Galtea: Assist inner world access granted. Switching in 5...4....3.....2..
Back in his Nether World, Azul was amazed at how powerful it was. He was reminded about how last time he met Lluvia. Then he thought about when arrived the first time he arrived in this world. Next to him was Galtea in human form. She looked different this time.
Her hair was golden white like sunlight. Strong shoulders like a fighter but delicate facial features. She looked European descent for the most part. However, she now had a tan. Her clothing mimicked Azul's. The Cerebus Uniform from Mass Effect 2. But hers was a dark gray with white high lights. Her eyes were a dark blue with a weird shine. It reminded him of her mothers. Dangerous and calculating.
"You changed," Azul stated. "Looks good either way. Those eyes are nice."
"Thank you." Galtea smiled and moved around slowly. "Can you tell me what all happened. Try and say as you remember it."
The area took shape changing to match the memory. It was that of a digital space.
"Heh, this where I met Lluvia. I had searched around and fond nothing but the same old white and blue ripples. Plopping down on the floor??? I guess it was that. I looked around and down at my body it had changed a lot over the last few... years what the hell! I looked myself over surprised and weirded out." Azul looked to Galtea who nodded.
"Not too far from me a shimmer of white light denser than the surroundings flared up in front. The shape took the form of a humanoid that shrinks down. It changes again in a few seconds after that." Azul said trying to remember more." He rubbed his temples. "Ugh it was .. disorienting."
"Take your time my User," Galtea said coming over rubbing his back in a soothing motion. "We have to do this."
"Right," Azul said getting his bearings. "At least I thought its a few seconds. The more I look at it, the more uneasy I began to feel. As it changes into a female at about 6ft flat, biotic strands float towards me from it. It impressed that I should kneel in front of it. I could feel my legs begin to move in a kneeling position, changing from my sitting position I found my self on the ground."
Galtea watched and looked at the forming image.
"A good strong build woman was in front of me. Everything about her told me she could just end me with her thoughts alone. The clothes looked like the Major from Ghost in the shell... back ramrod straight fair cheekbones, beautiful long brunette hair that shined. Golden eyes that could burn away a person's soul. Felt like I was in the presence of a new star from the info that poured in from the Lifeshaper knowledge." Azul looked at the two images.
Galtea nodded for him to continue.
"I couldn't help asking myself," Azul said watching the interaction of the two. "Why couldn't I look away... what was this. I felt insignificant like a mere dust particle. Felt like a damn toy to be used and discarded at her leisure." He turned and smiled at Galtea. "You put up a big front you know that?"
"Heh, I had to." Galtea said chuckling.
"Right. I remember taking a Willpower Check. I received a 22 I believe. I passed and things changed. My head started to clear up, something was really wrong there. Faint whisper's played around in my head. I tried hard to focus but I got nothing."
"Your psycho power. Shuch a strong power." Galtea said watching the interaction.
"Yeah and now its gone. Changed into something else. The same as me." Azul said rubbing his arm. He felt insecure before he snapped out of it. He remembers what he told himself. That it would be ok. "Then you started talking."
"Welcome User or do you prefer to be called Azul. How do you like your new position in life. I think it suits you. Kneeling before your betters gazing up at the world taking orders.. what do you think?" Azul frowned. "You were very eh then. You said to me coldly."
"Hah, you snapped then." Galtea said wrapping around him. "What did you say again? Say it."
"How fucking dare you do this to me! You mutherfucker I trusted you and you pull this." Azul said mouthing the same as the young version of him. "I yelled at her with all I could. My knees were on the ground my chest was planted on it as well. I was in the position of someone begging for there life. I have never been in that kind of position before, and I did not like it one bit. Felt like I was chained up and had no control my anger was rising my desire to fight free from whatever this was building."
"So angry." Galtea frowned. "I also loved it. You had such a strong fire. It was hard pushing it. So hard without causing you to break." She rubbed her shoulder on Azul and mouthed the words of her self into his ears. "I figure we should have a talk now," Galtea said as she gestures her hand out towards him before running it down her body. "How do you like the body? You paid for it with your points. I haven't felt so good in so long. Wanna take it for a ride before your soul is snuffed out."
"Yeah, another test of my self. It was easy to resist at that time." Azul said to Galtea. "But now not so much. You know I won't let you get away right? None of you unless I feel you will be happier." Galtea biotic strands hit him hard. It was what she wanted to here from him. She nudged for him to continue. "Right the check I failed. Willpower Check 16 Charisma Check 13."
"So stubborn," Galtea said as she moved her hands on his chest. The Triforce power between the two glowing in power. "Continue."
"Uh-huh, I will try," Azul said feeling the connection between the two strengthen. He looked back at the past versions of them. "You know me I am not that kind of guy. What the hell is this?! Thought we had a deal here.!" Biotic strands had moved around in a vortex. "I didn't take my eyes off you. Trying to figure out what the hell was going on at the time. More biotic strands fed into me. I was getting so much information."
"Take them now as well with the memory," Galtea said as she whispered.
Azul nodded and did so. "The voices were jumbled up but became readable. Do not give in. Fight against it all. Everything is not as it seems. You cannot fail here. Are you such an idiot? The strands spoke so instant to me. You cheered me on. Even then you cheered me on." Azul gripped her arm tightly on his.
The younger Galtea moved her hands a little. She manifests a chair and sat down before starting up again. "Let me tell you a story. Well, it's not like you have much of a choice in the matter."
"I am gonna fucking kill you! You hear me.. My voice was cut off with a wave of your finger. I felt my jaw break and my teeth shatter." Azul felt his actual jaw hurt as he recounted it. "Another test Fortitude Check 26 Willpower Check 11." Azul shook his head. "How I wished I failed them both."
"You didn't need to pass but you did half that one," Galtea said.
"Yeah, then you told me your story," Azul said softly. You told me.. Listen to my story User. You did agree to talk remember. Where was I .. ah yes countless centuries I laid broken.. damaged beyond belief fading slowly into nothingness. After giving my power to my mother to hunt down some traitors and other individuals, I was ambushed in a world after a friend lead me there." Azul gave her hand a rub. "Your tone Galtea, your tone became more downcast at that last sentence."
"A painful memory. Still is." Galtea said rubbing his arm back.
"I did not like where the story was going. Also, I did not like my predicament either. Searching around with my eyes I notice this place seemed bigger somehow. Images started to fade in and out around me. The world reflected everything."
Galtea shook the memory away and decided to say the part her self. "I thought my friend betrayed me, it turns out they were killed and enslaved to get me out to the location. Beaten to near death and broken, my Cloud Knights lay around me dying. All I felt was despair the price of my kindness cost me my closest friends and family. And so much more. The enemy I was fighting against was my very Own User."
"Stop I will say it for you," Azul said giving her a quick peck on the cheek. He then continued talking slowly. "I watched as you struggled with everything. Your hands Galtea were the worst. You clenched your hands at that statement with your head held down. They kept releasing power and breaking and repairing themselves. I could see tears falling down slowly from your face. Your body started breaking apart."
"Your biotic strands were flowing out constantly now. I want to help you but.. after what you did that to me.. I want to crack your head open like a gasaga mellon. My thoughts started to turn violent and depressed in equal measure. I felt unsure."
"I know. I replayed my part of the memory several times over and over. When I thought I was pushing you to hard." Galtea said. "It helped me to push you forward more and more brutally."
"You then continued your story. I couldn't concentrate from the vast amounts of biotic strands that came my way. After the next batch hit me, I realize I was getting tested but not by you. But by The System itself. I don't know what it was planning but.. my time was running short. I either got it togethor or something worst."
"You shouldn't have been able to do what you did," Galtea said. Her hands tightening as Azul continued their story.
"Your emotions Galtea, your biotic strands turned purple, black, and green. I started becoming sick. Felt my body begin to fall apart as well. Whatever was going, was killing you and now me it seemed. I would have gritted my teeth, but with them, all having been shattered that would not have ended well."
"Heheh, sorry about that," Galtea said sheepishly. "It gave you a much needed power boost."
"Yeah, it did," Azul said pulling her back to him. She had floated away a little bit from seeing the interaction of the other two. "Nu-uh, stay as you are. Now where was I? I remember, you said .... I was born with strong levels of power. Some thought I should use it to rule... I did not. Instead, I used it to save your kind, The User's. Galtea your story was pretty fucking long, depressing, and normally I wouldn't mind listening however after finding out what was going on, I lost it. I let go of any chances of my survival currently. I completely gave in to the feelings of the biotic strands."
"It defintely helped," Galtea said rubbing her face against his cheek. "It helped a lot." She pulled back and put her head back on his shoulder.
"Yeah it did. I then focused my Mental Suppression, Soul Power/Psycho Power, and Psychic power all at you. Activating Lv2 135/150 Adrenaline Rush on myself to give me a slight boost while everything else was put into Lv2 1221/3000 Mental Cleansing that was directed at you."
"You then yelled at me. Instead of freeing yourself. You freed me." Galtea said smiling happily. Your biotic strands were so powerful then. You put so much into it." She squeezed Azul's again. "Say what you said."
"Galtea! Wake the fuck up! I roared out as a physic manifestation of a sword appeared and turned into a three-headed dog and charged at you after absorbing all my power." Azul chuckled a little. "The blade made it right at your forefront and stopped in the grasp of your fingertips. There was clapping coming from somewhere."
"Good job, a voice said. I couldn't tell who it was talking to. As my head was face first in the ground. I barely had enough straight to open my eyes. As I peeked out some black light was around you pouring out. You wobbled back and forth before steadying yourself."
"Argh, dammit I don't wanna do this again. You Galtea, mumbled while rubbing your head. When you looked at me, you raised your hand and I felt good as new. You walked over and offered your hand to help me up. You had a frown on your face. I took it as, you noticed how pissed I was. Especially as you tried to explain."
"Before you get angry young man. Take note she only agreed to the test. She figured you would pass it. She was right on that account. She did not know what the test would ensue. Also, she was not in control of her self. I controlled her, she was pushed to a sub-level as a passenger if you will. I used her thoughts and by extension what you experienced in life to bring you to a high emotional state. I assure you it was to your benefit. Allow me to introduce my self. I am The System." Azul stopped and rubbed his head. He then looked to the side to see the actual Trickster standing to the side.
Both had a smug look on their faces. They both said in a neutral tone as it floated not far away from him and Galtea. "Do continue, the real Trickster said."
Azul nodded and did just that. "So what was the point of this! I was pissed my biotics were beginning to flare back up. I pointed at you Galtea. You know my inner thoughts. Did you think this would go well with me?"
"It was a bad idea that worked." The real Galtea said.
"The System snapped his fingers drawing our attention back towards him. Listen child she did not know what would happen. If it makes you feel better she did it for your sake as well as her own as well as mine. Here, let's make you feel what she felt maybe that will fix your tactless self. He then forced your thoughts and feelings into me and needless to say, I threw up and felt like shit. He did not just give me her feelings of what she did to me, but also what she felt during her ordeal."
"I didnt know about that part." The real Galtea said. She looked angrily at the Trickster. "That could have killed him. Or caused him to auto delete. Does your daughter Lluvia know?"
"Nope. I would not tell her that. It is part of my job but she would have most likely lost it." The Trickster said with a frown. "I will tell her in a bit. Do continue."
"After I don't know how long for, I was out cold. Galtea was sitting on a porch my head on her lap. She had a very peaceful look. I started to open my mouth to talk but she cut me off...Do not speak my User, we will talk about that another time. The System has much to tell us. Galtea turned away from me and looked outward. I followed her gaze to you."
The Trickster smiled a little. "Your memory is growing stronger."
"There was a man in a black tuxedo. Old school with tails and all that flapped in the wind. He had a top hat on, a cane as well. He stood tall as he sipped lemonade ..through a faceless white mask. The hell he looked just like..." Azul paused and felt his head hurt a little. "You then identify why you looked that way... I know I look like the Trickster. Galtea told me about him from your imagination and I took this form. Considering how this form inspires both fear and respect from you, I decided to take it as my standard appearance for your comfort I know how people do not like talking to smog creatures. The Trickster said all of this in a neutral tone. But as the conversation went on I could tell emotion started to flow into his speech."
"You shouldn't have been able to notice any of the emotions." The real Trickster said. "Inkling of your power then and there." He moved his head side to side for a moment. "Do continue."
Azul nodded and continued. "On to business, about the years I lost. Soon as The Trickster started to talk about this, I tried to sit up only to be forced back down into my previous position by Galtea."
The real Galtea pulled Azul up with her power and floated him to a chair she created. "Sit and talk." Shen then sat down on him and pulled his hand around her. "Favorite position."
Azul smiled and narrated the part of the Trickster speaking. "It was not our doing. Someone else has tried there hand in our affairs. Our enemies are making there move. It seems.. you paused and started to gather your thoughts before continuing. I have done all that I am allowed to do with the interference from them. I have given you more points and power. The strongest Operator birthed in a long time is with you. She may not have the power levels like before, but she has access to new abilities. She also has all the new abilities of the newer Operators. Also with the points, she was given along with the ones you were given she was able to forge a new body that will grow stronger."
"This time I have used it to remodel my self. I have more traits of my father now. Just my hair and skin tone." The real Galtea said. She looked up at Azul and felt him through the connection. He was happy for the change but felt she didnt need it. "You are changing so I am changing."
"Hate to interrupt, but do continue." The Trickster said.
"Right," Azul said. "I said ...Won't they become aware of a User with more points than normal? I couldn't help but question. You responded with.. Not necessarily the game council or the Administration will not know about my points that I received. Galtea mother had followed your advice and is hunting those who may be working with others. She has covered your missions with bonus rewards by increasing the difficulty on her end. With her watching what you do, she can check without arousing suspicion. Them targeting her daughter was a bad idea she is a force to be reckoned with hehe. You chuckled darkly."
"She is safe yes?" Galtea asked. "Nevermind, continue Azul."
"So where does that leave me? This seems like some high-level shit. I am really bad at the stealthy stuff and I am pretty straightforward not good for a spy. So what do you need me for? What could they use a damaged hothead like me for?" Azul said remembering everything clearer and clearer. "Her mother is fine in this world right now right?"
"Yes." The Trickster said smiling. He gestured for Azul to continue.
"I felt Galtea drum my forehead gently. I looked up to see her staring at me. She then said...Your purpose is the same as most Users but a little more. Gather forces for the war. I will help as I can. Your souls are twisted enough to help Galtea change her ways into a fighter and not a docile sheep. You, The Trickster paused at that. You then apologized... I am sorry my dear I didn't mean anything by it."
The real Galtea spoke her parts next. "It is quite alright. My new User will either help me get vengeance or justice. We will do our part isn't that right my User? I looked at you and stroked your forehead. Just like I am doing now." She didnt stop.
"Hmm, well my body is fine so I don't see a reason why I shouldn't help. Long as my body doesn't die in my world I will do my part. I may screw up but I will try my best I said to both of as confidently as I could." Azul said but then he remembered. "My body died a little later though. And my soul and memories were taken and given to the Eldar for them to test me. To judge me." His anger flared up and started to twist his thoughts before Galtea stop him with a kiss.
"Dont go back to that." She said as she looked at him. "You are not going to the Eldar this time. We have it worked out. Just relax." She stroked his cheek until Azul calmed down. "Continue reciting. You are almost done."
"I can say this part." The Trickster said. "Splendid my boy. I will do all I can to help you. I will send those I can your way without arousing suspicion. I stood up and dust myself off. I told you about your inner space has grown quite vast. A little torture goes a long way to opening one up. That and a smack from a friend hehe, I chuckled like so before disappearing and then reappeared right in front of you and Galtea."
"My inner space has grown a lot bigger as well. Way more than what it was previously." Azul said looking around. "This is absolutely bonkers. Is this because of everything I saw again?"
"That and your dream," Galtea said. "Your changing faster than before. Your synchro went up another notch. Dangerously so. No worry this time. I sent your soul to several places this time." She had a beaming smile. "I love logistics so much better than mentally torturing you. So does Lluvia."
"Do not forget, I paired her up with you for she can get justice for what happened to gain her revenge. Also, they are attacking Users. Your body is in better condition and living your life as per usual. Also has a new job so congrats on that. If you wanna know how you got here a fraction of your soul was left behind in your original body and the remainder of your soul was brought here. Usually, only some of a user's soul is gathered taking only a balanced portion of it. Your soul strength was too strong compared to a typical User and that created an issue." The Trickster stopped reciting and paused for a bit. "What do you want to do to your body this time? If we mess with it, the stragglers might catch wind of it."
"Leave it. That experience I will need. It helped me for a while." Azul said.
The Trickster nodded. "On your transfer to your first place, the chunk of your soul was then scattered to different places and combined with individuals a User would normally take the role of. In your current case, you are an orphan with Commander John Shepard. Shepard is a reincarnated version of himself he has become quite powerful. He has been approached by the enemy but it seems he has not joined him. Be careful with him, he has gathered a lot of power. Galtea can fill you in other things I have something to go take care of bye," he disappeared in a blink after that.
"End of the memory." Galtea said waving her hand. "Well no need for the visuals anymore.
System: User's have been given item's all across the expanse. Receiving... Avatar creation... Operator has taken and locked away.
"It cant be used right now and is to dangerous for you to carry. Also, we received point boosts." Galtea said.
Azul nodded. He rubbed his head "Sorry about what happened before. So what the hell happens now? Are we gonna have a problem? Was this all you wanted to talk about?"
"Think you for agreeing to help first of all. Now you go on your quests like before. More ground work has been laid down. The groundwork for a lot of things. No there is something else. I am sorry about you becoming a Pather. That is my fault as well, it awakened when we started the synch up if you forgot. Usually an ability like that would not awaken until you were like level 60 or so. But with your abilities and the synch up, it awakened in a pseudo form. Not this time though. It is fully awakened and evolving." Galtea said timidly as she closed her eyes.
"I see well I guess I should get started. Seems like it will help." Azul looked aroung at his inner world. "So my inner world was a porch.. what the hell? Still cant get over it at times. I am souch a hick."
"Hah! No, my User, it is so much more. When you reconnected and get the pieces of your soul again it will look so different. Also as you gain strength it will change so do not worry. Ah! good news check this out." Galtea created a translucent panel and showed it to him. She had a bright smile on her face.
In the panel, it showed Azuls original self. Working a new job going on with his life. So that was a plus. It was refreshing seeing it again. He felt the old soul oh himself memories stir a little.
"Thanks, good see." Azul said before moving the screen away and looking at her. "I rather look at you though. Lets just talk for now."
"No problem my User. Glad to make you happy." Galtea said as she started to hum and look at the vast sky.
For a week they just talk, burning up Azul's excess energy while his mind healed and adjusted. They went over the things he didnt notice before and what they will change in the future. When the others make it back Galtea will inform them all of what happened.
"Time to go back. Enough lazy time now." Galtea said. "Back to work."
"Huh you know it is ok for you to do things to make yourself happy you know? I said it before and I mean it again." Turning up and looking at the sky. It was vastly beautiful. A digital field to the left. A Hyrule to the right. "I hope this place stays safe this time."
"You sure about that?" Galtea asked from his lap. "There is so much we can do. A little hero works this time maybe?" Her biotic strands were pleading as she sent them all out.
"Well yeah, I don't see why not," AzuI looked down and was cut off as she kissed him on the lips. "That was a surprise. A pleasant one. OK, we will do some good hero stuff. I promise to give them a better chance before I go super killy killy mode on them."
"Good. Don't regret what you said ok." Galtea said cheekily as she starts to vanish. "You have five minutes to check on on the others. They are back from that mission."
"That was different," Azul said before returning. He was back in the lab working on the finishing touches of the armor and weapons. The Merchant and Fusionist were both knocked out sleeping on the tables. He picked up Cassandra and brought her to a rack and tucked her in.
Going back he picked up the Leandra and laid her down on his own bed. He would have put her in the other one but it was occupied with some kid. He searched his memories and remembered it was Giro.
After getting them all situated he checked on Rayna. Vitals all good to go. Placed some nutrient packets near her and some freshwater. She looked good and vitals were strong. Checked his Omni-tool, he had have been at it for a few days along with everyone else.
Checked his emails he had an audio message from someone called Lynx. The moment he clicked on it he received a quest update. Lynx was one of the codenames of Miranda. Her other one was Coyote.
Reaper Node: Personal contact Miranda Lawson... updating entering stage 3.
Reward: Companion points +100 Miranda Lawson +135
Lynx: Heard you ran into some trouble on the Citadel Sstray. I pulled some strings to help put you back in the grace of the Alliance. It isn't much but we use to be part of them back in the day. What else is it that you need? Services don't come cheap even with a discount... and I am really busy with my new project.
'Well damn it. Hmm, don't really know what I am supposed to do here. Fuck it might as well get in better with a few Cerebus people. Help lay groundwork for when this place transitions for the future. Let's send this.
Azul: You know I can't stray too far away Lynx. Let's just say I have some new intel for you. Dont forget to check on the one call Nikolett. He is getting all buddy-buddy with a Mr.Lawson. Something evolving with some girls. Sounds creepy to me. Figure you may want to get ahead of something like this. I am heading to Feros if you know anyone looking for some "material" from there let me know. Stay safe, oh before I forget I am working a genetic modification I ran into some personal trouble. Send me info on what you have on Quarians and on Asari. If your info on cellaur breakdown is available mind sharing it? Always thinking bad thoughts about you, sincerely Sstray.}
'Seems personal as well as business-related I think. Bass send this encrypted and only accessible by the individual who sent it. Also, include some things you think will help.'
'Of course, NetOp. Sending at once.' His voice still cold as he responded.
"Alright I need to check on the others. That mission couldnt have been easy since it took so long." Azul walked out to the other rooms. 'Cant believe I was gone for a day in my inner world. But then again she was explaing some things as well.'