[O] Outcasts take Freelorn

[Burter]

PCs: Android 17, Super Buu, Kid Buu, Kakarot, Gargantan (NPC), Wart (NPC)

Freelorn has surrendered.

[Super Buu]

Dawn had broken, and so too had the enemy. In that chill silence that pervaded the world between night and day, a single sound was apparent ? the ringing of a bicycle bell.

?Wakey wakey!? called Buu, as he rode through the camps. His doughy thumb flicked the bicycle bell a few more times, the cheery sound belying the majin?s own glee.

It wasn?t long before the army began to stir. As the events of the day before flooded into the collective minds of the Outcasts, many a soldier poked their head out of their tents, eager to see what their General had to say.

When he was finally happy with the size of his audience, Buu stopped and dismounted the bicycle. ?Friends!? he bellowed, his magically-amplified voice billowing outwards. He paused for dramatic effect before punching his fist into the air. ?We got another one!?

A chorus of cheers went up from the Outcasts ? guaranteeing that even those who before had still lingered in sleep were now well and truly awake. Super smiled from atop the small hillock he stood on. Whatever doubt there had previously been about his ability to lead was being swept away. He?d proven, both to his unit and to himself, that he had what it took to be General.

?You do good,? came a toad-like voice from Buu?s left.

The golem turned and beamed at his fellow officer, Gargantum. ?Hey, you too ? I think?? Supes didn?t actually know of anything the troll had done in the past day to merit praise ? but everyone, he reflected, deserved a ?job well done? now and then.

Soon, soldiers were moving into the village, introducing themselves to the locals and scouting out the geography. For the men, it was a day of triumph, with no blood spilled. But to those who knew better, the victory left a bitter taste in the mouth.

?He was a refugee from Syntech,? Seventeen explained, the cereal bowl of him sitting untouched. The spoon with which he was supposed to be eating was changing shapes, and had currently taken the form of an alien with spiky, unkempt hair. ?He came here looking for help, and I promised him I?d keep him safe.?

Buu shrugged apologetically, coal eyes occasionally flitting towards his commander?s breakfast. ?You can?t save everyone.?

?I know, but ?? The android gave a heavy sigh. ?He trusted me, and I let him down.?

Trying to change the subject to something less depressing, Super looked up. ?How are things going over at Brinstar? I passed you guys on the way here, but I didn?t have time to stop and chat, unfortunately.? A wry grin was on the monster?s face.

Seventeen smiled weakly. ?I can?t speak about it too loud, in case an enemy spy is listening, but ?? he nodded. ?Things are going pretty well.?

Suddenly, without a single warning, the monster caved. ?You gonna eat that cereal??

~*~*~*~

Saunting out into the open air, Buu patting his stomach contentedly. The monster?s cyborg ally shook his head in attempted disapproval, but couldn?t help the grin that crossed his features.

?So,? the android questioned, ?have you been practicing Metal Binding lately??

Buu smirked. ?Where?d you think I got that bike? A yard sale?? A sullen look suddenly crossed the golem?s face. ?I?m a little pissed that you can do it too, though. Now I don?t have any unique abilities!?

?Sure you do!? Seventeen enthused. ?I mean, if I lose a limb, it?s permanent. I can?t just mould up a new one.?

?Yeah, but you can teleport,? grumbled the monster. ?And I can?t do any of those things with this? ? he hooked a thumb at his neck ? ?freaking collar on.?

The cyborg rolled his eyes before raising the pitch of his voice as if talking to a baby. ?I bet nubbudy here can make your voice as loud as you can ?!?

?That doesn?t count,? sniffed Buu, spontaneously slumping onto the grass. ?I don?t want loud shouting. That?s a crap ability.? He crossed his arms, then his eyes lit up suddenly. ?Trade for orbing??

?Sorry,? Seventeen laughed, ?but it was a gift given to me. I wouldn?t trade it even if I could.?

?Hmm ?? Super stroked his hairless chin, deep in thought. ?I need something special ? something nobody else has got.? He leapt to his feet suddenly, snapping his fingers. ?I?ve got it! I?ll shoot sticky strings from my hands and tie stuff up! I can call it ?? he puffed his chest out, swelling with pride, ?the Liquorice Whip!?

A few moments passed as the golem gazed up into the sky, a self-satisfied smirk plastered across his features, before eventually, Seventeen broke the silence.

?You mean like this??

Buu turned to his leader to see what he was holding, and looked at his hand.

A freaking energy whip.

?Oh SON of a BITCH!? roared the monster, clutching his skull and stamping around, his shouts catching the attention of half of the army. ?How long have you been able to do that?!?

?I used it against you when we fought at Lord Vine?s palace,? explained Seventeen, eyebrows raised in disbelief. ?Don?t you remember??

?Of course I remember!? bellowed the magical construct. ?That?s probably where I GOT the fucking idea in the FIRST PLACE!? He collapsed to the ground once more, groaning with his face buried in his hands. ?Man, I thought I was original, too ??

A feminine cough woke the monster from his stupor, and he gradually inched his fingers apart to see a green-skinned face staring down at him from above.

?I just thought you might be interested to know ?? murmured Paige, grinning despite herself. ?You do have a dormant ability. You just haven?t realised it yet.?


OOC: =O!!! More later, once I chat with Shev. I had no idea this post would end up where it did, but it?s very convenient for me.

[Android 17]

Seventeen was surprised that United had retreated, but only a fool would consider the bloodless victory a harbinger of good things to come. On the other hand, the android?s paranoia was merely augmented by the departure of the southern army. There had to be something behind their retreat, because the machine-hybrid found himself hard-pressed to wrap his mind around the logic of just giving up a recently acquired patch of land.

?They?ll be back,? the cyborg decreed, turning away from the tower?s observation deck and glancing at Paige. ?Something just doesn?t seem right about this whole situation, sweetheart,? the android added, rubbing his hand across his chin as he contemplated all the options buzzing around in his cranium.

?Everyone seems to be having a good time,? the green-skinned woman commented, resting her head on the android?s shoulder in a comforting motion designed to alleviate his tense mood. Seventeen flashed a smile to the woman and slid his arm around her slim waist.

?We still need to interrogate that assassin,? the cyborg stated, turning away from the observation deck and beginning down the stairs to the base of the tower. The Commander of the Outcasts frowned as he ushered the woman through the door and turned his attention to a newly constructed building a few yards away. The structure had been erected to serve as a location to hold prisoners if any arrived at the city.

At the current time, the only man interned within the cells below the ground was the assassin sent by United?s leadership. As he strode toward the prison alongside Paige, Seventeen paused for a moment to exchange pleasantries with a few of the citizens of Freelorn Village. Luckily for the Outcasts, Freelorn had surrendered shortly after the android received word that United was withdrawing from the region.

After patting a young child on the head and saying goodbye to his parents, the onyx-haired commander finished his trek across the intersection. Seventeen waved at the guard behind the prison gate and was whisked into the maximum security facility a few seconds later. The building?s foyer was filled with at least half a dozen armed officers, and a heavy steel door barricaded any unwanted guests from accessing the cells without some form of potent explosives.

Noticing the face of their commander almost immediately, the guards lowered their weapons and offered a salute out of respect for the onyx-haired warrior. Seventeen nodded his head and gestured for someone to open the door to the holding cells. Without a word, the nearest guard dashed over to the reinforced door and entered the necessary password.

Seventeen slipped through the door as soon as he small a wide enough margin for his scrawny form, and then he descended the steps?his combat boots echoing as they slammed against the steel stairs. Once he was in range, the android vaulted over the remaining steps and landed flawlessly on the landing near the base of the stairwell. Glancing over his shoulder, he beckoned at Paige and made his way through the labyrinth of empty cells.

The cyborg paused outside the door to the interrogation chamber and took a deep breath of air. After all, since he had departed the tower everything had seemed like an erratic, made dash. Seventeen continued his practice of deep breathing as he waited for his girlfriend to catch up to him, which she accomplished by simply teleporting the moment she picked up on his thoughts. The android turned his face to the jade-skinned woman and smiled faintly as he twisted the doorknob.

?Ladies first,? the cybernetic warrior smiled, gesturing his smiling companion into the room. Paige bopped her head and smirked as she sauntered into the extravagant chamber. A moment or two later, she heard the sound of the door clicking shut, and then Seventeen walked passed her. The android trudged over to the restrained assassin and lifted up the killer?s chin. ?Salutations,? the Commander of the Outcasts stated, smiling amicably at the sweaty, uncomfortable operative.

?What the fuck do you want from me?? The man growled, his eyes conveying an amalgamation of desperation and aggravation. ?I already told the pink blob and that ugly little boy that I am not going to cooperate with either of them,? Seventeen suddenly placed his other index finger in front of the man?s lips. The odd action and slight application of pressure was enough to silence the assassin.

?I?d like to imagine that I?m not as blunt as Super Buu or as disturbing as Wart, so by all means, I?d enjoy it if you?d choose to not judge me until you?ve listened to what I have to say,? Seventeen spoke, his voice almost as whisper as he stared into the man?s bloodshot eyes. ?And if you are willing to at least listen to my proposal then I will even contemplate possibly releasing you from this decrepit chamber. Do we have a deal?? The android inquired, moving both of his hands away from the assassin?s face and backtracking about a foot or so.

?I?m listening,? the man croaked?his voice hoarse and his breathing labored. Seventeen smiled into the assassin?s haggard eyes and cleared his throat before beginning his discourse.

?I know you may not know all that I desire, but I am still going to ask you the entire list of questions I have regardless of your knowledge. Please just cooperate and hand over all the data that you know, and we will quickly become the best of friends. Now to start, I seek any information you may contain on the region from whence you came?United?s quadrant of this continent. I also wish to know where they have built additional locations and any territory they may have lost or acquired during the span of this war. Do you have knowledge of any of that rather rudimentary information?? Seventeen inquired, crossing his arms across his chest.

?I can delve into the pits of his brain and decipher whether or not he?s lying,? Paige spoke, whispering subtly into the cyborg?s right ear. The onyx-haired commander nodded and took a step forward the weary assassin.

?Well?? Seventeen asked politely, using his hand to once again prop up the man?s sweaty, dirty head. The assassin?s eye twitched slightly as he mulled over a slew of thoughts within the tormented, sleep-deprived depths of his mind. After a singular beat that seemed to pervade relentlessly, the killer finally opened his mouth to speak.

OOC: Well Burter, I talked to you about this a few days ago, but Seventeen is attempting to mine the assassin for any information he may know. The think with Paige is just a way to roleplay around the man having to speak (based of course if he know anything, which I figured is based on my roleplay =o). Anyway, thanks, I don?t know how much of this you intend to roleplay, but I?d be willing to say what I plan to do in each circumstance if you?d like =) Thank you ahead of time for the update.

[Belle Hibiki]

Dawn crept slowly over the mismatched outlines of roofs and chimneys the next day. The red sky the previous night had ultimately failed to bring a sailor's delight, and a dark, brooding scuttle of clouds rolled implacably by far overhead. A single tower broke the monotony of the horizon, a spire reaching far up towards the mottled blanket of grey and white. Below it, secluded within a pre-fabricated building of oddly blaring colors that stood out amongst the village cottages like a cock among chickens. And below that...

Buu shifted his position, his hands propped up behind his rubbery head. He had borrowed a small bit of wheat earlier, and now entertained himself by gnawing on the end, pretending, for a moment, what it would be like to look at him: the great creation of Bibidi, the immortal destroyer Buu, playing the part of a country yokel. Ridiculous, of course, but he had to admit there was something peaceful to the act; a sort of calming balm on the psyche, watching the clouds roll by overhead. It wasn't enough, however, to quench his need.

It had started with the assassins. It had been so very long since he had actually killed anyone that he had forgotten what it felt like to end a life. The power, the shock that filled every pair of eyes before they dropped into oblivion. Too long had he always pussyfooted around the issue, sparing a life here because it wasn't worth his time, sparing a life there as part of some feeling of loyalty.

Loyalty. The word tasted bitter in his mouth even though he had never, ever given it voice. Those two - Super Buu and Seventeen - were they loyal to him, as he had tried to be loyal to them? Ever since meeting up with his older counterpart, Seventeen had abruptly cut off contact with the smaller majin. Was he preoccupied? Had he heard from his fuckdoll everything that Buu had shown her?

Or was it simpler than that? Had Buu been a tool, a replacement for a lack, and now that Super Buu had returned he was no longer needed? Left to chew straws of wheat on a hill in the distance; unasked for; unwanted; forgotten as always. He reached up and plucked the wheat from his mouth, clenching his jaw tightly. Well, he would just have to prove it to them - even his comrades - that he could be just as powerful as that overgrown Big League Chew.

Even if he had to kill one of them to do it.

[Burter]

"I don't know," was the basic response the assassain gave. Seventeen frowned. "I'm just an assassain. I only do what they tell me."

Paige frowned with her Commander. "Very well," said the Android.

[Android 17]

?Thanks anyway,? Seventeen frowned, turning away from the assassin. ?Lobotomize his brain or something and send him out into the city. At least this way he?ll be able to enjoy the rest of the game and not potentially aggravate us down the road,? the android commanded, sighing a few moments after issuing the order.

?Where do we go after this?? Paige inquired, the expression on her jade visage establishing the fact that she was equally as unsatisfied. The machine-hybrid shrugged his shoulders and tried to contemplate the next move of the Outcasts.

?I need to tend to a few final things, so just meet me in about ten minutes near at Freelorn Tower?s observation deck,? Seventeen replied, reaching forward and wrenching open the door in front of him. The onyx-haired commander strolled out of the interrogation room?the look on his face coinciding with his budding aggravation with the whole game.

Nevertheless, it only took a few moments for the machine-hybrid to clear his mind. After all, he understood more than anyone that a level head would be necessary if he intended to do well in the tribulations to come. As Seventeen rounded the corner, he began to hear the lamentations of the interned soldier spill out of the interrogation room. The sound of the assassin?s anguished screams continued to reach the android even as he began up the stairs to the surface.

A few moments later, Seventeen existed the prison complex and let out a hearty sigh: Something about the situation just seemed so foreboding. All of the inactivity and ominous portents about the war?s recent developments was starting to perturb the android. Where was the horde that Sauzaa had spoken of when he arrived at the camp a broken, bloody mess so many nights ago? Had they merely crumbled apart over the span of days or were they out there biding their time.

?I can?t handle this wait,? the machine-hybrid sighed, hanging his head forward as he trudged into the tower and took a seat on the floor of the stone foyer. Seventeen?s mind began to drift as he contemplated how his life had been as of late. Thoughts of death, failure, and disappointment infected the android?s mentality as he tried to wade through the blackness in search of a beacon of light.

His haphazard brain storming drew only one real conclusion?Metal Binding. It had taken months for Seventeen to complete his training under the Eternal Guardian of Vegeta, but after all the blood, sweat, and toil, he had achieved victory of his mind and body. Furthermore, his act of delving into his internal systems had invoked a reinvigorated union with his central processor.

Seventeen could not help but feel a little bit less alone now that he knew the cybernetics laden throughout his internal systems was no longer idle. Since his death, he had always felt slightly inhibited?as if every action he took had required just a small margin of additional effort. With the handicap lifted and everything restored to flawless, efficient harmony, the cybernetic warrior did not feel quite as lethargic; however, even with the processor backing his once more, he had no means to curb his mental stressors.

?What are we going to do with you, Seventeen?? The machine-hybrid questioned, raising his hand and watching as a folding steel chair on the other side of the room began to buckle. The metallic blue seat collapsed into an amorphous, free-floating blob of steel, and then it condensed into a blunt object the size of a large pen. With a slight grunt, the cyborg pushed off his laurels and collected the levitating item.

The onyx-haired youth picked up the shapeless item and narrowed his eyes at the blue-gray material. Fragments of the steel began to splinter off as the android began to whittle the hardened compound down molecule by molecule. Beads of swear formed upon Seventeen?s brow as he narrowed his eyes and tried to be as precise with his concentrations as possible. The last thing that the cyborg needed was to make a slipup and infuse too much energy into the metal.

The seconds slowly turned into minutes as what was once a blunt blob of blue metal was gradually converted to a small, paper-thin blade. With his free hand, Seventeen whipped the droplets of sweat from his forehead and plucked the dagger from his palm. Tossing the elegant knife into the air, the cyborg caught it on its way down and slid it into a small sheath tied above his ankle.

The dagger scabbard had come with the combat, but the android had never really had much reason to utilize it. Despite that, he still wore it around for the aesthetic value, and with the small blade, he felt a feeling of pride for finally putting the diminutive casing to some good. After cleaning the sweat from his palms, Seventeen ascended the spiral staircase to the observation deck.

?No need to walk the whole way,? Paige whispered, her sudden appearance behind the android triggered him to elicit a panic, surprised yelp. The woman let out a soft laugh as she slid her slender arms around Seventeen?s waist. A moment later, the two blinked out of sight?reappearing outside the stone structure.

?Let?s get moving,? the Commander of the Outcasts stated, his voice filled with another surge of confidence. Even if he had problems, the onyx-haired youth understood that he just had to suck it up and never capitulate, because there was always the chance that he would find some solace in victory. With that thought alone to fuel him, Seventeen motioned for Paige to follow him, and then he took off down the road.

[Drake]

Kakarot rotated his arm, still stiff and a little sore from the stabbing he?d received a couple nights earlier in which his precious apple had been ripped away from him by a fiendish assassin. The medic?s said it wasn?t too bad and that no vital points had been hit, but that he should take it easy since the wound could open up again and there was some muscle damage. Its pain was much less than the pain of loss however, somehow he couldn?t forget that juicy red delicious apple; the horror at losing it.

It was a harsh lesson, but Kakarot had learned from it.

Originally he?d thought that the weapons provided the soldiers had been nothing more than your average knife, or gun, it appeared they had been much more. The sore wound on his shoulder was a nasty little reminder of the inherent dangers of the infantry?s weapons but it also proved to be a good learning experience. After getting the okay from the doctor, he?d moved onto one of the armory tents and grabbed himself some gear for the next assassin to come interrupting his dinner.

Though it wasn?t usually his forte, the saiyajin had picked up an assault shotgun that had twelve guage slugs made of some kind of unknown metal- all he really knew is that it was pretty damn heavy and the kickback was nothing to scoff at; even after going to his first level of super saiyajin, he felt it could cause some serious pain. Other than that he?d picked up some combat knives to use, a reminder to be careful after the failed assassination attempt; those were holstered under his armpits for easy access. The other weapon he grabbed because he thought it would be good for skinning and cutting down wildlife- basically for hunting- was a trench knife with a fifteen inch blade.

?Alright, I?m ready now.? He said aloud, though no one was around nor cared to hear.

[Super Buu]

OOC: This is a flashback to the end of my last post.

Buu blinked once. Twice. Then, powered by his renewed glee, he leapt to his feet, nearly knocking over his green-skinned bringer of cheer. ?Really?!? Suddenly he paused, recalling a memory of Lord Vine?s palace. ?Say, aren?t you Seventeen?s friend??

?Girlfriend,? corrected the cyborg, smiling over at Paige. And then, with an air of curiosity, ?so ? Buu?s a dormant ability??

The former whitelighter nodded. ?I can sense it, but ?? she turned to the golem, a slight crease upon her brow. ?I?ll need to look further into your mind to tell you anything more than that.?

The monster stepped back, a little disconcerted. ?Look into my mind? You can do that??

?Only if you?re willing,? murmured Paige.

Buu was silent for a second. Then, turning his back, he grunted a single word.

?No.?

Seventeen stood up, brows raised in disbelief. ?Super, I thought you wanted a new power? This is your chance! And hey,? he laughed, ?it?s not like Paige is going to find anything in there anyway.?

?Shut up!? roared Buu, shocking his friend in stunned silence. Turning on his heel, the monster stomped away, his ebony boots leaving dark imprints on the wet grass.

?Well ?? blinked Paige. ?He?s quite the personality, isn?t he??

The cyborg sighed as he watched his friend bowl over a wayward soldier who?d gotten in his way. ?I don?t know what happened ? he?s not usually like this.?

The former whitelighter frowned. ?Perhaps there?s something he wants to hide??

Seventeen shook his head. ?Buu?s not the kind of person to hide something. Then again, he?s also not someone who?d cry out his feelings to a counsellor.? He stroked his chin momentarily, brow creased. ?Maybe ? maybe it?s not the first time he?s had his mind read by another.?

Paige shrugged. ?I?ve done all I can. The only person who can help him out now is himself.?