Warframe Beyond the Origin
ESKK: New chapter let's keep the ball rolling.
(Start the Lair of Somnus)
Deep in his prison Somnus glared as images of the battle played out before his many eyes. The battle was being viewed via a holographic image that showed everything going on. Walkers were on the ground tanks were crawling through it was a true battle. "Reminds me of the good old days of the Old War." Somnus said as he saw the Tenno were also taking part in the battle leading Clone Troopers to the front lines and helping them take out the Sentient by forcing their resistances to reset via Void Energy. Somnus snarled a bit as he glared at the scene as well.
"Hunhow even now your mistakes fall to me to rectify." Somnus said as he glared at the image of battle playing out. From the shadows the Five Archons came forth each roaring ready to do as Somnus commands. "Go forth my Archons, secure my escape bring to me all of the Force Users you find and rend any and all Tenno that you find limb from limb!" Somnus ordered and thus the Archons took their leave of the Sentient Destroyer of Will.
(Zed's Squad)
The Gunship eventually came for a landing and in turn the Tenno and Jedi walked out. Nearby Kix led the bed holding Ahsoka to the transport ship. As Ahsoka was wheeled over Anakin let out a small sigh of relief seeing Ahsoka taken to safety back on the Resolute. Riyo was also escorted off the vessel as she was taken by a group of Republic Troopers.
"This way Senator." The Clones said as Riyo nodded and allowed herself to be escorted elsewhere but that was after stealing one last look over to Akin.
"Ok what are we dealing with?" Anakin asked getting into his mindset as a General.
"This is an Archon." Zed began as he brought up the known data on the Archons. "Chimeras of defeated Tenno and Sentient found in the battlefields of the Old War." Zed explained as he showed the data on the Archons. "They were originally created by a Sentient named Erra and remade in the New War." Zed said and thus showed the ones Somnus made.
"Somnus decided to add a few more to their ranks and worse part they're the first Archons able to use the Force." Akin said making it clear that their foes had changed the rules on them.
"I wouldn't have believed it until I saw it." Anakin added and thus this meant they were in trouble.
"We can't let Somnus take off with the data he's already acquired because once he does, he'll be making a bee-line for Tau and coming back with an armada of Force Using Sentient." Mari added making sure the group knew the danger they were in now.
"But the fortress he made for himself might be difficult to traverse." Obi-Wan said showing the tunnels leading through the location Somnus was in.
"Then we divide and conquer." Zed said and thus made the plan. "Everyone splits up One Tenno and One Jedi and each of us will enter from these five points." Zed added showing the five entryways into the tunnel.
"I'll call in some of the others to see if they can provide us with aid." Obi-Wan said knowing full well that Ahsoka would not be joining the fight.
"Tell them to hurry." Aya said making it clear that they needed all the help they could get in ending this battle.
(Meanwhile with Dooku)
Dooku was seen entering a Separatist Transport ship that had been set up with this situation in mind. As Dooku began to board it, the leader of the Separatists, was closely followed by both General Grievous and Ventress. As they bordered the transport the three had saw how everything had hit the fan. "There is to many for us to fight properly a tactical retreat is in order." Dooku said as he walked to the boarding ramp of the ship.
"What would you have us do, my master?" Ventress asked as she looked to the Count.
"Have our forces move to aid Somnus's Forces and use the chaos to cover our escape." Dooku said and in turn the Droid General and Assassin nodded and went to have the order carried out. Once they left Dooku boarded the ship and thus prepared for take-off.
(Scene Break Forward Command Post)
Thankfully, the combined efforts of Tenno and Jedi were pushing the combined forces of the Sentient and Droid army back just enough for Obi-Wan to gather those he could for the assault on Somnus lair. Among the Jedi were Mace Windu of the Jedi Council, Luminara Unduli and her Padawan Learner Barriss Offee, and Jedi Knight Aayla Secura all of them ready to charge into Somnus lair to stop the Sentient Leader. "Ok since we're all here, the plan is simple." Zed said as he then showed a few highlighted entryways on the holographic map. "We'll split into five teams One Tenno for each of them and after careful deliberation we've gotten the groupings decided." Zed said as he showed the listings.
"Team 1 will comprise of myself, Obi-Wan, Commander Cody, and a few of his best troopers." Zed announced as Obi-Wan heard this. "Team 2 will be made up of Anakin, Akin, Captain Rex, and a select few of the 501st Clone Battalion." Zed said showing Team 2's build up. "Team 3 will comprise of General Luminara Unduli, Barriss Offee, Titus, and Clone Commander Gree." Zed said as Titus cracked his Warframe's knuckles in anticipation. Team 4 will be made up of Aya, Jedi Master Aayla Secura, Clone Commander Bly, with a select unit to accompany them." Zed said as Aya, and Aayla stood next to each other. "Finally, we have Team 5 with Mari, Mace Windu, and Clone Commander Ponds with members of General Windu's Clone Battalion to join with them." Zed said and thus finished listing the teams.
"Any questions?" Zed asked as he looked to the gathered group.
"Just one." Mace Windu said raising his hand. "You're Reports stated that these Archons have modified Khyber Crystals powering them giving them pseudo–Force Abilities, correct?" Windu asked as Zed nodded to this in confirmation.
"Hence why we have the Jedi in each group to go with a Tenno, with the fact that the Archons have this it should allow you to feel them through the Force and thus give you an edge over them." Zed said as he looked to the group. "Just because they have Force Power does not mean they have Force training." Zed said making it clear that having the power does not mean they know how to use it.
"What of the sixth Archon?" Aayla asked and in turn Akin spoke up.
"We think Somnus is keeping that one close to him... or at least we're hoping he is, he doesn't seem the sort to have all his eggs in one basket." Akin said and in turn it made sense. "So, he probably has one of the Archons guarding him after stabbing Stalker in the back." Akin said as it made sense from a tactical standpoint.
"Each Team has a task, eliminate the Archon should you find it and set up the explosives to trap Somnus if not crush him entirely." Zed said as he made clear what they were doing. "If he is allowed to escape this planet and this system then he'll try to return to Tau just to bring an armada back and since the Sentient made Tau their home chances, are they have more advanced technology that we have never seen before." Zed said making it clear Somnus needs to stay because if he returns to Tau then he'll return with a larger and more advanced army on his side.
"Understood." Windu said as Zed then looked to the group.
"Good, cast defeat to the Void and Claim Victory in this battle." Zed said as Anakin heard this and shrugged.
"It's our version of, may the force be with you." Akin whispered to the Jedi clarifying it for them.
"And May the Force Be with you." Windu said and in turn they all got ready to enter the caves to hunt down Somnus.
(Meanwhile with Stalker)
Stalker had left the battle and was making his way to the ship he acquired for his journey here. As he made his way to the hidden vessel, he had every intention of leaving. The Debt had been paid Stalker had aided the Tenno and in return the Tenno freed Stalker and allowed him to escape. But as he took his leave, he saw something or in this case someone standing in his way holding a familiar weapon in her hand. Stalker drew his Scythe Hate with the intent of cutting down the Lotus only for her to throw the weapon she carried where it stabbed itself into the ground before the Shadow Stalker.
"Stalker nothing, I say or do will ever remove the pain in which the Reservoir had long since inflicted upon you." Lotus spoke as she looked to the fallen warrior. "But you and I both know what will happen if Somnus is allowed to escape." Lotus said as she looked to Stalker as she had made a troubling agreement for her when she went to regorge the Weapon known as War.
"We must set aside our differences Shadow." Hunhow spoke next surprising Stalker that the Sentient Destroyer of Worlds was here. "Somnus must not be allowed to escape under any circumstances, so I ask you." Hunhow began and in turn Stalker paused for a moment. "Won't you be my Shadow Once more?" Hunhow asked as he looked to Stalker.
Stalker then walked over to the weapon and in turn gripped it remembering the feel of the Sentient made weapon. "Then by your hand exact revenge upon Somnus who betrayed you... and by my edge cleave out his beating heart." Hunhow said and thus the weapon returned to Stalker the Sentient Armor he had once donned so long ago.
(Meanwhile with the Zed and Obi-Wan)
The duo began to enter the save with Cody right behind them and a few Clone Troopers to back them up. Currently Zed was duel wielding a pair of Republic Rifles for his side arms saving Nataruk for the bigger fish. As Zed and Obi-Wan walked down the cave Obi-Wan kept his sensed perked up for any possible jumps from the Archons. "So, any clue which of these... Chimera's from Origin we might cross paths with?" Obi-Wan asked as he looked to Zed.
"Not a clue, let's just hope we get stuck with the original three." Zed said as he knew how to take those three on like the back of his hand.
"You suspect Somnus might send out the news ones towards you?" Obi-Wan asked as he looked to Zed with Concern.
"Considering Akin, Mari, and I took out those particular Archons it's a given." Zed said as he suspected Somnus might send the Force Using ones against him and Akin while saving the last one for his las line of defense.
"All of you have been through quiet a lot as Tenno, haven't you?" Obi-wan asked with zed said to him, "That and more than we would have bargain for, but we got through it, unlike the first time when Me and Akin first meet and just bump heads a lot, figuratively and literally."
"How did it go when you first meet anyways?" Obi-wan asked as he wonder about Akin former life before becoming a Tenno as Zed said, "It was… a bit of a rough part for us meeting on the Ten-zero, when we first found them floating in space, my family was the one that first to have meet them thus I meet Akin for the first time too, my father was one of the ships many doctors with my mother his assistant."
"I guess that how they meet?" Obi-wan ask with Zed shrug and said, "I don't know there's a lot of thing I can remember… and thing I cannot, but I do remember certain things that help me remember them, as my father usually examine me at time with my mom assisting him during it, always keep my distracted when my father give me a booster shot or when I cut myself on something and cried a lot about it, they always looked after me with care and love."
Obi-wan sees that Zed did love his parents a lot, and knew it must have been hard for him to lose them on that fateful day, as Zed took a breath as he get his mind straighten out as he said, "Anyways, me and Anakin meet that day and was asked to show him around and he always ask what was what, kind of annoying even when he ask what kind of droids we had which we didn't and only had Cephalon who help control machines when we need it or help with other activity like schooling, make reports, or just someone to talk to, with my family had our own personal Cephalon that would help me at time as well."
"And Who was your Cephalon?" Obi-wan asked with Zed said, "Ordis was, I couldn't leave him behind so I took him upload his data into a Cephalon storage data mass after being rescued, until they the Orokin took him away and pretty much treated us like monsters, wasn't until later I found him again but he was badly damage and I had to Upload him into my orbiter to help save him which worked but it seem he doesn't member me all that much, but I still keep him and cherish him, glitches and all."
"That sound familiar," Obi-wan said as Zed may not be Anakin's Tenno double but he is similar to him in loving a none living being, when Anakin had lost R2 once he didn't stop searching for the droid and saved him from being taken away by General grievous who had plan on taking R2 memory data and figure out where Republic force's plans as Zed said, "Back to the story, Anakin took everything and learn a lot of thing right away, but not only that but did a lot of things too that no one could figure out how he does it, kind of show boating which lead me getting into arguments with him at time and just step on each other toes a lot too, and soon lead to us being rivals in a lot of things."
"I guess being from another timeline doesn't change things about him then," Obi-wan said as he remember how Anakin acted at time when he was younger before taking him as his apprentice, and no doubt that the force was helping Akin back then too… before losing it to the Void, soon enough as Zed said, "Yeah but soon enough after competing with each other we form a bond that was like we were brothers in a way and meet with the others later on during our long ride over to the Tau system before we void jumped."
"I see," Obi-wan said as he can tell He, Akin, and every one of his friends had through almost everything together and no doubt after the void jump and the Orokin terrible treatment of the children they became even closer.
(Akin and Anakin)
"I guess becoming Tenno help you guys become closer together then," Anakin said as in a way he envy Akin for that as he didn't have any friends while training to be a Jedi with the only person that treat him with any sort of respect of being friend or family was Obi-wan as he would either act like a father to him or a brother as needed, sort of like he does with Ahsoka in a way as Akin said, "We practically became a one big family thanks to Margulis, and even after her death we still stuck by each other to watch over one another sense none of the Orokin will and the only time they ever wanted us was to fight their war they knew they were losing… kind of pathetic if you ask me, having children fight their own battles that they can't do."
"Yeah, and I still can't believe that they would do that to you guys as well," Anakin said sounded angry at the Orokin for what they did, as they were the most selfish creatures in all that existed, thankfully they were gone now and hopefully ballas was the last one the Tenno would ever had to deal with while Akin said, "Maybe but then we wouldn't be the persons that we became to be today, all thanks to them but their crime overshadow any other good deeds they had done for us, as in the end they fell due to their own ignorance."
(Titus)
Titus and the two Jedi he accompanied were making their way through the tunnels with Titus using his map to lead the way to their objective. "So here we are working together again, huh." Titus said remembering the pair from when they found the Orphix.
"It would appear so, yes." Luminara said as they continued on the path. "I do owe you thanks mind you." Luminara added as she looked to Titus.
"Yeah, it was nothing." Titus said as for him it was just like any other job minus the Orphix on the planet. But it would seem that Titus attempt at small talk was failing as the pair of Jedi were focused on the mission at hand. "Well, someone is stiff." Titus said making his thoughts clear on this since he knew the Jedi could not sense him.
"Pardon but is there anything you can tell us about the Archons?" Barriss asked as she looked to Titus.
"Not much, Mari, Zed, and Akin were the ones to take on the Archons and the fact there are three new ones now..." Titus trailed off making it clear that they might be attack at any moment. "All I can say is this, the Wolf can summon a pack to heal itself and charge like a Rhino, the Owl electrifies shit and uses it to cover its ass to heal, and the snake has a whip the knocks you around and a gaze that equal instant death of you're not a Tenno or have a means to hide from it." Titus explained as he looked to the Jedi and Troopers. "And this is just off hand information never faced them in person so yeah." Titus said as even back during their attack on the Murex ship Prghasa, Titus has his own mission after they took down the Orphix field.
Titus then looked to the Clones and saw they were worried and in turn Titus spoke up. "Hey, no worries a Warframe has the best chance of taking it down, just stay out of its gaze and you guys will be fine... assuming we take on Nira." Titus added making it clear that facing Nira was not an absolute. "Just trust in me we'll make sure you guys all get out of this alive." Titus said as the clones looked to each other and nodded.
"Don't worry sir, we're expendable." A trooper said but Titus begged to differ.
"No, you guys are not, the Grineer Queens consider the Clones under their command as such and even the Corpus consider those in their employ as expendable but for us you guys are not expendable." Titus said as he was glad to know that at least the Republic Clone Troopers had better upbringing then that of the Grineer.
Barriss smiled as it seems that even the Tenno cared for those under their command... no doubt it was due to how they were treated under the command of the Orokin. Regardless, if the troops were only technically under Titus due to his experience with the Sentient and the Archons the Clones at least appreciated Titus, attempt to help keep them going with high hopes. But then this brought concerns to Barriss that had been troubling her ever since the war had begun. The Jedi were peacekeepers but now they were made into soldiers fighting in this needless War. While the Tenno were similar to the Jedi their method of keeping the peace was what amounted to Mercenary Work or Bounty Hunting as it was for those in the known Galaxy.
"Credit for your thoughts?" Titus asked as he noticed that Barriss had grown quiet for some reason.
When Barriss realized that Titus was speaking to her she quickly fixed herself. "Oh, um no I'm fine." Barriss said fixing herself to focus on the mission at large.
"Alright." Titus said as he opted not to pry from her knowing she was entitled to her privacy just as anyone else was. They in turn continued the mission knowing full well they could not and should not allow Somnus or the Archons to escape.
(Meanwhile with Mari)
Mari had heard a lot about Mace Windu and among those things his stubborn devotion to the Jedi's practices was something that did not endear her to the Jedi. Mari won't lie she did NOT like the Jedi's dogma and how it dictated the Jedi order. Having no attachments in fear of the Dark Side of the Force yet in doing so allowing said Darkness to seep in through the cracks due to how long they've served the Republic. Mari had seen some of the corruption of the Republic already as have the other Tenno who worked with Republic Big Heads.
Mari had long since suspected that the Jedi due to their unwillingness to change and adapt were unknowingly allowing the Dark Side to seep in. Like a machine wear and tear weakens it and thus required maintenance and upgrades to keep it functioning. It was the same with the Jedi Code it had been used for so long cracks were forming and allowing the Dark Side to seep in ever so quietly to weaken then Jedi bit-by-bit. Though Mari would not voice it simply because she knew that they needed to focus on the mission at hand.
"Alright." Mari began as she got the groups attention. "A small heads up I've faced the Archons before if they send the Wolf, the Owl, or the Snake leave it to me. I know how to tackle that sort of opponent." Mari said as she had experience dealing with Archons from the New War.
"Very well I will trust that you have the Archons situation under control." Windu said as Mari nodded to this.
"But if they send the other three, we might have a problem plus the fact they are using Khyber crystals may have granted them abilities I don't know about." Mari said making it clear that she might have experience, but these Archons were entirely new and had no doubt been upgraded to better battle the Tenno. Just then movement was heard and in turn the group stopped as Mari was ready for a fight.
"I sense that we are no longer alone." Windu said as he suspected that one of the Archons had found them.
(Meanwhile over with Aya)
Aya, Aayla, and the Clone Troopers were moving about ready for anything when they suddenly came to a stop. Movement was heard as the group was ready for just about anything coming their way. Aya noted how it moved and knew that whatever it was that arrived it was not friendly.
"You sense it?" Aya asked as she looked to the Jedi with her.
"Yes, it seems with the Khyber Crystal that provides it with its lifeforce, it made itself detectable to a Force User." Aayla said as she was ready for battle.
"Just as Zed suspected." Aya added knowing what was about to happen and to be ready for anything that might appear. A good chance was that their soon to be attacker was one of Somnus own Archons.
Just then a roar was heard and thus the group looked and saw that it was Boreal descending down upon them. The Archon roared at them and thus Aya knew it was time to do battle. The Owl roared as it knew what its mission was.
"Open fire!" The Clone called out and thus the troopers began to fire upon Boreal chewing away at his shields bit by bit.
Boreal roared and in turn proceeded to fight back by sending forth arcs of electricity down upon the group. The Group scattered in which Aya took out her twin pistols and then activated Hall of Mirrors before she opened fire. The bullets hit Boreal head on causing the Archon to fly back and head for cover. Aya went after him and had gotten to his hiding spot only to nearly be hit by his trident. Once she retreated Aya's ability wore off, but she then sent forth Prism to causing even more damage to the Archon. The result was Boreal taking major blows from it but showing he was still battle ready.
"General?" Aya asked as she landed next to the Twi'lek Jedi Knight.
"I can sense it, its connection to the Force I can't describe it." Aayla said as she was horrified over what she sensed inside the Archon. "It's connected to the Force but it's a killing machine following orders like a Droid... it's not even trying to shield its mind because it has no mind of its own." Aayla said gasping over the living contradiction she saw before her.
"General look out!" The Clone Commander called out and thus Boreal went on the attack once more to eliminate the Jedi, Tenno, and Clone Troopers. Aayla in turn joined the fight and fought alongside Aya as Warframe and Jedi did battle against the Archon.
Just then Boreal screeched and thus threw his spear to the ground causing Aya to go wide eyed. "Everyone off the ground now!" Aya called out and thus acting fast the Clones got to whatever high ground they could reach. Aayla used a Forced Enhanced jump to get to the walls while Aya performed a bullet jump to move. Just then the entire ground was light up with surges of electricity and regrettably a few clones did not make it out before they were electrocuted.
Aya saw this and glared at the fusion of the Owl and Loki Prime. Rejoining the ground once the arcs ended, the duo were ready for round two.
(Meanwhile with Titus)
Titus and the two Jedi with him heard a powerful howl causing them to look to the source of it. They then saw that it was Amar the Wolf with the body of Rhino Prime. Amar roared out and had his two axe weapons out ready fight. "Oh, come on really?" Titus asked with a tone that showed his confidence in this fight. "Sending Amar my way may be bad for the Jedi and Clones." Titus said while spinning Gram Prime by the handle in a relaxed way. In response Amar roared and went after Titus who was ready for the charge and in turn managed to block Amar with his weapon while grabbing the Archon's wolf head to keep it from biting into him. "But your half Rhino Prime and I know my old go to Warframes weaknesses better than anyone." Titus said and in turn forced Amar to back off before taking a battle stance.
Amar roared in fury and went for the assault leaving flames in his wake to burn anyone foolish enough to get too close to him. The Clones of course kept their distance and fired their blasters at the Archon. Titus kept Amar busy as the beast was no doubt on a mission to kill the Tenno and any who would stand in Somnus' way. But Titus was not your common Tenno he was as stubborn as a bull and knew how to use that hard head of his. Thus, as Amar had Titus pinned, he slammed Chroma's head into Amar's forcing the Archon to back off a bit. This gave Titus a chance and thus began swinging his weapon at Amar forcing him on the defensive.
He then used Chroma Primes ability, Spectral Scream, to unleash a flurry of ice after switching over to that element. "Time to Cool off!" Titus called out just before using Spectral Scream and in turn Amar was covered in ice which when used against his flames caused Amar to back off from it. Seeing this Titus pulled off on the ability and in turn smirked at his foe who glared back at Titus.
"Here doggy-doggy." Titus taunted as he and Amar carefully circled around each other to find a good spot to attack from. The two once more did battle trying to one up the other as they charged in. Sword met hatchets as the two foes battled it out with a skill only known to be used by Tenno and Jedi. The two then parted ways once more but just then Amar jumped up and went to slam down upon Titus. When Amar landed, he created a shockwave of flames that set everything around him ablaze. Clone Troopers were knocked back thankfully their armor had protected them from the worst of it.
The Jedi had used the Force to stop the flames but still it was clear that they were unable to find a spot to jump in but found none. Just then Amar roared which called the pack as it were. With the roar made the howl had in turn created several copies of himself all of which looked ready to hunt. Of course, this was Amar's way to lick his wounds but unfortunately thanks to the Khyber Crystal the Jedi found him without problem.
"THERE!" Barriss called out and thus went in with her Lightsaber and hit Amar. This caused the copies to vanish leaving the real Amar wide open.
"Nice shot." Titus said as he then pointed Gram Prime at his foe. "Now shall we continue?" Titus challenged as Amar growled at the Tenno before him.
(Over with Mari)
Mari was not so fortunate as she and Mace Windu were faced with Nira as the hybrid of Snake and Mag Prime had arrived not too long ago and already was making sure her foes would not walk away so easily. With her whip lashing about and her fangs dripping with Venom Nira was proving to be a powerful foe to face in combat.
Windu had detected Nira when she arrived and thus warned his troops of the attack. It saved them but Nira was powerful and came with some baggage for Ven in the case of Drifter. Thankfully neither Ven nor the Drifter were facing Nira in this confrontation. As Nira roared, she lashed out with her whip creating a thunderclap of sorts which forced both Tenno and Jedi Master to shield themselves while a few Clones were blasted back.
"Don't meet her gaze! It's an instant kill at least according to our sources." Mari called out as she glared at Nira waiting for her to make her next move. Nira hissed out and went on the attack against the Tenno who back flipped away while firing off her guns at her foe. Once she did that, she switched over to Orvius and threw the melee weapon at her. Nira was hit as she was forced back a bit to which Mari caught the returning disk only to spin and throw it again getting another blow in on Nira.
Nira then dodged a third attempt and lashed out again at her foes. Nira's eyes began to glow and thus it was the signal to not look. Thankfully thanks to the crystal Windu did not need to look and thus came in with his eyes closed and Lightsaber ignited. Nira was caught off guard by this forcing her to back off and thus her gaze ended giving the Clones an opening to fire off their blasters at her. Nira moved about the cave to avoid it and shown that she was as fast as the snake that makes up her head.
"Snakes! I hate snakes!" Mari called out firing off her guns at Nira as she moved about the cave before activating Shooting Gallery to help her allies. Nira then jumped down back to the center of the area and lashed out her whip against the Clone Troopers as well as knocking both Mace Windu and Mari back.
Windu cringed as that was clearly smarts on him. "We need to slow her down somehow." Windu said trying to think of a plan but then Mari had a plan of her own.
"Does anyone have Flash Bangs?" Mari asked and thus Windu saw where this was going.
(Meanwhile with Zed)
Zed and Obi-Wan arrived in what looked to be a shrine of sorts. The Troopers saw this as well as they saw that it almost looked like the Archon would be worshiped here. Judging by the fact that it was the Bird chances were that Ashla roamed here. "Crap." Zed cursed as he realized that it wasn't any of the original three Archons he would be facing.
Just then a screech was heard and from above Ashla descended down upon them as she glared down upon her foes. The fusion of Trinity Prime and the Convor came down with a certain grace to it but a grace that hid savage intent. In her hands were a pair of Lightsabers that ignited showing she was ready for battle against the foes Somnus sent her forth to face. Seeing this Obi-Wan ignited his own Lightsaber as Zed drew his heavy blade for this fight.
"Be careful, this is one of Somnus's creation," Zed said as Obi-wan said, "Yes, I can tell, the force flowing through this one strongly."
Ashla ignited her lightsabers showing the color of green and blue before she went at the two, as obi-wan and Zed parry her lightsabers with their weapons, trying to strike her down quickly, but the machine was quick and smart to avoid their attacks before countering with a force push.
With both Zed and Obi-wan was push back, Zed flip in the air to recover from the push while obi-wan just fell down before quickly getting up with the clones try to support them by aiming their blasters at it and fire upon it, only for the Archon to deflect them back, skill some clones before zed came upon it before it could do anymore damage as he call out to the clones, "Don't fire at it, you will only make it more difficult!"
The clones got the message, as much they hate it, the Tenno was right so they stand down for now, while Obi-wan was back on his feet, he was both amazed and somewhat afraid, while being amazed by this Ashla's skill with a lightsaber, no doubt has a special skill set downloaded into it, but also afraid that a machine is able to use the force and no telling what abilities it could tap into right now as that force push was stronger than a newly jedi padawan could mustard.
Zed was going toe to toe with Ashla, going in with heavy strike to break its guard but it keep it up well enough no doubt being part Warframe it had no sense of tiredness, with Obi-wan joining back in as he help push Ashla back with his skills which result in the Archon to block his attack leaving an opening for Zed to get a strike it as it sounded in pain for a moment before back away quickly before Zed could do anymore damage to do it.
At this point as zed and obi-wan look at each other they give a nod and went at the Archon once again knowing if they work together, they can take it down.
(Akin)
Akin and Anakin rush down the tunnel they were in, hoping they can find Somnus quickly before the new Archon finds them, with a squad of clones behind them as they follow behind the two warriors.
Suddenly Anakin stopped as he felt a familiar dark feeling as Akin stopped as well as he looked to his older counterpart and said, "What's wrong?"
"It's here, and its strong with the dark side," Anakin said as at that moment something drop to the ground ahead of the group as the clones aim their blasters at it, Akin turn around to see it and to his shock of what it was.
The Archon before them the merging of Nekros Prime and the Loth Wolf snarled at them as it held a single crimson Lightsaber in its hand. "Kriff." Akin cursed as he drew his own weapon while Anakin ignited his Lightsaber. The Archon roared and went on the attack against its foes as it began fighting.
Firing forth a blast of lightning Akin forced his foe to block with the Lightsaber giving Anakin a chance to move in. Seeing this the Archon avoided the attack and fired off Force Lightning from its maw. The duo managed to avoid it and in doing so the Clones began firing upon their foe. Of course, the Archon, Bogan took a few hits before he began deflecting the laser shots with his lightsaber. The way it moved showed that it did have some understanding of the Force, but it still held that machine like movement. Seeing this Akin growled and then focused in on the crystal at the chest of the wolf.
"Aim for the crystal that's where its power comes from!" Akin called out and thus they knew what to do in order to defeat it.
The group in response went on the attack against Bogan who in response glared at them and began charging as well. The two foes went at each as Bogan weaved through his foes as he hacked and slashed against the Clones slicing them with his lightsaber. As he did this, he continued to fight with every intent to end his foes once and for all. Jump back Akin put up a shield to block a burst of lightning from Bogan in which Anakin jumped over and slashed at Bogan. Glaring at his foe Bogan used a Force Push to forced Anakin back and in turn Akin jumped in next. Seeing this Anakin passed over his Lightsaber to Akin who grabbed it while it was still ignited and thus used the Dharka Prime and the Lightsaber to attack Bogan. Bogan seemed slow and went for strong and powerful attacks over fast and agile.
This Archons slow movements was their advantage as the two had the other pinned. This gave the Clones the opening to open fire on Bogan causing the two to part ways. Bogan deflected the attacks as Akin jumped over and threw Anakin's Lightsaber back to him. Anakin meanwhile was jumping in the air and caught his thrown weapon and slashed it down on Bogan who took a hard blow from the Jedi Knight. The Archon roared and thus Akin and Anakin charged in making a battle cry as they continued to do battle.
(Back with Aya and Aayla)
The Tenno and Jedi were still doing battle with the Archon, Boreal as the Clones were ordered to keep their distance from the Archon and stay off the ground if able. The Archon was powerful that much was clear as Aya, and Aayla continued to fight against their foes with intent to bring it down. But the pair was not out of the fight yet as they got ready to try and outwit the Archon in question. Boreal roared and in turn charged at Aayla. Acting fast Aayla used her lightsaber to hold it back but the Archon was strong in the force and in body.
But thanks to its new Force Abilities it did not see Aya who was coming in from behind. Aya then roared and attacked Boreal from behind causing the Archon to roar in pain from the blow she dealt with Broken War. Boreal was then rained upon by laser fire from the Clone Troopers and in a rage Boreal lashed out causing the group to be blasted back. Boreal knew he had suffered damage and thus in order to begin repairs vanished to a hiding spot.
"He's getting away!" Aya said as she saw the Archon make its escape.
"Go we have explosives to prepare!" Aayla said and thus with a nod Aya went after the Archon in order to keep it from getting away.
(Meanwhile with Titus's group)
The Archon snarled as it swung its blazing tomahawks at Titus who blocked the attack with his Gram Prime. Forcing Amar back Titus went on the offensive against Amar while Barriss and Luminara proceeded to provide backup for the Tenno. Amar was being pushed into a corner as the Tenno/Jedi combo was proving to be a major game changer for the group. Amar had no way to counter as his abilities were being defeated by his enemies.
"Had enough yet, doggy?" Titus asked as he glared at the Archon of flames.
Amar roared in fury no doubt angry to be losing against the Tenno and the Jedi. But just as Amar was about to go on the attack Barriss came in and used the Force to push Amar towards Titus. Titus saw this and then spun before stabbing Amar through the chest area. He then forced Amar down and pinned him to the ground glaring at the Archon in contempt.
Amar looked at the stab in shock before looking at Titus who then grabbed the wolf by its neck. "Didn't I tell you?" Titus began as he then pushed the blade deeper and then grabbed the crystal. "I know this frame better than anyone." Titus said before putting his boot on the Warframe body and in turn ripped the crystal out of his foe. Titus gave the crystal a look over as his Warframe's vision pointed at seemingly random spots on it. "Heh looks neat." Titus said as he then pocketed the Crystal for the Lotus to look at later.
"That's one down." Luminara said as she had to admit if the Tenno were not here things would have been a lot harder for them.
"Yeah." Titus said as Barriss seemed conflicted a bit. "But let's get those explosives set first." Titus said and thus Barriss felt she needed to voice a concern.
"But is this right?" Barriss asked as she looked to Titus. "Should we honestly seal what is clearly a sentient creature here without giving it a chance to defend itself." Barriss said as Somnus was sentient and thus at the very least deserved a chance to defend himself in court or something similar.
"He's a relic fighting a war that has long since been over." Titus said as he looked to Barriss. "If we let him out chances are he'll try again only this time with the technology of this world and whatever advances the Sentient had made in Tau." Titus said as he was no fool to think the Sentient over in the Tau system had been idle since they decided to take that system for themselves.
"But." Barriss said but Luminara simply put a hand on Barriss shoulder to stop her.
"Anyway, I'm heading on ahead radio in when the bombs are set." Titus said as he then proceeded forward to hopefully stop Somnus and his schemes.
(Meanwhile with Mari and Windu)
The two warriors were fighting off the Archon in an attempt to prevent it from escaping. Nira hissed at the group as already several Clones had become victims of Nira's gaze. The Archon with the power of the force then went on the attack opting Mari to open fire on it. This resulted in Mace Windu using the Force to push Mari out of the way. Mari was caught off guard by this but suspected that there was a way that had happened. When Nira saw her target was gone, she turned her fury to Windu and went on the attack.
Mace Windu jumped back to avoid Nira's but was then blindsided by the use of her whip which sent him flying back. Nira's eyes began to glow which Windu sensed and thus shied his eyes away from it. This only resulted in Mari jumping in and getting on the Archon's back. Grabbing the maw of Nira Mari forced the snake head to direct its gaze away from Windu and in turn the Jedi Master was saved. Nira then flew backwards to slam Mari and her Mesa Prime into the wall.
Mari saw this and used Transference to get out of her Warframe and roll out of the way. By the time Nira saw what was going on it was too late Mesa Prime had the Archon in its grip and left herself open to Mari's Void Beam. Removing her amp Mari went full blast on Nira intended on taking her down. But while the damage was clear Nira was still a snake and thus managed to slither out of Mesa Prime's Grip before surging out of the cavern down to Somnus inner sanctum.
"Dammit." Mari cursed as she performed Transference summoning her Warframe back.
Windu was getting back up as he hissed in pain a bit from that last bout. "How are you holding up?" Mari asked with concern for the Jedi Master.
"I'll survive." Windu said as he was using the wall for support. "You need to go after that Archon creature now we'll get those explosives set up." Windu said and thus Mari understood.
"Right." Mari said and thus Mari turned around and went down the path Nira took to escape.
(Meanwhile back with the Skywalkers)
Akin and Anakin were pushed to a corner as the Archon Bogan was forced to his knees as well. The entire area was covered in scorch marks from Bogan's attacks. Nearby several Clone Troopers were down as they too had also suffered from Boreal. Thankfully, Rex was still alive as he and Kix had tried to gather those they could and get them to safety.
"Now time to finish this." Anakin said as he was out of breath but just then the crystal began to glow with life. Gathering energy from the air itself Bogan began to heal himself much to Akin's displeasure.
"Oh, come on!" Akin cried out no doubt not looking forward to another bout. But just as Bogan was back on his feet a scythe blade appeared and stabbed Bogan from behind. Following it up was the Sentient Weapon, War which separated the Sentient form of a Loth Wolf from the Warframe. Grabbing the Crystal was none other than the Shadow Stalker who mercilessly tore the crystal out of the Archon. The Sentient part of the body turned to dust leaving only the Warframe aspect behind.
Once the deed was done Stalker sheathed Hunhow's current vessel and took his scythe, Hate, back before offering to Akin the crystal he took. "Huh... thanks." Akin said as he was caught off guard by this, but Anakin glared at him.
"Calm yourself Skywalker." Hunhow spoke as Anakin heard the Sentient. "In this regard the enemy of my enemy." Hunhow said making it clear that he was not here to fight. "Natah has beseeched me to provide what aid I could." Hunhow spoke as Stalker stood stalwart. "I believe her words were along the lines of, desperate times call for desperate measures." Hunhow said and thus Akin glared at the Sentient. "Now then what aid may I provide in dealing with Somnus?" Hunhow said knowing full well they had to stop Somnus here and now.
"Anakin think Rex can set the explosive up?" Akin asked surprising Anakin on this.
"Wait you trust him!?" Anakin asked and thus Akin looked to Anakin.
"Not as far as I Can throw him, but he knows Somnus better than anyone and if Lotus really asked for his help, then it's bad." Akin said and thus Anakin looked to his men.
"Don't worry sir. We can cover things here." Rex said but Akin begged to differ.
"Right but just to be safe." Akin said and thus took out a few round objects which he threw down to the ground. Then with a burst of smoke the orbs had become Warframe Specters who were ready for battle. Using his Cephalon Akin had their orders input to them which he looked to Rex. "Ok Rex these guys will follow your orders." Akin said and thus Anakin had to ask.
"Why didn't you bring these out sooner?!" Anakin asked and thus Akin gave Anakin an unamused look even if it was hidden by his Warframe.
"Because these damn things are expensive to craft resources and credit wise." Akin said making it clear he HATED making these unless he absolutely had to. "Now come on we need to hurry." Akin said and thus he and Anakin got moving with the Shadow Stalker and Hunhow in tow.
(Over with Zed and Obi-Wan's team)
Zed swung Paracesis upon Ashla while Obi-Wan swung his lightsaber at the Archon. The Archon had both of them held back by the twin lightsabers it possessed. But as they tried to get the Archon to submit it forced pushed the two of them away from it. Taking it a step further it began to draw in fallen boulders and the like to surround it and defend itself from the Jedi/Tenno tag team. Zed transferred out of Umbra allowing him to act autonomously by providing cover fire with Nataruk. Zed meanwhile used his Void Dash to move about.
He then saw an opening in Ashla's defenses and Void Dashed into her defensive wall. Using Transference Zed summoned Umbra and swung the Paracesis down upon his foe. Ashla blocked it but left herself open as Ven then transferred out and Void beamed Ashla at point blank range. Ashla was sent flying from it as she flew through the air for but a moment.
She crashed into the wall before falling to her knees. But just as she was about to get back up a blast of Eidolon energy came forth and hit Ashla causing her damage. Looking to the source they saw to Zed's surprise the Lotus there coming to their aid. Using the speed and power she had as a Sentient she dashed over to Ashla and pinned her to the wall. Ashla struggled in vain to get free, but the Lotus would not allow it to be. This Archon was about to learn the hard way why she tends to stay on Lua as the Tenno's mission control and not come out to the field.
Her mouth then began to distend while opening in an almost horrific way while she lifted the Archon up with but a single arm. "You might want to look away." Zed said as he saw this and in turn Obi-Wan saw why.
The Lotus then consumed the crystal's energy for all it's worth causing the Archon unending amounts of pain for it. Try as it did the Archon was unable to stop it as its energy its very lifeforce was consumed by the Lotus power. Soon enough the Archon fell limp and thus the Warframe aspect fell down to the ground in a heap while the Sentient head turned to dust in the Lotus' hands.
"Don't you EVER threaten my children again." The Lotus warned at the now dead Archon before turning around with her maw returning to normal.
"Well, that was." Obi-Wan began as he cleared his throat a bit from what display. "Unsightly." He said no doubt failing to heed Zed's prior warning from the Lotus' brief display of what may have been Sentient Cannibalism.
"I apologize for that display." Lotus apologized no doubt hating herself for doing such a thing. "I simply drained the crystal of its energy and healing properties." Lotus said as she held the now dead Khyber crystal in her hand as it turned to dust.
"Well despite that display your assistance was most appreciated madam." Obi-Wan said and thus the Lotus nodded and went over to the Archons remains.
"Now that we have that sorted, we must hurry." Lotus said as she then took the Lightsabers the Archon had used in battle. "We need to put a stop to Somnus here and now." Lotus said as she scanned the Lightsabers and how they worked. "If he is allowed to escape, he will undoubtedly return to Tau and bring with him an entire fleet of Sentient to take the Origin System before coming to this system." Lotus said as she then ignited the Lightsabers.
"I hope you will not have a problem with me borrowing these." Lotus said as she knew they belonged to the Jedi.
"Not at all." Obi-Wan said as while he frowned on grave robbing, he knew Somnus had done much worse than that already.
"Good and worry not I will return them to the Jedi so to ensure they are given proper disposals after Somnus has been dealt with." Lotus said and thus Obi-Wan nodded to this.
"Alright then, we need to go now." Zed said as there was no telling how long they had before Somnus launches.
"We'll get the explosives ready, sir." Cody said and Obi-Wan responded to the Clone Commander with a nod.
"Good." Obi-Wan said and thus looking to Zed and Lotus he nodded before heading off with the three to find and eliminate Somnus.
(Meanwhile in Somnus Lair)
Boreal and Nira had arrived not too long ago after escaping their fights and had regrouped with Tython. Somnus of course saw all and knew that his enemies planned to trap him here to die a slow death. He would of course not allow it for once they arrive, he will be ready for them. "Well then it seems I must do the deed myself." Somnus said and thus was ready to put a stop to the Tenno before they truly interfered with his plans for freedom. Besides even if he did somehow loose, the Sentient strategist had given Count Dooku access to a contingency plan to stick it sideways to the Tenno.
If what Stalker told him was true, then Pazuul may prove to be of some use in this method of vengeance. IF Somnus cannot return home to Tau then at the very least the Tenno will not find peace in their home either.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, here you go everybody another chapter off the docket. I know you all waited a good long while so here it is. I hope you all enjoyed it and will join us next time for Chapter 13. So, until then you all know the drill leave a review before leaving and as I always say on here ja-ne.