(reads posts...)
Oh, my...I'm not sure if I can do resurrections, but I'll give it a shot, I guess. Meanwhile, though, our heroes have been placed in quite a jam!
Sailor Minerva: So, whoever you are, got any ideas to get us out of this?
Falora: Um, well, since I just used up most of my powers teleporting...RUN!
Sailor Minerva: Hey, wait up!
MRA: No...escape...nowhere to run...nowhere to hide...there is no escape...
Elaine (gasping for breath): HELP! Somebody! Anybody! Please!
As the MRA advance on her, Elaine's panic increasingly grows. All she can think is to escape, but she doesn't know how. When suddenly...
*PLOP*
Elaine: Huh? WUAAAAAAAAAAA!
Elaine falls into one of the open plotholes that seem to be floating around. She disappears.
Various Roaches: Hey! Where'd she go?
Alex: Nuku-Nuku...Belldandy...Rei...WAAH! ;_;
Could I get back to you later? ^^;
*When we last left Hugh and Rei, they had just met the Anti-RL Mutant Assassin known as Guu. Rei's supernatual perception warned her of the hidden danger Guu presented mere instants before the altered rodent revealed its formidable battleform. So now, let the battle be joined!*
Mutant vs. Hybrid.
Rat vs. Demon.
In a duel which will secure RL-VoidStar's power....or shatter it forever.
HUGH VS. GUU
Guu: *Growls menacingly*
Looks like we're not exempt from battles after all....
Rei: Careful!!
Guu: *Lunges halfway through her warning, talons raking towards Hugh--but before it can land its strike, a familiar, hexagonal barrier springs to life in front of the startled avatar, stopping Guu dead in its tracks* >.< GUU!!!
*Hugh turns back to Rei, who shrugs--she is not the source of the AT Field. However, its crafter soons become apparent, as a green-clad blur leaps down from the top of a nearby building. It is none other than Tamashii Aoi, clad in her plugsuit.*
Aoi: That's enough of that!
*Two more blurs, one clad in a shade of blue so dark that it's nearly black, the second in white, drop down from the rooftops to join Aoi--Kaworu and Tenkei, both dressed in plugsuits like their comrade.*
Well, the cavalry has arrived, it seems....*Chuckles*
Rei: *Smirks* Hai hai....this should be an interesting battle.
If somewhat short.
Rei: *Wry laugh* Indeed.
Kaworu: Really now, can't two people go on a date together in peace nowadays? *He throws up his own field, pinning Guu to the spot where it stands*
Tenkei: *Babbles in a distinctly peevish tone, and adds his field to Kaworu's, firmly binding Guu*
Aoi: I'm with you, kid. *Turns to the rodent assassin, who is now howling in fury at being trapped* Tenkei-chan says you don't deserve any mercy for this, and I'm inclined to agree with him.
Kaworu: For attacking members of the Shito Sentai--not just members, the founders of the Shito Sentai--you shall die.
Aoi: Whoa, Niisama, way to go! ^_^v I told you you could be dramatic, see?
Kaworu: *Smiles cheerily* Was that good, do you think?
Aoi: It was great! ^.^ Had me convinced you actually wanted to deliver the deathblow. But let's concentrate on the matter at hand, ne?
*The three Shito Sentai members join Hugh and Rei, then turn their attention to the snarling beast trapped in their web of AT Fields.*
Tenkei: *Babble babble*
Aoi: Agreed, Tenkei-chan, that is one ugly bastard.
Kaworu: So what do you plan to do about this....thing?
Not sure....just smash it, I guess....It could be a threat to the others.
Guu: *Turns a hateful gaze on Hugh* GUUU!!!! GUUUUUUU!!!! >.< GUU GUU GUUUUU!!!!!
Rei: Heh, guess it understood you....
No....it's not just that....*Eyes narrow* You were right, Rei, something is up here. *Steps closer to the AT Field which keeps Guu separated from him and the other Shito Sentai members* Hmmm....
Aoi: What are you doing?
Guu: *If looks could kill, Hugh would be dead five times over by now* G....Guu....>.< H-Huu....
....!! So, that's it....
Rei: Hugh....? What is it?
This thing is after me specifically....
Aoi: Nani?
I get it....of course! Interesting plan. *Turns to the other Shito Sentai* It's after me because I'm an avatar, an RL's self-insertion. If this thing kills me, it will be able to cut off RL-VoidStar's power in EGC. Which would be a serious bitch for him, because it would mean that one of his favorite avatari was dead--and not only that, none of his other avatari would be a suitable replacement. None of them have the same tie to you guys that I do....
Aoi: Shit....this thing has got to die. Now.
Yes, well....it shall be done. But by me. Alone.
Aoi: WHAT?! No chance in Hell, Hugh! This thing was sent to kill you specifically, and you want to fight it alone?!
Not want to. I have to. Only be defeating it on my own can I secure my RL's power here. Trust me, if it were up to me, I'd have you guys crush this thing to death in your AT Fields right now, or step on it in an Eva or something. But this is the way it has to be.
Rei: But Hugh....
*Walks to Rei and hugs her* Shhh....I'll make it. *Smiles reassuringly* One little mutant rat isn't going to take me down....
Rei: *Faint, worried smile* Just be careful....please....?
*Kisses Rei softly* Hai....now, Rei, you know what to do....
Rei: *Nods once and shuts her crimson eyes, drawing upon her celestial powers. Her AT Field wraps around Hugh, and his normal clothes "realign" themselves, becoming his pitch-dark plugsuit*
Arigatou....*After planting a kiss on Rei's forehead, he relinquishes his embrace, and turns to face his fellow Shito Sentai*
Aoi: You're sure you want it this way....?
Hai. But....if this thing takes me down, guys....crush it. As fast as you can. Maybe that'll minimize the damage to RL-VoidStar's power....
Kaworu: Don't talk like that! It wouldn't matter how much damage we could prevent! Things still wouldn't be the same....
Aoi: He's right! Without you....nothing would be the same....if not for you, the Shito Sentai would never have been started! *Salutes* And if we lose you....the Shito Sentai would be finished.
Kaworu: And don't forget, Hugh....you have other responsibilities as well....*Salutes*
Rei: *Remains silent, a look of deep worry etched on her face*
I understand, Kaworu. *Salutes, then turns back to Rei* This isn't just for the Shito Sentai, Rei....it's for Kyuu-chan! *Smiles fiercely* I'd never forgive myself for dying now....
Rei: *Manages a smile, but tears are gathering in her eyes* H-Hai!
*Turns to face Guu* Shito Sentai....prepare for release on my mark.
*Drawing upon the power of his demonic genes, Hugh raises a field of dark energy around himself, weaving into his plugsuit. With a look that is half ecstasy and half torment, he begins his transformation. His plugsuit loses its technological trappings and features, and the ebon fabric's very nature changes, melding to Hugh like a symbiotic creature--for that is exactly what it is becoming. Hugh's powers transform it into a living sheath, a new layer of skin which leaves only his head in its normal, human state. With one last surge of energy, Hugh completes the transformation--his eyes change color, becoming a uniform, inky black. And a pair of majestic, leathery demon's wings sprout from between his shoulderblades.*
NOW!!
*The AT Fields drop.*
*Guu howls in triumph and lunges, claws and fangs raking through the air.*
*And Hugh falls into battle stance, prepared to fight to his last breath.*
*It has begun....*
End communication.
Roach Commander #1: I say we go out and kill them all! Right now!
Roach Commander #2: Fool! >.< As if thatīd work! We tried that during the first two invasions, remember? And what happened? We lost more than three quarters of our army and gained nothing!
RC #1: Sheesh... ŽŽ Who says itīs going to happen again?
Roach Commander #3: Silence you two! (*He reaches down and shuts off the surveillance screen*) Our Great And Illustrious Leader--
RC #1, RC #2: Mayheliveathousandyears...
RC #3: Yes, mayheliveathousandyears, has already given us explicit orders on how to handle things.
RC #2: Orders? O_o
RC #3: Yes. We are to seperate the Self-Insert from the Cameos; then we attack the cameos, kill the man-machine guy and capture the defector, Roach.
RC #1: That traitor! >o<
RC #2: To think one of us betrayed the noble goals of Our Great And Illustrious Leader, mayheliveathousandyears! >o<
RC #3: Yes, unbelievable! But letīs not digress. While we attack the Cameos, Our Great And Illustrious Leader, mayheliveathousandyears, will deign to take care of the Self-Insert.
RC #1: What a ma-- Erh, roach! ^.^
RC #2: Thatīs Our Great And Illustrious Leader, mayheliveathousandyears! There is no roach like Him!
RC #3: No, certainly not! And hereīs the plan...
I guess I don't feel so bad about being ignored any more...that means more worry-free days of roach squishing for me! ^_^
Falora: *huf*huf*huf* (collapses) I can't run any more! ;_;
Sailor Minerva: Great! This is some rescue... -_-
Falora: Hey, even goddesses get tired sometimes!
Before this conversation can continue, however, the timer on the explosives runs out.
Falora and Sailor Minerva: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Can you say 'boom', ladies and gentlemen? :)
(Is this a cliffhanger or what? :)
Random Oni (using a bullhorn): Hey, you! Stay in line!
The cute lil' clouds immeadiately behave themselves. Everything seems to be fine for a moment, until...
Random Oni #2: Say, what's that whistling noise?
Elaine: AIYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Elaine most beautifully demonstrates the law of gravity as she plummets from the plothole which opened up above the waiting souls. It seems certain that poor Elaine will join these souls when...
Chatty's Disembodied Voice: Watch out!
One of the clouds flies out of the line towards Elaine. With a loud 'oof!', Elaine is saved.
Elaine (opening her eyes warily): Huh? I'm not dead?
Random Oni #3: Hey, you, little girl! Don't you know that living beings aren't allowed here? And you, dead person! Get back in line!
Elaine: Sorry!
Chatty's D.V. (overlapping): Sorry!
The cloud decends slowly with Elaine. As soon as it's safe, Elaine hops off onto the ground.
Elaine: Thank you very much!
Chatty's D.V.: No problem.
Random Oni #3: AHEM!
Elaine: Eep! I'm going! I'm going!
She turns to leave, remembers something, then turns back again.
Elaine (sheepishly): Um...which way is the exit? ^^;
Random Oni #3 (nearly facefaulting): Er...(points) that way.
Elaine: Thanks, Mr. Oni!
Alex (stroking posters tenderly): My poor babies! I'm so sorry for getting you involved in this war...(raises fist to the sky) I, ALEXANDER FANBOY, SHALL HAVE MY REVENGE!
Thunder rumbles ominously in the distance.
Next time, Falora is authorized to use the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch! >:)
*Continued from last time: Guu's attack has begun. With surprising swiftness, the rodent lunges at Hugh, talons flashing.*
*BGM for this post: "Super Bon Bon" by Soul Coughing*
*Instants before Guu's attack reaches the mark, however, Hugh's wings pump the air and launch him off the ground* Well well, someone's faster than they look....*Chuckles* Better end this quick! *Hugh places his hands in the Anime Fireball Position (tm), releasing a wave of concentrated Demonic energy. The light in the general area seems to be smothered out for a moment, and an explosion rips up from the ground beneath Guu's feet.*
Guu: GUUUUUUUU!!!!!!! >.< GUUUU!!!! *The monster rat strides from the crater left by Hugh's attack--without a single wound*
Shimatta na....you're not gonna make it easy for me, are you? Well, be that way! *Hugh drops to the ground smoothly* Let's dance the spears, you and I!
Guu: *Perplexed look* O.o Guu?
Um. Guess I should've known Wheel of Time references would be beyond your grasp. Ah well. ^_^;;
Guu: !! >.< GUU!!!! *Guu charges again, slashing vertically at Hugh with its claws*
*At the last possible moment, Hugh's hands swing up and grasp Guu's wrists, stopping the attack dead. The two stand locked, strength pitted against strength--but Hugh makes a critical mistake: he forgets Guu's second pair of arms.*
Guu: *Slices into Hugh's wings, ripping through them like thin cloth*
Rei: Hugh....!!
*With a sharp cry of pain, Hugh falls back, releasing Guu's wrists* D-Damn....
Guu: *Snarls triumphantly*
So much for aerial combat. *Scowls* Stop laughing at me, rat, I'm not done yet!
*It's Hugh's turn to take the offensive. The half-demon folds his cripped wings to his back and charges, slipping past Guu's talons in a black blur. He hurls a flurry of attacks, landing punches and kicks with a speed beyond human's, aiming mostly for the torso. Dark energy trails his fists and feet as they pound into Guu.*
Aoi: Kick ass, Hugh-kun! *Waves victory fans*
Kaworu: Did you have any idea he was capable of this kind of thing, Rei....?
Rei: *Smiles proudly* Oh, I had an inkling....the powers of Demon blood are skewed more towards offense, as opposed to ours, which are stronger in defense.
Kaworu: So I see....
Guu: *Disengages from the fight, clutching at its chest* Grrrrrr....
*Grins* See? Told you I had fight left in me.
Guu: GUU!!!!!! >.< *Slashes at Hugh with all four arms*
*Dodges back, landing a toe kick dead-center on Guu's chest, forcing the rodent assassin back*
Guu: GUUUUUUUU!!!!! GUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!!!!!
Tenkei: *Babbles questioningly at Aoi*
Aoi: Hai, Tenkei-chan....it's about to get messy.
*The two combatants circle each other warily, both focusing their entire attention on each other, waiting for the right moment. The tension in the air is rising exponentially.*
*In an homage to Rurouni Kenshin, a bead of sweat begins to collect on Rei's brow, trickling down her forehead and to her chin....*
*....Hugh and Guu simultaneously brace themselves to strike....*
*....The droplet of sweat grows too large and falls from Rei's chin, plummeting towards the ground....*
*....The warriors spring forward at each other, clashing violently....*
*....A full second before the tiny bead of liquid hits the ground at Rei's feet.*
*Hugh's fists slam into Guu's chest, bone cracking under the force of his blow. But Guu's arms slice through the air and sink into Hugh's sides, piercing deep and raising jagged crimson gashes.*
Rei: *Screams* HUGH!!!
*Hugh stumbles back, coughing* Ugh....*Wipes a trickle of blood from his mouth*
Guu: *Breathing heavily, chest rattling with the effort*
*Both opponents are obviously suffering--but neither has fallen yet. Again, they prepare to attack.*
*However, Guu gets the upper hand this time. It launches its assault before Hugh is ready, slashing into Hugh's right leg so hard the limb is nearly severed. At the same time, it plunges its remaining three hands into Hugh's torso, stabbing fiercely into its target, with such power that the talons emerge from his back*
Aoi: Oh my God....God....Hugh-kun....
Rei: *Slumps to the ground, her face buried in her hands*
*Hugh gives a weak cough, his entire body shaking with agony that's impossible to describe--but somehow, he finds it in him to smile up at the twisted face of his foe* Y-You think....you think you've won, huh?
Guu: Guu....*Something that possibly could be described as a triumphant grin reaches its face*
Heh heh....well, I hate to disappoint you....*One of his hands clenches into a fist*....but I'm not dead yet.
*By all logic, Hugh should be defeated. But somehow, he rallies himself, mustering up strength that he simply shouldn't have. His fist rises, and he slams it into Guu's chest, hitting the wounded spot created by his last attack. Guu bellows in pain as its rib cage caves in--but Hugh hasn't finished yet. A sphere of ebon-colored energy springs into being around his hand and detonates, the resulting explosion obscuring the battlefield from view for over a minute. The Shito Sentai members shield themselves from the blast, peering into the crater left by the impact....*
*When the dust clears, Guu is gone. Not a single trace remains of the mutant rat. Hugh, on the other hand, lies broken and bleeding in the center of the crater.*
Rei: HUGH!!!! *Runs into the crater* Can you hear me?! Hugh!!! *Kneels over him, putting her ear to his chest, hoping against hope for even the faintest signs of life....but none are forthcoming. She cannot hear his pulse or even breathing.*
Aoi: *Runs in an instant after Rei, Kaworu and Tenkei just behind her* Rei! Is he--
*The young Angel falls silent when she sees the state her comrade is in. Ayanami Rei sits perfectly still next to Hugh's body, hands clutching at the skirt of her dress, tears pouring from her crimson eyes. The answer is obvious.*
*As the tension in the air changes to an atmosphere of sadness and loss, the BGM changes over to "Dante's Prayer" by Loreena McKennitt....*
Kaworu: Rei....I-I'm sorry....
Rei: *Remains perfectly silent, her eyes unfocused and unseeing, paralyzed by grief*
Aoi: *Her own sapphire eyes fill with tears* He said he'd come back....*A sob escapes her* Hugh-kun, you said you'd come back....
*A faint, weak voice speaks* Y-You callin' me a liar, Aoi....?
*Everyone freezes for a second, pure disbelief registering on their faces. Rei snaps out of it first.*
Rei: Hugh....you're....
*Opens his eyes, which have returned to their normal human appearance* I-I promised, didn't I....? Shoulda realized....paternal instinct won't let me die....*Smiles shakily*
Rei: *Smiles, tears still flowing down her cheeks* Hai, I should've known....oh, God, Hugh....
Shhh....'s'not time for relief yet. Still gotta....pull myself together, ne?
Rei: *Nods* Hai! *Leaps to her feet* Kaworu! Aoi! Tenkei! AT Fields, full spread! We're taking him home alive!
Shito Sentai: Hai, Rei! *Salute*
*The four Shito Sentai members activate and combine their AT Fields, binding Hugh to staunch his bleeding and to prevent his shattered body from completely disintegrating. Gently, they lift him from the crater using the Fields, and begin marching him towards the Bar.*
*Next time: the recovery begins....*
End communication.