The Soul Still Burns, Part Two

[dontrunawayfromliving]

Who: Sarah and OPEN
When: 13th Hour
Summary: Still hunting, but now there's a reason.
Warnings: Same as before.

A few days after the rescue team returns, Sarah sends out another broadcast. This time, it's from the Knight's Academy, where she stores her God Arc - which has undergone a transformation. Instead of a loose grouping of mechanical parts with no set theme, it now looks...almost organic, blood dripping down the length of the blade.

"Greetings. Those of you familiar with my God Arc might notice how she's changed - this is what happened after she ate all those Susano'o last week. I took the parts she didn't eat over to M.A.G.I. and they're pretty confident that with enough materials they'll be able to make more God Arcs. I'll be heading out into the city during the 13th Hour tonight to bring back more of the raw materials. I'd appreciate it if I could get some backup again."

With a courteous nod, she shuts off the COMP and prepares to head out. That night, during the 13th Hour, she can be found battling titanic creatures all over the city.

Comments

[istotesbatgirl]

Is it safe to make new ones? I mean yours got all creepy and blood drippy. I'll still help you fight I'm just a bit freaked out.

[dontrunawayfromliving]

"The literature is actually pretty clear on this - she's dripping blood because she's possessed. I can't fix this without fighting."

[empiricalpride]

Sending a brief audio reply - "I saw the delivery, but - I'd like to hear more about these... devices from their owner, if you wouldn't mind."

[dontrunawayfromliving]

"A God Arc is a living weapon crafted from the undamaged core of an Aragami. The gene mods necessary to wield an Arc are individualized - it's not a good idea to touch an Arc that isn't yours."

[empiricalpride]

"A living, unique, custom weapon - interesting. That would explain a lot," he finishes dryly.

[dontrunawayfromliving]

"Any interest in some field work? Might help figure things out if you see how they're intended to be used."

[empiricalpride]

A moment's pause, thought:

"Perhaps I could observe, at least."

[dontrunawayfromliving]

"I was under the assumption that would be the case, yes. You work at the MAGI labs, after all."

[empiricalpride]

"You are correct. Very well: where should I come to?"

[dontrunawayfromliving]

"Knight Academy in Aquarius district."

[empiricalpride]

"Very well."

And when the time comes, there'll be a shield-wielding scientist - although out of that lab coat for once - heading over.

[dontrunawayfromliving]

Sarah's waiting outside, God Arc held to the side. Judging from how...juicy the scene is, she's been waiting outside for a while - long enough, at least, for the blood dripping from her God Arc to get basically everywhere.

"Greetings."

[empiricalpride]

"Good evening." He nods back, and simply raises an eyebrow - he's seen plenty of mess in the laboratory, sure, but this isn't something that's entirely in his range of experience.
"Its own or that of enemies?"

[dontrunawayfromliving]

"...it's, uh...I'm not sure where it comes from, honestly. Database is pretty clear she'll keep doing this until the next upgrade."

[istotesbatgirl]

So if we keep fighting it will stop dripping blood. Count me in. Where are we headed?

[dontrunawayfromliving]

"We'll be hunting Amaterasu today, so it should be fairly simple - look for the three-story tentacle spider. I'll be starting from the Academy."

[empiricalpride]

Well, that's new. "...Interesting. Do you have a guide to how its development will progress, then?"

[dontrunawayfromliving]

A nod.

"The next stage of development, she'll be haunted by the screaming spirits of the dead. With the final upgrade, she'll subsume them and theoretically achieve full sapience."

[istotesbatgirl]

Cool, shouldn't be too hard to spot, just give me a minute to get to a high point.

[A few minutes later Misfit will call Sarah back.]

I found it!

[dontrunawayfromliving]

Sarah's already heading out, her Arc held to the side instead of slung over her shoulder.

"Location?"

[istotesbatgirl]

The park near the academy.

[When Sarah arrives Misfit is hanging back observing the monster.]

[dontrunawayfromliving]

Sarah eyes the Amaterasu from beside Misfit, pointing out various features.

"Vulnerable spots are the front set of tentacles, the statue, and the horns. Avoid the breasts; they're heavily armored. If you have lightning abilities, use them."

Switching over to Gun Mode, Sarah charges at the Aragami, discharging a long line of purple thunder at it from the newly-reconfigured gun.

[empiricalpride]

"Screaming spirits. I'll admit, I hadn't heard of that as a power source before." He hardly seems bothered by it, though. As for the rest? Not the first time he's run across the concept of a weapon with a mind of its own, after all...

[dontrunawayfromliving]

Before Sarah can quite reply, there's a massive thudding sound as a titanic monster hoves into view, looming over nearby buildings. Sarah regards it coolly.

"Deusphage Amaterasu, a mutation of Ouroboros. It's vulnerable to lightning if you feel like assisting, but I should be able to handle it."

Strength scan

[empiricalpride]

"Pleasant creature, isn't it?" he says, dryly.

Lightning - well, a Thunder spell would be an option, but he's going to investigate briefly if his more natural skills would affect it. "A scan, please, Daedalus?" he asks his Persona.