Parallel Convergence

[Ringmaster]

The first black key slashed the edges of the portal... and fell apart along the length of the cut, the metal clattering to the ground on the other side of the rift. Magic may have created the hole, but something... else was propping it open.

Ruby almost jumped out of her skin when Vash tried to comfort her, but before she could otherwise react the rumbling had appeared, and with a snarl she whipped Crescent Rose back out from its magnetic sheathe as the sniper scythe unfolded again. "We don't need to run! Whatever these things are, they're dangerous, a-and if we're gonna help ourselves and this world we shouldn't let any of them out of there! Wherever... there is" She said as she set her feet with a frustrated, still slightly teary-eyed glare at the opening.

The noise was growing louder, though whether it was dozens or hundreds of beings screeching and hissing in their minds was impossible to tell with how alien the noises were. Ruby didn't seem to care, her mind still reeling from confusion, fear, anger, and grief for a girl she barely knew that was hitting her as if she'd just lost a member of her team.

It was worth a shot at least and now he knew more about the portal then previously. He tossed the useless stub to the side, stepping back and out of the way to stand by Ruby's side as he produced his own weapons.

Glancing at Chell and sensing at least part of her desire, he spoke aloud.

"It is hungry. Do not think to go down its throat miss."

To Ruby, he breathed deeply and sought to show a confidence he did not entirely feel as he spoke.

"And we will not, though we must consider options. Those with the power to analyze and shut the portal must do so. The rest of us?"

He turned to the portal and smiled grimly as his eyes reflected Azula's flame.

"We must make them fear to come to this side of the portal."

This last was a request to all. They may not trust each other just yet.

But he knew they could fight together.

@Schnee Corp Lawyer @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @El Tigre! @Jeremi @Atomyk @Klutzy Ninja Kitty@ Krieg @CCC Kouhai @C.T. @Thuro The Assassin Potato @york @BarrenThin

 

[Chewy Rabbits]

That wasn't exactly the answer Vash had been hoping to hear. He tried to spare everyone or rather save everyone. So if Raimes wanted to try and fling Azula through the portal, he'd have to get through the humanoid typhoon to do so. Of course Vash didn't want to hurt him either even if he was intimidating and looked like he could benchpress ten Vashs without a problem. Still, it wasn't in his nature to act aggressive unless it was warranted and it really wasn't in this case, not as far as he could tell.

"I'm not saying people can't get on each other's nerves. That's just the way of life. But I like to think that in a situation like this where going our own separate ways might not be the wisest choice, I think we ought to avoid any of the ways that could quickly antagonize one and another. Getting flung through a portal just because someone annoyed you doesn't seem like the safest way to gain friends when there might be flesh-eating monsters and who knows what else on the otherside. Just my two double-dollars worth of an opinion however. Just thought I'd share it with ya."

As for Ruby's bold declaration, Vash couldn't help but see some sort of kindred spirit within the young huntress. Her eyes were still stained with the tears that had been dropped over the death of someone that she may have been close to. Perhaps not as she is now but another version of her. Like the version of Vash that wasn't constantly hounded down by bounty hunters who just wanted to get the sixty billion reward on his head or just to prevent him from destroying another settlement like he had with Augusta and July before that. But the sad truth of it was that despite the weight acts like those left on his shoulders, he could only remember bits and pieces.

Still something like the Angel Arm would have been useful for pushing the creatures lapping at that entryway for their next ounce of human flesh or otherwise. But every time Vash used it, it was against his own will and caused more destruction than it stopped. So he'd just have to contribute another way. Shifting his gun-arm back into place, he reached into the pocket of his jacket for some more rounds for his gun. Opening his gun's cylinder, he'd place in the new rounds before closing it as he nodded towards Lucifer.

While he certainly didn't want to be a monster on the other side of that portal when Azula used her flame, he had a feeling that wouldn't stop them for good. Which he supposed is where he fit into the plan. He'd just have to help keep these monsters at bay until a means was found to close the portal. Besides that, he conjured up fear just by existing. How hard would this be?


@Schnee Corp Lawyer @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @El Tigre! @Jeremi @Atomyk @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @Krieg @CCC Kouhai @C.T. @Thuro The Assassin Potato @york @BarrenThin​

 

[York]

The first black key slashed the edges of the portal... and fell apart along the length of the cut, the metal clattering to the ground on the other side of the rift. Magic may have created the hole, but something... else was propping it open.

Ruby almost jumped out of her skin when Vash tried to comfort her, but before she could otherwise react the rumbling had appeared, and with a snarl she whipped Crescent Rose back out from its magnetic sheathe as the sniper scythe unfolded again. "We don't need to run! Whatever these things are, they're dangerous, a-and if we're gonna help ourselves and this world we shouldn't let any of them out of there! Wherever... there is" She said as she set her feet with a frustrated, still slightly teary-eyed glare at the opening.

The noise was growing louder, though whether it was dozens or hundreds of beings screeching and hissing in their minds was impossible to tell with how alien the noises were. Ruby didn't seem to care, her mind still reeling from confusion, fear, anger, and grief for a girl she barely knew that was hitting her as if she'd just lost a member of her team.


@Schnee Corp Lawyer @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @El Tigre! @Jeremi @Atomyk @Klutzy Ninja Kitty@ Krieg @CCC Kouhai @C.T. @Thuro The Assassin Potato @york @BarrenThin

Chell (Canon)
@Schnee Corp Lawyer @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @El Tigre! @Jeremi @Atomyk @Klutzy Ninja Kitty@ Krieg @CCC Kouhai @C.T. @Thuro The Assassin Potato @BarrenThin

Chell carefully raised her portal gun looking towards the portal that was still open in front of her, she frowned a little as she realized her portal gun alone wouldn't do the trick, but... Maybe, she could find something capable of redirecting that purple laser? If only she could have had a thermal discouragement cube; things could have been so much easier! But, since she was no longer in testing chambers, she had to think fast, and with that in mind, she broke concentration from the portal for a moment to look for anything that could serve the purpose for what she was intending to do...​

 

[Indolent]

As inspiring the others' words were, more so with their actions, Barnes couldn't help but ponder. Was this really the appropriate course of action? First instinct then and there was a resounding negatory. He didn't think so. It didn't appear that anyone could effectively close the portal, which brought what he'd said earlier to mind immediately. They needed to make for their departure. Try as he might, convincing everyone individually would prove difficult. They were already seemingly dead set on the matter, for differing reasons, and time was against them.

He really shouldn't have stepped off to the side...

To that end, he'd have to go right to the source. The one that seemingly everyone looked to despite the circumstances. Despite the fact this individual was a young girl, a bonafide huntress in her own right who took charge. A nudge in the right direction...

A momentary approach and he'd be getting right to it. "I understand you want to avenge her death. It's admirable. But we won't survive if we don't leave now. They're coming and we've got nothing to close the portal. If what that... man said is true, then it all hinges on us. All's lost if we don't make it out of this alive." All this was articulated with Barnes's eyes trained on the portal, his soldier's guise stalwart meanwhile.

That was perhaps the single most he'd ever said in all the time he'd been here.

And the other guy hadn't interrupted. Perhaps his agenda just happened to coincide with Barnes's.

@Schnee Corp Lawyer @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @C.T. @Jeremi @Atomyk @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @Krieg @CCC Kouhai @Thuro The Assassin Potato @york @BarrenThin​

 

[Schnee Corp Lawyer]

As inspiring the others' words were, more so with their actions, Barnes couldn't help but ponder. Was this really the appropriate course of action? First instinct then and there was a resounding negatory. He didn't think so. It didn't appear that anyone could effectively close the portal, which brought what he'd said earlier to mind immediately. They needed to make for their departure. Try as he might, convincing everyone individually would prove difficult. They were already seemingly dead set on the matter, for differing reasons, and time was against them.

He really shouldn't have stepped off to the side...

To that end, he'd have to go right to the source. The one that seemingly everyone looked to despite the circumstances. Despite the fact this individual was a young girl, a bonafide huntress in her own right who took charge. A nudge in the right direction...

A momentary approach and he'd be getting right to it. "I understand you want to avenge her death. It's admirable. But we won't survive if we don't leave now. They're coming and we've got nothing to close the portal. If what that... man said is true, then it all hinges on us. All's lost if we don't make it out of this alive." All this was articulated with Barnes's eyes trained on the portal, his soldier's guise stalwart meanwhile.

That was perhaps the single most he'd ever said in all the time he'd been here.

And the other guy hadn't interrupted. Perhaps his agenda just happened to coincide with Barnes's.

@Schnee Corp Lawyer @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @C.T. @Jeremi @Atomyk @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @Krieg @CCC Kouhai @Thuro The Assassin Potato @york @BarrenThin​

Bonafide huntress she may have been, Ruby was still just sixteen years old and dealing with the first death of a friend(?) to happen right in front of her even given her profession-in-training. When most everyone else took stance to fight alongside her, it had been empowering, a sign her grief was pointing her in the right direction, but...

Her stance became decidedly less sure after Bucky's words, and she glanced around at the others as she bit her lip.

The portal paid no heed to her hesitation, and through the mist on the other side the mental screams and howls were getting louder, soon to be louder than even the party's own thoughts in their heads.

@Schnee Corp Lawyer @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @C.T. @Jeremi @Atomyk @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @CCC Kouhai @Thuro The Assassin Potato @york @BarrenThin

 

[C.T.]

"Go then! Run if you think your life isn't worth fighting for. I have no time or patience for cowards. Flee with your tail in between your legs like the common peasants you are, if you must. Flee as swift as you can. Pray to your gods that the things in our minds won't find you. I'm not backing down." She retorted through clenched teeth, incredibly incensed that the things on the other side not only didn't cease invading her head, they actually amplified their presence! The annoying howling buzzing in her mind, actually drowning out her own thoughts.

She scowled, glowering right at the portal. "I'm not going to leave. Not until I see these things. Not until I'm able to scorch their impudent faces off and see it happen. Not until I give them a real reason to be screaming." She stood resolute, her presence in the room seemingly much bigger than her actual rather diminutive size would indicate. Just steady breaths in and out as she composed herself, falling into the familiar forms of her training katas and counting down the moments. Even the incompetent General Zhao was able to kill spirits, even if that did cost him in the end. And she was leaps and bounds superior. She was not the least bit afraid.

Airbending was the element of speed and evasion, the tool for pacifistic cowards. Waterbending, the fluid and versatile style. The element of change, too weak and afraid to commit to a direct and unflinching philosophy. Earthbending, the personification of fortitude and strength. Better than the silly tribespeople of the water. The only real threat in the war. Still, they were inherently flawed. Earth was steady, unmoving and stubborn. To earthbend was to disrupt that steadiness and that made them inferior.

For the thousandth time, she was immeasurably grateful she was born a Firebender. Born in the element of pure raw power. The only one of the four that was capable of spontaneously generating their own element, out of intense force of will.

And just as grateful that she had the best teacher around. Her father--fiend--dad--drunkard--lord--leech. Ozai.

@Schnee Corp Lawyer @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @El Tigre! @Jeremi @Atomyk @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @CCC Kouhai @Thuro The Assassin Potato @york @BarrenThin
​

 

[York]

Bonafide huntress she may have been, Ruby was still just sixteen years old and dealing with the first death of a friend(?) to happen right in front of her even given her profession-in-training. When most everyone else took stance to fight alongside her, it had been empowering, a sign her grief was pointing her in the right direction, but...

Her stance became decidedly less sure after Bucky's words, and she glanced around at the others as she bit her lip.

The portal paid no heed to her hesitation, and through the mist on the other side the mental screams and howls were getting louder, soon to be louder than even the party's own thoughts in their heads.

@Schnee Corp Lawyer @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @C.T. @Jeremi @Atomyk @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @CCC Kouhai @Thuro The Assassin Potato @york @BarrenThin

Chell (Canon)
@Schnee Corp Lawyer @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @C.T. @Jeremi @Atomyk @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @CCC Kouhai @Thuro The Assassin Potato @BarrenThin

Chell studied the portal carefully, looking towards the younger looking girl not standing too far away from her, despite the skill she seemed to possess, even at such a young age; she was understandably unsure about standing around, waiting for whatever was coming out of the portal. With a few moments of thinking, she stood right next to Ruby without really saying anything, preparing to use her portal gun as a means of escape if need be; chances are, more of those creatures are coming through that place...​

 

[Chewy Rabbits]

Vash listened carefully to Bucky's words and then glanced over at Ruby. He knew the loss of someone close to you effected one deeply and made them do things they wouldn't have done otherwise. Like he had attacked Knives after he admitted to killing Rem and all the others on board the ship him and Vash were born on. Ruby seemed to want to try and do the same with the monsters coming through this portal and while Azula seemed more than eager to take on whatever beasties lurked through here, Vash wasn't so sure the same could be said for everyone else.

He had to make a decision and he had to make it fast. Take a stand along with everybody else and open fire on whatever nightmareish beasts crawled through the depths of that portal and sought to rip them all limb from limb? Or take Bucky's advice and flee?

From what he had seen of the brief battle with Ciri's killer, everyone here seemed capable enough in battle. But could the same be said if four of the same creature swarmed through? Or perhaps something even bigger and more powerful? What would they do then if another one of their number was killed? It could have been avoided if they had just taken the chance and ran.

Lowering his revolver Vash sighed. "He's right. For as much as we boast and stand shoulder to shoulder, whatever's beyond that portal sounds like it has friends and we'd only be wearing ourselves down if we were to beat back every single thing that ran through here. Which is why I'm of the opinion that we should.." Vash sought to quickly toss Ruby over his shoulder before she could react and turn towards Bucky with a frightened look on his face. Although just like many of Vash's goofball expressions it was simply another mask that he wore to hide his true intentions. He knew Ruby would probably be annoyed or at the very least surprised Vash had decided to pick her up like she was a sack of potatoes. But if they were leaving then Vash wasn't taking any chances. He was gonna make sure everyone made it out of here okay!

"RUN AWAY LIKE RIGHT FREAKING NOW!"

@Schnee Corp Lawyer @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @C.T. @Jeremi @Atomyk @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @CCC Kouhai @Thuro The Assassin Potato @BarrenThin @york​

 

[Schnee Corp Lawyer]

Vash listened carefully to Bucky's words and then glanced over at Ruby. He knew the loss of someone close to you effected one deeply and made them do things they wouldn't have done otherwise. Like he had attacked Knives after he admitted to killing Rem and all the others on board the ship him and Vash were born on. Ruby seemed to want to try and do the same with the monsters coming through this portal and while Azula seemed more than eager to take on whatever beasties lurked through here, Vash wasn't so sure the same could be said for everyone else.

He had to make a decision and he had to make it fast. Take a stand along with everybody else and open fire on whatever nightmareish beasts crawled through the depths of that portal and sought to rip them all limb from limb? Or take Bucky's advice and flee?

From what he had seen of the brief battle with Ciri's killer, everyone here seemed capable enough in battle. But could the same be said if four of the same creature swarmed through? Or perhaps something even bigger and more powerful? What would they do then if another one of their number was killed? It could have been avoided if they had just taken the chance and ran.

Lowering his revolver Vash sighed. "He's right. For as much as we boast and stand shoulder to shoulder, whatever's beyond that portal sounds like it has friends and we'd only be wearing ourselves down if we were to beat back every single thing that ran through here. Which is why I'm of the opinion that we should.." Vash sought to quickly toss Ruby over his shoulder before she could react and turn towards Bucky with a frightened look on his face. Although just like many of Vash's goofball expressions it was simply another mask that he wore to hide his true intentions. He knew Ruby would probably be annoyed or at the very least surprised Vash had decided to pick her up like she was a sack of potatoes. But if they were leaving then Vash wasn't taking any chances. He was gonna make sure everyone made it out of here okay!

"RUN AWAY LIKE RIGHT FREAKING NOW!"

@Schnee Corp Lawyer @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @C.T. @Jeremi @Atomyk @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @CCC Kouhai @Thuro The Assassin Potato @BarrenThin @york​

her face deepened into severely unsure, Crescent Rose lowered as she bit her lip and glanced over at Vash.

"But-"

Sudden huntress kidnapping. Ruby was honestly too flummoxed to react beyond a confused blink as she was tossed on the still relatively new (if also vaguely familiar) guy with the ridiculous arm and jacket "W-wait, but, everyone else is still, guys!"

For everyone still at the portal, the screeching was reaching its crescendo. Shadows could finally be made out in the mist, and their approach was rapid and unrelenting.

Those who were ready would be in their final moments to prepare.

Those who were fleeing would have scant seconds to make their escape

@Schnee Corp Lawyer @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @C.T. @Jeremi @Atomyk @Thuro The Assassin Potato @BarrenThin @york

 

[Indolent]

"Go then! Run if you think your life isn't worth fighting for. I have no time or patience for cowards. Flee with your tail in between your legs like the common peasants you are, if you must. Flee as swift as you can. Pray to your gods that the things in our minds won't find you. I'm not backing down." She retorted through clenched teeth, incredibly incensed that the things on the other side not only didn't cease invading her head, they actually amplified their presence! The annoying howling buzzing in her mind, actually drowning out her own thoughts.

She scowled, glowering right at the portal. "I'm not going to leave. Not until I see these things. Not until I'm able to scorch their impudent faces off and see it happen. Not until I give them a real reason to be screaming." She stood resolute, her presence in the room seemingly much bigger than her actual rather diminutive size would indicate. Just steady breaths in and out as she composed herself, falling into the familiar forms of her training katas and counting down the moments. Even the incompetent General Zhao was able to kill spirits, even if that did cost him in the end. And she was leaps and bounds superior. She was not the least bit afraid.

Airbending was the element of speed and evasion, the tool for pacifistic cowards. Waterbending, the fluid and versatile style. The element of change, too weak and afraid to commit to a direct and unflinching philosophy. Earthbending, the personification of fortitude and strength. Better than the silly tribespeople of the water. The only real threat in the war. Still, they were inherently flawed. Earth was steady, unmoving and stubborn. To earthbend was to disrupt that steadiness and that made them inferior.

For the thousandth time, she was immeasurably grateful she was born a Firebender. Born in the element of pure raw power. The only one of the four that was capable of spontaneously generating their own element, out of intense force of will.

And just as grateful that she had the best teacher around. Her father--fiend--dad--drunkard--lord--leech. Ozai.

@Schnee Corp Lawyer @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @El Tigre! @Jeremi @Atomyk @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @CCC Kouhai @Thuro The Assassin Potato @york @BarrenThin
​

Chell (Canon)
@Schnee Corp Lawyer @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @C.T. @Jeremi @Atomyk @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @CCC Kouhai @Thuro The Assassin Potato @BarrenThin

Chell studied the portal carefully, looking towards the younger looking girl not standing too far away from her, despite the skill she seemed to possess, even at such a young age; she was understandably unsure about standing around, waiting for whatever was coming out of the portal. With a few moments of thinking, she stood right next to Ruby without really saying anything, preparing to use her portal gun as a means of escape if need be; chances are, more of those creatures are coming through that place...​

A reverberating bang would erupt, the definitive source being Barnes. More specifically, the quite literal smoking underslung barrel that comprised the grenade launcher attachment for the Colt M4A1. The shrill shriek of the explosive projectile that escaped the barrel's maw would be snuffed almost immediately, as it entered into the portal. Presumably an explosion, muffled as it likely would be, could be heard in less than mere seconds.

"If you want to die like heroes, then fine. But this is the only opportunity to leave. Now. You've got a choice. I've probably just given you milliseconds more to make it."

This, a direct statement to the likes of Azula, Chell, Lucifer, and any other who deigned to remain behind. With a final steeled expression levied their direction.

Then he'd spontaneously render Azula unconscious with a direct blow to the temple. She would have a concussion, on par with a severe hang-over but at least she'd live. He couldn't let her do that, not the kindly soul who'd given him what was effectively alms for the poor.

Why did I do that?

Memories intertwined flooded in, as if on demand.

"You never leave a man behind, soldier!"

"There's nothing wrong with running to fight another day."

And scores more.

Immediately, he slung her sleeping form over his shoulder and just ran, to live and fight another day. So what if he'd have the ire of the Fire Nation's princess after all this was said and done? The Winter Soldier deemed it a worthy cause, the appropriate choice to make.

His words had reach someone at least, not just Ruby. The sandy-haired man, with the stupid easygoing look on his face. He'd done the right thing, scooping up the young huntress and making his escape. At the least, this would draw Yang Xiao Long after along with them, if her protective sisterly instincts kicked in the right direction there. Hopefully.

It was just now down to those who would be left behind to make the choice: whether to flee and live or die fighting. He hoped they'd follow, not just for the sakes of themselves. But for all.

"

​

 

[C.T.]

Cue a half grunt, half groan that sounded vaguely angry and disappointed somehow.​

 

[York]

her face deepened into severely unsure, Crescent Rose lowered as she bit her lip and glanced over at Vash.

"But-"

Sudden huntress kidnapping. Ruby was honestly too flummoxed to react beyond a confused blink as she was tossed on the still relatively new (if also vaguely familiar) guy with the ridiculous arm and jacket "W-wait, but, everyone else is still, guys!"

For everyone still at the portal, the screeching was reaching its crescendo. Shadows could finally be made out in the mist, and their approach was rapid and unrelenting.

Those who were ready would be in their final moments to prepare.

Those who were fleeing would have scant seconds to make their escape

@Schnee Corp Lawyer @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @C.T. @Jeremi @Atomyk @Thuro The Assassin Potato @BarrenThin @york

Chell (Canon)
@Schnee Corp Lawyer @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @C.T. @Jeremi @Atomyk @Thuro The Assassin Potato @BarrenThin @Schnee Corp Lawyer
Chell prepared to shoot two portals, looking to make sure she was able to put a portal directly on the floor in front of the portal, and on the ceiling above that area... If an imminent threat was heading through the portal, they would find themselves in a nasty trap, presuming that this plan would even work that is.​

 

[Schnee Corp Lawyer]

Not a second after the majority turned to run, the enemy came.

clawed tentacles suddenly wrapped around the edges of the rift from the other side, and with a sound like nails on chalkboard underwater pulled taut, and the portal began to expand, farther and farther, whatever was on the other side at least twice as big as the monster before-

and apparently moving to slow for another beast, as a huge hand suddenly gripped the portal from the other side as well, crushing the tentacles with a squelch as the tear in reality was torn completely asunder, filling half the massive chamber. With a gutteral growl, this trundled through;

and turned towards the group with its eyeless, soulless gaze just as they passed through the blast doors-

Wait.

Ruby was on Vash' shoulder, ditto for Azula, the others were following, but...Oh no.

Yang and Luvia had been clipped by the hand on its exit, and Ruby started to open her mouth to yell for her when one of the other three came crashing down, not even going for an attack, like crushing an ant as you walked.

An instant before the impact however, something... weird happened. The feeling was familiar. Like the time with the strange man that had just occured, only this time for almost everyone it was just a flicker. In that flicker, Yang and Luvia had just... vanished. Even stranger, what smatterings of memories others might have had of Yang and Luvia from whatever strange place their thoughts were crashing together with vanished as well, gone in an instant. They knew the blonde, gauntleted huntress and jewel throwing mage had been their a moment ago, but thoughts of the waitress and the wrestler were just... no more.

Perhaps just as strange, Ruby seemed the least surprise by this development, her face pensive for the briefest of seconds before she noticed that the creature was winding up its fist for a strike right at the doors and "RunrunrunRUN!"

and then she heaved, flipped over so that vash was across her shoulders, and bolted in a flurry of rose petals down the hall just as the fist slammed into the wall behind them with a thunderous crash.

----------------------

For a few minutes their trek was accompanied by the sound of the building shuddering its supports, metal groaning and bits of debris falling as they made their way through the metallic hall. Just about the time they reached the end of it the shaking finally stopped, and they found themselves before... an elevator. The stylized R from the ruined logo from before now in its full across the doors.

RKDC
​

Ruby, now seriously exhausted from carrying a grown man across her back for a few minutes, finally let him drop as she heaved for breath, hands on her knees as she stared at the elevator for a few seconds as her face scrunched up.

"....Seriously! Why do I keep seeing familiar stuff thats not actually familar? I mean, stuff that I havent' seen before but my brain totally uh... sees in its thoughts or.... uhm... something."

She started out very frustrated but just petered out to confused by the end of that micro-rant.

@york @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @C.T. @Thuro The Assassin Potato @BarrenThin @Schnee Corp Lawyer @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @El Tigre!​

 

[BarrenThin]

Not a second after the majority turned to run, the enemy came.

clawed tentacles suddenly wrapped around the edges of the rift from the other side, and with a sound like nails on chalkboard underwater pulled taut, and the portal began to expand, farther and farther, whatever was on the other side at least twice as big as the monster before-

and apparently moving to slow for another beast, as a huge hand suddenly gripped the portal from the other side as well, crushing the tentacles with a squelch as the tear in reality was torn completely asunder, filling half the massive chamber. With a gutteral growl, this trundled through;

and turned towards the group with its eyeless, soulless gaze just as they passed through the blast doors-

Wait.

Ruby was on Vash' shoulder, ditto for Azula, the others were following, but...Oh no.

Yang and Luvia had been clipped by the hand on its exit, and Ruby started to open her mouth to yell for her when one of the other three came crashing down, not even going for an attack, like crushing an ant as you walked.

An instant before the impact however, something... weird happened. The feeling was familiar. Like the time with the strange man that had just occured, only this time for almost everyone it was just a flicker. In that flicker, Yang and Luvia had just... vanished. Even stranger, what smatterings of memories others might have had of Yang and Luvia from whatever strange place their thoughts were crashing together with vanished as well, gone in an instant. They knew the blonde, gauntleted huntress and jewel throwing mage had been their a moment ago, but thoughts of the waitress and the wrestler were just... no more.

Perhaps just as strange, Ruby seemed the least surprise by this development, her face pensive for the briefest of seconds before she noticed that the creature was winding up its fist for a strike right at the doors and "RunrunrunRUN!"

and then she heaved, flipped over so that vash was across her shoulders, and bolted in a flurry of rose petals down the hall just as the fist slammed into the wall behind them with a thunderous crash.

----------------------

For a few minutes their trek was accompanied by the sound of the building shuddering its supports, metal groaning and bits of debris falling as they made their way through the metallic hall. Just about the time they reached the end of it the shaking finally stopped, and they found themselves before... an elevator. The stylized R from the ruined logo from before now in its full across the doors.

RKDC
​

Ruby, now seriously exhausted from carrying a grown man across her back for a few minutes, finally let him drop as she heaved for breath, hands on her knees as she stared at the elevator for a few seconds as her face scrunched up.

"....Seriously! Why do I keep seeing familiar stuff thats not actually familar? I mean, stuff that I havent' seen before but my brain totally uh... sees in its thoughts or.... uhm... something."

She started out very frustrated but just petered out to confused by the end of that micro-rant.

@york @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @C.T. @Thuro The Assassin Potato @BarrenThin @Schnee Corp Lawyer @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @El Tigre!​

Raime did his best to follow, but few places were designed with someone of his size in mind, so it was rather difficult. Peering at the logo, then at the child, he grunted in agreement. "You aren't alone in that, little one. I've noticed it, too." He crouched so people wouldn't have to look up so high just to see his head. "Where do we go from here? I... do not understand much of what is happening, or even what most of this place is."


@york @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @C.T. @Thuro The Assassin Potato @Schnee Corp Lawyer @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @El Tigre!​

 

[Schnee Corp Lawyer]

Raime did his best to follow, but few places were designed with someone of his size in mind, so it was rather difficult. Peering at the logo, then at the child, he grunted in agreement. "You aren't alone in that, little one. I've noticed it, too." He crouched so people wouldn't have to look up so high just to see his head. "Where do we go from here? I... do not understand much of what is happening, or even what most of this place is."


@york @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @C.T. @Thuro The Assassin Potato @Schnee Corp Lawyer @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @El Tigre!​

The halls were surprisingly , large, as if much of the machinery from the other room had been carried into it.

It was going to be an admittedly cramped fit if they all rode that elevator together though :|

 

[Chewy Rabbits]

"RUN LEGS RUN! RUN LIKE YOU'VE NEVER RUN A DAY IN YOUR LIFE!" Vash screamed like a little girl as he ran as fast as he possibly could while *ahem* trying to carry all this dead weight, *cough* Ruby.(:|) The sound of what he hoped were the beasties making their way through the rift unnerved Vash quite a bit. Most of his enemies were monsters in the form of humans. But he'd never think he'd actually see a true monster and he had no real desire not to change that. Especially not with the sixteen year old huntress over his shoulder.

Glancing over his shoulder to see how the others had been doing, his eyes widened at the sight of Yang and Luvia being too far behind and getting struck under one of the monster's enormous hands. Feeling partially responsible for not having tried to carry more people, he tried not to think too much about it.

"Don't worry, Ruby! We're almost there! We-Whoa!" Vash was taken off guard by Ruby taking the initiative and putting him on her shoulders as they were moving at a much quicker pace. Which was all Vash had really wanted so he didn't mind too much. He wished Ruby had given him some kinda heads-up though! This was gonna make him sick! As Ruby finally settled down into a nice walking pace, Vash saw no better time to compliment her on her performance. "You were great out there, Ruby! You saved my life-Hey!" He'd whine as he was unceremoniously dumped onto the ground.

Brushing himself off, Vash gave off a hurt sniff before he looked around at those assembled. Balling up his right hand into a fist, tears quickly began to stream down the outlaw's face.

"I've-*sniff*-never been so happy-*sniff*-to see so many people unharmed. I kinda-sorta know you guys! But it's the thought that counts and keeps us helping each other out and making sure we all come out of whatever this is in one piece! I couldn't ask for better people to be stuck with!" The tears did seem genuine as did Vash's attitude but his eyes widened as he glanced upon the elevator. It looked like it hadn't been used in some time if the condition of it's outside exterior was anything to go by.

Rising to his feet and rolling up his sleeves, Vash sought to grip onto the elevator doors as he sought to try and pry them open. He really didn't want to be stuck in an elevator with someone as big as Raimes because hello awkwardly cramped city. He just had to climb the rope that all elevators had to get higher up! That seemed like it'd be a lot easier on them all, Raimes included if they went that route instead. That was of course if Vash could even pry this door open which might have proved to be a more difficult task than anticipated as Vash's face was red as his jacket as he tried his best to pry the doors open. Completely missing the bring the elevator down to the ground floor option if there was one. Because why go the easy route when you can go the harder route and ignore the obvious?

"WHY WON'T THESE STUPID DOORS OPEN?!"

​

 

[Ringmaster]

In the end, he followed them. Pity he didn't think to jury rig the doors to cut off the creature, but massive as it was? It just meant it'd have forced its way out eventually. Which all came back to the mystery of....Whatever this was. He knew that girl, that friendly blonde waitress. Just as much as he knew Azula and Bucky in that strange, almost dream-like world. A life that was their own, away from everything he knew himself to be.

He was Lucifer the Executor and Lucifer the Cop. He had come to strange terms with it all, and yet... There was too much going on that would be giving the Damphir trouble as the others worked the elevator or looked around. Alright then- So he would do his duty and attempt to give a face to the trouble they all knew.

One, whatever strange power brought them here, it was on a scale comparable with Fae Queens and Gods. Ciri, poor thing was a prime example, with power to tear holes in between worlds yet captured like the rest of them. The facility itself screamed resources to burn, yet save for the bodies in the control room the place was entirely abandoned. He highly doubted it was an attempt to lull them into complacency which bereft of that path, meant that whatever event had happened to make them abandon their multi-billion facility happened long before they woke up.

Find out what happened, you find out whats going on.

And then there was the curious case of their mysterious guest, who Lucifer dubbed "The Trickster" in his mind. Someone who spoke riddles, seeking to push them to a certain path and for what reason- To save a world? Rule it? Regardless, it was enough for Lucifer to start contemplating the problem and while he currently had no idea what was going on? He vowed it wouldn't remain that way. Of course, now was the time to contemplate more.... immediate problems. Ones that weren't going to go away, anytime soon if things kept up and while he could last out for now, soon enough he was going to have to come clean with his group.

Or leave them, to prevent danger to their persons.

So first, now was the time to consider....Who to talk to?

The soldier- Perhaps his tactical mind might be able to help him in his thoughts?

The knight- Was magic critical in all this?

The princess- They knew each other, in the other life. Maybe a key was there?

The silent woman- He had no idea who she was.

Or the fool and the huntress- Both seemed like good people, the latter especially tugging his heartstrings as a priest.

There were others, but these were first and foremost in his mind.

Finally he sighed out, his choice made.

And he approached wherever Azula was resting, using his training in field medical work to examine her head as gentle as possible if she'd let him and as gentle as possible if she was sleeping off the hit from Bucky.

Aloud he spoke.

"Why did that happen? When a piece is removed in this world, does the same happen in the next?"

@york @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @C.T. @Thuro The Assassin Potato @BarrenThin @Schnee Corp Lawyer @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @El Tigre!

 

[C.T.]

She hadn't even seen that blow coming. Her, normally such a good reader of people. Their inner workings, motivations...all of it. Admittedly, that was made more difficult when she was thrown off her game by memories of a life she had never lived. And the others likewise, throwing their actions into the realm of unpredictability. Her mental mindscape was fragmented, twisted. The air itself seemed hazy, though there was no felt temperature. No warmth or cold. Just dark, save the pale blue light glowing all around. With no source, seemingly.

"Where am I?" She exclaimed.

WHERE

WHERE

WHERE

Her voice echoed on and on, drifting on down the length of this void. A vague sense of discomfort crawled down her spine and she channeled it into annoyance, letting it show on her face as she scowled. Another trick? Something else? Point of fact, she felt that she was forgetting something crucial.

"Where, indeed?" Another voice called out and she snapped her head to the direction. Out of the darkness stepped a familiar man.

"...Father." She said, thrusting a fist into her open palm and bowing, as was the custom.

"...Yes." He stated, slow and calm. His piercing gaze seemed to stare right into her soul and she felt her composure was barely skin deep after all that stuff that had happened. Or was still happening, she supposed. Out there with what was happening by the portal...and then no recollection after. Save of pain. "Azula. Do I detect a twinge of hate in your voice?"

The question caught her off guard and snapped her back to reality. "What do you mean, Father?"

"Did I stutter?"

"No."

"Speak a different language?"

"No."

"Then answer the question."

"No, Father. You were mistaken."

"Hmph." He said noncommittally. "You wouldn't lie to me, would you, daughter?"

"What makes you say that?"

"I can see it in your eyes." He barked, bluntly.

"...What if I said yes, I was lying?"

"I'd demand an explanation forthwith."

"Because...it's what I do best. You taught me well."

He frowned, raising a hand and smacking her across the face. "Insolent child! You will explain!"

She stumbled back before righting back up and placing a lid on her boiling anger, stuffing it down before the surface. "Because, Father." The venomous tone was unmistakable now. "I'm having trouble reconciling who you are right now."

"What drivel are you talking about?!" He growled, leaning in dangerously close.

"THIS!" She yelled, blue fire flaring up into what passed for the sky here. When it ceased and drifted off, the surroundings had shifted, twisted once more. Replaced with distinct memories on either side. On the left, the memory of that day in the Agni Kai arena. Her brother, Zuko, speaking out of turn in favor of sparing green recruits like an idiot. Letting emotion clouding his judgement. Facing her father in single combat and he just sniveled and fell to his knees, the worst possible choice he could have done. Father respected strength above all else. If you were going to voice a contrary opinion in his court, at least have the guts to stand and fight for what you believe in! Still...she couldn't help but smile, eagerly awaiting the inevitable result.

On the other was the same brother, diving at her father as the man reached out for her mother. A few punches thrown before she was pushed back and smacked to the ground with the bottle of beer shattering on impact. A quick grab of Zuko by the collar and throwing him into the fireplace and...she and her mom could only cower in the corner as Zuko screamed, louder and longer than she had ever imagined possible. All for standing up for someone not strong enough to defend herself.

"I don't know what's right or wrong with you anymore."

"The strong are always right."

"Where is the strength in beating down a child much smaller than you? One who despite the size difference, despite the bottle and despite his fear, dove at you regardless because he wanted to save someone. That seems stronger."

"Azula. Do not let this weak-minded drivel affect you! You are stronger than this! You know my lessons: There is no right or wrong apart from what you decide. Who you choose to defend deserves to be defended simply because you chose them. You are the Fire Lord. What you choose, by definition, is right."

"Correct. In a way. I'm not Fire Lord."

"Not yet. But there is no other heir worthy."

"Don't be foolish. You can't give me that title. You're not the Fire Lord either. You're just a..." Projection? Hallucination? "...Annoyance."

"Azula. There is no one more real than I."

"If your tongue utters a single more lie, I will sear it into ash."

"AZULA!"

"BE GONE!"

She yelled, waving a hand across and the whole area exploding with cascading blue fire.

And then she awoke, snapping back to the real world from the dream. Sights and sounds drifted past at astounding speed, only able to catch glimpses before they were too far gone. Or perhaps she was moving too fast. A blonde waitress before that was torn away. A cop. A cashier. Her fuddy duddy uncle. Her first firebending mentor, Shen. Lo and Li. Dozens of generals. When she finally opened her eyes, she realized she was currently draped across someone's shoulders. With somebody else leaning in far too close and examining her face. With a low threateningly cold voice and narrowed eyes, she questioned:

"What do you think you're doing?"

@Schnee Corp Lawyer @york @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @Thuro The Assassin Potato @BarrenThin @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @El Tigre!​

 

[York]

Not a second after the majority turned to run, the enemy came.

clawed tentacles suddenly wrapped around the edges of the rift from the other side, and with a sound like nails on chalkboard underwater pulled taut, and the portal began to expand, farther and farther, whatever was on the other side at least twice as big as the monster before-

and apparently moving to slow for another beast, as a huge hand suddenly gripped the portal from the other side as well, crushing the tentacles with a squelch as the tear in reality was torn completely asunder, filling half the massive chamber. With a gutteral growl, this trundled through;

and turned towards the group with its eyeless, soulless gaze just as they passed through the blast doors-

Wait.

Ruby was on Vash' shoulder, ditto for Azula, the others were following, but...Oh no.

Yang and Luvia had been clipped by the hand on its exit, and Ruby started to open her mouth to yell for her when one of the other three came crashing down, not even going for an attack, like crushing an ant as you walked.

An instant before the impact however, something... weird happened. The feeling was familiar. Like the time with the strange man that had just occured, only this time for almost everyone it was just a flicker. In that flicker, Yang and Luvia had just... vanished. Even stranger, what smatterings of memories others might have had of Yang and Luvia from whatever strange place their thoughts were crashing together with vanished as well, gone in an instant. They knew the blonde, gauntleted huntress and jewel throwing mage had been their a moment ago, but thoughts of the waitress and the wrestler were just... no more.

Perhaps just as strange, Ruby seemed the least surprise by this development, her face pensive for the briefest of seconds before she noticed that the creature was winding up its fist for a strike right at the doors and "RunrunrunRUN!"

and then she heaved, flipped over so that vash was across her shoulders, and bolted in a flurry of rose petals down the hall just as the fist slammed into the wall behind them with a thunderous crash.

----------------------

For a few minutes their trek was accompanied by the sound of the building shuddering its supports, metal groaning and bits of debris falling as they made their way through the metallic hall. Just about the time they reached the end of it the shaking finally stopped, and they found themselves before... an elevator. The stylized R from the ruined logo from before now in its full across the doors.

RKDC
​

Ruby, now seriously exhausted from carrying a grown man across her back for a few minutes, finally let him drop as she heaved for breath, hands on her knees as she stared at the elevator for a few seconds as her face scrunched up.

"....Seriously! Why do I keep seeing familiar stuff thats not actually familar? I mean, stuff that I havent' seen before but my brain totally uh... sees in its thoughts or.... uhm... something."

She started out very frustrated but just petered out to confused by the end of that micro-rant.

@york @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @C.T. @Thuro The Assassin Potato @BarrenThin @Schnee Corp Lawyer @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @El Tigre!​

Chell (Canon)
@OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @C.T. @Thuro The Assassin Potato @BarrenThin @Schnee Corp Lawyer @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @El Tigre!
Chell turned to do the same, using her portals to make a quick escape route for them as she ran with all her might, attempting to slow the creature down by trying to send it into a "portal loop" of sorts, placing two portals above each other as their persuer drew close. Eventually, as they reached the end of the hall, she rubbed her forehead a little, a distant memory nagged at the back of her mind, she had seen it before, but, yet, she'd never been here, nor remembered ever seeing a logo like this. She opened her mouth to say something, but, closed it after a while, having nothing to really say about the whole thing, though, it was almost as if she had forgotten about to speak or something, which is a strange thing indeed.​

 

[Ringmaster]

And then she awoke, snapping back to the real world from the dream. Sights and sounds drifted past at astounding speed, only able to catch glimpses before they were too far gone. Or perhaps she was moving too fast. A blonde waitress before that was torn away. A cop. A cashier. Her fuddy duddy uncle. Her first firebending mentor, Shen. Lo and Li. Dozens of generals. When she finally opened her eyes, she realized she was currently draped across someone's shoulders. With somebody else leaning in far too close and examining her face. With a low threateningly cold voice and narrowed eyes, she questioned:

"What do you think you're doing?"

@Schnee Corp Lawyer @york @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @Thuro The Assassin Potato @BarrenThin @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @El Tigre!​

What indeed? His equipment were all weapons, unfortunately. The fact he lacked his usual emergency tools told volumes of when he might have been taken. There was an alternate method, but he was not about to inflict it on an underage girl either, save in the most dire situation. Honestly? He finally spoke.

"Just making sure you're alright your highness. Or are you my friend I see every day in your tea shop?"

To Bucky, he turned his head and said quietly.

"Thank you for caring for her. At some point, I would be grateful for your council."

Back to Azula, he spoke. "I know there's a connection between us three here....We've seen it in that other life. Here? I don't know you....Or you." He added, looking at Bucky before taking a deep breath as he kept his fingers gentle in examining Azula's skull before retreating.

"Nevertheless, I find I care what happens to you- To everyone here. You two perhaps a bit more so for what we have."


@york @OrlandoBloomers @TheSpringwoodSlasher @C.T. @Thuro The Assassin Potato @BarrenThin @Schnee Corp Lawyer @Klutzy Ninja Kitty @El Tigre!