Test 2.

[azumods]

WILLPOWER The chamber at the back of the cave is not unlike the one before it - it's large and oppressively dark, with shallow pools of water puddled on the floor. However, it isn't entirely impossible to see; off in a far corner of the cavern, there's a dim light shining pale blue, the soft glow pulsing steadily like it's keeping time, like a heartbeat. It's likely, however, that you're not going to get a good look at whatever is causing it before a voice rings out from the entrance behind you, immediately setting the Spiritombs off with loud, ringing shrieks that indicate over half a thousand souls aren't pleased with what seems to be happening here, and as the words register, you'll realize it's probably for good reason. "In the name of Team Galactic, I'm going to have to ask you all to leave. The Guardian is rightfully ours." It's immediately obvious that at the very least, the voice doesn't belong to Saturn - it's higher-pitched, belonging to a woman from the sound of it. Turning to face the source will reveal a woman in full Galactic grunt uniform; she seems young in the face and she's rather short, though she's built as though she's likely strong for her size. While she's clearly here to do a task, her eyes are noticeably just as devoid of spirit as the others that you've seen - she's just as heavily brainwashed as the rest. The Spiritombs you've encountered will do their jobs; they'll protect the Lake Guardian physically, promptly proceeding to get between it and...well, everyone else here. They aren't going to back down until the perceived threat is dealt with; they really, really don't like Team Galactic. What happens now is up to you.

Comments

[discutio]

[hey bucky, there's a gesture of 'come over here' being waved as subtly as possible in your direction.]

[followed, eventually, by a low whisper once in range for it:]

What do you estimate the odds are of knocking her out while she's distracted? If Kayneth's going to do something stupid and prove us outclassed, we may need a backup plan.

[semistableman]

[Bucky learned long ago not to judge people on appearances alone; even if he were still brainwashed, he'd probably handle the situation carefully.]

I don't know. She looks young, but that doesn't mean anything. There are a lot more of us than there are of her; she's bound to be on alert. I don't think she'd be easy to sneak up on.

[discutio]

Right--no reason to be completely careless. But if she's too powerful for our teams to handle, we may have to consider the direct approach.

[...let it never be said ignis scientia fights fair.]

[semistableman]

I can't say I'm opposed to that.

[This is the man who nearly ripped the reactor out of Tony Stark's chest with one hand. He absolutely fights dirty.]

[discutio]

If things go poorly we'll circle around from opposite sides and try to strike from behind. I've dealt with worse than one opponent, and hopefully she can't take both of us at once.

...Of course, should even that fail we're likely to have a larger problem than I estimate.

[semistableman]

That's my concern as well. Fuck up, and it all goes to hell.

[discutio]

Unfortunately, I haven't gotten as far as a 'Plan C' past 'let the ghosts handle it', but I've doubts they'd stand up to her if all else fails.

[semistableman]

No.

Something about this whole situation is strange.

[discutio]

There's no way they'd send a single person here alone. Not after Saturn's whole entourage was here before.

I don't think she's an ordinary rank and file soldier.

[semistableman]

[Your computer has become self aware.]

No.

You remember that story about the gym leader of Veilstone? Think it might be her. she's not acting like the other people we've met.

[discutio]

...I have to admit, I was afraid of something on that level. This might be a problem.

[good going bucky you called it]