Day Run: The Garden

[Void Emissary]

IC: [Calik Raktu] - The Garden, PortalAs Calik approached the portal, his thoughts flew back to where he truly wished they wouldn't: to the past.Visions of a Toa of Fire and a Toa of Earth. The ebon-armoured warrior lying, defeated, in the mud, while the crimson fighter, held his sword high over his head, ready to finish the fight.So... is this it, Cal? After everything we've been through, is this it?Nothing you didn't have coming to you, brother.The Toa of Fire grimaced, trying to shake the memories away, but that only strengthened them.That same crimson Toa, blood-stained and worn, now standing before a horrified Toa of Lightning.Calik... how? Why would you do such a thing?I did it for us... For you. Aren't you happy?You... you killed him. You killed your brother. How could you?Calik quickened his pace, nearly sprinting for the portal now.Why?With a final burst of desperation, the Toa of Fire rammed himself head-first into the shadowy pillar, allowing himself to be consumed, absorbed by its energy.-Void

[Magnus Greel]

IC: KNPD HQ - CitadelHexxon heard Elithes gasp and followed the beams of light projected from the Ko-Matoran's flashlight to the object they touched. His eyes, more suited to the darkness than most because of his powers, caught the wall of shadow heading for them. Although doubtful due to the rather strange aspects of the KNPD base right now, the Odinan snapped into action, throwing out a hand at the sluggishly moving barrier. The result, he hoped, would be the wall frozen in place. If not, then there was probably enough time to affect everyone's densities.IC: The GardenNodding to Calik, Greel cautiously stepped over to the shadowy shaft, Rocky at his side. His fingers closed tightly around his equipment as he gazed at the darkness through his goggles. Together, both proceeded inside.IC: PlatformKaytana appeared on Lyxek's platform, taking a step off her teleporter and once again storing it away. She surveyed her surroundings, easily spotting the Ringmaster, Aranai, and the two caged Day Run Organizers with a simple glance.Her eyes settled on Lyxek. The Skakdi did not recognize him in the same way she always had before today's recent events, now that she knew of his selfish plans. No longer did he seem to be that calm, laid back, music-loving Toa sitting cooly on his throne among his followers, but -- to her -- something much more different. Though, those were thoughts and feelings she did not allow to present themselves."Hello there," Kaytana said to him, a grin on her face that indicated her joy in the incoming victory. Eyes shifting left and right from Kerid to Ehjoras but quickly falling upon the Steltian, the Ring member walked over to the cage and smiled wider. "And, hello there. I see you're up from that nice nap... generously provided by intoxicating poisons." Smirking, she turned away from the bars, heading over to the edge. Hands gripped firmly on the railing, Kaytana watched the apocalyptic events unfold. "What a wonderful way to end things. Even as a Skakdi, I can't think of any better way... "She stared out, watching and waiting for that group to arrive. Then things would get quite interesting.

[Voltex]

IC: Vertak, Nearing Lyxek's Platform:The Matoran wasn't certain how to respond to what Rhindon had told him- for all along, he'd believed that Rhindon wished to be re-united with the Sword of Ybrus in full. But now he had to ask himself if that would even be possible... and how would he feel if he'd been given his own life, thoughts, and mind, only to know that he was incomplete and must merge with someone else?It's been fun times. Vertak responded after awhile. I wouldn't have gotten to make a volcano explode without you, for one. And Lyxek's plans would have gone through far faster if we hadn't retrieved the Eyes, or found Turaga Lyccir.IC: Elittra, The Portal:Elittra stepped forward into the portal immediately after Zanth, curious to discover where it would lead and what would happen.

[Cosmic Titan]

IC: CitadelHe took out his gun and shot off an entire clip with one fluid movement.Bang Bang! Bang!"Don't just stand there mouths agape. Kill it!" He shouted.What he had heard made him angry. This Lyxek. He was Toa of Sonics. Slate did not get along with his own kind. They were bullies. They excluded him. He loathed them.And if Lyxek made the Director all the more reason to kill it. Or if it really was just an AI - as the others said - destroy it. Break its container. Shatter its backups. End it.IC: The GardenToxin closed his eyes and opened them. He was in his body again. Well it was infected my Feranaki but it was still his.He got out of his spider-like machine. He would not be returning to it.He jumped thru the portal.It might kill him. But he didn't care. He would finally not have to deal with all those other personailties in his head or that blasted hybridization of the Feranaki Infection and some of the darker parts of his mind.And if he lived well he was not sure but he would do whatever felt right.IC: Ring HQHe hopped on the platform and gazed at the sky above.He wondered why he had not just flown or teleported up.Soon he would try to talk reason to Lyxek.IC: The GardenSol didn't want to abandon the others but the portal made him terrified.He stood nearby, being indecisive.

Edited July 1, 2012 by paragon

[Parugi]

IC - Kovian/Lyccir/Rhindon - Platform: Kovian nodded at the others. Without a word, he pressed a button on the control panel. The thrusters turned on, causing the platform to begin to hover. As Kovian moved toward the center of the platform, the vehicle began to move, floating quickly out through the door in the ceiling. It began to move toward Lyxek's platform.IC - Desoria/Sevorik/Swerv/Sepcret - The Garden: As the others went through the portal, disappearing into its shadowy depths, Sevorik and Desoria waited for a moment before deciding to head in together. Swerv arrived at that moment, quickly gathering what was going on from having listened to the conversation, entering after them.Sepcret, who had stayed behind for a moment, frowned, looking at Sol. "You going in?" she asked.IC - The Director/Brother/Elithes/Sanshou/Lurinost/Sensha - Below the Citadel: Hexxon had only a moment to try and affect the wall of darkness before all chaos broke loose. As things stood, his powers had no effect, though the wall quickly passed over those at the back, seeming to have no effect on them, either.The Director's light shifted toward the group just as an oddly shaped being dropped down from the darkness above, at the same time that Slate began firing his pistol. Landing on her feet, Lurinost swung her arms in a carefully timed, methodic fashion, her mirrors swinging on their energy chains in brief flashes of light, deflecting the bullets from the Toa's gun. As he ran out of ammo in his clip, she retracted the mirrors into her hands, before launching them into the midst of the group.Elithes pushed forward, sliding underneath the mirror-blades as Sanshou flipped over them. Using the light from his flashlight, the Matoran aimed his pistol at Lurinost, firing off a flurry of shots in her direction, the globs of plasma shining through the darkness as they flew toward her. Using her sheilds, she blocked the plasma bursts, immediately shifting her stance to deflect a series of knife swings from Sanshou.Elithes took aim, searching for an opening to fire again, though looked up as another being dropped to the ground behind him. To his surprise, he found the end of a bowstaff mere inches from his face, and the light from his helmet illuminated the face of Sensha. The Ondarian's visage was covered in strange lines that seemed to spread from her eyes, all the way down her neck. Holding one hand out to the rest of the group, she kept her staff in Elithes's face; the Matoran noted that her mask glowed slightly, indicating that she wasn't fully tangible.Seeing this, Sanshou moved back, glaring down Lurinost. The KNPD agent smirked, holding one mirror toward the Artanian while directing the rest of her mirrors at the other members of the group, prepared to attack at a moment's notice."Call it off," Lurinost ordered. "The Director lives.""You're going to try stopping all of us?" Sanshou asked. "You're wasting everyone's time, Lurinost."The Director, meanwhile, merely watched in silence. The red circle of light moved slowly from one being to another, observing each for several moments before moving on. It lingered on Srizz, Sanshou, Hexxon, and Slate for several moments longer than the rest, though it was hardly noticeable. With each passing moment, the sphere of darkness continued to slowly close in...IC - Lyxek/Kerid/Ehjoras - Platform: "Don't taunt the prisoners, Kaytana," Lyxek said, turning to look at her. "That's unkind..." He turned around, looking past the Skakdi and into the distance. The Toa of Sonics raised an eyebrow, walking forward and moving onto the platform that Aranai had joined with his. In the distance, the Ringmaster could see another platform headed in their direction."Well, Kerid, Ehjoras..." he said, glancing at the two Tournament Organizers as he waved a hand at his guards, calling them over. "Looks like your potential saviors on are their way..."

[Voltex]

IC: Vertak, The Platform:"And he's seen us already... this is going great." Vertak muttered to himself. "Plan of attack?"

[Cosmic Titan]

IC: Platform"We don't attack. We try to talk reason and logic to Lyxek. And please try to remain calm." replied Marx.IC: The Garden"I can't decide. Maybe I should not think so deeply on such minor details." He said with a sigh and then walked into the portal.IC: CitadelHe loaded in another clip into his gun. He only had three clips with him. The one he had just used up and two extras. He had not expected to use that many bullets.This time he aimed and shot two shots at Lurinost's head.Then he turned his gaze on the Director and his spherical form. He fired of the rest of the clip at him. He then returned his gun to its holster. And took out his protosteel sickle.He then tried to fire some sonic blades - similar to what Lyxek had done in that fight the previous week - at the Director. He then tried to use a sonicboom on the Director for good measure.Off course he might have just wasted energy, as last time it seemed he had been unable to use his element.But subconsciously he thought it was still a good idea.He didn't bother talking as he thought trying to turn these fanatics would be nigh impossible.

[Half-Dragon]

IC: Srizz | Below the CitadelDodging a wall in a confined space is like trying to swim without getting wet. There's probably someone, somewhere who can do it (obviously using elemental power to cheat) but Srizz isn't that one. As a result all he could do was brace himself and wait for... absolutely nothing to happen. He looked up. The wall of darkness had definitely passed over him. It couldn't be... Was that just dark? The same shadows he made a home out of? Was he really that paranoid because they hadn't been ambushed yet?And then Lurinost dropped in. Scratch that, he thought. Ambush now- Only at that point she just stood there, calmly deflecting a few bullets and demanded the Director not be harmed, which frankly was what he'd been thinking through that whole speech. So, against his better instincts, when that other guy whose name Srizz never got decided bullets would solve everything, he snapped "Stop shooting and think with your head," before turning to face Lurinost. "If I think you're stalling, we'll see how many of us it takes to kill one of you." He gestured with one hand for her to start talking, but the other gripped his sword tightly. Just in case.-=H-D=-IC: Theron | South DistrictHere was his chance! While Tyis held down the Nakari, Theron stomped forward and raised his blade, aiming to bring it down on one of the monsters' heads. So far cleaving that in half seemed to be the only thing that properly killed these things...=H-D=

[Magnus Greel]

IC: KNPD HQ - CitadelHexxon, upon seeing that he could not trigger any of his powers, braced himself for the impact. Surprisingly, there was no crushing force that came with hitting the wall. In fact, nothing at all happened... at least, he hoped.The former KNPD officer held out his staff as Lurinost's boomerangs flew through the air around the group. One had managed to tear a plate of his armor, though its thickness, even without his density control capabilities, kept the sharp-edge weapon from penetrating the metal completely. "I see you're still here," he told the Páladoston, iritated with her defensive actions for the Director. "Don't you know the truth about him -- the Director?" His eyes narrowed as the red light shown over him, their hues blending into a pale crimson coloration. "Speaking of who... "He glanced back to the large chamber behind them, trying to face the AI -- or get a look at his true form. There were a few things he would like to tell that deciever...IC: PlatformKaytana simply shrugged in response to Lyxek. She was a Skakdi -- it was in her nature to display that type of behavior, especially to downed foes. In the few moments before Kovian's group and platform came into view, the Skakdi looked to the clouds, watching the serpentine construct of Day Run nanobots form over the tournament facilities. Then her gaze shifted over to City, quickly moving towards the East District. There her plants had overtaken the district, growing out from almost every availiable space and curling around buildings. To her surprise, there was a lack of KNPD officers running about the streets. Surely they were hiding or killed from Ring attacks, as they all seemed to have vanished. Here's where the fun begins... she thought,eyes following the third ascending platform.

[Parugi]

IC - Kovian/Lyccir/Rhindon/Lyxek - Platforms: "Did you expect anything less?" Kovian asked Vertak. "Go with Marx's plan, unless it becomes obvious that Lyxek won't listen or begins to attack. If so, keep him distracted and aim for the keys; I'll try to keep his sonic attacks at bay as best as I can." He checked his weaponry. "Don't discriminate--the sooner one of those keys is destroyed, the sooner this ends."Draxion shifted at this, noticeably uncomfortable with the idea, though didn't say anything--he was simply concerned with the safety of the Mask of Night. Kovian ignored this as the platform began to descend, moving over to the edge and zooming in with his scope to observe Lyxek's party.The Ringmaster was backed by four guards, each of them a member of a different race, though all equipped with instrument-based tools, and all four had a name written on their left shoulder guards. The tallest, 'Jysk,' possessed four arms and held what looked like drum sticks. Another being--a female Toa of Gravity with the name 'Ciri' on her shoulder--had a keyboard strapped across her back. 'Tana,' a Vortixx, held a bass guitar, and 'Omhi,' a Toa of Fire, held another guitar similar to Lyxek's.With the hiss, the platform connected to Aranai's, and the railing between the two lowered. Lyxek held out a hand in warning as Kovian began to move forward."That's close enough, Reaper," he said. "Take another step and someone will die."IC - Sepcret - The Garden: Sepcret watched Sol enter the portal. Casting a final look at the surrounding mechs, she entered after him, closing her eyes as she stepped into the pillar of darkness.IC - Nakari - West District: Several Nakari fell in rapid succession as the flurry of attacks struck them. Still held down, they could do nothing but watch as their brethren fell around them, dying one after another...IC - The Director/Sanshou/etc. - Below Citadel: Having used her mirrors to block the shots from Slate again, Lurinost recalled her blades to her palms, turning to look at Srizz. She glanced up at the wall of darkness, which passed through her. Now, only Waiter and Brother could still see the Director, though not for much longer."The Director helped Lyxek, Lurinost," Sanshou said. "He betrayed his own officers, and he has done nothing but hurt this island since he arrived. He will die.""The Director only did what he assumed would help the island," Lurinost answered. "Just as he intends to do now. He is a part of Lyxek's god, Sanshou--he is the best chance that anyone has of thwarting what Lyxek is planning. He can destroy Rhashahk from the inside.""You don't know zhat," Elithes said. "You're talking about overvriding a god vith an AI. Even if zhat vas possible, vhat makes you zhink zhat Lyxek hasn't zhought of zhat? Zhe Divrector is Lyxek's creation--zhis idea could very vell have been planted into his mind. It's too big of a chance.""And destroying him isn't?" Lurinost asked, activating her energy whips again. They glowed brightly as her mirrors dropped to the ground, cracking the metal floor where they landed. "I refuse to allow it.""Lurinost," Sanshou said, gritting her teeth in aggravation. "Destroying the Director and his body destroys a third of Rhashahk's essence. Wrestling away control would no longer be necessary." She looked at Sensha, narrowing her eyes as she saw the strange lines on her face. The Artanian pointed to her. "What happened?"Lurinost's gave a coy smile. "Sensha displayed a notable disregard for KNPD code recently," she said. "Extreme measures had to be taken to ensure her loyalty. She has been persuaded to our line of thinking, and has been assisting me in guarding the Director from threats. Like you.""Well?" Brother said as the wall moved steadily closer. By now, they couldn't hear the beings on the other side. The Rahkshi didn't care. "There are only so many ways this could go, Director. Are you going to play into Lyxek's hands again, or are you going to make your own choice?""Processing..." the Director answered quietly. "Determining consensus..."IC - Zanth/Others - ?: Zanth blinked, taking an uncertain step forward as the white lights disappeared. The world around him was now pitch black, completely cloaked in shadows and darkness, making it almost impossible to see around him. The only source of light was the occasional strike of lightning off in the distance, which only illuminated his surroundings for a moment.The Sherif squinted his eyes, looking around. The others had appeared around him, gradually adjusting to their new environment. All around, the place was covered in a black mist that covered the smooth ground like snow. It was not unlike the Barrens in appearance, though it was obviously darker. As he turned around, he saw the first real source of light in the place.His eyes widened as his vision adjusted to the light, and he saw just what it was that he was looking at.A hole seemed to have been torn through reality itself. On one side sat the plane that Zanth and his group now stood upon; on the other, he could see the vast, snowy destruction that had come to possess Kai-Nam. Even from a distance, he could tell that they were looking at the island from a far higher vantage point than could be provided by any of the island's mountains--particularly due to the fact that the hole did not seem that far away from City's northern border.He began to walk forward slowly. Something else seemed to hang in the sky, a large, metallic shape that seemed to be growing bigger and bigger with each passing moment. What it was, he couldn't tell, though it was snake-like in appearance."What is this...?"

[Half-Dragon]

IC: Theron | South DistrictThe Toa's blade split the head of the beast like a ripe madu, and he wrenched it back just in time to shield against a spray of acid released in the death throes. Without pause he turned and charged the prone form of the second nearest beast. This was hardly the honorable victory he preferred, but the situation was dire. Besides, these were beasts. Honor hardly applied to them.=H-D=OOC: Srizz IC later - gotta run.

[Voltex]

IC: Vertak, Lyxek's Platform:Vertak pondered for a moment about stepping forward regardless. Rhindon, can you sense the Keys? I might as well get ready."Lyxek, are you sure you want to do this?" Vertak asked. "You're reviving a God, the God of Death, and you expect him to just be best friends with you? Whatever happens when he returns, it is not going to go in your favour. All of us -including you- will be dead."IC: Elittra, The Portal: Elittra followed Zanth, noting how high they were and thinking that she was glad her fear of heights had always been non-existent.

[Cosmic Titan]

IC: ?Sol looked around. He has happy his guesses where all incorrect.Toxin gasped as he looked around."Something tells me it is not friendly."He then flinched when he remember he looked like a monster.Within his mind the Feranaki Infection surged foward with renewed vigor. His multiple personailties had to try even harder to keep it back.He flinched again. He thought back to all those he had killed. It did not settle well with him. He thought of all those he would kill once the Feranaki Infection took full hold. He could not bare that to happen.He looked upon his right hand. It didn't seem to have the Dark Hunter symbol on it anymore but that didn't matter. Once a Dark Hunter always a Dark Hunter. The Shadowed One didn't like traitors."If I lose control. Promise to slay me. Don't let me kill anymore..." He said to no one in particular. As he visible fought of a muscle spasm.If he could cry he would have been bawling. But in this form, his face conveyed no emotions and he couldn't display emotions with the ease others could. His facial features wear covered by a rigid exoskeleton.IC: PlatformMarx was completely silent as they got closer to Lyxek.His intense red eyes took in his surroundings. He hoped logic could get to Lyxek. He would prefer not to have to fight.

[Voltex]

IC: Djoser, The Platform:"Vertak!" Djoser yelled. "I'm not finished with you! Come here and fight me by yourself, you coward!"IC: Vertak, The Platform:Vertak turned to face Djoser, unsure of how the Ko-Matoran had tagged along so easily- but then, who would've blamed him? Vailian wasn't doing anything to stop them. There goes my chance to speak to Lyxek. He thought to himself. Alright Djoser, come and get me.Drawing his hammer (which, he now realized, was the only tool or item he still held aside from Rhindon), he prepared for the battle as Djoser drew his sword and dagger."Live with the shame, Vertak, if you need anyone else here- including that sword- to defeat me." Djoser told him. Vertak scowled, turning halfway so that he could see both Lyxek and Djoser at the same time."Not now, Djoser..." he warned.

[Half-Dragon]

IC: Srizz | Below the CitadelSrizz sighed. "And here I was hoping we could do this the smart way," he said. His blade was drawn, but he seemed oddly relaxed. Ever since Lurinost arrived he'd been moving slowly toward the back wall, circling like a predator. "Guess we're fighting after all, because I'm not going to gamble with an AI against a god." Now, without warning, the shadows on that wall reached out with dark tendrils and wrapped around him before sliding back, separating once more and vanishing into the darkest corners, leaving only emptiness in their wake. Of course this was all an illusion - there were no dark tendrils and, more importantly, he was still standing, quiet as a shadow, right where he had been before. His mask allowed him to project the illusion over the area where he stood that there was nothing but wall and floor, but the moment someone reached in or tried to feel around for him they'd realize their arms were vanishing. Of course when they did that they would also be close enough for him to run them through unopposed. It was one thing to fight what you couldn't see, but Srizz was so quiet as to be inaudible. Now hopefully they wouldn't just try shooting something at the spot where he'd "vanished" from, or the ambient light levels change, or something else that would give him away...-=H-D=-

[Parugi]

IC - Zanth/Co. - ?: Zanth continued forward, still silent, until he came to the edge of the tear. He peered out of it, looking at the mechanical snake. It was almost complete now; that was obvious even to the Sherif. He looked back at the others, about to say something when he caught sight of something above them."Holy...."A large, dark cloud had gathered, drawing energy into itself. Alone, the sight would have been stunning enough--it seemed to stretch on for miles, which is why he hadn't seen it before--but what made it truly terrifying was the presence of a gigantic pair of crimson eyes in its center, blood red and shining with monstrous intensity.This was Ruaki's soul and mind, trapped in its own side dimension while Lyxek worked to rebuild him.Mortals....IC - The Director/Lurinost/etc. - Beneath Citadel: Lurinost began spinning her whips. Energy began to crackle along the surface of her armor again. "So be it." With lightning speed, she lashed out, throwing a blade at Sanshou. The Artanian barely had a moment to block with her daggers, which shattered as the energized mirror blades struck them, knocking her back. She rolled out of the way, hurling another set of blades at Lurinost's stomach mirror.Elithes, meanwhile, spun around, activating his jump pack. The propulsion pushed him away from Sensha and through the shrinking wall of darkness, where he skidded to a stop near Brother. Upon seeing the Rahkshi, he pointed his pistol at him, through Brother ignored him.Confused, Elithes looked up at the Director, who simply stared at Brother. The Rahkshi tapped his foot impatiently."Conclusion reached," the Director said, his tone exhibiting an air of acceptance. Brother raised an eyebrow. "Destruction is the only feasible solution. Salvation through sacrifice." The red light of the eye turned a whitish blue. "I will self-destruct. This structure will not be allowed to rejoin with Rhashahk."A mechanical whirring began to sound from the inside of the Eye as the Director began to overload his own systems. Brother's eyes widened, as did Elithes's, as he realized what was happening. Reaching out with his powers--which had returned by now--the Rahkshi grabbed Waiter's unconscious body, pulling the Toa out through the nearest wall. Elithes scrambled to his feet, ducking through the darkness."Brother." The Rahkshi looked back at the Director as the KNPD leader called to him. Electricity was beginning to jump from random spots on the Eye, briefly illuminating the structure's surface. The brief glimpses of it were nightmarish by themselves--Brother was thankful that he wasn't seeing the full thing."What?" he asked."I must thank you," the Director said, to Brother's surprise. "My entire existence up to now has been a lie. Every decision I have made was folly. Now... I can die as my own being. Thank you."Brother nodded at the AI, just as the wall of darkness passed over him. The Rahkshi picked up Waiter, charging toward the exit, paying no mind to the combatants around him."Everyvone, OUT!" Elithes yelled. "He's self-destructing!"Lurinost and Sanshou both gasped, the former growling in response. As the Artanian moved toward the exit, the Páladoston threw her energy whip, wrapping it around Sanshou's leg and tripping her. Sanshou grunted as she hit the floor, rolling over and trying to untie the whip, though retracted her hands immediately as the energy burned her."Lurinost--!""If the Director dies, then so do I, and so do you," Lurinost said, as Sensha--who had been about to attack the others--moved to stand next to her, hovering behind Lurinost like a zombie. "We're a team, remember? We fight as one; we will end as one. That was our pact."IC - Lyxek/Kovian/Others - Platform: Look up... Rhindon a nswered. The Keys were floating in a large circle around Lyxek, moving around the platform that he stood on, in line with his shoulders. Strange... I would have assumed that they would be closer..."Lyxek," Lyccir said, moving forward despite the Toa's warnings. "Listen to me. This is not something that you can control. Whatever illusions you have about using Ruaki's powers yourself, forget them--you're being deceived." He pointed to his mask. "I should know, and not just because of this. He destroyed every living thing on Kai-Nam when I tried to revive him--he broke our contract before it was even signed."The Ringmaster frowned, narrowing his eyes. "What makes you people think that I don't know the risks?" he asked. "Or that I haven't prepared for them? I've had over two centuries to get ready for this thing--I know what I'm doing.""Illuxio thought the same thing before his universe was destroyed," Kovian snapped. Lyxek raised an eyebrow. "You know who I'm talking about, don't you? The 'AI,' your counterpart from a side dimension?" The Toa of Ice took a step forward. Lyxek still did not move to attack."What, so an AI tells you that he's me, and that automatically makes it true?" Lyxek scoffed. "As if. He's delusional. Probably suffering from a programming error--nothing more.""I'd say the same, except that he knows everything that you and I know about Ruaki, and even more than that," Lyccir said. "Regardless, he's gone through this once before. He knows the inevitable outcome. As you should."The pillar of darkness pulsed behind them. Lyxek turned his head slightly toward it, before looking back at them. "It's too late, anyway," he said after a moment. "He's coming back."Above the group, another being materialized. Dalmia, cloaked, looked down on the assembled, still glowing slightly from his enhanced power. The Ring member gathered energy in his hand, aiming at Lyxek...IC - Illuxio/Vailian - Throne Room: "There."Illuxio leaned back, recalling the fragments of his AI self back into his body. The robot looked at the screens. Numerous green displays were present on them, indicating that the signal he had put together was ready for use. Vailian leaned forward as Illuxio checked everything, waiting for the robot to say something else."It should be done," he said. "Once this is activated, that mechanical snake should fall apart. The only thing left to do will be to close that portal.""Are you sure it'll work?" Vailian asked. Illuxio nodded."Positive," he said. "At least... Yeah, it should work. Can't see why it wouldn't. Unless I miscalculated... doubtful, but possible, I suppose.""Hm..." Vailian leaned back. "And you're waiting to see what happens with Lyxek to activate it." Illuxio nodded again. "Fun." The Hivena glanced aside, distracting himself by observing the ornate carvings on Lyxek's throne. He rubbed his chin. "So you're really an alternate Lyxek, then?""I am," Illuxio confirmed, turning to look at him. "You're Vailian." He nodded. "Of course. I knew you in my universe. Good fellow..." Vailian raised an eyebrow. Illuxio rubbed his forehead. "Right--same person. Kind of...""What exactly happened in your world?" Vailian asked.Illuxio chuckled nervously as the memories--still fresh--came back to him. "Same thing that'll happen to this one if Lyxek isn't stopped," he said. "I tried to control Ruaki, and it didn't work. Dalmia interrupted, on top of a number of other things. Miscalculations. It didn't work. Ruaki took control again and tore everything apart at the seams. Dalmia merged with him, which didn't help at all. I was hurled through time and space, transformed by his power... turned into an AI...""I see," Vailian said. He was silent for a moment. "What happened to me?""Oh, you..." Illuxio said. "Lurinost killed you. Attacked the Ring base around the same time that Dalmia did his thing. Your alternate self only saw part of what was happening... Probably a blessing..."

[Voltex]

IC: Vertak, The Platform:Vertak no longer had anytime to pay attention as Djoser suddenly kicked him from behind, sending him sprawling across the platform face-down. The Matoran scowled and rolled to the side to avoid Djoser's sword, shoving himself to his feet and meeting the dagger with his hammer. "You never win, Vertak, and you can't win this time." Djoser told him. "Even if I die, I'll die with the knowledge that you're coming down with me.""I... am not dying today." Vertak growled, thrusting Djoser's dagger away so that it flipped out of the Ko-Matoran's hand and onto the platform. "You, however... have been a thorn in my side for far too long.""I will kill you." Djoser told him.Vertak ducked away as Djoser swung his sword again, activating his Kanohi and going into stealth mode. However, this proved fruitless as Djoser's fist suddenly struck him with more strength than it should have, causing several hairline fractures to appear within the Volitak and disabling its functions.Pakari, he has that freakin' Pakari. Vertak thought.He caught himself and flipped back, spinning around Djoser and swinging his hammer into the Ko-Matoran's side. Djoser grunted in pain and swung around with his sword, clipping Vertak on the shoulder and cutting almost all the way through his armour. "I thought... you were gonna take me back to the Shadowed One." Vertak said, stalling for time."I've had enough of him, and of you." was all Djoser replied.Djoser lunged forward and shoved Vertak, activating his Pakari again- in response, Vertak through his hammer at Djoser's face, cracking the Kanohi severely. Vertak fell backward and scrambled for a hold, before activating his gravity powers and flinging himself up. He ran at Djoser, only to slip on a patch of ice and come crashing down to the ground again."You're weak." Djoser commented. "And you... you are dead." Vertak informed him.The Ko-Matoran's eyes narrowed, but Djoser had no time to react as Vertak stood to his feet and within the blink of an eye had pointed his palm at the Ko-Matoran's chest, blasting a solid sphere of light. The Ko-Matoran grunted upon impact and was carried off of the edge of hte platform by the sphere- Vertak cut the power off and the Ko-Matoran was left to fall to his death.Vertak coughed, panting a little, before turning back to Lyxek and the Keys. He spotted the Mask, the Sword, and the Rose immediately, before noticing the Eyes and the Gauntlets after. Which one first, which one first... the Gauntlets. I need the Sword, and I want the Eyes, and the Mask might even be of use were I to get ahold of it. He thought to himself. Rhindon, I'm going for the Gauntlets. Do you think... do you think I should wait, or just destroy them now, if it's even possible?

[Magnus Greel]

IC: KNPD HQ - CitadelHexxon's eyes flashed another color, indicating his surprise and casting off his anger. The Director, as heard believed he heard correctly, was self-destructing. He almost hesitated -- he dearly longed for revenge on the AI, though if he was about to "kill" himself instead of stoppping Lyxek, then something seemed wrong. Before him the Odinan noticed Lurinost and her partner had Sanshou trapped. They were going to die together, as he understood it, though the Artanian didn't want that. And her couldn't leave an ally behind. Staff raised, Hexxon swung with all his strength at Sensha and the Paladoston from behind to sweep them aside and stun them, determined to help free Sanshou. IC: PlatformKaytana watched the two groups conversing with each other, and noticed the Keys drifting overhead -- specifically, above Lyxek. From what she heard back at the Ring headquarters, those objects were essential to this whole thing, perhaps even powerful artifacts. She concentrated on them, withdrawing her plant whip. Silently, she waited for the right opening with a patience identical to the one she had with capturing Kerid, even ignoring the appearance of Dalmia. Now, if she could only get her claws on one or more of those... She readied her viny weapon to reach up and snatch one.

[Half-Dragon]

IC: Srizz | Below the CitadelThe illusion vanished. No sense now. After all the anticipation built up around it, Srizz would've rather liked to stab someone, though he was willing to settle for getting out alive. But out of the corner of his eye he spotted something: Sanshou - the one who had brought them together in here - was being held back by Lurinost, who had apparently gone suicidal. She was also implying the two of them were in some sort of team with the Director. He really didn't care about the details, but there wasn't time to stop and fight. In the end he decided he had time to do just one thing: He dashed in as fast as he could (read: very, very fast) and sliced at the whip with his protosteel blade.-=H-D=-

Edited July 3, 2012 by Half-Dragon

[Void Emissary]

IC: [Calik Raktu] - ?Calik whipped his head around to see the giant, sentient cloud hovering over them all, its eyes boring down on them, as if contemplating what the best way to kill them would be."Uh, Mr. Zanth?" the Toa said, still transfixed on Ruaki, "I realize this is probably a moronic question, but do we have a plan for this?"-Void

[Burnmad]

OOC: Went to a friend's house and spent the night there, sorry! DXIC: Artorre: Citadel:Artorre had simply ignored the attacks, considering none went near him, and walked up to the Director. He listened carefully. Before he turned to retreat, he gave the Director a salute. Then he got the heck out of there. Today was not a good day to be blown to bits.IC: Aranai: Platform Cluster:Aranai sat in her chair, watching everything and trying to act disinterested. As Dalmia materialized, she spoke up."Hey boss, look up."Then she pointed her blowgun at Kaytana and fired a dart.IC: Peacemaker: West District:Peacemaker turned from the gruesome, decapitated corpse he had just created, sprinting towards and jumping at the next Nakari.

[Parugi]

IC - Lurinost/Sanshou/Etc. - Below Citadel: Seeing the incoming staff, Sensha raised her own weapon, blocking Hexxon's swing with equal strength as Lurinost pulled backward, bracing herself and swinging Sanshou over her shoulder--just as Srizz cut through the energy whip. The result was Sanshou being freed, though somersaulting through the air and coming to a rough landing several yards away.Scrambling to her feet, the Artanian charged toward Lurinost, her eyes alight with rage. She slid to Lurinost's feet, aiming a series of kicks at her midsection and chest, too fast for the KNPD officer to block. The Paladoston was forced back, stunned by the ferocity of the attacks being inflicted on her."Enough!" Sanshou yelled, spinning around and slamming her foot into Lurinost's central mirror. It cracked on impact, and Lurinost was knocked backward, too stunned to respond. "You want to die here? Then die. Do not try to take me with you."She turned to the brainwashed Sensha as the Ondarian pushed away from Hexxon, still silent as she backed away, staff raised. Sanshou panted, drawing her curved sword. By now, Sensha was the only thing left between them and the hallway out of the Director's chamber."Don't kill her," she said to Srizz and Hexxon, though hidden in her tone was more of a plea than an order. "I don't care about Lurinost, but Sensha's a friend--she's not doing this because she wants to. Get rid of her helmet and we can carry her out of here."With that, she ran forward again, swinging the blunt side of her blade at Sensha's leg. The Ondarian moved her staff to block the attack, before spinning and aiming a kick at Sanshou's head, which the Artanian blocked with her arm.IC - Lyxek/Dalmia/Kovian/Etc. - Platform: Both groups had gone silent, watching the confrontation between Vertak and Djoser. As the Dark Hunter was flung off of the platform, Kovian whistled, shaking his head slightly. If the Matoran had only listened to him in the Arena..."You know, Vertak, if there weren't bigger things going on, I'd be obligated to kill you," he said off-handedly, flexing his tatooed hand. This earned a slight smirk and chuckle from Lyxek. "Given the circumstances, though...""I say he was asking for it," the Ringmaster said, lowering his hand. "However, back to business...' He suddenly whipped around, hurling something at Dalmia faster than the eye could see. It struck, causing the green lights on his body to flare brightly. Then the Ring member fell out of the sky, landing with a loud thud on the platform that Kerid and Ehjoras were being held on, unconscious. Lyxek looked back at the group. "See that? Dalmia's about on par with a god right now--the result of absorbing as many souls as he did. Tell me again how I'm setting myself up for failure?"Lyccir blinked in surprise, though shook it off after a moment. "Dalmia is nothing," he said. "You know what he can do--he's using your technology, your tactics. Ruaki is nothing like him. You cannot pretend to have an advantage over him."The Ringmaster waved a hand. "Save it," he said. Lyxek stepped back, allowing his four guards to move forward. They immediately shifted into battle-ready stances. "Let's see how you do against my band here--the real Ring. Then we'll talk."IC - Zanth/Ruaki/Others - Dimension R: Zanth shook his head as a deep laugh echoed around them. The very air and ground beneath their feet seemed to be connected to the creature in front of them, pressing in on all sides. Still, the Sherif's eyes were set, blazing with a refusal to back down."No," he answered Calik. "And that's fine. Because it's not our job to stop this now." Zanth stepped forward, looking straight into Rhashahk's eyes. "You must be Rhashahk. Right?"Not Rhashahk, the voice answered. Not to you. I am Ruaki. And you are...?"Zanth," the Team Zero leader answered. "Around here, at least."Zanth... I have heard that name before... Ruaki said. The Ringmaster has spoken of you... You have spent the last several years challenging the Ring, working to stop them."That would be me," Zanth said matter-of-factly. "Although, I'm not the only one, and it's been more than a 'several' years counting Exa-Nui."You are a fool, Ruaki growled. You would dare deny me a new life... And for what purpose?

[Blessed Blade]

OOC: Thanks for not advancing further. My bad for not being on sooner.-==IC: Selirah==-"Lyxek!!" Selirah yelled out, a look of dismay on her face, as Lyxek dismissed everything was saying."This is beyond you; beyond everyone. Just stop while you're ahead... Please; what is the reasoning behind this? What is the reasoning behind gambling away possibly an entire universe, filled with innocent lives?" Selirah asked with a frown, not really believing what she was seeing. However, she had to at least attempt to convince Lyxek. She had to, or she would never forgive herself.-==IC: Kairan==-"To save the lives of innocent people all around the universe, and to save the universe itself." Kairan said, as he stepped forward as well, a slight frown present on his face."My name is Kairan. I may not be anyone truly significant. However, I am willing to sacrifice whatever it takes, in order to save the lives of as many people in the universe as I can. To stop this universe from being destroyed." Kairan said, hoping that that would make sense, like it did to the portion of the Heart that was in the Garden. Zaydan simply stayed quiet for the moment.

[Voltex]

IC: Vertak, The Platform:Vertak allowed himself a small smile at what Kovian had said, remembering that the Toa too was a Dark Hunter. He remained silent, however, as Lxyek struck Dalmia down with apparent ease and then readied to fight.Alright, he's stalling for time. Now's when I attack... in my own way.The Matoran stared at Lyxek, though his attention was actually centered on one of the two gauntlets. Then he slowly began to increase the gravity of the particular gauntlet, aiming for it to be crumpled into oblivion. Slowly because he had no idea what defenses Lyxek, Ruaki, or Dalmia might've put on the Keys- nor any idea of what defenses the gauntlet itself might have.

[Cosmic Titan]

IC: CitadelSlate used his telepathic powers to fill Sensha's find with mental white noise, just as his Makuta friend had taught him so many years ago."Someone take her helmet." He said unable to both fill someones mind with static and run around.IC: Platform"Cut it out Lyxek!" shouted Marx."You maybe able to handle someone with a powers of a god. But can you handle a being that is a God? Who knows how to use each and every power they have with extreme precision."Seeing Lyxek's was being a brat, Marx decided to talk no more on this."You are no better than Dalmia.""And I should have never fetched you that wretched gauntlet." He added, clearly angry with himself for doing that. At that time he had not all been here but still he should have never helped a madman.Gravity increased greatly at the center of Lyxek's platform. Metal from the outside drawn into the center with great force.Screech! Went the metal as it was forced to change shape.Shadows swarmed thru the thrusters of the platform. Wires were ripped apart by the dark force's energies.IC: Dimension RSol looked upon Ruaki. Unsure what to say."Ruaki!" "Rhashahk!" Called to seperate voices at the same time from the same being. The first sounded angry. The other in awe."Cure me of this disease you cast upon me!" called Toxin.His muscled spasmed as the Feranaki Infection tried to take control. But Toxin held it off with his other personalities with increasing difficulty.

[Parugi]

IC - Zanth/Ruaki/Etc. - Dimension R: Ruaki seemed to laugh at this. Zanth frowned.A universe that betrayed me, the God of Death said. Tell me, Kairan, why does this universe deserve to live? It is swamped with evil, betrayal, hate. How do you justify the existence of its atrocities?IC - Lyxek/Kovian/Others - Platform: "Please, you know me--why even ask that question, Selirah?" Lyxek asked, snapping his fingers as he walked away and picked up his guitar. The raised stage on the first platform descended, rising beneath the feet of Lyxek and his band. He turned around, smiling as he put an arm around Ciri, the Toa of Gravity's shoulders. "I'm a gambler. I take risks when I know I won't lose. Do you expect me, the world's greatest gambler, to fail now, when immortality--the chance to live on forever, in memory and in life--is on the line?"As Marx began to crush the platform, Lyxek clicked his tongue, pointing at Ehjoras and Kerid. "You really want to put them in danger?"Kovian clenched his teeth as Lyxek smiled, half-closing his eyes as he looked at the Dark Hunter's group. The Ringmaster began to tap his foot, as the other members of his band prepared to play,some of them shifting their weapons so as to make them resemble different instruments. Ciri stood next to Lyxek, using her element to make her keyboard float in front of her.The platform disconnected from Aranai's, beginning to float backward with Lyxek and Ciri, leaving the other three to fight. Lyxek activated his mask, holding it aloft as the thrusters began to repair themselves."One, two, three..." Lyxek called, beginning to play his guitar. A surreal series of sounds began to ring as the five band members began to play their instruments, the music coming together to form a single, flowing song. Ciri swayed slowly on her feet, using her keyboard and synthesizer to add to the effect, before beginning to sing, her voice--like the rest of the song--amplified by Lyxek's sonic powers.It started off as something mostly incomprehensible, before shifting into a series of lyrics easily understood by the group..."Save your tearsfor the daywhen our pain is far behind.On your feet,come with me--we are soldiers, stand or die"Save your fears,take your place,save them for the judgement day.Fast and free,follow me--time to make the sacrifice.We rise or fall..."Fire began to rise from Omhi's instrument, flowing around the Toa in a circle before racing toward Kovian and Vertak. The Toa of Ice raised his shield to block it, though found that it pushed against the protosteel with more force than normally possible for a simple fire attack.Tana the Vortixx's instrument caused the wind around her to swirl in a stormy fury, twisting around the two connected platforms and slamming into Lyccir and Marx, the attack seeming to cut into their armor and bodies.Meanwhile, water and earth seemed to mix and emerge from thin air as Jysk beat his drumsticks against a number of hollow points on his armor, creating a drumbeat for their song. This surged forward in a twisting mixture, breaking off into two attacks--one, a stream of water, shooting toward Selirah, while Draxion was forced to block a column of earth.As this was happening, Vertak's attack on the gauntlets didn't seem to be working--a purple glow merely surrounded it, revealing a similar nonphysical protection around the other Keys.Even as he played, however, something seemed... off... about Lyxek's expression and stance. He didn't seem to be putting as much effort into his song as he had done a week ago. Like something was wrong... or like he was testing the group...OOC: Origa - "Rise"

[Blessed Blade]

OOC: Battle of the songs? Oh, I'm up for that. =P Might actually put up lyrics this time. Gotta find a song that might fit.-==IC: Selirah==-Selirah frowned, however, closed her eyes, and began to sing as well; a counter song, to attempt to guard against the water attack."I know you, yes. And that's why I don't understand how you could do this; how you could do any of this... And think that you can control an immortal god bent solely on revenge. I'm asking you to stop; not just for me, or for the sake of everyone's lives; but for yourself, Lyxek." Selirah said, still attempting to get through to the fellow Toa of Sonics, before she tried to counter attack. If she didn't get through, however... She was definitely resigned to the fact that she'd have to fight, and fight she would, even as she gripped her staff in her hand, and began to think through the words of the song that she'd need.-==IC: Kairan==-"I once thought like you." Kairan said, as he closed his eyes."My island was once destroyed, because of an experiment. One of the leaders of an opposing army nearly killed me, but spared me at the last moment." Kairan stated, however, he opened his eyes with a frown."However, the difference is; I learned how things are not all black and white. there is not just 'good and evil'; and what might seem like good, may just be someone's idea of evil. Betrayal happens; I accept that, and understand. However, not everyone is like that. This island in particular, has shown me that. This island has shown me that people can be happy; that not everything is filled with hate, anger, betrayal, and most importantly evil. Sure; there may be evil people around... But the Matoran definition of Toa; 'Hero'; shows that not everything is pure good, or pure evil. Sometimes there is that in between, that allows differences in mind. However, there is more good in this universe than you might think. I must correct myself; this island, Kai Nam, while it showed me the most of the fact that things aren't always as it seems; it was all the other islands I've traveled to since my home was destroyed, that actually showed me that this universe is indeed worth saving... and that is what I am fighting for." Kairan explained, staying quiet, as he hoped he might just have gotten through to Ruaki, though obviously it couldn't be that easy.

Edited July 4, 2012 by Pit: Arrow of Light

[Cosmic Titan]

IC: Platform"All of us are in danger."Shiny, red liquid leaked from some of the deeper cuts. As he scowled at the Vortixx."Lovely now we have to fight psychotic musicians." He said in an angry sarcastic tone.He brought his arms back and then thrusted them forward as he opened his hands. Two streams of darkness bellowed from his hands.Anger made him increase gravity but this time the focus point was the Vortixx's chest. If this being was not being protect by some unnatural force then it would have trouble breathing as its chest began to cave in.If not then Marx would only get more angry. If that kept up he would lose his temper very shortly.

[Burnmad]

IC: Aranai: Lyxek's Platform:Aranai closed her eyes and let the music flow through her. She took her axe-guitar off her back and, nearly involuntarily, began playing with the band. She sent a jet of water at Kovian, although she didn't have the tricks up her sleeve she suspected the band did.

[Parugi]

OOC: Good luck finding a song without instruments. :PTo be honest, though, I would've preferred to make up my own lyrics, like I did during the Lyxek/Lyccir battle, but eh--no time. XPAlso, wow, four posts from me in a day. New record? XPIC - Ruaki/Zanth/Etc. - Dimension R: Your words are empty, Ruaki growled to Kairan. Your pain is not mine. I have suffered centuries of sorrow and bitterness that you could never imagine. This world dies with me--I will endure it no other way."I don't think you'll be able to reason with him, Kairan," Zanth said quietly. He straightened up, walking from side to side, still staring up at Ruaki. "Tell me--what all can you do, powerwise?"My powers are limited in this form, Ruaki answered. I am bound. The most I can manage is nonphysical communication. But once I possess a physical form again--"I see," Zanth interrupted. "So we can't hurt you, and you can't hurt us." He stopped in front of Ruaki again, arms crossed. "I guess we're at a stalemate, then."IC - Lyxek/Others - Platforms: "Don't insult my band, Marx!" Lyxek called over the din of the music. He continued to play his guitar, seeming to dance with Ciri as she sung, her voice providing an angelic atmosphere for the battle before the pair of Toa:"I'm a soldier, born to standin this waking well I amwitnessing more than I can compute.Pray myself, we don't forgetlies, betrayed, and the oppressed--please give me the strength to be the truth.People facing the fire together--if we don't, we'll lose all we have found...""It's in my blood, Selirah, baby!" Lyxek said. "I've always wanted to be remembered--you know that! What better way than to bring the universe to the brink of destruction--and then pull it right back out of it?" He tapped his feet, spinning around Ciri and smiling broadly. "Besides, how can you tell me this isn't fun? The thrill of impending destruction--the uncertainty of what the future holds--the chance to finally tie up the ropes of fate!"Tana continued to play. While the gravity did begin to affect her, she countered by manipulating the air around her, forcing it to press outward--pressing back against the increased gravity with equal force. Lyccir moved forward throwing a powerful burst of plasma in her direction, which dissipated in the air as she sent a miniature whirlwind forward.Kovian saw the burst of water through the sight gaps in his shield. Pushing out of the way of the fire attack, he swung his scythe at the water, sending a bolt of ice energy toward it. An icicle fell to the ground as it struck, shattering on the metallic floor of the platform, and allowing the Toa of Ice to move in."Let's turn this up to eleven!" Lyxek yelled to his band. "Let all of Kai-Nam listen in on this!" He threw a hand up in the air, increasing the volume of the noise emanating from the platforms. Everything--the song, the sounds from their attacks, their voices--increased tenfold, echoing across the rest of the island, though did nothing to the volume within the field itself. For the combatants, everything would remain at normal volume.Behind Lyxek and Ciri, Dalmia began to stir again. The Ring member's eyes fluttered open, and he gripped his head as he pushed himself to his feet. Kerid noticed him. The Steltian gripped the bars of her cell, leaning forward."Dalmia, if you're listening, then hear me out," she said. "What you and Lyxek are trying to do is not going to benefit anyone--not even yourselves. You have got to end this."Dalmia responded with a burst of forth, slamming her into the opposite bars, which bent on impact. "Don't act like you know me," he growled in a thousand voices. "Lyxek may be too weak to go through with this contract, but I am not. You're preaching to the wrong choir." He pushed himself to his feet, brushing himself off. Dalmia raised an eyebrow, staring at Kerid for a long moment. "Perhaps you could be of some use to me, however... One more soul ought to be enough to help me kill Lyxek..."Kerid's eyes widened. "You... You're...""I'm what?" he interrupted her. "A monster? A fool? No..." He reached to the side, through a portal. Ehjoras yelled out as Dalmia's hand appeared at his throat, grabbing him and pulling him through the now-growing portal. Kerid's eyes widened even further. "I'm One. I'm all-encompassing. And I only need one more soul to join with me.""No...""Kerid!" Ehjoras gasped, struggling against Dalmia's grip. "Help--don't let him--!" Dalmia teleported as Ehjoras was speaking, causing Kerid to scream out in anger and panic. The Ring member appeared high above them, holding the Matoran tightly by the throat. Kerid looked up, yelling in fury as she tried futilely to rip the bars off of the cage she was in.Dalmia lifted Ehjoras so as to look him in the eye. He didn't even flinch or hesitate as he saw the wild, terrified look in his face. "Fear not," the Ring member said. "This will only hurt you for a moment..."He released his grip.Ehjoras screamed as he plummeted toward the Barrens below, hidden beneath the layer of black clouds...

[Half-Dragon]

IC: Srizz | Below the CitadelSrizz stood back a few steps. "Screw that," he growled. "I've saved your hide once in here already." Just at the moment when Sensha was stuck blocking a blow from Sanshou (or the other way round? Their names were so similar... The one blocking the way out was busy) he lunged forward and used his mask to shapeshift into a protodite, tiny and very fast. He zoomed past the guardian, shifted back to normal and yelled "You're on your own!" as he made his expeditious retreat down the tunnel and to safety...-=H-D=-

[Magnus Greel]

IC: KNPD HQ - Below Citadel"Don't worry about that," Hexxon replied to Sanshou's plea to not kill Sensha. Once more he swung his staff at the Ondarian, intent on cracking open her helmet with either the metal caps, or the chain maces. It seemed like a better plan using the maces, as he could catch the mask with the spikes and use them to tug it off. Meanwhile, Anar whip his tail at her legs, planning to sweep her off her feet.IC: PlatformThe dart lodged itself inbetween the plating covering Kaytana's mechanical arm, waking the Skakdi from her trance-like fixation on the floating Keys. Reaching a clawed hand over to the prosthetic limb, she pulled the small projectile free. She glared at it for a second before looking in the direction it came from. "Hey!" the Ring member shouted at Aranai. "What's the big-- "Lyxek's band and music drowned out her voice, frustrating the Skakdi further. Kaytana snapped the dart in two, and turned her attention to the action featuring Dalmia, Kerid, and Ehjoras. She chuckled as the Matoran fell from the cloaked, reptilian being's clutch. But now was not the time to watch such pitiful creatures die. If she wanted to get one of those Keys, then she would have to work harder and faster.IC: PlatformWasponax did what he could to fight back. Using fireballs from his still functioning flamethrowers, the insectoid Dark Hunter peppered the platforms. He hoped that at least one of them would hit a band member to stop their playing.IC: Dimension R"I wonder," Greel whispered, seemingly unfazed by their eldrich surroundings. "If he cannot be harmed physically, could he be attacked mentally?"

Edited July 4, 2012 by Magnus Greel

[Voltex]

IC: Vertak, The Platform:Vertak pointed his palms off of the platform as he spotted Ehjoras fallling, but he was too late. He whirled around, speaking to Rhindon with his thoughts.Do you think you can cut through one of the Keys physically? He asked. If that doesn't work, then we'll have to fight this band with the others.

[Blessed Blade]

OOC: Ever heard of A Capella songs? =P Though, the tone is the same as a certain song in Pokemon Black/White. At a certain part directly before the credits. =P In fact, I've been playing it myself, and without the rest of the pianos, only the main part. So, if that's translated into lyrics... Take note, however, these lyrics are likely horrible, since they're randomly thought up on the spot here. =P-==IC: Selirah==-Selirah sighed, and closed her eyes, as she shook her head, realizing there was no reasoning with Lyxek. In response; she simply began to hum a song; even as she held her staff in front of her. After she finished the first few notes, she started to flip back to the beginning, but this time, added in lyrics.Though times can be tough...Persevere through them allDon't let time take the fall...And when you make your movebe cautious of the rules;Make sure you don't lose...And if you lose sight of those who you trustJust push onward until you find the path you're onAnd keep in your mind what you left behind...For the way, that you are, is the one, thing that remains...When the world comes to a halt...And you think that you have nowhere left to go and youFind yourself broken, lost with no-one left to lose...And you think to yourself, "what is this for; what did I do; what is my goal...?"Selirah sang; however, after she finished the last line, she simply hummed the last couple notes.OOC: It probably didn't fit in perfectly, but I'm not that good at making lyrics. If I had've gotten it to fit perfectly with the original song, I would've been even happier. =P-==IC: Kairan==-"You are but one being. You may be a god; but you're still just one being in a universe filled with people, not all innocent; but not all evil. And once you've had your revenge; what's left? What would you rule over? However; the world might just end with you; but that doesn't mean that I won't do everything in my power to protect the innocents that do exist." Kairan said; not trying to reason with Ruaki anymore; just trying to show what he meant.

Edited July 4, 2012 by Pit: Arrow of Light

[Burnmad]

IC: Artorre: Citadel:Artorre looked back. He didn't quite fancy the ironic death of dying by fiery explosion, but he couldn't make himself leave everyone behind. He turned and swung his sword, causing a wave of fire to shoot toward Lurinost.IC: Aranai: Lyxek's PlatformAranai, sitting close to the cages, heard Dalmia. She didn't care much for Ehjoras, but she didn't want Dalmia to be any more powerful. She attempted to condense the moisture in the air into a pillar and hold it below the matoran, hoping it would catch him.IC: Peacemaker: West District:Peacemaker's sword caught in the Nakari's skull this time. He brought it down again, killing the creature, and moved onto one of the last couple Nakari.

[Cosmic Titan]

IC: PlatformDark clouds. Darkness. Shadows.Ehjoras falling.Poof!Marx launched himself thru the shadows and at the Matoran. An inking cloud of darkness floated where he once stood.Using a large amount of gravitic energies he nullfied gravity around the Matoran and flew foward to catch him...IC: Dimension R"Ruaki? What did you do that caused others to hate you?" asked Sol. "Do you deserve this fate?"Sol's voice sounded distant as if he wasn't mentally all there.Toxin breathed deeply, allowing his muscles to relax.

Edited July 4, 2012 by paragon

[Parugi]

IC - Sanshou/Sensha/Etc. - Below Citadel: Sanshou pushed back as Slate filled Sensha's head with white noise, narrowly dodging the sweeping of Anar's tail, which knocked Sensha off of her feet. The spikes on Hexxon's mace cut into her helmet as she fell, though it did not knock it off. Planting her feet, Sanshou grabbed her scarf, twirling it and whipping it forward. The cloth caught on the wings on either side of Sensha's helmet, allowing the Artanian to pull it off."Let's go!" she yelled, running forward and grabbing the stunned Sensha's arm while holding her helmet under her other arm. Leading the way out, she and the others exited the chamber.Lurinost attempted to push herself up, though was forced to roll to the side as Artorre's fire swept toward her so as to protect her damaged mirror. By the time she deemed it safe to look back, it was too late--a loud crackling sound could be heard from the center of the dark sphere. The Paladoston looked up at the inky black surface, frowning slightly. Resigned to her fate, she did not move.The Eye was beginning to ripple with energy now, illuminating the inside of the sphere of shadows. The Director silently looked forward, staring into the approaching wall of darkness. The KNPD leader's eye finally shut off, causing the blue glow and circle of light to disappear.With a force powerful enough to shake the entire Citadel, rippling out across Central and engulfing the entire chamber in a powerful explosion of energy and fire, the Director's components detonated. Organic metal ruptured all along the Eye's surface, releasing more energy. The cables from which the Eye was suspended tore and broke, causing the construct to sag, various sections of it disconnecting and slamming into the ground below. The hallway leading into the chamber collapsed, blocking direct access into the chamber even as sections of the ceiling broke apart.Before long, the massive explosions stopped, leaving behind a scorched and scarred Citadel in its wake. The sphere of darkness closed around the remains of the Eye, shrinking and disappearing as its remains were reabsorbed back into Ruaki's essence.IC - Zanth/Ruaki/Etc. - Dimension R: I was betrayed by my closest followers, Ruaki answered Sol, ignoring the others' conversation for the moment. They wanted power. They thought they could take it from me. They were wrong, though they did succeed in destroying my original form. He laughed quietly. Yet I did much the same to them... and as I understand it, two of them are now dead, and the other is insane. But their pain has not yet matched my own..."No, I don't think that's necessary," Zanth said to Greel. "Chances are that a mental attack would only backfire. Two-way channels and all." Ruaki's eyes narrowed. "No... You know, I've spent so much of my time fighting up to now... This is a perfect time to get back into verbal combat, I think, considering we can't physically hurt each other."Verbal combat? Ruaki repeated, his eyes suggesting he was raising an eyebrow. Don't try to appeal to my inner light. I extinguished it long ago--I will not be swayed. This world is drenched in darkness, and I will cleanse it through destruction."I'm not," Zanth said. "You want to kill the universe. I get that. I won't change your mind." He took a step forward. "But I am going to tell you that you won't win." Ruaki growled. "Even if you succeed in coming back, you won't be facing a universe of flies, who will bow before you and allow you to go on with what you intend to do. Standing before you is only a fraction of the beings who are willing to stand up for what they believe in, and only a small part of the force that will inevitably gather to fight you."Zanth grabbed his maces, stabbing them into the ground and holding his arms out to his side, as if he was inviting Ruaki to smite him then and there."You don't scare us," the Sherif said flatly. "You're a broken god, Ruaki, who has been twisted and corrupted by your desire to bring about untold revenge on the universe for what happened to you at the hands of a small group of beings. And maybe they were wrong--maybe what they did to you was unnecessary, even evil, done for selfish reasons. But you won't solve this by destroying the rest of the universe when they had nothing to do with it." He frowned, his expression turning to one of anger. "If you want to continue pursuing this, then by all means, go ahead. But let this be your warning: You will be beaten back. We're a world of fighters--yours is not the tide of evil that will break us."Zanth turned around, beginning to walk toward the edge of the tear. Ruaki growled, his eyes glowing brightly.I will not--The God of Death went silent as the portal of darkness pulsed again. The crimson eyes widened, white cracks seeming to appear along their surface. Zanth turned around, raising an eyebrow in surprise. The cloud of shadows seemed to twist in contort, as growls of pain and anger emanated from Ruaki's being."What the...?" Zanth said. His eyes widened. "Everyone, out!" He turned and ran, skidding to a stop at the edge of the tear into the main dimension. Swerv, Desoria, Sepcret, and Sevorik followed. Zanth held out his hand to them. "Link hands and jump on three!"IC - Lyxek/Kovian/Etc. - Platforms: Dalmia frowned as Marx appeared, catching Ehjoras midfall and moving to grab him. Without a word, the Ring member turned, shooting off toward them, his wings glowing with energy as he aimed to slam into Marx."Save your tearsfor the daywhen our pain is far behind.On your feet,come with me--we are soldiers, stand or die..."I think so, Rhindon answered. The only challenge will be hitting one without Lyxek blocking it. They're too close to him. The sword went silent. Wait... What's that?Behind Lyxek, a writhing shape--a massive cloud of darkness--could be seen forming through the tear in space, the crimson eyes beginning to crack. It began to move toward the nanobot body, which was almost completely finished now."Save your fears,take your place--save them for the judgement day.Fast and free,follow me,time to make the sacrifice--we rise or fall..."Kovian saw it, too, as did Lyxek. As the Toa of Sonics smiled, activating the antenna on the back of his armor, the Toa of Ice grabbed his comm, hunkering down behind his shield and contacting Illuxio."It's happening, Illuxio!" he said loudly. "Activate your signal!"He leaned around his shield, holding out a hand and sending a flurry of sonic energy at Jysk, who seemed to simply shrug it off while Wasponax's fire was absorbed and redirected by Omhi.IC - Illuxio/Vailian - Throne Room: Illuxio wasted no time in complying, turning back to the control panel and entering a series of commands into the console. The computers began to hum as the machines activated, connecting together and preparing to send out the signal...Illuxio waited. And waited. And waited.He frowned, checking the outside cameras.Nothing. The body was still intact."What?" He checked the console again. "No... No... No, no, no... Not now!" He slammed his hand on the console. "Of course... Ugh...""What happened?" Vailian asked, pushing himself to his feet in concern. Illuxio shook his head."Too much interference, not enough power," Illuxio said quickly, rubbing his head in thought, his eyes closed as he paced back and forth again. "My catalyst can't get through the interference..." He sighed. "We need a direct link to that body... Something that can transfer from machine to machine on a whim...."Illuxio paused, looking at his own reflection in one of the blank screens."Of course..." He placed a hand on the console, transferring his virus--for that was what the program boiled down to--into his body. Illuxio checked the available platforms again. "Vailian... I'm going to need you to come with me." He turned away, heading down the hallway that the others had gone through. The Hivena hesitated for a moment, considering this, before following after the robot.

[Voltex]

IC: Vertak, The Platform:It's worth a shot. It's all we have.Vertak leapt, using his gravity powers to make himself lighter as he flung himself at the Keys, swinging Rhindon and aiming to catch the Gauntlets or the Rose. If this failed, he wasn't sure what exactly he was going to do as far as getting out of the attack.IC: Elittra, Dimension R:Elittra did as she had been told, linking hands with those around her.

[Blessed Blade]

-==IC: Kairan==-Kairan's eyes widened, and he grabbed onto both Zanth and Zaydan's hands quickly, as he waited for the cue to jump; wondering what was going on at that moment.OOC: Oh no...-==IC: Selirah==-Selirah was unfazed by what was going on, as she simply opened her eyes, and focused on Lyxek, even as she took a step forward, and began to repeat her song. Even as she sung it this time, she willed daggers of sound to appear, and attempted to send them at non-vital portions of Lyxek's body; if she could take him down without killing him, it'd be best for everyone; but if she had to... she would attempt to kill Lyxek, regardless of how much she didn't want to.

[Cosmic Titan]

IC: CitadelSlate ran out the the chamber and continued to go as fast as he could. He was still in the building when the Director exploded but he was far enough away as to not be injured. The explosion had knocked him down. He stood up and dusted himself off. He continued to walk out and look for the others at the same time.IC: Dimension R"Oh..." responded Sol. Ruaki's story, if it was the truth, made him feel sad. If those foolish beings hadn't down that then Ruaki might have been a nicer being. And this whole thing could have been avoided. Ruaki might be a villain but those beings were truly vile.Zanth's voice snapped him out of it. He instantly acted without a second thought. Sol grabbed Toxin's hand and linked hands with the others. Both beings prepared to jumped when told to.IC: PlatformsMarx held Ehjoras in his arms and spun around.Looking all around him, he saw Dalmia and disappeared in a cloud of darkness with the Matoran.Dalmia would find upon hitting the darkness cloud that the shadows would encompass him entirely.The darkness would act like a living thing and tear at Dalmia's flesh. Like hundreds of hands and/or tentacles the shadows tired to drag him away.