Unum de multis(open)

Simon came in to deliver the gale kick, but as he was getting closer he saw the weird sack burst open and release a swarm of weird insect-like creatures. That was worrisome, but not worth abandoning his attack for. With that in mind Simon kept going, but when he got there the alien moved far faster than it had before and blocked his attack with its forearm. Simon's attack had sent the alien flying back once again, but unlike last time he had only broken its arm, rather than blasting a hole in it.

Simon realised just then that he was in a bad situation. Although he had dealt some damage to Nidus he was now within the aliens melee range as well as having to deal with the insect swarm. To answer a hypothetical question; yes, Simon's aura would protect him from the swarm of insects. The wind would blow them away as soon as they got close, making their attempts to attack him useless. However, the sheer number of insects blocked his sights, preventing him from seeing Nidus's tendril until it was too late.

His aura protected him from the attack, but he was knocked over from the impact and fell to the ground again. When he was knocked down the swarm came down upon him, giving Nidus more time to act before he was able to get back to his feet.

//Target remains protected; the swarm is ineffective. Yet it's attacks are weakening. Keep the offensive, it may be weak enough to kill soon. Do not let it escape.

The swarm was unrelenting. As ineffective as it was at harming Simon, it didn't stop. Nidus took a brief moment to focus on his arm, bending it mostly back into place. It was a shoddy job for the 3 seconds it took, but he had to move fast. A sizable spike grew and mounted from his left knuckles, and while Simon was kept occupied Nidus pulled back his left arm and stepped forward with a punch aimed at his vital torso. His right arm had a bigger spike to it, but wasn't yet structurally repaired enough to punch with full force.

Simon squirmed on the ground as he tried in vain to swat the swarm of insects away. Just like before there were simply too many of them. Although he couldn't get them away the swarm was so harmless to him that he was able to get to his feet without too much trouble. However, he had spent too long recovering.

Through a gap in the swarm he saw that Nidus had moved forward from where he was just a moment ago. Anticipating an attack he quickly jumped backwards, an instinct that may have saved his life. He had dodged at precisely the last second, meaning that he hadn't managed to avoid it completely. Nidus's damage output and the amount of damage that Simon's wind aura protected him from were roughly the same, but Simon was worn out so his defensive capabilities were not at their maximum, meaning that although the impact of the attack was greatly lessened the spike was able to break through his aura and stab him in the torso.

Simon cried out in pain as he felt the spike enter his body. The boy had been a hero for a long time so he was no stranger to pain, but that didn't make him feel any better. Thanks to his dodge the attack hadn't struck where Nidus had intended to, by luck he hadn't been stabbed through any of his vital organs. That being said, he was still in a bad situation. At this close range Nidus could attempt to stick that tendril thing in him again, or just straight up try to kill him.

With that in mind he started to thrash against Nidus in an attempt to get away.

Finally, Nidus had managed to land a successful hit.

//Link established! Parasite can be delivered. Keep it restrained long enough to deliver.

With a spike in Simon's body, Nidus' tendril lashed out again, but this time missed Simon entirely and injected itself into the arm Nidus was using to stab at him. The tendril delivered an injection through the arm and into the spike embedded in Simon, using it to inject into him a small payload nutrient rich solution. In that was a tiny egg the size of a pencil's lead tip, intended to be inconspicuous.

//Target seems to be weakening. Attempt to preserve specimen for analysis.

Nidus held into Simon just long enough to get that into him, then the tendril and arm both released and pulled back. He was left standing in place, staring at the ranger as his arm focused on re-aligning itself. The swarm also reacted to the successful attack and shifted it's position, instead now swarming around Nidus himself. Some landed against his skin, some stayed flying around, but in either case they were staying as close to Nidus as they could. The creature stood there as patiently as it initially had before the scuffle had begun; waiting for Simon to act and ready to be on the defensive.

The fluid injected into Simon was sterile and actually designed to aid in healing; or at the very least not inhibit it. No venom, no bio-attacks, nothing designed to be harmful. Other than being stabbed, there would be no noticeable affects to his injury for at least a few days.

While Simon was preoccupied with trying to remove the spike from his body he did not notice Nidus' tendril to take action to avoid it, but it turned out he wouldn't need to as the alien instead stabbed himself with it. Simon was not aware of the egg being injected into his body and was only concerned with trying to break free.

After a few seconds however he didn't need to try anymore, Nidus let go itself. Simon didn't take any chances and flew back a few feet until he was out of Nidus' range, but then he grunted in pain and held his stomach where he was stabbed "Not good..." The wound didn't seem like it would be fatal, but after getting stabbed like that he would certainly not be doing himself any favours by prolonging the fight any further. He didn't like it, but he had to run away.

With that in mind he began to fly away, and if Nidus did nothing to stop him he would soon get away. He could only hope that he had bought enough time for the Titans or another hero to step in.

For whatever reason, Nidus decided not to stop the hero, but instead stood still and let the ranger escape. He lifted his hand, the spike dripping with some of Simon's blood. It wouldn't be for long, as some small, hairlike appendages came from his skin and absorbed the red liquid.

//The target finally bleeds. This will prove valuable; that creature was strong enough to prove an immediate threat. I must know it's secrets.

*Wind Aura mutation acquired!*

//----------------------------------------------------------------

With Simon out of the way and the larva properly dispersed to find grounds to seed, Nidus was left to fend for himself and determine the next course of action to take. There were still more of the same creatures around. Did Nidus choose to avoid interaction and find a quiet place to populate? Or confront the natives head-on, consuming them and using them as food to grow and raise his own civilization? He couldn't decided, and so he resolved back to the decision that was already made.

Nidus stepped out to see the rest of what would become his new home. It was impossible for him to avoid the prying eyes or proximity to the humans, but they certainly tried to avoid him. The swarm kept close to Nidus, either crawling on him or buzzing around him like a moth drawn to a lamp. No other humans dared attack him at first, and Nidus didn't take any chances with anyone that approached. Most humans were wise enough not to do this, but a few that got close to Nidus or let him get within 10 feet were stung once by one of the insects buzzing around him. They didn't stay very close to him after that.

Helicopters were in the air. Squads and units would be deployed to the affected areas. Surveillance had determined that it was some sort of mutating swarm, and DOMA agents would be armed with flamethrowers in the effected areas to eradicate the threat, as well as their normal varied firearms. They also wore hazard suits and bullet resistant armor, as per the norm.

In the area Nidus was, Kuro dropped down from one of the helicopters flying overhead, utilizing a cable. Some more agents were with him, but he gave a nonverbal command with hand motions, and they mobilized, heading into the surrounding area to help any people being attacked and contain the threat. Kuro approached Nidus with his mask on, staring at the figure through the eyes of the mask and staying a few meters away with his hands at his side neutrally. "If you can understand me, I am ordering you to stand down, and call your hive back. This planet is not your own, and you will be neutralized if necessary for the good of its people." With this declaration, Kuro placed a hand on the Muramasa blade, tilting his head as he waited for Nidus to respond.

Nidus seemed not to be attacking anyone directly, and the swarm of insect-like creatures only stung at those within 10 meters of him.  Each person was only stung once, and then left alone.  If Nidus was trying to attack the crowd, his attacks were about as effective as using a hammer to wash a dirty truck.  The troops received minimal attention from Nidus, although the helicopter did make him stop and tilt up his head.  About 5 of the horsefly-sized creatures buzzing around him flew up to investigate.  

As long as he was left undisturbed, Nidus paid little attention to anyone nearby.  He became more interested with the water left on the ground from the fire crews.  He stopped to bend down and touch it, placing his palm flat against the ground in a small puddle that had collected.  

//Water[H2O] reserves in liquid state; also present in surrounding atmosphere.  The native life seems heavily composed of it.  This environment falls within both acceptable and optimal perimeters.  Survival should not be difficult if hostile encounters can be prevented.  

He stood back up, looking at his dripping wet hand.  He said nothing, focused on his thoughts, feeling the bacteria in the water.  

//There is an abundance of life, yet it is still simple.  Basic evolution is apparent, but no signs of engineering are yet present.  How far have they come by pure evolution?

Nidus gave Kuro and his men minimal attention and plenty of time to get into position. He tipped his head towards Kuro's direction, but didn't do much more than acknowledge his presence. Like everyone else, he would be stung once as he got close.

//This is only the second creature to approach me yet. Expect this one to be strong as well.

Nidus was not going to take a hit without blocking this time, having learned his lesson from giving the last human a free shot.

As Kuro drew in closer to the man, he observed the insects forming a protective area around him. As he got within the proximity of the area, the a bug flew to him and tried to sting him. With an uncanny movement as his eyes observed it, he snatched the insect out of the air between his fingers and crushed it in one fluid motion. He stepped back a bit and scanned the area around him, seeing the bugs were only keeping the area around him secure. The man gave him no response. "I see." He spoke into his microphone. "I will apprehend the alien. Evacuate the area and treat any wounded."

Fire seemed like a good option...but then Kuro noticed all the moisture around them. His decision was natural, as he formed a few hand seals. "Suiton: Suiryudan no Jutsu!" The moisture in the immediate area would form tendrils quickly into a large, Eastern-style dragon in front of Kuro, with glowing red eyes. And then, it would roar, coiling and striking for Nidus as a torrent of water at 700 PSI. Against a normal human, this would definitely break bones and knock them back a few feet. Against Nidus, this was a test of his durability.

Nidus stared up at the dragon as it formed in front of him, staring in watch as the water reconstructed into the image of a dragon.  

//This does not make sense.  By what means do they control it?//

He put his arms up in front of himself to block the incoming attack, but the force was too great for him to stand his ground.  He was inevitably shoved back by the tremendous pressure, being knocked back a good number of feet and falling prone.  However, he sustained minimal harm, his adaptation proving to be effective.  He was back up within seconds, waiting no time allowing himself to stay on the ground.  

//Again, they attack me.  It appears they will keep bringing more, and they utilize different attack patterns.  This one is weaker than the last, but they will eventually have something I am no match for.  We cannot be patient with them any more.  If aggression is all that they know then we will give it back to them.  Take their flesh as livestock; I must have more blood.  Assimilation appears feasible.  Consume them.  Be reborn.//

The insects that had been flying around Nidus seemed to be a lot more affected than he was, any that got significantly wet being grounded until they could get to a dry spot.  However their mannerism changed and they went through a quick metamorphosis.  
*Wind Aura mutation consumed! Swarm permanently upgraded.*
Every member of the swarm that wasn't dry was dried off much more quickly as they air dried themselves.  Every insect Nidus commanded started flying at exponentially faster speed, up to 100mph, with increased control and agility.  They dispersed, not a single one staying behind to be close to Nidus, instead attacking relentlessly at the closest humans in the crowded area.  Each 'wasp' still targeted it's own human, with no person being attacked by more than one.  Instead of receiving a sting, they were now assaulted as the creature flew straight into their skin and penetrated their bodies like a bullet.  Once inside, their work began.  People began fleeing if they weren't already, panic ensued as each person was attacked.  The helecopter above started to noticeably sway as the pilot was also strug by one of the little monsters. After impact, each victim would still feel the creature digging into them as deeply as it could.  Their wounds would itch as the creatures then dissolved into bacteria that would consume the host in a matter of minutes.  If not stopped, each person would become a thrall for Nidus to command or feed off of.

//They bring this upon themselves.  They will not kill us!!  May the flesh never die.  May the blood never cease to flow.//

Nidus stood back, facing his new opponent with a defensive stance, ready to take another blow as he kept the powerhouse busy.  He himself didn't need to attack.  He would have what he needed soon enough.

Kuro regarded what was happening around him, what little of his expression visible through the mask intensifying as he gazed at Nidus. He was attacking everyone else. Many die today for Waller's hubris.

"Control the swarm. Use your equipment. We need the perimeter to hold. Do not let the contagion escape any further into Jump City." The DOMA agents would follow his command, using their flamethrowers to purge and terminate any insects fleeing the scene. The bugs were fast, and would take down quite a few, but they would mobilize into a perimeter of a few kilometers around the scene. The agent piloting the helicopter would have a rough time landing on a nearby roof with an insect burrowing so deeply, but managed to do it before trying to fend for themselves.

Kuro didn't have time to establish communication with this thing. The metahuman that had interceded before him had established the rules of engagement, and by that degree the only option was to wound him until he stopped. "If you can't understand me soon...I'm going to have to kill you." Kuro drew one of his daggers, already clipped to one of his lines, and threw it at Nidus's knee, aiming to penetrate it and damage his tendons so that if he chose to run, he wouldn't get far. When it hit its mark, Kuro would retract it back into his hand as he approached closer, putting a hand on the Muramasa Blade.

The dagger hit Nidus, but not where intended. Seeing something thrown at him quickly made Nidus move his hand down and catch the knife on the backside of his hand. The knife dug in, but not very far. Every inch of this creature seemed to be armored. As the weapon was pulled back, it left a cut in his hand that Nidus looked at. It didn't stick around for very long either.

//Either this one is tremendously weaker than the first, or it is not trying to kill me outright. I cannot be certain of which. Preserve the hosts for now. Take only what you need to control them.//

He lifted his head again, seeing the other units fighting off the insects with flamethrowers; but unless any of them were close, he wouldn't bridge the gap to stop them.

//Yet they still kill us off. I wonder if they will kill each other.//

Nidus continued to stay on the defensive, but every human hit by a member of the swarm was starting to loose motor functions. They became noticeably weaker and slurred their speech, and they would soon be completely paralyzed.

Kuro took note of the wound, and how quickly it recovered from the damage. Even as a minor wound, armored as the being was, it betrayed some notion of healing factor. He spoke into the mic once more. "Send a message to Elisabeth Delacroix. Tell her if she wishes to contribute, she can start here. If I cannot subdue the creature within ten minutes, then I am going to destroy it. Incapacitating is becoming less and less of an option. Give her all of the creature's information." She would be told that it was armored, had a healing factor, and seemingly could not communicate with them.

Then, Kuro, in total deviation from his attack pattern so far, rushed in quickly, and as he reached Nidus, would pull the trigger mechanism at his hip on the Muramasa blade, drawing it at high speed with the cartridge firing and cutting upwards across Nidus's chest from hip to shoulder, utilizing the firing pin to make the cut that much harder and faster. After the strike, he would not let up, making swift, trained cuts at Nidus's limbs to work towards disabling him. He wasn't entirely afraid of hacking off a limb or two now, after seeing that they had a healing factor.

As Kuro began an assault against Nidus, he did his best to defending using his arms and make sure that those were the only things that Kuro would be able to hit. He had the advantage of being able to react on instinct and senses instead of pure sight, giving him a lot of success. However, each hit to his arm made it harder to block the next, and they started landing more where Kuro wanted them.

//This target seems to prefer slashing attacks. Re-directing adaptation from impact to slash resistance//

But as each slash landed, Kuro would see less and less effect. Nidus' body was...reacting to the slashes, becoming more resistant to the cuts but losing something else in exchange for it. Every time he landed a slash, it would have less and less effect. The assault kept Nidus busy, but he was able to keep from loosing much blood or any limbs. He was still purely on the defensive, for as long as Kuro stayed in front of him. Any flesh that wasn't completely cut off from Nidus kept mending itself back into his flesh where it belonged.

//Study the subjects. Give us what we need to understand them.//

The bodies that were currently paralyzed started seeing some strange changes. It was subtle, but the fat in their bodies started to shrink a bit. They began to move; and while verbally unresponsive, they did begin to orient themselves. They weren't standing, but they were no longer limp bodies.

When Elisabeth received the call about the attack, she was hardly lounging around uselessly. Instead, she was stood in an alley nearby, her suit covering her flesh as she held one of the victims of the stinging. The person was in pain, but Elisabeth was sure that there was something at play she could understand and eventually reverse.

"GIR, run a scan on the victim. Tell me what you find. I can fix this."

She assured, looking towards where the victims were coming from. This is when she received the call telling her Kuro wanted her backup. She smirked at that. So the man was willing to let her earn her trust. Well, to start, she'd have to help the people.

"Tell Kuro I'm in the process of generating an antivenom for the victims. I'll be there to assist soon. Buy me ten minutes, and I'll solve this."

She was confident, but was worried shortly after as the victims she was surrounded by suddenly stood up, their bodies morphing. Uh oh. GIR wasn't done with his analysis, so if they did start to attack she would need to defend herself without hurting the innocents.

"Be on high guard, GIR, but prioritize the analysis."