above - descending in a blue-white column from the heavens as a deadly satellite laser fires on the position of the Visitor's Center, aimed to strike Empyrean Rex.
COMBATSYS: Rafferty successfully hits Empyrean Rex with #Glamorama#.
EMPYREAN REX
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|===============
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/-======|
COMBATSYS: Empyrean Rex auto-guards Edenlith's Light Kick.
EMPYREAN REX
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|===============
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/-======|
COMBATSYS: Empyrean Rex blocks Nena's #Age of Extinction#.
EMPYREAN REX
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
1|--------------=|===============
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/-======|
COMBATSYS: Empyrean Rex gains composure.
EMPYREAN REX
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|-==============
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/-======|
Empyrean Rex is bathed in light as Rafferty and his clone stand opposite each other on either side of the mechanical creature, the two schoolgirl-impersonators held in the clutches of its clawed limbs. As the twin models strike their poses, blinding flashes of white power report the impact of each of the myriad bursts of telekinetic power colliding with the metallic frame. The force is enough that even Empyrean Rex starts to lift upward, rocking backward on its talonous feet.
The titanic tyrant's titanium tongue flicks across its teeth as Edenlith's foot flies between them, the parted maw protecting itself from what could have been a blow to a sensitive and exposed system.
At the same time, the heavens above open up as a bolt descends from on high, smiting the unholy avatar of synthetic destruction, causing its form to shudder. When the dazzling combined assault fades, the cyberdinosaur quakes, steaming coolant rising off of its body and sparks emitting from its joints, before its limbs go limp, causing it to collapse down on its haunches and giving Nena and Edenlith a moment to escape its clutches as it appears to enter shutdown.
Seconds later, though, Empyrean Rex's eyes re-ignite with the cold red hatred of a dead god returned to life, and it lets out a mighty << ROAAAARRRR >> as it rises back to its feet, backup power generators tapped into to restore functionality to its limbs and weapon systems.
The beast will take more than that to be felled.
[RAFFERTY]
Rafferty is no stranger to the flash of the camera, be it from professionals in his career or by his own hand in his leisure time. Even he is stunned though by the power produced from his dazzling display and he finds himself wishing he had his shades back on. The fact he doesn't reveals that his usually bright blue eyes are still showing a tint of green to them. Whereas they aren't as vivid as at the start of the fight, close observers of the schoolboy star will notice the difference.
Once their modelling masterclass is over, the Californian's clone vanishes into thin air, leaving the boy with only the other Pacific pupils to fight alongside. Not that he's complaining. He could do a lot worse than be teamed up with these teens. Not only are they some of his best buddies, they are also badass babes.
Right now they could do with some help however, so Rafferty makes his way over to the mechanical monster, intending to take advantage of its slumping stature. He makes it there just in time to hear the full force of the << ROAAAARRRR >> when it rises up. The boy blinks rapidly, but he holds his nerve, extending his glowing green telekinetic hands out to grab at what serves as the villain's vocal chords, with the intention of silencing it.
[EDENLITH]
'Stupid tongue, whose idea was it to put a tongue in a mechanical T-Rex?' That's what comes to mind when her foot makes contact with that instead of something more mechanically sensitive into the beast's mouth. Edenlith is getting pissed off. Or is going back to Normal, depending on the point of view?
Rafferty hurting it is a nice sight. Especially since all the attacks he does are something else and unexpected from the model now fighter. Unfortunately, the Rex has some healing systems, and it dampens the effect of the damage so far. Yet when it roars and heals, it allows Eden to slip herself from its mouth and falls to the ground. She does so far more gracefully than one should, except for the fact she leaves a pool of blood on the landing area and her damaged clothes. Her body is already on it, however. If you want to talk about healing, Edenlith could probably teach the creature a thing or two.
But now Edenlith's eyes glow redder. An illusion is coming. Can this mechanical beast be affected and hurt by something fundamentally mental? This question is about to be answered. If nothing else, maybe it will be a distraction to give an opening to her two friends and fighting partners.
If her illusion works, the T-Rex will see the ground opening under it, sending it to hell, the flame burning and slowly melting its components. If it works, Eden allows herself a grin. One day... Yes one day, she will light someone, something on fire for real.
[NENA]
"Rafferty. You are exhibiting characteristics not previously displayed," Nena calls out in a neutral tone as she pulls herself up to her feet, the terrible gashes through her clothing and flesh flowing with red coolant and revealing inorganic musculature and motors beneath. A faint blue glow can be seen leaking from where her heart should be, masked by ragged and now-indistinct red cloth and skin. Her remaining intact arm creaks and whirrs as it reasserts its mobility, having been forced out of shape under the pressure of Empyrean Rex's onslaught. "For example: courage, an aptitude for violence, the ability to avoid fainting at the sight of blood. Were you subjected to mental reprogramming while in the custody of Ultratech? I would like to conduct a full diagnostic."
At that moment, Empyrean Rex begins to rise anew, and Nena turns her focus on the reinvigorated robot. Her expression remains blank.
"I will schedule a reminder."
Nena starts to run along the rising robo-saur's back as it gets up, ascending along its spine as she does before spinning around to try and smash her right elbow into the tyrant's head. Almost immediately, she'd pivot around the opposite direction, spinning at the waist and extending her left hand to drop a heavy chop across the creature's neck in an all-out, precarious assault.
COMBATSYS: Empyrean Rex endures Rafferty's Choke Hold.
EMPYREAN REX
[ |||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
0|---------------|===============
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/---====|
COMBATSYS: Empyrean Rex blocks Edenlith's A hell of a time.
EMPYREAN REX
[ ||||||||||||||||||||||||| ]
1|--------------=|===============
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/---====|
COMBATSYS: Nena successfully hits Empyrean Rex with Batteries Not Included.
EMPYREAN REX
[ ||||||||||||||||||||| ]
1|-------------==|===============
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-------|-------\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/---====|
The telekinetic hand projected by the pretty-boy-turned-poltergeist-pugilist wraps around Empyrean Rex's neck. While the mechanical beast needs no air to breathe, the sound of the << ROAR >> is distorted by the force of torsion and crushing power as it bears down on the circuitry running along the creature's synthetic throat. Somehow, the tightening telekinetic power seems to enrage the creature - though one would otherwise assume such a being to be completely unguided by emotion, it does seem to bear some animal instinct... or perhaps simply the artificial intelligence to commit more power when confronted with danger.
Does the psychic illusion affect the cybernetic apex predator? Perhaps so - it is almost unreadable to the untrained eye, but it does seem to engage its coolant systems in what might be an otherwise excessive manner, blanketing itself and the surrounding area in cool steam and disappearing with Nena into the resulting mist. The sounds of cyborg-on-cyborg action can be heard within the fog, reported by a pair of dull clangs.
Suddenly, stampeding out of the fog comes Empyrean Rex, lumbering to and fro as the mounting damage seems to be affecting its locomotive systems. The sparking tyrannosaur remains no less deadly, though, as it swipes its claws in wild frenzy, lashing out at the trio in a storm of cybernetic destruction!
COMBATSYS: Rafferty blocks Empyrean Rex's Strong Claw.
EMPYREAN REX
[ |||||||||||||||||||||| ]
1|-----------====|===============
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-----==|-------\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/---====|
[RAFFERTY]
Despite the damage dealt to her, Eden seems to be in pretty good shape. As his fellow agent of illusion seeks to work her magic on the mechanical menace, Rafferty allows himself to observe her for a moment, before turning to look at Nena when she speaks.
The sight he's met with is disturbing. His romantic interest is being ripped apart by the rumble with their robot rival and yet she still remains calm. As for her line of questioning, he chooses to ignore it, perhaps the platinum haired poser is also puzzled by his powers or maybe he is reluctant to reveal the reality.
When Nena pulls off her attack, he can't help but feel proud. He punches the air, awakening the glowing green energy around him anew. His own attempt at getting the machine to shut the hell up was muted at best, but at least he may have bought some blessed relief from the sonic nightmare.
His gaze going between the two girls, he then forces himself forwards to face the cruel claws of the creature, as it comes for them again. Bringing his own telekinetic talons upwards he thrusts them towards the Tyrannosaurus, blocking himself from the brunt of the battering but likely gaining some bruising in the process.
Fighting the urge to check for this, Rafferty instead reaches out towards the robot Rex, by launching one of his telekinetic hands towards it and trying to pull it forcefully to him. He'll then aim to use his other hand to uppercut their assailant into the air on arrival.
COMBATSYS: Edenlith counters Strong Claw from Empyrean Rex with Ding dong. Pay the consequence.
EMPYREAN REX
[ ||||||||||||||||||| ]
1|---------======|===============
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-----==|-------\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/-----==|
[EDENLITH]
When the Mechanical beast uses its cooling system, her grin widens. Though a part of her is worried. Nena looked pretty beat up, and it bothers Eden somewhat. But no time to waste. The beast won't pause, and neither can Eden. She will show the beast who is the Ultimate fighter.
Rafferty meanwhile continues to do interesting things. So does Nena, but Nena could always fight and be emotionless, but Rafferty was the complete opposite. She can't get it out of her mind. All these thoughts about her friends in her mind don't seem to bother her, however.
When the Rex suddenly comes back in deadly form, even with all its damage, with claw swipes, Edenlith is observing him. She does so until the very last moment when a clawed hand/paw is coming at her. Then at the last second, she jumps on that hand and then on its head slamming her two karambit knives into its head. She forcefully carves an E into it, then keeps the knives in, holding on, not letting go, so maybe she can be in a good position to strike more in time.
COMBATSYS: Empyrean Rex successfully hits Nena with Strong Claw.
EMPYREAN REX
[ |||||||||||||||||||| ]
1|-----==========|===============
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-----==|-------\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/-----==|
[NENA]
Positioned on the predator's back as it emerges from the cooling mist, Nena appears to be struggling to maintain her balance. Normally, with solid ground beneath her, the android is an emblem of stability (both physical and emotional) - but the heavy weight of the artificial teen's inner anatomy does no favours when it comes to riding a tech-forward tyrannosaurus show style. One of the robot's arms - much less vestigial than those of the historical creature - swipes its claws across her right leg. A spray of red blossoms from Nena's knee before she topples toward the floor, unable to keep her perch as a second limb is lost to the carnage.
*WHUD*
Lying on her back, Nena stares up at the tyrant lizard above her as coolant flows like lifeblood from the ragged remains of her right knee, blue sparks sputtering from the stump.
"Right foot subsystem not responding. Troubleshooting. Beginning diagnostics."
There's a faint whirring and clicking for approximately a quarter of a second from the 'droid.
"Critical damage sustained. Combat functionality severely diminished. Shutdown and maintenance recommended at earliest convenience. However..."
A blue light starting to flicker behind her green irises.
"Sensory systems remain fully functional. Empyrean Rex systems damage diagnosis: critical. Termination of functionality estimated at high probability if assault is sustained. Recommendation: kick its butt, friends."
"You heard her! I don't know what's gotten into you kids," Simon calls out, appearing from behind a pillar he was using as cover, his coat flapping in the wind blowing in from the enormous hole in the northern wall, "but one of the most advanced combat AIs in town is saying you can take that thing down, then I'm inclined to agree!"
COMBATSYS: Nena calculates her next move.
EMPYREAN REX
[ |||||||||||||||||||| ]
1|-----==========|===============
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/-----==|===----\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/-----==|
COMBATSYS: Rafferty successfully hits Empyrean Rex with Captivate.
~~ Alluring Hit! ~~
EMPYREAN REX
[ |||||||||||||| ]
1|---============|===============
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/----===|===----\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/-----==|
COMBATSYS: Empyrean Rex can no longer fight.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/----===|===----\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/-----==|
The lighting in the chamber shifts in a clash of cool blue, sinister red, and mysterious green hues as the energies of the different actors and screens within the room shift and battle against each other. Then, for a moment, the green light dominates as Rafferty's spectral hand clasps around the cyber-tyrant's neck, a tremendous display of telekinetic might causing even the mighty technosaur to toppling unsteadily toward him, mind triumphing impossibly over matter. At the same moment that Edenlith drives her blades into Empyrean Rex's head, Rafferty's telekinetic fist drives stylishly upward into the metal monster's jaw.
>>> KABLOW <<<
It's hard to say exactly whose attack is responsible - perhaps it's a shared feat - but it is a moment of undeniably epic success for the Pacific High students as electronics erupt inside the skull, smoke billowing out of it as the lights in its eyes flicker out, a palpable knockout blow delivered.
However, in what must assuredly be its final throes, the hard light systems within Empyrean Rex activate in unison. Another illusion overlays the room - or perhaps simply a new, digital reality - as constructs form out of pure energy into solid form. Synthetic forms of Cretaceous-period foliage sprout up like liquid fantasy as the teetering tyrant casts the Visitor's Center into a living diorama of a prehistoric future. Towering over the maze of verdant chaos as the lord of its domain, Empyrean Rex seeks a pyrrhic vengeance, its jaws descending on the nearly-broken form of Nena with the intent of finalizing the other artificial organism's destruction by crushing the android between its teeth, incinerating her with its burning breath, and worrying her like a rat before throwing the detritus through the digital-yet-solid trees. Simultaneously its tail sweeps out at Rafferty, intending to wrap around him and send an intense electric shock through its spine and into Rafferty's body before tossing him in the opposite direction, even as its systems begin to shut down, one by one.
COMBATSYS: Rafferty reflects End the Run. from Empyrean Rex with Style.
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ < > /////// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/--=====|===----\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/-----==|
[RAFFERTY]
The combination of the Californian and his classmate scores top marks when tested. As the dino bot looks to be meeting his downfall, though, Rafferty can't bring himself to celebrate. The sight of the schoolgirl cyborg is too disturbing. When she declares that critical damage has been sustained, he seeks out Simon with his green tinged gaze. The scientist seems to be supportive of Nena's advice to kick the other robot's butt, so for now he will continue to focus on the fight. Surely it's about to be finished anyway.
It's then that he sees the altered landscape start to take shape around them. He forces himself to fix his mind on the mechanical monster in the centre of it all, keeping his senses sharply attuned to its movement, so he can be ready to react.
As its tail lashes out towards the lad, he leaps into action. Sweeping up a hand swiftly, he swipes at the cybernetic creature with a telekinetic projection of his hand, knocking its tail away from him before it can shock his system and furthering the damage to the digital dinosaur in the process.
Surely now the Empyrean will be extinct.
[EDENLITH]
The power of the E, that has to be what finished off the 'E'mpyrean TRex. So many things can be done with an 'E'. Evil, Eden, Eternal... As impressed as she is with Rafferty (Which btw, in this case, if serious, would say it was his last blow that contributed the most to the mechanical beast's demise. She is worried for Nena. Perhaps the illusion, digital or not, should worry her, but it doesn't. But nothing seems to come her way, and she does better illusions. At least, so she thinks.
She ends up doing a strong jump to bring her as close as possible to Simon, bringing her knives with her. "Nena is going to be ok?" 'I would miss her otherwise.' She doesn't add that last part, but it might be implied to a point with her eyes. She should say something to Rafferty, but she would let him speak first. Perhaps he will want to go to Nena. Why she didn't think Simon would want to do the same? Well feelings are complicated. One thing at a time. So now she simply waits for an answer. And her mind goes back to the 'E'
COMBATSYS: Nena breaks through End the Run! from Empyrean Rex with Weird Science!
[ \\\\\\\\\\\ < > /// ]
Rafferty 0/-------/--=====|======-\-------\0 Nena
[ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <
Edenlith 0/-------/-----==|
[NENA]
The tyrant's teeth tear into the teenage Terminator as they clamp down on her immobilized form. Nena is lifted off of the floor, synthetic skin sloughing and splattering in a horrific display of artificial gore as the skull-like head thrashes her body to and fro.
"Structural damage -- crit --"
Nena attempts to report, moments before the sound is drowned out by the FWOOSH of flame engulfing her body. The smell of burnt flesh fills the center as the android is cooked, smouldering and glowing as it's rapidly reduced to a blackened and broken alloy frame.
"Nena!" Simon calls out, worry creasing his brow above the dark lenses of his sunglasses, but he doesn't make any attempt to get closer.
The other of Nena's hands falls to the ground, detached from its socket, the skin turned coal black and flaking as it twitches on the floor. From below, though, the rapidly-deteriorating robo-girl, no longer resembling the human facade she once wore, can be seen twisting in the toothy grasp of Empyrean Rex, thrusting the stump of her left hand into the scorching fire of the beast's throat. In the sea of red and black, a point of blue light appears, piercing the hellish palette before flashing brightly as an electric blue discharge shines through the darkened skull. With that, the flamethrower gasps its last breath, and Empyrean Rex twists with the force shuddering through its tail before falling to one side with an almighty >## CRASH ##< as several tons of robot dinosaur take out one of the Visitor's Center's structural support pillars.
What was once recognizable as 'Nena' lies strewn about the landscape as the digital projections fade away, the blackened bulk of her remainder left motionless next to the smoking jaws of Empyrean Rex.
Is the danger over?
[RAFFERTY]
Rafferty doesn't rush to Nena right away. He takes a moment to stretch out, stand up to his full height, survey the centre around him and then run a hand through his hair, which has somehow stayed in place. Once he does see her (or what's left of her) however, he lets out a woeful wail.
"Simon, you're gonna fix her right?" he pleads, his eyes now returned fully to their usual blue and brimming with tears.
"Nena, can you still hear me?" he questions, though he's not hopeful of an answer.
Making his way over to the robot's remains he stares at her dumbfounded, disturbed by the doll parts on display. The sight proves too much for the boy and he sits down on the ground, puts his head in his hands and allows the tears to flow freely.
Log created on 18:18:10 12/23/2022 by Edenlith, and last modified on 11:34:15 01/08/2023.