As the first song finished, Sorina rolls along with the band, seemingly intent on staying at this post as the guests of honor had arrived, looking around from time to time, the orchestra begins a Waltz, though somewhat dejected at having his post taken, the pianist switches it up time to time with the conductor as the ball rolled along
Taking notice of her teammates, Herman had the audacity to dance with one of the prime Imperials.. If he stepped on her feet he was a dead man, fortunately for him this peace was fairly slow. Charlotte for her part calmly walked the ballroom, with telltale signs of her nature seeping through, though Sorina was likely the only one in the room to notice, while she didn't like the fact, they were racial cousins. The others wandered the room as the man with the Ghastly laugh and large nose went back to humoring Silvania. Pressing her keys in perfect tune, it was a pity it would have to end soon, what a great orchestra and piano..
~~~ In regards to team 1 /
@LowDefinition ~~~
Glancing about the room Daedalus "The Ashen Knight" is distinctly uncomfortable with members of
that group intermingling with the principle three he needed to keep safe, The Empress, Princess and the Magister. While the other nobles were of importance, these were key, having half a mind to stand between Kyrie and the guests, but she could fend for herself and likely would have none of it. Course that all changed when one of that group aroused tremendous suspicion with her manner of being, then fell upon the Empress. Drawing his blade partly the Imperial Guard Commander was ready to strike her down, until the situation more or less resolved it's self. The Empress left a tiny bit of an insult at the woman's expense, turning off on her own to greet others, Daedalus waves he right hand, freeing it from his blade.
"Move along." He says simply in regards to the woman and his men.
Getting a call he waits to answer it once Her Majesty was busy talking to another group of Nobles. Eyes going wide briefly, if these reports were true plus what that strange murderer had to say then things needed to be resolved and quickly. Waving for the Elderly Butler and some of his Lieutenant's the Ashen Knight speaks in hushed tones.
"Seal the doors, no one comes in or out without an escort, Manilus, you are to go at once and have the others stand by at that one location Tiberius reported, kill them if you must, but I rather they be taken alive.. At the least some of the rats can be allowed to escape if things get out of hand. Deploy the 4th and 5th Company to the Reactor Complex, all the other Alerted locations send Reinforcements from the ground contingents."
"What are these other Locations my Lord?" The elderly man asks simply with a stern look to his face, smirking a little Daedalus gives a shrug of sorts.
"Ask our friend with the twinblades, I know not who listens now, and I fear for her Highness.. I'll join you once I see how the situation will unfold.. The rest of you subtly reinforce the guard, leave the Princess to her own entourage for now. Dismissed."
Turning on his heels and planting himself to the Empress's side once more, the Commander leans over to whisper in Kyrie's ear, much to the slight anger of some males who were trying to get her attention no doubt, it would be amusing had the situation not been so serious.
"A spy has been in contact with us, plus a few other warnings, currently some efforts to cause damage to you Fortress is underhand by a group of infiltrators, I've doubled the guard and dispatched soldiers to the reported locations Kyrie.. Your Highness. Until I know more I've instructed no one is to be let out without escort... we are also having some slight problems in regards to reaching some posts. We believe the Primary Target is the Second Reactor." Calling her by first name out of familiarity somewhat hinted at how serious the situation is, but the Commander knew the Empress wouldn't just turn tail and run.
For his part the strange laughing Lord chuckles in his typical fashion as the Waltz begins. Humming along he gets a brief twinkle to his eye watching as the Lady grabs her own glass of wine, asking for him to elaborate on his pride and joy, being the ship. It was unusual to see a noble lady interested in such.
"Heh, well the first two would be my sons, strapping young lads, took after the mother in terms of looks and speech." Letting out another of his nasally laughs, Lord Limington then sighs shaking his head.
"Both are currently on duty though, but will be in the Military Parade if you are still around, Ah not that I'm an old man making suggestions. But ah yes the station, I would offer a tour but right now; " Proceeding to recite technical specifications he reaches mention of the core power system but abruptly stops at this mention, nor offers further explanation.
"Ah, yes, well, ah, how about a meeting with the Princess, her Majesty seems rather busy with the Imperial Guard Commander, lucky lad he is. Or would you care to take the Dance floor with one of the other Gentlemen?"
~~~Team Two Aftermath breakdown~~~
@
☆Luna☆
As Yumi ventures off on her own, her senses however kept firing that she was being watched. As she went along to the upper levels with her cart, determined to reach the officer level she is never able to find exactly what it was shadowing her. Maybe it was just nerves she concludes. Getting slightly tired from an uphill push, she seems to be in some sort of living district, with shops and living quarters for various nobles or officers, it would be simpler to say this was as much a city as warship. Though given the celebrations and Military parade the area is rather deserted.
When without warning a group of Imperial Soldiers clad in heavy armor with pole blades round a corner, catching sight of the Thrall.
"A thrall..alone... YOU THERE HALT!" Calls out the commander of the squad, given the reports and the now blaring Alarms, a good portion of the men keep a few feet back, as three rush forward, while Yumi could bounce back as it were, that would only alert the soldiers, in effect she would be in an endless loop.. For now lying was her best course of action, but her pleas and excuses fall upon death ears. Searching the cart, the first guards man turns pale with terror, as the other two already spin on their heels
. "It's one of the!!! BOMBS!! ARRAAAGGGGH!" Turning to run himself amongst the world of pain Yumi would soon find herself in, she finds herself frozen as the presence from before makes it's self known finally.
Just as she tilts her head up and to the left on a nearby roof top she hears a simple "heh." Followed with a click, seeing boots and then the magitek bomb crystals turning bright red, her body is enfulged in flame, smashed with concussive force, battered and torn asunder. With unimaginable pain cut short by a laugh she could not quite place... a bomb from an unknown source even exploding behind her.. Someone had purposely tried to kill her... Though the effects of the mysterious figure did not stop there, the device seemed to connect to all the bombs..
Unknown to the figure was Yumi's special ability, after confirming her death, the half Cat Youkai has her body revived, rewinded more like. Appearing back in the now formed massive crater in her body falls into the hole, good as new, the three men near her weren't so fortunate, the ones beyond them were in a further state of disarray or various amounts of damage.
Given the time that had passed and noticing the smaller crater behind her and the massive carnage in front of her, Yumi is a bit concerned, this could not be some sort of accident, even had a bomb fallen off the cart it would not have went off that far back. Implying the shadowy stalker knew her ability. It wasn't safe to linger here, nor was the time to investigate the matter.
With alarm klaxons blaring and more guards rushing forward, this job was a wash on her part, with her power drained the Cat Eared Girl decides it's best to head back to the landing port, with her abilities now useless continuing onto the reactor would be pointless, not to mention maybe ending in her own death... Permanently. Climbing out of the new formed landmark of the housing district Yumi hurried scurries away.
@Beowulf
The Imperial Guardsman chuckles briefly at Taka's offer for leaving, watching the owl Engineer part, the man truthfully was tempted to take up the offer, but for now he had to find his family and get them out of here, with how this was all going it wouldn't be long till they would find him out as well. "Good Luck Owlman.." Waving his arm in parting a few minutes later he hoped that Taka would take the Alarms now blaring in the combat levels as a sign to leave. A shrill voice cutting out in a clipped military tone across Magitek communications speakers.
"WARNING WARNING, FIRE IN HANGAR, DISTRUPTION TO POWER GRID IN SECTION TWO, FOURTH AND FIFTH COMPANY TO REACTOR TWO. RESQUE TEAMS TO BARRACKS DISTRICT, AWAIT FURTHER COMMAND." Repeating it's self four times the message abruptly cuts out as a blast echoes from within the halls. For his part Taka had managed to do some light damage to the engine room, causing a disruption in the local power supply to the section. Given sheer number of bombs planted by the Engineer, not all were recovered by the crew but the overall damage would be relatively light with a few jumped shafts and broken control ports.
@ShiroKiyoshi @Izurich
With John's good Samaritan warning a number of the civilians were able to escape, his bravado however did not come without cost. Burning himself and others, plus delivering concussive damage to said grouping. But no good deed goes unpunished as some people are given to saying, while he may have bombed the structure the damage was fairly light.. Alarms began to blare moments after the first bomb detonated.
Laura laying her own grouping of explosives, lets an overly excited Marumei help John walk to their next destination, with explosives expanded and the need to finish what he started, they needed to head back to the landing pad. John was in need of medical care, and more explosives were needed. No sooner than Laura catches up with the pair, the other bombs explode, minutes were left on the clock, not seconds. Had they lingered around, that would have been them... As dust settles upon the trio and fragments of the fine masonry narrowly missed them, half of the structure is leveled in a thunderous explosion.
@Astros @Crow @Inkarnate
With Saone and Wukong more or less out of the fight Venrid moves out along as Wukong provides overwatch. Not trusting his two partners with such work, Venrid takes the job upon himself. At the end of the hangar, Wukong must have been juggling wrenches or boxes, given no one seemed to notice him, or at least had their attention on that side of the ship. Planting his explosives and permanently sidelining two enemy guards, most of his bombs are planted with haste, though hidden in sacks or tool boxes. Next moving in on a third guard he manages to plant a few more explosives around the tank farm refueling complex, but stops short of the actual fuel tanks themselves given how guarded they were.
Already having pushed his luck pretty far, this was good enough for this point. Heading back for Wukong and Saone. Grunting he motions for both to come with him, a simple jerking motion of the head.
"Come on jackasses, enough playing with the crew." Turning swiftly on his heels with the typical swagger and uncaring nature of,if his allies pursued in his footsteps,a shocking event was to unfold, suddenly a deafening roar rips through the hangar, the trio are washed over by flame, fragments of steel just missing a decapitating strike upon Venrid's neck. Knocked back with concussive force, the trio would be somewhat battered and bruised if not suffering a few dislocations.
Though perhaps luck was with them.. In fact that would be very true to say. Ahead of them the entryway into the hangar, where their box of explosives was casually left without a single care, the whole section of ship was twisted and deformed, wrecked beyond recognition and scorched from it's previous form.. The three pick themselves up in a state of shock and confussion, making way for the twisted entry, as alarms blare, and mechanics hurriedly attempt to fight the fire. Perhaps noticed by the trio, was the fact the upper gangway had been ruptured, a single trooper falling from above with a terrible scream. Either way they would pick up the urgent warning message. Unless they were utterly foolish and wanted to whack the reactor with the Infernal's stick evacuation was the best course of action.
@Ehb @Karyra
With a stunned gasp Sonya is left speechless, while working up a plan of infiltration, even as the bomb's timer activated it's self flashes red. Stunned not because of the change in shifts, not of the parade, nor of the sudden bomb activation, or approaching train.. No; She was shocked as Seven hurled the bomb like a bloody sports toy, heaving back and using some sort of magic to propel it the rest of the way as it seemed to fall short.
"W-WHAT!? BY THE DIVINE! ARE YOU FUCKING INSANE?!" Snatching his arm, the blinking hunk of crystal was plain as day for all to see. A single man catches sight of it, screaming and pointing, the parade team immediately broke ranks and ran for the fence, ordnance personal ran at speed, dropping whatever they were doing, the relaxed guard on the railing drops his smoking pipe, looking on with an absurd look of terror to his face. One officer immediately shoves a man aside, diving for the emergency seal button for the concrete bunker, it was pandemonium.
Minus one simple private in fatigues, walking out into the open calmly opens his hands with a his work apron balled up in his hand. The bomb was moving at incredible speeds, but somehow as luck has it, even as a yellow puddle forms at his feet, he catches the explosives, shaking, he immediately throws it out the closing magitek driven bunker doors, sweeting bullets. Watching the bizarre display Sonya grabs Seven by the Right arm, tugging him along. The two gate guards notice the movement and immediately set out after the two, while the approaching cart operator jumps off at once trying to intercept the pair.
"OUT OF MY WAY!!!!" Jumping into the air and releasing her handhold, Sonya delivers a drop kick to the unfortunate conductor, kicking him in the chest. Though he would live it still hurt quite a bit, spitting up a bit of blood he mummers something to the effect of
"Fucking Knife Ears." Getting a kick to the jaw for his troubles Sonya immediately resumes her run, the pair of them somehow escape turning back only with the shock of seeing the two guardsmen flying up and
over them. A massive explosion had engulfed the loading yard, but the concrete structure remained standing, silent and proud, it's steel doors shut. It could be said the mission had somewhat accomplished what it set out to do.
"Holy shit.. When this is all done we'll keep pissing yourself to us, but you are getting a medal, good job, now get those roof hatches closed before the fire can spread!" Comes the reply of an officer dusting himself off from his impromptu dive slide for an alarm, slapping the pissed pants man on the back, it might have been funny to some that the man was so scared, but even in the face of terror he did his duty, and he did it well, saving the lives of every man inside the depot... If only most of those on the outside were so fortunate...
With the goal of causing a distraction at least, Sonya takes charge saying they should return to the airship, with the alarms tripped there was no point in attacking the reactor.
~~~Team Two Emergency Evacuation~~~
@All you young people ~Old Man Jenkins~
With the sudden change in fortunes the team ranging from disarmed, well armed, battered and bruised makes its way back to the landing bad, lingering slightly from one another in terms of arrival, Venrid was next to last for arrival with his crew, letting out an exhale the covered transport they used was still there. Intact, no guards posted about, it was time to leave... Well until Shinobu arrives, whistling.
"What the hell, did you all purposely set off your own bombs? I always knew some of you needed training.. Though surprised you all are alive, considering how you all look."
As in step footsteps fall behind her, Shinobu notices the looks of some of the others, spinning on her heel with a knife in hand, a large shield bashes her out of the way as the sound of laughter following by the crackle of electricity can be heard from behind.
Four individuals in the front, as a Fifth jumps from the back of the ship clad in red armor of varying designs confronts the group. The shield basher opens his arms in Welcome strutting side to side, the girl with the bandaged face, swift dodges any attempts to engage her, joining her friends, a man in a demon horned helm has his right hand resting atop a katana, as if to draw at once. A man who's armor seems rather well segmented but carrying no weapons of his own is at the head of the party, a lancer with a partial face mask flanking him.
"Hey! Hehe! Sorry to have hit your girlfriend Tiberius and holy shit what's Marcus Doing here..." Says the swordsman.
The lanky and much taller lancer grunts giving a shrug.
"He's with them you dumbass Gaius.. And hmm she would make a nice slave.. Well provided she's not killed for her part in this...a shame.."
"WHAAATTTT??!!!!" Says the fat shorter fighter, clearly in dismay and surprised, causing the taller one to shake his head letting out a sigh. The double bladed sword fighter cackles for her part, twirling blade in hand as lightning sparks from it.
"Oh Well you aren't as dumb as them fatass, ehehehe!" With a laugh and murderous temperament much like Sorina, the blades woman introduces herself.
"I'm with the Imperial Fist, Elsa. Hehehe, your friends in the tower squealed rather quickly, and I'm gonna play with everyone we couldn't get to, once I'm done with you."
Moving on was next the swordsman, who grips his blade firmly, staring at John.
"I see now why I felt such hesitation in your blade, such crimes you and your friends have committed against the Empire is beneath a true warrior.. Though you are injured I shall show no quarter... While Elsa may be evil, many good men died today and many more would have if your friends were more effective." Drawing his blade at lighting speeds it was in this man's nature to introduce himself, pointing his blade at the group in a swift motion.
"I Janus, the Demon of the Silver Blade shall be your opponent, also of the Fist of Might! Dishonorable Curs lay down your life with honor or submit to punishment for your crimes!"
The final man sighs, bowing with the elegance of a Butler, straightening himself, he removes his helmet. To the shock of most a man who seemed rather old if not well built with a stylish beard and mustache stared out at them all.
"I am Manilus, direct aide to the Ashen Knight, defender of the Realm and retainer of the Imperial Family. All of you gathered here today stand charged with Terrorism and High Treason against the Crown, surrender now and we promise a fair trial." Getting a yawn in return from the girl of the group the old man shrugs putting his helmet back on in a swift motion, not really giving time for a response.
"Very well then, I'll beat compliance out of you.. Those of you who die will provide a very conceiving argument to your fellows."
Taking a pugilists stance the old man charges into their midst like a man many years younger, in a deft one footed motion the Swordsman springs forward at his elders side, seemingly gliding through the air. The sword and board fighter with the lancer charge in from the opposite direction, as the swordswoman stays back. Her face affixed like a predator watching her prey, waiting for a single opportunity to strike.
Already wounded, under- if not out armed and out armored, the best chance of the group would likely not lay in confronting the elite fists, but in driving them off long enough to get aboard the airship and to escape. For even if they defeated the Elite of an Elite, more guards were likely to come. For her Part Shinobu rises to her feet a bit unsteadily caught by surprise in the initial attack.
~~~Last Song~~~
Watching the room around her a few figures seem to be shuffling about. Holding small metallic objects that seemed to be gas canisters, even among the guard some seemed rather nervous about all of this... As the lights flickered it was fairly clear things were not going to plan, though a few guardsmen did leave the room... Well it was time to play a rather special song and solo at that... Then
encourage the next step of this play...then to get the hell out of here, fortunately she could fly away, maybe even draw a few of the fighters attention.. Well perhaps best not to do that, shuddering at the memory of being torn apart by Silvania's cannon had mad her lose a certain appeal for getting shot.
Getting rather tired of this charade it was only Military discipline that kept her in line for so long.
"Eheheheheh! I'm afraid I have just one final song for the evening, it's a rather rare piece I doubt your lot know, a special gift to her Majesty.. So please do not play with me..else I can't promise what I'll do to you." Allowing her eyes to turn back slowly to her natural red with cat like iris, the men and women of the Orchestra are frightened into complying, standing their ground. Maybe it was fear, or some of that damnable Vampire's magic at work..
"EHEHEHEHE! LADIES AND GENTLEMAN, SHALL I SHOW YOU HOW A PARTY SHOULD REALLY BE HELD!?" Climbing atop the piano, Sorina drops her inner long skirt, banishing two lances in her hands, snarling razor sharp fangs and letting piercing red eyes glow, her wings form sweeping down into the room crystalized red clatters. With a sudden and unexpected burst of speed, the Blood Devil plows right into a grouping of guardsman, bursting through the wooden doors into the hallway. As Daedalus shields the Empress and shouts commands to that effect, he quickly attempts dragging her from here as a squad of soldiers leaves in pursuit, helping up their balled over allies, as mass hysteria breaks throughout the ground. Some of the nobles including Lord Limington keeps their composer, but all in all it was a good distraction in and of it's self, which could allow whom she assumed were mysterious allies and actual allies to act.
Regardless now was the time to escape and get back to the ship, with all the havoc breaking loose in this district it was unlikely pursuit would go to far for just one target, more so if they assumed the Empress was in danger. And just maybe with the song Charlotte would have some idea of what she was up to and join in on the fun of leading these idiots on a chase.
