Altered Tundra

Let's B!tch. I feel it's a healthy release for our roleplay annoyances 2.0

@NuttsnBolts Hmm, I hadn't thought of that. Though, the setup in this particular RP has been going since the intro, so I definitely need to get it just right...even if progress ICly is going to be held up for a few days. x.x

Let's B!tch. I feel it's a healthy release for our roleplay annoyances 2.0

tfw you
>have the idea for a post in your mind
>know what it's going to include and be about
>can't get it to paper because your brain is poop

My night in a nutshell.

Men vs. Women Race to 1000

616

Men vs. Women Race to 1000

611

Naruto: Revival

^{Konohagakure | Chunin | NinTai-nin}

---

^{TIME: Present Day - Morning | LOCATION: Konohagakure - Exam Stage, Earth Challenge Room | INTERACTION: Artist known as Kiku@Ladyinink Self-Appointed Senju Sensei@Reflection Our Almighty Protector@Syn}

It became painfully obvious to Jaakuna that the idea to burn the metal door and alternate it between a cooling agent wasn’t going to work. Well, it could’ve worked if they had more time. Based off of the hourglass and the increasing intensity of the tremors, even a simple man like Jaakuna could deduce that there simply wasn’t enough time to do it. Two minutes tops were all that remained from now and the hourglass reaching its last grain of sand. Sundance wondered exactly what would happen when it reached the end? Would the floor beneath them crack and send them down to their death? Or maybe it was some kind of trap. Truthfully, Jaakuna wasn’t the one to wonder about such things. He would leave that to a thinking man like Kurin or Shizuka. He was just here to make sure they didn’t die by blasting bitches with his awesome fiery fists of rad awesomeness.

Though Jaakuna didn’t want to experience it, the last grain of sand dropped and suddenly the floor shook. This time it wasn’t just a tremor; it was a full-on earthquake. Jakuna nearly lost his footing, though he found support thanks to the wall. “Gotta love walls,” Jaakuna murmured to himself, thankful for walls. But that wasn’t the end of their worries. The floor started to glow blue in the same kind of runes that the walls were covered in. Whatever this meant, Jaakuna braced himself for the worst to come. He found himself pre-screaming for the fall to his death. It was very unmanly on his part and Jaakuna would find out that he had no reason to scream because, well, the shaking stopped and, as he would find out a few moments after his team did, all was well in the kingdom.

Nothing happened.

“Oh, well that wasn’t so bad.” He scratched his head. If that was the worst of it, then maybe they truly didn’t have anything to worry about, after all. And then the blue reverted, inverting into red and suddenly Jaakuna’s panic was back. Hooray for unmanly screams and darkness. “I don’t want to die!” Jaakuna panicked, his voice rising to levels that shouldn’t be humanly possible. Though a light at the end of the tunnel came to them and a literal door opened. “Oh never mind, I’m not going to die.” Jaakuna wiped the sweat from his forehead and looked at his teammates, giving the ‘a-okay’ gesture.

Just a moment later, Jaakuna was drawn to the rune glowing on the door. One more moment later, it opened and he followed Kurin’s suit. After the brief praise that pseudo-leader gave him and Kiku for the idea about using Jaak’s fire, the blonde simply gave him a grin and let him lead them into the unknown. “You know, just for the record, I wasn’t actually afraid. I was just making sure you guys weren’t afraid. Taking one for the team and all that.”

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

Suddenly, as death magicks surged their way through Michel’s body, Zodiark noticed something absolutely wrong. It wasn’t exactly what Zalera’s power was like--not really, anyways. It was, like Aloa’s voice, distorted and mixed. Ancient Viera mist mixed with the Death Esper’s own intended to finish the job that Shion had started. It was different from Shion’s magicks, though. Hers was purely purification-based. Zodiark could tell that his brother’s approach was a lot more vicious and vile. Much like Zodiark’s own ambition, it dug deep into the connection that he had with Michel, no matter how guarded it was, the piercing magicks got past all defenses and now had the Keeper of Precepts on his knees, gripping his chest tightly as he grunted out. It also caused him to start to pant heavily.

And as it dug further, Zodiark fell on all fours.

“What’s happening?” Hamut asked, worried as he saw Zodiark almost cry out from the pain. Whatever Aloa was doing not only halted his master’s attack completely but it also forced him to collapse to the ground.

Hamut gripped his blade and swung at Aloa. The viera would stop it with her claw, though it seemed she wasn’t quite interested in Hamut so much as she was in Zodiark. She would acknowledge him as she held his blade steady. “Your master so loves to take that which does not belong to him,” Shion would inform Hamut as Vlyn would put her down, the male viera healing her wound. “My Chamomile is not a tool to be used at your leisure.”

Zodiark fought through the pain, standing up despite every inch he moved ripping through his hold on Michel. “Your Chamomile sought me out. Like your poor Rio and like Jackson, Michel was the one who called out to me. All I did was answer his lust for power.” Zodiark struggled to say that.

There was probably some truth to what he said, but just as Zodiark loved to cause pain, Shion reveled in the opportunity to talk down to him. “Truly? Then why are you struggling so much to keep him under your thumb? Ah, forgive me, my simple hume mind couldn’t possibly comprehend whatever thoughts cross your opalescent mind.”

“You’re right about one thing, Blue Rose,” Zodiark said through panted breath, “you could never understand what it’s like to be me--what it’s like to be perfection. You could never understand what it’s like to be the greatest in all of existence. This is why you could never possibly control my power. That is why I chose Rio over you. Unlike you, he understood what it took. He wasn’t a weakling like you. But maybe he was. Perhaps, like every man before him, he was too weak to handle my Seal.” Zodiark marathoned past that but not without consequences. He felt his hold over Michel slipping the more he spoke. Though, as he looked to Aloa. “Great and powerful holder of Zalera, you didn’t know this, did you?” Zodiark let out a grunted laugh. “I guess the Blue Rose of Utena never really does change no matter how much she boasts.” As Zodiark spoke, Hamut couldn’t help but feel he was saying too much.

The viera would look at Shion out of the corner of her eye. Vlyn’s healing spell finished, though Shion remained steady. No time like the present to confront your demons--literally and figuratively. The blue haired woman looked at her blackened hand wistfully. “Yes...just like them, I, too, sought power once,” She stated, forming a fist. “Though you’re wrong about one thing: Rio didn’t have what it took, but I did. You knew he was my weakness...and purged him in an attempt to strengthen me. Too bad instead it opened my eyes to the monster you truly were.”

So it was true. Vlyn had thought as much when the Garif had addressed her, but he didn’t think it was an actual reality. “The Ashlesha Ascendant…” He chuckled, an eye closed, though he supposed he would have to be the bearer of bad news. “We viera live longer than humes. The very reason Aloa left the Wood was to find the Ascendant...to find the one rumored to have been chosen by the gods--chosen by you.”

“We were less than a passing glance,” Aloa informed Zodiark. “But long have I watched you. Your disturbance goes back to years...and when my people refused to take action, i chose to do so myself. Ivalice herself has chosen me--and so my own plan would turn as time did.”

“In other words, Master, Aloa knew long before you even had it as a thought,” Shion would lay it outright, though her expression would darken. “I admit, I would like to take credit, but while the Treaty Blade was my idea, it was Aloa who brought it fully into fruition. One step ahead of me--yes, I will admit that. For all my power, I never could truly come out on top. Luckily for me, Aloa was always a step ahead of you.” She stated, beckoning towards the crystal around them. If one would look closely, traces of Aloa’s magicks were all around them. “I haven’t changed. But I have changed my company.”

It took a long moment for it to register with Zodiark. How could this have gone past him? Was it because he didn’t anticipate Aloa’s role in all of this or was it simply he didn’t think the Viera were capable of something so clever and so sneaky? That wasn’t their way. And yet, as he just heard it himself, there was no denying it. The ones who he should have gone after from the beginning was not the Blue Rose. It wasn’t even Jackson’s band of misfits. The ones he should have dealt with were the Viera. Those abominations that shouldn’t be allowed to breathe the same air that he breathes should’ve been his main target. He was careless. He wouldn’t make the same mistake again.

Zodiark had only one thing on his mind now: to make sure these Viera and Aloa didn’t make a fool out of him again. And so, despite the continued rising levels of anguish, he rushed forward. His movements were slow, but he reached out, aiming for Aloa. As he did, however, Aloa would take Hamut by his blade, callously throwing him aside. Rather than run, Aloa went straight for Zodiark, her normal hand grasping him by the throat, though it was meant to hold him steady rather than harm.

Vlyn would snap his fingers, revitalizing Shion’s previously wilted roses, and they would spring to life, wrapping their vines around Michel’s body. Aloa would stare at Zodiark, as if looking into his very soul, her cape billowing around them as they were surrounded by her magicks. “Your rage will be the end of you, although I will comfort you with a thought. I will not be the one to strike you down--that honor will belong to the Prodigal Son. I am but a stepping stone, though that humiliation in itself will suffice for now,” She informed him rather cooly, her expression stony. “Begone, he of darkness, and come forth you who would Whisper!”

Aloa released him, though she would slam her palm onto Michel’s chest, the light once again erupting through him. As it did, a shadow formed behind him, screeching at unbelievable sounds. In that same moment, Michel’s body fell forward. Without a host, it was, at least for the moment, an unconscious body. Meanwhile, the hovering shadow that could only be deduced as Zodiark was nothing but a floating hume-sized shadow of absolutely blackened darkness that had eyes like maroon. As it screeched more, it swirled around Hamut, empowering the Archadian.

And as Zodiark found a new host, Hamut rose from where he was and raised his non-sword arm up and conjured up a mixture of powerful magicks that was his own and Zodiark’s. Powered by Exodus’ seal and Zodiark’s Seal, Meteor came from below, glowing bright orange and surrounded by a pitch black aura. It came down for the group, though at the point of contact, Hamut would be already gone.

“Always with the dramatics, are we?!” Shion couldn’t help but get frustrated, though as Vlyn would raise his hand, the crystal glowed, shattering the meteor.. “...an illusion?”

“No, but viera magicks are much more than hume ones--even with Zodiark’s ‘enhancements’, he doesn’t quite understand how to utilize the crystal’s power.” He stated, kneeling down to pick up the unconscious Michel. “What’s next?”

Aloa narrowed her eyes at the scene, but it seemed Hamut had truly fled. She let out a small sigh; she had hoped to capture him, but it was of no importance. “We go to him,” She stated as both her flaw and cape would dissipate, her red eye going back to its usual brown. “Although...I am not too pleased you would reveal my place.” She couldn’t help but give Shion a look.

The woman gave her a genuine smile. “Forgive me. I could not hold myself back...it was satisfying to rub it in his face,” She outright admitted, though she would regain her usual serious composure. “Next, we deal with the Seed...and see to it that Fandan
iel remains where he needs to be.”

Vlyn shrugged. “To Dalmasca, then?” He asked.

“Indeed. We have carefully dismantled one problem. Yet our work is not done,” Aloa stated, holding out her arm as her teleportation spell spun around them. Their surroundings morphed, the Mist blinding until instead of crystal, they stood on stone, people bustling around them. Few paid them any mind, though the castle was in view. “We will ask the royal family to spare us a room. Wesley should be awake now.”

Shion nodded, though she winced, holding her abdomen. “Next time...I’ll get him for sure.”

Before anything would happen, Michel’s body, which was over Vlyn’s back, started to fidget. Additionally, he was coming to. He coughed and his eyes would open. “Where...am I?” He asked lowly, his voice still weak.

Shion would place her hand on his cheek comfortingly. “Be still, you are with me in Rabanastre,” She soothed him, speaking gently. “Tell me, what is the last thing you remember?”

“I was with Meli. and then I heard a whisper of sorts. It goes blank after that.” Michel tried to remember, but each time he tried, he was met with static. “Tell me, what happened to me? How did I end up in Dalmasca?” Michel asked confused.

“We came from Giruvegan, where you had followed Shion to,” Aloa informed him bluntly, ignoring Shion’s annoyed look. “Your actions were not your own, instead you bended to Zodiark’s will. He stated as such--is it true?”

He started to remember. Yes, the reason he was with Meli. “I think…” Michel’s eyes went to Shion’s. “My Mistress, I must apologize. I did this willingly.” He regretfully admitted, gesturing Vlyn to let him down.

The viera was glad to put him down, letting out a sigh of relief, though he was practically shoved out of the way as Shion would step closer to Michel. “Why?” She asked, unable to hide her disappointment, and outright ignoring Vlyn’s expression of annoyance.

Michel took a deep breath, preparing himself for his explanation, though Shion being so close to him didn’t make it any easier. “Before you berate me, allow me to explain. I was not doing this because I wanted to. I understand the risk involved, but I stumbled upon something in Archadia. Actually, my father told me about it. An old scripture from the the beginning of Ivalice.” Michel said, “in the scripture, it detailed the Espers, their three stages of their Seals, and something called the Word of Ivalice.” Michel tried to recall exactly what it said. “Mistress, it also stated that the way to truly know Zodiark was to allow the beast to take control of your body. Should your will be strong enough, you may understand the truth of his soul. I admit, it was a gamble, but I found out something important…”

Aloa raised both her eyebrows, clearly amused. “The Word is hume knowledge? Now that’s a surprise,” She mused, though she would put that to the side, sensing Shion’s impatience. “You were able to connect to him? I’ve underestimated you. What did you learn?”

“The Zodiark the legend states was misinformed. He is not the real Zodiark. I suspected when I was reading the scripture, but it was proven to me when he took control. The one who calls himself Zodiark is actually the reincarnation of Vayne Solidor--or what remains of him after Venat’s control.”

“A remnant of ages past...I see,” Aloa seemed to understand.

“This doesn’t surprise you?” Vlyn asked.

“Of course it does. An unbound remnant is a large threat, however...I fear that is not what I mean.”

Shion shook her head. “What she means is that the true Zodiark is still running amok. No matter--I will continue to deal with the demon.” She stated boldly.

“I will...search, then. Zodiark is...too much of a wild card to be let loose,” Aloa admitted, turning away from the group with a thoughtful expression. “I trust you will guide your mistress, Michel.”

“We just got back together, and you’re leaving?” Vlyn couldn’t help but whine, though he would nod. “Oh well...guess we have our work cut out for us.”

Michel simply nodded to Aloa as she would depart. “We could use a rest, I think.” Michel suggested. With everything that has transpired, some rest to rejuvenate their energy was the top priority. Shion nodded in agreement, beckoning for him to follow her. She walked without fear: now that she knew exactly who the enemy was, she needed to continue no matter what.

Naruto: Revival

^{Konohagakure | Chunin | NinTai-nin}

---

^{TIME: Present Day - Morning | LOCATION: Konohagakure - Exam Stage, Earth Challenge Room | INTERACTION: Artist known as Kiku@Ladyinink Self-Appointed Senju Sensei@Reflection Our Almighty Protector@Syn}

It wasn’t like Jaakuna was going to sign off on giving up anyway. As far as he was concerned, he sided with Shizuka on the matter of the button. No matter how tempting it was to take the easy way out, only quitters and people who were depressed beyond any professional help chose that route. If they were going to do this, regardless how difficult it might be, they were going to do it as a team. Get good or die trying.

So with that out of the way, they had one of two options laid out in front of them. Option number one was to wait the duration of the hourglass out and find out what happens after that. That certainly was the less-abrasive route to go. Jaakuna couldn’t lie to himself and say he wasn’t curious about what would happen should they not break down the door. But, like pressing the button, it was too big of a temptation and crossed too far into the Land of Quitters. So, should they put that up to a vote, Jaakuna would vote nay.

And then there was option two of finding alternative means to bust down that sturdy, metal door. He doubted either of them had an acid release. Would it have come in handy? Without question, but Jaakuna wasn't about the second-guessing life. He had to look ahead, though to do that, he had to look to the left of him towards the Artist Known as Kiku. She must be a genius or something because she thought of an idea that Jaakuna wanted to bring up but on self-appointed Senju Senpai’s orders, he wasn’t going to blaze up the joint. Yet, they were running out of options.

“Now that’s why I like you, Artist Known as Kiku!” Jaakuna grinned cheek-to-cheek, pounding his fists together. “Let’s see if I can make time stop for fire.” Jaakuna stepped forward. He looked at the metal door for a long minute. As he was about to blaze up, he stopped, then looked at his team. “Actually, I can’t melt it. But I can heat it up.” Jaakuna pointed out, emphasizing that last bit. “So yeah, I can do what I can but I’m not a fucking fire god, though that does have a ring to it.” Jaakuna was now entertaining the thought of being a god. Sure sounded better than Sundance Kid.

Naruto: Revival

^{Konohagakure | Chunin | NinTai-nin}

---

^{TIME: Present Day - Morning | LOCATION: Konohagakure - Exam Stage, Earth Challenge Room | INTERACTION: Artist known as Kiku@Ladyinink Self-Appointed Senju Sensei@Reflection Our Almighty Protector@Syn}

As if it wasn’t already obvious, Jaakuna was practically useless in this situation. He couldn’t use Katon on account of it requiring him to use the little oxygen that was available to the team. Additionally, fire wasn’t necessarily helpful at the moment. That would be supported when Kurin dropped the bomb about water style being preferred for this particular situation. Given that Jaakuna’s chakra natures weren’t anything close to that, it meant he couldn’t exactly help the cause. The best he could do was try not to get killed by anything that might come their way. Thankfully, the worst thing that seemed to be present was the increasing tremors and little earth pebbles.

And when Kurin would state the obvious about worms, they had returned to square one. “That’s all fine and dandy, but how exactly are we going to get this worm here? I’m not sure if you realize this, but we’re not necessarily outside. Unless one of y’all got a rain jutsu ready to use, we’re gonna need an alternate strategy.”

Minutes to Manhattan

@Inkarnate Never too late to do it the right way.

Time Stops For Fire(Altered Tundra and Hero)

"Keiran told you this?"

Wesley pondered on that thought, placing his thumb against his lip. He bit on it and thought long and hard. If Keiran put the thought into her mind that she might be pregnant, then maybe she wasn't? Or she was and he was doing nothing at all. Keiran lived to cause confusion for anyone. Making everyone play against each other and causing trouble everywhere he went. It happened with Emiri, then Jaakuna, and now he was doing it to Nadeline and Wesley. It didn't matter to him that he was somewhat forgiven, he kept persisting in these games. Keiran was too much like Zodiark. He thought no one caught onto his games. He thought that he was tied to Emiri that he couldn't be hurt. He thought that just because Jaakuna had hurt him once and in turn hurt Emiri that he was untouchable.

But what he failed to realize was that only a Spawn can hurt another Spawn.

Wesley dug into that part of him that was Zodiark. If it was true, then what he was about to do would work. If not, then it was useless.

Reaching deep into the dark essence of his soul, Wesley felt Fandaniel's soul coming through. Even if for a brief moment, his eyes flashed green. Wherever Keiran was--wherever he was plotting from--not only would Wesley know where he was, but anything he had in mind would be halted immediately. Keiran would feel it as his entire body would feel a number of things. First, a sharp pain would course through his body. Then, though it would take a few moments longer than he intended, Keiran would be force-summoned into Emiri's room.

"We know what you have done," Wesley stated coldly.