Main Event Right Hand of the Magic God

[Crow]

"..."

Kyosuke hit a button and red emergency lights began to flash. From a window in the Security Center, the group could see into the hall where a large number of creatures were released. The door across the hall also appeared to unlock.

"... They may look like strange demons," Kyosuke said, "but they are actually robotic entities."

@Yun Lee @Hahli Nuva @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center​

Ben smacks his watch down as a flash of green light engulfs him.

"Upgrade."

He nonchalantly strolls into the fray of the robotic creatures, seeing how they would react.

"So, what do they do, exactly?"

@Atomic Knight @Yun Lee @Hahli Nuva @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center​

 

[Atomic Knight]

"Bite."

Kyosuke followed Ben outside the door and into the fray, where both were quickly assaulted by the strange robotic creatures. They moved quickly, indicating their true power lied in their speed. Kyosuke's blade moved with precision, cutting down a few, but more seemed to pop up in their place. Kyosuke was not lying when he said a group would be needed to traverse the area.

@Yun Lee @Hahli Nuva @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center​

 

[Yun Lee]

Severa drew her blade, secretly excited to get some action for once. "Robotic entities...? What does that even mean?" Whatever! She started hacking and slashing at the creatures. Fortunately for Kyosuke, this wasn't her first escort mission!

...hopefully it'd be the first one with no significant injuries on her client's part, but hey. Beggars can't be choosers.

@Atomic Knight @Yun Lee @Hahli Nuva @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center

---

Libra attempted to use his powers from the Omnitrix to halt Artorius in place. "If you would just let us leave, we can try to save everything! Give us a chance to make this right, please!"

@Atomic Knight @Lucky @Yun Lee @Alex Azure @Crow @Takumi @Med Bay​

 

[Crow]

"Bite."

Kyosuke followed Ben outside the door and into the fray, where both were quickly assaulted by the strange robotic creatures. They moved quickly, indicating their true power lied in their speed. Kyosuke's blade moved with precision, cutting down a few, but more seemed to pop up in their place. Kyosuke was not lying when he said a group would be needed to traverse the area.

@Yun Lee @Hahli Nuva @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center​

"This is bad."

Upgrade was swarmed by a wide array of these robotic beasts as they gnawed on his liquid metal body. However, the demon-like machine bodies began to be coated in black metal and a circuit pattern akin to Upgrade himself. They soon merged with the technoorganic being, and soon, a larger version of the winged cat creatures, say 5 times their length, proportionate to the defaults, was black with green circuitry around, possessed four wings and had a collar with the Omnitrix emblem on it.

Simply put, Upgrade had become much like these beings, except he was stronger, faster, bigger and superior!

"The other kind of bad, that is! Meow meow, my brothers!"

UpgradeCatBus, as we shall call this combination, roars with great might, before opening a door, as if it was a plane, bus, or other vehicles.

"Some of you guys who can't fight will be safe in here. Also you can man my cannons while I use my teeth."

UpgradeCatBus materialises a pair of shoulder cannons, while waiting to see who would like the get in the robot.

@Atomic Knight @Yun Lee @Hahli Nuva @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center​

 

[Crunch]

"...That's gonna be annoying."

"It's... one way to defend the facility, I suppose. No matter, let us begin."

Jotaro nodded with a grunt, breaking into a full sprint down the hallway and baiting out a number of the robotic guardians towards himself. Engulfed in a golden light, the Stand user moved a hand from his pocket and shot a point towards the gaggle of mechanical beasts lunging towards him, the incandescent form of Star Platinum rising from the air before him with its fists crossed as he did so.

"Star Platinum: The World."

BZZZZT!

Suddenly, the world skipped a beat, and an unharmed Jotaro Kujo stood surrounded by mangled, blown-apart remains of the creatures that were sailing through the air just a moment ago. Releasing a heavy breath, Jotaro faced down the long hallway and pressed on against the assault, his Stand floating just beside him and smashing apart the machines with a vicious ORA ORA ORAAA! as they drew near.

"Gold Experience!"

Giorno, meanwhile, elegantly rushed past the heavyset marine biologist with deft feet, using his lithe body and his Stand to his advantage as he seamlessly slid past the guardians with Gold Experience in tow. The gold-colored spirit zipped ahead of its master and tore apart the opposing machines with its own rush of punches as they attempted to catch the blonde-haired boy, unleashing a roaring MUDA MUDA MUDAAA! as it did.

The two Joestars moved in sync with one another, but are these machines the only thing standing between them and the teleporter?

@Atomic Knight @Yun Lee @Hahli Nuva @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center​

 

[Ver]

"And on that same whim that she destroyed everything, she can just as easily bring it all back. Like no one ever died. Like nothing ever happened. But... that's just another step toward the question she asked; something that she could give that no one could ever give each other," Wanda said, crossing her arms in a matronly manner, "If that's the path that you choose to go down, then that's your decision. I cannot change it; more likely than not, I won't be in any position to remember it the next time around."

"Maybe I'm just biased. She reminds me of myself in some ways... More than I'd care to admit, so I can't say with a clear conscience on what the best thing to do with her is, but... Just be careful," she said softly to Will, looking toward Kyoko, on the other side of the room trying to restore the Command Center, "What you want isn't always the same as what the right thing to do is."

What exactly the witch meant by this, who could say? The mystery behind the Magic God's motivations seemed to only become deeper in question, but her actions were still the same regardless, it seemed.

@Hahli Nuva​

 

[Atomic Knight]

The group cut through the robots like butter, securing a path to the door ahead. Kyosuke made a leap for it, jumping inside before the others. The door stood unlocked, waiting for the others to follow.

However, once they entered, they would see Kyosuke standing at a small console. A glass wall just finished sliding up behind him, blocking him from the others. He was doing as he said and inputting a passcode, though the text on the computer screen read not Emergency Transport, but:

Emergency Self-Destruct

@Yun Lee @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center

---

As if everything that was already happening wasn't enough, there was a sudden rumbling from off in the distance. The sound got closer and closer until someone burst through the side of the Med Bay wall, causing Elle to scream. It turned out to be Billy, who was breathing rapidly and raggedly.

"This power... it has to be another Great Spirit!" Billy exclaimed. Artorius turned on him, seemingly unable to understand what just happened. Billy ignored him for the moment and moved toward Sorey. "Othinus really must have them under control in some capacity, but..." He stopped, pain jolting through him. "I have no time... I... I want him to remember, to understand, to know the truth--"

Billy's spell washed over Sorey, who blinked confusedly at the sudden rush of memories. He stood up and faced Artorius. "This is... my head hurts, but I think it's a good hurt... I need to stop this. Everyone, I'll protect you."

Artorius looked surprised. "Sorey? What are you--"

"Mikleo... Edna, Lailah, Zaveid. Even if you've all died in this world... I still feel you. You're my friends, no matter what happens. I will always be connected with you, that's why...!"

Sorey disappeared in a flash of light. Once it dissipated, he was revealed to have transformed.

"Sorey... you're so pretty looking!" exclaimed Elle.

"Stand down, Artorius!" Sorey yelled. "I wasn't able to protect my world, but I can protect my allies!"

@Lucky @Yun Lee @Alex Azure @Crow @Takumi @Med Bay​

 

[Crow]

The group cut through the robots like butter, securing a path to the door ahead. Kyosuke made a leap for it, jumping inside before the others. The door stood unlocked, waiting for the others to follow.

However, once they entered, they would see Kyosuke standing at a small console. A glass wall just finished sliding up behind him, blocking him from the others. He was doing as he said and inputting a passcode, though the text on the computer screen read not Emergency Transport, but:

Emergency Self-Destruct

@Yun Lee @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center​

"I think we've been tricked, we'll need a way out."

UpgradeCatBus looked at the self-destruct sequence.

"Maybe Upgrade can shut it down," UpgradeCatBus places a paw, the liquid metal of its body coats the systems in an attempt to control and deactivate the self-destruct program via technopathic abilities.

"... come on..."

@Atomic Knight @Yun Lee @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center​

 

[Hahli Nuva]

"And on that same whim that she destroyed everything, she can just as easily bring it all back. Like no one ever died. Like nothing ever happened. But... that's just another step toward the question she asked; something that she could give that no one could ever give each other," Wanda said, crossing her arms in a matronly manner, "If that's the path that you choose to go down, then that's your decision. I cannot change it; more likely than not, I won't be in any position to remember it the next time around."

"Maybe I'm just biased. She reminds me of myself in some ways... More than I'd care to admit, so I can't say with a clear conscience on what the best thing to do with her is, but... Just be careful," she said softly to Will, looking toward Kyoko, on the other side of the room trying to restore the Command Center, "What you want isn't always the same as what the right thing to do is."

What exactly the witch meant by this, who could say? The mystery behind the Magic God's motivations seemed to only become deeper in question, but her actions were still the same regardless, it seemed.

@Hahli Nuva​

Will listened to Wanda's words and sighed softly, internally battling with herself for the right thing to say.

"I know it seems impossible. I know that she's trying to break us, to make us look like fools. This is nothing more than a twisted, evil game for her. And I can't believe some of us want to TALK to her, to try and HELP her after she ruined their lives. OUR lives. Maybe this is just because this is the first time I've been a part of something this big, but I am not going to try and reason with a monster. Even if I die again, I've got nothing to lose, and neither do the rest of you."

@Ver @CommandCenter

 

[York]

Spoiler: Replies

"..."

Kyosuke hit a button and red emergency lights began to flash. From a window in the Security Center, the group could see into the hall where a large number of creatures were released. The door across the hall also appeared to unlock.

"... They may look like strange demons," Kyosuke said, "but they are actually robotic entities."

@Yun Lee @Hahli Nuva @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center

---

"This is nothing for the Great Spirit's power," Artorius said, raising his sword in anticipation to slice through Max's blockade. However, he paused when Sorey suddenly spoke up.

"Shepherd Artorius... what are you doing? What's the point? We've lost everything. There's nothing left to save..."

"Don't let despair seep into your thoughts, Sorey. You know what has to be done."

"..."

@Lucky @Yun Lee @Alex Azure @Crow @Takumi @Med Bay ​

Ben smacks his watch down as a flash of green light engulfs him.

"Upgrade."

He nonchalantly strolls into the fray of the robotic creatures, seeing how they would react.

"So, what do they do, exactly?"

@Atomic Knight @Yun Lee @Hahli Nuva @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center​

"Bite."

Kyosuke followed Ben outside the door and into the fray, where both were quickly assaulted by the strange robotic creatures. They moved quickly, indicating their true power lied in their speed. Kyosuke's blade moved with precision, cutting down a few, but more seemed to pop up in their place. Kyosuke was not lying when he said a group would be needed to traverse the area.

@Yun Lee @Hahli Nuva @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center​

Severa drew her blade, secretly excited to get some action for once. "Robotic entities...? What does that even mean?" Whatever! She started hacking and slashing at the creatures. Fortunately for Kyosuke, this wasn't her first escort mission!

...hopefully it'd be the first one with no significant injuries on her client's part, but hey. Beggars can't be choosers.

@Atomic Knight @Yun Lee @Hahli Nuva @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center

---

Libra attempted to use his powers from the Omnitrix to halt Artorius in place. "If you would just let us leave, we can try to save everything! Give us a chance to make this right, please!"

@Atomic Knight @Lucky @Yun Lee @Alex Azure @Crow @Takumi @Med Bay​

"This is bad."

Upgrade was swarmed by a wide array of these robotic beasts as they gnawed on his liquid metal body. However, the demon-like machine bodies began to be coated in black metal and a circuit pattern akin to Upgrade himself. They soon merged with the technoorganic being, and soon, a larger version of the winged cat creatures, say 5 times their length, proportionate to the defaults, was black with green circuitry around, possessed four wings and had a collar with the Omnitrix emblem on it.

Simply put, Upgrade had become much like these beings, except he was stronger, faster, bigger and superior!

"The other kind of bad, that is! Meow meow, my brothers!"

UpgradeCatBus, as we shall call this combination, roars with great might, before opening a door, as if it was a plane, bus, or other vehicles.

"Some of you guys who can't fight will be safe in here. Also you can man my cannons while I use my teeth."

UpgradeCatBus materialises a pair of shoulder cannons, while waiting to see who would like the get in the robot.

@Atomic Knight @Yun Lee @Hahli Nuva @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center​

"...That's gonna be annoying."

"It's... one way to defend the facility, I suppose. No matter, let us begin."

Jotaro nodded with a grunt, breaking into a full sprint down the hallway and baiting out a number of the robotic guardians towards himself. Engulfed in a golden light, the Stand user moved a hand from his pocket and shot a point towards the gaggle of mechanical beasts lunging towards him, the incandescent form of Star Platinum rising from the air before him with its fists crossed as he did so.

"Star Platinum: The World."

BZZZZT!

Suddenly, the world skipped a beat, and an unharmed Jotaro Kujo stood surrounded by mangled, blown-apart remains of the creatures that were sailing through the air just a moment ago. Releasing a heavy breath, Jotaro faced down the long hallway and pressed on against the assault, his Stand floating just beside him and smashing apart the machines with a vicious ORA ORA ORAAA! as they drew near.

"Gold Experience!"

Giorno, meanwhile, elegantly rushed past the heavyset marine biologist with deft feet, using his lithe body and his Stand to his advantage as he seamlessly slid past the guardians with Gold Experience in tow. The gold-colored spirit zipped ahead of its master and tore apart the opposing machines with its own rush of punches as they attempted to catch the blonde-haired boy, unleashing a roaring MUDA MUDA MUDAAA! as it did.

The two Joestars moved in sync with one another, but are these machines the only thing standing between them and the teleporter?

@Atomic Knight @Yun Lee @Hahli Nuva @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center​

The group cut through the robots like butter, securing a path to the door ahead. Kyosuke made a leap for it, jumping inside before the others. The door stood unlocked, waiting for the others to follow.

However, once they entered, they would see Kyosuke standing at a small console. A glass wall just finished sliding up behind him, blocking him from the others. He was doing as he said and inputting a passcode, though the text on the computer screen read not Emergency Transport, but:

Emergency Self-Destruct

@Yun Lee @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center

---

As if everything that was already happening wasn't enough, there was a sudden rumbling from off in the distance. The sound got closer and closer until someone burst through the side of the Med Bay wall, causing Elle to scream. It turned out to be Billy, who was breathing rapidly and raggedly.

"This power... it has to be another Great Spirit!" Billy exclaimed. Artorius turned on him, seemingly unable to understand what just happened. Billy ignored him for the moment and moved toward Sorey. "Othinus really must have them under control in some capacity, but..." He stopped, pain jolting through him. "I have no time... I... I want him to remember, to understand, to know the truth--"

Billy's spell washed over Sorey, who blinked confusedly at the sudden rush of memories. He stood up and faced Artorius. "This is... my head hurts, but I think it's a good hurt... I need to stop this. Everyone, I'll protect you."

Artorius looked surprised. "Sorey? What are you--"

"Mikleo... Edna, Lailah, Zaveid. Even if you've all died in this world... I still feel you. You're my friends, no matter what happens. I will always be connected with you, that's why...!"

Sorey disappeared in a flash of light. Once it dissipated, he was revealed to have transformed.

"Sorey... you're so pretty looking!" exclaimed Elle.

"Stand down, Artorius!" Sorey yelled. "I wasn't able to protect my world, but I can protect my allies!"

@Lucky @Yun Lee @Alex Azure @Crow @Takumi @Med Bay​

"Maybe Upgrade can shut it down," UpgradeCatBus places a paw, the liquid metal of its body coats the systems in an attempt to control and deactivate the self-destruct program via technopathic abilities.

"... come on..."

@Atomic Knight @Yun Lee @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center​

Schala Zeal
@Yun Lee @Hahli Nuva @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @Atomic Knight @Ver
@Security Center

There wasn't much time to think up a plan, but Schala kept Kyosuke's description of what they were about to face in mind, choosing to channel fire magic into her blades, and in addition, casting a haste spell on herself.

As soon as the creatures struck, she struck back, focusing on protecting Kyosuke as she began slashing at the robotic creatures coming... But she soon realized as well that this wasn't going to do the trick on its own; more were springing up faster than their entire group could cut them down, eliminating them one by one wouldn't be them much time.

She was going to have to split her focus a little bit... By sheathing one of her blades in order to free one of her hands... As she began to concentrate, creating multiple orbs of dark magic in the midst of the robotic creatures... Preparing to detonate them in order to clear a path.

Calling out to the others in the room, she hoped to alert them to what she was about to do, to minimize the risk of friendly fire.

"Look out!" She cried...

And then, when hopefully those in the room were far enough away from the orbs... She let them detonate, in an effort to thin out the machine numbers long enough for them to escort Kyosuke a good distance. It was likely she would have to rinse and repeat multiple times, which was probably going to be taxing on her body, but this way... They might be able to make it.

Remembering that she had the ability to absorb energy, and perhaps convert it into magical energy... She figured she could regain her strength... Later.

...

But it was just then that she noticed what was about to happen; Kyosuke had initiated the facility's self destruct sequence. With that in mind... The realization of what was likely going on hit her.

"... A sacrifice... For the greater good... ... Right?" She said, that look of hope, and determination she had on her face seeming to vanish all of a sudden.

Though, the urgency of the situation didn't leave her much time to really deliberate with Kyosuke over his choice right now... No, she needed to think of something, anything that might save everyone... Or at least as many as she could muster...

Seeing Ben, in the form of upgrade attempt to shut the process down, she decided to try something risky... Incase that didn't work out; she decided to use the ability she had attempted to just before Othinus destroyed and rebuilt the multiverse. Perhaps now that they were further away from the Magic God, she had a chance.

Closing her eyes... She muttered a series of ancient, arcane words... Holding her pendant in one hand as she attempted to open a portal within Knowhere, she didn't have time to think of a destination, let alone if it would take them through time, or just to another location, or perhaps a dimension... But... At the very least... If the self destruct sequence couldn't be shut down... They could at least escape, and regroup elsewhere... Wherever that might be...​

 

[Yun Lee]

"HEY! HHHEEEEYYYY!!!!" Severa started banging on the protective wall, which was truly doing its job keeping Kyosuke safe from her wrath. "YOU DASTARD!!! OPEN THIS RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!" Even with her extremely limited knowledge of technology, Severa had a good idea of what it was he was doing.

@Atomic Knight @Yun Lee @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center

---

Libra lowered his hands and released Artorius of his hold on him, in awe of Sorey's transformation. "So...you remember now, Sorey? What really happened?"

@Atomic Knight @Lucky @Yun Lee @Alex Azure @Crow @Takumi @Med Bay​

 

[Atomic Knight]

"Take control all you want," Kyosuke said, turning around to face the group. "It's already begun. Not much point to an emergency self-destruct that can be deactivated once started. You don't have long... maybe less than a minute." Kyosuke then sneered.

"You mock me with your naivety. I admit, the show you put on for me was intriguing, but utter drivel. I know very well that despair embodies you all, those who would destroy us all. Did you really think that playing nice would suffice to make me waver?"

Kyosuke only stared as Severa banged on the glass and Schala attempted to open a portal. "... Flee if you want, but I believe you can't leave the station. The self-destruct is for the entirety of Knowhere, so it's useless." Kyosuke then closed his eyes. "My body will cease to exist along with the rest of you, but I will have eradicated despair."

@Yun Lee @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center

---

"He does," Billy said, starting to collapse. "It's the least I could..."

"Everyone, please run," Sorey said. "I will clear a path for you... just take Elle and go!"

@Lucky @Yun Lee @Alex Azure @Crow @Takumi @Med Bay​

 

[Lucky]

Rita Hanson

" Got it Hot Sorey," she replied, biting her tongue as she grabbed Elle's hand. " We're going on an adventure."

@Atomic Knight @Yun Lee @Alex Azure @Crow @Takumi @Med Bay

 

[Crow]

Schala Zeal
@Yun Lee @Hahli Nuva @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @Atomic Knight @Ver
@Security Center

There wasn't much time to think up a plan, but Schala kept Kyosuke's description of what they were about to face in mind, choosing to channel fire magic into her blades, and in addition, casting a haste spell on herself.

As soon as the creatures struck, she struck back, focusing on protecting Kyosuke as she began slashing at the robotic creatures coming... But she soon realized as well that this wasn't going to do the trick on its own; more were springing up faster than their entire group could cut them down, eliminating them one by one wouldn't be them much time.

She was going to have to split her focus a little bit... By sheathing one of her blades in order to free one of her hands... As she began to concentrate, creating multiple orbs of dark magic in the midst of the robotic creatures... Preparing to detonate them in order to clear a path.

Calling out to the others in the room, she hoped to alert them to what she was about to do, to minimize the risk of friendly fire.

"Look out!" She cried...

And then, when hopefully those in the room were far enough away from the orbs... She let them detonate, in an effort to thin out the machine numbers long enough for them to escort Kyosuke a good distance. It was likely she would have to rinse and repeat multiple times, which was probably going to be taxing on her body, but this way... They might be able to make it.

Remembering that she had the ability to absorb energy, and perhaps convert it into magical energy... She figured she could regain her strength... Later.

...

But it was just then that she noticed what was about to happen; Kyosuke had initiated the facility's self destruct sequence. With that in mind... The realization of what was likely going on hit her.

"... A sacrifice... For the greater good... ... Right?" She said, that look of hope, and determination she had on her face seeming to vanish all of a sudden.

Though, the urgency of the situation didn't leave her much time to really deliberate with Kyosuke over his choice right now... No, she needed to think of something, anything that might save everyone... Or at least as many as she could muster...

Seeing Ben, in the form of upgrade attempt to shut the process down, she decided to try something risky... Incase that didn't work out; she decided to use the ability she had attempted to just before Othinus destroyed and rebuilt the multiverse. Perhaps now that they were further away from the Magic God, she had a chance.

Closing her eyes... She muttered a series of ancient, arcane words... Holding her pendant in one hand as she attempted to open a portal within Knowhere, she didn't have time to think of a destination, let alone if it would take them through time, or just to another location, or perhaps a dimension... But... At the very least... If the self destruct sequence couldn't be shut down... They could at least escape, and regroup elsewhere... Wherever that might be...​

"HEY! HHHEEEEYYYY!!!!" Severa started banging on the protective wall, which was truly doing its job keeping Kyosuke safe from her wrath. "YOU DASTARD!!! OPEN THIS RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!" Even with her extremely limited knowledge of technology, Severa had a good idea of what it was he was doing.

@Atomic Knight @Yun Lee @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center​

"No one's getting sacrificed for any greater goods or whatever reason today, and I'm gonna make sure of it. Come on... how many firewalls does this thing have?"

The giant mechanical cat shakes his head.

"Darn it! Well..."

He steps into Schala's portal.

"We'll need to think of another strategy, pronto!"

@Atomic Knight @Yun Lee @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center
​

Rita Hanson

" Got it Hot Sorey," she replied, biting her tongue as she grabbed Elle's hand. " We're going on an adventure."

@Atomic Knight @Yun Lee @Alex Azure @Crow @Takumi @Med Bay

"Woah, did he just turn into a Super Saiyan?" Grandpa Max asks as Sorey's hair turns gold. "No time to admire... let's move it! To the rendezvous point!"

Grandpa Max ponders as he grabs Billy.

"Wait a second, isn't Aska, the guy who's granting Sorey's power, supposed to be dead?"

@Atomic Knight @Yun Lee @Alex Azure @Crow @Takumi @Lucky @Med Bay​

 

[Macy Moretti]

The group cut through the robots like butter, securing a path to the door ahead. Kyosuke made a leap for it, jumping inside before the others. The door stood unlocked, waiting for the others to follow.

However, once they entered, they would see Kyosuke standing at a small console. A glass wall just finished sliding up behind him, blocking him from the others. He was doing as he said and inputting a passcode, though the text on the computer screen read not Emergency Transport, but:

Emergency Self-Destruct

@Yun Lee @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center

---

As if everything that was already happening wasn't enough, there was a sudden rumbling from off in the distance. The sound got closer and closer until someone burst through the side of the Med Bay wall, causing Elle to scream. It turned out to be Billy, who was breathing rapidly and raggedly.

"This power... it has to be another Great Spirit!" Billy exclaimed. Artorius turned on him, seemingly unable to understand what just happened. Billy ignored him for the moment and moved toward Sorey. "Othinus really must have them under control in some capacity, but..." He stopped, pain jolting through him. "I have no time... I... I want him to remember, to understand, to know the truth--"

Billy's spell washed over Sorey, who blinked confusedly at the sudden rush of memories. He stood up and faced Artorius. "This is... my head hurts, but I think it's a good hurt... I need to stop this. Everyone, I'll protect you."

Artorius looked surprised. "Sorey? What are you--"

"Mikleo... Edna, Lailah, Zaveid. Even if you've all died in this world... I still feel you. You're my friends, no matter what happens. I will always be connected with you, that's why...!"

Sorey disappeared in a flash of light. Once it dissipated, he was revealed to have transformed.

"Sorey... you're so pretty looking!" exclaimed Elle.

"Stand down, Artorius!" Sorey yelled. "I wasn't able to protect my world, but I can protect my allies!"

@Lucky @Yun Lee @Alex Azure @Crow @Takumi @Med Bay​

Schala Zeal
@Yun Lee @Hahli Nuva @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @Atomic Knight @Ver
@Security Center

There wasn't much time to think up a plan, but Schala kept Kyosuke's description of what they were about to face in mind, choosing to channel fire magic into her blades, and in addition, casting a haste spell on herself.

As soon as the creatures struck, she struck back, focusing on protecting Kyosuke as she began slashing at the robotic creatures coming... But she soon realized as well that this wasn't going to do the trick on its own; more were springing up faster than their entire group could cut them down, eliminating them one by one wouldn't be them much time.

She was going to have to split her focus a little bit... By sheathing one of her blades in order to free one of her hands... As she began to concentrate, creating multiple orbs of dark magic in the midst of the robotic creatures... Preparing to detonate them in order to clear a path.

Calling out to the others in the room, she hoped to alert them to what she was about to do, to minimize the risk of friendly fire.

"Look out!" She cried...

And then, when hopefully those in the room were far enough away from the orbs... She let them detonate, in an effort to thin out the machine numbers long enough for them to escort Kyosuke a good distance. It was likely she would have to rinse and repeat multiple times, which was probably going to be taxing on her body, but this way... They might be able to make it.

Remembering that she had the ability to absorb energy, and perhaps convert it into magical energy... She figured she could regain her strength... Later.

...

But it was just then that she noticed what was about to happen; Kyosuke had initiated the facility's self destruct sequence. With that in mind... The realization of what was likely going on hit her.

"... A sacrifice... For the greater good... ... Right?" She said, that look of hope, and determination she had on her face seeming to vanish all of a sudden.

Though, the urgency of the situation didn't leave her much time to really deliberate with Kyosuke over his choice right now... No, she needed to think of something, anything that might save everyone... Or at least as many as she could muster...

Seeing Ben, in the form of upgrade attempt to shut the process down, she decided to try something risky... Incase that didn't work out; she decided to use the ability she had attempted to just before Othinus destroyed and rebuilt the multiverse. Perhaps now that they were further away from the Magic God, she had a chance.

Closing her eyes... She muttered a series of ancient, arcane words... Holding her pendant in one hand as she attempted to open a portal within Knowhere, she didn't have time to think of a destination, let alone if it would take them through time, or just to another location, or perhaps a dimension... But... At the very least... If the self destruct sequence couldn't be shut down... They could at least escape, and regroup elsewhere... Wherever that might be...​

"HEY! HHHEEEEYYYY!!!!" Severa started banging on the protective wall, which was truly doing its job keeping Kyosuke safe from her wrath. "YOU DASTARD!!! OPEN THIS RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!" Even with her extremely limited knowledge of technology, Severa had a good idea of what it was he was doing.

@Atomic Knight @Yun Lee @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center

---

Libra lowered his hands and released Artorius of his hold on him, in awe of Sorey's transformation. "So...you remember now, Sorey? What really happened?"

@Atomic Knight @Lucky @Yun Lee @Alex Azure @Crow @Takumi @Med Bay​

"Take control all you want," Kyosuke said, turning around to face the group. "It's already begun. Not much point to an emergency self-destruct that can be deactivated once started. You don't have long... maybe less than a minute." Kyosuke then sneered.

"You mock me with your naivety. I admit, the show you put on for me was intriguing, but utter drivel. I know very well that despair embodies you all, those who would destroy us all. Did you really think that playing nice would suffice to make me waver?"

Kyosuke only stared as Severa banged on the glass and Schala attempted to open a portal. "... Flee if you want, but I believe you can't leave the station. The self-destruct is for the entirety of Knowhere, so it's useless." Kyosuke then closed his eyes. "My body will cease to exist along with the rest of you, but I will have eradicated despair."

@Yun Lee @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center

---

"He does," Billy said, starting to collapse. "It's the least I could..."

"Everyone, please run," Sorey said. "I will clear a path for you... just take Elle and go!"

@Lucky @Yun Lee @Alex Azure @Crow @Takumi @Med Bay​

Rita Hanson

" Got it Hot Sorey," she replied, biting her tongue as she grabbed Elle's hand. " We're going on an adventure."

@Atomic Knight @Yun Lee @Alex Azure @Crow @Takumi @Med Bay

Mason had followed along with the group, blindly following the group, following their sounds and their souls.
lacking sight, he was a bit behind, not realizing the present dangers or betrayals that were occurring until it was already too late. However, he felt something. Close by, there was Schala's attempt at a portal. Elsewhere in Knowhere, he felt a large presence of power, perhaps two strong presences.

"If Knowhere is blowing up, then we need to get away. Far away. How about... an entire universe away?"

"Schala, open a portal to get us to the med bay group. My sis can make portals between worlds. We may have lost Fiamma, but that doesn't mean we're trapped here. There are... caveats, but we don't really have time to worry about that. If we can't portal our way there, then let's start running like hell!"

@Atomic Knight @Yun Lee @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Crow @Alex Azure @York @Ver @Security Center​

Meanwhile, Macy took hold of Elle's other hand and rushed her along.

"Sorey, we can never thank you enough. Your efforts won't go in vain, I promise! Let's get running then. Catch up with the other groups, maybe they've found something!"

Macy ran out of the Med Bay, looking for the other groups.

@Atomic Knight @Lucky @Yun Lee @Alex Azure @Crow @Takumi @Med Bay​

 

[Ver]

BOOM!

And just like that, before anyone could help it, realize it, do anything to stop it, Knowhere was gone. And with it, everyone who was in there, blasting everyone with a fiery, overwhelming blast, into Hell.

...

"No, no. Hell does not get to have you just yet."

The next thing everyone knew, they were greeted by the familiar sight of the black void of nothingness. The black world that was in place when Othinus had first destroyed the multiverse on her whim. Anything that indicated they must have died again in the explosion -- burns, bruises, and so on -- were nowhere to be found, as though nothing had ever happened to them.

Standing before the group once more, still holding Gungnir to her side, the Magic God glowered upon everyone with a stern expression, her one eye piercing deeper than any blade could.

"... So it looks like you've recovered well enough from Fiamma of the Right's Fairy spell," Touma commented, meeting her gaze with his own steely eyes.

"Yes. It appears that it wasn't quite as effective as he'd hoped," Othinus shrugged, before continuing to speak once more, directing a question to the entire group. One that she had echoed before.

"Do you realize it now? The answer? Pain is something that is easy to give. Living beings afflict each other with it every second, like nature. And if pain is something that anyone can give anyone else, to that end, what is something that, in its purest form, humans could never give one another?"

@Hahli Nuva @Alex Azure @Lucky @Yun Lee @York @Crow @Takumi @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Everybody​

 

[Hahli Nuva]

BOOM!

And just like that, before anyone could help it, realize it, do anything to stop it, Knowhere was gone. And with it, everyone who was in there, blasting everyone with a fiery, overwhelming blast, into Hell.

...

"No, no. Hell does not get to have you just yet."

The next thing everyone knew, they were greeted by the familiar sight of the black void of nothingness. The black world that was in place when Othinus had first destroyed the multiverse on her whim. Anything that indicated they must have died again in the explosion -- burns, bruises, and so on -- were nowhere to be found, as though nothing had ever happened to them.

Standing before the group once more, still holding Gungnir to her side, the Magic God glowered upon everyone with a stern expression, her one eye piercing deeper than any blade could.

"... So it looks like you've recovered well enough from Fiamma of the Right's Fairy spell," Touma commented, meeting her gaze with his own steely eyes.

"Yes. It appears that it wasn't quite as effective as he'd hoped," Othinus shrugged, before continuing to speak once more, directing a question to the entire group. One that she had echoed before.

"Do you realize it now? The answer? Pain is something that is easy to give. Living beings afflict each other with it every second, like nature. And if pain is something that anyone can give anyone else, to that end, what is something that, in its purest form, humans could never give one another?"

@Hahli Nuva @Alex Azure @Lucky @Yun Lee @York @Crow @Takumi @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Everybody​

Will glared at Othinus with all the malice she could muster. Her soul burned in her body, and even Xing Jin took notice.Every word that came from The Keeper's mouth was soaked to the brim with venom.

"Save your riddles for someone who cares, witch. It's easy to gloat and ask these stupid questions when you have the tools handed to you, isn't it?"

@Hahli Nuva @Alex Azure @Lucky @Yun Lee @York @Crow @Takumi @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Everybody​

 

[Macy Moretti]

BOOM!

And just like that, before anyone could help it, realize it, do anything to stop it, Knowhere was gone. And with it, everyone who was in there, blasting everyone with a fiery, overwhelming blast, into Hell.

...

"No, no. Hell does not get to have you just yet."

The next thing everyone knew, they were greeted by the familiar sight of the black void of nothingness. The black world that was in place when Othinus had first destroyed the multiverse on her whim. Anything that indicated they must have died again in the explosion -- burns, bruises, and so on -- were nowhere to be found, as though nothing had ever happened to them.

Standing before the group once more, still holding Gungnir to her side, the Magic God glowered upon everyone with a stern expression, her one eye piercing deeper than any blade could.

"... So it looks like you've recovered well enough from Fiamma of the Right's Fairy spell," Touma commented, meeting her gaze with his own steely eyes.

"Yes. It appears that it wasn't quite as effective as he'd hoped," Othinus shrugged, before continuing to speak once more, directing a question to the entire group. One that she had echoed before.

"Do you realize it now? The answer? Pain is something that is easy to give. Living beings afflict each other with it every second, like nature. And if pain is something that anyone can give anyone else, to that end, what is something that, in its purest form, humans could never give one another?"

@Hahli Nuva @Alex Azure @Lucky @Yun Lee @York @Crow @Takumi @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Everybody​

Will glared at Othinus with all the malice she could muster. Her soul burned in her body, and even Xing Jin took notice.Every word that came from The Keeper's mouth was soaked to the brim with venom.

"Save your riddles for someone who cares, witch. It's easy to gloat and ask these stupid questions when you have the tools handed to you, isn't it?"

@Hahli Nuva @Alex Azure @Lucky @Yun Lee @York @Crow @Takumi @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Everybody​

"No need to get frustrated just because you can't solve a riddle. I hate these kind of puzzles too, but I've had experience solving them. I think we can work through this."

"If pain is easy to give, then what's impossible to give must be the opposite. Peace? Love? Understanding?"

"I don't think it's that simple. She's been trying to make a point with these journeys into awful recreations of the multiverse. She's shown us how much pain we've been able to cause. What has she deprived us of?"

"Sleep?"

"Now you're overthinking it."

"Well, what's your guess?"

"Well... Othinus... is it forgiveness? To err is human, to forgive is divine."

@Ver @Atomic Knight @Hahli Nuva @Alex Azure @Lucky @Yun Lee @York @Crow @Takumi @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Everybody​

 

[Crow]

BOOM!

And just like that, before anyone could help it, realize it, do anything to stop it, Knowhere was gone. And with it, everyone who was in there, blasting everyone with a fiery, overwhelming blast, into Hell.

...

"No, no. Hell does not get to have you just yet."

The next thing everyone knew, they were greeted by the familiar sight of the black void of nothingness. The black world that was in place when Othinus had first destroyed the multiverse on her whim. Anything that indicated they must have died again in the explosion -- burns, bruises, and so on -- were nowhere to be found, as though nothing had ever happened to them.

Standing before the group once more, still holding Gungnir to her side, the Magic God glowered upon everyone with a stern expression, her one eye piercing deeper than any blade could.

"... So it looks like you've recovered well enough from Fiamma of the Right's Fairy spell," Touma commented, meeting her gaze with his own steely eyes.

"Yes. It appears that it wasn't quite as effective as he'd hoped," Othinus shrugged, before continuing to speak once more, directing a question to the entire group. One that she had echoed before.

"Do you realize it now? The answer? Pain is something that is easy to give. Living beings afflict each other with it every second, like nature. And if pain is something that anyone can give anyone else, to that end, what is something that, in its purest form, humans could never give one another?"

@Hahli Nuva @Alex Azure @Lucky @Yun Lee @York @Crow @Takumi @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Everybody​

"Happiness. It is happiness."

Ben steps forward.

"I learned something from my time with Jiren. Then again, it's something I always knew deep inside me, but it's just my nature to deny it."

He looks at Chise for a bit, then back at Othinus.

"It can't be given, not in its purest form anyways. That's just the way life works. Joys and pain - they're two sides of the same coin. That's what makes life... life.

My answer is correct, but it isn't the only correct answer, Othinus, and I know that you're looking for them all, or maybe just one in particular, because you're missing them. Let's see what everyone else says."

@Ver @Atomic Knight @Hahli Nuva @Alex Azure @Lucky @Yun Lee @York @Crow @Takumi @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Everybody​

 

[Yun Lee]

Libra wasn't happy to see Othinus again, but it was a nice break from being thought of as evil. "Trust. No one was able to trust us, no matter what we did or said. Only when they were given the opportunity to see the truth, did anything change."

"Not really. That one-eyed jerk didn't believe us, no matter what! You know, I guess faith also counts, considering the way he acted. Ugh, what am I even saying?" Getting blown up again had pretty much eliminated Severa's desire for philosophy. "This is all stupid! Why don't you make us all a classroom since you want to play teacher so much?!"

@Ver @Hahli Nuva @Alex Azure @Lucky @Yun Lee @York @Crow @Takumi @CrunchyCHEEZIT @Jeremi @Kaykay @Everybody​