Parallel Convergence

[C.T.]

Raime was taken aback. "Where'd that voice come from!? And that damned music! Someone find the musician, and shut them up!" Raime growled as he appeared to find the tune quite obnoxious. After a moment, the Knight shifted. "Security team... Bah! I bet they're the ones that are holding us here! I'll kill them myself, if they are!"


@york @Schnee Corp Lawyer @Saint Guillotine @TheSpringwoodSlasher @El Tigre!


​

"You'll have to get in line. Although...it would be welcome to see other humans(other than us) instead of the wild and crazy beasts we keep having the misfortune of running into."​

 

[BarrenThin]

"You'll have to get in line. Although...it would be welcome to see other humans(other than us) instead of the wild and crazy beasts we keep having the misfortune of running into."​

Raime made a strange rumbling sound that may have been a grunt. "I suppose. Be at the ready, though. Strange technology means strange weapons."


@york @Schnee Corp Lawyer @Saint Guillotine @TheSpringwoodSlasher @El Tigre!


​

 

[York]

Ruby blinked at the 'bold' declaration, staring from where her head was poking out from the hatch.

This guy... kinda seemed like...

....A super cool hero just like in one of her books!-wait she was supposedtobeholdingonwiththosehands-


*THUD* "...ow".

Once everyone had gotten situated in the elevator, there was a multitude of buttons, dozens, almost a hundred floors seemingly, an impossible mess to sort out-

"Warning. Unauthorized personnel detected on freight elevator 3."

The doors slammed shut, and the pulleys and gears suddenly whirred to life

"You will be returned the the ground floor, where a security team will escort you to safety and you will be held and questioned. Please do not resist. Thank you."

The elevator jolted and started going... up. Which meant they at least knew one thing; if ground was up, then they were underground.

A light, breezy, and boring tune breezed through the speakers as they rode.

"...ok thats annoying SOOOOO... maybe this security team can tell us whats going on?" Ruby asked hopefully, poking her head over the hatch so both those in and on top of the elevator could hear her.

@C.T. @york @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Thuro The Assassin Potato @BarrenThin @Saint Guillotine @El Tigre!​

Chell (Canon)
@C.T. @Schnee Corp Lawyer @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Thuro The Assassin Potato @BarrenThin @Saint Guillotine @El Tigre!

Chell blinked, a worried expression crossing her face, her last few encounters with "security teams" weren't exactly very fun; mostly because they were there to hinder her progress, and often times, just straight up kill her... Though, maybe the occupants this time are different here? Though, it was uncertain if anyone was still even alive after the little "incident" that had occurred in that room they all spontaneously landed in...​

 

[Chewy Rabbits]

Ruby blinked at the 'bold' declaration, staring from where her head was poking out from the hatch.

This guy... kinda seemed like...

....A super cool hero just like in one of her books!-wait she was supposedtobeholdingonwiththosehands-


*THUD* "...ow".

Once everyone had gotten situated in the elevator, there was a multitude of buttons, dozens, almost a hundred floors seemingly, an impossible mess to sort out-

"Warning. Unauthorized personnel detected on freight elevator 3."

The doors slammed shut, and the pulleys and gears suddenly whirred to life

"You will be returned the the ground floor, where a security team will escort you to safety and you will be held and questioned. Please do not resist. Thank you."

The elevator jolted and started going... up. Which meant they at least knew one thing; if ground was up, then they were underground.

A light, breezy, and boring tune breezed through the speakers as they rode.

"...ok thats annoying SOOOOO... maybe this security team can tell us whats going on?" Ruby asked hopefully, poking her head over the hatch so both those in and on top of the elevator could hear her.

@C.T. @york @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Thuro The Assassin Potato @BarrenThin @Saint Guillotine @El Tigre!​

Vash smirked at Ruby's smile as it continued to grow. With most people back home he was seen as either an annoying idiot who didn't really know whether he was staying or going. Or one of the nicest people you ever met. At least until they figured out he was none other than the Humanoid Typhoon, Vash the Stampede. The children also got a big kick out of him. By literally kicking and punching at him as Vash let himself be used as a punching bag for the amusement of the devious little creatures.

He did hope that if Ruby picked up anything from him, it'd be his quest to fill the world with LOVE AND PEACE! Which was quite frankly disrupted as Raimes asked the question that turned Vash pale white and caused him to slump against the elevator wall as he muttered in a weak and defeated tone.

"H-How can you not know what donuts are? They're the king of confectionery treats. Filled with custard, littered with sprinkles and frosting, you've never truly lived until you had a donut! To hear that someone's never heard of them just..It just...Breaks my heart! But I promise you Raimes! I'll find you the best donuts! No matter the cost, no matter the time! You will taste their circley joy! So is the word of Vash the Stampede!"

Before Vash could go any further on his tirade about how important donuts were to keeping one's spirit up, the elevator's music picked up and Vash was absolutely livid.

"This is my kinda song!"

In fact the music was so nice that Vash didn't even hear anything about the security team until Ruby brought it up. Pushing up his glasses, he'd glance around those currently gathered within the elevator and those sitting on the top of it.

"Oh. Well, we don't have to actually kill these guys! They could just be average joes who don't have a clue about what's happened here! I don't know about you but I think we can have a nice civil chat! Minus the whole killing and maiming thing. Because that's kinda bad. So if we can avoid that, that'd be great!"

Having the slightest fear that Raimes and Azula weren't gonna be too keen on heeding his words, Vash thought up a plan of how to handle this so nobody got hurt on either side. As for Ruby, Vash turned towards her and winked while shooting another 'LOVE AND PEACE!' sign her way to show her that while Raimes/Azula were keen on some death/revenge, Vash was gonna take the high road and make sure everybody got out of this in one piece.

Of course this was all easier said than done.

@york @Schnee Corp Lawyer @Saint Guillotine @El Tigre! @BarrenThin​

 

[BarrenThin]

Vash smirked at Ruby's smile as it continued to grow. With most people back home he was seen as either an annoying idiot who didn't really know whether he was staying or going. Or one of the nicest people you ever met. At least until they figured out he was none other than the Humanoid Typhoon, Vash the Stampede. The children also got a big kick out of him. By literally kicking and punching at him as Vash let himself be used as a punching bag for the amusement of the devious little creatures.

He did hope that if Ruby picked up anything from him, it'd be his quest to fill the world with LOVE AND PEACE! Which was quite frankly disrupted as Raimes asked the question that turned Vash pale white and caused him to slump against the elevator wall as he muttered in a weak and defeated tone.

"H-How can you not know what donuts are? They're the king of confectionery treats. Filled with custard, littered with sprinkles and frosting, you've never truly lived until you had a donut! To hear that someone's never heard of them just..It just...Breaks my heart! But I promise you Raimes! I'll find you the best donuts! No matter the cost, no matter the time! You will taste their circley joy! So is the word of Vash the Stampede!"

Before Vash could go any further on his tirade about how important donuts were to keeping one's spirit up, the elevator's music picked up and Vash was absolutely livid.

"This is my kinda song!"

In fact the music was so nice that Vash didn't even hear anything about the security team until Ruby brought it up. Pushing up his glasses, he'd glance around those currently gathered within the elevator and those sitting on the top of it.

"Oh. Well, we don't have to actually kill these guys! They could just be average joes who don't have a clue about what's happened here! I don't know about you but I think we can have a nice civil chat! Minus the whole killing and maiming thing. Because that's kinda bad. So if we can avoid that, that'd be great!"

Having the slightest fear that Raimes and Azula weren't gonna be too keen on heeding his words, Vash thought up a plan of how to handle this so nobody got hurt on either side. As for Ruby, Vash turned towards her and winked while shooting another 'LOVE AND PEACE!' sign her way to show her that while Raimes/Azula were keen on some death/revenge, Vash was gonna take the high road and make sure everybody got out of this in one piece.

Of course this was all easier said than done.

@york @Schnee Corp Lawyer @Saint Guillotine @El Tigre! @BarrenThin​

The Knight's glower swung to the bounty hunter. "Perhaps I'll try this fabled donut, if it's as good as you claim. And my name is Raime. Not Raimes. Childish nicknames have no place here." He shifted at Vash's reasoning and gave it true thought. If these people weren't cursed... killing them would really kill them. In truth, Raime didn't want that on his conscience, if it could be avoided. Still, he blustered to hide this. "I'll kill them whether you object to it or not, knave, should it come to that. Do not think yourself in any position of good will with me just because I haven't killed you yet."

@york @Schnee Corp Lawyer @Saint Guillotine @TheSpringwoodSlasher @El Tigre!​

 

[Schnee Corp Lawyer]

"You'll have to get in line. Although...it would be welcome to see other humans(other than us) instead of the wild and crazy beasts we keep having the misfortune of running into."​

"You guys don't know what those were either? I mean, I'm going a whole school dedicated to hunting and they're... not like any grimm I've ever seen. Though they have kinda similar mask thingies and..." She trailed off, staring off into space as her mind wandered.

and they were definitely bloodthirsty as grimm

Now that they weren't trapped in a room with a doom laser or running for their lives from some beast a couple stories tall, Ruby had a few seconds to just think. To contemplate what the heck was going on, what had happened to her, her sister, and the others, and... Ciri.

Ruby wasn't necessarily a stranger to death. One death had shaped her whole path for life, given Ruby her own personal dreams for life and nightmares in the night all wrapped into one. but to see it up close like that... The girl- no, Ciri, no matter how confusing it was, some part of her had memories of the girl, and happy ones at that. Ciri hadn't even had time to scream. No heroic defiance, no cries of despair or smile of content as she moved to the next life just... shock. And that was it.

Just gone.

That was nothing like her books or comics or movies or anything. Did she even realize she was dying? Did she realize that she never stood a chance?

...Was that what it was like when mom died? None of the thunder or fight or tears her dreams and nightmares of how that night might have played out always portrayed, but just a stray strike that had her staring in lifeless surprise at the nothingness?

Ruby pushed herself back from the hatch and leaned against the chassis for one of the pulleys, eyes downcast as she drew her knees up to her chest and waited out the rest of the ride in silence

Except for a small groan of annoyance as the song seemed to never have an end

 

[BarrenThin]

"You guys don't know what those were either? I mean, I'm going a whole school dedicated to hunting and there... not like any grimm I've ever seen. Though they have kinda similar mask thingies and..." She trailed off, staring off into space as her mind wandered.

and they were definitely bloodthirsty as grimm

Now that they weren't trapped in a room with a doom laser or running for their lives from some beast a couple stories tall, Ruby had a few seconds to just think. To contemplate what the heck was going on, what had happened to her, her sister, and the others, and... Ciri.

Ruby wasn't necessarily a stranger to death. One death had shaped her whole path for life, given Ruby her own personal dreams for life and nightmares in the night all wrapped into one. but to see it up close like that... The girl- no, Ciri, no matter how confusing it was, some part of her had memories of the girl, and happy ones at that. Ciri hadn't even had time to scream. No heroic defiance, no cries of despair or smile of content as she moved to the next life just... shock. And that was it.

Just gone.

That was nothing like her books or comics or movies or anything. Did she even realize she was dying? Did she realize that she never stood a chance?

...Was that what it was like when mom died? None of the thunder or fight or tears her dreams and nightmares of how that night might have played out always portrayed, but just a stray strike that had her staring in lifeless surprise at the nothingness?

Ruby pushed herself back from the hatch and leaned against the chassis for one of the pulleys, eyes downcast as she drew her knees up to her chest and waited out the rest of the ride in silence

Except for a small groan of annoyance as the song seemed to never have an end

Raime looked up after a moment. The Knight briefly watched the girl. After a moment, he spoke. "That woman... She was your friend?" His tone was a bit less harsh, though still overly loud. It seemed that was just how he talked. "... If so, I'm... Sorry, little one." Almost everyone Raime had faced was either a monster or Cursed. Monsters warranted no guilt, and people with the Curse didn't stay dead. The idea of true death was almost horrifying for the Fume Knight. Though, granted, if you asked someone with the Curse, they'd probably prefer to stay dead. "At least her passing was quick, and her death avenged."

After that brief show of possible empathy, he tried to thump Vash with a giant finger for dancing like an idiot. Not too hard, but enough to discourage the action, should he succeed.

Oh, well.

@york @Schnee Corp Lawyer @Saint Guillotine @TheSpringwoodSlasher @El Tigre!​

 

[Orangewasp]

"You. did. WHAT?!" She snarled, lunging up in anger. "A hobo peasant dared to lay a hand on me? I--" She quieted down, really thinking about that. Father had always preached about them being the strongest and rightfully so. Royals by flesh and blood, born with the divine right to rule. And all the skill and training that befit royalty. All of that...and it came down to a hobo knocking her out. With one blow. A freaking hobo.

...Perhaps another thing to consider Father being wrong about. If a simple hobo almost entirely unknown to her could just finish her off with one move. But right now there were more pressing concerns. "...Yes. By Agni, my head." Now that she was no longer raging and adrenaline pumping, her head was throbbing more than a bullmoose.

She staggered over to the wall adjacent to the elevator, just waiting and breathing in and out steadily.

@Schnee Corp Lawyer @El Tigre! @TheSpringwoodSlasher​

He glanced over from his seated position, eyes furrowing briefly. He'd expected an outright thrashing from a personality like he. Maybe he'd misjudged the princess and her fiery personality. Still though, her tongue was sharp as ever. His was an apologetic expression, sighing briefly.

"If it means anything... I'm sorry I knocked you out."

An apology from the battle-hardened warrior. Strange happenings in stranger times were transpiring on more a frequent note it seemed. And one of these moments was happening right now, this very moment, culminating in the form of...​

"I SWEAR THAT I'M GONNA GET THIS DOOR OPEN IF IT'S THE LAST THING I DO!" Vash shrieked as he tried his best to simply rip the door open. Only to pause and glance over at Ruby pressing the button with a smirk on his face as he suddenly rolled down his sleeves and let out a hearty chuckle.

"Brilliant work, Ruby! My efforts worked out after all! You'd see me pulling at the doors in vain and then you'd find out the true source of getting in! I expected nothing less of someone as capable as yourself! But now enough standing around, I'll get to looking to see how we can get past having to squeeze together in this elevator like some big uncomfortable family." Vash said as he was about to make his way inside the elevator once the button had been pressed. From there he could get to work on seeing if all of them couldn't just climb the ropes that hoisted the elevator. Only to pause and frown at Azula's choice words directed towards Bucky.

"Hey! I'll have you know being a hobo is a perfectly respectable life style choice! That and weeell maybe you needed that bump to the head? You don't seem like the nicest person to get along with. But I'm sure that'll change! Because deep down everyone's got that nice person waiting to just leap out!"
​

Aha! Perhaps this was a chance to go and actually try to bond with the big scary knight. Strolling over, Vash gestured to the elevator. "Well, you see Raimes? This elevator is what'll help take us up to the higher floors. The only problem is that these doors look like they haven't been used in quite some time. These things gotta have maintenance, ya know? Which is where I come in.. I'm sure you're a swell guy and all but all of us and you in this elevator might get a bit spacey. So what I was thinking is that there has to be coils/ropes that hold the elevator up right? If we can break through the top of the ceiling, we can just climb those ropes to get to where we need to go! All without the added risk of us being cramped together! Sounds like a win-win to me!"

@BarrenThin @Schnee Corp Lawyer @C.T.​

...This imbecile. He just simply stared at the sandy haired man, acting the fool. Though Barnes did chuckle when Ruby elucidated him on how to operate an elevator, through the mere use of a button. Wasn't it hardwired in people to press buttons anyway? Speaking of hardwired, he reached over to the point where metal melded with flesh, massaging it briefly. It'd healed long ago but on occasion it hurt with the movement.

Though it was nothing in comparison to the phantom pain associated with his left arm long since lost. Heil Hydra indeed.

Meanwhile the attention to his bionic limb, he caught the mention of the hobo lifestyle, eyes flickering back to Vash momentarily. He couldn't tell if the man was serious... but if he'd meant it, perhaps he wasn't altogether a foolish character. Maybe it merited some appreciation.

Only one problem: The Winter Soldier had no recollection of being a hobo whatsoever. Other than these pesky memories that came and went.

Blurry images of a city, in a section of dilapidated buildings, flurried in his mind on occasion, with unfamiliar faces. Passerbys on the streets, officers of the law, and more. He knew a few people though, and they were with him. They knew him too.

Argh, too confusing. Barnes rested his head upon his overlapping arms set atop his knees, breathing shortly for a moment. A breather here and there to recollect himself and he'd be fine. A soldier's psyche wasn't so easily fragmented.

Wasn't it? ​

She stared for a few seconds.

"...You planned for that???"


Whoa. Between that, the robot arm (which she had about three million questions about when they weren't stuck in a mysterious facility that had giant monsters that had almost crushed her sister and tore another girl to shreds right before her eyes) and the slightly stereotypical but definitely badass and mysterious coat he was wearing... this guy seemed... dangerous. But in the cool mystery hero sense instead of the 'stick a fork in a toaster to try and create a high velocity fork taser (which totally would have worked if Yang hadn't of told dad >_>)' sense.

*Ding!*

With an oddly cheery ring the huge doors slid open and Ruby stepped inside and looked around. It was spacious, but spacious in the sense that about half of them could fit inside if Raime was going to ride. She frowned and glanced up, and immediately replaced that frown with a grin as she flicked Crescent Rose out of its holster to let it unfold with its signature *clicker-CLACK*. A quick hop and twist and metal cleaved through metal, and a hatch door fell to the elevator floor.

"Bingo, maintenance hatch!" Just like in Mission Unpossible 5; Unpossible Harder. She glanced back towards the group for a quick headcount before she jumped up into the hatch, disappearing for a few seconds before her head poked back down upside down. "Ok! This thing is super strong looking, definitely has enough power to carry us all. So! Some of us can ride up here, and whoever can't jump this high or doesn't want to can squeeze in here with Raime! We can find food and stuff once we have... well any clue where we are and where any of that stuff would be."

@york @TheSpringwoodSlasher @C.T. @Thuro The Assassin Potato @BarrenThin @Saint Guillotine @El Tigre!

He paid no mind to Ruby for a few moments until a cacophonous clang brought him to his senses, tense muscles firing into action with heightened alertness. Metal landing upon solid ground tend to do that. There wasn't an enemy but that hadn't helped his reaction. He found himself standing, ready for mortal combat, with the assault rifle brought to bear.

"..."

He said nothing, expressing himself no further other than a curt nod as he stepped inside and with a single bound--

Barnes cleared the hatch's opening and stood off to the side, grunting briefly now as he looked to the others with somewhat an impassive expression.

"I'm ready."​

Ruby blinked at the 'bold' declaration, staring from where her head was poking out from the hatch.

This guy... kinda seemed like...

....A super cool hero just like in one of her books!-wait she was supposedtobeholdingonwiththosehands-


*THUD* "...ow".

Once everyone had gotten situated in the elevator, there was a multitude of buttons, dozens, almost a hundred floors seemingly, an impossible mess to sort out-

"Warning. Unauthorized personnel detected on freight elevator 3."

The doors slammed shut, and the pulleys and gears suddenly whirred to life

"You will be returned the the ground floor, where a security team will escort you to safety and you will be held and questioned. Please do not resist. Thank you."

The elevator jolted and started going... up. Which meant they at least knew one thing; if ground was up, then they were underground.

A light, breezy, and boring tune breezed through the speakers as they rode.

"...ok thats annoying SOOOOO... maybe this security team can tell us whats going on?" Ruby asked hopefully, poking her head over the hatch so both those in and on top of the elevator could hear her.

@C.T. @york @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Thuro The Assassin Potato @BarrenThin @Saint Guillotine @El Tigre!​

Maybe it was difficult to like Vash at first-- more like he had yet to grow on the soldier-- but Ruby Rose was a likable soul. Suffice it to say: he rendered any assistance if she would take it, having incidentally found the scenario somewhat amusing. Though it seemed like that wasn't necessary.

"I doubt it-- no one was there when we woke up. That and if they're smart, they're probably gone by now."

A pause before he explained himself.

"Considering the monsters we just unleashed?"

He said with an utterly straight poker-face, unflinching and all.​

 

[Chewy Rabbits]

The Knight's glower swung to the bounty hunter. "Perhaps I'll try this fabled donut, if it's as good as you claim. And my name is Raime. Not Raimes. Childish nicknames have no place here." He shifted at Vash's reasoning and gave it true thought. If these people weren't cursed... killing them would really kill them. In truth, Raime didn't want that on his conscience, if it could be avoided. Still, he blustered to hide this. "I'll kill them whether you object to it or not, knave, should it come to that. Do not think yourself in any position of good will with me just because I haven't killed you yet."

@york @Schnee Corp Lawyer @Saint Guillotine @TheSpringwoodSlasher @El Tigre!​

"Heh, well that's about the kind of answer I was expecting to be honest." Vash didn't know that Raime didn't actually want to kill this aforementioned security team if they were indeed innocent or 'non-cursed' in his eyes. But if they were gonna be on the same side than Vash wouldn't let any lives be lost. Not after what had happened with Ciri. Whether he was gonna have to keep playing the fool to achieve this or actually get serious, he wasn't sure. But he really hoped it didn't end up having to be the latter. He wanted to like the knight and attempting to stop him from murdering folks for who all they knew could just be following their orders and have a wife/kid to get home to would be a real roadblock in trying to reach that.

He was caught off guard however by the thump to the forehead. "Ow! I'm just bobbing my head to the sick beat! I didn't think there was any kind of rule against that.." He grumbled under his breath as he looked away but otherwise stopped the head-bobbing to the music.
​

He glanced over from his seated position, eyes furrowing briefly. He'd expected an outright thrashing from a personality like he. Maybe he'd misjudged the princess and her fiery personality. Still though, her tongue was sharp as ever. His was an apologetic expression, sighing briefly.

"If it means anything... I'm sorry I knocked you out."

An apology from the battle-hardened warrior. Strange happenings in stranger times were transpiring on more a frequent note it seemed. And one of these moments was happening right now, this very moment, culminating in the form of...​

...This imbecile. He just simply stared at the sandy haired man, acting the fool. Though Barnes did chuckle when Ruby elucidated him on how to operate an elevator, through the mere use of a button. Wasn't it hardwired in people to press buttons anyway? Speaking of hardwired, he reached over to the point where metal melded with flesh, massaging it briefly. It'd healed long ago but on occasion it hurt with the movement.

Though it was nothing in comparison to the phantom pain associated with his left arm long since lost. Heil Hydra indeed.

Meanwhile the attention to his bionic limb, he caught the mention of the hobo lifestyle, eyes flickering back to Vash momentarily. He couldn't tell if the man was serious... but if he'd meant it, perhaps he wasn't altogether a foolish character. Maybe it merited some appreciation.

Only one problem: The Winter Soldier had no recollection of being a hobo whatsoever. Other than these pesky memories that came and went.

Blurry images of a city, in a section of dilapidated buildings, flurried in his mind on occasion, with unfamiliar faces. Passerbys on the streets, officers of the law, and more. He knew a few people though, and they were with him. They knew him too.

Argh, too confusing. Barnes rested his head upon his overlapping arms set atop his knees, breathing shortly for a moment. A breather here and there to recollect himself and he'd be fine. A soldier's psyche wasn't so easily fragmented.

Wasn't it? ​

He paid no mind to Ruby for a few moments until a cacophonous clang brought him to his senses, tense muscles firing into action with heightened alertness. Metal landing upon solid ground tend to do that. There wasn't an enemy but that hadn't helped his reaction. He found himself standing, ready for mortal combat, with the assault rifle brought to bear.

"..."

He said nothing, expressing himself no further other than a curt nod as he stepped inside and with a single bound--

Barnes cleared the hatch's opening and stood off to the side, grunting briefly now as he looked to the others with somewhat an impassive expression.

"I'm ready."​

Maybe it was difficult to like Vash at first-- more like he had yet to grow on the soldier-- but Ruby Rose was a likable soul. Suffice it to say: he rendered any assistance if she would take it, having incidentally found the scenario somewhat amusing. Though it seemed like that wasn't necessary.

"I doubt it-- no one was there when we woke up. That and if they're smart, they're probably gone by now."

A pause before he explained himself.

"Considering the monsters we just unleashed?"

He said with an utterly straight poker-face, unflinching and all.​

Vash had really no reason to dislike Bucky, none whatsoever. Sure he was aware that his foolish facade might have worn on the nerves of some people if Raime was anything to go by. But it was all he had to hide the pain from rising up to the surface. The pain of not being able to stop his younger brother from going out on his mission to destroy the human race. So, not exactly the best conversation opener. Playing the fool was also a good way to lure people into a false sense of security and belive that he was far too stupid or harmless to be that ruthless monster known as the Humanoid Typhoon.

So as Bucky looked his way, Vash turned towards him with a brief confused look on his face. The solider didn't seem to have anything to say so Vash would have made the first move as the face quickly translated into a smile as he held up his right hand.

"Hallo!"
​

"You guys don't know what those were either? I mean, I'm going a whole school dedicated to hunting and there... not like any grimm I've ever seen. Though they have kinda similar mask thingies and..." She trailed off, staring off into space as her mind wandered.

and they were definitely bloodthirsty as grimm

Now that they weren't trapped in a room with a doom laser or running for their lives from some beast a couple stories tall, Ruby had a few seconds to just think. To contemplate what the heck was going on, what had happened to her, her sister, and the others, and... Ciri.

Ruby wasn't necessarily a stranger to death. One death had shaped her whole path for life, given Ruby her own personal dreams for life and nightmares in the night all wrapped into one. but to see it up close like that... The girl- no, Ciri, no matter how confusing it was, some part of her had memories of the girl, and happy ones at that. Ciri hadn't even had time to scream. No heroic defiance, no cries of despair or smile of content as she moved to the next life just... shock. And that was it.

Just gone.

That was nothing like her books or comics or movies or anything. Did she even realize she was dying? Did she realize that she never stood a chance?

...Was that what it was like when mom died? None of the thunder or fight or tears her dreams and nightmares of how that night might have played out always portrayed, but just a stray strike that had her staring in lifeless surprise at the nothingness?

Ruby pushed herself back from the hatch and leaned against the chassis for one of the pulleys, eyes downcast as she drew her knees up to her chest and waited out the rest of the ride in silence

Except for a small groan of annoyance as the song seemed to never have an end

That was a familiar sight to Vash and not a very pleasant one. Knees drawn up to chest, check. Eyes looking like she just went through something pretty traumatic, check. It all reminded Vash of what happened back then.

"What happened to them, Knives!?"

"What happened to them? I thought it was plainly obvious! I killed them, every single one of them. So no longer will we be shackled by their human weakness. It'll be just the two of us. Like it should have been from the start, Vash!"

But Ruby wasn't him and what had happened to Ciri was more personal than what Vash had gone through with Rem. He'd seen her die, sure. But only through a monitor as her ship burnt up in the atmosphere. Ruby had been forced to stand there as Ciri was attacked by that creature. The thought of someone as young and as impressionable as Ruby being forced to see something like that up close and be able to do nothing to prevent it. It was enough to almost bring Vash to tears again. But this was neither the time nor place. Instead, he thought he'd try doing what Rem had done for him whenever he'd been sad.

Taking a seat next to Ruby, he'd glance across the elevator with a distant stare upon his face.

"You know, whenever I felt I needed to be alone? Or gone through something bad? I had a song that someone very important to me used to sing. It always worked in cheering me right up. I thought I'd try to do the same for you." Vash explained before he started to sing but in a low enough tone so as not to annoy the rest of the occupants but hopefully help Ruby out of the rut she was in.

@york @Schnee Corp Lawyer @Saint Guillotine @El Tigre! @C.T. @BarrenThin​

 

[BarrenThin]

"Heh, well that's about the kind of answer I was expecting to be honest." Vash didn't know that Raime didn't actually want to kill this aforementioned security team if they were indeed innocent or 'non-cursed' in his eyes. But if they were gonna be on the same side than Vash wouldn't let any lives be lost. Not after what had happened with Ciri. Whether he was gonna have to keep playing the fool to achieve this or actually get serious, he wasn't sure. But he really hoped it didn't end up having to be the latter. He wanted to like the knight and attempting to stop him from murdering folks for who all they knew could just be following their orders and have a wife/kid to get home to would be a real roadblock in trying to reach that.

He was caught off guard however by the thump to the forehead. "Ow! I'm just bobbing my head to the sick beat! I didn't think there was any kind of rule against that.." He grumbled under his breath as he looked away but otherwise stopped the head-bobbing to the music.
​

Vash had really no reason to dislike Bucky, none whatsoever. Sure he was aware that his foolish facade might have worn on the nerves of some people if Raime was anything to go by. But it was all he had to hide the pain from rising up to the surface. The pain of not being able to stop his younger brother from going out on his mission to destroy the human race. So, not exactly the best conversation opener. Playing the fool was also a good way to lure people into a false sense of security and belive that he was far too stupid or harmless to be that ruthless monster known as the Humanoid Typhoon.

So as Bucky looked his way, Vash turned towards him with a brief confused look on his face. The solider didn't seem to have anything to say so Vash would have made the first move as the face quickly translated into a smile as he held up his right hand.

"Hallo!"
​

That was a familiar sight to Vash and not a very pleasant one. Knees drawn up to chest, check. Eyes looking like she just went through something pretty traumatic, check. It all reminded Vash of what happened back then.

"What happened to them, Knives!?"

"What happened to them? I thought it was plainly obvious! I killed them, every single one of them. So no longer will we be shackled by their human weakness. It'll be just the two of us. Like it should have been from the start, Vash!"

But Ruby wasn't him and what had happened to Ciri was more personal than what Vash had gone through with Rem. He'd seen her die, sure. But only through a monitor as her ship burnt up in the atmosphere. Ruby had been forced to stand there as Ciri was attacked by that creature. The thought of someone as young and as impressionable as Ruby being forced to see something like that up close and be able to do nothing to prevent it. It was enough to almost bring Vash to tears again. But this was neither the time nor place. Instead, he thought he'd try doing what Rem had done for him whenever he'd been sad.

Taking a seat next to Ruby, he'd glance across the elevator with a distant stare upon his face.

"You know, whenever I felt I needed to be alone? Or gone through something bad? I had a song that someone very important to me used to sing. It always worked in cheering me right up. I thought I'd try to do the same for you." Vash explained before he started to sing but in a low enough tone so as not to annoy the rest of the occupants but hopefully help Ruby out of the rut she was in.

@york @Schnee Corp Lawyer @Saint Guillotine @El Tigre! @C.T. @BarrenThin​

Raime gave Vash an inquisitive look, but made no move to stop him. At the very least, the singing was better than the insufferable tune that just... wouldn't... stop. If the Knight had to describe the bounty hunter, it would be a double-edged description. On the one hand, he found Vash annoying and generally foolish. On the other, Vash was kind and amusing. Not to mention, the man had shown a keen interest in getting to know the Knight that Raime couldn't help but appreciate. Other than Nadalia, he hadn't had a friend since Velstadt's blind loyalty got him banished. As with every other show of weakness, though, he couldn't openly do this. It would make him too vulnerable.

Through all of this thought, he just stared at Vash without saying a word.

@york @Schnee Corp Lawyer @Saint Guillotine @TheSpringwoodSlasher @El Tigre!​

 

[C.T.]

"You guys don't know what those were either? I mean, I'm going a whole school dedicated to hunting and they're... not like any grimm I've ever seen. Though they have kinda similar mask thingies and..." She trailed off, staring off into space as her mind wandered.

and they were definitely bloodthirsty as grimm

Now that they weren't trapped in a room with a doom laser or running for their lives from some beast a couple stories tall, Ruby had a few seconds to just think. To contemplate what the heck was going on, what had happened to her, her sister, and the others, and... Ciri.

Ruby wasn't necessarily a stranger to death. One death had shaped her whole path for life, given Ruby her own personal dreams for life and nightmares in the night all wrapped into one. but to see it up close like that... The girl- no, Ciri, no matter how confusing it was, some part of her had memories of the girl, and happy ones at that. Ciri hadn't even had time to scream. No heroic defiance, no cries of despair or smile of content as she moved to the next life just... shock. And that was it.

Just gone.

That was nothing like her books or comics or movies or anything. Did she even realize she was dying? Did she realize that she never stood a chance?

...Was that what it was like when mom died? None of the thunder or fight or tears her dreams and nightmares of how that night might have played out always portrayed, but just a stray strike that had her staring in lifeless surprise at the nothingness?

Ruby pushed herself back from the hatch and leaned against the chassis for one of the pulleys, eyes downcast as she drew her knees up to her chest and waited out the rest of the ride in silence

Except for a small groan of annoyance as the song seemed to never have an end

"I believe I just said as much." She remarked in reply, sarcasm scathingly biting. "No idea what they were. Never seen anything like them. The Spirit World back home is said to be filled with innumerable amounts of strange creatures...but no Spirit I've heard of is so openly hostile. Save perhaps Koh the Face Stealer, Zhan Zheng the spirit of war and obviously Vaatu, the embodiment of chaos and darkness. But then...there'd be a point to their entrance and slaughter. It wouldn't be meaningless and empty." She blinked, fighting more than just a bad headache. "I don't know what Grimm are but if you're trained to fight things like that, you're an important asset. Definitely more useful than some I can think of."

She directed some bad thoughts and a dark stare down into the elevator proper.
​

"If it means anything... I'm sorry I knocked you out."​

"Apologies are for the weak. Fire is power, always surging ahead in life and never looking back. True benders of the flame are not stricken with remorse for those weak enough to die. Instead they ascend past them, climbing over the dead bodies themselves if one has to. The ghosts of the past are irrelevant. Only the future holds weight. If you pause for even one single moment to look back, the fire will swallow you whole. Like they did that one idiot who brought those beasts down upon us."

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

 

[Schnee Corp Lawyer]

@BarrenThin

Raime's words almost made Ruby jump off the elevator in sheer surprise, his voice directed at her a less than subtle reminder that this wasn't exactly private she was sulking in. "I-I, no no I've never met her before, or I think I haven't except my brain disagrees and its, I-" she sniffed and rubbed at her eyes with her sleeve, now morbidly embarrassed about being like this in front of all these warriors, soldiers, and other dangerous types. It... it was dumb, definitely, people died, and she had not known Ciri. She just knew her name. For some reason. And her smile. And that little eyeroll she did when she was annoyed. A-and her sense of humor and...

@TheSpringwoodSlasher

...

She stared for a moment as Vash started to sing...Wow. It was... it was almost like when Yang...

Except that this guy's voice was awful for singing : |

She really tried not too. It was super sweet that this guy who seemed like a cool dude with his coat and retro hand gun and cool robot arm hey if she lost an arm maybe she could build-no bad Ruby focus wanted to make her feel better, and he seemed 100% serious about the attempt but... she couldn't help it. Even with both hands covering her mouth she still let out a giggling snort completely at odds with the pricks of wetness at the sides of her eyes "I-I, I'm sorry, but, thank you really-"


*Ding!*

"oh! We're here!" Ruby sniffed one last time and rubbed at her eyes to banish the tears before they could form. She still felt awful, about Ciri, about Yang, and about how completely and hopelessly confusing and if we're being honest scary mess they were in, but it was they, not just her by herself. Even if she didnt' really know these people, they all wanted to get out of here, and maybe together they could! Even the snippy girl in the red armor who seemed like Weiss on a really bad day with 30% less nice was that even possible

Tone:

The doors slid open and in front of them was a hallway. Stark black of polished metal made up walls, with the ceilings a bright white that almost masked the presence of the lights above, despite the flicker that seemed to have afflicted them. doors of a similar white lined the halls, seemingly designed to slide to the side and with a card reader combined with a keypad at their sides. A few benches of black were scattered and a pair of vending machines stood in a small alcove a short ways down next to what seemed like a bathroom, and one room was open near the end of the hall. There was no security team.

There was, however, one man standing at a cross section of hallway in front of them. He was strangely... muted, colors shades of grey that made him stand out well against the black and whites of the building, and his edges seemed blurry, almost staticy. He didn't seem to take note of the elevator's arrival, simply stood at the center of the hall, bouncing on his heels as if psyching himself up, the light from the open door casting his face in strange shadows that twisted and shifted as the lights continued their occasional erratic flicker.

​

"...He looks... friendly?" Ruby suggested with a hopeful grin that wasn't at all ruined by her hesitantly reaching for Crescent Rose​

@york @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @El Tigre! @BarrenThin @C.T.​

 

[Ringmaster]

He was thirsty and that was never a good sign.

Thankfully, it was subdued to the point it was unnoticed by anyone, save those who knew him well. He could endure for a long while more, bar a truly strenuous encounter. As it was, he was pondering in thought. His same ideas from before, turning in his head with nothing in the way of new solutions. Beyond that, there was more.... Poor Ruby keeping a valiant effort to be strong.

The soldier reverting to old tactical training if he wasn't mistaken, the princess trying to assert personal control. They all were coping mechanisms in this dire situation. As for himself? Well.

Lucifer had faith.

Faith that a monster could become a man. Faith that the sins of the father was not incurred by the son.

Faith that they would get out of this alive.

He opened himself to his senses. Honed by centuries of evolution to hunt humanity as he compared this man to the bodies from before. Those out of focus, crushed beings. Perhaps there was a connection?

Either way, he stepped forward in a flanking position as he spoke aloud.

"Spirit that haunts this dark place, have you a name?"

A trifle theatrical, but he enjoyed his little quotes... And if he responded like he half-hoped, it'd mean familiarity with the game these strange powers were toying with them for.

[BCOLOR=#000000]

@york @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Schnee Corp lawyer @El Tigre! @BarrenThin [COLOR=#00393d]@C.T.[/COLOR]​

[/BCOLOR]
[BCOLOR=#000000] [/BCOLOR]

 

[Chewy Rabbits]

Vash knew his singing wasn't really the best. But that was probably because he didn't practice much. Just hearing others sing the song was enough for Vash that he didn't really feel any need to replicate it. At least until he saw Ruby as miserable as she was. He may not have been human but he liked to imagine that both plants and humans could feel the same emotions. At least in Vash's eyes. Knive's own eyes were clouded by the abuse both him and his older brother suffered at the hands of one of the members of the SEEDS Crew.

"Heh, it's no problem! Really, I'm not gonna win any awards. But I got you to smile didn't I?" He'd say before he abruptly rose to his feet and headed toward the doors once they opened. This place didn't look too friendly but Vash tried not too hard to judge things based simply off their apperance. He did see what looked like one pretty creepy dude but there was only one of them! The last he checked, one guy did not a team make.

"Hiya! I'm Vash! Do you know how we could get out of here?"
​

He was thirsty and that was never a good sign.

Thankfully, it was subdued to the point it was unnoticed by anyone, save those who knew him well. He could endure for a long while more, bar a truly strenuous encounter. As it was, he was pondering in thought. His same ideas from before, turning in his head with nothing in the way of new solutions. Beyond that, there was more.... Poor Ruby keeping a valiant effort to be strong.

The soldier reverting to old tactical training if he wasn't mistaken, the princess trying to assert personal control. They all were coping mechanisms in this dire situation. As for himself? Well.

Lucifer had faith.

Faith that a monster could become a man. Faith that the sins of the father was not incurred by the son.

Faith that they would get out of this alive.

He opened himself to his senses. Honed by centuries of evolution to hunt humanity as he compared this man to the bodies from before. Those out of focus, crushed beings. Perhaps there was a connection?

Either way, he stepped forward in a flanking position as he spoke aloud.

"Spirit that haunts this dark place, have you a name?"

A trifle theatrical, but he enjoyed his little quotes... And if he responded like he half-hoped, it'd mean familiarity with the game these strange powers were toying with them for.

[BCOLOR=#000000]@york @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Schnee Corp lawyer @El Tigre! @BarrenThin [COLOR=#00393d]@C.T.[/COLOR][/BCOLOR]​

Vash hadn't really talked much with Lucifer. But what he said afterwards quickly got Vash on edge. Glancing back at Lucifer and the man, and then at the man and then back at Lucifer.

"Okay, okay, so let me get this straight. This guy, the one right here who's standing in the shadows." Vash gestured towards said creepy man.

"He's none other than a ghost?!"

@Schnee Corp Lawyer @C.T. @BarrenThin @El Tigre! @Saint Guillotine​

 

[C.T.]

"For Agni's sake." She rolled her eyes, stepping forward. "Do try to not be so pathetic in the future, if you're done screaming your head off and demeaning yourself akin to a child. Even if it is a spirit, is it any more shocking than the thing that we fried to bits a while ago? Or whatever it was that we just ran from? Short answer: no. Now..." She turned to face the ghost/being or what have you. "When you're done answering the questions of these two fools, perhaps you would deign to answer a real question? If you can even talk."

@Schnee Corp Lawyer @york @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @El Tigre! @BarrenThin​

 

[BarrenThin]

@BarrenThin

Raime's words almost made Ruby jump off the elevator in sheer surprise, his voice directed at her a less than subtle reminder that this wasn't exactly private she was sulking in. "I-I, no no I've never met her before, or I think I haven't except my brain disagrees and its, I-" she sniffed and rubbed at her eyes with her sleeve, now morbidly embarrassed about being like this in front of all these warriors, soldiers, and other dangerous types. It... it was dumb, definitely, people died, and she had not known Ciri. She just knew her name. For some reason. And her smile. And that little eyeroll she did when she was annoyed. A-and her sense of humor and...

@TheSpringwoodSlasher

...

She stared for a moment as Vash started to sing...Wow. It was... it was almost like when Yang...

Except that this guy's voice was awful for singing : |

She really tried not too. It was super sweet that this guy who seemed like a cool dude with his coat and retro hand gun and cool robot arm hey if she lost an arm maybe she could build-no bad Ruby focus wanted to make her feel better, and he seemed 100% serious about the attempt but... she couldn't help it. Even with both hands covering her mouth she still let out a giggling snort completely at odds with the pricks of wetness at the sides of her eyes "I-I, I'm sorry, but, thank you really-"


*Ding!*

"oh! We're here!" Ruby sniffed one last time and rubbed at her eyes to banish the tears before they could form. She still felt awful, about Ciri, about Yang, and about how completely and hopelessly confusing and if we're being honest scary mess they were in, but it was they, not just her by herself. Even if she didnt' really know these people, they all wanted to get out of here, and maybe together they could! Even the snippy girl in the red armor who seemed like Weiss on a really bad day with 30% less nice was that even possible

Tone:

The doors slid open and in front of them was a hallway. Stark black of polished metal made up walls, with the ceilings a bright white that almost masked the presence of the lights above, despite the flicker that seemed to have afflicted them. doors of a similar white lined the halls, seemingly designed to slide to the side and with a card reader combined with a keypad at their sides. A few benches of black were scattered and a pair of vending machines stood in a small alcove a short ways down next to what seemed like a bathroom, and one room was open near the end of the hall. There was no security team.

There was, however, one man standing at a cross section of hallway in front of them. He was strangely... muted, colors shades of grey that made him stand out well against the black and whites of the building, and his edges seemed blurry, almost staticy. He didn't seem to take note of the elevator's arrival, simply stood at the center of the hall, bouncing on his heels as if psyching himself up, the light from the open door casting his face in strange shadows that twisted and shifted as the lights continued their occasional erratic flicker.

​

"...He looks... friendly?" Ruby suggested with a hopeful grin that wasn't at all ruined by her hesitantly reaching for Crescent Rose​

@york @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @El Tigre! @BarrenThin @C.T.​

Vash knew his singing wasn't really the best. But that was probably because he didn't practice much. Just hearing others sing the song was enough for Vash that he didn't really feel any need to replicate it. At least until he saw Ruby as miserable as she was. He may not have been human but he liked to imagine that both plants and humans could feel the same emotions. At least in Vash's eyes. Knive's own eyes were clouded by the abuse both him and his older brother suffered at the hands of one of the members of the SEEDS Crew.

"Heh, it's no problem! Really, I'm not gonna win any awards. But I got you to smile didn't I?" He'd say before he abruptly rose to his feet and headed toward the doors once they opened. This place didn't look too friendly but Vash tried not too hard to judge things based simply off their apperance. He did see what looked like one pretty creepy dude but there was only one of them! The last he checked, one guy did not a team make.

"Hiya! I'm Vash! Do you know how we could get out of here?"
​

Vash hadn't really talked much with Lucifer. But what he said afterwards quickly got Vash on edge. Glancing back at Lucifer and the man, and then at the man and then back at Lucifer.

"Okay, okay, so let me get this straight. This guy, the one right here who's standing in the shadows." Vash gestured towards said creepy man.

"He's none other than a ghost?!"

@Schnee Corp Lawyer @C.T. @BarrenThin @El Tigre! @Saint Guillotine​

"Ghost... is that some sort of creature?" Raime marched towards the apparent apparition. He was glad there was no team. In contrast with Lucifer's approach, Raime was less than friendly... and he did allow a giant leg to bump into Azula's back. Anything to irritate the arrogant child. "Where are we?" Though the question itself was quite normal, his tone showed he was very unhappy.

@york @Schnee Corp Lawyer @Saint Guillotine @TheSpringwoodSlasher @El Tigre!​

 

[Schnee Corp Lawyer]

Ruby was 100% ready to walk right up first. She may have been a socially awkward turnip when it came to meeting people who didn't want to kill her, but even the eldrazi from earlier hadn't really scared her itself apart from what it had done to Ciri and Yang. As long as she had crescent rose, she was confident she could take on any beast, or at least hold it off long enough to run. So one guy in a hallway? Pfft-

Wait.
...
...
...

"You... you think he's a, he's a.... a..."

She was suddenly super willing to let Raime go first : |

The man's eyes snapped up at the questions, still rocking on his heels as he gave a cocky grin. It was odd. Like the look wasn't quite right for the face, like it wasn't use to it.

"Heh. Where are we? I dunno. And who am I? Who am I? WHO AM I?!" I. AM." And he told them.

It was a name that had struck fear and awe into the hearts of millions.

A name that had made the strongest warriors of his world tremble in terror or rage in fury.

He said...

His name was...

The legend

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77Sg-Je6qR8

(minus the sound effects)

"AND ITS TIME FOR YOU ALL TO FACE THE CHAMP!"​

And with that declaration, his arms stretched with astounding speed like they were rubber to snag onto two of the door frames nearby which he leaned into like it was a turn buckle, and with a victorious cry launched himself at Raime for a flying clotheliner with a fist that grew to almost as big as the traitor knight was!


@york @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @TheSpringwoodSlasher @El Tigre! @C.T. @BarrenThin

 

[Ringmaster]

"..... What."

That was about all Lucifer had time to say, before the question of whether or not he could affect them was answered. Violently so at that.

And watching the unique rubber man strike, Lucifer knew what to do.

It was only a problem of getting everyone else to go with the plan.

"HE THINKS HE'S A WRESTLER! FILL OUT HIS FANTASY, MAYBE WE CAN MAKE HIM TALK!"

And in doing so, perhaps get a clue to this place as a whole rather then simply killing him as some among their party might advocate.

@Schnee Corp Lawyer @C.T. @TheSpringwoodSlasher @BarrenThin @york @El Tigre!

 

[York]

@BarrenThin

Raime's words almost made Ruby jump off the elevator in sheer surprise, his voice directed at her a less than subtle reminder that this wasn't exactly private she was sulking in. "I-I, no no I've never met her before, or I think I haven't except my brain disagrees and its, I-" she sniffed and rubbed at her eyes with her sleeve, now morbidly embarrassed about being like this in front of all these warriors, soldiers, and other dangerous types. It... it was dumb, definitely, people died, and she had not known Ciri. She just knew her name. For some reason. And her smile. And that little eyeroll she did when she was annoyed. A-and her sense of humor and...

@TheSpringwoodSlasher

...

She stared for a moment as Vash started to sing...Wow. It was... it was almost like when Yang...

Except that this guy's voice was awful for singing : |

She really tried not too. It was super sweet that this guy who seemed like a cool dude with his coat and retro hand gun and cool robot arm hey if she lost an arm maybe she could build-no bad Ruby focus wanted to make her feel better, and he seemed 100% serious about the attempt but... she couldn't help it. Even with both hands covering her mouth she still let out a giggling snort completely at odds with the pricks of wetness at the sides of her eyes "I-I, I'm sorry, but, thank you really-"


*Ding!*

"oh! We're here!" Ruby sniffed one last time and rubbed at her eyes to banish the tears before they could form. She still felt awful, about Ciri, about Yang, and about how completely and hopelessly confusing and if we're being honest scary mess they were in, but it was they, not just her by herself. Even if she didnt' really know these people, they all wanted to get out of here, and maybe together they could! Even the snippy girl in the red armor who seemed like Weiss on a really bad day with 30% less nice was that even possible

Tone:

The doors slid open and in front of them was a hallway. Stark black of polished metal made up walls, with the ceilings a bright white that almost masked the presence of the lights above, despite the flicker that seemed to have afflicted them. doors of a similar white lined the halls, seemingly designed to slide to the side and with a card reader combined with a keypad at their sides. A few benches of black were scattered and a pair of vending machines stood in a small alcove a short ways down next to what seemed like a bathroom, and one room was open near the end of the hall. There was no security team.

There was, however, one man standing at a cross section of hallway in front of them. He was strangely... muted, colors shades of grey that made him stand out well against the black and whites of the building, and his edges seemed blurry, almost staticy. He didn't seem to take note of the elevator's arrival, simply stood at the center of the hall, bouncing on his heels as if psyching himself up, the light from the open door casting his face in strange shadows that twisted and shifted as the lights continued their occasional erratic flicker.

​

"...He looks... friendly?" Ruby suggested with a hopeful grin that wasn't at all ruined by her hesitantly reaching for Crescent Rose​

@york @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @El Tigre! @BarrenThin @C.T.​

Ruby was 100% ready to walk right up first. She may have been a socially awkward turnip when it came to meeting people who didn't want to kill her, but even the eldrazi from earlier hadn't really scared her itself apart from what it had done to Ciri and Yang. As long as she had crescent rose, she was confident she could take on any beast, or at least hold it off long enough to run. So one guy in a hallway? Pfft-

Wait.
...
...
...

"You... you think he's a, he's a.... a..."

She was suddenly super willing to let Raime go first : |

The man's eyes snapped up at the questions, still rocking on his heels as he gave a cocky grin. It was odd. Like the look wasn't quite right for the face, like it wasn't use to it.

"Heh. Where are we? I dunno. And who am I? Who am I? WHO AM I?!" I. AM." And he told them.

It was a name that had struck fear and awe into the hearts of millions.

A name that had made the strongest warriors of his world tremble in terror or rage in fury.

He said...

His name was...

The legend

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77Sg-Je6qR8

(minus the sound effects)

"AND ITS TIME FOR YOU ALL TO FACE THE CHAMP!"​

And with that declaration, his arms stretched with astounding speed like they were rubber to snag onto two of the door frames nearby which he leaned into like it was a turn buckle, and with a victorious cry launched himself at Raime for a flying clotheliner with a fist that grew to almost as big as the traitor knight was!


@york @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @TheSpringwoodSlasher @El Tigre! @C.T.

Chell (Canon)
@Schnee Corp Lawyer @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @TheSpringwoodSlasher @El Tigre! @C.T.

Chell looked confused, scratching her head a little, as she stood there, a little... Overwhelmed? Or was she underwhelmed, it was hard to tell, but, she found the whole thing a bit comedic, though, soon enough, she realized he was an bit of a threat, judging by the fact that he had attacked Raime, and was possibly about to fight with the rest of them too. With that in mind, Chell activated her portal gun, preparing to intervene at just the right moment...​

 

[Orangewasp]

So as Bucky looked his way, Vash turned towards him with a brief confused look on his face. The solider didn't seem to have anything to say so Vash would have made the first move as the face quickly translated into a smile as he held up his right hand.

"Hallo!"
​

"No."

Harsh maybe but for now, he couldn't handle Vash the Stampede. Specifically the pain he carried within himself, hardly sequestered away beneath the surface. The fool's act distanced him from the agony, a moment's reprieve as he immersed himself in others. This in of itself was what made the quirky man a dangerous element in his eyes.

Barnes was somewhat receptive to pain. It reminded himself of what he'd gone through, exemplified in shattered fragments that consisted his memories. A lifetime gone by, endless murders in that shaped the course of history with his own life taken from him. He remembered the good, if hard, times before this. He remembered Syria. No...

At the same time, he knew well he was a kind soul. People that suffered so were usually among the kindest and this was made evident in Vash's efforts to console Ruby. It was more the matter of the Soldier doubting this in himself.​

"Apologies are for the weak. Fire is power, always surging ahead in life and never looking back. True benders of the flame are not stricken with remorse for those weak enough to die. Instead they ascend past them, climbing over the dead bodies themselves if one has to. The ghosts of the past are irrelevant. Only the future holds weight. If you pause for even one single moment to look back, the fire will swallow you whole. Like they did that one idiot who brought those beasts down upon us."
​

"I guess I'm not in the wrong then." He retorted simply. Call it a slap in the face, he truly meant it and if being abruptly direct would make the message clear, so be it. Though of course, it might have been perceived as inflammatory and ignited a backlash in reply.

(Yang would've appreciated these flame-related puns)​

@BarrenThin

Raime's words almost made Ruby jump off the elevator in sheer surprise, his voice directed at her a less than subtle reminder that this wasn't exactly private she was sulking in. "I-I, no no I've never met her before, or I think I haven't except my brain disagrees and its, I-" she sniffed and rubbed at her eyes with her sleeve, now morbidly embarrassed about being like this in front of all these warriors, soldiers, and other dangerous types. It... it was dumb, definitely, people died, and she had not known Ciri. She just knew her name. For some reason. And her smile. And that little eyeroll she did when she was annoyed. A-and her sense of humor and...

@TheSpringwoodSlasher

...

She stared for a moment as Vash started to sing...Wow. It was... it was almost like when Yang...

Except that this guy's voice was awful for singing : |

She really tried not too. It was super sweet that this guy who seemed like a cool dude with his coat and retro hand gun and cool robot arm hey if she lost an arm maybe she could build-no bad Ruby focus wanted to make her feel better, and he seemed 100% serious about the attempt but... she couldn't help it. Even with both hands covering her mouth she still let out a giggling snort completely at odds with the pricks of wetness at the sides of her eyes "I-I, I'm sorry, but, thank you really-"


*Ding!*

"oh! We're here!" Ruby sniffed one last time and rubbed at her eyes to banish the tears before they could form. She still felt awful, about Ciri, about Yang, and about how completely and hopelessly confusing and if we're being honest scary mess they were in, but it was they, not just her by herself. Even if she didnt' really know these people, they all wanted to get out of here, and maybe together they could! Even the snippy girl in the red armor who seemed like Weiss on a really bad day with 30% less nice was that even possible

Tone:

The doors slid open and in front of them was a hallway. Stark black of polished metal made up walls, with the ceilings a bright white that almost masked the presence of the lights above, despite the flicker that seemed to have afflicted them. doors of a similar white lined the halls, seemingly designed to slide to the side and with a card reader combined with a keypad at their sides. A few benches of black were scattered and a pair of vending machines stood in a small alcove a short ways down next to what seemed like a bathroom, and one room was open near the end of the hall. There was no security team.

There was, however, one man standing at a cross section of hallway in front of them. He was strangely... muted, colors shades of grey that made him stand out well against the black and whites of the building, and his edges seemed blurry, almost staticy. He didn't seem to take note of the elevator's arrival, simply stood at the center of the hall, bouncing on his heels as if psyching himself up, the light from the open door casting his face in strange shadows that twisted and shifted as the lights continued their occasional erratic flicker.

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"...He looks... friendly?" Ruby suggested with a hopeful grin that wasn't at all ruined by her hesitantly reaching for Crescent Rose​

@york @TheSpringwoodSlasher @Saint Guillotine @El Tigre! @BarrenThin @C.T.​

"I doubt it. Just in case though?" Bucky lifted the assault rifle in hand, approaching forward briefly. Of course, the obsidian titan took the initiative, striding forward in gargantuan steps that effectively put Bucky in the rear. Not a problem, a gigantic wall of steel was preferable to having nothing in front if something went down.

Though of course he paused, glancing back with an irked expression. "Cut it out with the dramatic theatrics." The hollering was bound to attract undesired attention. Looking at you, Vash.

Maintain radio silence, Buchanan. Exfiltration is on the way in.

He froze briefly, eyes staring wide open as that memory flooded past... then shook his head, steeling his senses as he continued on forward.

Their questions would be answered, in part, and only in a fashion that made things even so more confusing. After that declaration of its own identity, he attacked! Specifically the Fume Knight. That was enough to prompt a rapid series of depressions upon the trigger, popping off one round, two rounds, three rounds, as he adhered himself to the wall off to the side. Dying by being squashed underneath a gigantic suit of armor would've just been embarassing.

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