Chapter 85: Tentacles!(2/2)
'Any idea's partner?' -Lash asked across the link to Saurian.
'Create a mobile turret to fire on them, then attack from the side.' -Saurian replied.
Lash admitted it was a good idea. He used Connectivity, Alteration, Compression Transformation, Virtual Intelligence, Infinity Supply, Fabrication, Phantasm, False Life, Enchanting, Crafting, Computers, Operator, and Machine Control. He created a mobile platform about the size of a small car with tank treads, and twin electromagnetic light machine gun barrels. He may have taken the design from the FU-Tank.
Lash had been at 30% energy but it dropped again to 3%, his migraine returned. But Healing Pulse activated and restored a small portion of his energy. He slipped back into shadow, as the mobile turret cast a partial illusion to hide. Waiting for orders. Lash moved around to flank the group and waited for his energy to go back up.
Lash reached out....'Fire' he said. The turret unloaded onto the robotic units ripping through their armor like tissue paper! Lash zipped out from the other side as the cyberdeck tech-meta's all turned to look at the mobile turret. Then one of them whipped around at the sight of Lash leaping through the air at him. Back cameras!
“Behind us!” The tech-meta said across their communication lines. Lash pounced on the mecha suit and used Recycle the suit exploded into pieces. “Gaaaaaaah!” The tech-meta screamed in agony as his implants were ripped out. He collapsed in the ruins of his suit. Lash jumped to the next suit who turned around to fire its rifle at Lash.
Zaaaap! The energy ripped straight him. Lash burst into illusion particles, and Lash appeared next to the mecha suit in a mute flash of color. He gently tapped the suit, and it exploded into parts like the first one. Lash Blinked towards the last three and did the same. They fell to pieces, and the robotic units on the stairs had been chewed up by the mobile turret. That was now rolling through the wrecked streets on its way to guard Lash.
Congratulations User! You've obtained the Space Domain Spell, Blink.
Blink: The Caster can preform a short and quick form of teleportation. Limited to (10 meters). The Caster can not go through objects, yet. The Caster can only take themselves and personal items attached to them, (Can not carry someone and Blink) yet.
Lash's migraine was back with a vengeance. He really needed to just find a spot to sit down for a bit. He heard, and felt a snap of pressure hit into his back. He turned around to look up at city hall to see the police staring at an officer who had decided to shoot at Lash. The bullet didn't even penetrate his armor. The mobile turret whipped its barrels around, its laser pointers targeting the offending officer who went pale.
“I am Agent Wraith with the United Nations World Security!” Lash said, in Amharic the most common language used in Ethiopia... Lash held up his Warden badge that was glamoured with the UNWS on it.
The police cheered for a brief moment, while one ran back in to get their commanding officer. The mobile turret went back to sentry mode seemingly forgiving the offending officer. Lash spent a few minutes place inhibiting collars on the techs and calling for secure portal pick up. Half way through that the mobile turret unloaded onto an invaders drop ship that was flying over to look around. Lash was proud to see his turret rip through the things armor and sent it flying down into the city with a crash! The crash was not good, but the ship was down! The MT (Mobile Turret) ejected a magazine and quickly replaced it. It went back to sentry mode.
Soon all of the tech-meta's were teleported back to the Watch Tower. Lash climbed the stairs of the city hall with his MT following behind him. It took up a position at the front entrance and activated its camouflage thanks to Phantasm. Lash was lead into the hall towards the basement, where he met a woman dressed in a tailored suit that had seen better days. She was 5'8” with chocolate skin, warm brown eyes, and black hair. She had an amiable smile on her face as she stretched out her hand to shake Lash's.
“Greetings to you, Woizrity. I am Agent Wraith with UNWS.” Lash said, his hand easily swallowed hers. He bowed from his waist attempting to be polite, but was met with wide eyes.
“I'm sorry, did I say that wrong? Woizrity is for unmarried woman, right?” Lash asked, confused about the stares.
“Oh! Yes! Yes, thank you for courtesy Agent Wraith. But you don't need to worry about such things right now.” The Council woman said with a brilliant smile. Lash really wished the internet was operational right now.
“ I am, Amaresh Tolla Yihun. Please call me Yihun. Is the United Nations here to lend its support?” Yihun asked, changing the subject as politely as possible.
“As far as I know, I am the only UNWS Agent currently deployed in the city.” Lash said, his words made Yihun's stiff smile wilt. “However, the organization Justice League International is here in force. They are attempting to evacuate and fight off the invaders. I guess you can say I am the liaison right now.” Lash tried to offer some sense of comfort.
“I see..... Do you know what is going on?” Yihun asked, as she ran her hands through her hair. She was shivering. She was desperate for some sense of security.
“I can give you what I have...But you'll want to sit down.” Lash said, as he produced a holographic image and started to give them the bullet points of the whole situation.
Thirty minutes, and three downed drop ships later. Yihun, and her staff took the situation pretty well. A few people screamed, one person feinted, another broke into hysterics. But Yihun kept her cool, though she ended up sitting down. What was happening here was happening across the globe. With no communication, no power, and no way to drive out to any nearby cities, they had been cut off. They had been hoping it was an isolated incident. Now, an invading army from an alternate reality was responsible. That army was currently invading Ethiopia first!?
“You...You have to get us out of here! You have to get us out here right now!” A man in a ruined suit all but tackled Lash. Lash looked down at the man who was on his knees.
“Sir, I understand your afraid. But where do you want to go? The whole world is like this right now.” Lash said, trying to make the man understand.
“Anywhere!? Take me to someplace that is safe! I have money! I'll give you a million dollars if you save me and my family!” The man shouted, at that point it became a rat race.
Every man, and woman in the room scrambled towards Lash. Except Yihun who had a disgusted look on her face. Lash used his Nature Domain Passive and created a sleeping pheromone. All of the rats jumping ship fell asleep. Lash stepped out from them and walked to Yihun. Who looked at him wide eyed but relaxed when she saw they were asleep. Yihun let out a laugh of despair and sat in her seat that was far to large for her.
“I'm not suppose to be doing this.... I'm the assistant director for education! Everyone above me is either dead, or fled the city when we lost power. But everyone started asking me what to do! It's not fair!” Yihun shouted, then curled up in her chair and started to weep.
Lash came to stand next to her chair, he placed his giant clawed hand on her back and rubbed back and forth. He did little more than that. She cried for a few more minutes, then cleaned her face and stood up. She straightened out her ruined suit, took a calming breath and turned around ready to work. Lash liked her!
“We need to make city hall into a defensible position. Can you help us, Agent Wraith?” Yihun asked, Lash grinned at her.
“Ya, I can help with that!” Lash agreed, he offered his hand to Yihun who took it gratefully. They walked out of the office they had used, towards the police officers who looked up waiting for orders.
“Time to get to work everyone!” Yihun said, she squared her shoulders and raised her chin. Doing her best to look confident and in control. It also helped that there was an 8 foot tall lizard alien next to her!
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After an hour the city hall turned into a no fly zone for the invaders. Every drop ship, helicopter, and UAV they sent over was shot down. The ruined capitol build was slowly repairing itself, the changes visible to the naked eye as greenish blue energy emanated from the building. Barricades grew from the ground like weeds. Creating barrier after barrier. Several JLI members showed up with civilians with them. They ran for the hall and slipped inside under the cover fire of Lash's MT.
Lash made a polymer suit for Yihun, along with an interface to help direct, and command the operation. He also used Skill/Power/Spell Trainer on her to help reinforce her abilities. Acting, Danger Sense, Martial Arts, Night Eye, Commanding Presence, Administration, Team Work, and Military Special Operations. He received several experience prompts from the training, as she used it and quickly as possible. She must have had a huge migraine but it didn't stop her from working. He also established a Temporary Pack Bond with her, and any JLI member that was friendly with him.
It didn't take long but the invaders seem to figure out where all the resistance was coming from. Vici contacted them and said a huge ground, and air force was heading there way. ETA was thirty minutes. At this point Lash had carved out several underground bunkers with food, water, medicine, and basic essentials. Like toilets! All the none-combatants were taken to the bunkers. While anyone with even remotely battle oriented skills were sent to Lash as he created basic polymer combat suits, weapons, and ammunition.
“You know if we live through this I think the League could use someone of your skills.” Lash said as he finished 'painting' a suit onto a police officer.
“Are you offering me a job?” Yihune asked, she had cleaned up after Lash cast Immaculate on her. Her hair was tied back into a tail, her body was bouncing with energy as her limiters were being removed thanks to the pack bond. She looked...good!
“I am...I think you should work for people who will appreciate your work.” Lash continued, as he supplied another volunteer with battle gear.
“I... I have a family... I think in a town near by. Do you think you could get them citizenship in America?” Yihun asked, she looked towards the door conflicted. She had no idea if her family was even alive?
“Sure.... We'll even go look for them after this is over, alright?” Lash replied, but he had a feeling that if they were alive Dex's people already had them. Yihun looked back at him and nodded. She bit her lip in frustration, but soon went back to work.
Soon they were finished arming everyone. Lash went to the front of the group of about three hundred volunteers, officers, and JLI members. He linked up with anyone who considered him 'friendly' then used the link to activate his Skill trainer specifically Weapon Master-Electromagnetic sub-machine gun. Because that was the weapon he gave them. It was the same weapon he gave the pilots back in the Gotham Siege against Joker. (Chp. 55)
The volunteer self defense force came outside and took up positions around the reinforced city hall. Lash took a moment to Meditate and restore his energy. Over a dozen JLI members ran off to buy them time using guerrilla tactics. They could already here the explosions and gun fire going off. The nervous energy in the air was so tight they could cut it with a knife. They were horribly outnumbered and the volunteers knew it. Where was the rest of the League? Well turned out this city was not the only one under attack. The alternate reality took off the kid gloves. They were in full offense.
The whooping sound of the helicopter blades were the first thing they heard. Tiny lights in the distance raced towards their location. But before they even became miniature toy models in the eyes of the volunteers, Lash's MT opened up and started to fire! Tracer rounds with a unique blue glow raced towards the approaching helicopters! Three of them exploded and crashed before the rest took evasive maneuvers. Vici had linked a sub-satellite up to the MT as a range, and target finder.
Lash rose to his feet, breaking Meditation. He raised his hands up into the air and used Manifestation! Dark blue portals opened up in front of the city hall and three hundred Saurus Warriors raced out and sprinted towards the ground forces. A staccato of noise followed the warriors call for battle. A festival of blood full of music for the soon to be dead!
Lash let loose a primal roar and called on his partner, Saurian! Bones snapped, flesh tore, and his size grew! Saurian arose from the billowing smoke and shadow of the reaper shroud that Lash wore. Standing at 35 feet tall, and 65 feet long. His size changed thanks to Size Alteration from his back two 60 foot long scaled flesh tentacles erupted from his back. Each one with three clawed fingers for gripping. Saurian had evolved once again!
Congratulations User! Shape Shift (Saurian) has evolved into Minor Shape Shift (Saurian)
Minor Shape Shift (Saurian): Saurian has always been a creature made from the thoughts of your Cosmic Patron. The dreams, and nightmare of the Cosmos! Though born on Earth, Saurian is very much a hunter of the void. The evolution has increase Saurian's base stats, and will effect Transformation, and Adaptation.
The sight of Saurian erupting from the city hall was horrifying. But was soon dwarfed as he jumped from the steps, over the barricades, and raced towards the ground forces rushing towards their positions. Saurian sprinted along the road on all fours, tearing up the concrete as he ran. He quickly caught up with his Saurus Warriors who all cheered at his coming. A mobile-FU-Tank rushed towards them, and fired both its barrels at the monstrosity heading towards it.
Saurian lowed his skull crest, the shots exploded off his bone plate but didn't even slow him down. 500 meters away and closing Saurian raced towards his prey and let out a howl of anticipation. As a red targeting beam came down from space above them. Those back at the city hall looked up and traced the beam towards night sky above them. All of the JLI members cheered when they saw the beam.
“Ion Cannon targeting....Please take cover!” -Vici's voice chimed over their communication line.
A massive blue beam shot straight into the invading forces of FU-Tanks. The beam washed over the forces cutting a giant swath of destruction! High above the city in the atmosphere was the Watch Tower. Vicit had moved it to provide orbital covering fire. The beam fired for exactly five seconds, but the damage caused to the invading forces was clear. Right as the beam faded from sight, Saurian jumped onto one of the remaining tanks and raked his massive claws through its armor!
“The festival of blood begins!” He roared!
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“Keep firing!” A cyberdeck unit controller screamed in panic. His robotic units were being taken down one by one with lethal efficiency.
“ROOOOOOOAAAAARRRRR!” The giant dinosaur billow a roar and everyone who heard it momentarily froze in place. The unit controller raised his arms up and twin barrels popped out of their pockets. They unloaded on the swarming creatures towards them only to have a bladed tail erupt from his chest. A creature had slipped behind him...
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Standing on a building several yards away stood a JLI team. They watched in morbid fascination as Wraith had turned into his primal form they had all heard about but had never seen. He was massive! The tentacles on his back whipped around and shot spells from their tips, while his claws raked through armored vehicles. The team captain called for every ones attention. It seemed one of the Saurus warriors reported additional forces were heading to the city hall. They were to head over and stop them. But a single question rang in their minds. Was this even a battle anymore?
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Saurian tackled a mammoth tank and drove it into another one. He tore through its armor and sprayed methane from his mouth thanks to his Nature Domain. Then lit a spark and watched in satisfaction as the entire inside of the tank went up in flames! BAM! BAM! Another tank shot straight into his side and he roared in pain. His armor was ruined! He used Blink and appeared 10 meters away which greatly surprised the tank that was firing on him.
Saurian raced toward the tank lowering his head. He bashed into the tank, and drove his snout under the treads. He picked it up, and pushed it backwards until it flipped over like a giant turtle. He tore the underside out and poured methane into the tanks underbelly. One of his tentacles whipped around and set off a spark inside. The spectacular sight of greenish flames erupting followed by screams of anguish made Saurian shiver in delight!
Foresight, and Danger Sense activated. Saurian did a backwards somersault. A destroying a building he was next to but thankfully missed a purple beam that shot where his head had been. The shooter was an invader meta who looked shocked he had dodged their attack. Saurian stood up on his back legs and smiled maliciously at the meta. His two tentacles quickly drew a spell circle in perfect precision. Then Saurian raised his clawed hand up and brought it down in the direction of the meta. A massive bolt of lightning shot down from the sky. Turning the meta into ash!
Saurian let loose another roar and used Rallying Call. All of his allies that heard the call were renewed with energy. All of the mammoth tanks had been destroyed, and now the LAV's acted like annoying flies attempting to break through Saurian's armor. Like a cat chasing mice, Saurian ran after them. Using Blink he appeared right on top of one and crushed under his heel. WHAM!
Saurian barreled over onto his side as huge force rammed into his body. With a crash he fell through another building and cried out in pain. He scrambled to his feet and looked around, there floating in the air was an invading soldier. They had black armor, with red highlights. The invader rose into the air and dived bomb Saurian again. Deflection was cast and the invader collided with the ground at full speed. The thundering CRACK! Of a sniper rifle rang out and a bullet pierced through Saurian's neck and the bullet exploded inside of it.
Saurian roared in pain, and looked around confused. Where did that shot come from!? Quick on the situation Saurian realized that being big was not the best thing right now. He cast Enlarge/Reduce, and used Size Alteration on himself. He brought himself down to 10 feet tall, and 20 feet long. CRACK! The sound of the rifle rang out. Neither Danger Sense, or Foresight activated. One of his brand new tentacles was clipped off in the shot. A red and blue trail of lightning zipped towards him, and Saurian felt a hand pass through his body and destroy some of his organs. Speedster!
Saurian sprinted behind cover and hopefully out of sight from the sniper. CRACK! A sizable hole exploded from the wall next to him. They must have drones in the sky, he sent out a Technomancy pulse and destroyed at least six different drones. Another CRACK! Went off, but the shot was noticeably further from him. Th red and blue trail of lightning raced towards him and Saurian cast Personal Time their almost frozen in time was another invader wearing the same black armor with red high lights. Saurian whipped his last tentacle out and tore the invaders head off. Personal Time ended, and the red and blue lightning trail turned into a man with out a head.
“NOOOOOO!” A shout rang out from the original soldier who attacked him. WHAM! Saurian took a fist straight to his face and flew through a wall, then another wall, and another wall. He skipped across a street like a stone then rolled to a stop. His skull was caved in. Nature's Kiss was cast, bones snapped back together, muscles grew, and Saurian screamed in pain.
Another red targeting beam shot down from the sky, and with in a second a giant ion cannon went off. The beam was nearly a mile away but Saurian could assume who the target was. “Sniper down!” Vici called over Connectivity. She had used a weapon of mass destruction to kill a single sniper. Saurian was pleased!
Saurian's last tentacle regrew with the heal. Just in time to see the first invader fly towards him like a speeding bullet. Saurian whipped his tentacle out and a green Psionic Blade came the tip, and sliced clean through the soldiers right arm. The invader twisted and turned mid air so the blade wouldn't cut him half. The invader screamed in agony, and Saurian knew this invader was kryptonian. A giant brick of a man jumped through the air and dove straight for Saurian. Who whipped his kryptonian Psionic Blade out. The giant man took the hit, but it failed to cut through him. With a burst of light another soldier appeared behind the injured krypton, then with another flash they were both gone.
“Fall back, all units fall back!” Saurian heard from the communications line of the giant attacking him.
“Dex is a pathetic coward!” Saurian said, snarling at the soldier. The soldier stiffened and jumped towards Saurian with reckless abandonment. Whether it was programming from the bio-chip, or personal belief. Saurian had just made the soldier stay and finish the fight.
Silver Psionic Blades, laced with Bending to give it an extra edge extended from Saurian's hands, and tentacles. He sprinted towards the giant meta. SLASH! They jumped past one another like two warriors dueling in the ancient days. The giant meta fell into four exact pieces, Saurian turned and consumed the giant. Soul Bite, Dream Eater, and Devour, Consume, Evolve. A wealth of information was absorbed into Saurian. Cadmus clones from the alternate reality, with meta-gene powers. Kryptons, with meta powers. Hunter Killer teams for priority targets, wow!
Congratulations User! True Body (Chp. 41) has evolved into Minor True Body.
Minor True Body: Allows the blocking of 20% of True Damage (Critical Hits)
Saurian ripped out the comms unit in the giant and tapped in with Connectivity. Has he waited for the hand shaking to take place Saurian checked the giant for the bio-chip. Nope! The giant was with out a chip. He'd have to check the head of the speedster to make sure, but it looked like the HK's were here voluntarily, or Dex had alternate means of control. Maybe Dex just brain washed them while they were growing? They'd have to ask AR-Superman about it.
“gggzzzzt.... Unit-04 respond? Unit-04, please respond!” A synthesized but feminine voice came over the stolen communication line. Saurian transmitted the signal to Vici quickly for tracking.
“I'm sorry, Unit-04 has fallen to pieces. Care to tell me where you are? I'll come and deliver his parts to you.” Saurian said across the line....
“......I am going to kill you....” Said a male synthesized voice said over the line.
“Me? You didn't even kill Dex when he brain boxed Clark and made him kill his own family.” Saurian said across the link. There was a long pause across the link, before it shut down.
“See you soon, kid.” Saurian said, as he tossed the telecoms unit aside. Saurian looked up and saw that sky was slowly turning into a muted dark blue. The sun would be up soon. It was going to be a long day...