genessia | 5th (and a half) Blog - Fire It Up (Some More)

[ Closer to home, the simulation presents Nova City under attack by a giant creature that thrashed many of the city's enormous skyscrapers. The Holodeck can only simulate the after-effects of what a large entity could cause - tremors in the ground, falling building debris, and sounds mass panic. Muffled roars of a large creature and explosions in the distance make this place feel all too real. The room wasn't large enough to simulate an enemy of that magnitude, Mariko guesses, but it could just be the difficulty she set. Still, the monster brings about much smaller enemies for them. Parasitic lifeforms with sizes ranging from the height of dogs to small buildings, dropped from the monster's skin to attack the citizens. Quick, agile, and relentless, these parasitic creatures can be sneaky and able to work in teams aside from their overwhelming numbers, able to shoot balls of acid and compressed gas coupled with having tremendous strength and speed.

This simulation has a few objectives that are required to be completed in order to successfully pass it:

Ambush: Starting off at an empty and destroyed highway, with wrecked buildings and vehicles along with flickering lights, Mariko and company would trek on uneven ground in near total darkness. There's nothing but eerie silence in the immediate vicinity, giving a feel of desolation. But presences in the shadows seem to follow the party's every step, putting Mariko on high alert.
Sabotage: Outnumbered, the party would have to sabotage a network connected to mobile weapon systems scattered all over the city. But the control room is well within the Guardian Skyrise. The team would have to raid the tower from infested robot drones and the same parasitic lifeforms encountered outside of the Skyrise, only the battlefield here is much tighter, with corridors and unreliable elevators. After this, they would have to escape to a train station.
Escort: Right after the sabotage mission, the team would have to escort a freight skytrain to the border of the city and escape alongside it. Pursued by swarms of flying parasites, the team has to keep the train and themselves in one piece as they race to the border. Mounted machine guns are placed on the sides of the train cars, for those lacking in combat capability or ranged attacks. ]

[ Attacks started coming in from every direction, with the creatures boxing in the party in the middle of the empty highway and quickly turning it into a warzone. Explosive gas are flung from the tops of the smaller buildings, and from the windows of the others. Whereas more bloodthirsty creatures jump out from the shadows to bring the hurt to the party. The rubble and wrecked vehicles are the party's only source of cover from the ranged attacks, which the other creatures take advantage of when the group's vision are obstructed.

Getting separated from her party just a bit, Mariko switched her transforming Avatar spirit into a poleaxe, sweeping the leg of a tall and lanky creature before bringing down the axe on it's chest with great force, killing it. More are converging to her position, driving Mariko further away from her team and into the darkness of the buildings. Clicking her communicator, she tries to contact anyone from her party ]

Uhh... anybody copy? Could use some help over here.

[Maybe this was a bad idea. This scenario was almost exactly reminiscent of Erebus's attack on her clan's lair, which forced Liora and her partners to flee. The parasitic creatures spitting out the acid was just like the reanimated dead dragons spitting out their sludge. And Liora was just as terrified now as she was then. The creatures were everywhere, giving her little time to cast any spells. She was too busy running around trying to avoid their attacks, while occasionally crashing into vehicles or other objects. She turned her head back only to see a creature rushing at her, making her shriek in terror. She scrambled away from it, hearing Mariko's voice on her communicator.]

I hear you, but...I don't know where you are...

[She continued dashing in different directions to avoid the creatures and their ranged attacks, with no idea where she's going. It looks like she could use some help herself.]

[ Mariko got tackled to the ground before she could respond to Liora. Switching her Avatar to it's humanoid form, Mariko manages to be broken free from the creature's weight over her, and any incoming enemies charging her position. Standing herself up while her Avatar smashes her enemies into bits, Mariko spots a glint of gold from the corner of her eye. Pushing her comm device, she finally responds with short breath ]

I think I know where you are at least. Hang in there, I'm coming.

[ Mariko raises her hand, a command that made her Avatar spirit transform into a rifle in her hand as she starts running. Hearing the flapping of Liora's wings and focusing on it, Mariko follows the sound. Smashing through a thick rubble of cement and steel, Mariko bursts out to the other side of the obstacle, debris flinging in multiple directions. Using the subsiding dust as cover, Mariko shoots any nearby enemies until they retreat. For now.

Mariko checks the surroundings before turning to Liora, extending a helping hand ]

Are you okay? Come on.

[ Whether separated or splitting up to navigate through the maze of hallways of the Skyrise, Mariko and the team have the same meeting place near the top of the tower. Back to dead silence and darkness surrounding them, Mariko and a party member carefully walk towards their objective. The thuds of their footsteps echo in the halls. Mariko can't see too far even with the flashlight of her Avatar spirit's rifle form, which she holds closely, ready for anything that might jump out of the dark. ]

Shh. I don't know if it's just in my head, but I think there's something moving directly above us.

[ Mariko holds out her hand, waiting for a few seconds until she hears some skittering above, still unable to tell if it's just her fears or there's really something stalking them ]

[ It's not just Mariko.

Konoka herself is a bit more on edge too. She hadn't had her heart pumping like this since the great attack on the ball in the magical world some years ago. The fact that this situation wasn't "real" was only a small comfort; she had experienced something similar that time too, and the stakes were no less real and frightening.

The skittering was faint, but given that the only other sound she can hear is Mariko's breathing, they might as well be nails banging on the door. ]

Yeah... there's something above us.

[ Konoka's voice was a little tight, barely above a whisper, but she was still as fiercely determined as she was when this exercise began. Aside from her medic abilities she had aimed to not be just an easy target during times like these. It was why she had some charms in her grip, hopefully to employ a barrier or launch a spell as necessary. ]

What should we do?

[ She was not the most adept at battle still. ]

Tch.

[ The confirmation made Mariko nervous despite her reaction. Gripping her rifle tighter, Mariko takes a second to think before motioning Konoka to keep walking with her. ]

It's likely they're planning to jump us, so let's pretend we're not on to their game. Keep walking. Watch out for any vents or doors, not just the ones above us, and stick close to me.

[ Mariko takes Konoka's wrist to pull her closer to her. That slight bit of contact and the closer proximity between them help calm Mariko's nerves even after she lets go. Still she leads the way, rifle aiming forward and keeping her senses sharp to be ready for anything. A thud at the end of the hallway where they came from stops Mariko in her tracks when a cold rush crawls up her spine. ]

Damn it. We need to make it topside fast. Do you remember the floor plan for this level? We should be nearing an elevator, but I don't want to risk it. We take a right on the next hallway for the stairs.

[ Then another one, closer this time. Mariko takes a few steps forward, motioning Konoka to hurry as the metallic thuds get deeper. Not just from behind them, but also from above. ]

Okay.

[ And for the next little while, the two of them moved cautiously in the gloom. It was taking all of her willpower not to flinch at every movement. So when a sudden thud struck and Mariko cursed, Konoka bit her lip to suppress the squeak that would have otherwise escaped. ]

Not perfectly, but from the design of this building steps can't be too far away. Likely on the same side of the building.

[ But the thuds were getting louded and Konoka realized they needed to move, so she broke into a jog, and it would get much faster if anything happened beyond. She fished a hand into her pocket and kept a tight grip on the ofuda she had there, ready to use at a moment's notice. ]

[ Mariko's pace gets quicker as her sense of fear rises with every beat of her heart, almost matching the sound of the nearing thuds. ]

I don't like the sound of this, run!

[ Mariko commands, going on a quicker jogging pace with her rifle at the ready. She can't go faster and leave Konoka behind, but she took the lead towards an even darker part of the hallway, stopping at an intersection leading to multiple other hallways. In there stands a dark figure moving in the shadows, tall and broad with a low growl. Mariko's skin crawl even colder than before as the gigantic figure charges at them. The ground shakes and the same thuds from earlier ringing in her ears as they are trapped in this chamber. Feeling her knees locking, Mariko's first instinct is to protect Konoka.

Mariko steps in front of her friend, firing a burst of magical energy from her rifle in a desperate frenzy. Unfazed the still obscured figure with green eyes retorts with a rabid strike to fling Mariko aside. The attack had so much power in it. Mariko is sent flying towards a stack of crates and towards a wall, where her body made a dent on it. Mariko's shout of pain as she was struck echoed in the chamber, but she wasn't out of the fight yet. ]

Konoka!

[ Mariko couldn't say anything else when she feels a wrenching pain in her lungs, making her gasp for air in this confined place. The enemy focuses it's wrath on Konoka with an overhead strike meant to crush Konoka flat, all while Mariko is still struggling to get back up. ]

[ Some little voice of fear managed to slip past her mouth as she belted into a straight run, determined more than ever to keep by Mariko's side and be prepared for when those nightmarish little creatures inevitably show.

And show they did. One hulking menace showed up right in front of it. A shot from Mariko's rifle didn't even faze it, and it swatted her away like nothing! At once, paralysis overtakes her body, dread and terror locking her into open-mouthed helplessness. And open as she was, she might not have done anything from the sheer weight of terror. It was just like the attack on the gateport more than three years ago...

"Konoka!"

But Mariko snapped her out of it. The monster was right on top of her and raising to crush her flat. Even if she failed she wasn't about to go down not fighting. She brought her hand forward with the first ofuda. ]

Barrier!

[ If that worked, the monster would hit what felt like a solid wall, though only something like a glass barrier would appear from its contact. Following that up, she quickly pulled out a second charm from elsewhere. It would float briefly until it hit the semi-invisible barrier, now starting to fail. Still shaken, Konoka strained to unleash the incantation slightly. ]

Ch-charm-han, charm-han, facilitate our escape!

[ A powerful wind spell would then burst from this floating ofuda, hopefully knocking the creature away. It would give Konoka the precious seconds she need to dart back to Mariko's side and heal her--she was wounded! ]

[ The collision of the obscured creature's hulking fist against the magical barrier created an impact powerful enough to knock Mariko and other heavy crates around the chamber back, slamming against the walls. The barrier manages to deflect the impact, making the beast pause in wonder as to what just happened. Then Konoka's follow-up spell created gusts that blew the smoke around the beast, slowing it down from attacking Konoka as the winds push it back. A low roar showed that the spell only served to anger the creature more. After regaining its bearings, the creature lunges towards Mariko.

Mariko on the other hand, recovers enough to stand and rest her hip against the wall. Her hands nurse her side, sucking in some air before she throws her rifle in front of her. The weapon transforms into a robotic humanoid figure, intercepting their foe with a powerful punch that gives the beast a pause. ]

Do you have any spells that can create light? I can't really fight something I can't see.

[ Mariko grunts. While the enemy is distracted by her protector spirit in a stalemate, Mariko thinks of a plan to defeat it. They obviously can't outrun it at this state. Looking at Konoka on her side, Mariko nods, just letting Konoka do her work. She only needed a little healing. Mariko's tolerance for pain is high enough that she can shrug off a lot, even gunshot wounds. Mariko very briefly looks at Konoka's face, feeling it's a tad odd to see Konoka looking so worried when normally the girl is bubbly. She definitely could appreciate this new side of Konoka, but she'll set those thoughts aside when they're not about to die. ]

...And any attack enhancers too?

[ Mariko's question sounds ominous, but she's got an idea of ending this thing in one shot if Konoka can help her out ]

[ She had at least tried to blow the creature back, but all she really did was anger it. At least it had stopped moving long enough for Konoka to scramble backward and immediately get to Mariko's side. Her tongue ran through the chant of her minor healing spell, quickly undoing the damage just in time for Mariko to counter the creature's lunge.

Mariko's question was a godsend, it let her focus on something instead of getting crushed by her worry. ]

I think I can, but it might turn into a flash bang.

[ Mariko's look of concern was... actually pretty cute. Strange thing to notice at a time like this, but she couldn't help her blush. ]

Now attack enhancer I know I can do.

[ And it was this spell that she didn't hesitate with. She might have considered a pactio with Mariko, but she didn't have enough time. Using the spell without one was much trickier but still easier than using a light spell that wouldn't in fact, blow up if she wanted to regulate it. Mariko might want the light spell first so she had taken to repeating the phrase she'd need to activate the spell under her breath. ]

[ Mariko feels her bones reset and her muscles heal from Konoka's spell. Like a blanket of pleasant cold and warmth wrap around her body, helping clear her mind from the initial blow. Her avatar spirit is in a stalemate with the beast; holding it off and keeping it's focus away from Mariko and Konoka by dodging the creature's blows. ]

That should be okay. Hit me up with the enhancer spell, we can't screw this one up.

[ Mariko stands in a low stance, dusting off her clothes and getting ready to run to a more advantageous position ]

I'll have it facing the other way and attack it from behind, get ready to run when I say so.

[ Mariko glances around for a good spot, motioning Konoka to head towards it with a nod of her head, intending Konoka to run first as a headstart. Meanwhile, her avatar spirit begins to resort to blocking their enemies' attacks, meaning the creature is becoming more desperate now that it can't just simply dodge it like earlier. ]

Alright!

[ Konoka had to focus. Though there were dark fears and whispers in her brain, the need to cast a spell managed to shove that out of her mind. She needed to call up her better trained expertise, albeit one she hasn't used in quite a while: western magic.

Now, enhancing someone who wasn't a partner, or hadn't formed some sort of pactio, was a little tricky, but it could still be done. Konoka just had to create a focal point on Mariko, which she thankfully stayed still for. She focused her small training wand in Mariko's direction. ]

Spirits, heed my call... enhance my ally for battle...

Cantus Bellax!

[ Mariko would have felt a surge of energy, one that would make her feel as light as a feather but flooded with strength and magic. Konoka had quite a lot to give, too, but she did remember to step back and get ready to bolt as soon as the redhead gave her the word.

Negi would have been proud of her. ]

[ In an instant, Mariko feels stronger. There's some tightness in her joints when she clenches her fist, feeling she could produce so much more power with this spell she's on. Mariko straightens up, watching the two titans duel and waiting for a good time. With a nod towards Konoka, Mariko herself starts to sprint. ]

Go, go! Get ready to light the place up when I jump on it.

[ Mariko commands, giving Konoka a bit of a push towards the direction she intends to strike from, and keeping a close eye on the battle. Screeching to a halt when she and Konoka make it to her intended spot, Mariko continues on running to a different direction - toward the beast. With a leap, Mariko commands her avatar spirit to transform into a poleaxe, and Konoka to use the light spell. While it could have an effect similar to a flash grenade that would affect her too, Mariko would just suck it up. As long as they get out of here.

The creature's relentless assault on Mariko's avatar spirit ceases when the spirit shrinks into a poleaxe that flew its way to its master's hands. While still in mid-air, Mariko aims the spear end of the weapon towards the creature, intending to finish it in one blow ]

Got it.

[ Konoka's affirmation came out as a breathy hiss. Turned out that it worked just like she imagined, and Mariko could probably shred this thing in one decisive blow. But Konoka needed to steer clear, and she got the message as soon as Mariko pushed her away. But now Konoka actually had to aim her light spell. ]

Geez this spell...

Practe Bigi Nar... Ardescat!

[ It was a simple practice spell, which gave birth to a small flame. It was a basic training spell, hence Konoka's use of the full command instead of something shorter. But then Konoka added her power to it...

This produced the shining, brilliant light that became the flash bang Mariko needed. Or so Konoka hoped. ]

[ Mariko charges the spear tip with her magical energy, shutting out all the noise around her and the scream that's escaping her lungs as she sees the beast for the first time. The flame of the spell gave Mariko enough light to look at it eye to eye. Horrid creature, made of tar and metal and matches no other form she's seen before. It's hulking arms make a final attempt to block, but it was too slow to stop Mariko swooping in like an eagle from above. Her spear emits a light of it's own just as it pierced through the monster's hand like it was made of air, continuing to drill toward it's head.

The creature gave one final roar as it gets destroyed by the magical energy from Mariko's poleaxe, slowly fading out of existence. The spear ceases to glow just as it pierces the metal floor and Mariko lands safely and victorious. She stands up, spinning her weapon and giving Konoka an affirmative nod, as if it say "good job" ]

We don't have much time. Let's go.

[ Konoka merely watched tentatively, making sure Mariko succeeded, and that there weren't any incoming surprise attacks. But aside from Mariko's impressive strike on that nasty looking monster, nothing really caught her off guard. She just let her lips upturn slightly at the nod before breaking into a run to catch up to Mariko and then follow her. ]

Right!

[ She tried to ignore any more ominous creaking. They needed to get to their objective, and then get out. ]

[ Mariko feels like they're nearing the finish line, but there's one more obstacle in their way and that's escaping this tower and making their way to the skytrain station asap. Urging Konoka to go ahead of her to the door, Mariko covers the rear after changing her poleaxe to a rifle again, hearing more and more thuds coming their way.

Mariko follows not long after, catching up with Konoka on a staircase leading to the control room. The Holodeck made it easier for them, and made the console she needs to get into be the only one operational. More enemies have broken through the doors and are rushing to the staircase behind them, with only a flimsy metal door buying them a precious minute before being overwhelmed. Mariko slams the button to activate the weapon systems scattered through out the city.

A tremendous quake shook the control room, causing Mariko to duck down and hear more of their enemies behind the door, attempting to break it down. She looks at Konoka, transforming her rifle into a shoulder-mounted cannon to blow a hole in the control room's wall. ]

Get back.

[ Charging her shot, Mariko fires a stream of bright blue energy at the wall to create a large hole for them to escape to. Only problem is, it's very high up from the ground. ]

We don't have much time. Hold on to me.

[ Mariko wills her weapon away, urging Konoka to jump on her back almost frantically as the door starts to give in ]

[ They managed to activate the weapons system before the parasites got to it, right? Things had been so fast after the swarm had chased them up here that most of it felt like it had been a blur to the brunette. The first sound of an enemy tearing through glass and spotting them made the brunette's eyes wide, and she broke into a run. Mariko seemed to have no difficulty keeping up so the brunette decided to abandon any sense of pace and get to their exit as fast as possible.

Except after actually activating the system, it turned out they were trapped. Mariko wound up deciding, however to just blow a hole in the wall and make their exit. Not an unfamiliar escape tactic.

So she didn't hesitate to hop on Mariko's back, though given that she was trying to break her own nervousness, she added a little quip. ]

No bridal carry? That's what everyone else does! But I'll settle for mounting.

[ That last part was just in case Mariko wanted to argue about the joke in a critical situation. ]

Sorry my arms aren't strong enough to lift your big ass!

[ Mariko quips back, just as the monsters broke through the door, rushing inside through the stairs like a ravenous tide of violence, intent on destroying all life in their way. Mariko glances over her shoulder just as she secures Konoka on her back, wrapping her arms around her legs and hope she's holding on to her tight. With a couple of running steps toward their exit, Mariko jumps headfirst off of the tower, just shy of having Konoka grabbed by the enemy off of her back.

The dive from such a height gave Mariko a minute tops to shoot off any airborne monsters that attack them at their descent. Letting one arm go of Konoka, she uses it to summon her rifle and shoot at any creature in their way. She wasn't accurate, but it was enough to keep them at bay long enough for her big exit. Mariko switches her descent so she can land on her feet. Taking a big breath, she (with Konoka safely on her back) lands with a big crash that knocked out any enemies around them. ]

Alright, let's move. Can you drive? There's one more challenge left.

[ Mariko asks as she lets Konoka dismount her. Even from the top of the tower, it was obvious they just turned Nova City into an active warzone. The weapon systems scattered all over the city are firing missiles at buildings, wrecks, and streets to eliminate the infestation. A buggy is nearby, provided by the holodeck as part of the mission. It can take a driver and a gunner, it seems, hence why Mariko asked if her partner can take the wheel while she blasts things ]

[ Konoka actually had a retort lined up for that, but alas the jump wound up taking too much of her breath away, and the fall downwards meant she had to fight to keep her breath.

She mentally flailed upon seeing other enemies; she needed her voice to make maximum use of the charms, and the pre-made spells were mostly instinctive things like barriers. Still, she refused to give up quickly and threw a few at them anyway, mostly winding up helping Mariko's shots land against them.

The crash almost feels like gravity pressing a vice against the both of them, but Konoka was focused on both surviving it and then getting off Mariko as soon as they were able. It seemed they had just one challenge left. ]

Um, I think so!

[ Konoka didn't drive very often, okay? But this was an emergency situation, so despite that confidence inducing answer, she still hopped over into the driver's seat, trying to fiddle with it to get it started. ]

"I think so" is better than nothing, let's move.

[ Mariko lets Konoka run and hop on over to the driver's seat of the buggy, following and firing at any incoming creature that wants to attack them. With a hop, Mariko gets on the back of the buggy, wrapping her fingers around the handles of the mounted machine gun on the back, and feel it come to life with a rising hum and a glowing light on the sides to indicate it was ready to fire.

As soon as it was, Mariko wastes no time and squeezes the triggers on either hand to unleash a barrage of plasma bolts at incoming enemies, quickly glancing to her side ]

Uhhh... Do you want to switch?

[ She started the car from what she remembered of handling vehicles like this, limited as it was. After managing to remember to squeeze the brakes when starting the car, Konoka managed to finally get it started, flooring it and holding onto the vehicle for dear life. No, she was not used to driving; she took public transportation, skated, or got chauffeured on occasion.

At the very least Mariko wasn't bothered by her semi-unbalanced driving, right? Still, Konoka was all too relieved when Mariko offered to switch. ]

Yeah. I think I'll take that.

A little too late for that! Just drive.

[ Konoka just had to drive first and then take up the offer to switch when they're already on the move, and even though she drives like an old drunk Mariko would settle for it and just keep the critters off their back. If Konoka wants some machine gun action, she can just use the ones on the train later ]

Faster, if possible...! We're not in Japan, just floor it!

[ The weapon systems they activated on the tower are roaring and active, firing missiles that descend upon the infestation like divine retribution, explosions litter every corner and every sidewalk around them. Buildings collapse and crumble as they push through. Konoka's driving may be limited, but at least the buggy is doing most of the work, compensating for her slow reaction time ]

Now you tell me!

[ It came off as a light whine, but well, it wasn't because Konoka wasn't paying attention. For driving like a senior with bad eyesight, She was in fact, going as fast as she could, with her foot pressed down on the gas as far as it would go. Once she actually decided to steady the wheel, Konoka would find that the acceleration would actually take.

She could hear the sounds of Mariko's gunfire, as well as the mega defense system, frying all of the invaders. She decided to focus on that for comfort while still accelerating off towards the escape point. She had to call out so Mariko could hear her. ]

How much further?

[ And she was going in the right direction, right? ]

A lot.

[ A holographic map is on the dashboard, marking their current location and the destination, but it flickers on and off from the shockwaves created by the missiles exploding mere meters of them. The car trembles violently along with the roads, cracking and splitting like glass as their foes constantly kept charge despite falling from the artillery. ]

You got this, Konoka. I believe in you! Sorta...

[ Konoka at least is going the right way, and her driving isn't entirely at fault since the road they're on is rocky. Right ahead is a collapsing skyscraper, among the many that are leaving behind debris crashing from great heights. The holodeck intentionally left a make-shift ramp that the map encourages Konoka to take, which would launch them directly towards the collapsing skyscraper. ]

[ Through some miracle or another, Konoka managed to finally focus her driving. Maybe Mariko's encouragement had something to do with it, or at least she missed the "maybe" that had been under the other girl's breath. Either way, Konoka was determined to see all of this to the end, and that included the crazy stunt ramp right into the skyscraper. ]

H-hold on!

[ Her foot had been pressed down as far as it would go, white knuckled grip on the steering wheel the only sign of anxiety now. She hit the ramp, soared in the air... and couldn't help but close her eyes before the impact. ]

[ Mariko feels her stomach sink just as the vehicle continues to climb higher on a steep slope of the ramp. The speed of the buggy continues to gather momentum, slinging them towards the crashing skyscraper. Mariko's heart feels like it stopped; her body turn weightless just as she heard Konoka's words to hold on. Mariko lets go of the gun just as the buggy leaps. She turns to grab hold of the passenger seat, feeling the violent gale against them right before the moment of impact.

The crash was a loud crumble of concrete, with the wringing of metal and shattering of glass that violently rocks the buggy they're on. But it kept moving, barely slowed down. Onward it went, miraculously dodging the office desks, dividers, and electronics being flung and sliding on the collapsing floor. Mariko feels dizzy. But her eyes were on the prize, seeing that light at the other side of the building that the buggy is heading toward.

Mariko wants to check on Konoka. If the collision made the superhuman Mariko woozy, how much more with Konoka? But she didn't have the time to. Nor the energy. She holds on to the passenger seat from behind with every ounce of her strength as to not fall from the incoming second breach. Taking a deep breath and bracing for yet another impact, Mariko elects to put her arm on Konoka right before the buggy hits the window.

Sharp shards of glass cut her skin, and rain on her hair. Mariko opens her eye to see themselves in mid-air, even higher than earlier. While thrilling in a way, another challenge is put before them: the buggy is falling, about a kilometer off the blazing ground filled with monsters and explosive death, and it's definitely not going to make it to the nearest landing surface. ]

Konoka!

[ Mariko shouts, lightly shaking her friend and hoping Konoka is still conscious. ]

Hey! You still alive?

[ The screaming crash felt like it could have torn her body to shreds. For those terrifying moments, it was easy to forget that this was just an illusion. Even easier, given the chaos she got into in the magical world. But she kept driving, tearing through office supplies and ruined furniture and desks, until she burst free on the opposite side. She could feel a headache and she was sure a few glass shards were causing some bleeding on the side, but she could heal those later.

As long as she stayed conscious anyway.

She hadn't realized just how high up they were, and upon breaking free of the other side, she looked down briefly.

Her eyes went blank.

Had she screwed up? Her body could barely take it. Only Mariko's grip, and calling her name, drew her away from the void. She leaned backward to look at her, and Mariko could see her very blank eyes. Alive and awake, and just enough inside to try and stay that way. If Mariko was going to come up with something, or tell her to do it? She needed to act now, while the brunette could still think under pressure. ]

[ Mariko's expression furrows at their current situation, and seeing Konoka's eyes turn blank like that urged her to do everything in her power to keep the other woman safe. Mariko grits her teeth and yanks the seatbelt off of Konoka, with her strength making it look easy. But from where she stood, it was difficult to do anything else. Mariko glances to the front of the buggy, seeing it making the plunge towards a fiery death. ]

Shit!

[ Mariko plants her feet firmly on the unstable surface of the buggy, prying the back rest of the driver's seat so she can freely grab Konoka out of it. With a loud grunt of effort, her strength manages to allow her to break the seat off, and immediately carry Konoka in one arm. The flames from the buildings lick her skin as they were mere seconds before impact. But Mariko won't let that happen. Pushing her legs upward, she manages to launch herself into the air with Konoka safely in her arms. ]

Stay with me, airhead. We're not done yet.

[ While she was lifted away, Konoka barely moved. She looked almost no different than a porcelain doll, eyes blank and body frail. But she could suddenly feel the drag of gravity, a leap high into the air as Mariko hefted her from the car, letting her escape a fiery crash into their doom.

This, alongside Mariko's voice, brought her back from the heavy void. ]

Mariko? We--we're not dead?

[ It was a weird thing to ask, and probably dumb, but she had fortunately managed to hold on to herself. Once they get on safe ground, Konoka's first act would be to smack herself a few times and focus. ]

Nope. We just gave death the finger. Just relax, hold on tight. I got you.

[ Mariko reassures Konoka, even mustering a small curl of her lip while she flies straight up, high enough to avoid the chaos beneath. Mariko hears a distant explosion that's distinct from the others as the buggy crashes violently on the ground. A feeling of relief overwhelms her momentarily, seeing herself and her friend safe and sound from a terrible fate.

Once they're high enough, Mariko pushes herself forward to propel herself on the direction of her choosing. She doesn't use her flight ability much, and never have when she's carrying someone. But desperate times have allowed her to do so. Not wanting Konoka to be harmed allowed her to overcome a small mental barrier that made her flight ability stronger.

From there, it's going to be smooth sailing. There's an odd feeling of peace from where they're flying, even if the carnage continues below, and more buildings just crash and crumble. Konoka is pressed so close and tightly against her, that Mariko could feel the other woman's heartbeat ]

[ Too far from the ground, Konoka remained in her surreal mental state, opting to simply hang on for dear life. If she wasn't dead, then she sure didn't want to change that, even if everything felt like a dream. And...

...was Mariko flying?

The memories of being rescued again came surging back, nearly sweeping her off of her feet and threatening to carry her away. This was just like at home, three years or so ago when another girl carried her to safety. That girl had been ashamed of herself, though just as focused on rescue. And as she felt herself so close enough that she could listen to Mariko's heartbeat, she knew for a fact that this wasn't dream, even if it was so close to a memory. Konoka's eyes watered, even if her lips upturned in a smile at the same time.

Mariko said they weren't done yet, though. She shook away the forming tears and contorted her face into one of determination. Can't dwell on it now, no matter how soothing that heartbeat was, or how familiar that scene felt. It wasn't even fair to compare, either. ]

Okay.

[ It's all she could muster, while Mariko found some place safe to land. ]

[ Exhausted and injured, Mariko and the team are on the last stretch of their test. Climbing aboard the skytrain's roof, Mariko and the team are tasked on defending it from the swarm of creatures intent on bringing it down to the ground. About two kilometers above ground on a rocky floating train, Mariko gets to the center of the middle car as the train gets moving. An invisible energy field protects the train from harm and the team from dropping off as the craft whizzes through buildings.

It didn't take long before the parasites heard the train's engine rumble, waking them from their slumber and beginning to swarm up in the skies of Nova City. Despite the distance of the forming hive, Mariko could hear their unified buzzing, filling her with a sense of dread that she swallows up. Changing her Avatar spirit form from a rifle to a guitar, Mariko strums the instrument to give her team a magical boost in energy. recharging their mana and physical stamina even for a little bit. ]

It's showtime, people. While we're at it, wanna brainstorm what to eat after this?

[Dante just grins, stepping up, back to back with Mariko as he runs his fingers along the length of Nevan's neck before giving it a strum to compliment Mariko's.]

I'm voting pizza.

[He starts playing a nice background riff as a ring made of clumps of bats appear around them, linked with lightning. He's just here to support Mariko, not steal the show.]

Already counted that, you pizza whore.

[ Not that she's different with her pasta obsession, but shh. Mariko smirks at the sight and sound of Nevan from the corner of her eyes. Having Dante behind her gives Mariko some reassurance that they would make it to the end after all. Shredding a few aggressive notes on her guitar, Mariko sees the swarm forming around them, huddling even closer to form a tighter spread which could only mean one thing ]

Brace yourselves!

[ Mariko slides her finger on the neck of the guitar to finish her short solo, boosting the train's shields just before a massive collision from the right side of the train. The impact was strong enough to almost knock the train out of its path and collide against a building, but the shield took the brunt of the blow. ]

All guns, fire!

[ Mariko gestures like a leader, something she inherited from her mother perhaps. It may not seem like it, but Mariko does possess a hidden gift of being a leader that only needs to be polished out of her. The machine guns fired at her command, shooting from behind the energy field protecting the train and making a very small dent at the swarm that are trying to tear through the shield. Mariko transforms her guitar to its rifle mode, preparing for the inevitable as some crevices are already forming on the shield ]

[ Celebrating a successful training session (and not dying), Mariko and company are invited to Gale's establishment to recharge with some of the night club's fancy drinks and pizza ordered outside the club. Right now, anything goes. What would your character do in a night club setting? Mariko would be her usual quiet self, eyes glued to her phone and not really socializing. Though to be fair, it's late and she's tired. Get her to drink, eat, and be merry by going to the dance floor? Or just talk, that should be okay. ]

[Being the courteous man that Gale is (or sometimes is), whatever drinks the party had were free. It was the least he could do after such a successful training session ~~(and maybe it might bring people back for later business, who knows)~~. He wasn't exactly sitting around either and relaxing, but it was his business so doing a little extra drink serving for other people in the club wouldn't hurt.

Or he'd be on stage pole dancing. Either one.

He would eventually drop himself into the seat next to Mariko, crossing one leg over the other and lifting his mask slightly.]

Doin' anything interesting on there? 'cuz I'm gonna assume you're not the dancin' type.

Hiiii...!

[ A high-pitched squeak leaves Mariko who almost jumped out of her chair. Blame adrenaline for making her jumpy, but she was really concentrating on whatever it was on her phone that Gale almost gave her a heart attack. Placing her hand on her chest, she manages to recover fast enough to express her surprise ]

Dude! Don't scare me like that!

[ Still defensive, Mariko at least have calmed down enough for some silence to form between them, enough for Gale to hear what got Mariko's attention so fixed: a romantic drama during a particularly cheesy romantic confession scene. Mariko smacks her lips, trying not to want and bury herself in shame just as she realizes that she pressed the "headphones off" button when Gale scared her. ]

...

Edited 2017-05-13 11:52 (UTC)

[Oh, that squeak was adorable, but what really catches his attention was overhearing her drama show. He stared at her briefly before leaning closer to her to get a better look at her phone.]

I don't think she's gonna accept. The look in her eyes says so.

[He looks at Mariko.]

Show any good?

[It better be good, she's ignoring his ace dance moves for it. Not that he pegged Mariko to be a romantic. At least most people won't notice her show's dialogue with the club's music blaring over it. Hooray for small victories?]

[ Mariko frowns and puts the video on pause and straightens herself up on the couch, pushing Gale's face away ]

I won't be watching it if it isn't.

[ She replies, blushing profusely and trying to hide her shame with anger. It's not really working ]

What do you want?

Edited (Made a grammatical error) 2017-05-21 04:24 (UTC)

[Gale makes a pouty face as he's pushed away.]

Hey, I didn't know if you were watchin' the first episode or not.

[He's not really sure why she's looking so bothered... but he's also a guy that has virtually zero shame in anything and everything that he does. And watches. And listens to.]

Whaaat? I can't converse with my latest sparring buddy now? And, y'know, I kinda own this place, so I gotta check on my patrons.

Yeah, yeah. Just tired I guess.

[ Mariko sighs, shaking her head while nursing her head with those manicured fingers. ]

This time of the night is when I usually binge watch these while on my bed. Only difference is, I'm not alone in my apartment. Not counting my Pokemon.

[ Mariko says that like being bruised and coming home from some asskicking is kind of part of her daily life now. She shrugs, actually opening up. But Gale has earned her trust after their trip in the Holodeck. He's a great fighter, with formidable skills she respects. Mariko leans forward, grabbing a slice of pizza that she folds in the middle. ]

Thanks for the treats, by the way. I'll pay you back, I know some good places.

[ A beat as she takes a bite ]

Oh yeah, been meaning to ask. Do you have any openings for performers here? I love the stage and overall atmosphere you got going on.

After that kinda action, I can't blame ya for bein' tired. I could offer ya a ride back if you wanna leave anytime soon.

[He had no issue if she did want to leave, it was awfully late. He was used to being up this late, and even later, since he thrives on this kind of energy now. He eyed her up and down, less out of being a pervert this time around, but checking out her body language. The fact that she opened up even a little bit there was surprising, but a little nice. He props his chin on one hand while carelessly waving the other.]

Don't worry about that. It's my place, so it's my treat. Ya don't need to pay me back for anything.

[His eyebrows lift in intrigue.]

Oh yeah, I've got all sorts of positions in this place open, especially for full time performers. I can't be on stage in this place all the time. [Only because he has other jobs to tend to.] Don't suppose ya might be interested in a spot?

Might be, depends on how much you're willing to pay me.

[ Mariko shrugs, chewing on the pizza in her mouth and crossing one leg over the other before leaning back on the couch. ]

I make three figures in my current job delivering packages, and I'm in the talent agency so that gives me four figures total. How much do you pay performers for your clubs?

[He gives a shrug of his own.]

Same amount the agency gives ya. And I don't expect performers to spend all day here so they can leave whenever they want, but they'll still get at least a full figure per month. It'd knock you up to five, six if you wanted to go crazy and go to both clubs. But that'd only be if you're crazy. Plus I totally encourage people tipping the performers.

[And if his ~~cheap ass~~ patrons don't do any tipping, he does that himself.]

Even if you wanted part time, I'd still pay ya the full amount.

[ Mariko quirks her brows and hums thoughtfully, carefully thinking about this offer.

I'm not rich in this world, so not gonna lie, the money is pretty tempting.

[ She's been saving up to go binge shopping later, maybe get herself a sweet ride too. She has the money for it now, but she's been thrifty so far ]

I can probably move out of The Ave with that money. So... yeah, I'll take it. If I change my mind, well, you seem like a reasonable dude.

5th (and a half) Blog - Fire It Up (Some More)

Simulation - It's Godzilla! (but not really)

Ambush

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Sabotage

Re: Sabotage

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Escort

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The After Party - After Life Night Club

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