Log:Duel of the Fates

2019/10/15 Portennant Artemis Swarmer 1

The Quinn Satellite is still intact...for now. It may only be a matter of time before its communication systems are targeted and knocked out, too, but it's really meant for local space communication rather than beyond the earth and moon. With ships knocked out on planet, there's no way to physically get to the Satellite, but relays are still in place.

At Quinn Tower in the comms room, Artemis gets the techs to send a private video response to the mystery broadcaster, this James Porter.

Artemis stands against a bland lab background, not wearing her Omega Guard uniform. She's just wearing her default armor and cloak. "This planet is under the protection of the Godflora. Your attempts to usurp the freedom of the citizens of this planet will not be permitted, Would-Be Tyrant! If you were a true conqueror, you would face us in battle rather than hide away! Artemis, Battle Maiden Adept and Bloodlit Chosen of the Ashildr, Dismemberer of Borgan the Blasphemous, challenge you to battle for the freedom and salvation of this planet!"

End transmission.

Not surprisingly, transmissions from trans-terran space aren't heavy on most days. Given the silence from Tranquility (not that they use civilian channels), and diverting of craft from its vicinity, it's even less than normal. Almost deathly quiet, save for routine updates and comm checks from QuinnSat.

Artemis has satisfied her code of honor by issuing the challenge in the only way she can. "Let me know if there is a response," she tells one of the staffers. There's rioting in the streets and she needs to help keep the piece. She heads to the balcony on the upper floors of Quinn Tower and flies off, swooping down closer to the streets to find trouble and people to protect.

Unfortunately, there's no response from staff within the first few minutes, though perhaps that's expected.

On the other hand, there IS a response, in the form of clicking tongue in Artemis' ear. The sound that is, not an actual tongue.

"Tsk. Tsk. What sort of challenger issues a challenge and then flees from it?" comes the masculine, confident voice. "Did someone lose her Battle Maidenhood when daddy wasn't looking, hmm?"

Artemis pulls up from her flight, looking around to try and pick up the direction of the sound her super hearing is picking up. Or is that her radio. She laughs victoriously. "So you did receive it. I grew impatience from your silence!" She starts flying back to Quinn Tower, thinking perhaps that's where he was looking for her, since he thinks she's fled.

"I heard your please," the voice affirms, "though I have no idea why should pay it any mind. You would challenge me for rulership of the world. What benefit could that possibly bring me? You have nothing to offer."

Artemis speeds up as fast as she can, flying up towards the open balcony entrance to the Tower. "You'd lose face if you were afraid to accept, would you not? If you were worthy to rule, you wouldn't fear a challenger," she says as she lands on the balcony.

There is a chuckle. "My dear, I have nothing to prove to you, and if I wasted my time personally addressing every insignificant, disgruntled peon, I would have little time to improve the universe." There is a brief pause before he continues. "If you wish to issue a serious challenge, the stakes must be equitable. Therefor, if you would do battle for supreme sovereignty of the Earth, you must offer it as collateral. Otherwise, your words, your challenge, and your defeat are an utter waste of my attention."

Artemis is suddenly puzzled by his strange form of communication. She was certain earth doesn't have that sort of technology, to her chagrin. "I do not own the earth to offer it. But neither do you."

"Not yet, but soon enough." Another momentary pause. "What alternative stake have you to offer? If you somehow manage to present an entertaining enough proposition, I might be inclined to accept, if solely for my own amusement."

Artemis thinks a moment. "Feh. What could be more entertaining than a duel to the death?" She paces a bit and tries to think as a greedy human would. She has no true fortune to offer. No property to bet.

"I suppose I should expect a mortal to face a Goddess," Artemis sighs. "But one way or another, I will be coming for you," she promises as her voice turns cold.

A short laugh. "Oh, death can certainly be entertaining... if the deceased had any of my interest in life. A vanquished nemesis, a crushed annoyance, a defeated rival; those are entertaining in death. Otherwise, it is simply one more potential clothing stain to be washed out, and rather boring." There is a thoughtful 'hmm.' "Perhaps we can come to a subjective offering... This Earth is of great import to me. A dream, a treasure, of you will. Tell me, what do -you- value above all else that you could wager?"

"I don't treasure anything except my honor, Mortal, and you cannot win that from me," Artemis replies.

"I see," comes the response, now with a hint of more amusement than wry, "though I hope you are mistaken.. as I have a proposal. A counter-challenge, if you will."

Artemis raises an eyebrow at this. "Tell me your proposal, Mortal."

"A simple offering of favor, of one's own word," he begins. "A challenge of single combat, until one falls and cannot continue. Should you stand the victor, I shall depart the system and leave Earth in the care of idiots."

"Should you fall, you pledge your sword and your service, by oath and honor, to me."

Artemis grits her teeth as the voice issues its challenge. She physically cannot refuse it, as much as she wants to. "Challenge...accepted," she says unwillingly, even as she tries to resist the compulsion imposed upon her.

"Excellent. As the challenged, I believe that you are granted the option of venue, yes? Choose a time and place, though I strongly suggest that you do not delay too long, for obvious reasons."

"The Coliseum. 8am Colonial Bay Time," Artemis issues.

"Very well. Until then, sleep well." The voice then goes silent.

Artemis stares up at the moon, hoping she'll be victorious tomorrow.

The Next Morning...

Artemis flies towards the Coliseum, prewriting a few messages. She has notified her Bloodbound to put an end to her should she pose a danger to the Urth. She's left a note for her team at Quinn Tower explaining the situation...somewhat.

Wade will receive a text at 7:58am from Artemis. <> This is the first time Wade has seen Artemis not fully rely on enthusiastic use of exclamation points.

Stowing away her phone, she flies over the top of the Coliseum Stadium and dives down to land in the center at the appointed time.

It is the nature of Swarmer to find Artemis, and hitch a ride, to accompany her and bask in her Artemisness. The little pixie feels some strong and unreciprocated feelings, and she accepts that her distinctly romantic interest in the only worthy giant she has met will never be shared. She doesn't care. She feels it enough for both. Riding atop the skull of the Godflora as she sometimes does, Swarmer feels the rush of how fast Artemis can move, arms spread out and letting the wind blow past her face.

"It is a pleasant surprise to find that your honor also allows for punctuality," comes a familiar voice from behind Artemis following her landing. This time, the voice also has a face, one that is also familiar, if only from the recent broadcasts. His choice of combat apparel may be questionable, as it appears to be the same, or very similar, finely tailored suit from said broadcast. It is completed with a pair of black polished Oxfords.

One may as well love the stars themselves, expecting them to love one back. Though Artemis does have affection of a sort for the pixie. She whispers to Swarmer, a gentle plea, "Should I lose this battle, I will have to pledge fealty to this man. I do not wish you to do the same."

She turns towards the voice, surprised she didn't see him on arrival. She then...has to look down. "You are...shorter than expected," is the only think she can think of at first. A short pause before she adds, "You are not even dressed for battle or armed."

One brow arches as he makes a token glance down at himself. "Am I not? This is one of my favorite suits. Do keep that in mind before bleeding all over it, if you would be so kind."

Swarmer brings up the Swarmegaphone, her voice in a reasonable volume, "I am here for you. I saw your message. You will fight. In the end, I am there for you!" She flits upward, the swarmegaphone intensifying in volume and its tinny output. "Fight well, Giant! The Godflora demands a worthy foe!" Her flight path takes her out of effective engagement reach, sort of. She is not interfering. She understands the nature of the confrontation.

Artemis closes her left fist, her unbreakable shield materializing in place from her bracer. "You are unarmed. How would you expect to fight, let alone force me to bleed?"

Porter lifts an arm and rotates his hand to glance at his watch before looking back to Artemis. "If you wish to yield to assuage concerns of harming your opponent, I will accept."

Artemis draws her sword as an answer, staring him down. "I do not yield. You may surrender to me and leave this system now, and I will not harm you."

Portennant squares his shoulders up to her, though his stance leaves his hands lowered, arms lightly crossed before him with one hand resting on the opposing wrist. Not what one might expect of a combat stance and more waiting impatiently in a line.

Artemis smiles faintly. "You are a fearless one, aren't you?" she appreciates, bringing her shield up before her and readying her sword behind it. "I take that as an acceptance to fight. Prepare yourself!" she warns, giving him time to maybe not just stand there as she gets ready to strike.

Portennant nods, perhaps acknowledging her warning, though he simply stands there.

Artemis dips her shield slightly, slashing out in a broad sweep. Her sword stretches out several meters to slash at the area Porter is standing at. Her grip adjusts on her shield to use it offensively for counterstrikes.

The blade cuts across the space, slicing through the air effortless. When the whipping edge and point have finished their dance, it seems that air is all they have cut... perhaps some of the turf around his shoes, as well? In short, everything -except- him, as he is left miraculously unscathed.

Portennant tsks. "Careful playing with sharp objects, my dear. They can be dangerous..." He then ... makes a somewhat casual, dismissive gesture with one hand. Uh oh.

Artemis raises her shield, anticipating an attack, but none comes.

Portennant hmms. "Well, it seems your own choice of combat apparel and accoutrements are serving you well, so far..." It is then that several of the sprinkles seem to activate, spraying water at the start of their designated arcs... which all happen to be in Artemis' direction.

...Leaving Artemis to catch a face-full of pressurized water to the face.

Water sprays into her face, washing her vision with water as she tries to squint away. What terrible luck! The water-soaked Goddess charges forward with a backswing, aiming the pummel of her sword towards Porter's neck.

Portennant takes a half-step back and leans, the striking pommel just clearing his Adam's apple.

Portennant hmms. "You are quite agile, my dear. Are you sure all that heavy metal of yours can keep up?" As a matter of fact, there is the sound of a button or buckle snapping on her armor.

Maybe it's all the water weight? Maybe Artemis DID get a little to whiplash a moment ago? On the bright side, she does manage to shield some of her honor as she reaches back behind her, but not enough to stop another buckle on the heavy armored skirt (also now sodden) to burst, leaving the armor to drop, tugging leggings down with it to about the calves.

Artemis buckles as her buckles get undone as a strap gives way, to another, and the weight of everything drags down. Battleskirt, belt, and a loose pauldron strap among others tug down to wrap up her legs, though Artemis has no idea how he did it. "You are but a trickster, I see," she comments, water still spraying her face to prevent her seeing her opponent.

Portennant steps around her somewhat, though this is apparent to her from his voice. He does like conversation. "A trickster implies one with no substance and only misdirection. I can assure you that I am far more that -that-!" Perhaps to prove his point an elbow is jabbed at her back...coincidentally at the same spot perhaps still healing from the bounty hunters' massive ship weapon and where Enforcer's grav disc caused so much havoc.

And said elbow impacts her shield with a very unresounding *bink*

Artemis swings her shield back behind her just in time to block the incoming elbow. "I have yet to see anything of substance from you." Of course, because she's blinded.

Artemis quickly whirls about and strikes the flat of her blade at Porter's midsection to try and stun him.

Portennant makes use of his slight advantage in mobility to lean reflexively just barely out of the arc of her strike. "Of course not; your eyes have been closed for some time. Commendable... but worry not. I will ensure that you feel my presence!" She has proven much more an annoyance than he may have anticipated, perhaps enough to actually gain his ire... though that makes his repeated strike at her back all the more potentially enjoyable.

He hits a weak point in her back. Perhaps Artemis hadn't really fully healed from Vadnox' plasma spear as she had thought. She grunts and grits her teeth, arching her back from the strike. After a few breaths, the pain energizes her some and she grins. "Now...you have my interest."

Portennant chuckles. "I am delighted to have finally caught your interest. I do try to keep my companions entertained..." He steps away from her, now, or so his slightly fading words convey. "I must admit that you, as well, have proven far more amusing than I expected. To be frank, I am shocked." With no shortage of irony (or Godflora steel) bits of the puddle Artemis kneels in finds a power cable beneath the sod with a worn sheath and exposed conductor. Excited electrons leap across water molecules, between steel ones in her shield and/or sword, and then through the more Godfloral parts.

Artemis seems amused based on the smile that can be seen through wet, clinging red locks. "I'm not your companion. I'm your opponent." She notes him moving away, just before she's jolted. Electricity arcs over her and causes her to shudder briefly as all her muscles tense from the power surge. A few final sparks go off on her fallen armor, shield, deltoids, and the soaked turf. Tendrils of smoke rise off of her body. "You have Netzah's fortune, though I know not why they would smile upon you," she says, breathing heavier from the pain.

Artemis uses her sword to try and slash away the skirt and leather strap around her knees.

Shhhirrrip! Artemis' skirt tears apart, now ragged and still hanging open from being tucked under her chestplate. "Such potential, and you waste it for malevolent purposes," she says as she regains use of her legs.

Portennant arches a brow and laughs. "Waste it? Oh, quite the opposite, my fair -opponent-. I make use of my potential for myself, and by that the betterment of whatever world I choose. Spending your days and energy only to let others stumble along in their own ignorance as they always have... now -that- is a waste." He appears adjacent to her and lifts a fist to lash out at her with a strike.

Portennant doesn't seem the slightest bit surprised that the shield is interposed. In fact, he was very much expecting it. His "strike" stops just shy of impact along the out perimeter, a finger-length away, as a whip/snap/flick of a finger hits the edge of the metal to make a lingering, monotone ring. One which doesn't seem to dissipate immediately.

Rather, it seems to resonate within the material, somewhat self-reinforcingly. A crack appears at the initial point of contact, then quickly races its way across the surface, multiplying near the center into two that race off and nearly-opposing angles to one another, before reaching their respective edges.

Thus, it stops. Unfortunately, that also leaves the now-trisected shield to droop where still held pieces not to drop completely to the ground. "That was far too gaudy. A pair of subdued earrings or perhaps a diamond choker would suit your complexion far better."

Swarmer weaves a shield into existence, not as strong or sturdy, made of what looks like wood, and drops it onto the ground. "Godflora! A replacement! It will break easily!" She does not feel this is interfering. "This is not interfering with your fight!" See?

Artemis is confident that she'll stop him, not expecting him to stop on his own. That sudden flick causes her shield to vibrate as it cracks apart, hit just at the right spot fracture it.

Artemis is in shock as the ashildr masterforged shield is destroyed by a mortal's mere flick. She releases the grip, which is now part of a segment no longer attached to the rest of the shield. The broken pieces shunt back into the dimensional space powered by her bracer, but that loss has hit her harder than anything by far. Even the loss of homeland, her Bloodbound Brother across the stars, and her freedom.

"You..." she says in rising anger.

Portennant lifts a brow expectantly, waiting for her to finish her statement. "Yes? I what, my dear? Shattered your faith in the flawed? In that case, I would say we are making progress..." His fist lashes out for her once more, perhaps towards that already-stung hear of hers, now that the shield, and possibly some of her armor are no longer in the way.

Artemis brings up her hand to catch Porter's fist as she straightens up, still proud and fierce. "...will be stopped," she finishes, determination flashing in her eyes.

"As all tyrants must," Artemis adds, looking down at him from her full height.

Portennant may be lacking in stature, but if ego were mass, he might already control the solar system purely by gravitational pull. "Only the ignorant or the blind deal in such generalizations." He doesn't bother to free his fist, instead making use of their height difference and her down-looking to step up and bring his forehead right into her determined countenance.

Artemis turns her head just out of the way of Porter's headbutt, bringing her lips close to his ear. "You will remember the might of the Godflora, would-be Tyrant," she whispers, just before trying to thrust her sword through him.

Portennant and Artemis, now locked in this close, near-dance, does make it difficult to swing or thrust. Swords, at least. "Hmm. Now what does this remind me off, oh, yes.." His humming resumes, though now carries a tune. The fist still held by Artemis is extend out, while his other hand goes to her waist. A step left, a step right, one back... He then lifts the held hand (very high), to give Artemis a twirl...

This is different from the dance of worlds. "What...what are you doing?" Artemis demands on confusion. The steps, spins, and twirls move faster than she expected. When she's released, she stumbles dizzily and falls down onto her side, catching herself with her hand as she tries to hold on to her sword.

Artemis tries to pull herself up to her feet, wobbling and collapsing again, now down on one knee. She swings out her sword, and it stretches out into a bladed whip, cracking towards Porter.

Portennant does not duck the swinging blade. Why should he? Perhaps he did not realize the blade extended so far, or that her aim from the ground, while unstable, would be so true. The whip-blade lashes into his torso, cutting through Armani and into the flesh below. The impact sends him backwards, though after travelling less than a meter, he returns to his original location with a flash of light and THWUMP of displacing air. He also looks rather surprised.

Portennant blinks, looking down at himself in shocked surprise. A hand goes to the flayed jacket and shirt and comes away crimson, some of which can also be seen spreading on the cloth. He stares at his stained fingers a heartbeat before looking to Artemis, where the look of surprise turns darkly to anger, widened eyes narrowing to points. The bloodied hand clenches into a fist; knuckles and sinews along the back of the fingers seem to darken as a shimmery metallic gray oozes up through his skin to form a sort of skeletal-like covering. "My dear..." he manages curtly, as if with difficult restraint. "...I asked you to..." He vanishes to reappear immediately before her, fist raised to strike.

It drops. "Please..."

Again. "...mind..."

Thrice. "...the suit!"

The blows are not hard, it's more the synaptic-shocking energy discharge at each contact that is uncomfortable.

Artemis tries to block the incoming fist while still only able to get up on one knee. The tasered fist contacts with the metal bracer and shocks Artemis' system. Her nerve endings feel raw from the impact. The second hit, while not hard, makes more direct contact. "Rrrggghh!" She grits her teeth and clenches her eyes shut against the shocking pain. As his fist raises for a third time, she sways, her sword dropping limply from her hand. She's already starting to fall, everything going dark when the third hits for good measure.

Artemis collapses to the turf, and does not get back up.

When Artemis falls, Swarmer reacts, directing a sudden mass of insects to lift and carry her sword away. "You have her fealty, Giant, but you do not have her belongings!"

Porter steps over the slumped Artemis (who's taller now?!) to crouch behind her, lifting her semi-upright by her hair. He leans in to tsk at her ear. "Now, now, my warrior princess. We are not quite done yet..." Microscopic minions, trickle through ginger locks to her skin to (much more gently this time) discharge electrical pulses to help revive her. Meanwhile, his other hand reaches for her dropped weapon, only to find it being carted off. He glares, noting, "meddling insects..." as the reaching hand pulses with a brief bright light that leaves the blade in hand when the light fades.

The tip is put to her back as he strongly, smugly, suggests, "Do you yield? Do you swear your fealty to me?" Of course it isn't enough to simply defeat her. Where's the fun in that? Egos must be broken so that others can be massaged.

Swarmer flits over to Artemis's location, landing on her head. "You have defeated her, Giant!" she says on the Swarmegaphone. "She has sworn to serve you in the battles ahead. I am loyal to the Godflora! My meddling efforts were not more than a last-ditch effort to sabotage your machinations! But very well! I stand with her, regardless!"

Artemis gets hoisted up by her hair, still limp until that charge suddenly makes her eyes flutter open with a faint gasp. Everything still hurts from the electrical attacks. And then she feels the sharp tip of a blade at her back, realizing her hands are empty.

She lost. And yet, she was able to prove a tyrant can bleed, and struck some fear into him. Maybe that's enough. A high cost, though. Try as she might to fight her code of honor, she cannot. "I'd fight you to the end or request death, but that was not the challenge. I...am defeated," she sighs out in regret. "I swear fealty to you, by oath and honor, to the death," she says solemnly, eyes closed and head bowed. But then her eyes open lift up defiantly. "But let Swarmer go. She has no fealty to you."

"I am loyal to the Godflora!" Swarmer says. "There is no terms of release for I am not bound to serve!"

"Perhaps if he proves to be a worthy Giant, he may earn friendship!"

Artemis breathes out raggedly to Swarmer, "He is not a worthy giant, Swarmer. Go to my brother. Tell him...tell him of the oath I swore. And tell the angry giant what transpired here."

Above the coliseum, the announcement sign changes to display Artemis's message. The sworn oath, by whom, to whom. In terms of The Godflora and The Suave Conquerer Giant.

"Your message is now on display, Godflora!" Swarmer says. "I remain with you! I choose this as you did. Loyal, but not a servant!"

"So everyone can see..." Artemis utters quietly in shame. The cost grows ever higher.

"Excellent." Porter seems pleased. Why... he even smiles, and rises, hand moving to Artemis' bicep to help her stand. The sword is lowered, though not handed back to her just yet. He expects she still lacks the strength to hold it. He looks to the surprisingly loud pixie, then eyes lift briefly to the signage. His smile widens. "Your ally is quite the herald. Perhaps she will inspire others to join me, as you did..." He dips a slight nod to Swarmer, before the pair vanish in a FLASHTHWUMP.