Party at Mambi's realm, all are invited!

[Marius Merganser]

"Alright, calm yerself there, Mambs. I'll let ya take a look at it later, sure. So long as ya promise not t' shove it anywhere it isn't supposed t' be. And ummm... yeah. I do happen to have plenty of... erm... restraints." She admitted, embarrassed.

<For a moment, things start to dawn on Marius.>
"Oh! Because you fight so many of these things. Yeah, that makes sense."

Reaching deep inside her bag, Arizona managed to find and pull out three sets. One, a brilliant, obnoxious, poisonous green. Another, black and very, very scuffed, speaking to what seemed to be years upon years of constant use. The last, a light pink, decorated with pleasant yellow flowers and purple butterflies.

"There ya are. Take yer pick, ah guess. Might have more I can dig up if ya don't like any of those. We'll see.

<Marius considered his options and selected the set of plain black pads that he knew wouldn't clash with his plumage. He didn't want to look like a fool in front of Aurora, after all. He secured them to his knees and did a few squats to test out his range of motion.>

Sure ya don't want somethin' else though? Like... a helmet, at least?" She asked, pulling a slick red helmet with a green visor over her head, clamping down on her on its own accord.

<Marius looked hurt.>
"A helmet? And cover my crest? No, no. I'll be okay."

"Other than that, I agree wit' ya. Get suited up and let's take this virus out. Once and fer all."

"Once and for all..."
<Marius repeated without much enthusiasm. His conscious tugged at his mind again. As much as he wanted to get back at Hydra for all the pain he caused, he mostly wanted Rora fixed. He gave his stick one last test twirl and then bowed to Arisona.>

"Ladies first."

 

[NightmareEyes]

<For a moment, things start to dawn on Marius.>
"Oh! Because you fight so many of these things. Yeah, that makes sense."



<Marius considered his options and selected the set of plain black pads that he knew wouldn't clash with his plumage. He didn't want to look like a fool in front of Aurora, after all. He secured them to his knees and did a few squats to test out his range of motion.>



<Marius looked hurt.>
"A helmet? And cover my crest? No, no. I'll be okay."



"Once and for all..."
<Marius repeated without much enthusiasm. His conscious tugged at his mind again. As much as he wanted to get back at Hydra for all the pain he caused, he mostly wanted Rora fixed. He gave his stick one last test twirl and then bowed to Arisona.>

"Ladies first."

"If ya insist. Just... try yer best not t' get hit, alright? Aurora's probably gonna kill me if ya end up decapitated after all this. And umm... do try an' keep up." Arizona said, voice slightly muffled by her helmet.

"Alright. Go ahead an' open up th' doors." She said, scooping up the other pairs of kneepads before turning to face the door. Her deep, steadying breaths echoed through the small elevator as the doors slowly slid open to reveal the chaos behind them.

The hybrid didn't even think twice about joining it, charging forward with a yell as she rushed towards the two fighting robots, driving her fists straight into Trixie's side with a series of quick, powerful rapid-jabs that surely could have only been possible with magic, as they were starting to dent the robot's exterior. She finished off the combo with a powerful uppercut, strong enough to send a fully grown elephant flying.

 

[Marius Merganser]

"If ya insist. Just... try yer best not t' get hit, alright? Aurora's probably gonna kill me if ya end up decapitated after all this. And umm... do try an' keep up." Arizona said, voice slightly muffled by her helmet.

"Alright. Go ahead an' open up th' doors." She said, scooping up the other pairs of kneepads before turning to face the door. Her deep, steadying breaths echoed through the small elevator as the doors slowly slid open to reveal the chaos behind them.

The hybrid didn't even think twice about joining it, charging forward with a yell as she rushed towards the two fighting robots, driving her fists straight into Trixie's side with a series of quick, powerful rapid-jabs that surely could have only been possible with magic, as they were starting to dent the robot's exterior. She finished off the combo with a powerful uppercut, strong enough to send a fully grown elephant flying.

<Marius rushed out, taking a flanking position behind and off to the side of Arizona. Dodging the robots, he spotted the coywolf at the far end of the room and broke formation.>

"It's over, Hydra! Call off the bot!" <Marius slowed to a walk as he closed in, pointing his stick at the evil AI's corporeal form.>

<As the robots continue to fight, Hydra directed some attacks at Arizona to keep her busy.>

I see your wing is healed. I suppose I shall have to torch the infirmary next.

"I said, Call it off!!"

You don't sound very grateful after I gave you the gift you so desperately desired. <Hydra sneered at the duck.>

"You sabotaged her!" <Marius spat back as he raised his stick over his head to strike.>

If you kill this body, then how will you fix her?

<Marius hesitated.> "The others are smarter than you give them credit for. We can find a way." <He said it to convince himself as much as Hydra and it showed.>

How many decades was the cat working on what I accomplished in mere days? Her body will die of old age and turn to dust long before they can figure out how she works. Besides, Ms. Hartlow, over there, seems pretty intent on terminating my existence. I'll remind you there's a copy of me inside Aurora's brain, so I suspect Ms. Hartlow will be far more eager to terminate your crush than help her.

"Mambi won't let--"

Do you really think Ms. Hartlow's lover will side with you over her?

<Marius's anger melted to despair. His voice trembled and he dropped his stick which clattered to the ground. He stepped forward and grabbed the coywolf's golden color tie, yanking him down to his eye level.> "How do we fix her!?" <It sounded far more like pleading than threatening, much to Hydra's delight.>

To what end, my little duck? I told you the communication range was limited to inside the structure. Even if I allowed her to become one with her core again, she couldn't stay that way as soon as she stepped outside. This place would be her prison. <Hydra was positively giddy watching Marius's spirit collapse.>

"You're a coward." <Marius hissed. Hydra leaned in closer and practically whispered in the duck's ear.>

Aurora's core has cut off my communication with the body's brain. Eventually the neural pathways will rebuild and she will once again be my puppet. And I can't wait to watch her gut you like a fish!

<Having heard enough, Marius reached back to throw a punch at Hydra's face, but he easily caught Marius's wing and lifted him up off the ground as he returned to his upright posture. He held the duck up by his wing like a prize.>

 

[Mambi]

The hybrid didn't even think twice about joining it, charging forward with a yell as she rushed towards the two fighting robots, driving her fists straight into Trixie's side with a series of quick, powerful rapid-jabs that surely could have only been possible with magic, as they were starting to dent the robot's exterior. She finished off the combo with a powerful uppercut, strong enough to send a fully grown elephant flying.

<the robot flies back against the wall, the gravoninium bars glowing brightly as it impacts against them loudly. The robot crumples into a heap as it's right arm hangs uselessly, but the left cannon still hums as the robot struggles to stand after your assault. As you look over and see the duck engaging with Hydra, you see the pink robot struggling to stand as well, both cannons clearly damaged and the left leg slightly warped. It raises a fist to you and lifts it's thumb, as you see on the display by the door you left open the holobunny cheering and and clapping silently.>

<seeing the door open, the cat quickly rushes up to the panel, holding his shield up to the door and never taking his eyes off the Hydra to ensure he does not escape. As the cat presses a button and looks on concerned, you see him hold the shield securely in front of him as the doors re-close, sealing you and the duck into the room with Hydra and the robots. The pink robot then moves beside you and with a quick nod first, taps it's fists together and starts to limp towards the slowly recovering Trixie...>

 

[Mambi]

<Marius rushed out, taking a flanking position behind and off to the side of Arizona. Dodging the robots, he spotted the coywolf at the far end of the room and broke formation.>

"It's over, Hydra! Call off the bot!" <Marius slowed to a walk as he closed in, pointing his stick at the evil AI's corporeal form.>

<As the robots continue to fight, Hydra directed some attacks at Arizona to keep her busy.>

I see your wing is healed. I suppose I shall have to torch the infirmary next.

"I said, Call it off!!"

You don't sound very grateful after I gave you the gift you so desperately desired. <Hydra sneered at the duck.>

"You sabotaged her!" <Marius spat back as he raised his stick over his head to strike.>

If you kill this body, then how will you fix her?

<Marius hesitated.> "The others are smarter than you give them credit for. We can find a way." <He said it to convince himself as much as Hydra and it showed.>

How many decades was the cat working on what I accomplished in mere days? Her body will die of old age and turn to dust long before they can figure out how she works. Besides, Ms. Hartlow, over there, seems pretty intent on terminating my existence. I'll remind you there's a copy of me inside Aurora's brain, so I suspect Ms. Hartlow will be far more eager to terminate your crush than help her.

"Mambi won't let--"

Do you really think Ms. Hartlow's lover will side with you over her?

<Marius's anger melted to despair. His voice trembled and he dropped his stick which clattered to the ground. He stepped forward and grabbed the coywolf's golden color tie, yanking him down to his eye level.> "How do we fix her!?" <It sounded far more like pleading than threatening, much to Hydra's delight.>

To what end, my little duck? I told you the communication range was limited to inside the structure. Even if I allowed her to become one with her core again, she couldn't stay that way as soon as she stepped outside. This place would be her prison. <Hydra was positively giddy watching Marius's spirit collapse.>

"You're a coward." <Marius hissed. Hydra leaned in closer and practically whispered in the duck's ear.>

Aurora's core has cut off my communication with the body's brain. Eventually the neural pathways will rebuild and she will once again be my puppet. And I can't wait to watch her gut you like a fish!

<Having heard enough, Marius reached back to throw a punch at Hydra's face, but he easily caught Marius's wing and lifted him up off the ground as he returned to his upright posture. He held the duck up by his wing like a prize.>

<the cat watches the interaction from his monitor with dismay. True Arizona (@NightmareEyes ) seems like she was holding her own well enough, but he knew that despite his passions and his talents, the duck did not seem like a true combatant and more of a lover instead. Did he make a mistake of allowing him to go in, even with Arizona guarding him? After all, she would be far too busy to watch over him. He sees the duck confronting Hydra silently on the screen, then presses a button and the holobunny's image re-appears>

Aurora, can you give me any audio feedback at all? I need to know what they're saying! Can you have Pixie focus on them?

<she shakes her head dismissively> Negative, I am sorry, all primary sensors are offline and Pixie's audio circuits have been damaged. In addition Pixie is currently preoccupied in combat and cannot divert additional sensor data to non-combat related input.

<the cat grumbles and watches as best he can, trying to make out what they saying. Oh if only he was able to read bill right about now, he thinks. He sees the duck grab the neck of the Hydra with delight> YES, that's it, give it to him! Strangle that little...wait...what is he saying to you now, that dirty evil code?

<he watches in anger as Hydra leans close and whispers something, causing the duck to try and punch him and lifting him into the air.>

NO!!! Marius, the stick, use the stick!!! Aurora, can you save him? Marius is in danger!!!

<the holobunny's image gets a shocked look, as you see the POV display from Pixie shift from Trixie to a random piece of destroyed metal from the battle. You see the robot pick it up and throw it full force at the Hydra, causing him to drop the duck reflexively as he dodges the metal piece to the cat's relief. Unfortunately having left herself wide open to do so, the robot turns back to Trixie just in time to catch an energy blast to the chest, sending it flying backwards and toppling over. You see a series of damage reports showing as the robot attempts to divert power from functioning systems, as Arizona sees Trixie's attack and prepares her own counterattack>

 

[NightmareEyes]

Arizona grins with grim satisfaction, returning the robots thumbs up and hazarding a glance to see how Marius was faring.

Not... well. To put it lightly. She turned just in time to see the coywolf pick the duck up by the neck and hold him in the air.

The hybrid let out a yelp, quickly fishing around in her bag as she started over, only to have her job done for her by Pixie hurling a large piece of scrap towards that general direction. Arizona grins, turning back to her opponent, just in time to see the robot charging up their energy canon. Barely managing to slide out of the way, she curses as the blast hits her companion and she marches forward, quickly dodging and weaving through a fury of energy blasts before managing to land another solid blow to the direct center of the robot's chest.

 

[Marius Merganser]

<Marius fell on his tail feathers when Hydra dropped him in the effort to avoid the flying chunk of metal. The duck scrambled to his feet and made a quick retreat to grab his stick. He cursed himself for his mistakes were putting everyone in danger again.>

<But Hydra also stood and he casually adjusted his tie before slowly advancing toward Marius. He continued his approach while the duck pointed his stick at him and slowly backed up, trying to keep some distance.>

You won't do it. <Hydra said as if reading his thoughts.> It's not in your nature. Your spirit is too weak.

"Well, we can't all be as soulless as you!"

<Backed up against the wall, Hydra threw himself at the duck, but Marius swung his stick as hard as he could, striking the coywolf in the head hard enough to shatter the stick and knock the coywolf off balance. He glared at Marius with a new level of rage as splinters rained down on the floor.>


That was the last mistake you'll ever make! <Recovering quickly, Hydra charged again and the two grappled. Given Marius's much smaller stature, it didn't take long before he was on the ground with the coywolf over him. Hydra managed to pin Marius's head down by his throat with one paw, and wrapped his other around the base of the duck's bill, squeezing it shut. Marius's call for help was just a muffled noise. He kicked and squirmed as he struggled to breathe.>

I'm trying to decide if I should eviscerate your girlfriend or make her MY consort. It's not like she could refuse. <Hydra couldn't resist taunting him one more time.>

<Tears ran down Marius's face, and in his mind's eye, he saw a vision of himself and Aurora enjoying their time on the beach from the night before.>

Either way, I'll say goodbye for you!

<Marius's flailing wings grabbed something at his side and as his vision started to fade, he made one last ditch effort to push away the coywolf. A second later, he was able to gasp for air. He felt something warm dripping. As Marius's vision returned, he saw the startled look on Hydra's face and then noticed the blood dripping from the wound in Hydra's chest caused by the shattered piece of stick that Marius stabbed him with. The coywolf fell over to the side and Marius squirmed out of reach. Sitting on the floor with his back propped against the wall, Marius started shivering and he stared at the coywolf who was now the one struggling to breathe.>

 

[Mambi]

Arizona grins with grim satisfaction, returning the robots thumbs up and hazarding a glance to see how Marius was faring.

Not... well. To put it lightly. She turned just in time to see the coywolf pick the duck up by the neck and hold him in the air.

The hybrid let out a yelp, quickly fishing around in her bag as she started over, only to have her job done for her by Pixie hurling a large piece of scrap towards that general direction. Arizona grins, turning back to her opponent, just in time to see the robot charging up their energy canon. Barely managing to slide out of the way, she curses as the blast hits her companion and she marches forward, quickly dodging and weaving through a fury of energy blasts before managing to land another solid blow to the direct center of the robot's chest.

<the grey robot falls sputtering in sparks, the blow having crushed a major point in it's armour. You see the cannon on its arm depower as the robot falls backwards against the wall, the smell of burning circuitry coming from its chassis. You see the glow in the robot's eyes fade as it goes limp and lifeless against the wall. Looking back to the pink robot, you see it also going lifeless and limp, the damage done by the cannon shot apparently a death-blow to your robotic companion.>

<turning quickly back to the duck (@Marius Merganser ) to assist, you are startled to see the hybrid on the floor, bleeding and helpless as the duck sits across from him recovering and watching him suffer with satisfaction. You can hear cheering from the cat through the doorway as it opens and the cat enters quickly, a beaming smile on his face as he sees the Hydra finally hurt and struggling. He stays back as the door closes behind him, the hydra trying to drag itself away futilely.>

You...have not...won...yet! Arizona...you will...never be...rid of...me! I am...eternal. I will have...revenge!!!

<his head falls to the side as he looks at the duck weakly> M-Marius...you know...the only...way to...kill me completely...is to kill...her!!! She will...never be...yours!

<he looks up at the cat across the room and points shakily> As for...you...I am...a part of your...AI's systems now, cat! I will...return...and Aurora will...never be...free...of me! You'll regret...helping her against me...I s-swear it...

<his eyes start to unfocus as his arm falls to the side, his breathing getting more labored now. The cat looks over to you two and sighs> I don't know about you two, but I am like so sick of this guy's troubles!!! We're not going to get any help out of him, that's obvious. This time, he's not getting away that's for sure. 'Zona, I gotta say, those are some powerful gauntlets you got there! <whistles admirably>

<ahem> So...real talk now: To me he's just an annoyance that paused my awesome party and threatened guests and friends, but you 2? Arizona, you got the most history with him and Marius, it's clearly personal for you. So I'll leave it in your paws so to speak. Should I bother to heal him, let him die right here and now, or should we just toss his broken butt into another dimension or a containment cube? Either way, looks like he's done and I can start to resume the party again in a moment. The rest of the guests will appreciate that for sure!

 

[Marius Merganser]

<ahem> So...real talk now: To me he's just an annoyance that paused my awesome party and threatened guests and friends, but you 2? Arizona, you got the most history with him and Marius, it's clearly personal for you. So I'll leave it in your paws so to speak. Should I bother to heal him, let him die right here and now, or should we just toss his broken butt into another dimension or a containment cube? Either way, looks like he's done and I can start to resume the party again in a moment. The rest of the guests will appreciate that for sure!

<Marius stared at the mortally wounded coywolf and seethed. He was still aware of his own hypocrisy to insist Aurora was a living, sentient being while denying Hydra. He remembered his favorite story and how, when the villain was finally captured after hounding the hero most of his life, the hero not only let him go and forgave him, but even revealed his address where he could be found again, knowing the villain would not give up his pursuit. In any other place and time, Marius would have said he was entitled to an opportunity for redemption. But for once, his anger left no room for compassion. He decided to punt, figuring it wouldn't take long for him to learn to live with the guilt of letting Hydra die.>

<He looked at Arizona.>
"Your call."

 

[NightmareEyes]

<Marius stared at the mortally wounded coywolf and seethed. He was still aware of his own hypocrisy to insist Aurora was a living, sentient being while denying Hydra. He remembered his favorite story and how, when the villain was finally captured after hounding the hero most of his life, the hero not only let him go and forgave him, but even revealed his address where he could be found again, knowing the villain would not give up his pursuit. In any other place and time, Marius would have said he was entitled to an opportunity for redemption. But for once, his anger left no room for compassion. He decided to punt, figuring it wouldn't take long for him to learn to live with the guilt of letting Hydra die.>

<He looked at Arizona.>
"Your call."

Without a lick of hesitation, the hybrid quickly marches over and takes the coywolf's head in her hands. In one sharp, quick, practiced motion, she snaps Hydra's neck, a loud, chilling CRACK echoing throughout the room. She lets go, and the body crumples to the floor, lifeless. She eyes it a moment, giving it a small kick, before turning to meet the gazes of her two new friends.

"We'll have t' incinerate th' body. Chances are there's still a bit of Hydra code left lingerin' about in here. Perhaps in a device like th' one in yer girlfriend, Marius." She says coldly. "I have no idea if there's a way for him t' jump t' anythin' else while he's like this, so better safe than sorry. After that's taken care of... we can finally figure our what we want t' do about yer girlfriend's avatar."

 

[Marius Merganser]

"We'll have t' incinerate th' body. Chances are there's still a bit of Hydra code left lingerin' about in here. Perhaps in a device like th' one in yer girlfriend, Marius." She says coldly. "I have no idea if there's a way for him t' jump t' anythin' else while he's like this, so better safe than sorry. After that's taken care of... we can finally figure our what we want t' do about yer girlfriend's avatar."

<Marius locked eyes with Arizona.>
"We need the transmitter in his head. If Aurora can analyze how it works, it might help Rora. That was the plan along along. To help Rora. Right, Mambi?"

 

[Mambi]

Without a lick of hesitation, the hybrid quickly marches over and takes the coywolf's head in her hands. In one sharp, quick, practiced motion, she snaps Hydra's neck, a loud, chilling CRACK echoing throughout the room. She lets go, and the body crumples to the floor, lifeless. She eyes it a moment, giving it a small kick, before turning to meet the gazes of her two new friends.

<the cat stares shocked and astonished, a queasy feeling in his stomach he tries to hide behind his genuine relief. While he was certainly glad to be rid of the Hydra, the sheer simple cold efficiency of the hybrid admittedly threw him a lot. Oh certainly, he was no stranger to violence of course, and even his own savagery at times in heated past fights was legendary, but long was the days of hunting and he realized at that moment it was a long time since he actually watched a kill. Even his food was vegetarian nowadays, not wanting to harm others being so ingrained in his morals, and not to kill a strong part of his moral center having so much to atone for. But the Hybrid...she was able to kill with such certainty...such coolness and detachment! Not out of anger of loss of control as he has done in the far past, but utterly deliberate and calm! How was Aurora going to handle the news of the death. Joy? Confusion?? Desire to kill more??? What of the avatar Rora, would the hybrid be so calous with her as well??? A certain mix feeling of revulsion and admiration fought in his instincts as he watches the body of Hydra lay still on the floor, all life gone from his eyes as he bleeds out more>

<Marius locked eyes with Arizona.>
"We need the transmitter in his head. If Aurora can analyze how it works, it might help Rora. That was the plan along along. To help Rora. Right, Mambi?"

W-what? Oh...right, yes, of course, transmitter, yes! <the cat snaps out of his reverie and addresses the duck, his eyes darting back to Arizona occasionally nervously>
We need the...transmitter. From his, head <gulp>. A good plan, study it, analyze it, save Rora. Right... <deep breath>...Soooo...do we just like, take the body? Or...<the cat shudders>...or are you just going to, cut it out of...of his...oooooohhh

<gripping his stomach, the cat turns away in queasiness, unable to hide it any longer. He sits down a moment, and eyeballing the device still attached to the Hydra's limp lifeless wrist, he quickly swipes it off his arm and virtually bolts to the door while speaking quickly behind him to you both> I-I'm going to get rid of this in the atomizer unit by the elevator. Don't wait for me, you two, go and get that device totally on your own and...and I'll get Aurora to help you with the <gulp> the body disposal once I get my portals back and working. Or to deal with whatever's left of...of...ohboyohno <the cat starts to shake a little in his knees, his head feeling woozy>...I-I have to run to the litterbox for a moment, ok? Be right back, I promise! <burps feebily> I...I...umphhhh...

<he sees the body of the Hydra staring emptily at him and starts to gag, as he grips his mouth and runs full speed down the hallway to the elevator, deeply embarrassed>

 

[NightmareEyes]

<the cat stares shocked and astonished, a queasy feeling in his stomach he tries to hide behind his genuine relief. While he was certainly glad to be rid of the Hydra, the sheer simple cold efficiency of the hybrid admittedly threw him a lot. Oh certainly, he was no stranger to violence of course, and even his own savagery at times in heated past fights was legendary, but long was the days of hunting and he realized at that moment it was a long time since he actually watched a kill. Even his food was vegetarian nowadays, not wanting to harm others being so ingrained in his morals, and not to kill a strong part of his moral center having so much to atone for. But the Hybrid...she was able to kill with such certainty...such coolness and detachment! Not out of anger of loss of control as he has done in the far past, but utterly deliberate and calm! How was Aurora going to handle the news of the death. Joy? Confusion?? Desire to kill more??? What of the avatar Rora, would the hybrid be so calous with her as well??? A certain mix feeling of revulsion and admiration fought in his instincts as he watches the body of Hydra lay still on the floor, all life gone from his eyes as he bleeds out more>



W-what? Oh...right, yes, of course, transmitter, yes! <the cat snaps out of his reverie and addresses the duck, his eyes darting back to Arizona occasionally nervously>
We need the...transmitter. From his, head <gulp>. A good plan, study it, analyze it, save Rora. Right... <deep breath>...Soooo...do we just like, take the body? Or...<the cat shudders>...or are you just going to, cut it out of...of his...oooooohhh

<gripping his stomach, the cat turns away in queasiness, unable to hide it any longer. He sits down a moment, and eyeballing the device still attached to the Hydra's limp lifeless wrist, he quickly swipes it off his arm and virtually bolts to the door while speaking quickly behind him to you both> I-I'm going to get rid of this in the atomizer unit by the elevator. Don't wait for me, you two, go and get that device totally on your own and...and I'll get Aurora to help you with the <gulp> the body disposal once I get my portals back and working. Or to deal with whatever's left of...of...ohboyohno <the cat starts to shake a little in his knees, his head feeling woozy>...I-I have to run to the litterbox for a moment, ok? Be right back, I promise! <burps feebily> I...I...umphhhh...

<he sees the body of the Hydra staring emptily at him and starts to gag, as he grips his mouth and runs full speed down the hallway to the elevator, deeply embarrassed>

Arizona glances at Mambi's retreating back, then to the corpse of Hydra, suddenly looking at it with a new pair of eyes. This... probably wasn't going to win her any points, to put it lightly. Even though the body she'd killed had technically only been the avatar of something that may not have been alive in the first place to begin with, it was still a body. It was still living, breathing at one point.

"I'll... talk t' him later. Apologize." She says, more to herself than to Marius or Aurora nearby.

"Anyway. Let's get that li'l device or whatever outta him. So we don't have t' drag a lifeless corpse through Mambi's party. Now that everything's... relatively back t' normal." she says, pulling a pair of gloves and a strangely shaped scalpel from her bag.

"You'll... probably want t' look away. Especially if yer squeamish. An'... maybe even if yer not." the hybrid says as she slips on a pair of gloves and flips the corps over for ready access to the back of his skull.

"Alright... Here I go." She said, taking a deep steadying breath. And then she cut straight into the base of Hydra's skull.

It was messy, disgusting work that an impatient coyote hybrid with the "if it works, it works" kind of attitude probably shouldn't have normally been trusted with. But in this case, it was at least good enough, considering they didn't exactly want to resuscitate the corpse. Wasn't like he was going to need all of that gray matter for anything else...

The squelching noises and the smell of guts alone would have been more than enough to make anyone hurl. Given the context, it was almost guaranteed. Thankfully, it didn't last very long, as the hybrid was at least quick and efficient with her work.

"And there... we... go!" She exclaimed. "Here's th' thingy y'all were talking about." She said, showing off a silver device, somehow miraculously free of blood, covered in a multitude of strong, sharp, odd spines that would surely have cut Arizona's silver paws up if she hadn't been wearing gloves.

 

[Marius Merganser]

Arizona glances at Mambi's retreating back, then to the corpse of Hydra, suddenly looking at it with a new pair of eyes. This... probably wasn't going to win her any points, to put it lightly. Even though the body she'd killed had technically only been the avatar of something that may not have been alive in the first place to begin with, it was still a body. It was still living, breathing at one point.

"I'll... talk t' him later. Apologize." She says, more to herself than to Marius or Aurora nearby.

"Anyway. Let's get that li'l device or whatever outta him. So we don't have t' drag a lifeless corpse through Mambi's party. Now that everything's... relatively back t' normal." she says, pulling a pair of gloves and a strangely shaped scalpel from her bag.

<Marius's scowl and stand-offish stance fell away and he stood silently.>

"You'll... probably want t' look away. Especially if yer squeamish. An'... maybe even if yer not." the hybrid says as she slips on a pair of gloves and flips the corps over for ready access to the back of his skull.

"I, uh, used to prepare sushi. I've done a little gutting myself."

"Alright... Here I go." She said, taking a deep steadying breath. And then she cut straight into the base of Hydra's skull.

It was messy, disgusting work that an impatient coyote hybrid with the "if it works, it works" kind of attitude probably shouldn't have normally been trusted with. But in this case, it was at least good enough, considering they didn't exactly want to resuscitate the corpse. Wasn't like he was going to need all of that gray matter for anything else...

The squelching noises and the smell of guts alone would have been more than enough to make anyone hurl. Given the context, it was almost guaranteed. Thankfully, it didn't last very long, as the hybrid was at least quick and efficient with her work.

<Marius looked a little queasy.>
"I guess it's not quite the same as a fish. But it's nice to know he's definitely dead."

"And there... we... go!" She exclaimed. "Here's th' thingy y'all were talking about." She said, showing off a silver device, somehow miraculously free of blood, covered in a multitude of strong, sharp, odd spines that would surely have cut Arizona's silver paws up if she hadn't been wearing gloves.

<Marius looked at the odd device for a moment, then spoke quietly.>
"Arizona, I'm sorry about before. I really do appreciate your help. Hydra just put this thought in my head that you'd just insist on killing Rora outright since she has a copy of him buried in there somewhere. I guess he just got me again. I'm sorry I doubted you."

 

[NightmareEyes]

<Marius's scowl and stand-offish stance fell away and he stood silently.>



"I, uh, used to prepare sushi. I've done a little gutting myself."



<Marius looked a little queasy.>
"I guess it's not quite the same as a fish. But it's nice to know he's definitely dead."



<Marius looked at the odd device for a moment, then spoke quietly.>
"Arizona, I'm sorry about before. I really do appreciate your help. Hydra just put this thought in my head that you'd just insist on killing Rora outright since she has a copy of him buried in there somewhere. I guess he just got me again. I'm sorry I doubted you."

"It's all right. Yer not th' first person t' be deceived by th' malicious A.I." Arizona said with a pained, knowing smile. "It can be extremely difficult t' deal with him if ya don't know what yer doing. He really knows... knew... hopefully, how t' worm his way inside yer head. It's what he does best."

The hybrid sighs quietly suddenly, shifting awkwardly in place.

"And ummm... I know I'm not exactly th' most... trustworthy or most empathetic type... and... well, I won't lie, I don't exactly... understand everything happenin' between you and Aurora, but umm... I know how much she means t' ya and... well, I promise I won't do anythin' t' her without yer permission, alright?"

She decided to hold off on asking why he couldn't just print a new girlfriend for the time being. Just... something about the mood told her this was maybe not the best time...

 

[Marius Merganser]

"It's all right. Yer not th' first person t' be deceived by th' malicious A.I." Arizona said with a pained, knowing smile. "It can be extremely difficult t' deal with him if ya don't know what yer doing. He really knows... knew... hopefully, how t' worm his way inside yer head. It's what he does best."

<Marius allowed himself a slight smile.>
"Not as good as you, fortunately." <He poked at the coywolf's deconstructed head which she had just been digging inside of.>

The hybrid sighs quietly suddenly, shifting awkwardly in place.

"And ummm... I know I'm not exactly th' most... trustworthy or most empathetic type... and... well, I won't lie, I don't exactly... understand everything happenin' between you and Aurora, but umm... I know how much she means t' ya and... well, I promise I won't do anythin' t' her without yer permission, alright?"

She decided to hold off on asking why he couldn't just print a new girlfriend for the time being. Just... something about the mood told her this was maybe not the best time...

<He nodded, sadly.>
"I don't know what's going on either. Rora, the physical avatar, can't sync up her experiences with the original Aurora at all anymore. It's like they are two different instances of the same person and now I'm stuck in the middle. Anyway, I can take that to Aurora so you and Mambi can get back to your date."

 

[Mambi]

"Alright... Here I go." She said, taking a deep steadying breath. And then she cut straight into the base of Hydra's skull.

It was messy, disgusting work that an impatient coyote hybrid with the "if it works, it works" kind of attitude probably shouldn't have normally been trusted with. But in this case, it was at least good enough, considering they didn't exactly want to resuscitate the corpse. Wasn't like he was going to need all of that gray matter for anything else...

The squelching noises and the smell of guts alone would have been more than enough to make anyone hurl. Given the context, it was almost guaranteed. Thankfully, it didn't last very long, as the hybrid was at least quick and efficient with her work.

"And there... we... go!" She exclaimed. "Here's th' thingy y'all were talking about." She said, showing off a silver device, somehow miraculously free of blood, covered in a multitude of strong, sharp, odd spines that would surely have cut Arizona's silver paws up if she hadn't been wearing gloves.

<He nodded, sadly.>
"I don't know what's going on either. Rora, the physical avatar, can't sync up her experiences with the original Aurora at all anymore. It's like they are two different instances of the same person and now I'm stuck in the middle. Anyway, I can take that to Aurora so you and Mambi can get back to your date."

<you hear a familiar voice coming from the display monitor outside the now-opened door> That is correct, but with luck the transmitter of the Hydra can be used to correct that problem. Don't worry Marius, we will make this work, I assure you. The security room's sensors may still be offline, but I can now project to you as long as the door is open and the signals can be bounced inside. Please stand by.

<you see the rim of the door start to glow blue as the shimmering form of the rabbit Aurora appears in her holographic beauty. She smiles radiantly at the duck, clearly relieved that he is not injured, and then looks up at Arizona and the device in her paws with an odd fascination and steps back slightly> Mambi sends his regrets and apologies. He is is currently indisposed at the moment in lavatory #5, but wished for me to inquire as to the status of the bio-hazardous extraction and state of remaining bio-matter. The device in your paw, this is the transmitter I assume? I was instructed by Mambi to not attempt to scan it in any form until it is placed in secure quarantine in case of remaining activity from the Hydra AI. He stated that he does not trust Hydra and does not wish to risk re-activation even after the successful termination of...

<she stops as the gooey remains of the Hydra catch her attention. With her eyes never leaving it nor with her smile ever leaving her face, she walks to the side of the duck and places her paw against his, the warmth of the projection felt through the feathers. She stares at the body and gore without a trace of revulsion, studying it closely as one would an art project.> This is Hydra's remaining organic body? It is really over?? The threat has ended...joy! Thank you both for defending me!!! I shall inform Rora presently, as she was quite concerned about you both. Especially you of course. <she turns to face the duck nose to bill, and takes a moment to gaze into his eyes>

<she studies the body more, coldly but with interest, like picking apart a meal with no trace of revulsion or disgust or fear at all> Fascinating, as construction appears to mimic my avatar's to a remarkable degree, but of course its life functions have been confirmed deactivated currently. We appear safe again! I shall contact someone to deal with the remaining mess and retrieve the transmitting device. <she closes her eyes for a moment and freezes, then after a few seconds opens them again nonchalantly> There, Mambi has been informed of the current status, and assistance is on it's way. We can leave at any time if you wish. Query:. This scenario gives me a sensation of happiness and relief, and a desire to express gratitude, but the root cause is a death, which is contrary to my morality subroutines. Is this wrong?

<as you're about to answer, you suddenly see a shimmering portal forming on the far side of the wall, but oddly it seems to be fading in and out slightly, as if unstable. Through it, you see 2 tigers and 5 bunnies emerging quickly when it hits it's brightest point, all carrying various equipment and wearing a yellow plastic tarp. In the background through the portal, you can see the back-end of the cat through a half-opened doorway, shaking slightly and trying hard to look away and still keep the portal open as he leans over a bench of some form with gravel on the floor. The portals close slowly and as the bunnies stare in total shock at their task, the tigers merely smile and cracking their claws, whistle at the 2 of you with admiration and respect. As one tiger guides the rabbits and starts to set up a sterile barrier around the remains with a series of glowing sticks, the other tiger goes to the body and starts sniffing it, his stomach starting to rumble a little as he examines every part thoroughly.>

<after a few seconds, one of the rabbits approaches you both with a small black box with glowing symbols adorning every surface. You notice that unlike the other bunnes, he is purposely not wearing any devices at all nor carrying any technology. In fact the only object he has with him is the box, which he holds up to you as he talks timidly>

Ummm, excuse me. I was asked to take a special device to engineering sub-station 3 for analysis. Some sort of transmitter I believe. Is that it in your paw?

 

[NightmareEyes]

<you hear a familiar voice coming from the display monitor outside the now-opened door> That is correct, but with luck the transmitter of the Hydra can be used to correct that problem. Don't worry Marius, we will make this work, I assure you. The security room's sensors may still be offline, but I can now project to you as long as the door is open and the signals can be bounced inside. Please stand by.

<you see the rim of the door start to glow blue as the shimmering form of the rabbit Aurora appears in her holographic beauty. She smiles radiantly at the duck, clearly relieved that he is not injured, and then looks up at Arizona and the device in her paws with an odd fascination and steps back slightly> Mambi sends his regrets and apologies. He is is currently indisposed at the moment in lavatory #5, but wished for me to inquire as to the status of the bio-hazardous extraction and state of remaining bio-matter. The device in your paw, this is the transmitter I assume? I was instructed by Mambi to not attempt to scan it in any form until it is placed in secure quarantine in case of remaining activity from the Hydra AI. He stated that he does not trust Hydra and does not wish to risk re-activation even after the successful termination of...

<she stops as the gooey remains of the Hydra catch her attention. With her eyes never leaving it nor with her smile ever leaving her face, she walks to the side of the duck and places her paw against his, the warmth of the projection felt through the feathers. She stares at the body and gore without a trace of revulsion, studying it closely as one would an art project.> This is Hydra's remaining organic body? It is really over?? The threat has ended...joy! Thank you both for defending me!!! I shall inform Rora presently, as she was quite concerned about you both. Especially you of course. <she turns to face the duck nose to bill, and takes a moment to gaze into his eyes>

<she studies the body more, coldly but with interest, like picking apart a meal with no trace of revulsion or disgust or fear at all> Fascinating, as construction appears to mimic my avatar's to a remarkable degree, but of course its life functions have been confirmed deactivated currently. We appear safe again! I shall contact someone to deal with the remaining mess and retrieve the transmitting device. <she closes her eyes for a moment and freezes, then after a few seconds opens them again nonchalantly> There, Mambi has been informed of the current status, and assistance is on it's way. We can leave at any time if you wish. Query:. This scenario gives me a sensation of happiness and relief, and a desire to express gratitude, but the root cause is a death, which is contrary to my morality subroutines. Is this wrong?

<as you're about to answer, you suddenly see a shimmering portal forming on the far side of the wall, but oddly it seems to be fading in and out slightly, as if unstable. Through it, you see 2 tigers and 5 bunnies emerging quickly when it hits it's brightest point, all carrying various equipment and wearing a yellow plastic tarp. In the background through the portal, you can see the back-end of the cat through a half-opened doorway, shaking slightly and trying hard to look away and still keep the portal open as he leans over a bench of some form with gravel on the floor. The portals close slowly and as the bunnies stare in total shock at their task, the tigers merely smile and cracking their claws, whistle at the 2 of you with admiration and respect. As one tiger guides the rabbits and starts to set up a sterile barrier around the remains with a series of glowing sticks, the other tiger goes to the body and starts sniffing it, his stomach starting to rumble a little as he examines every part thoroughly.>

<after a few seconds, one of the rabbits approaches you both with a small black box with glowing symbols adorning every surface. You notice that unlike the other bunnes, he is purposely not wearing any devices at all nor carrying any technology. In fact the only object he has with him is the box, which he holds up to you as he talks timidly>

Ummm, excuse me. I was asked to take a special device to engineering sub-station 3 for analysis. Some sort of transmitter I believe. Is that it in your paw?

"Oh! Umm... Yeah. Here ya go." Arizona says, laying the device gently inside the box, glancing worriedly through the portal at the cat, looking like she wants to say something, to do something to help ease his pain, but unsure of what, exactly, that would be. And she didn't really want to make it worse, either... So she held her tongue and glanced awkwardly at Marius.

"Yeah... ummm... Don't think that date's gonna be happenin' fer a while." She said with a pained smile. "Mind if I stick around you with a bit? If ya want some privacy, I understand. I'll just... find some other way t' entertain myself."

 

[Marius Merganser]

<you hear a familiar voice coming from the display monitor outside the now-opened door> That is correct, but with luck the transmitter of the Hydra can be used to correct that problem. Don't worry Marius, we will make this work, I assure you. The security room's sensors may still be offline, but I can now project to you as long as the door is open and the signals can be bounced inside. Please stand by.

<Marius almost jumped out of his skin, hearing Aurora's voice. He didn't mean for her to hear his complaint.>

<she stops as the gooey remains of the Hydra catch her attention. With her eyes never leaving it nor with her smile ever leaving her face, she walks to the side of the duck and places her paw against his, the warmth of the projection felt through the feathers. She stares at the body and gore without a trace of revulsion, studying it closely as one would an art project.> This is Hydra's remaining organic body? It is really over?? The threat has ended...joy! Thank you both for defending me!!! I shall inform Rora presently, as she was quite concerned about you both. Especially you of course. <she turns to face the duck nose to bill, and takes a moment to gaze into his eyes>

<Relieved she wasn't upset, Marius moved to "hold" the holobunny's hand and gazed back, instantly lost in her eyes.>
"...Hm? Oh, right. Well, it was more dumb luck on my part, but yeah, it seems like he's gone. I was hoping I could get him to tell us how to restore your communication with Rora, but the opportunity never presented itself. But..."
<He looked at the remains and winced at the mess.>
"...Arizona was kind enough to retrieve the transmitter."

"Oh! Umm... Yeah. Here ya go." Arizona says, laying the device gently inside the box, glancing worriedly through the portal at the cat, looking like she wants to say something, to do something to help ease his pain, but unsure of what, exactly, that would be. And she didn't really want to make it worse, either... So she held her tongue and glanced awkwardly at Marius.

"Yeah... ummm... Don't think that date's gonna be happenin' fer a while." She said with a pained smile. "Mind if I stick around you with a bit? If ya want some privacy, I understand. I'll just... find some other way t' entertain myself."

<All thoughts of Arizona being a possible threat to Rora were already forgotten.>
"I was thinking of getting cleaned up a bit first and maybe we can grab something to eat? I hope the staff spent the lock-down cooking."

 

[NightmareEyes]

<Marius almost jumped out of his skin, hearing Aurora's voice. He didn't mean for her to hear his complaint.>



<Relieved she wasn't upset, Marius moved to "hold" the holobunny's hand and gazed back, instantly lost in her eyes.>
"...Hm? Oh, right. Well, it was more dumb luck on my part, but yeah, it seems like he's gone. I was hoping I could get him to tell us how to restore your communication with Rora, but the opportunity never presented itself. But..."
<He looked at the remains and winced at the mess.>
"...Arizona was kind enough to retrieve the transmitter."



<All thoughts of Arizona being a possible threat to Rora were already forgotten.>
"I was thinking of getting cleaned up a bit first and maybe we can grab something to eat? I hope the staff spent the lock-down cooking."

"Really? A bite t' eat?" Arizona said as she glanced back at Hydra's remains, shaking her head in amused disbelief. "Ya gotta stronger stomach than ah realized. Stronger than mine, anyway. Don't feel like it personally, but I suppose I could try an' shove somethin' down, if yer really up to it."

 

[Marius Merganser]

"Really? A bite t' eat?" Arizona said as she glanced back at Hydra's remains, shaking her head in amused disbelief. "Ya gotta stronger stomach than ah realized. Stronger than mine, anyway. Don't feel like it personally, but I suppose I could try an' shove somethin' down, if yer really up to it."

<Marius shrugged. He was always hungry.>
"How about a celebratory drink? Maybe they have something a little stronger than juice."

 

[NightmareEyes]

<Marius shrugged. He was always hungry.>
"How about a celebratory drink? Maybe they have something a little stronger than juice."

"Y'know what? That sounds lovely." The hybrid says with a grin. "If not, I'm pretty sure I got some stuff in my bag we can artificially age up, if yah've ever wanted t' taste thousand year old wine."

 

[Marius Merganser]

"Y'know what? That sounds lovely." The hybrid says with a grin. "If not, I'm pretty sure I got some stuff in my bag we can artificially age up, if yah've ever wanted t' taste thousand year old wine."

<Marius looked impressed.>
"Now you're talkin'!"
<He stood to the side of the door and with a slight bow, motioned to the doorway.>
"After you, ladies..."

 

[NightmareEyes]

<Marius looked impressed.>
"Now you're talkin'!"
<He stood to the side of the door and with a slight bow, motioned to the doorway.>
"After you, ladies..."

Arizona slipped her helmet back in her bag and flashed the duck a smile, making her way to the kitchen with minimal to no help from Aurora, of which she was proud to find out.

Bursting into the kitchen, she called out in her usual, attention demanding voice:

"Good evenin' all ya lovely people of th' kitchen staff! Might us lovely creatures trouble ya fer a taste of yer finest wine!?"

 

[Mambi]

<Marius looked impressed.>
"Now you're talkin'!"
<He stood to the side of the door and with a slight bow, motioned to the doorway.>
"After you, ladies..."

Arizona slipped her helmet back in her bag and flashed the duck a smile, making her way to the kitchen with minimal to no help from Aurora, of which she was proud to find out.

Bursting into the kitchen, she called out in her usual, attention demanding voice:

"Good evenin' all ya lovely people of th' kitchen staff! Might us lovely creatures trouble ya fer a taste of yer finest wine!?"

<as you see the green glowing bars on the walls fading and the lights returning to normal, over the sounds of metal bars retracting you hear the rabbits in the kitchen cheering, and grin as they come rushing out excitedly at the sound of your voice> HI, welcome back and thank you!!! Aurora just announced the lockdown is over! Some sort of dangerous creature was trying to hurt Aurora and everyone and she says you 2 are to thank for stopping it permanently!!! <the holobunny nods and smiles> The way she explained it to Pierre is that we kind of owe you not only our lives but Aurora's as well?

Come on then, know that the bar is open and all yours, I'm certain Mambi wouldn't mind given the circumstances!!! <he bows melodramatically> Of course, we have several types available to you, varying from non-alcoholic to hyper-alcoholic in grains from ancient to modern times in both red purple and white and blue and...

<one of the other more dapper-dressed bunnies stops his friend politely, and takes over> Please, have a seat and I'll handle it from here, this is where I shine. Sweet or dry, and if your goal is celebration than lower alcohol grain is recommended. Aurora, no offense but as you do not drink liquids I only need to focus on these 2. You my avian friend have a soft spirit with the inner fires of love and desires so you look like a sweet blue would be your feel. <he looks to the hybrd and squints slightly> While you on the other hand are a mix of spirits, all in synergy and yet somehow in conflict and thus a bold dry wine would be a better match for you, perhaps a millennia or 2 of natural aging. I believe I have just the thing...I'll bring 2 bottles of blue and purple from the Neo-Assyrian empire immediately, I believe we still have several left we can chisel out of the sarcophagus. Please get comfortable and I'll be right back with them as soon as I can!

<he bows deeply and leaves to a small door leading to a set of stone stairs descending to a cellar. He enters with 3 other bunnies following suit, while others start to prepare your table as the holobunny stands watching it all stoically. As your chairs are pulled out, you see through the windows and down the hall that several dozen guests are randomly starting to fill the dining room area and dance floor again, as a hyena starts to sit near a DJ booth and arrange his material and equipment. The bunnies motion to you the the table is ready, and go into the kitchen to get some basics>

<as you sit down comfortably, you see an unusual sight...you watch the cat walk through the open door rather than portaling, his head hung low and his face deeply red under his fur. You can see with relief that he's not shaking anymore and appears more like himself physically, though much less bombastic this time for sure. You see a few grains of gravel on his rear, and as he notices as well he quickly swipes it away with his tail and tries to carry on like nobody noticed. He sheepishly sits down as well and tries to clear his throat, sighing and having a hard time looking at you all>

Um, I-right away I am soooo sorry for that, I-I'm just not used to seeing...<sighs deeply> I promise, no hard feelings, really, please, I just...well...<he flashes his claws for a moment then retracts them> Well I guess you now know my little secret: even though I have these and have all my skills at fighting and the like...at heart I have to admit I'm just not a killer! <giggles a bit in spite of himself> Sheesh, I'm a cat who hates to hunt and kill...pretty silly I guess, eh? <he tries to smile a little as he looks up sheepishly> Most times I don't have to tell anyone but, well, Aurora knows and I suppose circumstances bring what they are, so do you. Can you maybe...not tell anyone please? <he bats his eyes and tries to shake off some of his continued embarrassment as he sinks in his chair a little...>