http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum Simple:Press Forum Version 4.0.4 http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/page-2/#p206 Galbadian Empire Forum http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/page-2/#p206   Chapter 2: Cadence and Cascade
    The feeling was definitely mutual Roland thought as he remained seated on the edge of his bunk as Lyner attempted to stand only to find himself returned to his own bunk moments later.
   ” I'm with you, I'm starting to feel a little better, let's try to find someone, that doctor maybe. ” Roland replied as he tried to stand, feeling his legs wobble as he put his weight on them.
Roland stood pat for several moments, not attempting a step, just trying to regain his composure before moving towards the door. Feeling that some of the uneasiness had passed he carefully took a step towards the door, his hand anchoring his to his bunk for stability as he took one step after another. Letting his hand drop from the bunk Roland took another step forward, lurching towards the door which he caught with the weight of his body. Feeling for the controls Roland braced himself as the door slid open with a woosh of air revealing a familiar hallway looking down towards the center of the Garden. There seemed to be much activity, many people walking fast in both directions down the corridor.
   ” Hey what's going on?! ” Roland found himself asking inquistively as he stood woobling in the doorway.
   ” The SeeD's are mobilizing to take back Dollet! ” A random young medical aide replied as he walked by.     —
OOC Talk:
—     ]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2017 14:32:29 +0000 http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/page-2/#p204 Galbadian Empire Forum http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/page-2/#p204 While waiting for Roland to come to his senses Lyner continued to rub at his temples, in the hope of soothing the mind-breaking headache, but to little avail. Under different circumstances he might have found it impossible not to laugh until his sides split at Roland's antics, but right then all he could muster was a half-hearted chuckle. "I'm not sure," he replied heavily, while flexing his hands as if unsure they would move. This newfound sense--no, was that the right way to put it? It seemed to be more that his other senses were wider now, able to feel what had been just out of reach before--had left his entire body feeling almost alien to him. "but I'd like to find out." Lyner declared warily as he made an effort to get to his feet. Once he was standing upright the room seemed to twist and turn madly, and he fell back onto the bed with a thump. "I feel like a malboro just breathed right in my face, how about you?"
]]> Wed, 23 Aug 2017 12:26:00 +0000 http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/page-2/#p202 Galbadian Empire Forum http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/page-2/#p202   Chapter 2: Cadence and Cascade
    The sunlight spilled through the smoke and ruins of blasted out buildings. Roland gazed across the razed landscape then looked down at his hands, they were familiar but seemed distant, he recognized them as a child's hands, but they were his. Around him no sounds seemed to penetrate, it was a like a void until something pierced the wall of silence. It was far off, his heart began to race as subconsciously he recognized the voice immediately. His head turned, following the call of his name. He fought the urge to go after it, for he knew what he would find at the end of the search, the same thing he always found.
   ” HUH! NO! ” Roland shot up as the pillow struck him, and promptly slid from the small bunk onto the cool metallic floor of the dorm. He was disoriented, it took Roland several moments to fully awaken and recall the events of the day prior, though it all seemed distant and unreal even then.
   ” Where, where are we? ” Roland stuttered as he looked around, his eyes finally settling on Lyner, who looked like he had been put though a blender, it dawning on him that he probably looked just as bad, hell he felt it.
Slowly pulling himself up he slid into a sitting position on the edge of the bunk, pulling his legs and feet over so he could face Lyner, feeling every ache and pain as he did so. Instinctively Roland reached for the back of his neck, feeling the well placed gauze that protected his wound. It had all begun to come back, and for the first time he wondered what would happen next.     —
OOC Talk:
—     ]]> Thu, 30 Mar 2017 18:42:43 +0000 http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/page-2/#p200 Galbadian Empire Forum http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/page-2/#p200 Lyner was more than a little out of it after the procedure, struggling to hold onto consciousness. Inevitably he would eventually slip out of awareness at some point, only for it to return again soon after. This continued for some time as other soldiers were escorted to the stage to undergo the same procedure. It was a strange experience, for Lyner would slip away as one soldier took his place in the chair, only for another to be sitting there by the time he returned to his senses. When at last it was over there were people helping him to his feet, escorting them they way they had come in. On the way out Lyner finally let it go and was lost to sleep.
A strange sense of comfort washed over him, not unlike that of his own bed at home. It was that thought that brought him to his senses, bolting upright eyes darting about the room warily. Then reality struck him with a hammer, the overwhelming sensations of his newfound sixth sense assaulting him in a storm of sensory input. Lyner let out a groan of discomfort, rubbing either temple in an attempt to soothe the pain. "This is going to take some getting used to." It was then that he realized Roland was there on the bed opposite him, still sound asleep. With a sigh he took hold of the pillow he had been lying upon moments ago and threw it at his partner. "Roland, wake up already!"
]]> Mon, 27 Mar 2017 11:40:13 +0000 http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/page-2/#p198 Galbadian Empire Forum http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/page-2/#p198   Chapter 2: Cadence and Cascade
    The experience of watching Lyner seemed somewhat out of body, his own mind placing himself in that seat now watching the same events that had just occurred to himself. Roland did his best to focus and listen, but the tingling sense of a new world was present all around him, it was like a static charge in the air and he could not ignore it. Time seemed to move faster and before he was aware of it Lyner was once again by his side. Roland's eyes wandered to his long time friend, meeting them with a sense of wonder and amazement at the possibilities that lay ahead of them now, knowing that nothing would ever be the same again. Suddenly Roland seemed to recognize that much time had passed, the weight of this settling on his mind as one after another soldiers walked to the stage and were escorted back until none was left.
   ” As you have all seen today, the future of our country is promising and soon we will meet SeeD on the battlefield as equals! Now please friends escort these fine soldiers to the nearby dorms so they can rest. ” Jarin was saying as Roland's eyes glanced back towards him and he felt the helping hands lift him up leading he, Lyner, and the others back the way they had come.     —
OOC Talk:
We'll wake up more aware and refreshed in the dorms.     ]]> Fri, 17 Mar 2017 10:37:24 +0000 http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/page-2/#p195 Galbadian Empire Forum http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/page-2/#p195 Lyner moved toward the stage upon the doctor's affirmation without a word, and only bore a wide grin at his friend's excited words. As he came up on the stage proper he cast his gaze out to the audience and felt a brief moment of stage fright before he shook it off and moved to the seat where Roland had previously sat. With a deep breath he mentally prepared himself as he reclined into the chair to the best of his ability.|
While he waited the doctors around him began to work, preparing the various instruments for the procedure. Once that was done they went about attaching several wires to his form, and slid an IV into his arm. Whatever was inside of that IV quickly began drag at his consciousness, his senses starting to lose focus as it coursed through his system. Lyner was happy to simply let the drugs do their work, and before long he faded into sleep.
Every breath seared through his lungs like fire, every step a pained one. All throughout the field the sounds of conflict rang out. Lyner fired off several shots from his pistol before ducking to the side just as a ball of fire devastated the ground he had previously stood upon. Searching for the source of the spell lead him to a child, no more than fourteen or fifteen. Even as he raised his pistol he knew he didn't have the heart to take that shot....
A sudden, blissful return to the waking world freed him from reliving the events that would follow. Lyner cautiously leaned forward in the chair, vaguely aware of a dull ache in the back of his neck. Something was clearly different, almost as if he were just now viewing the world as it truly was.
Strange as the feeling was he decided to put it aside for now, and glanced over to the Wendigo. The only way he could think to describe it was that he felt the beast as much as saw it. Delving into that feeling he found something there, and instinctually he reached out and pulled on it.
A blue streak of light burst from the beast and tore through the air before it crashed into him. Lyner could feel what he had just drawn from the beast within him, and cast a wide grin at Roland. Afterwards the staff began escorting him back to his seat, next to Roland.
]]> Sat, 28 Jan 2017 20:27:52 +0000 http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/page-2/#p194 Galbadian Empire Forum http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/page-2/#p194   Chapter 2: Cadence and Cascade
    Roland's mind slowly cleared of the fog that had settled on him as he was under anesthesia, the new sensations dulling, though still accessible to him. Though only minutes had passed he had come to recognize the true power of this advancement and as his gaze shifted from the action around him back to the ground he simply nodded at Lyner who had leapt from his seat much as Roland had done minutes before.
   ” Of course soldier, please make your way onto stage. ” Jarin had acknowledged Lyner. ” Doctors please help our first subject up and return him to his seat. ” Jarin continued, turning back to face his staff.
Roland was helped to his feet by one of the aides, his legs feeling somewhat weak after the ordeal.
   ” It's amazing, just amazing. ” Roland said to Lyner as the aide helped him down the stairs, leading him slowly back to his original seat in the front row.
Roland sake low in the chair as the aide released him, feeling his weight pushing him down. His eyes quickly darted back to the stage, to the towering Dr. Jarin, and to his friend and mentor Lyner who was about to undergo the same eye-opening experience as he. In that moment Roland knew that nothing would ever be the same again.     —
OOC Talk:
feel free to RP the experience for Lyner yourself.     ]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2017 19:21:01 +0000 http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/page-2/#p191 Galbadian Empire Forum http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/page-2/#p191    Lyner unthinkingly met Roland's gaze, and saw the questions pass through his sight. At that moment Lyner cursed his doubting nature, if only for giving the young man cause for concern when it was already far too late to withdraw--not that they truly had a choice in the matter given their status as soldiers. Thankfully the doctor was quick to catch Roland's attention, starting preparations for the procedure. Lyner watched intently as the IV was slid into Roland's arm and secured with a strip of tape.
   Several other doctors moved about the chair, connecting various wires and adjusting the height of the seat. In the middle of Jarin's speech Roland seemed to drift off to sleep, and Lyner wondered to himself if a better man than he would have done everything in his power to stop his friend from going up there in the first place.
   Jarin gave the order to start the procedure before moving to the stage's edge, moving across the length of it to make contact with the audience. When their eyes met Lyner realized his own expression was a strange mix at best: concern for Roland's safety, self-loathing, and anticipation for the results all brewed together into a volatile cocktail clearly painted across his face.
It was then that Jarin asked the audience to wait while they brought out a fiend, and involuntarily Lyner tensed up at the announcement. Monsters were extremely dangerous, whether they were caged or not. Suddenly he felt rather naked without his weapons holstered on either hip.
   When his friend began to stir thoughts of the monster were set aside without a second thought, however, as relief washed over him. It was difficult to tell from this far away, but from the look of things Roland appeared to be in a daze. Lyner understood why he might be a bit out of it though, given the methods and nature of the procedure. When they finally returned with the caged beast, a wendigo from the look of it, the tension from before returned. Strangely enough the creature appeared to be rather docile. Lyner tried to follow the conversation as Jarin spoke to Roland, but found the entirety of it to be beyond his understanding.
   At the same time Jarin raised his hand into the air and the lights began to dim, a brilliant blue stream of light erupted from the Wendigo and was absorbed into Roland. Before he knew it Lyner was on his feet, staring at his friend with a mixture of shock and amazement. A second later his sense returned to him, a vaguely sheepish feeling with it. Lyner couldn't help but think he must look like an idiot, bursting to his feet as he had and simply gawking at the scene.
   "I-I know you haven't asked, sir, but with what we've just seen... I request the opportunity to undertake the procedure as soon as possible!" As the words spilled from his lips Lyner was as surprised as anyone else, but all the same he knew it was what he wanted. What he had just witnessed truly was one of the abilities of SeeD, and he knew beyond the shadow of a doubt what had to be done.
]]> Mon, 23 Jan 2017 11:14:47 +0000 http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/page-2/#p190 Galbadian Empire Forum http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/page-2/#p190   Chapter 2: Cadence and Cascade
    Roland leered deep into the eyes of his mentor, having long ago learned to read the man's usually subtle emotions. He could see the worry and for a moment he questioned his decision, a feeling that was quickly forgotten when Jarin drew his attention.
   ” Please, just relax if you can. ” Jarin said as he placed his cool hand on Roland's arm before signally his aides to start an IV drip.
Roland nodded as he looked up at Dr. Jarin, the man seemed very relaxed which helped to calm Roland's sudden instinct towards flight, even as the needle slid into his vein and was secured via a slip of tape.
   ” Okay. ” Roland managed to reply, watching as the other doctors started to move around him, connected wires and making adjustments to the height of the mechanical chair.
   ” Now, everyone as you will see shortly we've developed this technology to make a quick injection into the subject's Hippocampus which will allow him to access a deeper level of psycho-sensory environments. ” Jarin's words began to swirl as Roland felt an undeniable sleep rushing over him, his eyes becoming too heavy to hold open.” Now, the subject has been anaesthetised. Doctors please start the procedure. ” Jarin continued to speak as he walked back towards the edge of the stage, moving along it to make contact with all of the audience.
   ” The implant itself is done via a long needle built into the base of the chair which will move past the brainstem and leave the device embedded in the subject. All of our tests have proven it to be quite safe, in fact they doctors should have already finished. Doctors? ” Jarin looked back and got the nod of approval from his staff. ” The subject should awaken within five minutes or so, while we wait please bring out the fiend. ” Jarin said as he motioned to one of his staff.
As Roland began to awaken, he could feel a stabbing pain in his neck, as if his nerves were on fire. He could hear the movement rushing around him, the heavy thud of footsteps, the squeak of caster wheels as the staff rolled out a large steel cage which held inside of it a docile wendigo, it's lush olive fur spilling through the bars. As Roland opened is eyes he could almost 'feel' the creature's presence, like some part of him was connected to it on a baser level.
   ” Ah good, he's awake. Son, I know this must be alarming but tell us can you feel that creature? ” Jarin asked, putting an emphasis on the word feel. Roland could only nod, his lips still felt heavy his mouth numb. ” Good, concentrate on that feeling, dig a little and you might find something unusual. ” Jarin was now smiling to the crowd, waiting for what he knew was about to occur.

Roland listened, feeling the closeness of the fiend as Jarin had said, he pushed against it and suddenly it was like the doors had been kicked open, splintering through his mind. He could sense this creatures aura, it's magical energy, no words in his own mind could even formulate what that meant. Digging has he had been told it's as if his mind clasped that energy and pulled it out. The lights dimmed with a wave of Jarin's hand as the blue streaks started to dash from the steel cage towards Roland, one at a time the energy flowing from the wendigo into his own body.     —
OOC Talk:
—     ]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2017 18:37:42 +0000 http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/#p187 Galbadian Empire Forum http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/#p187 When his companion eagerly declared his willingness to participate in the demonstration, Lyner could only shift uncomfortably. Even if this procedure would truly make them superior to SeeD, the fact that Doctor Jarin hadn't announced any risks (or given any real detail as to what the procedure entailed) stuck out like a sore thumb to Lyner. Such apprehension did nothing to spur him into action however; it was Roland's choice, and Lyner was of the same mind as his friend. Only concern for Roland's safety left him with any real concern over this new development, but he pushed the thought out of mind to the best of his ability. This was the best course of action to the benefit of all, so when Roland stared down at him Lyner simply offered his partner a confident grin and hid any worry he might have.
]]> Fri, 20 Jan 2017 16:10:11 +0000 http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/#p186 Galbadian Empire Forum http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/#p186   Chapter 2: Cadence and Cascade
       ” You, young man in the front. Please come up on stage, perhaps you would like a demonstration of the power that will make you all superior to SeeD. ” Jarin said as he took a step towards Roland, signalling for the soldier to make his way onto the stage.
For a moment Roland did not respond, the shock of being called upon after such an outburst had caught him off guard, he looked to Lyner for support and could see the man had felt the same. Shaking off the fear Roland stood and moved across the front row of seats, climbing the short staircase onto the stage where Jarin beckoned him.
   ” Yes sir! It would be an honor sir! ” Roland replied with a salute.
” Please no need for formalities, simply take a seat. ” Jarin cast off the praise as he motioned towards a mechanical chair, full of sweeping curves, light from the tracking above shimmering off it's polished metallic exterior. ” As I will explain, our process is like the Guardian force though in some ways completely different. It derives from Odine's advancements, using the same areas of the brain with a small mechanical implant to effectively allow our soldiers to wield magic like the Guardian Forces grant SeeD. Now please take a seat, the process only takes a moment. ” Jarin explained as he stood beside the chair.
Roland nodded in agreement, feeling a wave of excitement sweeping him upwards as he reach the device and took a seat, looked down into the eyes of Lyner and waited.     —
OOC Talk:
—     ]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2017 18:31:59 +0000 http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/#p183 Galbadian Empire Forum http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/#p183 As the doctor's spoke Lyner was drawn into what this new development could mean, captivated by the sheer number of possibilities. No longer would Galbadian troops lose to just a few members of SeeD--they would have troops capable of fighting upon even ground at last, with an enormous advantage in numbers. This was everything that the Galbadian military could ever hope to achieve. Lyner knew from first-hand experience what the powers of a Guardian Force were capable of; a power capable of turning even children into the fiercest of combatants.

At that thought the darker implications rose to forethought--though they might be the enemy, more than a fair share of SeeD little more than children. All that he could see further along the path this would set Galbadia--no, would set him upon was yet another tragedy. Yet even still he couldn't wonder: Even if this road lead to the darkest depths of hell, wouldn't it be worth everything if it would secure a lasting peace under Galbadian rule? "It will change everything." Unbidden the words came from his mouth, and with them came an uncomfortable revelation: he had long since accepted that his goals would lead him down this path, even if he desperately wished otherwise.
]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2017 16:47:42 +0000 http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/#p182 Galbadian Empire Forum http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/#p182   Chapter 2: Cadence and Cascade
       ” It's fitting that we find ourselves here at Galbadia Garden, as the defection of the Headmaster and subsequent knowledge gained about SeeD and their inner workings is what lead us to the discovery which will change the way the Galbadian military fights, the way you fight. ” Jarin continued his speech, slowly motioning with a wave of his arm towards those selected now seated in the front row.
Roland sat still, listing to every word the doctor spoke, feeling the sense of wonder and his hatred for SeeD welling up inside of him. The young man had long sense wondered about the powers that SeeD possessed, how a small band of them could at times fight an entire battalion of Galbadian infantry. If was Dr. Jarin was saying was true this might finally be their chance to become equal with SeeD's finest.
   ” Can you believe this?! Think how this could change everything! ” Roland seemed to blurt out towards Lyner, louder than he had intended as his remarks quickly seemed to capture the attention of the Major and the Doctor.     —
OOC Talk:
—     ]]> Thu, 30 Jun 2016 14:00:26 +0000 http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/#p179 Galbadian Empire Forum http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/#p179    A rather fervid discussioned was apparently underway between the gathering on the stage, but from this distance Lyner couldn't hear one whit of what they were talking about. Occasionally they would direct a glance toward the front row, and every time they did it caused Lyner to grow more uncertain of the current situation. “You too?” Lyner asked rhetorically, the tension clear in his voice. Even if their assumptions were correct it wouldn't matter, their was little they could do about it given their military positions.
   Meanwhile the tension in the auditorium continued to grow, until the Major suddenly cut in and introduced a Doctor Jarin Suntaria. From the introduction he was the lead researcher on the project for which they had all been recommended. Once the Doctor had reached the podium he began to speak, and passed each of them over with a cursory glance. When the man's gaze had fallen upon Lyner he couldn't help but stare daggers at the man. As the doctor explained the project which they were to be a part of Lyner felt as if his stomach were caught in his throat. What this project was for could change everything, yet at the same time Lyner couldn't help but feel that the way Galbadia was now this would only make things worse.
]]> Tue, 28 Jun 2016 16:39:40 +0000 http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/#p178 Galbadian Empire Forum http://dystopiapro.com/ffviiiannihilation/forum/galbadian-empire-forum/chapter-2-cadence-and-cascade/#p178   Chapter 2: Cadence and Cascade
    Roland sat at the edge of his seat, peering at the veiled activity that was taking place on the auditorium stage in front of himself and the others. There seemed to be much discussion going on between what Roland could best make out as scientists, with occasional glances towards the front row where he and Lyner sat.
   ” Something tells me we might be the mice in this experiment. ” Roland tried to say with humor as he leaned close to Lyner's ear, though his actual concern was also conveyed.
   ” All right, all right. Everyone calm down, we're going to begin the presentation now. ”The major cut in, sensing the tension rising in the front row. ” I'd like to introduce Dr. Jarin Suntaria, lead researcher on this project which you have all been recommended for. ” The major finished speaking as he outstretched his right arm, palm pointed upwards, as the Doctor walked forward and prepared to address the crowd.
   ” Thank you Major. Now I'm sure everyone here is curious about why they're here, let me quickly put that to rest. ”The doctor started as his eyes glanced across the front row, making a stop on each of the soldiers briefly. ” It's no secret that SeeD has always had one serious advantage over the Galbadian alliance, that of course being their connection with the Guardian Forces and the junctioning of magic. The power the GFs possess has long been the thorn in our side, soon the finest soldiers in our own ranks will finally match this power, and you will be the first! ”Jarin's voice was growing stronger and more confident with every word as he stood statuesque in the center of the stage preparing to reveal the trump card that would finally bring the Galbadian army onto equal terms with SeeD.     —
OOC Talk:
—     ]]> Tue, 28 Jun 2016 14:49:54 +0000