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~Chapter 4~ Drunkard Does Make Wise Remarks |
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mad Xx:
Sky, Unregistered Airship
mad Xx:
“The signs of his movement became erratic for a bit but we finally have a lock on his position again. He’s moving...but on an airship? How did he manage that?”
A scout reported. The captain at the helm nodded slightly.
“Don’t think too hard on it, he’s no ordinary creature. Get a hold of the doc. See if those Robo-Ky II models are ready.”
The captain said. The scout saluted and was off to do his job. A large monitor appeared in the captain’s line of vision soon after. An old man with in a large lab coat greeted the captain.
“Just the man I wanted to see. Tell me the bad news first, doc.”
The captain said. The old man chuckled.
“My, my. Quite the pessimist are you, captain. The good news and the bad new intertwine so I’ll give you the good news first.”
The doctor said. The captain sighed, before nodding.
“Fine. I’m listening.”
He said. The doctor continued.
“The good news is that we’ve been able to install the programs gathered based on the previous models recovered data. The Robo-Ky II models will be able to replicate techniques from some of the strongest fighters the world over.”
The doctor said.
“Very well. What’s the bad news then?”
The captain asked.
“Well, unfortunately in terms of true power, the skills the Robo-Ky II models can incorporate in combat are still surpassed by the original owners. Not by much, but still a noticeable margin. Not only that, but some of these techniques will make these Robo-Ky II models overheat faster than the normal models. I’ve augmented and boosted their offensive and defensive powers fairly significantly, but these other casualties can’t be fixed no matter what. Since they’ll be going out in numbers, their weaknesses should be rendered almost unseen.”
The doctor stated, completing his speech. The captain thought on all that was said before giving the thumbs up.
“Can’t be helped, proceed with the launch once we get to that airship. We’ve been given strict orders to detain Leopaldon and bring him back. Give the Robo-Ky II models their orders to take down target with controlled force. We can’t risk killing Leopaldon or it will be our necks on the line.”
mad Xx:
Sky, May-Ship
mad Xx:
“Wow, what a cute puppy!”
The dog was being fawned over verbally though everyone remained cautious since he seemed so frightened of them.
“Hey what’s going on out here?”
That had been the May-Ship’s suave black leather clad captain. He walked casually, large hat on head and shades on his eyes. His trench coat swayed gently in the breeze as he made his way to the center of the small crowd.
“Look Johnny, a dog got onboard, can we keep it?”
Asked a girl with long brown hair and clothed in an orange dress with a matching large orange captain hat. Johnny peered at the dog in question.
“Hmmm...I don’t know if that’s a good idea, May. I don’t think him and Janice would get along too well. We could find a nice home for him, though, some...”
He had been interrupted by Dizzy behind him.
“Actually, he seemed to not mind about Janice’s presence at all.”
Dizzy said. May smiled.
“See? It’ll be okay.”
May assured. Johnny looked down, placing a hand on his chin in thought.
“Well...I suppose we...huh?”
Johnny crouched down to see the crimson trail that was on the floor, everyone’s attention went all to Johnny.
“What is that? Ketchup? Sephy, don’t tell me you actually missed a spot.”
A girl with an eye patch turned to another girl. Sephy looked surprised.
“What! No way, July. I’ve never missed a spot in all my...”
She was interrupted by Johnny who’s fingers came up from touching the red liquid.
“It’s not ketchup. It’s blood.”
All playfulness left his voice, as did the excited mood of the pirate crew. A chain clattered to the ground. Everyone’s attention went back to the dog, only to see that it was nowhere in sight.
“Where did that dog go?”
That had been the large cook, Leap, who spoke.
“It doesn’t matter right now. What I want to know is what it had been carrying up here.”
Johnny stated, walking to the covered object that had come with the dog. All the girls stood back. Johnny had put his right hand on the top of his cane, unsheathing a hidden katana within.
“Stand back, ladies.”
Johnny said, lifting his sword up over head. Not that his words really mattered as the girls had stepped back already, but it was an old habit of his to say those words that died hard. With a quick downward stroke of the blade, the cloth and the chains that held it slid to the floor of the deck, and Johnny sheathed his blade expertly.
“OH MY GOD!”
Some of the girls with weak constitutions screamed and others had to rush to the railings and vomit out on the side of the ship.
“TESTAMENT!”
Dizzy could not believe what she saw and was by her former guardian’s side in an instant. He had been nailed to a crudely made wooden cross, his body was racked with injuries as minor as small bruises to major ones like large cuts across his body. The wounds were healing, but ever so slightly.
“Dizzy...?”
She gasped when she heard him speak. It had been a soft whisper against her ear.
“So much blood...who did these terrible things to you?”
Dizzy asked shakily, tears streaming down her face. She, being a Half-Gear, used her extraordinary strength to pull the nails from his palms and feet. Testament was breathing heavily as he was taken off the rough surface of the cross to the smoothed out deck.
“Testament, please...let me help you.”
Dizzy said softly, as her hands rested slightly on his chest. A warm glow was produced from her finger tips, speeding up Testament’s regeneration process. His features began to look slightly healthier now. Dizzy stopped, breathing tiredly.
“I’m sorry, I can’t do it completely, but it should alleviate most of the pain.”
Dizzy stated. Testament sat up, nodding his head.
“Thank you, but don’t worry too much. I’ll live.”
Testament reassured. Dizzy looked relieved.
“Who did that to you, anyway?”
Johnny asked. He knew from experience how tough Testament was to battle against. He never could imagine The Gear looking so close to the brink of death until this day, however, and that pointed out to one thing. Whoever attacked Testament had to have tremendous power and skill. Before Testament’s could reply, the airship jolted suddenly. The pilot, April, spoke on the intercom.
“Uh, Johnny, something’s not right. The ship’s showing an unusual increase in weight.”
April reported.
“Johnny, April’s right. We’re not moving as fast.”
May affirmed as she looked to the clouds. Testament’s eyes narrowed. A scythe appeared in his hand and he used it for support to stand up. Dizzy also held on to him.
“Testament? What’s the matter?”
She asked, but he refused to look at her. His crimson eyes glowed slightly, and his teeth gritted tightly in his mouth.
“He’s here...”
Testament stated. Everyone looked at him suspiciously as the airship continued to rock slightly. Finally, a massive arm came from the side of the deck, its claws digging into the floor’s surface, catching the attention of everyone else.
“What the hell is that?”
Johnny remarked, a hand hovering over the hilt of his hidden sword. Another arm came up, clawing into the deck like the other one. Soon the massive beast lept onto the deck, flipping through the air with a disturbing amount of grace. The massive Leopaldon landed in front of the crew, his feet breaking into the floor slightly. Everyone could simply look on in awe. The eye sockets were still bleeding, meaning Leopaldon for the time being was still blinded as well.
“Be on your guard, pirate. He does not walk alone.”
Testament warned.
“What! Your saying there are more of these...things out there?”
Johnny asked incredulously. Testament shook his head.
“No. There is a strange man in a suit of armor residing within that creature. He can use a drum to make the beast perform stronger attacks, yet he could be key to its survival as well. If we can hold out against the beast and make the strange man appear, we might be able to win.”
Testament explained, his scythe held tightly in a death grip. May went to stand in front of Johnny and Testament.
“I’ll help you both.”
She declared, hoisting a large metal anchor across her shoulder. Johnny looked down at her.
“Okay, May. But be careful. Considering what Testament’s been through, it’ll be really painful for a human to survive if they take too many hits from this thing.”
Johnny warned her. Leopaldon growled lowly. He may not have been able to see, but his other senses could suffice. Dizzy stepped forward too but, Johnny stopped her.
“Don’t, Dizzy. I want you and the rest of the crew to go to the control room and help April tweak the settings so this ship can tolerate this big guy’s weight.”
Johnny said.
“But...”
Dizzy began, but had been interrupted by Johnny.
“That’s an order.”
Johnny stated firmly, showing his rare and true serious side. Dizzy wanted to protest. Though she would rather avoid the fight, she knew her powers could stand a greater chance than Johnny’s or May’s.
“Come on, Dizzy. The captain’s probably making you his last resort. Just help us and then come back out here.”
Leap said as she cradled the sleeping baby, March, who had a stuffed penguin plushie in her arms. Dizzy nodded slowly, following behind her.
“Alright you two, I’ll try and soften him up. Here goes.”
Johnny said. But he struck May in the back of the head. May looked shocked.
“Johnny...why?”
She could feel herself losing consciousness. Johnny had a sad smile across his lips.
“For your protection, my princess. You would not have backed down, and I don’t want you getting hurt.”
He stated. May’s world went black. Johnny turned to Testament.
“Hold him off for just a few seconds, I’ll be right back.”
Johnny said to him. Testament nodded.
“You surprise me pirate. Knocking out one of your own for their protection.”
Testament stated as Johnny walked past him.
“When it comes to these real serious fights, May will disregard my orders. I don’t want her being hurt to weigh on my conscious of not being a good leader to my crew.”
Johnny said, walking back to the airship’s interior. Testament looked at Leopaldon as the beast began to advance slowly towards his direction. Testament moved his arm quickly in random directions, cutting red lines into the air. Leopaldon soon got caught in a mass of blood webs, growling as it tore through the magic material as Testament easily moved behind it.
“Nightmare Circular!”
Testament used magic to open a demonic gate, letting a giant demon spill out in a mass, letting out a chilling howl as it struck Leopaldon in the back. The beast grunted in annoyance from the attack, spinning around to charge at Testament. Testament swiftly evaded to the left, however, Leopaldon brought out his arm to perform a clothesline against Testament, making the Gear do a back flip from the force of the blow and land face first on the ground. Leopaldon then grabbed one of Testament’s legs, before swinging the Gear around and slamming him against the floor. Not being able to escape by normal means, Testament’s form became red liquid as he slipped out of Leopaldon’s grasp. He appeared in front of the beast, slashing viciously against Leopaldon’s chest. He repeated striking Leopaldon, with increasingly powerful blows that drove the beast back. Leopaldon suddenly fought back with a forceful punch to Testament’s head, making the Gear turn around from the force of Leopaldon’s attack. After, Leopaldon viciously thrust its claws deep in Testament’s back. Testament grunted in pain as the claws sank deeper. Johnny finally came to the rescue, nearly soaring through the air until he was right over Leopaldon’s arm.
“Devine Blade!”
Johnny’s fist came down, sending a heated magic beam at on Leopaldon’s arms, making the giant creature release the Gear.
“Why don’t you pick on someone your own size? Mist Finer!”
Having caught Leopaldon off guard with his first attack that released Testament, Johnny sheathed and unsheathed his hidden sword in rapid succession, striking Leopaldon furiously with such quick movements of his blade it almost seemed like a wall. Leopaldon growled in pain, retreating back from the wave of attacks, but Johnny kept advancing, bringing his Mist Finer attacks coming one after the other. Johnny was surprised when Leopaldon then started to advance instead, ignoring the pain. Johnny this time backed up, keeping his slashes coming but the beast had so much endurance to pain, it barely registered anything anymore. Again to Johnny’s surprise, the beast lashed out with a left slash, halting Johnny’s attack momentum before sending a right hook slash aimed at Johnny’s head. Johnny gritted his teeth, knowing he was going to get smacked across the face by intense force, but the attack never came as Testament’s scythe blade came to hook over Leopaldon’s arm before it could make contact. Testament was dragged forward slightly from stopping the attack, but his stance held. Testament yanked Leopaldon with all his might, only succeeding in making the massive creature turn slightly, but it was enough. Testament unhooked his scythe from Leopaldon’s arm before slamming the blade against Leopaldon’s nose. The beast grunted in pain as it stepped back, covering its nose. Not wanting to miss out either, Johnny came forward, drawing his sword to send a long slash by Leopaldon’s back. Leopaldon, having been disoriented by Testament’s previous attack, turned sluggishly towards Johnny. But was suddenly struck in the back by Testament behind him. Leopaldon growled turning around to face Testament now.
‘Hey, this big thing’s falling for it. Can’t decide who to attack.’
Johnny thought to himself as he drew his sword for another attack. Testament had the same idea, also striking Leopaldon when the monster’s back was to him. Leopaldon was clearly infuriated now. The two combatant’s range was long, allowing them to strike him while keeping themselves relatively safe. After a while of being hit around by the two, Leopaldon roared to the sky. His own reach was immense, and he sent back hands to the side of each of his opponent’s faces making them fly across the deck with force. Johnny hit the railing roughly with his back. He groaned as he got up. His hat had flown off to another part of the ship when Leopaldon struck him. He threw his broken shades to the floor and wiped the small trickle of blood from his bottom lip with the back of his sleeve.
‘Damn, guess he got pissed.’
Johnny thought to himself, but to his surprise, Leopaldon roared louder to the sky, his paws hitting against his own chest as if he were trying to release something from within. Leopaldon stopped his strange actions suddenly before cutting the distance between him and Johnny with frightening speed.
“Holy s**t!”
Before Johnny knew it, Leopaldon had a paw around his head, lifting the pirate captain upwards. Johnny was slammed on his head with great force, but he brought his arms behind it to soften the blow. Leopaldon repeated trying to slam Johnny against the deck. The beast succeeded three times doing this before Testament sped across where he had been hit on the deck to ram into Leopaldon’s arm, making the beast release Johnny’s head. Testament spun around, striking Leopaldon hard in the chin. In reprisal, Leopaldon struck testament in the chin making the Gear rise in the air. Leopaldon’s head reeled back from using his attack, before bringing it forwards swiftly to deliver a devastating head butt to Testament’s stomach. Testament coughed up blood as he flew back, skidding against the floor upon landing. His arm rested upon his cheast as he breathed heavily. He saw Johnny retaliate with a swing of his blade, but was soon in the same predicament as Leopaldon reeled back from the captain’s attack, before propelling forward and smashing into Johnny’s body with his massive girth, sending Johnny flying before he, too, skidded against the floor besides Testament.
“Uhhh...this just isn’t my day.”
Johnny said as he moaned in pain. He stood up, having to lean against his sword for support. Testament was not better off either and he too got up, but relied on his scythe for support as well.
“So...any bright ideas? If so, I’m all ears.”
Johnny said as he looked back to the beast. Testament gritted his teeth in anger, feeling helpless to the beast’s might. Leopaldon growled lowly.
“GRRR...”
Soon he sped off towards the two, and for the life of them, neither Testament or Johnny could understand how Leopaldon could move so fast on its stubby legs and massive weight. Testament’s eyes widened slightly as he turned from the beast to face the sky.
‘That presence...!’
Before he knew it, his Succubus appeared overhead, releasing Ky from her grasp. The former knight turned police officer slashed out with an electric charged blade.
“Stun Edge!”
Ky sent out a two projectile variant of his ordinary Stun Edge, letting one projectile strike Leopaldon’s head, and the other in Leopaldon’s stomach at the same time, halting the giant in its tracks. Ky landed between Johnny and Testament, and The Succubus had become a raven again and perched on Testament’s shoulder.
“So this is the creature that escaped from the lab.”
Ky said to himself. He was quite surprised to take in the sight of the large creature. He readied the Thunder Seal, aiming ittowards the beast.
“I’ll help you defeat this monster and then I’ll arrest you all afterwards.”
Ky said. Johnny shrugged.
“Sheesh...self-righteous to the end I see.”
The captain said. Testament growled, silencing him.
“He’s advancing again. Talk later.”
The trio stood as Leopaldon moved towards them, threatening.
mad Xx:
Abandoned mountain trail
mad Xx:
‘s**t...I sense both Testament and Dizzy’s presence which means that damn creature got to the May-ship somehow when it flew overhead. Why do I always seem to have to get on that ******** airship for some reason or another?’
Sol grunted in an annoyed tone. As much as he would rather avoid the annoying crowd of Pirates, this was his only lead to possibly That Man, so he had to reach it.
“Tyrant Rave!”
Sol took off like a rocket as he flew towards the clouds.
mad Xx:
Unknown
mad Xx:
“Hmmm...so Frederick still has yet to reach Leopaldon. But he is gaining at a decent rate. Maybe I am just being impatient?”
That Man said to himself. Raven nodded.
“Yes, my liege, you are. We have forever to witness their battle so please remain calm.”
Raven said to him. That Man nodded.
“Your right. Frederick will confront it soon, and that is enough. However there maybe interference by the Bureau. As you’ve seen, an airship of theirs is tracking Leopaldon as well...”
That Man went into a pondering state. He then turned to Raven.
“Normally I would not interfere, but I have been hoping for this moment. I want you and I-No to confront the Bureau’s airship, and stall it as much as possible.”
That Man said.
“I can do it myself, master. There is no need to drag I-No into this.”
Raven stated, but That Man shook his head.
“It will be a reward for her finally following some orders for once. Maybe this will calm her down from acting out on her own as well.”
That Man said. Raven nodded, bowing his head.
“Very well. I will inform I-No and we will both stall the Airship as long as possible.”
With that, Raven left the room, leaving That Man to continue pondering in his throne.
:*We will continue on*:
Mariah_Silvermane · Thu Apr 26, 2007 @ 07:51pm · 0 Comments |
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