onepassingnight | Mission 002 || going back to my origins

Kuja doesn't find it odd to be outside, among animals. He's used to the company of beasts, to his dragons, his monsters. He doesn't recognize this particular flora or fauna, but he was created to be all but invulnerable, so he feels he has little to fear. In the absence of humans or any other "civilized" creature, his tail is not hidden for once, but moves visibly beneath his robes, long and silver and fluffy. In waking life, he is careful to keep it hidden, but in the dream, he doesn't think about it.

The catlike animal interests him more than the others, as what seems to be the dominant predator. Kuja addresses it in an everyday manner, his tone no different than that he might use when speaking to any other person. "What a noble creature. And what are you, I wonder?"

Ratchet had been in the process of swatting away a rogue Protopet that had wandered too close, attempting to dig those sharp fangs into his arm. The Lombax hisses back, fur standing on end when the little furry monster backs off - then, that big ol' head turns in the direction of the newcomer.

He blinks once, his lionlike tail swishing behind him in a moment of contemplation. This contemplation quickly turns to curiously, and he trots over closer when the new animal speaks. Strangely enough, he can understand the words. He just can't remember how to form them himself.

Kuja smiles when the Lombax regards him so intelligently, tilting his head slightly to one side. That intelligent look without accompanying speech reminds him of one of his dragons... He wonders where they've gone. There don't seem to be any of them here, but perhaps that's fortunate where this smaller animal is concerned.

"My name is Kuja. I am a Genome." Ordinarily, he's not so forthcoming about his species, but it no longer matters now, does it? Why be ashamed? That is what he is. "From Terra. But Terra is gone now..." He trails off, remembering the fire that had claimed the planet's life. No, he'll never return there again. "And what world is this?" He's speaking partly to himself, and partly to Ratchet.

A visitor from another planet, then? He didn't look like he belonged on this planet, and even the Protopets seemed concerned by his appearance. The violent, ravenous blue creatures quietly hop away, whimpering softly and heading out to find feeble prey elsewhere.

The Lombax doesn't look the least bit surprised by that news, nudging its head into the man's hand to rub him. It's a playful, open motion, with one paw reaching up to pull the other closer by the arm.

And if the man didn't have a world to come home to, he could stay here - plenty of food to eat, and not a worry in the world. He would adopt him into his small 'family', and they'd all be happy, right? ...except the man wants to know what world they're on.

One name will come to Kuja's mind: Novalis (http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110930214952/ratchet/images/b/b6/Novalis.png).

Kuja responds to the nudge by scratching the Lombax's head with his long fingernails. His own motions are more studied, more guarded, but his tail moves more freely, curling up from beneath the length of his robe.

"Ah, Novalis, is it?" Kuja isn't surprised to have received this nonverbal response, considering the intelligence of his new companion. "Not a world I am familiar with. I have been only to Terra and Gaia." Terra he had destroyed, and Gaia--had survived his wrath. Which he is glad of, now. This world resembles Gaia more than Terra, but Terra had been an old world, nearly dead.

He continues to scratch the Lombax's head, his expression thoughtful. "And do you have a name, my friend?"

Ohhh hey, why didn't he come find this guy sooner?

The Lombax's back arches with a loud purr, his own tail curling inward as the furry body slumps down into the grass, rolling over and rubbing against the man's legs. A bit of an overdramatic reaction to being scratched, but there were just some things in the dream he couldn't help. Besides, it wasn't like Clank was here to see any of it, right?

Except he's asking for his name, and he's gotta control himself enough to give a proper response. So the Lombax flips back over in the grass, reaching a paw out to drag something (http://www.mytoolstore.com/sk/45170.jpg) closer to the man's feet. Aqua eyes dart forward, bright and focused, but also waiting for the other's response to the vague riddle.

Of course, it never occured to him he might not even know what the tool was...

Kuja actually smiles, a little amused by this affectionate reaction. He scratches the Lombax behind his ears. He can't remember another time when he'd expressed and received simple, open, honest affection with another intelligent being. Well--once before, perhaps. With his monsters, it had usually been a matter of dominating them, and he hadn't been able to feel these odd, warm, fond emotions until quite recently. He's still unused to them.

When the creature presents him with a tool in response to his question, he raises his eyebrows, not exactly having expected this particular kind of response. Is it a tool user as well? It's clearly not your garden-variety beast. "You're very clever, aren't you?" He approves of cleverness.

He has ~~stolen~~ traveled in his fair share of airships, and he has some experience with engineering. All the needful information about Gaia had been given to him when he'd been made. He picks up the tool and twirls it between the fingers of one hand, pensively. His long, delicate hands with their long, purple fingernails make it clear that he doesn't do much manual labor himself, though he might know about it. "A ratchet? And what am I meant to do with this?"

Man, he did not want to pull away from that scratching.

He knew he'd have to eventually, especially if those Protopets decide to lumber back in - but for now, the Lombax purrs and purrs, tail swishing happily in the grass. Dream or not, he likes this guy! And the guy likes him, if the compliment is any indication. The purring grows louder, his eyes closing happily as he loses himself in the mini-massage.

It... didn't seem like he'd gotten the message, though.

Bright aqua eyes blink up at the other, one paw rising to 'point' at the ratchet, then back to his own self. If Kuja still didn't make the correlation, he'd just send a little telepathic message to the man, explaining his name.

Ratchet. Him.

Lombax. Ratchet.

This is quite possibly the most positive first impression Kuja has ever made, Kuja being Kuja. Although, the Lombax seems to be much more complex and intelligent than he'd first realized. There are various sentient non-human races on Gaia, but most of them are bipedal and verbal.

If the Protopets do return, it's fortunate (or perhaps not so fortunate?) that Kuja could easily incinerate them with no more than a thought. At the moment, all seems peaceful, and there's no need for violence or any use of his magic.

He follows the gesture, then nods, understanding dawning. "Ratchet is your name, is that it? I see. An interesting name." He continues to twirl the ratchet, slowly. "A pleasure to meet you."

He just gives a little Lombax-version of a grin at the compliment, his tail swishing faster in the grass. Even if it took the guy a little bit to get it, he still got it in the end. That was good enough for him.

Same to you, buddy.

Yes.

Yes, he did just talk telepathtically. It's a dream, he can do whatever the heck he wants.

The voice is young, maybe even younger than what was to be expected from the creature, and... quite human in its tongue. Though if ever asked, he would say he had never heard of a human in his life.

So, you gonna tell me how you got all the way out to Novalis?

And why Protopets are in the Solana Galaxy but hush. Dream logic.

The telepathic speech makes him pause, but he takes it in stride. He's experienced stranger things. As he comes from a world with anthropomorphic frogs and mice, as well as other intelligent non-human creatures, the similarity of Ratchet's words to human speech is so commonplace where Kuja is concerned that he doesn't think twice about it.

Instead, Kuja considers Ratchet's question, frowning because he realizes he doesn't have an answer to it. He should be on Gaia, but more than that, he should not be conscious, speaking, or existing. He looks down at himself thoughtfully. His body is whole, and he feels normal enough, but that is impossible.

At the thought, he experiences a momentary weakness and sits down in the grass, arranging his robes with his prehensile tail as he does so.

"If I had the power to explain my presence, I would, but I do not. I know no more than you do." It doesn't seem likely that this Novalis is a realm of the dead. Besides, he was never truly alive. "I was with my brother, within the Iifa Tree. Then, suddenly, I was elsewhere. Unless it's some trick of the tree's, I cannot imagine why I am here."

Crap went down on this planet, but it could hardly be decribed as 'the realm of the dead'. If you consider the people Drek's fleet had blown up in the process of trying to rip a chunk out of the planet, then maybe. But since none of that was said, he's not going to comment about it.

Maybe you crashlanded here like I did. The Lombax looks thoughtful, rubbing a paw against its chin. If we can find the Chairman, he'll probably be able to pop out another ship for you to use.

That, and there was the issue of getting past the field of Protopets in the distance. One wrong move, and those things wouldn't think twice about tearing off an arm or a leg. The little furry alien sits up on all fours again, turning to face the biting monsters.

We're gonna need to take a detour first.

"Crash landed?" Kuja shakes his head. That doesn't sound right at all. "No, I was in no vessel. I was beneath the earth." He had had an airship, but that had been some time before. "I'm not sure where I would go, were I given a new ship. I am an exile."

Nonetheless, he rises to his feet. "But if you believe I should see this Chairman..." He's not adverse to going somewhere, having some purpose; he's simply not sure what the point of it all is. "A detour? And why is that?"

Inside of the planet? Hooo boy.

The Lombax rolls its large eyes, shaking its head in amusement. When it gets dark, you're not gonna turn into some mutant Sandmouse, are ya? Keeping an eye on the prowling Protopets, he turns to his right, gesturing to the man to follow. I don't think I have any silver weapons on me!

He leaps up a crevise with exercised balance, still watching the crowd below them.

Those little guys? The cute ones you could just eat right up?

Yeah.

They can take off your face.

"Not at all." He's about to say this is his only form, but that isn't technically true anymore, not that he'd want to enter Trance again. The price is too high, even if he could manage it. "I have no idea what a Sandmouse is, but I do not change form when darkness falls. No, I was in a cavern of sorts, among the roots of a great tree, as I said, and there I lost consciousness."

He turns toward the mentioned Protopets. He knows they couldn't take off his face. Not even the King of Dragons could do as much. Small creatures that present a large threat aren't novel to him. "Would you like me to deal with them?" He doesn't think doing so will present any great difficulty.

Sounds like you've got quite a bit of backstory there, pal. The Lombax continues his excursion, using his new claws to grip at the uneven landscaping and loose rocks littering the slope. You're gonna have to fill me in on the details in a bit, huh?

But the suggestion makes the alien pause in his tracks, looking over his shoulder at the man. Take out a whole group of Protopets? Was he being serious? His tail twitches in thought, holding that gaze for the longest while.

...I dunno. You sure you'd be able to handle that many? The concern for his new friend is evident in his tone. It doesn't even look like you've got any weapons, and I didn't bring my RYNO on the trip.

"One could certainly say that..." He's not sure about admitting to what he's done. It's a long story, and he's responsible for so much death and destruction. Who would want to associate with someone like him? No one should.

"Of course I'm able. Nothing would be simpler." He's lost so much, but not all of his arrogance. Some vestiges of it remain, and at least there are some things he can still do. He gestures dramatically with one hand, raising it up his long sleeve trailing through the air. Suddenly, he is surrounded by globes of blue-white glowing energy. He swings his hand out toward the Protopets, and the magic finds its mark, the glowing globes each hitting a target with a burst of color and fire.

Ratchet had dealt with a lot of people who had done terrible things in the past - one big name being Qwark. Though with the man suddenly missing through the holovision reports, it was unlikely that they'd ever meet again. At least last time they talked, he'd... been decent? Kind of.

Anyway. Kuja didn't seem like such a bad guy. He'd understand if told the whole story.

This, of course, is pushed to the side when he sees the man generate energy out of seemingly nowhere. The Lombax jumps a bit at that, having never seen magic before but still so intrigued. The Protopets don't stand a chance against the blast, and many of them tumble in the grass, dead on impact.

Whoa!

He can't help but exclaim, leaping further to the edge of the cliff and gazing down at the sight. While Novalis didn't need any more fire or carnage, he was still pretty damn impressed. One attack had the power of three RYNOs combined!

How'd you do that?

Kuja didn't believe any explanation could excuse what he'd done. Hundreds of thousands of people had lost their lives, because of him--and that had been before he'd lost his reason. Afterward, the situation had only gotten worse. It troubles him deeply, but in the dream, he doesn't dwell on it, remaining focused on his surroundings and the situation at hand. There's a task to be completed.

In spite of everything, he's somewhat pleased to see the result of his attack. As effective as always. He doesn't feel any regret at the deaths of the Protopets; if they are harmful pests, there's no reason not to eliminate them.

"I'm a mage. Such things aren't difficult for me." Not that spells didn't take effort, but he was hardly going to admit that. His power might have diminished, but he was still formidable.

Ratchet stares, for quite awhile. And he stares. And stares.

If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, and had they not been in the environment that they were, he probably wouldn't have believed it. It was ridiculious - something he'd only heard of in board games that he and Clank did play from time to time shut up - but... he couldn't deny it. So the catlike creature just shrugs, figuring whatever got rid of those pesky Protopets worked.

And lemme guess, He starts, beginning to move along the cliff with a lot more ease now. --you can summon giant monsters and carry around some kinda wand, right?

Not that he was against the idea, if the creatures did whatever he said. Clank would call it a hazard, but it was all in good fun!

Summon giant monsters. The phrase has unpleasant connotations for him, reminding him of atrocities he committed in the past. "I do have dominion over beasts, but no, I am not a Summoner." He'd wiped most of them out and had stolen--or attempted to steal--the eidolons of those remaining, but that was not the same as summoning monsters himself. Only another cruel act could return that power to him.

"As you saw for yourself, I have no need of a wand. My magic is innate. I need neither baubles nor gimmicks to control it."

Fenrir ran out of gas. Cloud's not sure how Fenrir ran out of gas but there it is, parked by the side of the road, making cooling ticking noises while he sits in the grass next to it, PHS in hand. It's going to be a long walk to Kalm and Cloud's still hoping that someone will call him back and save him the trip. The one time he wants to actually hear someone else's voice and all he got was voice mail.

He could call it irony but he's trying not to think about things like Fate and kicking him in the butt at the moment.

Instead he's got his eyes vaguely narrowed because he's never seen a critter like... that before...

Someone else came to visit?

He'd thought the rumbling had been his own, or that of one of the wandering Protopets, but the smaller creatures were keeping a pretty good distance for the time being and his hearing wasn't that advanced, even in this form. So the Lombax lifts his head from the grass, oversized ears turning in the direction of the noise. Then, a bit lazily, the catlike alien stretches wide, padding over to the unknown stranger.

Managing to get close to the large black thing - hoverbike, Ratchet. Hoverbike. - he stops, lionlike tail swishing in the grass in a moment of conflict.

Turn around and go back, or investigate further?

His hand goes to the hilt of his sword that's resting flat in the grass next to him when the... critter approaches. He's not sure what it is really. He's never seen a monster like it before. It doesn't act like a monster either. Instead of charging in, he watches it... kind of mosey its way over.

He's never known a monster to mosey before.

It kind of reminds him of Red XIII too and so he doesn't shift or move into a defensive position even if he doesn't let go of his sword either. Instead he'll curiously watch it, watching him, and not make any moves to startle it.

If it tries to eat him because it thinks he's a chocobo though it's all over but the shouting.

Ratchet has no will or drive to kill the man or rip at his flesh.

Though his features were definately more animalistic than normal, he still had the same mind, the same, sane bounds that made him what he was. And it's because of this that he bravely trots over, giving an odd Lombax-version of a smile.

So when Cloud lifts his sword, the creature moves to the back of the vehicle, grabbing up a weapon (http://images.wikia.com/ratchet-clank/images/b/bb/OmniWrench.png) of his own. It's not to strike, or to even begin a fight with the newcomer. The guy seemed friendly enough, and the Lombax was more than willing to offer a helping hand.

But what is it he even picked up...?

The hell if Cloud knows what the cat... dog... thing picked up. It looks like a hammer... ax? It's hard to tell. Truthfully though he's a little surprised the thing's capable of picking anything up at all. That's - a lot more dexterity than he's used to, even from Red. Whatever it is, it doesn't seem to be brandishing the weapon... thing. And he would swear that teeth baring looked more like a grin than a snarl. Then again, Cloud knows he often missed human social cues so he doesn't have a lot of faith in his ability to decipher - uh, critter ones. Still, worse comes to worse, he just ends up a little mauled and it's probably saying something that he can dismiss that as 'not the first time'. Willing to give it a shot, he carefully let's go of his sword, leaving it in the grass and lifting his hand away from it. Blue eyes watching the cat critter to see what it does.

If Cloud thinks he's going to attack, then the Lombax lowers his own weapon carefully in the grass. The dirt gives a soft crunch under the tempered metal and spring-loaded tip, one that had ended many a Blargian's life that year or two ago.

Aqua eyes lock onto blues, the furry Lombax rising up again to pad closer to the man. It's a slow, careful movement - he knows the other won't attack by now - trying to prove that he won't suddenly lash out out and claw at that bare skin. He isn't even sure how he has claws other than on his feet, but he'll just peg it down to the weirdness of the dream.

He's... never quite seen a creature like him before. Maybe he has, but he can't quite remember.

Trying to reassure his new friend, one oversized paw gently rises to rest on the man's arm, that grin never fading. And whether Cloud hears it or not, a single, simple name will appear in his mind.

Ratchet.

He watches the - ah, hell, he's just going to label it a critter and stop trying to guess species - the critter pad over and it's not a feral kind of padding either. There's a measured quality to the movement, as if the creature is conscious of the situation and reacting appropriately. Which is more delicacy than monsters usually seem to have. So Cloud keeps his muscles tense and ready for action but he holds still, even when that big furry paw heads his way.

There's no rip of flesh though, no sudden lunge for his exposed throat with those big teeth. Instead it's almost a companionable gesture, which makes Cloud's pale brows draw down over his eyes. There's - a lot of intelligence in that critter's gaze when it meets his. And then his eyebrows jerk slightly.

"Ratchet?" That's - "You need a ratchet?"

Because - sure. Why the hell not? Weird furry little critters with huge ears use tools all the time. Except in the not at all kind of way. Still - this would hardly be the weirdest thing that ever happened to him. It might not even make it into the top fifty.

Ratchet shakes his furry head calmly, letting his paw drop down to the grassy field for a moment, to allow himself to sit on his hind legs. Then, the paw comes up again, to press against his chest. Those aqua eyes never leave the man's, as friendly as a wild cat can manage.

Ratchet. I'm Ratchet.

Yes, Cloud. His name is Ratchet. He can't quite give a detailed explaination on it, having been too young to remember at the time, but it's also... felt odd to him. Always seemed to be something missing.

Eh, whatever. He'd been the one to name Clank, after all. What was the harm?

It's then that those oversized ears prick up, intent on listening to the man's response. The paw comes down again, both now resting in front of him. And he nudges his head again, a soft growl rumbling out of the strange new body.

How 'bout you, pal?

Cloud's watching and there aren't lips moving - but he's still hearing a voice in his head. Which - is a little too familiar for him to weird out about exactly but it's still a strange feeling. He's not sure he likes anyone else in his head - it's crowded enough as is. Still, it helps him understand what's going on so -

"Your name is Ratchet." Hey, Cloud's not one to judge when it comes to names. The way the critter's acting he's not even sure if it's a pet or more on the level of Red. For safety's sake he's going to assume Red-style until indicated otherwise. Tentative, he'll reach out and rest a gloved hand on that wide head.

"I'm Cloud." And, after a minute: "Do you live out here?"

Ah, now, see Cloud? You can't say anything about him having a weird name.

And usually, he's pretty adverse to being pet or cuddled like he really was some kind of animal, but Cloud's been cool so far so he'll allow it. His ears fold back, partially glad for the contact after being here all this time, but still awkward to have another guy doing it.

Hos before bros, buddy.

Nnnot exactly. I'm not even in the right galaxy right now. He shrugs his shoulders a bit, sitting up straight. But this place is pretty special - it's the first new world me and Clank traveled to.

So it was a less-than-stellar landing and the ship he'd spent years working on was blown to smithereens in mere seconds. They eventually found a new one!

--and I'm pretty sure those Protopets don't belong in this galaxy, either.

~~bubs before hottubs... no, wait. That's not right either~~

Cloud squints his eyes a little at the voice that's still rolling along inside his skull but he listens. It sounds... furry. Inside his head.

Marlene would love this - Ratchet.

His attention sparks a bit though.

"You've been to Gaia before?"

The Lombax grins in response, once again shaking that big furry head. As far as he's known, none of the planets he'd visited were called 'Gaia' - unless this was another name for one of 'em. There were still so many places in the Bogon Galaxy he hadn't been yet!

Nnnnope. Unless you know how to get there? Maybe it was this guy's homeworld or something. And if we can take a ship off Novalis as it is. It's been hard getting anywhere without these little guys snapping at our heels.

And speak of the Snagglebeast, there was one now. The catlike creature jerks away in response to the Protopet's fangs, nudging it in the face to get it to back off.

C'mon, we should find higher ground.

Cloud's eyes narrow to a squint as he tries to follow along with what the furry voice is saying inside his head.

"We're on Gaia. Unless Fenrir can travel through space and I think I would have noticed."

Except he doesn't remember any Ratchet animals on Gaia or those weird fuzzy things with the feet either...

...shit. He hates it when dreams don't make sense.

But he'll stand up entirely at Ratchet's suggestion, bringing his sword with him to sling it over his shoulder. A pause and a worried look at his precious bike though.

"Do they eat metal?"

[Sora has no idea how he got here, but that really isn't important. It's a new place to explore! New things to see! He looks around, trying to figure out where this could be...but it isn't Ratchet that initially catches Sora's attention.

No - it's one of the little blue creatures that he spots first. It's really...cute. He wonders what it is. The best way to find out is to get a closer look, right?

So that's exactly what he does - he sets off, determined to follow and catch up to one of them.

Oh. Oh dear.

Someone should probably stop him.]

[SORA CHILD WHAT ARE YOU DOING. THE CUTE IS A LIE.

The crunching of grass is definately enough to get the lone Protopet's attention. And when it does, the little blue creature swirls around on taloned feet, its features twisting into something more ravenous.

A shrill roar is heard, and the 'pet' is now lunging at the child, hungry for blood.]

[There's a loud yelp of surprise when the creature turns around, now looking more like a monster then just friendly, mysterious wildlife. The little boy jumps, tripping over his own feet and (accidentally) rolling out of the way.

All he can do now is regain his footing and try to run.

And boy, is he ever going to run.]

[Did that Protopet just grow three times its size? You bet your butt it did!

And man, is it pissed.

Except before either the pet or Sora get too far away, a flash of blonde fur comes between them, grabbing the child up by the collar of his shirt and leaping over a steep incline to put some distance between them and their attacker. But the Protopet is determined, struggling to make its way up the cliff as well.]

Hang on, kid!

Woah!

[That's the only reaction Sora has time to get out before he's being picked up and rushed off, almost before he can even realize what's happening. He just knows that he's glad to be away from that...whatever it is!

Even though it's still coming after them.

Was this person going to go fight it?

Either way, he's still a little too stunned to speak, but he isn't going anywhere.]

[The Lombax leaps up, high into a tree, and gently sets the boy down on a sturdy branch with the Protopet below, still biting and snarling at the two. He glances back to their attacker, backing up a few feet, then obscuring the sight of its former prey with the thick brush.]

Wait here.

[Leaping to the other branch, he grips with his mouth what seems to be... a giant wrench? Nothing in this dream so far was making any sense, so why not?]

[Ami's the type to like cats, with the notable exception of one particular cat that has the power to become a senshi senshi. Well, used to. There's some satisfaction in that tense, at least.

This, of course, is not that cat and so Ami doesn't seem phased by the bobcat. A wilder cat suits her these days. She approaches without fear, and praises its hunting instead.]

Your prey didn't have a chance.

Edited 2011-12-14 00:57 (UTC)

[He didn't immediately kill the Protopet, the little blue creature still struggling and snarling under his hold. Instincts demand he finish the job, and he'd just been about to before the stranger arrived - Ami, he remembered, from a previous dream.

His tail twitches once, glancing over his shoulder in curiousity, but the Protopet sees this as its chance. Kicking the Lombax in the jaw, it wriggles out of those sharp fangs, falling to the ground and turning its attention to the newcomer.

Barking, snarling, and essentially foaming at the mouth, the 'pet' lunges at Ami before the Lombax can even try to stop it.]

[She might have said more, but something else... seems to have come up. Stupid pet. Ami tilts her head as though not very impressed by this, and calmly, a ruthless blast of energy heads straight for the creature, strong enough to injure or even end its life. She has no qualms about killing the annoyance, if it intends to attack her. ~~She is immune to its cuteness.~~]

Edited 2011-12-14 04:08 (UTC)

[The Protopet shrieks, knocked back by the blast of energy and tumbling wildly into a nearby tree. For now, it looks as though the little beast is down for the count, still for a good few minutes.

That is, until something in it shifts. Beady little eyes glare back up, furry mouth curling in a snarl. It grows, and grows, and grows - twice the size of the tree it'd hit, and far more monstrous.

One foot slams into the dirt, then the other, and enormous ROAR bellowing out of an oversized fanged mouth. This sudden change even causes Ratchet to jump back in surprise, not expecting this.]

You were saying?

[Even Ami, who's had experience in this type of thing happening, hadn't been expecting it.

She covers it well. There's a quick shout of her transformation phrase, and Mercury stands in Ami's place.]

Dark Power, Make-Up!

[Sword in hand, she eyes the creature's movements to gauge its speed and strength; she's ready to move quickly until she can decide on her strategy.]

[Her sudden transformation just startles the Lombax further, the cat's eyes going wide and staring at the now-blue furred figure ahead of him. He quickly recovers after the rush of wind from another of the Protopet's bellows, and he stands his ground by her side. Ask questions later, deal with the threat now.

The ground shakes in protest to the monster's weight, the enraged thing now coming at the two in a full-sprint.]

[She keeps her footing well even as the ground shakes. Then at the right time, Mercury makes an absolutely impossible leap into the air and, with an aerial somersault, vaults over the creature to land safety behind it.

This lines her up perfectly for Ratchet and Mercury to catch the thing between them for an easier fight while it has to split its attention.]

Over here!

[And as soon as she gets the mutant's attention, a bolt of energy from her sword will be flying at it again.]

[Ooh, good thinking! Catch the thing off guard while one or the other get some blows in.

Unfortunately, Ratchet can't handle many of his own weapons well in this form at all, so out comes the plasma whip (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3091/2327254135_d270bb99ea.jpg), striking at the Protopet when it's knocked back from her own attack.]

No, over here!

[Of course! Her strategies are quick and decisive. While they take turns distracting the creature, it has less of a chance to focus its own attention. Meanwhile, they can coordinate their attacks to keep wearing down its resistance.]

Dark Mirage (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi6ZhGCF15U)!

[The water targets it, breaks over the creature's fur, and freezes almost instantly. Something this size can probably break through it, but it might buy its opponents the time to regroup themselves.]

Mission 002 || going back to my origins

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

dang it, i was just about to bed. YOU ARE IRRESISTABLE.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject