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| Ghosts of the Past | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Feb 9 2012, 11:01 PM (14 Views) | |
| Sonic | Feb 9 2012, 11:01 PM Post #1 |
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Played by Fallyn
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Posted by: Shadow Feb 27 2010, 10:48 PM Sonic said it'd went this direction. He said he saw it. And Shadow had been travelling in a straight line for the past hour. Still nothing. Not that he'd ever had a reason to distrust Sonic, but he was beginning to doubt his accuracy. Oh, wait. Shadow stopped, boots powering down as he stood, overlooking Green Hill Zone. Or at least, what used to be Green Hill Zone. Shadow had never seen it in it's original state, but from the name, it sounded like it should have some... well, 'green hills'. Now, the earth was scorched and scarred, twisted metal shards and decayed corpses scattered everywhere. Large buildings were dotted around the landscape; their armoured metal walls hiding their true purpose. The robots owned this land. Shadow scanned where he was, and it wasn't hard finding what he sought. Sonic was right, it seemed. Shadow powered up his boots, gliding down the large scar in the earth that the ship had made, terminating with the wreckage of Maria's Spirit II. The ship had totally destroyed an outpost during the crash; parts of mech littering the crater, along with sheets of metal and broken equipment. Ignoring these, Shadow glided to the ship, attempting to see the extent of the damage. It wasn't as bad as it looked. Backup power must still be online, as the stricken airlock door was functional, if barely. Half the ship buried in the ground, Shadow realised he had to go inside, to survey the damage. He hoped the computer core was intact. The stricken airlock door hissed open, light shafting through the new opening and into the wrecked hull. Wires hung from broken panels, and a tear in the hull had let in rubble from both the outpost and the ground. Shadow climbed into the overturned ship, moving underneath the cockpit, where his chair had been torn off by the impact, embedded in the blast window that had closed upon his exit of the ship. Reaching up and pressing a button, a few lights winked on, several simply sparking before going out out. "Computer." he said cautiously, testing the functionality of the remaining systems. Nothing happened. "Computer?" he repeated. Still, nothing. He sighed, as his hands began skating over the hanging control panel. The check informed him that everything was offline, except for the lights and the door. The computer core, while undamaged, had been disconnected. Reaching for the toolbox he kept for scenarios such as this, he pulled out an omni-tool, an odd assortment of metallic prongs on a leather-gripped handle. Removing a panel, he removed the thick silvery cylinder from its housing, placing it on the tilted ceiling, now the floor. Opening it up, he discovered that the connections had fused; reconnecting Telaria to the ship would do nothing. He'd repair her- it - when he had the right equipment. To be honest, he had no idea how to repair an AI core, his mechanic skills limited to hull repair and the repeated patching-up of the life support. He sighed again. Perhaps Tails or someone could repair the thing. He always did enjoy things like that. Closing up the housing once more, Shadow set it down, getting up to go check his cargo. He was interrupted, however. He felt something - someone close by. "Explain yourself." the black and red hedgehog stated, without turning around. Who dared sneak up on him!? Posted by: Celeste the White Spirit Feb 28 2010, 05:06 AM Celeste didn't exactly watch over everyone on Mobius. She wasn't an all seeing god that wielded the uncanny ability to be everywhere at once, even in her unique circumstances. That didn't mean that she didn't, purely out of curiosity, keep an eye on a few unique people on the planet. It was to these people she usually appeared to, only to be forgotten or dismissed. Of course, that was partially her own fault. She visited people in their dreams where she could easily interact with them unhindered. There, she was as real and physical as they were. Ones own mind made it real. Upon waking, however, she was just a dream. With Sonic, Knuckles, the Princess, and countless others, she was easily forgotten as soon as she was gone. She wanted so badly to have connections with people, to have friends who could understand her, and she understand them. To have things in common with. Maybe that was why she had been watching this one. She felt something strange and familiar when she watched him, that there was a struggle taking place in him that she herself had felt at some point. Like her, he hadn't been born, but created with a purpose not his own. Someone else had had plans for him. It was such a familiar story, and one that tugged upon her heart with such strength she could not ignore it. He was a hedgehog, black as obsidian with stripes like fire through his fur. He had crashed on Mobius after a long and obviously tedious absense. She had felt his presence return instantly and with a joy she hadn't experienced in such a long time! She had to see him. Not just look down on Mobius and observe, but see him, close up. It was innocent enough, just a look, just to see from a distance. Like so many others, he wouldn't even know she was there, wishing to be seen, wishing that someone would look at her and do more than see a ghost, but a lonely girl desperately seeking someone to care about her. That was how she had found herself here. She had slipped in, a transparent illusion at best, and watched him for a few moments while he assessed the damage to his ship. She smiled sadly to herself. He looked well, with a healthy shine to his coat. His expression however, was unamused and serious. As always. Then he spoke to her. He spoke... to her! For such a long moment, she could only stand there in shock. Finally, she voiced exactly what she was thinking. "How is it you knew I was here?" Her voice was full of trepedition. She hadn't intended on him even noticing her. "I mean no ill will, I was just curious is all." (that was a gorgeous post Shadow! I can't wait to see where all this goes!) Posted by: Shadow Feb 28 2010, 05:55 AM Shadow turned, slowly, eyes half-closed. He flicked the omni-tool closed with a snap, crimson irises focusing on the white woman in front of him. He had to admit, she was beautiful; her pale, slender body - lit from behind by the open airlock - contrasting the relative darkness of the ship. Her glittering ruby eyes large and intense, focusing on him with a subtle blend of awe and surprise. He raised a red-rimmed eyebrow, not understanding the question. He tilted his head up, facing the newcomer directly. "I think the question is 'How can I not see you?', curious one." he said, smooth voice full of the unknown, quiet but strong, dark but polite. He sensed an odd power in her, and thought it best not to mention that her feet were not touching the ground. ((Aww, thanks, Sal. I'm also interested to see where this goes! I've sent you a PM.)) Posted by: Celeste the White Spirit Feb 28 2010, 05:14 PM Celeste felt her heart throbbing in her chest, and she blushed. Was she nervous? Maybe a little, but... maybe it was that stoic intensity in his gaze that made her feel flustered. She couldn't dissect the stare and figure out what he thought of her pressense, nor was he divulging that information as of yet. She had just assumed he wouldn't notice her if she didn't try to make verbal contact. She hadn't counted on his advanced abilities detecting her mere presense with such ease. After all, no one else had noticed her so easily in the past. Of course, no one in the past had been the ultimate life-form. She looked down at her toes and her lack of a shadow, obviously a little embarrassed and uncertain as to how to proceed. She guessed maybe answering his question would do. "I suppose I should have announced myself properly instead of observing you in false secrecy." She explained, her eyes docily glancing from her feet to his crimson eyes. "Forgive me. I look back and realise it was incredibly rude of me." She dared to move forward an inch. She had slipped into his dreams in the past. Once, twice, but never more than that. She felt she had been invading his space and privacy, especially since she assumed he was an extremely private person. "If you don't mind too much, may I stay?" Oh dear, that was a little forward, wasn't it? She thought to herself in a little panic. Quickly, she added, "I may be able to assist you in some way." Posted by: Shadow Feb 28 2010, 08:13 PM His red eyes beheld the white figure, unsure of her. She was blushing, and had her head down in embarrassment. What had he said? She appeared to be panicking, her head tilting up shyly to look at him. Her ruby eyes never looking at him for more than a second. For some reason, he found himself entranced by those eyes... like they could see into his soul, if he had one. As the silence became awkward, he knew he had to be quick, to prevent her crying or something. He was curious at the way she spoke, how shy she was, of how she looked at him. He hadn't seen that look since... Since Amy, all those years ago. Such a look of innocence and awe... He knew he had to give her something to do; make her feel needed. And make her feel more comfortable here. He could tell she'd have interesting conversation, and he'd enjoy the company. "Stay as long as you like. My home is your home!" he said, with a slight evil laugh, voice like dark chocolate. Not a good start. He calmed himself, hoping he hadn't scared her. Six years of solitude had left him somewhat rusty in the social department, it seemed. "And you can help, if you wish. Come here." Posted by: Celeste the White Spirit Feb 28 2010, 08:44 PM For a long moment, she wasn't sure what was going through his mind. Obviously, something was, because the silence was stretching out but his eyes remained intelligent and thoughtful. She began to feel selfconcious, hating herself for requesting to stay, but then, he spoke, and she felt relief sweep over her like a morning mist. Celeste floated forward towards him with a smile. "Thank you." He seemed to just turn back to what he was doing, and her eyes fell to the silvery cylinder. It seemed to have maintained some damage. Wires and gears had been fused together, apparently from extreme heat. Slipping forward, she leaned closer, inspecting it with interest. "Shadow, what is this?" She asked, her figures transparency deepening a moment before returning to normal. "I'm afraid I know next to nothing about computers." Regardless of what it was, it looked important, and he had cared enough to remove it in favor of other things of value. Celeste's Chaos Emerald shard glowed softly as she passed her hand through it, the damaged areas unravelling and repairing themselves. It was a simple enough thing to do. Mechanics were far less complicated and sensitive than organic life, so restoring this trinket to working order was an easy task. It was just a matter of reversing the done damage, manipulating matter. It was something small, and the powers of Chaos favoured her desire to fix it for him. She smiled, slipping back to admire her work, hoping it pleased him. (( You can have her repair it correctly or actually do more harm than good, it's up to you XD She's not perfect!)) Posted by: Shadow Mar 1 2010, 01:31 AM She drifted over to him, her slender legs unmoving as he watched her. Why was she so polite? She moved past him, his arm brushing hers as he got out of her way. Her body felt as smooth as it appeared... He watched, fascinated, as she repaired the fuses, and the melted components. He gave a 'hmph' - he was impressed, observing as the metals and plastics reverted to working shape. Who was this woman? Not even he had power like that... Yet he felt no significant energy come from her... Before he could say anything else, his eyes shot open, urgency rushing through his veins. That little blue wire... was back. "Celeste, don't touch it! Get back!" he shouted, pushing the mink protectively aside. The AI core lit up blue, beginning to pulse threateningly. It beeped, as though it might explode. Acting fast, Shadow drew his knife, slashing the ribbon-like blue thread. The lights dimmed, and the beeping stopped as he let out a breath of relief, sheathing his knife and sliding to the impromptu floor. Hold on. "How... How do I know your name?" he asked slowly, more asking himself than her. He tilted his head to look at the mink, crimson meeting ruby as their eyes met. Posted by: Celeste the White Spirit Mar 2 2010, 03:35 AM (( ooc- I took a few creative liberties that I hope is alright pertaining to Shadows dreams. I can change anything you seem to dislike)) Celeste was no mechanic. She knew when she repaired the device, it was possible she could have reversed it too far back without taking into consideration any customizations that he had done to it. When the thing began to beep and throb with energy, she knew she had made a mistake! Shadow was privy to the cores changes quicker than she was, however, and he acted quickly, pushing her out of harms way and disarming it in less than a second! When his hand reached out, Celeste had prepared herself for the usual to happen, for his hand to pass through her like headlights through mist. She would thank him of course. Even if she was in no danger, it was touching that he worried enough to act on instinct to guard her. What she had expected to happen, and what did happen threw her mind into shock! His hand had made contact on the flare of her hip, and had hurtled her floating form several yards behind him! He touched her! And he had said her name, too! Within close proximity to his material form, the sound sent her heart into infatuated somersaults! But all she could do was straighten herself up, recovering her posture, and stare with her mouth slightly agape! This was nothing like what she had experienced visiting him within his dreams! There, when she had tried to reach him, it was through torturous nightmares of a heart-wrenching past. There was a consistent theme, mostly involving a sweet blonde Overlander named Maria, and overwhelming odds that he could not overcome. The visions were bloody and grotesque, and he animalistically slaughtered without remorse. It had always frightened her, but then, there would be that girl... and he would change. Many times, Maria would die, and he was helpless to save her. It often happened in different ways. Gunshots, stab wounds, dismemberment... Each time he closed his eyes, it seemed he relived this darkest of moments. Celeste, the first time she had tried to make contact, had watched him as he slept, sensing unrest. His face was twisted in pain, and she couldn't determine whether it was physical or emotional. She knew better, she honestly did. But to a fault, if the person who wrote the expression, 'curiosity killed the cat' had never spent any amount of time with a mink like Celeste. So she had slipped into the astral plane to see what disturbed him so as he dreamt. She left almost immediately in horror, but compelled to soothe him in such a time of need, returned. As he fought on blindly, rabidly, she lingered behind him, ghostly hands on his shoulders. It was as though he were in a strange trance and felt no pain and heard no words. She whispered to him, her dulcet voice breathing past her lips and into his ear. "Brave one, I am Celeste. You're fighting a battle that has already been lost. Please, release yourself from this emotional bondage and let me bring you some peace so that you can rest..." In his dreams, she took on an angelic form. If anyone were to see into his mind as she had, would have born witness quite a picture. Shadow, his hands dripping in blood, eyes crazed and dialated, and behind him with arms comfortingly around his shoulder, Celeste with large angelic wing, whispering soothingly in his ears. He seldom heard her with the only signs that he ever knew she was there being an occassional twitch of the ear or a faulter in his step. Or at least, that was what she had always thought. Until now. Celeste bit her lower lip nervously, wondering if she should leave and never come back. Would he be angry to know she had allowed herself into his subconscious mind and played a part in his dreams? Maybe he wouldn't mind... After all, you could only learn so much about a person if what they had to dream was all you knew, like Celeste did. She hadn't seen him face to face till now. But dreams were highly personal! If he knew maybe he'd send her off on his own. In any case, she decided the decision was his to make. Clearing her throat, she confessed with remorse, "I have been with you in your nightmares trying to reach you." Posted by: Starfire Mar 2 2010, 01:35 PM ((OCC: Not joining in just saying: WHOA! This is getting intense! I very much enjoy reading this!)) Posted by: Shadow Mar 2 2010, 09:49 PM She was in shock, perhaps impressed by his protective instinct. Heh, it was nothing. Telaria was dangerous, and protecting this innocent stranger - Celeste - was like second nature to Shadow. He could see her thinking, expressions crossing her face. She finally looked up at him, with guilt in her eyes and voice. What!? "Nightmares?" he heard himself say, cool and nonchalant. He remained leaning against the wall, attempting to portray his usual demeanour. He couldn't help, however, raising an eyebrow. What was she talking about? ((That's fine, Celeste. And thanks, Star!)) Posted by: Celeste the White Spirit Mar 4 2010, 03:52 AM ((ooc-Thank you Star!!! I'm riding under the wings of Shads writing ability here, but thank you!! XD )) Celeste nodded, at last making the extra effort to maintain eye contact. "Yes. Nightmares." She canted her head to the side, regarding him with curiosity. He acted like what she had said was ludicrous, and that he had no idea what she was talking about. But...she had been there, had seen the terror that he was met with every night... She shook her head, not understanding. "I don't understand why you deny this. I have been there and seen them." She made a move forward, fingers grazing the gem at her throat, making it flicker a little. Please Shadow, she thought, as though her mere will could reach him. Let me reach you in some way, let me help you. "It was an intrusion on your privacy, I am aware but please understand I wanted to help you." She swallowed her nerves, stopping to float in place for a moment while she collected her thoughts. "Shadow... I am the emissary of the magical properties of Mobius. You see," She began, "I try to help people on Mobius, by making contact with them, mostly in their dreams. My physical body resides in a hidden zone, where I have resided for many hundreds of years. My spiritual presence travelled here to make contact with you, but..." She bit her lip a moment, gathering herself before confessing with emotion, "No one has ever....touched me... since I became the Source of All's pawn. No one has... and," She glanced to the place she had been standing when he had pushed her out of the way. "You...just...did!" Posted by: Shadow Mar 4 2010, 11:21 PM She insisted, mistaking his tone for denial. Damn, talking to people wasn't easy. "I deny nothing, Celeste," he said, rising from his seat upon the impromptu floor. He walked over and put his hand on her shoulder, careful to be gentle. His hands shook a little, trying desperately to hold back his strength, to be gentle. He looked deep into her eyes, half-closing his own. "It's okay." he said, simply, lifting her chin up with his other hand, carefully. He rose, withdrawing his hand into his folded arms. "This surprises you?" he said, trying to not ask any questions. Inside, this troubled him. She was... a dreamwalker? A ghost? But she was hundreds of years old. Like he likely was. Suddenly, he regarded Celeste as the closest thing to a kindred spirit as he'd ever encountered. He looked over to her again, the warmest expression he'd ever felt crossing his face, including a slightly fanged smile. "The Source of All?" he asked, a curious expression overlaying his smile. Posted by: Sonic Mar 5 2010, 10:25 AM ((OOC - *squees happily* guys this is awesome! <3!!!)) |
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| Sonic | Feb 9 2012, 11:01 PM Post #2 |
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Played by Fallyn
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Posted by: Celeste the White Spirit Mar 5 2010, 07:41 PM ((ooc- Thanks Sonic!!! happy.gif I'm loving this thread so much!) She sank to the floor, sitting there in bewilderment. He 'denies nothing' so what did he mean? She felt a little lost now, and realised her dealings with people had left her social skills a little akward. She was so lost within her own thoughts that she gasped softly when Shadows fingers lifted her chin and raised her gaze up to his. Her eyes widened a bit, staring into the blood colored irises as his face softened. The hardness was breaking, and he said something so simple it was a marvel that it effected her so deeply. "It's okay." Her eyes brimmed with tears and her smile deepened. To think a man capable of so much devastation, could touch with hands that couldn't bruise a flower. Breath shuddered past her lips, and her eyes drifted shut, resting her cheek into his palm for the barest of moments. He had such control... She envied it. Because right now, she was melting into that simple caress, her control over herself almost depleted in lue of contact with another living being. How long had it been since she had felt the kind of touch Shadow gave her now? It was over too soon, and she had to remaster herself and file the sensation away to treasure. After all, she didn't know when she'd be able to savor such a moment again! But how had he done it? And again, why? Why offer her such a kindness when she had been intrusive upon his privacy? It was as though her explanation about him being simply ABLE to touch her had it appealing do it again. Or perhaps he liked wielding that kind of power over her and wanted to experiment? Or maybe he was humouring her with something sweeter than his initial shove. Or... perhaps... he just wanted to comfort her? It was impossible to tell for a girl so socially insecure as Celeste. "This surprises you?" He asked. She looked up at him again, eyes showing her confusion. "Yes, indeed it does." She whispered, noting she was slightly breathless. Now, when he asked about the Source of All, that was something she could understand with certainty! It was a good distraction from the strange pumping sensation in her breast. "Well, yes, the Source of All." She floated back up to stand, her dress floating around her knees as she moved. She went on, explaining, "It is a golden magical fluid that runs through Mobius, linking all of the magic of Mobius together. Think of it like the planet is a body, and the Source of All, its blood. It circulates around, linking the brain of the magic, the Master Emerald, to the smaller Emeralds, it's vital organs. It sustains and connects it all." She touched the gem on her throat, causing it to blink with light briefly, closing her ruby eyes with a soft 'connected' smile. "I am a part of the circle as well, Shadow. And as the ultimate life form, so are you to some degree. The fact that you can Chaos Control is proof enough of that." She moved on, looking out a small circular window as she retold her origins. "The Source is what created me. It birthed me from a sacred pool of Source in a temple deep beneath castle Acorn. I was born, so to speak, looking exactly as I do now but as a blank slate. Its purpose was to send me out into Mobius and simply, live and learn. Back then I didn't know who I was or where I came from, only that I was different from everyone else..." She shook her head. This was no time to get too personal. He very well may not want to even here as much as she said. Celeste sighed and looked at Shadow with a disenchanted smile. "So, I lived...until one day, it reabsorbed me, taking my life, experiences, memories, and adding it to it's collective conciousness. It meant to learn from me so it may better adapt to the people it cared for." She swallowed down her emotions, and said heavily, "I have been alone in a secret zone watching over Mobius ever since, acting on behalf of the Source and the Master Emerald." She looked to the floor once more with a little laugh, shaking her head at herself. "I'm sorry if I have over explained myself. I'm afraid I don't get to partake in conversations much anymore." Posted by: Shadow Mar 6 2010, 02:55 AM At that moment, Shadow could have strode to her, taking her in his arms and holding her until the world fell apart. Not he'd that act on such a ridiculous notion. He found her talk purely and truly riveting - thought-provoking - intense eyes focusing on her face as he listened. The ways her past mirrored his own... "Sorry?" he said, raising a brow. "Do not be, I find your conversation... fascinating." he said finally, meaning every word. He looked at her with another smile, a look of absolute dedication written on his dark face. "Please... go on." Posted by: Celeste the White Spirit Mar 7 2010, 11:01 PM Why was he looking at her like that? With eyes so intense and focused, so cold and yet made her feel so warm. His presence was admittedly overwhelming, and she had to look away from him. This encounter, though accidental, was a lot more difficult than she could have ever imagined. "I'm afraid I don't have much to go on about." She admitted, brushing her fingers down the length of her pale hair. She was about to offer her services further to help him on his ship when she heard an explosion nearby, her ears perking up atop her head, and her body twirling to face outside the hull to see what had happened. More bots. Likely their sensors had picked up activity and were coming to investigate. Worriedly, she turned to Shadow. "It's best we leave here. If you wish to salvage anything, you should secure it now. The machines don't like to leave anythign in tact for the resistence to use." Posted by: Shadow Mar 8 2010, 01:06 AM She didn't want to divulge any further information. Perhaps her polite apology for talking to much was a mere ploy to prevent him learning something he shouldn't? No matter, she had a point. With a flash, Shadow teleported to the 'cargo bay' - really, just a small room several metres away, containing several small boxes of junk and mementos. He sighed. Would he have to choose what to bring? Nostalgia almost crippled him, as he rifled through six years of interstellar souvenirs and items. A black and red blur, he quickly decided what he wanted to bring, tipping the smaller items into a satchel at his waist. He teleported back to the bridge, right in front of Celeste. He bent down, hooking a chain around the AI core, himself, and his waist-bound satchel, slinging the metallic object under his arm. "I am ready. Any place in particular you choose to go? I have nowhere but here, it would be an honour to travel with you." He said, bowing a little, not taking his red eyes from her face. He really wanted more time to sort the cargo... Where's that damn Emerald when he needed it? Posted by: Celeste the White Spirit Mar 8 2010, 06:55 PM Celeste was a bit startled when he disappeared, that is, before she realised he was simply running about the ship and doing as she had suggested. He moved with such speed that he had simply vanished to her eyes, leaving her feeling quite silly for her momentary confusion. She rubbed her eyes, marvelling to herself that he could very well rival the planets 'chosen hero'! That thought process in itself was a phenomenal compliment! She glanced back over her shoulder to the advancing robots. They were lumbering, much slower than usual as they took their time scanning the area. What were they looking for? They seemed at the moment, unaware of their presence! Celeste canted her head, eyes half lidded as they narrowed to observe this strange behaviour, uttering quietly, "How odd..." Where was Shadow? After listening for him, she could hear him rummaging through another room nearby. He must be collecting his possessions together. When he reappeared he bundled his things together and spoke to her. She felt his stare but her eyes remained fixed outside the door, watching the machines. He hadn't been gone more than a few seconds. "They're looking for something, Shadow, and it isn't us..." She glanced back him, her brow furrowed with worry. "To be truthful, to know they have sensors that could pick up our activity here and yet they are oblivious to us, has me very concerned." She levitated a bit more, watching from a different vantage point. "If it's valuable to the Overlord... it would be valuable to the resistance," She glanced at him with a soft imploring smile. It was an unspoken request that was transmitted through the sparkle of her ruby eyes. They met his. She blushed a little. His eyes smouldered like live embers upon a black bed of coals. "Wouldn't you agree?" Posted by: Shadow Mar 8 2010, 10:42 PM She was impressed? Hmph. What did Sonic do after he'd shown off? Shadow smiled a little, ears listening to Celeste's words and eyes watching her lips. Robots. "There is much to discuss, between you and me, Celeste." he said, rather than ask what the hell she was talking about. Danger was about, and... "Alas, there is no time." he began, before she pointed out the mechanical hunting parties' possible objective. "Agreed." he said, setting his trusty satchel and Telaria to the ground, gently. His eyes glowed faintly, a slightly mad but playful smile forming on his lips. "Shall we?" he said, bowing slightly and gesturing toward the open airlock. Outside, there were more of the machines he'd met when he first 'landed' here; 'Wardens' Bunnie had called them. Their red optical sensors glowed, penetrating the thin blanket of the approaching night, shields gleaming as they, ever-vigilant, held their deadly bolter pistols at arms length, a mechanical phalanx of spindly forms. Damn machines. Posted by: Celeste the White Spirit Mar 9 2010, 04:04 AM Celeste watched the machines approach, studying them with obvious discomfort. They were positively horrific looking, many of them discoloured. At first, Celeste thought that it was rust, but upon further inspection, was dried blood. They could not hurt her in this form, but her imagination was vivid enough that she could conjure a few ideas of what they would do if they had the chance. These upright bots were fearsome enough, but they were followed by a squadron of others. Canine in appearance, they moved swiftly, thier lone cycloptic eye shining red, scanning about as they ravenously searching for something. She glanced at Shadow as he spoke, and she giggled behind her splayed fingers as he bowed slightly, the robots forgotten momentarily. The motion on him was very classy, from the bend at his waist the slight cant of his head. There was something unsaid that was spoken in each motion of his body. 'He speaks most clearly through body language, it seems' she noted with an enamoured smile. She nodded majestically in return, eyes closing momentarily. Her reply was spoken lowly, eyes regarding him with something more than admiration. "Indeed Shadow, let's." She outstretched her upturned palm to him, becoming him to take it. "I shall draw their fire. Their missiles will pass directly through me." Posted by: Shadow Mar 9 2010, 10:28 AM Shadow took her outstretched hand, leading her over the slight step required to get out, the airlock not designed to be accessed from the ceiling. And then he looked at her, a startled expression across his face. She wanted... him to... let them shoot her!? He was about to say something, but remembered what she had said. Besides, it was probably best not to argue, right? With a sigh of slight worry on his face, a cold determination washed over him. A strange thing, protectiveness; to be willing to risk ones life to defend another. Heh. As he led Celeste outside, momentarily forgetting that she could fly, and possibly pass through walls. "Careful, there!" he said quietly, unsure of what else to say. Great job, Shadow, lead the innocent woman out into the open, where the danger is. He frowned, head snapping around to look at the machines. They were doing... something. What that was, he had no idea, but it looked like searching, the party of tall, humanoid Wardens supported by some kind of metal dogs, glowing red optics the one constant amidst all the flashes of metal. He decided that a surprise attack would be better than just standing here 'til they shot him. Celeste's immunity to bullets was one theory he did not want to test. Shadow... He closed his eyes, the gunshot that ruined his life ringing in his head, an angry green glow rippling over him, energy coming off in waves. Clenching his fists, he leapt at the nearest Warden, eyes lit red with energy. Sensing the oncoming attack, the Warden raised its shield, only to have the hedgehog vanish mid-air. Confused, targeting sensors haywire, the machine concluded that he'd cloaked himself, firing wildly into the air, explosive bolts piercing the air. The other Wardens, being of one mind, turned, to see Shadow reappear on the one at the back, tearing off its arm and pulverising the shieldless back of another Warden, exploding dramatically. The remaining four Wardens fired upon him as he leapt into the air, flipping and vanishing as the armless machine was destroyed by its companions. There was a flash, and Shadow reappeared on the ground, lifting a heavy shield in both arms, with a grunt. Fangs bared, he charged at the next Warden, metal-on-metal clanging through the air, as the hedgehog and the machine pushed against each other. The machine lost, crushed underneath the weight of three shields. With a growl, Shadow threw the two shields at the two remaining Wardens, useless at such range. They weren't ordinary Wardens, however. The machines point their pistols... but they weren't bolters, they were something else. Something bigger. Lifting the shield from below him, Shadow smashed it into the ground, taking cover behind it, just to hear repeated thuds, and explosions. These were BIG bolts. Forgotten, the wolf-like drones ran away, rejoining with their master. The Sniper, knowing exactly where the target was, activated its guidance laser, red beam tracing on the Warden shield that was embedded in the ground. Heat signature... of something, organic, behind it. The machine reached down, pulling the lever on the side of the massive weapon that protruded from its chest, the weapon loading a slug and charging. Charging... Charging... Ready. The One-Eye traced his head, waiting for the one who devastated the squad to come out of his cover. Snipers could wait. They had all the time in the world. Posted by: Celeste the White Spirit Mar 10 2010, 07:33 PM Shadow took her hand, and Celeste curled her fingers around his, hesitating to follow him for a moment. Someone could touch her. Someone, somehow, could touch her... and deeper than just a touch on the flesh, she thought with a sudden skip of the heart. She smiled, eyes glistening as he assisted her up through what she could only guess was the escape hatch. He was ever the gentleman, cautioning her despite her immortality. It felt good to have someone care about her again. She had never exactly expected that person to be Shadow. It was hard to hide just how elated it all made her. Once top side, she floated forward a bit, straining her eyes to see the machines. They had wandered in the other direction some way, and with her ill eye sight, things as far off as they were tended to be difficult to make out. Shadow seemed to see them without a bit of trouble. She was about to speak to him, asking him if they should formulate a better plan, but the glimmer of green chaos energy was pouring off of him like smoke from a fire! His mood had just swung like a pendulum, and such anguish was in his face... it quickly changed to anger, and he was gone, into the fray without a word at all. The machines zeroed in on him instantly. She watched him go, her hair and dress whipping in the wake of his speed with sorrow in her eyes. This, fighting, destruction, seemed to be what he knew best. He did it automatically, instinctively. Her heart suddenly felt weighted down. She felt like she were standing amidst another one of his nightmares. He needed to have something more than this... more than an endless battle. There was more to live for than this. For all objective purposes, Celeste had to admit that Shadow was good at what he does! Where she had seen other Mobians struggle just to hide from these death dealing robots, he cut through them like a hot knife through butter! His movements and tactics were surpassing the definition of 'impressive'... she was stunned! Then the fight took a turn, and he crouched behind the fallen shield of a Warden. Her brow creased. He was being sighted by a Sniper! She floated out into the battlefield, her eyes resting on the machine as she moved into its line of vision. She sighed, and just watched it transpire with a detached expression and eyes that were far too kind for this bloody field. The robots red sensors swept over her, once, twice, three times. There was a pause. The red light came again, and Celeste smiled. It saw her, but couldn't get a reading. Just the same, it's target changed from Shadow, to her, and bullets began to spray. She bowed her head, feeling nothing as they passed through her ghostly form and pummeled the ground a few feet behind her, the grass spraying into the air with clods of dirt. The sniper paused, obviously wondering if it should waste more bullets are return its attention to Shadow. Of course, Celeste knew Shadow, by this time, would already be on the move, and the Sniper, distracted, would meet it's end in a few brief moments. Posted by: Shadow Mar 11 2010, 08:07 AM Damn! What was she doing!? Shadow felt Celeste moving, saw her glide right up toward... A machine, one with a massive rifle for a chest. Undoubtedly a long-range machine, a sniper perhaps. It was not too far away, stationary body fixated against a dead tree, with provided some camoflague. He felt the weapon's power, heard the shots fire at her... "No!" he cried, leaping over the shield and bolting at Celeste... To see the dirt spray up, the slug having passed straight through her. Okay, he had to admit (To himself) that she was right. His expression shifted from a frantic panic to a sly half-smile at being proven wrong. Not that it happened often, and he was glad to be wrong, this time. Regardless, the machine posed a threat, and the heavy Wardens were still firing. Shadow leapt over Celeste's head, straddling the sniper's chest cannon. With a grunt, he tore off the machine's head, casting it aside as the body slashed at him with its arms. With a grin, he pointed the gun in the general direction of the Wardens, sending a pulse of energy through the machine - There was a sound like thunder, as the magnetically-accelerated shell exploded from the huge barrel, leaving a crackling discharge of electricity. Shadow looked at the Wardens. The shell hadn't destroyed the shield, but the sheer force behind it was simply transferred into the machine. One Warden down, Shadow tore the entire assembly that was the sniper from the ground, running and throwing the flailing, headless machine at the Warden. They came together, and exploded. "Celeste!" he cried, running to where she was floating. "Are you okay?" ((Sorry, I'm in a rush, here. Also, that's all the machines officially deadeded.)) Posted by: Celeste the White Spirit Mar 12 2010, 07:14 PM As she had expected, Shadow appeared. He came in with the ferocity of a wild animal and the robot met it's end before it could catch more than glimpse of it's executioner. He worked quickly and efficiently, and Celeste felt a mixture of admiration and pity for him. You couldn't find a more capable fighter, and yet, that was what he was made for. The ultimate lifeform? No, the ultimate weapon. The battle drew to a close with a mighty explosion, and she sighed as the smoke billowed up into the already darkened sky. If this war against the machines and thier unseen master was won, there would be no healing the damage done to the planet. She quickly tried to redirect her thinking to be more optimistic. There was always a way. They'd just have to find it. "Celeste!" Her ears twitched as his voice entered them, and she turned to face Shadow as he ran up to her. "Are you okay?" She couldn't help the smile that bubbled up from within her at his concern. "I'm alright, Shadow." Then, her voice dropped to a sweet whisper, eyes kindly regarding him with some private emotion. "Thank you." A tingling heavy sensation spread through her chest, something that both entranced and alarmed her. This was something that she hadn't felt in hundreds of years, and had taken great pains to forget. It was as soothing and sweet as honey but shraper and more deadly than the fangs of a venomous serpent. She had outlived Timber long ago, and the pain of having to love him from afar for the remainder of his life was a kind of pain she couldn't bear to feel again. He had struggled to find a way to free her, so they could be together, but a mortal could only live so long before thier years came to an end. Timbers had inevitably, and any progress he had made in trying to bring her back to Mobius had died with him. She turned away from Shadow, trying to mask her sudden pain with a smile. Come on Celeste, bury it. Even as she thought it, she looked into those dark burning eyes and her heart sped up again. God, already the kind of power he wielded over her! He's fighting a war down here, he doesn't need a lonely girl trapped in a secret zone fawning over him when there's lives on the line. Just... be his friend, help him. Besides, Shadow is a unique man. He thrives on his freedom. Swallowing down the lump in her throat, she commented, "That... I mean..." She gestured ot the fallen robots, eyes sparkling a bit, "Was incredible! Many have died trying to do what you have just done!" Posted by: Shadow Mar 13 2010, 03:42 AM Energy rippled like green fire, as his eyes, glowing like coals, searched for another one, another thing to kill, to tear apart, to vent his sorrow and rage upon. But it was over; he'd ki- destroyed them all. He almost regretted it, that it was over, but forgot that thought. Briefly, he recalled the last time he'd torn flesh with his hands, the last real kill he'd made. It had been a king, a tyrant that required killing. A flash, an explosion. The guards were dead, the throne room rent open. Smoke billowed from the wound in the wall, and the self-proclaimed god cowered in the corner. A smile. Once so... smug, so superior. Not now, not after the death of the protection, the lack of weapons. Death has cast his black eclipse over this sorry, merciless bastard. He deserved and got as much mercy as he'd given to countless lives. None. A plea, a begging king, armies useless. Guards useless. Gems, money. All worthless, now. A smirk, a laugh. He begs!? A punch, the sound of tearing flesh. Blood, exposed bone. Snapped neck, broken ribs. A dead king. Kings fall. The anger faded, the ringing of that single memory, that damn gunshot fading to nothing, his bared fangs changing to a blank expression, fists softening to hands again, and breath slowing. He turned to Celeste, her expression a mix of concern and astonishment. And - Woah. From Shadow's perspective, the setting sun was right behind her, giving the effect of her slender form having a rosy-pink and purple background... What? Shadow looked away from her a moment. What... was this? His heartrate rose again, after only having fell when he calmed down. He felt like he was in combat, but different. Perhaps something was wrong with him? Was he injured? Curious. He looked back at her, a cool smirk on his face. 'Most people... are not me, Celeste.' he said impressively, turning his head to the wreckage of the machines. "Shall we see what they were after, then?" he said, beckoning forth. What was this feeling? Kinship? Is this how Sonic felt about his friends? Tails, Knuckles... even Shadow himself? Shadow hoped so, but he truly thought differently, trying to concentrate on something else. Damn! Posted by: Celeste the White Spirit Mar 13 2010, 06:04 PM He looked distracted, the colors of the setting sun casting his healthy black fur with reflections of color. His face was downcast, expression serious. Something was on his mind. She reached out to him, grazing her ghostly fingers over his cheek with a warm smile and glittering gaze. She could feel him. The warmth of his skin, the curve of his face, and textures of his fur. It was almost overwhelming as her hand moved to cup it more fully as she spoke. "I'm so glad I met you Shadow." Celeste moved in a little closer, and leaning in, pressed a light brief kiss to his other cheek. It would say many of the things she could not. Or perhaps, it would only serve to confuse them both. Before she could figure out which this was however, a strong magical pressence began to tug at her, and her emerald glowed suddenly and blindingly. She cried out and fell to her hands and knees, fighting it profusely. It couldn't be over yet! She had so much she wanted to say to him! He could see her and feel her, he was her friend! She just couldn't leave yet! The demands of magics more powerful than her own were insistant however, and she looked up at Shadow desperately. "I...I have to go. The Master emerald calls me back to it. I've been gone to long!" She was trembling now, obviously struggling a hard battle. "Please tell me you will allow me to see you again?" A throbbing sound was starting to fill the air, the whooping sound whose base made ones eardrums ache. She pleaded, "Please Shadow!" Posted by: Shadow Mar 14 2010, 01:46 AM She floated over to him, the space between them being all that mattered, as she placed a hand on his cheek, fondly. He put his hand over hers, gently, following its path along his own face. And she gave him a little kiss, and the universe melted away. It was her and him, right there, bodies so close but yet not, in a single golden handful of seconds. A sort of heat blossomed in Shadow's chest, flooding his whole body, increasing his pulse and widening his eyes. What was happening!? Before he could move, she flickered, an unknown and unseen power enveloping her white form. No! The energy caused her to drift away from him, her body becoming less opaque with every beat of his quickened heart. "Please, Shadow!" she begged. He dashed forward, hovering in the air before her, placing his hands on her shoulders, their gazes locking. "We will, Celeste." he said softly, a firm whisper, one that accompanied a determined and sorrowful expression. His eyes glowed like fire. "I promise you!" Posted by: Celeste the White Spirit Mar 14 2010, 11:36 PM Celeste felt his hands on her shoulders, a firm touch of resolution that accompanied equally determined words. "We will, Celeste. I promise you!" His eyes...were so sad. For her? She trembled, tears glistening like glass in her eyes and trickling down the gentle slope of her cheek. Her body flickered, there one moment, gone the next. She could feel herself back in her own zone, her word turning from shades of sunset to oceanic blue! There was little time left. She offered him a comforting smile, brave despite the fact that she so badly wanted to stay. Her tears betrayed her however, as did her voice. It was thin as she whispered, "Until then..." She lifted a hand, reaching out to him. "Meet me in your dreams... I'll be there for you. Look for me?" The touch she had outstretched to him never made it. She vanished, leaving only her words echoing between thier two worlds. For a long moment, she sat upon the crystaline waters in her home, staring ahead of her. She could almost still see the burning red of his crimson eyes. She could even feel his touch lingering on her shoulders. She wrapped her arms around herself, eyes resting shut. This feeling... It felt like warmth blooming within the deepest parts of her heart. She had known Shadow from afar for quite some time, but now, after meeting him and speaking to him in person... She wondered...Is the chosen guardian of chaos magic allowed to be in love? Posted by: Shadow Mar 15 2010, 06:10 PM She faded to nothing, sparkling tears vanishing on the wind. Her scent was replaced by the smell of decay and burnt metal - the acrid wind of Green Hil Zone. All that remained were those precious last words, echoing in Shadow's mind. Still hovering, he looked down, hands going limp to his sides. "I will." he promised, speaking aloud to the air. He fell several feet, landing softly on the ground, supported by a cushion of air from his boots. The acrid wind blew, ruffling Shadow's spines and drying his eye. What!? The burning heat was replaced, it faded away, leaving a hole in Shadow's soul that seemed it could never be filled. Hmph. A soul. With a shake of the head, Shadow walked back to the ruined ship. He replaced his satchel and the AI core into the cargo bay, sealing the blast doors. No machine or scavenger was getting his stuff. Exiting the Spirit, he cast his eyes on the horizon, the setting sun sweeping a watercolour canvas across the sky. Pink and purple, with just a hint of orange and red. It was... rather pleasant. With renewed resolve, Shadow bolted, leaving only a gust of wind to show he was there. He knew where to go - Sonic had told him where to find him, after they parted ways last. He hoped that the blue blur's directions were more sound, this time. |
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3:36 PM Jul 11