Zoey Boey

World of Light: the Endless Now (The Ultimate Videogame Crossover)

Sakura Level 10: 77/100
Location:
Word Count: 1,718
Points Gained: 3 +3
New EXP Balance--- Level 10: 84/100

After speaking with Nadia and Ace, Sakura trained for a little bit, finishing out her set over the next half-hour. It was a light workout, so she ended up exploring the ship to get familiar with her new home. It really was a giant army airship. Which was bad, because Sakura was not cut out for the army. So far the Seekers had been more like a group of like-minded folks vaguely throwing themselves in the direction of the enemy. Even when Sakura was a ship girl she wasn’t part of the army. Now, though, she was getting a much more organized vibe. Sakura grimaced. Hopefully she made the cut!

Her exploration led her to the bar, where she glanced over the myriad pictures on the wall. No one she recognized, except for the most recent two. Princess Midna and Goldlewis. They were good people. Sakura respected Goldlewis deeply. She knew Karin did, too. He was a real leader, and humble.

Princess Midna was someone Sakura considered a friend. They had gone on a few misadventures together, and Midna seemed to enjoy her company. Princess Midna was funny and talented.

Seeing them both as names on a wall made Sakura cry.

”Ten years…” Sakura said to herself, wiping her face. ”It seems like a long time. I’ll be twenty nine.” She said. As far as she could remember, this version of herself had been here for less than a half a year, give or take. The robot commander, Mr. Simon, had filled Sakura.

”But we’re Seekers. And if I have anything to say about it, it’s high time we won this thing, once and for all. Before our ten years are up.” Sakura said. ”I don’t have anything to honor you with, I’m sorry for that. Princess Midna-san. Goldlewis-san.” Her eyes turned upward. ”...All of you.”

”It’s strange. I’m sad, of course. But it’s- it’s- good that you’re still out there. That I’ll still be out there, too. That one day this will all end and we’ll all get to go home. Maybe it’ll be like none of this ever happened. That’s sad, too, but also good.” Sakura said.

”This world of light isn’t good for living in, though. It’s just like we’re all sharing a bad dream. The only good part is each other, and if all goes well, that good part will endure. The rest? Can all go away. This stupid world and its stupid rules make me feel like an action figure, just smashing up into other toys for ten years and then doing it all over again. It’s dumb. We’re gonna blow it all up for you, I promise.” Sakura said.

”It’s sad that there’s no good pictures of either of you, though. I’ll try to fix that going forward. I brought my camera. I like taking pictures.” The street fighter concluded. She wiped her eyes again and clenched her fist. Sakura wore her heart on her sleeve, and had never been shy about sharing her emotions with others, but she had to admit she was kind of glad she was here more or less by herself. Though she would have shown up for the service, of course, had she been on the ship when it happened. But this conversation probably would have happened either way.

”Well, anyway. It’s getting late. Time to turn in.” She said, giving the wall one last look over before leaving.

—

Sakura was sprawled out in her pajamas as she lay in her bed, fast asleep. It took a probably shocking amount of noise from the programmed alarm before she began to stir. She mumbled something about ‘ten more minutes’. Only a few minutes later did Sakura come tripping out of her dorm room and into the hallway, falling flat on her face in her tired state. ”Itai! I knew I wasn’t cut out for the army!” She complained to herself, more likely than not the last one to leave the rooms.

At the very least, Sakura wasn’t too fussed about the communal showers, indicated by her loud (and not half-bad, really) singing while she cleaned up under running cold water once she got her spot. After that she got changed, and was ready to go.

Having no feast last night to compare it to, Sakura was nothing but pleased with the simple oatmeal presented to her. ”And it’s totally free? Maybe the army’s not so bad!” She said to herself. After breakfast, it was time for the debriefing. Sakura had been Blue Team, then Black Team, and now, Gold Team. For some reason, the idea of having so many colors under her belt made her really excited. Maybe it was leftover from when she was first learning karate.

”Welcome to the Seekers!” Sakura waved to the newcomers, though she had to admit most of her attention was on Snowball, who was majestic and adorable.

Sandalphon made the Avenger’s need for supplies apparent. ”Supplies, huh? Okay, Sandalphon-san. I’m sure we can make it happen.”

Sakura accepted the armband, looking it over. She bowed her head at receiving the gift. ”It’s wonderful! Thank you so much.” She tied it around her arm on the spot. ”And useful, too!”
As for the medkit, she placed it in her backpack. ”We’ll never not need something like this. Only a matter of time before we run into bad guys. Thanks a bunch.” She said with another bow.

Sakura also seemed to get a kick out of the water canteen, wiggling it back and forth to slosh the water around on the inside. ”Isn’t this cool? It makes me want to walk through a desert and get all parched and stuff before drinking the very last few drops.”

Next, it was time to get into the Hellpods. Sakura wasn’t sure what she was expecting. She knew they were going to be fired into the ground but…

”BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!” In the solitude of her own Hellpod, Sakura screamed as loud as she wanted, barely above the noise of the tremendous racket. As it plunged into the ground, the platform raised Sakura up. Knees wobbling, teeth chattering, she tried to steady herself. ”I kn-knew I wasn’t c-cut out for the a-army…” Sakura said, promptly toppling forward.

She lifted her head and shook it back and forth, shooting back to her feet. Something important had slipped her mind, and she stumbled forward to intercept the entire group before they could get too far towards the city.

”Ex- excuse me everyone! Hi! My name’s Sakura!” She said, hands raised. ”I’m uh, from Esaka! Well, okay, I’m from Japan but in the World of Light I’m from Esaka and I pretty much know how it works!” Sakura said.

”So if you’ll just give me a second I’ll try and explain it to you.” Hopefully she had everyone’s attention by now.

”Okay, so…imagine a big cake. A big wedding cake. That’s basically Esaka, the Tiered City. It’s kind of like the top and bottom level of Midgar except with even more tiers. The higher you get, the smaller and better off your dojo is. Oh, yeah, dojos. Okay so the whole city is based around dojos, and the dojos fighting. Not like warfare fighting but like, tournaments and matches. It really is a lot of fun.” Sakura said.

”Okay so the higher up you are, the better. But also, the smaller? My dojo was pretty high up, haha. I mean, duh.” Sakura boasted somewhat humbly.

”But lower is, y’know, kusoge. Really just kinda bad fighters or tournaments with stupid rules. Hopefully we won’t have to spend too much time down there, if any.” Sakura blinked.

”...Hmm, it kind of is like Midgar. B-but it’s different because- well, in Midgar- it’s like, evil corporations and stuff. In Esaka it’s like, if you’re actually good at fighting, you go up. Like Esaka is literally 100% fighting so it’s not like, unfair or anything I mean it is what it is, it’s not hiding it from you it’s totally fair. ” Sakura was getting herself a bit red in the face, already trying to pre-emptively defend Esaka and herself from sounding bad even in her own mind.

”The most important thing is the Livestream!” She pushed ahead. ”So much ki in one place has resulted in like, some kind of totally crazy magical phenomenon. As a result, Esaka and the Forbidden Kingdom both have a lot of Yokai residents. Oh, Yokai are like, ghosts and monsters. But way cooler.”

”That’s why the Yokai that live in the Livestream are called Stream Monsters, and they love to watch fights. I mean, who doesn’t? But they’re powerful, and if they get hyped they give donations and money to the fighters. So you see, if you just fight well, you get money right there on the spot. No sponsorships, no corporations, nothing like that. Just Yokai who like watching people get beat up. So that’s why it’s fair. Anyone can move up the tiers, you just have to not suck.” Sakura explained.

”The Heavenly Principles make sure nobody gets too hurt, even when the fights get really intense. They’re like magic rules that make sure everything is as fair as possible. Midgar didn’t have anything like that.” She nodded, satisfied with her own defence of her favorite city.

”So yeah, it’s just a big fighting city! Cool right? At the top you have the most prestigious tournaments with the best fighters, run by the Four Heavenly Kings. Okay yeah, no, if I’m being honest at least one of them is really evil. Also because I’m sure if there’s a Guardian in Esaka, it’ll be somewhere near the top, probably being kept a secret.” Sakura stretched one arm.

”Even if we have to start at the very bottom and work our way up, as strong as we are we’ll be in the best dojos in no time. We just have to get through Pools first. Oh, the Pools are where the lower tiers can earn their spot in the middle tiers, again if they fight good enough.” Sakura said.

She scratched her head. ”I think that’s it? Does anyone have any questions? Even with my guess about the Guardian, we’ll probably just have to dive in and see what we can find out. So anyone whose not fighting in matches can probably do that?” Sakura said. ”I’m, uh, not the leader, though. Just a thought.” Sakura let her hands fall to her sides and looked at the gathered Seekers.

World of Light: the Endless Now (The Ultimate Videogame Crossover)

JURI HAN

Level 6: 48/60
Location: Avenger
Word Count: 1623
Points Gained: 3 +5 +3 +4 = 60 +18
New EXP Balance: Level 7: 21/70

---

Juri, it could be posited, was always in a negative mood. A nasty mood, a mischievous mood, an angry mood, a violent mood. Sometimes she was smiling, but it was rarely, if ever, a good smile. The type of smile that made others want to smile like a good smile would. Whenever she stalked or stomped into a room, the temperature dropped by two degrees.

But this negative mood was different from all the other bad moods. Juri walked up and grabbed the nearest plate, not even thinking about any rare burgers. She plopped a roll down onto the crab legs and sat down by herself. The reason why this bad mood was so different was because it was so obviously introspective. To anyone paying attention to Juri’s behavior, it was apparent how little self-reflection she did, or at least, that she presented she did. Even looking at her might trigger some rebuke. Pit, the well-meaning angel did little but start talking about where they were going next and they ended up in a fight, and not a friendly one. Juri spared a glance to Edward, her business partner, but just a quick look at his demeanor and physical appearance meant it looked like he was ‘back to normal’. It didn’t take a genius to figure out the only reason he was even tolerating her was because he fused with some evil demon. Even with ‘villains’ among them she was probably the black sheep in the Seekers. Whatever. Good. Sooner this is all over, the better.

”...” Now though, Juri was quiet, her eyes fixed off into some distant space as she joylessly ate crab and bread and butter. She had planted herself thoughtlessly into a corner table bench. She couldn’t speak for the others, but there was a reason her idea of a ‘break’ was more fighting. Juri was at all times fleeing from boredom, inaction, and the thoughts that came with it.

While Juri isolated herself to stew in her bitterness, a spark of joy drifted dangerously near. Not long after the Seekers arrived for their meal, the head chef made her way out of the kitchen, tired but proud as punch. On most days it was a challenge to ensure that every Lost Number was well fed, so today's feast had been something of a Herculean effort, but despite her small stature Bracket Brace had risen to the challenge. No ordinary Mimiga, the small, white-furred, rabbit-like creature was a master of the culinary arts, and now that she'd finished her work for the evening the little chef was here to enjoy the fruits of her labor. Of course, that didn't mean eating her food -she'd sampled enough during the cooking process to ensure its quality- but seeing the happiness it brought people. Good food fed the soul as much as it fed the body, and it created a community atmosphere in which people could share not just their dinners, but themselves.

At least, that was the theory. She definitely got positive feedback from most people she asked, but it was hard to ignore the unhappiness Bracket did see. After putting it off a little to make sure that most people loved her crab and dinner rolls, she finally hopped over to Juri. When she spoke, she sounded neither timid nor intimidated, but genuinely concerned. "Hi!" the little chef piped up from beside the table. "How'd the food turn out? I hope everything's to your liking!"

Juri blinked back into reality and did a double take. Rabbit ears. Juri had to look down more than she thought to get to the face of the rabbit chef she didn’t know the name of. ”What?” She asked, confused. Crab and rolls were being methodically eaten. She needed to eat but she wasn’t savoring the flavor. Maybe an experienced chef could tell that kind of thing?

A frown settled onto her face when she realized what was going on. ”It’s fine, it’s whatever.” She dismissed Bracket and her unwanted concerns with a wave of her hand. Juri’s antisocial game was off. She wasn’t above scaring a little rabbit person who had given her free food, but she didn’t have the energy to do it right now. Or maybe Pit with his frankly absurd stubbornness had poisoned the well, and she thought an underreaction might get someone to drop it. Really she should have grabbed her tray and headed off into some hidden corner of the Avenger, but even that idea slipped her mind earlier.

Juri’s response seemed to disappoint Bracket somewhat, but she put on a polite smile. “Oh, okay.” As nice as praise would have been, Bracket could see that the food was still being eaten, and at the end of the day that was what mattered. If Juri was unhappy for other reasons, it wasn't a chef's place to pry. She perked up with a friendly smile. “Well, if there's anything I could do better, I'm all ears! Hehe.” She wiggled her own big ears to demonstrate. “Oh, and if you've got a favorite food, I could try making it sometime! Everyone needs a li’l taste of home now and again.” She prepared herself to bounce off, but lingered for just a moment in case a request came to Juri’s mind.

‘Ugh. You got to be kidding me. Where do these types of people even come from?’ The sour martial artist thought to herself. ”Always been fond of rabbit stew.” Juri said flatly. ”I’m clearin’ off. Go hop around someone else.” She rose from her seat, grabbing the last roll on her plate and taking it with her.

Bracket watched her go, a thoughtful look on her face. “Hmm…” she mumbled. “Stews are pretty easy. But where the heck are we gonna find some rabbits?” With the diners fully queried, the mimiga returned to the kitchen to discuss the matter with her fellow chefs.

Juri stuffed the roll into her mouth, unable to think about anything other than her problems. M. Bison. The man she swore revenge on. She needed more spirits if she wanted to trade info with the info broker. But chances were if he was going by M. Bison and the Four Kings and not Consul M or Consul B or Consul V or whatever the hell his name was, he wasn’t a Consul. And that meant he couldn’t die. Not really.

So how was she going to get her revenge?

As much as she was loathe to admit it, back on her world, her record against M. Bison was 0-2. The only one who really managed to beat him was the world's most boring homeless man. But in this world, things could be different. She could kill M. Bison. But if she did, he would just come back. Reincarnate. Maybe not tomorrow, or the day after, but eventually. And he would forget. And she would forget, too, in a decade or less. Maybe she had killed him already. Maybe he had killed her. There was no way to know. Juri didn’t give much of a shit about this existential identity crap, but if M. Bison was still walking around than her previous selves hadn’t really sealed the deal.

Her mind danced with possibilities as she wandered down the hallway. She could copy his mind into a robot like with the commander, and upload his digital copy into a virtual hell. It might not be the ‘real’ M. Bison but it would be A M. Bison, trapped forever, and that might be good enough. Perhaps she could suck up to him again and somehow get him to be a Consul. Then she and the Seekers would kill him for good. But how the hell would she manage that? Consul O’s words played over in her head. What if she had become a Consul? Why didn’t she take the deal? She wasn’t sure. Spite, probably. She hated being told what to do, being manipulated. A sleazeball like that getting out of his death by tricking her was something her pride wouldn’t allow.

Or he was closer than he thought with some of his last words to her, about ‘ennui’. That she hated this shitty world and pretty much everyone in it, and the last thing she wanted to be was stuck here forever. This world. Her world. Any world. ‘

Plus: ‘Consul J’. What a joke. Juri had run SIN for a while and it was boring as hell. Being ‘in charge’ was for egomaniacal assholes like Consul O and M. Bison.

Of course she knew M. Bison wasn’t thinking about her at all. That’s why whenever she went after him, she never even bothered to explain why. He wouldn’t care. Neither does she, really.

Juri looked down at her own hands, and noted they were see-through. Some part of her spirit here had clicked, and she ‘remembered’ how to use Stealth. A powerful function of her technological capabilities. The spirit she had absorbed and her own Feng Shui Engine. This truly snapped Juri out of her funk. Hidden from sight, she clenched her fists in excitement. Complete invisibility! It had its limits, sure, but now her mind was abuzz with the possibilities of being invisible, not revenge. Her steps were so much lighter while she was invisible, too. Juri scampered off down the hall, out of sight.

Juri was skipping out on the memorial service, of course. She had no desire to weep around, especially for a couple of people she barely even knew. Especially especially for people who weren’t even dead. They had their minds wiped of ten years of meaningless memories, max. Big whoop. Instead, she would be testing the limits and strengths of her new talent around the Avenger.

Heroes Rise: Paragon City

If I do make a sheet I will probably avoid using a face claim, at least for now. Maybe I will go back and add one later.

What kind of power level is being looked for? probably not planet destroying, i guess.

Heroes Rise: Paragon City

is a face claim mandatory?

World of Light: the Endless Now (The Ultimate Videogame Crossover)

Collect Call

Lvl 10 Sakura Kasugano (77/100) and Lvl 8 Sandalphon (24/80)
Word Count: 3,112 +4

While Sandalphon was by no means opposed to exploring the Paved Wilderness with a few fellow Seekers of Light for company, there were some tasks she needed to attend to, and some that she couldn’t put off any longer. Today’s checklist involved several long-distance inquiries made with various contacts from Midgar.

In the wake of the dystopia’s abandonment following the loss of the reverse-engineered machine god Tycoon deep beneath the Arahabaki city computer, and by extension the infinite supply of mako energy that Tycoon’s control over spacetime provided, the inhabitants of Midgar had been scattered to the winds. Some -mostly those with children and families of their own- fled to Gutsford, and Sandalphon suspected that the university town was rather overpopulated as a result. Some industrious sorts moved to seize the means of production at the Satis Factory to the east and start their empires anew. Some went further afield, across the bay to the city-wide fiesta known as Carnival Town or the strait to Everdream Valley for a more peaceful, pastoral existence. Others braved the lingering remnants of the Machines to colonize the Valley of Ruin, and many stuck it out in the dark and quiet ruins of Midgar itself, fighting over the scraps. Many had simply spread out from Kunad Highway, though, establishing their own settlements all over the northeastern peninsula.

Always one to deal with bigger problems right away, Sandalphon first reached out to her subordinates in the old DespoRHado unit, now returned to their roots as YoRHa. Their memories, artificially and remotely preserved across multiple existences, told her everything she needed to know about her time in Sundowner’s PMC. From the date when it started, Sandalphon could easily extrapolate how long it lasted. Most of the time she spent on the line with YoRHa constituted more personal inquiries, asking how everyone was doing and what were they up to. Hearing that the androids were slowly learning to live lives of their own, and that 2B and 9S were closer companions than ever, Sandalphon felt palpable joy.

Once fully updated on YoRHa, Sandalphon got in touch with her contacts in the Lateran Church, up to and including Pope Yvangelista himself. The old Sankta had a long memory, and it was old records that the archangel was interested in. Unfortunately, his memory didn’t seem to extend as far back as she hoped, and by now Sandalphon could guess at the cause for his supposed lapse. It wasn’t hard to confirm her hypothesis: that the Yvangelista she originally met all those years ago had died and been replaced, born anew in the eternal cycle of the Endless Now. In fact, nobody she called seemed to date far enough back to supply her with the details she needed. Fortunately, a clerical institution like the Lateran Church tended to keep consistent records, so she didn’t need to rely on her former coworkers’ memories. Once the data had been fetched and fully assembled, Sandalphon thanked the clerics with a heavy heart. That mood persisted throughout her brief and somber call with Giovanna as she told the special agent the bad news. After that, there was just one more call to make.

This time, she reached out to just one person. Wherever the young, spirited martial artist known as Sakura Kasugano happened to be across the Dystopiascape, she would hear an angelic chime as Sandalphon’s sigil manifested next to her ear. Simply touching it was enough to accept the call. “Hello? Ms. Kasugano? This is Sandalphon. How are you?”

Sakura was sitting cross legged on a jagged rocky outcropping overlooking the outskirts of the Satisfactory. Her hands were on her knees and her eyes were closed, expression serious. When she heard the ping, she animated back to life, glancing around. A few moments passed and she recognized what was going on, tapping the button next to her ear.

”Ah! Sandalphon-san! It’s good to hear from you.” She replied. ”And, uh, I’m well! …You?” She asked.

The sound of Sakura’s voice turned Sandalphon’s pupils into carets, though naturally that didn’t transmit through her spirit link. “It’s good to hear from you too. I’m glad you’re doing well. I myself am…managing.” While the archangel didn’t feel the need to go into more detail, she wasn’t about to lie and say that all was well. “I’ve kept in touch with some contacts among the Midgar refugees, so I know that the populace is doing admirably well, given the circumstances. We have not spoken since our parting, however. I would be interested in hearing what you and your friends have been up to.”

Sakura leaned backwards, setting her hands on the dirt behind her and staring up at the sky. She hummed, collecting her thoughts. ”Well, let’s see. I got some cool new duds.” She said, shaking her shoe.

”Like, my shirt has my name on it now. So that’s pretty cool. I got it for helping someone set up a tailor shop and protecting it from some monsters.” She explained.

”And then store credit got me the rest.” She said. ”I’ve never had ‘store credit’ before! It’s been pretty cool to hang around one place, see it come together, get to know everyone, you know? And building and making things is way easier in the World of Light than it is back home. Things just kinda poof and click together. It’s still hard work, but it’s like, easy and fun.” She let some sand run between her fingers.

”’Admirably well’ is right, I think! Karin-san loves this kinda stuff. Like bossing people around? And I guess she’s pretty good at it. Me, not so much, I just kinda go where she tells me.” She said.

”’Ciri-san and Yennifer-san are here. I wanna say they’re Geralt-san’s…wife and daughter? But honestly I’m not sure.” She shrugged. ”But they’re cool. Everyone’s been a little busy for sparring, though. Ciri-san is so good at fighting monsters I don’t get to do much of that either.” She said.

Sakura sighed. ”So I’ve kinda been taking it easy today! You ever meditate much? It’s pretty cool once you get good at it, that’s what I was doing when you called me. N-not that I’m complaining, of course!” She clarified.

“I see. I will not apologize for disturbing you, then,” Sandalphon remarked, mildly amused. “I have not attempted meditation, myself. Actually, it would be more accurate to say I have not meditated successfully. I understand that it involves quieting the mind and achieving inner peace, similar to putting a computer on ‘standby’ mode. Doing so have proven rather difficult for me, however. If I am not ‘on’ I am ‘off’, which is to say, asleep.” She paused, considering the possibility that Sakura wasn’t interested in her eccentricities and foibles. “...It seems Karin was even better suited to the role of leadership than we hoped. The people of Midgar are fortunate to have her. I hope there have been no troubles?” There was no shortage of capable fighters among the refugees who could handle monsters, but issues like disagreement, division, and competition weren’t so easily handled.

Sakura tilted her head at Sandalphon’s description of meditation. ”Uh, yeah, I guess so?” She said. ”I didn’t get it at first, either, it’s pretty hard. But also it’s not nearly as hard as it sounds. ‘Inner peace’ is a big ask. It’s not quite that, it’s just, y’know, chilling with yourself for a while.” Sakura explained.

”Karin-san would describe herself as a born leader. Back home she has her own personal army of ninjas and servants and controls the biggest business conglomerate in the world.” She said with a little roll of her eyes. ”If you ask me, her ninjas are kinda second-rate, but don’t tell her I said that.”

”And like there’s a little bit of trouble? But in times of hardship people are willing to turn to a strong and fair leader. At least that’s what Karin says. I dunno if you noticed but she’s got a bit of an ego on her.” Sakura chuckled. ” But things are crazy and she’s smart, so, whatever I guess. It’s not like she doesn’t delegate.” Sakura shrugged.

Sakura sat up and rubbed her face. ”...I definitely needed the break.” She started, like she was qualifying a future ‘but’ statement. But she felt a bit embarrassed to continue.

“From the campaign?” Sandalphon was always quick to put two and two together. “I understand, if so, and you’re not alone. Practically the whole team was on standby at a few different outposts over the course of the last week. We only reconvened last night. Unfortunately, we find ourselves missing a few important contributors.” Having sensed but not confirmed a possible direction the conversation could go, she refrained from dropping anything stronger than a hint.

”Yeah, it’s just-” Sakura scoffed, her face reddening. ”I did this whole goodbye, like a total dork.”

”I never know what I want. That’s always been my problem.” Sakura facepalmed lightly. ”I’m a big waffler. Now it feels like it’s too late. Even if I did want to rejoin, I don’t have any magic balloons and I don’t know if I can just set off and walk around the whole continent like I used too, right?” Sakura asked.

Having recalled that Sakura hadn’t been present for the encounter with Moebius Z about Everdream Valley and the subsequent introduction of the Avenger, Sandalphon was quick to provide reassurance. “It’s never too late. Since we are connected, I can teleport to you to deliver a Fulton device, which I assume is the ‘magical balloon’ you alluded to. After that, we can arrange a pickup. Currently, the Seekers are making use of the Avenger, a large aircraft that now serves as our base of operations. It is the home of the Lost Numbers, an organization formed from the descendents of previous Seekers.” She paused in the hopes of forestalling information overload. “I imagine you will have much to catch up on, but we have the remainder of the day to do it. I am sure that many, especially those deployed to the Under previously, will be eager to see you again.”

Sakura had shot up to her feet. ”What, really? Wow!” She was excited, but also confused. ”I dunno if I got all that but the giant ship sounds cool! That’s so smart. Gosh, it really only has been like a week.”

Sakura’s tone turned sheepish again. ”Sandalphon-san, I’m a little nervous. What do you think the Seekers are gonna do next? Something without horrible monsters or politics. I mean that’s like a big ask. But like really really horrible monsters like giant skinny horrible babies and giant monster chefs that turn you into a baby, or really complicated election cycles with lots of arguing and like depressed people? Like what are the chances of that?” Sakura asked.

”Because I tried my best but I dunno if I’m much good at that stuff.” She admitted, tapping her fingers together.

Then Sakura shook her head, smiling and setting her hands on her hips. ”You know Sandalphon-san, if there was a Seeker hierarchy, I’d probably have more experience than you! But you’re really smart, I feel like I wanna ask you things. The Seekers really need someone like you. I mean even this magic radio— I had to buy them, like actual physical rinky dink radios at a shop and I thought I was the bees knees for a cruddy idea like that. This is much better. If it wasn’t for you I’d be poof, in the wind! It really would be too late. I’m glad you joined.” Sakura said.

For a little while, Sandalphon kept quiet and let her contact continue while she tried to think of the best way to reassure Sakura while still being realistic and honest. Before her fusions, she would have been quite incapable of addressing such an emotionally-driven internal conflict, and even now the right answer eluded her. If circumstances demanded that she involve herself in another situation like the haunted Dead Zone, for instance, she knew she’d be highly averse, but ultimately she knew she’d persevere because that was her duty. Would that argument hold as much water for a real human as it would a constructed servant, though? As the seconds wore on, the praise directed in Sandalphon’s direction distracted her from her musings. She couldn’t help but smile somewhat–another consequence of the meddling with her soul, but maybe for the better.

“Nonsense. If I’ve learned anything about humans, it’s that the bonds between them are far stronger than mundane matters like distance. If I am smart or capable, it is merely because I was created this way, a mere echo of what humans were able to achieve through their own hard work and ingenuity.” Sandalphon paused. The faint sound of footsteps through the miracle line suggested that she might be moving. “While I can extrapolate the data I’ve accumulated into a great many things, I cannot predict what the future will hold, and I cannot assure you that there is not more horror or complications to come. If anything, I would have to hypothesis that there will be. However, everything I’ve seen indicates that you -and the other Seekers- are up to the task. I doubt there is anything you cannot overcome.”

”I’ll do my best.” Sakura said.

At that moment, a pillar of radiant blue light descended in front of Sakura. It shone for only a brief moment, and when it vanished, Sandalphon herself was standing before the martial artist, brought to her side across countless miles by the lingering strength of the bond between them. The archangel looked slightly different than how Sakura remembered her, but just as with Sakura, the core of her being remained. In one hand she held a Fulton device, and the other was extended in the girl’s direction in a gesture of invitation. When Sandalphon spoke, her voice lacked the watery resonance inherent to her communication miracle. Instead, it contained a trace of uncharacteristic warmth. “If it’s any consolation, at least, there is no city in the World of Light larger than Midgar, and statistically speaking, the odds of another entering its election cycle are low.” A shadow of a smile passed over the archangel’s gray lips.

”That’s a relief.” Sakura said, rubbing the back of her head with a sheepish grin. At this point she was pretty used to the whole ‘Fusion’ thing. Her mental image of Sandalphon readjusted accordingly. She took the Fulton device and started looking it over in her hands, lifting it up to look at the dangling harness.

”...My parents made me, too, but I still get to take a lot of the credit, y’know.” She said, like she was letting Sandalphon in on a secret.

“Hm. I see.” Sandalphon tilted her head slightly, curious. Could she claim credit for much of her life..?

Her gaze shifted from the middle difference back to Sakura. “Oh, don’t activate that just yet. The Avenger too far away for pickup. You would be floating in the sky for some time.” She reached up a slender finger toward her ear. “I’ll call you again when it’s time. Around…five forty, I expect.” That meant about four and a half hours, plenty of time to say farewell to her friends here.

Sakura slapped the side of her head with a free hand. ”Oh, doy! I was totally about to leave without saying goodbye! So, uh, that works out.” She laughed, and then looked down at the far away factory. ”I’ll leverage my leaving to get one more fight outta Karin-chan.” She said with a resolute nod.

”Thanks for calling, Miss Sandalphon! I’d say it was good catching up, but, I guess we’re gonna be running together in the same crew again for a little while longer.” Sakura said.

The archangel bowed her head, which made her halo dip slightly. “It was my pleasure. I’ll be in touch.” With that, she warped away again in another pillar of light, and Sakura was left to her own devices.

”See ya!” Sakura waved Sandalphon off. Her body was abuzz with nerves and anticipation. In a choice between proverbial cabin fever and heading into the unknown, well, Sakura knew what choice she would make. Besides, the people here were safe and the big fight needed winning. Letting out a big breath, Sakura steeled herself, clutched the Fulton device under her arm, and hopped down the cliff face to meet her Midgar friends.

---

Azure light filled the Avenger Comm Center, and just like that Sandalphon was back. With the ship and its crew on standby, nobody else happened to be around to see the lightshow, so for just a moment Sandalphon stood there vacantly, not quite sure what to do next. The findings she’d assembled from talking to her Midgar contacts hung over her like a dark cloud, and her doleful conversation with Giovanna left a knot in her stomach that had yet to unwind. Somehow she’d managed to keep a stiff upper lip during her visit with Sakura, but now that she was alone, she could let herself breath. Maybe a visit to the cafeteria for some coffee and sweets now that the other Seekers had depopulated it would do some good. Then again, that young doctor had told her to reduce her intake, and he did seem rather intense…

As she considered her next move, the full spectrum radio receiver installed into one of the Comm Center’s walls buzzed to life. Always kept on to some degree to keep the chamber from getting too quiet, it picked up all sorts of miscellaneous and often conflicting signals, which generally amounted to nothing more than comfortable background noise. Now, though, Sandalphon could hear one voice loud and clear, belonging to a young woman who identified herself as Celica. Her tone alone implied some degree of distress, so by the time she formalized her call for aid, Sandalphon was already seated at the desk. She worked quickly to identify the rough location of the source, as well as to find the closest Seekers to the source. After figuring out everything she needed, she manifested five light screens to contact the right people.

“Attention, please.” She broadcasted her transmission to Juri, Zenkichi, and everyone else in the Highertower area linked to her miraculous network. “I have received a distress signal in your area from a young woman named Celica. She mentioned only that she’s taking cover behind orange cargo. Please consider finding her and rendering your assistance.” With that, Sandalphon signed off again, hopeful that her allies could provide the rescue Celica needed.

World of Light: the Endless Now (The Ultimate Videogame Crossover)

Chaos Aligned

Juri and Edward
Words: 2114 (+3)

”What an eclectic collection… I think that’s just a beehive” Edward said as he examined the items in his box, before picking up Odden’s Pinky between an oversized finger and thumb and describing it as ”Fascinating” as he examined it before setting it back into the crate.

”What the hell?” Juri asked with a delighted giggle. ”Can’t be normal bees if they were inside that box. That’s sick.”

”I look forward to experimenting with those once I return to normal” he commented, before leaning over to see what Juri had acquired.

Juri’s grasping hands gravitated towards the Akjagara hand guns first, picking them both up and twirling them around her finger. ”Hey, alright! Double the bullets double the fun.” She aimed down the sights as practice. She put them back and picked up the Sterilizer next.

”Woooah. Pretty sure this thing’s a damn war crime. Gotta admit I ain’t eager to pull the trigger without a gas mask.” She said, in a reverential type of way. As for the magic sniper rifle thing, Juri was less impressed.

”Dunno if that one’s my style. Might trade it.” Juri said.

”I like these thingies. ‘Akjagara’. Badass. Fast, light, lethal. Easy to carry.” To demonstrate, Juri simply shoved the twin pistols into the back of her pants.

”Care to trade for the rifle right now? It seems more my ‘style’ certainly” Edward requested, before suggesting ” Perhaps you can find out what the beehive does?”

”Well, damn,” Juri said with a happy smile. ”What kinda person would I be if I turned down a weaponized beehive?” She tossed the magic rifle Edward’s way.

Edward caught it, and then tossed her the beehive in turn as he said ”A less interesting one, certainly”

He then placed the rifle in his chest, and began the sequence to send it back. He, after all, could not wield any weapons in his enlarged state.

Juri put away the beehive and the sterilizer, casting her magic spells. She’d use both later. Right now she wanted the handguns.

After everything was put away, Edward opened another portal in the direction of the high tower, before sweeping an hand towards it and asked ”Shall we?”

”Let’s earn some money.”

A couple of dozen steps later, they reached the oilfields, which slowed down their advance a fair bit, as the smoke from the firespring choked out the sky and most of the good vantage points, resulting in shorter hops.

It wasn’t quite enough for the various predators and threats to catch up with them, though at one point they did get surprised by a toxic pool suddenly rising up and revealing itself to be made up of a half a dozen Muks inorder to spray acid at them.

Edward’s armor was signed before he opened up a portal to act as cover, sending the acid raining back down on the slimy creatures. He used another portal to get another angle on them, and after one moment of analysis said ”Lets not” because he had absolutely no interest in trying to punch or stomp the poisonous to the touch looking things.

”Is this really the fastest way to go?” Juri complained, taking a few potshots at the creatures for target practice. Whenever the sprayed acid at her she just casually hopped to the side.

”It is preferable to walking through land that is actively on fire” Edward replied, as he recalculated their path and opened another portal, taking them away from the muckpool.

While they could simply step away from threats, Edward’s drones were relying entirely on outrunning them, which mostly worked till one got itself pinned between a pack of Lurkers and a stalking Rompopolo.

”On slight detour here” Edward said as the situation became clear, stepping them along the path towards the scout squad, which they found knocked down to one member and dodging and weaving for its life between sprays of poison and the lashing claws of the lurkers. It was already dripping in the stuff, being mechanical and all, but the fragile thing was still taking a beating from the force of the spray.

”To me” the man said theatrically, as he opened a portal to bail the machine out, only for one of the lurkers to lunge through it as well before he closed it.

Juri smashed her foot into the thing, appearing from the left to launch it back through the portal. ”This is pissin’ me off.” Juri said. ”I ain’t here for playtime with the local wildlife, I wanna get to that bigass tower!”

With that in mind she started unloading her pistols into every creature she could see. This worked wonderfully against the Lurkers, not so much on the Rompopolo, which as a hulking brute wyvern was not butt off by mere handgun fire, as it demonstrated by igniting an entire oilfield around itself, and by extension them, in retaliation for the pistol fire.

”That explains” Edward paused to cough at the resulting toxic fumes ”Why large areas are on fire I suppose”

Juri shielded her mouth and nose with her arm, coughing. But she’d been dosed with worse poisons. ”Alright, fine!” She ‘holstered’ her pistols and got out her Ghoulsaw. A much bigger, heavier weapon. She Drive Rushed forward and met the Rompopolo in combat, slashing into its thick hided with spray of blood. As it came to bear down on her she dodged backwards and kicked the beast in the face to stun it before curling around the side.

It stumbled to the side, taken aback by the amount of force the little human could output, and was then double stunned as Edward’s armored boot stamped down out of a portal and squashed its face down into the oil sludge.

Juri took the opportunity to charge up a quick Fuha stock that empowered her next move, a twisting OD heel slam into the creatures skull. Stunned, Juri got her her Ghoulsaw and slammed it into the things bruised head, spraying blood and then ash everywhere. Juri frowned and pulled her saw from the muck. ”C’mon, let’s get a move on already.” It was only fun when the things she was crushing were sapient.

”As you wish” the man replied as he portaled the spirit into his hand, chanaling the return ritual in it as they kept moving.

After all that, the duo emerged from the oil and smog and finally got a view of the high tower and just got to bask in its awe inspiring tallness for a bit. Mainly because Edward was finding himself a bit winded. A military man entirely used to long matches or days in the saddle, he found this a bit perturbing. Juri gave him a side-eye, she herself was a highly conditioned martial artist but even still she didn’t think he was the type to get tired after walking.

Juri whistled appreciatively at the distant chaos. People were shooting each other and scrambling around and desperately trying to secure payloads of crates before being warded off or biting it. Her eyes traced the massive tower up to the evil flame clock above. ”It’s a total shitshow, Edd.” Juri surmised. Some part of her wanted to make the hike up the higher tower to smash that thing and avoid the view.

”Let's make sure we know what we're doing before we jump into that” Edward suggested, as he portaled two of his few remaining scout squads onto the tower itself. One stayed low to spy, the other just started going up and up and up, because the mystery of what in the world was up there was just too tempting for the Dreadnaught to ignore.

”In the meantime, let me recharge my fuel cells, and make us some disposable fodder. We’re going to need it in that” he then said as he sat down on the ground, pulled out his tomes, and charging and casting. In contrast to his weakened constitution, this seemed to come a little easier than before, as he forged a cannon and several copper golem squads.

Juri was squatting, checking the ammo on her new handguns and trying to get a read on the battle. ”It’s a real party down there, so I’ve got mixed feelings about staying out of it. On the other hand, if we want the goods, we gotta be smart. And I definitely want the goods.” Juri rolled her neck.

”Way I see it, our only chance to get anything is using those portals of yours like before.” She pointed a pistol at Edward like a finger. ”So we need to find a good spot to extract to, and enough time to make sure no one follows us through like that freaky thing did earlier.” She strategized aloud.

”A sound strategy” Edward (unconcerned by the tiny firearm being pointed his way) said, after completing one of his incantations, before adding after a moment added ”Ah, which is not exactly what I would call the other seekers who just arrived’s, plan, which has involved blindly endearing the fray in one of the two person from our heist”

He was observing this from his scout, which then picked up a more distant figure, upon which he also commented, saying that ”Sectonia seems to be doing what I am doing, portaling in disposable summons”

He pointed out this (somewhat distant from them part) of the fighting as he stood up once more, his own squads of disposable troops now arrayed around him, ready to set off.

Juri scratched the shaved part of her temple with the barrel of her gun. ”Morons. But still, useful.” Juri looked around.

”You found a good spot to post up yet?” Considering the battle seemed to be a total stalemate, she wasn’t in a rush to get down there right this very minute if they could secure an advantage first.

”There aren't that many good ones unfortunately,” replied as he scanned the area through his drones’ eyes, ”cliffs too steep, structures to small, and then, well, there’s just the void out there”
”Thppppbt.” Juri blew a raspberry.

”With the cliffs blocking line of sight, I think we’ll have to portal through the warzone several times to make it out to an uncontested spot. But when it comes to spots to start from, I believe up there will grant us an unparalleled strategic advantage” Edward said, pointing towards a structure hovering above the valley. It was too small to fit much on it, and so any loot would simply tumble off the side if they tried to teleport it there, but for getting in, it commanded a dominating position over the battlefield.

”Can you shoot from up there?” Juri asked. ”Or just send one of those drone thingies with me and portal when I ask and you have line of sight?”

”I’ll send more than drones” Edwards said, as he gestured to his troops, before crouching down, picking up the self animated cannon and then preparing to wield it like a small-arm ”and yes, I think I should be able to help from on high”

Juri grinned, making sure her pistols were fully loaded. ”Then what are we waitin' for? Let's get this show on the road. I got skulls to crush.” She lifted her foot and twisted it, gathering ki energy for her Fuha stocks.

”Lets” Edward agreed, before opening the portals to begin their raid upon the highest tower.

NHTD:ARPWAEHTD (Tower of Eternity)

it seems interesting but im a bit confused on the 'one character' rule. i wouldnt be able to for example write a character teaming up with a few other people to carry a big ladder?

World of Light: the Endless Now (The Ultimate Videogame Crossover)

JURI HAN

Level 6: 42/60
Location: Avenger -> Paved Wilderness
Word Count: short
Points Gained: 1 +5
New EXP Balance: Level 6: 48/60 +5

---

Juri walked down the ramp of the Avenger with her motorcycle at her side and her new green and purple repainted Ghoulsaw strapped over her back. From the windows she could tell this place was wide open and massive, so her motorbike would be necessary to get around without relying on any other Seekers.

Juri had on her helmet, a pink, black and blur full helm that obscured her features, though on top were two colored protrusions that mimicked devil horns.

It didn’t take long for Juri to start getting antsy and looking for trouble. The last thing she wanted to do was hang around here, even though like Tora she couldn’t help but notice the most common type of mechanic.

Fortunately, Fortune came to her rescue by informing her of loot available. Juri grinned under her helm, and it reflected in her voice. ”Gee, that’s just swell.” She said.

”I’m gonna head over there and hope there’s some cold dead hands I can pry some loot from.” Juri said, stepping over her motorcycle and sitting on it. It had been too long since she got to go for a ride. She brought her cycle around to the map board to clear the way. Once she had her fill of info on where the Highertower was, she sped off in a cloud of dust, looking to get there ahead of the other Seekers.

Who knew what she would find? Even if it wasn't anything useful on its own, cash was never out of style. And no way she wasn’t headed towards a fight. Juri had been preoccupied at Mafia Town to enjoy too much of the fighting, and since then she’d just been stepping on gross undead bugs and shitty old geezers. Or swatting that annoying cherub, Pit. She wanted a real fight with some real blood. And the mercs and bandits she pictured running around picking up valuables would be perfect for a scrap or two.

Drive Gauge: 6/ 6

World of Light: the Endless Now (The Ultimate Videogame Crossover)

@Lugubrious Ok, great. That's very helpful thank you. Since Sakura is pretty high level I won't have to think about new abilities very often. I've got my eye on SAS Clairvoyance and Heavy Thoughts when the time comes. But Dark Sakura was her level 10 upgrade so I have 100 exp to get before the next one XD.

which is probably a long enough time that its kinda giving me an existential crisis, 2026 power up lmao. but at this point Sakura has a feature complete ability list plus a few extras.

i suppose i will put her alongside Juri, then! but juri and her bike will be fun to play in this Hammerhead place i think.

World of Light: the Endless Now (The Ultimate Videogame Crossover)

Hellooo. Speaking of characters returning from vacation. I think it is about time I open back up to the possibility of playing a second character. Safe in the knowledge that if it ever becomes too much one or the other can take a break or perform off screen activities haha

I brought Sakura's sheet over and made a few changes, taking the opportunity to make her strengths and weaknesses a little more cohesive in my view. I don't know exactly if the math works out, lol. I also looked up some art, i think this is a version of her in a gacha mobile game. but i think it fits, and makes her look tougher and more mature haha. so i went with it. 

I'm not like dying to bring her back into action ASAP. but i have the sheet finished and its just been sitting in my notes for a couple days so i figure i might as well post it, huh.

She is still fused with the spirit of a literal random npc. i dont know how to level up her psychic abilities XD

Sakura Kasugano

Name: Sakura Kasugano
Origin: Street Fighter Alpha 2
Appearance:

Street Fighter, Seeker Vet

Personality: Bubbly, gregarious, outgoing, kind-hearted and a ferocious drive for battle and self-improvement. Sakura could have once been considered naive, but her good nature has withstood the tests presented to her by the world of light. Sakura is strong of will and introspective. She really loves to fight, win or lose, and will throw hands with anyone at any time if they are open to it. It's the best way to get to know someone and to hopefully make friends. Sakura is an open book and can get ahead of herself, and has a small sarcastic streak.

Background: A girl like any other growing up in the woven neighborhoods of Japan, Sakura became fixated on street fighting and on the legendary world warrior Ryu at a young age. A self-taught prodigy, above all she sought his wisdom and to be his student, and following him took her on quite a few adventures. Her rival is Karin Kanzuki, the preposterously wealthy heiress who she does battle with on occasion. Her beleaguered best friend Kei often struggled to match her energy.

Sakura did battle with figures like Sagat and Zangief, and even villains like M.Bison himself in defense of Ryu. After returning home safely from the battle against Seth's forces, Sakura considered her future before being taken into the world of light.

In the Now: While under Galeem's influence, Sakura spent most of her time fighting in various tournaments in Esaka, the Tiered City. Ryu was notably absent, and Sakura left to go find him, her journey bringing her to the Friend Hearted fighter. After the battle she joined the Seekers, following them to Alcamoth. Then she took off to the Deepl Blue, becoming a ship girl and meeting and befriending Bella. She travelled into the rotted core, survived the Maw, and delivered a mortal blow upon the Orphan Guardian. During this time she reunited with Karin Kanzuki in Limsa Lomscuttle, eventually freeing her.

Sakura followed the Seekers to Midgar, where they weaved through corruption and urban decay and constant supernatural crisis until they slayed the Guardian beneath there.

Warfare is against Sakura's gentle (if punch hungry) nature, and needing a break from it, she decided to stay with Karin Kanzuki at Midgar to help rebuild and shelter the refugees of the great city. She even reunited with her parents. Since then she has been helping move heavy things and battling stray monsters and warding off bandits. As her mental strength has recovered, and the citizens situation stabilizes, her thoughts drift once again to the Seekers and the all-important battle that is deciding the fate of the universe. Ultimately, she could only sit it out for so long.

Job: Street Fighter
Specialty: A close ranged powerhouse with medium range capability. Her skills and combos let her battle against single opponents, while her strength and speed let her keep up with groups. Sakura is a versatile frontline fighter with the speed and utility skills to support her teammates.
Inventory: New Clothes: A thankful refugee tailor made her a durable custom set of clothing. The jacket is comfortable and keeps her warm, though can be unzipped or wrapped around the waist in hotter climates.

Backpack: A backpack for holding goodies and supplies. Some money, bandages, food, water, toys collectibles, etc.

Smart Phone + Earphones: For keeping up in Midgar.

Fancy Mountain Bike: To make people eat dust.

Lv: 10
EXP: See posts
Abilities: (Powers, spells, special moves, an iconic piece of equipment, and so forth)

• EX SPECIAL MOVES - Through dealing and to a lesser extent taking damage, Sakura builds up an EX meter, up to three (four) bars. She can spend an EX bar to enhance one of her special moves, or spend three bars to perform a high damaging Critical Art.
• V-Meter - Two bars of V-Meter, built through taking damage or using V-Skills. She can use them to perform a V-Reversal, which is a no-damage, no-risk defensive technique to interrupt enemy offense. Alternatively she can spent a bar of V-Meter on a V-Shift, which is a high risk precise dodge that allows her to counter-attack if successful, but leaves her exposed if failed.
• V-Skills - Two mobility options that build V-Meter. A large leap that can take Sakura up to twenty feet in the air, or fast, long-ranged, high speed dodge roll that can be used to avoid attacks or as a combo tool.
• V-Trigger - When she has two bars of V-Meter, Sakura can spend both to access to a comeback mechanic known as V-Trigger. Activating them gives her some attacking advantage, and lets her enter one of two empowered states. These states last for about thirty seconds, but go away much more quickly when she uses the enhanced techniques.
  
  Haru Arashi: Sakura's palms to begin to glow bright blue. Her Ki based projectile attacks hit harder, dealing more damage and becoming more difficult to block, with greater knockbock. She also gains greater control over her Ki, allowing her access to moves like the "Hogosho" a short range concentrated blast of Ki energy.
  
  Sakura Senpu: Sakura's fist and feet become enveloped in blue flame. Her strikes heat up, dealing more damage and becoming more difficult to overcome. Her melee and special moves become more lethal and unpredictable, letting her defense flow quicker into her offense.
• Focus - Sakura gains access to an armored state that lets her absorb one hit of damage. She can use it on the fly, leaving and entering the state at will, but she must be standing still to Focus. If she charges up for a second, she can unleash an unblockable, armor-breaking Focus Attack that crumples whoever it hits. Armor breaking moves or grabs can counter Focus. She can spend two bars of EX to cancel a move into a Focus state to apply pressure or to escape an unsafe move. Absorbed damage still applies, but is returned over time to Sakura in the form of grey health.
• Red Focus - Spend three EX to enter a state of Red Focus, raising giving her Focus state an infinite amount of armor, countering armor breaking moves. As long as Sakura has health, she can absorb it.
• Revenge Gauge - A pure comeback mechanic. When Sakura is at half health, she can perform a free super attack called an Ultra Combo. If she is at 25% health, the Ultra Combo does more damage. This allows her to spend EX more freely if the fight calls for it while still having access to a super attack if things get rough.
• Round Two - In a situation where she would normally be knocked unconscious, Sakura instead enters a dazed, downed state. Taking any damage during this state will KO her. However, if she goes ten seconds without taking damage, she will regain health back to full. All resources except EX meter are lost.
• Tag - "Tag Out" an ally as if they were swapping positions in a tag team game. To facilitate this, the tagged out ally gains some health regen and a retreating speed boost, while Sakura's next attack gains a high amount of knock back from the momentum of the switch.
• Brain Drive - An alternate form of empowerment, with more of a focus on her newly acquired psychic abilities. Filled up by dealing damage to opponents. Once activated Sakura's psychic powers strengthen and become less draining to use, and her physical attack speed increases for a limited amount of time.
• DARK SAKURA - Sakura locks in. Spend a full EX gauge and V-Meter to enter an empowered state. Sakura's aura changes from blue and white to purple and pink. Her eyes turn a sharp shade of red, and her skin burns into a vibrant, brown-orange shade.
  
  EX fireballs become powerful super fireballs that deal high damage and break armor. Her special attacks become easier to link into each other, allowing for relentless offense.
  
  Sakura gains access to a short ranged invincible teleporting dash, dramatically increasing her evasiveness and mobility.
  
  If she builds up an extra four bars, she can become the Raging Demon, a powerful, invulnerable teleporting command grab move. Sakura unleashes a flurry of pummeling strikes from all directions. This move is a penance for the evil ones in this world, dealing more damage depending on the amount of sins their soul has yet to atone for.
  
  This empowered state lasts until the battle is over, or Sakura is knocked unconscious.
  
  Notably, while the actual empowered state ends, Dark Sakura herself will not go away unless she purposefully de-transforms. Dark Sakura is rougher, more battle hungry, pitiless, delinquent, cheeky, headstrong and less strategic. Though she still retains all of her other positive personality traits. A disempowered 'casual' Dark Sakura has blue energy with a hint of pink, and her eyes turn to a usual brown state. Again everything else about her is normal, including the need to gain full resources to enter the empowered state. Only the physical and personality differences remain until the transformation is undone. When used properly, this isn't an evil form at all.
• Ability Name - Ability Description

Skills: (Passive abilities, outstanding ‘stats’, and talents/proficiencies)

• Self Taught Ki Enhanced Ansatsuken Style Karate - Extreme martial prowess grants Sakura heightened durability, strength, mobility, and the power to project her spiritual strength outwards through ki projectiles. She can block powerful attacks with blue defensive ki from her body.
• GUTS Scaling - Being low health, like for anyone, isn't great for Sakura. But as she takes more of a beating, her will to fight doesn't fade. When Sakura is on low health, she gains damage resistance. How much magic does she have in that pixel?
• Rival Schools - Sakura's V-Skill jump doubles in height. Sakura can perform all of her special moves in the air. Her Chin Buster Kick becomes a powerful launcher, and she can perform juggling air combos and multiple air attacks.
• Advanced Ki Techniques - Taking pages from her various crossover appearances, Sakura gains access to a wider range of more powerful fireballs. She can fire one handed fireballs mid air or on the ground, charge them up for more powerful blasts with AoE damage. Her uppercut gains a projectile shield, allowing her to blast through ranged attacks at high speed or mid-air.
• Skill Name - Skill Description

Weaknesses: (Practical limitations, detrimental ‘stats’, and deficiencies. Include at least three)

• Stun - A secondary health bar that fills up fast, but empties just as easily. When Sakura takes damage, the bar starts to fill. When she goes a few seconds without taking damage of any kind (chip and grey included) it begins to empty. If the bar becomes full, Sakura becomes Stunned and is rendered dazed and helpless until she takes damage or five seconds pass. Basically if she takes too much damage too quickly, her situation will get even worse because of Stun. This weakness directly contradicts with her wide array of comeback mechanics, so getting beat up isn't a free ticket to greater power, and prevents her from taking on a role as a tank.
• Elemental Weaknesses - Frost damage prevents her stun from draining, and electrical damage deals more stun. Poison can still be applied through her block to drain her health over time. Fire can burn through her block to deal grey damage, and she takes more damage when burning. And naturally anything that applies any kind of stun effect on its own merit would increase the stun bar as well.
• Crush Counter - If Sakura makes a mistake and her attacks are interrupted by a strong enough attack, she will be Crush Countered. Crush Counters deal more stun to Sakura and her reaction to them is stronger than otherwise, leaving her more exposed to punishing follow ups from her opponents. Of course being counter hit in any way is bad, but Crush Counters tend to be pretty unfortunately spectacular for Sakura. Even if nothing else comes of it, the Hard Knockdown leaves Sakura floored for a second or two.
• Satsui No Hado - Dark Sakura doesn't typically channel the Satsui no Hado, but it is obviously adjacent to it. Under extreme circumstances, Sakura may unintentionally enter the Dark Sakura state. But entering Dark Sakura through rage as opposed to heightened control, focus, and battle rhythm has negative effects on Sakura's personality and state of mind, making it a problem all on its own. Her violence can easily turn on allies. This form of the Dark Sakura state is marked by purple and black aura, brighter redder eyes, and an extreme lack of cheerful demeanor and mental stability. Channeling too much inner power before she is ready is bad for her soul. Any raw power that may be accessed from the Satsui no Hado is offset not just by the mental instability, but the draining of her very vitality as her body almost literally burns to keep up the output. This is a risk Sakura is having to mitigate as her powers grow. She fully intends for this to never, ever happen.

Spirits: (Any spirits your character possesses should be listed here with their type)

• Yushin Clements - A random psychic spirit Sakura adopted to infiltrate a psionic police force in Midgar. Sakura's psychic third eye is opened, allowing her access to psychic powers and psychic awareness. In particular, this Spirit confers the power Mental Connection an ability that allows her to move herself or a target like a psychic grappling hook, as long as she has thoughts (either stray thoughts or an ally's thoughts) to latch onto. It confers the weakness Harsh Reality. Psychically aware creatures can sense her presence. Psychic damage deals additional Stun to Sakura. If Sakura is Stunned with psychic damage, she enters an even more vulnerable, longer lasting Brain Crush state, which opens her up to a one hit KO that breaks through abilities like Round Two.
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Rapport: (You can keep track of your Rapport here. As you level up Rapports, consider linking the posts here and listing what they give you)