Editing LoH/story/Absolute Reckoning

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{{LoH/StorylineTopBar|issue=Absolute Reckoning|prev=Emergent Behavior|next=Back Issues: Part 1}}

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Issue}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Space Station Zeroth}}
|text='''Space Station Zeroth:''' This is the on board computer system of Space Station Zeroth.<br />
I am acting on a directive to contact you in the event of an interruption of communication with Aloysius Zeroth.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Space Station Zeroth}}
|text='''Space Station Zeroth:''' Or in the case of conflicting communication with multiple users matching his genetic profile.<br />
Prepare to come aboard.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Space Station Zeroth}}
|text='''Space Station Zeroth:''' And prepare for action.<br />
We have company.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

== A Tale of Two Zeroths ==

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|Dimetrodrone (1)}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Dimetrodrone}}
|text='''Space Station Zeroth:''' These are the Dimetrodrones. You have encountered a more "advanced" prototype in your adventures.<br />
They function as something Zeroth refers to as "redshirts" despite their predilection for not wearing any upper garments.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Dimetrodrone}}
|text='''Space Station Zeroth:''' Their primary function was to guard a prisoner in a section of the Space Station that was shielded from me.<br />
The station has been breached and the prisoner escaped. By all readings he is Zeroth. I have been getting conflicting commands ever since.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Dimetrodrone}}
|text='''Space Station Zeroth:''' I need your help. There are two temporally contemporary Zeroths trying to command me. Each with a set of Dimetrodrones.<br />
I can't detect which one to follow but I know that choosing the wrong one could be calamitous.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|Zeroth}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Zeroth: Resolute}}
|text='''Aloysius Zeroth:''' I can't make my Space Station listen to me...<br />
I am optimistic that you will be more receptive.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Zeroth: Resolute}}
|text='''Aloysius Zeroth:''' Things I have done in my life have come at a significant cost.<br />
And now The Schism is coming to collect on that debt.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Zeroth: Resolute}}
|text='''Aloysius Zeroth:''' There was a time when I was the only emergent and I used my abilities to accrue wealth and power.<br />
I created weapons such as the Dimetrodrones and Codename: Soldier for generous sums of money.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Zeroth: Resolute}}
|text='''Aloysius Zeroth:''' That all changed when I became aware of the threat of an alien invasion.<br />
Everything I have done since that moment has been to keep the human race safe.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Zeroth: Resolute}}
|text='''Aloysius Zeroth:''' Join forces with me and we can get on with saving reality from the maw of The Schism.<br />
You do believe me, don't you?
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|Dimetrodrone (2)}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Dimetrodrone}}
|text='''Space Station Zeroth:''' The Dimetrodrone forces appear to be split into two factions. Under the command of two different leaders.<br />
Which is impossible since everything on this station...myself included...only responds to Zeroth's genetic signature.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|Absolute Zeroth}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Absolute Zeroth}}
|text='''Absolute Zeroth:''' You look like you have seen a ghost and I suppose you have.<br />
I may share Zeroth's genetic makeup but I am as far from him as possible.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Absolute Zeroth}}
|text='''Absolute Zeroth:''' You can call me Absolute Zeroth.<br />
I have been a prisoner on this space station for the last 30 years.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Absolute Zeroth}}
|text='''Absolute Zeroth:''' We were once the same man. We came before all other emergents.<br />
When the threat of an alien invasion changed our world view.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Absolute Zeroth}}
|text='''Absolute Zeroth:''' I split off from Zeroth ... like your friend Shimmerstorm ... and went back in time to plant the seeds of our emergent genes.<br />
To create the first generation of emergents that became the Genesis Squadron.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Absolute Zeroth}}
|text='''Absolute Zeroth:''' But Zeroth saw that as a solution with a limited duration. He does not like anything challenging his position on top of the hill.<br />
Look at what he did to me! And what about the Codename: Soldier project?
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Absolute Zeroth}}
|text='''Absolute Zeroth:''' Join me. He would rather destroy everything before being overrun by generations of emergents.<br />
You do believe me, don't you?
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

== Queen of the Chimerae (Zeroth) ==

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Area|Queen of the Chimerae}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Space Station Zeroth}}
|text='''Space Station Zeroth:''' The station is overrun with intruders. It is unclear which side they are on.<br />
But some are clearly up to no good!
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|The Undone}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|The Undone}}
|text='''Space Station Zeroth:''' The Undone herald that The Schism is very close at hand.<br />
You have only faced a fraction of its power.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|The Undone}}
|text='''Space Station Zeroth:''' I do not know if all the emergents together can stand up to its full might.<br />
Or if they can even stand together.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|The T-Generates}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|The T-Generates}}
|text='''Space Station Zeroth:''' I am beginning to piece together how Absolute Zeroth was freed from his chamber.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|Three Harmonies: Offkey}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|The Three Harmonies}}
|text='''Space Station Zeroth:''' What I don't understand is how these monstrosities were able to get on board.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|Dr. Tessera: Devolved}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Dr. Tessera: Devolved}}
|text='''Space Station Zeroth:''' And how they were hidden from my detection.<br />
'''Dr. Tessera:''' You again!?! Do you wonder if you have chosen the right side?
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Dr. Tessera: Devolved}}
|text='''Dr. Tessera:''' I will let you know when you are dead beneath these accursed paws...<br />
And The Schism is swallowing us whole!
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

== Beauty and the Beasts ==

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Area|Beauty and the Beasts}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Coax}}
|text='''Coax:''' I guess I am the last player in The Drama Club standing.<br />
That's what we call ourselves these days.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Eager Freshman}}
|text='''Coax:''' I still remember being such an Eager Freshman.<br />
With just a fraction of the power we have now.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Coax}}
|text='''Coax:''' Coax is my new stage name.<br />
I can make memories and fears take form.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Coax}}
|text='''Coax:''' I won't hesitate to turn your mind inside out if it means stopping this madman.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|The Scarlet Tiger}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|The Scarlet Tiger}}
|text='''The Scarlet Tiger:''' You have to share the same suspicions I have. You were there in Hong Kong.<br />
You have shared a glimpse of The Schism with me.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|The Scarlet Tiger}}
|text='''The Scarlet Tiger:''' You know that I cannot show any mercy to anyone who would help bring that about.<br />
You are being duped and I have no choice but to battle you for real this third time.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|The Conservator}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|The Conservator}}
|text='''The Conservator:''' I have seen too many of you students go through to my waiting room.<br />
And too many of them never come back.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|The Conservator}}
|text='''The Conservator:''' I have no desire to be the cause of your harm.<br />
But Zeroth has been deceiving us. It is the only explanation for what we saw happen in Culverton.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|Pesticide}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Pesticide}}
|text='''Pesticide:''' The Schism is in my dreams!<br />
Even now. Awake but dreaming.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Pesticide}}
|text='''Pesticide:''' Bad dreams. Bad man in black.<br />
Must make the dreams stop. Must stop the man in black.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

== For Whom the Bell Tolls ==

== The Band Back Together ==

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Area|The Band Back Together}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Philosophical Differences}}
|text='''Professor Helios:''' Zeroth has been central to the greatest pain of my life...<br />
But I know it was to keep the world safe.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Philosophical Differences}}
|text='''Professor Helios:''' I may not like him very much...<br />
But I am ready to fight for him with every spark in me.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|Shimmerstorm}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Missing Each Other}}
|text='''Shimmerstorm:''' Zeroth has been everywhere and everywhen I have been. And always in the middle.<br />
I see no other possibility than to defeat him today.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|The Crime Blotter}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Grip of Fanaticism}}
|text='''The Crime Blotter:''' The deeper I dig into Zeroth Industries the dirtier it gets.<br />
Doesn't the fact that he has his own space station give anyone else pause?
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Grip of Fanaticism}}
|text='''The Crime Blotter:''' I have given up expecting anyone to read the simple facts as they are presented.<br />
So it's time for a little sensationalism.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|The Southside Sentry}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Twisted Genius}}
|text='''The Southside Sentry:''' Is this beat up on Marcus day?<br />
I don't even know who I am fighting anymore.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Twisted Genius}}
|text='''The Southside Sentry:''' I just know that Zeroth doesn't check out in my book.<br />
When I am done beating this thing unconscious I am going to use it to pummel you.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|Devastatrix}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Old Habits}}
|text='''Devastatrix:''' It takes one helluva threat to get me fighting outside of a ring these days.<br />
And you know it is serious if I am willing to be in a room with this guy.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Old Habits}}
|text='''The Crime Blotter:''' Hey!
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Old Habits}}
|text='''Devastatrix:''' We have fought together against The Schism. You can extrapolate its power if it comes all the way through into our world. If my fears are correct then we don't have much time. And I cannot waste time sparring with you.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

== Absolution ==

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|Dr. Tessera: Devolved}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Dr. Tessera: Devolved}}
|text='''Dr. Tessera:''' The Schism is upon us. And you have nearly wasted too much time to stop it.<br />
A few more rounds with me and my beloved should provide enough time for sweet oblivion.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|Absolute Zeroth}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Absolute Zeroth}}
|text='''Absolute Zeroth:''' You are a persistent specimen. I will give you that.<br />
You have found me out. The proverbial end boss.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|The Road to Hell}}
|text='''Absolute Zeroth:''' I want nothing more than to eradicate this existence and every heartbreaking memory of it.<br />
I went back in time to change the future. I was supposed to come back but I fell in love.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|The Road to Hell}}
|text='''Absolute Zeroth:''' Madeleine Tessera was a beautiful and gifted genius. My perfect companion.<br />
Together we sowed the seeds of emergence in hopeful young couples who came to our clinics.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Schism: Arrived}}
|text='''Absolute Zeroth:''' We altered the fabric of reality. Tore holes that the unspeakable could reach through.<br />
We were at the epicenter of that rift between dimensions and were tormented by the vision of what was coming.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Dr. Tessera: Devolved}}
|text='''Absolute Zeroth:''' Madeleine turned her mosaic experiments upon herself in an attempt to quiet the dreams.<br />
But they worsened.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Absolute Zeroth}}
|text='''Absolute Zeroth:''' I tried to bring about the end two different times but Zeroth got the upper hand on me and imprisoned me here.<br />
I had provided Madeleine with a backdoor to the Station's security and with the Schism pounding on the door to this reality...
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Absolute Zeroth}}
|text='''Absolute Zeroth:''' You are the last thing that stands between our torment and the bliss of oblivion.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|End of Fight|Absolute Zeroth}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Schism: Arrived}}
|text=To be continued...<br />
...In the Megabrawl!
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

== Queen of the Chimerae (Absolute Zeroth) ==

== Old School Tri ==

== Zeroth Fan Club ==

Quickhit

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|Makeshift}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Makeshift: Far from Home}}
|text='''Makeshift:''' Having a little trouble catching your breath?<br />
Not me. I have all the time in the world.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|#Z03MG}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Z03MG: Far from Home}}
|text='''#Z03MG:''' No way! You sided with the counterfeit?<br />
Here I thought maybe you were cool.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Z03MG: Far from Home}}
|text='''#Z03MG:''' I am going to have to delete some embarrassing tweets.<br />
Right after I delete you.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|Maser}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Maser: Far from Home}}
|text='''Maser:''' I don't care. Even if Zeroth is trying to blow up the world.<br />
I would not have anything resembling a life without him.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Maser: Far from Home}}
|text='''Maser:''' He can do what he wants with it.<br />
And I will do everything in my considerable powers to hurt anyone in his way.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

== Professors and Pain ==

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Area|Professors and Pain}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Philosophical Differences}}
|text='''The Crime Blotter:''' The more I dig, the more dirt is hidden under the dirt.<br />
That has never been more true than with Zeroth.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Philosophical Differences}}
|text='''Devastatrix:''' They have done everything they can to avoid the real issues.<br />
And their school has just indoctrinated one generation after another...
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Philosophical Differences}}
|text='''Shimmerstorm:''' And now they are dragging us all to our doom. 
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|Billy Stopless}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Three-Headed Giant}}
|text='''Billy Stopless:''' We don't have enough monsters to slay without fighting our own as well?<br />
Let me get a grip on this situation...
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Three-Headed Giant}}
|text='''Billy Stopless:''' I have been through enough battles with Zeroth over these three decades.<br />
That I cannot doubt my heart.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Three-Headed Giant}}
|text='''Billy Stopless:''' He is no angel...believe me I know that.<br />
But I stand with him...and as soon as I get my arm back...will fight for him.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|The Abyss}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Grip of Fanaticism}}
|text='''The Abyss:''' You have aligned yourself with this thug who claims alumnus with the acolytes?<br />
And this white-haired madman who has ensnared you in the web of tales he spins?
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Grip of Fanaticism}}
|text='''The Abyss:''' I will slip this hold in 12 seconds...<br />
And demonstrate the proper technique on both of you.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|Moxie}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Over the Top}}
|text='''Moxie:''' Nobody knows better than me how devious Zeroth can be...<br />
He put the wheels in motion to have me kidnapped in Hong Kong.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Over the Top}}
|text='''Moxie:''' He wanted to trigger my emergent powers.<br />
I am grateful to him for that. I have saved the world multiple times over.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Over the Top}}
|text='''Moxie:''' And if I have to go through a former student to do so again...<br />
So be it!
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|Helios}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Some Say...}}
|text='''Professor Helios:''' I have never understood the enmity this newer generation has for us.<br />
But Absolute Zeroth is using that to his advantage.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Some Say...}}
|text='''Professor Helios:''' Even when Zeroth has caused me great pain it was in the service of keeping the world safe.<br />
I cannot let that pain be for nothing. I won't let it.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}

== Zero Sum Game ==

{{LoH/DialogueBegin|Beginning of Fight|Zeroth}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Zeroth: Resolute}}
|text='''Zeroth:''' I don't have time to reason with you. The Schism is almost on Earth.<br />
We have spent too much fighting and yet I have no choice.
}}
{{LoH/DialoguePanel
|art={{LoH/CardArt|Zeroth: Resolute}}
|text='''Zeroth:''' I will fight every last one of my counterpart's allies if that is what it takes.<br />
To keep The Schism at bay.
}}
{{LoH/DialogueEnd}}