Side Story V: The Great Crusade

[Takumi]

E X P E D I T I O N

"The Precious! Lost to us! Stolen from us! Pinched! Pilfered! Purloined!" Gollum writhed and wiggled between Mat's hands. "They took my Precious! Filthy, worthless thieves! Stinking things! Foul, worthless ho-" [Gol-lum] "Hob-" [Gol-lum] "Hobi-" [Gol-lum]

"He's sick..." N interjected calmly. "He's--"

"Really?" Nero chirped. "Never woulda guessed. Where did you get your degree, your majesty? The University of No-Fucking-Shit?"

"I vote that we put it out of its misery." Cold added bluntly. The Frost Demon raised his foot once again.

"Just... wait," N sighed. "If we can calm him down--"

"Look at him. There's no calming it down." Cold replied matter-of-factly. "You're questions are simply riling it up further. Might as well save ourselves the trouble and---"





The whir of the spinning marble pricked Smeagol's old ears. His eyes widened. His screaming finally ceased. He slipped from Mat's grasp like a sweaty, wet fish and galloped across the camp on his hands and knees. Gollum's eyes locked onto Aang's trinket. He didn't dare blink.

"Again! Again!" He squealed, clapped and pleaded. "Again! Again!"

1599923304413.png

"Please! Shows us! Shows us! We hasn't seem wizard trickses since... since..." His eyes went glassy. He stared straight through the marble for a second or two. Click. He snapped back to reality. "More trickses! More! More! Shows us fire works! Shows us fireworks!"

"You were saying, Cold?" N placed his hands in his pockets, a warm smile pinned to his face. He couldn't take his eyes off the joyful.... thing Aang had created. "Something about us being unable to calm him down?"

"I'll never understand you obsession with such fragile things, N..." Cold muttered, quickly changing the topic. "Such a worthless creature... It's unworthy of our attention." The King nestled himself back down in the dunes. "Kill him. Release him. I care not. I was my hands of this situation... so long as he remains quiet..."

"I would expect you to understand..." N mumbled, returning to the creature's side. "I fear that compassion is lost to you. But even a self-serving soul like you has to acknowledge that it's... funny..."

"Hm?"

"We've been travelling for months." N lowered his voice, concealing his word from the party's latest addition. "In all that time, have you seen anything resembling intelligent life? Or any life, for that matter? This 'Smeagol' is proof that there are living things out here!"

"Yeah... I'm sure the folks back home will be thrilled to hear about the scrawny-mutant-dwarves living in their back yard..."

"Smeagol may be unique... but have you heard of a creature than can survive without water?"

The camp fell silent.

"Besides. By the sound of things, Smeagol has met 'manzies' before."

"You're saying that he knows more than he's letting on?"

"Maybe. There's only one way to find out..."



@Takumi @Capri @Jeremi @Yun Lee @Space_Candy @Expedition

L A N D: Battle for Fort La Croix

In which our the Skaven-Plasma Alliance holds the advantage.



Attackers:



LAND

NAVAL

AIR

REASON FOR JOINING CONFLICT

LEADERS PRESENT

The Kingdom of Skavenblight

8

Pending

Pending

To rid the continent of Brotherhood colonies.

Thanquol, ???

The Kingdom of Plasma

4

3

2

To eliminate the need for a Blockade

Ghetsis



Defenders:



LAND

NAVAL

AIR

REASONS FOR JOINING CONFLICT

LEADERS PRESENT

The Kingdom of the Brotherhood

3

11-6

0

To defend their Kingdom from foreign invasion.

Achilles Davenport, Chevalier de la Vérendrye

*****

Fort La Croix

"Bravery, Folly... you're right to compare the two." Ghetsis snorted. "But worry not. Everything I do, I do with the utmost calculation."

With a wave of his hand, the Agents of Plasma charged forth. A wave of snarling Krookodiles rushed in the wake of the Rat Orges and joined them in their assault on the Fort's walls.

"In victory or in defeat, it's not my on the name on the line. No... it's King N's---"



*****

WASTELAND--> CAVERN PATH

1600434522037.png

"We came here long ago." Gollum chirped, half-leading, half-dragging Mat across the wastes and down a rocky, damp path. The moisture in the air was a good sign. It was easier to breathe. Easier to think. The stone walls that rose slowly to form a canopy over head. The path became a cave, and the cave grew dark.

"Yes, long, long time. Before Vesuvies. Before Skavies. Yes. Yes. We came first. There was only Matati and Nam and Lithlad..." Gollum snickered. "And Smeagol..."

"Knowing about the Matati..." N muttered to himself. "That much I'd expect... but to know about his servant? That's something else entir---"

The Earth at the Explorers' feet began to tremble. Pebbles danced and skipped at their feet. A light stream of dust trickled down from the ceiling. As soon as the tremors began, they suddenly stopped.

N's hand drifted to his belt. He removed a single Pokeball from its clip.

"Everyone... Stay close..."

*****

FORT LA CROIX

"Even now, our brave king ventures off into the unknown..." Ghetsis' hand drifted to his belt. He removed a single Pokeball from its clip. "But he's about to find himself under equipped for the trials that lie ahead of him..."

*****

CAVERN PATH

The tremors returned twice as violently.

1600436567517.png

"The filthy thing has led us into a trap!" Cold bellowed, his aura flaring. "I warned you! I warned you!"

"No! No! We didn't means it!" Gollum released Mat's hand and stumbled back across the cave. He raised his hands in fear. "She was supposed to be sleeping! Sleeping!"

N raised his eyes towards the shaking cavern roof.

"Ninjask..." He muttered calmly, pressing down upon the button on the Pokeball's face. "We're going to need a hand here. We're going to need you to use protect... We're going to need to biggest barrier you've got... can you do that for me?"

Click

Click

Click

No Pokemon appeared.

*****

FORT LA CROIX

Ghetsis threw 'his' Pokeball down onto the ice. A twitching Ninjask appeared before the pair.



"Ninjask... Go assist the Skaven. Do what you..." The Ninjask stared back at the general in confusion. "Don't worry. Your 'master' will return soon... though I can't promise how many pieces he shall be in when he returns..."

In a flash of gold, the creature vanished.

"You see, Skaven, the world is changing, and it's changing fast. Mordor. Fortuna. They're itching for war. It's only a matter of time before it reaches our shores... and when it does, we will have no need for bleeding hearts and softened souls..." Ghetsis limped a step closer to the front lines. "No. The Kingdom of Plasma needs steel. It needs fire. It needs me. N has been an excellent puppet for our will, but his image will only harm Plasma in the coming conflict. Our Kingdom must be feared. The Blockade is the first step towards the goal... but it's not enough. With the Crown of Plasma upon my head and you as my ally, however, no man would dare to cross us. I look forward to our partnership, Thanqoul... I truly do..."

*****

CAVERN PATH

"They're gone..." N muttered to himself in disbelief. "My Pokemon... All of them... Gone..."

"I don't know what you're talking about, pal..." Nero grumbled, revving the hilt of his sword. "But your tone doesn't exactly inspire confidence..."

"We're in trouble..." N replied, tensely. "Golum!" He snapped with conviction. "You said something was sleeping down here? What are we dealing with?"

The creature simply whimpered his response and pressed himself further against the cave's wall.

"He's fooled us once before!" Cold screamed. "You'd be a fool to trust him now! A f--"



[BOOM]



The earth at the explorer's feet broke away. A brown blur cut through the rising smoke. Cold was swallowed whole before he could finish his sentence.

1600438283358.png

"SSSHHHHHHHHHAAAAA!"

The Were-Wyrm unleashed an ungodly howl.

The Assassin of Shinjuku. Adewale. Nero. N. Reno. Rude. Chrom. Vulgora. Mat. All of their guards.

With a single sweep of the great beast's tail, they were all sent hurtling down into the gaping hole the Wyrm had carved through the Cavern. The only souls left above ground were Smeagol and Aang, the latter of which had been saved by the former. Gollum bit down upon the scruff of the Airbender's shirt and dragged him back from the ledge. But the Wyrm didn't spare the stragglers another moment of thought. It turned its attention back towards the Explorers bellow it.

1600438663118.png

The Leader's falls were only broken by the freshly picked-bones of that last damned fools to venture into the wastes. The enormous Wyrm slithered back down into its hole. It opened its 7 jaws and screamed again. A foul stench washed over the Explorers. The smell grew worse and worse as the beast charged forth, seeking to swallow as many as the Explorers as it could in a single, greedy mouthful.

Boss

The Were-Wyrn of the Cavern Path

Land: 13



@Takumi @Capri @Jeremi @Yun Lee @Space_Candy @Expedition



FORT LA CROIX

Inside the Fort

"HOLD THE LINE!" Chevalier cried, futilely kicking down another Skaven ladder. For ever one he felled, two dozen more seemed to take its place. His sword was already black with blood. The battle had barely been going on for 5 minutes. He had already counted 3 deserters. He had already counted too many corpses. With a valiant hiss, he severed the jaw of another Skaven and tossed it back down towards the ogres bellow. One down. Countless more to go. Two more assassins rushed to his side. A tankard of burning rum rained down upon the skaven siege-breakers. It wasn't enough. It would never be enough. The Fortress' walls were already shaking. La Croix was built to endure mortar fire. It was built to endure naval attacks. Its architects could have never anticipated an assault like this. "WE JUST NEED TO HOLD ON! WE CAN STILL MAKE IT!" The General lied. "THINK OF YOUR SONS! YOUR DAUGHTERS! WE'RE DOING THIS FOR THEM! GOD WILL DELIVER US! THE FLEET WILL BREAK THE BLOCKADE! WE STILL HAVE---"



[BOOM]



Another Brotherhood ship was sent down the Locker. Flames rose from its shattered hull. Its crew swam for their lives. Terrified looks were burned onto their faces. They couldn't bring themselves to return to La Croix. Not while the Skaven lived. Chevalier turned his eyes towards the seas. He turned his eyes towards the remnants of his fleet and the Mainland Colony they sought to liberate from behind the Plasma Blockade.

"No... ça ne peut pas être...."

Smoke poured from the Brotherhood's ports. Corpses littered the market. The few survivors of the massacre knelt before their overlords in the town's square. It wasn't Plasma's handiwork. No. It wasn't their style. A flagpole was rammed through the chest of the city's governor. The crest of the Bright Lord fluttered overhead.

1600439928124.png

It had all occurred precisely as the Bright Lord had planned it. Ever since the Battle of the Black Coast, Talion had been moving his pieces into position. The Brotherhood was never meant to win that battle. The Blockade was always meant to stain the seas. Even the Skaven-Brotherhood war had been accounted for. The Bright Lord needed a distraction. He needed to divide the Brotherhood's forces. He needed the Mainland Colony to be isolated. Vulnerable. Ripe for the taking.



The Navy of the Kingdom of the Brotherhood:

11-->6

The Brotherhood Vessels contained behind the blockade have been seized by the Kingdom of Mordor.



The Navy of the Kingdom of the Brotherhood:

6-->5

The Plasma Navy has felled another Brotherhood Vessel. The Brotherhood's morale is failing them.



But it had never been about ships. No. There were more valuable things at stake.



The Kingdom of Mordor has annexed the Brotherhood's Mainland Colony.

If the Kingdom of the Brotherhood is defeated at the Battle of Fort La Croix, the Kingdom will be eliminated.

With the Mainland Colony under its control, the influence of Mordor has increased significantly. Talion's Orcs wasted no time. They had already started stripping the land for all it was worth.



The Kingdom of Mordor:

Navy: 0+6 Land: 1+6 Air: 3+4

A lone assassin ignited a nearby braiser. It was one final, futile call for help.



@Jeremi

"I dunno about fireworks, but I have a few airbending tricks I've mastered!" Aang's grin grew into an absolutely shit eating one at the little...thing's excitement. The soldiers that stood behind him gave another look to each other.

"We're not going back to sleep are we, Captain?" The first whispered softly.

"Doesn't look like it." She muttered.

"I'm Aang, by the way!" Aang greeted as he followed after Smeagol as he dragged Mat along. His marbles were safely tucked away.

"!!" Once he felt the tremors, he frowned, only to yelp when he was dragged back by Smeagol, and ultimately saved from whatever that thing was.

"What is that--?!" His eyes widened as he watched the others fall, gasping as he tried to sit up.

"Wait! We gotta help them!" He cried out. He couldn't leave them behind, it didn't feel right.

@Sark @Jeremi @Capri @Yun Lee @Space_Candy @Expedition

---​

Before

"General Ghetsis, if you have a moment? I'd like to talk with you about an alliance between Plasma and the Fire Nation, as well as what that'd entail for both our countries." Zuko had spoken up as the meeting between nations had ended, Aang standing beside him as he approached Ghetsis on their way out. If he could have Plasma as an ally, then perhaps there'd be less of a chance to have them threaten war so readily. He could only hope so...

Now

Zuko frowned as Archie was given the gifts, his gaze remained on the twins during Archie's moment of glee and simply narrowed his eyes as t the two. They weren't human, if the way their surroundings changed was anything to go by. He'd read the reports while he was recovering from his shoulder wound, heard Aang's account of the Nazgul he faced.

When asked what they brought, Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose. He knew that it wouldn't be easy, and that pirates could be swayed with riches, but to simply give him gold just seemed like a dumb measuring contest.

@Sark @Atomic Knight @Gummi Bunnies @Capri @Aegis Union

 

[Jeremi]

L A N D: Battle for Fort La Croix
In which our the Skaven-Plasma Alliance holds the advantage.

Attackers:​

​	LAND​	NAVAL​	AIR​	REASON FOR JOINING CONFLICT ​	LEADERS PRESENT​
The Kingdom of Skavenblight​	8​	Pending​	Pending​	To rid the continent of Brotherhood colonies.​	Thanquol, ???​
The Kingdom of Plasma​	4​	3​	2​	To eliminate the need for a Blockade​	Ghetsis​

Defenders:​

​	LAND​	NAVAL​	AIR​	REASONS FOR JOINING CONFLICT​	LEADERS PRESENT​
The Kingdom of the Brotherhood​	3​	11-6​	0​	To defend their Kingdom from foreign invasion.​	Achilles Davenport, Chevalier de la Vérendrye​

*****
Fort La Croix
"Bravery, Folly... you're right to compare the two." Ghetsis snorted. "But worry not. Everything I do, I do with the utmost calculation."
With a wave of his hand, the Agents of Plasma charged forth. A wave of snarling Krookodiles rushed in the wake of the Rat Orges and joined them in their assault on the Fort's walls.
"In victory or in defeat, it's not my on the name on the line. No... it's King N's---"

*****
WASTELAND--> CAVERN PATH
View attachment 8654
"We came here long ago." Gollum chirped, half-leading, half-dragging Mat across the wastes and down a rocky, damp path. The moisture in the air was a good sign. It was easier to breathe. Easier to think. The stone walls that rose slowly to form a canopy over head. The path became a cave, and the cave grew dark.
"Yes, long, long time. Before Vesuvies. Before Skavies. Yes. Yes. We came first. There was only Matati and Nam and Lithlad..." Gollum snickered. "And Smeagol..."
"Knowing about the Matati..." N muttered to himself. "That much I'd expect... but to know about his servant? That's something else entir---"
The Earth at the Explorers' feet began to tremble. Pebbles danced and skipped at their feet. A light stream of dust trickled down from the ceiling. As soon as the tremors began, they suddenly stopped.
N's hand drifted to his belt. He removed a single Pokeball from its clip.
"Everyone... Stay close..."
*****
FORT LA CROIX
"Even now, our brave king ventures off into the unknown..." Ghetsis' hand drifted to his belt. He removed a single Pokeball from its clip. "But he's about to find himself under equipped for the trials that lie ahead of him..."
*****
CAVERN PATH
The tremors returned twice as violently.
View attachment 8655
"The filthy thing has led us into a trap!" Cold bellowed, his aura flaring. "I warned you! I warned you!"
"No! No! We didn't means it!" Gollum released Mat's hand and stumbled back across the cave. He raised his hands in fear. "She was supposed to be sleeping! Sleeping!"
N raised his eyes towards the shaking cavern roof.
"Ninjask..." He muttered calmly, pressing down upon the button on the Pokeball's face. "We're going to need a hand here. We're going to need you to use protect... We're going to need to biggest barrier you've got... can you do that for me?"
Click
Click
Click
No Pokemon appeared.
*****
FORT LA CROIX
Ghetsis threw 'his' Pokeball down onto the ice. A twitching Ninjask appeared before the pair.

"Ninjask... Go assist the Skaven. Do what you..." The Ninjask stared back at the general in confusion. "Don't worry. Your 'master' will return soon... though I can't promise how many pieces he shall be in when he returns..."
In a flash of gold, the creature vanished.
"You see, Skaven, the world is changing, and it's changing fast. Mordor. Fortuna. They're itching for war. It's only a matter of time before it reaches our shores... and when it does, we will have no need for bleeding hearts and softened souls..." Ghetsis limped a step closer to the front lines. "No. The Kingdom of Plasma needs steel. It needs fire. It needs me. N has been an excellent puppet for our will, but his image will only harm Plasma in the coming conflict. Our Kingdom must be feared. The Blockade is the first step towards the goal... but it's not enough. With the Crown of Plasma upon my head and you as my ally, however, no man would dare to cross us. I look forward to our partnership, Thanqoul... I truly do..."
*****
CAVERN PATH
"They're gone..." N muttered to himself in disbelief. "My Pokemon... All of them... Gone..."
"I don't know what you're talking about, pal..." Nero grumbled, revving the hilt of his sword. "But your tone doesn't exactly inspire confidence..."
"We're in trouble..." N replied, tensely. "Golum!" He snapped with conviction. "You said something was sleeping down here? What are we dealing with?"
The creature simply whimpered his response and pressed himself further against the cave's wall.
"He's fooled us once before!" Cold screamed. "You'd be a fool to trust him now! A f--"

[BOOM]

The earth at the explorer's feet broke away. A brown blur cut through the rising smoke. Cold was swallowed whole before he could finish his sentence.
View attachment 8656
"SSSHHHHHHHHHAAAAA!"
The Were-Wyrm unleashed an ungodly howl.
The Assassin of Shinjuku. Adewale. Nero. N. Reno. Rude. Chrom. Vulgora. Mat. All of their guards.
With a single sweep of the great beast's tail, they were all sent hurtling down into the gaping hole the Wyrm had carved through the Cavern. The only souls left above ground were Smeagol and Aang, the latter of which had been saved by the former. Gollum bit down upon the scruff of the Airbender's shirt and dragged him back from the ledge. But the Wyrm didn't spare the stragglers another moment of thought. It turned its attention back towards the Explorers bellow it.
View attachment 8657
The Leader's falls were only broken by the freshly picked-bones of that last damned fools to venture into the wastes. The enormous Wyrm slithered back down into its hole. It opened its 7 jaws and screamed again. A foul stench washed over the Explorers. The smell grew worse and worse as the beast charged forth, seeking to swallow as many as the Explorers as it could in a single, greedy mouthful.
Boss
The Were-Wyrn of the Cavern Path
Land: 13

@Takumi @Capri @Jeremi @Yun Lee @Space_Candy @Expedition

FORT LA CROIX
Inside the Fort
"HOLD THE LINE!" Chevalier cried, futilely kicking down another Skaven ladder. For ever one he felled, two dozen more seemed to take its place. His sword was already black with blood. The battle had barely been going on for 5 minutes. He had already counted 3 deserters. He had already counted too many corpses. With a valiant hiss, he severed the jaw of another Skaven and tossed it back down towards the ogres bellow. One down. Countless more to go. Two more assassins rushed to his side. A tankard of burning rum rained down upon the skaven siege-breakers. It wasn't enough. It would never be enough. The Fortress' walls were already shaking. La Croix was built to endure mortar fire. It was built to endure naval attacks. Its architects could have never anticipated an assault like this. "WE JUST NEED TO HOLD ON! WE CAN STILL MAKE IT!" The General lied. "THINK OF YOUR SONS! YOUR DAUGHTERS! WE'RE DOING THIS FOR THEM! GOD WILL DELIVER US! THE FLEET WILL BREAK THE BLOCKADE! WE STILL HAVE---"

[BOOM]

Another Brotherhood ship was sent down the Locker. Flames rose from its shattered hull. Its crew swam for their lives. Terrified looks were burned onto their faces. They couldn't bring themselves to return to La Croix. Not while the Skaven lived. Chevalier turned his eyes towards the seas. He turned his eyes towards the remnants of his fleet and the Mainland Colony they sought to liberate from behind the Plasma Blockade.
"No... ça ne peut pas être...."
Smoke poured from the Brotherhood's ports. Corpses littered the market. The few survivors of the massacre knelt before their overlords in the town's square. It wasn't Plasma's handiwork. No. It wasn't their style. A flagpole was rammed through the chest of the city's governor. The crest of the Bright Lord fluttered overhead.
View attachment 8658
It had all occurred precisely as the Bright Lord had planned it. Ever since the Battle of the Black Coast, Talion had been moving his pieces into position. The Brotherhood was never meant to win that battle. The Blockade was always meant to stain the seas. Even the Skaven-Brotherhood war had been accounted for. The Bright Lord needed a distraction. He needed to divide the Brotherhood's forces. He needed the Mainland Colony to be isolated. Vulnerable. Ripe for the taking.

The Navy of the Kingdom of the Brotherhood:
11-->6
The Brotherhood Vessels contained behind the blockade have been seized by the Kingdom of Mordor.

The Navy of the Kingdom of the Brotherhood:
6-->5
The Plasma Navy has felled another Brotherhood Vessel. The Brotherhood's morale is failing them.

But it had never been about ships. No. There were more valuable things at stake.

The Kingdom of Mordor has annexed the Brotherhood's Mainland Colony.
If the Kingdom of the Brotherhood is defeated at the Battle of Fort La Croix, the Kingdom will be eliminated.
With the Mainland Colony under its control, the influence of Mordor has increased significantly. Talion's Orcs wasted no time. They had already started stripping the land for all it was worth.

The Kingdom of Mordor:
Navy: 0+6 Land: 1+6 Air: 3+4
A lone assassin ignited a nearby braiser. It was one final, futile call for help.

@Jeremi​

Mat was cursing under his breath as he clutched unto his spear and his hat as they fell down a massive hole. At least he had his soldiers with him. Misery loves company, or so they say. The Death Guard came to Mats defence to block the worm from reaching him. Meanwhile, the two Asha'man went well enough way from the worm to not be caught in its grasp. One used his magic to send forth massive spikes of the earth to pierce the monster's abdomen and slow it down while the other targeted a powerful blast of fire right at its face to hopefully cause it to change course from the group.

@Takumi @Capri @Jeremi @Yun Lee @Space_Candy @Expedition

 

[Capri]

VULGORA
@Sark @Jeremi @Yun Lee @Space_Candy @Takumi

"PAH! I'VE FACED BEASTS BIGGER THAN THAT AND WON! THIS IS NOTHING!"

Vulgora, who was being restrained by their guards, was finally let go upon seeing the beast.

They split into a slew of small beetles upon the attempt on their life, re-emerging on the Were-Wyrn's back.

Vulgora would raise their ax high, attempting to slice the wyrm's head off.​

 

[Space_Candy]

E X P E D I T I O N

Reno lit a cigarette as they walked, letting out a large puff of smoke as he exhaled, causing Reno to cough; waving the smoke with his hand and frowning. They both looked over the desert landscape, it was beautiful- but barren, and extremely hot.

"It appears the others are camping out here for the night," Rude pointed out, looking at the redhead beside him. Reno rolled his eyes, before plopping down; sitting in the sand. Rude then turned on his heels, instructing the soldiers to settle.

-------------------------------

The two tossed an turned most of the night, the sand uncomfortable; the bugs not helping in the slightest. Rude's eyes fluttered open, unable to sleep anymore due to the uncomfortableness- he felt a sense of unease. He lifted his head up slightly to look around, blinking at a shadow; he felt as Reno clung to him, noticing the other man had curled up to him as they slept. He gently sat up, making sure not to wake up Reno as he did so.

Then he felt it.

Rude felt his breath hitch in his throat as rough fingers touched his neck, the creature grumbling insulting words. He quickly shoved the creature off his shoulder- the commotion waking up a less than thrilled Reno, who reached for his weapon; but Rude grabbed his wrist to stop him.

"Reno wait," he muttered quickly. Before they could do any more the others moved to action. threatening the creatures. They got to their feet, approaching one of the creatures which were held at the edge of a blade. It seemed distressed, and Rude felt sad for it- especially when there was talk of killing him. The young man next to them calming the creature with a trick.

Soon they were being led to water, Rude found the creature endearing calling them it's friends. Reno on the other hand was visibly grumpy and was holding the taller man's arm as they walked, the SOLDIER walking only a few feet behind them.

BOOM

A large worm-like monster crashed through the ground, they had little time to react- its tail hit them; including their army, knocking them down into the hole it had emerged from. Rude grabbed Reno, breaking the other man's fall when they landed- knocking Rude fully out.

As the worm came back down and roared at them, Reno put Rude over his shoulder clumsily before turning to the SOLDIER.

"Fucking RUN!"

@Sark @Jeremi @Takumi @Yun Lee​

 

[Gummi Bunnies]

Lelouch vi Britannia - The Pirate Problem

That haunting aura that came from the two ladies, Lelouch could tell that they were not to be trifled with. He heard the reports from Suzaku and the Britannian air forces about them. Maybe the kingdom of Mordor caught wind of the Aegis Union, or maybe they already had their sights on the Pirate Country to make their move, or maybe both perhaps? That in itself was a complicated matter now that it's been introduced, and while he didn't fully account for this interjection, it wasn't like he was completely at a loss on what to do.

❝ Well, of course, Sir Archie. I, the ruler of Britannia, figured it would've been rude to step onto another's land without a gift of some kind. It may not seem... bountiful at first, but I can guarantee it's rarity and value worth while. ❞ Lelouch didn't miss a beat with his words when asked about gifts. He held onto this for emergency purposes, but he didn't see a problem with using what he had on his person as a gift.

Reaching into his pockets, the Britannian emperor pulled out a reinforced glass vial with a radiant pink cube in it, carefully holding it up so it can be seen without little problems.

❝ This is a refined cube of a rare and expensive ore called Sakuradite. As it is already refined and manufactured into this physical form, it can serve many purposes, mainly as an energy source. Handle this gift with the upmost care possible, I rather not hear that my gift caused an accidental explosion or a plague of radiation poisoning. In fact, I am more than willing to lend assistance with handling this sample of Sakuradite and more, should this gift be accepted and that a request for cooperation is made. Then again, that kind of matter is something that I should propose to the Pirate King, speaking so as Britannia's ruler and a participating member of the Aegis Union. ❞ He explained what he knew about this single vial containing the refined Sakuradite, presenting it in full and awaiting Archie's word on it. Lelouch had no expectations on what the other accompanying rulers of the Aegis Union had in mind for this sudden request for gifts, but he hoped that this was a good start on building some reputation with the Pirate Country.

@Atomic Knight @Capri @Takumi @Sark​

 

[Yun Lee]

Even when bandaged and healing, Zuko remained as calm as one could be when told that there was to be a conference consisting of Kings from all 25 realms that wished to attend. Despite his family's suggestions to rest he insisted on going, and he asked Aang to come with him, both as the Avatar and his General but also as his friend.

In the meantime, he requested that Suki rest when needed, but keep an eye on things, and let the rest of the Kyoshi Warriors keep guard while they were gone.

Once the two had arrived at the meeting place, Zuko made sure Aang stayed close as he made it to his place among the rest of the leader's, keeping mind of his shoulder in the meantime.

Zuko's eyes scanned the letter, his eyebrow raising slightly in surprise. That didn't mean he wasn't pleased with some of the news given to him, however. He'd have to iron out some details on a potential alliance with Plasma, but at least it seemed he wouldn't have to worry about his neighbor attempting to go to war with him. Glancing to his right briefly he saw Aang fidget from where he stood beside where the Fire Lord sat.

"Aang, what is it?" He asked, causing the Air Nomad to look to him sheepishly. The Avatar had perked up when hearing that the Matati was pacifistic, interested in the information, but couldn't help but worry at the talk of certain...issues, regarding pirates and the like.

"Well, y'know...Avatar stuff, but mostly about the war...and the Pirates." Aang muttered with a sigh, briefly glancing to his friend's healing shoulder a second before his attention was brought back to the meeting. Admittedly, when he met up with Zuko injured and bleeding and Suki branded he had, as one of the Kyoshi Warriors put it, 'flown into a tizzy' of worry. He couldn't help it! They were among all he had left of his friends from before Patchworld, and he already lost enough before the Hundred Year War.

Aang was honestly glad Talion or a representative wasn't there, it'd make things really...awkward. Especially after Talion more or less threatened his friend and the Fire Nation.

Zuko simply nodded. Their attention brought back to the matters at hand, a thoughtful look coming to his face as he listened to some of the other leader's suggestions and stances.
Many of them made some good points, he'd give them that.

"I support this Aegis Union, I myself have dealt with Pirates before however and if bartering does not work...then do you have a plan in place in case the Union is not enough?" Zuko spoke up as he glanced to both Dot and Lelouch, as well as Nadia.

While he had nothing to worry about so far in regards to the Pirates, the Aegis Union so far seemed like the start to a good solution on paper. Hopefully, it would work in practice.

"What if there's something there that's dangerous and deadly we don't know how to deal with?" Aang spoke up, pointing to the the dark patch on the map. The monk raised a brow as he glanced to those in favor of the Exploration. The Avatar's gaze went back to the map, lips pursed as he crossed his arms.

"No one's gone in and come back out, right? What if even your people run the risk of being stuck there?" He muttered, drumming his fingers along his arm in thought as he directed the last question specifically to Archer with a tilt of his head.

@Sark @Space_Candy @Atomic Knight @Jeremi @Crunch @Yun Lee @Crow @Gummi Bunnies @Capri @Lucky @York @Everyone

"It's a risk, yes," Archer said, steepling his fingers as he sat back in his seat. "I understand your concern, my dear boy. But it's one both my people and myself are happy to take if it means a brighter future for Shinjuku and Patchworld. Now, I have complete faith that Assassin will return to us, which is why I'm granting him the opportunity to lead this expedition on my behalf. I'm sure for many of us, the worlds we inhabit have all been discovered and mapped out. As we now have the opportunity to follow in the steps of our forefathers and discover something unknown to man, I say we press on and return as heroes, even with danger present. That is the true meaning of being an Explorer."

The Pirate Problem
"Well, that's note entirely true," Credo hums at the mention of Shinjuku's decision to abstain. "If we're wise, we could easily launch a land attack on the Pirate 'Kingdom'. Fortuna's borders are open to all who mean well. You could march your troops across our Great Nation and cross over into the Kingdom of Souls. From there, we could launch a land attack on the Eastern Shore of the Pirate Kingdom and catch the fools by surprise. Of course... such a plan depends on Queen Cia's willingness to cooperate..."
View attachment 8370
"My 'willingness to cooperate' depends on yours, Supreme General..." The Queen of Souls bitterly mumbles from behind her mask. "Would you be willing to return the Sacred Southern Point to my people?"
"'Your people'? Your horde of goblins and savages? I think not!" Credo matches Cia's bitterness with some of his own. "Besides. How could we possibly 'return' something that never belonged to you to begin with!"
"Here we go again..." Shiro groans. He leans over towards the King of Shinjuku.
View attachment 8368
"Credo, Cia, Thales and the Prophet of Truth have been fighting over the ass-end of Fortuna for years now." Fortuna's King whispers. "I don't think anyone knows why anymore. Something-something-religion-something-something. What maters is that they've each laid a claim to the 'tail' part of the 'White Dragon of Sparda' that sits slap-bang in the middle of the map. As great as helpful as a Land-Invasion would be, if it involves Cia and Credo working together... yeah, I can't see it happening. Looks like I'll be abstaining too."

Expedition
"If my father were here, Archer, he would surely object to this campaign." Sarrabi squints. "This 'Dangerous Dream' of yours could cost your kingdom greatly. The Northern Uninhabitable... it was given its name for a reason. The exiles left to wander its wastes long ago never returned,"
View attachment 8369
"Perhaps so," Achilles mumbles. "But I doubt that these 'exiles' were sent out into the deserts with the correct supplies. We won't be sending criminals and outcasts into the unknown. We will be sending soldiers. We will be sending machines and magicians. I wouldn't be humoring His Majesty the Archer's plan unless I had the complete faith in the strength of this traveling party." Achilles turned to face Shinjuku's king. "I cannot think of a wiser choice for this exhibition that Mr.Adewale. I am sure that he'll jump at the chance to rehabilitate the Brotherhood's- and, of course, his own- image. As a sign of faith and goodwill, I will be pledging twice the proposed number of troops to the expedition. I will happily sail anyone who requires transportation to the shores of Shinjuku to prepare for our quest."

"Shinjuku, Massachusetts, Vesuvia, Caemlyn..." Sarrabi sighed. "Do any other Kingdoms which to commit a general and some troops to this expedition?"

Every other kingdom who pledged men and resources to the expedition received a thank you from the ruler of Shinjuku. But for the rest of the meeting, Archer remained silent, save for a few words directed at the ruler of Hoshido, after Shiro spoke his piece. "Is that so? Interesting..." Silently Archer watched the four kingdoms named, observing them quietly. He remained neutral in both participation and demeanor, but inside his mind, gears were turning. It would only be a matter of time before the rest of Patchworld knew why. But for now? They had other matters to attend to, himself included. The expedition was shaping up to be something truly splendid. He couldn't wait to learn what was in store...

_______________________________
CHAPTER II: Forbidden Kings
Conflict Chapter
In which our Rulers venture into dangerous territory.
_____________________________________________________
E X P E D I T I O N
Present Parties:
View attachment 8468

Kingdom​	Forces Pledged​
The Kingdom of the Brotherhood​	Adéwalé, 2 Land Units​
The Kingdom of Caemlyn​	Leader Pending, 1 Land Unit​
Kingdom Cold​	King Cold, 1 Land Unit​
Kingdom of Plasma​	King N, 1 Land Unit​
The Demonic Kingdom of Shinjuku​	The Assassin, 1 Land Unit​
The 'Holy' Kingdom of Sparda​	Nero, 1 Land Unit​
The Kingdom of Ylisse​	Chrom, 1 Land Unit​
The Kingdom of Vesuvia​	Vulgora, 1 Land Unit​
The Kingdom of Midgar​	Reno, Rude, 1 Land Unit​
Additional Kingdoms are Welcome​	At least 1 Leader and 1 Land Unit must be pledged to join the Expedition and reap its rewards.​

*****
Uninhabitable.
There's no other way to describe it.
The Sun burns like a Sinner. The Earth is as barren. All but lifeless. The days here are long and exhausting. The nights are chilling and, somehow, longer still. Seconds trudge on for hours as you march across the bland, repeating scenery.
View attachment 8473
Perhaps you had the courage to hold hope in your heart on Day 1...
But by day 30?
No.
A Sandstorm.
It scattered your footprints days ago.
There's no turning back now.
Food. Water.
Your rations are growing smaller by the day. You've got to make them last. You've got to endure.
The mountains are closer now. So close you can taste them.
Once you reach them, you'll be able to survey the area. You'll be able to find your way onward... or find your way bac home.
It's another day's walk away. Just one more night.
Just one more night...
*****
Sand doesn't make for a pleasant bed. But after a day of aimless marching, the thought of laying down is pleasant enough to carry you through the night. Kings, Generals and Soldiers alike slept upon humble blankets beneath a canopy of stars. Equal and aching, the Rulers of Patchworld settled in for another restless night.
They had gotten used to seeing shadows at night. The sun was enough to break even the most stable man's resolve, and few in their company could have boasted total sanity to begin with. There always seemed to be something lurking in the corner of your eye. But it wasn't real.
It was never real.
Never.
You closed your eyes. You ignored it.
Until the shadow brushed your cheek.
Long fingers crept across your shoulders. A rough-soled foot planted itself upon your cheek.
The shadow believed itself to be quite stealthy. It believed you to be asleep... as you should have been.
"Filthy---" It spat under its breath. Or at least... that's what you thought it said... it's words were hard to make out beneath its wet chokes.
"Fat..."
"Stinky..."
"Manzies..."
"Hates it... Hates it..."
"We hates the Kingsies.... Vesuivies... Migdar smells worst of all..."
"Fire Nation large... stupid large manzies..."
"Fat manzies... Dirty the place... No... Yes... filthy the place..."
Ten long fingers coiled around the Assassin of Shinjuku's neck. They started to squeeze.
View attachment 8480
"Eyes bright! Fingers tight!" He sung. "Manzies!! Away! Manzies! Away!"
_____________________________________________________
@Jeremi @Yun Lee @Capri @Space_Candy @Takumi
​

E X P E D I T I O N
The Creature that throttled the Assassin had been unfortunate enough to have had many axes swung in its direction during its far-too-long life. The sound of Vulgora's swooshing blade pricked its ears. It released its hold over its prey at once and scurried away, gasping and gurgling all the while. It's frantic, hands-and-knees escape was cut short by King Cold's foot. He didn't quite kick the creature. Not at first, anyway. He simply stretched his leg out into the sweaty-thing's path. Once he had hit the floor, however? That was when the kicking started.
"Cold." N snapped bluntly, approaching the pair. "Cold stop it."
View attachment 8551
"Stop it now."
"Yeah!" Nero added, a grin pinned to his lips. "Save some for the rest of us!"
Before the Half-Demon could join in the abuse, N's hand clapped down upon his shoulder.
"It's incapable of defending itself. Let it breathe."
Cold slowly turned on the spot.
"You dare to command me?" The King scoffed. "ME?"
"As the Ruler of the Kingdom of Plasma... I dare."
King Cold simply laughed. He raised his hands in mock surrender and stepped away from the would be assassin.
Bloodied and beaten, the creature clutched its chest, cursing and spluttering some old chant to itself.
"What is your name, friend?" N crouched down its side. He raised a cautious palm to its side. "It's okay... We won't harm you... Do you need healing?"
The creature slowly turned to face the King. The smell that wafted from the creature's lips was enough to make N regret coming to its side. Two tired, blue eyes pierced him. A hiss. A snort. The creature flashed its rotten teeth. Whatever it was, it was more beast than man.
"Manzies... stinking, lying manzies. Manzies beat us. Hurt us. Then help us. No. Trixies. More Manzie trixies. You mocks us... You mocks us!" The beast-man unleashed a flurry of long, wet coughs.
View attachment 8552
[Gol-lum] "Yes... they mocks us..." [Gol-lum]

"Can I start kicking the disgusting creature again?" Cold chirped. "I am asking purely out of courtesy, of course.. Sooner or later, it's getting another beating... haven't had this much entertainment in weeks. Besides... there's hardly enough meat on it for it to be worth eating..."
King Cold raised his foot above the creature's head.
"Gah! Gwahh!" Gollum cowered. He raised his hands before his head and begged. "No bootzies! No more axies or bootzies!"
View attachment 8554
"We yields! We yields!"

'Strung Up'
The two words seemed to shake Gollum above all overs. His hands drifted to his throat. What little color remained in his skin was flushed away.
"Strings!!" He wept. "No Elf-Strings! We hates them! Hates them! Don't bind us! Don't bind Smeagol!"
View attachment 8555
"We'll be good! We swears it! We swears on the Precious we won't harm the manzies! We won't harm friends anymore!"
He wet eyes darted to Mat.
"Men don't come out here... We don't see Oasies in the Destert... You scares Smeagol! We thinks you came here to steal our homsies! We don't want to lose our homsies! No! We won't lose them! Not like we lost the Precious!"
The creature crumbled. He unleashed a series of loud, shrieking sobs.
"Lost! Lost! Lost! Manzies have come! Manzies have come and now it's lost! Lost! Lost! Lost!!"
He writhed around in the sand like a toddler throwing a temper-tantrum.

"LOOOOOOSSTTT!"

@Jeremi @Yun Lee @Capri @Space_Candy @Takumi

"Snnzn...huh?"

By some absolutely unknown miracle, Assassin only seemed to wake up once Smeagol started its temper tantrum. Wiping the drool from the corner of his mouth, he sat up, looking dazed and confused, as if someone hadn't been strangling him just minutes before.

"Did I miss something? Why's everyone making so much noise..."

”I understand why,” Mat mumbled looked around the desolate place they found themselves in. What a sad little sight this being was. Mat wasn’t quite sure what to do with this thing. Then the wailing started again. “Oh calm down, calm down now! None of us are coming to take your homsies. Could you…” Bloody hell. He grabbed unto Gollum to stop him shaking about. “Now you better stop your crying and tell us what’s lost? What is lost here? We’re not going to hurt you so you better just come clean. If you need any healing.” He looked around to try and find one of the Asha’man. “I have a man that can fix you right up!”

@Sark @Jeremi @Yun Lee @Capri @Space_Candy @Takumi

"Hey, hey, hey." Came the voice of one bald monk as he took a look at what looked like a little old man shaking in the sand. His brows were drawn and a frown was on his face. He was never one that liked to resort to violence after all. Luckily he wasn't the only one trying to calm the little...guy down!

"No need to be so upset! Uh. Hm. Oh, I know! Check this out!" Aang tried, before snapping and reaching into a small pocket in his inner robes and pulling out something small. Grinning he shifted his stance and with a bit of Airbending got the objects in his hands spinning rapidly.

"Tada!" He beamed. Spinning marbles! It was the perfect way to cheer someone up, if you asked him. Behind Aang, two of the soldiers accompanying him shared a quiet, exasperated and tired look, having seen this trick plenty during the weeks stuck in the desert on this expedition.

"I thought you threw them out?" The first stage whispered, causing the second to shrug.

"I thought so too. Let's let him have this one, this once, and then maybe we can go back to sleep." She muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose.

Aang pretended not to hear them, too busy trying to make a new friend and do things as peacefully as possible.

@Sark @Capri @Jeremi @Yun Lee @Space_Candy @Expedition

E X P E D I T I O N
"The Precious! Lost to us! Stolen from us! Pinched! Pilfered! Purloined!" Gollum writhed and wiggled between Mat's hands. "They took my Precious! Filthy, worthless thieves! Stinking things! Foul, worthless ho-" [Gol-lum] "Hob-" [Gol-lum] "Hobi-" [Gol-lum]
"He's sick..." N interjected calmly. "He's--"
"Really?" Nero chirped. "Never woulda guessed. Where did you get your degree, your majesty? The University of No-Fucking-Shit?"
"I vote that we put it out of its misery." Cold added bluntly. The Frost Demon raised his foot once again.
"Just... wait," N sighed. "If we can calm him down--"
"Look at him. There's no calming it down." Cold replied matter-of-factly. "You're questions are simply riling it up further. Might as well save ourselves the trouble and---"


The whir of the spinning marble pricked Smeagol's old ears. His eyes widened. His screaming finally ceased. He slipped from Mat's grasp like a sweaty, wet fish and galloped across the camp on his hands and knees. Gollum's eyes locked onto Aang's trinket. He didn't dare blink.
"Again! Again!" He squealed, clapped and pleaded. "Again! Again!"
View attachment 8606
"Please! Shows us! Shows us! We hasn't seem wizard trickses since... since..." His eyes went glassy. He stared straight through the marble for a second or two. Click. He snapped back to reality. "More trickses! More! More! Shows us fire works! Shows us fireworks!"
"You were saying, Cold?" N placed his hands in his pockets, a warm smile pinned to his face. He couldn't take his eyes off the joyful.... thing Aang had created. "Something about us being unable to calm him down?"
"I'll never understand you obsession with such fragile things, N..." Cold muttered, quickly changing the topic. "Such a worthless creature... It's unworthy of our attention." The King nestled himself back down in the dunes. "Kill him. Release him. I care not. I was my hands of this situation... so long as he remains quiet..."
"I would expect you to understand..." N mumbled, returning to the creature's side. "I fear that compassion is lost to you. But even a self-serving soul like you has to acknowledge that it's... funny..."
"Hm?"
"We've been travelling for months." N lowered his voice, concealing his word from the party's latest addition. "In all that time, have you seen anything resembling intelligent life? Or any life, for that matter? This 'Smeagol' is proof that there are living things out here!"
"Yeah... I'm sure the folks back home will be thrilled to hear about the scrawny-mutant-dwarves living in their back yard..."
"Smeagol may be unique... but have you heard of a creature than can survive without water?"
The camp fell silent.
"Besides. By the sound of things, Smeagol has met 'manzies' before."
"You're saying that he knows more than he's letting on?"
"Maybe. There's only one way to find out..."

@Takumi @Capri @Jeremi @Yun Lee @Space_Candy @Expedition

"Oh man! Would you look at that?" Assassin seemed to be every bit as impressed by the Avatar's trick as Smeagol. In fact, he took a spot next to the creature to watch Aang. "How the hell are you doing that? Is it some kind of magic? The boss never does magic around me...and I know for a fact he can turn his cape into butterflies! I know it!"

It was at about this time he realized people were discussing things. Oh. Right. He's supposed to be running this thing for the boss... "Hey, little guy," Assassin said, turning to Smeagol. "Think you can find some other manzies for us?" Where there were people, there would be food, water, and maybe some fun! Lord only knows he's been needing some of that with this dreary crew...

L A N D: Battle for Fort La Croix
In which our the Skaven-Plasma Alliance holds the advantage.

Attackers:

​	LAND​	NAVAL​	AIR​	REASON FOR JOINING CONFLICT ​	LEADERS PRESENT​
The Kingdom of Skavenblight​	8​	Pending​	Pending​	To rid the continent of Brotherhood colonies.​	Thanquol, ???​
The Kingdom of Plasma​	4​	3​	2​	To eliminate the need for a Blockade​	Ghetsis​

Defenders:​

​	LAND​	NAVAL​	AIR​	REASONS FOR JOINING CONFLICT​	LEADERS PRESENT​
The Kingdom of the Brotherhood​	3​	11-6​	0​	To defend their Kingdom from foreign invasion.​	Achilles Davenport, Chevalier de la Vérendrye​

*****
Fort La Croix
"Bravery, Folly... you're right to compare the two." Ghetsis snorted. "But worry not. Everything I do, I do with the utmost calculation."
With a wave of his hand, the Agents of Plasma charged forth. A wave of snarling Krookodiles rushed in the wake of the Rat Orges and joined them in their assault on the Fort's walls.
"In victory or in defeat, it's not my on the name on the line. No... it's King N's---"

*****
WASTELAND--> CAVERN PATH
View attachment 8654
"We came here long ago." Gollum chirped, half-leading, half-dragging Mat across the wastes and down a rocky, damp path. The moisture in the air was a good sign. It was easier to breathe. Easier to think. The stone walls that rose slowly to form a canopy over head. The path became a cave, and the cave grew dark.
"Yes, long, long time. Before Vesuvies. Before Skavies. Yes. Yes. We came first. There was only Matati and Nam and Lithlad..." Gollum snickered. "And Smeagol..."
"Knowing about the Matati..." N muttered to himself. "That much I'd expect... but to know about his servant? That's something else entir---"
The Earth at the Explorers' feet began to tremble. Pebbles danced and skipped at their feet. A light stream of dust trickled down from the ceiling. As soon as the tremors began, they suddenly stopped.
N's hand drifted to his belt. He removed a single Pokeball from its clip.
"Everyone... Stay close..."
*****
FORT LA CROIX
"Even now, our brave king ventures off into the unknown..." Ghetsis' hand drifted to his belt. He removed a single Pokeball from its clip. "But he's about to find himself under equipped for the trials that lie ahead of him..."
*****
CAVERN PATH
The tremors returned twice as violently.
View attachment 8655
"The filthy thing has led us into a trap!" Cold bellowed, his aura flaring. "I warned you! I warned you!"
"No! No! We didn't means it!" Gollum released Mat's hand and stumbled back across the cave. He raised his hands in fear. "She was supposed to be sleeping! Sleeping!"
N raised his eyes towards the shaking cavern roof.
"Ninjask..." He muttered calmly, pressing down upon the button on the Pokeball's face. "We're going to need a hand here. We're going to need you to use protect... We're going to need to biggest barrier you've got... can you do that for me?"
Click
Click
Click
No Pokemon appeared.
*****
FORT LA CROIX
Ghetsis threw 'his' Pokeball down onto the ice. A twitching Ninjask appeared before the pair.

"Ninjask... Go assist the Skaven. Do what you..." The Ninjask stared back at the general in confusion. "Don't worry. Your 'master' will return soon... though I can't promise how many pieces he shall be in when he returns..."
In a flash of gold, the creature vanished.
"You see, Skaven, the world is changing, and it's changing fast. Mordor. Fortuna. They're itching for war. It's only a matter of time before it reaches our shores... and when it does, we will have no need for bleeding hearts and softened souls..." Ghetsis limped a step closer to the front lines. "No. The Kingdom of Plasma needs steel. It needs fire. It needs me. N has been an excellent puppet for our will, but his image will only harm Plasma in the coming conflict. Our Kingdom must be feared. The Blockade is the first step towards the goal... but it's not enough. With the Crown of Plasma upon my head and you as my ally, however, no man would dare to cross us. I look forward to our partnership, Thanqoul... I truly do..."
*****
CAVERN PATH
"They're gone..." N muttered to himself in disbelief. "My Pokemon... All of them... Gone..."
"I don't know what you're talking about, pal..." Nero grumbled, revving the hilt of his sword. "But your tone doesn't exactly inspire confidence..."
"We're in trouble..." N replied, tensely. "Golum!" He snapped with conviction. "You said something was sleeping down here? What are we dealing with?"
The creature simply whimpered his response and pressed himself further against the cave's wall.
"He's fooled us once before!" Cold screamed. "You'd be a fool to trust him now! A f--"

[BOOM]

The earth at the explorer's feet broke away. A brown blur cut through the rising smoke. Cold was swallowed whole before he could finish his sentence.
View attachment 8656
"SSSHHHHHHHHHAAAAA!"
The Were-Wyrm unleashed an ungodly howl.
The Assassin of Shinjuku. Adewale. Nero. N. Reno. Rude. Chrom. Vulgora. Mat. All of their guards.
With a single sweep of the great beast's tail, they were all sent hurtling down into the gaping hole the Wyrm had carved through the Cavern. The only souls left above ground were Smeagol and Aang, the latter of which had been saved by the former. Gollum bit down upon the scruff of the Airbender's shirt and dragged him back from the ledge. But the Wyrm didn't spare the stragglers another moment of thought. It turned its attention back towards the Explorers bellow it.
View attachment 8657
The Leader's falls were only broken by the freshly picked-bones of that last damned fools to venture into the wastes. The enormous Wyrm slithered back down into its hole. It opened its 7 jaws and screamed again. A foul stench washed over the Explorers. The smell grew worse and worse as the beast charged forth, seeking to swallow as many as the Explorers as it could in a single, greedy mouthful.
Boss
The Were-Wyrn of the Cavern Path
Land: 13

@Takumi @Capri @Jeremi @Yun Lee @Space_Candy @Expedition​

Well. This was bad news. Not only were they up against something actually dangerous, but it seemed one of their group was in trouble. But that was fine! Maybe Assassin and N could help each other out...

"Oi!" As the others began facing off against the wyrm, Assassin turned to the Plasma ruler. "I don't know what a Pokemon is, but it sounds like you're something of a tactitian, yeah? How about this: you tell me and the Coloratura what to do, and we do it! Consider us your Pokemon! The Coloratura can pack a punch, and so can I! I'm used to following orders, so just tell me what to do and I'll do it!"

@Sark @Jeremi @Takumi @Capri @Space_Candy @Atomic Knight @Expedition​

 

[Sark]

"General Ghetsis, if you have a moment? I'd like to talk with you about an alliance between Plasma and the Fire Nation, as well as what that'd entail for both our countries." Zuko had spoken up as the meeting between nations had ended, Aang standing beside him as he approached Ghetsis on their way out. If he could have Plasma as an ally, then perhaps there'd be less of a chance to have them threaten war so readily. He could only hope so...

BEFORE
"Ah, a man of reason," Ghetsis sighed. "A man of principles. Your reputation proceeds you, King Zuko. Truly, the legends must be true." The Plasma General cupped his hands by bellow his ribs, and breathed deeply, his single visible eye slipping shut.
View attachment 9476
"Such a shame your people lack your moral fiber. Such a shame they lack your dignity, your wisdom." It was a roundabout way of telling Zuko that his people were morally bankrupt, undignified, unwise rabble, but the point of his underhand remark remain. "Yes. Such a shame. Please. Enlighten us with the merits such a friendship might bring. Enlighten us with tales of your beastly abuses and vile deeds. Enlighten us with tales of cattle in cages and auctions of flesh. Promise us. Sway us. Our stance is hard. Are hearts are harder still. King N might have withdrawn my ultimatum..." A Freudian slip. "But do not mistake his mercy for adoration. The sight of the Fire Nation's slaves still sickens him. They do the same to me. Until their freedom is secured, you shall remain our foes. You wish to negotiate an alliance? First negotiate emancipation, at least in part, for your beasts of battle. Then, we shall talk. Unless you can make me such a promise, here and now, sworn upon the Matati's name, then... well... I have a fleet to command..."

Zuko frowned as Archie was given the gifts, his gaze remained on the twins during Archie's moment of glee and simply narrowed his eyes as t the two. They weren't human, if the way their surroundings changed was anything to go by. He'd read the reports while he was recovering from his shoulder wound, heard Aang's account of the Nazgul he faced.

When asked what they brought, Zuko pinched the bridge of his nose. He knew that it wouldn't be easy, and that pirates could be swayed with riches, but to simply give him gold just seemed like a dumb measuring contest.

❝ Well, of course, Sir Archie. I, the ruler of Britannia, figured it would've been rude to step onto another's land without a gift of some kind. It may not seem... bountiful at first, but I can guarantee it's rarity and value worth while. ❞ Lelouch didn't miss a beat with his words when asked about gifts. He held onto this for emergency purposes, but he didn't see a problem with using what he had on his person as a gift.

Reaching into his pockets, the Britannian emperor pulled out a reinforced glass vial with a radiant pink cube in it, carefully holding it up so it can be seen without little problems.

❝ This is a refined cube of a rare and expensive ore called Sakuradite. As it is already refined and manufactured into this physical form, it can serve many purposes, mainly as an energy source. Handle this gift with the upmost care possible, I rather not hear that my gift caused an accidental explosion or a plague of radiation poisoning. In fact, I am more than willing to lend assistance with handling this sample of Sakuradite and more, should this gift be accepted and that a request for cooperation is made. Then again, that kind of matter is something that I should propose to the Pirate King, speaking so as Britannia's ruler and a participating member of the Aegis Union. ❞ He explained what he knew about this single vial containing the refined Sakuradite, presenting it in full and awaiting Archie's word on it. Lelouch had no expectations on what the other accompanying rulers of the Aegis Union had in mind for this sudden request for gifts, but he hoped that this was a good start on building some reputation with the Pirate Country.

@Atomic Knight @Capri @Takumi @Sark

T H E - P I R A T E - P R O B L E M
"Aye! Aye we accept!" Archie chirped, yanking the cube from Lelouch's hand, without a care for either party's safety. The threats and warning had washed off of Archie like see spray from the hull of a ship. His greedy eyes undressed the curious artifact inch by inch, his tongue dancing between his lips with glee. "Ain't she a pretty piece..." His eyes grew hazing. It was as if he was staring straight through the cube, back onto his hand, back onto the Nazgul's finest gift, that intricate signet ring. "Want wonderful things you've brought us today... Brought me..." His cracked lips formed a grin. "I'll see that this here beauty is looked after, don't you worry... And you..." Arche's eyes skipped back over to the Nazgul. "I'll send a fella or two around to collect the rest of ya... tributes.... Aye..." With a blink and a shake of his head, he turned back towards his scuttled vessel. "Without further adieu, step aboard, m'hearties... B'sure to step on with ya right foot... Walkin' onto a ship with ya left foot just ain't lucky..."
***
C A P T A I N ' S - C A B I N
Fish and rum. The whole ship stank of them. The odor seemed to suit the damn wreck, somehow. With its slanted floors and splintered ceilings, a regular scent might have seemed out of place. 'Regular' was an ugly word in the pirate kingdom. They had come to like the stench, as foul as it was. It set them apart from their pandered and polished neighbors. Rough and course as they were, the Pirates had a found a community in the wreck. They had found a home.
The Captain's cabin spelled slightly less foul. Only slightly. The stench of French Tabaco masked the worst parts of the stench. Once Archie clicked the cabin door open, breathing became a little easier. A sea breeze slipped in through the open window, adding a hint of salt to the concoction. With a wave of his hand, he ushered his 'guests' inside.
View attachment 9479
The table he guided them towards was littered with maps and charters, each a different degree of damp. The Pirates had charted every body of water from the Plasma Kingdom to Skavenblight, by the looks of things. Perhaps they weren't so savage after all. The Pirate sitting opposite them caught their wandering eyes, and tossed an old Jolly Roger flag atop the mess. A flurry of tuts escape his lips.
"I'd ask ye to make yaselves at 'ome, but by the looks o' things, ye already have..." The Pirate King tutted, setting his half drunk bottle down upon the edge of the flag, a ring of condensation staining the corner of the skull. "Never been one for niceties anyway. Welcome to the only free spot this side multiverse, gents and ladies."
View attachment 9478
"I'll bet Archie's already taken your tributes, yeah?" He raised his good eyebrow and squinted his good eye. "Booty's all well and nice, but we'd much rather earn out keep. Blood, sweet and toil, that's our motto, aye." His grinned a black-toothed grin. "What is a man, if not the sweat on his brow and the coins in his purse? What is a man if not that?" He took another swig of rum. "Aye..." He slurred. "That... You, who'd rob us of over liberty, our ships, our lives... Not necessarily in that order, but you'd get around to them all eventually... We marked me, criminals, outcast from ye shores... Ye now come for us to parlay... What a world... What a world we now live in, aye..." Captain Kenway fell silent for a heartbeat. "Out with it!" He waved his bottle wildly. "What leads you to stain our shores this damned day?"

@Atomic Knight @Capri @Takumi

"I dunno about fireworks, but I have a few airbending tricks I've mastered!" Aang's grin grew into an absolutely shit eating one at the little...thing's excitement. The soldiers that stood behind him gave another look to each other.

"We're not going back to sleep are we, Captain?" The first whispered softly.

"Doesn't look like it." She muttered.

"I'm Aang, by the way!" Aang greeted as he followed after Smeagol as he dragged Mat along. His marbles were safely tucked away.

"!!" Once he felt the tremors, he frowned, only to yelp when he was dragged back by Smeagol, and ultimately saved from whatever that thing was.

"What is that--?!" His eyes widened as he watched the others fall, gasping as he tried to sit up.

"Wait! We gotta help them!" He cried out. He couldn't leave them behind, it didn't feel right.

Mat was cursing under his breath as he clutched unto his spear and his hat as they fell down a massive hole. At least he had his soldiers with him. Misery loves company, or so they say. The Death Guard came to Mats defence to block the worm from reaching him. Meanwhile, the two Asha'man went well enough way from the worm to not be caught in its grasp. One used his magic to send forth massive spikes of the earth to pierce the monster's abdomen and slow it down while the other targeted a powerful blast of fire right at its face to hopefully cause it to change course from the group.

EXPEDITION
The spikes of earth shattered against the worm's thick hide as if they were made of wafer, crumbling into pebbles as they did so. Shards of stone rained down upon the part, a cloud of dust fluttering down in their wake. The desert beast seemed equally resistant by the tower of fire. The worm had stalked travelers across the deadlands since the Matati was a boy. A little heat was hardly going to sway it from its course. With a screech, a scream, a gurgle and a gulp, two of Mat's Death Guard vanished into the creature's great maw.

"PAH! I'VE FACED BEASTS BIGGER THAN THAT AND WON! THIS IS NOTHING!"

Vulgora, who was being restrained by their guards, was finally let go upon seeing the beast.

They split into a slew of small beetles upon the attempt on their life, re-emerging on the Were-Wyrn's back.

Vulgora would raise their ax high, attempting to slice the wyrm's head off.

Vulgora's axe cut a wound so deep and wide it would have felled any man in an instant. To the Worm, however, it was scarcely enough to draw blood, let alone steal its attention away from its next meal. To the Worm, Vulgora was just a beetle. A small, insignificant- though delicious- beetle. The General was dragged across the cave by the beast rolled into the last of Cold's men. In a single strike, it squashed them into sauce. The dead aliens would make wonderful garnish. With another roar, the Worm swung its head backwards, throwing Vulgora from its back. Its cry was a call to arms. More worms were coming. Judging by the trembling earth, a metric fuckload more were coming.

A large worm-like monster crashed through the ground, they had little time to react- its tail hit them; including their army, knocking them down into the hole it had emerged from. Rude grabbed Reno, breaking the other man's fall when they landed- knocking Rude fully out.

As the worm came back down and roared at them, Reno put Rude over his shoulder clumsily before turning to the SOLDIER.

"Fucking RUN!"

Half of the expedition did not need to be told twice. Soldiers from each of the gathering armies turned an ran. Their salaries might have been large, but their lives were more valuable still. Those bound by neither honor nor stupidity fled into Reno's wake. The civilians that had accompanied Adewale- each terrified, tired, wanting nothing more than a warm bed, and to be told that the past few months had been little more than a nightmare- screamed and howled. Their cries caught the attention of the Worm. It turned on the spot and charged towards the retreating army. At the end of the tunnel burned a great, white light. Maybe some of them could reach it in time... if they were willing to cut some dead weight.

"Oi!" As the others began facing off against the wyrm, Assassin turned to the Plasma ruler. "I don't know what a Pokemon is, but it sounds like you're something of a tactitian, yeah? How about this: you tell me and the Coloratura what to do, and we do it! Consider us your Pokemon! The Coloratura can pack a punch, and so can I! I'm used to following orders, so just tell me what to do and I'll do it!"

N fell silent for a moment. The cogs in his mind were turning. A plan was forming. A strategy was slowly coming together.
"We can't break it's flesh... It has adapted to it's perfectly to endure this harsh environment...." It had evolved. The Assassin was right. If he just looked at the situation through a more familiar lens... "We need to hit it with something it has never seen before. Something it's body isn't built to counter..." It clicked. "Water. We need to drown it. If you and Vulgora can keep it busy, keep its mouth open..." Yes. It just might work. "Then Aang and Mat might be able to drown it!" By Arceus, he wished there was another way... but his hands were tied. "A water type move. A super effective hit. Assassin! Use Rage Powder! Draw the worm back towards us!"

@Yun Lee @Jeremi @Takumi @Capri @Space_Candy @Atomic Knight @Expedition​

 

[Jeremi]

"Blood and bloody ashes!" Mat cursed as he watched two of his guard get swallowed up. "Fall back!" He wasn't going to let more of them fall to a stupid stinking beast like this. As N and the Assassin (Mat was definetly going to have to fish out his real name at some point) Mat came in with his two cents.

"The Asha'man aren't really for that water stuff, but they should be able to do the trick." He looked over to the two who nodded as they started to channel. "We'll do our end in keeping that overgrown worm busy for the little monk and my mates to do the dead. I'm not going to let this expedition end just because a testy animal."

@Yun Lee @Jeremi @Takumi @Capri @Space_Candy @Atomic Knight @Expedition

 

[Yun Lee]

"There we go!" Assassin grinned as N came up with a strategy. "You're the boss, Your Highness!" He wasn't exactly sure what rage powder was, but if a distraction was what they needed, then a distraction was what they'd get.

"Coloratura! Let's bring down the house!" That's what you say to music people, right? In any case, it was clear they needed to be louder than the guys out there if they wanted the worm's attention. Luckily, the Coloratura were happy to wail and screech, scratching their claws on the rocky walls as they did so, hopefully making enough noise to keep the worm distracted.

Assassin watched the Coloratura get to work. "Cool! So now Mat and Aang will--uh...hey, anyone see that kid? And that other bald guy too..."

@Sark @Jeremi @Takumi @Space_Candy @Atomic Knight @Capri @Expedition​

 

[Takumi]

"It's a risk, yes," Archer said, steepling his fingers as he sat back in his seat. "I understand your concern, my dear boy. But it's one both my people and myself are happy to take if it means a brighter future for Shinjuku and Patchworld. Now, I have complete faith that Assassin will return to us, which is why I'm granting him the opportunity to lead this expedition on my behalf. I'm sure for many of us, the worlds we inhabit have all been discovered and mapped out. As we now have the opportunity to follow in the steps of our forefathers and discover something unknown to man, I say we press on and return as heroes, even with danger present. That is the true meaning of being an Explorer."







Every other kingdom who pledged men and resources to the expedition received a thank you from the ruler of Shinjuku. But for the rest of the meeting, Archer remained silent, save for a few words directed at the ruler of Hoshido, after Shiro spoke his piece. "Is that so? Interesting..." Silently Archer watched the four kingdoms named, observing them quietly. He remained neutral in both participation and demeanor, but inside his mind, gears were turning. It would only be a matter of time before the rest of Patchworld knew why. But for now? They had other matters to attend to, himself included. The expedition was shaping up to be something truly splendid. He couldn't wait to learn what was in store...















"Snnzn...huh?"



By some absolutely unknown miracle, Assassin only seemed to wake up once Smeagol started its temper tantrum. Wiping the drool from the corner of his mouth, he sat up, looking dazed and confused, as if someone hadn't been strangling him just minutes before.



"Did I miss something? Why's everyone making so much noise..."











"Oh man! Would you look at that?" Assassin seemed to be every bit as impressed by the Avatar's trick as Smeagol. In fact, he took a spot next to the creature to watch Aang. "How the hell are you doing that? Is it some kind of magic? The boss never does magic around me...and I know for a fact he can turn his cape into butterflies! I know it!"



It was at about this time he realized people were discussing things. Oh. Right. He's supposed to be running this thing for the boss... "Hey, little guy," Assassin said, turning to Smeagol. "Think you can find some other manzies for us?" Where there were people, there would be food, water, and maybe some fun! Lord only knows he's been needing some of that with this dreary crew...









Well. This was bad news. Not only were they up against something actually dangerous, but it seemed one of their group was in trouble. But that was fine! Maybe Assassin and N could help each other out...



"Oi!" As the others began facing off against the wyrm, Assassin turned to the Plasma ruler. "I don't know what a Pokemon is, but it sounds like you're something of a tactitian, yeah? How about this: you tell me and the Coloratura what to do, and we do it! Consider us your Pokemon! The Coloratura can pack a punch, and so can I! I'm used to following orders, so just tell me what to do and I'll do it!"



@Sark @Jeremi @Takumi @Capri @Space_Candy @Atomic Knight @Expedition

Even more before


Taking in Archer's words, Aang nodded his understanding. Sometimes people spent their whole lives looking into things unknown. Like a library said to hold vast amounts of knowledge from around the world in the middle of a dessert. Plus he visited all kinds of places when traveling with his friends.

"Alright, as long as everyone uses caution and works together." He concluded with a sage nod.

---​

Before


"Not magic, really, but bending! Each nation in my world can bend the elements! Except instead of bending just one, I can bend all four, because I'm the Avatar. Usually I try to go around helping people and bringing peace, as my official Avatar duties. As Fire Lord Zuko's General I guess I'm more of a representative of the Air Nomads than on full fledged Avatar business?" Aang explained, scratching his head as his other hand kept spinning the marbles.

With that bit of explanation out of the way, there was something else he wanted to do.

"I can do this too!" Aang chirped, making a spinning ball of air to balance on while also spinning the marbles with a cheerful laugh. Sometimes it was nice to not use bending for fighting and just have fun every once in a while.


"This is called the air scooter! I made this up a long time ago as a game for me and my friends!" He explained.

@Yun Lee

BEFORE
"Ah, a man of reason," Ghetsis sighed. "A man of principles. Your reputation proceeds you, King Zuko. Truly, the legends must be true." The Plasma General cupped his hands by bellow his ribs, and breathed deeply, his single visible eye slipping shut.
View attachment 9476
"Such a shame your people lack your moral fiber. Such a shame they lack your dignity, your wisdom." It was a roundabout way of telling Zuko that his people were morally bankrupt, undignified, unwise rabble, but the point of his underhand remark remain. "Yes. Such a shame. Please. Enlighten us with the merits such a friendship might bring. Enlighten us with tales of your beastly abuses and vile deeds. Enlighten us with tales of cattle in cages and auctions of flesh. Promise us. Sway us. Our stance is hard. Are hearts are harder still. King N might have withdrawn my ultimatum..." A Freudian slip. "But do not mistake his mercy for adoration. The sight of the Fire Nation's slaves still sickens him. They do the same to me. Until their freedom is secured, you shall remain our foes. You wish to negotiate an alliance? First negotiate emancipation, at least in part, for your beasts of battle. Then, we shall talk. Unless you can make me such a promise, here and now, sworn upon the Matati's name, then... well... I have a fleet to command..."


T H E - P I R A T E - P R O B L E M
"Aye! Aye we accept!" Archie chirped, yanking the cube from Lelouch's hand, without a care for either party's safety. The threats and warning had washed off of Archie like see spray from the hull of a ship. His greedy eyes undressed the curious artifact inch by inch, his tongue dancing between his lips with glee. "Ain't she a pretty piece..." His eyes grew hazing. It was as if he was staring straight through the cube, back onto his hand, back onto the Nazgul's finest gift, that intricate signet ring. "Want wonderful things you've brought us today... Brought me..." His cracked lips formed a grin. "I'll see that this here beauty is looked after, don't you worry... And you..." Arche's eyes skipped back over to the Nazgul. "I'll send a fella or two around to collect the rest of ya... tributes.... Aye..." With a blink and a shake of his head, he turned back towards his scuttled vessel. "Without further adieu, step aboard, m'hearties... B'sure to step on with ya right foot... Walkin' onto a ship with ya left foot just ain't lucky..."
***
C A P T A I N ' S - C A B I N
Fish and rum. The whole ship stank of them. The odor seemed to suit the damn wreck, somehow. With its slanted floors and splintered ceilings, a regular scent might have seemed out of place. 'Regular' was an ugly word in the pirate kingdom. They had come to like the stench, as foul as it was. It set them apart from their pandered and polished neighbors. Rough and course as they were, the Pirates had a found a community in the wreck. They had found a home.
The Captain's cabin spelled slightly less foul. Only slightly. The stench of French Tabaco masked the worst parts of the stench. Once Archie clicked the cabin door open, breathing became a little easier. A sea breeze slipped in through the open window, adding a hint of salt to the concoction. With a wave of his hand, he ushered his 'guests' inside.
View attachment 9479
The table he guided them towards was littered with maps and charters, each a different degree of damp. The Pirates had charted every body of water from the Plasma Kingdom to Skavenblight, by the looks of things. Perhaps they weren't so savage after all. The Pirate sitting opposite them caught their wandering eyes, and tossed an old Jolly Roger flag atop the mess. A flurry of tuts escape his lips.
"I'd ask ye to make yaselves at 'ome, but by the looks o' things, ye already have..." The Pirate King tutted, setting his half drunk bottle down upon the edge of the flag, a ring of condensation staining the corner of the skull. "Never been one for niceties anyway. Welcome to the only free spot this side multiverse, gents and ladies."
View attachment 9478
"I'll bet Archie's already taken your tributes, yeah?" He raised his good eyebrow and squinted his good eye. "Booty's all well and nice, but we'd much rather earn out keep. Blood, sweet and toil, that's our motto, aye." His grinned a black-toothed grin. "What is a man, if not the sweat on his brow and the coins in his purse? What is a man if not that?" He took another swig of rum. "Aye..." He slurred. "That... You, who'd rob us of over liberty, our ships, our lives... Not necessarily in that order, but you'd get around to them all eventually... We marked me, criminals, outcast from ye shores... Ye now come for us to parlay... What a world... What a world we now live in, aye..." Captain Kenway fell silent for a heartbeat. "Out with it!" He waved his bottle wildly. "What leads you to stain our shores this damned day?"

@Atomic Knight @Capri @Takumi


EXPEDITION
The spikes of earth shattered against the worm's thick hide as if they were made of wafer, crumbling into pebbles as they did so. Shards of stone rained down upon the part, a cloud of dust fluttering down in their wake. The desert beast seemed equally resistant by the tower of fire. The worm had stalked travelers across the deadlands since the Matati was a boy. A little heat was hardly going to sway it from its course. With a screech, a scream, a gurgle and a gulp, two of Mat's Death Guard vanished into the creature's great maw.

Vulgora's axe cut a wound so deep and wide it would have felled any man in an instant. To the Worm, however, it was scarcely enough to draw blood, let alone steal its attention away from its next meal. To the Worm, Vulgora was just a beetle. A small, insignificant- though delicious- beetle. The General was dragged across the cave by the beast rolled into the last of Cold's men. In a single strike, it squashed them into sauce. The dead aliens would make wonderful garnish. With another roar, the Worm swung its head backwards, throwing Vulgora from its back. Its cry was a call to arms. More worms were coming. Judging by the trembling earth, a metric fuckload more were coming.


Half of the expedition did not need to be told twice. Soldiers from each of the gathering armies turned an ran. Their salaries might have been large, but their lives were more valuable still. Those bound by neither honor nor stupidity fled into Reno's wake. The civilians that had accompanied Adewale- each terrified, tired, wanting nothing more than a warm bed, and to be told that the past few months had been little more than a nightmare- screamed and howled. Their cries caught the attention of the Worm. It turned on the spot and charged towards the retreating army. At the end of the tunnel burned a great, white light. Maybe some of them could reach it in time... if they were willing to cut some dead weight.

N fell silent for a moment. The cogs in his mind were turning. A plan was forming. A strategy was slowly coming together.
"We can't break it's flesh... It has adapted to it's perfectly to endure this harsh environment...." It had evolved. The Assassin was right. If he just looked at the situation through a more familiar lens... "We need to hit it with something it has never seen before. Something it's body isn't built to counter..." It clicked. "Water. We need to drown it. If you and Vulgora can keep it busy, keep its mouth open..." Yes. It just might work. "Then Aang and Mat might be able to drown it!" By Arceus, he wished there was another way... but his hands were tied. "A water type move. A super effective hit. Assassin! Use Rage Powder! Draw the worm back towards us!"

@Yun Lee @Jeremi @Takumi @Capri @Space_Candy @Atomic Knight @Expedition​

Before

Zuko let Ghetsis speak, listening and waiting for him to finish before responding in kind. Hearing the man speak almost reminded him of Admiral Zhao. Almost.

"I do hope you understand, General, that I'm willing to come to a compromise with King N, however given the Fire Nation's general landscape, simply 'freeing our beasts of war' isn't as easy as you make it sound, at the very least it'd take some time to find somewhere they could roam and not be a danger to anyone and vice versa. If I'm not mistaken, some of the creatures you call Pokemon are more or less 'slaves' to you and those under you as well?" He replied, before crossing his arms. He more or less understood the concept, at least.

Aang looked between both rulers, a frown on his face. If an argument broke out, he was more than ready to jump in and try and settle it. Avatar Duties and all that.

"Maybe we could settle this over some tea? If you and King N wants to of course." The young monk offered, deciding to do what good old Uncle Iroh might have. As far as he knew Iroh did love his tea, and you couldn't go wrong with tea.

@Sark

---​

Now

Aang, moving as quickly as his airbending allowed, landed near Assassin and N before frowning heavily at the shaking earth under them. Quickly removing his shoes he closed his eyes to focus on what was likely more worms, hoping he could use his seismic sense to get a read on how long until they reached their dwindling numbers, or at least how close they might be.

His eyes blinked open when he heard his name amongst all of the noise.

"What was that?" Aang asked, using a pinky to clean out one of his ears.

@Sark @Yun Lee @Jeremi @Space_Candy @Atomic Knight @Capri @Expedition

 

[Sark]

Zuko let Ghetsis speak, listening and waiting for him to finish before responding in kind. Hearing the man speak almost reminded him of Admiral Zhao. Almost.

"I do hope you understand, General, that I'm willing to come to a compromise with King N, however given the Fire Nation's general landscape, simply 'freeing our beasts of war' isn't as easy as you make it sound, at the very least it'd take some time to find somewhere they could roam and not be a danger to anyone and vice versa. If I'm not mistaken, some of the creatures you call Pokemon are more or less 'slaves' to you and those under you as well?" He replied, before crossing his arms. He more or less understood the concept, at least.

Aang looked between both rulers, a frown on his face. If an argument broke out, he was more than ready to jump in and try and settle it. Avatar Duties and all that.

"Maybe we could settle this over some tea? If you and King N wants to of course." The young monk offered, deciding to do what good old Uncle Iroh might have. As far as he knew Iroh did love his tea, and you couldn't go wrong with tea.

T H E N
"You problem comes with a very simple solution, Your Majesty..." The General presented Zuko with a smarmy grin. "We'll take the beasts off of your hands." His tone grew deep, unintentionally so. The honey that he had once coated his words in was gone. Each syllable was bitter. Blunt. "There are many wide-open-plains in the Kingdom of Plasma where many of our on creatures run free as larks. They're splendid. Ripe for grazing and the like. I'm certain that thick skull of yours possesses an imagination ample enough to picture them, no? Don't concern yourself with the affairs of our Pokémon, Zuko. The Pokémon is a means of transportation, little else. Means for beasts to live safely in a world ruled by men. A means for beasts to avoid harm by their own hands. They remain free. The choose to follow us, as your beast soon shall too, given time."
Ghetsis turned on the spot, showing his back to the King of Fire. Zuko would receive no bow today.
"As for tea, I am afraid that the Kingdom of Plamsa will have to decline your invitation. The Majestic King N will be... indisposed for some time to come, what with Expedition, and such. As for me... well, to be frank, I don't think I could stomach another meeting you your majestic self. It might pain you to learn that once the Great Expedition is at an end, I shall be taking a more proactive role in International Politics. I suggest your clean of your desk, Zuko. You can expect to receive another ultimatum in the coming weeks. Chose on the right side of history whilst there is still time, Zuko. If not, well... the next time cross paths, I might have the privilege of calling you Vassal..."
Without another word, the General vacated the hall.

Aang, moving as quickly as his airbending allowed, landed near Assassin and N before frowning heavily at the shaking earth under them. Quickly removing his shoes he closed his eyes to focus on what was likely more worms, hoping he could use his seismic sense to get a read on how long until they reached their dwindling numbers, or at least how close they might be.

His eyes blinked open when he heard his name amongst all of the noise.

"What was that?" Aang asked, using a pinky to clean out one of his ears.

"Pay attention, boy!" Adewale roared, discarding another pair of exhausted flintlocks. Every bullet he had fired did little to deter the beast. The led pellets seemed to hurt the beast as much as a tossed melon seed might have hurt a man. "It's life an dead out h---" The worm's 'tail' struck the wall beside him, avoiding the arc of his roll by a fraction of a fraction of an inch. The shockwave tossed him across the cavern like a ragdoll. The General winced, cradling his aging body. With a wheeze and a groan, he heaved himself back up onto his feet. He drew his second sword. "We're trying to drown the beast. Stop playing games and h---"

The results of the seismic scan were in. The rest of the worms were about half a second away. Nice to kn--

BOOOM!

The gaping maw of another worm shattered canopy of the cave, showering the party with a hail of stone. With a screech, it burrowed itself back down bellow, vanishing in a cloud of dust. The next worm would arrive in about 15 seconds. It was about enough time scream and cry before it too tried to take a bite out of you.

"Blood and bloody ashes!" Mat cursed as he watched two of his guard get swallowed up. "Fall back!" He wasn't going to let more of them fall to a stupid stinking beast like this. As N and the Assassin (Mat was definetly going to have to fish out his real name at some point) Mat came in with his two cents.

"The Asha'man aren't really for that water stuff, but they should be able to do the trick." He looked over to the two who nodded as they started to channel. "We'll do our end in keeping that overgrown worm busy for the little monk and my mates to do the dead. I'm not going to let this expedition end just because a testy animal."

"There we go!" Assassin grinned as N came up with a strategy. "You're the boss, Your Highness!" He wasn't exactly sure what rage powder was, but if a distraction was what they needed, then a distraction was what they'd get.

"Coloratura! Let's bring down the house!" That's what you say to music people, right? In any case, it was clear they needed to be louder than the guys out there if they wanted the worm's attention. Luckily, the Coloratura were happy to wail and screech, scratching their claws on the rocky walls as they did so, hopefully making enough noise to keep the worm distracted.

Assassin watched the Coloratura get to work. "Cool! So now Mat and Aang will--uh...hey, anyone see that kid? And that other bald guy too..."

The phrase 'bring down the house' seemed oddly prophetic. Stalactites fell from the ceiling like spears, piecing the few assassins unfortunate enough- and perhaps, foolish enough- to have decided to stand and fight whilst the rest of their band escorted the combatants to safety. With a swish of the worm's great tail, the cave's wall was painted crimson with a few more Asha'man. The Coloratura's scratching was enough to distract the beast, drawing its attention away from its wounded prey. Alone against the worm, the distraction force didn't last long. Their efforts bought the Asha'man a few more breaths and little more. In the end, they changed little, trading their lives for theirs of their Asha'man allies. Artistically, the sacrifice of the Coloratura presented those still alive with a tragic, yet beautiful, scene. The sight of a few valiant soldiers standing resilient against insurmountable odds might have made a nice painting, one worth hanging in the Circle of Kings, perhaps. Perhaps there was still time for a lucky artesian to make it home with enough fingers to put their sorry tale onto canvas.
"Assassins, fall back!" Adewale signaled to his men. With a wave of his hand, he gestured for his brothers in arms to rush towards the cave's mouth. He refused to join them. Scraping his sword against a fallen stalactite, he joined the screeching chorus of the remaining Coloratura. "Find shelter. Keep the dream alive. We'll do what we can!"
@Yun Lee @Jeremi @Takumi @Space_Candy @Atomic Knight @Capri @Expedition​

 

[Capri]

VULGORA
@Sark @Yun Lee @Takumi @Jeremi @EveryoneElse

“FOUL BEAST!” Vulgora shouted “BE FALLEN BY MY MIGHT!”

But then the cave started crumbling.

Vulgora’s form split into many once again, as the swarm of red beetles flooded towards the exit.​

 

[Yun Lee]

As if things couldn't get any worse...Yan Qing looked at the floor of the cave, unsure of what to do if this was the end. Maybe retreat in Spirit Form? But doesn't a proper leader go down with the ship? Ugh, there's just so much!

"Damn it, is water even gonna help if all it does is get the sand wet? Then it'll be worse on us if we need to retreat...If only there was some way to cover up that stupid sand!"

@Sark @Yun Lee @Jeremi @Takumi @Space_Candy @Atomic Knight @Capri @Expedition​

 

[Jeremi]

The Asha'man weren't expendable and one of the few soldiers in their army that gave them a fighting chance against the rest of the countries. That's why Mat called them to retreat only leaving a few Death Guardsmen to support Adewale. "The rest of you lot get out!" Mat shouted to his men and the others. "I don't know about you but I'm not here to fight against overgrown earthworms!"

One of the Asha'man had another idea though. Using the final of his strength the Asha'man attempted to create a portal right in the middle of the worm in an attempt to cut it in half with his spell or die trying.

@Yun Lee @Jeremi @Takumi @Space_Candy @Atomic Knight @Capri @Sark @Expedition

 

[Sark]

As if things couldn't get any worse...

As the thought crossed the Assassin's mind, part of him couldn't shake the feeling that he might have jinxed something.

One of the Asha'man had another idea though. Using the final of his strength the Asha'man attempted to create a portal right in the middle of the worm in an attempt to cut it in half with his spell or die trying.

W O R M B A T T L E
There is a myth often whispered on schoolgrounds concerning worms. It goes something like this: should a worm be cut in two, a new worm will be born from either half of the cleaved insect. This myth is, of course, just that: a myth. A myth, of course, in all cases bar for those concerning the Patchworld Burrow Wyrm, for the Patchworld Burrow Wyrm is the basis for said myth.
The Asha'man was thus presented with a Good-News-Bad-News situation.
The Good News? The Portal successfully cut the worm in two.
The Bad News? From the wounds carved into the worm's flesh, another head and tail sprouted. The Expedition Crew thus had another angry insect to deal with. The only difference between the first and second worms was the fact that the latter worm- which had sprouted from the first's severed tail- was a newborn. Just like a human's spawn, the newborn worm was born crying, trashing, and very, very hungry. Ignorant to any form of table decorum, the newborn lunged greedily towards an Asha'man or two, guzzling them down in a flashing of crimson.

As if things couldn't get any worse...Yan Qing looked at the floor of the cave, unsure of what to do if this was the end. Maybe retreat in Spirit Form? But doesn't a proper leader go down with the ship? Ugh, there's just so much!

"Damn it, is water even gonna help if all it does is get the sand wet? Then it'll be worse on us if we need to retreat...If only there was some way to cover up that stupid sand!"

“FOUL BEAST!” Vulgora shouted “BE FALLEN BY MY MIGHT!”

But then the cave started crumbling.

Vulgora’s form split into many once again, as the swarm of red beetles flooded towards the exit.

Running. Every step you took seemed to send ripples across the crumbling cave. The sand danced to the beat of the falling stones, trembling like the surface of a lake. Even through the cloudy haze, you could see it: sunlight, cutting through the veil. You just had to reach it in time. You just had to run. You felt your heart punching your rips. Salt stung your brow. The frontier of sweat retreated towards your eyelids. As if it wasn't hard enough to see already. Didn't matter. You just had to run. A rogue stone twists your ankle. You wanted to scream. You simply choked on the dust. It seared your throat. Impossible to catch your breath. Have to keep trying. A stalactite slips into your path. You never saw it coming. You tried to risk it. Tried to keep running. You barely made it. It's pointed tip carved a path through your shoulder blade. Can't stop. Can't scream. Must keep moving. The light. It's so close. Must keep running. Have to keep running. Can't---
BOOOM

CHAPTER II: Forbidden Kings
THE BATTLE FOR THE BROTHERHOOD
In which our Kings ready themselves for war.
View attachment 8485
Attackers:

​	LAND​	NAVAL​	AIR​	REASON FOR JOINING CONFLICT ​	LEADERS PRESENT​
The Kingdom of Skavenblight​	Pending​	Pending​	Pending​	To rid the continent of Brotherhood colonies.​	Pending​
The Kingdom of Plasma​	4​	3​	2​	To eliminate the need for a Blockade​	Ghetsis​

View attachment 8484
Defenders:​

​	LAND​	NAVAL​	AIR​	REASONS FOR JOINING CONFLICT​	LEADERS PRESENT​
The Kingdom of the Brotherhood​	3​	11-6​	0​	To defend their Kingdom from foreign invasion.​	Achilles Davenport, Chevalier de la Vérendrye​

LAND: Battle for Fort La Croix
​

M I D - C H A P T E R - U P D A T E
In Which Poor Decisions are Made
Sarrabi snapped his ledger shut. With a sigh, he lifted his eyes up from his paperwork- that simple, manageable paperwork- and up towards the far less simple, unmanageable kings before him. He removed his crown and ran his fingers through his hair.
"It has been two months since we last heard from the Great Expedition." The Crown Prince bit his tongue. "It is safe to say that..." He paused, banishing the thought. "My father fears the worst... he presumes the worst. The Expedition left with enough food and water to sustain them for a little over a month and a half. Without anything to forage out in those wastes, they would have ran out of food two weeks ago. If attrition hasn't claimed them..."
"Then something else has..." Ghetsis frowned a rehearsed frown. "Such a tragic loss of life... So senseless. So many innocents sacrified for so little..." A beat. "Still. The Patchworld keeps turning..."
"As much as detest the idea of agreeing with the Monger..." Augustine muttered. "We cannot simply sit on our hands and wait for the rapture. The Martyrs of the Expedition are not coming back. Their Kingdoms remain... Some of them now Kingless..."
"Such is the purpose of this emergency meeting, Your Highnesses..." Sarrabi winced. "By the Laws of Patchworld, the Kingdoms of the Fallen would normally be bestowed upon the King's elected heir... But in the absence of the Royal Electors, we will have to default to Gavelkind Succession."
"Unless another legitimate claimant steps forward- like the son of a King or such- I have no choice but to divide the Kingdom of Plasma between King N's two Generals. Generals Colress and Ghetsis will henceforth be known as Dukes of Plas--"
"There will be no need for any of that, Sarrabi..." Ghetsis interjected with a grin, a scrap of parchment folded between his fingers. "Duke Colress has already relinquished his claim on the Throne of Plasma. In the absence of a contender..."
Sarrabi received Ghetsis' note and careful dissected its contents. Content, he placed the note inside his robes and nodded to the latest King of the real.
"All Hail King Ghetsis, King of Plasma, Unopposed. May his years be as plentiful as the stars that once littered our skies"
"Please, please..." Ghetsis ascended to his feet and dismissed the non-existent applause levied his way. "Contain yourselves. My coronation will occur in the coming weeks. I trust that you will all be in attendance? I understand that now might not seem like a time of celebration---"
"What with the presumed deaths of our generals, the loss of our land forces, the persistent pirate threat, the annexation of the Brotherhood's colonies by Mordor- which, might I add, occurred on your watch- and the Mattati's seemingly terminal condition and such? You are right, Your Majesty." Credo grimaced. "This is hardly a time for celebration. The Free Kingdoms of Patchworld are more vulnerable than they have ever been. Our dominance of the skies is the only thing keeping Talion in line. We're teetering on a knives' edge, Royals... The Brotherhood is all but finished. I doubt they will be the first to fall. If Talion calls for a Crusade of his own... Can you confidently say that we'd be able to enforce another stalemate?"
"Credo, please..." Sarrabi sighed. "The Dark Rebellion is---"
"Barely contained within the boundaries of Mordor. Its power is growing. Talion's allies sit in this very room, for Sparda's sake!"
"They have sworn that--"
"They have sworn nothing." Credo hissed. "Their words are cheap, as are yours. I for one refuse to offer my throat to Mordor's wolves. I have a nation to militarize. I suggest that you do the same. Make preparations for war, brothers. It might come sooner than you think, and from places you might not believe..."
"Is that a threat, Credo?"
"Against you? No, Sarrabi." The King stepped up from his throne and presented the Crown Prince with a slight bow, reining in his temper. "I simply fear for our World's future. The Sons of King Cold will not accept your verdict on succession as amiably as the Dukes of Plasma have. King Cold's throne might be occupied by his eldest son for now, but I doubt his brother, duke and general will kneel before Coolers throne eternally. A civil war is brewing on my border, and I have no plans of being dragged into it, or any pointless conflict for that matter. Talion remains my focus, his death my reason for being."
The Sarrabi fell silent for a heartbeat.
"You are correct, Your Majesty. Kingdom Cold is a formidable nation. It's collapse would be... concerning. Perhaps an occupation is in order... at least to ensure a peaceful transition of power..."
"You're suggesting that we invade a non-aggressive nation?" Augustus spat. "You're suggesting that we bring War to Kingdom Cold in fear of it bringing war to itself?"
"I am suggesting nothing, Your Majesty..." Sarrabi bowed his head, perhaps out of respect, perhaps to hide his face. "It is not my... Such is not my duty. I am simply reminding you that a strong push from Kingdom Cold's North and South East would allow an invader to claim the Kingdom with little opposition. Once Kingdom Cold's skies are secured, we would be able to impose a more stable ruler and prevent the Kingdom's partition."
"You're describing a Second Crusade."
"All it takes for Bad Things to happen is for Good People to do nothing." Sarrabi thinned his eyes. "Is that not your rhetoric, Credo? Isn't this what you wanted?"
***
All the rulers present felt a voice tickle the backs of their minds. A firm voice, strong and rugged. It danced through their heads like a cold wind on a hot day. To the unwilling, its message could be dismissed as an invasive thought and little more. Those willing to act upon the message were able to translate its message.
"We can save your generals yet. Leave the Crusaders. Meet me Beneath the Stairs, under the Council Chamber."
@RescueCrew
***
M E A N W H I L E
Heat. Smoke. Crackling flames. Blood rushes to your cheeks. You're upside down. Dangling.
Your wounds have been patched. The pain remains. At least you're still alive. Unless this is Hell. It just might be.
You're tied together with some of your troops. You're bound like a bouquets of flowers, hanging over a stack of burning coals.
You hear a man in the corner of the room sharpening his swords against one another. You can't see him. But you can hear him.
You heard the voices of your allies too. They too are bound together with their own troops. They too are tangling about a pile of coals.
Your weapons are gone, but your powers remain.
The sword sharpener is oblivious to the fact that you've just woken up. He's oblivious, perhaps, fatally so.

@Capri @Space_Candy @Jeremi
[N]
***
W O R M B A T T L E
Those who remained behind to battle the worm would hear their escape tunnel come crashing down behind them. If they wanted to fall back, it looked like they were going to need to find another way out.
Spinning his sword, Adewale lowered his stance, eying up the newborn worm.
"If this is it, brothers... I can think of few I would rather die beside!"
"Yeah?" Nero smirked. "Speak for yourself..."
@Takumi @Yun Lee
[Chrom, Nero, Adewale]​

 

[Takumi]

T H E N
"You problem comes with a very simple solution, Your Majesty..." The General presented Zuko with a smarmy grin. "We'll take the beasts off of your hands." His tone grew deep, unintentionally so. The honey that he had once coated his words in was gone. Each syllable was bitter. Blunt. "There are many wide-open-plains in the Kingdom of Plasma where many of our on creatures run free as larks. They're splendid. Ripe for grazing and the like. I'm certain that thick skull of yours possesses an imagination ample enough to picture them, no? Don't concern yourself with the affairs of our Pokémon, Zuko. The Pokémon is a means of transportation, little else. Means for beasts to live safely in a world ruled by men. A means for beasts to avoid harm by their own hands. They remain free. The choose to follow us, as your beast soon shall too, given time."
Ghetsis turned on the spot, showing his back to the King of Fire. Zuko would receive no bow today.
"As for tea, I am afraid that the Kingdom of Plamsa will have to decline your invitation. The Majestic King N will be... indisposed for some time to come, what with Expedition, and such. As for me... well, to be frank, I don't think I could stomach another meeting you your majestic self. It might pain you to learn that once the Great Expedition is at an end, I shall be taking a more proactive role in International Politics. I suggest your clean of your desk, Zuko. You can expect to receive another ultimatum in the coming weeks. Chose on the right side of history whilst there is still time, Zuko. If not, well... the next time cross paths, I might have the privilege of calling you Vassal..."
Without another word, the General vacated the hall.


"Pay attention, boy!" Adewale roared, discarding another pair of exhausted flintlocks. Every bullet he had fired did little to deter the beast. The led pellets seemed to hurt the beast as much as a tossed melon seed might have hurt a man. "It's life an dead out h---" The worm's 'tail' struck the wall beside him, avoiding the arc of his roll by a fraction of a fraction of an inch. The shockwave tossed him across the cavern like a ragdoll. The General winced, cradling his aging body. With a wheeze and a groan, he heaved himself back up onto his feet. He drew his second sword. "We're trying to drown the beast. Stop playing games and h---"

The results of the seismic scan were in. The rest of the worms were about half a second away. Nice to kn--

BOOOM!

The gaping maw of another worm shattered canopy of the cave, showering the party with a hail of stone. With a screech, it burrowed itself back down bellow, vanishing in a cloud of dust. The next worm would arrive in about 15 seconds. It was about enough time scream and cry before it too tried to take a bite out of you.



The phrase 'bring down the house' seemed oddly prophetic. Stalactites fell from the ceiling like spears, piecing the few assassins unfortunate enough- and perhaps, foolish enough- to have decided to stand and fight whilst the rest of their band escorted the combatants to safety. With a swish of the worm's great tail, the cave's wall was painted crimson with a few more Asha'man. The Coloratura's scratching was enough to distract the beast, drawing its attention away from its wounded prey. Alone against the worm, the distraction force didn't last long. Their efforts bought the Asha'man a few more breaths and little more. In the end, they changed little, trading their lives for theirs of their Asha'man allies. Artistically, the sacrifice of the Coloratura presented those still alive with a tragic, yet beautiful, scene. The sight of a few valiant soldiers standing resilient against insurmountable odds might have made a nice painting, one worth hanging in the Circle of Kings, perhaps. Perhaps there was still time for a lucky artesian to make it home with enough fingers to put their sorry tale onto canvas.
"Assassins, fall back!" Adewale signaled to his men. With a wave of his hand, he gestured for his brothers in arms to rush towards the cave's mouth. He refused to join them. Scraping his sword against a fallen stalactite, he joined the screeching chorus of the remaining Coloratura. "Find shelter. Keep the dream alive. We'll do what we can!"
@Yun Lee @Jeremi @Takumi @Space_Candy @Atomic Knight @Capri @Expedition​

Then

Zuko's eyes narrowed at Ghetsis' shift in tone, and Aang perked up at it, gaze landing right on the man with a deep frown. Neither of them liked what they were hearing from the man's tone. With the man's back to him he huffed, smoke rising from his flared nostrils.

"I do hope that's not a threat, General. Even so, I'll make sure to keep an eye out for that ultimatum of yours. Just know that you may not like the response you get." He replied, before going his separate ways with Aang at his side.

"He definitely sounded like he was throwing a threat or two in there. King N seems nice, but General Ghetsis..." Aang muttered, trailing off with a grimace.

"He reminds me of Zhao, in a way. Not at all in a good way either." Zuko replied with a heavy sigh. Zhao had been ambitious and power hungry, and it didn't end well for him. Ghetsis could be a jerk for so long until it came back and bit him in the tush.

@Sark

Now

As the rocks fell, many were moved off course from crushing as many as possible by Aang, or were simply broken into smaller pieces. He frowned deeply with how much time they had before the next worm arrived. Falling back besides Assassin and N for the meantime, Aang took on a stance as he focused on blocking out the chaos of those escaping.

"By the way, your General, Ghetsis? He's got some really negative chakra he needs to work through." He muttered to the King of Plasma.

With those who chose to escape moving to do so, Aang lifted the ground a few feet up, before he hardened the sandy ground into a solid rock platform just in case there was a chance of flooding. He didn't want to hurt his allies with what he was going to try and do if it even worked.

"Hold on and stick together." Was his only warning as he went into the Avatar State and attempted to gather whatever water he could from deeper in the cave and bring it down on the worms, and if the cave continued to collapse he would do his best to protect those who hadn't retreated yet by bending falling rocks away from them and at any worms still alive that may get too close.

@Sark @Yun Lee

 

[Jeremi]

Well this wasn't any better then tangling with the worm. Mat thought to himself waking up from what could have been a pleasant hang over had he decided to stay back home and not act like a bloody idiot and go gallivanting around a world he quite frankly didn't much care for.

He awkwardly looked around his troops to try and see an Asha'man among them. A little fire would be perfect to break their bonds so that they could get out of this mess. A little movement of the man's finger's would be enough to burn through. At least Mat had his hat still.

@Capri @Space_Candy @Sark

 

[Lucky]

Sara Lance, Ava Sharpe and Zari Tomaz

Sara had a feeling that the expedition had been a bad idea back when it had been suggested a month and a half ago. At first, she thought it was the nightmares and raising the morale of her people that had deterred her, but now she could see that it was jaded politics. She didn't have any generals that went.... but that didn't mean she couldn't secure alliances this way.

" Ava, I need to go and ... check something with Zari downstairs." She was purposefully vague.

" Be careful."

Sara gestured for Zari to follow her. " I imagine we are doing something important." Sara would just simply nod.

@Sark @Rescue Crew

 

[Atomic Knight]

Dot had kept her cool while she and her allies boarded the pirate ship. She was confident that she could talk her way out of any situation. Though, once she had eyes on the pirate king, she started to doubt how effective diplomacy would be. The man seemed a bit volatile and it was clear he was juicing on energy to the point of becoming overclocked. Captain Capacitor had been a handful when Dot met him, but he had at least seemed aware of his surroundings!

"There's no need for us to be enemies," Dot stated quickly. "You've proven to all our nations your mastery of the sea and I personally do not feel the need to contest it. However, our nations hold a much more significant amount of land combined than you have managed to claim. We know there are resources we possess that you do not... and resources you may want. Just look at what we brought as tribute if you doubt that. I believe it is is in all our best interests to cease hostilities and work out a trade agreement that all of us can be happy with. That way, no one has to be labelled a criminal."

@Capri @Takumi @Sark @Pirates

***

Mouse had fallen back with the few Mainframe troops she and Matrix had brought on the expedition, only for her to find herself in the situation that Mat and the others found themselves in. She almost let out a grunt as she struggled against her bindings, anger filling her, before realizing that it had yet to be known they were awake. She craned her head, trying to see how the others were doing.

@Sark @Capri @Space_Candy @Jeremi @Capture

***
"We're not dying!" Matrix grunted, aiming his gun at the worm threat. He had stayed behind out of a sense of obligation and wanting something to shoot. His synthetic eye did a scan on the ceiling above, looking for weak points to shoot, either to bring down some rocks on the threat or find some kind of escape route.

@Sark @Takumi @Yun Lee @Worms​

 

[Yun Lee]

Despite being the one to organize the expedition, the ruler of Shinjuku seemed quite calm about the situation unfolding itself. Archer sat quietly, fingers steepled before his face, gears turning in his head. True, he hadn't picked up anything from Assassin lately...but surely he wasn't so incompetent as to cost them this opportunity. Of course, if this were the case, it would be a bit...problematic for Archer's own ends, but he could make it work. After all, a spider doesn't give up when its web is torn apart. On the contrary: the spider keeps on spinning.

Hearing the voice, he quietly nodded to Berserker, who had no choice but to appear at these meetings as Archer's only other general. The Dishonorable nodded and vanished into thin air, on his way to the stairs to meet with the mysterious interloper on his ruler's behalf. With that taken care of, Archer would stand, clearing his throat. "I can feel when things are on the verge of escalation," he said, looking out over the rest of the table. "I understand the concerns of everyone here, and believe me. I share them as well. Assassin is akin to my right-hand man, the thought of him in danger puts me at great unease. Now, I certainly hope that things are not nearly as dire as suspected. After all, stranger things have happened. Patchworld itself is a testament to that. Perhaps those exiled had found a settlement, and had invited our explorers to stay with them for a spell? Perhaps there is more out in the Uninhabitable than we counted for? Who can say? I think writing this expedition off as a failure so soon is dangerous. But, on the other hand, it is as Ghetsis says. Patchworld keeps turning. We must deal with pressing issues while we hold out for more information." Taking his pen up and sitting back down, Archer readied a blank piece of note paper. "Now, what are the pressing issues at large in the greater Patchworld? State them clearly and as objectively as possible. We need to handle these items one at a time, or we will accomplish nothing but further bickering."

@Sark @Lucky @RescueCrew

---

"Yeah, he's right! We're getting out of here!" Assassin wasn't about to let this worm ruin this expedition. If this was how he met his end in this life, how could he show his sorry face to the Throne of Heroes? Especially with his Phantom abilities...damn, this sucked!

Either way, the Heroic Spirit vanished into thin air. "I'm taking my Spirit Form," he called out to his allies. "Try not to die for a few seconds, okay?" With that, he would attempt to explore in his incorporeal state, trying to spot possible escape routes or terrain to use to their advantage.

@Sark @Atomic Knight @Takumi @Worms​