Nakushita

Symphony on High

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@BrokenPromise@Vertigo@The World@Ponn@Kero@Majoraa@TaintedMushroom

Crazy train was really living up to its name, its twisting attempt to smear Himiko across the side of the hotel was proving problematic. Realizing that it wouldn’t be wise to try to fight gravity and the roll and try to move upward as that would just prolong the issue. Himiko decided to move with the twisting of Crazy Train, letting herself roll with its movement as she released her grip ever so slightly to allow herself to drop down its side until it had finished its course past the hotel.

It hadn’t been easy, or even remotely fun hearing the sound of impact a few mere feet to inches right above her, but she had survived the first attempt by Crazy Train to end her joy ride.

It was then she noticed the presence of all the others that had arrived aboard the Peace Train. She had known others had arrived at some point, but was not able to see them until the smoke had been cleared out. Even through the corkscrewing as she clung on tightly, her golden gaze glimpsed a figure leaping upon Crazy Train, followed by a second not far behind it.

Her golden eyes shimmered as a hidden grin spread across her face. An unexpected opportunity had just delivered itself right into her waiting lap. One that she planned on making full advantage of, no matter the cost.

She could get off of Crazy Train and get to safety, or she could deal with this chance to eliminate a high value target, even if it meant doing so at the cost of her own life.

Not only that, but the group he had arrived with had mostly not followed him. Instead focusing on other threats, leaving him undefended and open to one big attack.

The priest must die, there was no other option or choice in the matter. She knew what must be done and there was no hesitation in her heart, mind or body. It was time to take out the trash, to make one final grand statement, at the final hurdle to reveal some of her true full power before all was said and done.

Her mind made up, and her own fate decided, Himiko began to emit a golden glow as she gathered up her energy, once the process had begun. She released her grip from the side of Crazy Train, letting herself begin to fall to the ground below. Before she fell too far, she transported herself behind Raphael at the last moment. Going all out as she sacrificed any form of self preservation. There was only the plummet down to the ground after she had thrown herself into the air behind the priest. There was no safety net, nothing to grip onto, there was only the focus on gathering up every last ounce of energy she had preserved for a moment just like this.

This was going to be her all or nothing attack, she had to put every bit she had into this. She wouldn’t get another chance like this, even if it meant the sacrifice of her own life.

Both Revolvers aimed straight at his back as they glowed with an intense golden light and aura. The air crackled and rippled around her, strands of her hair lifted up by the amount of energy she was building up to unleash. An intense heat radiated from her energy as her golden aura took on a reddish tint.

A bright blinding glow formed at the end of her revolvers as her hidden smile grew even more. It was time to exit stage left, but she was going to take the priest with her. “I’ll see you in hell!”

With that she fired off her shot, the energy combining from both revolvers into a singular projectile which exploded as it approached its target in an intense blinding light.The force of recoil pushing Himiko back, as she had nowhere to go but down after using up the vast majority of her reserves. Himiko’s form disappeared into the blinding light as a shockwave emitted around the source of the blast.

When the light cleared, Himiko was nowhere to be seen, her white tattered jacket fluttered through the air as it fell towards the ground. Her two golden revolvers, smoking and glowing from the intense heat concentrated in them moments before clattered down to the ground. Ricocheting and coming to a stop in the middle of the street. The Golden Esper had taken her bow,

Swan Song

A radiant glow, a beckoning call,
A shimmering veil, where shadows fall.
I step into the light, so pure and bright,
Dissolving into brilliance, losing sight.
The edges blur, the world fades away,
As golden hues consume the day.
My form begins to softly sway,
Melting into the sun's warm ray.
No longer bound by earthly ties,
A cosmic dance, where spirit flies.
The whispers of the universe arise,
In the symphony of starlight skies.
A radiant echo, a fading trace,
A moment caught, in time and space.
No fear, no pain, just pure embrace,
In the blinding light, I find my place.
So let me drift, in this celestial stream,
A luminous dream, a shining beam.
Into the light, I gently gleam,
A fading whisper, a radiant dream.

Symphony on High

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@BrokenPromise@Vertigo@The World

Himiko locked eyes with Lenore right as she vanished into the darklight. The fragments ended up flying off to the side and in between the two trains, not having to use even an ounce of mana to defend herself. The expected pain never came as some of the tension left her body as she had braced for impact. Thankful that she did not have to take the attack head on as she was left unscathed. Letting out a whistle as she peeked over the side of the train in the aftermath as it looked like if it had hit, it would have hurt like a real bitch.

“That one would have hurt alright, but alas, sometimes fate endlessly eclipses the actions of those not destined to succeed.” muttering as she shrugged her shoulders, taking that moment to reload both of her revolvers. Both problems having seemingly taken care of themselves with very little involvement on her own part.

Even with Lenore having vanished, and Marrie having dealt with the projectiles, it was better to be locked and loaded. She knew that the nun would show her face soon enough. Even with all the other action going on around her, she at least had a moment to regroup and regain her bearing. She felt a change in the air, and sensed that something was changing with Crazy Trains travel pattern.

If that dragon didn’t show back up, she would have to go along for the ride to wherever Crazy Train decided to go at this point. Her golden gaze shifted around her surroundings as even with the smoke present it was clear others had joined the fray, just based on all the racket being made. For the time being, she was at least left to her own devices, until Lenore or someone else decided to come after her.

Either way, she was going to take a wait and see approach, revolvers at the ready in case a threat presented itself. Why rush headlong into a wall of smoke and the sound of battle if she didn’t have to? Besides it looked like everything was being handled one way or another without her having to lift

Footnote

23 | Female | Free Lancer | Golden One
Persuasion and Reason | Handgun, Handgun | Physical | Weapon Special
Heart Of Gold | Deal Maker
Geothermal Release | Fire | Obsidian Of St.Helen
[ Slow (4), Damage X (6), Blink (4), Shield(4), Craft (2), AoE (2), Scatter (2), Full Enhance (4), Heal (6), Ignite (4), Fever (2), Transplace (8), Restrain (4), Homing (2)]
DAMAGE: A | SPEED: D | SENTINEL: C | 1000

PHYSICAL:D | ARCANE:D | CHAOS:E | 1000

Symphony on High

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@BrokenPromise@Vertigo@The World

Golden eyes flickered as she locked in on Lenore, it was clear she was planning on doing something. And just as expected she had something up those nunley sleeves. She had expected to be dealing with the pyromaniac, but she instead had to deal with Lenore again.

Himiko turned her head towards Lenore as Lenore dispatched the spider she was now atop of. It was bad enough having that brat on her phone by her side, but a blade wielding nun was decidedly worse. Himiko already had enough time spent near and around Lenore during the previous encounter to ever want to be near her again.

But Lenore left her very little choice, like a scratch that Himiko just couldn’t itch. That nun was always here and in the way of a nice lazy profit.

“A duel? You should be more worried about being careful where you point that thing you know, I can see why you only have one eye….poked it out playing with your sword did you?...” scoffing at her behavior and her remark. For being a nun, she sure was brash and a royal pain in the ass.

But before she knew it, Lenore was already pressing the issue, Himiko caught a glimpse of the flaming eye in the sky spewing a hail of burning spear like rock. Letting out a sigh, this couldn’t just be easy ever could it? There was always something or someone that had to make things more difficult than they had to be.

Plus last she checked, flaming rocks from the sky wasn’t proper duel etiquette, or even remotely honorable. She knew she shouldn’t be surprised, nothing about these nuns had so far shown her that any of them had an ounce of saintly qualities amongst them.

“What is your sword not enough? I’m flattered…..” muttering as she twisted her body to the side raising one arm as one revolver pointed towards the falling rocks that homed in on her, the other barrel pointing towards the charging nun. Without another word she let loose with both revolvers sending all six rounds towards both threats. She tried to ensure that each round went for a separate piece of rock on an intercept course. Also ensuring that she spread her rounds, one round aimed for each of her arms, one for each of her legs, one for her head and the last for torso.

After seeing her skills previously she knew if she shot them all at one spot she wouldn’t have any trouble avoiding them or blocking them.

She knew neither would deal with either problem completely, but it was better to try to break up the rock as much as possible. While also forcing Lenore to stay on guard, enough that it would potentially slow her charge.

It wasn’t time to let her full potential go to work, even if this was likely going to hurt like hell if she just stood here and took what bits did likely pass through her hail of bullets. Now wasn’t the time to go all out, the moment was not right, but it would come, and when it did she would seize it.

Footnote

23 | Female | Free Lancer | Golden One
Persuasion and Reason | Handgun, Handgun | Physical | Weapon Special
Heart Of Gold | Deal Maker
Geothermal Release | Fire | Obsidian Of St.Helen
[ Slow (4), Damage X (6), Blink (4), Shield(4), Craft (2), AoE (2), Scatter (2), Full Enhance (4), Heal (6), Ignite (4), Fever (2), Transplace (8), Restrain (4), Homing (2)]
DAMAGE: A | SPEED: D | SENTINEL: C | 1000

PHYSICAL:D | ARCANE:D | CHAOS:E | 1000

Symphony on High

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@BrokenPromise@Vertigo@The World

Himiko’s peaceful stroll was ended rudely by a wave of flames which passed by and over her.Barely having time to get her arms raised in front of her to brace herself. A burning sensation rippled across her body and left her singed as she gritted her teeth. “Oh come on, I just got this coat dry cleaned…..” bitterly inspecting her coat before she yanked it off and started to wave it about, tossing it on the ground and stamping out any bit of flame she could.

Turning her head towards the direction and source of the flames as she frowned underneath her mask. “So troublesome, didn’t anyone teach her not to play with fire…now she owes me for my coat….” bitterly pulling both of her revolvers from their holsters as a light glinted through her golden eyes. If that crazy pyromaniac wanted to drag her into this, it was time to get even.

Leveling them as she took aim, she fired off every round she had in both of them in rapid succession, all twelve rounds being expended as they hurtled through the stormy air towards Regina as she charged towards Ciri with the nuns following up right behind. Not really intending it to be assistance for Ciri, even if it was working out that way.

If it was the last thing she did, she was going to make that pyromaniac pay for ruining her freshly dry cleaned jacket. Even if she had to beat the cost back out of her. It wasn't cheap to buy or clean after all, she had to save up for a few weeks just to afford it. Plus she had to get them custom made and fitted which drove up the costs even more.

Not taking kindly to being set on fire, she finally ended her status as a bystander. She had explored what she had wanted to explore and gotten some information that would prove useful for later. However, Regina and these Nuns had started to get in the way of her goals, which meant they would need to be dealt with in one way or another. Even if it meant having to get her own hands dirty for once. It seemed clear that Marrie and Ciri had their hands full, so she would have to exert some energy this time around.

Footnote

23 | Female | Free Lancer | Golden One
Persuasion and Reason | Handgun, Handgun | Physical | Weapon Special
Heart Of Gold | Deal Maker
Geothermal Release | Fire | Obsidian Of St.Helen
[ Slow (4), Damage X (6), Blink (4), Shield(4), Craft (2), AoE (2), Scatter (2), Full Enhance (4), Heal (6), Ignite (4), Fever (2), Transplace (8), Restrain (4), Homing (2)]
DAMAGE: A | SPEED: D | SENTINEL: C | 1000

PHYSICAL:D | ARCANE:D | CHAOS:E | 1000

Symphony on High

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@BrokenPromise@Vertigo@The World

Himiko took a brief moment to peer over her shoulder from where she had come from. It looked like things had started to heat up back there, but Marrie seemed to be fine so far. So she might as well leave them all to it for the time being.

But she couldn’t help but to feel a little tinge of disappointment about what she found at the head of the train. More burns, without much else that really stuck out from anything else she had observed so far. Tracing her eyes across each burnt spot carefully as she took her time walking to get closer to each spot and get a closer view.

Yep, it was likely that extra esper that was with nuns that had done this bit of handiwork if Himiko had to guess. They must have been attacking the train before Maverick ever arrived, judging on the first thing she did when Maverick did show up.

That seemed to solve one part of the mystery about the behavior of Crazy Train. She found it hard to believe that it was a coincidence that she found more burn marks, and there was a flame esper throwing fire at them the moment they arrived. If she had to guess, they used the balloon as a platform to keep up with Crazy Train, having that one esper pelt it with fire over and over again. With Mavericks' arrival interrupting the process of their attempt to kill it.

These nuns did seem to find a way of getting around, always ahead of the competition, be it GEMINI or Maverick. It was clear they had a good intel system, one that had its hooks buried deep into GEMINI and potentially Maverick as well. During her last encounter it had been easy to surmise that GEMINI has a mole within it. Whether that same mole knew about Crazy Train through GEMINI, which seemed the most likely explanation. Unless, Maverick had a mole problem of its own.

Regardless it was just another example of the broken system that this world found itself in. A world that Himiko one day hoped to redefine and redraw the lines of society. It was clear that the current system was only repeating the same cycle, and it was about time someone threw a monkey wrench into it.

Shrugging her shoulders as she let out a reluctant sigh “I s’pose I found what I needed to find up here….and I may as well head back to where the action is at, just in case….” Taking one last good look around her surroundings to make sure there wasn’t anything she had overlooked. Turning now to make her way back to where she had left Marrie and the interlopers. Taking her time in doing so, with a slow walk as her eyes shifted side to side across her path of travel. Observing as much of every inch of Crazy Train that she could while she had the brief moment of peace.

Symphony on High

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@BrokenPromise@Vertigo@The World

Himiko’s hopes of having a nun-free experience quickly went out the window. No matter where she seemed to go, and no matter who she went with, she seemed destined to encounter them. All she could do was let out a sigh of acceptance of this thorn in her side. She hadn't been expecting them this time around.

Though with a hot air balloon in this kind of weather that wasn't a mode of transportation that anyone would expect. Regardless, that mattered very little in the scheme of things. Not with them throwing out fire like it was a backyard barbecue. Which would likely be a real pain in the ass if they kept that up and irritated the behemoth any more then it was.

She hadn’t even had time to get a better understanding of the behemoth that she found herself atop before they had interrupted. But it was clear that this thing seemed to consist of nothing but organic material. Just from how it felt to stand on, the visual look of it, and of course the smell that was emitted when the fire had struck it. Clearly it could be hurt if hit with enough power, and it wasn't immune to fire.

It was an interesting creature, though she didn’t see anything obvious yet that pointed towards its current behavior. But she figured the fire wouldn’t help matters. The sooner she did get to the bottom of this mystery the better, it may even help with her own agenda depending on what she learned. Which would be a lot easier without these Nun's being in the way.

Though….the nuns seemed far more interested in Marrie right now. Which was something Himiko could use to her advantage. While Marrie kept them preoccupied, Himiko could start to explore more of this behemoth to search for the reason behind its erratic behavior. If it was something physical, it shouldn’t be too hard to find.

“I don’t have any time to hear about your lord and savior or whatever time share you have on offer, sooooo I’ll just leave you guys to it if you don’t mind..you got this Marrie! I'll just check out this stretch of Crazy Train and be right back, Good Luck!” Turning around she started to run down the length of Crazy Train giving a wave of her hand as she begun to leave. If she could reach that particular end of Crazy Train, she could at least rule out some of the theories.

Besides Marrie seemed more than gung-ho to go at the nuns herself, not to mention she was likely to get some support when Trixy and Swiper arrived, which should be pretty shortly. Sooooo Himiko might as well do some exploring and save her energy and effort for later.

Symphony on High

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@BrokenPromise@Vertigo@The World

It looked like phone girl had finally finished flirting with her e-boy. At least long enough to voice her displeasure with Sovereign. “Someone sounds like they got rejected, don’t be such a bummer, I’m sure you’ll find another one if you keep swiping” letting out a laugh as she responded to Ciri now that she was paying more attention.

“As for turning yourself gold, I mean, I wouldn’t be opposed to it, but that isn’t really what I’m after, besides you seem happy enough with Maverick, soooo I don’t think you’d really want to join up with my little project…” shrugging her shoulders as she tried to clarify. Though Boteg being a golden dragon was a bonus, and it matched the aesthetics, that wasn’t the primary requirement for her interest in recruiting him.

But before she could delve into anything more, they finally laid eyes on their target at last. With the weather being what it was, she was only able to make out limited details, enough to know that it was traveling erratically. Its howling form shifted side to side at a decent speed as it chugged through the rain.

Before she or anyone else had a chance to discuss the next course of action, Himiko found herself flung from the dragon's back. As she found herself in a sudden and alarming free fall. “Remind me to ride in the back next time!”

Yea, that Trixy didn’t seem like the type that would fit the requirements to join her little pet project. Though she at least had some gusto, which was more than could be said about many others in this day and age that Himiko had come across.

But she had a more pressing issue of concern right now. Figuring out how she was going to land on an erratically moving train while falling out of the sky. She did at least have one thing going for her in this situation, and that was her oversized white coat.

Spreading out her arms, as she pulled out the sides of her coat, using it as a makeshift parachute to slow down her momentum. It wouldn’t stop her completely, but slowing the fall would be more than enough to cushion the landing. Fighting through the storm as the cold rain filled wind whipped past her.

Now that she was at a more controlled speed, she angled herself towards the head of the train. Her golden eyes locked onto her landing spot through the rain as she stuck out her feet to brace for impact. Coming to a sudden and jolting stop as she hit the mark, rolling until she found herself atop the ghoulish behemoth. Taking a moment to take note of any discomfort, pain, or injuries from the landing.

“Well, that could have gone better, but.. I’m not going to complain” Himiko muttered with a sigh as she took hold of one of the large spikes to brace herself against the wind as the train traveled through the storm. Already soaked by this point, with vision hampered, it would be difficult to see any incoming threats. But at least they would have to deal with the elements as well.

Symphony on High

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@BrokenPromise@Vertigo@The World

“Well you see, I’m a part of my own little group, and he is a golden dragon, I’m golden, we would make the perfect golden team, it's about the aesthetics, always have to look towards the future after all” Shrugging her shoulders as she answered Trixy’s question. Enjoying the ride thus far, finding it far more pleasant then she had initially expected, especially with the weather being what it was.

Her gaze fell upon the back of Boteg’s head when he spoke as she gave a slight nod of her head. “That seems to be close enough, his snout doesn’t seem to have the power or the ability to pick up the scent of what we seek, he seems to be able to track it via other means, perhaps currents of the air? Or currents of energy from ole crazy? Either way we will get to our objective” Himiko added her own interpretation to the two that had already been made by Trixy and Marrie. Glancing back over her shoulder as her fellow espers as she answered.

Her gaze turning back towards searching the ground beneath him as she took a hand to pat Boteg on the back of his golden scaly neck “This is almost like an audition, if you keep impressing me, then I might have no choice but to make you my second in command”

This little field trip might be more profitable then she had anticipated, it was a good thing she had finally decided to stick her nose into Maverick business. It would help to spread out her interests, she could deal with those GEMINI specimens later.

Symphony on High

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@BrokenPromise@Vertigo@The World

“A little shy huh? Well we can work on that later, until he warms up to being able to answer my request, hopefully in a positive manner of course.” Letting out a small little chuckle of her own. Not minding the grip on herself from Trixy in the current moment. It was actually somewhat pleasant as most times when someone put their hands on her lately, it was in order to try to kill her.

She had bigger fish to fry after all, if Boteg didn’t want to give her an answer right now, well she would just have to pull one from him later when she got the chance. This was just too good of an opportunity to pass up. A golden dragon teamed up with her would be absolute perfection as far as she was concerned. Not to mention it may help push along a few of her other goals.

Feeling the downforce as she tightened her grip on Boteg as they took to the sky. She had to admit that it was quite majestic and an impressive display. It only made her desire Boteg joining her little pet project of a group all that more.

Glancing down towards the sights below as she took them in quietly. “The more things change, the more they stay the same eh?, with weather like this, it may be harder to locate our objective, but at the same time anyone else out in weather like this and in a place like this isn’t likely to be up to any good” shrugging her shoulders as she was quite impressed by the protection being provided to the passengers aboard Boteg from the elements.

“Now…for finding this crazy train of ours….what are the chances that our dragon friend here is able to sniff the scent of our target, if it is truly wounded and leaking out this black fluid, it should have a unique scent to it I would have to imagine that sticks out amongst the normal stenches of society…” Her golden gaze searching the land below for any sign of a trail or evidence of the target as they continued on their journey.

Boteg’s brief glimpse back was met with a wink from Sovereign as she couldn’t help herself in the moment. After all, it wouldn’t be any fun if she just left him completely alone and didn’t keep working away at him.

As for what awaited them, she was sure it would prove to be quite worth her attention. To provide her that spark of interest and fun she so desired in this world.

Symphony on High

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@BrokenPromise@Vertigo@The World

Letting out a sigh as she plopped herself down atop of Boteg, crossing her legs and her arms as she tilted her head aside. Seeing the new arrival from Maverick, and also hearing the remarks to her question.

“I did not ask for any blood, I just asked if it was golden, I’m not some kind of vampire, just a curious pioneer of this tainted world, but….you still haven’t answered my question, so how about it? We would make a excellent team, our aesthetics fit like a nicely tailored suit, if you are willing to join up with me, I may take you up on that offer of whatever this glass rectangle of chewy blocks is, is that not a fair trade?”

Turning her golden gaze towards Marrie and Trixy after she had made things as clear as she could with Boteg and Marrie. “Name’s Sovereign, It is nice to finally get a chance to rub elbows with Maverick for once, those Gemini folk are so drab and serious all the time, so….I figure we can have a little bit of fun without them sulking and scowling all over the place, so it will be a nice chance to blow off a little steam” A hidden smile clearly on her face as she introduced herself to Trixy, Ciri and Boteg. Though she was at least familiar with Marrie amongst this group of new people. So that wasn’t all too bad, as she was a known asset.

Though after what had just left Marrie’s lips, she wasn’t too sure if she had Marrie totally figured out just yet. She had not imagined her to be one to slip in references or puns into her conversations. But, that made her all the more intrigued with her. She had a side to her personality that gave her that extra level of entertainment for Himiko.

She had thought after that first mission, Marrie was just a gung-ho, throw herself into the middle of the fray, little on words type of gal. But it seems she had misjudged her, but that was part of the fun.

Now as for the trains, she thought some of what was said likely had some truth, but other parts she didn’t agree with. “So, as for the trains in question, I don’t think monsters are all that weird in the context of what you have suggested, to me any of those activities are things that humans would partake in as well, is that really so weird or odd? It just sounds like life to me, monster, human or otherwise…” Snapping her fingers as a thought crossed her mind now that she had started talking about the situation.

“I lost my train of thought for a moment, but ya’know, regardless of what language it speaks, we should be able to keep it from going off the rails, all we need to do is figure out its destination, as the destination is sure to provide a lot of clarity about its objectives and once we do that, it should answer our questions about what is happening, Which will help to keep this mission on track without any issue as long as we don’t get tunnel vision”

Keeping herself posted atop Boteg quite comfortably at this point. She figured this mission wouldn’t be too hard when it came to figuring out the train's problem. The hard part would be stopping it and dealing with any other groups that would surely show up to capitalize on the situation. But that just gave her another opportunity to pursue her glorious goal, so it wouldn’t be all that bad at the end of the day.