Lambda
Carnifex CEO
Posts: 23
Power: 10
Speed: 3
Accuracy: 5
Armor: 10
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Post by Lambda on Dec 16, 2013 20:59:21 GMT -6
Lambda remained silent as Magnus spoke, more interested in digesting and assimilating the information than in holding a conversation. She had never heard of the term 'shinobi' before, nor was she certain what a ninja was, but the universe - or Magnus; she didn't particularly care which - smiled on her by means of him helpfully providing an explanation. She was not sure what to make of it, or of him - for all his talk of humanity and decency, he had no compunction in admitting to being an assassin, as a selling point no less. They were all hired killers, she supposed, but most mercenaries she had met shied away from words like 'assassin' and their ilk, too caught up in the implications of murder, especially of humans.
Did they feel that made their slaughter somehow more morally correct? Did using the word mercenary , rather than assassin, make the act itself any less brutal - or were they little more than meaningless word games, simple mind tricks they used to absolve themselves of their sins? Human delusions would never make sense to her, she suspected. Not that she was in any real position to judge.
Magnus's complete lack of familiarity with Carnifex had left her a little off guard, and after a moment of introspection, she was forced to admit slightly mortified. Apparently they needed to start putting up billboards. It was also apparent than Magnus was less clueless than he looked, by his tacit admission of the simple fact that there would be blood. "We are not the only group with an interest in Lost Technology." Understatement of the century - the 'shadow wars' of rival corporations concealed a brutality and lethality not seen since the Bioroid wars a decade ago, merely with better PR. And they didn't interfere with the daily lives of civilians. That was probably the major reason that authorities had never dug too deeply into them, she supposed; that, and the corporations that waged them were integral to the continued well-being of society.
The hell with it. She could do the official spiel. "Carnifex Industries encompasses one of of Abel City's largest weapon and reploid research facilities, as well as a world-class cyborg enhancement program." And bioroids, and automated weapons, and many other things, most of them probably illegal. "The competition between various laboratories and corporations for Lost Technology is... fierce." Understatement of the bloody millennium right there; there was a reason she had been forced to be cautious about the cyborg in the trees. "You seem to be loosely familiar with realities of the laboratories we investigate - even the publicly-known ones are dangerous, but those we unearth or otherwise discover are often untouched from the end of the war... or from long before. Do not make the mistake of assuming that our prey is as toothless as the laboratories the Hunters were forced to quarantine."
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Magnus
Mercenary (Admin)
Posts: 73
Power: 6
Speed: 10
Accuracy: 9
Armor: 3
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Post by Magnus on Dec 16, 2013 22:35:10 GMT -6
He somehow had a feeling other groups of people were after the tech. He could definitely imagine how much brutality could take place over finding their targeted tech. Though the question was, who was in the right? In a sense, no one since one side could claim the other's intent with the lost tech as evil or greedy for power. To look at it realistically, he had no need to involve himself in such struggles if he didn't have clear evidence on Carnifex's intent with the Lost Technology being good-natured. Hell, he's already sick of fighting off the Forsaken as they want his head constantly almost every day. Thankfully today he had a break, at least. However, now that he knows all this, he couldn't exactly turn a blind eye to any of it. While he may not be a hunter anymore, getting himself involved in such matters could benefit him in the end, giving him answers to many questions he's been seeking. And at least put his real talents to more work, since the hunters neglected to use his ninja talents to their fullest. That was for the best though. The less people he had to outright kill, the better.
However, Lambda's last sentence made it seem like she didn't exactly believe him too much, or misunderstood his reply as biting off more than he could chew. Not that he could blame her...the word "ninja" in this age is foreign to the people who originally were familiar with the term, and he really didn't know who these opposing companies were. He wouldn't force people to believe in him and his skills. Not like they ever did when he WAS a hunter, so trying to gain belief or trust was a rather pointless attempt for him. If anything, he's glad things are like this. Back in the days where ninja were common, they were portrayed as neither good or evil...and were feared for their merciless skill because they weren't exactly the prime example of a "hero". Their main talent...was to kill. In a sense, a modern day mercenary would be one who has evolved from the relics that are shinobi. While they fight for money to sustain their livelihood, the stereotypical neutral view of them resembles that of a ninja. Many like Magnus were misunderstood simply because they fell within the category and were expected to act as portrayed.
But all of that is able to be thrown behind the cyborg's shoulder, as fighting for what you believe is right was the way of the ninja. And Magnus in particular was living proof of that. While deep down inside he didn't want to fight, it was his destiny to battle for the bright future he envisioned...and he swore on the name of those who have fallen that he'd no longer hesitate anymore and cut down all who fiendishly bar that path. It didn't matter what people thought of him, for worrying about things like that only serves as an obstacle to stop your progression.
"...Well, all I'll say is that I don't take my job as lightly as to underestimate a foe. Words aren't exactly my strong suit, so you'll just have to observe my capabilities for yourself when necessary." He preferred it that way. Some who were in his position were just all talk and no show, which would rub an employer the wrong way if all their boasting turned out to be a poor showcase in their said expertise when it was put to the test. Actions spoke better than words.
Looking down at his bowl of ramen, he was pretty much done since the rest was for Ignius when he gets back home. Guess he could get a to-go box whenever it was time to leave. He didn't really know where the conversation would make a turn to next, so he just leaned back in his seat as he waited for Lambda's response.
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Lambda
Carnifex CEO
Posts: 23
Power: 10
Speed: 3
Accuracy: 5
Armor: 10
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Post by Lambda on Dec 17, 2013 11:44:51 GMT -6
"Mmh." A noncommittal grunt was the most reaction Lambda allowed herself as she looked back down to her tea, the murky liquid swirling within the cup, before taking another sip as she thought. She still wasn't entirely sure what to make of Magnus, but for a reason she couldn't quite explain, she had a good feeling about him. She had never taken much stock in feelings rather than logic, so it bothered her that she could not articulate exactly why she felt like trusting him. At least he hadn't tried to kill her yet. That was usually a plus when dealing with hired killers. He didn't really seem like a braggart either; she got a vibe of - quiet self-assurance, to some degree, a strange dichotomy of absolute certainty mixed with some sort of hesitation. What was causing it, or if her assessment was even correct, the bioroid wasn't entirely certain.
And it didn't really matter as long as he could be useful to her.
Looking up from her tea, her mind still whirring as she pondered the possibilities and probabilities of the future, Lambda focused back in on Magnus as she put down the teacup in one fluid, silent movement before crossing her arms. Human resources was going to want to run a background check on him - though as she knew quite personally, those were far from foolproof - and check his employment history, and they would need to register him on a payroll as a temporary hire until the details of the relationship were worked out and his actual capabilities could be tested. And she didn't want to have him falling out of any more trees, if only because it disturbed the flowers.
"...Do the two of you have a place to sleep?" The not-particularly-subtle bioroid narrowed her eyes slightly, preempting his response. "A real place to sleep."
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Magnus
Mercenary (Admin)
Posts: 73
Power: 6
Speed: 10
Accuracy: 9
Armor: 3
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Post by Magnus on Dec 17, 2013 13:20:10 GMT -6
The cyborg had his sights set upon Ignius outside the window again when he tilted his head. Looks like he was still sleeping by the door, but he wondered how long it would last before that little mechanical stomach of his would growl and he'd be running around like a rabid dog again...which like he thought earlier would be bad if someone thought anything was literally wrong with him and try to take him away or deactivate him. But then what Lambda asked sort of thrown him off balance for a second when he turned back to her. That...was actually a good question considering he didn't really prefer to answer it in detail when people asked.
"Uh...yeah. I stay in a little apartment complex not too far from here. Though considering my recent string of bad luck, who knows how long I'll be staying there." Yeah, since he began to go broke the same day it was time to pay his rent...which he couldn't. And they were very serious about paying on time. Just the thought of it made him sigh a bit. "...You don't have to worry. I won't be sleeping in your tree again. I've finally learned...a valuable lesson about that today." Yeah. Simple solution: Just go home when tired.
Come to think of it...how did he end up in that tree anyway? Last he remembered was that since the streets were a ghost town due to the rumors, he just leaped from roof to roof trying to find something to do until...
Wait.
Ignius. Of course...
He pounced off his back and they both fell into a tree, which the cyborg was too tired to even jump out of it and just sat there. Recalling that wasn't exactly pleasant, since the fall actually did hurt. But guess that was enough of recalling self-inflicting and Ignius-inflicting injuries for one day. Venting out another sigh, he looked the other way for a moment before resuming his reply. "...But, I appreciate the concern." Whether she was concerned or not. "Even if we did go homeless, Ignius and I are good survivors of hard times, so it'd just be a matter of sticking it out until we find another place to stay and this cloud of bad luck to go away from over my head."
Yeah, someone obviously placed a curse on him.
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Lambda
Carnifex CEO
Posts: 23
Power: 10
Speed: 3
Accuracy: 5
Armor: 10
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Post by Lambda on Dec 17, 2013 15:10:34 GMT -6
Lambda continued to stare at him blankly, her expression neutral but a definite sense of disapproval permeating her crossed arms and piercing gaze. "Homeless and starving is not living, and you will not be able to operate at optimum efficiency in that state." Her tone was somewhere between a neutral statement of fact and a hint of a lecture, though from her words it was difficult to tell if she was worried about him or his performance - a point that went completely over the erstwhile CEO's head.
She sighed, trying to gauge the best way to solve the situation that didn't involve too many explosions. There were dormitories or something at Carnifex, right? Probably. Maybe. She actually wasn't sure, but had no doubt that there was SOMETHING there that could double as a bed, and it would be a step up from being mugged in his sleep while sleeping in a back alley. She stood in one fluid motion, pushing her chair back as she moved; they would know to put the meal on her tab. "You will need to come by Carnifex at some point to sign up and be briefed on your first mission. Why not sleep there tonight in order to start work tomorrow?" Divine toaster knew that they always had work, and she could use it as a way to test his capabilities. Also, she was starting to think that he was cursed, and she was going to be annoyed if he turned up dead tomorrow morning because that meant having to find someone else to do the work.
Oh, and she still wanted to know why the hell he was in the tree in the first place, and that would be hard to find out if he was dead.
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Magnus
Mercenary (Admin)
Posts: 73
Power: 6
Speed: 10
Accuracy: 9
Armor: 3
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Post by Magnus on Dec 17, 2013 16:50:38 GMT -6
"Ah, well...yeah that would be a problem, hah hah. Hm..." He cut himself short, realizing there wasn't any use in saying what he had in mind aloud. While starving is bad, he would at least still have some sort of moeny in his pocket to feed himself and Ignius to where hunger wouldn't be a hindrance. But he had to make sure such things never happened anyway. If Sean and Emilie found out he lost his place to stay, then they'd be all on him with trying to push him back into the hunters so he wouldn't have to live under such conditions. While he would appreciate their concern, going back there was the last thing he wanted to do. And besides, his training included survival skills if he were forced into any similar situation. Ah, but that was enough.
He didn't realize next to him that there were to-go boxes stacked on top of each other. It seemed like they were placed there for people to get their own boxes when they needed it. As such, he did so with the remaining ramen just as he realized Lambda stood from her seat. He didn't want to leave Ignius hungry, no matter what. He wondered if he didn't need to rely on the method he thought of earlier to make it edible for him...always wondered if the guy could eat real food as it was. But he went along just fine with the stuff he was advised to eat, so he assumed it was just going to be a wonder forever. Deciding to stand from his seat too, he looked to Lambda again, though now expecting anything at this point as she spoke.
He really didn't mind taking her suggestion. Really, he should jump right on it. It was quite the generous offer, even though it was for the sake of business. But he still had to take Ignius into consideration, stuffing his hands in the pockets of his coat as he was faced into the direction of the door, yet staring at his partner through the window. "Sure, that'd be great. But...I'm not sure how much you all may like dogs. Mechanical or not. I still have to feed him too, and the stuff required to make human food edible for him is at our place. He doesn't like to be alone either..." Though he had just realized afterwards that he worried too much about his partner more than himself. Even though mechanical dogs can go hungry and die, they could just go through a simple process of recharging their functions that'll jolt them back to life, but he'd rather not see Ignius go through something like that, hence wanting to take care of him like a real dog should. It'd be too cruel to just let the poor thing starve because he just couldn't conveniently feed him. Machine or not, he was still a living being. They also say pets were sort of like reflections to their owner's character as well. So if anything, he knew how the dog felt better than anyone.
However, he shook his head a couple of times as he chuckled a bit to himself. "Sorry. I'm probably worrying about it too much. I'll gladly take you up on your offer. I do want to make sure he doesn't stay hungry for the rest of the night though if he has to stay outside."
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Lambda
Carnifex CEO
Posts: 23
Power: 10
Speed: 3
Accuracy: 5
Armor: 10
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Post by Lambda on Dec 30, 2013 3:47:44 GMT -6
"A mechaniloid pet should not be an issue." Her tone was even, but she stared down at it for a moment, half waiting for it to do something ridiculous. "-Though house trained would be a bonus." Did... did mechaniloid dogs even do that? She wasn't actually sure. Most didn't even eat, but this one could, and what went in must come out. Unless it was actually powered by a black hole. Or a sentient superweapon, something she could empathize with. ...Or maybe it was just a robo-mutt, and she needed to go into hibernation mode for about a month, because she was getting even more paranoid than usual.
Then again, it's not paranoia if they really are out to get you.
Lambda wasn't actually sure if that was reassuring, or just utterly depressing. Maybe a bit of both, given that she seemed to be defined by both qualities. "...Yes that will be fine." The comment came out a little rushed, betraying a hint of her inability to cleave close to sanity even at the best of times, but the irony was lost entirely on the Bioroid as she abruptly stood up, adjusting her costume as much out of sheer habit and need for perfection as for any assumed imperfection. "Then we should be off. I have much to do, and you will need your rest for the morrow."
Without waiting for a response, Lambda turned on her heel and strode to the door, breaking into the darkness of the cool evening air without pause. It had already been late evening when they met, she recalled, so the tide of shadow was unsurprising. ...Which made it sound like she was walking into Mordor moreso than a cool evening in a busy city. So her metaphors needed some work. Big deal. She'd get it eventually.
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Magnus
Mercenary (Admin)
Posts: 73
Power: 6
Speed: 10
Accuracy: 9
Armor: 3
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Post by Magnus on Dec 30, 2013 19:06:54 GMT -6
"Don't worry, he knows when it's pottie time." ...Yeah, strangely enough. To this day, he still doesn't know how Ignius completely functions, just that he's different than most of his kind. But the more different his companion is, the more closer to a dog he is. As such, the cyborg didn't mind if the dog had even more secrets hidden from within. Hopefully it isn't a rabid side. But it's hard to tell...sometimes the guy acts like he's rabid sometimes when something wrong with him.
He didn't really mind that Lambda seemed like she was in a hurry to leave...well, it was obviously shown as she immediately exited the place. He had to hurry and grab the leftovers before quickly following after her. Stepping out himself, he nearly forgot that it was really closing in on moonlight. Didn't help that with the craziness and rumors still flying around that it was nearly deserted out, though with a few people in visible sight from far away. Abel was always an active city, day and night. It just felt weird to see it very silent...but that was kinda preferable. He didn't really like it when things were all noisy, but a big shot city like this isn't supposed to be as quite as a small town. Though some noisy sounds were soon going to erupt as Magnus already heard Ignius rise from the ground and rushing at him...oh boy.
"Gyaaah! Come on...!" The dog couldn't wait to tackle his owner to the ground like a football player, thinking it was time to feast. "...No, no! You know you can't eat it ye--" Before he could even finish the sentence, Ignius stole the box of ramen and kept it clenched between his metal teeth. However, the dog could already tell it wasn't exactly something he could eat...yet. So he just kept it within his mouth and ran around in circles out of joy. Magnus couldn't help but sigh as he regained his footing, pretty much used to the dog's shenanigans. "...All right, knock it off. Let's get going."
After the dog calmed down, the two kept up their pace with Lambda. He wondered how the interior of Carnifex was like, for he only took a glimpse at the place while he was first there. He just hoped there weren't too many females around other than Lambda and the other girl that...nearly scared the crap out of him. He sort of shivered at the thought. But he was sure he'd be safe...at least when he's sleeping. But shaking that off his mind for now, he gazed around at the city and the rooftops...a habit of his that he actually should maintain.
"...Looks like they really aren't bothering with it today. Though they do attack at night sometimes, so I shouldn't let my guard down." He spoke in a low tone to himself, but he wasn't exactly whispering it. The Forsaken were sneaky bastards after all...but it may be wise to actually tell Lambda about them before he gets too involved with Carnifex. Well...they were only after him and while the rogues were fiends to the core, they at least had some honor and didn't attack those who they aren't supposed to be targeting, so maybe he didn't have to make such a big deal about it.
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Lambda
Carnifex CEO
Posts: 23
Power: 10
Speed: 3
Accuracy: 5
Armor: 10
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Post by Lambda on Jan 1, 2014 5:22:44 GMT -6
Lambda slowed her pace significantly to watch the capering canine and his erstwhile cyborg companion, torn between being amused and something approaching, but definitely not at all anywhere close to jealous in any way shape or form because that would be ridiculous. She hadn't really paid much attention to the creature before, her interest more in Magnus than his pet, but there was a sort of open closeness to their relationship, an innocent camaraderie unfettered by social mores and shame alike, that she could only dream of. Her relationships were defined by cost-benefit ratios, by what others could do for her, and what she had to expend in return. Even her sisters, care for them as she might, she could never express her feelings to any degree of satisfaction.
Maybe there was a bit of jealousy, the bioroid was forced to admit to herself despite the bitter tinge of shame. That that sort of affection could come so easily, so naturally to others, but not to her - was that her failing, or her nature? Nature versus nurture. One would think that with the opportunity to experiment with artificial life, human science would have learned that by now - but in recreating life, they had created complexity greater than what even they could understand, machines that could decide to harm their creators even when not programmed to. Perhaps mavericks, too, were simply another answer to the eternal question. What am I?
A question she did not have an answer for. Despite the fact that she was, probably, technically a maverick. Something Magnus did not particularly need to know. It seemed that he did know something she did not, though, or that he suspected something she did not. The difference lay on a razor's edge of possibilities, possible futures she could not hope to foresee - but could perhaps be forestalled by prompt action.
A moment of thought, and when Magnus picked up his own pace to catch up to her, she angled toward a different path than the one they had followed to get there, one that would take them through an abandoned factory she had inspected once before declining to purchase the property - it had been in terrible condition, poorly kept and liable to require more investment to get it moving than they would make in profit in ten years, but perhaps it could be of some use to her now if Magnus's seeming paranoia bore fruit.
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Magnus
Mercenary (Admin)
Posts: 73
Power: 6
Speed: 10
Accuracy: 9
Armor: 3
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Post by Magnus on Jan 1, 2014 14:43:57 GMT -6
Hm. Looks like they were on a street they didn't take before. He figured it would have been faster if they went back the path they took the first time, but maybe Lambda just wanted a difference in scenery...which he could understand. But this block was pretty abandoned and he never had much of an interest to coming through these parts of the city because of it. About the only other location he's been in that has an entire abandoned sub-division would be a certain place he'd rather not remember, what with still needing to keep up his guard from his pursuers. But hey, this beats going through some people to get back to where they were going. Unless Lambda had some other motive for coming this way...Not that he distrusted her, but he had to keep his guard up for any possible surprise he may have. But was it really worth being cautious about it? Really. What's the worse that could happe--
"GRRRRRRRRR!!"
...Okay? Ignius randomly growling. That's not a good sign. Was he finally about to snap because he's still hungry? But something was off. The dog had completely stopped while still in the same position growling like he'd saw a ghost. "...What's up, boy?" Magnus crouched down beside his partner as he lightly placed his hand atop of the canine's head. He was shaking like crazy and he never got this aggressive unless...danger was present. But his trained and heightened senses didn't pick up on any nearby movement, so maybe something really was just wrong with Ignius himself. But Magnus soon had a ringing sensation in his ear, his heightened hearing picking up some pretty subtle movement nearby, settling on a frown before standing back on his feet. He still had no idea where it was coming from.
Magnus didn't want to make a big deal out of nothing if whatever he heard may have been stray animal or something just moving around, so he didn't activate his helmet and mask yet...nor did he reach for weapons. But he stood still as he kept his sights locked to a random direction while still on guard. "...Lambda." He called out to her in a straight tone, having an idea of what may be wrong...or what may possibly lurk in the shadows. It's not fact yet that danger is even present, but he's familiar with such ambushes. "...Are you familiar with an organization called 'The Forsaken'? Might be best for me to tell you now that being around me could be potentially dangerous..."
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Lambda
Carnifex CEO
Posts: 23
Power: 10
Speed: 3
Accuracy: 5
Armor: 10
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Post by Lambda on Jan 2, 2014 4:25:58 GMT -6
So her hunch had been correct. She was... ambivalent at best about that. Lambda inclined her head slightly in Magnus's direction, signifying that she had heard him, but said nothing in return as she surveyed the area with grim concentration. The name Forsaken did not ring a bell, but assassins from rival corporations were nothing new, and in the end it mattered little whether the coming storm had targeted her or Magnus - there was little likelihood that the other would escape unscathed. No witnesses. No mistakes. A crimson glint flashed dimly in the darkness for an instant, several circuits of the Driver flickering to life as her eyes assumed an otherworldly hue before seeming to fade back to normal. Not that Magnus could see the process... or that their function was anything like they had been a moment ago. Clarity unfathomable flooded her consciousness, the active struggle to see the forest for the trees an integral flaw to her abilities. Being able to see to the atomic level was very little help when one cared about the big picture, and she had a lot of ground to survey. "Stay close." Oxidized steel, rotting wood, complex particles in the air representing the myriad smells of decay and rot; Lambda continued on, into the factory, through a gaping hole in the wall from the accident that had spelled the factory's death knell. For all that she could see, there was far more that she could not - but there was as much information in not seeing something as seeing it, sometimes. Not that it mattered when the telltale trail of an emerald plasma projectile streaked downwards towards her, momentarily illuminating a figure in the shadows of the upper level before her focus diverted entirely to the blast. Unstable. Liable to do more damage than light burns, that was for sure. She stared at it as it approached, and it seemed to shear in half even as it detonated, a brilliant torrent of emerald light that streamed around her like a stream around a mountain even as it dissipated into wispy particles, and then nothingness. Ostentatious, but effective. Her voice was coldly clinical, almost detached. "Will you stand at my side, Magnus?"
{ Soundtrack!}
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Magnus
Mercenary (Admin)
Posts: 73
Power: 6
Speed: 10
Accuracy: 9
Armor: 3
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Post by Magnus on Jan 2, 2014 11:13:48 GMT -6
Assuming she'd save her response until it was clear they were safe, Magnus simply followed behind and maintained rear guard just in case. Though when they stepped foot into the shady and omnious building that was abandoned, he witnessed all that occurred, followed by what seemed like Lambda splitting the projectile in half...without even touching it? What kind of power did she command that could pull off such a feat? But since he couldn't focus on that at the moment, he did realize there was someone on the upper level that shot thing. Before the flash of light could fade away and vision to the upper level obscured, three shurikens fell from underneath the shinobi's sleeve as he tossed all three within the same motion towards the direction of the figure he saw, hearing the cry of pain as he aimed fatally with his own projectiles in response for trying to attack his companion. He didn't know if Lambda's apparent opponents were human or machine, but that mattered little at this point.
When Lambda sent her request towards him, he stalled for a moment to analyze the situation. With his capabilities and specialties, he was actually in the advantage here. The shadows were where his kind reigned, and his stealth training and fixed vision in the dark could come in handy, as well as snuffing out some of these guys that were trying to be sneaky like the one from above. However, he had to make sure nothing else was going to come behind them from outside, and as such, he tapped his earpiece as he sent a silent signal command to Ignius to survey the exterior of the factory. If the dog could detect any foes outside while activating his camouflage mode, he'd warn the cyborg immediately with his unique signal response via his comm. link. That'd at least keep Magnus on his toes for anymore surprise guests from above, and warn or get rid of them so Lambda didn't have to focus on anymore sneak attacks.
So finally, Magnus stepped up a little closer to Lambda as his ninja helmet and mask activated instantaneously. "...You don't even have to ask. Besides, if I'm to be your employee, then I have to make sure you live." So it's time to raise some hell... He left that last bit unsaid and securely spoken within his mind. Once he's battle-ready, there's no going back, for the merciless instinct had already kicked in as he rested his finger tip on the guard of his Phoenix Edge. The moment the real fight began, he'd spare none.
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Lambda
Carnifex CEO
Posts: 23
Power: 10
Speed: 3
Accuracy: 5
Armor: 10
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Post by Lambda on Jan 5, 2014 2:22:09 GMT -6
Ignoring the tinge of white-hot pain that ran through her forehead as best she could, dimly aware that it was the cost she paid for her power, Lambda focused on looking as unscathed as possible They need not know how difficult it had been, or how much her act had cost her. A lesson she had learned was quite useful for intimidation - the more effortless the sorcery appears, the more men fear the sorcerer.
The first part of Magnus's response caught her off guard, though, earning a sideways glance, a glimpse of momentary confusion that barely slipped through the mask, as she attempted to piece together what he had meant. She hadn't even paid him yet, and they weren't related, so why would a mercenary say something like that? She would have expected that from her sister, not someone she had barely met.
"...You remind me of Eris." A flat statement, devoid of any hint as to the implications of her words, but it was far from unkind. The thought brought to mind another, that Eris's presence would be exceptionally useful right now, but there was no tell-tale cyan blur to announce her presence, implying that her sister was busy elsewhere. With what, she did not know. Not that it mattered; she had to keep her mind on the present, and when they emerged from this confrontation alive, she could worry about anything else.
The thought that her greatest weapon would be the simple fact that their foes knew little more about her abilities than she did of theirs sprang to mind, something more at the back of her mind than the cornerstone of her entire awareness, but it was enough for an idea of an opening salvo.
Lambda raised one hand deliberately, pointing where the attack had come from as another glint of light flickered for an instnt in time. Ironically, her special vision did not give her any particular advantages in terms of night vision... but the sun itself would soon lend them its brilliance. "Then let us begin."
A tiny burst of brilliant light burst into existence, colored in all the hues of the rainbow and impossibility alike, before seeming to collapse in on itself, a golden globe that shone as it pulsated. Obliteration was much easier to channel than Disintegration, but the distance would cause the reaction to take time, and not even a fool would stand there to find out what the orb would do.
But the light would illuminate their forms for an instant as they moved, and Magnus could follow up in the blinding light an instant after. Almost as an afterthought, the concentrating bioroid mumbled a few words to Magnus in a low tone, though whether the effort of speaking was too much or any concept of subtlety was on her mind was anyone's guess. "Avert your eyes."
(the orb will explode, violently, during your post. It's far enough away that it seems fair to give it about a post of reaction time)
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Magnus
Mercenary (Admin)
Posts: 73
Power: 6
Speed: 10
Accuracy: 9
Armor: 3
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Post by Magnus on Jan 5, 2014 20:01:55 GMT -6
Just as he was ready for action, Magnus recalled something. He REALLY should have taken that offer to have a custom made bow with explosive arrowheads for him. Since his master also taught him archery...and he was very gifted with it, he knew his swordsmanship reigned supreme over his marksmanship, hence declining the offer of the guy who fixed up the Raigeki blade for him. It was actually something...he really shouldn't have brushed off. His master taught him that a ninja must take advantage of every talent he/she has, but he really thought his long range was fine enough with just his stars and knives...which they were sufficient, but it would have made picking these guys off from a distance much less frustrating despite his good aim. Maybe one day, he'd get a bow made for him...but now wasn't exactly the time to fret over that. Besides, he couldn't have afforded the thing at the moment anyway!
The orb Lambda released intrigued him, but common sense told him to listen what she said, as he had an idea of what she may have been up to. As such, he tilted his head to the side as he shut both eyes tight, but keeping himself positioned and ready to move out when the chance comes. As the orb flared and he heard the explosion it was causing, the cyborg was hesitant on moving just yet. As he creaked his eyes open, the golden light from the explosion was actually illuminating the area fairly well. His moved his eyes away from the actual explosion, but he plainly saw several individuals scattered over the place...and it just so happened that two of them were somewhat near the both of them. It was time to take advantage while they were shielding their eyes, for he decided to leave the ones out of close range alone for now.
With his acceleration system ready, Magnus released a large boost of speed to where he nearly blurred into motion. This ended up alerting one of the assassins that was identified as a cyborg, as he opened his eyes and tried to aim his handgun. However, Magnus used his momentum to jump and flip in mid-air while evading the rounds of fire, as he was moving too fast for his target to aim properly. The ninja borg's high jump allowed him to flip over his target's head and grip his shoulder with his left hand while quickly unsheathing his Phoenix Edge in the other. The moment the shinobi touched the ground behind the enemy, he ran his sword clean through the enemy cyborg's back as the blade pierced all the way through his midsection. Giving the opponent a swift and merciless end, he ripped the blade out sideways, literally tearing the cyborg in two halves before he dropped and the other beside him was stuck in place, but on his defensive.
Since he had the mindset of sparing none, he rushed the second enemy. They both went a couple of seconds with striking each other's blades, but Magnus disarmed him quickly with a parry before having another burst of speed from his feet as he dashed forth, slicing horizontally when he gained the opening and cut clean through the assassin as he dropped dead instantly. More from the upper level locked onto him and began to fire rounds from their firearms, forcing him to dash away as fast as he could until he took sanctuary behind a tall and wide support beam.
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Lambda
Carnifex CEO
Posts: 23
Power: 10
Speed: 3
Accuracy: 5
Armor: 10
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Post by Lambda on Jan 14, 2014 7:22:57 GMT -6
The reaction ate through wood and steel as it sluggishly spread outwards a few meters, the distance between her and it ensuring that it was of minimal use as an actual offensive tool, but the light streaming from the seemingly all-consuming explosion was bright enough to paint much of the area in scathing light and hard-edged shadows.
Lambda could hear Magnus moving, but no longer saw shapes and colors so much as an endless avalanche of information, molecules and particles each in sharp contrast with their fellows. Necessary to use her abilities, but - she blinked, and saw the world as it was for a moment, the light of the already-contracting explosion illuminating Magnus's lightning-quick movements, a spurt of blood, and as she shifted her attention, others of their attackers moving around in the building. Her little trick had gained them a moment of time and the element of surprise, but if they were professionals, one little harmless flashbang wouldn't phase them.
The searing wave of pain was almost old fare when it arrived, causing little more than a momentary furrowing of her brow as she deftly retrieved the semiautomatic handgun from its concealed holster. Lambda was uninterested in showing more of her hand than necessary, to either the mercenaries or to Magnus, and in doing so would set herself up as the weaker combatant. It took a mere moment in time to set her eyes on what appeared to be a lightly armored man on the second floor, momentarily distracted by something - radio, perhaps. The sharp crack of a gunshot rang through the area once, twice, as she fired with practiced ease... and after each report, a metallic ping as each round impacted body armor.
So much for her headshot idea. Not that she'd really been banking on it, but it would have been nice if it had worked. At least she was doing a really, really good job of setting herself up as a ranged weapon user for anyone watching! The explosion would likely be a grenade, as far as they were aware, and the pistol would be self-explanatory.
The roaring thud of something on a higher level caught her attention just as the fiery trail of a rocket propelled grenade streaked from the top floor, headed in Magnus's direction. Not much she could do about that - and if he got hit by it that just meant he wouldn't have been a very good mercenary anyways - but the barrel of her firearm raised to the figure she saw crouching above, focused more on his target than her. Another crack followed by a burst of crimson, and the figure went limp, the tube on his shoulder slipping off and beginning the long descent to the ground. Three shots total so far, one with any impact. Not her best day ever.
A thunderous eruption of sound and fury slammed into the ground in front of her, bending the steel of the floor as a cloud of dust surrounded her. It cleared within moments, a hulking figure bursting into view right in front of her, armored hands outstretched from which her first shot merely rebounded. Lambda surrendered the firearm as soon as the mailed fingers began to close around the barrel, not particularly sanguine about her chances of winning an arm wrestling contest with someone twice her size, and took a step back as she dispassionately noted that she would need to acquire a new one at her earliest convenience. Certainly they would have something in the arsenal.
The next time the jet-black hands came at her, she simply turned to the side, lightly tracing the foremost arm with one finger and her eyes alight, before abruptly stepping into the strike as she pivoted to grab forwards with her unused arm.
Her foe, carried forwards by his own momentum, had no opportunity to react before her right hand clasped around his throat with a force so great it crumpled and bent the metal of his armored collar - even as his outstretched arm seemed to tear itself asunder an instant later, his gaze shifting from uncomprehending confusion to a mix of agony and horror that reflected all the brighter within the crimson glow of her own eyes.
"Analyze existence," Lambda commented in a businesslike voice, her attention elsewhere entirely as she intellectually navigated a different universe entirely than the one she stood in, "...and release."
Six and a half feet of armored battlesuit disintegrated into the wind instantly, a spread of particles and dust that itself disappeared into nothingness an instant later. She was left empty-handed.
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