Vegeshin Kanahashi's Story

"Hold on! I'm having a bit of trouble without the use of my hands, thank you!" Vegeshin had spat out toward Cinaed. Of course, it wasn't meant to be offending, but more so of a blatant, honest, statement. Having done what he could to stem the spread of the creatures, he turned his attention back to the pyromancer, or what he assumed to be as such. Bukujutsu graciously carried him back over to the young man where he then proceeded to position himself back to back with him.

"I apologize for not heeding your call sooner. I seized the opportunity to keep them from spreading and growing in numbers. It doesn't mean they won't use the original manhole, but if we can find a way to seal it, we'll only have to deal with what's on the surface now." He explained, hoping the kid would get the hint.

About the time he finished, he heard Ethan call out. He hadn't actually had a chance to formerly introduce himself to the kid, but any help was a lavish gift. "Really now? Well, make use of those talents, kid. My hands are useless, or I'd do what I could to vaporize the lot of them." He called out before again turning toward Cinaed.

"Alright. You use flames, as I've noticed. Perhaps you can superheat the concrete around that open manhole to the point that the molten remnants will fill it in. It'll stop the never ending hordes from continuously spewing out of it." He explained.

He was a shrewd old man at his age. Any thing to even the odds, and with his hands as they were, he wasn't much use in that area. Again, his eyes lit up in brilliant luminescence before beams of destructive force swept across the masses of sludge creatures.

With the warming sensation washing over him, his eyes widened in slight surprise. He hadn't counted on such a thing, but it was a rather quick sensation as his own healing factor was aided by the healing flames. In a matter of moments, his hands felt brand new, in a manner of speaking. The dexterity had returned, and the skin was flawless. He had much appreciation and gratitude to show later.

Free to do his will, he took heed of Ethans words. They feed off of negative emotions. Perhaps it lucky that Vegeshin held none such emotions, no matter what had happened. Even in this situation, he'd held no such emotions. Just an adamant need, and desperation, to clear the area of the creatures and keep lives from being lost. They was no anger. No hate to be fed off of.

"Alright, let's try this again!" He shouted, spearing for the ground with his palms open. With new found strength, Ki spheres began escaping his palms, each holding a potent destructive force capable of vaporizing a single creature; two if one were in close proximity to another.

Making adjacent sweeps, much like a thread being sewn by a needle, Vegeshin's spheres continued to pummel at the creatures. Keeping his eyes sharp, he found Ethan to be more than capable of holding his own. Spying the NPA Enforcers, a single sphere in their direction was meant to aid in the clearing process, assuming they kept a safe distance whilst seeing its approach.

His attention then shifted to Cinaed and, as thanks, a sweltering wave of Ki unleashed by a sweep of his hand was sent in that direction, hopefully clearing the young mans immediate area before Vegeshin would arrive to accompany him.

"Don't worry. I owe you one." He said with a slight chuckle.

As all came to a calm close, Vegeshin having landed gently beside Cinaed, a sigh of relief overcame him as peace restored itself in the area. The officer who'd made his inquiry turned in his direction received a curt shake of the head from Vegeshin. "I'm quite alright. I have to thank this young man here." He explained, reaching out to shake Cinaed's hand. "I appreciate it. I'm not sure how much help I'd have been had you not done that." He stated with a small smile. Only then did he learn of the tragic loss of life, even if it was only one. A frown crossed his countenance for a moment before he offered a small smile. "I'm sure she's in a better place now." He offered, placing a hand on the males shoulder. "You did what you could, and that is what counts." He finished.

His attention then shifted toward the reporters and television crews. He wasn't one for that sort of attention and politely waved a hand in dismissal. "I do what I can. I have the ability to help, and that is what I do. I don't have any further comments to add, though." He explained before his frame began to rise in the air.

His job was never ending, and this would only be another task he'd accomplished this day, with more to be done elsewhere.

Stryfe sat in her office, Nina standing near her desk, pen moving swiftly along her paper. The letter she wrote was urgent, one that could potentially change the future of Terra. She only hoped those she sent the letter to would be receptive to the ideas presented.

She wrote, 'Hello, captain, officer, prime minister, ambassador, colonel, general, director, president, senator, or congressman, whomever you may be. My name is Fatin Alfarsi, you may, or may not, know me, but I am one of two heads of the organization known as The Invictus. I write you this letter because I, like you, currently live on Terra. I am invested in it's well-being and the well-being of it's people, their freedom from threats such as the Aschen, the Taiyou, Belkans and any others who would rather keep us from being who we want to be, from being individuals.

I ask for a meeting to earn your support in a full reform of the Terran government and how it perceives official, and unofficial, sovereign entities and organizations who would like representation on the planet and it's affairs.

We have to join together because we are on this planet, if the planet is lost, we lose as a collective. I, for one, do not plan to allow any more lives to be taken by those who would rather do harm to our people. Our brethren.

If you allow me an audience, I will go into more detail. If this interests you so far contact in any way you wish. Phone, letter, e-mail, or a personal visit to my office at The Palace located on Main Street in Wing City.

Personal Phone: 213-489-2732.
E-mail: BigKahuna@various.
Address: The Palace @ 9001 Main Street, Wing City.

Finishing the letter, Stryfe handed the letter to her assistant, Nina. "Make sure this gets to Camma." Stryfe told the woman, "Make several copies first. I'll have the Veritas give her the addresses she needs." Stryfe said to the woman, "Aye aye." Nina said, turning to leave Stryfe's office.

Stryfe inhaled deeply, "Okay. 3... 2..." She exhaled just as the director gave her the cue. The lights dimmed a bit, a single spotlight shining on the four women.

It was some kind of poetic justice that the women of Terra were leading the pack. They were the ones willing to make the change.

"Good morning, good afternoon, good evening to all who may be watching. My name is Fatin Alfarsi, some of you may know me for leading the Invictus alongside my friend, Maria Munroe." Stryfe began, her accent taking on a more posh British tone. "The majority of Terrans, of people through this galaxy and others, don't know of my intentions to change Terra for the better."

Stryfe relaxed her posture, but stood strong as if facing down an enemy. She was in a way. Everyone who was anyone would see.

"I have garnered some support for this cause, I've gauged much frustration with the way the government handles war, handles our planet."

"They bend over for invaders too often. Those with me agree. We are not pushovers."

"Av'vinus. What are we to do about the incoming flood of pedestrians? They seem to be rather..." He paused, searching for the appropriate word to use. Ignorant? Foolish? "Brash. We were suppose to arrive here to save innocents, not watch them march to their demise." He finished, adjusting his gaze on more inbound creatures. The fools were willing to throw their lives away without cause. It was irritating.

"Did you not hear what they announced? This is their city. They will not be silenced, and they will not be overtaken. If they choose to expend their lives, let them. Be it foolery, or knavery, I won't stand in their way. My concern remains solely on those within the confines of these buildings. Let not a single creature penetrate our defenses, Razeal." Av'vinus commanded, narrowing his brows. As the flood of rioting figures made their way past the two, they shortened the distance to the doors behind them. They were, still, just two; inhuman capabilities or not, there was only so much they could do. For now, it was this sole building they would protect.

As expected, though, it wasn't long until the rioting people began to contend with the mass of creatures ravaging the city. And it was an even shorter time frame until piercing screams reverberated throughout the air. It sickened the both of them, but there wasn't a single thing they could do. What had then dawned on Av'vinus was rather troubling as well. With innocents amongst the enemy, what were those in the buildings and air to do now? The threat was now nigh untouchable. Risk killing the innocents, or let things continue on as it were, allowing their numbers to grow. Each human overtook was born enemy.

"Hold fast, Razeal, I do believe I may have made a minor misjudgment."

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The city had become a cluster of chaos and discord. It had become a breeding ground for a pestilence far worse than any other save creeping death. Of course, they were much alike in some aspects. The horror was that what perished did not remain lifeless. The skies had become blatantly crowded with a multitude of flying machines, making it a rather tedious task to maneuver. Various locations called for his attention, but it appeared that the most critical area's were in vast want of help.

Nearing what one could consider, the war zone, the Militia member took descent as he heard a voice come across the comm set conveniently placed in his ear. Setting foot on the ground, he hastily strode up to join Jayden Ryder in his stalking stride toward the calamity. "I'm afraid I don't have one of those on hand, but I can offer you a lift if you need." He offered with a grin. He wasn't quite familiar with every member of the Militia and therefore this male before him didn't strike any familiarity in him at all. Call it straight coincidence. "You sound as if you've seen firsthand more of this disaster than I. The city appears to have gone up in flames, so to speak." He mumbled, taking heed to keep somewhat silent.

It appeared that where they were currently located, there was little threat, for the most part. Most of the threat was essentially behind a line which was gradually inching back and losing its hold. There wasn't much that could be done for the insurmountable numbers, and what made things worse was an incalculable surge of hot spots that continued to spring up without notice. At any moment, they could be very well caught betwixt a rock and a hard place, if not careful.

"I assume you're headed to join the line..." He mentioned, before a single motion caught him from the corner of his eye. Jumping to attention, he realized it had only been an innocent bystander hastily trying to seek refuge. All appeared calm, aside from the eerie realization this area had become rather, pardon the term, dead. Abandoned, and empty, it was a bleak and definitive sign of how catastrophic this scenario had become.

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"Why would you let them commit such a foolish act of knavery! Look at where it's gotten us!" Razeal suddenly bellowed out, unleashing the shade before him. Spreading out like a thin cloth of translucent satin, various pin pricks began to appear upon its surface before launching out as countless spear points. The legion of walking monstrosities that lumbered toward them were instantly pierced through their skulls bringing them to drop to their knee's in defeat. The rioters, though brave, if not ridiculously ignorant, had obviously begun to experience casualties. That wasn't to say they hadn't been the least bit successful, but for every Zomborg slain, another Zombie would rise to take its place.

"It is not my place to decide their fate, Razeal. I'm merely here to assist the innocent. If they wish to use their free will, they are free to do so. Just as it were, if those inside this building forsake my saving grace, they too shall have the choice." His words sharp, but truthful, cut the thick cacophony that filled the atmosphere. As more inbound creatures threatened the building, Pandemonium was quickly brought to the side in a vicious arc, its figure molding and twisting into a gargantuan scythe. Many of the undead horde were swiftly cut down in their wake, but unflinching as their upper torso's continued to crawl forth seeking sustenance. Only with the added efforts of Razeal, and his harbinger of discord, Sin, were they put to rest permanently.

"Av'vinus, we must discover some alternate method. We must either completely do away with their physical forms, or effectively debilitate their craniums. Have you not noticed how the humans use their explosion sticks to pierce their skulls?"

"Again, I believe they are called fire arms, or guns, Razeal. And yes. I am aware. I was simply testing a theory. I must admit, although I have heard of tales of such an episode, I have not yet come face to face with the true act of such a thing. I'm surprised you, yourself, know how to properly handle this situation."

"Simple. I pay attention, my Lord. It seems to be working for them well enough. Mortals, at times, are innovative beings."

"As I have witnessed."

As a thick horde again began to set in, the two of them motioned until they had come back to back. With both sets of eyes fixated on the incoming wall, their penetrating gaze did the rest of the work. Av'vinus' gaze alone could only dispel so many, but with the combined efforts of both, a massive gaping dent was put in the incoming forces as a shock wave felt throughout the many blocks radius could be felt. A lingering mist of violet and green permeated the area, the shimmering particles falling to the earth, as a gargantuan fissure in the Zomborgs was opened for a few blocks. The numbers had been thinned, though it were shameful the two had not chosen to decipher as to who was friend and who was foe in regards to the rioters. They had joined the masses, and in their eyes, they had sealed their fates. They were waiting enemies in foresight.

________________________________________________________

"Again, I shall offer you a lift to the scene if you wish, simply inquire. For now, I'll act as a spotter. I can offer more assistance from above rather than here on the ground." Vegeshin suddenly remarked. Taking to a low hover, his figure gradually made its way into the air a few stories before leveling out. Indeed, the immediate vicinity was barren and devoid of any signs of life, for the most part. Random civilians misplaced and terrified could be seen, but there was little he could do for them at the moment. They were about as safe as they could be, for now. Up ahead, though, he could pick out signs of minor scuffles and in the near distance, he could see the chaos amassing and growing. As the buildings grew larger, so did the threat in that general area. Forces could be seen in bound on what could be considered the main battle field, and they were but a handful of blocks away from the immediate action.

"So far, up ahead remains rather clear. I spot inbound tanks and squads, many of them taking care of loose threads that have managed their way through. Upon the horizon, I see the main scene. It appears rather hectic, and disorganized, for the most part. It appears as if friendly flying vessels are not quite discriminating betwixt friend and foe. Saddening to see."

"Yeah, that's why I landed, getting hard to aim down there with the chaos without risking friendly fire. A shame, 'cause I'd sure as hell be more useful still in the air than down here, I'm a pilot, after all." Jayden raised an eyebrow towards Vegeshin, recognising the man as a member of the militia from the files he'd pulled to glance over when he first joined. He remembered staring blankly at the words 'saiyan' and 'youkai' and then having to google both of them. The guy had sounded like someone you definitely wanted on your team. Dang superpowered superbeings and their super...ness. Showing a guy up.

The young pilot flashed an idle grin, "Under any other circumstances I'd ask a guy to buy me dinner before swooping me off my feet, but for the zombie apocalypse I suppose I can make an exception," he joked, "My name's Jayden, by the way, Jayden Ryder. You're ... Vegeshin, right?" Jayden pointed to the militia badge on his jacket, "Surprised we haven't met before now."

He lifted his hand in a casual salute, "Ready when you are, superman."

There was an explosion, then, in the opposite direction down the street. "Hold up, what was that? Sounds like there's fighting going on at the other end. Some of the fuckers must've slipped through. I'm thinking the guys that way are gonna need a hand, if you're willing to detour from the main party."

As Paragon drew near to his target, what rose up out of the mass of cyborgs was more beast than woman. A hulking monstrocity towered over him with its wolfish eyes gleaming amber in the moonlight. The werebeast was muscled and toned, and its russet fur thick with blood and other fluids; some if it the beasts, and some of it from the cyborgs that surrounded it.

Bodies were flung free to smash haphazardly against nearby walls before the werebeast rose to its full height of eight feet. Rend and torn limb from limb, the cyborgs fell with a fervor to match Paragons own, and as the pairs matched ferocity cleared the way, the werebeast eyes locked onto Paragon and it took a menacing step towards him. Inhaling deeply the beast let out a bone rattling roar as thick gobs of heated saliva dripped from its maw to spatter upon the pavement.

Coiling its muscles the beast lept into motion and swung a backhanded blow to knock Paragon clear of its path as it threw itself free of the alleyway and into the open street. The sounds of jets overhead and the explosion of cluster bombs went off up and down the street, but the werebeast was unwavering in its ferocity.

The snap if its jaws and the rend of its claws felled the cyborgs by the dozens, but even its ferocity could do little to stem the sheer quantity of numbers that filled the streets.

High above the city, a brief distortion flickered in the air, and suddenly gases were forcibly pushed aside, culminating into a deafening crack.

There was a flash of light above the streets, and the buildings until the imposing form of a Reverence I flickered into view. Subsequently following, a transmission to Terran and Invictus forces in the area.

"Attention, this is the Reverence I Planetary Assault Carrier 'Nascent Echo' We're deploying medical supplies, and military personnel to evacuate civilians and deal with the Zombie outbreak. Secure all loose ends, the entire city's being lit up condition red." The Message then ended as the Reverence moved into position, the Commander, a veteran of several conflicts, Lionel Pendergast turned and brought up several red icons on a three-dimensional map of the city.

"Target those monsters for precision fire, deploy the FOB, and let's get some assets into the city." He said, manipulating the controls.

At the Intersection between Main Street and Sol Avenue, the Reverence finally came to a stop, her engines roaring over the zombie commotion.

"Light up all friendlies on the HUD." The Commander added, and the AI Hologram spoke. "FOB is ready for deployment."

Beneath the Reverence, there was another deafening crack, and it was as if a piece of the ship detached and slid down on a gravity beam. The Circular piece of hardware was a large prefabricated hardpoint, manned by eight Aschen gunners manning plasma cannons. Atop the platform were a pair of Myrmidon Urban variant, their strange pixelated camouflage making them hard for the eye to see.

"Let them rip!" An Aschen gunner shouted, before he loosed a flurry of plasma bolts into the shambling masses, Aschen soldiers firing in all directions as the two tanks rolled out, and down Main street.

"Hotel Bravo this is Myrmidon One, moving and engaging." There was a series of cracks as the Zomborgs were crushed under the treads of these massive tanks.

While the Prefabricated FOB held it's own, the Reverence continued to beam down reinforcements down the gravity beam, Soldiers to fight for the streets in all directions, while bodies began to build up.

The streets became thick with the smell of ozone, Aschen energy weapons discharge echoing in the distance.

As the Reverence appeared man of the Joes looked upon the giant space craft with a look of distrust. Ben had been waiting for the NPA response when he place a hand to his ear comm and just nodded. He tossed the radio back to the NPA officer and then opened up a comm to the Joes. "All Joe mount up we are with drawing, air support is inbound to cover our convoy." He said as the 80 or so commando's loaded supplies wounded and then finally themselves back onto the transports they had arrived on. The Railgun tanks backed out of the fortifications laying down a few last shots at the Zombie masses before the convoy began to form up and crawl down the street heading toward the exit of the city.

A few helicopters landed and picked up excess commandos including Will. "Keep the side door open there isn't a reason I can't take a few last potshots on our way out." He said as he leveled his long range sniper and picked off a few more of those things. Soon the range was too great. The Joes were leaving behind them the city seemed to burn and the Dark form of ships loomed over. This bothered Will he had friends and family here around him a few civilians were also huddled in the chopper. He recognized Ben's sister Sarah and there were also two familiar men in armor. One was clutching a baby the other a strange dog. A few other choppers held civilians as well.

The Joes were leaving this fight, it wasn't because it was a loosing battle nor the friendly fire but due to a seething distrust of the Aschen. They had almost wiped out the Joes in the past and to them that was unforgivable. This action was for their survival, these precious civilians were the Joes last act of mercy for the day. If they returned it would not be for the good of Terran citizens but as an act of revenge.

"Av'vinus. I'm not sure how much longer we can withstand their sheer numbers." Razeal bellowed out amongst the growing discord. Everything had changed in a matter of moments. As the inbound swarm of creatures again closed in upon them, Sin was unleashed yet again. In this very moment, it had become a tool of defense, though, shielding them as the creatures collided in a fit of unending fury. Pounding, and clawing, at the darkened veil, a massive, thunderous, crack signaled yet another interfering force to be reckoned with. Razeal, far from intuitive, could only stare in bewildered shock at the gargantuan vessel looming overhead. "The Gods. They seem to take pity on the mortals. This legion can only be their doing, Av'vinus."

Razeal's words hadn't fallen upon deaf ears. Neither had the cacophonous, resounding, thrum of the Aschen Reverence overhead. Av'vinus' eyes rose to meet the Aschen vessel not with astounded curiosity, but with well versed knowledge. "This is not an act of the Gods, Razeal. They are known as the Aschen. Mortals gifted in the art of weapons, and technology. A race solely reliant on intellect alone. That is one of their war vessels." The immortal explained, training his gaze on the creatures before him. In an instant, he waved a single opening within Razeal's cover, his penetrating sights eliminating even more of the treacherous creatures before he set his sights on his accomplice. "Our time here is finished. We've done what we can. We'll let these swine do the rest. We do not want to be around with the likes of these people. It will only grow into more conflict. You know nothing of them. I, unfortunately, do. I've witnessed their doings. Not from this realm, but from the void." He further explained, before grasping Razeal's arm within his hand.

In a single instant, the two burned into nonexistence, much like they'd arrived earlier. Av'vinus' distaste for the Aschen seemingly being the reason. But, he as well, knew that this infestation more than likely would not survive the brutish onslaught that was bound to happen. Nor did he doubt the extents unto which the Aschen would go should they foresee a losing battle...

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"Very understandable." Vegeshin commented, his lofty perch giving him keen sight as to the events unfolding. As he continued to survey the scene before him, he took note of various other happenings, some typical, and some rather bizarre. There was always something more than what appeared. Stories unfolding within a greater tale, one could say. And this event was, by far, no different. Titanic battles betwixt others that, in some aspects, had little to do with the scene at hand.

It was amongst his thoughts that Jayden's witty humor caught him off guard. As he touched ground once more, he could only offer an unwavering look of apparent confusion. His visage, stricken, with utter humiliation even, remained rather blank in some regard before his lips pursed. As they began to part, it was rather apparent that he lost the words he was about to say, only a simple breath of forced air leaving which then became a sigh of failure. "I. I did not mean it as such." He began to stammer, obviously disoriented to a degree. "I'm not. I don't." He continued before falling silent, flustered no less. "You misread me." He finally spat out before shading his head in slight lamentation. Oh, the woes. The woes he was now feeling. He'd all but forgotten about the situation before them, now.

Only when the young male introduced himself did Vegeshin find himself back on track, to a certain degree. "Ah. Yes. My name is Vegeshin Kanahashi. I've just now noticed the badge you're presenting. I should have paid closer heed. I'm not surprised we haven't met, though. I've been with them since the beginning. We all have our own specific duties. I'm a difficult member to become acquainted with. I put more stake into my job than many of the others. It's my single most important purpose, so I hardly take a moment to myself anymore. Many of you have, as I believe they say, day jobs and such. You all have lives. Mine is to protect this city, as is yours, but I make it a foremost priority every waking moment I have." He explained with a rather treasured smile. His duty. His calling. His life. And he was certainly proud, and content, with it as it was.

"Superman? I'm not sure I'm familiar with such a thing. You have super men? Strange. You'd think they'd put such people to use. Maybe people such as ourselves wouldn't have to work as diligently, not that it is a bad thing." He spoke, oblivious to the reference.

Securing Jayden by his arm, he took flight before manipulating the young male so that he'd rest in his arms. Only when he'd begun his journey toward the main confrontation did he take heed of Jayden's words. Adjusting, they instead turned their focus on the ground behind them. "I'm willing to do what's necessary. If that is the direction you feel you must head, I won't disagree. Everyone has the right to live. I don't see any less importance." And as he'd said, they'd already begun heading in that direction. Below he could see, in the not to distant streets ahead, several of the creatures that had managed to find their way out of the sewers. Like an infestation of rodents, these creatures, too, had discovered, perhaps the single most crippling, method of spreading.

Forces that were meant to be a last stand were now being overrun with ease. Setting Jayden down upon, what he considered to be, a safe location, he hefted back his sleeves, tying the ends so as to not interfere with his movements. "You mentioned being a pilot. I figured this rooftop, though only a story up, would provide essential protection. If you need, I'm sure you can manage the leap to the ground. I'm not well versed in what your talents are. I had hoped...you'd be versed in long distance marksmanship. Correct me now if I am wrong." He mentioned, a slight grin of embarrassment on his face.

Jayden's grin only broadened at Vegeshin's embarrassment. There was something inherently funny about embarrassing a superbeing with an off-handed remark. "Oh, no? Just with all the purple, I assumed..." the pilot snickered, winking. "Nah, I'm just messing with you."

As Vegeshin went on to explain his role in the militia, Jayden nodded his head. "I get you. I do some mechanic work on the side to help pay for luxuries that don't come with the 'shoot things for us and we'll give you a house' package, so I guess that counts as a day job. You sound like a good guy, maybe I will let you buy me dinner sometime." He paused for effect before cracking a grin, "And there's no need to get all flustered again, I'm still kiddin' you around."

The flight was short, and Jayden managed to resist making any more jokes on the bridal-carry. When they set down, he nodded his head. "You're not wrong," he said, "I'm no sniper, but this rifle'll shoot a fair distance and I'm not a half-bad shot if I do say so myself."

It was at that moment that the Aschen Reverence descended on the street, Jayden directed his eyes skyward dubiously. The transmission came through his headset, and he begrudgingly acknowledged the assistance of the foreign soldiers. "Never thought I'd see the day I'd be even remotely pleased to see a Reverence that was piloted by an Aschen," Jayden murmured. "You know, I've flown one of those before." he added to Vegeshin, "Admittedly, I had the help of a crazy chick and an AI, but man. I was doing the jobs of like half a dozen bridge crew members. It was fun as hell."

The pilot nodded his head down into the street, "You get down there and do what you need to do, I've got you covered from here. And thanks again for the ride."

Jayden winked again, grinning.

As the burning continued, the crackling of the fire echoed along with the moaning of the zombies was followed by the horrible stench of those burning as the thick black smoke drifted along with the wind. Ki wrinkled his nose, wishing that the wind would blow it somewhere else just so he could get not only the stench of decaying bodies burning, but also burning. The smell curling up in his nose and making his through burn as the stench clung to the inside of his now. Clinging and burning to the point he could taste it on his rough tongue making him gag slightly.

His ears twitched even as he looked towards the distance and watched the ship curiosity evident in his silver blue eyes. Before looking back at the burning bodies and wall of fire that seemed to keep them from coming any closer to him and the only living soldier behind him. Looking back at said soldier he wonder for the up tenth time who he was and sighed as he looked away.

"Hell. Wish I know what world I'm on let alone how their government is!" he muttered and brushed some of his braids back over his shoulder ignoring the soft singing from said braids, his tail flicking and curling behind him, while his ears continued to twitch towards each sound he heard.

As the burning continued, the crackling of the fire echoed along with the moaning of the zombies was followed by the horrible stench of those burning as the thick black smoke drifted along with the wind. Ki wrinkled his nose, wishing that the wind would blow it somewhere else just so he could get not only the stench of decaying bodies burning, but also burning. The smell curling up in his nose and making his through burn as the stench clung to the inside of his now. Clinging and burning to the point he could taste it on his rough tongue making him gag slightly.

His ears twitched even as he looked towards the distance and watched the ship curiosity evident in his silver blue eyes. Before looking back at the burning bodies and wall of fire that seemed to keep them from coming any closer to him and the only living soldier behind him. Looking back at said soldier he wonder for the up tenth time who he was and sighed as he looked away.

"Hell. Wish I know what world I'm on let alone how their government is!" he muttered and brushed some of his braids back over his shoulder ignoring the soft singing from said braids, his tail flicking and curling behind him, while his ears continued to twitch towards each sound he heard.

AHSC 'Nascent Echo'
Reverence I Planetary Assault Carrier

Commander Pendergast watcehd the readouts, massive blobs of writhing red masses showed up on the holographic representation of Main street. He stroked his chin and began to manipulate the hologram. "AI Redirect our position to that intersection up ahead. Let's clear a path for our soldiers."

He then turned to the hologram, and then to the weapons officer. "Online forward energy projectors."

The Lieutenant nodded and turned to report.

"Forward Energy projectors online!"


The Commander nodded. "Re-position one nine seven carom one one eight."

---

On the ground the Aschen soldiers continued to fight valiantly against the onslaught of the oncoming Zombie cyborgs. Most of the masses writhed in one coherent form.

"Cell out!" An Aschen soldier barked as he ejected a white hot micro-fusion cell from his disruptor rifle. Another soldier tossed him a fresh cell, which was subsequently locked and loaded into place, the Soldier returning to cover to lay waste to the oncoming masses.

Above, a deafening crack was heard, and the Reverence began to reposition itself, it's engines crying out.

The air was suddenly thick with the smell of ozone, the bottom forward portion of the ship opening up to reveal some kind of energy projector, which began to power up.


All the Aschen soldiers looked up. "Take Cover!" A Sergeant barked, and they ducked under their redoubts, as the Reverence above unleashed a deafening crack, and a lance of energy seared from the bottom of the craft, striking the ground and emitting a massive plume of plasma. The Energy pillar moved forward, vaporizing Zomborgs en-masse in a pillar of towering flame, this pillar of energy swept down the street several hundred meters, liquefying cars, zombies, and slightly damaging building facades, and windoes alike in a blinding light.

As quickly as it came, it was gone, leaving molten slag in it's wake, which quickly solidified into a shiny glass like material. The Pillar, and the subsequent liquefaction of the soil stopped just short of the Intersection, where a handful of Police were engaging Zombies.

With the street cleared, Aschen Soldiers called out to the Officer to make a run to their FOB, the street would still be hot, but safe to travel as it quickly cooled.

General Williams looked up as the sky went alight and the streets were almost turned to molten slag. "Bloody Hell they could have vaporized all of us!" He shouted as he renewed his step. Williams continued to make his way toward the NPA Command post. Then he turned to Zeban Sky as they walked two SEC Marines tailed behind them. "Zeban I want you to lead the SEC attack immediately. Those Zombies still seem to be swarming even after that light show, but more importantly we need to have a show of our own weaponry.

Zeban merely nodded and with a flash of light he was gone teleporting back to the SEC lines. When he was there he was no longer in human form but his demonic form. Though the SEC mostly relies on technology it is also well know for recruiting members with special "abilities." He turned to the armored soldiers and spoke telepathically. We are to advance Activate the Mechs and send them forward the rest of you are to hold the line. his voice was dark as it resonated in the soldiers minds.

After the orders were given tech officers inside a mobile relay trucks began to send activation signals. Mechs began to power up and about 20 marched forward. The front rank sprayed flame as they marched down the still cooling street picking off a few zombies. Zeban Watched with an amused smile on his demonic face.

Not that he was complaining about such a thing. Justice had always been a priority for the man in his time here. With means of returning having all but been abandoned these days, his old realm of existence a distant memory, dedication to acting as a savior for those unable to help themselves in Wing City had become a wonderful distraction. Memories of old always lingered, but the satisfaction of helping those in need always outweighed the vehement desire to return home. Whether here, or there, his duties were all the same. And it appeared he could do far more good here than he could there. Since his time in joining the Militia, as they dubbed themselves, his accomplishments rung out in resounding fashion. To act as a light in the ever encompassing darkness was a pleasure. To strike fear in those who chose to torment the innocents was something he appreciated and for those unaccustomed to fear, to at least bring them to rethink their actions was even better.



He continued in mild thought, sweeping across the sky in his usual patrolling fashion. The dirtiest, most volatile, portion of the city. Crime was certainly rampant in this section. Never a dull moment, never a reprieve from the tortured screams of innocence lost. Though he had been appointed a savior of the weak, he was still but one in the face of iniquitous malevolence. But what little bit of good he could do, he felt, would atone for that which he could not halt. "But, even then, I can't allow myself to falter in the face of such daunting hell." He mused as his eyes wavered, irides's sweeping from left to right. It was as he scoured the building tops and streets that he caught sight of several men scattering in the distance, seemingly running from something. As his brows knitted together, and his eyes further surveyed, he caught sight of two others simply making their way down. Slowly he came to a halt, hovering idly within the air studying them.



As he thought to himself, he slowly began to lower himself. Every vigilant eyes then swept the area once again before catching sight of an odd scene depicting itself before him. But a few buildings away, within the vicinity of the two, his eyes fell upon an individual who appeared to be readying themselves to take a shot. Tilting his head a slight degree, he realized just what was transpiring. Using speed to his advantage, his visual appearance flickered before fading as he made his way to that individual. Appearing but a few steps away, his feet audibly tapping against the concrete beneath them, his eyes fell upon that individual who appeared feminine in nature. Though he wasn't aware of her face, he was very aware of the firearm she had readied and was about to use, so it appeared.



Of course being cordial and polite never managed to get anyone anywhere in Wing City, let alone on Terra in general. He'd learned that time and time again, and it never failed to prove its point that one always had to resort to force to get results. Even then, though, he never abandoned his morals and his gentle methods, hopefully proving himself a better individual than the rest. If it came down to it, he'd certainly have to use extreme measures, if only to save the innocent lives about to be taken.

It seemed someone had spotted the woman. As she narrowed her eyes and readied the shot, a presence first registered on her HUD, followed by an interruption from her handler, and then ultimately the figure's voice.

"Eagle One there's--"

"I know.."

The Figure seemed to start a moment before she pulled her face away from the scope of the long, yet strangely designed rifle. it was then she slowly stood to face the confrontation. The figure's face was still obscured by the opaque and glossy visor of her Combat skin, so deducing her identity would be nigh impossible, for the moment.

The black visor retracted to reveal an angular face framed in short black strands, with neon blue orbs staring.

"Mission failure imminent, I've been discovered, advise." She silently thought, broadcasting the encrypted channel back to her handler.

All while she silently stood, facing Vegeshin. She did not utter a single word.

"Eagle one, neutralize the interfering factor and proceed with mission. You have authorization to use any means necessary to achieve the objective."

"Affirmative." She replied, yet no words were audibly spoken.

She stared at him, as if she was analyzing him, picking up the energies his form exuded. This would not be an easy fight, at least, not an easy fight for someone who wasn't Aiyanna.

In her right hand she produced a small white crystal, which shimmered in the night, her eyes looked down to the crystal, and then back up to Vegeshin.

"I'm on official business, if you value your life and the continued sovereignty of this planet, you will not interfere. Rather, you will turn around and leave the same way in which you came, and forget about this meeting"

The entire conversation was being recorded and monitored through a small camera in the Combat skin. If the Terran Militia was actively assisting Vigilantes, the Divine Shadow could certainly justify a military engagement against Terra to the Coalition. Or at the least, increased political pressure against the TNG.

Tesla walked the lioness down the street after she had pointed out the motel to him. Taking only a few steps forward he grimaced at the sight and thought of sending the night at one of those roach infested rest stops. And the fact that this neighborhood was clearly dangerous didn’t make him feel better for Lexington.

“Yeah, well thanks I’m not sure how I got the powers, because I know I wasn’t born with them. They sort of just popped into my life when I was younger and that’s when my teacher stepped into my life as well.” he said.

His thoughts flashed back to moments with his mentor, a mysterious figure who he had traveled with most of his life, a man who mixed physical training with spiritual and mental lessons. And that was when it all clicked in his mind at once. He had forgotten one of John’s lessons.

“To be the hero you dream of becoming you must be self-sacrificing; you must be willing to put the lives of others ahead of your own. When you do this you will surely have the attention of the enemy. For their hearts are lost in darkness, they love the darkness, and they scheme in the darkness. The enemy is like a thief in the night who only wishes to steal, kill, and destroy so my student do not underestimate and always be prepared.”

Tesla let go of Lexington’s arm and looked out ahead to the motel ahead of them. The enemy is never to be underestimated, he thought. It could be that the thugs could come back soon, and they did know where the lioness was staying. She wasn’t safe there anymore, and who was to say they were safe at all walking down the street.

John’s lesson wasn’t one of paranoia but one of caution. Tesla focused his abilities and turned on what was like an internal electromagnetic radar in his head. Feeling for any find of disturbance around him. His old mentor had once told him to be cautious, and Tesla could hit himself right now for not heeding those wise words.

There floating about in the air, being picked up by his internal electromagnetic radar, was a strange broadcast relay that seemed to snake up and beyond his radar’s range. All broadcasted forms of communication from radios to relays depended on electromagnetic principles. That was basic rules of physics that couldn’t be changed.

The strange snakey signal had a strange familiar feeling about it. It had a wavelength much like the ones sent back and forth between Sam and that huge flagship. Tesla’s blood ran cold with the thought that something similar could happen again, and he didn’t know if he could take on the ship again like he did last time.

He stopped Lexington by throwing an arm out in front of her. His head tilted from side to side and his eyes darted in different directions. He focused his radar and felt the presence of two individuals standing on a nearby roof. And it was one of those individuals who emitted that frightening signal.

“Lexington, I need you to run from here as far as you can,” he said trying to be calm and quiet so he didn’t scare her too bad. “Find a place you know you’ll be safe. Please, trust me.” Tesla didn’t explain himself but he flew off like a bolt using his magnetic powers to propel his body.

When he got on the same level as the two figures he looked at both, but his attention was on the strange rifle toting girl. The source of the familiar signal. Just by being closer to her now he could feel the metal and synthetic parts she was composed of. Good, Tesla had no reservations about frying a robot if he had too.

“I’d ask what the Terminatrix was doing up here with such a big rifle, but I think I have a pretty good idea.” he said. “So how about I just ask what you’re here for.” He directed towards Vegeshin. All the while never taking his eyes off the girl who had the big tank rifle in her arms.

As he remained stagnant, motionless as ever with a posture ever so rigid, his eyes remained glued to the woman before him. Taking into consideration she'd effortlessly complied, he felt compelled to poise himself, and yet, instead, carried a lackadaisical, whimsical, posture of readiness tinged with a notion of stillness. He'd not act outlandishly. It wasn't upon him to demean his morals by acting out of terms. Instead, he fixated himself in a position to idly negotiate. Her words were swiftly noted, and taken into consideration, but even then, he wouldn't allow death to befall what he considered an innocent. Either one of them. With no means of understanding the situation as he saw it, he instead allowed a brow to lift in mere curiosity. Business? Was this some sort of assassination, then?



His words were just, and within reason. A member of the Terran Militia, he'd been granted authoritative power to bring in those who'd seek to trespass against the law and murder, certainly, crossed that threshold. Things would go rather smoothly should she comply, but something told him it may not be so easy. And by her simple reaction, she held some sort of power herself. The lingering words that spoke of Terra's sovereignty was enough to invoke a certain, prodding, suspicion. The tech itself was certainly impressive, as well. He could only wonder about this woman. Had he not been so soft, he'd certainly would have ascertained she wasn't human simply by attempting to read Ki. Mechanical creations didn't hold such a trait, but he'd long since abandoned that sort of thing. The Multiverse had a strange way of breaking one down and rebuilding them in a different fashion. His old warrior ways had been replaced by more mundane, precise, means to achieve a goal.



It was with his final words, his eyes studying the shimmering gem she held within her grasp, that they flit off a degree to catch the sudden appearance of the very man he'd just saved swooping in. Could this city be any more ignorant? Did he not understand he'd just sought to save the mans life, and here he was possibly throwing it away with out regard? It was pure foolishness and the tone of the mans voice wasn't making matters any better. Though he had no reason to explain himself, he did so out of cordiality. Much like Tesla, Vegeshin's eyes never wavered from Aiyanna as his lips parted as to represent himself.



Having explained himself, his eyes briefly passed over to the man with a sense of seriousness burned into them. But as he did so, he noticed the young girl below, too, foolishly making her way toward the scene. Was there no sense of urgency to take their leave? Did everyone have to involve themselves in such a ruckus at the drop of a pin? Legally, he was in no way wrong. Legally, he was just and he had his reasons. At this point, the woman had chambered a round. She'd had them in her sights. It was, in all fairness, attempted murder should he play it that way. He could detain her if he wished, without even knowing the ramifications that would follow. But, who was he to know who the woman was without really paying close heed. Certainly, if he were more careful to observe, he'd realize she had quite a liking to a demented machine he'd encountered on an occasion or two before, but with all the faces he'd seen in his time, it wouldn't be his fault to forget.



That is. He'd do so given the opportunity. Otherwise, things were bound to grow rather out of control.