What would be won't be. What is lost can be regained.
AN: Big chunk here (and not yet complete for this scene), both as apology *and* to celebrate breaking 100 watchers!
Legend's words were not matched by Alexandria's actions. Her expression, what could be seen of it, was no compromise. She was letting her body language radiate a firm and unyielding stance reflecting her known history as an unyielding pillart.
Taylor's eyes narrowed, as she reacted to half remembered dreams and impressions she had gained over the past few weeks. These feelings stirred by Alexandria's patent attempt to force them to come to
her, force them to accept
her position sparked a fury that was reflected in her eyes as she met the challenging look of the Triumvirate heroine..
"Because I
won't work for someone who treats human beings as
lab rats, wiping their memories if it is a bad result. I
won't work for someone who is part of a conspiracy and doesn't do what she
said she'd do. I won't
obey someone who flaunts the oaths she's sworn,
Rebecca. I
won't work for anyone who treats people as disposable weapons and denies them the
choice to matter. And I am
Exalted. No one takes away
my choice.
" Taylor's eyes blazed in furious passion, clearly reflecting her inner emotions.
Taylor and Alexandria's focus was on each other, and didn't appear to note that Emma had stepped back, shifting to her larger and more impressive warform, while Sarah had gotten up and moved to the side, her hand mimicking the shape of a pistol, and keeping her green eyes laser focused on Legend, who was looking between the Solar and his teammate, clearly overtaken by the flurry of words and confused.
Alexandria held still, as her eyes narrowed in brief confusion, mouth opening to immediately reject the statements, freezing for a moment as her mind and powers studied the young Exalt in front of her comparing the body language and impressions she got to her knowledge, then her eyes narrowed in consideration, eyes flickering to the impassive expression of the blonde next to Taylor, then she realized that the Solar and Sidereal in front of her
knew. "
How do you know this?" Her alto voice was low and dangerous as she leaned forward, her eyes reflecting only the light, arms crossed, as she rose up, trying to force the young Solar to look
up at the cape, giving her the appearance of looming over the table while not showing a hint of emotion in her eyes, as she was clearly trying to intimidate and enhance the threat she was making towards the Solar. "The
only ones that know what you say are those
involved. And
you and your friends are not. Not yet. And we
will keep it that way."
Taylor refused to be intimidated by the black clad heroine. "
We kill the unkillable" Taylor's eyes had shifted from pure fury to glacial cold as she measured the distance to the woman. "And
. you still need to breathe."
Sarah's hand had flashed up from her side, interrupting Legend's attempt to get between the two icy women. Flashing a vulpine smile she spoke amusedly. "Legend, even though you try to be a good man, this is
not your fight. Alexandria has to make her
own choices here and now." Legend looked at the finger, clearly aware of the threat it was, and was considering if he could beat the shot, or should he simply stand down and let the conversation play out. Sarah's eyes narrowed and a flash of green passed her eyes, as Legend clearly decided to get
answers and see what was
really going on.
"Rebecca Costa-Brown. You
were fated to die at Taylor's hands… until the future changed. Do you want that fate to happen
today?" Sarah's cold voice reached Alexandria's ears as the Vizier intended.
Alexandria shifted her eyes slightly, keeping them mostly on the Raven haired Solar, but answered the Oracle. "If it is
necessary, yes." Sarah didn't blink, but Alexandria's words were chilling..
"Wait." The tall catgirl had started scratching her head. "
Experiments?" She was clearly confused, as she was clearly thinking, silver light starting to swirl around her. "... Wait, you mean the
Case 53's? The monster capes?
She's part of the group that's rumored to sell powers on the 'net?"
Taylor nodded, keeping her eyes razor focused. "Yeah. That's what she and the rest of the Trivumare and a fedora woman
do. Plus kill people who've outlived their usefulness."
Legend was shocked still, emotions raging across his face, anger being one of them as Alexandria nodded. "You're not wrong. So. You have a choice. We can fight, here and now… or we can agree to terms. You might win, I might, I
am experienced… and aware of at least Sarah's ability to
kill powers… but I am a close range combatant and am
very hard to injure… and I saw your fight with the Nazis."
Taylor studied the woman, trying to push her feelings aside. "We aren't going to be your puppets. Get
that out of your head
right now." She paused, letting her inner power rise to the challenge in front of her and guide her next words. "We, humanity, have to come together." Alexandria's eyes returned the challenge present in Taylor's own eyes. "I
know if we do not work together, we will
not win. And I
will win. That's what Exalted do."
"Fierce words… for a child." Alexandria shot back. "I have been preparing for the fight to save humanity since before you were
born. Parahumans don't work together. Even the ones we create in the end can't bind the others together."
Sarah responded for Taylor, her laughing tone backing her friend up. "We are
Exalted. We aren't parahumans. We
do the impossible. Our exaltations do not come with a
conflict drive imperative."
Alexandria leaned back at that statement, eyes narrowing. "Then what
is the purpose of the power? If it is not to fight…"
"Kill the unkillable. Expand knowledge to heights unseen. Save countless lives. Establish a better future. Fight beyond the end of the World. That is what we
do." Taylor's voice was intense and driven. "This is why
we were chosen. We fight. We do
not quit. We won't surrender. No matter the enemy." She was standing straight and tall, as her anima started to expand outward, shedding warmth and backing up the conviction in her words. "We
do not bow… to anyone. We do not lose. This is what we were told our predecessors did, even at the cost of their lives, this is what we
will do. And we will let
nothing stop us."
Alexandria studied the girl. After a long moment she nodded, having made a decision. "You do not know the name or the nature of what you're facing, do you?" Getting an shrug from Taylor, she noted Sarah wincing. Continuing on, a slight smile on her face, she spoke. "Scion… or Zion. He is one of a pair of beings, who are made up of shards. Those shards are what grant powers." Taylor's eyes widened at this statement, and Alexandria nodded.
"Yes, that is how you kill powers, you kill those shards. However, Eden, Scion's partner… who's already dead, by blind luck, and while you are not wrong, that we… well Caudron experiments giving out powers from bits of Eden's corpse…" She sighed. "Given that is what the Entities
do, as well, I see no reason to be ashamed of that fact. At least we don't intend to destroy
every Earth. Unlike them. We have no idea how to kill Zion, so we reached for
anything that could do so!"
Taylor rocked back mentally, as Alexandria's words rang with conviction. Emma spoke up clearly having figured something out.
"So, that's why you give out powers… Silver bullet?" The Lunar received a nod. "Well… huh.
I mean… I'm one of Luna's chosen, don't get me wrong. We're all about the fight. But… as I so proved" Her rueful smile indicated she at least learned something. "Running headlong, with only one plan, and no thinking about what your enemy is, can do, possible weaknesses? No research about it? Seems to be a way to lose and lose completely. Given that it's clear they're Creatures of Darkness… and those with powers get tainted… Are you sure he can't just shut down powers? 'Cause if not… that's just asking for it." The Lunar hummed.
Legend finally spoke. "Rebecca, we
will have words." Turning to Sarah… "You never answered her question, nor did your friend. Before we go on, I
need that answer. How did you learn of what my…
friends were up to when
I didn't know?"
All eyes were drawn to the Sidereal who sighed. "One of my powers is reading the Loom, or what most people think of as Fate, though in a lot of ways, it's just a giant prediction engine,
not an absolute determination of what will happen…" She shook her head. "I doubt you believe in what I gave you, but take it as fact for this. The Incarnae, the Primordials and even the Yozi and Neverborn are
powerful beyond belief, but… for reasons? They can't directly fight the Entities. t I was
waiting to tell the others in Yu-shan about the actual threat…" She shot Alexandria with an annoyed glare, but continued on. "That's what
we are for. And
we can do. As for future knowledge that Taylor and others have, I can't go into all the details… because I don't know
how precisely they did it, but they somehow acquired knowledge from the future that will not be now… and gave it to us. But that's not the only problem."
Alexandria's head tilted, and she questioned. "What other problems do you see? And how do we know that the Incarnae and the others
aren't just other entities, using you to remove rivals?"
Emma responded first. "Civilization, at least on Earth Bet will collapse… not sure how long, but it's obvious." She shook her head. "It's already done so in places, hasn't it?" Alexandria nodded, a slight smile on her face.
Sarah picked up the thread, and spoke intently. "The Gods and the Primordials… even the Neverborn are not entities as you think of them. Primoridals… The way to put it is they appeared out of pure chaos and defined principals, and they created Creation, and later on Earths. Then you have the Gods, who were created by the Primordials. The Yozi and the Neverborn." Sarah paused for a moment, clearly thinking on how to put this. "In short, the Yozi are surrendered Primordials and the Neverborn are the Primordials the Exalted host
killed."
Alexandria didn't respond to that statement, and Sarah continued on. "The Primordials, Yozi, Neverborn
do share a similarity with the Entities, yes. But if you ever meet a demon, you'll see the difference. Plus,
Eden, you said?" Sarah got a nod from Alexandria. "Never showed up in the Underworld. Pretty clear
not a Primordial. As every confirmed slain Primordial
has shown up in the Underworld."
Alexandria and Legend's eyes both widened a bit at that flat statement. The Orcale smiled slightly and continued. "Gods only have one soul, and aren't hive minded, or made up of lesser gods. Primordials… Yozi… Neverborn…" Sarah sighed. "Best way to put it, is they're comprised of layers of sub souls with 'merge' to form another soul, which then forms the Yozi. But each sub soul, called Demon if a Yozi's, called Deva if a Primordial's, has it's own personality, it's own soul, it's own wants, it's own desires." Sarah grinned. "No matter how strange those are. That's the best way to put it, really, since English
lacks the correct metaphysical or physical terms to describe the Primordials, Yozi or Neverborn. Guess another way to put it, sub souls could be considered organs or blood cells of the Yozi, that are sentient and sapient, and don't have to
stay in the Yozi."
Alexandria snorted. "Not human at all, then?"
"Pretty much, yes. Gods are far closer in that regard. Mostly." Sarah smiled slightly, indicating she wanted to move on.
Alexandria's eyes narrowed, and she prodded the Sidierial. "How do you know that about… Demons or Devas?" Alexandria prodded.
"Oh. I've met one or two of them." Sarah shrugged, and before anyone could react, she continued on. "You might also ask, if they had these sub souls, why did they create Gods?" Sarah short circuited a likely question. "They were made, to do tasks the Primordials didn't want to well… waste a sub soul on. Protect, run, maintain their creation, Creation." Sarah nodded at Alexandria's sudden realization. "Yes, the Primordials by and large put in ways to keep Gods and other sentient beings from rebelling on them. The entities somehow, are
similar enough, that they are triggering those bindings, and there are not enough free Primordials to actually fight. Well, fight and not destroy countless lives." Sarah nodded. "Autochiton, the Great Maker designed Exaltations so the Gods
could empower the only species that wasn't bound to not directly attack the Primordials. And once again, we're needed to fight those the Gods can't. "
Alexandria looked at the Oracle and narrowed her eyes. "You believe your statement is correct. But if the Entities are close enough to trigger that reaction from the Gods, then wouldn't the Entities be Primordials?" It was clear she didn't want to wage an endless war against more entities, and was giving Sarah a chance to explain further.
The Chosen of Secrets shook her head. "That I am sure of. Or at least the Incarnae are. When they decided to release the Exaltations again, they weren't, but then they managed to get in contact with a Primordial, Autochthon, as well as the Yozi, the defeated and bound Primoridals, who after seeing an entity and their shards, called them false Primoridals. And honestly, given no summoning ritual works on the shards themselves that comprise the entities?"
Legend interrupted, shocked at what Sarah just said. "Are you saying you can summon … demons?" He sounded disbelieving.
"Can, yes, but not at this time, I haven't learned the sorcery needed to." The Vizier rolled her eyes. "Haven't completed the trials of Sorcery… but anyways…" Sarah shrugged and returned to what she was saying. "I
can prove to you that Gods exist. There's at least one on Earth Bet right now. Gods, give any Solar enough time,and they might be able to
create them." Alexandria's eyes widened at that statement.
Taylor turned to look at Sarah. "
When were you going to tell
me that?"
Sarah shrugged. "It was something, again, I wanted to discuss in Yu-Shan to be sure that no one we don't
want overhears that discussion.." Taylor snorted.
Taylor simply crossed her arms and stared at the suddenly sheepish Sidierial, but further conservation was blocked by Alexandria.
"... While interesting, we were discussing the … how to prove those you describe
aren't other Entities. Sarah nodded in response to the woman's question.
"Okay, you've figured out that while our abilities run on essence, you have
no idea what that is?"
Alexandria nodded, and Sarah took that as permission to go on. "Shards at heart seem to do something to
manipulate the physical reality, which, honestly, the Primordials
defined and created. Essence
is part of their creation and defined as such… I think, but I haven't gotten that far into the early history and the underlying metaphysics of reality yet, but it's a part that the Primordials, Gods and
Exalted know, and the Shards
don't. Which is why
some powers are easily understandable on how they work to humans, and even when not understandable, there is some sense that what science knows
can eventually explain them."
Alexandria paused for a moment. "I'd argue that, but there is the fact that some powers are at least understandable with current physics or knowledge, which implies that others are as well."
Sarah grinned. "Primordials
created those rules. So, they operate
beyond them. Essence allows the user to
cheat their asses off. To break the rules… well, at least the rules that Earth Bet knows, and suspects that govern reality. Essence
does have it's own set of rules, but outside some myth and legends? No one on Earth Bet has a clue." She shrugged. Alexandria raised her eyebrow at that.
"The problem I have, young lady." Alexandria decided to repress this smug teenager's attitude a bit. "Is that you say these statements as fact. You do believe it, I am sure, and I'll be fair…
you may be right." She paused, and shook her head. "But I need
evidence. Real,
tangible evidence, if only to verify what you're saying."
Taylor interrupted and in a rapid fire candace let her thoughts loose. "We could at least
show her a Celestial Lion... Wait, you met a demon? Aren't they Creatures of Darkness? You had to have met that demon in Yu-shan… which means Creatures of Darkness
can be let into Yu-Shan."
Sarah paused at Taylor's stream of consciousness spilling at, and after parsing it, felt Alexandria's raised eyebrow. Sighing, she spoke, realizing her intent to keep parahumans
out of Yu-shan had failed. "Yes to the Celestial Lion, yes to meeting the demon in Yu-Shan…" She sighed. "In
theory, yes, you or I could get permission maybe. If we had a Quill…" She was interrupted.
"A Quill?" Alexandria's eyebrow rose even higher.
Sarah rolled her eyes. "Term for an Eclipse caste Solar. You did read what each caste's anima banner is specifically intended to do? Eclipses are our diplomats among the Solars. In short, spiritually, they have total diplomatic immunity. And so does their
party." Seeing Alexandria nod, she continued. "If that's what it takes, I can seek permission, so can Taylor. No assurances it'll be
granted, however."
Alexandria nodded in understanding. "Please do so. I
will think about it. And who should go." Sarah raised her eyebrow, but didn't argue.
Sarah shrugged. "Presuming I
can get permission. Taylor might be better." Taylor turned and looked at Sarah, followed by a raised eyebrow from the black clad protectorate member. The Vizier rolled her eyes. "I get the
distinct impression, outside the Incarnae, Siderials are
not popular in Yu-Shan. Politics, leave it at that." Alexandria smiled slightly, while Taylor's brow furrowed for a second, then smoothed.
Taylor looked at the two women. "So, we train up, assemble the host, kill the thing, and everyone lives happily ever after?" Sarah snorted at the slightly bemused tone of her Solar.
"Well, there's holding humanity together long enough to do that." Alexandria dryly said. "From what I've heard, you want and are capable of doing that…" Sarah interrupted anything else the elder woman would have said.
"And what happens
when we kill the last Entity? We'll need to rebuild civilization where it's fallen. We'll need to make sure no more Endbringers exist." Sarah blew out a breath, and dropped the bombshell she had been informed of. "Will the remaining shards
pick new leaders?" Sarah's eyes were intent as she made her last question the answer.
Alexandria's brow furrowed in thought. "That is… " She paused and looked at the Vizer, and the dawning realization of the depths of the problems they needed to solve on the other two girls' faces, then spoke again. "Troubling. More information from your patrons?" She received a nod. "I
need to talk to them… or at least someone who is trustworthy and won't be affected by any real Master effect." Sarah snorted at that. Alexandria's eyebrows rose, but she didn't follow up on the reaction from the Oracle.
Taylor turned to face Alexandria, a challenging look in her eyes aimed at the older woman. "To summarize. We can win the battle. That is first and foremost what I'm told our
Exaltations were made for. But the Great Maker, Autochthon, and the Incarane also made sure we would be able to
win the peace afterwards. Be the rulers, the stewards and the dutiful soldiers preparing for future battles that none hope would come." She nodded, conviction radiating from every inch of her body and suffusing her voice. "We
will do it." Sarah and Emma simply nodded once, clearly indicating they were agreeing and confident in the victory.
The brute and thinker of the most powerful group of heroes studied the exalted in front of her.
Finally she asked a question. "How long before you're sure you can kill the Entity?"
Sarah shrugged. "Truth is, in
theory, we should be close if not at the point of being able to kill him. Well, the theory doesn't really take into account the fact that he's really multidimensional with the capabilities to travel across them, something the Primordials aren't and can't do, not really, plus, frankly we want to survive killing him. So… at most, 5 years and then it'd be a cakewalk, presuming we get the information we need. It's the
Endbringers that in a lot of ways I'm more worried about. That's what we're trying to get up to speed to take on. And we
thrive on challenges, learning, combat. We can't just sit and grow in power. We
need challenges to grow."
Legend had remained quiet after his question, clearly assimilating the rapid fire conversation, but finally he spoke, seeking confirmation on a point he wasn't sure of. "... So you're saying the Gods…" He paused, not quite sure he was saying this. "Can't directly do anything, but… they can empower and teach you
to?'
Taylor nodded. "We
are the answers to prayers." She paused and nodded once. "The Incarane were here before, they empowered the Exaltions to answer Creation's prayers. We succeeded before. We will answer them again."
Alexandria wondered at the sheer confidence in the young teenager's voice and body. As both older heros studied the three in front of them, they saw no difference in their attitude. The
children knew they could and would win. "... I cannot say I want you to be wrong. I cannot say I know you are right. But…"
She was interrupted by Legend who shook his head. "But I, at least,
hope you are right. Humanity needs that." Alexandria nodded in agreement.
"Humanity will come together, and win." Taylor asserted, her eyes daring the two older heroes to challenge her.
Alexandria shook her head, bemused. "Easier said than done. We've been trying. As you said, the conflict drive imperative makes it… difficult."
"You aren't
us. We were
created to form nations. Form massive armies and
lead them to victory." Taylor shook her head. "There were only 300 Solars in the Primordial war… and we still won."
Emma backed her Solar up. "Solars Train, lead, and are champions of the Host. Lunars are the stewards, the warriors, and the guardians. Siderials investigate, study, gather information, and train the Exalted. Dragon Bloods are the backbone and officers. But Humanity itself
is the core of the Host that was led, and then turned into the greatest nation ever." Sarah simply nodded to agree with the Lunar's statements.
"I assume this was originally in another reality as there is no evidence of such a nation existing on Earth-Bet at least?" Alexandria stated.
Sarah nodded an affirmation to the older woman's question and added. "And, no, I
can't at this time take you directly there." She shrugged. "
Any portal to Creation outside the Yu-shan gates, the Maflean way, or via Underworld walking, is locked off until the end of June 2013." Alexandria raised an eyebrow at Sarah's statement.
"I'm not asking to
go there, just what
is it. I'm assuming an alternate Earth, such as Earth-Aleph?" Alexandria dryly stated.
Sarah
laughed. "Oh…
please don't die until
after June 2013,
please. I so want to show you just how wrong that thought is. It may
be what one considers an alternate Earth but… oh how… different it is." Alexandria massaged her forehead, clearly exasperated and finally just shook her head and leaned back as she returned to the neutral expression she had been wearing for most of the discussion.
"I think it's clear that you're not going to allow us to lead in this, and that both you and your families are going to be watching for any form of manipulation. Though I do ask that you refrain from
trolling us. We are quite aware of our flaws and that, until now, that we were not the best option at saving humanity - just the
only one active or known." Alexandria took a long slow breath before continuing, "We have the same aim, I believe it would be in the best interest of humanity if we worked together. Opposing each other would weaken us all." An odd expression crossed her face as she said the last.
Taylor stopped Sarah from responding, sending the Chosen of Secrets a glare, indicating the time to be a bitch was over. Sarah shrugged, indicating no remorse to her friend. A sigh and the Solar turned back to Alexandria.
"That's why I want to bring
all of humanity together. When we all work together…
nothing is beyond humanity." Taylor stated. "That's why I was chosen. I want to do that. Lead humanity to not only victory but the future we
should be having." Taylor's expression grew dark. "Not what
we were on track to have. But make no mistake, we're not going to be puppets, or agree with everything you say. You've given up your hope."
Alexandria smiled slightly, while Legend just shook his head ruefully. "I would ask if you are really
just teenagers, but I'm beginning to truly realize what you are. And your childhood ended the moment you exalted, didn't it?"
Sarah nodded sobery, while the two other girls didn't respond, and Sarah finally said. "This is Earth Bet. Childhoods don't really exist anymore, do they? Not everywhere, and not for much longer."
Legend stared at the blonde, not believing what she was saying. Alexandria nodded in agreement with the Vizier, her expressionless face softening for a moment to one of quiet reflection and hints of exhaustion, for a moment looking every part the thirty year veteran of a futile war against a creeping oblivion.
Taylor's eyes softened for a second, as Sarah facepalmed, picking up on the cue that had just been given. "I'm
right. You've given up, you didn't believe victory was possible!"
"But we had to
try." Alexandria shook her head.
Taylor shrugged, indicating she didn't accept that. "Try and reach for that one in a billion billion chance, instead of just giving up hope?" She looked at the older woman, shaking her head. "Going through the motions instead of pushing your all for
victory."
Alexandria snorted "What other option did we have? Better to die on our feet than meekly pass into the night."
Taylor sighed, and shook her head. "We're going to win. We are going to give up our todays for
everyone's tomorrow." Alexandria shook her head bemused at the Solar's statement.
"I give us better odds today than I did yesterday," Alexadira admitted, "But it's going to be a
fight either way." She took a breath, "But that said, as things stand, we estimate no more than 20 years before there is no more civilization, no matter what we do, though we aren't sure if the threat will come to a head before then." Rebecca Costa Brown removed her helmet and looked at all three girls. "Now you know what we are facing. What do you suggest we do from here?"
Taylor turned to Sarah then Emma, a question in her eyes.
Vote:
First: What choices do the Exalted want?
[ ] Ethical route. End experimentations, work together, but not let Cauldron lead.
[ ] Expedient route. Accept what is needed, to build an army rapidly. (This is allowing experimentation in granting powers/etal to continue, but healing/killing the powers of those failed experiments.)
[ ] Fuck off Route. Do it without Cauldron.
[ ] Write In.
Second:
[ ] Alexandria if possible will go herself to Yu-Shan.
[ ] Alexandria will send Legend.
[ ] Alexandria will send Eidolon.
[ ] Alexandria will send Contessa
[ ] Alexandria will not send anyone.
[ ] Alexandria will send (Write In)
AN: This is the truth of Exalted. Exalted are the answer to prayers. Or that's what they were really intended for. Deliverance against those who would just use humanity and others as toys. Giving Humanity that level of power… even without the death curses of the Neverborn, on the other hand… Welp.
