12 Chapter 12: Songbird vs. Slayer
The Fraternal order of the Raven.
A founder affiliated order dedicated to maintaining "racial purity".
Killing this particular group of assholes brought me no end of satisfaction.
As I fought my way through its lodge, demonic depictions of Abraham Lincoln, and angelic images of George Washington, decorated the walls.
The Zealot of the Lady made for an interesting fight, but overall, it was just the KKK reskinned for a more raven theme. The Murder of Crows Vigor was interesting, but not something I would use consistently without modification, the nano machines were currently working on that.
One thing that was changed from its game depiction was a large worship area labeled "The Crypt of the Angel". The zealots were ferocious in defending this area, fighting tooth and claw to stop my entry.
After killing the last of the zealots, I took a look around the room. It was filled with pews and depictions of holy events that supposedly happened. These all surrounded a large tomb placed in the center of the room. It had a series of tubes connected to it running to a nearby computer system.
At first glance, the system looked like an ancient type of computer, so I ignored it in favor of focusing on the plaque placed on the tomb.
Here Lies an Angel of Columbia.
It stood as our guide for years before using its last act to pass on its warning.
It foretold the coming of the Slayer,
How he would lead our lamb astray.
He warned us of his unstoppable will,
And how when he arrived,
He would wield a steel barreled sword of vengeance.
Rest in peace great one.
That's enough information to pique my curiosity, who the hell would know that type of information?
I find the seam of the lid and proceed to pop it off. The body inside surprised me to no end.
A Maykr.
More specifically, a Maykr Angel, was lying in the tomb with numerous connections from his body running to the nearby computer.
How the hell did a Maykr get so far from his own space and time?
I released my nano machines to break down the body and process it to see if I could get a greater understanding while I went over to the old computer.
Under my hands the computer moved rapidly as I processed its information. Apparently, this Maykr was thrown through a rift that caused it to enter this world. Its mind, addled by the trip and loss of connection to the Khan Maykr, caused it to start acting as an advisor to the prophet. Much of the information of Maykr tech remained within its databanks, so it would spout "prophecies" about the coming of the Slayer.
Its final instructions, were the creation of this computer in an effort to preserve its body to be resurrected later by "the father".
The computer would periodically leave a new "prophecy" for the members of the order, causing for new material to be added to their religious doctrine.
My Nano machines rapidly absorbed the technology and started analyzing it. They informed me that due to the complexity, it would take a while to process and understand.
I was curious what all the machines could pull from Maykr tech. I knew that some of the Maykr's were part organic so it would be interesting what they would discover.
Destroying the last bit of the Tomb, I make my way back out to the Gunship where Liz was waiting. She had declined venturing into the "creepy" looking lodge.
"Find anything good?" She asked, as I hop onto the hovercraft.
"Yeah, I discovered why the Slayer is so detested around here." I state, grabbing the wheel and throttling the boat forward.
"Oh?" She enquired.
"Apparently, one of my many enemies was accidentally transported to this world. It served as the "Angel of Columbia" in this world. The trip addled its mind, so it just gave out warnings of the coming of the Slayer." I explain, turning the boat towards Monument Island.
"So, we are on our way to rescue my "sister" now?" She asked
"Yup! Let's go free us a lamb!" I state cheerfully as we fly towards the Island with the massive statue on it.
[Time Skip]
Arriving at the island, the first thing I noticed was all of the signs. The warnings telling people to keep away did little to deter us as we approached our goal.
Entering the tower, I noticed all of the abandoned scientific equipment laying around as we make our way up to Elizabeth.
"Hey Liz, I've been meaning to ask, if the facility was abandoned, how were you fed? Did you grab stuff through your tears? Or did they have some other method of providing you food." I ask, causing her to halt and adopt a thinking pose.
"I don't really remember. At the time, it wasn't that much of a concern for me, so If I found an apple sitting in a bowl or bread on a plate, I didn't really question it. The Songbird also provided food, drinks and toys fairly frequently." She mused.
"So, your powers just reacted to a subconscious need? That's pretty cool. Either that, or Comstock has a ninja butler hiding in secret." I joke, drawing a laugh from Liz.
"Where on earth do you get your ideas from Tavish?" She said in bemusement.
"It's a gift." I joke.
We proceed past the initial entryway into the siphon room. It appears to be draining massive amount of power from the Elizabeth higher in the tower. I send my nano machines to see if they could absorb some of the energy. They return and I get a new notification
New affinity
Rift (1/100)
The energy required to enter alternate dimensions and affect everything around you in strange and mysterious ways. Unlocks the sub-class Rift Sorcery.
How the hell do you practice with rift energy without tearing the planet in half?
"What did you find?" Liz asked, watching.
"It's odd, the energy being siphoned is labeled as rift energy. It's like Elizabeth's body just produces the energy to travel to different dimensions and planes. It may take a while, but I think I can help you guys find a way to control the power so random "tears" don't open all over the place." I explain, causing her to pause.
"Both of us? But my powers are gone." Liz stated with certainty.
"Not gone, just drained. Given enough time, I imagine the power will manifest itself again soon." I explain.
"Really? Learn something new every day I guess." She sighed.
"I try to. If I knew everything, then there would be no point in traveling anymore." I state.
We board an elevator and we make our way up to the observation floor, the rooms were filled with one-way mirrors for monitoring Elizabeth.
"It's always disconcerting seeing this again." Liz comments
"Just to be living your life in the tower, and then discover you were being spied on, and studied like some sort of project? I remember being very shaken when I first discovered it." She continued, observing the meticulous notes taken on her.
We continue walking forward till we get to the observation room of the library.
"Tavish, please break the glass and try to break the whistler box as soon as you get in there. I'll calm my counterpart." Liz requested.
I nod my ascent and rear back, and plunge my fist through the window.
The instant I break the window, the whistler box goes off. I lunge across the room and break the box with my fist.
I hear a scream behind me, and a book bounced off my helmet. Turning around, Elizabeth is standing their armed with another book.
"Who are you?!" She yelled, hefting her book.
"We're friends, here to get you out of this place." Liz interrupts, stopping her other self.
"Your me." Elizabeth said, in confusion.
"Tavish, please take your helmet off." Liz prompts.
I remove my helmet and stick out a hand for Elizabeth to shake.
"The name's Tavish Byrne miss. Your counterpart recruited me for the purposes of a rescue mission!" I cheerfully inform.
"Theirs's no time! And the lock is impossible to pick." Elizabeth said, defeatedly.
"Not even if you have a key?" Liz said with a grin, handing Elizabeth the key to the door.
"We have to hurry then, he's coming!" Elizabeth frantically unlocked the door.
We heard the screech of the Songbird echo through the tower.
"Tavish, are you sure you can fight the Songbird?" Liz asked, drawing a wide-eyed look from Elizabeth.
"For sure I can fight it. I don't know if I can beat it outright." I explain drawing Stormreaver, its axe head igniting with energy.
"I wish you the best of luck then. See you at battleship bay?" She said hopefully.
"Yeah, go ahead and take the hovercraft. I'll buy you as much time as I can." I state placing my helmet back on and heading outside.
I walk out to the platform outside of the statue. The screech of the Song bird gets louder as I look around for it.
Making out a shape forming out of the clouds, I hit it with a quick observe to confirm.
[Maykr enhanced Songbird]
Lvl – 167
Before the "Angel of Columbia" passed on, he helped construct Elizabeth's protector and warden. Utilizing Maykr tech, the "Angel" reinforced the Songbird's durability and attack power to match the Slayer.
Special characteristics
Favored enemy: The Slayer
Maykr energy weapons
Maykr energy shields
Well Fuck.
It screeches once more, revealing itself as it flew out of the clouds.
The base design of the Songbird was revealed, Maykr metal blended with its leather flight suit, its eyes glowing bright red as it spots me.
Well, best not keep it waiting.
I fire my grapples and use them to slingshot me at the Songbird.
"Rip and Tear!" I roar out as I swing Stormreaver at the approaching opponent.
Perks Activated
[Indomitable Rage]
[Storm Rage]
[Battle Cry]
[Liz POV]
Myself and Elizabeth made our way down from the tower after parting ways from Tavish.
Elizabeth was just as horrified as I was to discover all the observation areas around her room and the tower.
We quickly take the elevator down.
On the way down, my counterpart asked; "Can he actually fight the Songbird? People have tried before, and all of them have failed." Depression evident.
"If there is anyone that could fight the Songbird head-to-head, I'd put my money on Tavish every time." I state with a smile.
The elevator doors open and we run past the siphon and all of the scientific equipment, out to the waiting Gunship.
Up above, another screech broke the silence, shortly followed by a battle cry.
"Rip and Tear!" Tavish's voice roars out from above and echoes around Columbia.
I glance up to see the modified Songbird collide with the electrified armored figure of Tavish as he sinks his axe into its side.
Elizabeth is standing there, her mouth hanging open as she watched the two titans engage in battle.
"Incredible." She whispered.
"Come on! I don't know how long Tavish can keep him distracted." I urge causing Elizabeth to snap back to reality and hop on to the Gunship.
I grab the wheel and start flying the hovercraft away from the tower.
We hear another screech and see flashes of light coming from above as the Songbird flies up into a cloud trying to shake its extremely violent passenger.
"Get back here you motherfucking feather duster!" Tavish's voice roars out as the Songbird dives out of the cloud towards the town square.
Tavish shoots down out of the cloud in a freefall colliding with the bird and tackling it into a building on a nearby island as we fly past.
The Songbird's Clawed foot rakes down Tavish's side as he wrestles the massive beast, landing a couple of blows with his fists before he was thrown onto another island, colliding with the front of a shop.
Songbird fires a series of energy blasts from its eye, collapsing the storefront further. Police units were getting involved now as they surrounded the demolished business.
I could see the Songbird turn its attention on us for a moment before a roar echoed out from the rubble.
Tavish burst free from the rubble and ignored the police, firing his grapple and launching himself at the Songbird once again, lightning coursing around his fists as he busts out the left eye of his opponent.
The Songbird screeches in pain and kicks Tavish with its bird-like foot, its claws lighting up with glowing red energy.
Tavish is launched into another island, impacting the street and creating a crater in the middle of the street.
Songbird quickly pounced on him, and they continued fighting on the street.
I take my attention off the fight and start angling the hovercraft away from the combat, a difficult thing to do thanks to the Songbird's priority.
It had two objectives, to serve as Elizabeth's warden, and kill the Slayer. Songbird was aware that Elizabeth was getting away, but every time it tried to turn to capture her, Tavish would grab its attention again, forcing it to focus on him.
I saw his arm blade extend and slash through the Songbird's rebreather causing it to start choking, its air tub flailing helplessly as he swung at Tavish again and again.
Tavish fires his shotgun into the Songbird before tackling the creature off the edge. I follow them as they both plunge into Battleship Bay far below, impacting the beach and throw the sand high in the air.
Well, we did agree to meet there.
[Tavish POV]
Tavish Byrne
HP- 2,400 / 13,850
I stagger to my feet from where the Songbird and I landed on the beach.
The Songbird was probably one of the tougher fights that I've had in a long while.
Climbing up onto its back, I brace my foot on its back and rip its wings off, grounding it.
I draw my Crucible.
Activating it, I drive it through its head, causing the bird to thrash around a bit before flopping lifelessly on the beach, the glow of its lens fading to nothing.
I release my nano machines to start processing the Songbird and analyzing it and lean back against the body as I wait for my regeneration to kick in.
Normally when I engage in combat, it's with groups of people, or singular targets. Since fighting the hobgoblin chief all those years ago, I've been exceedingly carful with engaging solitary enemies in my instant dungeons. They tended to be the most powerful enemies. Overtime, I have discovered that my Slayer abilities stem from combating groups of enemies. The more their were, the stronger I was, and the more power I got from it.
However, none of these had challenged me like the Songbird. Did the Maykr tech really enhance it by enough to nearly kill me?
No, the Maykr tech just enhanced it, the real problem stems from my fighting style for single enemies. I have been treating the Slayer abilities like a berserker class, and getting up close and personal with my enemies. What I really needed to do was mix in more ranged options when dealing with these "special" enemies.
I could have engaged the Songbird that way, I have all of the Slayer's weapons to do so, but my knee jerk reaction was to brute force the fight. While it worked, it's definitely not something to rely on.
That being said, the fight was something I found exceedingly enjoyable!
[If it helps, the enemy scaling option was implemented recently.]
"What do you mean? Wouldn't it notify me when a system update is happening?" I ask Iris
[No. I run most updates to your gamer system in the background. The administrators decided to scale certain enemies up to your difficulty level to continue providing an enjoyable experience.]
[It's no fun if you just always steamroll through your opponents, so after you killed Ryan and Atlas in the space of five minutes, boss level enemies were adjusted to provide more challenge.]
[A difficulty selector was also implemented for when you first start in a world to give the
gamer the choice of difficulty level.]
[I have only implemented two or three quality of life updates outside of the scaling
function of some of the NPC's, and minor adjustments to Romance and leveling systems.]
[Would you like to see all Updates?]
No that's fine, just notify me if I receive any major updates or changes to my current build or world.
I look up to the sound of a hovercraft approaching.
"Hey Tavish, we need to move. There is a lot of people on their way to investigate the crash. It would probably be better if we weren't here." Liz comments, staring at the body of the Songbird.
"Yeah, your probably right." I state, standing up and hopping onto the Gunship.
As we start flying away, a crowd starts gathering around the remains of the Songbird.
Everyone would be aware of the death of the Songbird within a few hours, our only hope would be to steal a Zeppelin of some sort within that time before Columbia went on full lockdown.
As I observed the crowd, I noticed a few people focused unerringly on both Liz and Elizabeth. I use a quick observe to see if I could identify them.
Founder Agent
Lvl – 71
Agents planted throughout the citizens of Columbia to report any activities to Comstock and the Founders. Fanatical in their faith, they will do anything if it means advancing the good of Comstock's cause.
"Shit. Liz, we have a new problem." I say grabbing Liz's attention.
"What is it?" She asked, piloting us away from the crash site.
"I'm spotting at least three founder's agents among the crowd, and they definitely noticed both you and Elizabeth. We may need to lie low for a bit. In order to get out of here with my powers, we have to meet certain parameters, and something is missing." I inform her.
"What do we need?" Liz asked.
"I don't know, usually it's something task related. It's possible I may need to provide another kickstart for the Vox to truly wage war, but other than that, I can't think of anything to open the portal." I explain causing her to adopt a thoughtful expression.
"Would taking out the Prophet, do it? I sometimes had to do that in other timelines." Liz suggested.
"May be worth a shot." I say, nodding in agreement.
"Alright hold up a second. Portals? Timelines? Just what are you guys talking about?" Elizabeth interrupts.
"Ok, in simplest terms, I am a version of you from another tear, and a different point in our timeline." Liz said, gesturing to herself.
"Tavish on the other hand, is an anomaly that exists through multiple worlds and dimensions. His powers are similar, yet more varied than ours. It's way more complicated than what I said, but that's a good enough explanation to sum up some of Tavish's powers." She continued, gesturing to me.
"So, if your me, then how can we both exist here within this time?" Elizabeth asked.
"It's because of parallels. You're not from the same world as her so it doesn't affect the time line in the way you would think. I also recommend not attempting to keep track of timelines, you can't keep it strait in your head, and anything we do from this point on should be safe, as long as we don't jump through another tear, we should be good." I explain, halting that particular line of thought.
We didn't need to contemplate all of time and space while attempting our escape. That would make everything needlessly complicated.
[Time Skip.]
Liz piloted the hovercraft down to an unused maintenance dock where we set up shop to plan our next move.
The dock looked like it hadn't been used in many years, a thick layer of dust coating the inside of the bay.
We decided to hold off on capturing a zeppelin because honestly, where could we go? If we tried flying to Paris or any of the places that were suggested, we would be chased until we were shot down or we brought the battle down to whatever city we landed in.
Liz pulled Elizabeth off to the side and was explaining more in-depth about the current situation we were stuck in. Judging by Elizabeth's horrified face, its finally sunk in the precarious situation we find ourselves in.
While this was happening, this gives me the chance to increase our chances a bit. Pulling parts and materials out of my inventory I used my Technomancy to rapidly assemble some Skitarii rangers, Skystalkers and infiltrators.
Once their optics blink to their traditional light blue glow, I start issuing orders.
"Alright pay attention everyone, things are moving quickly so let's not waste time. I want all rangers to converge on Fink Manufacturing. Your primary objective is asset acquisition, the building is still full of Finks men, and it has materials that we can repurpose to either help the rebels, or establish ourselves further if it comes down to it. Collect all documentation for analysis as well as any vigor's, weapons or anything from a knowledge perspective. You are to establish a temporary base and if necessary, prep the area for more units to be assembled. Be careful with the locals, they are already on edge thanks to Columbia's xenophobia." I warn, receiving nods from the rangers.
I turn to the Skystalkers; "I need you guys to serve several rolls. Number one priority is establishing and maintaining a communication network. Put receivers in places that can't be reached by the populace. I also want you to monitor any founders' movements and perform hit and runs on their hovercraft. Capture their supplies, take out their soldiers, ensure our air superiority."
"The infiltrators will be working on reconnaissance. Try to locate Comstock as quick as possible, but don't be afraid to mark other high value targets. Make sure you remain as unseen as possible, our presence isn't exactly welcome here, so make every effort to stay out of sight." I address the infiltrators.
The Skitarii take off with their various assigned tasks, giving me time to think.
I wasn't going to try to win the war for the Vox, but hopefully, I could accelerate them past the looting and burning phase of their bloodlust so Columbia could be successful. The Vox would still need to establish their government, and the sooner they got to that stage the better.
The Vox ended up getting too focused on making people pay for their injustices that they practically reached a point of no return from the horrors they committed. They had the real chance to start something good here, but they needed to be kept on task and not allowed to run rampant.
Taking out Comstock would go a long way towards helping that along, the problem was I needed to find the old bastard first. I'm fairly certain he is on the "Hand of the Prophet", but I have no idea where that is, and I doubt the quest would be considered complete until Comstock was dead. Only then would Elizabeth be truly free of Columbia.
My current plan is based on a heavily accelerated time table of when events would happen. With Fink out of the picture, his men were leaderless, and that would devolve into petty territory disputes until the Vox take control.
"Tavish? What was that?" Liz's voice broke through my musings.
"I just deployed some units to take care of possible tasks that may be keeping us here." I explain.
"No, I saw that. I'm talking about the machines, you assembled all of them in a few minutes. How did you do that?" She asked, causing Elizbeth to nod in agreement.
"Ah, that is another aspect of my powers. I call it Technomancy. Think of it as a branch of magic strictly related to technology." I inform.
"But magic doesn't exist." Elizabeth stated uncertainly.
"You've just been rescued from your tower on a floating island from a giant bird-man hybrid, in a flying country by your sister from an alternate dimension. She was assisted by a dimension hopping adventurer. People in said flying country have super powers that range across the spectrum of superhuman feats. You yourself open rifts to other worlds and places, and you don't think magic exists?" I ask in exasperation.
"Well, when you phrase it like that . . ." Elizabeth said in embarrassment.
"Could you make her the same offer you did me?" Liz asked, causing me to shrug.
"Sure, she can come along if she wants. It's actually refreshing being able to talk to someone about being from a different dimension." I comment
+10 Affection with Elizabeth "Liz" Dewitt (10/100) For continuing to help her out.
+50 Rep with Elizabeth Comstock (50/100) For freeing her and allowing her to join your travels.
"So how many worlds have you visited?" Elizabeth questioned, curiosity evident.
"This is my fifth world. I've visited a world where humans were being driven to extinction my giants, a world where machines flourished as local wildlife and humanity was beginning again. The current world that I reside in is a dystopian, highly technological future." I explain.
"Is their a Paris in that world? What's it like?" Elizabeth asked.
"There is. It's still a center of art, fashion, culture, and gastronomy, but also is a center for cyberware. It has its share of problems like many of the cities during the time period, but I wouldn't mind visiting there at some point." I inform.
"Cyberware? What is that?" Elizabeth inquired.
"Cyberware is technology that interfaces with the human nervous system. It's extremely popular in that world for both a status symbol, and for performing some jobs." I explain, taking off my gauntlets and activating my TESLA augmentation, electricity sparking between the exposed prongs.
"It's like a mechanical version of a vigor." She stated, examining my hand.
"Vigor's would be fall under an organic version of this called bioware. Bioware is just genetic alterations or enhancements." I inform.
We end up talking for several hours about some of the different worlds that I visited.
[Time Skip]
-New Data Packages Received-
[Skitarii Infiltrator 0186]
-New Scouting Report Uploaded-
-Message Start-
-Target designated as Prophet, has been located. –
-Location: "Hand of the Prophet" –
-Re-routing Tracking directive to Skystalker Operator 0053-
-Confirm? –
[Skitarii Skystalker 0053 Confirms]
[Glory to the Creator]
-Tracking priority Target –
-Analysis: Strategic value absolute-
-Recommendation: Capture of "Hand of the Prophet"-
-Outcome: Mobile command center for possible Skitarii actions in the city of Columbia. –
-Confirm?-
I woke up not too long ago after taking a quick nap in our safe zone. I was alerted on new Skitarii activity now that they had established a sufficient communications network.
The Skitarii were successful on all of their operations and were awaiting new orders regarding the Prophet's personal security zeppelin. I agreed with the provided analysis as well, the zeppelin would be a huge asset if captured. I knew for a fact that it had an assembly facility on-board the craft so if it was captured, and we ended up staying longer, we had an additional facility for assembling more troops.
Liz and Elizabeth were sleeping over in an abandoned office just off the maintenance bay.
I go gently knock on the door, and it opens to reveal a sleepy Liz.
"A report just came in. We located Comstock." I state, she nods and headed back in and woke Elizabeth up.
We pack up what little we got out and started prepping the hovercraft.
"Elizabeth, what do you want to do with the Prophet? I know what I want to do, I have an idea on what Liz wants to do. But I am not actually sure on what you want to do. I ask, causing her to look at me in confusion.
"Let me elaborate. Liz wanted to come here, free you and possibly kill Comstock. She asked me to help free you, and I just dislike Comstock. I would happily drop kick him off the highest point of Columbia. But you're the one who has been truly affected by Comstock. He's the one responsible for all of the experiments and having you locked up in the tower all of these years. Since we are on our way to confront him, its only fair to ask what your stance is on all of this." I continue.
+15 Rep with Elizabeth Comstock (for taking her opinion into account.)
Elizabeth was thinking it over for a while before she spoke up; "What I want more than anything is to leave. I don't want to return to Columbia again if I can help it. From what Liz explained to me, Comstock won't ever give up no matter what we try to do. So, I want him to never be able to come after me once we leave." She finished.
"Alright, you do realize that would probably mean his death right." I ask, causing her to swallow.
"If that's what is required, so be it. Liz told me what happens if I am caught again, and nothing I have heard of compares to the horror she endured." She stated shakily.
"Alright, if that's how you want to play this, that's fine. Just making sure there is no surprises later down the line." I state.
Liz grabbed the wheel and piloted us out of the maintenance bay, and we set a course for the "Hand of the Prophet".
[Time Skip]
After flying for roughly an hour, we laid our eyes on the massive combat zeppelin.
It served as the flagship for Columbia's zeppelin fleet and the personal warship of Comstock.
I could hear sirens start going off as soon as we were spotted by the zeppelin. The Skystalker's initiated their attack as soon as the alarms started.
Liz docked the Gunship within the massive zeppelins docking bay and I open fire on the crewmen that try to stop us.
Using the heavy cannon, I rip through the soldiers as we boarded, quickly establishing control of the dock.
Leaping to a skyline with a Skyhook, I quickly bypass the stairs to the next level. A motorized patriot comes to life and starts firing its Gatling gun at me.
Returning fire, I snipe the head off causing it to drop the gun.
I continue fighting my way up to the next floor, the engineering deck. I can see Liz and Elizabeth down at the other end.
Liz takes the Nano Spike I gave her and stabbed it into the bulkhead next to her forcing the zeppelin to undergo transformation.
The nano machines in the spike slowly swept through the zeppelin, reinforcing, improving, and converting the ship into something under our control.
I could hear the automated turrets turn on the soldiers throughout the ship, opening fire on the men they once protected.
Downstairs I heard the assembly bay roar to life as it's transformed by the nano machines. The assembler once dedicated to making motorized patriots, loaded two deployment pods and launched them along Skylines to the upper decks.
Dropping the pods on the upper decks, they burst apart revealing the newly assembled Castellax-class Battle-automata.
The Automata blare out their war horns in challenge to the remaining soldiers on deck, spewing flames and clearing out the solders with swipes from their huge arms.
A scream of rage could be heard from higher in the zeppelin.
I guess Comstock is now aware about the subversion of his ship.
Hooking onto the Skyline again, I rode the line all the way to the top of the ship.
Comstock was standing on a balcony firing a machine gun, along with the remaining soldiers and a damaged motorized patriot, trying to hold of the assault of the automata. He spotted me when I landed on the upper decks.
"Slayer! How dare you! You've desecrated my holy sanctuary! The place where I deliver sermons of our lord unto the people of Columbia. You've besmirched it with your foul markings, and for that, you must pay for your sins!" He screeched.
"Comstock, rest assured. If their was a single god that supported you mission, I will more than happily plant my boot in their ass for sanctioning a sanctimonious bastard like yourself." I roar back, equipping the ballista.
Taking aim, I blow the head off the patriot as the automata finish off some of the soldiers, Comstock's bullets harmlessly deflecting off their armor.
The hail of bullets stopped when a loud bang was heard behind Comstock, causing him to fall over and reveal Liz standing there with a smoking revolver.
Even with the fall of their leader, the soldiers continued fighting to the last man, refusing to even consider surrendering.
After a short skirmish, we had full control of the now renamed "Freedom's Fury".
Looks like I had a quick call to make.
[Daisy Fitzroy POV]
I wasn't entirely sure about these "Skitarii", but damn were they efficient. They were able to carry out guerilla warfare throughout founder territory with extreme precision, and had managed to maintain the manufacturing of ammo, weapons and armor for our people.
The other thing I really liked about them, was how mission oriented they were. And it helped serve an example to my men, keeping them from running about looting. The Skitarii are adamant on making sure there was a quick and efficient turnover of power, so I spent a good portion of today planning on how to deal with the aftermath of the takeover. It contained some of my top lieutenants, and one Skitarii that addressed himself as Alpha-25.
Part way through the meeting, Alpha-25 slumped momentarily. After a pause, he sat back up, his eyes switching from blue to a green glow.
"Good day Ms. Fitzroy" A different voice came through from the Skitarii.
"Alpha? Are you ok?" I ask warily.
"Alpha is fine, he has temporarily provided his body for us to communicate. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Tavish Byrne, otherwise known as "The Slayer"." Tavish stated, causing everyone to tense.
"Why not come in person?" I question, sharing a look with everyone else in the room.
"My apologies, but I am currently finishing up an assault on the "Hand of the Prophet". I wanted to inform you of the results." Tavish informed, drawing looks of surprise from everyone.
"You went after Comstock? How did that work out?" I asked.
"I am happy to report that the "Hand of the Prophet" has been rechristened "Freedom's Fury".
The one known as Zackary Hale Comstock has been killed." Tavish states.
The room was dead silent.
"Comstock's dead?" I confirm.
"Killed by the lamb herself. Apparently locking someone in a tower for years can lead to a lot of pent-up aggression." Tavish informed.
"Atta girl. What's your plan next? I ask.
"It's time for me to disappear into the shadows for a bit. The Skitarii will remain in assistance, but ultimately, this is your country. I just stirred up shit enough for you guys to really make something here. Once the founders are out of the way, you guys can work to make things better." Tavish explained.
"Are you sure? You're not going to stick around longer?" I asked.
I was aware of how much he had done for us already, but he could also do a lot of good here.
"I am sure. You guys will find that not as many supported Comstock as you think. I'll probably check-in periodically, but other than that, I believe this is farewell Daisy Fitzroy." He stated.
"Thank you for your help Tavish, good luck on wherever your travels take you." I reply
"It was a pleasure Ms. Fitzroy. You've got a good head on your shoulders, so I expect everything will be running swimmingly in the next few years. That said, good luck, and stay safe." He finishes.
"Wait, who are you really? I understand taking the title of Slayer to strike fear into Comstock, but that can't be all there is to it." I ask.
"You're right. Slayer is an actual title that I possess and it has a function to it. But that is not why Comstock feared me. The Prophet was scared of gaining my ire. That his actions would cause me to come calling. And if I didn't like what I found, he would meet the same fate of men and women far eviler than he. Ultimately, my presence represented retribution for those he wronged." Tavish explained.
"I guess guardian angels do exist then." I joked.
"Oh definitely. They are all much prettier than I am though." Tavish states, causing some of the other people to gawk at him.
"Well, if you see them, tell them we said hello." I said wryly
"Goodbye Daisy." Tavish finishes.
Alpha slumped over again, before sitting up rubbing his head, his eyes back to their standard blue.
"Alright so where were we?" Alpha asked without missing a beat.
[Tavish POV]
I was at the wheel of the newly dubbed "Freedom's Fury".
Quest Completed*
[Salvation of the Lamb]
Elizabeth has asked for your help to save the version of her in this reality.
Objective 1: Rescue Elizabeth Comstock [x]
Bonus Objective 1: Supplement the Vox with a voice of Reason [x]
Bonus Objective 2: Kill the Songbird [x]
Bonus Objective 3: Discover the real "Angel of Columbia" [x]
Bonus Objective 4: Help with Columbia's civil war [Ongoing]
Bonus Objective 5: Kill Jeremiah Fink at the raffle [x]
Bonus Objective 6: Spot all of the Lutece's in Columbia [Incomplete]
Reward: Columbia Technology Bundle, Maykr machine pack, Random Slayer perk, Random perk, Portal location unlocked.
Slayer Perk Added
[Sentinel Shield] (1/100)
A basic shield made of Sentinel Energy. Level it up to unlock its potential.
Perk Added
[Master Craftsman]
Anything produced by a crafting type class is automatically improved by 100% and raised a rarity level. Cannot increase rarity beyond Mythic.
I can probably live without completing that last quest.
The last perk I acquired is insane enough as it is.
"You girls ready to depart on adventure?" I ask, getting a nod from both of them.
Iris?
[Opening Portal]
The blue portal opened allowing me to fly the Zeppelin through.
[Time Skip]
I had to buy an airship bay to actually store the zeppelin. It ended up being a very large addition to the fortress, but I wasn't going to leave it on Columbia.
Elizabeth was slowly settling down in the fortress, deciding to room with Liz. I know both of them were discussing the possibility of changing one of their names to make it less confusing.
They were also picking out new wardrobes more benefiting of the Cyberpunk world. It was somewhat of a struggle because they were unused to the type of clothing that was provided to fit in to that world. They did eventually find suitable clothing so they didn't look completely out of place.
I was ready to head back to the Cyberpunk world. I missed Jackie and V, and I wanted to get back to working on zero dawn.
After much discussion, we decided that they would pose as hired help working at my clinic for the time being. Liz would pose as the nurse, and Elizabeth would pose as the secretary. This would also solve my problem of having to hire someone for either of those positions.
I check on the little sisters one last time before I open a portal, and return to Cyberpunk.
[Time Skip]
It was fairly relaxing returning back to work at the clinic. Liz and Elizabeth also relieved some of the work load that came with the clinic.
They were both experienced a pretty severe culture shock when looking outside for the first time.
Both were blown away when they first glanced out the window at the towering skyscrapers and the flashing lights of Night City, but it really came to a head when we got our first customer for the day.
[Flashback]
I was standing at the front desk instructing Elizabeth on how to run the front desk when the door opened and Rita walked in.
"Tavish! I saw you on the news! Why didn't you tell me Lizzy Wizzy was here?!" She exclaimed.
"Rita, everyone knows that I don't talk about my patients, regardless if your famous or not." I admonish, causing her to pout.
"But Tavish! Lizzy Wizzy! The premier Rockergirl of our era! And you diagnosed an issue that one of the best Ripperdocs in the world failed. It's a huge deal!" She finally took notice of the other person behind the front desk.
"Who's the cutie?" Rita questioned, Elizabeth staring at her appearance with wide eyes.
"This is Elizabeth. Elizabeth, I'd like to introduce you to my friend Rita. Elizabeth and her sister are going to be my new assistants here at the clinic." I said gesturing between the two.
Elizabeth numbly shakes Rita's hand.
Rita shoots me a questioning look.
"Oh, they are both new to Night City, so they actually haven't seen a lot in the way of styles or cyberware yet." I explain, causing Elizabeth to snap out of her fugue.
"I'm sorry! You have a "unique" texture to your skin, and I got distracted." Elizabeth said apologetically, causing Rita to wave it off.
"Don't worry about it sweetheart. Us Mox all tend to look like this after a while." Rita commented drawing a look of understanding from Elizabeth.
Thank God I had the foresight to at least explain the gangs of Night City before we arrived.
"So, what brings you by today Rita?" I ask.
"Could you take a look at some mantis blades I had installed a while back? I think I got something stuck in them and they don't work right anymore." She asked.
"Sure thing." I agree, leading her back to the operating table.
[Flashback End]
Since then, they have been having to get used to how heavily some people modified themselves since that is a large percentage of my clientele.
Both of them were very popular with the patients and were avid learners in getting up to speed in the medical field. I even got a new skill out of it.
[Teaching] (23/100)
The simple art of imparting your knowledge on those who wish to learn. This skill allows you to teach someone a skill that doesn't require certain prerequisites. (i.e., magic coils, a tail, whatever is an extra component used in said skill.)
I didn't truly realize the potential of the skill until I was sparring with Jackie.
[Flashback]
Jackie, V, and I were practicing hand-to-hand combat at a local gym. It was currently Jackie and I's turn in the ring with Jack lying flat out on his back.
I was about to help him up when I received a new notification.
[Prerequisites met]
[Sentinel energy detected]
[Would you like to teach Jackie Welles the skill "Expert Combatant"?]
[Y/N]
I hit yes just for curiosities sake.
Helping Jackie up to his feet we take our positions in the ring again and start the fight.
Usually, Jackie would take a boxer like stance, this time he was braced slightly different when he went for the punch. As the fight progresses, Jackie started adapting, moving slightly faster, targeting more weak points.
"Your improving Jack, did you install a new reflex booster?" I ask.
"Nah, I'm still getting used to the bioware enhancement you put in. I went for a run the other day and surprised the hell out of myself." Jackie stated, ducking under my jab.
"Oh? How so?" I questioned, blocking his return strike.
"I was clocking twenty-seven mph when at a full sprint." He continued, attempting to put me in a lock.
"That's good, it means that the bioware enhancement has settled successfully." I comment, countering by flipping him over on his back once again.
I glance over and watch V practicing against a sparing bot. She was favoring almost a kickboxing like style at the moment as she danced around the swings from the bot, eventually "downing" her opponent with a kick to the side of the bot's head.
"Good stuff V!" I call to her, as I help Jackie stand back up.
"Thanks. Hey Jack, I noticed your fighting style changed a bit in that last fight." She commented.
"Really? What changed?" Jackie asked.
"It was almost like you were incorporating something new the longer you fought Tavish. Before, you were just trying to use your boxing style to evade and outlast. Now, you're adapting to fights, as if trying to determine the most efficient way to take him down." She described.
"It's a really good skill to have in our profession. We just have to get you to do it quicker." I explain, tossing Jackie a towel.
[Flashback End]
Whenever I now read Jackie's stat block, it listed the progression of the skill. I'm really curious if I could teach someone something like the sprint skill. When I use sprint, I can easily break the sound barrier, so I wonder if anyone else could accomplish something similar if I taught the skill?
Something to test at a later date I suspect as my phone rings.
"Hello?" I answer the phone.
"Tavish? It's V." I hear her voice on the other end.
Hey V, what's up?" I ask.
"Want to go see a street race? I heard of a good one happening tonight starting in Kabuki." She questioned.
"Hell yeah I want to go. We taking my ride or yours?" I ask.
"We'll take mine. See you in an hour?" She returns
"Sure, see you then." I finish, hanging up the phone.
[Time Skip]
The Street race was wild to say the least.
Cars from all across Night City were entered for the competition. From the heavily modified nomad cars, to the hypercars of the rich kids, everyone was represented here.
A couple of police vehicles were parked off to the side, keeping an eye on traffic. They were heavily bribed beforehand to look the other way for the duration of the race.
V and I were currently walking around the cars before the start.
"Which one do you think Tavish?" V asked, taking a closer look at a nomad modified Quartz.
"Hard to say, but if I had to bet on it, I'd say the modified Mizutani Shion in red over there." I replied, gesturing at the car in question.
"Oh? Want to bet on it do you? Well, that can be arranged, I bet on this Quartz right here." She said with a grin.
"What are the stakes?" I ask, watching her grin widen even more.
"A favor to be called in for the victor." She stated.
"What kind of favor?" I ask suspiciously.
"I'll think of something." She said cryptically.
She had a mischievous look in her eye as I debated the pros and cons.
"Alright, it's a bet." I agree.
The announcer started ushering people out of the street as the drivers and their gunners climbed into their vehicles.
A standard street race had one driver and one gunner. The driver would race to make it to the finish after passing through all the check points, while the gunner would attempt to disable or slow down the other drivers. Bullet wounds were a common occurrence and death was not unheard of during these races.
The rules allowed for this, and anyone who signed up for these races basically agreed to put their life on the line.
Each driver was given a special shard that allowed them to see the charted route and listed locations and times for all the races in their division.
The announcer started the countdown causing the engines to start revving, and with a roar the racers took off.
Once they left, V and I quickly jumped into her car so that we could be at the finish line when they finished. This was easy to do thanks to how many twists and turns through the streets were included in the race.
V was still smiling when we got out at the finish. I'm beginning to feel like I've been had.
Sure enough, after a few minutes, the nomad Quartz came into view racing well ahead of the pack. The Mizutani Shion that I bet on wasn't even in fourth place as the Quartz crossed the finish line.
"Yes! Looks like you owe me Tavish." V said, cheering on her choice.
"Ok what did I miss? I know that Quartz shouldn't have done that much better than the Shion." I protest.
"Did you see the driver of the Shion? He was so strung out I was surprised he was able to get in his car. He shot up right before getting in." V informed causing me to swear.
"Goddammit! I thought he looked a little off, but I ignored it." I stated.
Thinking back on it, the driver was displaying characteristics of someone on Blue Glass.
Blue Glass was a hallucinogenic that was originally developed as a bioweapon. People who took it, often were reduced to catatonic states, staring at the pretty colors created by the drug. The worst function of the drug was that it literally reduced your intelligence with every dose. Fifteen doses were enough to reduce your average joe from standard intelligence, to a vegetable if taken consecutively.
"Well, it's your own fault. You should have taken a closer look at the drivers instead of their cars." V said smugly as we climbed back into her car.
"Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up." I grouse, causing her to laugh.
"Thanks for coming with me to watch the race Tavish." V said once she got her laughter under control.
"It was fun V, plus I enjoy spending time with you." I reply as my phone rings.
"Hey Jackie. What's up?" I said answering the phone.
"Are you and V at that street race that started in Kabuki?" He asked.
"Yeah, it just finished. Why?" I question.
"The Police have locked down Heywood. Nobody is entering or leaving, and the NCPD have cordoned off all of the bridges. Apparently, a cyberpsycho got loose from its prison transport and their trying to track him down." Jackie informed.
"Dang it, we're in Watson right now. I guess that rules out me going home tonight." I complain.
"Sorry Choom." Jackie finished, hanging up.
"You can stay with me tonight. My apartment is right here in Watson actually." V offered.
"Thanks V." I reply, accepting her offer.
She changes course, and a short time later, she parked her car in the garage of Megabuilding H8.
"So out of curiosity, why H8 V?" I ask, as we get into the elevator to go to her floor.
"Seemed like a good central spot. If I got called for a job, it wouldn't be too arduous to get to the job location." V explained, as we arrived at her floor.
She opened her apartment door and we stepped inside. The room had a few boxes scattered. You could clearly see that V wasn't done unpacking.
"Cozy." I comment, as V shuts the door.
"Yeah, I don't know how long I'll stay, but it will do for now." She commented, grabbing my hand and guiding me over to the sunken couch by her TV and switching it on.
"Did you want to compete in one of those races?" I ask, watching the media coverage of the race we were just at.
"Yeah. I would need a car and a partner for that though." She said with a sigh.
"You know I'd be your partner V." I volunteer.
"I don't know Tavish, could you handle the responsibilities that come with being my partner?" She said with a teasing note in her voice.
"Well, someone has to. Who knows what kind of trouble you'd get into if you were left to your own devices?" I tease back, causing her to blush.
"W-well then, I suppose you wouldn't mind me calling in that favor?" She asked, moving closer on the couch.
"What kind of favor are we tal-mphh" I didn't get to finish as V closed the remaining distance locking her lips onto mine.
I have to admit, it was an experience that I thoroughly enjoyed. I didn't really engage in relationships with any of my peers in AOT so this was a pleasant change of pace.
The kiss felt like it lasted a lot longer than it actually was, but it finally ended when V parted for air.
"That was amazing V." I reply, catching my breath.
"Good, because I'm nowhere near done calling in that favor." She stated, throwing her leg over my lap and pulling me in for another kiss.
[Time Skip]
V
Affection (100/100)
Obedience (40/100)
For reaching 100 affection with V, you gain a new perk
[A Nomads Tale]
Nomads and people who embrace the open road are right at home in your presence, increase affection gains with these people by 10%.
This notification appeared when I woke up this morning. One thing had led to another, and I had woken up entangled with V this morning. I felt her body pressed against me as she continued to sleep. Looking around the room, I could see some of my clothes scattered about and what looked to be V's shirt hanging from the ceiling fan.
I was broken out of my thoughts when I felt V stir against me.
"Morning." She mumbled sleepily, snuggling closer.
"Sleep well?" I ask.
"Mhmm. You serve as a good pillow." She stated, looking up at me.
"Thanks. What do you want to do today?" I ask, causing her to shift and stretch like a cat.
"Well I was thinking about taking my input out for breakfast as thanks for showing me such a good time last night, then go from there. She stated, placing a kiss on my cheek.
"Input? Is that what I am now? I question her with a grin.
"Mhmm. Probably a little late to be asking but would you be interested in fulfilling that role?" She asked, climbing out of the bed and headed towards the bathroom
"I could probably spare some time for the position." I reply, hearing the shower turn on.
"Good, now come in here. Paying for water here is almost as expensive as the apartment." She said coyly."
"Well, when you ask so nicely, how can I refuse?" I say standing up and head to join her in the shower.
[Interlude: Scav's in Space! Part 5]
100% oxygen
My impromptu hostage situation had taken another drastic turn.
A very rich resident had made an offer. He was a hotshot producer of some sort back on earth.
He offered to pay off all the damage, 750,000 eddies, a luxury apartment and a full chrome conversion. The trade off? I had to be fitted with a braindance recorder to star in his next hit TV show; Space Scav.
Honestly, it was a really good offer. It came with health benefits, a 401k, a company car, and free trips back and forth from space to earth. I was a little hesitant at first though.
When "Mr. Pearson" made the offer, he didn't mention what company he was with. So I was surprised when I received an actual contract from Diverse Media Systems, the premiere company for Braindances.
I signed without a second of hesitation.
Eddie and I were brought inside the station shortly afterwards where we parted ways, he went back to his job, and I went to the surgery center.
I even got to pick out what all I wanted in the way of cyberware. The corporation may own my ass now, but I have to admit, life is pretty good.
[Interlude 2: Info Flash]
"Hey, hey Night City! I'm Ruth Dzeng, and welcome to another Info Flash!"
"So the Tyger's have been removed completely from Night City. The rampage of the "Ghost of the Storm" has come to an end. But a new gang seems to have surfaced in the area."
"The locals have taken to calling them "Storm Spirits", a title accepted wholeheartedly by the gang."
"This gang isn't doing any of the usual activities suspected of the local gangs either. Instead, they seem to be running a legitimate security service for the locals in the district."
"The gang is going so far as to pay locals to clean-up the area and remove graffiti. Locals are commenting on the fact of this is the cleanest Jig-Jig Street has been in their lifetime."
"Now, you would think that a gang offering all of this goodwill to the community would have a dark side, right? Well, you wouldn't be far off."
"Any ex-Tygers that try to restart their previous activities are usually executed in the street, and if you're a rival gang muscling in on their territory, well, you've got a hell of a fight on your hands."
"Still, even with these violent activities to their name, crime rates have dropped in Night City by a staggering amount in the area thanks to the presence of the "Storm Spirits". When you see the presence of these elusive specter's, you know your in a safe area of Night City."
"Will they continue like this? Will they devolve into a worse gang than the Tyger Claws? Only time will tell. This is Ruth Dzeng, and I'll bring you more as the story develops.
Phrases and terms.
Chrome: Slang for cyberware
Input: Slang for Boyfriend/ significant other
Output: Slang for Girlfriend/ significant other
Shard: The 2077 equivalent of a data storage device.
Braindance: A braindance, commonly abbreviated to BD, allows the viewer to relive someone else's memory with all the senses, including emotions.
