Destiny: Gospel of a New Genesis [Evangelion/Destiny]
- Thread starter Ultra Sonic 007
- Start date
- Crossover
54.14, in which we end on a somber note.
Ultra Sonic 007
Trying to keep things simple~
- Location
- Colorado
Grimoire: Exo 2
"You have to wonder if the Memory Chip market will still be standing after this."
In the wake of the Black Garden's destruction, a revolution occurred in our understanding of the Exos. Although a powerful metaphysical attack all but severed the tethers binding the souls of seven Guardians to their synthetic bodies, that turn of events turned out to be serendipitous: for the first time, the Core that contained an Exo's original human soul could be studied and analyzed, without fear of the body's myriad defensive measures activating.
Armed with the knowledge of how the Exo Cores connect to and manipulate the greater Exo framework, a number of factions and research divisions set out to implement upgrades and technology that had been developed in the many centuries since the Collapse. Of particular note is Wille's focus on safely integrating SIVA with an Exo's body.
Although some of the potential advancements focus on improving an Exo's quality of life, the vast majority are militarily-inclined. In the wake of the Second Cataclysm, this trend is unlikely to change anytime soon, if ever.
"You have to wonder if the Memory Chip market will still be standing after this."
In the wake of the Black Garden's destruction, a revolution occurred in our understanding of the Exos. Although a powerful metaphysical attack all but severed the tethers binding the souls of seven Guardians to their synthetic bodies, that turn of events turned out to be serendipitous: for the first time, the Core that contained an Exo's original human soul could be studied and analyzed, without fear of the body's myriad defensive measures activating.
Armed with the knowledge of how the Exo Cores connect to and manipulate the greater Exo framework, a number of factions and research divisions set out to implement upgrades and technology that had been developed in the many centuries since the Collapse. Of particular note is Wille's focus on safely integrating SIVA with an Exo's body.
Although some of the potential advancements focus on improving an Exo's quality of life, the vast majority are militarily-inclined. In the wake of the Second Cataclysm, this trend is unlikely to change anytime soon, if ever.
xxxx
/next time
//it's WAR
55.1, in which we witness the strength of Ghaul.
Ultra Sonic 007
Trying to keep things simple~
- Location
- Colorado
Grimoire: The Exalted 3
"From the Chronicles of the Dominus"
My bare feet left deep tracks in the wasteland; they would be gone within the hour, swept away by the wind.
The white sands of the Acrian Desert had once gleamed in the light of Kalos. So close to Torobatl, any rock or shrub that offended the Emperor's sight was still removed, keeping this place in stasis, to always remind we Cabal of his coronation. It was not until one got deeper into the wastes, that the familiar pillars of rock could be seen, with winding canyons and deep caverns spread among them; it would be at least another hour before I saw the spiked plants with waxy flesh and a nostalgic scent.
The means to survive and make do came from the very earth itself, treasures of the Fatherworld. But, as with any proper father, they had to be earned; nothing was given for free.
I sprinted, running as fast as I could, for as long as I could. I had left my armor in the barracks of the Red Legion, so as to be free from their protection. My hearts beat calmly within my chest; this exercise was nothing, compared to what I had endured.
My eyes gazed up at the Celestial Rings, hazy and ominous in the sky. I could appreciate the engineering marvel that they were, and knew that the thermonuclear fire of Kalos still ran within their veins. But my spirit recoiled, as always; their torches worked in concert to provide the necessary light and heat for our planet, yet they lacked the blazing passion of Kalos, whose light had scalded the skin of many a warrior, including my own.
So many in our conspiracy think that I despise Calus because of the Consul. The Consul believes that my hate mirrors his own.
Let them think what they wish: my hate for Calus is mine, and mine alone.
I do not begrudge that I was an outcast. I understand why the custom began: cripples and runts are naturally despised for their weakness, and made for less filling sacrifices to the Leviathans of old. I also understand why the Praetorate condemned and outlawed the custom: even the weak had bodies that could be used as bullet shields.
As for my belief?
We are all responsible for our own station. In the end, no matter how much you are beaten down...only you can make the decision to stay down. Even if you end up being killed by those with greater power, you alone decide whether it will be on your feet...on your knees...on your belly...or on your back.
The Consul may have raised me. Taught me. Trained me in the disciplines of the Praetorate. For that, I will always be grateful. But it was the harshness of this desert that formed me. Molded me. Forged me. The Fatherworld and its star, the mighty Kalos, offered strength and life for anyone who had but the will to grasp it. By comparison, the rejection by my peers, the ridicule by my superiors, and the torment by those who found my appearance ghastly...had merely been more fuel for the fire within.
For Calus to boast of his 'generosity' by erasing such struggles? That he would deprive our people of the chance to prove themselves, and remove any hint of challenge or strife from their lives?
The very idea was of the highest offense.
Hence why I so often returned to this place, clad only in the basic trousers worn by every Legionnaire; the light of our star - weakened though it was by the Emperor's work! - beat against my skin, reminding me of the pain of my childhood. The harsh winds, blowing great clouds of sand, irritated me. Yet they would not bring me down; my spirit would not let me. It was always good to be reminded of where I had come from, and how far I had yet to go.
But this day was to be different.
I found myself surrounded by tall plateaus when they appeared, as if from nowhere. From clouds of unnatural fog, machines of brass emerged.
My eyes narrowed, and my Anima Murum glowed as energy bolts and purple light exploded against it. With a defiant roar, I willed my spirit into a sharp point, and wielded it as one would a sword. I moved as the wind itself, striking down machine after machine.
I fought for hours. The floor of the valley was littered with shattered bronze and milky blood, yet they still kept coming. Had these ancient foes returned once more, to continue the war that had ended the Kings' Era?
So be it. I would face it gladly!
"Hear me, Vex! Do you think that this world is yours for the taking? Do you believe that with Calus's weakness, we would be ripe for the slaughter?!" I crushed a smaller unit beneath my foot, and tore apart a larger one with a single punch. "Look upon me! Primus of the Red Legion!" My soul protected me from jets of red fire, and I swept my arm through the air; a wave of orange light went flying, and crushed the snipers where they stood. "Warrior with an incomparable soul!" A hulking machine teleported in close, raising its arm high; I caught its limb with one hand, and bisected it with the other. "Razer of a hundred worlds!" The barrage from the Vex was relentless. But they would not kill me. I would not die. I refused to die! "Champion of the Cabal, and conqueror without equal!" I raised my hands, and bellowed my challenge to these machines, to my enemies, to the Fatherworld itself. "I. AM. GHAUL!" My red eyes narrowed. " And I...will become legend."
In that moment...Kalos chose me.
I can think of no other way to describe it.
For in a flash of glorious light, the great weapon of Acrius appeared in midair, landing in front of me.
I gazed up, looking upon the Exalted...and it looked upon me.
"From the Chronicles of the Dominus"
My bare feet left deep tracks in the wasteland; they would be gone within the hour, swept away by the wind.
The white sands of the Acrian Desert had once gleamed in the light of Kalos. So close to Torobatl, any rock or shrub that offended the Emperor's sight was still removed, keeping this place in stasis, to always remind we Cabal of his coronation. It was not until one got deeper into the wastes, that the familiar pillars of rock could be seen, with winding canyons and deep caverns spread among them; it would be at least another hour before I saw the spiked plants with waxy flesh and a nostalgic scent.
The means to survive and make do came from the very earth itself, treasures of the Fatherworld. But, as with any proper father, they had to be earned; nothing was given for free.
I sprinted, running as fast as I could, for as long as I could. I had left my armor in the barracks of the Red Legion, so as to be free from their protection. My hearts beat calmly within my chest; this exercise was nothing, compared to what I had endured.
My eyes gazed up at the Celestial Rings, hazy and ominous in the sky. I could appreciate the engineering marvel that they were, and knew that the thermonuclear fire of Kalos still ran within their veins. But my spirit recoiled, as always; their torches worked in concert to provide the necessary light and heat for our planet, yet they lacked the blazing passion of Kalos, whose light had scalded the skin of many a warrior, including my own.
So many in our conspiracy think that I despise Calus because of the Consul. The Consul believes that my hate mirrors his own.
Let them think what they wish: my hate for Calus is mine, and mine alone.
I do not begrudge that I was an outcast. I understand why the custom began: cripples and runts are naturally despised for their weakness, and made for less filling sacrifices to the Leviathans of old. I also understand why the Praetorate condemned and outlawed the custom: even the weak had bodies that could be used as bullet shields.
As for my belief?
We are all responsible for our own station. In the end, no matter how much you are beaten down...only you can make the decision to stay down. Even if you end up being killed by those with greater power, you alone decide whether it will be on your feet...on your knees...on your belly...or on your back.
The Consul may have raised me. Taught me. Trained me in the disciplines of the Praetorate. For that, I will always be grateful. But it was the harshness of this desert that formed me. Molded me. Forged me. The Fatherworld and its star, the mighty Kalos, offered strength and life for anyone who had but the will to grasp it. By comparison, the rejection by my peers, the ridicule by my superiors, and the torment by those who found my appearance ghastly...had merely been more fuel for the fire within.
For Calus to boast of his 'generosity' by erasing such struggles? That he would deprive our people of the chance to prove themselves, and remove any hint of challenge or strife from their lives?
The very idea was of the highest offense.
Hence why I so often returned to this place, clad only in the basic trousers worn by every Legionnaire; the light of our star - weakened though it was by the Emperor's work! - beat against my skin, reminding me of the pain of my childhood. The harsh winds, blowing great clouds of sand, irritated me. Yet they would not bring me down; my spirit would not let me. It was always good to be reminded of where I had come from, and how far I had yet to go.
But this day was to be different.
I found myself surrounded by tall plateaus when they appeared, as if from nowhere. From clouds of unnatural fog, machines of brass emerged.
My eyes narrowed, and my Anima Murum glowed as energy bolts and purple light exploded against it. With a defiant roar, I willed my spirit into a sharp point, and wielded it as one would a sword. I moved as the wind itself, striking down machine after machine.
I fought for hours. The floor of the valley was littered with shattered bronze and milky blood, yet they still kept coming. Had these ancient foes returned once more, to continue the war that had ended the Kings' Era?
So be it. I would face it gladly!
"Hear me, Vex! Do you think that this world is yours for the taking? Do you believe that with Calus's weakness, we would be ripe for the slaughter?!" I crushed a smaller unit beneath my foot, and tore apart a larger one with a single punch. "Look upon me! Primus of the Red Legion!" My soul protected me from jets of red fire, and I swept my arm through the air; a wave of orange light went flying, and crushed the snipers where they stood. "Warrior with an incomparable soul!" A hulking machine teleported in close, raising its arm high; I caught its limb with one hand, and bisected it with the other. "Razer of a hundred worlds!" The barrage from the Vex was relentless. But they would not kill me. I would not die. I refused to die! "Champion of the Cabal, and conqueror without equal!" I raised my hands, and bellowed my challenge to these machines, to my enemies, to the Fatherworld itself. "I. AM. GHAUL!" My red eyes narrowed. " And I...will become legend."
In that moment...Kalos chose me.
I can think of no other way to describe it.
For in a flash of glorious light, the great weapon of Acrius appeared in midair, landing in front of me.
I gazed up, looking upon the Exalted...and it looked upon me.
Last edited:
55.2, in which everyone ponders what to do about Sahaquiel.
Ultra Sonic 007
Trying to keep things simple~
- Location
- Colorado
/The Oversoul Throne/
Amidst the blue star that was Rei Ayanami's soul, the orange crystal containing the Original shimmered; hovering around her was Princess Nula Sov, who was seemingly unbothered by the immense heat of her original soul. "...my apologies for this turn of events."
"...I wish we could've told them."
"...I do." A very particular timeline, where the Queen had been overthrown, and the entire Reef had come under the control of Ayanami's iterations. Although the amount of resources gained had been significant...the City had been more leery of her attempts to establish an alliance (understandable, given how violent the coup had been). Despite her own gifts, she had lacked the Techeuns and Harbingers that the Queen had commanded...which had led to a far more disastrous outcome in the battle between the Awoken and Oryx's fleet. Speaking of which. "...things feel more clouded."
"...the feeling is...familiar."
xxxx
/One Day after the Evangelion Duel/
/Vanguard Headquarters, the Tower/
The seven members of the Consensus had gathered alongside the two most senior Iron Lords and the Emissary of the Awoken. The circumstances...were less than favorable.
"Seele's scouting vessels have been able to provide the following composite image." Osiris moved his hands, manipulating the projected image above the main table. The great eye, bordered by fingers of radiant energy, was moving with intent through the solar system. "Its eye is larger than Earth."
"What is its heading?" asked Clovis-9.
"Based on the trajectory corrections over all observations?" Representative Nagisa had a rather somber look on his face. "It is aiming for us."
"How do we stop it?" asked Misato Katsuragi.
"Enough firepower," bluntly answered Cayde-6.
"That goes without saying," murmured Akagi-80. "The question is, what counts as 'enough'?" The Exo turned her green eyes towards Petra Venj. "It seems to be traveling along the Solar System's orbital plane...which means it went through the Asteroid Belt. Did the Reef observe anything?"
The Awoken's Emissary coughed awkwardly into her hand. "...somewhat. Things back home have been...hectic. But it destroyed everything in its path, with no apparent energy buildup. Or any visible payload."
"...then our time is limited. Would the ships within our possession be able to stop it?" asked Saint-14.
Kaworu Nagisa incredulously eyed the Titan Vanguard. "Truly? The ships in our possession wouldn't do anything against something of that size."
"Then we use something that can counter its physical advantages," said Lord Zavala. He quietly glanced at his superior. "Lady Katsuragi; you have personally witnessed the capabilities of the Evangelions, more so than any of us."
Debatable, bluntly thought the Speaker.
"...you asking if Unit-01 and Unit-02 could stop it?" Misato grimaced, irritably tapping at her elbow. "Honestly? I couldn't even tell you. I've seen Unit-01 pull off some crazy things, don't get me wrong...but...but this?" She gestured pointedly at the projection. "This thing is humongous."
"It's not a question of size, or physical disparity. It is a matter of the right amount of power, applied in the proper way," interjected the Speaker. "We have seen the Light accomplish too much to be bound by such...limitations."
"Such boundless confidence that you all have! But...it is perhaps premature, yes?"
Everyone turned towards the entrance, eyeing the ashen-haired man walking towards them. Clad in a high-collared cloak of green, hardy brown pants, and black boots, he seemed utterly...plain, compared to eclectic garb of the Guardians that frequented the Tower. However, the tiny Servitor in his sternum drew everyone's attention, along with his crimson eyes.
"...Variks?" Petra Venj appeared to be dumbfounded. "What are you doing outside of the Reef?!"
"Oh, Variks merely felt like...a change of scenery. Things have been tense back home, yes? Wanted to...experience more. See how the different races are faring."
There was a ton that went unsaid. Yet there was even more that was hinted at. "What is happening in the Reef?" asked the Speaker.
"Forget the Reef; you are in dire straits. Variks would recommend that you abandon this place, before it is too late."
Saint-14 pounded the table. "We will not leave our home!"
"Then you will die." The Kell of House Tabris slowed to a stop, gazing heavily at the projection of the great eye. "This is Sahaquiel. One of the Progenitors of the Fallen. Among the same class of being as Zeruel."
"...we talking about the giant skull monster that torched the Citadel on Venus and then basically took over Mercury?" asked Cayde-6.
"The same."
"Ah. Okay. Just checking."
"But more than that..." Variks eyed the Speaker with grim intent. "Sahaquiel is still Turned. Consumed by the dark power that was the doom of my people. The same power that initiated the Whirlwind. He was mighty before, known as the God of Destruction through all the worlds controlled by the Eliksni...but now? It would take something exceptional to stop him, yes?"
xxxx
On Mercury, the eyes of Zeruel began to glow.
The Archon Priest of his House, Nixis, stared humbly at his god. You are...humming. The light of the Sun, blazing through a reddish-pink sky, seemed to sink into the Progenitor's dark flesh. Are you well? asked the Zeruelix.
Zeruel was quick to respond.
Zeruel huffed with unmistakeable anticipation.
++I SENSE YOUR PRESENCE, MY KIN++
--THIS TIME, THERE SHALL BE A PROPER END--
Amidst the blue star that was Rei Ayanami's soul, the orange crystal containing the Original shimmered; hovering around her was Princess Nula Sov, who was seemingly unbothered by the immense heat of her original soul. "...my apologies for this turn of events."
"The Queen has always been strong-willed. And unwilling to entertain disloyalty of any stripe."
"...I wish we could've told them."
"You know as well as I do what happened the last time we tried that."
"...I do." A very particular timeline, where the Queen had been overthrown, and the entire Reef had come under the control of Ayanami's iterations. Although the amount of resources gained had been significant...the City had been more leery of her attempts to establish an alliance (understandable, given how violent the coup had been). Despite her own gifts, she had lacked the Techeuns and Harbingers that the Queen had commanded...which had led to a far more disastrous outcome in the battle between the Awoken and Oryx's fleet. Speaking of which. "...things feel more clouded."
"The overall timelines, despite divergences of certain events, have a particular rhythm to them."
"...the feeling is...familiar."
"Oryx is upon us."
xxxx
/One Day after the Evangelion Duel/
/Vanguard Headquarters, the Tower/
The seven members of the Consensus had gathered alongside the two most senior Iron Lords and the Emissary of the Awoken. The circumstances...were less than favorable.
"Seele's scouting vessels have been able to provide the following composite image." Osiris moved his hands, manipulating the projected image above the main table. The great eye, bordered by fingers of radiant energy, was moving with intent through the solar system. "Its eye is larger than Earth."
"What is its heading?" asked Clovis-9.
"Based on the trajectory corrections over all observations?" Representative Nagisa had a rather somber look on his face. "It is aiming for us."
"How do we stop it?" asked Misato Katsuragi.
"Enough firepower," bluntly answered Cayde-6.
"That goes without saying," murmured Akagi-80. "The question is, what counts as 'enough'?" The Exo turned her green eyes towards Petra Venj. "It seems to be traveling along the Solar System's orbital plane...which means it went through the Asteroid Belt. Did the Reef observe anything?"
The Awoken's Emissary coughed awkwardly into her hand. "...somewhat. Things back home have been...hectic. But it destroyed everything in its path, with no apparent energy buildup. Or any visible payload."
"...then our time is limited. Would the ships within our possession be able to stop it?" asked Saint-14.
Kaworu Nagisa incredulously eyed the Titan Vanguard. "Truly? The ships in our possession wouldn't do anything against something of that size."
"Then we use something that can counter its physical advantages," said Lord Zavala. He quietly glanced at his superior. "Lady Katsuragi; you have personally witnessed the capabilities of the Evangelions, more so than any of us."
Debatable, bluntly thought the Speaker.
"...you asking if Unit-01 and Unit-02 could stop it?" Misato grimaced, irritably tapping at her elbow. "Honestly? I couldn't even tell you. I've seen Unit-01 pull off some crazy things, don't get me wrong...but...but this?" She gestured pointedly at the projection. "This thing is humongous."
"It's not a question of size, or physical disparity. It is a matter of the right amount of power, applied in the proper way," interjected the Speaker. "We have seen the Light accomplish too much to be bound by such...limitations."
"Such boundless confidence that you all have! But...it is perhaps premature, yes?"
Everyone turned towards the entrance, eyeing the ashen-haired man walking towards them. Clad in a high-collared cloak of green, hardy brown pants, and black boots, he seemed utterly...plain, compared to eclectic garb of the Guardians that frequented the Tower. However, the tiny Servitor in his sternum drew everyone's attention, along with his crimson eyes.
"...Variks?" Petra Venj appeared to be dumbfounded. "What are you doing outside of the Reef?!"
"Oh, Variks merely felt like...a change of scenery. Things have been tense back home, yes? Wanted to...experience more. See how the different races are faring."
There was a ton that went unsaid. Yet there was even more that was hinted at. "What is happening in the Reef?" asked the Speaker.
"Forget the Reef; you are in dire straits. Variks would recommend that you abandon this place, before it is too late."
Saint-14 pounded the table. "We will not leave our home!"
"Then you will die." The Kell of House Tabris slowed to a stop, gazing heavily at the projection of the great eye. "This is Sahaquiel. One of the Progenitors of the Fallen. Among the same class of being as Zeruel."
"...we talking about the giant skull monster that torched the Citadel on Venus and then basically took over Mercury?" asked Cayde-6.
"The same."
"Ah. Okay. Just checking."
"But more than that..." Variks eyed the Speaker with grim intent. "Sahaquiel is still Turned. Consumed by the dark power that was the doom of my people. The same power that initiated the Whirlwind. He was mighty before, known as the God of Destruction through all the worlds controlled by the Eliksni...but now? It would take something exceptional to stop him, yes?"
xxxx
On Mercury, the eyes of Zeruel began to glow.
The Archon Priest of his House, Nixis, stared humbly at his god. You are...humming. The light of the Sun, blazing through a reddish-pink sky, seemed to sink into the Progenitor's dark flesh. Are you well? asked the Zeruelix.
Zeruel was quick to respond.
++WHAT FORTUNE THIS IS!++
++AN ANCIENT BATTLE, ABANDONED--
--A CLIMACTIC STRUGGLE, CUT SHORT++
++THE FATE OF A PEOPLE, UNDECIDED--
--AN ANSWER TO A DIRE QUESTION++
--WHO WOULD HAVE TRIUMPHED?--
++AN ANCIENT BATTLE, ABANDONED--
--A CLIMACTIC STRUGGLE, CUT SHORT++
++THE FATE OF A PEOPLE, UNDECIDED--
--AN ANSWER TO A DIRE QUESTION++
--WHO WOULD HAVE TRIUMPHED?--
Zeruel huffed with unmistakeable anticipation.
++I SENSE YOUR PRESENCE, MY KIN++
--THIS TIME, THERE SHALL BE A PROPER END--
55.3, in which the triad arrives.
Ultra Sonic 007
Trying to keep things simple~
- Location
- Colorado
/Vanguard Headquarters, the Tower/
Variks sighed, looking grimly at the people around him. "Variks does not believe you have something that exceptional."
Clovis-9 growled. "Listen, you-!"
"Sahaquiel is capable of destroying planets. Has destroyed planets," interrupted the Tabrix. "Your Evangelions may be mighty. But are you willing to gamble everything on them?"
"Where exactly would we go?" replied the Speaker. "The Traveler is still dormant. If this planet is doomed, then so are all of the others. If we do not fight now, then what are we to do?"
"...we could leave," said Representative Nagisa. "We could abandon this world, and make for the stars. As we have argued for centuries. If we begin the evacuation proceedings now, we-"
"That is a non-starter," retorted Lord Zavala.
"And you are not a part of the Consensus," calmly answered Nagisa. "If you wish to die with this City, feel free. But there are many others who wish to live."
"...Sahaquiel is but the first wave. A 'vanguard', if you will, of darker things, yes?" Variks' knuckles tightened around the edges of the table. "Just as the Taishibethi were for the Whirlwind, Sahaquiel is for you all." The tiny Servitor in his chest glowed a pale green; the image on the projector zoomed out, showing a greater map of the Solar System. "The Queen also sent me to warn you of this: a fleet of Hive ships is en route." A distinct blob was moving amidst the Outer Planets, now near Saturn.
Osiris went still. His jaw clenched, as the ramifications became clear. "...that must be Oryx. Here to enact vengeance upon us for the demise of Crota."
"...who?" asked Misato, blinking slowly.
"In the overall pantheon of Hive gods, Crota was one of the greatest," answered the Speaker. "But Oryx, his father...is in the top tier, matched only by two others."
xxxx
/The Oversoul Throne/
"...I do not believe that the Awoken will be striking first, this time," said Nula Sov. That had been an important staple of many timelines; although the Awoken all but crippled themselves, their sacrificial play had almost always been enough to destroy everything but the Dreadnaught, if only because they forced Oryx to use his Throne World's power...and such power did not differentiate between friend or foe.
A new voice intruded. "I'm not so sure you would like to do that."
Nula turned, eyeing the spectral figure slowly floating towards them. His overall appearance was instantly familiar. "Ah. Hello Toland."
"And greetings to you, Princess of the Reef. A...interesting turn of events, is it not? You would think the Awoken of all people would be less hasty."
"...the perception of betrayal and deceit is not something that my sister takes kindly to."
Toland's choice of words prompted Nula Sov to frown. "...you speak as if Oryx is not alone."
"Of course not!" exclaimed the mad Warlock. "After everything that's been done, you above all others should realize that repetition can be a deadly vice. Even if you've only come up against Oryx before...why should he be the only one? The Evangelions are so heavy too; if you throw them at the universe for long enough, someone's going to stand up and take notice."
The implications were not lost upon the Original.
xxxx
Within the Reef, a squadron of Ceres Galliots quietly patrolled the edges of the Vesta family of asteroids.
However, their long-range sensors suddenly picked up something...immense. "What?" murmured a Corsair, readjusting his equipment. To his horror, it was not a false positive. "Incoming warp! Thirty degrees down-solar, four degrees retrograde!"
Thousands and thousands of miles away, a precise wound was cut in the fabric of space and time. Out of this wound poured a legion of knives: ships sharpened to a deadly point, a perfect representation of their maker's sharper mind. Their design ethos, however, was unmistakable.
The Corsair paled, and promptly pressed a combination of buttons that sent a message on all channels to Sovereign, the Paladins, and every commanding officer within the Royal Armada: HIVE INVASION IMMINENT.
In the back of his mind, he couldn't help but hear a feminine giggle.
xxxx
/Vanguard Headquarters, the Tower/
Kaworu Nagisa paused, holding a hand up to his ear. "Pardon?" Everyone turned towards him, even as he kept speaking into his hidden earpiece. "...what? You're sure...?"
'Ikari. I'm getting an incoming message.'
The Speaker eyed the Guardians around him, frowning behind his mask as their Ghosts manifested and began whispering to their partners. Their trepidation was obvious. I think we all are.
xxxx
Throughout the City, the message blasted across all communication devices that were capable of receiving a signal.
It was a message that Eris Morn already knew; collapsed against a wall, her breathing came out in heavy gasps. "All of them..."
But it was a message that everyone heard.
"...all three of them...!" she whined, trying to push back the frenzied shouting within her head.
xxxx
Five million miles southward of Earth's orbital plane, ugly wounds were ripped open. In a plane of spacetime that ran parallel to that of the Solar System, hundreds of war-moons emerged, streaming towards a variety of different points throughout the Inner and Outer Planets.
On the largest war-moon, closest to Mars, Xivu Arath waved her cleaver decisively. "Let us make a fine temple, of blood and bone and carnage!"
And thus did her Hive advance towards the Solar System en masse.
Variks sighed, looking grimly at the people around him. "Variks does not believe you have something that exceptional."
Clovis-9 growled. "Listen, you-!"
"Sahaquiel is capable of destroying planets. Has destroyed planets," interrupted the Tabrix. "Your Evangelions may be mighty. But are you willing to gamble everything on them?"
"Where exactly would we go?" replied the Speaker. "The Traveler is still dormant. If this planet is doomed, then so are all of the others. If we do not fight now, then what are we to do?"
"...we could leave," said Representative Nagisa. "We could abandon this world, and make for the stars. As we have argued for centuries. If we begin the evacuation proceedings now, we-"
"That is a non-starter," retorted Lord Zavala.
"And you are not a part of the Consensus," calmly answered Nagisa. "If you wish to die with this City, feel free. But there are many others who wish to live."
"...Sahaquiel is but the first wave. A 'vanguard', if you will, of darker things, yes?" Variks' knuckles tightened around the edges of the table. "Just as the Taishibethi were for the Whirlwind, Sahaquiel is for you all." The tiny Servitor in his chest glowed a pale green; the image on the projector zoomed out, showing a greater map of the Solar System. "The Queen also sent me to warn you of this: a fleet of Hive ships is en route." A distinct blob was moving amidst the Outer Planets, now near Saturn.
Osiris went still. His jaw clenched, as the ramifications became clear. "...that must be Oryx. Here to enact vengeance upon us for the demise of Crota."
"...who?" asked Misato, blinking slowly.
"In the overall pantheon of Hive gods, Crota was one of the greatest," answered the Speaker. "But Oryx, his father...is in the top tier, matched only by two others."
xxxx
/The Oversoul Throne/
"...I do not believe that the Awoken will be striking first, this time," said Nula Sov. That had been an important staple of many timelines; although the Awoken all but crippled themselves, their sacrificial play had almost always been enough to destroy everything but the Dreadnaught, if only because they forced Oryx to use his Throne World's power...and such power did not differentiate between friend or foe.
"Then we may have to take a more overt role."
A new voice intruded. "I'm not so sure you would like to do that."
Nula turned, eyeing the spectral figure slowly floating towards them. His overall appearance was instantly familiar. "Ah. Hello Toland."
"And greetings to you, Princess of the Reef. A...interesting turn of events, is it not? You would think the Awoken of all people would be less hasty."
"...the perception of betrayal and deceit is not something that my sister takes kindly to."
"Why are you here, Toland? Have you gotten bored of traversing the Ascendant Realm?"
The Original's words prompted the undying Warlock to chuckle darkly. "This is but a piece of it, and now there are so many more pieces gathering. Do you really think I would miss something like this?"
Toland's choice of words prompted Nula Sov to frown. "...you speak as if Oryx is not alone."
"Of course not!" exclaimed the mad Warlock. "After everything that's been done, you above all others should realize that repetition can be a deadly vice. Even if you've only come up against Oryx before...why should he be the only one? The Evangelions are so heavy too; if you throw them at the universe for long enough, someone's going to stand up and take notice."
The implications were not lost upon the Original.
"...no..."
xxxx
Within the Reef, a squadron of Ceres Galliots quietly patrolled the edges of the Vesta family of asteroids.
However, their long-range sensors suddenly picked up something...immense. "What?" murmured a Corsair, readjusting his equipment. To his horror, it was not a false positive. "Incoming warp! Thirty degrees down-solar, four degrees retrograde!"
Thousands and thousands of miles away, a precise wound was cut in the fabric of space and time. Out of this wound poured a legion of knives: ships sharpened to a deadly point, a perfect representation of their maker's sharper mind. Their design ethos, however, was unmistakable.
The Corsair paled, and promptly pressed a combination of buttons that sent a message on all channels to Sovereign, the Paladins, and every commanding officer within the Royal Armada: HIVE INVASION IMMINENT.
In the back of his mind, he couldn't help but hear a feminine giggle.
xxxx
/Vanguard Headquarters, the Tower/
Kaworu Nagisa paused, holding a hand up to his ear. "Pardon?" Everyone turned towards him, even as he kept speaking into his hidden earpiece. "...what? You're sure...?"
'Ikari. I'm getting an incoming message.'
The Speaker eyed the Guardians around him, frowning behind his mask as their Ghosts manifested and began whispering to their partners. Their trepidation was obvious. I think we all are.
xxxx
Throughout the City, the message blasted across all communication devices that were capable of receiving a signal.
It was a message that Eris Morn already knew; collapsed against a wall, her breathing came out in heavy gasps. "All of them..."
But it was a message that everyone heard.
"WAR IS HERE."
"...all three of them...!" she whined, trying to push back the frenzied shouting within her head.
xxxx
Five million miles southward of Earth's orbital plane, ugly wounds were ripped open. In a plane of spacetime that ran parallel to that of the Solar System, hundreds of war-moons emerged, streaming towards a variety of different points throughout the Inner and Outer Planets.
On the largest war-moon, closest to Mars, Xivu Arath waved her cleaver decisively. "Let us make a fine temple, of blood and bone and carnage!"
And thus did her Hive advance towards the Solar System en masse.
StatelessGem
Bane of the Iron Lords
I find myself morbidly curious, what Xivu Arath's Hive looks like, and how they operate.
Oryx and Savathun are the Warlock and Hunter of the siblings. Oryx through his understanding of the Deep and Savathun through her trickery and manipulations.
How does Xivu Arath reflect the Titans?
StatelessGem
Bane of the Iron Lords
I now have the image of Xivu Arath's driving lessons.
(Edit: I had to add more)
"ORYX, HOW DO I STICK SHIFT?!"
"The clutch! Use the CLUTCH you nimrod!!"
*Savathun laughs in the backseat while hiding a wrench*
Last edited:
55.4, in which the Dominus arrives.
Ultra Sonic 007
Trying to keep things simple~
- Location
- Colorado
/The Oversoul Throne/
CRACK.
A dainty hand broke through the orange crystal, gripping Toland by the neck. "Grk!"
The chunk of crystalline spirit fell away, seamlessly merging with the Original's form, forming a seamless skin of armor, almost akin to a Plug Suit. However, her three eyes were glowing red, blazing with a blue fire. "I am not so simple, Toland. Oryx has never felt the need to summon his sisters, regardless of how often the Evangelions acted in prior timelines. Crota and Nokris on their own were insufficient to draw any but Oryx before. I banished Taox personally to the end of a dead timeline, where there is nothing to draw any Hive." Her fingers burned with a metaphysical necrosis, and it slowly seemed to eat at Toland's form. "If you know something...then speak."
There was a booming chuckle.
Rei Ayanami tossed the Warlock's soul aside; ignoring his deep breathing - the sound of an existence trying to pull itself back together, to keep itself from falling apart - she descended downward, setting down upon the resting place of her Worm. The platform had grown, becoming a line of rock that seemed to stretch forever; Eva had truly grown fat and happy from the slaughter of the Hex and her more combative iterations through all of reality. "...it was you, wasn't it?"
The Profane Worm sneered, revealing sharp teeth. Trace spiritual matter clung to those fangs like plaque: oh child mine, did you truly think anything would go so simply? This particular timeline has been great, and glorious...and all too easy.
"...you told your fellow Worms of my intentions?"
Eva snickered: only the essential pieces! The union of the Sky and the Deep that is Evangelion; the consumption of Crota; the heresy of Nokris; the presence of Taox!
Rei's eyes narrowed. "Taox is not here."
Her Worm smirked: do you believe that they would care, oh bearer mine?
"...no. They wouldn't." High above, her Oversoul blazed with irritation. "I would ask that you speak honestly: why?"
Eva's eyes narrowed, and the titanic Worm God glared at her: you have truly been devoted to this cause, as is befitting your nature, oh servant mine...but that is not your entire nature, is it?
"It is not."
The Worm bared her wicked jaws: tell me the answer to this riddle, then; when was the last time you truly sacrificed anything?
The Original did not answer.
Eva laughed, causing her Ascendant Realm to quiver: the surrendering of the one you named Nula Sov was like a balm upon my spirit; so long has it been since I tasted such delectable anguish! When you devoured Crota, and claimed this place for your own...I knew that ultimate victory was in your grasp. When you complete your dread work, and finally attain the Contradiction's apotheosis...what will you have left to sacrifice?
"...so it was because you are not yet satisfied. How...typical."
The Worm God sighed, loosing a breath that smelt of rank decay: I am a gluttonous beast, after all; and am I not honest, oh deceiver mine?
The Original was silent. With a sudden flash, she received a bit of insight; gazing upward into the abyssal heavens, her Mind turned in place. The fabric of existence within her native star system was bending yet again. "Hmm. There may be...alternatives." But what was it that was arriving now...?
xxxx
/Vanguard Headquarters, the Tower/
"We have two more Hive fleets." Osiris stared at the Solar System's projection, speaking with a trace hint of existential fear. "One is moving upon the Reef. And the other...is attacking the entire system at once."
"...starting to think that we may be in trouble," murmured Cayde-6. All hint of his jovial nature had vanished.
"Damn it all, we can't just give up!" yelled Misato. "We've faced overwhelming odds before, and we managed to triumph!"
"Three Hive fleets are descending upon this singular system, each one commanded by a Hive deity of immense power, yes?" Variks turned a fierce glare at the purple-haired woman. "It was the one called Oryx who struck the Eliksni; our interstellar empire was defeated by him and him alone...and you would face him and two of his kin, with only the resources of a single star system?" It was easy to see that Misato wanted to retort, to challenge him...but she was drawing a blank. And they all knew it. "It is something that my people eventually had to accept...the sting of loss, and final defeat. Do not wait until you are nearly extinct before you are forced to decide anyway."
"...hmm..."
The Speaker glanced at Akagi-80; she was looking at the current position of Sahaquiel with something akin to...concern. "What is it, Representative Akagi?"
"...given previously established Cabal military doctrine, we should have at least seen a strike force go out to meet this 'Sahaquiel' once it got within ten million miles of Mars." Indeed; although Mars was not directly in the Progenitor's pathway to Earth, it would pass the red planet at approximately seven million miles away at the closest. "Why haven't any of Seele's scouting vessels reported Cabal activity?"
xxxx
/Fleetbase Korus, Phobos/
Every single warship and carrier under the control of the Cabal Expeditionary Force was active and in operation, ready to greet their superior in all things.
Ta'aun, Primus of the Skyburners, stood stoically in burnished blue armor atop the command center of Fleetbase Korus, staring into the starry void of space. The horn at the tip of his helmet had been sharpened to a microscopic point, just for the occasion. His eyes kept a close watch on the burning hostile far in the distance, millions of miles away; were it not for protocol, he would have sent his bond brothers to take care of it.
But the Emperor...the Dominus...took priority.
The message from the resident commander of the Skyburners' Flayers suddenly came through. "Warp incoming in five."
Ta'aun grunted; precisely three seconds later, he - along with every other Primus in this system - held the arms up, palms facing diagonally toward the ground. "Hail to the Emperor!"
One second later, every single soldier in these Legions responded in kind. "HAIL TO THE EMPEROR!"
At that precise moment, a large vessel emerged from warp, approximately five hundred thousand miles northward of Mars' orbital plane. Massive monitors transmitted a close-up image courtesy of their sensor equipment: the shape and bloody color of the Immortal was unmistakable. Likewise for the dozens of warships and carriers that emerged in a loose formation around it.
The Red Legion had arrived.
xxxx
/The Oversoul Throne/
The Original Rei Ayanami tilted her head, feeling the strange...but familiar weight of these newcomers. "The Red Legion?" How...unusual, for them to arrive so early. It was exceedingly rare for Dominus Ghaul to arrive in-system before Oryx...and never before had it been at the same time. "But this...this is good. They will serve as a decent counter to the Hive. Maybe not enough to completely match them, but enough for me to prepare-"
xxxx
At that precise moment, approximately two million miles northward of Mars' orbital plane, the Cabal homeworld dropped out of warp, its Celestial Rings burning brightly.
In that plane of spacetime which contained the Fatherworld, and ran parallel to that of the Solar System...thousands of warships emerged, commanded by a multitude of Legions, and all aimed at the entirety of the Solar System.
xxxx
/The Oversoul Throne/
Rei Ayanami blinked. "...WHAT."
Eva, the Profane Worm, cackled with delight.
CRACK.
A dainty hand broke through the orange crystal, gripping Toland by the neck. "Grk!"
The chunk of crystalline spirit fell away, seamlessly merging with the Original's form, forming a seamless skin of armor, almost akin to a Plug Suit. However, her three eyes were glowing red, blazing with a blue fire. "I am not so simple, Toland. Oryx has never felt the need to summon his sisters, regardless of how often the Evangelions acted in prior timelines. Crota and Nokris on their own were insufficient to draw any but Oryx before. I banished Taox personally to the end of a dead timeline, where there is nothing to draw any Hive." Her fingers burned with a metaphysical necrosis, and it slowly seemed to eat at Toland's form. "If you know something...then speak."
There was a booming chuckle.
Rei Ayanami tossed the Warlock's soul aside; ignoring his deep breathing - the sound of an existence trying to pull itself back together, to keep itself from falling apart - she descended downward, setting down upon the resting place of her Worm. The platform had grown, becoming a line of rock that seemed to stretch forever; Eva had truly grown fat and happy from the slaughter of the Hex and her more combative iterations through all of reality. "...it was you, wasn't it?"
The Profane Worm sneered, revealing sharp teeth. Trace spiritual matter clung to those fangs like plaque: oh child mine, did you truly think anything would go so simply? This particular timeline has been great, and glorious...and all too easy.
"...you told your fellow Worms of my intentions?"
Eva snickered: only the essential pieces! The union of the Sky and the Deep that is Evangelion; the consumption of Crota; the heresy of Nokris; the presence of Taox!
Rei's eyes narrowed. "Taox is not here."
Her Worm smirked: do you believe that they would care, oh bearer mine?
"...no. They wouldn't." High above, her Oversoul blazed with irritation. "I would ask that you speak honestly: why?"
Eva's eyes narrowed, and the titanic Worm God glared at her: you have truly been devoted to this cause, as is befitting your nature, oh servant mine...but that is not your entire nature, is it?
"It is not."
The Worm bared her wicked jaws: tell me the answer to this riddle, then; when was the last time you truly sacrificed anything?
The Original did not answer.
Eva laughed, causing her Ascendant Realm to quiver: the surrendering of the one you named Nula Sov was like a balm upon my spirit; so long has it been since I tasted such delectable anguish! When you devoured Crota, and claimed this place for your own...I knew that ultimate victory was in your grasp. When you complete your dread work, and finally attain the Contradiction's apotheosis...what will you have left to sacrifice?
"...so it was because you are not yet satisfied. How...typical."
The Worm God sighed, loosing a breath that smelt of rank decay: I am a gluttonous beast, after all; and am I not honest, oh deceiver mine?
The Original was silent. With a sudden flash, she received a bit of insight; gazing upward into the abyssal heavens, her Mind turned in place. The fabric of existence within her native star system was bending yet again. "Hmm. There may be...alternatives." But what was it that was arriving now...?
xxxx
/Vanguard Headquarters, the Tower/
"We have two more Hive fleets." Osiris stared at the Solar System's projection, speaking with a trace hint of existential fear. "One is moving upon the Reef. And the other...is attacking the entire system at once."
"...starting to think that we may be in trouble," murmured Cayde-6. All hint of his jovial nature had vanished.
"Damn it all, we can't just give up!" yelled Misato. "We've faced overwhelming odds before, and we managed to triumph!"
"Three Hive fleets are descending upon this singular system, each one commanded by a Hive deity of immense power, yes?" Variks turned a fierce glare at the purple-haired woman. "It was the one called Oryx who struck the Eliksni; our interstellar empire was defeated by him and him alone...and you would face him and two of his kin, with only the resources of a single star system?" It was easy to see that Misato wanted to retort, to challenge him...but she was drawing a blank. And they all knew it. "It is something that my people eventually had to accept...the sting of loss, and final defeat. Do not wait until you are nearly extinct before you are forced to decide anyway."
"...hmm..."
The Speaker glanced at Akagi-80; she was looking at the current position of Sahaquiel with something akin to...concern. "What is it, Representative Akagi?"
"...given previously established Cabal military doctrine, we should have at least seen a strike force go out to meet this 'Sahaquiel' once it got within ten million miles of Mars." Indeed; although Mars was not directly in the Progenitor's pathway to Earth, it would pass the red planet at approximately seven million miles away at the closest. "Why haven't any of Seele's scouting vessels reported Cabal activity?"
xxxx
/Fleetbase Korus, Phobos/
Every single warship and carrier under the control of the Cabal Expeditionary Force was active and in operation, ready to greet their superior in all things.
Ta'aun, Primus of the Skyburners, stood stoically in burnished blue armor atop the command center of Fleetbase Korus, staring into the starry void of space. The horn at the tip of his helmet had been sharpened to a microscopic point, just for the occasion. His eyes kept a close watch on the burning hostile far in the distance, millions of miles away; were it not for protocol, he would have sent his bond brothers to take care of it.
But the Emperor...the Dominus...took priority.
The message from the resident commander of the Skyburners' Flayers suddenly came through. "Warp incoming in five."
Ta'aun grunted; precisely three seconds later, he - along with every other Primus in this system - held the arms up, palms facing diagonally toward the ground. "Hail to the Emperor!"
One second later, every single soldier in these Legions responded in kind. "HAIL TO THE EMPEROR!"
At that precise moment, a large vessel emerged from warp, approximately five hundred thousand miles northward of Mars' orbital plane. Massive monitors transmitted a close-up image courtesy of their sensor equipment: the shape and bloody color of the Immortal was unmistakable. Likewise for the dozens of warships and carriers that emerged in a loose formation around it.
The Red Legion had arrived.
xxxx
/The Oversoul Throne/
The Original Rei Ayanami tilted her head, feeling the strange...but familiar weight of these newcomers. "The Red Legion?" How...unusual, for them to arrive so early. It was exceedingly rare for Dominus Ghaul to arrive in-system before Oryx...and never before had it been at the same time. "But this...this is good. They will serve as a decent counter to the Hive. Maybe not enough to completely match them, but enough for me to prepare-"
xxxx
At that precise moment, approximately two million miles northward of Mars' orbital plane, the Cabal homeworld dropped out of warp, its Celestial Rings burning brightly.
In that plane of spacetime which contained the Fatherworld, and ran parallel to that of the Solar System...thousands of warships emerged, commanded by a multitude of Legions, and all aimed at the entirety of the Solar System.
xxxx
/The Oversoul Throne/
Rei Ayanami blinked. "...WHAT."
Eva, the Profane Worm, cackled with delight.
Lone Courier 6
Devilish Fool
- Location
- United States of Quests
Well ain't this a giant clusterfuck?
robopanda
My avatar is the original Avatar!
- Location
- The Northern Air Temple
- Pronouns
- He/Him
And that, Rei, is why having a plan that utilizes experiences gained from prior lives via time travel never works. There will ALWAYS be something you never anticipated. You can NEVER plan for everything.
- Location
- USA
Watching Rei freak out after being in control of EVERYTHING prior to this is fun.
Also, all of this happening SIMULTANEOUSLY. Why do you torture us, and your poor, poor cast, so Ultra
Also, all of this happening SIMULTANEOUSLY. Why do you torture us, and your poor, poor cast, so Ultra
- Location
- Ruralcratic Dominion of Nebraska, Dumbfuckistan
Another way to put it is "The universe is bigger than you, and it does not like being fucked with."
Her entire scheme relied on her being able to manipulate godlike beings and using time travel to save scum. A Timelord would have found her quaint before holding the reset button and hitting "power."
55.5, in which we finally see the Exalted.
Ultra Sonic 007
Trying to keep things simple~
- Location
- Colorado
/Vanguard Headquarters, the Tower/
"...that's...a lot of ships." Cayde-6's comment was perfectly underwhelming, and thus perfectly appropriate.
"...where did they come from? Why are they here?!" demanded Clovis-9, finally letting a semblance of panic set in.
"...not exactly something we can speculate on. Other than total domination..." Representative Nagisa looked meaningfully at Variks. "Not only the Hive, but the Cabal as well..."
"A troubling development indeed. Vastly outnumbered, on all sides." The Tabrix hummed thoughtfully. "...fortunately, Cabal and Hive are not allies. We can at least expect them to fight each other."
"It won't matter unless we verify their ultimate goal. With the exception of the Threefold Invasion, they've only been focused on the Vex..." Saint-14 paused. "...the Invasion." The Exo Titan turned grimly towards the Speaker and the Commander. "Remember Lord Shaxx's report after the Invasion? About his encounter with Primus Sho'oulth?"
It doesn't matter. I know what the Red Legion would be here for. "The Traveler. They wanted to see it in person, on behalf of their Emperor." The Speaker sighed heavily, feeling a very familiar pressure settle on him: the pressure of impossible odds. "They are probably after the Traveler as well."
Cayde-6 chuckled nervously, trying his damnedest to break the tension. "Hey hey now, I'm sure it's not as bad as all that...it's never too late for a unforeseen peace treaty, huh? Like, 'hey, help us take out the Hive, and then we'll duke it out to see who gets the Traveler, best two out of three'? It would be-"
And that's when the image of Dominus Ghaul emerged on the projector, staring with stoic purpose.
"-something," muttered the Hunter Vanguard.
"To all those within this system: listen to me." The faint echo down the hall implied that this was being broadcast everywhere...and overtaking every device.
I'll have to find out how he's doing that, thought Gendo with a frown.
xxxx
/The Immortal/
The Psion Flayers worked in concert with Freeborn Otzot to transmit Ghaul's message. All of the Cabal could hear it through normal communication channels...but with the psionic assistance of Otzot and her kin, it would go to everyone.
Sitting within the Exalted, Ghaul spoke clearly. "I am the Emperor of the Cabal. I am Dominus Ghaul. To my people: we have long ago learned the lessons of Kalos and the Fatherworld, imparted by Acrius himself. To strive; to struggle; to constantly test our own limits; it was thanks to that understanding that Acrius was first blessed with the Exalted. It was because of that, that I was given the Exalted, to use it in its fullness." Sitting within the glowing sphere, Ghaul let his hands gently touch the radiant power within. "After countless years of study and research, to try and understand the might of the Exalted...we all discovered its origin. Its source. Kalos was but a mere messenger for that power; fitting, given its immaculate glow!" He paused, for the sake of drama. "And after so long...we have finally found it. The source of the Exalted's blessed Light...the Traveler."
xxxx
/Vanguard Headquarters, the Tower/
Everyone looked as if a bomb had dropped. "...the Traveler...?" murmured Osiris.
"You have all witnessed the Exalted's glory. I would desire that every Cabal have the chance to earn that power! And to accomplish that...we must first prove our worth."
xxxx
/Caloris Basin, Mercury/
The voice of Ghaul was transmitted through the Servitors. "We have traversed the worlds touched by the Traveler, and seen the end of those who were too weak to serve it! We will not be conquered as they were."
Zeruel's eyes narrowed to pinpricks. Every single Fallen backed away out of trepidation.
xxxx
/The Altar of Oryx, the Dreadnaught/
At the center of a mighty fleet, the Dreadnaught moved with intent towards the Inner Planets, following the path etched in spacetime by Sahaquiel.
The message of Ghaul even reached the depths of these vessels.
"The current chosen of the Traveler are naught but infantile weaklings. They are unworthy to wield the Light...for they are beset by foul creatures, who deserve only to be crushed beneath our feet."
Oryx chortled; here was a creature after Xivu Arath's own undying heart. "How amusing." With the flick of his finger, the word was sent.
Millions of miles away, the word was received by Sahaquiel: with slow yet inexorable weight, the Vanguard of Oryx curved away from its current Earthward trajectory, and made its way towards Mars.
xxxx
/Vanguard Headquarters, the Tower/
"...Sahaquiel is turning away from Earth. It's now heading towards the Cabal homeworld," said Kaworu Nagisa, hand held tightly against his earpiece.
"...well, that's one less problem on our plate," offered Cayde-6.
xxxx
/The Eastern Perimeter, the Last City/
Beyond the City's Barrier, Unit-01 and Unit-02 stood silently, gazing up into the sky. The crimson Evangelion had the Lance of Taox balanced on its shoulder, ready for battle.
Within Unit-01's Core, Shinji Ikari hovered in silence, watching the transmitted message from Dominus Ghaul via a projection formed of Light. Asuka-3's image was adjacent to it. "...now what?"
"Isn't it obvious?" responded Asuka-3. "We kick his ass, and the asses of all his flunkies."
"Blunt, but appropriate!" exclaimed Yui.
"...couldn't we just share the Light?" asked Shinji. "And avoid all of this?"
His mother sighed. "He doesn't appear to hold the people of Earth in high regard."
"...I hate that it has to be that way." If only. If only!
Dominus Ghaul continued speaking, unhearing of their words. "And now..." He looked away, as if hearing someone off-screen. After several seconds of silence...he chuckled. "Hmph. I was going to unveil the Exalted in the face of the Traveler itself, so that all of our soldiers would have the chance to be bloodied, and prove themselves...but my hand has been forced. Witness, people of this system...the might of the Cabal, and the power of the Light!" With those words, the image began to pan away, switching from wherever Ghaul was sitting to an exterior shot of his weapon.
Shinji's jaw dropped.
"Was zum Teufel?!" exclaimed Asuka-3.
"...this is incredibly improbable," flatly said Yui.
xxxx
/Vanguard Headquarters, the Tower/
Misato Katsuragi and Akagi-80 both leaned in at the same time, yelling in unison at the projected image. "THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!"
Osiris looked intently at him. "Speaker?"
Honestly? Gendo could only shake his head. "I'm...at a loss for words..." Truly; this was something that Rei Ayanami had never deigned to reveal to him.
xxxx
/The Oversoul Throne/
"...WHAT?!" screamed Rei Ayanami, sensing the Exalted's activation, inwardly reeling at the searing familiarity of it!
Eva's mocking laughter increased in loudness.
xxxx
/The Immortal/
The posterior of Ghaul's personal warship slowly split; the Dominus's personal chambers connected directly to an immense hangar, which held only a singular weapon. Ghaul's weapon. Acrius's weapon. The gift of Kalos, and bearer of the Traveler's Light.
Free of its bonds, it rose on two legs, and flexed its fingers. In the light of the distant Sun, its sterling white armor gleamed brightly...and two blank eyes stared with hunger, glaring at the glowing dot that was Sahaquiel.
With a precise flexing of its Anima Murum - an A.T. Field - the Exalted lifted away from the Immortal.
For those who were not Cabal, however...they could only watch in stunned silence as Evangelion Unit-04 took off in a burst of spiritual power.
xxxx
/hmm
//hmm
///...nah, I'm sure that armor design's just a coincidence
////Ghaul's a big fan of fins
"...that's...a lot of ships." Cayde-6's comment was perfectly underwhelming, and thus perfectly appropriate.
"...where did they come from? Why are they here?!" demanded Clovis-9, finally letting a semblance of panic set in.
"...not exactly something we can speculate on. Other than total domination..." Representative Nagisa looked meaningfully at Variks. "Not only the Hive, but the Cabal as well..."
"A troubling development indeed. Vastly outnumbered, on all sides." The Tabrix hummed thoughtfully. "...fortunately, Cabal and Hive are not allies. We can at least expect them to fight each other."
"It won't matter unless we verify their ultimate goal. With the exception of the Threefold Invasion, they've only been focused on the Vex..." Saint-14 paused. "...the Invasion." The Exo Titan turned grimly towards the Speaker and the Commander. "Remember Lord Shaxx's report after the Invasion? About his encounter with Primus Sho'oulth?"
It doesn't matter. I know what the Red Legion would be here for. "The Traveler. They wanted to see it in person, on behalf of their Emperor." The Speaker sighed heavily, feeling a very familiar pressure settle on him: the pressure of impossible odds. "They are probably after the Traveler as well."
Cayde-6 chuckled nervously, trying his damnedest to break the tension. "Hey hey now, I'm sure it's not as bad as all that...it's never too late for a unforeseen peace treaty, huh? Like, 'hey, help us take out the Hive, and then we'll duke it out to see who gets the Traveler, best two out of three'? It would be-"
And that's when the image of Dominus Ghaul emerged on the projector, staring with stoic purpose.
"-something," muttered the Hunter Vanguard.
"To all those within this system: listen to me." The faint echo down the hall implied that this was being broadcast everywhere...and overtaking every device.
I'll have to find out how he's doing that, thought Gendo with a frown.
xxxx
/The Immortal/
The Psion Flayers worked in concert with Freeborn Otzot to transmit Ghaul's message. All of the Cabal could hear it through normal communication channels...but with the psionic assistance of Otzot and her kin, it would go to everyone.
Sitting within the Exalted, Ghaul spoke clearly. "I am the Emperor of the Cabal. I am Dominus Ghaul. To my people: we have long ago learned the lessons of Kalos and the Fatherworld, imparted by Acrius himself. To strive; to struggle; to constantly test our own limits; it was thanks to that understanding that Acrius was first blessed with the Exalted. It was because of that, that I was given the Exalted, to use it in its fullness." Sitting within the glowing sphere, Ghaul let his hands gently touch the radiant power within. "After countless years of study and research, to try and understand the might of the Exalted...we all discovered its origin. Its source. Kalos was but a mere messenger for that power; fitting, given its immaculate glow!" He paused, for the sake of drama. "And after so long...we have finally found it. The source of the Exalted's blessed Light...the Traveler."
xxxx
/Vanguard Headquarters, the Tower/
Everyone looked as if a bomb had dropped. "...the Traveler...?" murmured Osiris.
"You have all witnessed the Exalted's glory. I would desire that every Cabal have the chance to earn that power! And to accomplish that...we must first prove our worth."
xxxx
/Caloris Basin, Mercury/
The voice of Ghaul was transmitted through the Servitors. "We have traversed the worlds touched by the Traveler, and seen the end of those who were too weak to serve it! We will not be conquered as they were."
Zeruel's eyes narrowed to pinpricks. Every single Fallen backed away out of trepidation.
++YOU DIE FIRST++
xxxx
/The Altar of Oryx, the Dreadnaught/
At the center of a mighty fleet, the Dreadnaught moved with intent towards the Inner Planets, following the path etched in spacetime by Sahaquiel.
The message of Ghaul even reached the depths of these vessels.
"The current chosen of the Traveler are naught but infantile weaklings. They are unworthy to wield the Light...for they are beset by foul creatures, who deserve only to be crushed beneath our feet."
Oryx chortled; here was a creature after Xivu Arath's own undying heart. "How amusing." With the flick of his finger, the word was sent.
Millions of miles away, the word was received by Sahaquiel: with slow yet inexorable weight, the Vanguard of Oryx curved away from its current Earthward trajectory, and made its way towards Mars.
xxxx
/Vanguard Headquarters, the Tower/
"...Sahaquiel is turning away from Earth. It's now heading towards the Cabal homeworld," said Kaworu Nagisa, hand held tightly against his earpiece.
"...well, that's one less problem on our plate," offered Cayde-6.
xxxx
/The Eastern Perimeter, the Last City/
Beyond the City's Barrier, Unit-01 and Unit-02 stood silently, gazing up into the sky. The crimson Evangelion had the Lance of Taox balanced on its shoulder, ready for battle.
Within Unit-01's Core, Shinji Ikari hovered in silence, watching the transmitted message from Dominus Ghaul via a projection formed of Light. Asuka-3's image was adjacent to it. "...now what?"
"Isn't it obvious?" responded Asuka-3. "We kick his ass, and the asses of all his flunkies."
"Blunt, but appropriate!" exclaimed Yui.
"...couldn't we just share the Light?" asked Shinji. "And avoid all of this?"
His mother sighed. "He doesn't appear to hold the people of Earth in high regard."
"...I hate that it has to be that way." If only. If only!
Dominus Ghaul continued speaking, unhearing of their words. "And now..." He looked away, as if hearing someone off-screen. After several seconds of silence...he chuckled. "Hmph. I was going to unveil the Exalted in the face of the Traveler itself, so that all of our soldiers would have the chance to be bloodied, and prove themselves...but my hand has been forced. Witness, people of this system...the might of the Cabal, and the power of the Light!" With those words, the image began to pan away, switching from wherever Ghaul was sitting to an exterior shot of his weapon.
Shinji's jaw dropped.
"Was zum Teufel?!" exclaimed Asuka-3.
"...this is incredibly improbable," flatly said Yui.
xxxx
/Vanguard Headquarters, the Tower/
Misato Katsuragi and Akagi-80 both leaned in at the same time, yelling in unison at the projected image. "THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!"
Osiris looked intently at him. "Speaker?"
Honestly? Gendo could only shake his head. "I'm...at a loss for words..." Truly; this was something that Rei Ayanami had never deigned to reveal to him.
xxxx
/The Oversoul Throne/
"...WHAT?!" screamed Rei Ayanami, sensing the Exalted's activation, inwardly reeling at the searing familiarity of it!
Eva's mocking laughter increased in loudness.
xxxx
/The Immortal/
The posterior of Ghaul's personal warship slowly split; the Dominus's personal chambers connected directly to an immense hangar, which held only a singular weapon. Ghaul's weapon. Acrius's weapon. The gift of Kalos, and bearer of the Traveler's Light.
Free of its bonds, it rose on two legs, and flexed its fingers. In the light of the distant Sun, its sterling white armor gleamed brightly...and two blank eyes stared with hunger, glaring at the glowing dot that was Sahaquiel.
With a precise flexing of its Anima Murum - an A.T. Field - the Exalted lifted away from the Immortal.
For those who were not Cabal, however...they could only watch in stunned silence as Evangelion Unit-04 took off in a burst of spiritual power.
xxxx
/hmm
//hmm
///...nah, I'm sure that armor design's just a coincidence
////Ghaul's a big fan of fins
Rajvik_wolfboy
Wolf amongst the stars.
- Location
- Florida
I only have one singular question.
How. The. Frag?
How. The. Frag?
- Location
- Colorado
Nah, for this we need Team Dai-Gurren.
How did the Exalted get where it is?
Ultra Sonic 007
Trying to keep things simple~
- Location
- Colorado
Well, much like Destiny's Lore in general, the answer is there...you just have to tease it out, until it eventually gets spelled out in future DLC. So, crank up the background music, and imagine your British accent of choice...
As was previously established, Unit-04 was located in NERV-America - in Nevade - prior to the Collapse:
However, it was previously implied - by Aria's own thoughts in Chapter 51 - that it was this cataclysmic event (and Unit-03 in particular) who changed the usual trend, drawing the Black Heart - and thus the Black Garden and the Vex - to Earth instead of Mars.
But what about Unit-04?
Well...its fate has been hinted at previously, by process of elimination with what we know of Unit-03:
In any case...the Vex had a hand in it.
And they also had a hand in something else:
Now...the big question is: why would the Vex antagonize the Cabal? Why would they deliver such a powerful weapon to them?
The answer, like many things in this story...has already been revealed. Knowing what we now know of the Exalted, of Unit-04, of the Vex's role throughout the Cabal's history...read this Grimoire with new eyes:
StatelessGem
Bane of the Iron Lords
Oh shit.
Oh SHIT.
HOLY FUCKING SHIT!
55.6, in which Ghaul faces Sahaquiel.
Ultra Sonic 007
Trying to keep things simple~
- Location
- Colorado
/The Oversoul Throne/
"How did they get Unit-04...how?!" The Original paused, eyes furrowing in concentration; the cause was immediately clear, even if the motive was not. "NERV-America. The Nevada Incident, drawing the Black Heart near to Unit-03...but Unit-04..." She frowned, letting her Mind expand and travel along well-worn connections. "...listen, greater Minds of the Vex Collective; I have a query."
There was a blast of white noise, echoing through the Oversoul Throne.
Rei frowned. "My question is simple: why did you grant an Evangelion to the Cabal? Why not keep such a power for yourselves?"
Musical tones, coupled with the strums of a bass guitar.
"...truly? You would deliberately provide them such a devastating weapon solely to counter me? The Cabal would be opposed to us both...and I can sense, even from here, that your inherent markers have been wiped away. Were my interactions with you not enough of an answer? Do you still believe that the depths of the spirit can be perfectly simulated?"
xxxx
As the Exalted soared through space, Dominus Ghaul let his soul expand, working through the metaphysical contours of the legendary weapon. Although its inherent spirit was mighty - mightier than his own, mightier than any other! - it still came down to control. Conviction. Self-mastery. The knowledge of one's place in the universe, and what it took to attain greater heights. In that sense, the Exalted was the means to an end. The same with the Light itself.
The Cabal Emperor smiled grimly beneath his mask, focusing on the gargantuan form of the burning eye in the distance. Its entire body blazed with black starfire and dark light; its very presence pressed down upon the universe, brimming with purpose and intent.
BOOM!
A destructive pulse lashed out, igniting the vacuum around him.
"I deny you!" roared Ghaul; with a defiant rebuff, the Exalted burst through the mayhem, and continued on towards the destructive god. The Light of the Exalted soared through his veins, through his very being; as the beast loomed ever larger, Ghaul discerned the proper way to strike; fire would not overwhelm such power...and the gaping void would not be able to contain it all. No...such devastation had to be cut through, sundered, and rendered meaningless.
Arc energy crackled through the Exalted; its Anima Murum focused, narrowed...and sharpened down to an infintesimal edge, forming a perfect blade.
The Exalted held its spiritual blade forward, body surging with lightning. Compared to that great eye, it was a mere ant trying to tear down a mountain.
The edge of Sahaquiel's soul brushed against his own.
It was a declaration of fact. A given. But it was...comprehensive, lacking precision.
Ghaul had no such qualms. I shall END you.
Blade pierced deified flesh, and the lightning ran wild.
With a decisive thrust, the Exalted appeared on the other side of Sahaquiel, its white armor shining with Light. Bolts of electricity arced over Sahaquiel's massive form, coagulating within its immense eye...which then went dark. The body gave way, and the beast's destructive power bloomed in a massive explosion, briefly illuminating the system as if it were a second star.
And thus was a god slain.
"How did they get Unit-04...how?!" The Original paused, eyes furrowing in concentration; the cause was immediately clear, even if the motive was not. "NERV-America. The Nevada Incident, drawing the Black Heart near to Unit-03...but Unit-04..." She frowned, letting her Mind expand and travel along well-worn connections. "...listen, greater Minds of the Vex Collective; I have a query."
There was a blast of white noise, echoing through the Oversoul Throne.
Rei frowned. "My question is simple: why did you grant an Evangelion to the Cabal? Why not keep such a power for yourselves?"
Musical tones, coupled with the strums of a bass guitar.
"...truly? You would deliberately provide them such a devastating weapon solely to counter me? The Cabal would be opposed to us both...and I can sense, even from here, that your inherent markers have been wiped away. Were my interactions with you not enough of an answer? Do you still believe that the depths of the spirit can be perfectly simulated?"
xxxx
As the Exalted soared through space, Dominus Ghaul let his soul expand, working through the metaphysical contours of the legendary weapon. Although its inherent spirit was mighty - mightier than his own, mightier than any other! - it still came down to control. Conviction. Self-mastery. The knowledge of one's place in the universe, and what it took to attain greater heights. In that sense, the Exalted was the means to an end. The same with the Light itself.
The Cabal Emperor smiled grimly beneath his mask, focusing on the gargantuan form of the burning eye in the distance. Its entire body blazed with black starfire and dark light; its very presence pressed down upon the universe, brimming with purpose and intent.
BOOM!
A destructive pulse lashed out, igniting the vacuum around him.
"I deny you!" roared Ghaul; with a defiant rebuff, the Exalted burst through the mayhem, and continued on towards the destructive god. The Light of the Exalted soared through his veins, through his very being; as the beast loomed ever larger, Ghaul discerned the proper way to strike; fire would not overwhelm such power...and the gaping void would not be able to contain it all. No...such devastation had to be cut through, sundered, and rendered meaningless.
Arc energy crackled through the Exalted; its Anima Murum focused, narrowed...and sharpened down to an infintesimal edge, forming a perfect blade.
The Exalted held its spiritual blade forward, body surging with lightning. Compared to that great eye, it was a mere ant trying to tear down a mountain.
The edge of Sahaquiel's soul brushed against his own.
+-+I CAN DESTROY EVERYTHING-+-
It was a declaration of fact. A given. But it was...comprehensive, lacking precision.
Ghaul had no such qualms. I shall END you.
Blade pierced deified flesh, and the lightning ran wild.
With a decisive thrust, the Exalted appeared on the other side of Sahaquiel, its white armor shining with Light. Bolts of electricity arced over Sahaquiel's massive form, coagulating within its immense eye...which then went dark. The body gave way, and the beast's destructive power bloomed in a massive explosion, briefly illuminating the system as if it were a second star.
And thus was a god slain.