OOC: Can I join?

OOC: No problem, join if you want

walks in, looks around and notices Hazama Is that you hazama? Long time no see.

A man wanders through the streets, taking a turn down the alley as for some reason it feels... Powerful, very. He glances around at the bodies upon the ground before spotting Hazama and smirking at the man. "My Captain, I didn't realize the streets were so unsafe you'd be assailed by ruffians just for walking around. Bravo taking care them, probably slightly more challenging then defeating a small child for you." The man's tone is obviously amused by the sight of Hazama dealing with something so petty. But as he goes on Relius smirk drops and he returns to all business as usual. "Kidding aside I assume you came for the same reason I did? Whatever is in there it certainly feels powerful... Think it might be our mutual friend?"

*he transmats into being* Hey Hazama.

[Hazama turns to the three, smiling.] Ah, the big one, and the Colonel as well? My, I am truly blessed to run into the both of you this fine day, no? I don't believe I've met you, blonde. Perhaps my memory is failing after all these attacks, hm? [His smile drops, as he looks up at the sky, his face tightening.] As for...him...I'm not so sure. This power is about right, for sure. If he did make his appearance now, things would get complicated. I'm all for him ending the world or whatever, but not while I'm in it. This doesn't feel quite right though, not for him. No, I think this is something else. I popped in here looking for the source of this power, and well... [He nudges the body with his foot, a look of disgust now present on his face.] ...well, it seems I wasn't the only one.

*he looks at Relius but glares under his helmet* It's you...

thinks... What do you mean? Who is him?

Having recently closed his business for the day, a lavender-haired man was planning to walk home, until a small device in his pocket alerted him to something. He follows its direction, soon ending up in the same alleyway as Hazama. He looks at all the bested thugs, in their various states, and does his best to ignore it, instead standing near the alley entrance and looking at all the others standing. Looks like I missed quite an exciting time. Considering some of the company present, I take it these poor bystanders looked at you people funny? *shrug* You could at least go easy on the fools, not their fault they don't know what's happening. Regardless, I can only assume I'm not the only one who got something. Gamma sighs and steps over to the group, careful to avoid touching any of the unconcious thugs. Not really his problem, they'll get up eventually, maybe the down time will do them some good. Seeing the newcomer, he briefly bows to Relius Sorry for the rough greeting, and I'd like to bid you welcome to my little part of town. I've been out of it for a bit, but I trust no one's caused too much trouble, have they?

notices Gamma and walks to him Greetings Gamma, long time no see. smiles and offers his hand

Relius chuckles as he wonders who in the hell would send such cut rate fools to do work like this. "Well it's likely for the best if we aren't dealing with him, It would be a shame if we couldn't give our old friend a proper welcome." And with that the man begins examining the area more closely, attempting to figure out where exactly the source might be. "Yes it's me, Relius Clover pleasure to meet you good sir, why exactly do you sound so hostile?" The man glances at Sunbreaker for a moment with a curious shrug. Then turns to Addamle while rasing his eyebrow. "As for who he is? I'm afraid that's the business of the Captain and I young man. Suffice to say however that he's no friend of anyone." He looks over Gamma for a moment, well at least the man seems to have manners. "Not as far as I'm aware, you say this is your part if town though? Any clue what might be the source of all this magic then?"

Hey there, Lavvy. Can't have a party without you, can we? For the record, I was attacked first. Honest. [Hazama turns away, leaving Sunbreaker and Relius to their business and Addalme's question unanswered. He nudged one of the thugs with his foot, causing him to groan. Seemingly annoyed, he stomped harshly on the man's neck, finishing the job. As he did, the energy in the area spiked, causing a small shockwave that unbalanced Hazama and made him fall to one knee. He seemed shocked at first, before his lips curled up in glee, and he began chuckling.]

Gamma accepts Addalme's handshake, though he makes sure to keep some distance from the group That it has, still, glad to see some things haven't changed. Gamma looks back over to Relius, clearly he has some experience with magic then, that makes things easier Well, I do own a business down the street, but I was more referring to this "Nexus" thing as a whole. Usually I end up welcoming people and giving the basics, but you seem to have some grasp at least. As for the source well, Gamma makes a dramatic shrugging motion, in his left hand you can see a small, rectangular device That's what I came here to find out. Its apparently fairly recent, at least, I wasn't informed of it before, so either..... Gamma is cut off by the shaking, he failed to notice Hazama's actions, but couldn't help but feel the trembling. He checks the device, significantly higher readings If I were to guess, we're about to find out the source first-hand. I trust you can all handle yourselves. If not, might be best to scram.

"Oh no need to worry about my safety... However I do have urgent matters I'll need to deal with soon. Either way I'll check into this while I still can." The man smirks as the shockwave smashes into him, somehow he seems utterly unaffected before walking over whatever caused that. A hand raised up as though to snap his fingers at a moment's notice.

he manages to resist the shockwave Interesting. turns to Hazama and casts diarahan Feeling better?

[Hazama stands, brushing off his slacks and adjusting his hat. To be sure, he executes another thug, causing yet snother shockwave. His smile doesn't fade, as he turns to the group.] My, isn't this just wonderful. Colonel, tell me. What's the one thing that we know of that uses SOULS as a power source? [He taps one heel on the ground, the metal on his heel making a clicking sound.] A cauldron. Humanity could barely handle the things where we're from, and now we've stumbled upon one here in this Nexus too. It doesn't feel right though. Like...a copy, and the only one I know with the stones to even ATTEMPT mimicking a cauldron, let alone the boundary in it's entirety would be... [Right on cue, a female figure wrapped up in a purple cloak appears floating in the sky. Those familiar with the second tournament would recognize her as Phantom, Hazama's involuntary assistant, and formerly the sage, Nine. Hazama had mentioned losing contact with her after a certain incident, but here she was.]

looks phantom Is dangerous?

Gamma sighs and shakes his head. Been a while since he was totally lost, guess some things don't change. Alright, I take it the nice lady's someone you know Hazzy. In that case, I'll leave it up to your expertise, as much as I can. Unless someone would like to explain what a Cauldron, or a Boundary is. Gamma yawns and looks up to Nine. He decides to step forward and wave to her Hello, and welcome to my little part of town. I see you've been making yourself busy, so I suppose it already feels like home eh? Or maybe better, who knows? I'm in no place to judge that's for sure.

The man grins up at Nine, so then seems they've lost control of the witch somehow? He'll have to get something ready to take care of this the time they meet, but for now it'd be best to head out to the lab and... Prepare something for this little issue. "Well Nine it's good to see you around again but I'm afraid I must be going! I'm sure we can catch up later on but bye for now old friend! Captain do be careful with this one it'd be a shame if something happened to you." And with that Relius snaps his fingers... Usually that'd summon Ignis but this time? A flash of light appears and suddenly The Mad Puppeteer is nowhere to be seen, he's got a pretty good idea of how to deal with Nine... But it'll take some time to prepare regardless, so having gone back to his lab the man sets himself to work once again.

*he still watches Clover and Ignis. hovering his hand over his sidearm, the Rat King* Hey Hazama... how did you met this guy?

[Hazama smiled, seems Relius was running off to fix this little issue, fine by him.] I could give you a full history lesson, Lavvy, but I won't right now. Just know that The Boundary was a limitless source of energy, as well as a gateway to other realities. Cauldrons were entrances to this space, often characterized by big ass holes in the ground, swirling lights inside them. They used souls as fuel, and are how the Black Beast was created. Nine here, or as she's better known: Konoe A. Mercury is an expert on the subject. As for who she is...my lover? She loves me so much in fact, she came here, crawling back to me even after it seemed her mind control had worn off! Isn't that just tou- [He's interrupted by falling rocks, flaming and frozen raining from above him. The green trail of Ouroboros appears, shielding him from the attack.] Oooh, fiesty. Still, even with your intellect, you should know there's no mimicking the boundary, or even a single cauldron. What are you plotting, witch? Trying to run away from Susanoo and I to another universe? Or maybe you want to get back to that damn cat, and your sister? Always a family woman, eh? [Phantom is only silent in response, as she cannot speak in her current state. She merely replies by launching an attack at the group, a huge blast of lightning. Perhaps she's mistaken the others for being with Hazama? Either way, there's not much more time for words, it seems.]

Blocks the blast of lighting Looks like it's time to fight. takes out his light saber

A man with an umbrella walks past the alleyway, his hood up beneath the umbrella. A couple of the scattered rocks land on the umbrella, causing the man to reach his hand out from beneath it. "Odd weather, as usual... in times like these, I think I'd prefer Fuuto's gales!" He sees the gathering, and continues walking. "Some people, at least hold parties inside clubs, or your own home!"

Some ways away from the group is the odd Narukami look-alike known as Chaos. He seems to be sitting casually with a smug grin on his face. There's a slight look of disinterest in his eyes as well but he watches the events unfold regardless as the phantom tries to do away with the snake. He lets out a breath of relief as he stands up and stretches his back before slowly approaching the scene to get a closer look. I'll just do my usual thing and play the spectator for now though I wouldn't want to miss all this fun. Oh well, in the end, this could be entertaining either way...

Its been a while, hasn't it Shiranui? Ice Age. Out of practice as he is, Gamma's a little slow to summon forth his persona, by the time Shiranui's out and starts to build a wall, the lightning's already halfway there. Gamma quickly forms a barrier in front of Hazama and himself, only for the lightning to smash through it, shards fly back towards the group, but nothing major. Gamma is struck with a nice dose of thunder for his trouble, and briefly loses his footing, landing on one knee. If this is your definition of love Haz, I think we need to have a serious talk about what I like to call "Yanderes, and how to deal with them." Step one, Don't. Gamma chuckles to himself and stands up, he takes a deep breath and prepares himself for next round.

[Hazama is blasted, the attack mitigated by Gamma's barrier, but it still wasn't a fun time. He stands, brushing himself off, as Ouroboros coils around him before lunging at Phantom.] Ah, she really isn't my type. She did a cat you know, true story. [The Nox Nyctores is deflected by the witch, as she sends a hail of fire and ice at the group, fire sweeping from the left and ice the opposite. Hazama jumps backwards out of the way, and laughs as Ouroboros dissipates.] Ah, that's right. You made this bad boy, shoulda known that wouldn't work on you, miss sage. Still, this is a beneficial situation for me, 'cuz you see...you hate me. Being Terumi's vessel and all, well. I'm sure you can figure this out. Restriction #666 released. [Hazama outstretched his arms and began his chant, it would take time to finish, but it seems he has a plan.]

"goes to protect Hazama" Take your time, I'll protect you.

Under the impression that you'd never cross streams of opposing elements, Gamma runs into the ice, so as to avoid the fire, after all, a little chill hardly bothers him. Honestly, I know so many Nekos around here that's hardly surprising. Unless you meant like, an actual cat. In which case, that's still not the weirdest thing. You know, in Norse mythology Loki once did a rock. The norse are weird. A... Anyways. Gamma searches his pockets and takes out three cards, looking at them carefully Lets see..... Too slow..... Short distance...... Man, these are super useless right now. In that case.... Shiranui, Maeigaon. Gamma takes a deep breath and focuses as his Persona forms around him once more. Shiranui roars, and suddenly four tendrils emerge from the ground around him. They lash out at Nine, attempting to latch onto her and bring her closer, or at least ruin her focus Alright, lets see how you fare in a real fight, shall we?

[Having been blasted by the ice before, and focused on Hazama, Phantom had no real out to Gamma's attack. She was dragged closer to him, and attempted to throw out a spurt of fire to interrupt him, though the amount of success was debatable.] Dimensional Interference Force Field, deployed! CODE S.O.L. BLAZBLUE, ACTIVATE! [The green ring that signifies Hazama's lack of messing around appears, draining the thugs of life energy, likely killing those that were alive and decaying those who already perished. In a dash of speed, Hazama appears behind Nine, and sends a kick right toward her, sending her flying into the air. She was not perfectly vulnerable for a followup from the others present.] Just roll over and die! Serpent's Infernal Rapture!

OOC: I GTG, just act like I disappeared.

The tendrils briefly glow red when caught by the fire, and begin to dissolve at the few points that touch, They're finished off by the sudden jerking motion that follows Hazama launching her into the air. Gamma himself puts up an arm to block the small jet, and still ends up scorched by it I really, really hate fire. Anyways, Hazzy, maybe you could NOT knock away the person I'm trying to bring close, K, thanks. Shiranui, Eigaon. On cue, three tendrils of darkness shoot forward out of Gamma's sleeve. He grasps onto them before swinging the tendrils at Nine, lashing out them as though it were a whip. The goal is for the tendrils to latch on and give Gamma the opportunity to slam Nine into the ground. Oh, and by the way, I'd appreciate if you would at least say why you're trying to kill me. If we could, you know, communicate, things would probably be a lot easier. Maybe try learning sign language? That would probably help.

[Hazama steps back, making sure not to envelop Gamma in the ring.] Ah right, sorry. Communication is a bit hard for someone without the ability to talk, and in the equivalent of a magic straight jacket. Anyway, do what you will, but do try to keep her alive, for the time being.

[Phantom is, unfortunately for her, slammed into the ground. Hazama takes this opportunity yo harshly stomp on her back, digging his heel into her back. Her life essence is drained by Hazama's BlazBlue, and Hazama seems to be relishing it.] Ah, glad I had some help. The great sage usually wouldn't be that much of a pushover...though I guess those restraints had something to do with it, huh? Quite a shame, really. Welp, guess I better stuff you in a box or something until the Colonel is done with his little plan, but for now why don't you show me exactly where this little makeshift cauldron of yours is, huh? Maybe then I won't do something we'll bo- [In a flash, Hazama and those around are blinded, and in the instant they turned away, Phantom vanished. Hazama rubs his eyes, obviously caught off-guard.] Aw, you could have at least let me finish before you did that. It wasn't unexpected I guess. Whatever, she can do what she wants for now, not like I could ACTUALLY contain her anyways. Thanks for the help, Lavvy. I think I have a cauldron to look for. Those things are big, so really it could be anywhere, but we know it exists. This opens up a lot of possibilities, so today has been a great day. [The man would bow to Gamma, before looking up in a seemingly random direction.] Oh, by the way, it's quite rude to eavesdrop. Show yourself.

Gamma sighs and shakes his head. Of course no one can stay where they're needed Alright, more jargon and stuff. Anyways, I take it this makes us even, right Haz? Now then, if you'll.... Gamma looks around, for a moment, finding nothing of note around So, you friends with an invisible man too? Go figure, you've got the weirdest partners. Not like I'm one to judge

[Hazama sighs, as BlazBlue deactivates.] I know I heard someone. Eh, whatever. Not worth chasing. Yeah, consider your little debt settled. I'm sure you've got a business to run, so get outta here. I've got some preparations of my own to make now. [That said, he walks away.]