Let's fight to the end

[Demetri Malius]

IRIS and Demetri made their way to through the cracked and sandy streets and proceeded to the Nexus gate. Demetri decided to keep his chain kunai hidden in his sleeve ran into trouble. and wrapped around his arms and wrists, just in case, anyone decided to follow. IRIS began to speak about the gates and the different verses before focusing on their next destination.

“There are only two main destinations in the Ashen Steppes, which is Death Mountain and the Koopa Kingdom. I believe we should be heading to the Koopa Kingdom, as that will be our best bet for finding this guy. Perhaps I can check if there are others in the area as well, so that we can travel with them. It’s a dangerous place, so the more the merrier!” The bot explained the details cheerfully as they walked.

Demetri paused for a moment to think about what the robot said as they passed through the gate, the sandy floor and ocean breeze came to a halt and was replaced with white. “Hmm…. that is interesting, I agree with you. Are you able to retrieve such information?”

The bot squeaked, “Of course, it’s what I do, after all. Let me check.” IRIS floated in place as it searched among the dataverse. “There seems to be a group heading to see Bowser, the king of the Troopa Kingdom, maybe we can go with them?”

“A king? I don’t usually associate with royalty, save for once or twice. However, if we must, then we shall go.” Demetri started to walk out into the Nexus in the direction of the Ashen gate, but IRIS didn’t follow.

“IRIS, what is troubling you?” Demetri asked, wondering why it had stopped.

“Um.. you aren’t going to summon a vehicle? It would make travelling much easier.” Demetri gave the machine a blank look. “Did you not know? You can do it the same way you summoned me!” Demetri thought for a moment, then crouched down.

“No, I did not have that information, I have much to learn. I wonder what I should summon then. Perhap a vehicle that can fly...” The informant stared at the blank floor as he thought, he had heard of attempts to make flying and motorized vehicles in his home world, but none had succeeded. The technology and physics in this world were unique, and IRIS was proof of that.

“Well, flying vehicles can only be summoned in Coruscant of Camelot. So if anything, you can create something that can float at best. That will also be good in the Ashen Steppes, the hot air makes it very aerodynamic.” IRIS suggested.

Demetri continued to think. Perhaps alky for ground vehicle with gliding capabilities would be the best choice. It would allow him to traverse most verses with relative ease, and the gliding would add extra function and capability, for whatever may lie ahead. Then, just like when he summoned IRIS, he sat down, focused and tried to visualize the vehicle. It would have a sleek metal design, slim, nothing to better access. There would be a large wheel on the front, attached to a motorized machine which would be responsible for most of its speed and power. The rear of the vehicle would need small flaps for rear lift and stabilization, and the sides would need retractable wings to allow easy switch between ground and air modes. Although this seemed simple, it took a great amount of focusing and time for Demetri to summon the vehicle, as visualizing it took more effort due to its size. IRIS watched intently as Demetri finished summoning the vehicle after a short time. It’s base metal was a dark black, with intricate designs colored in a dark, glowing blue. On the dash, behind the windshield was a small space in which IRIS could fit in.

“Ooh, that looks interesting, can’t say I’ve seen anything like it recorded on the dataverse. Let’s try it out!” IRIS hurried to its cozy seat and waited as Demetri stood up and took the driver’s seat. There weren't many controls besides a small lever to machine on, and the handlebars for steering, revving, and braking. Demetri hit the gas and off they went, heading to the Ashen Steppes.

After a short amount of time, they neared the fountain, and a few human figures could be seen by it. Perhaps a new prime? They decided to stop by, perhaps they could gain a new allies, or an early heads-up to future enemies. Either way, it was best for them to check it out.

They came close to the fountain and were met by a young man and woman who had seemed to just meet each other. From his senses, Demetri could tell they were rather new, and was already reading their status. they seemed formidable. There also seemed to be another person, perhaps behind the fountain?

“Greetings, I am Demetri. It looks to me that you are both new to this world.” Demetri removed the cloth covering his face while he spoke. He glanced at the fountain. “It also seems that there is one more prime here, blocked from view by the fountain.” As Demetri pointed out to the fountain to reveal the third prime, IRIS disengaged itself from its holder and cautiously peeked up over the dash at the man and woman.