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Post by Wyntre Cold on Mar 21, 2016 21:23:13 GMT
Her single-digit power level wasn't all too worthy of notice. Any human with a shotgun had something about that level. Unassuming, really.
She was only using 0.0001% of her full power. Why did she suppress her power, you ask, when there was no need? Surely, short of Beelzebub himself, there was no one in hell who was a match for the Empress. And, for the most part, this was true. It did have, however, a few… exceptions she didn't know about.
Wyntre was suppressing her power in an effort to see how far it'd go down. She began using 0.00001% and she had only a fifth of a point… It burnt. When your body was now used to combat with power levels in the millions, merely walking around with less than a single point was a struggle.
She collapsed; her legs were numb. But still, she continued suppression. She kept on going down, she kept on suppressing. Naught point naught two power level units. Why, that was just about as far as she could go. She needed her power back to stand, to walk, to make analytical observations about rock formations! And so, what did she do? Why, she amplified her power lever one hundred million times, to about 2,200,000. Would this attract attention? Most definitely. However, if anyone had enough guts to actually confront her, she'd be slightly surprised.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 21, 2016 21:49:15 GMT
PL: Base 201,128 Suppressed: 100,000 In Hell, there were a small number of people currently, besides some of the ancient evils, that would investigate a Power Level quite as high as that had just appeared. Those evils, however, were likely warned off by the fact that Beelzebub was the master of that power level's owner. As such, there was a very small number of people who would investigate, and have the determination or insanity to come look.
In this case, it might well have been a bit of both. The large form of Walker sped through the sky, robes flapping in the hellish air. A Power level, nearly equal his own? That was worth investigating. Picking up the pace, he flashed past the trees and damned souls below, his own power sufficiently suppressed as to be beneath notice. Tuner had let him go, equally curious about the other power level, apparently. The tree had a sneaking suspicion the Namekian had some idea who this was, but let it go. That sudden explosion of power, from nearly invisible to where it stood, was most likely the person's full capacity. If not, well... he was already dead. There wasn't a lot of point in worrying.
Coming to a stop in the air, the tree folded his arms behind him in a casual stance, bowing slightly. "Hello there. My name is Walker. I felt your power, and was curious. I hope my intrusion is not too burdensome." His cultured tones seemed a bit odd coming out of a large black-wooded tree man, but he was being most sincere. Besides, this appeared to be an Arcosian, and from what he understood, they tended to be rather reasonable, unlike the extremely emotional Saiyans.
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Post by Wyntre Cold on Mar 22, 2016 11:27:12 GMT
Wyntre did not have the best experience with trees. This was understandable, most trees were almost as stupid as the average saiyan. At least the average tree could distinguish affect and effect or explain some simple math questions, like ones using differential calculus. But no, she hadn't had the greatest experience with trees because, rather, of what one was sent to do. The Tree of Might.
The SSE is anything but discreet in its actions. You tell them to make a salad and they're conquer a planet of sentient lettuces. You tell them to fill out their taxes and they find an excuse to destroy the government. You tell them to make a garden and the Universe falls into chaos. That tree had sapped the life from her corpse, that tree had sucked the life from the planet. Any yet…
And yet she could only pity it. Barely conscious of its actions, it had been forced to commit genocide. Like a primed thermonuclear warhead being dropped on a zoo if the warhead happened to be a pacifist who liked the panda exhibits. Not too long after, even the tree died. Nothing remained but a distant memory of what had once been.
There wasn't much of an Empress left. She had no one to rule, nothing to govern, no options to weigh. She found herself missing her paperwork. The only things she had left were her etiquette, her manners, her cleanliness, her morals and her mind. All of that caused by a tree.
So what do you do when a talking tree comes up and introduces itself? You keep what remains of you. Death cannot falter cultural constructs.
"I mind your presence as much as I mind the presence of something I do not mind the presence of. Greetings, Walker, I am the Empress of the Arcosian Empire, Wyntre Cold."
Something as meaningless as death could never dethrone an Empress.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2016 15:20:46 GMT
Ah, that explained a lot. The leader of Arcose... he had wondered where she was. Now, it seems, he had found her. Well, she was quite polite. Arcose had been destroyed by the Tree of Might, he would have expected her to be far more angry at a walking tree. Still, it was good to find someone reasonable. Bowing, he straightened up once more. "I have heard of you, though never before had the pleasure."
Looking about, he wondered at why nobody else had come to investigate. Ah well. "I'm sorry to hear about Arcose. If I thought myself capable, I would have attempted to use my abilities with plants to revitalize the planet, but Zuccetta would just have consumed it again." His fist clenched slightly, remembering the glimpse he had of the Saiyan Queen, the destruction she had caused. Suddenly, for a moment, he felt a familiar power enter the Afterlife, and stiffened. It vanished a second later, but it had definitely been...
"Kami is dead. Bing Gan has fallen. Oh... oh Kami, Zuccetta won. She's consumed another planet." With a sudden scream of rage, his Ki Suppression shattered, and his power rose to it's full height, eyes flaring as he slammed a fist into the air beside him, sending slight cracks through it for a second... somehow. Hell was bizarre like that. Inhaling raggedly, Walker bowed his head for a moment, staring down at the ground.
"... Lady Wyntre, I apologize for my outburst. It seems that things in the living world are going increasingly poorly." If Bing was dead, then there was nobody stopping Zuccetta from powering up on Kanassa. The Tree of Might... what a terrible thing. How she had gotten it, he had no idea, but he intended to ensure it was hidden away when she eventually died. If Bing was dead, the earth was in grave danger. Kaula... He wasn't sure if he could depend on the half-Saiyan to side with the Earth now, and Vi-Poi alone might not be enough to stop Lady Death. Reikiko was stronger, but she hadn't achieved her full power yet. The world was in a race against time, and he wasn't sure if there was enough of it. One thing was clear, though. He had to escape Hell as soon as possible.
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Post by Wyntre Cold on Mar 23, 2016 5:23:26 GMT
She didn't dare speak, only nodding weakly. These times were hard on everyone, and there will always be occasions were hope is an expended commodity.
This was of those times.
She was entirely aware that the saiyans attacked Kanassa. She was also entirely aware that among the warriors of earth defending against the menace were Bing-Gan, a figure who may or may not have been the 'Google' Zexama mentioned, and Zexama herself. Her only friend that she's met more than twice. What if she, too, had died? It was unthinkable! 'Died' looked too much like 'diet' for the Majin to even consider!
There were more pressing issues at hand, however. Not only has Zexama lost, but Zucceta had won. An entire world fell yet again simply because a saiyan didn't understand the alternatives. Something that could have been avoided entirely if Wyntre was only a few times stronger…
"Zucceta is likely preparing for a second invasion of Earth. You're from there, aren't you? With your considerable power, you would be of help defending the planets. Perhaps this time you lot can finish the job…" she said, using a tone she had never used before. "-And I will join you, if I make it out of here in time. I have picked up a few tricks from the Prince of Hell powerful techniques."
Wyntre turned around a little to make her body directly face the tree. "And they might just work."
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Post by Deleted on Mar 23, 2016 10:44:19 GMT
The tree stood silently on the air for a few second, then nodded slowly. "Oh, let us be clear. I did not approve of the "Mercy" given to the queen when she invaded,and that gesture has proven to be an incredibly costly mistake on Bing's part. Once again, the actions of the few are deciding the fates of millions. I have enough power to escape death. Most do not." His hands tightened, and his eyes narrowed. "I mourn Bing's loss, but more than that, I mourn those who will die now because the queen has not been stopped."
Glancing sideways at the queen, he tilted his head, slightly questioningly. "New Techniques, hmm? Well, hopefully they aid the battle. As it stands, though, I do not think my compatriots and I intend to wait for the Queen. Some of them, anyway. Others will merely wait on earth, happy to let her come to them." His tone indicated precisely what he thought of this. He had let Rei absorb him just so that their chance at winning would be even a bit better, and the others would likely stay on Earth, making some half-thought out excuse and continuing with pointless showboating until the Lady Death was literally at their doorstep, the corpses of worlds behind her and Earth next on her list.
"It is worth noting, I came down here... by choice, I suppose you could say. Both to get stronger, and so that, by absorbing me, another fighter would become strong enough to face Zuccetta. I have done things to attempt to weaken her war machine, and one of those meant that I likely would have ended up here in Hell, even if I had not asked." Lifting one hand, he waved it slightly, using his telepathy to project his imagined image of Vegeta, himself standing over it with one raised hand. "Your help would be appreciated. At this point, I am too far gone to worry about my own soul. I worry about those that are forced to depend on me to save them, after the arrogance of Earth has dug us this deep, deep grave."
Clenching his hand, he exhaled slowly. He could do what Wyntre had done too, if he really wanted. Tuner had been making references to an ancient technique that the Mazoku knew. However, the only way to learn it... would be to claim leadership of the surviving Mazoku Caste. That step might be one too far. He knew far too well that if he didn't take decisive action, the moment might pass, but still.... Acting merely for power was far too similar to the Saiyan Queen for his comfort. As it stood, he faced a choice. Risk his own life, not just his actual status as a living being, but all those he knew and cared for, to increase his chances of stopping this? Or selfishly turn away the chance at becoming stronger, and risk it all vanishing anyway.
Shaking off the reverie, he tilted his head, crossing his arms as he looked at the queen. "I confess, unwise as this might be... I am rather curious to see what you learned. I doubt I could replicate it, if it's truly from one of the deities of hell, but even so, if you are willing to show it off, I would be most eager to witness what can come of such training." Rocking back slightly, he tilted his head a little more. It was his equivalent of raising his eyebrows, as he had none to raise. "That reminds me, actually... If we can acquire the Dragon Balls, a wish to "Undo the damage caused by Queen Zuccetta" might be enough to restore Arcose. The Earth's are currently locked, but Nam... ek's..." He paused, then let his face fall forward. He had just sensed Helix's energy appearing in the line, far away. God dammit, how did HELIX die? "Well, apparently we do NOT have Namek's."
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Post by Wyntre Cold on Mar 24, 2016 9:01:08 GMT
"Indeed."
Life was weird, as was its opposite. This was to be expected from something, anything, pertaining to reality. Reality was unrealistic, wrong, ignorant. It ignored what it should have done and forced actuality to comply. Because of this, among innumerable other reasons, reality should not be trusted to tell the truth. Reality was a liar. It was for this reason that one could view all of the events that had transpired almost as if... almost as if it was all one big fat lie. But Reality was also an insurmountable bully, ready to slap you in the face when you try to turn to its alternative.
Hell, too, was weird, much like heaven was presumed to be. It was the only safe place in a sea of danger. Watching murder, sin, death, loss, all from the safety of death... Wyntre had reason to be depressed. Zucceta's war on reason happening everywhere but here, the powerlessness to stop it, the inability to ameliorate the damage caused. It all made Wyntre quite... What's the word? Hopeless.
It was like she was being forced to watch her friends and family being maimed and murdered with a rusty carving knife as she was tied to a cinema seat and given popcorn, except on a scale the feeble-minded couldn't comprehend. And do you know what made it so much worse? How is kept on getting bleaker.
"I appreciate your concern, although it won't quite alleviate my burdens. Neither do I believe it would be wise for me to, eh, 'show off' my techniques. They're only for utter emergencies and when people try to hug me. Or, in other words, they're only for utter emergencies." she said reservedly. She gave a considerable pause and decided that she needed a little something to distract her from the world outside. "Although I suppose I could make an exception... You're capable of ki attacks, are you not? Shoot one at me, I'll show you something."
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Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2016 11:30:33 GMT
The tree watched the currently indisposed queen of Arcose carefully. She seemed rather despondent, the single word almost an afterthought. He supposed being in Hell wasn't exactly a cheerful vacation, but he was still concerned by her rather lackluster response. Still, it wasn't precisely any of his business, anyway. He hadn't been on Arcose, hadn't seen friends and family die to the Queen. In that vein, her response was far more understandable. He would be much the same if Earth had been attacked.
Actually, he wouldn't, now that he thought about it. He would have been upset, certainly, but much more... visibly. Pushing that aside as Wyntre began to speak again, he winced slightly at the rather pointed remark about his concerns not being helpful. It was the next bit that surprised him, however.
She wanted him to shoot at her? Well, that was a bit unexpected, but still... she seemed more than strong enough to handle it. Perhaps less than full power was wise, though. Presumably, there was some sort of technique at play that would feed off his attack, redirect it, or something like that. With that in mind, he decided on partial power. His hands curved slightly, fingers touching, and thumbs placed against each other, a glowing core of energy burning within. The molten magic surged, invigorated by the atmosphere of this infernal place, and with a surprisingly relaxed motion, Walker pulled his hands back, the orb rupturing towards Wyntre.
A large gout of Ki-Flame shot toward the Arcosian, seeming to rush forward as though it was consuming the air in front of it to move. Watching carefully, Walker did his best to determine what was about to occur. Whatever this was, it seemed to be a fairly unusual technique. He couldn't deny it, even though the chance was good this would be redirected at him, he was quite excited.
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Post by Wyntre Cold on Mar 25, 2016 9:39:38 GMT
"I'll tell you a bit about it before I show you it…" She watched as Walker began to charge his attack. "The technique, the Makaioken, is not one you'd use in any situation other than one of utmost urgency. It will amplify the power of my techniques greatly, but merely by using it I put my life in danger. Probably."
A mental property that Wyntre prided herself on was how emotional she appeared to be. She had never once been overjoyed in her life, but if she was then you wouldn't notice anyway. She could be deciding what to do next in a game of chess or deciding which limb to maim first and you wouldn't be able to tell if she was aware that you existed. But now that she's been murdered, alongside her planet and all that had inhabited it, her default emotion was more of a confident yet disappointed misery than anything else.
"The attack I am soon to make would normally be just as powerful as yours, if not for the Makaioken of which I am using in conjunction with the ki blast."
True to her word, ki gathered in her hands. It gathered more quickly than Walker's attack, but this only to let it catch up more quickly as Walker started charging before her. "MAKAIOKEN…"
Purple ki gathered in her hands, the rate in which it grew suddenly slowing drastically. "… TIMES…" She flew back a bit, betting a better angle to view the clash from.
"FIVE!"
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Post by Deleted on Mar 25, 2016 13:30:25 GMT
The tree admitted to being somewhat skeptical about Wyntre's claim, as she spoke of a "Makaioken." Something that could charge an attack even more? That didn't sound immensely special. However, as the Arcosian threw forth the Technique, yelling out "Makaioken... times FIVE!", Walker realized this was a better technique than he was expecting. The attack was suddenly boosted, and as it hit his own, overcame it. Not with ease, but the additional energy from the Makaioken meant that there was more than half the power remaining when it hit Walker. Gritting his teeth, the tree was flung backwards through the air for a moment, before catching himself and returning. Wincing, he shook the arm stump that had been burned away when he tried to hold back the technique. "I see.. most impressive. Add that to a stronger technique, and you would easily overcome most foes. A technique worthy of it's teacher."
Disappointingly, Walker couldn't figure out how it had been done. He had seen the flow of energy, but it wasn't nearly enough to deduce what had happened. Putting a hand on the stump, he rubbed it slightly, then concentrated. It regrew, long tendrils of plant matter and vines coiling about and merging, until his arm was whole again. Shaking it once, he checked to see that it functioned, then nodded. "Hopefully, that will be of use in removing the Saiyan Queen's head from her shoulders, and corpse from her throne." The vicious nature of that comment un-noted, he continued, "I wish you luck with your training, and hope that you are able to leave as well. Things continue on the surface, and one of my friends informed me that quite a few people are making a claim to the Arcosian Empire's fiefdoms."
Cipher's descriptions of his travels had painted a bleak picture, but it was to be expected, really. What empire WOULDN'T fall into Chaos with such a blow. Shaking some of the ash off his clothes, he considered the current state of things as he waited for the Empress to respond. The SSE was overwhelmingly strong at the moment, and several factions had been beaten back in recent weeks. If the Arcosian Empire reformed, it would be a great ally, at least in stopping the SSE or pruning them back. Still, he had no desire to throw the lives of their citizens in front of the Saiyans. Earth would have to fight too. One way or another, Earth would have to go to war.
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Post by Wyntre Cold on Mar 26, 2016 12:52:29 GMT
"Thank you. The technique, when used with the most powerful technique I know it is compatible with, is able to dispatch enemies at least twice my power."
Seemingly unaffected by Walker's regenerating hand, she visually went through the steps the Prince had her go through to use the technique. She could try to teach the tree, sure, but the chances of it going to plan were smaller than the chances of Emperor Antony II winning the 'least-like-an-ant' awards hosted by an assortment of non-blind non-anty animals. "If you're wondering how I did that, I couldn't tell you myself, unfortunately."
There was a bleakness that crept in the gaps. Not only were there were more 'gaps' then there was 'roof', but the 'mechanic' failed to notice the problem. She thoughtfully looked over into the distance, her eyes giving away the concentration.
"As much as the fiefdoms concern me, the greater threat must be dealt with beforehand. You seem quite well informed. Tell me, did you know a 'Zexama'?"
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2016 1:51:06 GMT
That named seemed familiar, for some reason. What had he been doing... Ah, yes. "Yes, I do know a Zexama. She was an adopted sister to Reikiko, the bio-android, and I met her once on Avalon. I don't know her very well, unfortunately, but I believe she was fine when I last was on earth. I'm not sure what she was doing though, things were rather hectic." He was only vaguely aware of her, and sadly couldn't give much more information. "Why do you ask? A friend, or ally of some kind?" Walker floated in the air, toes aimed downward and visage staring blankly at Wyntre. He wanted to help, but... he didn't really know how to do so. "If I manage to return before you do, I will check up on her, if that is acceptable. " Bowing slightly, he showed deference to the sad-sounding Arcosian. She sounded... odd. Perhaps he should be careful with this conversation. It felt much weightier than the words themselves implied.
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Post by Wyntre Cold on Mar 27, 2016 13:56:14 GMT
"Reikiko? Oh, yes," she paused momentarily, remembering what she had seen from the odd glass orbs a short time ago , "Reikiko."
She didn't think all too much about the bio-android, but she did remind Wyntre of a few people she didn't particularly enjoy the company of. This wasn't to get in the way of a new potential ally, however.
"Something like that." Honestly, she didn't know what to call Zexama. They would have been friends, but Wyntre doesn't have friends. Although, perhaps she just has friend, singular. Either way, she wasn't going to say that she has a friend to some tree she met in hell, that would be absurd. Children have friends, Empresses do not. She, if you hadn't noticed by now, is an Empress.
Well, was.
"That would be a good idea. I do, however, know of Zexama's roundabouts. She's either… dead… or she's leaving Kanassa. I fear Earth may soon be plagued by the Third Tree."
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Post by Deleted on Mar 27, 2016 20:08:44 GMT
Well, at least there was a chance. "I hope she survived. Either way, I share your concern. Perhaps the only saving grace is that the Dragon Balls are on earth, and I suspect, given how Namek was targeted, that Zuccetta wants them. She will likely be frustrated when there proves to be nothing on that planet, and then will come for Earth." He crossed his arms, seeming to fold in on himself for a moment.
He needed to find that trigger. He could just barely feel it, deep down in his soul... something was there, another wall of some kind. He had evolved under his own power once... he would do it again. All that mattered now was figuring out how. He had ascended from emotion the first time, but if it was merely rage that was needed, he would likely have broken through by now. It was something else. He was tempted, just a bit, to ask Wyntre about this demon. But... no. If he was going to be offered training, he would have been found. He wasn't about to try and beg for something, not when someone else had been chosen. He would have to find another path. "As it stands, at the very least, I refuse to allow the queen to plant the Tree of Might and benefit from it's fruits anymore. If required.... I will adopt Scorched Earth Tactics to ensure that."
Staring at Wyntre, he titled his head. "I am.. curious. What would you do, if Arcose was placed in this situation, the red lines on the galactic map growing around it, and the Saiyan's ruler prepared to consume your planet, Earth having already fallen? Would you do your damnedest to at least deny her the power the Tree would bring her? Would you attempt to fight her, knowing if you lose that she would become just that much stronger, and yet another fighter capable of ending her had fallen?"
His eyes glowed, just as they had during the entire conversation, but it seemed to have intensified with every word of his speech. It was like a glowing mist was burning off the far corners of his eyes, the only hint that his emotions were running high. His words were casual, almost conversational, but he was clearly not as collected as his tone. "What would you do?"
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Post by Wyntre Cold on Mar 28, 2016 2:45:07 GMT
Empress Wyntre of Arcose, too, was having troubles unlocking her next transformation. She knew it was attainable, she's met figures of the past who have unlocked it. She knew that she, specifically, could attain it, as she has found a Royal-Form Wyntre defending her mind against threats in her subconscious… Although that whole situation was messed up and confusing and therefore couldn't be considered the whole truth at face value.
Yes, the so-called 'Royal Form', as elusive as it was mysterious. She knew in a way she couldn't quite fathom that she was close, so very close, to the power threshold required. Something in her didn't quite want anything to do with it, however: every time she has encountered someone with the form, they would have a bit less control over their actions than they might in any other form. Control was a crucial part of her psyche; not so much control over others, but control over herself. This was why, in Wyntre's mind, Zucceta didn't quite own anything at all, as even her own body disobeyed her. Well, either that or she's being stupid on purpose.
"You know what I'd do, as I had done so beforehand. I would defend my planet until there is no longer a threat or it had overwhelmed me."
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