Pandora's Box (closed)

[marquisofthesky.livejournal.com]

Characters: Marquis Halim Ondore & volunteers (Open to Kuja as well)
Progress: On-going
Summary: Seeking answers about the ominous structure that lingers within the sky, a party is forged to unearth these answers by any means possible.
Location: Lunatic Pandora
Date: January 17, 1805
Warnings: Fantasy violence



It towered high above against the dusky canvass of an orange hued sky; an impenetrable fortress of solitude forged by dark osmium. Weighing close to several metric tons, this floating structure certainly seemed quite odd being so high up within the clouds. It marred the perfect skies with its unusual rectangle shape, ruining the rustic beauty that Madain Sari possessed. This floating structure was about three miles tall, and 1.5 wide, with an enormous enclosure that boasts of high-tech facility that mirrors that to the technology of the ancient Centra. Scholars who knew about this great fortress once claimed that it floats by causing a reaction with the Crystal Pillar inside. A stone hailing from the moon is allegedly sealed inside, giving this formidable marvel the power it needs to float so high above the ground.

After sailing amongst Madain Sari’s skies for a few months, now would mark the first time that people actually tread through the depths of the Lunatic Pandora. Walking in stride with the other members of his party was none other than Marquis Ondore himself. The marquis first learned of the Lunatic Pandora through an adventuring moogle who tipped the masses off regarding it. The emergence of this fortress certainly turned many heads, but no one arched their brow in suspicion until now. Attempting to create a detailed map out of the many halls of the Lunatic Pandora, Ondore traveled in pensive stride as he fiddled with a small device that looked to be a tracker of some kind.

“For now we shall continuing adventuring south…” The marquis stated as he eyed the touch-screen of his tracker. “We may not see all of what the Lunatic Pandora has to offer in one outing, but at least this is a good enough start.” Glancing over towards the nearest compatriot, Ondore’s gaze settled upon the long hall before them.

((ooc: Greetings~! Those who’ve volunteered for the Lunatic Pandora expedition are free to post whenever. This place is crawling with fiends, so you guys better ready! Also, there’s a chance that maybe Kuja might be lurking around here, so get ready to flee if need be.))

Comments

[furorimperator.livejournal.com]

A floating...rectangle. What the hell is this? Sephiroth's first thoughts as they approached the looming megastructure were tinged with the sardonic, but he kept them behind his teeth as the Gilgamesh approached.

Nevertheless, the Marquis had assured them all that there was the potential for untold danger in the massive floating monolith, therefore Sephiroth unobtrusively positioned himself at the forefront of their boarding party, no objections brooked. For he would not see another enter into a dangerous situation when he himself was perfectly capable of withstanding the most catastrophic circumstances.

Now, he strode at the left side of the Marquis, eyes and ears alert for any, any sign, be it hostile or no. Masamune in hand, the blade gleamed brightly in the wan light as if eager for battle. The tall General nodded to the Marquis' instruction, sparing a glance for the rest of their party behind before moving carefully on.

[unsentmonk.livejournal.com]

Auron stood a little ways from Sephiroth, observing his surroundings with his one good eye over his glasses. He too was confused by the floating rectangle hanging in the sky. He held his sword with a decent grip next to him. To what ends and how many fiends they would run into, he did not know, but Auron was more than ready to slice them apart.

As for the man in front of him, he acknowledged him, but not much else. He had an air of superiority that did not phase him but nonetheless irked him slightly. He was far too used to those in power being worthless, but at least he seemed to have some skill with a blade.

[marquisofthesky.livejournal.com]

While Marquis Ondore may have seemed heavily investigated with making a map of this section of the Lunatic Pandora, he knew better than to let his guard down. If his assumptions were correct, then Garland himself could be hiding within this vessel watching their every movement. Ondore was so certain that the Lunatic Pandora would play the next role in Gaia's destruction, that he felt the need to comb through these halls himself. Had he allowed another to do so, Ondore was certain this expedition would have became another failure much like the Mission to Terra.

"There's something lurking up ahead." He warned the others. Auron certainly looked as if he could hold his own, but the marquis had confidence in Sephiroth's skills. He seen the SOLDIER fight before, therefore Halim knew he was in good care.

[immortal-lion.livejournal.com]

Rishfee did what came naturally. Protection. Guarding. He stayed close to the marquis, a hand laid upon the jewelled and decorated sheath of the pretty yet cruelly curved scimitar he carried about his person at all times. He was uncharacteristically silent -- more so than ever really; eyes keen upon the road in front of them. Ears sharp to the elder's warning. Poised, and ready; grim expression concealed behind the viel of his keffiyah.

Percept dangers before they became dangers. That was what had been drilled into him- and although he couldn't care less about the exploration of the Lunatic Pandora, the old man's objective, or even the others around him -- he knew his chance to get deeper into the thing would dissipate if something unfortunate happened so early on.

There was Eiko to consider. She'd disappeared. That was woefully clear enough; and he planned to search the world for her, if needed. This little adventure provided him with means to explore the Lunatic Pandora -- to look for her here, on the off-chance she might be here, when he wouldn't be able to even board the thing otherwise.

Regardless of Regent Cid's words, he was at fault for her vanishing. He wasn't there. He had always promised he would be. He'd failed her.. but he was doing his absolute best to atone for that. Even if it involved trailing around with others.

[unsentmonk.livejournal.com]

Auron looked up towards the Lunatic Pandora, eyebrows knit in thought. It looked unassuming but he knew better than to underestimate the dangers that could be within. He stepped forward methodically as if an enemy could appear at a whim or as if a trap could be sprung.

The other man struck Auron as slightly odd but wholly mysterious. His outfit, to the guardian, was overly ornate, as was his sword. Such jewels and veils served no purpose according to him except for show. But he would withhold further judgment; this world was full of surprises, people included.

"What sort of thing, Marquis?" he asked over his shoulder.

[warkitoff.livejournal.com]

Bartz nodded, reaching for his sword. He didn't draw it yet, not wanting to threaten the 'something' that lay ahead until it showed itself. No need to pick a fight if it could be avoided.

He stayed quiet, moving between the Marquis and whatever stood ahead of them. Auron and Sephiroth both seemed strong enough. If he focussed entirely on keeping Ondore safe then perhaps being able to fight without worrying about their charge would improve their chances.

[asswontquit.livejournal.com]

The echo of footsteps could be heard approaching from the distant darkness. Slow. Deliberate. Careful. His laughter replaced the footsteps, stopping while still hidden in the hallway's shadows.

"The curtain rises on the doomed party. Perhaps they should turn back while they're still alive."

[immortal-lion.livejournal.com]

"..."

He percepted the footsteps, slower, more whimsical than those of the people around him. He stopped mid-step and unsheathed that scimitar- the blade hissing loudly interrupted the silence as it was brought free from it's sheath. Then it was held to the side as the Immortal secured it to his bazubands for security and then started casting an enhancing spell upon the entire party - Ondore included.

Stoneskin. A sort of shield, of sorts... Perfectly capable of taking the punishment intended for them until it broke- if this voice's owner appeared to be anything less than playful. Another swirl of azure, and a monster's wail came not from him, but... from his direction. A haste effect, for him alone -- or the very closest to the white magic spell that blue magic could replicate. He halflidded his eyes - attempting to see through the darkness.

[marquisofthesky.livejournal.com]

As soon as Auron inquired about that fiend that laid ahead, his inquires were met with the laughter of their formidable foe. The marquis knew that laugh, how could he not? That was the sinister chortling of none other than Kuja himself, the fiend who’ve terrorized Gaia long before the existence of sky people in this realm. Ondore suspected that Garland would set his gaze upon the Lunatic Pandora, but what he didn’t expect was to encounter Kuja here so soon. The marquis hoped to destroy the vessel long before Garland and his henchmen could arrive, but it seems he was too late.

“Kuja, isn’t it?” He called out towards the shadows ahead. “Persist not in this folly, and perhaps it shan’t be you to meet with certain doom.” While Ondore words were quite bold, the marquis certainly realized his mistake of joining this expedition. The narcissistic mage may look like a complete fool to some; Kuja’s magic is truly lethal.

“Show yourself! We have not ventured forth just to play mere games.”

[asswontquit.livejournal.com]

Kuja stepped forward, laughing slightly as he came into the light. "I fear you are mistaken. You have ventured into territory where you aren't welcome. The one who will meet their doom is you."

He crossed his arms, looking very much relaxed despite being outnumbered. "I will offer you a final chance for retreat before the real games begin."

[unsentmonk.livejournal.com]

"Take your own chance and leave now," Auron growled, sword on the ready. He did not fear death nor doom, but this Kuja should, though he treaded with caution. It was ill-advised to cross the guardian, and Kuja was very close to reaching that point.

[asswontquit.livejournal.com]

Kuja cocked his head, a frown replacing his formerly playful smile. Who did this one think he was? "A bold one, aren't you?" He held his hand up, obviously with a thin patience. He was definitely preparing to make his threats reality. "I can't decide if it's courage...or stupidity."

[immortal-lion.livejournal.com]

"From here it looks like courage." Finally speaking, the Immortal stepped forward beside Auron- and in front of the marquis. Giving the guardian the smallest of glances, (Yes, he was the one which Eiko trusted in as well..) and returning his gaze immediately to Kuja- he prepared himself.

If she was here, he'd find her. And he would not allow whomever this was to interfere with his objective.

[marquisofthesky.livejournal.com]

With the mudslinging already beginning, Ondore took the time to asset the situation for what it was worth. While they outnumbered Kuja five to one, the Angel of Death possesses magic lethal enough to make short work of them all. He doubted that the villain could be silenced by potions or spells, meaning this was going to be one hell of a match. However, with perseverance they could defeat Kuja and end his reign of terror here.

What a wistful thought that is, thwarting one of Garland's accomplices and averting whatever disasters the Lunatic Pandora could bring. These men would be labeled as "heroes", and those upon the High Council would actually heed the marquis' words in future discussions. The only problem with this idea lies within the fact that Kuja is more of a threat than could ever possibly realize. With King Zidane no longer amongst them, Ondore knew they were at an disadvantage.

"Enough with these words!" Ondore nearly yelled. "If we dare turn back now, the people of Gaia would suffer further. I cannot allow this to be."

[warkitoff.livejournal.com]

Bartz still didn't draw his sword, though he took a step toward Kuja. And, after a moment's thought...

...attempted asking nicely.

"Sure you can't just let us look around? We'd appreciate it."

[marquisofthesky.livejournal.com]

Casting his gaze upon the brown-haired youth, Ondore let out a slight sigh. Did the boy really think diplomacy would save Gaia? If that were the case, none of them would be in peril already. The entire affair would have been solved, and Garland wouldn't be trying to slaughter them all.

[unsentmonk.livejournal.com]

"If it were so easy, he wouldn't be challenging us," Auron said. He knew that they would be needing a distraction, someone to challenge Kuja while the rest escaped to find what was needed. They couldn't risk everyone being dead and having no news to return with.

"Step down or you will find yourself face first in my blade," the guardian pressed.

[asswontquit.livejournal.com]

If they had ended it with the naive remarks from the young idiot, he would have held back. However, their persistence was grating on his last nerve and the sooner they left, the less of his time would be wasted.

"I'm afraid you won't be getting close enough to fulfill that threat."

He could draw this out, but he preferred not to. He could only think of one spell that would rid him of all five in one harmonic blast. Just one, carefully aimed spell. "...Ultima will rid me of you..."

[marquisofthesky.livejournal.com]

What happened next, happened all too sudden!

One minute they were challenging the narcissistic genome, and the next minute they were in peril. Kuja certainly didn't take they're words lightly, and whatever chance of ending this without needless sacrifice was shot out of the nearest window. The former Angel of Death isn't some weakling mage, and because of this Ondore was quick to act once the fiend began to weave his magic. If Kuja thought he could cast that spell upon them with little hindrance, then he was dead wrong. The marquis may not be capable of wielding magic or swords, but he certainly has ingenuity on his side.

Hastily tossing two orbs towards Kuja, a flurry of black smoke billowed forth once the bombs exploded. The entire hall was engulfed in a thick mist that served as a momentary screen for the party. Kuja couldn't attack what he couldn't see, therefore Ondore used his alchemy to cast Mighty Wall (http://finalfantasy.wikia.com/wiki/List_of_Final_Fantasy_X_Mixes#Mighty_Wall) upon the others before calling out to them.

"Be cautious! His magic is second to none!" He warned once the smoke began to vanish.

[unsentmonk.livejournal.com]

Auron fell to his knees in a defensive stance, not moving an inch from where he was. He heeded the warning and took his sword in both hands, cutting through the smoke and running towards Kuja. He concentrated his willpower into his sword and attempted a Magic Break upon their enemy. Even if it was little, the less damage they took, the better.

[asswontquit.livejournal.com]

He definitely did not appreciate the dark mist that suddenly filled the hallway, but he was smiling when the smoke cleared. He expected all of them to be rushing, but one lone moron?

He didn't show any sign of fear as he sent the Flare spell hurling towards him. "If you get too close, you'll only get burned."

[immortal-lion.livejournal.com]

Two morons, specifically. Rishfee had taken advantage of the genome's busy state, the difficult visibility and the opening Auron gave to go to the other side of Kuja, busy casting his own spell. Chaotic eye- intended to silence the mage immediately should fortune have smiled upon him.

[unsentmonk.livejournal.com]

Auron took a bulk of the hit, flying backwards and grunting in pain when he crashed against the wall. He leaned on his sword and got to his feet, cracking his neck and swiveling his sword arm. Still working, good. He shot forward once more with his sword in both hands, aiming to make a deadly blow against Kuja on his right.

I'M TOTALLY ALIVE GUYS. I COULD JUST SEE THE MED-INDUCED RAINBOW IN MY LIVING ROOM FOR AWHILE. 8Db

[asswontquit.livejournal.com]

Well, this could be troublesome if he let them get too close. He supposed he'd have to be grateful to be born with good agility. Much more so, for the large size of the hallway.

He laughed, dodging both spell and blow, though they had both come far too close for comfort. "I suppose it's time to even the odds."

From behind, the cries of dragons could be heard. Three Silver Dragons, in fact. "Now we enter Act Two."