A Mega Tale (Megaman ZX Quest -Crosspost from SB)

[Rob Conway]

Character Creation


Hey, it's your loyal Dingbat. I've been in something of a slump lately. This is my attempt to not only get a Quest off the ground, but to reignite my creativity. The reason I can even think of a Quest is because of several factors. We reached the goal for my GoFundMe. You won't be seeing links to it ever again. My car will be back on the road by the end of next week so I'll be back to work. I'll be able to fix my housing situation. Thank you everyone who donated and sent their well wishes. You're the real MVPs.


I started posting this on SB, but it didn't seem to click. So here it is for QQ. I'm going to try simulposting on both sites. Please wish me luck.


Disgaea X 1

Spoiler: Model X

You have been crammed in Model X without much warning. The Biometal felt a little cramped. Trying to stuff a forum's worth of souls in one vessel is messy no matter who you are. Without so much as a by-your-leave you were yeeted across space-time to the Netherworld.



Like a shooting star you streaked across the sky. As you flew, the darkness of the Space Between gave way to a cerulean blue sky with crystals floating in the air. There didn't seem to be a sun. Instead the light appeared to filter through the crystals. Your vessel sped along through the anomalous sky and over the ground below. Even the ground was strange. At first it seemed normal with green grass and trees until the stone formations appeared. Slate gray stone with gold and silver veins broke up the land. By the time that was processed you were over a city.



The city wouldn't have looked too out of place on Earth if not for one thing. In the center of the city was an obscenely tall tower made of glass and the familiar gray stone. The polished stone shone with glimmering gold and silver ribbons. At the top were a pair of half rings around a round blue sapphire. Extending from the building were bridges leading to rings that spread out over the city. From what you could see of the vehicles they looked modern to futuristic. The citizens looked more like the humanoid Demons from Disgaea. There were monsters, but they were doing grunt work like construction or flying ones cleaning the windows.


Disgaea X 2




There was a reason you were here. Even in a city as shiny as this, people needed help. This was the Netherworld despite how bright it was. Something changed with your realization. You stopped rocketing across the sky and started slowing down, but you still weren't in control of your trajectory. From up ahead you could make out a cloud of dust from a construction site.



You drifted over the site as the cloud partially obscured the ground down below. Humanoid Demons wearing construction equipment were running around in confusion. Through the haze you could see construction equipment including giant mecha. Most of them were too damaged to move except for one. It was bigger than the others with a coffin shaped cockpit. In the cockpit was a monstrous Demon connected to the machine by thick cables.



"It hurts!" The Demon roared through the external speakers. "Turn it off!" He swung the mech's oversized grabbing arm through a skeletal building frame.



"Ahhh…!" One of the fleeing Demons tripped. To complicate matters a collapsing I beam fell across his legs. If he wasn't a Demon that might have crushed his legs completely. As it was he was still screaming in pain.



"Damn…!" A couple of his friends were trying to lift the I beam and pull him out. Their efforts grew more panicked as the Mecha Demon continued his rampage. Raining masonry and metal fell around them. A partially broken beam fell straight for the pinned Demon and rescuers.



"Hoooo…Yah!" In a flash a figure appeared and caught the broken beam. He was tall with a lean muscular build with dark hair and gold eyes. The beam was clearly heavy, but he somehow held it up. His limbs trembled from the effort. You could hear the whine of mechanical joints as he fought to remain standing.



"Good job, Gavin! We got him!" One of the rescuers called out. They managed to get the trapped victim loose.



"G-Good! Go!" Gavin grunted. You could hear something break in his left arm and steam hiss from his right. He couldn't throw the I beam! His friends were evacuating the area, but they didn't know he wasn't behind them!



"Grrrraaaaaaaagh!" The Mecha Demon roared as lightning arced across the machine. Steam was pouring out as flames spurted from the engine.



You knew what was needed.



The words sprang unbidden…



"Rock On! Megamerge!"



Gavin's body was obscured in light as you crashed into his torso. He let out a cry of exultation as his cyborg components were instantly restored to full strength and improved further. A green edged vibro blade popped out of his forearm. Faster than the normal eye could see he slashed through the I beam. The halves fell harmlessly on either side of him.

Spoiler: Megamerge! Model X!

"Gaaaaavin…!" The Mecha Demon roared. The monstrous machine surged forward using the gripping arm like a third leg. The other arm was a combination of pile driver and welder. Actinic light shed from the welder as Tons of Fun rushed the much smaller figure. Gavin vaulted out of the way with alacrity. He darted to the side ahead of a blast of engine fire. The larger assailant might as well have been moving through molasses.



"I've given you the power to fight! You don't have to keep dodging!" You called encouragingly.



"I have to get Vex out of that thing!" Gavin declared. He pointed his left arm at the knee joint. In a flash it switched to the X Buster. Green shots peppered the joint until it started smoking and separating. The mech turned suddenly on the damaged limb. With a shriek of tortured metal the joint came apart dumping him on his side.



"Uhhh…" You were looking for a hero, sure, but he was even trying to save the villain?



"The neural interface is bad! It's not her fault!" Gavin hastily explained. He didn't waste a second and jumped up on the coffin shaped cockpit. Suddenly the shape felt even more ominous. With his blade he cut an X in the canopy. Four more slices and the pieces fell to expose the Draconic looking Demon within. As his arms encircled them the scales receded to reveal a rather pretty girl.

Spoiler: Vex

"Gavin…" Her voice was raspy. Beneath her clothes you could see electrical burns. She twinged in pain eliciting a look of consternation from Gavin.



"Damn it…What do I do…?" He fretted.



"What's wrong?" You ask. This appeared open and shut.



"She's a Gal Monster. Monsters are barely trusted. There's a good chance no one will even listen to her side…" Gavin explained. The sound of sirens could be heard in the distance.


AN: Before we go any further I'm going to explain a couple things. Each Chapter is a Scene. Gavin's Move Stat determines how many Actions he can take. Once all Actions are used up the Scene ends. Combat will be much more dramatic as I'll be using opposing rolls. You'll see how it works. I'll put the rolls in a Spoiler Box if you just want to read without breaking up the action.




Disgaea X 3


Act 1


Convincing Roll: 99 req roll 30 Pass/Crit! (Thank you @kamen Rider Kaiju for making this possible)


Gained: Jumboification - Usable once per Scene after filling the Gauge. It can be stored for later.



The sirens were getting closer. Gavin looked incredibly lost on what to do. His friend was unconscious, barely stable, in his arms. There was some kind of discrimination against her kind, but you didn't know the full situation. Her Health was critically low. She wouldn't survive without assistance.


"She needs medical treatment. You might want to take your chances to get her help," you said gently.


"Ugh, I know!" Gavin groaned, stress etched in every inch of his posture. He gazed at Vex helplessly. When she whimpered it was like his own heart was cut out. His jaw clenched. "You're right…"


The ambulance arrived just outside the construction site. There were police cars with Gunslingers dressed in scandalous police uniforms interviewing the bystanders. Gavin was still Biomerged with you as he emerged with Vex in his arms. The man who had his legs partially crushed sat up from the stretcher to yell, "There she is! That's the one responsible for this!"


Did it suddenly get cold around here?


"Put her down and back away!" One of the Gunslingers pointed her oversized handgun, but not at Gavin. She was aimed at Vex.


"What the Hell!? She's unconscious!" You blurted out in disbelief. Gavin's expression darkened. Exclamations of fear and anger surrounded him from all sides. The bystanders were whipping themselves into a frenzy.


"The neural interface had the safety removed! Gojo was pushing her beyond her endurance! The mech took over because the ego border collapsed!" Gavin shouted to be heard over the din. The Gunslinger froze, taking her finger off the trigger, and letting the hammer lower.


"Check her out!" The officer called one of the paramedics. A male Cleric in a jumpsuit hurried over. He held his hands over Vex, acutely aware that Gavin was staring at him without expression. You were fairly certain any threat to her would be met with ultra violence.


"She's suffering from an ego collapse!" The Cleric announced. Much of the hostility faded like smoke, but it still existed. It was just hazy and without a definite target. There were some in the crowd who weren't willing to let it go, but the officers put their guns away. When the levitating stretcher came over, you had to nudge Gavin to put her down. He tried to follow her in the ambulance, but was stopped by the paramedic.


"What…?" He looked taken aback.


"Are you family?" The Cleric asked.


"Uh, no, she doesn't have a family…" Gavin looked diminished just by saying that.


"Then you can't come with us. Regulations, you know?" The Cleric shrugged. He patted Gavin's shoulder awkwardly before slamming the door shut. Your partner stood in the middle of the street as the ambulance sped away. His body might be there, but his thoughts were with the lonely figure heading to the hospital…


Act 2



Gavin was still standing in the middle of the street even as the sky darkened to purplish gray. Raindrops fell as if the sky itself were weeping. His hair was plastered to his scalp. The police left a while ago. Even the most rabid malcontent retreated to shelter. You disengaged the Biomerge but he didn't seem to care.


"She means a lot to you, huh?" You asked gently.


"I barely know her. I was on one team and she was on another. We didn't hang out together," Gavin said distantly.


"Oh," you didn't know what to say to that.


"What are you?" Gavin asked in a transparent bid to change the subject.


"I'm the Biometal Model X. I have within me a multitude of souls and the ability to confer my power on others. You needed help so I chose you," you say. A ping drew your attention. "Huh…?"


Choose 1

Engine Flame lvl 1

Effect: Fire attack around the user.

Atk: 3

SP: 1


Power Surge lvl 1

Effect: Add Lightning to Def and Atk

Atk: 1

Def: 1

SP: 1

Duration: ½ Int


Pile Driver lvl 1

Effect: Replace X Buster with Pile Driver

Special: Ignore 1 point of Def

Duration: ½ Int


You emitted a burst of white noise like a sigh.


"Did you see that?" You ask.


"The big transparent blue window with words? Yes. What does that mean?" Gavin asked.


"I can store 8 powers or Skills from defeated enemies…Uh…" You trailed off uncomfortably.


"So they came from the mech. Fine…" it really wasn't, but he was continuing regardless, "...can I make a request?"


"We're partners," you agreed without hesitation.


"Pile Driver. The others don't really interest me," he said.


<[Pile Driver Acquired!]>


"Hey, why don't we go to the hospital? They can't keep you from seeing her," you suggested. Gavin folded his arms with a troubled frown.


"Do you know the situation?" Gavin asked sourly.


"No, I'm sorry but I don't," you say.


"Vex is from a group called Gal Monsters. There are Guy Monsters too. They came here from another world that wasn't a Netherworld. Let's just say their ancestors weren't the nicest. Not all of them, but enough that it was just easier to be wary of all of them. Many Demons can be quite Evil, but these guys took it to a level that made even the hardest pale. They made a bid to rule the Netherworld. Our Overlord, Markerov, descended from his tower and stopped them. He crushed them so thoroughly they were treated even worse than Prinnies. That was six hundred years ago. Some wounds never heal and wrongs become institutionalized. That's why guys like Gojo, my boss, feel justified in abusing them," Gavin explained with a sullen glare at something only he could see.


"You're not part of the problem, Gavin," you say gently.


"But I wasn't part of the solution," he grunted before starting to walk away.


"Where are you going?" You asked as you flew to catch up.


"I'm going to see Vex," Gavin said without looking in your direction. You would smile if you could.


He was closer to being the solution than he thought.


Act 3



Gavin walked through the hospital's automatic doors with you floating just over his shoulder. He shook out the excess rainwater with a huff. The area beyond was best described as controlled chaos. Prinnies in scrubs were running around on peg legs juggling supplies. Clerics barely avoided running into each other in an almost graceful dance. Female Demons dressed as nurses were pushing patients around. Something you couldn't help noticing was that none of the patients looked monstrous.


"Can I help you?" A chirpy Fire Witch asked as Gavin approached.


"Yeah, uh, where is the Dragon Girl they brought in?" Gavin asked. The Witch's smile chilled. No mean feat given her element.


"Oh, her. She's in the special ward for long term care. It looks like she might not ever recover," the Witch said.


"An Ego Border collapse is treatable. Just go into her heart," Gavin protested.


"That only works on those with hearts, silly!" The Witch giggled vapidly.


Gavin's fingers tensed against the counter. You could feel the storm brewing inside. His eyes flashed with barely suppressed anger. He managed to force the anger down through a supreme effort. The cyborg exhaled.


"What room is she in?" Gavin asked quietly. The Witch's smile started to crumble as her self preservation instincts screamed. She finally realized the guy in front of her was hanging on to his temper by a thread.


"Long term malady ward, tenth floor, room 1004," she quickly rattled off from the terminal.


You had a bad feeling that Gavin's greatest challenge was coming. Call it a hunch. The ward didn't look too different from what you remembered of human hospitals. For better and worse. You were cautiously optimistic when no one tried to stop your partner. An optimism that was absolutely torpedoed when he found the doorway sealed. Mechanical locks, bars and glowing magic runes blocked the way. Gavin grabbed the closest Cleric. The guy tossed his papers in the air.


"What is going on here, huh? Why do you have a coma patient under lock and key?" Gavin demanded, his eyes flashed like molten gold.


"U-uh well Dr. Monroe said no one was supposed to go in just in case she's pretending…?" The Cleric laughed nervously.


"Model X…?" Gavin growled. He was spoiling for a fight.


[X] Try to talk him down. DC 45 - Success avoids combat and Wanted Status



Disgaea X 5



Act 4



Convincing Roll: 58 req roll 45 - Pass!



AN: I really need to commit to the game system properly. Doing d100 rolls without bonuses guarantees that the rolls are harder. I'll make sure to do better going forward.




This is bad. Gavin was at a tipping point. You didn't know just why this bothered him so much. It could be something as simple as just being a decent guy. Whatever his reason, you had to stop him before he did something that couldn't be taken back.



"Think for a minute. He might have misunderstood what the doctor said. The door might be locked for her protection," you sincerely hoped he listened. From what you saw, and Gavin himself has said, there is a lot of prejudice against Gal Monsters.



"He said it was in case she was faking," Gavin reminded you tersely, his grip tightening on the Cleric's collar.



"That could be his interpretation. If the doctor is really a bastard I'll help you rip the door off. For now just let the guy go," you say. Gavin holds him for another several seconds before throwing the guy against the wall.



"I-I'm getting security…!" The Cleric blustered until a clearing throat brought him up short.



Turns out you had an audience. The Cleric trembled as a real Demon approached. He wore an old Plague Doctor ensemble complete with Corvid mask and tinted lenses. His mantle was darker than night and quite fine with midnight feathers around the collar. The Doctor approached as if he had all the time in the world. Each step made with purpose. There was a squad of jet black Prinnies with him wearing a similar mantle and mask. It was in a word terrifying.



"Go on and get security. Tell them you are to be escorted from the hospital premises," the Demon rasped.



"Dr. Monroe…!" The Cleric protested. As if on cue, the Prinnies snapped open blade tipped canes. The protest died in his throat. Dr. Monroe looked away, the dismissal was clear.



"Now then who might you be?" Dr. Monroe asked. The rising feeling of menace lowered by degrees. It wasn't fully gone, but it was manageable. Gavin swallowed hard.



"Gavin. Vex and I worked at the same construction site," he replied in a respectful manner.



"And why are you here?" The Doctor rasped. Gavin squared his shoulders.



"She shouldn't be alone. Especially with everything…" Gavin was about to get on his soapbox before trailing off awkwardly. The reason? Dr. Monroe folded his arms.

Spoiler: Dr. Monroe

He was a Guy Monster.



"You were the one who rescued her. Tell me, boy. Are you going to continue ignoring your injuries?" Dr. Monroe inquired.



"Injuries?" You asked in confusion.



"His cybernetic parts are damaged. The couplings are loose. There are places where the muscle is separating from the machinery. Old injuries left untreated," he rasped.



"What can I say? Our health insurance is crap," Gavin gestured dismissively. He shook his head. "This isn't about me. I want to know about Vex."



"Boy, I have an interesting proposition for you. You see, I am unable to find anyone willing to go into your friend's Chara World. You need someone to fix your broken down body. I believe we can help each other. Agree to my terms and I will waive all medical fees for you and the girl," Dr. Monroe rasped. His lenses flashed sinisterly.



"Uh huh. What do you need from him?" You asked just a half step before Gavin agreed. He wasn't fooling you. No one with the kind of power and cunning Dr. Monroe possessed would do anything without a substantial payoff.



"I believe you will find the deal to your liking. I am in need of an assistant who can retrieve certain things for me. You see I cannot get away from my duties and my supply of reagents is constantly diminishing. It is difficult to find a competent supplier. They always make some mistakes in the harvesting process and still charge me full price. I will train you of course. As long as you work for me I will handle your treatment personally," Dr. Monroe finished with a sibilant whisper. Oh he was good at this.



"I don't really have a choice, do I?" Gavin sighed before suddenly gulping in alarm. The reason? The Doctor was pointing at him so swiftly you didn't even see him move.



"There is always a choice. Do not resign yourself to the whims of fate or whine that life is unfair. Are you going to accept my offer?" He asked.



"Yes, I will accept your offer. For Vex…and myself…" Gavin said with more certainty.



"Very good. Now then let us discuss what I want from you…" The Doctor gestured for Gavin to enter a set of double doors.



[Gavin's HP/SP Restored! Atk/Spd + 2!]



Make Your Choice!


AN: Time to start making Plans! From now on I'll start giving you a week to put something together. If there's a runaway (6+ votes) I'll start early.



Choose 4 Actions


Social


[X] Visit Vex (Gavin insisted)


[] Talk to Gojo - Why did he disengage the safeties?


[] Talk to Dr. Monroe - What else does he know?



Training


[] Dr. Monroe 1 - How can Gavin be a good assistant?


[] Pile Driver Skill - Gavin can keep it for himself by learning it from you.



Search


[] Explore the City



Quests


[] Save Vex (level requirement: 3)


[] First Time in the Field (Requirement: Dr. Monroe 1 chosen first)


[] Practice Makes Perfect 1 (Requirements: None)


[] Practice Makes Perfect 2 (Requirements: PMP 1)


[] Practice Makes Perfect 3 (Requirements: PMP 2)


[] Practice Makes Perfect 4 (Requirements: PMP 3)


Original Thread: https://forums.spacebattles.com/threads/a-mega-tale-megaman-zx.1287947/page-3#post-119606711

 

[Rob Conway]

Character Sheet:

Spoiler: Character Picture

Name: Gavin

Class: Android

Level: 2

HP: 3

SP: 1

Atk: 5

Def: 3

Int: 3

Res: 3

Hit: 3

Spd: 5


Move: 4

Counter: 2


Equipment

Weapon: Beam Edge lvl 2 Atk 2

Armor: Pretty Apron Def +2

Access: Imperial Seal HP +1, All Stats+1

Access:


Special

Model X lvl 1 HP +2, SP +2, All Stats +2

Weapon: X Buster Atk 1 - This can be charged for no extra cost. Each Move spent increases the damage by 1

Note: Transformation ends when the bonus HP is used up.


Variable Weapon System

Pile Driver lvl 1

Effect: Replace X Buster with Pile Driver

Special: Ignore 1 point of Def

Duration: ½ Int


Weapon Mastery

Sword 1, Fist 1, Spear 1, Axe 1, Gun 1, Bow 1


Element Resistance

Fire 1, Ice 1, Wind 1


Skills


Special

Jumboification - Usable once per Scene after filling the Gauge. It can be stored for later.



Evility

One Man Army - Initial - If you are fighting alone all Stats increase by 100%.


Henshin Hero Baby! - Whenever you arrive people feel an upwelling of hope and will listen to you.

 

[Rob Conway]

Okay. If more than 6 hours goes since the last vote I'll just start writing. How does that sound? Over on SB the vote is...

5 [X] Plan Get Levels, Scrub

 

[HeroicNobody]

[X] Plan Get Levels, Scrub
-[X] Talk to Gojo - Why did he disengage the safeties?
-[X] Dr. Monroe 1 - How can Gavin be a good assistant?
-[X] Pile Driver Skill - Gavin can keep it for himself by learning it from you.
-[X] Explore the City
I support this plan here

 

[SinNep]

[X] Plan Get Levels, Scrub
-[X] Talk to Gojo - Why did he disengage the safeties?
-[X] Dr. Monroe 1 - How can Gavin be a good assistant?
-[X] Pile Driver Skill - Gavin can keep it for himself by learning it from you.
-[X] Explore the City
I like this plan!
Maybe we can PUNCH gojo in the face while at it!

 

[Rob Conway]

Alrighty I'm going to start working on the next chapter. It's my birthday and YOU are getting a gift! Bonus Gauge Boost + 2!

 

[Rob Conway]

[X] Plan Get Levels, Scrub
-[X] Talk to Gojo - Why did he disengage the safeties?
-[X] Dr. Monroe 1 - How can Gavin be a good assistant?
-[X] Pile Driver Skill - Gavin can keep it for himself by learning it from you.
-[X] Explore the City


Disgaea X 6

Act 1

Dr. Monroe gestured for Gavin to take a seat. The office was oddly neat and orderly. You were expecting a mad scientist's laboratory, but this was almost prosaic. Then again the state of the hospital probably reflected the doctor's mind. Your partner sat down in the surprisingly comfortable ergonomic chair. He was still marveling at just how smoothly his body moved after the repairs.

"Was there something else?" Dr. Monroe asked as he took a seat behind his desk. Gavin glanced at you before turning back to him.

"How do I be a good assistant?" Gavin inquired. The Doctor sat back with his fingers steepled.

"As I was saying before. There are certain reagents I need for my work and the commonly available suppliers simply cannot meet my needs," Dr. Monroe gestured before continuing, "I will teach you the basics and set a challenge for you. The challenge is simple. Can you follow clear instructions? I do not expect perfection on the first attempt. What I expect is a clear advancement in skill. Failures may occur, but I want to see if you are the type of student who strides forward or gives up."

"That's…honestly more reasonable than I expected," Gavin admitted. You were shocked to hear it too.

"Fools rush recklessly. I prefer taking my time to properly hone new tools. You have your reasons for succeeding which makes you a worthwhile investment," he explained.

"Where do we start?" Gavin asked. The Doctor chuckled.

"Where else? We start at the beginning…" Dr. Monroe's lenses shone.

Gavin Learned the Gathering Skill (+2)

Dr. Monroe lectured Gavin on the proper procedures for gathering reagents. There was more to it than just going in and cutting. You had to pay attention to the health of the subject and to be mindful of your impact. For instance if you were gathering plants there is a very real risk of killing the plant. If it's a flowering bush there is no need to over harvest. In fact it's better to cut plants carefully so they can grow back stronger. However, an animal is usually not harvested like that. Unless all you need is a bit of horn and fur. Just like with anything there are exceptions.

"Be absolutely certain of your intentions and then follow through. Kill if it's necessary, but only if that is your intention," Dr. Monroe concluded the lecture. Gavin looked up from his notes.

"It all comes down to responsibility and intent, right? No matter what the intent, I need to accept responsibility," Gavin said with surprising weight. The Doctor paused as he stared at his assistant like a hawk.

"Perhaps you might make a better student instead…" Dr. Monroe tapped his beak speculatively. He gestured, "There is much for me to think about. Return after you have used my lessons in the field."

You and Gavin recognized a dismissal when you heard one. Gavin wanted to see Vex now which Dr. Monroe allowed. The only thing the bird monster said was to not disturb anything. Her situation was precarious. With her ego border collapsed she could be afflicted by any number of spiritual maladies. That left your host in a bit of a quandary. Today's lesson taught him more than just gathering ingredients, but also mindfulness. Reluctantly, Gavin chose not to visit her.

"I would only be putting her at risk to satisfy myself," he concluded ruefully.

"Good for you," you congratulated him. "If you're still feeling restless, why not ask Gojo about what he did?"

Act 2

Your host really wanted to know what Gojo had to gain. As it turns out, Guy and Gal Monsters produce enormous amounts of bioenergy. Mechs were produced that were capable of harnessing this energy. Originally they functioned just fine without hurting the operator/battery. Except people had to continually make them stronger and more dangerous to operate at full power. Originally it wasn't seen as a problem given the general feelings about them, but Markerov objected. He wasn't a fan of theirs, they did try to take over the Netherworld after all, but he wasn't blinded by hate. Safeties were installed that would throttle the mech's power when the pilot was exhausted. Of course those same safeties could be disabled which is what Gojo did.

The construction site was still shut down and probably would be for the foreseeable future. Their main machine was destroyed and the pilot in critical condition. Of course Gavin's claims would need to be investigated too. That was why the two of you were there in the first place. Gojo lived in a trailer at the far end of the construction site. It was nearing midnight as you crossed the packed dirt of the lot. You could see the trailer clearly. Gavin froze as a sound intruded on the evening silence.

"Stupid! You set the project back by weeks at least! The Boss ain't gonna like that," a deep voice snarled. Gavin held up a hand and gestured for you to follow him. He ducked behind some steel drums out of sight.

"Ah c'mon! How was I supposed to know the girl would freak out?" A nasally voice whined. Gavin mouthed 'Gojo' for your benefit.

"Tch! That was an expensive piece of equipment you lost. Now the police are looking in on this," the first voice growled.

"You've got a guy or two on the inside. Just have them lose the evidence or something," Gojo sniveled.

"Looks like we might have to…That's another resource you're costing us," a smooth voice remarked. Gojo squealed in panic.

"I-I'm sorry Mr. Big!" Gojo's voice rose to a near shriek with fear.

"Gavin…" You murmured. This was getting out of hand. If the two of you didn't get out of here right now it might lead to your discovery.

"Clean up the loose ends. I want him and the Android dealt with, but do it quietly," Mr. Big said. The door opened revealing his silhouette. He was big, fitting given his name, with a large greatcoat. Not much could be seen of his face with the light from behind casting him in shadow.

"No please…!" Gojo's pleas fell on deaf ears.

Gavin remained hidden as Mr. Big walked off the construction site with his entourage. He didn't even breathe. It meant neither of you saw him clearly, but right now that was for the best. Mr. Big was after Gavin personally. That meant your host was in danger. Gojo's pleas for mercy could be heard in the still night.

"He can't die. He knows too much," Gavin whispered. He started to rise.

"At least Megamerge first," you insisted. The enemy could be exceedingly deadly. Your host didn't argue and grabbed your Biometal body.

"Rock on…Megamerge!" Gavin called out as you joined with him. The flash of light did the trick as the villains in the trailer came running out to see what was happening.

The transformation took mere moments. Arrayed against you were four Demons. Two level 2 martial artists, a level 2 thief and a level 3 Samurai. Gavin brandished his integrated blade and readied the X Buster.

"I can't believe the Android we were looking for came to us! That's a major stroke of luck!" The Samurai sneered.

"You're in my way…" Gavin didn't even dignify him with a response.

Gavin launched himself at one of the Martial Artists before anyone could consciously react. The first slash was hastily deflected by pure reflex with a guide parry, but your host wasn't done. He went with the motion before coming up under the guy's deflection and scoring a thin line. The Martial Artist flinched which proved to be fatal as the blade plunged into his heart. His buddy snapped.

"You're gonna pay for that!" The Martial Artist's anger overwhelmed his judgement. He came in to deliver a devastating haymaker, but Gavin merely stepped into his guard and stabbed him in the gut with his blade. Except the angry fighter wasn't so far gone that he didn't reflexively shove Gavin back before it dug too deep. The wound was bad, but not life threatening.

"Look out!" You shouted. Gavin swiftly brought his blade around in time to block the Samurai's descending katana. Crossguard met tsuba as the weapons clashed. Your host tried to shoot him in the gut with the Buster, but he evaded by the narrowest of margins.

"You are quite formidable," the Samurai grinned fearlessly.

"You're still in my way," Gavin didn't rise to the bait. His eyes widened imperceptibly before swiftly dodging to the side as the Thief fired a ludicrously sized handgun at him. She did the sensible thing and darted for cover. Just in time too as a Buster Shot nearly clipped her. Instead it struck the metal barrels.

The wounded Martial Artist chanted briefly before being enveloped in a soothing green light. His injuries faded without a trace. Self healing enemies were a real pain in the back. The Samurai tried to perform a feint, but Gavin saw right through it before he could even start. Unfortunately he was simply too fast for your host to capitalize on the failed maneuver. The nimble Thief darted in with a cat-like gleam in her eyes as she tried to swipe his blade, but instead missed as he easily dodged to the side.

"Use the Pile Driver!" You called out. Gavin's eyes took on a wicked glint.

"Right!" He cried as he drew back the Buster and rammed it towards the Samurai. The canny warrior was not prepared for the arm cannon to suddenly transform into a wicked pile driver. He tried to get out of the way, but it was too late. There was a harsh chattering as it struck his armor dead on and shattered the breastplate. It continued on unchecked into his torso. Gavin roared as the pile driver made a ruin out of the guy's chest.

"Gah…!" The Samurai stumbled back, stricken. He collapsed before vanishing in a puff of Mana like the first Martial Artist.

"Damn it! Run!" The remaining Martial Artist yelped.

"Cheese it!" The Thief agreed.

Gavin let out another terrifying roar as he plunged the pile driver in the Martial Artist's back. The fleeing Demon screamed as he was bodily lifted off the ground on the rapidly hammering tool. The Thief let out a pathetic whimper as he chopped off her head with his blade. Finally, the Martial Artist grew still. Both evaporated in the wisps of Mana.

Bonus Gauge 5
200 HL
200 HL
Candy - Restore 3 HP
+1 Level
Pretty Apron - Def +2
Imperial Seal - HP +2, All Stats +1

Gavin reached Level 2!
HP +1, All Stats +1

AN: Okay I need to break this up into two parts. I'll continue working on the rest, but I just wanted you to see how the new system works. Hope you enjoy it!

Spoiler: Dice Rolls

Studying with the Doctor
Gavin (Int) 2d10: 9, 10 = 3 Successes Target: 1 Success
Gathering 2

Remain Hidden
Gavin (Spd) 4d10: 1, 7, 9, 8 = 3 Successes Target: 2 Successes

Initiative
Gavin (Spd) 6d10: 10, 5, 9, 4, 4, 4 = 3 Successes
Samurai (Spd) 3d10: 2, 10, 1 = 2 Successes
Thief (Spd) 4d10: 4, 6, 1, 5 = 1 Success
2 Martial Artists (Spd) 3d10: 8, 2, 7 = 2 Successes

Gavin (Hit) 4d10: 6, 6, 2, 6 = 3 Successes
Martial Artist (Spd) 3d10: 1, 5, 5 = 0 Successes
Gavin (Atk) 6d10: 2, 2, 2, 8, 3, 7 = 2 Successes
10, 5, 5, 2, 3, 6 = 3 Successes
3, 4, 8, 9, 8, 8 = 4 Successes
Martial Artist (Def) 3d10: 3, 6, 9 = 3 Successes
6, 9, 7 = 2 Successes
3, 6, 5 = 1 Success

Martial Artist 2 (Hit) 3d10: 5, 5, 7 = 1 Success
Gavin (Spd) 6d10: 1, 9, 3, 2, 5, 9 = 2 Successes
Gavin (Hit)(Ctr) 4d10: 10, 6, 9, 10 = 6 Successes
MA2 (Spd) 3d10: 6, 1, 4 = 1 Success
Gavin (Atk) 6d10: 8, 8, 6, 7, 9, 6 = 6 Successes
MA2 (Def) 3d10: 2, 7, 10 = 3 Successes

Samurai (Hit) 6d10: 7, 3, 1, 9, 2, 2 = 2 Successes
Gavin (Spd) 6d10: 10, 1, 8, 1, 3, 10 = 5 Successes
Gavin (Hit)(Ctr) 4d10: 9, 2, 4, 3 = 1 Success
Samurai (Spd) 4d10: 1, 1, 5, 7 = 1 Success

Thief (Hit) 4d10: 4, 9, 1, 6 = 2 Successes
Gavin (Spd) 6d10: 5, 1, 10, 6, 1, 5 = 3 Successes

Gavin (Hit) 4d10: 7, 2, 10, 6 = 4 Successes
Thief (Spd) 6d10: 6, 1, 4, 8, 10, 2 = 4 Successes

Samurai (Hit) 6d10: 7, 9, 8, 3, 6, 7 = 5 Successes
Gavin (Spd) 6d10: 1, 2, 9, 6, 10, 7 = 5 Successes

Thief (Hit) 4d10: 5, 4, 5, 2 = 0 Successes
Gavin (Spd) 6d10: 4, 9, 6, 5, 8, 2 = 3 Successes

Gavin (Hit) 4d10: 2, 10, 7, 3 = 3 Successes
Samurai (Spd) 4d10: 5, 9, 5, 4 = 1 Success
Gavin (Atk) 6d10: 7, 3, 1, 7, 6, 10 = 5 Successes
4, 8, 10, 10, 4, 9 = 6 Successes
Samurai (Def) 4d10: 9, 5, 6, 10 = 2 Successes (10 ignored due to PD effect)
1, 7, 4, 4 = 1 Success (7 ignored due to PD effect)

MA2 (Spd) 3d10: 9, 9, 2 = 2 Successes
Thief (Spd) 4d10: 2, 9, 9, 5 = 2 Successes
Gavin (Hit) 6d10: 3, 9, 6, 10, 4, 10 = 6 Successes

 

[SinNep]

The Thief let out a pathetic whimper as he chopped off her head with his blade

Click to shrink...

Off wit' er head!