Super Smash Quest - Story - Chapter 453: Struggle for the Smash Emblems

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Date: July 19th and 20th, 2007.

Nick Caligo (GM): The sound of thunder roars from the dark sky over the Stadium. Patches of pitch black roll over the deep purple and blue clouds, swirling in a vortex.

Wolfman would be... where is he anyway?

Nick Caligo (GM): Lightning strikes near the window of the infirmary, startling Doctor Mario as he finishes up on Wolfman and Garrick.

Wolfman is in... the lab?

Nick Caligo (GM): ... Infirmary. Okay. Everyone who was dead.

Garrick: *slowly wakes up, glancing from side to side...*

Alexia is staring fearfully out the window.

Garrick remembers he doesn't NEED to use the alias..

Wolfman already stepped into the "Uber Energizer" to be recovered at full, then goes to the Infirmary.

Garrick: "...did we win?"

Wolfman: "Barely."

Nick Caligo (GM): "Mama-mia!" says the doctor. "What a storm! What's a doctor to do..." He whaps Garrick's knee repeatedly with a small hammer. "How can I-a-concentrate in conditions like-a-this?"

Garrick sighs... "Well, at least I'm alive..."

Wolfman: "Giga Bowser was very difficult. I had to resort to treating him like Master Hand on my last life."

Dragoshi: *Absentmindedly flexes his left claw as he looks out the window.* "...Huh."

Wolfman: "And let me just say that grabbing onto a hand is MUCH easier."

Nick Caligo (GM): "Okay now," he says to Garrick, pulling out a Megavitamin. "Open up!"

Garrick: "...uh... Ahhhhh..."

Garrick opens his mouth, hoping it isn't anything else..

Nick Caligo (GM): He CRAMS it down Garrick's throat even though it's at least the size of his own head. Much like he did to Darkdata.

Garrick: "MMPF!!"

Wolfman: .oO(...and Garrick takes damage? He might if this was the Arena.)

Nick Caligo (GM): Once Garrick finally swallows it, he hears the Mario "big up" sound as everyone's lives regenerate completely.

Garrick: "...huh... well, at least I feel better and I'm alive.."

Wolfman: "Well, now is a good time to be alive."

Darkdata: "Uugh, it could of been worse. It could of went in through the other end..."

Wolfman takes a good look outside.

Garrick: "Good point..."

Wolfman: "...because I think we're about to have our climatic fight."

Dragoshi: "...Right. Anyways..."

Garrick: "...we'd better get to the Big Room."

Dragoshi: "Quite." *Zooms ahead to the Big Room. Gaw damn, he's agile.*

Nick Caligo (GM): Clumps of earth outside are torn from the ground, seeming to crumble fall upwards into the sky.

Wolfman: .oO(...okay, it's gotten out of control.)

Darkdata: "Such, destruction..."

Wolfman gets Darkdata on top of him, then hurries to the Big Room. "Come on Dark: no time to waste."

Nick Caligo (GM): The hills that the Stadium once nestled in... are gone.

Garrick pushes himself off the bed, giving a thank you nod to the good doctor before moving to the Big Room. Quickly.

Darkdata: "Oh, kay?" *Holds onto wolf.*

Alexia tucks a small piece of paper into her pocket and heads to the Big Room.

Julian: *Julian would already be in the Big Room, sitting down in his usual chair with his feet up... Wonder where he's been in all of this.* "Man, it's gettin' bad outside..."

Wolfman and Drag and Dark and whoever else would hopefully be in the Big Room by now...

Aetos bursts into the room! How original.

Wolfman: "...who are you again?" *points to Aetos.*

Julian: "You don't remember Aetos, Wolf?"

Aetos mutters. "I'm here, FINALLY. What did you do??"

Wolfman: "You know how my memory circuits are Julian."

Julian: "Granted he's been gone so long I wouldn't blame ya..."

Garrick stares at Aetos, his eyes narrowing... "What the hell are you doing here?"

Alexia glances at Garrick, then at Aetos, then back at Garrick... "...Okay, I'll bite. Bad blood?"

Darkdata looks over at Garrick. .oO(Good thing looks can't kill...)

Aetos: "I go off and try scorning the Questers by showing how useful I really am, and boom, you go off and destroy the galaxy."

Julian: *Julian looks over at Garrick as HE enters.* "Yo! Garrick! C'mere, I got a present for ya."

Garrick growls lowly in his throat.

Darkdata: "Blame The Void, not us..."

Wolfman: "Hold on... destroy the galaxy?"

Julian: *Motions with his hand for Garrick to come over.*

Wolfman: "I don't recall trying to destroy it here: saving it, though..."

Garrick is currently too busy glaring at Aetos to notice Julian.

Aetos: "It was an exaggeration, but you oughta know what I'm talking about!"

Wolfman: "I don't."

Garrick: "Shut your mouth, already!"

Aetos blinks and pokes a window, if there is one.

Alexia: "Garrick, maybe we should focus on the upcoming battle..."

Julian: *Denied! Julian glances at Aetos, then turns his attention back to Garrick, gets up, and walks over to him, putting his hand on his shoulder.* "Look, you can growl at Aetos all you want AFTER we take care of this, a'ight?"

Garrick: "This asshole was in league with Locos! How do we know he'll stay true?"

Aetos coughs.

Wolfman turns to Aetos... he at least deserves a chance to tell his story.

Darkdata: *Looks shocked.*

Julian: "We don't. But we need all the help we can get at this point."

Aetos: "I think you missed plenty of your own, Gunslinger."

Wolfman: "Then please share with us what we've missed."

Julian: "Now if you'll calm the fuck down, I got somethin' for ya."

Alexia: "Guys, seriously, cool it..."

Wolfman is calm right now... bad memory can do that to you.

Garrick grits his teeth... what he wouldn't given to put a few slugs into his head... He finally turns his attention to Julian.. "You have something for me. I don't know what it could be..."

Julian: "Sure do. Check it out..." *Julian steps back, pulls open one side of his vest... Hey! The sword that Doopliss was using is hanging there! How'd he fit that in.* "Heard you lost the Scorchin' Freeze or whatever, an' you're in need of a new sword. Just so happens I got one."

Garrick: "Burning Chill... ...you can keep it. Supposedly there's some sword 'with' me.."

Julian: "So I want you-" *Julian takes the sword out and hands it over to Garrick.* "To have it. On one condition."

Garrick looks down at it, then back up at Julian.. "...that being?"

Julian: "You know that V chain you been carryin' around? I'd like it. Used to have one jus' like it back on Earth."

Garrick: "...actually, Julian... Metal told me to destroy it. So I did... it was a cursed item from The Void."

Julian: "Huh... Guess you'll jus' be takin' the sword then."

Wolfman: .oO(...Earth... not my own world anymore. I wonder if Mario can ever go back)

Garrick: "...if this 'sword that's with me' shows up, you can have it back... though, I doubt it... with my luck, and all... thanks."

Garrick takes the weapon, feeling the balance... he hopes it isn't cursed too... and he draws it, testing the balance and such before clipping it into place on the back of his belt.

Julian: "No problem. 'Least I could do. But, if we do happen to make it outta 'dis alive, I've got two Uzi's I'd like to see if you could get back into workin' condition."

Wolfman wonders why Aetos hasn't spoken about his adventures yet.

Dragoshi: "..."

Wolfman: "...so we're all getting along now? That's good."

Garrick: "I'll do what I can..."

Wolfman wonders where Metal is though.

Julian: "Solid. Now that that's taken care of..." *turns to Aetos.* "You was sayin' about where the hell you've been?"

Aetos: "Huh. I've just been hiding out, avoiding all of you so no one would find me. Then I see the planet warping out like this so I made my way here. Nothin' special."

Darkdata: "Right..."

Alexia: "Wait, why didn't you want us to find you?"

Wolfman: "Dark, easy there. No need for you to get angry while you are on top of me."

Aetos: "'Cause I was trying to prove a point."

Garrick murmurs under his breath..

Dragoshi: "Point being, if I may ask...?"

Darkdata: "Not angry, just ... wondering about a few things.

Aetos: "That you needed me. I dunno if this constitutes proving my point, but it's good enough."

Alexia: "What about my question?"

Wolfman: "We do "need" all the help we can get."

Julian: "Looks like we got along jus' fine without you...'

Garrick growls...

Aetos: "Until now?"

Garrick: "We're just FINE, thank you. We've been busy gathering items to stop The Void's conquest."

Aetos: "The Void again? Typical, huh."

Alexia: "But why did--never mind."

Wolfman: "We've gathered up the four Smash Emblems needed."

Aetos: "Smash Emblems?.."

Wolfman: "If we're lucky, we can finally stop The Void with them. Yes."

Aetos: "Sounds pricey... What are they, exactly?.."

Darkdata: "They are the plot devi-- key to destroying The Void."

Garrick: "Nothing you should know."

Wolfman: .oO(They probably are plot devices.)

Julian: "We ain't gonna turn down any help we can get when fightin' The Void... But you gonna be on watch, Aetos. Jus' don't turn on us like you did when we fought him the last time."

Aetos: "Huh. Right." *Looks at his hand.*

Garrick: "We put Locos down, we'll put you down as well."

Alexia: "...He did what?"

Aetos: "I think this should be gone now.."

Nick Caligo (GM): Mewtwo greets you all in the big room, stepping up to his control panel... er... floating.

Julian: "An' I'll mount yo' head next to his if we do."

Aetos can't recall. :s

Wolfman sees... woah: Mewtwo has returned!

Dragoshi: "Hello, Mewtwo..."

Darkdata: "Hi Mewtwo."

Wolfman: "Mewtwo... if you're giving us the briefing, then it's that important."

Alexia: "But what exactly did he--oh, hello, Master Mewtwo."

Nick Caligo (GM): He folds his arms over his chest. "Questers... I won't be briefing you this time."

Julian: *And Mewtwo's here! Hooray! Julian quickly moves back to his seat, feet up.* "Then who is?"

Garrick looks to Mewtwo, frowning..

Mewtwo: "You're going to get your directives from Master Hand this time."

Julian: "...Great."

Wolfman: "...that's all you came to tell us?"

Alexia: "...It's that serious?"

Dragoshi: "I see."

Garrick: "Looks pretty damn serious to me, Alexia.."

Garrick glances outside a nearby window...

Mewtwo: "He's waiting for you in his room in the Stadium basement."

Darkdata: "Are we going to get a chance to shop for items before we leave?"

Julian: "Don't think it can get much MORE serious."

Dragoshi: "Well, then where is Master Hand? After all, time is of the essence."

Nick Caligo (GM): Things aren't looking any better to Garrick.

Wolfman: "SIMBER, directions to Master Hand's room please?"

Alexia takes the piece of paper out of her pocket and hands it to Mewtwo.

Aetos pokes the door, which is located in the Big Room, at least, it used to be.

SIMBER: "Down the elevator to floor B13. The entire floor is Master Hand's room."

Wolfman: "Thanks SIMBER."

Aetos: "...Hrm. This place changes all the time."

Wolfman turns to all.

Nick Caligo (GM): Mewtwo shuts his eyes and nods. "Go. And good luck... this may be the last time I look upon any of you."

Wolfman: "...well, let's get going."

Julian: "Then let's go." *Julian swings up and heads for the elevator.*

Nick Caligo (GM): The stadium rumbles abruptly.

Wolfman: .oO(...those changes I feared... they culminate here.)

Garrick: "It's been fun, Mewtwo..."

Darkdata holds onto Wolf. "Good luck Mewtwo."

Digifanatic: *has appeared.* "Yeah..."

Wolfman starts to head down... gah: shakiness!

Dragoshi: *Nods, and zooms off to the elevator.*

Julian: *Julian waves goodbye over his shoulder.* "Later. Hopefully not much."

Nick Caligo (GM): An alarm blares from Mewtwo's panel. He stares at it. "Wing B-42 has broken off... there isn't much time."

Digifanatic: "Who knows what's gonna go down now, but hopefully, everything will be be okay once it's settled." *heads to the elevator.*

Dragoshi: *Stumbles a little bit, but regains composure and continues his trek to the elevator.*

Wolfman: "Until next time Mewtwo." *takes elevator down.*

Alexia takes her gun out and heads to the elevator.

Garrick heads after him, pressing a finger to is earpiece. "Nova, send me some fresh ammo and a few of the emergency items."

Julian: *Julian steps onto the elevator, and heads down with everyone else.*

Alexia: "Guys, just in case, I just gave my last will to Master Mewtwo."

Aetos trots on to catch up with the others, having taken a moment to think about why there isn't a stairwell connected to the big room that leads to the basement and storage area anymore.

Nick Caligo (GM): As the Questers head for the elevator, all 26 of the fighters are lined up on either side of the hallway to greet them... even Bowser and Ganondorf, who appear to be covered in bandages and outfitted with crutches.

Julian: "You don't have it stored electronically anywhere?"

Alexia: "Computers can break."

Wolfman: "...I see that our last battle wore you out Bowser. But what brings you here Ganondorf?"

Julian: "A lot less easier than Paper."

Darkdata: "Bowser, erm... how did you get that bandaged? I mean... we never beat you up that bad..."

Alexia: "Then I just won't let it go to that, then."

Wolfman: "Dark, he became Giga Bowser, remember?"

Garrick: "Always have paper copies..." A shimmer is placed on his now mangled t-shirt. His bomber's jacket is long gone, having been seared to dust in the fight with Giga Bowser. He glares at him as he walks by.

Ganondorf: "I... ..." He hangs his head, bandaged with a single white band around his forehead. "... There may be no Hyrule for me soon. Thus... I wish you luck."

Nick Caligo (GM): Bowser just grumbles under his breath.

Digifanatic: .oO(Screw technicalities, we gotta get this thing going!)

Garrick: The gun straps the cover his body have the M-150 holstered at his left side, the P-90 on his right, and the Last Request on his lower left side. The ammo clips appear and his pockets get a bit heavier with fresh items.

Wolfman: "Should we end up restoring this realm back to how it should, we'll make new contracts that are more flexible."

Nick Caligo (GM): "We all do," Game and Watch says.

Wolfman: "...but do try to keep the 'take over the world' stuff under control."

Nick Caligo (GM): "Get going," Captain Falcon urges the Questers. "We'll try and hold this place together long enough to buy you some time to talk to 'da boss!"

Wolfman: "Understood."

Garrick: "Fair enough..."

Dragoshi: "...Okay, then."

Wolfman gets going to... wherever everyone is supposed to go.

Dragoshi: *Continues along his path...*

Garrick glances at Link as he passes him... "...sorry about using the Temple..."

Julian: *Julian's honored at the Hall Of Fame walk they get as they head for the elevator... and laughs to himself when he sees the two long-time Quester enemies in bandages.* "Yo, we got this covered. Do yo' best, an' we'll do ours."

Nick Caligo (GM): He shuts his eyes and shakes his head, holding out the palm of his hand as if to push away something offered. It's clear that he accepts Garrick's apology and wants him to think nothing of it. "Right!" they all say in unison.

Garrick: "Take care, aye?'

Nick Caligo (GM): Except Yoshi, Kirby, and Roy and Marth. Roy and Marth say "Hai!" Yoshi says, in his typical way, "Yoshi!!"

Darkdata: "Remember Smashers, if Mario has thought us anything, thinking and hoping for us will lend us power. Remember that if things look grim!"

Nick Caligo (GM): Kirby says "Byyyye!" Oh. And Pikachu and Pichu both say "Pi!"

Garrick: "Yeah yeah... we'll get through this... c'mon."

Wolfman gets going.

Julian: *Julian nods at the response, an' gives a thumbs-up.* "A'ight. Let's bounce, fellas." *Elevator! Finally!*

Darkdata holds onto Wolf.

Alexia continues on to the elevator.

Nick Caligo (GM): Just before anyone sets foot into he elevator, Pikachu stops the group. "Pi!" He waves his hands. "Pi piii! Pika pi pikachu pika!"

Garrick continues on as well, halting before the Pokemon..

Aetos blinks at the rat.

Nick Caligo (GM): He then steps aside, satisfied with the words of wisdom he's just offered you.

Dragoshi: *Already went ahead... I think.*

Nick Caligo (GM): Or... warm goodbyes? ...

Wolfman uses the Smash Dex to translate.

Darkdata: "Erm...?"

Nick Caligo (GM): Anyway... they all wave as the elevator doors shut.

Darkdata: "Does anyone speak pokemon?"

Dragoshi: "...Hmm?"

Garrick: "...uhhh... thanks, Pikachu. We'll keep that in mind."

Wolfman: .oO(Working on it)

Julian: "We got translators for that."

Garrick gives the mouse a pat on the head before continuing on.

Elevator: "Ding! Floor B-13. Final Destination."

Garrick can't help but chuckle...

Nick Caligo (GM): The door opens out into a seemingly infinite expanse of space.

Wolfman doesn't get a translation... dex must be busted. "...so this is where you keep your personal arena Master Hand?"

Nick Caligo (GM): Stars, nebulae, quasars... all the celestial fixin's.

Aetos: "..Is this the right floor, really?"

Garrick: "What better place for a God..."

Dragoshi: "Of course it is..." *Walks forward...*

Julian: "Nice... Bit too much though, but I guess you gotta have all that space when you're a god-hand or whatever."

Master Hand: "Step into the room. Fear not; you shall not fall."

Digifanatic: "Yeah..."

Nick Caligo (GM): The Questers would recognize the voice acting talents of Orson Welles.

Wolfman has no problem stepping in.

Alexia steps forwards, out of the elevator.

Julian: *Julian's steppin' in!*

Digifanatic: *And he goes there.*

Garrick starts out, his hands moving over each of his guns, sighting them, loading them, and cocking them all, leaving safeties on...

Nick Caligo (GM): Sure enough, it's like everyone is standing on an invisible floor.

Dragoshi: *Already stepped in.* "Nice... Cosmic flooring. Anyways..."

Darkdata: "Showoff."

Nick Caligo (GM): As everyone steps out, the elevator doors shut behind them. All that's left is a single white line, which goes up... and disappears out of sight, leaving the Questers with no exit.

Alexia: "Well... here we go. Good luck, guys."

Wolfman continues on, Quester Badge in hand... not going to summon or anything: just hold on to it.

Nick Caligo (GM): Master Hand swoops in from above, floating before everyone, fingertips waving.

Julian: "Yo."

Wolfman: "Welcome... or is it us that should be welcomed?"

Aetos waves back.

Master Hand: "You have done well, and proven yourselves worthy in my eyes to be the saviors of this reality..."

Nick Caligo (GM) Odd that he'd say that, given he has no eyes.

Dragoshi: "Hello..."

Nick Caligo (GM): Oh well.

Wolfman: .oO(He has to have some way to see... after all, he did kick my butt nearly)

Master Hand: "The Smash Orbs are an ancient power... they are no mere Plot Device."

Darkdata: "Oh, all that wok to get the emblems was a test. Ah I see." *Yoinks on some of Wolf's hair by reflex.*

Garrick remains silent, staring..

Nick Caligo (GM): He makes a quick flick of his wrist, offering his hand to the group, seemingly. The smash orbs float out and collect in his palm, glowing all the colors of the rainbow.

Dragoshi: .oO(Wait. In his e-Nevermind the confusion) "In any case..."

Master Hand: "They are a greater power... one long forgotten in our universe. They... are gameplay elements!"

Wolfman: "...pardon?"

Aetos: "Exciting."

Darkdata: *Almost falls off Wolf.*

Dragoshi: .oO(How... Sublim-what.)

Garrick arches an eyebrow...

Digifanatic: .oO(OHHHHHHH?)

Master Hand: "They are common items, just like your pokeballs, starmen, and the hammer."

Julian: "?"

Wolfman readjusts so that Dark doesn't fall.

Dragoshi: "Huh... Interesting."

Master Hand: "Or at least, they would be if there were more than four of them."

Darkdata: "So, what can they do?"

Master Hand: "Using their power, you can initiate the Final Smash--the ultimate fighting technique."

Julian: "Huh... That's new."

Wolfman: "...it's not."

Digifanatic: "Sounds like we are on to something."

Wolfman: "That explains my Wolfkahouha a little."

Master Hand: "But it is, Wolfman."

Darkdata: "Ah. Hmm, so only four of us can use them?"

Master Hand: "Even your technique pales in comparison to the Final Smash. Yes... but there is a problem."

Julian: *Julian listens... Problems suck, what could it be?*

Dragoshi: "Problem being...?"

Nick Caligo (GM): The entire space surrounding you rumbles. Master hand's fingers stop moving. "... No, it's too soon."

Wolfman feels another rumbling... "what's too soon?"

Garrick: "The Void... "

Dragoshi: "...Our time to use the Orbs, of course."

Darkdata: "..."

Nick Caligo (GM): A second voice echoes through the infinity of the Final Destination.

Dragoshi: "That's what's too soon."

Nick Caligo (GM): Laughter. Dark, demonic laughter.

Julian: "Shush."

Nick Caligo (GM): "The Void is here."

Digifanatic: "Of course."

Wolfman: .oO(...wait: if this is Master Hand's place... where is Crazy hand?)

Dragoshi: "...Heh..."

Darkdata: "Uragh. Well, guess who that is?"

The Void: "Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Fools!"

Julian: "...Well that ain't good. At all. What's the problem you was gonna tell us about? Quick, 'fore he gets he-Damn."

Wolfman: .oO(...oh great)

Digifanatic: .oO(Ah yes, I say he still has recurring symptoms of villainus arrogantus.)

The Void: "Yours and all games are now OVER. Give up! You have lost all!"

Garrick draws the Doopliss' sword and the Last Request in a single motion, flicking the safety off and bracing himself... this sword was too broad, it didn't feel right... but it'd do. For now, at least...

The Void: "Master Hand lies to you. You cannot destroy me with these orbs."

Julian: "Well, we're jus' gonna see about that, ain't we?"

Dragoshi: "...How stupid can one get?"

Wolfman does not trust Void... but what can be done?

Dragoshi: "I mean, really now."

Garrick: "When you're that powerful, it's okay to be stupid sometimes..."

The Void: "Your audacity is only superseded by your ignorance. Tell them, my dear friend..."

Master Hand: "..." He pauses, then sags sadly. "... I'm afraid The Void... is telling the truth."

Dragoshi: *Attempts to check The Void's motive.*

Wolfman doesn't believe Master Hand now... .oO(Conflicting reports!)

Master Hand: "While the Smash Orbs are the power that can destroy him... you are not ready to use them."

Garrick: "...and what leads you to that conclusion?"

Wolfman: "...and what would happen if we use them and we're not ready?"

Dragoshi: "...Then why the hell..."

Garrick sighs as Wolf talks over him... he goes back to being silent...

Master Hand: "Nothing... but there is still a chance..."

Dragoshi: "...Not ready?" "...Look." "Then we'll take it." "What's the chance?"

Digifanatic: .oO(I'm waiting for the explanation as to why we're not ready... And here comes the answer that'll make him say "...Oh.")

Master Hand: "They can still open The Void for you, and allow you to strike at its heart--the TRUE core of its being."

Dragoshi: "That sounds like a good chance..."

Darkdata: "Heh, well, that is better than the nothing."

Dragoshi: "Quite."

Master Hand: "Questers... I don't have time to explain everything... please, listen carefully to what I'm about to say."

Wolfman starts to listen.

Julian: *Listens! Carefully! NO INTERRUPTING!*

Dragoshi: "Understood."

Garrick continues to stay silent, waiting for The Void to make his move...

Dragoshi: *Starts quickly writing it down in his notepad.*

Darkdata Listens.

Master Hand: "This world... the one you've been calling Nintendus... it used to be bigger. Over time we simply came to accept that it was smaller than it really is. And with that, it became such to us."

Alexia starts recording all this on her Dex.

Master Hand: "The Void has suppressed all things in this world with its presence. The Mushroom Kingdom alone is an expanse of infinite possibility. If you destroy The Void, this world--ALL worlds--will return to their true splendor. Fight, Questers. Fight for us all. Prove that we have the right to exist!"

Julian: "You got it."

The Void:: "Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!" His voice echoes even louder. Everyone feels as if they've suddenly suffered severe blows to the head.

Digifanatic: "Oh yeah. I like that kinda motivation."

Darkdata: "Urgh."

Garrick growls as he feels his head ache...

Digifanatic: *SHARP VOCAL PAIN* "Uuuuggghhhh..."

Wolfman gets his... woah: why does his memory feel like it hurts?

Julian: *ARGH, MIGRAINE.*

Nick Caligo (GM): When the Questers recover, they realize you're standing in the middle of the Final Destination platform, but not in Final Destination. Rather, they're in the arena.

Alexia groans as her hands fly to her temples.

Darkdata: "It seems, the fight is about to begin."

Julian: "...Oh boy."

Wolfman gets a look... well then.

Julian: "Here we go."

Wolfman: "If nothing else Void, you do know how to pick a good place to fight.

Nick Caligo (GM): The seats of the stadium have grown dark all around everyone. The clouds roll overhead. Purple light blooms from them with each word The Void speaks. "A lovely speech... but it cannot save you. Master Hand may deem you worthy to hold those Emblems, but I do not!"

Darkdata: "And dammit, stop showing off."

Digifanatic: "Yeah, that's cause you're our opponent."

Alexia: *through her teeth.* "You have no right to judge that..."

Nick Caligo (GM): Again, they float from rhe Questers' hands, circling overhead. "You shall fight to prove your true worth."

Darkdata gets off of Wolfman.

Julian: "Fight WHAT, you?"

The Void: "Ha ha ha ha... foolish boy."

Digifanatic: .oO(Well, I've done that before...)

Nick Caligo (GM): *SHINK!*

Julian: *He's 26 damni-SHINK?*

Nick Caligo (GM): The sword of darkness embeds itself in the center of the platform, brimming with dark power.

Garrick narrows his eyes...

Aetos raises an eyebrow.

Julian: "..."

Wolfman: "...oh brother."

Darkdata: "... Harmony be with me."

Digifanatic: "That again."

Julian: "This is it?"

Aetos takes a moment to attach the Lighttech keychain back to his keyblade.

Nick Caligo (GM): A bolt of purple lightning cracks, striking its handle. In a flash, it's gone... replaced by a tall figure clad in black armor with overly broad pauldrons and a black cape with red lining. His black hair waves gently in the eerie wind. The red crystal in his chestplate seems to hum with power. He opens his eyes, glaring at the Questers as his eyes begin to glow red. o/` Mega Man Zero 3 - Return to Zero o/`

The Void: "Do you fear this man...?"

Alexia: "Since I'm not sure who he is, no."

Wolfman would possibly recognize this figure...

Nick Caligo (GM): The Smash Orbs float around him in a circle, looming closer.

Julian: "...We've squashed him like, 3 times already."

The Void: "They call him Zio."

Aetos: "You know, he was good last I saw him.."

Nick Caligo (GM): Suddenly, they stop. In a bright flash, they enter his body.

Aetos: "He saved our lives from something or other.."

Wolfman: "The last time the Questers ran into Zio, Zio evaded them and headed back home."

Nick Caligo (GM): The red glow from his eyes grows deeper, brighter.

Wolfman: .oO(Though he destroyed Atlantis to do so...)

Julian: "...Uh-oh."

Aetos: "Wasn't he saving us from Aran?"

Garrick: "Aetos, SHUT UP!"

Digifanatic: *sees the change of position.* .oO(Okay, I understand you saying WE couldn't use them, but THAT...)

The Void: "Silence! You have never faced the true might of my greatest servant... he was kind enough to release me from the X-zone, so I've taken the liberty of breaking his curse and restoring him to full power with your Smash Orbs!"

Alexia: "Then we'll just have to beat him again! Get ready, guys!"

Julian: "Aren't you the EMBODIMENT of the X-Zone or something? Fuckin' plot holes... But if we gotta beat him again, we're gonna beat him again." *Get Ready!*

Nick Caligo (GM): Blue smoke pours over the platform. Everything grows darker.

Wolfman is already ready.

Garrick: "...Zio... this won't end well..."

Dragoshi: "..."

Garrick slowly drops into his own stance, spreading himself out from the others in case something big comes their way... they shouldn't all die together...

Darkdata: "We can do it guys! If we don't who will?"

Dragoshi: "Yea..." *Dragoshi quickly slides out his scythe, and twirls it around, then gets into stance, preparing...*

Digifanatic: "Good point."

Alexia whips out her pistol and gets into her battle stance. This is gonna be one heck of a fight.

Julian: *Julian doesn't need to draw any weapons. He's already wearing them! Julian puts up his dukes...*

Wolfman can quick draw his claws at any time... no need to take them out now.

Nick Caligo (GM): Zio tosses his cape. The wind grows strong enough to lift it dramatically, making it flutter behind him. "... Ha ha ha ha ha..." He holds his palms out. In a brilliant flash blue flames dance between his fingers. They flare impressively as the world now seems overwhelmed with the blue smoke that signals his presence. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!"

Darkdata strums a few notes to test his harp.

Digifanatic: "You know, just because we don't laugh in front of our opponents doesn't mean you have to."

Nick Caligo (GM): o/` SnappleMan - Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Malicious Fingers OC Remix o/` He brings his hands together, then thrusts them outward. His eyes burn brightly with the same fire the Questers saw in Bowser's when he transformed. Black lightning swirls around him and flows through his arms before exploding out of his palms, heading straight for Julian's heart. It washes over him completely, overwhelming him. He can feel his heart beating harder and harder against his ribcage, until finally it feels like it's going to explode... which it does. Julian is blasted off the platform so quickly and so powerfully that nobody even sees him fly. There's simply a loud, concussive burst of air, and then he's gone, destroyed.

Darkdata: "Oooh crap.."

Alexia: "JULIAN!"

Nick Caligo (GM): Zio grins broadly, eyes flashing with sadistic delight. -1 life, Julian.

Garrick: "On him! NOW!"

Aetos twiddles his thumbs. "Did I miss something already?.."

Wolfman: "...no slaggin way..."

Digifanatic: .oO(I COULDN'T EVEN GUARD THE GUY! OH MAN!)

Darkdata: "Dammit, this is bad."

Nick Caligo (GM): Julian's revival platform arrives.

Dragoshi: "...What the fuck?" *QUICKLY regains his composure as he zooms at Zio like a bat out of an insane hell, and starts carving at him with his scythe in high speed twice in a row.*

Nick Caligo (GM): All of Dragoshi's four attacks hit. He winces and jerks with each slash. He rushes at Dragoshi, and in a blinding flash disappears, re-appearing on the other side of you and the newly revived Julian. Those more sure-sighted would see him moving at almost the speed of light, engulfed in blue neon energy, swiping his hand at Dragoshi and then Darkdata as he passes by each of them. He arrives in the midst of the Questers, spinning around and raising his palm to strike Darkdata with a pair of red lightning bolts from his hands.

Dragoshi: "...What the heck..." *Oof!*

Darkdata: *Arragsja.*

Dragoshi: "...Ow."

Aetos: "Yike.." *Holds his arms out as wind quickly wraps around them, which forms a dual-megabuster-esque appearance. They quickly burst open a ball of windish death each, at Zio.

Garrick immediately flanks to Zio's right, the loud snaps of slugs from the Last Request firing off as the shells go flying into the distance, two trios of shots slicing through the air toward him, red hot and hopefully getting through that armor of his. He could fire faster, but he's biding his time, waiting for the precise moment to unleash what hell he can.

Nick Caligo (GM): One ball whams into Zio as he crosses his arms to guard it. The other goes haywire and flies off into the distance, clearing a cloud of smoke in its wake. He takes damage, but holds fast.

Julian: *And Julian's back! And he does not look pleased... Round 2, Fight!* "That was NOT cool." *Julian... stalls! The suspense!*

Nick Caligo (GM): Zio skids across the ground after his assault on Darkdata, strafing around Garrick's shots. One of them hits, and only one.

Garrick growls... he could already see this turning bad for him. Like it usually did.

Nick Caligo (GM): Zio pulls his arms in, growling lowly. In an instant he disappears as a powerful, windy blast engulfs everyone.

Aetos attempts to repel the blast of wind with his Wind Control...

Nick Caligo (GM): Aetos, Garrick, and Wolf are all affected. A lot, it seems.

Wolfman is getting Hewn'd...

Aetos: *Nope. Gotta evade in order to hijack an attack.*

Nick Caligo (GM): The wind beats all three of then about madly.

Aetos snivels after being blasted. "How could he beat me down with my own element? Bah."

Wolfman doesn't like feeling that... OW.

Nick Caligo (GM): Zio reappears right behind Dragoshi, upon whom he unleashes two quick lightning strikes from his hands; he crosses them, a field of electricity engulfing him, followed by a blast of power.

Dragoshi: *Only one hits as Dragoshi dances around the other two. Dragoshi feels a sharp tingling pain, but quickly shrugs it off.*

Alexia first Mends the others, then flings a Mindblast at Zio.

Wolfman will lead off with a physical assault. First, two claw swipes against Zio to see how well he can handle them...

Darkdata attempts to use shatter clearsong on the gemstone on his chest.

Digifanatic goes for a Icy Kick and a Fire Punch, both to Zio's midsection, in that order!

Wolfman didn't have a good aim... hmm... well, might as well hold off until later.

Darkdata grabs a wilt shroom and uses Item Sacrifice to set up a shield.

Nick Caligo (GM): Zio ducks one of Wolf's swipes, but takes the second. The mindblast knocks him off his feet after Wolfman's swipe; he's set up perfectly for Digi's kick and punch attack. Darkdata's song has no effect on the jewel. Zio flips in mid air and skids backwards, his cape billowing around him. He stands up straight and gestures towards the Questers, a shockwave slashing its way through the ground. It's like an invisible sword is cutting through it, gouging up rocks, rubble, and shrapnel in its wake. It threatens everyone.

Julian: *Oh fuck.*

Wolfman sees a shockwave coming... he hopes to JUMP away...

Dragoshi: *Will... Dance around this? Maybe?*

Digifanatic: *He's screwed.*

Nick Caligo (GM): Some among Julian, Wolf, Garrick, Aetos, Digi, and Alexia jump in time, but none of them can make it out of the way of the shrapnel. Scorching hot rocks and boulders crash into their bodies, pushing them all the way to the other end of the stage.

Dragoshi: *...I'm the only one that dodged this? ...woah.*

Julian: *owowowowowowo! Julian goes flying back, but lands on his feet!*

Darkdata: "Well, my kneecaps may hate me, but I jumped it."

Nick Caligo (GM): Zio tosses his hand down. Light seems to reflect across an invisible pane of glass in front of him for an instant.

Alexia: *CRASH* "Ow..."

Wolfman recovers.

Julian: *Julian gets away from the edge... and stalls again! Oh the suspense!*

Dragoshi: "...Heheh..." *Dragoshi Tidal Blasts Zio... And stalls as well? Odamn.*

Nick Caligo (GM): All three bursts of energy ping harmlessly off his barrier. Light reflects across it with each hit. One of them strikes close to Zio, dealing almost no damage.

Dragoshi: "...Damn..." *Anyway, stalling.*

Nick Caligo (GM): Zio grins, flexing his fingers. He points a single finger at Dragoshi. Four bolts of lightning lunge forth, then all converge on his chest.

Dragoshi: *Which hits.*

Nick Caligo (GM): A tremendous explosion of fire not unlike Roy's Flare Blade at full blast hits Dragoshi.

Dragoshi: *Is only knocked back a bit. And is still alive.*

Aetos: "So you wanna figure out that jewel there, Darkdata?.. Let's see how it reacts to the elements. Starting off with... *Draws his spear, Talon.* Chaoosss... *He draws out the word, his spear glowing faint orange, but it brightens up the more he draws out the word Chaos, until finally.* SPEAR!! *A burst of orange energy soars through the air and forms an eagle-shape, which collides with Zio, aimed right at the jewel on his chest.*

Darkdata: "Wow. Nice Aetos."

Garrick slides to the side, glancing to Dragoshi and Julian and arching an eyebrow suggestively before slapping in a fresh clip of AP rounds into his Last Request. "What's the call, guys?"

Nick Caligo (GM): The flash of orange light collides against that same barrier, dissipating. Little to no damage.

Julian: "Wait for it. We can't do nothin' until we get that barrier down."

Nick Caligo (GM): Zio wags a finger at Aetos, shaking his head.

Dragoshi: "...Quite."

Julian: *If only Julian still had Debarrier cubes...*

Garrick nods, chambering the first AP round and waiting.

Aetos rolls his eyes and shrugs at Dark, "Sorry. Well find out soon enough, I hope."

Darkdata: "How can we smash that barrier..."

Garrick: "It's gotta have a time limit. Store up and wait.."

Nick Caligo (GM): Zio hunches forward and dashes straight towards the Questers, a red energy blade forming in the palm of his hand and flashing brightly. He makes a quick swipe at Aetos, following with a jumping knee to the chest.

Aetos: *Cut, kneed, ow, of course. He flies back a couple feet.*

Wolfman will dex this barrier... and Zio, if possible, first.

Nick Caligo (GM): Wolfman's Smash Dex's screen, again, is bright green.

Wolfman: .oO(Well, THAT was a waste)

Darkdata began to strum the strings of his harp. "Powers of the will that be, I ask of thee, build a force great and strong, with the power of my spellsong, tear down that magic wall!" *Shatter Clearsong - The barrier!*

Nick Caligo (GM): The barrier flashes brightly. Its edges glow for a moment, but the energy from it seems to vomit back at Darkdata. He's nearly knocked off his feet.

Wolfman tries to SLASH the barrier while it's doing that to Darkdata with two swipes!

Darkdata: "Ahahah! I can beat it!"

Nick Caligo (GM): It's impenetrable. Wolf deals hardly any damage.

Darkdata: "If it reflects energy, it will be destroyed!"

Wolfman: "...energy you say?"

Darkdata eats his last psychoshroom.

Wolfman will fire from his forehead buster... perhaps some energy from plasma will do the trick!

Darkdata then eats a saneshroom.

Nick Caligo (GM): Zio wags his finger at Darkdata condescendingly the way he did earlier.

Darkdata bides his time.

Nick Caligo (GM): Wolf smashes the barrier near Zio twice. It flashes each time the same as it has before. Once again, almost no damage.

Wolfman didn't get the reflection that Dark did... sheesh: projectiles from the future suck now!

Darkdata: "Heh, I have broken barriers like this many times. It's time to do it again."

Digifanatic decides to try something... Celestial Fury... it is a light-based move after all, and that sort of energy that surrounds Didge once he comes rushing into that barrier may do something quite interesting if he's good enough. He pulls out his Digivice... more light, pointing it right at the spot where he plans to strike with CF, not once but twice.

Nick Caligo (GM): Each burst of light cracks against the barrier with a loud boom. It flashes once, twice, three, four times... pretty much almost no damage.

Digifanatic: .oO(One would imagine such a being of darkness would be somewhat weak to that...)

Nick Caligo (GM): Zio walks closer to the group, stretching his fingers out. His eyes glow bright red, brighter even than normal. Lasers burn forth from all five of his fingers, which he flexes slowly to sweep them at everyone.

Wolfman attempts to roll out of the wall.

Nick Caligo (GM): Everyone is scorched by finger lasers. Except for Darkdata, whose laser is absorbed by his Wilt shroom.

Wolfman is still alive... but barely holding on.

Digifanatic: .oO(Not Master Hand as well!)

Darkdata: The lasers.

Aetos: "..What was that?.. What did you do there, Darkdata?"

Darkdata: "Item Sacrifice Aetos. It can use an item to block a hit."

Dragoshi: "...Did that Wilt Shroom just... what?"

Aetos: "Risky. I wonder what will happen if you use C4 to block.."

Wolfman: "Aetos, don't. It would blow you up too."

Darkdata: "It would explode. It's in the Quester computer files. I got bored."

Aetos: "Neat."

Julian: *And Julian's up! Julian sizes up his opponent, notes the finger lasers... then takes off his Fedora, extends the blade around the brim, and launches it at Zio with a Hat Trick! As soon as the Hat is thrown, Julian races around Zio, staying out of range of the lasers, and tries to end up behind him, from where he LUNGES and tries a Grapple attempt while Zio's focus is on the Fedora!*

Dragoshi: *Mutters... Then raises his hand at Zio as blue sparks and lightning come crashing down.* "Indignation!"

Nick Caligo (GM): Julian rolls and ducks and tumbles between the three lasers that threaten him, ending up behind Zio as the hat bounces off his barrier, dealing mostly nil damage to him. Julian grabs a hold of him, disrupting his laser. Dragoshi's blue sparks crash against the barrier the way all the other attacks have.

Julian: *Julian gets behind Zio, wraps his arms around his neck, then jumps up and falls back, straightening his body out in mid-air as he tries to drag Zio down and tweak his neck at the same time to place maximum pressure on his neck.*

Dragoshi: *Decides to walk over to Zio after Julian does that...*

Nick Caligo (GM): He bounces against the ground, which flashes in the same way as the barrier. Trying to crack his neck feels like trying to break a stone pillar in half.

Dragoshi: *And, for the next part of Dragoshi's thing... He attempts to Strangle Zio and SLAM him into his own barrier!*

Nick Caligo (GM): Well, you do it... And deal the same damage everyone else has been.

Dragoshi: .oO(...How the hell...)

Nick Caligo (GM): While the impact SEEMS pretty hard, it's like trying to squash a bee with one finger... not NEARLY as easy as Dragoshi would think.

Dragoshi: *Dragoshi then tries to cut at the barrier with his scythe to kill time. e_e.*

Julian: *Alright, physicals won't break it, magic won't, ranged won't... You know what that means. LEGENDARY FIST TO BACK OF THE HEAD TECHNIQUE! Cubed!*

Nick Caligo (GM): More pinging off the barrier.

Darkdata: "Arg, where is the peach beam when we need it!?"

Dragoshi: "I don't know...

Julian: *And exactly one of those hit.*

Nick Caligo (GM): Each of Julian's punches feels like it's hitting solid, foot-thick steel.

Julian: .oO(How the hell are we 'sposed to break this thing?)

Dragoshi: *Dragoshi saves the rest of his time... e_e*

Nick Caligo (GM): Zio brings his arms down, zapping at both Julian and Dragoshi with a series of rapid lightning shocks which end in explosive blasts.

Dragoshi: *The first two hit, and the other misses.*

Nick Caligo (GM): Drag's zapped twice, but manage to step back as an explosion nearly sears his eyes out. Julian the same, it seems.

Aaron opens fire, literally, on Zio, eight times.

Nick Caligo (GM): Half the fireballs in Aaron's stream dissipate harmlessly against the barrier. The rest cause bright flashes as they ping off the barrier.

Julian: *Julian manages to avoid the first one! Yay.*

Aetos: "This calls for drastic measure. Stand back everyone!.." He abruptly leaps onto the ground and begins flopping about expertly. He chants 'Karp! Karp!' as he flops. *Splash, SSQ style!*

Digifanatic: .oO(What!?)

Garrick immediately sees the fireballs streak over his shoulder as the giant orc comes into play... somehow... god, this FUCKING BARRIE--

Wolfman: .oO(...wha? Since when did Aetos become a Pokemon?)

Garrick: *...twitch.*

Julian: "..."

Alexia: "..."

Dragoshi: "...What."

Darkdata: "Well, what random effect will it be?"

Nick Caligo (GM): "..." Zio pauses for a moment.

Alexia: "...He's all yours, Zio."

Nick Caligo (GM): A 10 ton weight drops on Zio. It stops just over his head, then pings off his barrier and falls off to the side, tipping off the platform and falling into the endless abyss below.

Dragoshi: "...That was weird."

Darkdata: *Facefault.*

Julian: "...The fuck was that?"

Wolfman: *jaw drops.*

Dragoshi: "A massive weight."

Garrick: "...I'm sick of this damn barrier."

Nick Caligo (GM): Is that random, or is that random?

Aaron: "We beat on him, he no look hurt."

Darkdata: "A very random effect..."

Garrick: "I'm SICK OF THIS MOTHER FUCKING BARRIER!!! THIS MOTHER FUCKING FIGHT, AND THIS FUCKING FUCKING VOID!!" With that, he unloads 4 AP rounds into Zio... hopefully doing what they were designed to do.

Nick Caligo (GM): One, two, THREE hits!

Julian: "..." *blink.*

Nick Caligo (GM): They also ping off the barrier. Zio unloads four Flaeli on Aetos.

Garrick: "YOU SON OF A BITCH!!!" He's letting the anger he's had bottled up spill over again...

Wolfman: .oO(...if even ARMOR PIERCING doesn't work...)

Aetos: *Owx4. Kabloom.*

Darkdata grabs his spices and sets up a Item Sacrifice. Then he drinks a metal cola and takes some Stale Red Essence. *Darkdata Gains Hyper!* "Try healing the barrier? Or something?"

Digifanatic: "You must be nuts."

Alexia puts her arms up in a Return Postage stance.

Digifanatic keeps that Digivice in hand for this round, this time, unloading one round of Hyper Beam Matrix (2 shots) at that barrier...

Darkdata: "Guys, attacking it is not working. We need to find the trick, if there is one, to break it!"

Wolfman will attempt to pull a Paula from Earthbound... and pray.

Nick Caligo (GM): The Hyper Beam pings off of it.

Digifanatic has no idea who's going to get hit with what... but he tries something as insurance: he eats that last Holy Grape he had from who knows when... if he's attacked, it may help him from being killed.

Nick Caligo (GM): The grape has turned into sacramental wine. Digi's now va'shnikkit. You drunken mule, Digi. But seriously, it works.

Digifanatic: .oO(Ninja, wherever you are now... I hope this works.)

Nick Caligo (GM): As Wolf finishes his prayer... *SHINK! Sheeeeooow...* The barrier's outline is highlighted; it slides down into nothingness.

Dragoshi: "...Nice one, Wolf!"

Nick Caligo (GM): As if being lowered.

Darkdata: "Good work wolf. I will have to bake you a cake when this is over."

Julian: "...Wow."

Alexia: "...Whoa."

Digifanatic: .oO(And I suggest you not eat it.)

Wolfman finishes his prayer... good to see that he's alive enough for it to work.

Digifanatic: "You know, Julian and Alexia said it for me."

Darkdata: "Heh, remember guys, The Void knows that we are usually head-strong. Heh, heh did not think we would do something like Wolf did."

Wolfman ends his turn. That took a bit out of him.

Nick Caligo (GM): Zio raises an arm towards Wolf. Dark energy swirls around him before vomiting from his palm to strike him in the chest. Wolf's systems all become overloaded in an instant, and he's ejected from the arena so fast it can't even be seen. *DESTROYED.*

Wolfman: *BOOM Boom boom boom boom...*

Darkdata: "Grah. I don't mind the barrier, but that move is cheap. The smash emblems really must be powerful."

Julian: *Julian moves over and behind Dragoshi... Somethin's up, dawg.*

Garrick slips in beside Julian, a little bit to his left, his hand fingering Doopliss' sword on his back...

Dragoshi: *flexes his claws, preparing... Hoo boy. Somethin's goin' down.*

Nick Caligo (GM): Zio rushes straight into the middle of the band you're forming, casting his hands out. A blue wave forces you all outward. Darkdata is affected as well.

Nick Caligo (GM): Julian and Garrick both resist the effects of the attack.

Darkdata: *spices block the hit.* "Phew."

Dragoshi: *fuck.* *I bet typicality steps in and kills me too.*

Nick Caligo (GM): Dragoshi is the only one affected. He feels as if he's suddenly had a concussion.

Dragoshi: *OH, fuck you.*

Nick Caligo (GM): His special moves are disabled.

Dragoshi: *...Seriously. fuck you.*

Nick Caligo (GM): Zio skids as he does this, stopping midway between the group and Darkdata. He performs Force Flash again, turning neon blue and dashing through him.

Darkdata: *The stale red essence blocks the hit.*

Nick Caligo (GM): After the red puff of smoke, he turns around, unleashing a series of rapid bolts of red lightning on Darkdata.

Darkdata tries to counter with MIRROR Clearsong.

Nick Caligo (GM): Failure. Darkdata feels like he's playing for the toughest audience around; he's barely able to strum a chord before Zio's attacks strike him in the chest.

Darkdata: "Uragh. Well, I made him miss me most of the time anyway."

Aetos: *Dead. Revives next turn.*

Aaron: *Okay, another eight fireballs.*

Nick Caligo (GM): The sheer boredom inspired by that attack causes all of them to fizzle out. And... who should appear in a strike of white lightning but John!

Garrick glances to the others, then waits... storing up his turn... for now...

Alexia: "...Oh, hallelujah, reinforcements. Hiya, John."

Digifanatic: "Johnny!"

John: "HUZZAH! What have we here, eh? Ol' Zio buddy! HOW YA DOIN'?" He leaps forward, arms outstretched as if for a hug..

Nick Caligo (GM): I don't think he's fooled. He's grabbed with a mighty HURK!

Alexia: "..." O_O.

Darkdata: "Right...?" *Has a XD look on his face.*

Julian: "..." *what.*

Garrick: "..."

John: "Glad to see ya!" He pulls his head back and slams his forehead into Zio's face with a big kerboom.

Nick Caligo (GM): Zio snaps his fingers; lightning rains down on Darkdata from the sky, one bolt after another. After the third bolt, he leaps and performs Force Flash again, doing a lightspeed strike straight through him. Finally, his Force Flash cuts through Darkdata again.

Darkdata: *dead, revives.*

Wolfman: The Reploid you are trying to reach is in the repair shop. Please leave a message after the howl. *HOWL.*

Azure hits the battlefield in quick flash of light. He looks around sensing the raging powerhouse at work. "I apologize for my late timing. Hopefully my efforts replace what time has been lost." With that Azure puts his hands together and form a barrier of solid energy.

Darkdata quickly sets up another Item Sacrifice, much to the enemy's annoyance... he then uses a full cure on Dragoshi, to heal him. "Here Dragoshi! This should solve that problem! Dragoshi, can you use your magic moves?"

Dragoshi: "...Pretty much, yea."

Darkdata: "Good."

Garrick: "Then let's kick this pig."

Digifanatic's mind is a bit over the place but he feels as if he knows what to do: he starts with another standard Fire Punch to Zio's midsection, followed by a nice pair of Aerial Strikes to the shoulders.

Nick Caligo (GM): Critical hit! Digi knocks him around quite nicely. Zio stops, grinning as he watches the team attack. His eyes flare again.

Dragoshi: "...I thank you, Dark. That sneaky little restraint of Zio's was unexpected, but unluckily for him... It failed in the end." *Cricks his neck, then watches Zio's eyes flare...*

Garrick: "His smirk irritates me..."

Julian: "So let's knock it off his face." *Julian loosens up his shoulders, getting ready.*

Darkdata: "You can do it guys!"

Garrick draws his sword in a smooth motion, getting a feel for the weight before nodding to Drag.

Dragoshi: "Yes. Let's remove it from his face, then. Shall we?" >_> *Cricks his neck, flexes his left claw, getting into readiness as well...*

Julian: "Drago, set it off."

Dragoshi: "Sure thing, man..." *Dragoshi suddenly raises his hands into the air as a massive chill starts up in the air, the chill then stops... And then starts up once again, this time more forcefully.* "MAY THE CHILLING WINDS CONSUME YOUR EXISTENCE! ICE TORNADO!" *With that, Dragoshi launches out a massive tornado of ice, which speeds at Zio, attempting to strike him... Hard.*

Julian: *As soon as the Ice Tornado hits/misses, Julian ZOOMS towards Zio, gets behind him, and tries to hook and lock both of his arms behind his back to hold him in place! Grapple!*

Garrick speeds after Julian his sword twirling as he rears back, charged sword slash ready to go before he CLEAVES down in a massive, MASSIVE combination slash that cleaves into his body with the force of one massive slice into his body, hoping to separate his head from his body.

Julian: *Julian holds Zio in place for Garrick to slice and dice him, and lets go of Zio's arms after the deed is done! Julian turns Zio around, pushes him away, gets into a three-point stance, and then CHARGES Zio as fast as lightning, locking one arm around his head and sweeping his feet out from under him, and brutally SLAMS Zio into the ground while tilting his head back so Zio lands RIGHT on the top of him.

Nick Caligo (GM): Oy. You three are the reason there needs to be combination attacks in #Arc_Lancer. So... Super Robot Wars-esque. Zio laughs in the face of Dragoshi's ice storm; that blue pulse of energy that disabled him before pulses outward from Zio again... deflecting the ice storm BACK at him. Additionally, all three of you have to make a save. As well as Darkdata.

Dragoshi: *Succeeds. I think.*

Darkdata does use the item to block it and takes the hit.

Nick Caligo (GM): Everyone but Garrick resists; Garrick's disabled just before his attack commences. Everything ELSE in that hideously long chain goes through. It ends with Julian using his face as a floor sander.

Dragoshi: *In any case, first life lost.*

Alexia: *Mends the others twice, because seriously, nothing else WORKS.*

Nick Caligo (GM): One by one, everyone is thrown to the ground, sent skidding on their backs near the edge as Zio's dark lightning crackles forth and pushes them away. He laughs as the Questers scream in agony and writhe on the edge of the platform, on the verge of falling. He stops just as some of the Questers' legs begin to dangle off... The only one left nearby him is Garrick, who's left on his hands and knees, beaten up just. as much as everybody else... if not more.

Garrick grunts as he tries to force himself to his feet... his face is one again a bloody mess and his right side is singed badly... his shirt is almost completely gone... thankfully his gear is still intact, thanks to the time he put into it.. "...wonderful..."

Nick Caligo (GM): "Ha ha ha ha!" He strolls around Garrick, regarding him with amusement. "How I've waited for this day... the Questers, cowering at my feet in pain! But most of all..." He gently places his palm on Garrick's head before violently and abruptly snapping it backwards. Electricity arcs between his head and Zio's hand. It felt like his brain was being crushed. "... You, Garrick!"

Alexia looks up groggily. "Garrick..."

Garrick screams. He screams like mad. It hurts so BAD... memories pop up in his mind from when Kuja nearly cleared his memory with the sheer power of the electricity... this was worse. Much worse.

Nick Caligo (GM): "Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!" His laughter leaves a horrible chill down everyone's spines. It's not like the maniacal laughter the other villains greet people with... Zio really and truly is stark raving mad, and seems to take a perverse pleasure in tormenting the group's friend. It doesn't look like much... but instinctively they know it's a kind of torture none of you has ever endured.

Darkdata: "I liked him better when he was quiet."

Digifanatic: .oO(Alright, did The Void give him a shot of nox while we weren't looking?)

Alexia starts struggling to her feet, forming a Mindblast that keeps fizzling in and out in her hand. *gasping for air.* "Alright... Zio, you're gonna pay..."

Garrick feels as if he was crying blood, which he probably is... the pain just won't stop... he can't help but whisper something very quietly..

John starts giggling as he struggles to his feet. "Heheh. He can laugh too.."

Nick Caligo (GM): He flips his wrist and Garrick's head is sent reeling straight into the ground, bouncing HARD against the metal floor. Some of the blue smoke that pours over Final Destination is cleared as he rams his boot full-force into Garrick's back.

Garrick feels his spine strain... he can actually feel the vertebrae straining to stay in one piece... "..l... l...le..."

Nick Caligo (GM): Garrick feels like his hair's being pulled back; more lightning travels into his skull, reviving that horrible feeling.

Zio: "Imagine it... one of the greatest Questers, reduced to one of the weakest! All because it turns out his power was really one of The Void's tricks..."

Nick Caligo (GM): He releases Garrick from the torment for a moment only to kick him in the back of the head.

Zio: "You're worthless without The Void's power backing you up... aren't you?"

Garrick feels himself wondering something very clearly in his mind. Even through all the pain, he can't help but wonder... why can't he die? Why doesn't he just kill him... he WANTS the sweet release of death... "...nuh... nuh..."

Darkdata: "Garrick, don't listen to his lies. You are as good as the rest of us. Hell, I can't even attack directly, but that does not stop me. Don't let this steroid driven overgrown high-school bully beat you down."

Nick Caligo (GM): He grabs Garrick by the back of his shirt, lifting him up and then jerking him around to grab him by the shoulders. He rams a palm into Garrick's neck, grasping it firmly enough to choke him, and lifts you up off the ground while he holds another hand back... black lightning crackling in his palm.

Zio: "How I've relished the day I'd finally get to kill you... Enjoy your last moments alive, pitiful WHELP!"

Garrick stares at the hand... this was it... he'd die... but, something occurs to him... "...heh... heh heh..."

Nick Caligo (GM): Garrick's head clears. A voice echoes in his mind. The voice of Master Hand.

Master Hand: "Garrick... listen to your friend. Zio speaks lies to you... although Magitek was not real, your power was."

Darkdata: *Yelling more choice insults at Zio. Something about his sword is like a butterknife.*

Master Hand: "It didn't come from The Void. It came from within yourself... now, Garrick! Now is your time! Reach out and seize your destiny!"

Darkdata: *His mother was a meat cleaver.*

Nick Caligo (GM): Something glows before everyone's eyes... the Smash Emblem... it's in Zio's hand, Garrick can see it there amidst the crackling dark energy.

Garrick: "...heh heh..."

Darkdata: *His sword is as dull as his wits!*

Garrick: "You know... I always liked this last minute turn arounds..." With that, his own hand shoots out and grabs the crackling hand by the wrist, using every last bit of power to squeeze the bone into powder before reaching his other hand toward that Emblem...

Nick Caligo (GM): It glows in Garrick's fist, accepting him as its master... and rejecting Zio. He looks at it. "What!?"

Darkdata: *If only the tin can had a brain!*

Garrick: "...now... let's see if you like a taste of your own medicine..." *He takes the Emblem and slams it into his chest...*

Nick Caligo (GM): Light explodes from within Garrick. Zio drops him, shielding his eyes as he's driven back by it. The entire arena's engulfed in a supernova-like wave of energy.

Darkdata: *Playing what sounds like Turnabout from PW.*

Alexia flings her arms in front of her eyes to try to keep from being blinded.

John: "Oooh, pretty light..."

Digifanatic: *just casually closes his eyes.*

Dragoshi: *Dead. Can't comment at the moment. Call him when the cutscene's over. :p*

Nick Caligo (GM): When it clears, Garrick is left standing in the center of the platform... uninjured, but changed.

Garrick: o/` Operation Ground and Pound - Dragon Force o/`

Nick Caligo (GM): His brown hair is held out of his eyes by a blue bandanna tied around his head. He's left clad in a suit of sleek, high-tech white armor that covers his entire form save his head. The boots have thrusters built into the ankles; the arms have them in the elbows. A pair of huge, adjustable ones adorn the back, beneath a pair of shrouds that vaguely resembles wings.

Darkdata: "... That high school crack was more accurate than I thought it would be."

Alexia uncovers her eyes, blinking. "...No way..."

Digifanatic: *also opens his eyes upon hearing Alexia's comments.* "There you have it."

Nick Caligo (GM): Clipped to his belt, a device that looks like his old multi-tool, but MUCH more fully-outfitted. In his right hand, a long, sleek, almost lance-like white sword to match his armor. "MAGITEK" brands the flat of it in blue, italic letters. In his right hand, what I can only describe as a long, white, triple-barreled shotgun with a shroud over the three barrels. To Garrick. Or better yet... Zio, horrified at the transformation, throws a hand up and unleashes a Flaeli bolt at Garrick in panic.

Wolfman would have revived after... .oO(...woah: that was some light show. What is Zio attempting now?) He hops down to the other Questers, seeing most of them a bit worn out... and Garrick having a new look. But... how? Was a clothes changer installed during his untimely first death? He then notes Zio... in a state of panic. Zio panicking... two words that don't go together in a sentence. But Wolfman doesn't quite know what has happened... he can only watch.

Darkdata: "You missed a bit Wolfman, so in five words: Zio Smash. Garrick Smash Harder."

Dragoshi: *Would also reappear at the same time as Wolf, and notice the changes.* "...Okay. What the hell did I miss?"

Darkdata: "You missed a bit Dragoshi, so in five words: Zio Smash. Garrick Smash Harder."

Dragoshi: "Okay. That's all I need to know, then." *Chuckle.*

Wolfman: "Dark, remind me to get you a tape recorder the next time you need to repeat the same thing twice."

Wolfman now pays attention to the attack Zio is trying against Garrick.

Garrick lets the bolt splash over him... it doesn't effect him. It hits, alright, but he just stands there. He still stands... that hurt like hell, though he doesn't show it... but he still stands.

Dragoshi: *Dragoshi charges at Zio once again, this time attempting to beat him up with his CLAWS OF FURY and steal something from him. Hell, even if Dragoshi doesn't steal something, Zio's still getting knocked ass over teakettle.*

Wolfman sees Garrick... survive the Flaeli? But... no way: he shouldn't have! .oO(...must be the new looks.) He now blinks his optics a bit...

Nick Caligo (GM): Dragoshi wrenches Zio up by the chest and hurls him... and obtain a ... small, black, cube-like object. *Obtained Darkness Cube.*

Wolfman: .oO(...okay, now that I can see better... Garrick had obtained a Smash Emblem? *observes his power level.*)

Dragoshi: "...Interesting." *Puts it away.*

John: "HAAAI-KEEBA!" The once-deceased geomancer launches himself forward, brandishing Schnelltott with a wild gleam in his eye as he dives forward to plunge it into Zio. He then twists it, and goes to slash diagonally up toward Zio's shoulder.

Nick Caligo (GM): Aye, that it does. John gouges his chest with one strike and misses completely with the second.

Garrick stands there, watching the others fight... his eye twitching slightly in pain.

Digifanatic just goes forth and keeps pounding away at Zio via Fire Punch and Celestial Fury...

Nick Caligo (GM): An explosion of flame erupts from Digi's first, cracking Zio's armor, followed by a barrage of light bolts. Zio skids back on his heels before plunging his fist downward, sending a shockwave of dirt and rocks careening towards everyone.

Wolfman sees... good grief: he can't even attack without being attacked first. Time to hope his jump skills have improved. .oO(...why me?)

Alexia: *DENIED.*

Nick Caligo (GM): It seems that although the fates smile on Garrick, lady luck turns her nose up at him. Feels great to know that sexy woman gamblers dislike him but three creepy old ladies that crochet things love him, doesn't it? The only one here who succeeds is Dragoshi, who leaps the Corrosion burst while all the rest get shoved to the edge. Everyone but Garrick, Digi, and John are flying over the edge. It's recovery time!

John: "Hoo-haa! Watch yer step!"

Nick Caligo (GM): In a big way.

Wolfman quickly shakes off his surprise... alright, time to mid-air at first. Rocket Tackle is always available as a fallback.

Nick Caligo (GM): Nope.

Wolfman then fires the afterburners. "HIYAH!"

Nick Caligo (GM): THAT is, Wolf.

Alexia tries a desperate double-jump.

Nick Caligo (GM): Alexia is gonna need more than that.

Garrick is STILL up~

Alexia finally tries using the kickback from a Heat Beam to get her back.

Nick Caligo (GM): Alexia skids backwards on safe ground! JUST BARELY, but she manages it!

Alexia: *huge sigh of relief.* "That... was way too close."

Nick Caligo (GM): Zio growls lowly, holding back for now. He dashes straight in beneath Digifanatic, waiting for him to drop down, then thrusts his palm up. "Another Gate!" A portal forms, capturing Digifanatic in a huge vortex of burning red energy. It thrashes him, tearing him apart in a furious frenzy of dimensional tears.

Digifanatic: *Gated, dude.*

Nick Caligo (GM): Digi's sent flying straight upwards.

Digifanatic tries to do something... he attempts to point himself STRAIGHT DOWN and does an Aerial Strike towards the platform in order to stay alive.

Nick Caligo (GM): Apparently he CAN recover. He recovers SO effectively that he lands his aerial strike straight into Zio's FACE! Critical hit! Digi sends Zio's head smashing into the ground.

Digifanatic: .oO(He's gonna hate me now, but at least it was worth it.)

Alexia creates two Mindblasts in her hands and tosses them both at Zio!

Nick Caligo (GM): He rolls out of the way of one, but takes the other straight to the chest as he tries to get up.

Alexia: "Yes!"

Garrick slowly narrows his eyes..

Digifanatic: "Now for the fun part."

Alexia: "If only we could get another Emblem from him..."

Garrick slowly spreads his stance menacingly before BLASTING toward Zio in a flurry of light. The jets on his body flaring as he charges him with speed rival to that of Dragoshi. Well, maybe not just like him, but damn close. His sword blurs as he cleaves through him twice over with a pair of nasty Draw and Cuts before sliding behind him and unloading a rapid fire series of shots with his new Tri-Barrel Cannon.

Dragoshi: "Mhm..."

Nick Caligo (GM): ALL of the attacks--every last one of them--hit and hit HARD! Zio's shredded by the Questers' furious assault.

Darkdata: "Go team!"

Dragoshi: *Claps slowly, impressed.* "Impressive..."

Alexia: "...WHOA. Now THAT'S what I call slicing-and-dicing."

Wolfman is angry for having to have had to use some power early on... "You've made me angry Zio... You won't like me when I'm angry..."

Darkdata: *Sweatdrop.* "Ugh." .oO(They complain about my weird puns and jokes...)

Nick Caligo (GM): The whole room pauses and stares at Wolfman.

Wolfman quickly dashes to Zio, claws swinging like wild! While there is no substitute for a Smash Emblem, being filled with aggression should certainly help when using the Berserker Barrage.

Dragoshi: "...Wolf. Please do not make me say it..."

Zio: "... I don't like you ALREADY."

Nick Caligo (GM): He blocks most of Wolf's claws with deft parries from his gauntlet and dodges several by ducking his head beneath them; two hit, scratching his shoulders and his chest.

Wolfman has to calm down for a bit... that aggression didn't work as well as expected.

Nick Caligo (GM): Zio rams his palm into Wolfman's chest. Bolts of electricity repeatedly sear him before an explosion of darkness rocks his world.

Wolfman is surprised Zio was able to dive UNDER his head to hit the chest... he must have fought other quadrapedals before.

Nick Caligo (GM): Wolf's blown onto his back and sent reeling on his back a good distance away while Zio, arm still extended, lets loose with burning red eyes and finger lasers galore. Dragoshi and Garrick are both threatened by the extending red beams.

Wolfman is in a position that he only heard was good in certain situations... on his back. Sheesh, this doesn't feel pleasurable!

Dragoshi: *And, Dragoshi, as one might expect, gracefully dance out of the way!*

Nick Caligo (GM): Garrick just barely manages to avoid it. To Dragoshi, the lasers are like the flower petals and he is like the bee... or some weird analogy like that. Anyway, both dodge. Zio maintains his lasers, sweeping them one by one across the stage.

Dragoshi: *And, Dragoshi tries to run past the lasers, and attempt to get behind him!*

Nick Caligo (GM): Not Dragoshi's lucky day. He ducks one, roll through another, and hop to the right... when that laser was going left. Dragoshi's fried by the first one, then again as the fourth laser cuts through him. He's able to regain his composure enough to avoid the last one, though.

Dragoshi: *He keeps on going and goes to strangle Zio so he can STOP IT WITH THE FRIGGIN' LASERS.*

Nick Caligo (GM): *Kergrab!* Dragoshi interrupts his laser attack still yet another time.

Dragoshi: "...Okay, now that I have your attention..." *Dragoshi's claws and tail start choking at his windpipe, crushing him a little. He then throws Zio straight into the ground.*

John starts cackling now, that gleam in his eye becoming brighter. He lunges forward to grab at Zio's collar and, if successful, toss him back in an arcing motion to slam the magician into the ground behind himself. He then bursts into a bright red flash as he spins around to thrust his sword into the fellow, before his color suddenly drops to a dark, sinister red as he lets out a growl to accompany a wide, heavy strike, almost dripping with phantom blood.

Nick Caligo (GM): John crashes him into the ground, then stabs him in the shoulder, then TOTALLY MISSES him with his wide-set attack.

Digifanatic eyes the scene up and goes for an Icy Kick to the midsection of Zio and then swings the golf club straight to Zio's noggin!

Nick Caligo (GM): o_O *FORE'D! WHAM! Icy kick, right to the ribs! BAM!* Golf club straight to the face. He grasps his nose in pain as he staggers backwards.

Digifanatic: .oO(Nosebleed? Brain damage?)

Wolfman: .oO(Well, time for Digi to get hurt now, knowing Zio.)

Nick Caligo (GM): Zio immediately retaliates by hurling his palm straight into Digi's chest. A dark energy wave washes over him... He disappears into the black lightning, nothing left of him afterwards. AND his Holy Grape's effects didn't work. They fired off, but didn't work.

Wolfman: .oO(...yep. Now... is that Zio's last shot, or is there one more? I've lost count.)

Digifanatic: *DEAD DUDE.*

Darkdata looks at the debris scattered around the battle area. "Yes, this may work!" *Repel Clearsong - Repel some the debris quickly at Zio!* "And once more!*

Nick Caligo (GM): Zio stomps his foot, the blue wave engulfing EVERYONE.

Digifanatic: *Pas moi.*

Nick Caligo (GM): AND repelling Darkdata's debris in all directions, raining them down on everyone.

John: *Toasty!*

Dragoshi: *Does Dragoshi dance out of the way?*

Nick Caligo (GM): Wolfman, John, and Garrick are all disabled; their special attacks no longer work for 5 rounds. The blue wave does no damage. The debris scattering EVERYWHERE, on the other hand...

Garrick scowls...

Nick Caligo (GM): Darkdata is disabled. Even his item sacrifice can't stop it. Alexia, Darkdata, Wolfman, and John are all shredded by shrapnel.

Wolfman is injured greatly...

John: "Ooh! Eeh! Ooh-ahh-ahh!" John flails around as he futilely attempts to avoid the painful debris.

Wolfman: .oO(...what the? I can't use my Wolfkahouha now? ...I'm dead.)

Dragoshi: *Managed to dance out of the way of that... Again. Man that's ridiculous. It's not even funny. Like 11.*

Nick Caligo (GM): Aaron is hit due to NOT PAYING ATTENTION TO ANYTHING.

Alexia gets whopped down from that last hit... Then she mends the others, then fires a Psy Shot at Zio using her new, upgraded pistol!

Nick Caligo (GM): Whiff'd. The bolt goes straight past him.

Alexia tries one more Psy Shot.

Nick Caligo (GM): This shot PINGS right into his head.

Wolfman: "Garrick... forgive me for being greedy... but if you can somehow steal another Emblem from Zio, that might be of help." *doesn't like feeling weak here.*

Garrick grumbles under his breath about the loss of his special attacks. Still, with this new ability set, he's more than capable of doing a good deal of damage. He moves around to crack his heel into the back of Zio's head with a Roundhouse, spinning him around to slash into him twice with his sword. Hard. "Dunno if I can..." His voice seems to have a bit of a echo to it. "I'll try, though..."

Dragoshi: "..." .oO(You'd think they could ask the THIEF about such a thing, but no...)

Nick Caligo (GM): Garrick's foot rams straight into Zio's face, followed by two armor-cracking gouges into his armor.

Alexia: "...Hey, Drag, do you think your claws can rip out those emblems?"

Dragoshi: "...Maybe. Maybe not." *Sways back and forth slightly.*

Alexia: "...Can you try?"

Dragoshi: "...Heh. Of course."

Garrick sends a glance to Alexia, then looks down at his scorched armor, then back up at her, raising his eyebrow.

Wolfman might not have his special skills to use, but he does have his slightly working memory and intelligence chips. Well, maybe not even working at all... He rushes to Zio, but without the apparent rage factor. He first attempts to grab onto Zio's leg with his own teeth.

Alexia just blinks back at Garrick, not getting the message.

Nick Caligo (GM): Alexia looks at Garrick, and thinks... Garrick totally thinks she's hot.

Alexia: "...Ewwwwww!"

Nick Caligo (GM): Wolf's jaws CHOMP around Zio's leg.

Alexia: "...Then again..."

Garrick looks confused at her words...

Alexia: "Er... do you really think that, Garrick?"

Wolfman holds onto his toothy grip. He then uses his quick drawn claws to attempt to, literally, stick a fork in Zio to grab a Smash Emblem out of him. However, two claws will be needed for this job, and not one.

Garrick: "...I'd think that's obvious." .oO(I'm frickin' wounded, she should be able to heal me!)

Alexia: "...Er, uh, um, well, uh..."

Alexia looks downwards and blushes.

Garrick: "...what's the problem?"

Dragoshi: "...This is awkward."

Garrick: "What is awkward?"

Dragoshi: "Nothing, nothing..." >_>;;

Aaron: "She no want him. He make one move, he die methinks."

Darkdata: *face in hands.* "Garrick, sometimes you are blind."

Garrick: "Blind to what?"

Digifanatic: "We have a fight to get on with..."

Nick Caligo (GM): One swipe of the claw cracks the jewel on Zio's chest. White light pours out of it. Another swipe shatters it completely. In a blinding flash, the three remaining Smash Emblems pour out of it.

Dragoshi: "...I'll explain it after this insanity is o-Aha!" *Tries to ker-snatch one. If possible. >_>*

Alexia looks up, still blushing severely...

Nick Caligo (GM): *SNATCH!* Dragoshi's got one.

Wolfman grabs one!

Alexia: "Whoa!" *tries to catch one.*

John has no time to grab one.

Wolfman lets go of Zio first though.

Nick Caligo (GM): *SNATCH!* Wolf too!

Dragoshi: *Chuckles...*

Digifanatic: *Has no time, and it's too late!*

Darkdata cheers the others on!

Garrick: "Slam them into your chest!"

Julian: *Julian comes out of nowhere to get one if possible!*

Alexia: *...Damn, no time. Life is cruel.*

Nick Caligo (GM): Julian snatches one too!

Wolfman: "Got it Garrick."

Wolfman will absorb the power of this emblem... by smashing it into him. Fitting for it being a Smash Emblem.

Aaron: *looking to Dragoshi.* "What hell that?"

Dragoshi: "A Smash Emblem."

Alexia promptly trips and falls, missing the Emblems entirely and getting a faceful of dirt.

Aaron: "Uhhh..."

Dragoshi: "AKA... Power beyond all power!"

Nick Caligo (GM): They absorb into the Questers' bodies quickly. Their eyes light on fire; all four of the ones who grabbed the emblems.

Julian: *Julian tumbles away after snatching up his Emblem, rolling to his feet and SLAMMING it into his chest!*

Wolfman suddenly gets... woah: information overload in the optics again!

Nick Caligo (GM): A huge Super Smash Bros. emblem appears with each of them at four equidistant points around its circumference... and Zio in the center.

Darkdata: "And the tanks just got armor boosting upgrades and nukes..."

Dragoshi: *He looks at Zio after Drag slams the Smash Emblem into his chest.* "Now... See the highest extent of my power!"

Alexia: "Oww..." *pulls herself back to her feet.*

Nick Caligo (GM): A glowing aura surrounds each of those who grabbed the emblems, and the world seems to become dark as their energy suppresses the light.

John: "Ooh-hoo... This is gonna be good! Anyone got any popcorn?"

Nick Caligo (GM): Everyone's eyes. The goggles do nothing!

Wolfman will let the Smash Emblem's... knowledge... or something... get into him, and help carry out this task.

Aaron hands John a human arm, fully cooked.

Aaron: "This work?"

Nick Caligo (GM): Final Smash time! Do your stuff!!

John: "That's..." *sniff.* "Nah, nah, I'm not all hungry & stuff. Just wanted popcorn for the show."

Aaron: "Okay, more for me, if no one want some."

Aaron offers it to all others.

Nick Caligo (GM): o/` Super Smash Bros. Brawl theme o/`

Darkdata plays said theme on his harp.

Alexia: "No thanks. I've tried human flesh before... makes me queasy."

Aaron: "Okay that fine." He bites into it. "By way, what queasy mean?"

Digifanatic: "Sick."

Aaron: "I got more if you want."

Alexia continues glancing back and forth between the Emblem'd people and Garrick.

Aaron grumbles. "Me know look."

Alexia: "...Boy, you think he would have said something before now..."

Aaron cooks another arm before eating it.

Garrick spreads his stance slowly as the armor seems to shine in the dark light, the wings on his back FLARING out, shimmering and shining. He was an angel, it seemed... an angel of death. With a powerful stroke of his wings, the jets on his body flare to life as he streaks straight toward Zio, his sword sweeping in a massive upward arch, sending Zio FLYING into the air. Then he KEEPS him up there with. a rapid fire series of shots from his gun, the barrels rotating like a chain gun as he fires a flurry of shots. Then, now that he was much, much, MUCH higher in the air, he slashes into the dark wizard in three massive, heavy strikes, explosions of light coming from each blow. Finally, with one massive, explosive finisher. He spins in a long, looping circle as he CRASHES his heel into Zio's head, sending him flying downward into the ground... to find him there as he lands, his body falling upon his sword. skewering him through his chest.

Wolfman: .oO(For Zero... for X... for VG... for Mars... for Metal... for Master Hand... for Tifa... this is all for you.)

Wolfman rushes to Zio with unheard of speed, and lets loose a big howl. Immediately, a huge dome of energy surrounds Zio... this is the usual Wolfkahouha. But this time, Wolfman isn't done. (more) He then goes full throttle against Zio while recalling all of the lessons from the Hunters, the Questers... and even VG Warrior. One slash, two slashes, three slashes, four... five slashes, six slashes, seven slashes, more. All on different parts of Zio's body. (more) He gets around 30 or so slashes in while the Wolfkahouha energy dome is still going on. Then he rears back once more, focusing his energy, and delivers what would hopefully be the best Meteor style smash attack that would even make Mario blush. The Wolfkahouha dome then fades into obscurity, but did its job in keeping Zio pinned down. .oO(Hunters, I hope you'll be proud of me for this, even if I have become Maverick in the past.)

Nick Caligo (GM): *BOOM!!* He ROCKETS into the ground right back where Garrick put him.

Julian: *Julian punches his fist into his palm menacingly as the Smash Orb takes effect!* "Let's see if this works..." *Julian cracks his knuckles, and rushes Zio, laying into him with a a furious punch combo. As Julian works Zio over, Zio's slowly but surely being moved backwards, towards... a train crossing? Two crossin gates, about 10 feet away from each other, stand open, guarding a curious railway of pure. *Julian finally gets Zio with his back to the rails, grabbing his head and devastating him with 4 powerful right hooks to the face! The crossings start to clang and flash, signaling the oncoming train! Julian finishes off by pulling Zio in close, giving him a DEVASTATING knee to the junk to stun him, then locking him in a side headlock, spinning him around, and launching him right into the crossing!*

Nick Caligo (GM): If two trains are approaching the Final Destination at 500 miles per hour, and one started in Hyrule and the other started in the Mushroom Kingdom, and they both started at the same time, how much PAIN does Zio feel when they both SQUASH him in between them? Let's take a look.

Julian: *The gates close down on both sides of Zio, trapping him in the railing, still dazed. As Zio finally gets a clear enough head, he looks up... right into the oncoming maw of the Doomtrain from Final Fantasy VIII! Zio barely has time to scream before he's run over!* *Julian pants as he watches the train go by!* "Yeah... that freight train that hit you? That was me."

Darkdata: "The one hit dubbleu. Tee. Eff. Goes to Julian."

Digifanatic: "I would not say that right now." .oO(Unless that orb did a number against his inches-from-rage mentality.)

Dragoshi: "Okay, firstly. You've manged to do something stupid and arouse my ire. Congrats. Secondly." *He readies his scythe.* "I tire of your existence. Let's fix that problem, shall we?" *Dragoshi then ZOOMS forward, blurred at speeds that would be difficult to follow in most cases. But, in any case, he reappears in front of Zio, slashing him across the chest once, then slamming into his head with a mighty upward kick, descending with a 'sideswiping' kick of sorts. He then suddenly backs away, chanting something... But, then as a few seconds pass he stops, the scythe glowing, then yells...* "THE END!" *And, then all goes black, save for Dragoshi and Zio, with the former charging at the latter, then running through him, scythe in hand. Now, Dragoshi's behind Zio.* "Heh... That should be the end of this stupidity." *And, with that being said, a burst of destructive energy appears, nuking Zio like a... Well, I'll let you figure that out yourself. In any case, Zio would prolly' still be in one piece... Just really, really toasty, as Dragoshi mutters to himself.* "Didn't think I could even enchant my scythe to do that..."

Nick Caligo (GM): Zio lands with a smoldering thud in the middle of the giant Smash emblem...

Darkdata: "Since this is a team attack? Where is the 'extra damage?'" *Makes a comical face.*

Nick Caligo (GM): He looks up, startled at the INCREDIBLE beating he just took... and at the laser beams from the sky, tracing their way around the circle, then making their way inwards... until they finally converge upon him.

Aaron: "Look like me no cook enough. Me puke, big thing land in it."

Nick Caligo (GM): Engulfed in a beam of light that burns down from the sky, he screams bloody murder at the top of his lungs. Everyone watches as his body incinerates from outwards in, ending at his head.

John: "...Toasty~!"

Nick Caligo (GM): The beam disappears, and the emblem fades. Light returns to the world. The last of Zio's mood smoke pours away, dissipating.

Digifanatic: *half dryly.* "Uhhh... yeah."

Aaron: "Mmm, that look like something me want eat now."

Nick Caligo (GM): Ready for it? Are you ready? Huh? -*DESTROYED*- There are no remains. At all.

Darkdata: "Zio.exe deleted."

Aaron is bummed now.

Julian: *Julian curls his hand into a fist, then splays it out to simulate an explosion.* "Boom."

Wolfman gives a BIG howl after the destruction ends... that took a lot out of him.

Aaron shrugs.

Darkdata: "... Guys, it is not over yet."

Aaron: "What happen to you kill, me eat?"

Julian: "'Course it ain't. We still gotta fight The Void."

Dragoshi: *Flexes his left claw, then relaxes.* "... I believe that leaves The Void..."

Nick Caligo (GM): Everyone begins to glow with the same multicolored aura that Drag, Jules, Garrick, and Wolf did.

John: "Mmh...?"

Dragoshi: "...Heh."

Darkdata: "Hmm? This feels different."

Aaron holds out another arm. "Who want help me cook this?"

John bursts into dance, using the glow to his advantage as a special effect.

Digifanatic notices this crazy aura that engulfs the guy... he wonders what would happen if he took his Digivice out... oddly enough, it seems to sync in with the multicoloredness before the aura's color slowly transforms into the Digivice's (and its owner's) signature maroon... what it lacks in variety of color, it gains in pure raging yet seemingly controlled glow, looking like flames of light surround Digi's body...

Nick Caligo (GM): Master Hand's voice calls to the Questers.

Master Hand: "Well done, Questers... you've opened yourselves to the power of the smash orbs. They cannot grant you power while you face The Void, but they will protect you from the nothing that surrounds him. But know this. Garrick received no extra power. It was within him all along. So is it with the rest of you. With The Void's power inhibited from your bodies, your true power as the Super Smash Questers will burn forth."

Julian: .oO(STILL the lamest name for an organization I ever heard...)

Master Hand: "Use the power within your hearts, and destroy him... you're our last ho--"

Crazy Hand: "Oh, SHUT UP, Master!"

Master Hand: "... Crazy... what are YOU doing here? This is supposed to be a private line! Questers..."

Wolfman just laughs now...

Digifanatic: *sees himself surrounded in the maroon-tinged white aura.* .oO(Maybe I was meant to not have a partner after all... who knows as long as I still do not know.)

John: "...Lefty!"

Wolfman: "Good to see you as well Crazy Hand."

Aaron: "You want help me cook this arm?"

Nick Caligo (GM): Crazy Hand's voice has a kind of accent to it. A bit more nasal.

Darkdata: .oO(Like real brothers, the both of you.:P)

Dragoshi: "...Two giant hands? What th-Oh, wait. That actually makes a lot of sense."

Master Hand: "..."

Crazy Hand: "KICK HIS ASS!"

Nick Caligo (GM): A beam of light descends on Final Destination from the dark clouds above. Everyone begins to ascend.

Digifanatic: "YOU GOT IT!"

Julian: "If you say so..."

Master Hand: "I swear, Crazy, you always do this! You always stop me in the middle of my speeches, you're SUCH a simpleton!"

John kicks his feet and slowly flaps his arms as he goes up, up, up!

Dragoshi: "10-4, good sir. Want a souvenir on the way out?"

Darkdata: "No problem. Now be good boys while we are gone. :P"

Crazy Hand: "Oh, like they need MORE monologues. Just get on with the show already, I say!"

Dragoshi: *Want me to get you a souvenir?*

Wolfman will go up slowly, admiring the banter between the two.

Nick Caligo (GM): -end-

Digifanatic: .oO(I've spent so much time in so many different worlds, and all these time gaps, but it's been years since I have made two moves that have severly changed my life... it started bad but I realized that it just took a while for it to take effect.)

John: .oO(I'm flyiiiing..!)

Aaron: .oO(Okay, now what?) <.<

Digifanatic: .oO(It's like I lost track... but right now, it doesn't matter. If the other world needs me again, if this world that I SHOULD have been still needs me... they will not forgive their decision, just like I have not mine.)

Dragoshi: .oO(Soo... This is how it all comes down? Man, to think that my travels would have bought me this far and wide... It's insane. Then again, without those travels, I wouldn't have ended up here and had all these magnificent experiences...)

Wolfman: .oO(...I've been through a lot now. If nothing else... whether it's Heaven, the Matrix, or something else... I've earned my spot up there once I no longer function for good.)

Dragoshi: .oO(But, in any case... I've got a interdimensional being of ungodly death to stop. 'Cause, I really have no plans on dying anytime soon.)

Julian: .oO(Wonder if my agent can get that Rocky remake greenlighted...)

Darkdata: .oO(Heh, I knew after watching this world from mine, this one would be the one to go to. *background ;O*)

Digifanatic: *To be honest, his physical appearance hasn't changed much... it's just that bright inferno of light around him... however, his figure can still be seen from the outside, and he has a serious look on his face. The only question is... what will he use?*

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