//------------------------------//
// I: A Tactical Understanding 
// Story: War of Understanding 
// by Kaffeina 
//------------------------------//


The War of Understanding



I:
A Tactical Understanding






Auric took a seat at the head of the long table, looking at the people and other variations thereof. The fact Essence had elected to restrict their powers before they agreed to start or as they strategized was likely a boon considering the tempers of some of those present, namely Ben. As it stood, most of them looked rather uncomfortable at the current state of events. Though most of them seemed uncomfortable, a few seemed relatively unappalled. One particular member, Zero if he recalled correctly, seemed rather smug.

After a few moments, Auric stood up. "Welcome to Hero Castle, though that is not our name, I do feel it's correct in the statement of what we are in this war." A few nods, followed by a few scoffs were the only response. "I would have preferred this be a fight between myself and Teridax but things didn't work out that way, as you all well know."

"Now, we need to come up with a strategy, does anyone have any ideas they want to present?" Auric looked at those seated, when Zero spoke up.

"Obviously we need to know what the enemy's strategy is, otherwise we can't exactly counteract it, now can we?" A smug undertone took to his voice as he spoke. All of the attendees nodded, whilst one in particular sprung to her feet. Blonde hair bobbed as the girl's furrowed brows gave way to the aggravation she seemingly felt at the current situation.

"First we get our powers back from that egotistical kitten with a goddess complex, then we crush them!" Kat Shifter offered before slamming her hand on the table. Perhaps normally, the table would have broke, in fact for the majority of the people in the room such an action would have broken the table. Instead it shuddered slightly, "It's obvious!"

Another woman, this one with silver blonde hair, looked across the table from her place next to another member  at the vibrant woman. "Within a few minutes, the majority of our side would be out of the battle," Aranea Highwind gave Kat an exhausted look, "so if you wish to put us, and the worlds we represent to death, then we should follow your strategy. I would also refrain from insulting our host."

Auric nodded and voiced his agreement, "Aranea is right. Both on that strategy and on insulting the host."

Zero himself remained silent.

"I find that most Void Dwellers aren't quite so... reasonable, when it comes to insults," a man in a very uniquely blue suit said, "Granted, this one seems less explosive than most but it's still a bad decision."

"Shut up," Kat huffed.

A chorus of chuckles permeated the room, and Auric went back to speaking. "Perhaps we should wait out until we know what their goal is? Or their strategy?"

"I can always like, go into bullet time and get into their headquarters when the fight begins," Nicholas offered, if a little sheepishly. The room pondered this for a minute as Nick offered another statement, "Though Micheal might know I'm there."

"Oh yeah, if you want to be the first to die," Ben offered, rather sarcastically.

Auric sighed, clearly it was going to be difficult to get everyone to cooperate calmly. "As morbid as that remark is, Ben has a point. It is best to avoid unnecessary deaths or risk them," he said, "and as well as I might know Teridax, even I cannot predict his exact actions." The room was still as everyone pondered the statement, before there was an interruption by the man in blue.

"Well, considering they are villains, we do have a few guarantees," he proffered, "the first being they will not hold back. I can also predict the consistent monologue that seems common amongst that lot."

Aranea nodded, "Both are generally true, but if I am correct about one of their members, monologuing will not save you, or even likely happen if he knows you have the possibility of escape. Of course, some of them are also insane."

Auric frowned, "You both hold good points, of course, I am wondering who that member might be."

Aranea looked the man dead in the eyes, "If I am correct, you won't have to wonder. Linearly, both he and I come from well after this has allegedly taken place, however with the Void, time is never a certain thing. I am, however, certain that our host would restrict him and keep trouble away so do not be too worried for now."

Auric frowned, "A villain like Teridax himself?"

"It's best I leave the rest unsaid, it is not important right now," Aranea gestured back to the table, "the majority of you here work by yourself, only a select few have experience with armies or groups. Some of you do have minions, but they are mindless and do not have minds of their own. Free will is an important aspect of an army, it allows snap judgments in emergencies. Of all your minions, only Dahaka's may possess even a certain level of self thought."

Auric nodded, "That is a fairly apt assessment but I do not think-"

Her hand slammed onto the table, "Auric, silence yourself for a moment. As far as I am aware all of you have little experience actually leading armies, and before any of you interrupt allow me to explain," she glared across the table at each of the members. "Auric, you have acted mostly alone. Both as Dullahan and as yourself. Kat, I literally don't need to say anything. If I did, you would get pissed off like you have in the past. Jason, you take the frontlines in far too many situations to pose even the slightest bit as a leader for this. Dahaka, you have enough experience to make a valid officer but I'm not going beyond that. Ben... honestly, you'd probably get everyone killed if what I know of you is correct. The Doctor is the only person here who can honestly say he knows how War goes, aside from myself, and that is why I will be relying on him for strategical advice."

A few people at the table grimaced, "As for the rest of you, I don't know you well enough to trust you with tactics, so for this I will take the lead as the main general and commander. Each of you will be leading your own section of the army, after I dole out your most fitting and apt opponents. Auric is the "King" or the person of power in this and our goal is to capture Teridax and bring him before Auric to finish the fight."

The room remained silent for a few moments, "Now, any arguments?" Nothing but more silence, aside from a few grumbles and glares. "You do not have to like me, merely listen. Here's our strategy..."




Hero Roster:

Auric Fulcrum  -   Kat Shifter   -   Xemnas   -   Zed   -   Jason Hughes   -   Aranea Highwind   -   Nemesis   -   Lich King   -  
Dahaka   -   Domon   -   Ben   -   Nicholas Faraday   -   The Doctor