bothers you

The City of Steel loomed over the battlefield. Thousands of soldiers from both sides keeping each other occupied while the main team fought its way towards the entrance.

The support team: tasked with demolition and sabotage, prepared for entrance.

(This experience is quite free, though we tag whoever we wish goes after us. I will jump in every third reblog with information, or every other reblog once things kick off. Let's see how it goes!)

(Here, you may talk before the mission begins after the fights begin. My apologies.)

@monomon--the--teacher

@i-chub-nom

@thygrimchildcaretaker

@dead-and-not

@soul-grand-master

@one-lone-tripod

What are you?

There's a moment where he lowers it, but raises it back up again

Why are you wearing the king's face?

One of you ladies knows what this thing is?

But, beyond the battlefield stood one armored maggot, eager to help. He slithers his way below the battling bugs, using his size to his advantage.

Then, he climbs up, walks through countless corridors with his mace clutched tight. Then, finally, he spots some friendly faces. And one unfriendly one just ripping itself out of the wall to attack the group.

We mustn't celebrate too soon, mine companions for thee still have quests to do...

I doubt such beast will leave us rest for long... make haste and make naught a mistake!

At thoust's acquaintance, Great Knight.

I bear no true name to thy form but come to cherish thine name of Caretaker for I care for thine Grimmchildren whom accompany thy quest.

Thou must allow one's companions to introduce thineselves with thy words than mine...

Mi......ghty.....Hegemol?!?

Hermes, grand.....Master of the Sanctum......of the scholars.......of Hallownest...

Thank you........for saving me...

"And no need to thank me, I'm just doing my duty. Now, what should we do now? Do you have a plan? I could probably try and disable the mechanisms of the City..."

Hermes then thinks of something, something a typical bad guy has.

Let's talk more later...

Hey, i just thought of something.

Is there prehaps a self-destruction system in this city?

Yeah there is but if you're planning to set that thing off I gotta warn you; we'll all die. You, us, your allies fightin' and every single slave and noble this place has. Kaboom.

If not, I gotta ask; why?

Just incase if it activates when your father dies

Yeah yeah stop yappin start moving; I don't wanna be here while that thing is skulking about. How bright can that fire of yours glow, kid?

Shan't call me child when thine age be much older than thou believes...

But, mine companions' flame be as bright as they wish it be. I merely command the fire spat from thy breasts should it need commandments...

*The Grimmchildren let out hissing chirps, seeming to make their own statements. They were more than capable of doing so, just would need a little bit of coaxing for their flames to truly be bright*

Thy flames need mere coaxing to achieve such desires... a coaxing only thou can make...

*The vessel held forward their staff, prompting their companions spit another ball of fire into the arc which would be then coaxed brighter*

So, the group moves, looking through the corridors filled with sticky Void and other visceral substances. The Sisters of Steel lead on since they knew the outline, but it still took quite long as many passages were ruined. Then, finally, they stumbled into a lit security room filled with cameras. One unarmed slave manned the system, dreading everything that had gone awry.

Are you hurt?

Do you need help?

Is this the core of the city?

On one of the cameras, a team of soldiers, including one of higher rank, hurried through the corridors. They were apparently looking for the beast, and ignore all slaves pleading for help. Seventeen sighs seeing this.

"You're not the help, are you?"

"we... Are h-help, in a, uhm, way! N-not the... One you, uh, s-sent for."

They approach closer to the slave, looking at the cameras. "Uhm, whats t-the cur-rent... Sit-u... situation?"

They stare back at the camera where the soldiers were running, searching for the monster. One of them steps into a shadow, and is instantly ripped in half. The other soldiers raise their nets and weapons to subdue it, but they couldn't see it in the dark. One by one, the soldiers were destroyed, sundered and maimed beyond recognition. The final soldier, who is the captain, attempts to escape, but is slammed against a wall. The shadows push a hole through their torso, letting the bloodied hand of the monster's silhouette be revealed. It then walks away calmly, as if nothing happened.

*Emilia does not get to finish what she's saying before Baptisia slaps her hand over her sisters mouth with a grating rumbling growl, her tail swishing from side to side, scales clicking together*

We would welcome your help Seventeen; do you know of an unbroken path into the City's heart? We seek to end this cruel system of abuse and enslavement and what better place to hit than the thing that keeps it all alive. Do this and I can guarantee your freedom; I myself have craved as much since the days of my childhood.

The cameras showed quiet, dead corridors, with the only place of notice being the administration office that Seventeen now points at.

"The office should have a ventrica leading to the Core, but you need an access card. Only high officers carry those, but sadly, the last one of them were mauled not too long ago." the slave points to a break-room ripped to shreds.

"I can show you there since the intercom isn't working."

Oh, don't you be a downer, and worry about getting that old thang working; I used to ride them things for fun like wild beetles and I can get 'er moving along with a kick and a punch.

Unless our buddy here thinks he can have a go at it?

Then, they slowly begin leading the group through dark, ruined corridors. They notion everyone be quiet as the beast is heard prowling through the corridor in front of the lit break-room. It's form can be seen as it crosses past the dim light coming from the slightly opened door.

Now they just had to sneak past. As they were planning on how to do so, another creature bumps into them from behind.

*yaps the (fairly fluffy) creature(?) whilst they stand properly to grumpily back up enough to cross her arms and glare*

Last I saw, there wasn't a big living clog in here..! *(is added in a slight hiss)*

The group made their way to the crossroads where a corridor made its passage through the way they took. On the other side was the room they had sought out. In there, there must be an access key. Now they just had to make sure crossing was safe.

Hermes starts focusing, then immedietly gets infront of seventeen to protect the guy with rapier in hand.

I can fucking sense you.

(1980/2000 health.)

Hermes barely has time to react as he produces a soul shield, blocking the thing.

For a moment...

Sorry...

I feel like an idiot

Alright so what's the fucking plan for this thing?

*Emilia shoves her sister behind her, who trips, her metal mask coming loose and clattering away into the dark. with an unhappy scowl on her familiar pale features, Baptisia scowls and summons up a blaze of white soul fire, not to attack, merely to sheild herself and her allies from that... thing*

We bring as much light to bear as possible and get that key? And pray. To what god, I cannot say. But we pray.

Seventeen is hit in their throat by one and falls over, gurgling as they failed to breathe. The beast kept up its onslaught.

(1950/2000)

*hisses the creature before it (they?) just scuttle right up a wall and, after becoming a mass of void themselves, vanishing into a vent.*

(putting a break because of body horror)

The City of Steel loomed over the battlefield. Thousands of soldiers from both sides keeping each other occupied while the main team fought its way towards the entrance.

The support team: tasked with demolition and sabotage, prepared for entrance.

(This experience is quite free, though we tag whoever we wish goes after us. I will jump in every third reblog with information, or every other reblog once things kick off. Let's see how it goes!)

(Here, you may talk before the mission begins after the fights begin. My apologies.)

@monomon--the--teacher

@i-chub-nom

@thygrimchildcaretaker

@dead-and-not

@soul-grand-master

@one-lone-tripod

What are you?

There's a moment where he lowers it, but raises it back up again

Why are you wearing the king's face?

One of you ladies knows what this thing is?

But, beyond the battlefield stood one armored maggot, eager to help. He slithers his way below the battling bugs, using his size to his advantage.

Then, he climbs up, walks through countless corridors with his mace clutched tight. Then, finally, he spots some friendly faces. And one unfriendly one just ripping itself out of the wall to attack the group.

We mustn't celebrate too soon, mine companions for thee still have quests to do...

I doubt such beast will leave us rest for long... make haste and make naught a mistake!

At thoust's acquaintance, Great Knight.

I bear no true name to thy form but come to cherish thine name of Caretaker for I care for thine Grimmchildren whom accompany thy quest.

Thou must allow one's companions to introduce thineselves with thy words than mine...

Mi......ghty.....Hegemol?!?

Hermes, grand.....Master of the Sanctum......of the scholars.......of Hallownest...

Thank you........for saving me...

"And no need to thank me, I'm just doing my duty. Now, what should we do now? Do you have a plan? I could probably try and disable the mechanisms of the City..."

Hermes then thinks of something, something a typical bad guy has.

Let's talk more later...

Hey, i just thought of something.

Is there prehaps a self-destruction system in this city?

Yeah there is but if you're planning to set that thing off I gotta warn you; we'll all die. You, us, your allies fightin' and every single slave and noble this place has. Kaboom.

If not, I gotta ask; why?

Just incase if it activates when your father dies

Yeah yeah stop yappin start moving; I don't wanna be here while that thing is skulking about. How bright can that fire of yours glow, kid?

Shan't call me child when thine age be much older than thou believes...

But, mine companions' flame be as bright as they wish it be. I merely command the fire spat from thy breasts should it need commandments...

*The Grimmchildren let out hissing chirps, seeming to make their own statements. They were more than capable of doing so, just would need a little bit of coaxing for their flames to truly be bright*

Thy flames need mere coaxing to achieve such desires... a coaxing only thou can make...

*The vessel held forward their staff, prompting their companions spit another ball of fire into the arc which would be then coaxed brighter*

So, the group moves, looking through the corridors filled with sticky Void and other visceral substances. The Sisters of Steel lead on since they knew the outline, but it still took quite long as many passages were ruined. Then, finally, they stumbled into a lit security room filled with cameras. One unarmed slave manned the system, dreading everything that had gone awry.

Are you hurt?

Do you need help?

Is this the core of the city?

On one of the cameras, a team of soldiers, including one of higher rank, hurried through the corridors. They were apparently looking for the beast, and ignore all slaves pleading for help. Seventeen sighs seeing this.

"You're not the help, are you?"

"we... Are h-help, in a, uhm, way! N-not the... One you, uh, s-sent for."

They approach closer to the slave, looking at the cameras. "Uhm, whats t-the cur-rent... Sit-u... situation?"

They stare back at the camera where the soldiers were running, searching for the monster. One of them steps into a shadow, and is instantly ripped in half. The other soldiers raise their nets and weapons to subdue it, but they couldn't see it in the dark. One by one, the soldiers were destroyed, sundered and maimed beyond recognition. The final soldier, who is the captain, attempts to escape, but is slammed against a wall. The shadows push a hole through their torso, letting the bloodied hand of the monster's silhouette be revealed. It then walks away calmly, as if nothing happened.

*Emilia does not get to finish what she's saying before Baptisia slaps her hand over her sisters mouth with a grating rumbling growl, her tail swishing from side to side, scales clicking together*

We would welcome your help Seventeen; do you know of an unbroken path into the City's heart? We seek to end this cruel system of abuse and enslavement and what better place to hit than the thing that keeps it all alive. Do this and I can guarantee your freedom; I myself have craved as much since the days of my childhood.

The cameras showed quiet, dead corridors, with the only place of notice being the administration office that Seventeen now points at.

"The office should have a ventrica leading to the Core, but you need an access card. Only high officers carry those, but sadly, the last one of them were mauled not too long ago." the slave points to a break-room ripped to shreds.

"I can show you there since the intercom isn't working."

Oh, don't you be a downer, and worry about getting that old thang working; I used to ride them things for fun like wild beetles and I can get 'er moving along with a kick and a punch.

Unless our buddy here thinks he can have a go at it?

Then, they slowly begin leading the group through dark, ruined corridors. They notion everyone be quiet as the beast is heard prowling through the corridor in front of the lit break-room. It's form can be seen as it crosses past the dim light coming from the slightly opened door.

Now they just had to sneak past. As they were planning on how to do so, another creature bumps into them from behind.

*yaps the (fairly fluffy) creature(?) whilst they stand properly to grumpily back up enough to cross her arms and glare*

Last I saw, there wasn't a big living clog in here..! *(is added in a slight hiss)*

The City of Steel loomed over the battlefield. Thousands of soldiers from both sides keeping each other occupied while the main team fought its way towards the entrance.

The support team: tasked with demolition and sabotage, prepared for entrance.

(This experience is quite free, though we tag whoever we wish goes after us. I will jump in every third reblog with information, or every other reblog once things kick off. Let's see how it goes!)

(Here, you may talk before the mission begins after the fights begin. My apologies.)

@monomon--the--teacher

@i-chub-nom

@thygrimchildcaretaker

@dead-and-not

@soul-grand-master

@one-lone-tripod

What are you?

There's a moment where he lowers it, but raises it back up again

Why are you wearing the king's face?

One of you ladies knows what this thing is?

But, beyond the battlefield stood one armored maggot, eager to help. He slithers his way below the battling bugs, using his size to his advantage.

Then, he climbs up, walks through countless corridors with his mace clutched tight. Then, finally, he spots some friendly faces. And one unfriendly one just ripping itself out of the wall to attack the group.

We mustn't celebrate too soon, mine companions for thee still have quests to do...

I doubt such beast will leave us rest for long... make haste and make naught a mistake!

At thoust's acquaintance, Great Knight.

I bear no true name to thy form but come to cherish thine name of Caretaker for I care for thine Grimmchildren whom accompany thy quest.

Thou must allow one's companions to introduce thineselves with thy words than mine...

Mi......ghty.....Hegemol?!?

Hermes, grand.....Master of the Sanctum......of the scholars.......of Hallownest...

Thank you........for saving me...

"And no need to thank me, I'm just doing my duty. Now, what should we do now? Do you have a plan? I could probably try and disable the mechanisms of the City..."

Hermes then thinks of something, something a typical bad guy has.

Let's talk more later...

Hey, i just thought of something.

Is there prehaps a self-destruction system in this city?

Yeah there is but if you're planning to set that thing off I gotta warn you; we'll all die. You, us, your allies fightin' and every single slave and noble this place has. Kaboom.

If not, I gotta ask; why?

Just incase if it activates when your father dies

Yeah yeah stop yappin start moving; I don't wanna be here while that thing is skulking about. How bright can that fire of yours glow, kid?

Shan't call me child when thine age be much older than thou believes...

But, mine companions' flame be as bright as they wish it be. I merely command the fire spat from thy breasts should it need commandments...

*The Grimmchildren let out hissing chirps, seeming to make their own statements. They were more than capable of doing so, just would need a little bit of coaxing for their flames to truly be bright*

Thy flames need mere coaxing to achieve such desires... a coaxing only thou can make...

*The vessel held forward their staff, prompting their companions spit another ball of fire into the arc which would be then coaxed brighter*

So, the group moves, looking through the corridors filled with sticky Void and other visceral substances. The Sisters of Steel lead on since they knew the outline, but it still took quite long as many passages were ruined. Then, finally, they stumbled into a lit security room filled with cameras. One unarmed slave manned the system, dreading everything that had gone awry.

Are you hurt?

Do you need help?

Is this the core of the city?

On one of the cameras, a team of soldiers, including one of higher rank, hurried through the corridors. They were apparently looking for the beast, and ignore all slaves pleading for help. Seventeen sighs seeing this.

"You're not the help, are you?"

"we... Are h-help, in a, uhm, way! N-not the... One you, uh, s-sent for."

They approach closer to the slave, looking at the cameras. "Uhm, whats t-the cur-rent... Sit-u... situation?"

The City of Steel loomed over the battlefield. Thousands of soldiers from both sides keeping each other occupied while the main team fought its way towards the entrance.

The support team: tasked with demolition and sabotage, prepared for entrance.

(This experience is quite free, though we tag whoever we wish goes after us. I will jump in every third reblog with information, or every other reblog once things kick off. Let's see how it goes!)

(Here, you may talk before the mission begins after the fights begin. My apologies.)

@monomon--the--teacher

@i-chub-nom

@thygrimchildcaretaker

@dead-and-not

@soul-grand-master

@one-lone-tripod

*they just mumble, before side-eyeing the group*

I know a way we could get in, but... uh... outta curiosity, who here's the most durable?

May you need a distraction to infiltrate, my explosives could provide one. Just say the word.

*they state simply, pointing at the underbelly of the City whilst remaining sitting in place*

Have fun.

They practically hiss while smirking mischievously before the sphere initially just begins to levitate, then flies directly into the underside with the speed and predictably of a snake.

Hermes puts forth two pieces of something

Here is the bomb and the timer, by themselves they are useless, but if put together, then it will do some damage.

Just put it together, set timer and the explosion size and you will level a building.

Among the guards rushing over, two steelclad warriors jump from the outlook they had hidden away on. They land, dust spreading from the impact.

Well well, looks like him up on high was wrong after all, sis, seems someone does want his lil' pet back!

Should we tell them that bombing the city while their friends fight below it is a foolish thing to do that may see them crushed or do we direct their fury at the plasma cannons on the third tier?

Maybe we should command the forces to not stab 'em all to shit?

Perhaps we should, sister, after all, we art the princesses of this city, are we not?

*the masked one cocks her hip as her sister turns to face the fleeing guards. with a laugh in her voice, she addresses the support team*

The steel sisters would lead them through the heaps of soldiers to get through to the City.

Looks like it, and y'know kid, we could be whatever we damn wanted if not for that moth and his fuckin' dream bullshit, so, for now, we on the same side. And lucky for you, we know the way in. Follow or die.

*Emilia and Baptisia are able to lead those who wish to follow their lead through the heaving swaths of war, Baptisia shouting out commands to the Steel Legion as they flee. despite her failure, her... death even... she still holds sway over them but, with little incident, the two reach one of the legs of the city*

Up above, a canon rung off shots at its enemies. It's booming noises were deafening, and its fire flashed like thunder.

Objective one: destroy the canon.

If thoust wish thy noise to cease, make haste my companions and scorch thine mechanism... I shan't be far astray

*The two Grimmchildren seemed to take notice of the weakness and took off, hissing complaints about the noise but their Caretaker had a point. If they wished it to stop, they had to make it stop. The vessel carefully followed, utilizing the scarlet flames that burned in their companions' breasts to be of aid. Though, such state of this location proved uncertainty. The vessel had only ever encountered wild bugs, not massive metal constructs*

It sticks itself in the wanted spot, allowing barely a few seconds of silence before it blows up.)

The entrance was still usable and led into the underworks of the crippled city.

Why don't 'cha just set the bombs instead of, you know, actually makin' 'em go boom boom now?

*baptisia scoffs, hands on her hips*

The corridors were quiet and desolate, unexpected due to the war raging outside. One would think bugs would be running rampant throughout the dark hallways.

Tis strange... such silence is deafening... concerning...

Doth thou see where thy path need be?

I do kid, i do indeed

Hermes approaches the slaves

Come with me if you wish to live, i got others to help.

The slaves, not seeing any better options, approaches Hermes

Alright good, stick close to me.

I'll be back soon.

Hermes goes with the slaves to the camp

"Stay in the light. Beware the false shadows."

That is all they can muster.

Acquire access.

From intel by bugs that have visited the City of Steel before, there was a pair of elevators that led up into the core's control room. From there, they would be able to shut down the self-destruct feature in case things get dicey for the Steelwyrm.

But, the issue was that they had to find such a key. That became harder as they reach an area completely mauled. The walls were shredded, the floor ripped open like a pit of spikes.

To top that, there were noises coming from the ventilation system. Something was following them.

*emilia seems more wary than Baptisia, hushing her sister quickly and motioning for her to lay low as she listens to the clanking in the vents above her. this place is… concerning for many reasons. first of all, this does not look like damage from the initial attack the Whitewyrm flung out as a giant fuck you for what was done to him, she knows what soul damage looks like, and secondly whatever did this is strong. very strong. inconceivably strong. she does not like her chances…*

I don’t have my damned access key anymore…

Father will have disposed of our connections to his masterpiece regardless, thinking we art dead.

Of course… what now? I can’t even tell what part of the city we’re in.

They bare teeth at the two, yet seem unsure if they are friend or foe.

Um. Have any of you seen this thing before? Jellyfish thing? Have you?

Tis quite cute, sister, I would keep it as a pet and feed it lovely morsels like berries and sweetbreads~

...You're not getting a pet. Besides, it seems sentient. We are better than our shit dad, innit.

She didn't bring any of the Oomas here, leaving them in the camp to defend it just in case. Besides, to have them here would have been too dangerous. She does have her explosives, some of them strongly grasped while she eyes the place.)

We do not have time for this. Hopefully, we will find a way to access the heart of the city. A key...

Remain vigilant, this is too quiet.

I'm back now, those gentlemen there is currently being cared for by Gary and Philip, so they are good now...

Hey, what's that cute thing, and why is it covered in blood?

Wait, that thing did this?

Sister, perhaps we should stay more focused?

You are right, of couse.

*Emilia looks around her, looks up into the vents. the is a possibility that their group could crawl in the vents and scurry along to the core that was but she has no way of knowing the extent of the damage laying ahead. the matter of needing a key has yet to be resolved however, she doesn't doubt her father severed her and Baptisia's connection to the city when he had believed they had perished in the battle against that fucking moth. the core's overseer should have a key, or they could hack into the main console. or just dump water on it. both of those last options seem... risky*

We weren't the only ones with keys; as princesses of this city we could access anywhere we pleased save for our father's personal chambers and workshops. However, we don't got no keys or access no more; we failed, we got punished as needed. But! The overseer should have an access key, or you could just like. I dunno. Throw water on it? Maybe?

Art thoust be? My, what harmless beast tis be...

Remain vigilant, mine companions... such innocence may shield a danger thus witnesses shan't live to speak...

Hermes walks towards the console, places his hand on it and tries to use a spell that would fry it...

Hush, wait for the emergency lights to kick in...

...I don't think they will; this place is kinda a mess.

*Baptisia and Emilia kind of shuffle closer together, their eyes straining to see out into the dark, the shapes of the metal walls and melted console all they can really make out in such deep deep darkness. it is unsettling to say the very least...*

As they walk, the unease grew stronger and stronger, until every little noise was terrifying. In the vents, were those mites? Underneath the floor? Creaking came from underneath, as if something was holding on to the underside. Small scratches all around, the breathing of the ventilation sounding too organic. Everything was so eerie now, the silence the only comfort. Perhaps a rest in one of the rooms would be nice? But that is for the infiltration team to decide.

Be vigilant... I do not like this unease...

Watch backs and watch each other...

One's paranoia shan't be denied...

*The Caretaker stayed alert and on edge, their companions hissing softly*

This darkness. It feels wrong. Sickly. Familiar almost in a aching kind of way. I do not think staying out in the open is a bold choice to make; but if we must, we keep moving. Staying in one place too long is a danger. Those of you whom can produce light do so, we shall need it.

Behind the group, wet slippery noises are heard as something decides it's time to investigate the sounds. You do not yet know what it is. It begins to move towards the group. It's movements sounded like flowing water.

(From here on, only tag me.)

Hermes, using a soul magic for give himself some light, hears the movement and decides to crank up the amount of soul produced and the amount of light given to see what it is

It crawled back, the light singing at its body of Void. But, foolishly, it now knew where the group was. As it backed away into the darkness, it cut into the floor. No armor would help here. That was for certain. And the light would only stsve it off for so long.

The City of Steel loomed over the battlefield. Thousands of soldiers from both sides keeping each other occupied while the main team fought its way towards the entrance.

The support team: tasked with demolition and sabotage, prepared for entrance.

(This experience is quite free, though we tag whoever we wish goes after us. I will jump in every third reblog with information, or every other reblog once things kick off. Let's see how it goes!)

(Here, you may talk before the mission begins after the fights begin. My apologies.)

@monomon--the--teacher

@i-chub-nom

@thygrimchildcaretaker

@dead-and-not

@soul-grand-master

@one-lone-tripod

*they just mumble, before side-eyeing the group*

I know a way we could get in, but... uh... outta curiosity, who here's the most durable?

May you need a distraction to infiltrate, my explosives could provide one. Just say the word.

*they state simply, pointing at the underbelly of the City whilst remaining sitting in place*

Have fun.

They practically hiss while smirking mischievously before the sphere initially just begins to levitate, then flies directly into the underside with the speed and predictably of a snake.

Hermes puts forth two pieces of something

Here is the bomb and the timer, by themselves they are useless, but if put together, then it will do some damage.

Just put it together, set timer and the explosion size and you will level a building.

Among the guards rushing over, two steelclad warriors jump from the outlook they had hidden away on. They land, dust spreading from the impact.

Well well, looks like him up on high was wrong after all, sis, seems someone does want his lil' pet back!

Should we tell them that bombing the city while their friends fight below it is a foolish thing to do that may see them crushed or do we direct their fury at the plasma cannons on the third tier?

Maybe we should command the forces to not stab 'em all to shit?

Perhaps we should, sister, after all, we art the princesses of this city, are we not?

*the masked one cocks her hip as her sister turns to face the fleeing guards. with a laugh in her voice, she addresses the support team*

The steel sisters would lead them through the heaps of soldiers to get through to the City.

Looks like it, and y'know kid, we could be whatever we damn wanted if not for that moth and his fuckin' dream bullshit, so, for now, we on the same side. And lucky for you, we know the way in. Follow or die.

*Emilia and Baptisia are able to lead those who wish to follow their lead through the heaving swaths of war, Baptisia shouting out commands to the Steel Legion as they flee. despite her failure, her... death even... she still holds sway over them but, with little incident, the two reach one of the legs of the city*

Up above, a canon rung off shots at its enemies. It's booming noises were deafening, and its fire flashed like thunder.

Objective one: destroy the canon.

If thoust wish thy noise to cease, make haste my companions and scorch thine mechanism... I shan't be far astray

*The two Grimmchildren seemed to take notice of the weakness and took off, hissing complaints about the noise but their Caretaker had a point. If they wished it to stop, they had to make it stop. The vessel carefully followed, utilizing the scarlet flames that burned in their companions' breasts to be of aid. Though, such state of this location proved uncertainty. The vessel had only ever encountered wild bugs, not massive metal constructs*

It sticks itself in the wanted spot, allowing barely a few seconds of silence before it blows up.)

The entrance was still usable and led into the underworks of the crippled city.

Why don't 'cha just set the bombs instead of, you know, actually makin' 'em go boom boom now?

*baptisia scoffs, hands on her hips*

The corridors were quiet and desolate, unexpected due to the war raging outside. One would think bugs would be running rampant throughout the dark hallways.

Tis strange... such silence is deafening... concerning...

Doth thou see where thy path need be?

I do kid, i do indeed

Hermes approaches the slaves

Come with me if you wish to live, i got others to help.

The slaves, not seeing any better options, approaches Hermes

Alright good, stick close to me.

I'll be back soon.

Hermes goes with the slaves to the camp

"Stay in the light. Beware the false shadows."

That is all they can muster.

Acquire access.

From intel by bugs that have visited the City of Steel before, there was a pair of elevators that led up into the core's control room. From there, they would be able to shut down the self-destruct feature in case things get dicey for the Steelwyrm.

But, the issue was that they had to find such a key. That became harder as they reach an area completely mauled. The walls were shredded, the floor ripped open like a pit of spikes.

To top that, there were noises coming from the ventilation system. Something was following them.

*emilia seems more wary than Baptisia, hushing her sister quickly and motioning for her to lay low as she listens to the clanking in the vents above her. this place is… concerning for many reasons. first of all, this does not look like damage from the initial attack the Whitewyrm flung out as a giant fuck you for what was done to him, she knows what soul damage looks like, and secondly whatever did this is strong. very strong. inconceivably strong. she does not like her chances…*

I don’t have my damned access key anymore…

Father will have disposed of our connections to his masterpiece regardless, thinking we art dead.

Of course… what now? I can’t even tell what part of the city we’re in.

They bare teeth at the two, yet seem unsure if they are friend or foe.

Um. Have any of you seen this thing before? Jellyfish thing? Have you?

Tis quite cute, sister, I would keep it as a pet and feed it lovely morsels like berries and sweetbreads~

...You're not getting a pet. Besides, it seems sentient. We are better than our shit dad, innit.

She didn't bring any of the Oomas here, leaving them in the camp to defend it just in case. Besides, to have them here would have been too dangerous. She does have her explosives, some of them strongly grasped while she eyes the place.)

We do not have time for this. Hopefully, we will find a way to access the heart of the city. A key...

Remain vigilant, this is too quiet.

I'm back now, those gentlemen there is currently being cared for by Gary and Philip, so they are good now...

Hey, what's that cute thing, and why is it covered in blood?

Wait, that thing did this?

The City of Steel loomed over the battlefield. Thousands of soldiers from both sides keeping each other occupied while the main team fought its way towards the entrance.

The support team: tasked with demolition and sabotage, prepared for entrance.

(This experience is quite free, though we tag whoever we wish goes after us. I will jump in every third reblog with information, or every other reblog once things kick off. Let's see how it goes!)

(Here, you may talk before the mission begins after the fights begin. My apologies.)

@monomon--the--teacher

@i-chub-nom

@thygrimchildcaretaker

@dead-and-not

@soul-grand-master

@one-lone-tripod

*they just mumble, before side-eyeing the group*

I know a way we could get in, but... uh... outta curiosity, who here's the most durable?

May you need a distraction to infiltrate, my explosives could provide one. Just say the word.

*they state simply, pointing at the underbelly of the City whilst remaining sitting in place*

Have fun.

They practically hiss while smirking mischievously before the sphere initially just begins to levitate, then flies directly into the underside with the speed and predictably of a snake.

Hermes puts forth two pieces of something

Here is the bomb and the timer, by themselves they are useless, but if put together, then it will do some damage.

Just put it together, set timer and the explosion size and you will level a building.

Among the guards rushing over, two steelclad warriors jump from the outlook they had hidden away on. They land, dust spreading from the impact.

Well well, looks like him up on high was wrong after all, sis, seems someone does want his lil' pet back!

Should we tell them that bombing the city while their friends fight below it is a foolish thing to do that may see them crushed or do we direct their fury at the plasma cannons on the third tier?

Maybe we should command the forces to not stab 'em all to shit?

Perhaps we should, sister, after all, we art the princesses of this city, are we not?

*the masked one cocks her hip as her sister turns to face the fleeing guards. with a laugh in her voice, she addresses the support team*

The steel sisters would lead them through the heaps of soldiers to get through to the City.

Looks like it, and y'know kid, we could be whatever we damn wanted if not for that moth and his fuckin' dream bullshit, so, for now, we on the same side. And lucky for you, we know the way in. Follow or die.

*Emilia and Baptisia are able to lead those who wish to follow their lead through the heaving swaths of war, Baptisia shouting out commands to the Steel Legion as they flee. despite her failure, her... death even... she still holds sway over them but, with little incident, the two reach one of the legs of the city*

Up above, a canon rung off shots at its enemies. It's booming noises were deafening, and its fire flashed like thunder.

Objective one: destroy the canon.

If thoust wish thy noise to cease, make haste my companions and scorch thine mechanism... I shan't be far astray

*The two Grimmchildren seemed to take notice of the weakness and took off, hissing complaints about the noise but their Caretaker had a point. If they wished it to stop, they had to make it stop. The vessel carefully followed, utilizing the scarlet flames that burned in their companions' breasts to be of aid. Though, such state of this location proved uncertainty. The vessel had only ever encountered wild bugs, not massive metal constructs*

It sticks itself in the wanted spot, allowing barely a few seconds of silence before it blows up.)

The entrance was still usable and led into the underworks of the crippled city.

Why don't 'cha just set the bombs instead of, you know, actually makin' 'em go boom boom now?

*baptisia scoffs, hands on her hips*

The corridors were quiet and desolate, unexpected due to the war raging outside. One would think bugs would be running rampant throughout the dark hallways.

Tis strange... such silence is deafening... concerning...

Doth thou see where thy path need be?

I do kid, i do indeed

Hermes approaches the slaves

Come with me if you wish to live, i got others to help.

The slaves, not seeing any better options, approaches Hermes

Alright good, stick close to me.

I'll be back soon.

Hermes goes with the slaves to the camp

"Stay in the light. Beware the false shadows."

That is all they can muster.

Acquire access.

From intel by bugs that have visited the City of Steel before, there was a pair of elevators that led up into the core's control room. From there, they would be able to shut down the self-destruct feature in case things get dicey for the Steelwyrm.

But, the issue was that they had to find such a key. That became harder as they reach an area completely mauled. The walls were shredded, the floor ripped open like a pit of spikes.

To top that, there were noises coming from the ventilation system. Something was following them.

*emilia seems more wary than Baptisia, hushing her sister quickly and motioning for her to lay low as she listens to the clanking in the vents above her. this place is… concerning for many reasons. first of all, this does not look like damage from the initial attack the Whitewyrm flung out as a giant fuck you for what was done to him, she knows what soul damage looks like, and secondly whatever did this is strong. very strong. inconceivably strong. she does not like her chances…*

I don’t have my damned access key anymore…

Father will have disposed of our connections to his masterpiece regardless, thinking we art dead.

Of course… what now? I can’t even tell what part of the city we’re in.

They bare teeth at the two, yet seem unsure if they are friend or foe.

@smallunfamiliarcreature

Grace looked over at the creature again, surprised it was back but curious about it nonetheless. He sat down on the ground slowly, making himself look smaller and inviting it to approach if it wanted to.

@smallunfamiliarcreature

Grace looked over at the creature again, surprised it was back but curious about it nonetheless. He sat down on the ground slowly, making himself look smaller and inviting it to approach if it wanted to.

@smallunfamiliarcreature

Grace noticed the creature after a moment, blinking in surprise at the sight of something new in his biodome.

@smallunfamiliarcreature

Hey little buddy we're up here! Don't worry, we'll come down to you!

*Lurien attempts to be smooth with his flight but ends up slowly stuttering as he kind of... falls and hovers, falls and hovers again. he's still getting the hang of this in all honesty but he manages to end up hovering besides the creature, holding out his arms*

Despite their sorry state, something tells you they'll be alright. Same doesn't apply for the carpet, which has a slowly expanding stain of mud and blood under the creature.

@smallunfamilarcreature

Woah woah woah! Lil buddy what went wrong here? You look like you've been through literal hell and back; what happened?

*lurien glances down at the rug and groans. great! that thing was hand woven by a couple of silkmoths from his old tribe and it took them years to make, was a gift when he broke into adulthood, would have been a gift for when he found a pretty lady to marry... oh well, out with the old he supposes! there's probably a nicer rug with less heavy history he can buy from someone considering he has a little geo to his name now...*