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Ragnellius Mercenaries Headquarters Home of the Ragnellius Mercs
Posted 01 May 2011 - 02:07 AM
The bottom and basement floor: Composed of the Engineering, Arsenal, and Generation Blocks. The Engineering Block mostly deals with creation of add-ons or repairs of broken creations that are sent down there and is ran by the Engineering Units (The group of helper bots that handles this job), although Adam is in full authority of all units. Just as it says, the Arsenal handles the weaponry of the HQ. Finally, the Generation block holds the Photon Generators, which are the main power generators that gives life to every function and facility in the HQ.
The first floor: Composed of the Central Block, which is split into three hallways in the entrance, and with the main hall ahead leading towards the control room, where all work, jobs requests, etc. are taken care of...as well as the control of all functionality of HQ. In a room to the right of the control room leads to the Commander's personal office. The other two hallways leads to guest areas and a huge lounge for tired mercenaries to chill out, or just to hang out. Then there is the Warp Area, which is powered by the Warp System to IT to certain locations capable to go, depending the range of the Radar. There is also a training room on this floor.
The second floor: Composed of the Residential Block and the library. Having an entire second floor, most, if not everyone (excluding the Working units) have their own rooms assigned to them or chosen by themselves. The residential block also has a small hospital for any injured allies to be handled by the Medical units and recover. The library is self-explanatory, but also holds records of very event and job the mercenaries participates in.
The third floor: Composed of the Research Block and Restricted Area. The Research Block was usually ran by actual allies of the mercenaries, but with no one here anymore, no current projects go on anymore and the place only gets cleaned and taken care of by the Repair Units. The Restricted Area usually only grants access to the Commander, Adam, and only a select few members. It holds prisoners, or holding cells that locks up dangerous individuals. There is also an interrogation room.
Nothing special on the roof, only that it provides excellent scenery of the area around the HQ and great view of Zephyr City.
[From Maverick Hunter HQ - Front Desk]
Following Zeon into an area that is about half a mile from a civilized area, the group approaches the huge building in front of them. Magnus in particular stares at the enormous building in amazement, not believing his eyes.
"So...this is the place, Zeon?" The flaming warrior continues to stare, but keeping his attention on his brother.
"Yes. As you could tell, we were a famous group of mercenaries several years back, judging from the size of the place." The mercenary walks closer to the large and wide double doors, which seems to not be active when he steps near them. "I'll have to open it manually to get in. This isn't the kind of door we can force ourselves in..."
Magnus nods, stepping to the side to give his older brother some room. Vivian stays near Magnus, making her own observations of the place. She figures once everything is taken care of here, this will be her new home...It saddens her to leave the Wind Temple, but she wants to follow her heart instead...being with her childhood friend and his older brother.
Zeon searches the wall near the door, knocking against it a few times, then it reveals a small square-like compartment with a few buttons and a very small screen on top of it. He presses a few buttons on it, occasionally stopping and then pressing some more.
Suddenly, the doors open, but not all the way. Zeon walks over to the door as he places both hands on the ends of the opened doors as he attempts to force them open. Magnus notices this as he walks beside his brother and places his hands on one of the edges of the doors as well.
"Heh, what happened to not forcing our way in?" The Flaming Champ plays around.
"Well, I meant not trying to open it while it's closed. These doors get jammed sometimes, and it's troublesome to open when they do...I can do it though. Step back." Zeon insists.
Magnus shakes his head. "Nah, if we both do this together, it'll get opened twice as fast, don't you think? Besides, after this is all done...I'm leader now, right?" Placing a courageous smile on his face.
Zeon giggles to himself, then pushes with all his might on the door to the right. Magnus does the same, adding his own strength to it on the left door. The double doors easily slides open on both sides, revealing some of the darkness inside. Still being daytime, some of the windows inside provided enough to be see just right.
"All right...follow me. Only certain areas in the headquarters have enough light, so be careful where you walk." Zeon explains to Magnus and Vivian. Both nod and follow their comrade inside.
Once inside, the light from the open doors shines bright enough to see a three-way split, seeing two long hallways to the left and right, then the last and largest hallway straight ahead.
"...There is one area of the headquarters that still runs on it's own. That is the Central block." Zeon points ahead. "We'll have plenty of light there. For now, just keep following me."
The trio walks ahead into the darkness and going through another long hallway. Soon they reach another huge double door, but not as big as the front door. Still having it's power, Zeon inches closer to it as it opens on it's own. Half of the lights at the top were on, so the light is average and enough to freely roam.
The room itself shapes like a square, having four corners with various machines everywhere. There seemed to be two levels of the room, having a medium-sized staircase going up. Zeon walks up the stairs first, followed by Magnus and Vivian.
Arriving at the top, the entire top area of the room is very neat, tidy, and having a nice amount of space while having a few more machines in the corners against the walls. It has another staircase leading up in the center, but it was small and narrow. At the top of it, three large machines standing on one platform are against the wall.
"Wait...how the hell is this place so clean...?" Magnus wonders.
"It's because I pay frequent trips here to make sure it doesn't fall apart...I can activate some helper bots on my own, but I'm limited..." Zeon explains, but points his finger upward. "Magnus...go up there with the Soul Breaker and stand in the center of the machines. I'll tell you what to do when you get up there. Vivian and I will stay down here."
The flaming warrior raises an eyebrow, but shrugs his shoulders while unsheathing the Soul Breaker out of it's blue sheath on his back and slowly walking up the small stairs.
Upon arriving at the top, he examines the odd circular machine in the center...as if it was acting as a dome for whatever was inside. The Flaming Champion turns around and looks down on Zeon. "...What now?"
"In front of the middle machine, do you see a tiny, rectangular hole on the floor that looks as small as a chip?" Zeon asks from below. Magnus looks down to see the said hole. He turns back around and nods his head twice.
"Good..." Zeon places his hand on his chin. "...Now, stab the Soul Breaker partly into that area until it can't go down any further. That's all I'll say for now."
Magnus opens both of his eyes wider, not knowing what Zeon was up to...but he himself is curious. He grips the hilt of Soul Breaker with both hands and reverses it so it points downwards. Before inserting the blade into the hole, he takes a look around at the other two machines. They look strange...like something he hasn't ever seen before.
Posted 01 May 2011 - 04:14 PM
"Hey...! Is this some kind of joke or somethi--" Magnus is cut short, feeling a huge thump in the entire area of the room, then the platform he stands on with the two machines and the larger one in the center begins to shake immensely. The power surges around him and the platform that comes from the sword and lines of energy comes from the area below and all over the walls and floor, suddenly have a boost of power around the entire room and giving extraordinary power overall. Magnus grits his teeth, quickly pulling out the Soul Breaker and back flipping off the platform, remaining on the stairs. He watches as the platform slowly descend and remains shaking on it's way down.
The platform then stops when it's at the bottom of the room, then the dome-shaped glass over the center machine slowly opens, and a huge cloud of smoke arises from it until the platform cannot be seen temporarily. Magnus continues witnessing this while crouching down on the stairs that are miraculously still standing without the platform. He raises an eyebrow, hearing a few beeps and movements below within the smoke.
After a few more moments, the platform begins to rise and Magnus decides to leap off the stairs and back in front of Zeon and Vivian for his safety. He glares at Zeon for a few seconds while confused, but turns his attention upwards at the now ascending platform as it returns to it's original position. The dome glass now opens completely and more smoke escapes from it. With the smoke clearing up now, the group somehow hears footsteps coming from within the circular machine and out of the smoke. A slightly black and silver-armored Reploid with the design of an average appearance walks out of the smoke and proceeds downward on the stairs with both of his arms held behind his back. The iris in his robotic eyes flashes red as he arrives on the floor and in front of Magnus.
"Greetings, Master." The Reploid says in a calm and polite tone. "It has been nearly four or five years since I have been operational...correct, Master Gaia? I'm pleased to be able to serve you again."
Magnus remains wide-eyed, staring at the Reploid and hearing what he says. "Um...uh..." He tries to explain himself, but the words seem to escape him.
The Reploid takes a closer look at Magnus' face, then glances at the Soul Breaker before looking back to the Flaming Champion.
"Oh, my apologies. You are not Master Gaia...yet, you have his weapon in your possession." states the Reploid. "Who might you be, young one?"
The flaming warrior rubs the back of his head, still speechless. But not knowing what else to say, he opens his mouth to say what first came to mind. "Uh...how about you introduce yourself first...if you want." He continues rubbing his head and placing an unsure smile on his face.
"Ah yes, forgive me. I am Master Servant Unit and leading unit of overall performance and maintenance, Adam." The reploid holds out his hand for a shake. "Now, is this kind enough to ask for your name, sir? If you require more information on me before properly introducing ourselves, then I humbly ask if you could state so, young sir."
"Man, this guy gets way out of hand with the formalities..." Magnus says to himself, then places the Soul Breaker back in it's sheath and shakes Adam's hand. "No...no, there is no need. So simply put...your name is Adam, right? I'm Magnus."
"Quite the honor to make your acquaintance, Mr. Magnus." Adam places his arms behind his back again. "As I stated before, Magnus...you have Soul Breaker, the key item to giving you the correct and authorized leadership of Ragnellius HQ and all servant units, including myself...as well as the allies that reside. According to my past knowledge before being placed into sleep mode, the current owner of the Ragnellius Mercenaries, Master Gaia ordered the HQ on temporarily shutdown and assigned orders of the a complete disbanding of the company about four or five years ago. Being fully aware of what caused this, this unit is disappointed in himself for not being able to handle the situation correctly. Such chaos on a scale unknown, but I shall not fail this time. Furthermore..."
Magnus waves his hands back and forth, interrupting Adam during his explanation. "Whoa, hold on there...one at a time, Adam! You're jumping from one thing to another!" The Flaming Champ takes a deep breath. "Now...I was told by Zeon here that I was granted leadership by Master Gaia himself when he gave me the Soul Breaker upon his death. Not like I doubt my brother's knowledge, but is this correct to your own knowledge?"
Adam places his hand on his robotic chin, then stares at Zeon. "Ah...Mr. Zeon. It has been quite a while. Great to see you well." He then looks back to Magnus. "But anyway, as long as Soul Breaker is entrusted to another and acknowledged by Master Gaia himself, then I have no right to interfere with the decision...However, you said 'upon his death'...so Master Gaia has passed away? Very saddening news, indeed."
"You sure don't look sad..."
Not wanting to talk more of his master's death, Magnus pulls out Soul Breaker one more time and holds it to his side. "Anyway...so, what's going to happen?"
"Just as you stated a few moments ago, you are my master now. You are the Commander of the Ragnellius Mercenaries and this Headquarters. Now, Master..." Adam turns his back and faces towards the platform at the top where he previously rested before addressing Magnus again. "Do you have any immediate orders? When you give the order, I'm honored to follow at the best of my ability."
Magnus rubs the back of his head, then looks back to Zeon and Vivian. Both had nothing to say, shaking their heads and not being able to provide any suggestions. The warrior helplessly turns back to face Adam.
"Not...really. This is all so sudden. What would you suggest would be a first step to reviving this place, Adam?" Magnus crosses his arms.
"If that's what you desire, Master...then I would suggest restoring the HQ with full power." Adam now turns away from Magnus and to the top of the platform again. "Upon my awakening, normal functionality, such as the basic facilities has returned to Ragnellius HQ, but the other units under my command that were reawakened upon mine are scattered and have received no recent orders. The secondary-main terminal...which is the machine on the right on top of the control section where I was placed in sleep mode does not work properly if the entire HQ is ordered into a complete shutdown like before. This goes for all other functions in the HQ, such as the Radar, Warp, and Command Systems."
Magnus nods his head, taking in the information to the best of his ability as well. "Okay. So in order to gain the original benefits of the Headquarters, we have to restore these functions?"
"That is correct, Master. On the bottom floor are the Engineering, Arsenal, and Generation Blocks. Within the Generation Block is where the main energy producers to every function and facility of this base, Photon Generators reside." Adam faces Magnus again. "Although it would be simple to recharge the Photon Generators, Main and Secondary-main terminals does not have the sufficient energy to carry out the task...you'll need Central Metals, sphere-like power cores to give the terminals enough power. The Central Metals that are already inside have lost their power."
Becoming almost lost again, Magnus still gets most of what Adam explains. "All right...but, let's save the remainder of the explanation for a later time...for now, could you guide me around this place? I want to know exactly what I'm dealing with here..."
Adam nods in agreement. "Of course. A logical choice, Master. If you would please, follow me."
The silver-armored Reploid walks in between the three, then walks down the other stairs in attempts of exiting the room. Magnus scratches his head and looks to Zeon and Vivian. He still feels slightly confused, but the tour around the Headquarters could easily help clear his mind a little. He says nothing and follows Adam, with Zeon and Vivian with him as always.
Posted 06 May 2011 - 06:39 AM
With Adam as their guide, the trio sees every area of the Headquarters in and out. It was quite the sight for Magnus and Vivian, although not any surprise for Zeon, since he used to live here and was a mercenary for this place. As he witness what he'll be in control of, Magnus repeats most of what he and Adam discussed earlier and understanding it a lot better.
Upon arriving back on the first floor and back into the control room where everyone was before the tour, Adam has a data pad in his hands as he stands in the middle of the control room.
"While we were in the Research Block, I received some leftover information from Mr. Xenus that happened to be out and attached upon one of the desks." Adam states. "It appears to be note stating his leave after the disbanding, and his assistance afterwards if the time comes for Ragnellius to reform."
"...Xenus?" Magnus raises an eyebrow, not knowing who that was.
"Xenus was our 'Master Tactician'." Interrupts Zeon. "I would expect no less from him, always thinking ahead of everyone else. He'll be a great asset in reforming the group...as well as his natural talents as a battle strategist. What does the rest of the note say, Adam?"
"According to this, Mr. Xenus says he resides in a old building of the old culture that is located directly behind Zephyr City...more accurately, the name of the place is called 'Wind Temple'. He claimed to live there upon hearing the people there are very welcoming...and he claims he may have plans on settling down there if nearly three years pass and no new information regarding the revival of Ragnellius HQ is sent to him. He's aware of the Central Metal problem we will most likely have, and he can help retrieve more of the basic metals that can be found that can possibly power the terminals for the control over the Photon Generators."
Vivian, finally killing her own silence, is startled by the name of the person and his place of residence. "Xenus?! Now that you mention it...around the said time you all claim this place was shut down, a man named Xenus settled down and moved into the temple...he seemed really interested with the old culture there and studied for a while out of curiosity, despite the fact that he isn't much of the sociable talker. I can see why he was your Master Tactician...he's really knowledgeable!"
"Huh...is this just completely weird coincidence...?" The flaming warrior says while rubbing his head again. "The odds of this Xenus guy being at the Wind Temple...really."
"Judging from all of your reactions, you seem to know this 'Wind Temple' fairly well." Adam walks on the steps leading to the main and secondary-main terminals, but doesn't proceed upwards. "Since the Warp System is not active at this moment, you'll have to go on foot. Upon your orders, Master...having Mr. Xenus back would be a great asset, just as Mr. Zeon stated...as well as having Central Metals ready for us already. If you do not wish to go on foot, I can make arrangements for the Supply Units to depart to Wind Temple, which will require quite some time without the power of the Photon Generators, but it's not completely impossible."
Magnus shakes his head in disagreement. "No...it's fine, Adam. Plus, we had to go back over there for Vivian here anyway...this will probably be her, and ours as well, last time ever going back there."
"Very well, Master. I'll be here waiting for your return." Adam says with a slight smile and a bow before standing straight, showing his obedience to Magnus.
With that being said, Zeon doesn't move from the spot he stands, but grabs his younger brother and Vivian's attention. "You two go on without me...I'll stay here just in case Adam needs some help. He may be the Master Servant Unit, but without the reliability of the Photon Generators, he'll undoubtedly have a hard time on his own with the scattered units around here as you both seen from the tour earlier."
Magnus nods his head. "All right. Good luck here." He now looks to Vivian. "Since you're moving out the place, I'll help you get your belongs out there."
"Ah no...it isn't really much in my room there..." Vivian blushes a little, but hardly noticeably. "But, I guess so, since it'll move things along faster. But let's go."
Having nothing to say in response, the new leader of the Ragnellius Mercenaries makes a simple nod and a smile, walking beside his companion out the door leading to the hallway out of the control room.
[Magnus and Vivian to Wind Temple]
"So, Mr. Zeon..." Adam begins. "Master Magnus is your younger sibling, you say?"
Zeon only makes a nod for the question for now.
"I see. I've never expected that you found a survivor of your family...and yet he became great friends with Master Gaia after his disband order. Quite ironic."
"I found it surprising too...but I trust Gaia's decision. My brother has Maverick Hunter experience, and was a high-ranked hunter. He'll be capable of leading the company as time goes by if that's what you're worried about, Adam..."
"No, I've already placed my loyalty and trust into him. Just that the situation we are in...we'll need all the help we can get. I doubt the reforming of the Mercenaries would be an easy task...even if Master Gaia was still alive. But as my time with you and Gaia over the years, I trust you fully to grant you higher authority. As long as Master agrees, I'll be honored to serve you as one of the new Generals, giving you the second highest level of power here, then you'll be my Master as well...Master Zeon...it has a nice ring to it." The silver armored servant unit cracks another smile.
The silent mercenary returns one as well while crossing his arms. "Heh...you haven't changed at all Adam."
"That would be impossible, for you see..."
"Yes, I know...you being placed in sleep mode."
"...You certainly haven't changed either, Master Zeon." Adam places his arms behind his back. "If only...Master Nova had the right to return, then it would be quite the reunion..."
Zeon frowns, not wanting to comment on the mention of the old comrade spoken. He feels that it would only bring back painful memories of the past incident that caused the current situation.
Posted 19 May 2011 - 04:54 PM
Upon returning to the base and re-entering the Central Block where only Adam and Zeon are, Magnus and Vivian, along with Xenus, walks up the steps leading to the level of the room where Zeon is leaning on the wall next to the steps leading to the terminals, and Adam, who was at one of them himself. The MS Unit turns his head to face the incoming allies, then takes notice of Xenus.
"Ah, Mr. Xenus. It's a pleasure to see you with us again." Adam steps away from the Main terminal as he proceeds downward to the three. Zeon however, remained on the wall as he currently has nothing to say...hence keeping himself into complete silence.
"It's nice that you found my note soon soon after awakening from sleep mode." Xenus lets his bag of belongings fall on the floor and holds the box he has in both arms. "The Central Metals needed to power the Main and Secondary Terminals are in this box. There are more than two in the box, but use them all as you see fit, Adam."
"Understood. I'll recover the terminals immediately." Adam takes two of the yellowish sphere-like power cores from the box and proceeds back up on the steps.
He stands next to the Main Terminal, which is to the left of the platform that both terminals stand. He crouches down and opens a compartment of the machine. He sees a Central Metal connected inside already, but it lost it's yellowish glow and color, meaning it was out of power. After carefully pulling out the powerless Metal since forcing it out may pull a few wires out, he places it on the floor as it rolls by itself, but the small wall stops it from going anywhere else. The MS Unit pushes the fully charged Metal into the same area where the first one was and closes the compartment. He stares at the small screen on the terminal, seeing it boot up...it was successfully recovered with full energy. After that is done, Adam picks up the powerless core and the other fully charged one and makes his way to the secondary. He does the exact same thing as he did for the Main Terminal.
After seeing that one boot, he hurries and makes his way back to the Main Terminal, which now has a chair in front of it. He presses several buttons on it after sitting down, then suddenly, the dome-like area where he was in sleep mode slowly descends when the floor of the platform temporarily opens up like an elevator door. After it is completely out of sight, the floor closes back up and there is nothing in the middle now.
Adam continues to press the buttons on the terminal, then points his finger at a large digital computer screen that just came out of the wall and is above the area on the wall where the dome area was.
"This huge screen displays things like incoming transmissions, or the small screen on the terminals enlarged for better view. This could also be helpful for the secondary terminal, as that one handles job requests that come in so you don't have to go through the hassle of dealing with the main...It will make things proceed steadily. But at the moment, Mr. Xenus and I will handle the terminals here." Adam stands from the chair and looks down on Magnus. "I will assign orders to all units and recover the Photon Generators' full power, while Mr. Xenus will recover the Radar and Warp Systems. You can take this time to rest up, Master. I've also recommend that Master Zeon would gain General status. What is your decision, Master?"
Magnus looks back at Zeon, who merely shrugs his shoulders while still leaning on the wall. The flaming warrior rubs the back of his head again and staring at Adam from where he stands.
"...I doubt Zeon would fail me. He is my brother after all. Of course I'll accept the decision...but what are the powers here?" Magnus curiously asks.
"Ah, yes...forgive me. As you stand now, you are our Supreme Commander. Master Zeon so far is our only General, who gains secondary authority just in case you are unable to attend active service, so the Generals are more like second commanders normally. The third highest power would be me, the Master Servant Unit...or to shorten it, MS Unit. But if you require more information, the information terminal is now running. It's not up here, but it's with the other devices below the steps behind you. At your convenience, you may check the terminal as much as you like."
"All right." Magnus says.
But before doing anything else, Zeon gets off the wall and approaches his younger brother. He points his thumb towards the door leading out the room. "Now that things are under complete control, how about we head into the Training Room?"
"...Hmm? You wanna spar? Pretty strange to do that now, but I'm always up for sparring. I may only have Soul Breaker at the moment, but I can still keep up with ya." Magnus says with a smirk.
"Can you? Well anyway, you've just lost a massive amount of Magnatanium, but it's finally equivalent to my own, so now that you can finally use it freely, I'll teach you proper control...I doubt Gaia knew about it when he trained you." Zeon explains while going down the steps. "Let's go."
"Uh, okay." The Flaming Champion walks with his brother down the steps, but still not out of the room yet.
Vivian, who stood in front of the steps leading to the terminals, grabs Adam's attention. "Excuse me, Adam...?"
The MS Unit turns around immediately after sitting back in the chair. "Hm? What is it, Mrs. Vivian?"
"I was wondering...wait... Mrs? I'm not married..."
Adam giggles a little. "Oh? You and Master seem so close, I figured you both were..."
"...What?!" Vivian's face completely turns red.
Magnus and Zeon was just about to leave the room after the door slid open on it's own. Upon hearing Adam's joke, Magnus turns around while blushing and having his fist on his waist. "...Adam! Vivian and I...do not have anything like that going on!"
"Ha ha! My apologies, Master and Ms. Vivian." Adam places his hand over his mouth to hide most of his laughter.
Zeon shuts his eyes off from the little scene and grabs Magnus' arm while slightly smiling. "...Okay, that's enough goofing around. Let's go."
Magnus shifts his head back to relieve himself of the embarrassment, allowing Zeon to grab his arm and they both exit the Central Block. Zeon leads Magnus over to the other hallway to the right of the entrance and they both head to the Training Room.
Once there, the door opens on it's own as usual and they both enter the Training Room, which is a huge rectangular room which has another door leading to a resting room, which also has a huge window inside that has a great view of the training room. Zeon enters first and Magnus behind.
"Nice. Pretty good space in here. Adam must have forgotten to take me here in the tour." Magnus comments while unsheathing Soul Breaker. "So, shall we get started?"
They both stand in the center of the room, then Zeon takes out Raigeki. "I'll only use Raigeki, since me using both of my swords will be unfair when you are currently handicapped with one sword."
"Heh, use whatever you like, bro. I can handle it, even if I'm handicapped. Let's just get on with this!" Magnus readies himself.
"All right...since you're feeling confident, then I'll take on your challenge...but under one condition..." Zeon unsheathes Gisarme in his other hand. "Attack me with all you got...as if you were trying to kill me...treat this as a battle of life or death."
Magnus opens his eyes wider and raises an eyebrow. "Wh...what?!"
"I'll explain in due time..." Zeon holds both swords beside him and moves his head, signaling Magnus to come at him.
"Has he lost his mind...?!"
Magnus feels uneasy about this, but nonetheless, Zeon's mind was made up. The Flaming Champ grips Soul Breaker tightly as he sets the sword ablaze and sprints towards his older brother. "All right...you asked for it!!"
Posted 23 May 2011 - 06:44 PM
While parrying another strike from Zeon's Raigeki, Magnus slides backwards and rubs his forehead. "Man...it's great and all to have this new speed I've gained from that brute strength I lost, but Zeon...he's so freakin' fast, even I can barely keep up! Maybe I should of kept my mouth shut...He's gonna pound me if he manages to hit me. But that isn't my style, isn't it?"
Zeon charges back at Magnus to keep the pressure going. Swinging both of his swords downward, Zeon clashes with Magnus' Soul Breaker when the flaming warrior had risen it above. Zeon's Raigeki slides off Soul Breaker and he manages to knock Magnus' sword itself out his hand with Gisarme as it spins in the air and lands on the floor a few feet away.
The flaming warrior stumbles after this and falls down on his bottom. Zeon walks closer and points Rageki's tip towards Magnus' face. "...Heh...not bad. Seems as though the start of father's training and Gaia wrapping it up makes you quite the formidable opponent, even when your are handicapped from dual wielding. All you need now is refinement. If you were using your full force, it would have been more difficult for me to defeat you."
"...Are you kidding me? You're still way faster than I am...!" Magnus keeps rubbing the back of his head in frustration.
"The only reason it seems as though I'm faster than you is because father's fighting style you inherited isn't refined...nor is your skill to properly control your Magnatanium's full potential. Gaia could only teach you so much because he and father were two different fighters with two different styles, yet they were almost similar...but I'm here to help in that refinement and skill. At your current level, not that much work is required to catch up with me...But I will say this...you are still physically stronger than I am." Zeon sheathes his swords and holds out his hand to help Magnus up.
Magnus grabs his brother's hand as he lifts himself up, then walks over to grab Soul Breaker and places it back into it's sheath on his back. Still hearing what Zeon said, he does remember that before his demise, their father only trained him as a kid, which would explain how Zeon would know most, if not all of his skill and tricks since he trained under him longer.
"So, you're going to teach me in father's place, huh? We do fight in the same style, but I can see you can use many more tricks than I can...I guess I still have a long way to go." Magnus places his head down.
Zeon walks closer to Magnus' side and pats his younger brother's shoulder. "Like I said, the difference between you and I aren't much...just keep training hard like always and you'll catch up to me soon enough...or maybe even surpass me because of your strength."
Just before they could say anything else, Adam's voice can be heard all over the training room...meaning he was speaking through an intercom.
"Huh? I wonder what's up..." Magnus looks up and listening as he ponders about the message.
"Adam and Xenus probably fixed everything. But we won't know until we get there." Zeon walks closer to the door. "Since it didn't seem as though they are in a rush, I have to stop by my quarters and give you something."
"For me? What is it?"
"You'll see. Come on." Zeon says while leaving out the door when it opens. Magnus once again rubs the back of his, but out of confusion. But there was no use in trying to get more out of him and follow.
[Second floor - Zeon's room]
The door opens, then Zeon walks in first. When the group was disbanded, he came back in numerous times to keep some things in shape, so the room is practically empty besides the maintenance bed and a large, wide crate in front of it...as well as a closet in the corner, although he didn't really have much use for it except for storage.
Zeon walks to the crate and takes the top off of it. He reaches his hand inside and grabs something. Magnus, who walks in next, raises an eyebrow after seeing Zeon digging in the crate. He wonders what it was that Zeon wanted to give him that was in such a huge crate.
Zeon now pulls out a sword from the crate, which this sword also shaped like and the size of a katana, but it wasn't like their weapons. It was made of the standard materials of this current era. Zeon holds the sword by it's hilt, then passes the sword and it's holster to Magnus.
"...I used this sword before I figured I was worthy enough to use father's sword he entrusted to me, Raigeki. I've always taken care of this weapon in case someone else might need it...so I'm giving it to you. This should prove useful until you find the real Levanter."
Magnus takes the weapon in both of his hands and stares at it deeply. Even though it isn't like their weapons, it was well-made and seems to be very dependable if it's still in great shape. He takes the sword and slides it into it's holster, then places it on his back, crossing it with Soul Breaker as Godly Levanter used to be.
"Wow...thanks, Zeon." Magnus returns a smile.
Zeon pats his brother's shoulder again before saying "It was my fault your other weapon was destroyed, so I'm returning the favor. Now, let's go see what they want in Central Block."
After nodding, Magnus finally can use two swords again...although he'll have to adjust to the new weapon. But he could think more on that as they make their way out of the room and back to Central Block.
Posted 01 June 2011 - 08:20 PM
Re-entering the door of Central Block, Magnus and Zeon proceeds up the stairs and stands right next to Vivian, who happens to still be in the same spot.
"What were you two doing?" Vivian glares at them both.
"Training...but what's going on here?" Magnus curiously asks while inching closer to the next set of small stairs leading to Adam and Xenus on the Main and secondary terminals.
"I don't know all the details...ask Adam and Xenus."
Magnus finally ascends the stairs and walks beside the Master Servant Unit. "What's going on, Adam?"
Still pressing a few buttons on the terminal's keyboard, Adam switches the view of his terminal's screen on the large projector. "Welcome back, Master. Mr. Xenus and I have finished reviving the Photon Generators' full power, as well as the Radar and Warp Systems. Due to Xenus' knowledge, he instantly found a suitable first job for our group to handle. You may ask him for the details."
Xenus, sitting straight in his chair, does not look at Magnus directly and instead moves his fingers to let Magnus know that he should come closer over to the secondary terminal he is currently using. The flaming warrior still feels Xenus doesn't trust him fully yet, but nonetheless, he needs to hear what he has to say. He stands right beside Xenus' chair and stares at the screen on the terminal.
"Even though we disbanded, I still have contacts with an old friend who was a mercenary for this company who now resides in Abel City." Xenus says. "He says that a local civilian is requesting aid from anyone willing to help because of these mysterious Reploid attackers who raided their storehouse and took something out of a box int he storehouse...He didn't take the job fully because he thinks this is more than just some random Maverick attack, and it would require more than one person...but he went ahead and told the client that our group would be suitable for the job."
"I used to be a hunter...and this sounds like more than just some random attack. It was planned."
"Exactly. You're the commander, so just sit back and assign us your orders that we'll carry out." Xenus keeps his hands on the keyboard, but doesn't press anything.
"I may be the commander and all, but that doesn't mean I'll be leaving all the work to my friends. I'll be accompanying Zeon and Vivian, of course...so I can assign my orders to them on the way."
"...If you really are the commander, then you should properly do your job and leave the battling to your mercenaries."
Magnus clenches his fist, but frowns slightly before looking Xenus straight in the eyes. "It doesn't matter what kind of power of authority either of us possess. If you have the will and strength to fight, then you fight. If you don't, then you stay back...and I doubt Master Gaia had any different feelings from my own when he was commander. Just because I am the commander doesn't mean I should stay stuffed up in the HQ giving orders from a chair while I can fight alongside my comrades and carry out my job at the same time. That's just lazy."
"...Heh." Zeon crosses his arms while shutting his eyes with a small chuckle as he still stands next to Vivian.
"Hah hah...interesting." Xenus turns his chair to actually look to Magnus.
Magnus keeps his fist balled up while having a little sweat drop from the side of his face. "Wh-what's so...funny?"
"I've misjudged you, thinking you were just a kid. Seems like you and Gaia are the same."
Adam, who sat there the whole time not saying a word and smiling, finally decides to enter the conversation. "Mr. Xenus tested Master Gaia exactly as he did to you when Ragnellius was first established."
"I need to see if you are really capable of leading us...seems as though I could place some faith in you." Xenus turns back around to the terminal. "But enough of that. Since the Warp System is active, we can use it to warp where our old comrade followed the attackers."
"Where in Abel City?" Magnus asks, trying to let this one go.
"Not exactly in the city...but in the Outskirts. As your Master Tactician, I'll provide assistance as the Radar System also allows us to see what's going on in the location we send you on the screen. We can begin whenever you are ready."
Before responding to Xenus, Magnus looks to Zeon and Vivian from above. "Are you two ready? I know this is sudden, but it's our duty to carry out this job."
"There's nothing else to do...I'm always ready." Vivian places her hand on her hip. Zeon only nods, not wanting to say anything, but he is more than ready to start their first mission.
With those two ready, Magnus looks back to Xenus. "All right, were ready."
Adam turns his chair back to the Main terminal and presses a few buttons, then points to the three tall and wide, capsule-like machines in the corner of the room on the same floor where Zeon and Vivian stand. "That is the Warp Gate. Each gate can hold up to seven. When you are ready, everyone please stand in one gate together so the warp can be much faster. Unless we upgrade the Warp Gates, then we'll have to manually transfer you every time until you can do the task yourselves."
Magnus nods his head, then leaps off the stairs instead of going down normally. He walks over to the gate first, while Zeon and Vivian follow behind.
When they all enter the gate in the center, Adam presses one button on the terminal after saying "Once you arrive, Mr. Xenus will explain what you have to do next when he contacts you."
A door slowly arises from the floor in front of the gate they all stood in as it covers and holds everyone inside, then glowing rings of light surround them while inside of the Warp Gate as they begin to get beamed off to their location where their first job awaits...
[Magnus, Zeon, and Vivian to Abel City Outskirts]
Posted 03 May 2012 - 04:51 AM
The trio was beamed into the warp gates from their previous location. When they walked out, Adam was already there to meet them.
"Welcome back." He looked to Magnus. "How did the job go if I may ask, Master?"
"It was quite a mess, but nothing we couldn't handle. We had the help of Lyle and his mercenaries, as well as another unknown individual." Magnus stated. "But those reploids...they were no normal Mavericks. Not like any I've faced when I was a hunter anyway...I fear we may have a new foe on our hands that has yet to catch the eye of the hunters. They could prove problematic not just to us, but civilization itself."
"I see...what are your plans on this matter, Master?" Adam curiously asked while pondering to himself in the process.
"Honestly, there's not much we can do without a lead on where these guys are and what they are after, so we just have to keep our eyes peeled and move on for the time being."
Not wanting to go on with further speculation, Magnus walked pass Adam for a second and remembered why they came back so soon. "So...I received a call from a professor called Gerald?"
"Yes. We have him on hold on a separate server. Master Xenus can place him through again in just a moment." said Adam, walking back to the steps with Magnus towards the large projected screen on the wall in between the main and secondary terminals.
When Xenus typed a few more buttons on the secondary terminal, the screen's static slowly disappeared until it became completely clear. Magnus then witnessed Prof. White projected on the screen, seeming like he was sitting down on something.
the professor spoke upon seeing that he was within sight of everyone.
"Hey, professor!" Magnus responded immediately.
"It's all thanks to you by having fai--hey wait a minute! How in the world did you know how to reach our base? It's only recently been operational...plus, I haven't told you a thing yet!"
Magnus was thrown off again for a bit. "Huh?! If you aren't at HQ, then how are you speaking to me?"
"Huh...okay." Magnus was a little overwhelmed at things going as fast as they are now, but he should be used to it by now. "Thanks for the heads up, professor. I doubt we'll be going anywhere for a while, so you and the unit of supply drones just focus on being careful on the way here...a lot of strange individuals showing up out of nowhere and causing havoc everywhere around Abel and Zephyr..."
The transmission then cut after Gerald waved good-bye to everyone. After that was all done, Magnus proceeded back downward on the floor below the terminals. Since Gerald will probably arrive way earlier than an hour, the young mercenary had to act fast on where the professor will reside when it comes to working in a lab. In such thought, he turned to Adam for assistance.
"Say, Adam. Where in HQ can the professor permanently keep his belongings like lab equipment and the sort? Everything else I'm aware that he can stay in the Residential Block."
Adam listened and rubbed his chin upon knowing of a location. "The Research Block has several empty laboratories. Even when the company had large numbers, we've never exactly had enough researchers, scientists, or other related specialists to completely occupy the area, as having many would be unnecessary for the likes of a mercenary group. So as far as having his own personal lab, it's not a problem at all."
"Perfect. Since they are all empty, he can just pick a spot. I'll be taking a walk outside to get some fresh air while waiting for his group to arrive. I need to know exactly what the outside surroundings are like for safety measures." Magnus said before heading down the other steps that leads out the control room.
"Mind if I tag along?" Vivian asked upon following.
"But your wound from earlier...I mean, you're barely standing right now! You should lie down." argued Magnus.
"I know, but I want to greet my father when he arrives. Come on...pleeeeease?!"
Magnus clenched his face. "Okay, fine! I swear, you're like a little kid..."
Posted 05 May 2012 - 11:11 PM
Magnus was just about finished taking a walk around the HQ. He saw that the Supply Units did just about every basic task. Some of them were using their arms to extend and transform into razor sharp blades to mow down the grass because of years of growth without it being cut. From the first time he saw the exterior, it was covered in tall jungle-like grass...but now it's all mowed down and looking presentable. He also witnessed some of them scrubbing the walls outside down. They were making this place look even more professional than it does now with it's large stature.
Now that he has adjusted himself to the outside, he, as well as Vivian, returned to the large double door to the north entrance.
"Phew...not only is it huge inside, it's still enormous outside and around." Vivian sighs as she fell down on the concrete. "...Are you sure you can handle command over this place?"
Magnus sighed himself, looking upwards toward the sky. He himself had his doubts, but he wasn't one to let doubt interfere with his duties.
"I have to. Gaia had no one to follow behind in his footsteps after he passed..."
"But what about Zeon? I'm pretty sure you've considered turning over lead to him?"
"Yeah...I did think about that. But according to Adam and my brother himself, whoever is entrusted Soul Breaker is entrusted command. Besides...Zeon's hiding something from us." Magnus then sat down next to Vivian. "I know that you've noticed him a lot more distant than usual. Something's making him uncomfortable ever since the HQ was revived."
"That's true...then I won't persuade you any further."
The Flaming Champ rose an eyebrow upon looking to his friend. "...What's bothering you about me leading anyway? You know that I can definitely handle a job like this. A mercenary company and the Maverick Hunters are two different organizations with different lifestyles."
Vivian looked to him immediately, with eyes of worry. "It's just...some jobs we take can be risky, you know? We may end up having to kill some innocent victim as a job request...or end up retrieving something that may have to result in stealing for the client. Since you've been a hunter, I'm afraid of you being overwhelmed at being forced to take such tasks."
"Haha, I knew full well what I've gotten myself into the moment I left Hunter HQ...but let me tell you something to ease your mind, Vivi." Magnus stood back up, closing his eyes, yet smiling.
"We aren't some petty bounty hunters taking any job just to earn money. When I was with Master Gaia, he taught me many things about this kind of lifestyle. The life of a mercenary is similar to one of a bounty hunter...or even an assassin. But that doesn't necessarily mean every mercenary is the same. While we may take any job requested, that doesn't mean I'll accept all of them. And if I do...it's for reason. Mercenaries are neutral...and it's up to them if they want to get their hands dirty or not. It can go both ways...as Gaia fought for justice. He usually took dirty jobs just to exploit his sneaky clients while still preserving the peace. I live by that example and will continue his legacy to the best of my ability."
"I see..." Vivian tried to stand, but her wound on her back still gave her trouble. Instead, she kept low and raised her voice loud enough to be heard, but still a tad softly. "Your heart and sense of justice is strong...too strong. I'm lucky to be here."
"Haha! Come on. When you talk like that, it's not you, Vivian." Magnus said after falling back down. "...But thanks anyway. Just relax. I might not do a good job right away, but I'll make sure you can rest easy here. I need to let Zeon know that too so he can stop being gloomy from whatever is bothering him."
With a nod, Vivian found the strength to stand back on her feet. But before she could say anything else, something was approaching. Magnus recognized it was the group of supply units returning. All of them had boxes and crates in their hands, as they had Prof. White's belongings and lab equipment in them. Gerald himself was in a small hover vehicle provided from the Engineering Block. They become closer and closer until they all made a complete stop in front of Magnus, who approached immediately.
"TASK COMPLETE, SIR!" one of the drones stated.
"Great. Can you all help the professor set up in his new lab and also his living quarters in the Residential Block? I'll help as well to speed things along. After this, you all can take a long earned break."
All the drones does a salute and proceeded within the north entrance when the doors automatically opened. Gerald leaped out of the vehicle, then one of the drones jumped back in and drove it around to other side of the HQ, having the east entrance the quickest route to the Engineering Block.
"You guys can just place my lab equipment anywhere you want in that empty room. As for my personal belongings, you can do the same for my room!" Gerald requested.
"Magnus! Vivian!" Gerald greeted as he approached them.
"Hi, fa...." Vivian finally keeled over and dropped from her wound. Luckily, Magnus was able to catch her from falling.
"All right...time for you to go over to the medical area in the Residential Block to get that wound repaired. Leave your father to me." Magnus insisted as he allowed her to grip on his arm for better balance.
"That's a direct order." Magnus said with a smile.
"...Okay." Vivian released herself while returning a small giggle. "But I'll be fine on my own...go on and help dad. I can make it there myself."
"All right. Watch it now. If I find you on the floor because you couldn't make it, I'm going to have to literally glue you to my side...got it?"
"Got it, 'Commander'." She jokingly replied before walking off after all the drone made it inside.
With Magnus shaking his head, he turned around to the professor, who was just standing there rubbing his chin. "...You look like you're enjoying yourself, professor. Why did you just let that happen?"
"Ahh...that just reminded me when I first introduced you to Vivian when I took you in. I was merely reminiscing, haha."
"Uh-huh...well, anyway, let's follow the drones. I'm pretty sure they are tailing it to the Research Block right now."
[Research Block - Empty Laboratory]
Magnus and Gerald followed the drones into one of the empty rooms. They also witnessed several others heading down the hallway towards the elevator to also set up Gerald's living quarters. When they stepped in, the drones were already taking things out of the crates and placing them down where they saw fit. Before Magnus tried to help them with the unpacking, Gerald placed his hand on the mercenary's shoulder.
"Magnus...I've been worried about your body. Are you feeling okay? I figured you're still trying to get used to having half of your Magnatanium extracted."
Magnus stopped moving and leaned over. "Huh?"
"When I built your cybernetic body, it was designed to adjust to the unknown factor that coursed through you. As a result, I had to make several parts of your body armor a bit bulky to make things more comfortable for you. But now that the extra Magnatanium is out, your body must feel the strain of those bulky parts, doesn't it?"
"Now that you mention it...yeah. Ever since the operation, I feel as though I could move, as well as fight a lot faster with my new speed if my body didn't feel so heavy for some reason...so it's the bulky parts, huh?"
"Yes. If you allow me to, I can remove those bulky parts and perform a re-design of your armor. There won't be many changes with your exterior, other than making your overall appearance more slim. I noticed your brother's cybernetic body is similar to my design. If he allows it as well, I can do the same for him. I'm pretty sure he's had to deal with a heavy body for quite some time, as he didn't have the extra Magnatanium like you did. It's just as simple as removing said parts and adding on newer, slimmer ones. The process is very short. Shouldn't take long at all."
"I see...all right. We can give it a shot! It figures that the moment you settle in, you'll head straight back to work. You should relax, professor. Can't we do this later?"
"Haha! I'll be fine, my boy. Once we've finished setting up the lab, we can start right away! Truth be told, I'm happy that I can do more work here. The hunters barely needed me, besides my intellect. While here, you'll have all kinds of problems that'll need me around." Gerald then paced off to a drone, who was moving around his working table.
Before Magnus goes to help, he takes a look at his hands. Even they looked a little too big for someone his size. He knows now that he definitely needs a re-design if he ever wants to fight at his full potential. In rough times like these, he needs to.
Posted 08 May 2012 - 06:35 AM
"All right, my boy...Once I'm done gathering the necessary tools, as well as plenty of other essentials, we can get right to it!"
While nodding, Magnus took the time to look at his cape. He never realized that the battle with his evil doppelganger adversary severely damaged it. It was in terrible condition...as he doubt it retained it's original strong, yet not complete resistance to flame-based attacks...but even he thought that the cape itself was unnecessary in the long run. It only protected his back from enemy flaming attacks, which was never useful at all during his past battles. Deciding he didn't need it anymore, he simply untied it from his neck and held it in his hand, then placed it on the back of a nearby chair. He didn't want to throw it away just yet.
As a few more minutes passed, Gerald finally got what he needed and pointed to Magnus the operating table. "I'm ready. Hop on whenever you want."
Magnus nodded before walking over, then laid down flat on his back before Gerald walked beside him.
"Well, you know the drill. I'm going to put you to sleep. Ready?"
"Yup." said the young mercenary as he shut his eyes gently. Gerald opened an area in Magnus's body where it was less painful to dig into, then temporarily severed two wires that were protected by many intricate obstacles that supported his consciousness, sending him into a shutdown state to begin the operation.
Before doing any hands on work, Gerald took notice of Magnus's sheathed sword leaning on the side of the table, the Soul Breaker. The professor wondered if the weapon's also been burdening Magnus fighting potential, so he takes the sword and slowly slides out of it's sheath, examining the blade with careful observation.
"The blade's single edge and overall condition looks extremely worn out. I'm surprised he managed to fight with it's inner strength alone without permanently damaging it." Gerald speculated. "...I may not be able to do anything about it's internal power since I'm not it's creator, but I can definitely improve it's blade and reinforce it, as well as it's scabbard with a stronger material to strengthen it's performance..."
[Within the hallways of the first floor]
Zeon casually ventured the hallways while being consumed in his own personal thoughts. He had a lot on his mind currently, as he was constantly disturbed by the past events that unfolded in this HQ. Just the thought of the past made him feel uncomfortable. He thought about getting some fresh air outside, but he figured it would be a waste of time since he has to eventually come back inside. He soon after took halted towards one of the windows, staring outside and allowing the beauty of nature that he is witnessing to calm him.
"...Times have changed. He's probably dead by now, but that's mere assumption. But...that doesn't change the fact that I was powerless at the time...and I may not have the power now to protect my brother from him if he's still out there somewhere."
During his talk with himself, he noticed a supply unit walk behind and pass him. At first, he paid no mind to it...but then he had the feeling that something was wrong with it from a few beeping noises it created. He turned around to examine it from where he stood. After getting closer, he realized that it's eyes kept flashing red and turned to Zeon while drawing a beam saber and a plasma gun.
Zeon realized it was malfunctioning...or rather, this one in particular wasn't re-activated correctly. The drone swung it's sword at him, then shot a single blast from it's gun. The silent mercenary dodged the sword and quickly deflected the shot with Raigeki upon unsheathing it at mach speed. With it being malfunctioned, Zeon had no choice but to go on the offensive and either forcefully damage it to the point of shut down, or terminate it entirely before it kills him.
Posted 17 May 2012 - 01:20 AM
Acting on his feet, Zeon parried, then knocked the drone's weapon out of his hand. Deciding not to hold back any longer, he does a blinding horizontal slice from Raigeki, severing the drone's upper body from it's lower. He then sheathed his sword as the drone's remains fell to the floor. Zeon switched his attention to the dead drone, trying to examine for himself to why it really malfunctioned in the first place. With no kind of proof whatsoever, he walked off in the hallways to make sure no more out of control drones were nearby.
[Prof. White's Lab]
The professor worked himself until he sweats, operating on Magnus's body with good success so far. The commanding mercenary was still sleeping, yet his arms and legs, as well as other parts of his body that have cyborg parts are opened and the alloy of them are also being worked on, having several parts scattered on the table. But suddenly as Gerald's focus was on Magnus, it switched to the door that opened. The MS Unit, Adam stepped in instantly.
"Hello, Professor Gerald White, was it?" Adam spoke with formalities. "Pleased to make your acquaintance. I'm Adam, Master Serving Unit of Ragnellius Headquarters. I see you are a man who enjoys is work dearly. Only half an hour here and you're already working. Fascinating!"
Gerald blinked twice as to how formal the reploid was, as well as paying extra attention to his surroundings. Gerald placed his tools down and greeted the MS Unit with a handshake. "Ahh...yeah, that's me. It's a pleasure, Adam. And yeah, I love my work. Before you know it, you'll be seeing a new Magnus soon...well, not much of a change to classify as new, but close enough. Heh."
"Ah, I see. I assumed the master was here conversing with you and figured I'd give him something as thanks for continuing the effort of leading us. With this, he'll be 'new' for sure." Adam said before presenting a rather stylish blue trench coat.
"Oh? What's that?" Gerald curiously asked.
"It's what Master Gaia wore when he was leader. The back of it has our group's insignia imprinted, officially recognizing the wearer as the Supreme Commander of the mercenaries. Not only does it represent leadership, but it also was created for battle." Adam explained. "It has a strong resistance to elemental attacks of all kinds to a certain extent. Though it doesn't guarantee complete protection. Merely slightly reduces the damage the wearer could take. Though I've made modifications due to the Master's own power and made it's fire protection double the original rate of resistance...though other elemental attacks remain the same. I figured this would be a great asset to him."
Gerald rubbed his chin out of intrigue. Not only did Adam run things here with Magnus, but he also has great talent with design in this kind of department. He then gave a quick nod.
"Impressive...this would be perfect for him. From what I can see what he did with his cape over there, he doesn't seem to want it anymore. This would be a perfect replacement...or even better than the cape altogether. It provided strong heat resistance, but it only protected his back. Once I'm done operating, I'll let him decide when I wake him up."
"Ah, good decision. If I may, would you allow me to assist in the operation? This will accelerate the process, giving you resting time quickly. I know how much of a job this is." Adam walked closer, examining Magnus himself.
"Oh, no, no. You don't have to. I don't want to trouble you, Adam! I'm sure you have more important matters to attend to."
"But I insist! Master himself takes top priority over duties that I have infinite amounts of time to accomplish. But the decision is yours."
Gerald rubbed the back of his head, trying to find an answer. Not wanting to keep Magnus off for too long, he decided to nod his head out of agreement. "Hahaha! If you say so. Thanks for your help Adam. Let's get to work then!"
"Certainly." The MS Unit says as he waits for instruction for the permission of usage for the professor's working equipment.
Posted 18 May 2012 - 07:01 PM
"This malfunctioned drone was killed by me. I'd suggest you take him to the Research Block for any possible evidence as to why he attacked me out of the blue..." Zeon stated.
Given how authority over certain individuals were automatically programed into their systems, Zeon was one of the people they were programed to serve under. As such, they nodded and two of them retrieved the remains of the dead drone. Another drone does a salute to Zeon before ordering all other drones to split and return to duty.
With that mess being taken care of for now, he decided to head over to the Central Block to see if he can get anything out of Adam if he's still there.
[Prof. White's Lab]
"Phew...we're getting close!" said Gerald as he wiped sweat from his forehead. "All we have to do now is properly adjust his new parts and make sure they are loose enough to where he won't feel any strain on his human body parts. We also need to perform a slight and quick x-ray afterwards to make sure everything's all right internally before I wake him."
Adam does a quick nod in response before going back to working on Magnus's new slimmed down shoulder pads. Compared to how bulky and round they were before, they were so flat that they were finally able to look more human.
As they worked, Gerald felt the need to talk to the MS Unit about something he had in mind while he has the opportunity. "Say, Adam...mind if I ask you something? What kind of man was Gaia? Magnus always talked so well about the man, but I've never actually met him in person."
Adam closed his eyes for a brief second before smiling and continuing back to work. "Ah...my original master. It's was my greatest honor to serve such a man. He had a strong sense of justice and he opened his heart to many kind. The reason Ragnellius was able to have human and reploid mercenaries co-exist with each other in harmony while fighting side-by-side was all his doing. Truly remarkable."
"Humans and reploids fighting side-by-side...yeah, that's quite a feat to say that we live in such troubled times. Was he a reploid?" Gerald asked.
"Gaia was...kind of like Magnus and Zeon. But his cybernetic parts were hidden under clothing, which at first made me believe he was fully human. This is also the reason why he could properly wield Soul Breaker, as he seemed to share the same power as the two brothers."
"...Gaia had Magnatanium?!" said an extremely surprised Gerald. "But that's impossible...only members of their family posses the energy in their blood."
Adam rubbed his chin, coming to an immediate answer. 'Yes...while Magnus and Zeon are the primary carriers of the energy, it can be easily extracted and duplicated if it's an artificial power. As such, anyone who is compatible with the energy source can use it as much to their advantage. If there is any Magnatanium within someone other than the brothers, the said person must have got it from an older member from their family and thus was passed down through them...that's what I assume with Gaia anyway. For all we both would know, there could be other cyborgs out there that secretly use it without even knowing what it is to this day..."
"I see...interesting. I never looked at it that way. To say you barely know anything about the Magnatanium, you're fairly knowledgeable on artificial energy itself...we should talk more whenever is a better time." Gerald replied with another smile before returning back to work himself.
Posted 21 May 2012 - 05:01 PM
Zeon entered the control room only to realize that Adam was nowhere in sight. When he approached the briefing floor, Xenus, who was still sitting down in the chair in front of the secondary terminal, twisted around in it and gazed down on the silent mercenary.
"Yes? Is there something wrong?" Xenus said in a hasty and impolite tone.
"...No." Zeon, who responded in kind just closed his eyes and turned back around to walk down the steps.
He never really got along with Xenus in the past. While they shared similarities in personality, Zeon couldn't particularly stand Xenus's cold nature towards people in general. He also hated the fact that Xenus is always fully aware of the constant tension between each other and intentionally does something to cause needless drama with him.
"Then don't come dragging your feet in and appearing suddenly like something happened...that has always irritated me, you know." Xenus stated, still looking down on the mercenary.
"Something did happen..." Zeon kept his back turned, but kept slowly walking away. "...But last I recalled, you are neither my brother or Adam. Therefore, I have no reason to tell you anything."
"Hahaha, that's true...but listen up. Regardless of who's in command, anything that doesn't reach Adam goes to me to deliver. So it'd be in your best interest to tell me what's going on...or rather, it's something that YOU did and you don't want anyone to know? Shame on you, Zeon."
Zeon clenched his fist, but maintained a cool head. This was the most irritating thing about Xenus to him. He purposely jumps to conclusions and tries to make Zeon get out of character by getting excessively angry. When they first met, that happened on several occasions, but Zeon learned over time to not get too frustrated.
The door to the control room was still open. Vivian had just came back from the medical area, but was told to come back after taking a nice walk. As she was about to enter the control room, she saw the scene unfold and ducked off quietly behind one of the machines in the room.
"...Don't push your luck, Xenus." was all Zeon responded with.
"Who said anything about me pushing? I'm merely pointing out the possible reasons of your failure to report to me. What if I tell Adam or Magnus?" Xenus then placed a smirk on his face before finally turning back around in his chair. "...Though I doubt that dead-brained little brother of yours would be of any assistance. I'd hate to admit it, but we'd be better off with YOU leading than that idiot. He thinks like a constantly dreaming idiotic child who can't face reality..."
Zeon stopped walking completely. He still didn't turn to Xenus, but both of his fists were balled up now. Xenus crossed the line. He had no choice but to act out of his character now. In a blinding flash almost, Zeon was already beside Xenus's chair with the Raigeki's edge held to the tactician's neck.
"...Mock me as much as you like...but keep my brother's good name out of your foul mouth."
Xenus sat there, completely calm. He couldn't help but giggle to himself as he looked up to Zeon. "Hah! Do elaborate. What does your little brother have to give him a reputation such as a 'good name'? What makes him so great as Gaia was to be entrusted with the most important task of this group?"
"...His power and burning spirit. Not just combat-wise either. Unlike you, my brother's dreams and goals are realistic...and he has the physical and spiritual strength to have a chance at reaching those goals." Zeon kept the blade to Xenus's neck. "You're nothing compared to him. It's people like you who can't face reality. You hide behind your past and try to prove your experiences were rougher than anyone else's. You look at the world and make your 'theories' sound correct over others. You are the opposite of my brother. You lack power as a whole, as your weakness runs wild both internally and externally. Even with all your intelligence and your position within this company, your heart is just as black as the enemies we fight. You are a pathetic excuse for a human being!"
Xenus bursts into a large laughter before crossing his arms and looking the other way. He knew that he could finally push Zeon's buttons like old times. He wanted to prove that he had the upper hand in the situation, so he looks to Zeon again with the same expression as before.
"Pah...foolishness. Is this what has become of you in the last five years, Zeon? ...Or is it that Nova's betrayal not only damaged your confidence, but your brain as well?"
"...!! You bastard!" Zeon raised his sword to try and strike Xenus with his sword's blade covered in lightning, but he quickly stopped himself from letting his anger take over his actions, sheathing his sword in the process and turning his back from Xenus.
Over by Vivian, she has never seen Zeon get so angry before, despite their short time together. It was a very big surprise, as all she could do is stay hidden and watch all of this unfold.
Back with the two conflicting allies, Xenus laughed to himself silently as he turned back around to his work. "Are you finished? If you don't mind, would you kindly allow me to return to my work? I'll let you know that I'm quite the busy man."
Zeon had nothing else left to say. The fact of being near Xenus right now was a sickening feeling to him, so he descended down the stairs until he reached the exit, not even realizing Vivian as he passed through. When the female mercenary tried to sneak out, she was instantly stopped by Xenus from afar, who saw her enter from the beginning.
"...Aren't you the sneaky one, Vivian. I wish you didn't have to see your poor friend like that...we've had constant tension for years." Xenus says, still working on the terminal.
"Xenus...why?" Vivian was extremely disappointed in him. Even she didn't have much to say. As such, she couldn't say anything regardless. It wasn't her place to speak. Instead she simply walked out the automatic door and goes to look for Magnus. As much as she didn't want to tell their business, she felt that he needed to know.
When she left, Xenus merely sighed and replied to the departed question while talking to himself. "...It's because Zeon is...actually quite accurate on his assumption of me. But the world is just as blackhearted and weak as I am. There's nothing you can do change it and it's residents. Nothing...at all."
Posted 24 May 2012 - 01:09 AM
"All right. We're finished!" Gerald wiped some sweat from his forehead. "How does he look, Adam?"
"...Impressive! Quite an impressive design indeed. Now all that's left is to wake him."
With a nod, Gerald reached his hand into the area near his chest and reconnected the wires that connected from his internal life support to his heart. Quickly after, he protectively sealed it back and stood back as he watched Magnus slowly open his eyes. The mercenary commander looked around, taking glimpses of his professor and the MS unit.
He eventually sits up and looks at his hands. Minus the mechanical parts, his hands, let alone his arms themselves looked so human...it was like looking at a human's arms covered in armor. He then looked down to his legs, which we're also slimmed down to the point of looking humanoid. He witnessed Gerald pointing out a mirror straight ahead, so Magnus steps down from the table and walks slowly to the mirror.
On his way there, he felt even lighter than before...similar to when he had the extra Magnatanium removed, but with more relief on his body. It was much easier to walk, as he could even feel his cybernetic legs as much as he did ten years ago, though not quite. Approaching the mirror now, he finally witnessed an overview of his entire body. Not much changed in the chest and overall upper area other than seeing that he lost his white round shoulder parts...as they now looked like human shoulders. He even realized his legs had a re-design on the armor, as his knee caps had slim, yet noticeably protective pieces of armor around them.
"...Wow. I...don't know what to say." was all Magnus was able to finally comment with.
"How do you feel? Anything feelings out of the ordinary? Any kind of strain on your body from your slimmed down parts?" Gerald questioned.
Magnus merely shook his head. "Nothing of the sort...it's just that...I've never felt so lightweight ever since I was a child. I guess I forgot what it feels like to be more human...these new parts makes the feelings that much real and simulates it, despite the changes in actual reality weren't much at all!"
"Haha! Then it was a success!" Adam spoke before revealing the blue trench coat. "That look suits you more, Master...but this would improve your appearance significantly. Not only that, but it provides additional protection against all elemental attacks, though it's fire protection is the highest due to my own modifications. Regardless, I was the original creator of it...and Master Gaia himself wore this when he was in command. It belongs to you now."
Magnus raised an eyebrow, but also remembered that he gave up the cape. He examined the coat and admired it's design. As such, he gave Adam another nod and takes the trench coat, immediately sliding into the arms of the coat and straightening it to see how it fits. Then he walked over to the mirror and checked himself out again.
"This is...amazing." Magnus took the time to adjust and admire his new overall appearance. He turned around and noticed the Ragnellius insignia on his back.
Gerald crossed his arms and rubbed his chin as he took a final look at the end result. "This new look fits you perfectly, my boy. I must say, even I didn't think it'd turn out this well. Now the next person is your brother. The slimmed down body would be perfect for someone like him! The person that worked on Vivian's body seemed to already given her more humanoid parts, so I think she's fine."
"Yeah...I'll definitely talk to him about it. His body is the same as mines was, so it should be a piece of cake."
With that, Gerald grabbed Magnus's Soul Breaker from near the table Magnus was being operated on and holds it out to him. "Now I have another surprise. Unsheathe your sword from it's saya and take a good look at it."
"Huh?" Magnus was puzzled as he took the sword. Even Adam was kind of curious, as he wasn't around when Gerald apparently did this.
As the flaming warrior drawn his sword, he held it in front of him and was once again amazed. "The sword's blade...it's damages are repaired!"
"Not only that, but look at it's saya. I've reinforced both the sword's blade and it's saya with Titanium X. It's also sharper and longer. I would have finished your body earlier, but I was too busy on working on your weapon before I started the actual operation, as I noticed the condition it was in must have been an hindrance to your battle performance. It's inner powers remain intact though, as I couldn't really enhance anything about that. This is about the strongest this sword can get...well with my limitations anyway."
"I don't know what to say...all I know is that you and Adam have given me what I need to try and keep up with everyone!" Magnus praised his gifts greatly.
"Hmm? What do you mean by keeping up with everyone?" Gerald wondered.
"Well...it's just that I'm still pretty weak compared to my friends and Zeon especially. I mean, he's a master swordsman. So far, my brother's one of the best people I've ever seen so far who wields a sword besides the Maverick Hunter, Zero. He's so fast and strong...so are my other friends. I underestimated Vivian, as she might be even tougher than me...plenty of the other A Class Hunters I personally knew we're really strong...as well as others out there I've befriended when watching them in action. And the inner power I do possess...I still can't properly control it." Magnus clenched his fist, but also lets on a rather confident smile. "I've always felt quite inferior...I still do. But with these new upgrades, I feel as though I can finally take a step to the next level."
"I understand. But you are plenty strong, my boy! Don't ever forget that, you hear?" Gerald hands him his sub weapon, the Enhanced Katana and his two hand guns, Alpha & Omega. "Don't forget your power. You have your natural limitations, but there are never any limits on skill. Got it?"
Magnus took his weapons and properly equipped them. He placed the Enhanced Katana on his back and rested his guns in their holsters, which were now on the backside of his belt and hidden with his long trench coat, which goes all the way down almost close to his feet, nearly touching the floor itself. Now that's left is his Soul Breaker to be left on the side of the belt.
"Yep. Thanks a lot, professor--" Magnus paused after seeing the automatic door open and Vivian walking in. "...Vivian? What are you doing here?!"
The female mercenary stumbled in, but focused her attention to her friend and father. As such, she approached them with a warm smile.
"I was told to just take it easy before returning to get actual repairs. I feel little to no pain right now. But I was actually going to see father before finding where you were. Lucky me that you were here too." She then finally noticed Magnus's new appearance and gasped a bit. "...Whoa! Looks like someone's sporting a new look!"
"...Haha. Y-you like it?" Magnus blushed for a few seconds before trying to get more serious. "Err...anyway. Why were you going to look for me anyway?"
"Um...it's..." Vivian hesitated at the last second. She thought she could tell Magnus without anything holding her back, but she still didn't like spilling someone else's business. But it was for the sake of Zeon's own feelings, so she mustered up the courage to speak back up. "...About Zeon."
"...What?! Did something happen? W-what's wrong with my brother?!" Magnus walked closer and placed his hands on Vivian's shoulders, now being extremely worried. "You can tell me, Vivian!"
"...C-calm down, Magnus! He's perfectly fine...it's just...I walked in on him and Xenus talking."
"And...?" Magnus tried to push the answer out, but he settled down in the process.
Adam made a rather loud sigh and placed his hand over his face. "Oh dear...how could I have forgotten? Perhaps my time in sleep mode has caused my memory to blank it out..."
"Wait, wha...?" Magnus crossed his arms and also does a sigh. "...What in the hell are you two talking about? I'm really lost here..."
"Master Zeon and our faithful tactician, Xenus has gone through constant aggression ever since their first meeting with each other." Adam explained as he removed his hand and took a more serious composure. "While they don't make it public to others, they both have a very serious disliking to each other. Master Gaia tried several times in the past to improve their relationship, but to no avail. It was then proven pointless for them to befriend each other...but I assume Miss Vivian witnessed an argument between the two. Am I correct?"
"...Y-yeah. It was pretty bad...I've never seen Zeon so angry before. He's always been so self-composed and never allows anything anger him to boiling point...it was a real shock." Vivian placed her hand to her chest. "You've got to find Zeon and talk to him, Magnus...Xenus also said something at the end of their argument that upset Zeon so much that he was about to attack him...but I couldn't make it out. Thankfully Zeon stopped himself."
"Oh my...it seems as though their aggression has actually increased." Adam says while pondering and rubbing his chin.
Magnus was nearly speechless upon hearing all this information that's very foreign to him. The fact that the person he admires so much for his calm and cool personality lose his composure was a frightening thought to picture. What troubled him more though was that Zeon got physically aggressive as well. Vivian was right to come to him though. Magnus desperately required to be with his brother in his time of need before doing anything else...as well as finally trying to figure out what's been bothering him on top of all this.
"...All right. I'll go look for him. Adam, you go back to the Control Room and try to speak with Xenus on this matter. If we are to make Ragnellius prosper, we need to do it together...and the first step to that is to see that we all get along." Magnus then walked off, but didn't exit yet.
"As you wish, Master. When you are finished, please return to the Control Room. Minus this situation, there is something of importance that I am required to go over with you that deals with the company as a whole."
Magnus returned with a nod before properly exiting the lab. He was determined to find his brother and try to support him as much as he can. They both spent years apart from each other...but with Magnus wanting to hold dear to whatever of his family he has left, he wants to provide a brother's natural concern and love.
Posted 30 May 2012 - 08:36 PM
Zeon was standing near one of the edges, staring at the sky as he eased his mind from the disturbing events earlier. He couldn't believe he let his rage control him. He thought he would have control over his feelings when it came to Xenus, but he figured that he must have lost his edge from not being around him for all this time. He tried to not to dwell on it, but Xenus's last comment about an old friend gave return to his uneasy mind and previous state he was in the moment he returned to Ragnellius. After a few more moments, he heard the elevator coming up.
When it came to a halt, Magnus walked out and immediately spotted his brother from a distance. He wanted to talk to him as soon as possible, so he approached. Before he could say anything, Zeon had already realized he was there.
"...What brings you up here, brother?"
"Nothing much...other than hearing that you almost beheaded Xenus." Magnus got straight to the point.
"Oh...I'm assuming that pompous tactician of ours told you? Well, what you were told was true. Lying about it would not change what has been done."
"No, Vivian told me...and that's not what I'm upset about, Zeon." Magnus crossed his arms, but walked to his brother's side. "I'm upset because you've been distant ever since we revived this company. Something's obviously bothering you...something I can probably help you with."
"...It's not something easily fixed." Zeon didn't want to say anything about his reasons.
"I can at least try. That's all anyone could do at this point, right? Only you know what's truly wrong, so out with it."
The silent mercenary looked the other way, trying to decided whether or not saying anything would be best. But knowing his brother, he won't give up so easily, whether it's fighting or with words. "Very well..."
"...I'm pretty sure it's obvious that something big happened for Ragnellius to disband. Well, that much is very true. A very...very good friend and partner of mine was a reploid. We met when Gaia allowed me to join this company. Though he was a rather big fellow, he had some incredible skill in both long and short range combat...I specifically envied his skills, despite being strictly close-range myself. Minus Gaia, he was one of the only people in the world I placed trust in...until..."
Magnus closed his eyes upon hearing Zeon trail off, but he still listened. He had a feeling of what was coming next. But Zeon continued.
"...Something went horribly wrong. He went on a terrible rampage after returning from a solo mission. Before we knew it, well over half of our mercenaries were killed...as well as some civilians that temporarily stayed there because their city was destroyed. My friend, Nova became...a maverick." Zeon clenched his fist, as this was the most difficult part to explain.
"Not only did he become a maverick, but it seemed like his overall strength increased dramatically. Gaia was away at the time, which left only me to try and put a stop to his rampage. Nova broke the warp gates, so when Gaia got the emergency call, he had to rush back here on foot...so that further left me as the sole person in charge of saving the company. I took him on with all I had...and failed horribly. But I managed to give him a grave wound before he defeated me. By the time Gaia arrived, Nova returned to normal for some reason...which then we came to the conclusion that he didn't go maverick normally...he did it of his own accord. When Nova was calmed down, Gaia banished him from the company instead of killing him and we repaired the HQ...but with so many loses and many of the surviving mercenaries resigning, Gaia was forced to disband Ragnellius...that's how it all really happened."
"What happened to him after that?" Magnus immediately wondered.
"...I don't know. No one heard anything about him after he was exiled. The wound I gave him was a serious one...chances are, he's dead. But...he was tougher than the average reploid. While his survival rate was low, I can't rule out the possibility that he could be still out there somewhere."
"I see..." Magnus didn't know what to make of Zeon's story. He thought he could find a solution for Zeon, but he at least figured out why this was bothering him. "Zeon, I'm pretty sure this has left you with a lot of regret...as well as an emotional scar. You're worried about me and everyone if Nova returns...aren't you?"
"...I'm sorry, brother. I know that you are a tough opponent to face, but...Nova easily stood out as the strongest member of Ragnellius. With that kind of power boost he received before his rampage, I have doubts of defeating him even if both of us took him on together. That's why...I fear that if he's still alive, I'll lose you for real this time. I was powerless back then...and I'm still powerless now."
"...Stop it, Zeon!" Magnus and Zeon finally looked eye to eye now. "You keep telling yourself you're some powerless fighter while you're one of the best swordsmen I know! If Nova does return, then we'll just finish what he started. If you doubt our power, then we certainly will be doomed. If he returns, you should cast away your doubt and fight with every last drop of energy and breath you have!"
"Magnus..." Zeon now turned his back.
He was getting where Magnus was coming from. But to him, Nova was always the superior one out of them both. At first, his goal was none other than to surpass his old partner...but their fight to the death placed a big scar on his confidence...much like Xenus crudely pointed out in his assumptions.
"I'm sorry, Zeon...it's just--"
"Don't apologize. What you said was right..." Zeon then immediately smiled as he turned around and unsheathed Raigeki. "...As such, let's test it. One round. Don't hold back anymore...otherwise, it'll prove your words wrong...I think you know what I mean, you little faker."
"...Huh?!" the mercenary let his hand rest on the hilt of Soul Breaker. "What are you..."
"You think I didn't notice...but I did. You may fool everyone else, but I caught on during our last sparring match. Both you and I fight under the same sword-fighting style, but we use it differently with our own personal style. However...you never fight in your original style. The way you've been fighting so far, you've used the normal style to shield your own unique one...correct? You've seemed to mastered father's style, so I've assumed you've used his because of it."
"...Heh. Seems like I can't hide anything from you." Magnus now pulled the Soul Breaker while it was still in it's saya off his side and held it in his left hand. "Yes. My original style...I never use it in battle. In fact, I haven't used it in five years...under Gaia's instruction. Coincidentally though, it was when I first met him...and I'm assuming it was when Ragnellius disbanded."
"...What?" Zeon was merely thrown off balance. "What's the purpose of this kind of instruction...?"
Magnus finally unsheathed the sword, but kept the saya in his left hand and the sword in the right. "I never really liked dual wielding myself, but he said that if I mastered the origins of my father's style, then I can utilize my own at even greater potentials. I never knew I actually got as far as you said with it...so while you test my words...I'll test yours. I fight with both my sword and sheath, along with using melee attacks with my punches and kicks. Since the professor reinforced both with titanium X, I can actually use this style again."
"Interesting...let's see it. Perfect if you do decide to stick with it. Right when you have that new look and Gaia's old coat." Zeon lit his sword with electricity. "But no more words. Get ready."
Magnus never thought he had to fight this way again. He wasn't sure if he was truly ready to return to his original style, but in truth, he actually missed using it. Not wasting anymore time, he used "Flame Imbue" on Soul breaker and charged at Zeon.


text:
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
After the death of his grandfather in 1888, Harris spent a year working for the Sheldon Marble Company in West Rutland. His grandmother encouraged him to work hard and live honorably for his grandfather's sake.
He then spent about a year working at the law firm of St. John, Stevenson, and Whisenand in Des Moines, Iowa. After his apprenticeship, he attended the University of Iowa in Iowa City and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws in June 1891.
In 1896, Harris settled in Chicago, where he opened a law practice in the central business district. He remained active in his professional practice to one degree or another for more than four decades -- even after he retired. In the summer of 1932, he served as a delegate of the Chicago Bar Association to the International Congress of Comparative Law at The Hague.
Harris sought meaningful personal and spiritual relationships in addition to his professional achievements. He customarily attended religious services on Sundays but visited many different churches rather than aligning himself exclusively with one congregation. Later in his life, he said that his religious affiliations were, like himself, difficult to label.
I really have no church affiliations … I am not easily classified; that is to say my convictions are not that of that definite nature essential to whole-hearted affiliation with the general run of churches. … Of course, these days one can hear the best of preaching over the radio and I generally hear three or four sermons every Sunday.
Harris loved nature, and in 1908, he joined a newly formed group that organized monthly Saturday afternoon walking trips through the forests, fields, hills, and valleys around the city. In 1911, the group became the Prairie Club, and Harris served as one of its directors.