Taking Out the Trash (CONQUEST)

Dharatan was a place of blatant evil and danger these days. Imugi was scarce on the who, how and why of the once-populous city’s transformation into a horror show, but nevertheless had taken to enjoying its atmosphere. It reminded them of home. Parts of it, anyways. By merely avoiding the tragic mutants that slunk through the streets, it was even relaxing. Usually.

“Something. Is. Wrong.” A voice rumbled to Imugi’s left, prompting them to open their eye at the cloud of crimson fog accompanying them. Yenneca, a demon in kind and master of the transportative arts, looked into the city with the floating mask he called a face. Another perk of the devastated city was that the thinned barrier between dimensions allowed for such a social call between old friends, even if Imugi had been dozing for the better part of it. Following the gaze of the gaseous demon, they hummed apprehensively at the sight.

From the tower they rested in, once housing a grand bell by the look of it, Imugi had a good look of the situation. A figure floated in the skyline, shedding iridescent magic in no small quantity and steadily advancing toward the vacuous fissure overhead. And down in the dilapidated roads below, something else stirred their fellow demons into a fray. They truthfully cared little for those outside of their immediate circle, but a frown still etched onto their face.

“Everything has to be a project, doesn’t it? Shame we have to cut this short, but I suspect you don’t want to…” Imugi turned to look at Yenneca again, only to find that he had simply vanished into thin air. “Stick around,” They finished with a groan, rising onto their one leg with the assistance of their Equilibrium. Expecting it didn’t make it less of an annoyance, but they couldn’t fault the sudden departure. Yenneca had never been a fighter for the many years that they had known him. Not like Imugi, who remained a warrior by heart if not by body.

Skipping out of the tower and unsheathing the sword from their hip, Imugi descended into the chaotic stew, thoughtlessly batting away any mutant in their immediate path. Following the demonic presence through the streets quickly led them to the source of the disturbance. Stealing away into a side road, they watched from around a corner as a singular Majin bore down on the crowd with an obvious intent. Single-minded, their ilk. Some had been known to break the mould, but Imugi wasn’t inclined to believe that the one manically staring down a not-so-small batch of demons was one of them.

Still, the demon of marred body found themself holding tighter to the grip of their sword. A glowing orange haze crawled from the weapon onto their body, reinforcing it. Imugi would be content to sit this little skirmish out, perhaps interject at the right time, but they’d rather not be blindsided if trouble did come their way. Catching movement in the corner of their eye, they turned their attention skyward for the moment. Although missing the high-speed attack, they could ascertain a silhouette climbing high onto a rooftop, contrasting intensely against the other individual’s glow. Shadow magic, how charming. Best to pay that confrontation some mind as well. Few would dream of getting anywhere near that tear, so whatever the kaleidoscopic one's intentions were, it certainly wasn't for nothing.

---

The moment Zerori had received the message,the chime coming from a cute little phone that she’d gotten from Earth and had… made some modifications to, she was already thinking of what Jinx could possibly want with excitement before the message she read confirmed it! They were finally going to take down that horrific portal in Dhartan. Ever since she’d gotten dangerously close to it and had met Nervan there, it had occasionally been on her mind when someone (them, specifically) would do something about it. She’d later find out that Striker and Jinx had made it to and WON the tournament so that explained why she’d not really heard much from them.

Zerori turned to her mother mere moments after she’d received the message, the visage of the Satyr woman a welcome one ever since she’d lost her power over a year ago. No longer did she sport the aged look of someone that truly had lived nearly 600 years. Her supple skin and bright white hair stood starkly out against the darkened red skin; even if she was a little worse for wear during their training. After the events on Namek, Zerori had thrown down the proverbial gauntlet and forced them to train. It didn’t matter where and certainly didn’t matter how! A luck would have it, the power Zriracha had gained was enough for her to regain the glamored look she’d always tried to maintain through careful control of her magic.

The only issue was just how much of a difference in their power remained. For this reason, Zerori had a simple demand:

“Can you just chill in Vynh City while I go see what’s up? It’s probably not an issue but you never know and I ain’t takin’ that chance,” And while it seemed like her mother had a protest at the ready, Zerori was smarter than the average bear, “I got you a room with Room Seeeeervice,” She teased, capitalizing on her mother’s weakness for food.

With a scoff, Zriracha relented, “Very well but return safely to me or I will start setting up dates for you.”

Zerori laughed. “Disgusting.”

—-

Reaching Dhartan too hardly any time at all, especially when she could feel Jinx’ power like a beacon. However, the closer she got there were other powers there that seemed to have been attracted to the powerful Majin.

And TWO were very familiar.

Zerori gave a grumble at the power she was sensing from Erebos, not yet having arrived to the scene but well aware that a disperse of magic had happened. After learning how to measure with kili (thanks to Jinx) Zerori could measure the differences in her opponents more clearly as she careened through the air wildly in transit. The second power she felt was stronger than she’d recalled but there was no mistaking Imugi, even in the crowd of a thousand faces. A grin broke out on her face as she neared and it was just after Erebos had materialized his sword that the punk-rock look of her form would burst onto the scene and slide to halt just a few meters away from the prismatic Majin girl. In all her 5 feet and 10 inches of glory, Zerori looked like she’d come straight out of a rock concert with wild hair, sweat and an equal look of wild abandon.

She hadn’t arrived in time to stop Erebos’ attack but given how tough Jinx was, Zerori was hardly worried. What did worry her just slightly was that Erebos was sporting a new form she’d never seen before. Granted, it had been a while…

Zerori turned to Jinx first, tossing a wink in her direction, “Got your message. You sure you got this, uh… thing? Might get a tummy ache. Then AGAIN, it might also give you power beyond your wildest dreams! High risk, high reward, yeah?” Zerori joked, the confidence she had in Jinx unshakable. She didn’t want to be rude, though, and turned to look at Erebos with the eyebrow of her visible eye cocking upwards with intrigue. “Long time no see! Likin’ the new look but you’ve got some scary eyes there. So, uh… not to cut to the chase, but what are you doin’ here?” She crossed her arms, grin falling into a look of confusion, “-Wouldn’t you WANT this gross portal thing to take a hike? I know you’re feelin’ the same shitty thing I’m feelin’!”

Dangerously, Zerori kept her power locked up tightly, hoping her appearance with OUT the bells and whistles of her own power would given Erebos a moment to relax. They didn’t have any beef, after all!... Well-

No beef that Erebos would know about.

Crotona had taken a long time to recover at all from the pain of what happened in Dhartran (Truthfully she had not recovered nor was she sure she ever will), so when she sensed what seemed to be conflict, she was going to be there. She was not going to allow any more vile actions to occur under her watch. As fast as she could muster she flew off towards the sight of the battlefield with thoughts flooding her head and even worse was the voices. ‘You really should be thanking them? They could attack anywhere else? What could a possible vile person do in a place like this? Or maybe it is Kamae or that bounty hunter you wanna kill so bad? One of them you can sate your vengeance.’ Crotona shook her head trying to ignore the voice as she landed on one of the ruined buildings. Her hand reached out for her Z-Sword but she didn’t strike yet. For the moment she just wanted to size up the situation.

It seemed a bit complicated to say the least. This Majin woman seemed to eb focusing her magic on the portal…was that not the merchant woman she meet on Konats? She didn’t seem to be attacking? It was odd. Still Erebos was already on the attack, he rightfully knew when to strike. If he was attacking then there had to be a good reason for it. Yet, Crotona didn’t draw to jump in yet. If these people were trying to help, then it be good to try to find a peaceful end to this fighting right? Crotona would peer down the battlefield and speak up. ”Enough Lets not kill eachother untill we need too.” She raised her arm drawing her Z-Sword. The Stump of a weapon shined with Ki. “I wanna know what your doing Jinx? You know a lot about magic and I know you were just a merchant…or at least you were one once. Tell me truthfully what you plan to do with this portal. And I can assure that you won’t be hurt.” She glanced at Erebros. “Do you know something about these people I do not?” If there was a reason to fight them then of course she would but, she had learned alot the past few months and she was not alone in her thoughts of a peaceful interaction with these people.


Wc:405
Powerlevel:105,000
Item's:Armor Lining, Senzu Bean, Z-Sword
Resources:Keen Senses (0/2), Beast Within, Warrior Heritage (0/1)



Now what the Hell was this? Cautiously surveying the situation from the ground, Imugi was fortunate to have not been approached as more were drawn to the situation overhead. A Konatsian brave enough to wander into this cursed place, a Heran who intercepted the silhouetted figure’s attack to limited success, and not escaping their notice, another demon biding their time from higher ground. Recognizing no one, a dread started to roll into their mind until their eye locked onto another.

“Zerori?!” Imugi hissed from their place of refuge. They were not displeased by the young hybrid’s appearance, but knowing just how severely she outclassed them from their last meeting left them to hope that the reason for her involvement would be favourable. It all seemed to revolve around that sinister portal, pouring its malevolent energies into the city. Damn. Nothing else for it, Imugi had to know what was happening.

Lifting themself out of the rowdy streets — noting the gangly Majin to have done the same — Imugi set themself at the peak of a spire. Planting their sword to keep their stability, they held their tongue while gathering what they could. Some names thrown back and forth, the familiarity some shared, the other Majin in the middle of it all’s plan… Actually, they needed a second to process that part.

Eat it?! Imugi’s eye went wide, utterly failing to make sense of what this Jinx could have been thinking. Although they'd been an elementalist in their time, their arcane aptitude still reminded them of the many possibilities that made it a bad idea. The thing about magic was that nobody ever completely understood it. Of course there were scenarios where that energy wouldn’t kill or disintegrate the Majin, but the potential of her successfully absorbing it… Imugi didn’t much like that idea either.

Erebos seemed to have a similar train of thought, even if he wanted to be rid of the rift in his own way. They quite enjoyed having it around, but better to side with their fellow demon temporarily than reap the consequences of the alternative. Drifting closer with their sword held firm, Imugi’s raspy voice chimed in as they regarded the party warily.

“I can attest to the accuracy of his claim. Nothing you can attempt is worth the risk of exposing yourself to such energy. Presuming you value the integrity of your minds, bodies, and souls,” Quickly scanning the ruins below with their warning, they waved their sword in a gentle stroke at the plethora of unfortunate mutants. Then, they focused on Zerori. Building on the shadowy demon's plea, Imugi feigned a look of sympathy. “These are your friends, yes? We know better, you and I, and Erebos here. Are you going to let them endanger themselves?"

---

The attack that Erebos had thrown at Jinx really wasn’t anything to worry about - just… not for the reason Zerori had assumed. The orange-haired woman she met along with those two stragglers after her loot was here and had taken a nasty hit. Zerori winced, floating a bit closer to get a better look, but Salvo seemed to recognize her and snapped back with no small amount of aggression. While she didn’t exactly seem happy to see her, Zerori held up both hands in surrender with a laugh, “The feelin’ ain’t mutual! I do enjoy seeing your face,” She teased before she looked back at the approaching figures that seemed to notice they were there. Let Jinx fill Salvo in on the rest.

The few powers Zerori had felt were just a drop in the bucket compared to the few more that were joining in on the fun and some she’d realized were already here. A rather gray Majin had joined from the ground and appeared to agree that this portal would best be eaten and had seemingly offered to help do so, even! Another she’d met back in Hell, Zerori’s eye widening a bit at their appearance but offering a simple two-fingered wave in response. Alas, they weren’t here for a friendly chat, either. In fact, no small amount of those who had come seemed to be against them getting rid of the portal in the way Jinx had planned.

Some made a good point, Erebos and Imugi trying to appeal to her knowledge as a Demon about how dangerous the portal was, and a new warrior with a generous amount of power and pretty little sword seemed to want answers. Others, such as the Majins and an interesting goat-like woman that proudly proclaimed the portal belonging to the Novas clearly were on their side of how to deal with the portal. So far that Zerori could tell-?

Tch… an even split, huh? That’s gonna make this a little difficult, She turned to Erebos and Imugi, looking between them with an uncharacteristically serious expression as she thought about it. After a moment, Zerori would give a sigh, “You know, you make a good point, Erebos. Seeing as you taught be about the void and it’s dangers… yeah, I get it. Maybe this ain’t the smartest idea,” She let that hang in the air for a moment, knowing it would put the Novas on edge for the few brief seconds she stayed silent, before speaking up again. “-but I never was the smartest Demon. So, we’re going to try. See, Jinx here knows more than she lets on and from what I’ve experienced first hand with her? She ain’t stupid,” Zerori stared at Erebos dead in the eye, “-if she thinks she can handle it, then I’m goin’ to trust that she can. And if she can’t? Well… that’s why we’re all here, ain’t it?”

Her grin slid right back on, resolute in her decision. By the look of her old mentor’s stance as they stood in the way of the portal - they seemed pretty unshakable in their resolve as well. If she couldn’t convince him with words then that was fine; diplomacy was never her strong-suit anyway. While they weren’t friends, Zerori had come to think of the Nova’s as her own and if there was one thing a Chakkapak protected - it was their own.

Carefully, Zerori reached for the broadsword at her waist - pulling it out and at the ready. “Look, you seem pretty convinced this is a bad idea and you know I’m too stubborn to back down,” Zerori drawled, reaching up for the metal eye patch that covered her eye. “-You can either stand aside and let us TRY, deal with the consequences afterwards-” Pulling it off, her eye beneath would be completely white - effectively blind in it. It dematerialized back where it came from and Zerori smirked before reaching for the great sword at her back with the very same hand. “OR we can fight about it, see who wins, and the winner gets to deal with the portal HOWEVER THEY LIKE!” She excitedly yelled, her power rising rapidly.



Closer and closer her kili rose until it matched Erebos’ and as it did, her appearance changed along with her unleashed power. The red bandages burned away revealing well-earned muscles from her constant training. The white of her eye glowed a malevolent red as horns pierced through her head - the hair around her horns shining a bright white. Below her eyes, black streaks seemed to bleed down her cheeks. With a black and red aura to match, the last detail that was an inspiration from Jinx’s own form was a demonic sigil that marked it’s existence just in front of her chest - a star insignia that pulsated with dark power.

The danger of this form wasn’t just the ease with which she could destroy but the feeling of wanton destruction it brought out in Zerori. What was the harm in releasing it here, though?! A destroyed city, already ravaged by the dark magic?! In her mind, there was only one two outcomes here. Either they won, ate that fuckin’ eyesore and restored the city themselves-? Or they lost and the city was destroyed anyway in the aftermath of the battle. So, in a last effort to give Erebos the choice, Zerori manically threw down her gauntlet - voice taking on a deeper, demonic reverberation.



"What's it gonna be?!"