The Multiverse

[Joa-Boo]

“HAHAHHAAahaa cough …haha… cough.” Zhang Fei made a whole array of noises. He doubled over until finally placing his but against something to brace himself. “You are a barbarian because you do not wield a flag, standard, or symbol. You have no master, serve no one, or belong to no group. This is what we call barbaric.” Zhang Fei looked you over closely once more. This time he caught on to the fact that you were a plant. “What sorcery is this? Are you a demon?” Zhang Fei was not the brightest. He was strong and courageous but not wise unlike his other two brothers. Some of the men around drew their weapons. Just the sound of a sword leaving its hit caused even more people to do the same. Everyone began to yell. Some out of excitement, some out of confusion, and some because they were itchy to kill.

“Stand down everyone!” A well armored knight with gold plaiting stepped down from his horse. He had spotted the source of the disturbance and felt inclined to check it out. By the looks of him it was easy to tell he had importance. “I Marcus Sentrious demand your cooperation! Stand down before I start locking you all up.” He roared over the crowds. A group of knights followed him over to you four. “Morning to you travelers. I welcome you to the Imperial City. Might I ask why you are stirring up trouble in my streets?” Marcus folded his arms over while glaring down at each of you. He was the same height as Yiesmore, making him a head taller than everyone else.

Yiesmore saluted the guard. “We beg your pardon Marcus. We bring what may be grave news from our travels. As we have already informed this gentleman, we would like to inform his highness the Emperor of an upcoming threat to his city.”

“Bahh there is no real threat. Not with these walls to guard us.”

“I hope you are right about that. Even so, I advise you to prepare and take extra precautions regarding the fortifications of this city.”

“Advise…advise… to what degree do you even have the mind to advise anyone. Who are you barbarian?” Marcus posed with this puzzled look on his face. Normal civilians did not talk up to guard like this, especially to Imperial guards. This guy had no idea who Yiesmore was.

“I am Yiesmore Dragon Born and leader of the Companions. My authority comes from my great ancestor who saved Skyrim from the chaos dragon. We do not have time for squabbling like this. Will you not take me to the Emperor?”

“If we are comparing d**k size right now I promise you mines bigger.” Zhang Fei laughed his hardest yet. He stumbled over his drunk self and finally one of his men took the wine from him. He swung his spear at them but missed. “Dong Zhuo is no light enemy to have. He is a tyrant and stands against the Han dynasty. Dong Zhuo and his mighty warriors will take this place if we do not prepare. Tell your Emperor, as I am sure Liu Bei already has, we will fight beside you. You have the spear of this mighty Tiger General.” Marcus bowed and motioned for your group to follow. He led you through the city and all around until finally reaching the main tower’s entrance. There he got off his horse once more and traded his gaurds fo some more golden plated ones. The escorts moved through the palace until you shared a huge throne room space with the Emperor, Liu Bei, and a few other unknown faces.

“Emperor Leviticus, I present Yiesmore the dragon born and leader of the Companions as well as his travelers. He brings word from around the land.” Marcus bows and steps aside.

“Ahh yes so you can confirm the rumors. Tell me more of this Dong Zhuo.” The Emperor was a frail old man but he had wisdom behind each eye and the faintest smile for war. His well decorated attire proved he was wealthy and hopefully meant his was a seasoned victor.



The three of you bowed before the king before Yiesmore spoke again. “Dong Zhuo is a very strong man with mighty warriors following him. We met a Lu Bu and a Zhang Liao who together possessed an impressive amount of force. We were there captives for some time. Thy asked me to direct them to Wei territory. I am sorry your highness. For fear of my life and my wife’s life I led them here.” Yiesmore dropped his head. He was ashamed of that choice. “However, we escaped during a battle against the Wei forces. I fear both may be heading in this direction.”

“Coa Coa would never side with Dong Zhuo. The Tyrant has seized so much of their land. I can’t believe that would happen.” Liu Bei’s eyes were struck with fear. Combined, the two forces marched a heavy army. One that the Shu kingdom could not defend against alone.



“I only saw them fighting but it does not look as though it was on purpose. Dong Shuo said he wanted to settle a few things and get the Wei Kingdom to submit.” Yiesmore looked upset but courage was building in him. Aela held his hand.

“I do not know where you all came from and why your battles have suddenly involved me but I am known throughout my realm to be a host and a defender of justice. We will prepare for a siege but I will not order an attack until after negotiations have ended. Liu Bei, it has been wonderful making your acquaintance. You are welcome to assist me in defending the Imperial City. I will need many of your men for the vanguard; that includes you three.” The Emperor looked at the three of you. Dragon Born I will need your help. For reward, I will acknowledge your faction, the Companions, as a new hall if you should succeed. As for you Liu Bei, your people too shall be rewarded and fair land will be distributed onto you for your service.” Everyone bowed and began their preparations. “You three, one last word. You have dealt with these men once before. Do you recommend anything as part of our fortification?” Yiesmore shrugged his shoulders and Aela hated preparations so they both looked to you.  

[Joa-Boo]

“Stand down everyone.” Desmond held his hand out seeing their efforts were useless. “Why would you blow up part of the moon? Are you some sort of space terrorist?” Desmond could only think to talk. This guy was invisible and he would much rather walk away than keep at it with Vash. His auto pistol should do the trick but he wasn't ready to pull out that weapon. Desmond didn't want to use it because he believed this guy had to be misunderstood. No one would have a bounty that big on their head without dong something terrible. Yet he is stuck here in front of them saying peace and love. What a weirdo Desmond thought.  

[Joa-Boo]

Shercan scratched at the back of his head. He blushed, feeling embarrassed for causing so much damage. Not a single thank you though. That made him sad. The Nevi was defeated in the end was it not? He moved side by side with Felicity until he heard the sound. It forced him to hover of the little girl. Shercan looked ready to tare a person in half. “Felicity stay by me.” Shercan told her as he picked her up and hung her over his left shoulder. When the door shut he turned to see what the commotion was all about. He had his hand hovering over his rifle, worried that whoever was behind that door could be the big sister.  

[Sauruswarrior Salfos]

Vallaris Saw the meteor coming towards and she began to run with the reset of the people. Then she felt the limits of herself from battle takes it’s toll as she fell down reaching out for help and not finding the words for it. Then she heard him, Pyre was running towards her to help her. He pulled her up on his back and headed for safety, shielding her from cover. What a nice friend. Vallaris thought about that. She was fading in and out of the next few moments. Then she felt wetness all over her face. Pyre was licking her face a lot.

“Stop that! Your breathe stinks.” She scowled at the young monster as he let a yip off.

Holly came and aided Vallaris in sitting up.

“Thanks Holly.” Vallaris said as she began to get her wounds treated.

She was informed about the discs and When she was told she was able to get to unlock one. A sudden burst of energy surged through her. She saw the new giant crab monster. She was in awe from it.

“Thing looks pretty strong. Its a crab though Happy better not see it or he will try to eat it.” Vallaris giggled.

She used her new energy to get up and take the disc to the temple. She was ready to see what it hold in store for her.


 

[Affy Zala]

Pain exploded through Kevin's body as he hit the ground, the sting of the numerous branches that he had attempted to grab a hold of on the way down still fresh in the skin of his hands. The titans had vanished? But how? Everything was a blur. Was he dead? Was the sudden change of scenery a transition into Heaven as his life was lost? But there was no pain in Heaven.... was there?
His heart was still beating a million miles an hour as his body came to a stop and he could feel every inch of his body gasping for air as one shock after another took complete control over his senses, spinning him aimlessly into a dark pit of despair. And then the voice came, setting his mind back into the reality that he had become a part of. It was an unfamiliar voice but it sounded friendly so he wasn't afraid. If anything this voice sounded better than those of his commanding officers who were always barking unwanted orders at him.
Slowly he was able to lift his head upwards to see the source of the voice. It was a girl, taller than himself with long, dark green hair. She was dressed strangely to which Kevin assumed was the uniform of the military to which he had never been introduced to and to which for some reason, he felt that he was not supposed to know about. Either that or she was some kind of spirit officer coming to welcome him to the land of the dead.
“Here let me help you up. Take my hand.
Kevin saw her extend her hand downwards to be right before his eyes, waiting for his response. With only a few seconds of hesitation he took a hold of her hand as he was still too dazed and confused to allow his irrational thinking to direct him to do otherwise.
“My name is Lena Lee. What is yours?”
"I'm......Kevin......" He stuttered in his words as he was never very good with speaking to people he had just met. "Where.....where am....I? Am......am I.....de...dead?"

 

[Sauruswarrior Salfos]

This town was already so much trouble, but there were lots of things to see. It reminded Meleri of Divinity's Reach. Humans always were fascinated with stones. Build everything out of silly stones. Probably what makes most of them dull. Some of these Shu men were ridiculous. But some were with valiant notions. They ended up in the throne room with the emperor. Then they ask for fortification advice and of course the rough wild people never have an answer.

“Well Your Grace. They have this girl who can shoot fire from her hands. She can create a lot in a short time, so no doubt that her skill is very good. Not only that they have several soldiers that are strong and could possibly make short work of walls that got in their way. Something I would suggest from my experience when defending is to have field traps on the field to use when an enemy force approaches. that way it cause panic among the lessers and takes out large forces and evens the odds. A proper fire fighting system should be used as well. Also remove explosive like items off the wall for those would make great targets. What kind of troops do we have access to? Footmen? Archers? Mages? My own expertise is that of espionage, but Lately I keep finding myself more and more as a commander ordering large amounts of troops fighting a war myself, before I ended up here in your land.

 

[Sauruswarrior Salfos]

You approach the door. You steadily reached out for the handle as Felicity grabs to the back of your leg. You pulled it open really fast and looked into the dark hallway. There was nothing there. You walked down the hallway, passing some hissing pipes but you find nothing. You check another room and it was empty. You heard a sound from across the hallway. You run over to the door and pull it open. There was a Nevi that leaped onto you. Felicity screamed. You threw the thing off of you and shot it to death. You looked in the room where it was and nothing but scattered papers and messed up room like the rest from the fight. The sun shone through the windows.

“Shercan!” you heard a voice.

Raven came in the room and you looked at her.

“What are you doing?” She asked.

You told that you thought you heard something and mentioned the lone Nevi.

“Okay, well we are meeting up with Kat and the rest of the boy, Armin’s squad.” She explained.

You gave the room one last look as you left holding Felicity. You then came back up to the deck. Syd was being taken to a hospital for his injuries. You and your party left the ship and headed towards the city. You noticed a lot of steam coming up from the area you were walking too. You rounded the last corner and saw Kat again with two other teenagers. One was a boy who looked angry, He wasn’t wearing any gear that the other girl next to him had or the boy Armin had on. The girl looked half white and some other race you don’t know. She had dark short hair and her expression was vacant. She was looking at the young boy. Just beyond them where giant skeletons that were releasing all of the steam. Were those the titans that you saw earlier. Did these too take them all out. You also noticed that there was an extra body than what they were before.

(Picture of the Two)



“EREN! MIKASA! You guys are alright. I’m so glad.” Armin shouted as he jogged over to them.

“Armin. Glad your safe too.” Said the boy who was to be Eren.

“Who are these people, Armin?” The girl asked.
“They were people that were on the airships I went to go help. They also defeated that giant flying beast. Who is that girl?” Armin explained.

“I am Kat and I helped your friends..after they saved me from being eaten by one of those titan beast.” Kat said as she stood up.

Everyone introduced themselves and you all decided to head back to Kat’s home where Gade was. Something felt quite out of the ordinary. When you returned, Gade welcomed you back with the strange girl Cyanea. You all explained the fight to Gade and he just sat and listened.

“Hmmmm....It seems there is another power at work here. This seemed like a planned attack. Especially with the foreign universe here.” Gade Said.

When he said that everyone stopped and stared with a shocked or puzzled look upon their face.

 

[Sauruswarrior Salfos]

“If you're dead then that would mean I am dead!” Lena Lee looked worried when she said that.

“OOOOONNNNNNOOOOOOOOOO I AM DEAD!!!!!!” A loud voice you heard.

“But at least it is with two pretty ladies.” A young man jumped out of the bushes nearby.

((Young man))


You then went to explain that you were a man. He then apologized severely on his knees for awhile. You told him to stand up. He stood up and a red weasel like thing crawled out of his shirt and on top of his head.

“My name is Bolin and this is Pabu. Say hi Pabu. May of heard of me. I was in some pretty successful movers like NUTTUK DEFENDER OF THE SOUTH!(He Posed) I am safe to assume that none of us are dead. You all got some fancy duds there. Where did ya get them, so I can get some.” Bolin asked.

You all have a small conversation about each of yourselves. Where you are from. ((Make the conversation but only limit is exclude anyone mentioning their powers.)). Then you all had no idea which to go. Bolin volunteered and began to pick a direction. Your group walked for what seemed like a while. Your group came upon a clearing and you could not believe what you as it contained a large beast sleeping. it had a head of a lion, a goat’s head on its back and a snake for a tail. Bolin cowered behind you and Lena Lee.

((Monster))


“What is that scary thing?” He asked.

“I dunno.” Lena Lee said.

Your party was behind a fallen tree as it continued to sleep. Everyone was looking around wondering what you all should do.
 

[Joa-Boo]

“The name is Shercan. This is my dau… Felicity.” Shercan quickly breezed over the word. He had no idea why he was about to say that. It set the hairs on his head standing. “You guys don’t look like you belong here either. Any idea what is going on?”

Shercan was all ears to any explanation these three could muster up. He followed the group back towards Kat's house. Hopefully a hot meal was in store. He remember the little house as they neared. Fumes stirred from under his ears. This was where that pompous creator guy took his armor.

“Gade… you’re awesome and all but I need my armor back. I feel too fragile out there. My big daddy suit kinda makes me a juggernaut. I’d prefer to stay that way if I am going to fight giants.” Shercan was fierce. As soon as they stepped inside the hose and he saw Gade again it was his first action. Shercan didn't want to be so forceful but seeing Felicity back there in danger was not something he wanted to see again. He has always been able to protect her with his suit on. Why should anything change?

“There is another power at work here. This seemed like a planned attack.” Gade was a wise old man and he kept to topic even when threatened and lifted off the ground. Shercan held him, suspended for a second, staring back into his eyes, and then released him after hesitating.

“Oh what do you care anyway? I know it isn’t much. It’s not like protecting a city like Kat and Raven but you are protecting the thing you care most about. Well mine is Felicity and with my armor I will be a lot better at doing that. If she is protected than I can keep focused on helping the rest of you out.” Shercan looked at Felicity. She was smiling and playing with that cat again. He watched her as he spoke. “If it was a planned attack than we need planned defense and a team ready to counter? Do we even know what we are really up against here?” His own question made him think of the scream. How and why would the big sister be involved with this? His fist clenched down so hard it made his arms shake.
 

[Joa-Boo]

“Suezo you stay out here and play with your new baby brother. Have him toss back and forth with you to work on that kill while I go with Vallaris. Sebastian I’ll be right back.” Holly waved an energetic hand at her 10 foot tall crab like golem. Sebastian let out a cry of disapproval and started to waddle over to her but Holly put on a stern face. “Sebastian stay. Play with Suezo, I’ll be back.” Sebastian snipped both claws repeatedly before finally giving up against Holly’s glare. It turned and walked out to the court yard for some training. Holly looked back to you with a smile, grabbed your hand, and then ran off into the temple. “Let’s go see what you will unlock!” The pure joy unlocking monsters gave Holly was refreshing. So much darkness, fighting, and hate had gone into that battle that it took a deep tool on your soul. Most people end up grumpy and cynical before they retire from fighting. Your friends were the only ones that kept you truly happy. What would you do now that they were gone?

The two of you make your way through the temple until you reach the inner sanctum. You could tell the exact pathway Sebastian used to make it out of this room. You looked each archway over. Sure enough they had a 10 foot tall hole in each of them. It was quite humorous to think that you were trying so hard to protect the temple just have it broken down in places by a new born monster. As the two of you reached the center you were greeted by a jumping Pyre. His tail was wagging so hard he might take flight like it was the propeller of a helicopter. He matched Holly’s excitement as you placed the disc stone on the center of the faith.

“I see you have already brought another monster. Thank you Vallaris for protecting my temple.” Ifrit’s apparition appeared above the faith. It knelt down and dusted off the disc. “We dreams have been shaken into some kind of nightmare. I am only awake now because I feel the worst is coming. You must save Yuna before it is too late!” With those words Ifrit vanished and in his place the disc began to spin. It spun out of control until lit up by a powerful flame. Then, with a blinding flash, the disc was consumed. In its place stood a fierce looking monster. It hiccupped and a ball of fire escaped from its mouth.

“Aww, it’s so cute!” Holly bent to her knees to lean in closer to the little guy. The little velociraptor perked up to Holly with a little chirp. Small red wings flapped along its back. “It’s a salamander; a zuum dragon mix.” Sure enough the little lizard with wings trotted over to you. Its big thick horns and deep red scaly body made it look powerful even though it was just a baby. “What are you going to name it?” Holly asked while still squatted over. The zuum pounced just in front of you to smack you with a big lick. Pyre enjoyed the motion and joined in. He knocked you over and the two worked on covering you with kisses.

 

[Sauruswarrior Salfos]

Shepard refused to put her weapon down and Liara held her pistol at the ready. Shepard was just madder from now hitting this guy and was ready to put hole’s thru him all the way.

“Well I didn’t do it on purpose...” Vash got quiet and hsi demeanor all changed.

“I came across my brother. He was gonna make me do something terrible and I ended up shooting the moon. I think he also made me destroy the city of July. Thats why I am wanted. I don’t remember much else.” Vash said.

“So your just gonna expect me to believe that you didn’t want to do. IF you did those things then you are a real dangerous man.” Shepard said. “I could use someone like you. Do you wanna help me save humanity and make up for what you did?”

“I guess this is my only option plus...” Vash said as a loud growling was taking place. “I could really use some food.” He blurted out as he grabbed his stomach.

“We just have to fix our ship first and we can get off of this rock.” Shepard said as she kicked a rock over. “Know anywhere we can get some parts?”

“Yea there is a town not far its just a ways down that direction.” Vash said as he pointed the way.

You felt like a presence was watching you, but you had no idea where it was. It felt like you were being hunted by something. You scanned some more but you couldn’t see a thing in the desert. Then in the distance you heard vehicles moving along.

“We best hide or get a moving or else some bounty hunters are gonna find us and probably try to take me and kill you guys.” Vash explained

((Pick a plan of action))

 

[Joa-Boo]

“Hold on all of you. This makes no sense. I am not just siding with some indestructible sociopath to save a planet earth that is clearly already destroyed. Things have obviously changed. Everything has changed. I don’t know about you but our goal should be to figure out what is happening and fix it.” Desmond whipped out his auto-pistol. It was already aimed and ready to fire. This was not a bullet Vash could dodge. Shoot it out of the air maybe, but that would make him a god and if that was true there was no point anyway. Desmond took a step closer to Vash, distancing himself from the rest of the crew and with his free hand dialed on his wrist. The command caused his Titan to zip back up and ready to fire his guns.

While waiting Desmond heard the oncoming party. They could be anyone but chances are they were coming for Vash. Desmond couldn’t care less about what their plan was. Hell they maybe even more useful than this red wearing wanted man. Desmond always sided with justice and he didn’t see much in Vash.

“This is the way I see it. You have some crazy dangerous talent and I am not about to risk my throat and all our assets just because you say you want to redeem yourself. You go take out those targets for us so we can scrap them for parts and you’re in.” Desmond was ready to raise his other weapon to the first person that disagrees with his move.
 

[Joa-Boo]

“Those are fine ideas Meleri.” Yiesmore punched your shoulder. His smile was growing. There maybe was hope of holding off this tyrant Dong Zhou. “My skills have never been planning. It is my strength and vigilance on the battle field that I offer to you Emperor. Aela and I will hold our ground with the vanguard outside the city walls. I do not think Meleri would be used properly if she fought alongside with us. As her ideas have already proven, she is a thinker more than a fighter. A sneaky one at that.”

“So it is Meleri they call you. I see. Your council is very wise Yiesmore. Best of luck to you and your Companions. I do hope we see each other again.” Leviticus smiled and then looked to you. “Meleri, if your skills permit, would you be kind enough to accompany my spies. They will depart this evening. Maybe you could help take them behind enemy lines for me?” Emperor Leviticus needed more information. What little you three were able to bring was not enough for him. Leviticus liked to negotiate before fighting. He needed a better understanding of why all this was happening. “You will travel with a group of negotiators that will greet Dong Zhou into these new lands. You and the other spies will use this as a diversion to infiltrate and spy for me.”

“Negotiations your majesty. Do you really think you can trust these people? You are basically sending those negotiators to their deaths!” Yiesmore did not like the plan. This was no noble sacrifice.

“I need more information Yiesmore. I have heard your council and headed your words. Now do not stand before the Emperor’s decision. I have cards to play and the players will play their part. Now leave me. Meleri if you except, the group will leave at sundown from the armory.” Yiesmore turned his back fuming. He left the throne room with Aela to the Lion’s Perch bar and Tavern. You were left to your own devices to explore the city. Every kind of shop imaginable had a place in the city. There were tons of different bars and rooms for entertainment. One place in particular you saw advertised was the coliseum. You had a few hours until sun down. Until then you could do whatever.
 

[Dugan195]

After the battle as was played out IRL)
Dr. VonKurtz made his way over to the gates of Zion as the tattered remains of army started to clear away as much of the rubble as possible. Dead bodies and broken machines littered the ground around them. The combined forces of the machines and cybermen was proving to much for the defenders of Zion. Before the cybermen came Zion had stood its ground, but the added ground forces were to much. The Cybermen's weapons too powerful. The new light ships of this other world also added to the hell that the machine brought onto the gates of Zion. It was only by the efforts the Neberconezzors group did they manage to hold off the waves of metal until the fleet could launch they emp blasts and halt the advance, but they would come again. The machines had dozens of more times the resources that they did.

Shortly after the end of the battle Dr VonKurtz, the Doctor and Morphius were brought before the High council of Zion. Morphius was making his plea to them, "We must flea Zion. This terminator from the future has warned us of Zion's fall. We must evacuate the people to this other city and build I strength with the inhabitants of this other strange world. We must find this Tron. It is the only way."

The Head of the High Council cut him off before he could finish, "Morphius, you have always been one of the most respected commanders we have. None among us have done the things you have done, but you can't believe the word of a machine. HOW DARE YOU BRING HIM WITHIN THE WALLS OF ZION. What if he is a spy? What if this is one...one of their tricks. You could have doomed us all!" After the battle the terminator had been detained and locked up under heavy security despite the protest of everyone abourd the ship.

The Doctor stepped forward, "Don't let your blind hatred of the robots blind you. The Terminator saved many lives in the battle, he was an asset in that battle. Trust me I know war and the Terminator is a valuable ally. He harbors no ill intention..."

Another of the council cut The Doctor off..."And who are you exactly stranger? Another spy?"

THe Doctor's face went flat, "I am the Doctor"

"The Doctor? Doctor what?"

"Just the Doctor. I have fought a thousand years in a war against machines. Machines that are far more deadly then these that stand before you today. A war with allies stronger then your army could ever hope to be. I'm the last of the Time Lord. I have crossed time and space countless times. I have been to the beginning and end of exsistance and everything in between. I know the Cybermen better than anyone alive. Countless times I have stood against them and beat them. You cannot win this fight. Your defences are too weak, your men too few. You must believe me!"

The High Council whispered to themselfs for a few moments before turning back to address the Doctor, "We thank you for your words outsider, but you are an outsider and we do not trust you. Zion has stood against the assualt of the machines time and time again. We will prevail as we always have or we will die trying. This City of Light you speak of....nothing but a sham. A trick by the machines to lure us out of the safety of Zion to be slaughtered like sheep. You all should be put in chains for bringing a machine into the city" the councilman paused, "But for your bravery during the battle we will allow your freedom and overlook your lapse in judgement Morhpius. But do not speak of this city of light again. That is all, you all MAY LEAVE"

The group exited the council hall the Doctor was fuming, "Proud bloody idoits. They will get everyone in this city killed. The cybermen will capture this city and turn all its inhabitants into more machines. We can't sit here and do nothing!"

Morphius was silent and looked at the ground as he walked defeated.  

[Joa-Boo]

Everyone left but Dr. VonKrutz. He simply could not. VonKrutz listened long and hard to the councils words and every bit of it was a shame. These were shameful people controlling the lives of thousands, well he hopped it was thousands because he was about to risk his own life for them. Grim, who sat atop his left shoulder got a sad sickened feeling and jumped off to the ground. Dr. VonKrutz began to clap slowly. All eyes moved to him.

“Well if that just was not the most unsettling display of a group of leaders. I applaud of each you. You collectively have killed this city. I can appreciate fear, hatred, and even being paranoid of spies. I get that. I have perceived plenty of it back where I come from. But a lot of people are able to find courage through hope in Spira because they have confronted a great deal of conflict. I can see you have yet to challenge much conflict of your own. That is why I have taken the liberty of adding some conflict to your lives. Maybe now you will take us seriously.” Dr. VonKrutz nodded to Grim and with a weakened look turned back to the council ahead of him. Dr. VonKrutz then reached for a knife on the inside of his lab coat. The guns of the guards clicked as they prepared to fire on him if he did anything to harm the council members. Unfortunately they could not protect them from what he was about to do. Dr. VonKrutz moved the dagger along his own arm, cutting open his skin. Blood gushed to the surface of his flesh as he winced in pain. Everyone was horrified by the doctor’s behavior.

“Guards seize him!” One of the council members yelled.

“I’m afraid it is too late. You may not want to do that.” Dr. VonKrutz, after swallowing the pain was able to force a strange laugh. “You see, harvested inside me is a very deadly virus they call Viletide. I fortunately, or unfortunately, depends on how you look at it, grew up with the disease. It does not threaten my life as it does yours. It will one day kill me but that could be years from now. You unfortunately will only have 2 days.”

“What have you done?” Another council member was stricken with fear. The others had a hard time figuring out why he would even do this.

“I have liberated you all from your fear and hatred of the machines.” Dr. VonKrutz got a strange smile. “You see I grew up learning that machina was very bad. After working with it as an adult I began to envy it. Faced with the same decision we gave you council members the machines would have easily and in unison chosen to go to the city of Light. They are not clouded by things like fear and hatred. Your real enemy now, is your own flesh.” Just as Dr. VonKrutz finished his sentence one of the council members coughed up some blood. “I could care less about the lives of a few stuck up people who think they can lead. If you all die it would be much easier to just get everyone out of the city. I am instead going to give you all a chance to change your minds and order everyone to safety. Do that and I will supply everyone here with an antidote once we get to the City of Light.” Grim clapped and jumped back onto Dr. VonKrutz shoulder. “Oh and do not think about killing me. I am your only chance of being healed. You wouldn't want to expose the whole city, dooming everyone.” Grim quickly took care of the cut along Dr. VonKrutz’s arm while he spoke. The wound had to be completely sealed to not harm anyone else. “What will you do now? Will you change your minds?” Another council member and a guard coughed up some blood.

"The answer is very simple. Send the people to the city of light where they can be safe, or safer, whatever it is. Just as saving yourselves will do. Or remain here and die while you spit out your very own life force. This virus I have filled you with is the same pending death these machines impose on you and your people. The answer is so obvious. Do you think your walls will protect you from the doom you each face as well?"