Dezuel

Realms of Sun & Shadow

The Lynx & The Philosopher's stone

The light of the lantern filled the storage room, the soft steps of the boots coming down the ladder, the black long hair neatly tied up into a ponytail. The young woman's blue eyes searched amidst the various barrels, vine bottles and dried meat until her eyes finally landed on a figure walking out from behind one of the large vine stalls which housed the finest wines that a rich man like Ayel Raunefeldt could buy and brag about having. The figure moved out from it's hiding spot, the tanned man with his blond shoulderlong hair and ghostly blue eyes met with hers.

"You are quite the bold one, to harbor a man on the run. To some this would be the vilest of treason towards not only the Aurelian crown but to Dawnhaven aswell. Traits inherited by your parentage perhaps? I doubt your adopted brother would approve of such actions." The blond man said in a soft voice, his trademark smile forming on his lips as he approached the smaller noble woman.

"I simply do not want more blood spilt than what have already been spilt. I am just lending a hand to someone in need, if helping someone is a crime, then I am guilty as charged. My brother does not command me, my heart does. Prince Flynn would understand the meaning of staying true to oneself regardless how strong the wind may blow against you." She said softly, but in a proud manner as she put down the lantern on one of the barrels close to where she stood.

"You are something else..." The older man said with a chuckle as he traced his hand along one of the wine bottles in one of the racks, before picking it up. "I see your brother is fond of even some newer brands. This particular one is a fine year. The year you were born." He said softly, and slid the wine bottle back in it's place.

"The year I was born? How would you know that? You are from Aurelia aren't you? You called me Opal in the jail. Where did you learn my middle name?" The young noblewoman asked the warrior who stood before her in the dimly lit storage room.

"The ring you bear have that very stone, surrounding it are the symbols of fire, earth, water and wind. It symbolizes the fabled philosopher's stone, the magnus opus, the hidden formula to the elixir of life, to turn all other things into gold and cure all ills. The name was chosen by your mother, the ring... by your father." Gadez said in an almost ominous manner, his hair momentarily falling over his eyes, concealing them before he moved his head back, allowing his hair to fall away from his face.

"My mother? You knew my birth mother? Just who are you? Do you know where I can find my father? Is he still alive?" She stepped forwards, her eyes shimmering with determination, her pose being fierce despite her otherwise frail looking body.

"I knew her indeed. I know her still. Cymbaline Malkin. Yet time is a cruel thing, as are the divine or those whom claim to be such. As for your quest to find your father? He died a long time ago alongside your mother, I would know... because I am he." Gadez said in a soft and sorrowful tone of voice, his hand moving to his chest, placing it flatly upon it. Anora raised both of her hands to her mouth and her eyes closed slightly, tears forming and she was shaking.

"Y-you.... somehow... I knew... the moment I laid eyes on you in the jail. Your eyes. I knew them." She frowned and looked up to the taller older man before rushing up and raising her hand. The slap resonated in the storage room as it struck the man across the cheek.

"I-I've looked for you for so long.. why did you leave me alone? How dare you come back to me now? Like this?" She swallowed before reaching out with both her arms and wrapped her arms around Gadez, her head pressing against his chest. "Why? I have had so many questions unanswered... I have been so lonely..." She said in a shaky voice, upset but happy regardless. His arms softly held her in an embrace.

"Of all the beings in this world, you alone have the right to pass judgement on me. I left you in a place where I knew you could find a better life, the old woman in the orphanage gave me her word, and she kept it. I had to harden my already dullened heart to leave you there. I also gave my word, that I would destroy those who destroyed your mother. The divine. Aelios. Your mother suffered from an illness no mortal could cure, no spell nor potion could save her. And the divine just allowed it to happen. That is something I cannot forget neither forgive. So I will do what I can to send both kingdoms into ruin along with all traces of their divines so that a new kingdom can rise. One which does not distinguish, does not care whom you are, where you came from. And the only one in my eyes, that is pure enough to lead that kingdom… is you..." He lowered his head, taking a knee, something he had sworn to never do to any other, mortal nor divine.

"There's so much anger in you. Let go of it. Stay here with me. I will talk with Flynn and he'll understand I am sure. You speak of ending so many lives? Those who are left behind will seek revenge for the fallen and the cycle will never end. I do not know what plan the divine has in store for this world and it's people, but must the entire world burn for you to be content? The world isn't perfect, but we are working towards it day by day... and I could never be a leader, why should anyone care to listen to what I would have to say?" Anora asked after shaking Gadez's both arms with hers, as if trying to shake him out from whatever dream he was in.

"It has already destroyed me. What you see is a phantom of a man who died a long time ago. We humans have fought one another since the beginning of time, even the divine wage their endless war, they cannot accept one another. As for why they should listen to you? Because you will be the only one with royal blood left standing after I am done and the only one whose hands will remain clean. Dawnhaven is the only place where the people of the two kingdoms can find a common ground." The blond man explained.

"Stop talking like that! There are good people left in this world. Royal blood?" She tilted her head to the side, her eyes squinting slightly.

"Indeed. You see… King Auric is my father, but I am merely that man's bastard child." Gadez said with a snort.

"You.. are Flynn's older brother? But that would mean... I am..." She asked herself, more than the blond man before her. It hurt her within.

"...and this is why, I have kept you hidden, to shield you from harm. Both from becoming like me, but also from becoming like Flynn and the rest of Auric's accursed line." The man explained, his hand reaching out to move the blond strands of hair from her face.

"You dyed your hair to hide the fact that you were adopted by the Raunefeldt family, but it was also the haircolour that your mother had. It suits you well. Anora Opal Malkin. Precious gem of the feline. I watched you from the shade, for many years. Like a Lynx hidden amidst the trees. I was there when you celebrated your twelfth birthday. Do you remember the mime?" He asked her, and gave a soft smile.

"The mime? That.. that was you? You... gave me that book. The one with the drawings." Anora said softly in thought then smiled.

"What are you planning to do now... father?" Anora said and set her gaze straight into his, fierce determination and defiance in it.

"To set the stage for your kingdom come. Stay safe precious gem. Our beautiful Anora. Reveal not what you know of our connection, there are those here whom would use this knowledge to kill you." His hand moved up to caress her hair and then he planted a kiss on her forehead.

"What if I will not do that? What if I will go immediately to Flynn and turn myself in and tell him what you plan to do? And stop talking about that whole kingdom thing. I reject it with my entire being! I will not, cannot be what you want me to be!" Anora said in a fierce tone of voice, her hands placing themselves at her waist.

"That's my girl alright. Defiant like myself. Like your mother as well. You have her heart..." Gadez smiled softly as he began to try walk past her. "I am sorry for not being there for you. I will never forgive myself for it, neither do I bear the right to ask for it. This is just something... I have to do or I cannot bear existing." He said in a solemn tone.

"I forgive you... but you are trying to leave me again. Why can you not let it go? There are things we cannot change no matter how much we like to. She would understand that. She knew that. I am certain. I never wanted you to do this... you stubborn foolish man!" Anora held out her hand offering it to the older man, her father, the fugitive, the bastard.

"..." He remained silent and began walking towards the stairs. "Dress warm my precious Opal..." He said softly, his hair hung over his face as if to conceal what he felt as he ascended up the stairs, throwing one last glance over his shoulder at the child, his child, the one he had left behind. His heart. His vulnerability. His soft spot. It was after all for her sake that he had set out to change the world, he never had any intention of being in it. Had she not been born, he would have died back with Cymbaline or while driving his blade into Auric's core.

"I'll stop this. I'll stop all of this. I'll stop you." Anora said softly to herself, teary eyed as her eyes narrowed and looked up through her hair partially concealing her eyes.

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

Griff

Griff had nodded his head upon receiving clarifications from Bug. That non-fools were invited to the party too, and that he was not related to Atty.

That meant. Bug was definitely not a cyborg and that Griff could with good conscious join the steak eating and drink gulping.

"Allright!" He said aloud and scurried off into one of the corridors heading towards his room and entered it.

He pressed his hands together and bowed his head as a student would to a master. First to the poster of the red ranger, then to the poster of Athena Rivera, then to the 10th time wrestling luchadore superhero Mascara Migo, followed by martial artist master Ming Lu and finally Griff's eyes landed on a walled image of his main rival and best friend. The blue eyed blond narrowed his eyes and slammed his fist at the image.

"You bastard! What the hell are you looking at?! Ehh! Bet you would have loved seeing me like this wouldn't you?  Where the hell did you go..." Griff ruffled his own hair in frustration and then picked up a waterbottle he had in his room and drank some water, he had totally forgotten about the bottle he had gotten after the simulation.

Then came a beeping signal from his device.

"Ahh!" He yelled out. "Oh. It's just you. Okay what is it?" He narrowed his eyes and looked over the device, pressing on the device.

'New massage? Cool!' He pressed on the mail sent by Ava.

"What the hell? Oh shit. Oh no. It's a fucking message. Look at all this text. Bla bla bla. Where's all the pictures? Come on? Oh there's my name!" Griff squinted with his eyes and reached out and mechanically pointed on the device touch screen as if he was learning some strange alien magic.

"Attack with two weapons at same time?! But I have been using all my weapons at the same time except the drones! This is bullshit!" Griff punched the device, causing it to flicker for a moment. He thought for a moment that he would compose a message of his own, one inspired by the ancient mountain sages who clearly liked writing poems. But writing things sucks!

Griff slapped both of his cheeks with the palms of his both hands. He was going to go to Ava in person and tell her what was on his mind!

Griff headed out of his room and went over and looked at the various doors, looking for Ava's room.

He didn't know if she was there, but if she were there... perhaps she was sleeping after the whole simulation.

He was faced with a dilemma. Should he knock, like most other inconsiderate people would do and possibly wake her up or should he sneakily open the door to check if she were sleeping, if she was sleeping it would be totally uncool to wake her up no matter what issue he had to discuss.

Griff swallowed and made his choice. He tried to open the door.

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

Mema-Ka

Mema-Ka stopped in his melody as the notification came to his communication device. "Oh?" He said aloud, eyes darting down to it and soon after he picked it up and read through Ava Lane's review. His expression remained one and the same for the duration, his eyes moved from side to side, devouring the text bit by bit. Being an avid reader, he was quick to get through it all.

He allowed himself a soft sigh, blowing some air through his mouth and then made a reply directly to Ava alone.

"Corporal Lane. There are those whom may misjudge me today, there will be those which will misjudge me in the future. But in the end. I am simply myself. To others, my actions may seem rash, suicidal or even reckless. But that is because you do not know me, they do not know me. There is an old saying: that the most dangerous being in the world, is one able to discern between truths and lies, in this case the simulation is a lie, it isn't real, even if some would want you to treat it as real. There were no true victory to be had in that simulation, for it were made as to prove something to us, besides that working together can achieve particular results. It is that victory, regardless of which shape it may try to take, always comes at a price. But there are are also things one cannot win.

There are of course those who would try to win all battles, such as the pilot of the Cockroach, using whatever is present as a tool to reach that goal. In chess, victory cannot be had unless you sacrifice the pawns in front of you. This is a belief that many share, commonly amidst humans, more so in the military where we now find ourselves. And has been the case since the beginning of time.

No doubt you have lost valuable allies yourself along the way? You are most definitely not alone if that is the case. I am not saying you would be at fault if that were true. But what I would like to ask is: What does victory look like for you? Is it when a battle in a long grueling war is over? Is it when all enemies are dead? Is it when you can go home and receive all the things you've ever desired?

In regards to the Raptor? It serves me well as my partner in the great quest before us. Til death do us apart so to speak. Only those whom are willing to put their lives on the line, have the right to deny that very thing to other creatures. Do you not agree?

Why did the Cruxi attack? What end result are they seeking? How would a victory look like? I would love for us to sit down and talk at some point corporal if you would find the time to truly get to know me. I think we would have plenty in common. We both died in the simulation for one. I found the experience quite curious. A bright light. Then darkness. However we both came out of it, a real battle wouldn't bring that of course.

Mema-Ka Ezqess Degadraz."

The older twin sent the message away to Ava, then resumed to play on the piano, his eyes glimmering abit now, a soft smirk finding it's way to his lips.

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

Mema-Ka

After having excused himself from the briefing room, Mema-Ka had walked calmly down the various corridors of the ship, finally stopping in front of a large window overlooking empty space, he reached for his personal device and quickly arranged a message for Executive Director Lorenzo in regards to alterations to the Raptor. This was a neatly wrapped gift to the older twin.

"Executive Director, I wish for the Raptor to have it's primary weapon, the [Marker Light] removed and replaced with [Artillery mortars]. Proceed with the following adjustments for the Squid as well, replace the [Dual Acid Cannons] with [Arklight Thunder]. That is all. Cadet Degadraz out." He sent the message away towards Lorenzo, and pocketed the device again.

Zel-Ghin's machine was not ideal for his brother, even with these adjustments, it would never be enough for him. He needed something that was completely different and fully dedicated to a role up close. All his long ranged weaponry were not very ideal for a frontliner. Mema-Ka's Raptor on the other hand were better suited, the only thing he felt it was lacking were a heavy primary weaponry which could be utilized in different ways. For someone like him, the artillery mortars seemed like the perfect choice. A weapon one could use as support and up close and could bring devastation to the battlefield… a massive ship… a colony… or a Cruxi hive.

Mema-Ka couldn't help but have a small upturn form at the corner of his lips. If the executive director would approve both alterations, then his brother would likely perform his role much better, but far from the perfection which Mema-Ka felt was needed. After all Zel-Ghin was a frontliner, someone who would be fighting and holding the line. Even if he wouldn't be able to destroy a single thing, his ability to hold back trouble would be highly valued if his dream were to be realized.

If we have the power, why shouldn't we? That was such a common human reasoning. How his own and Zel-Ghin's existence had come to be, how all life had come to be, a choice made for them, a choice never chosen. What was life? It was a collection of experiences, and depending on those experiences they would shape you. Zel-Ghin were a perfect example of someone whose been completely shaped by the hand and choices of others, he was not born to be the way he were. Unlike himself. Mema-Ka proceeded to head towards the room next to the gaming room which Zel-Ghin had found to his liking, this were the music room which held all manner of instruments. The room was quiet however. Perfect.

The taller twin's eyes set on the piano at the end of the room and approached it, pulling up the cover for all the keys, before pressing down on a few of them. He smiled softly, before sitting down on the small stool by it. He took slight breath, and then began to play an ominous but sad melody.

'All it takes is to find the key… the final key. The trigger of excision.'

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

Zel-Ghin

Zel-Ghin had been on his way to the gaming room, he wanted to clear another level, beat a few bosses and- Footsteps was heard behind him. His eyes darted quickly to the side, his hand instinctively reaching down to his belt area. He had no knife on him. The pattern had been interupted. That's right. He was at a ship in space now. He didn't have that weapon on him. His training sessions against those… machines in the old lab had left their mark. To always watch the back. He sighed slightly, closing his eyes momentarily, before turning half-way around, his hands sliding into his jacket-pockets. It was the short and petite young woman. The pilot of the Atty. Serah. She was running and yelling at him to hold up. What was this about?

'The other kittycat? What now?' Zel-Ghin thought to himself, then listened to what Serah had to say. He had missed the notice that there were going to be a party tonight, arranged by Bug and Arrish. Zel-Ghin's mind wandered to try find faces of the two mentioned.

'The junkyard scrapper and the guy who tried to command my brother...' The younger twin made a mental note, then looked over Serah, his eyes wandered over her face, his gaze landing on her lips, then his eyes glanced downwards, then slowly back up again. Short. She really was a short one. Her overall appearance was speaking to Zel-Ghin's particular taste. She probably would need a stool to stand on if he were to kiss her later though. But that was something for later.

"Haah? You ran all the way here for that?" He tilted his head slightly to the side, trying to come to grip as to what reasoning had led her to do that. He had not exactly been showing his best side to anyone as of late. The bitter defeat of the Squid. It still irked him to the point he wanted to stab something.

"Why would you bother running all over here to tell me this? Doubt anyone of those other guys want me there anyhow, bet not even you want me to show up do you? Unless you are asking me out on... what was that thing called again? Date? Hah… give me a break. No one really cares about me, don't pretend you do, no one ever has. My brother of course will be there, but where else would the spoon be if not in the soup? He does love to talk for someone so detached from all forms of pleasure. Hmm…" Zel-Ghin's purple gaze wandered over Serah again, trying to lock gaze with her.

"You seem overly eager to jump into the fray. We aren't so different are we? I like that in a woman. I give you a lolipop for a kiss, but I doubt you are bold enough to make that trade… heh. Since you did run all this way to invite me... Tsk tsk. Fate is such a drag at times. I guess I'll see you at the party, Neko-chan." He shook his head softly and lifted his hand up, his palm facing up towards the ceiling as he assumed a carefree stance.

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

Griff

Griff blinked and attempted to gather his thoughts, it didn't take him as long as he thought.

'Wait a second. If what old geezer is saying what I think he's saying… then I have found a pathway to immunity to be sent to the brig? Well that was easy. All I had to do were to be okay with it. Griff. You are a genius. G-E-N-E-W-S! So that means I can be as loud as I want to the officers without being sent to the brig? Cool! But then again there are other forms of punishment.' Griff frowned for a moment as he thought of sitting by a computer or being forced to read something at a desk. That was most certainly hell. But perhaps Lorenzo was right, perhaps he had only seen a small degree of him being a jerk?

'Hey wait… what if Lorenzo is secretly a villain? What would the red ranger do? Hmm. Punch it in the face! But punching an old geezer in the face doesn't feel sportsman like.' Griff consulted himself, and nodded his head softly to himself in agreement. While Lorenzo spoke to the others. First Banana guy. Why was he getting a parrot sticker when he was on team banana? It made no sense! Unless… wasn't there a bird called a touk- Toucan? That bird had a big beak shaped like a banana. What was that lil scrawny guy's name again? Hmm. Toucan Terry. That'll do for now.

Then Lorenzo said something to Serah which Griff actually agreed with, that a pilot's true character was only truly known at a clash. But couldn't that be a team-clash against some evil aliens too? Nothing to worry about, he was going to protect his team once the real fighting begin. He had failed in the simulation, he had to think of some way to make sure he'll make it on time. Maybe a massive jet thruster would do the trick?

Then there was that other clone guy, the taller of the two who Lorenzo soon after addressed. Griff scratched his forehead. Fools follow orders? Well, good thing he wasn't a fool then! Griff beamed a slight smile, momentarily putting his depressing state of being aside. Throwing away ones framewerk? Griff couldn't do that. Shiva was his best buddy in squishing aliens and kicking ass, if Shiva was human and female then she might had been the perfect wife. After all, she has four arms! Griff's mind wandered to how much cooking, housework, weightlifting, armwrestling, chokeholds and more that could happen if Shiva had been human. It brought much needed joy to the blond.

'Ahh man... that would have been so frigging cool. A shame my baby is all metal as fuck! But the Griffman isn't gonna give up on such a dream just yet!' Griff softly nodded to himself again, trying to follow the conversation around him, occasionally drifting in and out of his own thoughts.

"A challenge?" Griff said out loud, blinking his eyes. He had a chance for redemption. Kicking an old man's butt in a simulation with his Shiva. The odds were far too good to say no! How hard could it be? With his brawn and Shiva's… brawn.. they made an excellent team.

'Cruxi fister? More like Cruxi history!' Griff thought and gathered his energy before calling out to Lorenzo.

"Challenge accepted!" He said aloud and pointed his finger towards Lorenzo. "You are going down! But first I need you to remove the drones from my Shiva and replace them with some good old extreme boosters! Uhh… in the simulation first… after some drinks and I guess one cannot fight without some steak." Griff's voice lowered slightly into a grumble as he rubbed his belly, he was really hungry. The simulation, his anger and depression had suppressed his inner voice. Well. The rumbling his stomach did.

"Uh... Sir Bug? Can people who aren't fools also join for steak and drinks? Also… did you notice that Corporal has 'oral' in it? My toothpaste says the same thing, pretty cool right? I really need some drink after the fighting. The ending upset more than my stomach. Someone should probably go fetch… uhh… clone number two guy and helmet dude. One more thing. I heard them calling you that other name before. Are you related to Atty? Bug Atty? Seems sort of odd since Atty is a framewerk... how does that even work?" The blond scatched his cheek with his fingers, his eyes looking upwards as if the answers were written slightly above him.

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

Mema-Ka

Mema-Ka stood firm in place, his boots neatly placed together as he listened to what the others in the room had to say. Hearing Arrish's laughing had just gotten him a sideway glance from the taller twin. 'A cook and a knight in one? I thought this was a tragedy, not a comedy. Regardless that one may prove difficult.' Mema-Ka pondered. Minerva had then mentioned something which had perked his ears up. Origin. 'This girl. I will have to speak with her later.' He mentally made a note on wanting to converse with Minerva. She looked like just the type of person who could aid him later down the line.

Mema-Ka's gaze momentarily wandered over to Bug, his tone of voice was something that Mema-Ka didn't like, it reminded him too much of Arrish and Griff. Loud and chaotic. But they were great examples to him for how humans generally were, loud, persistant and eager to throw themselves headlong into whatever was in front of them. The taller twin felt as if both Bug and Arrish were both wearing masks to conceal their true selves, he had seen it appear on his own brother's face at times when he was trying to lie to him. It took a masked man to recognize other masked men. As for that Griff individual? A passionate idiot. The only mask that man would likely wear would be a luchadore wrestling mask. Arrish had struck him as a prideful and ambitious one, who conceals his desires with a carefree fascade. As for Bug? He seemed to radiate an aura of chaos. That he had been selected with the apparently stoic and quiet Ava to be the second in command of the squad did tell him plenty about what kind of man Lorenzo truly were. The complete opposite of the path he'd chosen. Still if Lorenzo could create a weapon capable of ending all the conflict, then it was a price that had to be paid. After all, the end justifies any means necessary to bring it about.

His own and Zel-Ghin's origin had set them on their respective paths, Zel-Ghin felt all was going according to fate, the preordained path selected for them. He strongly disagreed with his brother on that part, his path… was a choice. Even chosing to follow something like fate. Was a choice. Destiny beckoned to Mema-Ka, not just his destiny but that of the world itself.

Just like that one man had united mankind long ago under one banner, if one man can do such, then perhaps he could do that as well? All had to come aboard for that journey upon the ship. That choice, that path taken by that warlord in the past had united the earth, but had it truly changed anything? No. Human nature was still the same. Craving. Envious. Conflict seeking. It was however not a trait that just existed in humans, but in aliens and animals too. It were as if all life in existence were doomed to the same cycle, infected with a virus for which there were only one cure.

'Non-ordinary origins? Such a familiar feeling. Not that it matters, nothing truly does after all, but where you ultimately end up. Where we all end up. Destiny is at hand.' Mema-Ka mused in his head, then focused on Lorenzo as he spoke to him and showed footage from the simulation.

"Understood. Executive Officer, do forgive my youthful ignorance on the matter. You are completely correct." He made a butlerlike bowing motion, one hand placed on his chest, his green hair momentarily casting shade over the upper parts of his face.

'There is no being more dangerous than a being who can discern between the truth and lies of the world. The chain of command, might be a leash that keep the dogs of war at bay. Life is by it's nature... chaotic. Blindness comes in more forms than one, my brother stared into the light and were blinded, others stare into the darkness and see nothing there.

The framewerk is just like us. Expendable. No matter how flowery, honeycoated or sweet poisonous you make the words out to be. You might think of them as your children, but they much like children all across time has fought wars started by their orginators. Mighty swords indeed. Like I said. A weapon. But swords can also be double-edged and cut in both ways. Your pride is beaming, Lorenzo. Pride for the framewerk, your stake in all of this has to be very personal. Well then, I hope you will be able to make them even more powerful if we are to truly put an end to everything. I wonder, did you pry their tech from the Cruxi themselves? Well... it doesn't matter as long as they will do their part, I shall do mine to make certain the song will be magnificent and end on a high note.' Mema-Ka thought to himself as he finished his salute to Lorenzo, turning around to excuse himself from the room. Steak and drinks? He considered it. He had no interest in drinking or eating right now, but it was an opportunity to get more glimses of the ones who would save the universe from the plague that had been set upon it. He finally gave a salute to Ritsu, and a slow upturn at the corner of his lips.

[The evening before the VR simulation]

Destined Dinner

Mema-Ka, on a certain day, received a message on his personal device. The sender was lieutenant Ritsu, with a simple message:

“7 PM, Green Wing park. I expect you to be well-dressed.”

So it was that when Mema-Ka arrived, he would discover that a table had been set aside at the park where nature, or the closest approximation one could create artificially, was close at hand. A white table cloth was placed over the table, and a dining set for two. Small burgers with tiny flags of the Galactic Federation on them had been prepared, as well as fries, weenies, and even chicken nuggets in the shape of dinosaurs were served, topped by two glasses of cola: a serving you’d see at a kid’s birthday at a fast food restaurant rather than at a fancy dinner.

Sitting on the table with her legs crossed, and looking over at the artificial sky-projecting screen as it dimmed to twilight with a look of apathy and boredom, was the lieutenant herself, dressed to the nines:

Ritsu The Rizzler

Ritsu’s eyes glanced over to Mema-Ka, having noticed his arrival. “My apologies for the menu, Cadet. It seems I…made a miscalculation,” she spoke with a deadpan look.

Mema-Ka was dressed in a dark blue suit with bright stripes and matching pants, a leather belt and a partially opened formal white shirt, his forest green hair flickering from one of the nearby ventilation shafts that provided a slight breeze inside the artificial park. The young man approached the table with hurried steps once he noticed that the lieutenant had seemingly arrived early, and he still considered himself to be precise with his timing. No opportunity to help her seat herself, order the food or the like. But he did bring with him a gift in the form of a small chocolate box of the best quality chocolate he could find in one of the stores on the ship.

He wasn't much for sweets like that himself, unlike his twin brother who seemed at times to have filled the genetic gaps with sugar.

He called out softly after moving up on hurried steps, to not make Ritsu wait any longer.

"It is me who should apologize, I appear to have miscalculated the time. Please take this small gift, Lieutenant Kaname." He smiled softly and bowed his head and body, as if he were a butler, offering the box of chocolates to her.

Ritsu accepted the box of chocolates with a polite smile. “Oh, thank you. You shouldn’t have…But I appreciate the courtesy.”

"May I address you by your first name?” Mema-Ka asked. “You may call me Mema. You look even more magnificent than usual in that dress." Mema-Ka said in a soft tone, his eyes wandering over her face, hair and dress. She had truly gone through great effort to dress up the part for this date, it showed him that she was indeed taking things seriously. He moved closer and softly reached out to her hand to lift it, trying to plant a soft kiss on it. "The great sky scenery and all of the beautiful flowers in this garden does not hold a candle to you. You are as inspiring in your regality as in your dedication to your work which I am very much an admirer of. To take command of one, if not the number one most important matter of humankind to date. No doubt such a thing cannot be easy, even for an accomplished and bright young woman like yourself. I would love to hear more about your reasons for joining the army to begin with, about the person behind the uniform."

Ritsu gave a mild scoff at the compliment, and half-waved her upturned hand dismissively. “Now, don’t get too friendly with me, Cadet Degadraz. I am still your commanding officer, after all.” However, she then gave a little smile.
“But, I suppose I am on the clock, and I do enjoy hearing compliments from a gentleman like you, so I’ll let this infraction in protocol slide.”

The twin offered a deep nod with his head and moved over to the other end of the table, sitting down shortly afterwards. His violet eyes setting on the food before him, the galactic federation flag nailed into the burger. His lips slightly parted as he was hit by a scenery from years past.

What he saw before him wasn't a hamburger, fries or any soda. What he saw was a silver tray with some paste placed on it and a small container of water to go along with it. The fine tablecloth that decorated his and Ritsu's table had seemingly faded out of his sight and instead he saw a cold silvery sterile one. Sharp lights then met his eyes. Men and women in lab coats approaching. The sounds of metal straps being attached. Pain. Electricity. He could hear their voices in his head as background mumbling and whispering, with the occasional voice heard clearly through it.

'They aren't human. They are bred for war. Monsters bearing the face of man.'

'They can endure the pain, it is for the greater good...'

'...ah yes, this is the expendable one. His usefulness will be null after the project's final phases.'

'What do you mean they've escaped?! Find them at once!'

The voices echoed in his mind, then the gunshots, the screams... and red upon the sterile walls.

'Brother! Hah...hahah? I just...'

He heard his brother's voice trying to find reason where there was none. Then their 'mother' was heard.

'We must move right now! This way.' Then he snapped back to the present and to the date he found himself at.

"Ahh sorry. It's... It's been a long time since I ate food like this. My homeworld, the colony of Melta-Zole does not get these ever since the failed incited rebellion against the Galactic Federation. If my brother or myself have caused you any hardship, I do ask for your forgiveness as some things are done differently where we are from. Such as how we greet someone of the opposing sex. Handshaking does exist in our culture, however those are reserved for mostly the men. We greet the women by exchanging kisses, it is a way for our people to more easily find a partner and for us to connect on a different level. The kattai system used within our two framewerk are a bit similar in that way, it requires a deep connection and feeling of understanding. My brother sometimes takes this custom of ours to a level which may be regarded as very forward to most other citizens of the Galactic Federation." Mema-Ka said with a soft sigh and then smiled a bit. "Where are you from then? If you don't mind sating my curiosity. Tell me about yourself." He leaned forwards on the table to look into her eyes with a warm smile.

Ritsu sighed, delicately holding her glass of cola between her fingers. She absentmindedly gave it a little shake, letting the drink fizz.

“Interesting. Your apology is accepted, Cadet Degadraz. I suppose that explains the demeanour you two have shown towards the members of your squad. Zel-Ghin’s behavior in particular seems concerning based on the way Cadets Liu’un and Gene have acted around him. I might need to hold a talk with him too: he doesn’t share your sense of etiquette.”

Ritsu then paused for a moment as she cut a careful slice of her small hamburger and took a bite.

“Me? Well, there’s not too much to talk about. I was a young, bright-eyed girl with great dreams on graduation…I wanted to become an author, and publish holonovels, believing I could make a career out of it…Only to end up in the fleet, where I have served since.” She leaned her head on her hand as she reminisced. “Funny how life sometimes takes you in directions you don’t expect.”

Mema-Ka listened closely to what Ritsu was telling him, both in regards to her concerns of his brother, but also when she shared some personal information about herself.

"Life indeed can take unexpected turns, but isn't that also a part of the beauty of living? Like opening a book you have never read before, not knowing what awaits you at the epitaph. I have a fondness for books of many kinds, but I am no writer myself or would aspire to be. If I may be blunt… you are still young and it's never too late to do what your heart beckons to you to do once the Cruxi crisis has been dealt with. If the military has faith in you to put you in charge of mankind's hope against the Cruxi forces. While there are others in higher up positions making the calls on various things…" Mema-Ka said softly, his finger tracing the cola glass before bringing it to his mouth, he gave it a soft sniff. A habit. The sedatives were often placed in their food and drinks back then. In that den of sin.

He took a sip from it and then continued speaking

"It is often those closest to the front lines who have the greatest impact on the events of our vast… world. I have no doubt that you will be the subject of many publications yourself in the near future for your contribution to humankind's greatest challenge yet." He raised the glass to her, holding it up on a leveled field with his own face, hiding half of his face behind the glass. He gave a soft smile again, slowly lowering the glass.

"When you finish your novels, will you give me a signed edition? I will make a composition befitting it, to be played upon a piano. To play the piano is what I find to my liking. Nothing like creating a beautiful melody, closing one's eyes and simply having one's mind wander elsewhere... for but a brief moment." He tilted his head with his eyes momentarily closed as he smiled warmly to Ritsu, then opened them again and looked down at the food presented. Tasting the various foods before him. The fries, the burger and the nuggets.

"It's good." He said softly and nodded to the food. "The next time it's on me however." He said in a lighthearted manner, before he went to address the matter with Zel-Ghin.

"When it comes to my brother. Both of us come from a troubled... uprising. Suffice to say that it affected my brother more than it did me. It has robbed him of many social skills and formalities, to some degree it has also robbed him of many things, such as a childhood. My brother does excel at many things nonetheless, when it comes to physical activities he may be amongst the foremost, when it comes to piloting skills... I have yet to see anyone be his match. That said, we are all... born... with different boons and flaws. Perhaps it is so because the gods intended it so? Your boon might be to be an extraordinary leader and a writer, in all fairness, both visual and in action." Mema-Ka softly said, his words flowing on smoothly. His purple eyes looked directly into Ritsu's as he leaned a bit closer in, smiling and picking up a french fry, looking at it momentarily. Before slowly bringing it to his mouth, biting into it.

Then he wiggled with one of his fingers. "Oh and it's Mema." He said in a light tone, a smile on his face and eyes closed briefly.

'Each warlord that has ever existed needs a powerful and charismatic general, who may share their dream, if they intend to take on the world...' He thought to himself.

Ritsu gave a light-hearted chuckle as Mema-Ka expounded on the future publications others would make of her. She absentmindedly poked at her fries with her fork, her eyes cast towards the holographic sky.
“Sure, there will be memoirs, biographies and whatnot that will be written about the war, but those are just propaganda pieces. What I want to write about are topics like living in this world, the struggles of people, their hopes and dreams, and so on.”

She then turned her eyes back to Mema-Ka with a surprised look, and slightly blushed as he expressed wanting not only a signed copy of one of her works, but even to compose music.
“Oh? Well, I suppose I could write a script for a play or movie where the music could be utilized. But I have to say, I did not expect you to be talented at playing piano too,” she spoke, genuinely impressed.

Mema-Ka then spoke more on himself and his brother, and her warm expression shifted back to more neutral, as she was reminded of their unusual nature.
“Mema it is then…For today,” she added, and a subtle smile veered to her lips.

After the two were done eating, she used a napkin to clean up, and stood up.
“That was a better course than I first expected…for what it was,” she corrected herself. “And I enjoyed spending time with you as well. It was a nice change of pace.”
She placed a hand on her hip.
“You completed this mission with satisfactory results, Cadet Mema,” she added, giving a bit of a haughty tone to her voice. “Who knows, maybe I’m in the mood to do this again. But until then, I expect you and your brother to keep to your schedules as before. See you tomorrow,” she then added, and turned to walk away, heading to inform Stella that she could clean up the rest.

Mema-Ka had gotten up the moment that Ritsu had, having placed his right arm and hand over his chest and the other held behind his back. Their time had passed too quickly for the young man, he had wanted to ask her more things. After all she was one of the people here who had the key for the lock he was attempting to unlock. Time would however tell if that door would indeed be opened or remain shut. "I always try to see a mission through to the end, have a good night Lieutenant Kaname. I hope I shall not disappoint you in the morning." Mema-Ka gave a butlerlike bow, his forest green hair momentarily casting shade over his eyes as he bowed to Ritsu, a slight upturn forming at the corner of his mouth.

'So it begins. The quest to bring this world the salvation it needs. I wonder how different you are Cruxi. To humankind. We shall find out. Destiny beckons, and the coming day that reckons. It will be an enlightening experience no doubt...'

[Collab between @Dezuel and @Ariamis]

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

Zel-Ghin

"This has all been very interesting~ Now if you don't mind. I have a new high score to set, you junior league people wouldn't get it." Zel-Ghin said in a nonchalant manner, his hands in both of his jacket pockets, as he began to walk towards the doorway.

'To think you would overlook my brother and pick these two instead? Senile old fool. I won't die because of these NPC's, to think my brother of all people allow himself to be treated this way. It irks me. It irks me so much. But he is seemingly alright with this, what have I missed? I know him best of all. What am I missing? Why go over the simulation choices like that? He isn't disagreeing with the leadership choice... neither pushing against the old fools judgement. No... he is gauging the reactions of... someone? It is a test. He's prying at their lids.' Zel-Ghin's eyes wandered from Lorenzo, to his brother, to Arrish, Serah, Ava and Bug. Then his gaze landed on Ritsu.

'So that's what he is doing. He's putting on one of his acts to see how that woman is reacting. How typical of my brother to go straight for the jugular. You miss out a lot of the fun if you finish things too quickly. Isn't life all about experiencing things? Like playing a game. Everything has been programmed and scripted by someone or something, my fate is to play my role as flawlessly as possible. My brother you will rebel against the script to the very end won't you? Looking for eden in a game where there is no such place. Fate is such a cruel thing. But what is a man to do? Even the great wargod Zel-Ghin have to abide by the rules of the game. I will fight. Fight and die. As it was written. Like the story you once told me when we were young brother. Eden is a place of peace. But it does sound awfully dull. If choices are so important, would the other living beings have to have theirs unfulfilled for your dream to come true? Well, I gave you my word to be your shield. I will play my part. Are you trying to build an Ark? ...or are you planning to...' Zel-Ghin exhaled through his nostrils as he delved into his thoughts.

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

Mema-Ka

Zel-Ghin had remained quiet when Lorenzo spoke, save for a couple of well placed 'Hmphs', his eyes only narrowing when he heard how Lorenzo commented on his own and his brother's performance.

Mema-Ka on the other hand watched the debriefing with a facial expression of indifference, taking mental notes of Lorenzo's input on each pilot, before offering a golf-like clap to Astolfo and Ava being gazetted, followed by a salute as he stood in place, then slowly turning around to face Lorenzo after witnessing and hearing Griff's outburst, waiting until there was a moment of silence before speaking himself.

"Executive Officer, I did receive an order by Cadet Briars who was our designated squad leader to support the Logic Diver. Are you saying that orders are to be disregarded in battle based on personal opinion of said order? My reasonings for confronting the Cockroach in it's merged state was because of various factors.

One being that my mobility with my machine was so hampered by carrying the Logic Diver, I could not get to the Argent with it still carried, neither could my sensors pick up the Guinevere, therefor leaving Logic Diver behind were the only option which would not lead to a hundred percentage chance of destruction of both framewerks in an open field, and potentially leave the Horst to face down three adversaries at the same time. The Argent Wings were damaged, a lightweight frame much like the Guinevere, however the Squid or what remained of it is a heavily fortified piece and installed into it's quadruple legs be the rocket hammers, allowing itself to either slam into or drill it's way into an enemy frame, which could inflict devastating damage upon the Horst. The Logic Diver also lack the ranged firepower to take it down on it's own.

Using my already damaged frame as a weapon, which is what it is, which is what we all are to be fair, regardless of material or species, to achieve victory must be the primary objective at all times. Isn't that why we are here? To make sure this conflict that has plagued us for so long is put to a swift end? The Raptor, my partner is prepared to make the offering, as am I. Would the time and moment present itself, for the tomorrow we are all striving to reach. It does not mean I encourage others to throw their lives away for nothing, but for something. If they have to." Mema-Ka looked to Lorenzo and gave a soft smile, his purple eyes landing on the older man.

'I wonder what game you are playing Lorenzo. You and that small Lilim by your side. What is your stake in this conflict of species, what has made you come all this way? To struggle through life. Revenge? Hatred? The desire to protect? Or perhaps one or several of these pilots are the key... to something you have created or plan to create. A weapon perhaps? To end everything at long last? It does sound like the doorway to the promised land...now doesn't it? Nothing would be more desired.'

Nerves In Carbonox Reforged: A Roll-Your-Own Giant Mecha Roleplay

Griff

It was debriefing. Griff was prepared with his hands near his belt. But then it struck him. It wasn't that kind of debriefing.

He blinked his blue eyes as he watched and listened to Lorenzo.

First that old man had called Serah a coward.

'Serah and Atty are cowards?! This is bullshit! That was totally a warrior like move!' He mentally lashed out, Lorenzo was starting to look more like a dark galactic ranger for every passing minute, even if he had to admit that the old geezer had a point that you fight to live not to die. Still it left a bad taste in Griff's mouth, he wanted to tighten his fist and whack the old guy right in the-

Then he continued on to calling Arrish foolish, well Arrish was a little foolish at times and he sucked as the last hope for their team. Losing wasn't something the red ranger did. Arrish had to be stripped of the right to ever don the colour red on his suit or frame from now on. But Arrish had gone to rescue Elora, taking what Griff considered were his job, but still he had been a good temporary replacement. Even if he totally failed to defeat the nerd. He didn't deserve the old man's harsh words. He couldn't hate Arrish.

When Lorenzo came to Elora, Griff felt the urge to toss his helmet at the old guy and yell at him. How dared he talk to his student that way! Elora was his friend! How dared he put blame on her- That's it. Griff was going to beat him up, even if that meant a month in the brig. No one talks to his buddy like that. But Griff was curious what he would say about the others. When Lorenzo began to speak about Sparks and calling out his cowardice. Griff momentarily forgot about his anger and nodded his head quickly, somehow Lorenzo also was able to speak some truth. That cheeky stupid nerdy Sparks guy. Grr.

Then the bastard forgot Minerva. How could he possibly forget her? Her abs were huge! Griff's eyebrows twitched and his anger flared up a little again. At least he complimented Bug, who now got awarded secondary squad leader and Ava getting primary. Griff did a victory arm pump to celebrate. Had it been Sparks, Minerva or Arrish. He might have had to call in sick.

"Congrats buggyboy- I mean sir Buggyboy! The Griffman is at your service sir and yours too ma'am!" Griff made a salute to Bug and Ava and felt abit better, having forgotten momentarily how Sparks had won the simulation. But he still had something to do. That old geezer. His temper flaring up again as he was reminded of the man's words.

"I have a question for you ol' geezer! Why are you such a stuck up jerk?! I get calling Sparks a coward! Cause he is! But saying that Atty and Serah are cowards? They were really brave charging in alone, so was that clone guy whose name I can't remember who got blown up in the matter of a few seconds! They are here fighting at their best while some other guys are back on their home planet drinking beer and not giving a damn! Arrish and Mema-Ka tried to save a comerade in battle there is no greater act than putting ones own life in danger to save a friend! And saying that Elora is the sole reason for our team losing isn't just mean, it's wrong! She really tried her best! I am proud of her! I am not gonna let you call her the reason we lost, we lost because... Team Mango worked better as a team and I failed my teammates! So if you are gonna blame someone you wrinkly old hagbag, then blame me!" Griff bit his teeth together, his eyes narrowing, his eyebrows vibrating, some tears almost forming at his eyes as he glared towards Lorenzo.

He had been the biggest reason for their failure. He failed Rhylaen, Aurora, Jake, Elora, Arrish and Mema-Ka. He failed all of them. If someone were at fault for their loss it was him. It was painful for him to admit it. But hearing Lorenzo's harsh words to Serah and Elora was too much for him to bear.

"I go put myself in the brig. I know the way." Griff gave Ritsu, Ava and Bug a salute and then hung his head down abit and sighed deeply.