The Hunter
Specter’s Ship
The Hunter was met with no response. So he had gone quite mad.
“Let me put you out of this madness, then fr-” The Hunter hadn’t gotten the chance to finish his sentence, as the chief whipped around. One hand on his arm, the other ripping away his sword. In a quick, swift motion, the Hunter was flung across the room. Nearly effortlessly.
He was dazed, but undeterred. There was a good opening as the chief froze up again, and the Hunter...Did
not have his blade. Was halfway across the room. The Hunter scrambled on all fours, like a baby for it’s bottle, to get back to it. And, soon enough, he did. And as he looked up…
“Ah, Shears, you made it!” He jovially said, blade in hand. “Uh, though there’s a small problem, something is
definitely wrong with the chief.” Even though Cut-man could likely find that solution himself, as the Chief was acting rather odd. Had he gone mad, in the end? Or…
The owl. Bloody thing must’ve gotten into the Chief’s head. Maybe it had put something of a veil on the hunter- made him look like a enemy to the soldier. Certainly would explain the Chief’s jittery motions.
...Or was that the ship rumbling?
It was definitely rumbling though he couldn’t quite tell why. And unfortunately, they had another problem. Down the hallway, seemed like another mechanical beast had been sent for them. It let out a screech as it rounded the corner, and the Hunter felt his body tense too. But the rumbling was getting awfully close…
As the Canopek barreled down the hall, the Chief continued to hold still. Like he was frozen…”Uh, Shears? You and me can take on one of them, right…? I don’t think the chief’s gonna be much help…” Though, luckily for the three, they didn’t have to fight it.
A huge ball of flaming debris smashed through the hall, the Canopek’s body being ripped apart under it. It screeched as it rapidly approached them. Now was probably a good time to run...
And, while the Chief had tried to kill him before, he didn’t deserve to go out like this. By a rogue piece of machinery ripping him to shreds. After all, if the owl were responsible, he really did not deserve such a fate.
“Shears, I think it’s time we about take our leave!” The Hunter flung his blade to a safe spot- the elevator down the hall, with a clang. He would need both of his hands. Shears had the idea- getting behind the chief. “Yeah, you grab em’ and I’ll help too!”
The large hunk of metal on his back would seem nearly useless in this situation, yet he grappled it in both of his hands, it’s side towards the automaton and Chief. He charged forward with it, catapulting all three into the elevator, the Hunter being flung over the two and toward a wall, which he hit with a thud. The one-handed blade dutifully sat next to the Hunter, and the trio. He grabbed it, flinging it at a button labelled "160". The light lit up, the blade deep in the button.
The metal “blade” fell to the floor with a loud clang, as the elevator began going upwards. “Heh! See you round, friend.” He bitterly “told” the wreck of the canopek, as it screeched by below. The lights seemed to dim in the elevator, but otherwise they were fine. Chief was on the floor, but not about to kill them. So that was rather good. The Hunter himself slid onto the floor, and picked himself up, dusting off his jacket, affixing his hat. Was gettin’ a bit loose.
As he grabbed the blade and pulled it out of the button, he spoke again. “Alright, so now we find mister Hiro, the slayer, Bolt, missus Kale, and also make sure the chief’s not trying to kill us anymore, ground that owl, and we will be able to tussle with that bloody monkey!” The Hunter clearly realized the absolute list that was. His face grimmed a few moments after saying that. “So, chief, ya ain’t tryin’ to kill us anymore, yeah?”
If he could swipe one thing off the list, that’d be fine.
-----
Eileen the Crow
Central Yharnam
Finally, the spiky haired kid came over. Seemed a little peeved off though. Called Yharnam a dump. A more level headed young woman came over as well, apologizing for the other’s brashness.
“Eh, he’s not wrong. This place is awful.” Eileen said with a shrug. “Though that’s more to do with the plague than the city. This is Yharnam, city of the hunt. It’s not very safe for you young ones though. Especially not those who aren’t native.” She supposed these people didn’t know much- which wasn’t exactly good for them.
“Now, as I was saying, it’s not safe. Beasts prowl the streets at night, as do angry mobs. If you aren’t a hunter, it’s not rather safe out here. Good thing is, there is shelter. According to another Hunter I met, Oedon Chapel is a safe space- I’d go there if I were you.” Hmm...They probably wouldn’t know where Oedon Chapel was. She hadn’t thought that far ahead.
“If you go to the chapel, just keep your head down and the night will be over soon. Though I must ask, are you ill? Tis’ the only thing that would bring a strange lot like you in I presume. I’ve heard Yharnam has a cure for all ails, and I assume that might be the only thing this bloody city’s got going for it.” Eileen continued, still unclear where they came from.
“Oh, I haven’t told you my name, have I? I am the hunter of mad hunters, Eileen the Crow. I’ve got a mark as it stands, but if I can guide a few of you to safety first, I have no qualms.”
It was then a blood curdling howl sounded out. Eileen’s head quickly turned to the source- a large wolf creature. “Aye, seems one found us first. Stand back now- this can get a bit messy.” She unsheathed an odd looking sword, alongside a blunderbuss- every good hunter carried one. “Come on now you beast- This old woman’s got a few tricks up her sleeves.”
-----
Raiden
Camelot Castle Sanctum
So they had their own refugee camp set up? Clearly this had been going on a while. Still, an entire refugee camp no doubt was rather impressive in the dark ages- though clearly this wasn’t normal dark ages. Given the animals and elves. Offshoot Arthurian legend.
If it was normal dark ages, they’d probably be ready to have been hung for witchcraft or the sort. After all, most technological advances or scientific understandings were often written off as heresy back then.
They were nearly at the throne room now. Just up a flight of stairs. Raiden didn’t have much more to say. He’d just introduce himself to the king. He wouldn’t imagine it to be very eventful, as they weren’t the first or last visitors this guy got.
Raiden thought he heard a familiar voice in the distance, but it was likely his weird paranoia again.
-----
Kiran
Camelot Castle Throne Room
“Thank you for answering the questions, good king! I greatly appreciate it!”
Evil King, a few days, and yes he could. Good, good! That went surprisingly well. Or, at the least, had gone well. Bro’s puppet, sitting upon the ground, was surrounded by an enchanted circle...Kiran assumed it was an enchanted circle, at the least. Wasn’t very acquainted with magic.
The king’s advisor did not like that puppet. Called it a “Source of corruption” like the...scabbard of Excalibur? Now didn’t know much about how the world here worked, and honestly that sounded like a whole other story in of itself...But the puppet...Cal, if he recalled, was a source of corruption...Kiran would not be surprised. Bro attempted to deflect, back off of the conversation.
“I dunno Bro...that thing gave me bad vibes. And, um, filled my head with violent thoughts.” Kiran was being honest. Nothing about Cal seemed like good news. And he meant nothing. What did Bro even see in it? Some sort of friend? Kiran could understand getting attached to something, but that thing was creepy. “Err, maybe just keep it outside the castle for now?...and out of anyone’s sight?”
He was about ready to take his leave. After all, the grey blade had to be obtained. But Kiran also felt like this wasn’t going to end well. As the closest to Bro, maybe he could talk him down- Nope, that was a stupid idea. He had known Bro for a half hour at best. The guy wasn’t going to listen to him.
And he probably wasn’t going to listen to the King or his advisor either.
He was about to pardon himself, wanted to know about Artemis. Well that...didn’t sound good. Considering who Artemis was and Bro’s interests...oh boy. Something told him that he’d be having to reel him in.
And, to make matters more complicated, someone else had invited themselves in. A strange man, armored in some sort of body suit. His hand grasped around some sort of...high tech sheath?
“Now isn’t this an interesting situation.” The newcomer spoke.
-----
Jetstream Sam
Camelot Castle Throne Room
Sam looked around the room. A curious cast of characters, though he’d say less curious than Negan’s “little” group. A fellow swordsman donning a pair of sharp sunglasses, a milquetoast looking lad, a determined looking elf, and...a blue, spiky creature, that due to resemblance to many of the guards, Sam assumed was the king. His gaze also briefly went over that of Cal’s, though he simply shrugged it off as a weird looking toy.
“Pardon me, but I assume your the King, yes?” He gestured to Sonic, “Call me Jetstream Sam. But I’m afraid I’m not actually here to meet
you, specifically. I’m sure you have more visitors coming. And I’m fairly sure someone I know will be among them. So, I’ll wait here. I don’t wish to intrude more than I already have.” Sam grinned, in a almost mocking way. He didn’t approach anymore than he already did, evidently still waiting.
Kiran didn’t like the rub of this guy...Probably was going to start trouble, sooner or later. And Kiran really hoped later. But, Kiran was also Kiran, so...it was probably going to be sooner. At least he didn’t have any quarrel with them.
Yet.
He was about ready to get out of the room, honestly. Between the puppet, increasing tensions, and now this guy...
-----
Sarah and the Flamebringer
Mountainside Cave
"...Aran? I am not sure. She only told me the first of her name." The Flamebringer told Robin and Lucina. She wasn't totally familiar with the newcomer.
"...Who's asking?" Another voice sounded out from the back of the cave. Another armored individual, clad in orange, futuristic equipment. The armor lacked a left hand- a cannon in it's place. Clearly from an age far past everyone else in the room. She took one look at the two who were asking. "Wait a second...Robin and Lucina right? You were at the last Smash tournament. And Captain Falcon, too. Good to see you." While Robin and Lucina were newcomers, Falcon had been in the Tournament from the very first.
And Sarah just looked back and forth between the groups. "So you know her too? Geez, you guys are real lucky. All I know here is Flamebringer. And I mean, this is the first time I met her while she wasn't guarding some criminals and about to fight." The Flamebringer only shrugged in response. Sarah wasn't wrong.
-----
Priscilla, Jackson, Quint, Gerald, Aisha
HeroSquad Base
“Now that’s what I like to hear!” Jackson said with a grin. Everyone was rearing and ready to help, even the grumpy Lucario who was still rather upset at his status. Oh well, grumpy dogs be damned, help was help. “We can leave in just a minute. Just give me a sec to discuss with my teammates here-”
He turned to Priscilla and Quint. “So, I assume that just Quint will be going with us- you as operator.”
“I’m not going to sit back and play operator when our city along with two incredibly close people to me could possibly be on the line. I’m going out there.” Priscilla seemed motivated,
too motivated to back down.
“I understand that Priscilla, but you don’t have any powers. If something bad’s out there, and I mean real bad like that monster…It sliced through me like warm butter. And you don’t patch up like I do.”
“I have the older Thunderhead model and the shotgun. I helped design the stuff, I can use it.”
“I was going to assume I would get the shotgun...But yeah, whatever. If you can hold your weight with it. But now who’s our operator?” He asked
Quint rubbed his chin for a moment, his eyes falling on his boss. “...Aisha could work. Jerry holds down base here.”
“Yeah, I don’t trust Jerry as an operator…” Priscilla admitted. The guy was better at paperwork and taping the keys to the gunlocker
to the gunlocker.
“Alrighty then, Aisha, your with us!” Jackson said with glee, obviously happy at a small victory over Aisha. She was cornered, between the multiversal visitors and the other two basically being on his side.
Aisha, who had been hearing the conversation the entire time. “I thought I was the boss around here…” Still, seemed like a solid plan. She’d attempt to talk down Priscilla, but clearly she understood the risks. “Sure, I’ll be your Operator. Just look at the cameras, keep things in check…” It probably wasn’t
that simple, but she’d figure it out.
“Alright then guys! Let’s start moving out- Jerry, where was the police force hit?” Jackson had now, for better or worse, became a commander. Of sorts.
“They were hiiiiit…” Jerry said, squinting at his monitor. “Business Quarter. Were going to investigate a robbery when they got hit.”
“Ah, damn it. We were just there too.” Priscilla told the group. “I guess it was good we got out of there. Or bad.”
“Well, we are going there. So get what you need Priscilla, everyone else, let’s go.”
Priscilla pardoned herself into the backroom. The old Thunderhead armor wasn’t as...intuitive as her new design. And it definitely did not fit well. Sarah was a lot bulkier. Still, better than nothing. She grabbed the helmet, the gauntlets (Which were more for protection than electrical output without a proper energy source) and a shoulder guard. That would help with the recoil from the shotgun.
“Alright,” She told herself. “Let’s do this.”
---x---
The Silver Scythe (And the Disposable Criminal Boss)
Goldenwalk Streets
Tony’s Caffeine? Yeah...yeah. That would work. She could sneak out.
Without her suit of course, that was besides the point.
“Y-yes! Of course, I will- I will see you there.” The Scythe nodded to Gwen, before turning. Though she did look over her shoulder one last time. “But, stay safe out there.” No names yet. Tony’s Caffeine, place to meet. Of course.
She obviously wasn’t about to fork over everything about her life. But tomorrow, she’d finally make a friend that was outside of their circle...Hopefully.
And meanwhile, in the complete opposite direction, the boss sat fuming. Though less “Sat” and more “being held against the wall by a extremely powerful individual”.
“Goddamn it, goddamn you, goddamn stupid assassin! I thought she was the best, the best! It was open and close- but I had to be chased! What do you want? Money? Some sort of reward for my capture? You’ll get shit- shit I tell you!” Clearly he was not about to go quietly. Though there wasn’t much he could do, as he tried to pull at X’s literal steel grip.
---x---
Commander Cecil
Goldenwalk Business District
Cecil grinned as he received more accolades from Scorpio. As minor as they were. "Very well then! Let us depart!" And so Cecil went off, with no more issues. Chara was no longer his problem. He had faith that Scorpio and Eldiocorc would keep her in line. Then again, he had no clue who Chara was. Or any of the odd ones. Unfortunately, Scorpio was far more informed than Cecil- a fact that would likely lead to a doom for all of his troops, though not through lack of trying.
As he took his leave, unbeknownst to him, Chara did as well. Still, they shared a side. Even if he were informed of Chara's deference she was not nearly as much of a problem as these others posed. The combined might of Zeliyis could take care of her no doubt. There was a brashness that could be appreciated from one like that. Perhaps she was a "Zeliyis" figure of her own. After all, what else could be done?
The final armed group moved towards a towering skyscraper, soon joined by Elidocorc. Who couldn't keep Chara in place if he tried. He questioned the troops, who were already breaching the door. What they needed to set up the gate. "With all do respect sir, we'd have thought a horseman of Zeliyis themselves would be well aware of the gate. It's simple- six of those blue crystals will combine into a great enough force to breach a large hole in the world's dimensional fabric. Large enough to crack open a direct route to a Zeliyis operated chain. Unfortunately, without proper containment methods these crystals have a tendency to burst, even with minor pressure applied." They continued inside the lobby, the door having been cracked open. Unlike the building that had been robbed, this one building seemed much quieter. And less falling apart.
"If you wish to help speed things along, I'd recommend catching up with one of the departed groups. Otherwise, we would be honored to have you defend our post. You may not be our commander, but as long as it does not interfere with his plans we shall be flexible."
---x---
Grima
Ultra Space
The lurking woman followed out of the capsule, clearly believing herself in charge. Grima held no distaste for distinct non-humans, but...this one seemed rather similar. Though her power seemed far past any human that wasn’t possessed by a god.
“Understood…” Grima said, almost bitterly. He did not like this woman, or her speeding off creatures. But her plan seemed infallible. If this Malos could carry out the Monado Jail she spoke so highly of.
He possessed powerful magic, but lacking a draconic form left him without a way to channel it. But, as he mentioned, humans were clever. When they needed something stronger, they made it with their own hands. Thus, the tome. A channeling of magic. After all, as Grima said, humans were great at making tools that would destroy one another.
“These creatures of yours.” Grima questioned Plague, though seemed to be rather nonchalant. “How fast are they? It’s likely the only living thing around here, though this Ultra Space seems rather...infinite.”
xxxxx
King Líf of Askr, or rather, the lethal swordsman, had quite the esteemed career. He had begun existence by obtaining the blood of the Kingdom’s namesake, a fierce dragon. He was granted a fantastic power- for he could open gates to other worlds. Glorious worlds, filled with plentiful resources for the kingdom. From there, he began asserting contracts across time and space. Dozens, hundreds of lords and lands indebted to him...Yes, an empire he was quite proud of. Askr was strong.
Until Embla came. A sect of Askr that was ignored by Líf in his multiversal conquest. The gates and contracts which Líf could bring...could be closed and broken by Embla. For they had too obtained a power.
Long before the blood pact with the dragon had been conceived, the namesake beast dueled with Embla, a dragon whom powers rivaled Askr’s- and remained rivals until the bitter end. Both were flung to the far reaches of the world, forever injured and unable to muster the strength themselves to continue their fruitless duel. But when the blood pact with Askr was complete, Embla had found another chance.
The Emblian empire rose in most thanks due to Thrasir, whom history dubbed the omnicidal witch. Indeed, with her contact with the dragon of yore she took upon gave her the power to rebel against Askr, but Embla couldn’t allow that to simply stand. With the blood of Askr coursing through the veins of Líf, he was a spiteful representation of the ancient dragon. So Thrasir’s bloodline received an ultimatum- they would be granted the power to close the gates, but as long as the blood of Embla ran through their veins, forever would they be pitted against those of Askr’s blood.
A grand scale war broke out, in which few could recall. Though Embla did falter, they taken a terrible toll on Askr. In Thrasir’s last breath, she cast the killing blow upon Líf, leading both of them to their death at a terribly young age. Both left inheritors to their kingdoms and the dragons blood, and for a time there was a small peace. The dust of war settled, and a multitude of portals to other worlds was closed with no fanfare or issue.
But the blood of Embla brought madness to those who had it. This madness would draw them to great lengths, to murder those of Askr’s blood. And for many a generation, this brutal cycle would repeat without end. Tirelessly coming back to duel again, and each side with inheritors remaining to continue fueling the conflict after a brief period of peace.
And, as for Líf, he found himself in a cold place following his death. Alone, in an empty horrid place. A place where all whom died went. Hel, realm of the dead, and dictated under the sovereign of the same name. And it was there, where he received the ultimate power.
Sӧkkvabekkr, sword of ruin.
In his death he had received a power far stronger than which he possessed alive. Under the power of Hel, mistress of death, had he grown into a bloodthirsty shell of a man- his concerns laying in raising the ranks of the army of the dead. Alongside Thrasir, who too was blessed with exceptional power, they would bring destruction and ruin on the kingdom that once was his.
And it was on that day, when the barrier between Hel’s realm and Askr was obliterated, they began their great siege on the land.
Líf’s blade met that of Alfonse’s- an distant descendant of him. Líf saw himself in Alfonse- indeed, the spitting image of him. Though spitting image or descendant, Líf would kill him all the same. And as the fight continued, Líf had the advantage. He grimly laughed as he moved in for the killing blow, kicking his distant descendant down into the mud. Alfonse lacked the strength, or perhaps the courage, to attempt to reason or dissuade his ancestor. Instead, he continued pick up his blade, as if he’d fight till the last breath. “Tis’ time,” Líf spoke, Sӧkkvabekkr gripped tightly within his hands. “For you to join me in death.”
Líf’s near giddy excitement however, had betrayed his eyes from a blue crystal, half submerged in the earthy ground. With a crunch he stomped on it, and with a shout found himself pulled away from the battlefield, and his prey, in a glorious flash of blue.
“Ahhhh…” He picked himself off the ground, which was coated in a white frost. Sӧkkvabekkr plunged into the earth alongside him. Was this some sort of ploy? Perhaps Alfonse had been more cunning than he anticipated...hmm, no, the world was different. This was not Askr. No castles dotted the skyline, no intertwined roots through the earth.
He retrieved the sword, returning Sӧkkvabekkr to it’s scabbard. His red eyes squinted into the distance. A village dotted the horizon, smoke rising from it. A small civilization, if Líf were to guess. He began a slow gait towards it.
More soldiers for the dead awaited.
Líf
The Wilds Village
xxxxx
Hornet
Black Egg Temple, Hallownest
It had been a long time coming, but the plague had been stemmed. An era had passed, and the world was quiet. Though Hornet found herself busy from time to time- mostly running errands and keeping what remained of Hallownest safe. And luckily, not many local threats remained. Unfortunately, things weren’t so fine on the other side. Hallownest was endangered of being split across space and time- but, once again luckily, that had been stopped too.
She hadn’t done it alone. Hornet had to thank several allies she made along the way for that. Despite some of their trials testing how well they stuck together, the party eventually overcame their hardships. And so she returned to Hallownest, yet another victory under her belt.
Of course, victory was always fleeting.
The main person she had to thank for saving Hallownest from a fate across time and space was Maple. She seemed like a fine ally, but was also was rather hasty- having left the group in a hostile corner of Hallownest for a good amount of time before returning. Still, her return had come, and they still captured victory for that time. As a final parting gift, Maple had given them a “Communication Crystal” to speak across dimensions. Hornet had scarcely used it- having placed it in the Black Egg Temple, a large and now unused temple close to the surface. And, in a great stroke of luck, she had visited at the perfect time, as Maple was calling her.
She didn’t have time to explain, nor did Hornet have much to do. “If I am needed, I shall come.” The tone of Maple’s voice seemed to indicate that the Kingdom was endangered again. And so, it was Hornet’s duty to depart.
Conveniently, after Maple had teleported her away, an odd masked coven had begun making their way towards Hallownest…
The Manor between Realities
It hadn't taken long for Hornet to be filled in. The gaia crystal was falling apart. Which would doom not just Hallownest, but every other universe it was connected to. Everyone had been quite shocked at the revelation- Hornet included. So many sacrifices would be wasted if such an event were to occur. But it seemed they were not alone.
Find Katsu.
Someone had been giving them advice. Divine intervention? Maple seemed to know who this was more than Hornet did. Alpha, one of the other guardians, questioned if any one else had heard it.
"We all did." She told him, assuming that she, Maple, and Alpha were no more special than anyone else in the room. "This...Katsu. Perhaps he's one of these other-multiverse guardians?"
This seemed to be agreed on. And luckily, Maple's father had left them a trail. And so, the manor was behind them, as they were sent through time and space yet again.
Castle Dedede
So...here they were. A castle, embroiled in battle. Alpha seemed aware of what it was, though the enemy army seemed aware of them as well. Spears begun to be thrown through the air. Hornet glared at the crowd of odd, roundish creatures. Gripping her needle, she began to throw invisible thread around their foe- too thin to stop them, but too thin to see. And along this thread, she wove sharp little things...which quickly burst into a sharp ball of needles. She was attempting to enclose the army in- or keep them from advancing.
It worked. Some of the Dees began funneling through the spots where they wouldn't rip themselves on the needles. Their movements were predictable now. "Alpha, enough chatter. Come help." Hornet was a tad cold, perhaps. She preferred the word efficient and determined, however.
Speaking of efficient, more spears were being chucked in their direction. She striked a handful, one after the other, with a toss of her needle. Following that, she threw her needle towards one of the funneled groups- piercing them in a row.
These foes were nothing. She would've pitied them, if it weren't for them continuing their assault.
