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Post by Archmage Turanis Altaine on Feb 11, 2004 9:16:06 GMT -5
Zero sheathed his blade, spitting on the corpse as he mumbled something unintelligeble. He looked at Yoshi, "I wasn't about to let my senseis' deaths go un answered..." at the mention Jax and Nor, Zero's aura flared and he stared hard at the corpse seeming to think of many ways to rip it to shreads. The cut above his eye had bled down the side of his face, mixing with the myriad cuts on his torso. Right now though Zero felt no pain, the shock of his only family being decimated had thrown him for a loop. His eyes had lost what little sparkle they had held, becoming cold and feral. Without saying a word he climbed into the back of the truck, sitting near the back of the bed.
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Zentallan
Soldier
Some men find solace within their own mind, I just find infinity staring back at me.
Posts: 155
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Post by Zentallan on Feb 11, 2004 16:52:20 GMT -5
Serge reeled from the sudden action. He had tried to be in the right position to help the others but apparently he had failed. At least everyone appeared to be alive. "I'm sorry everyone. I failed you. I won't again." He walks to the side of the truck and looks for a place to help.
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Post by Trickshot on Feb 11, 2004 18:19:57 GMT -5
Fynn sat up groggily. He brought a hand up to his face and waved his fingers in front of his eyes, trying to regain focus. He pulled down his googles, and thanked Heaven that they were only scuffed; and that neither of the lenses had broken. They were sunk into the metal rims to prevent this, but if they had hit a sharp rock and shattered Fynn would most likely be blind from either his aura or the shards.
He looked to his side to see a worried Shade standing next to him. He mustered a grin. "Hey, I'm OK. It's not the first time I've blacked out, but I've just never done so at that speed before. That'll teach me to be cocky, heh heh." He blinked several times, his vision slowly returning to normal. Hearing Serges voice near by, Fynn squints to spot him. "It wasn't your fault. Without you I probably wouldn't have made it back, and would've fallen right in the middle of the wilder camp." Slowly trying to get to his feet, he asks his two friends for a hand to get back up and onto the truck.
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Post by Shura on Feb 12, 2004 15:50:09 GMT -5
Zaen helped pull Fynn up onto the truck, clapping him on the back as he did so, 'You did good, amigo. You had guts to expose yourself like that just to draw attention away from that. Not to mention you must be pretty hard to be in such good shape after the stunt you pulled. I just want to say thanks, man.'
Yoshimo approaches Zero, his tone having softened now, 'In your revenge, you would slaughter every wilder on the planet. Not all mutants had the fortune to be like you are, still lucid and possessed of their human form and sanity. They are products of an ancient evil, and know no better. Nevertheless, I understand what you are feeling. Some of the worlds greatest fighters draw their strength from the darkest recesses of their spirit-driven by inner torments which fuel their rage and killing instinct. But you must not let these feelings rule you, not allow yourslef to be lost in anger, which, unquenched, festers into hate, which in turn will cause suffering. You can be more than that. Honor, discipline and focus must temper your fury. Tell me, young one, would you be a simple killer, or do you have the strength of will to become a warrior? Bushido, the ancient warrior code of my homeland, can help you. And I offer my services as sensei, limited though I am, to you. It was the intention of Jax, your old teacher, that this should be so, but unfortunately my dream of a quite life as a teacher of marital arts and robotics has been estinguished, and I am a nomad once more.Yet you are still my charges, and I will see you safe and sound before I once again adopt the wandering path of the ronin.'
Zaen see's Serge approaching. 'Failed? You failed nothing. In fact I have a suspicion that the fact that Fynn came back so quickly and unharmed was mostly due to your presence. No one was expecting you to assualt the truck. I guess it's just as well that Zero rushed them with Yoshimitsu chasing after, as that way at least we didn't have to risk Shade.'
Zaen searched his mind for a comforting word for Zero, but found that he was at a loss. What did you say to a first time killer? Then he realised that if he or any of the others had been in his position, things might not have turned out all that differently.
'We all swore to get back at whoever's behind this. I agree with Yoshi, that the wilders are probably just pawns to those mutants who attacked the school, but we did what we had to do. Face, it Yoshi, whether Zero fought them with 'honour' or however way you were planning, they'd still be just as dead. There was no way we could have avoided it. Let's get moving. I know Alex is still out there, and maybe our friends are too. I want to have a chance of reaching them while they still live.'
'i'll take care of that' said Yoshimitsu, heading for the wheel, 'we must first escape any remaining persuit.'
Zaen also had another reason for being in a hurry. Without his regluar booster drug, he could feel his strength leeching away by the minute. Soon, he would be relatively helpless. What he needed now was some time to gather psychic energy. He'd need it when his physical power left him. Sitting cross legged in the back of the truck, he prepared to meditate, his voilet eyes already beginning to dilate. Concentration was proving difficult as the truck roared across the dirt.
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Zentallan
Soldier
Some men find solace within their own mind, I just find infinity staring back at me.
Posts: 155
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Post by Zentallan on Feb 12, 2004 21:57:09 GMT -5
Serge glances at Fynn and Zaen. "Well, alright then. Glad I could help." He shifts to a more central position and relaxes. "If anyone else needs my talents, I'll be right here. Maybe I can can help keep watch."
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Post by Archmage Turanis Altaine on Feb 13, 2004 9:13:13 GMT -5
Zero opened his eyes as he listened to Yoshimo, his words sounded so like jax... "Jax and Nor were my father and mother as far as I was concerned... they just wanted the best for me and I strove to be the best for them... They wouldn't want me to become a man-slayer... I would be happy to call you master Yoshi." No one could tell he was crying, his silver hair hiding his face from view. His hands holding one knee as his sword leaned on his shoulder, under his breath he cursed himself for showing his emotions. He tried to stop crying, but merely stared at the bed as his tears silently fell.
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Post by Sharess on Feb 13, 2004 16:50:02 GMT -5
Shade sat in the back shakeing things were changeing again and this time her father wasn't there to help her though it. Slowly she stared to rock herself in the back of the truck remebering the night she left home forever. Now with this new power comeing up she wonder how along her new friends would be safe from her. Ever so softly she whispered "I'm sorry Daddy I didn't mean too hurt you and Mamma." She looks around and sees that Zean is in a trance of sorts and that the others are ok for now but the smell of salt water fills her nose. She looks at the others and sees that none of then are crying but still she smells the tears. She looks over at Zero and notices his hair is hiding his face. She scoots closer to Zero and the smell is a bit stornger. She goes over to Zero and whispers very sofly in his ear. "Its ok you did good out there. Your going to be a great warroir someday." Shade moves the hair from his face and as she does that she also wipes the tears and gives Zero a smile looking into his eyes. But her Cat Green eyes suddenly turn completely back and a look of horror comes over Shades face as the shadows put her. She vanishes for a secound to reappear at the rear of the truck surounded by shadows. Her face is ghost white and she startes to trebmle a bit.
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Post by Shura on Feb 14, 2004 16:26:27 GMT -5
Zaen shuddered involuntarily as the vision came. A face hidden behind mist. Silver hair burshing against coppery skin. Deep voilet eyes, with a thin, jagged line running down the middle. A face like his own, but not quite the same. Eyes that looked into his own as if they were just opposite each other. He was being watched...
Suddenly, he snapped into lucidity. The truck had swerved and come to an abrupt halt. How much time had passed? Wasteland was everywhere, as before. Yoshimitsu was staring ahead, scanning the horizon.
'What's happened?' asked Zaen, why'd we stop?'
Yoshimitsu indicated a cloud of dust approaching ahead, with barely discernable shapes appearing within. 'We've run into Templar territory, and they've located us. Let me do the talking first. I've got some history with them.'
The approaching entity turned out to be a vehicle. Although basically similar in shape to their truck, it was armoured and much better maintained, as well as possessing some sort of mounted heavy weapon. It stopped, and four people disembarked. One was a huge, grizzled african man in his middle age, well over six foot and heavily muscled, carry a rifle in his right hand, which thankfully remained lowered. His left removed a smoking cigarette from his lips, and he regarded Yoshimitsu and the mutants apathetically. The next was a slim, pale woman. A dirty blone with blue eyes, not much older than the mutants but looking a veteran nontheless. She was noticeable for the fact that rather than a weapon(although a pistol was holstered at her belt), she wore a rare wrist computer unit around her forearm. The third was the oldest, a man dressed in a black black trenchcoat, sporting silver whiskers and red-tinted glasses. A power sowrd was sheathed across his back and a pistol in each hand. The last man bore more than a passing resemblance to the woman, possibly they were siblings. His rifle was also lowered. It seemed likely that they would not begin hostilities. All were dirty, their clothes and equipment showing aigns of wear and use. All sported the symbol of a cross with forked ends somewhere among their person. The older one spoke, 'Well look what we have here. The Crimson Death returns. Come crawling back? I thought that you'd become tired of fighting.Or maybe the teaching life didn't suit you after all?'
The big man grinned, 'And what's with the kids? Some sorta field trip?'
Yoshimitsu had disembarked and bowed, 'I can explain everything, Jebediah. And trust me this is going to sound like a shock, but it's something that the citadel needs to hear. First though, you need to take us there. These kids have quite a story to tell, but first they need food, rest and a medical check.'
The young woman spoke up, 'I've scanned the children. All of them are Advanced, and some of them aren't in good shape. We took an oath. We can't turn them away.'
Jebediah nodded. 'True. But this crazy jap's gotta know that I ain't his nanny and won't always be around to save his ass. Jane, ride with the kids and give'em some of the rations. Boys, get back in the truck. We're taking these to the citadel.'
In a matter of minutes, they were on their way again, Yoshimitu following the Templar vehicle.
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Post by Archmage Turanis Altaine on Feb 18, 2004 19:32:52 GMT -5
While Yoshi had been talking, Zero's hand moved up the sheath of the sword. He blinked suddenly as the woman climbed in and the truck took off, quietly he slid beside Shade with a defensive look in his eyes. He slid his other hand on her shoulder, whispering words in a ancient tongue (Latin) and hoped it would calm her.
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Post by Sharess on Feb 19, 2004 11:10:12 GMT -5
Shade feels a hand grab her but her sences tell her it Zero. "thanks but you don't want to be near me now. It isn't safe."
As she saids that her eyes bleed to pure black and she screams in pain as shadows try to wrapp around her again.
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Post by Shura on Feb 19, 2004 15:39:16 GMT -5
Shade's pain sent a spark through Zaen's consciousness, startling him and causing him to look back at what was happening. it was a strange thing, but as his body grew weaker from lack of his strength-drugs, his psychic awareness increased, usually bringing an insight that he wasn't always in control of. The templar woman, Jane, seemed to be genuinely concerned for their health and wellbeing, as far as he could tell.
Jane registered a look of surprise at Shade's outburst, and an alarm registers on her wrist device. Immediately she lays her hands on Shade, who feels a warm, healing energy wash over her. Then, a dizziness as her latent power dwindles, til she can barely summon up the slightest mutant ability.
Jane flashes her a reassuring smile. She was pretty despite being unkept. 'Don't worry,' she says, rumpling her hair affectionately, 'I'm Advanced too, and have healing power. Part of that is being able to remove your mutations for some time and store them in a dormant state inside myself. Get some rest, and I'll bring it back, slowly.' he speaks into her wrist computer, 'The girl, looked like she was having some sort of surge, but I've taken care of that. The kid with the sword, seems ok, just a little upset. As for the other boys, one of them seems a little messed up in the head according to my sensors, but the signals are a little confused.' She then turns to all of them and produces some canned food and a small portable heater from her pack. 'My names Jane, and you guys look about half starved and even more tired. How about we share some of this food here and you can tell me about yourselves, and I'll throw in a few stories of my own, to pass the time on the way?'
Zaen appraised the rations eagerly. Baked beans, cold meast of various types, peas...tomato soup? There was also a loaf of bread. He moved over to the Templar's side with some effort, wondering whether or not she had detected his condition with that device of hers. 'I'm Zaen, former student at the Karpov Academy for gifted youth near Haven, and definitely hungry. Pleased to meet you.'
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Post by CosmicHorror on Feb 19, 2004 16:52:01 GMT -5
Still confused from his latest mutation, Darren realized that he was indeed quite hungry. He took a chunk of meat and started to chew on it thoughtfully.
Well, that was interesting. Nene's thoughts interrupted his focus. Yes, what happened? And why the mental backlash? Darren returned. A new mutation apparently, looks like Inferno and I might be able to help channel that energy in you. And as for the pain, I felt it too. I don't know what it was, though it was not from an outside source.
Darren leaned back on his tail, which had grown more flexible and stronger. "My name's Darren." He said between bites.
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Zentallan
Soldier
Some men find solace within their own mind, I just find infinity staring back at me.
Posts: 155
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Post by Zentallan on Feb 19, 2004 18:48:24 GMT -5
At the mention of a surge, Serge looks nervous and move a bit farther from Shade. He turns to Jane, "Um, hello. My name is Serge Did you say you could affect other people's mutations? We might share something in common then." He smiles a little.
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Post by Archmage Turanis Altaine on Feb 19, 2004 23:07:28 GMT -5
Zero sat back in his old spot, not bothering to say anything to the woman. As he sat his aura became visible as he looked over the horizon, arcs of energy would occasionally lash across his body as they went and were accompanied by a growling mumble. The other's may have been surprised at the change in him, his eyes had become cold and his face emotionless. His mouth held no hint of a smile any longer as it once had and his eyes only held the cold certanty of death.
Hair blowing in the wind, Zero let his hand rest on the hilt of his blade. His Aura continued to rage about his body, not affecting anything but merely blazing like an inferno ready to blaze into full fury. He continued talking in the old tongue to himself, the others able to catch snatches like "Bhaal", "Shinigami", "Lord of Murder", "Hitokiri Battousai", and "Blade of Fury".
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Post by Shura on Feb 20, 2004 4:48:17 GMT -5
Jane looked alarmed and concerned. Zaen looked at her and realised that she wouldn't be able to repeat the trick that she did with Shade. Focusing his mind, he sent an urgent mental message to Zero, as well as reaching out to touch him. -Hey Zero, cool it. What's wrong with you?-
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