Event || The Empire Strikes Back

[melodiesmods]

Characters: Everyone participating in the event
Where: Aqures Ixen
When: July 27th to August 02nd
Summary: The battle for Aqures Ixen is about to begin! The Heroes of Light are going to do their best to defend Aqures Ixen, but will this be enough? Feel free to participate and reply to appropriate threads. New top-level threads will be posted regularly as the battle progresses.
Warning: N/A, will be updated.

July 27th || Mingle
July 28th || Bomb Defusing / Imperial Assault
July 29th || Mingle / Attack on the 13th District / Aerial Battles / Imperial Camp
July 30th || 14th District on Fire / The Hospital / Mognet Office Attacked
July 31st || The Fire Spreads / Betrayals
August 01st || The Second Wave / Ultima Weapon
August 02nd || Final

Comments

Re: July 27th || Mingle

[2hell_weride]

Having come back from a 'special project', MarKus got right to work on the next plan. With the fighting coming to the city, more or less, he wanted to make sure most anyone was ready, whether or not they came to see him personally. He and his employees (that is, primarily NPCs) have been moving around town after several days of hard work putting together several basic, if not at least special barrels of supplies.

Moving around in a cart pulled by his Chocobo, the boys have been setting up, two per district and 2 additional near the city entrances, bundles of weapons.

Fortunately someone on the team, namely Kugami, was smart enough to not get these set in plain sight, but ribbons of yellow guide the Heroes toward them. The contents are simple; two swords, two spears, a quiver of 10 arrows, 2 knives, and 5 shuriken; all of which enhanced with a basic Lightening element.

By nature of previous attacks against and by the Empire, they're prone to machines, and MarKus has prepared to combat that, as well as aid others.

((_{Anyone is welcome to ride along to help, or interrupt his work to see what he and the best Blacksmiths in the city are up to}))

Re: July 27th || Mingle

[they_call_me_sonic]

"Yo!"

Sonic was getting really restless. There was something big happening and he had to do something. Which is why he decided to catch up with MarKus and his team, using his Ninja job to catch up with the moving team.

"Getting ready, huh?"

Re: July 27th || Mingle

[2hell_weride]

Having seen nothing like him before, his crew takes caution with the blue creature approaching, one of them even taking hold of one of the swords they had prepared.

MarKus though doesn't seem to flinch, rather, he seems more confused at him being there. He's sure he's seen something like him... some kind of super-retro mascot for something but... it wouldn't even matter if he knew.

"Yeah. Fighting'll get to the city eventually. It's going to happen. So we can at least exploit the Empire's weakness; their machines."

[they_call_me_sonic]

"Woah, easy!" Sonic said, keeping pace and trying to wave off the other workers. "Friend. I probably left my Moogle back a few blocks. I don't think he's in top shape."

Then, his attention back to MarKus. "Empire fulla machines, huh? Sounds like something I've dealt with back home. You don't mind if I borrow some of that gear, do ya? It's kinda hard to fight when I can't use the normal method just yet."

[2hell_weride]

"Have you now?" Sonic sure had his interest now. "At what scale?"

Unfortunately his request will, for now, go ungranted. At least at good quality. "Well... I don't have much here. these are more meant for a surprise." he says. "I mean..." How does he word this properly again.

"When the Empire idiots bring their machines in here, you grab one of them and mess up their machines. I usually make better quality stuff for heroes so..." Not knowing what sort of jobs Sonci had, he simply grabs one of the swords from a barrel and hands it over. "Don't get upset when if it breaks."

He doesn't look to confident in giving it too him either.

July 27th || Mingle Always interrupting

[thegreatninja]

Yuffie was looking for MarKus, wondering what the blacksmith was up to on this hellishly rainy day. Though looking at Yuffie would make it hard to tell that the weather was so foul. She was wearing her usual tank top, shorts, knee-high boots, a tight jacket with a hood that was for some reason lacking sleeves and then her weapons strapped to her waist and thigh. She had a lot of blades as if expecting to loose some of them along the way.

She was planning to help with the Hacker team which meant that she'd be face to face with the Ultima weapon which might end poorly.

She caught sight of MarKus and a smile spread across her lips. "HEY!" She ran up to him dodging a few people who happened to be in her way as she lept up next to him. She had equipped her usual jobs for now, waiting for the battle to equip the new jobs.

"What cha up too?" Because she wanted his time.

Gawd, always interrupting!

[2hell_weride]

She could have his time, for sure, and he had his crew there to make up for his slack.

Though she'd have to catch up with them soon enough since they were on their way to the next point, meaning they're riding on a cart for most of their conversation.

"Gettin shit ready for the fight." he says with a nod, taking her hand to haul her onto the card mid-movement. "What about you missy? Not busy getting ready yourself?"

Gawd, always interrupting!

[thegreatninja]

It wasn't so hard to catch up to the cart and she kicked her legs over the edge letting them swing the moment she was seated next to Markus. "Ugh..." Was the only answer MarKus got to his question as she fell against his shoulder. That lasted for about ten seconds before she was on the move again.

"Chiaki wants us to play these stupid rhythm games to get our... whatever together because we are all on the stupid hacker team for the Ultima weapon plan and I don't want to hear about it!" Yuffie's arms flailed slightly before settling at her side.

She groaned again leaning back so she could look up at the rain as it fell heavily from the side. "It's so stupid!" She was just frustrated.

Re: Gawd, always interrupting!

[2hell_weride]

MarKus shakes his head and pulls her back against him. They had a ways to go to the next drop off, so there was plenty of time to hold and comfort the ninja princess.

"It's probably not that bad." he retorts, but before she can continue her whining, he leans over and gives her a kiss. That oughtta hush her for a moment!

[wickedone]

"Another blacksmith, huh? That's what your 'supplies' were for?" Albel asked when he saw the familiar face and the cart, feeling extra grouchy because of the rain. At least the promise of battle kept him somewhat excited, for better or worse. He glanced over the bundles of various weapons with appraising eyes.

"These aren't awful," he commented -- as best a compliment that MarKus would get.

[2hell_weride]

"They're not supposed to be 'good'" he retorts, taking one of the swords. It's still a good fucking sword, but it's not meant to be flashy or top tier, but, it's the shock that comes with it that matters.

"They're supposed to be shocking." He says a joke with a straight face.

[wickedone]

Albel raised his eyebrows and waited, not understanding the pun in the least. Just stared at MarKus as if there must be something else to follow that up, otherwise the other man was even more of a fool.

After a moment, he simply repeated, "... Shocking? That our civilians are wielding weapons?" He supposed that might come across as a surprise to the empire, but that most of the population would end up being slaughtered.

[2hell_weride]

"No you idiot. For the heroes. They're all enhanced with a lightening element. They're going to be pretty fucking effective when the Empire tries to bring their machines in here." he has to explain in detail.

"That said, I've seen war. It's pretty inevitable that the fighting will end up in the city, so we're setting up near the gates so we can either stop them at the gates, or keep them on the outside."

[iscursednomore]

Fai was preparing for the fight himself, knowing that he would need more arrows in his quiver before anything were to happen. Considering he had the Blacksmith job himself which he has never used, he had thought about making his own, but knew deep down that right now that was not the best idea just in case he managed to mess up.

Instead he found himself wondering around the town and soon found himself looking over a few things.

"Did you make all of this yourself?" He said with an impressive tone in his voice.

[2hell_weride]

"Yeah. They're not the best in quality, but they'll have an extra punch against the Empire and their machines." he explains, wondering where this person just... came from. Then again, it's raining, and he's busy with his task, not minding when people walk up and start checking out what he's doing.

"There's better quality stuff at my shop, honestly, but I won't have time to make you anything better with an element. Not now." He'd mastered his jobs, and was sitting on it until later. Master Blacksmith and Thief only had a minor synergy, but right now, having that Thief would do better than switching to something off to something more combat-oriented.

[iscursednomore]

It was quite interesting to say the least and he wondered when this is all over if maybe he could ask the other to help him figure out his own Blacksmith job. When one has never actually made anything that wasn't a potion, it was a whole different thing.

"Considering the situation, so long as it can do it's job, it shouldn't matter if it has an element or not." He put it simply, anything was better than nothing at the end of the day nd he was in all honesty just curious.

"Do you need any help, or are you okay?"

[bloodypast]

Vincent is ignoring the rain. His hair is secured behind him in a loose ponytail, the usual red-bandanna keeping his bangs from his eyes. He is once more in basic black and other dark colors, save for the tarnished gold of his left-hand where the claw is. Covered otherwise all the way up his arms and figure, save that splash of metal and the red around his forehead.

He catches up to MarKus on one of the drops, silent but posture at ease as his firearm sits at his hip. "MarKus." Greeting, as usual his tone is neutral. But the nod of his head implies that he is glad to see the other.

[OOC: Sorry if Vincent frightens anyone. He's rocking Gunner/Ninja right now, and dressed to blend in to shadows.]

[2hell_weride]

His crew had seen him in the shop once or twice already, and MarKus knew him well enough, but getting the drop on them gets most of the other guys to reach for 'something' while MarKus just whips around and jerks back.

"THE FUCK!" he shouts in protest and shock.

"Dude, don't do that shit right now." he gripes after recognizing Vincent. "Whattya need man. Tell me the gun didn't mess up... not now..." Time wasn't on his, or their, side at all.

[bloodypast]

A blink, and Vincent inclines his head. "My apologies." He really hadn't actually meant to startle them. How much was his appearance physically, and how much was in how he'd approached? Something he'd analyze later, and adjust as needed.

"No, it is working fine." There might've been the barest upturn at the corner of his mouth. The suggestion of amusement, fondness, in his voice. "Although if you have any particular ammo that would be of aid, I will not turn it down." His eyes-flickered to the cart and its contents. "Leaving weapons for those who find themselves suddenly disarmed?"

Re: July 27th || Mingle

[forlornlyorn]

For a few minutes, Aerich is unable to decide whether those manning the cart represent an amazingly shrewd business or a great philanthropic interest. Cracks and shards, but maybe in a situation like this, the two weren't mutually exclusive.

Well, he's stayed with the intent of helping defend the city with his friend. In truth, Tazendra is better equipped for the situation, so it's unlikely there would be hard feelings if Aerich took some time to see to some business on his own.

"A pity that there are no flashstones," he observed.

Re: July 27th || Mingle

[2hell_weride]

His crew may have spotted him, but didn't pay him any mind until he spoke up. Observers were normal, as were those who were confused as hell about why these guys were lugging around barrels of weapons.

"Flashstones?" MarKus stops directing the loading and checking of stock to find out what the heck the guy was talking about, though, at least through logical clues tell him it's proooobably some manner of magical explosive rock.

Or a primitive grenade.

Re: July 27th || Mingle

[forlornlyorn]

"Just so."

A shrug indicated that Aerich was not truly bothered by its absence. It had always been something of a favored weapon for the friends back in Dragaera. Sadly exhaustible compared to the sword, but quite versatile. But maybe he could find something to put in its place.

"As you might guess, a stone which has been enchanted for use in battle. When triggered, it would unleash a directed magical blast. Once the energy was discharged, it would simply be another stone again."

July 27th || Mingle

[believesinhumanity]

Rock has been doing some training to prepare for the coming battle, since he needs to get used to his new body and powers first, but right now he's taking a break like that to explore the town and see what other preparations are being made.

"Those are for the war effort, right?" He says when he comes up to Markus and his team.

((Sorry for taking forever to reply.))

Re: July 27th || Mingle

[2hell_weride]

"Yeah, sure are." The voice was... faintly familiar, though its not as if he knew it super well... no, rather he didn't remember it well. Turning to face him tough, the face was even more familiar, making him stop and question the person he was looking at.

"Rock?" Naw... there's no way... it would be too good to be true!

[believesinhumanity]

Rock had been about to ask if he could help, when the man said his name. At that his turned his head to look at him, confused. Was this someone from home? That was strange... He'd never seen this person before and no one who didn't personally know him ever called him Rock.

"Uh, I'm sorry. Do I know you?"