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Norquinal
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384.428571	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "notthedreamer", "message": "In the ancient annals of Gaia's roots, deep within the bosom of the tall tree, a small gathering of mortals had convened. It was a tranquil haven where they sought refuge from the chaotic worlds above, a sanctuary hidden in the heart of the living tree. Bathed in the soft, ethereal glow of luminescent roots that sprawled across the underground chamber, they gathered in a loose circle, their faces illuminated by the natural radiance that emanated from the very core of Gaia\n\nAs they settled on the mossy ground, these denizens of the subterranean realm engaged in the most ordinary yet cherished conversations, their voices like whispers of the Earth herself. They spoke of the simple, yet profoundly human matters that bound them together. Conversations flowed like gentle streams, carried along by the unity of their shared existence.\n\nIn hushed tones, they reminisced about their families, weaving tales of siblings, parents, and children. They spoke of the joys and challenges of kinship, sharing the warmth of familial bonds that transcended the ages. Their words danced amidst the subterranean roots, creating a mosaic of interwoven stories.\n\nAs the soft glow of the roots bathed their faces, they recounted stories of enduring friendships, the trust and laughter that had sustained them through the ebb and flow of time. Each tale was a tribute to the connections they had forged, a testament to the profound importance of companionship in their lives.\n\nThe memory of departed loved ones lingered in their hearts, and they spoke of those who had moved on to the great beyond. With reverence and love, they recalled the dearly departed, sharing stories that served as tributes to their legacies, ensuring that their spirits lived on in the embrace of their memories.\n\nMarriage, the timeless union of souls, was another topic of great fascination. They discussed the bonds formed through marriage, the rituals and celebrations that had marked the milestones of their lives. With each tale, they celebrated the union of hearts and the strength it bestowed upon their community.\n\nIn this hidden haven, a place untouched by the hustle and bustle of the world above, these mortals reveled in the ordinary magic of mortal existence. The subterranean roots, pulsing with the very life force of Gaia, bore witness to their conversations, and in their shared stories, the essence of what it meant to be human was profoundly cherished." }, { "author": "gonglblin", "message": "But...\n\nWithout the hustle and bustle of the world above, there came with it isolation. Being secluded from the countless other realms and mortals was a peaceful existence, yes. But their isolation came with a dangerous cost. They had no protection. They were alone in their hiding place, but should an intruder arrive or should they, perhaps, Be The intruders... They would have no saviours amongst them. Amidst their merriment lurked a hidden predator. A mortal, much like them, but made to be stronger. Made in the image of a god that cared little for Them. Truth be told, even the god that had a hand in its creation cared little for this one in particular. Perhaps that was why it was there. Jealousy. Envious of the happiness of these simple, weak people. These fools who had such small views of the world.\n\nThe gentle light of the roots grew dimmer with each passing moment. The air grew cold. The little people found themselves shivering. Not that it was freezing or anything. They huddled together. Mothers, children, fathers. Grandparents, too. Huddled around the little people was the dark. An unnatural, cloying darkness. It was as if the essence of night itself had slithered beneath the Great Tree, clutching those little mortals like a crab clutching a little fish, itching to crush its prey.\n\nAnd then...\nIt did.\n\nFrom above there was a deep, raspy snarl. Like swords doing their hardest to slice through rocks. In an instant one of the little Fathers disappeared, leaving behind only a pool of blood and a severed leg. Not even a cry of pain or fear. Another moment passed. The cool air had grown humid with the fear radiating from the scared little people. The monster seemed amused. Something in the dark dragged a few of them away, trails of blood being tracked across the ground.\n\nOnly the gods could help them, now." }, { "author": "notthedreamer", "message": "As the malevolent Monster descended upon the trembling populace, a palpable aura of dread enveloped the hapless onlookers. Their hearts pounded with a symphony of fear, their eyes wide with terror. Just when all hope seemed lost, a voice, like a divine echo from the depths of the obsidian shadows, pierced through the chaos.\n\nFrom the very core of the earth, the roots that entwined the underground chamber radiated a newfound warmth, bathing the scene in a gentle, otherworldly luminescence. And then there was an explosion, from which emerged a figure shrouded in dark, imposing armor, a solitary sentinel against the encroaching darkness.\n\nIn a resolute tone, the enigmatic figure bellowed,\n\n \" Esrever Tantum, Cursed Sun Reversal Technique. \" \n\nHis words carried the weight of ancient incantations, and as they reverberated through the cavernous expanse, time itself seemed to shift and buckle. The people who had previously been taken and killed seemed to be put back in place, right before their deaths. As if they had never been harmed. \n\nWith a flourish of the blade he held aloft, it erupted in an incandescent blaze, casting a brilliant, daylight-like radiance that banished the oppressive shadows. The area around them transformed into a realm of perpetual noon, where no darkness could hide.\n\nFixing his unwavering gaze upon the grotesque Beast, the figure continued, his voice a solemn condemnation,\n\n\" Beast, you who lay waste to innocent lives, who inflict agony upon the blameless, May the firey depths scorch your bone and flesh while you descend. \"\n\nHis grip tightened around the blazing blade, a symbol of justice and retribution. With every ounce of determination, he awaited the Monster's response." }, { "author": "gonglblin", "message": "The aura of malevolence the beast had given off was burned away by the godly flames. The aura of dread from the civilians had shifted. They were no longer the ones filled with dread. No, it was the beast that feared for its life now.. The shadows sizzled and boiled, bubbling and spitting like fresh-poured tar as they retreated from the divine light. No longer able to hide in the shadows of its own creation, the beast unfurled its body from behind one of the roots. It was large. About the size of an average mortal's house. Its body, long and and vaguely crocodilian in shape, potbellied as it was, did not possess visible wings. Its skin was smooth and black with yellow, triangular scales infrequently breaking the otherwise monotonous colour scheme. Its head was froglike, two tusks jutted from its upper jaw, each one dripping with luminous red liquid. It licked its chops, noticing the distinct lack of the iron-taste of blood. Though its eyes could show no fear (additionally having strange, cross-shaped pupils), it was not difficult for the god to sense the palpable fear it felt at this moment.\n\nThe dragon dropped from the root, its collision with the earth causing it to tremble beneath the other mortals feet, making a few of them stumble and fall. Its tail whipped back and forth, seemingly without input from the beast itself. It was long and whiplike, with a single, disc-shaped bone at the very tip emanated a shrill whistle each time it sailed through the air. There was a long pause as the dragon regarded the armoured god, particularly focused on the flaming sword that they carried.\nIt is said that the fear of predators, of beings in higher echelons of the natural order than you, is a truly primal fear. This Was the terror that Psychobos was experiencing as he stared down a being so mighty that it could end him with a flick of its wrist. \n\n\"...AAAAAAAAaaaahem..!\"\n\nThe beast cleared its throat, causing the froglike pouch on it to expand slightly.\n\n\"But... I, too, am innocent! I too, am blameless. My dear, dear greater being, would you punish a cat for catching a mouse? An owl for snatching a young chick from its nest? Are these evil too? So evil, could I be? I think not, Greater Being. Simply born... With sharp teeth.\" The dragon croaked.\n Its voice betrayed no emotion. If anything it seemed completely calm. Not that Samael couldn't tell otherwise. It was absolutely pissing itself with fear. Any moment now the god could strike him down, burn him to cinders, chop him into a feast for what would have been his prey. \n\n\"Come now... Come now! Surely you would not be so... Unfair. You have not punished these mortals for their slaughter of their plants and their pigs and their cattle, why would you punish... Little old me?\"\n\nPsychobos gave the best approximation of a smile as it could, revealing two rows of needle-thin, razor-sharp teeth behind his red gums." }, { "author": "notthedreamer", "message": "The man advanced with unwavering determination, his grip on the blazing blade never faltering. As he spoke, his words were laden with a profound conviction that cut through the tension in the air.\n\n\" I am not an advocate of injustice, \" \n\nHe declared, his voice a thunderous proclamation.\n\n \" I condemn the slaughter of animals by both humans and creatures like you. These people, the ones you target, belong to a peaceful vegan tribe. While you may argue that you were born with fangs and a predatory nature, you possess consciousness enough to understand the gravity of your actions. The animals humans consume do not share your level of awareness, making your deeds equally reprehensible. \"\n\nWith each step, it felt as though the world itself was on the brink of collapse. The blade's searing light, far from comforting like the morning sun, bathed the scene in an eerie radiance akin to a sterile, clinical light. It was the kind of illumination that blinded, controlled, and brought torment to all who encountered it. The man's intentions were pure, but his aura exuded an uncanny malevolence, like the very embodiment of a devil.\n\nAs his words echoed through the cavern, a pervasive sense of dread washed over those present, an inescapable tide of fear that cut to the core. It was as if he held the power to deliver a fate worse than death, a reality that defied the imagination. There was no refuge for shadows or distant realms to hide from this unrelenting light, only pure terror that gripped the heart of all who bore witness.\n\n\" These are your final moments, Tell me O beast, will the weight of your sins not break your back on the way down to hell? It may be wise to pray for mercy to your God. \"\n\nHe intoned, his words carrying a weight that foretold an impending reckoning, the likes of which none could have ever imagined." }, { "author": "gonglblin", "message": "The light burned and tore at the dragon's form. Inky black tendrils erupted from his back, doing their best to shield the beast from Samael's burning light. By the time they managed to protect themself from the brunt of the god's onslaught a good three quarters of the beast's skin were charred and cracked, blue blood leaking from the abrasions in the flesh. Psychobos groaned in pain, the mere sensation of moving causing his vision to blur from the burning torture he'd been put through.\n\n'All this effort for a bunch of hippies?' He thought to himself, 'What kind of god would even bother?'\n\nIt was at that moment, shortly after Samael commanded him to pray for mercy that Psychobos got an idea. An awful, horrible, terrible idea. The beast coughed, a pitch-black clump of phlegm and blue blood launched itself out of his throat and onto the ground. That wasn't intentional. He was pretty sure the air had ignited in one of his lungs. The utter agony of speaking caused him to wince and writhe with each few words.\n\n\"...Alas... Very well...\" Psychobos whispered, a glum expression suddenly cast over the beast's froglike face, \"Could you at least... Allow me to sing a final hymn to my dear, dear creator? It is... Customary... For my people, to sing one last song at the time of their death. Please... Good sir, KIND sir... Let me do this one, last thing? It is all I need to get to the afterlife peacefully.\"" }, { "author": "notthedreamer", "message": "\" Make it quick. \"\n\nThe simplicity of the response was terrifying, yet that was all. A cold blunt response" } ]	397	2,691
249.414634	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "mar_waves", "message": "As Algen ventured deeper into the roots of Gaia, a haunting chill made him shiver, penetrating through layers of clothing and seeping into his bones. This root he was walking on, frost-kissed, sprawled out in what seemed to extend into eternity. Each step echoing the crunch of frost beneath his bare feet, the only sound in so much desolation.\n\nThrough the gaps in the roots, the god cast a gaze towards the distant void —an abyss that seemed to stretch infinitely. In the far distances, barely visible, Nevarain floated around.\n\nFrom this point, Algen's home in the void appeared very distant and isolated from everything. \n\nHe sighed, his breath making smoke from the cold. \n\nHe wasn't expecting to someone coming to this place, but he was glad the he ventured so far, because from here he could view how beautiful the void could be." }, { "author": "cocoamallow", "message": "A thud rumble the ground as a man groaning weakly, Néel sits up groggily as he crane to the spot where his foot slips. A huge hole on the sky utter devastating sigh from the humanoid deity\n\nOwch... Did I miss the left corner?\n\nHis palm touch the surface as he yelps, quickly withdraw his limb, the dark earth seem to kill any finger on its touch as his feet trembles, still, Néel crawl up as he limping across thousand knives earth\n\nAh... I-can't see...\n\nHis stone finger wipes his eyes harshly as gust blow his golden locks into his face, Néel titters as buds withering from his legs, breathing becoming choreus as his eyes notices a figure. Standing solemly under black cloaks of them, Néel moves but his legs seemingly immobile as he gazes upon the figure\n\nMy... My voice—\n\n\"H-Hello-\"\n\nBefore he can form words, conciousness leaves him as his heavy body falls on the ground." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "Curbita barely noticed the chill as she leapt across the roots of the World Tree. Her mother had recognised that extreme heat and cold were typical weaknesses of plants, and so had granted her children an immunity to the elements. The Pumpkin Fairy was no different, the frigid air barely affecting her. What did affect her, though, was leaping onto the icy root and slipping on the thin sheet of frost that covered the air. Her little pumpkin themed booties skidded against the frost and the wood of the World Tree as she lost her balance, tripping and falling onto her back before she could use her wings to stabilise herself.\n\nThe sound of the impact would almost certainly draw the attention of the gods looking upon them, and the loud \"Oof!\" Certainly would if the thud hadn't trick. She pushed herself into a sitting position, shaking her head to get rid of the dizziness and the the snow that now dotted her hair. From here, the gods would be able to get a good look at this mortal newcomer. She was dressed like a pumpkin pie, they might be able to note, her dress coloured in the warm brown and orange tones. A little pumpkin beanie now covered in white speckles of snow sat atop a crop of blonde hair that reached down to her chin.\n\nNotably, four pairs of leafy wings jutted out from her back like a beetle's. The leaves were large and lobed, like a Pumpkin's leaves, and they fluttered like a beetle's as she used them to push herself to her feet. With the stun from the fall slowly fading, she finally made to look around and take in her surroundings. She still seemed to be a little stunned from the fall, though, since instead of saying anything, she just shook her head and shook some more snow off of herself not unlike a humanoid dog." }, { "author": "mar_waves", "message": "He rushed to hold the man with blonde hair as he fell to the ground.\n\nAlgen wasn't happy to have his moment disturbed and the first thing that came to his mind was to just leave the man there, but, despite not wanting to meet new people, he still found himself worrying over how pale this man was. Even paler than himself.\n\nGaia benevolent as ever must have made this encounter possible, because at the exact moment he caught the man in his arms, cradling him to give a bit of warmth to his body, another being appeared, descending gracefully with her little leaf wings.\nShe looked adorable with her pumpkin appearance.\n\nThe blonde man grunted as if deep in sleep, he collapsed so easily, and even worse, looked like a common mortal.\n\n\"Help me, please!\" He said towards the fairy, he didn't know what to do in this situation and his many whispers were all mixed together, showing his concern. \"He just collapsed!\"" }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "The Pumpkin Fairy hadn't been expected to be addressed out of the blue. Her gaze flickered over to the fallen man and the person cradling him. She didn't immediately move to help, instead tilting her head as she considered both gods in front of her. \n\nShe spent a moment weighing whether it would be more boring to help him or let him die, but eventually settled on helping him. The little fairy fluttered over, carried by her leafy beetle wings, and considered the unconscious man. \"Hm... Okay!\" She squinted at his face as if trying to catch sight of something that neither of them would be able to see. \n\nShe reached into the small pumpkin themed bag that she was carrying, pulling out a huge pumpkin pie that she had somehow managed to fit in there. It was literally steaming, the smell of the freshly baked pastry beginning to permeate the air. As she held the food in her hands, though, it began to disintegrate into tiny little particles that began to swirl around her.\n\nShe bent down, holding out her hand that began to glow with an orange light. She murmured something under her breath as she cast a spell to try and heal the man from whatever injuries he might have. Physical was always the place that she started before she tried to target any the god that he might have taken." }, { "author": "cocoamallow", "message": "His frigid arm permeates color as flowers budding along his limbs and when its seeds touch his eyelashes, Néel grunt weakly before opening his eyes, two figures staring at him curiously. The anxious young man though had crease his brows so deep, it could break the frost in the air and as Néel ruminate on it, his palm reach to touch the young man's cheek\n\n\"You would never come for me, Lephy... Still I'm glad...\"\n\nHis mutters halt as he withdraw his palm, embarrassment color his face as he notice the witness of a fairy, Néel gently push the young man's shoulders with a wry smile\n\nHe's not him... He... Just get yourself together Nela... He's not here...\n\n\"I—I'm sorry... I must have cause trouble to you both, no?\"" }, { "author": "mar_waves", "message": "It felt divine watching as the fairy made a pie dissolve into particles. When her hands started glowing, his eyes reflected the light, and he was mesmerized by how gracious she looked while healing the blonde man. He wasn't sure if this spell she was making was really having any effect on him, but trying was better than nothing.\n\nThen, he opened his eyes, with flowers spreading on his skin so beautifully that it was hard not to stare. As this happened, though, Algen was sure this was no mortal, he felt the push on his body when the deity woke up. He only felt this with some deities like Madness, recently born...\n\nHe winced when his hands touched his cheek, a bit surprised by the contact. Not only that, but he wasn't used to this gentleness from other deities, the only one who did something similar was Xantara, but she did that with everyone. Somehow, this felt more personal than it should have been.\n\n\n\nHe couldn't finish the sentence, his shoulders were gently pushed, and he got caught by surprise once again.\nHis smile was a bit cold, this caught Algen's attention.\n\n\nToday he was wearing flowy garments, weightless fabric made from the softest silk; It had white and gold on the clothes, and when he walked, it almost felt like they were made from clouds. The only thing bare were his feet, since he preferred to be physically connected with Gaia all the time." }, { "author": "cocoamallow", "message": "The young man's voice travels to his brain as his flustered face turn to the fairy woman, as expected, Néel chuckles at his idiocy, letting that scant warmth from his arm leaves Néel. Somehow he can't help but staring at his ebony, sliky hair, even though Néel knows, his fixed heart still whine for the mere replica of 'him'. Still, the young man extend a part of him with that same shy smile, Néel can't help but smile fondly at it\n\nWhat a flustered boy... Hah, but isn't the reason why he's like this was because of me?\n\n\"Yes, thank you Young Sire...\"\n\nAs he readily address the fairy whom had been observing them, Néel return a smile for his gratitude\n\nWhat a strange fairy is it..." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "She looked curiously on as the unconscious man awoke from his slumber. The Pumpkin Fairy shook her head. \"Not really. That took barely any effort.\" She put her hands behind her back and tilted her head. Her form bobbed in the air as the low drone of her wings rapidly beating against the air became a quiet background noise to the conversation going on.\n\nThe Ceres seemed to almost get lost in her own thoughts before she was suddenly addressed. Her head jerked back a tiny bit as she realised that she was being spoken to, but her look of surprise quickly melted into an excitable grin. She gave off the same vibes as a golden retriever as she puffed out her chest and stuck a thumb into her cheek. \"Meeeeeeee?\" She exclaimed, delighted to have been talked to. \"I'm Curbita!\"\n\nShe clapped her hands, beginning to rub them together. \"And I'm here to tell you that the best crops ever are...\" She paused for dramatic effect, then pulled her hands apart to reveal a large, fully grown pumpkin that definitely had not been there a moment ago. \"PUMPKINS!\" As if to illustrate her point, the pumpkin exploded, sending a shower of pulp splattering like a shotgun blast. Fortunately, it had been directed at herself, so it covered the root behind her and herself pretty thoroughly but spared the two gods." }, { "author": "cocoamallow", "message": "The fairy bubbly figure sudden explosion causes Néel to recoil, pulling the young man's sleeves with him but Curbita's fireworks blooms beautifully as it stun him, his eyes reflects the warm glow of the fairy as his lips slips out an awe\n\n\"So pretty...\"\n\nIt reminds him of something he saw of from the Old World, people would have gather around a space on the sky, excitedly crane their heads and—\n\n\"Heh, how useless... Humans spray smokes on the sky to feel worthy of their measly lives... Hm? Why are you smiling?\"\n\nIt's still pretty everywhere you go, Lephy..." }, { "author": "mar_waves", "message": "The Wow Was silent but pretty visible on Algen's face, the mini explosion was so beautiful and cute at the same time that he couldn't even control his expression. He was impressed by Curbita to a point that he was flabbergasted. \n\n\n\nHis curiosity sparked, eyes glowing from the desire to know much, much, Much More." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "\"Well, technically, I Can Grow other stuff.\" She admitted, but suddenly frowned. \"But why would I grow anything other than pumpkins when pumpkins are pumpkinly pumpfect?!\" She didn't even have to move to will a whole patch of pumpkin plants to plop out of the roots around them. \n\n\"And of course I can grow pumpkins without them exploding! As a pumpkin myself, I know all about not exploding, and can teach it to my crops!\" Her body twisted at an unnatural angle as she seemed to quite literally shifted into a floating pumpkin. She hopped around for a bit in her true form before popping back into her humanoid form. \n\nAs Algen introduced himself as a god, she clapped her hands together excitedly. \"You're a god? That means... You're another uncle!\" She clapped her hands. \"Mom hasn't told us about an Algen yet, so that means that you must not have met her yet...\" She tapped her finger against her chin and nodded sagely." }, { "author": "cocoamallow", "message": "Néel notices the young man's gaze on him again as his eyes soften into a smile, he bows his head into a curtsie to Algen\n\n\"I am Néel... And I have a duty to look over nature.\"\n\nIs it too vague? I myself aren't sure yet but he shouldn't be too interested in such an old soul like this body...\n\nWhile he was thinking, the ever cheerful fairy monologuing among herself as his lips chuckle lightly." }, { "author": "mar_waves", "message": "But he got confused for a moment when she called him 'uncle'. He couldn't be related to her in any possible way unless one of his many siblings—some of whom he didn't even know the names of— decided to give birth somehow. That would make this pumpkin some kind of semi-god, right?\n\nShe didn't look like one, and he didn't feel the push he felt when around other deities, she looked common despite her appearance.\n\n\n\nHe hoped this mortal would understand at least a little about this. The other deities could think they were really deeply related, like mortal families are, but Algen only recognized the title as a way to say they're all Gaia's creation, not really as if they were truly the same blood.\n\nBecause, in the end, they aren't.\n\nHe commanded the mist to go towards Curbita, forming a small mist butterfly as a way to show that, despite his words being a little harsh, he wasn't threatening." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "\"Well, my mother planted me, helped me germinate and flower and bear fruit, and then let me think and talk... I think that makes her my mom. Isn't a mom someone that brings life to you?\" She tilted her head, considering the semantics for just a moment before deciding that yes, that was what a mom was.\n\nShe turned to Algen, tilting her head. \"But that does make you siblings. You don't have to come from the same fruit to be siblings.\" She tilted her head, her eyes crossing a little as she got confused by his definitions of siblings. \"Siblings are just people that you share the same parent with, aren't they?\"\n\nSome might argue that being grown from a tree was different from being birthed like a mammal, but given that Curbita had already explained herself to be a literal enchanted shapeshifting pumpkin, that kind of argument wouldn't really hold water with her. She giggled a little at the misty butterfly, her own form dissolving to mimic it. \n\nHer melodic voice rang out from her butterfly body even though she didn't have the vocal cords to talk. \"I dunno about the semantics, but my mom always calls all the other gods her siblings, so I think you're all my uncles and aunties anyway!\" She blatantly disregarded what he had tried to say about not being related to her mother.\n\nThe Pumpkin Fairy made a little spluttering sound when Neel mentioned his domain over nature. \"Oof, nature? I'm sorry, Uncle Néel.\" If her misty form had a head, it was pretty clear she would be shaking it. \"That's gotta suck.\" Like her mother, Curbita wasn't very fond of nature. Like her mother, the Pumpkin Fairy was a creature of civilisation! Agriculture was what mortal ingenuity could cultivate, not the wild nature." }, { "author": "cocoamallow", "message": "As sudden as a gust of wind, the pair of youngsters turn their attention at Néel as he frantically meet four pair of eyes, his palms slightly raise to hold off their intense staring\n\n\"Oh dear... Well, I myself aren't opposed to the ideal of growing an ecosystem myself, I am quite fond for nature...\"\n\nHis words trail off as the thought of it grows colder, might be the frigid weather under here or the slightly gelid stare from Algen. For him, it might be both, his voice mutter below breaths, blending with Algen's gust itself\n\n\"To be honest, I am not sure if I am fit for the title myself. A garderner can't become the Mother of Nature just because he was assigned to it, no?\"\n\nAm I asking myself or am I asking these two...? Haah, it's getting a little harder to breathe again..." }, { "author": "mar_waves", "message": "As deities, they shouldn't be defined by the mortal way of telling who their families are; beings that defy reality can be allowed to define who they are related to, and Algen only thought he was a mere creation from Gaia; despite calling her mother, he was nothing but a piece, just like any other of them. Much more important than mortals, but still just creations like them.\n\nHe played a little with the butterfly, swirling it around his fingers before dissolving it.\n\n\n\nHe took a look at Néel's body, beautifully made and not showing any signs of being nature itself besides the flowers. (I like nature, I even made myself a tree.) Algen confessed, a genuine smile gracing his features. The subtle nod of approval showing that he thought Néel seemed peaceful enough.\n\nHowever, when the other deity started talking about not being fit to be the god of nature, Algen got weirdly angry. It's just that this domain had so many possibilities that Gaia wouldn't let someone who wasn't capable play such an important role. His eyes, usually serene, were now intense, glowing with discomfort.\n\nWith that, Algen withdrew, closing his arms and letting a breeze carry his mist, deciding to avoid talking more than this." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "She was fine with playing around with him, dancing around his fingers. When he asked if she was a part of nature, though, she let out an odd noise that sounded something like an offended gasp and a squeal.\n\n\"Of course not!\" She asserted forcefully. \"My mom planted and grew me from scratch! It'd be weird for the goddess of agriculture's creations to be Natural.\" She said the word like it were an insult. Her mother was a goddess of civilisation, not the crude wild nature. \n\nIt had nothing to do with mortals, really. Honestly, the Ceres never really made much distinction between what was mortal and what wasn't. Their lives were protected from the march of time by their mother's blessing already, so they never had much room to worry about things like mortality. They could still die, but it would not be the passage of time that would do them in.\n\nShe did agree with what Algen said, flapping her wings a little faster as if to simulate a nod. \"That's right!\" She exclaimed. \"As much as you drew a short straw, Gamma must have had some reason to give you your purpose!\" Gamma Gaia was not the type to freely give out power, Triticea had once told her daughters. That power was granted in exchange for the gods carrying out certain purposes, just like how the Ceres had been granted power by Triticea to fulfill their purpose.\n\nHer misty form swirled, and she popped back into a more solid form. This time she was a tiny little dog. Her leafy beetle like wings had returned, beating rapidly to keep her in the air. The low drone of her beating wings began to fill the air once more as she grinned at him. At least, it Seemed Like a grin, since dogs' faces could just naturally seem like they were smiling.\n\n\"Gamma Gaia wouldn't have given a purpose to someone that wouldn't be able to carry it out!\" She reassured her divine uncle with absolute conviction. She believed in Gaia's will just as firmly as her Mother did, after all." }, { "author": "cocoamallow", "message": "The fairy jumps around in a dog form in a blink of an eye as she echoes back Algen's huffing rejection of Néel's unsure moment, at that, his lips crack a small smiles, chuckles at both of their kind nature\n\nYou both truly trust the divine decision of Gaia, huh. I'm envious~!\"\n\nWell, I'm more worried than envious... They seem to be under the influence of that creator for long time...\n\nNéel smiles again as he clap his palms, point at a distance as his frigid skin seeping into the withered seedpods, merging into a blue rose as he notices them and pluck it gently, offering them to Algen\n\n\"How about we converse more in a warm environment? I am not fair much in this sort of weather.\"" }, { "author": "mar_waves", "message": "He was angry, still he couldn't help but laugh at how the fairy got a bit angry with him implying that she was part of nature, (I'm sorry Curbita, you're very sweet, and I won't imply this again.) The whispers echoed.\n\nNéel wasn't wrong in saying that this place was cold, with a branch that extended so close to being entirely in the void, he wasn't surprised to see that even his breath was visible. Algen was fond of coldness; that's why he felt at peace sitting on the edge of the branch, his bare feet dangling on the abyss; his white, loose clothes made from silk and organza swayed with the soft wind, and he wasn't really inclined to leave this soon.\n\n\n\nHe imagined that they would like the interior of Nevarain's houses, since his mortals prioritized warmth where they lived. Those homes felt like a nice cup of hot chocolate during a thunderstorm." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "\"Of course I do.\" She nodded proudly at her Uncle Néel. \"Mom always says to trust in Gamma Gaia's will. The gods were given their domains for a reason, because Gamma thought that they were the right ones for the job.\" \n\nAlgen's assurances seemed to calm her down entirely. She put a paw below her mouth and looked thoughtful. \"That's right.\" She nodded. \"Pumpkins Are* Sweet to the taste.\" If she found it at all disturbing that she was technically talking about the taste of her own kind, she didn't show it. \n\nThe offer of warming up the place did appeal to her, though not for the reasons they might have expected. \"Good idea!\" She exclaimed with a grin. \"The cold isn't good for growing pumpkins!\" However, her idea of what Néel was asking for was rather different than what he had probably been thinking of. Instead of heading to a warmer area, she was more interested in bringing the warmth to them.\n\nShe clapped her hands, a burst of hot air blasting from between them. Glowing orange magic grew into a large bubble that washed over both herself and the gods that had gathered here. The temperature rose steadily until it was a pleasant summer's day - the perfect temp for cultivating pumpkins.\n\nIt occurred to her that there was a good chance that she was actually older than these uncles, causing her to giggle." }, { "author": "cocoamallow", "message": "Waves of warm gust blows at his face as Néel winces in the miracle of Curbita, soon, the air around them become a pocket heater, frost melts on his arms and Néel can finally breathe again. But before he can flip his head to Curbita, the thorn inside his hand startle the homosapien.\nIt was the abandoned blue rose, roll around between his finger as he looks up at Algen. His white attire blinding Néel's conflicted feelings, his palms grip on the rose, letting the blood flow down his arms\n\nWhat am I even doing? He isn't Lephy... No one can be him... Still, do I see the god before me or the demon who I acquaint...\n\n\"I like the cold too but it doesn't let me see your face very well, Algen.\"\n\nHe flick his face away from Algen's view as Néel quietly absorb his blooming feelings, let them rot for all eternity. Until he can forget this heartbreak, it will become fertilizer for a new start.\n\n\"Anyway, Curbita, my deepest gratitude for providing us this shelter.\"\n\nAlas, he turn his face at the shapeshifting fairy, bringing out his best smile—struggling with it, of course." }, { "author": "mar_waves", "message": "Algen clapped his hands when Curbita did her thing. Whatever god that made her gave truly impressive skills to their mortals, the pumpkin fairy was the perfect example of this, showing so many things to them that Algen couldn't even predict it would exist.\n\nUnfortunately, this was a little too hot for him that was used to be constantly cold. \nHe huffed, a hot breath making him bothered, looking like he had just run a marathon.\n\nHe felt a little like a fish out of water, the humidity leaving his body and the mist getting even thicker, stiffing the air.\n\nOne would be surprised to know that mist on summer days wasn't a really pleasant thing.\n\n\n\nWhen Algen noticed blood coming from Neéls hand, with some petals of a blue flower falling into the ground, he quickly dropped to his knees, grabbing his arm.\n\nAlgen didn't know how someone could make such a smile while being in pain.\nHe looked to Curbita, searching for a clue about this situation." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "She beamed right back at the Living Nature, having no trouble with smiling at all. When you lived happily with no troubles to worry about except who would win small games, it wasn't difficult to be happy. \"No problem! I'm always happy to accomodate for my uncles! Well... Unless mom tells me not to, but she's never mentioned an Uncle Néel or an Uncle Algen, so it's probably alright.\"\n\nCurbita puffed out her chest proudly at the compliment. Her head began to grow bigger, literally, as she was showered in praise. Unfortunately, she soon sensed a more concerned gaze on her, causing her eyes to open a little and catch a glimpse of her uncle's bleeding hand. Her reaction, however, was probably not as expected.\n\n\"Woah, cool!\" She clapped her hands together. She seemed to have chosen to imitate him, as when she pulled her hands apart they were stained with... Yellow. Yeah, she was a pumpkin, so she had pumpkin juice flowing through her veins instead of the more standard red blood. \"You could be like, the god of fashion!\" She complimented her Uncle Néel. She didn't seem to understand that the blood was meant to be a bad thing.\n\nWhen she was asked to heal it, she tilted her head. \"Why would I heal it?\" She tilted her head. \"Uncle Néel's a god! If he didn't want to bleed, he would just choose not to and it would happen.\" She spoke with absolute confidence. \"There's nothing I can do that a god can't already do.\"" }, { "author": "cocoamallow", "message": "His mutters suddenly interuppt by Algen's face lean into him as his cold palm cling to Néel's wrist, it send shivers down his spine as his ebony pairs shine beneath the orange glow of Curbita's veil. \nThe furrowing crease on his face was because of Néel and it gutted his stomach further as he wipes the blood away, smear them on his tunic hastily, he avoid Algen's eyes, shakily formulate his words\n\n\"No, no, no... It's okay, Algen, Curbita. It's just—I was confused... That is all...\"\n\nBut what he didn't know that the blue roses which he crushed bloom on his back, the more his feelings grows, the more they emerges as he felt his throat tighten, Néel scooch himself to get away but the force of Algen's grasp startles the homosapien as his shoulders trembles\n\nI need to clear this up... I need to make him hate me... He's not... He's not 'him'\n\nBut somehow his words stuck on the tip of his tongue as Néel grunts against his teeths.\n\nBollocks—!" }, { "author": "mar_waves", "message": "His eyes glowed upon seeing some flowers on Néel's back, blue like his eyes on this form he was wearing. (And I was also curious if your kind can heal easily or not...) He was in a trance looking at the flowers that were so beautiful he couldn't help but try and touch them.\n\nHe was mesmerized by both beings, Curbita, a creation so well-made, and Néel, a deity so unique. He felt lucky to be there, even if this place right now was too hot for his taste." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "Néel's assurances that it was ok were something Curbita accepted without question. She'd already believed that he was fine even before he'd made any attempt to reassure her, so she didn't really need much mind changing to just go along with what he'd said. She just nodded to show her acknowledgement, clapping her own bleeding palms together and getting pumpkin chunks all over the roots beneath her. Thankfully, her uncles were both far away enough to avoid getting any pumpkin showers at the moment. \n\nThe question did make her giggle, however. \"Well, I Did Regrow my head earlier. Mom gave us fluid shapes, so I can do... This!\" She willed her hands to swell to wither into old grandma hands, but it didn't stop there. Her hands literally withered into dust and left only stumps behind. It didn't even take seconds for new hands to sprout from the pumpkin-juice-soaked stumps, however, quickly popping a new pair of hands into existence. \n\nShe examined the flower curiously, tilting her head. \"It's nice... Not as nice as pumpkin flowers, of course, but it still looks pretty good.\" She appraised. As a daughter of the goddess of agriculture, evaluating the value in plants was as easy to her as breathing, though it was coloured by her inherent bias towards the plant that she had been before she had been awakened and given a more malleable body." }, { "author": "cocoamallow", "message": "Even before Néel can stops Algen's advance, his ripping force startles the homosapien as he grit back his surprised sensation, the hollow root where Algen pluck doesn't bleed but his cheerful, Cruel Smile certainly spark an itch inside Néel's heart.\nInstead of asking him why and risking their needless worry again, he holds back his tears with a grin, crooked with grimacing brows as he accept Curbita's compliment\n\n\"Y... Yes, is that so? May I ask for how does pumpkin flowers looks like, Curbita?\"\n\nHe shift his whole focus on the fairy as if he wholeheartedly avoiding Algen's gaze. His confused action will be answer if Néel can just look at him. This tearing heart will be healed if Néel can just find any sign of rejection. But even so—\n\nWhy did he laugh like that? Does he found my heartbreak... Funny? Oh, I know it, I shouldn't let my feelings so apparent to anyone... But I bloody did it anyway...\n\nNéel finally tries to stand on his feet and when he do, the homosapien turn his head away from touching Algen's eyes. Somehow he felt in his gut that if he does, everything... The tingle heat from that cruel demeanor. His Lephy. His skin crawls at that thought." }, { "author": "mar_waves", "message": "He notices how Néel avoids his eyes and doesn't say a thing when he says how beautiful the flowers are. This must have been a bad decision, but Algen didn't quite comprehend it. He had feelings too and wanted to have them, but he wasn't any closer to a mortal, he hadn't learned yet how some things aren't appropriate... It was only recently that he learned that his mortals had desires in their hearts —desires that could also kill them. He was now learning that some gods could be very similar to mortals, more bound to mortality even though they were immortal. Néel must be one of those, letting pain and many other things affect him much more than Algen and other deities would ever let.\n\nHe felt a pain in his chest, the same way he felt when his Sombra was turned into a statue. The same way he felt when Madness left him to rot.\nThe difference here is that even the Sombra was beautiful after death, and Madness didn't seem to mind when she ripped a piece of herself apart; his smile there was more appreciated.\n\n\n\nWith that, he waited to see what Curbita would do now, and in the meantime, he focused on making a portion of the mist his favorite flower while the blue one from Néel decayed on his hand.\n\nHe put the flower on his head despite it withering, since he didn't want to waste such a pretty flower, and formed a forget-me-not from dust, tapping Néels shoulder to try catching his attention.\n\n\n\nHe remembered what the bug goddess Savarii said about mortals —she must be someone like Néel too.\n\nCurbita must understand what Algen says, they both seemed fine with what happened to Néel. Algen a little less since he was troubled by why the deity would let himself feel pain, but he still thought just like Curbita.\n\n\n\nHe pondered, letting his words settle a little and changing his form to be different. The form that was made after Madness and was entirely formed to be inside a blue palette, looking fragile." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "If Néel had wanted to turn the conversation away from the reason his hands were bleeding, he had picked exactly the right topic to ask exactly the right person. There was nothing in the world that could distract a Ceres more effectively than asking them to talk about the genus that they represented. Immediately, her mind slipped away from the topic of bleeding hands as she brought her hands together again.\n\nInstead of bleeding this time, she pulled them apart to reveal a beautiful pumpkin flower had sprouted from them. It was shaped not unlike a traditional star, with five sharp petals coloured with a warm orange yellow colour. Curbita smiled with pure, unadulterated joy at the flower in her hands. She had seen many things in her travels between the realms, but nothing more beautiful than the flower of her own fruit. Pure adoration and childish delight danced in her eyes as she cupped her hands around the star-shaped flower and let out reverent breaths. Gently, she brought it up to showcase it to her uncles.\n\nShe overheard the conversation going on between Néel and Algen, so she interjected to offer her own mortal perspective. As she lifted her hands and gave the flower a new home in her hair, she shook her head. \"Well, I dunno what it's like to be all goddy, but my mom can be volatile. She's got like, two aspects, so she's always switching up on us! But that's what us kids are for, right? To take care of our parents just like they take care of us!\" \n\nHer perspective was obviously not a universal one. Not all mortal species were as close to their creator deity as the Ceres were, and the fonder and more personal way that Curbita spoke of her mother would probably not be shared amongst most other mortals speaking of their gods. Still, she hoped that her encouragement would help to reassure both of her uncles that it was okay for them to be imperfect, because their mortals would be there to help them make up for what they didn't have." }, { "author": "cocoamallow", "message": "His words. His action. His face. May everything serve to deceit Néel because this suffocating from Algen's awkward smile and—a forget-me-not, it's enough to overturn his broken heart, giving it another vessel to swells and waiting for a chance to shatters into pieces again. Néel aren't foreign to heartbreak, but maybe so when it involves individual like 'him'.\nThe homosapien shyly take Algen's gift, tears rolling down his cheek as if his confession is answered, but he knows it isn't. There's nothing to be said or nothing hanging. But this mortally painful god blindly open his battered heart, shakily take in breaths\n\nWhen will I learn to not giving up my heart...?\n\nAs Néel pondered, Algen honest words draw his attention as he change his form again, an attempt to mimic ways of a mortal awes Néel as he bring his palm to the wilted flower, revitalize it onto Algen's silky hair, his lips slightly pull into a carelessly sweet smile\n\n\"Being a mortal or a god, I don't think it's important Algen. It's your heart whom my eyes looking at.\"\n\nHis own words flushes himself as Néel break his eye contact with Algen, his earlobes paints beet red. Even Curbita's words become a gust of wind as Néel's world only highlighted the fellow god besides him." }, { "author": "mar_waves", "message": "When Néel forgave him, he became much more at ease and happier. So happy that when the flower on his ear bloomed again, he decided to also do more for Curbita and the season god. \n\n\n\n\n\nHe mimicked the way his mortals made porcelain and ceramic from mist, shaping it to form the small porcelain flowers in a bracelet for both of them. The appearance of the flowers seemed common, but upon looking closer, they would see the constant movement of fog bottled inside the accessory." }, { "author": "cocoamallow", "message": "As he happily chatting with the fairy and also Néel, his darknened face only brighten further, overlapping the season god's muddy jealousy as he take a glance at Curbita's flower, wincing at the fairy's effortless action to make him smile but before he can act on his selfish self, the mist surrounding him twinkles as buds blooming one by one, the homosapien agape at his bushes of pumpkin and blue flowers, slowly cups them on his palm\n\n\"The very ugly thing can be a burning star... Personally for me, it's pretty enough.\"\n\nHis lips hovers but quickly close it as to not say anything more but somewhere in Néel, hoping for his gaze at him. Just little bit would be fine for this slowly falling in love god.\n\nEven back then... I can't fall in love with anyone else... But a godhood of freedom—might not be so bad" }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "Curbita remained blissfully unaware as to the specifics of the whole lookalike drama that was currently going down between her two uncles, because both of them were complete and total strangers to her. She did tilt her head at the red shade that his ears turned, however, because she didn't quite understand the colour choice there. She had only recently been deployed to spread abundance, so she didn't actually have much experience with other mortals besides her sisters. That unfortunately meant that she had no idea the implications of someone blushing.\n\nWhat she did understand was Algen's compliments to her flower. She seemed more flattered by this than any compliments that she'd received herself, in fact, her smile splitting her face. No, literally, her grin tore open her cheeks, but it didn't seem to hurt her in any way. She'd just come to understand that bigger smiles usually meant more happiness, and so she was taking that to an extreme that she didn't yet understand wasn't normally possible for mortals. \"Thanks, I love it too!\" Despite her much larger than normal mouth, her voice didn't seem to have been affected at all.\n\nShe was particularly delighted with the pumpkin themed bracelet, snatching it up with a gasp of excitement. \"It's... Pumpkins!\" She exclaimed, \"I love it! I love it I love it I love it!\" She kicked her feet in the air as she hugged the pumpkin themed bracelet close to her chest. She seemed more happy with the fact that it was pumpkin themed than anything else, but the fact remained that she clearly liked it. \"I'll tell mom to send you some gifts as a thank you!\" She gave him a thumbs up. \"My sisters and I spend all our time back home cooking, so we've got the best stuff in all the World Tree! I can send you some Pumpkin Pies!\"\n\nShe reached behind her back and ripped one of her wings off of her back. A new one sprouted instantly, but she took hold of her old leafy wing and scribbled a note for herself on it with her finger and some magic." }, { "author": "mar_waves", "message": "Algen laughed, his true voice coming closer than the other voices for the first time. A laugh that was breathy and raspy, almost as if he had damaged vocal cords.\nThe sound of it was so quiet that he was probably the only one who heard it.\n\nHappy for it but ignoring it anyway, he lowered his head to thank Curbita for the appreciation of his gift.\nHe was a little disturbed upon seeing how far her smile could go, but being a god made him see far weirder things, so, in the end, even if he was a little disturbed, he ended up getting used to her face very quickly.\n\n\n\nHe said this, considering that younger minds would like her, just as much as he liked her. And, if you think a little, he was indeed a young mind.\n\nAlgen, hearing what Néel said, turned to him, closing his hands in front of his heart and pushing it forward. A sign he thought would be good to sign his next words:\n\"Thank you.\" \n\nMaybe he should start teaching his mortals sign language, this would probably be a better way to express himself without using his voice.\n\n\n\nHe turned his attention back to Curbita, who was talking about gifts. He smiled, giving her two thumbs up.\n\"I would love pumpkin pies!\" He said this while clapping his hands happily. \"Tell your mother I would love to meet her too! Perhaps I can make more gifts for you and her...\"\|\n\nAlgen took a portion of mist and started shaping it on his hand to make another bracelet, this one with some pumpkins and little stars." }, { "author": "cocoamallow", "message": "His hands doing some sort of motion as his words flutter the homosapien as he avoiding Algen like some blossoming teenager.\n\nAt the same time. Curbita waving around the bracelet excitedly but until his vision adjust to the blinding rays, he notice the present he give to him. \n\nWell, also Curbita. His finger lightly touch the pumpkin bracelet as he kiss them softly without letting Algen knows as the god of mist turn his attention to the fairy, chatting all innocently without noticing Néel's gaze on him\n\nWell, that is to be expected... You're always so selfish huh, Néel Marches Lavertheri...\n\nThe homosapien was about to turn his attention away as to calm his heart but Algen timely catch his wrist and it messes with his heartbeat. Again.\n\nHe said he doesn't resemble mortal but does his genuine smile a sign of a god or was it his real emotion? Néel masks his true feeling behind a polite smile but this time more polish\n\n\"Oh, you're certainly a charming gentleman, Algen. I expected people go crazy for you, no?\"\n\nLike I was..." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "\"I like my smile too!\" She agreed pridefully. There didn't seem to be even an ounce of shame in her body as she gleefully complimented herself and accepted the praise being heaped upon her. She seemed to be basking in it not unlike how a plant basked in the sun to photosynthesise... Hey, maybe there was something to the whole description of praise as Glowing After all. The Pumpkin Fairy's wings seemed to beat even more intensely at her steadily growing ego. Perhaps it was a sign of happiness in the Ceres, like how dogs wagged their tails when they were excited about something?\n\nIt might come as a surprise that she grew even more excited when he accepted her offer of pumpkin pies. Finally, a chance to show him once and for all what the ultimate crop in all the realms was! She seemed to tune pretty much everything else that he'd said out when she'd heard that, nodding absently as he asked her to put him in touch with her mom. She could definitely Ask, but actually getting her shut in of a divine mother to agree to do anything productive that Wasn't Related to the Wheatmother's domain was not a prospect that inspired a great deal of faith in her. \n\nShe relayed this much to Algen. \"Well, I can try, but mom's a bit of shut in. Like, so shut in that she made my sisters and me just so we could remind her to get out and talk to people.\" She warned. Néel hadn't really addressed her all that much this time round, so she didn't really have much to say to him in return. Instead, she'd lowered her head and delved deep into her mind to conjure up some ideas on how she might wheedle her ever antisocial mother into getting out of the realm for once to go see these two uncles that Triticea had never met before." }, { "author": "mar_waves", "message": "Algen got a little surprised with what Néel said, why would someone go crazy over him?\n\nHe laughed a little, thinking that he maybe could do something like that if he showed his true form. To mortals that must be overwhelming.\n\n\nHe then pinched his forehead, remembering that some time have passed, and he needed his attention in a single place, focused in Nevarain with his mortals. Today was an important day for them, and following what Curbita said he decided to help his mortals and try getting closer.\n\n\nThen, he looked to the dark horizon, straight to Nevarain where part of his consciousness was. \n\n\nHe was in a bit of a rush now that he remembered his obligation with helping his mortals with the festival, but at least, that gave him an Idea.\n\n\n\nHe turned to Néel, rushing to hug the god. Something he learned with the mortal called Methusela, that told him hugs were a form of greetings and goodbyes.\n\nHe imagined many flowers blooming around beyond the forget-me-nots, flourishing on houses and in the wild.\n\nAlgen attracted the mist to himself, decided to go back to what he needed to do, and took portions of It, molding in a mirage of an invitation.\n\n\n\nThe invitation said: \"The mortals on Nevarain are preparing the cold festival, every god, demigod and some mortals are invited to celebrate with us on , please, bring something especial and something you want to be forgotten.\"" }, { "author": "cocoamallow", "message": "He didn't get to processed Algen's embrace and he already rushes out of Curbita's veil, hurriedly talking about some sort of festival. \n\nNéel was about to stop him but were halt by his mist, revealing the festival Algen are talking about as the homosapien cups the mist, now that Algen's gone. \n\nThe beautiful mask Néel let him see melt, only loneliness carve in every wrinkles on his face as he let his eyes follow the trail Algen left\n\nIt's not about whose power are whose, it's my heart, you silly...\n\nHe turn his gaze at the fairy as if all of his energy are drained from himself, Néel can only mutter to Curbita\n\n\"Your mother, Triticea would seem to like meeting Algen, Curbita.\"" }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "She snickered a little. \"Let's hope so, but don't count on me actually getting my mom out of her realm. She's already been dragged out a bunch to social functions by the other gods already, so she'll definitely be extra grumpy.\"\n\nOn one hand, that didn't bode well for the chances of Triticea showing up to the invitation. On the other hand, it was a nice implication that she wasn't at all scared of her divine mother in a foul mood, so either she wasn't afraid of getting smited or didn't think there was a chance of it happening.\n\nDespite her warnings, she pocketed the invitation... Somehow. Her dress didn't appear to have pockets, but that didn't stop her from sliding the letter somewhere down the pumpkin pie-scented fabric nonetheless. Something seemed to occur to her, though, since she frowned and scratched her head. \n\n\"Wait, something I want to be forgotten? I don't really want anything to be forgotten, though.\" She tilted her head. It wasn't that she was attached to much, just that she didn't actually own much. \"I guess I could bring my blanket or my pumpkin pastries? That's really all I have.\" She definitely couldn't take the cooking apparatus, since that belonged to her sisters just as much as it did to her." }, { "author": "mar_waves", "message": "With that he waved a goodbye, his smile lingering for a while before truly dispersing in the fog." } ]	247	10,226
339.333333	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "Floating he would touch his foot down on one of the roots, the tentacles on his head reaching high towards the branches of Gaia. The eyes surveying the area around him, he would sit down closing all of the eyes except for the ones at the top. The tentacles form themselves to look like dark gray branches sprouting from his head, the now branches losing their smooth texture, the texture itself changing to resemble bark, this bark merging with the stone of his main body conjoining to make it hard to see where the texture of stone, and bark began and ended.\n\nHe was here to meet another god, and all he could do was keep an eye out and wait for them to arrive." }, { "author": "angel.is.running", "message": "Looking up, the young god watched the branches he was born from slowly shrink away. \n\nHe opened his arms in rejoicing knowing this was only the start of the beginning. Nothing in the universe could have bothered him at this moment. He was free, free to think, free to move, and most importantly free to innovate. Changing the focus from his source to the rest of the universe his eyes widened in pure awe, just in view were the creations of the multitude of gods that resided in this universe, their pieces of art so beautifully on display for all to see. Dense with variety and opportunity Dere couldn't help but stretch his hand out yearning to one day have his world that he could rightfully call his own. A feeling only felt for a moment before being abruptly interrupted by the consequences of taking a step off the edge of his branch. \n\nUnceremoniously he collided into the tree with an enormous thud the force immediately splaying his body similar to an inkblot dropping from pen to paper. What was left was an inky black liquid sprinkled with billions of shiny starlike spots each gleaming with a unique color. \n\n\nThe liquid fell in long lines over the tree dripping from branch to branch until collectively falling into place on a singular branch to begin reforming an outline of a humanoid. Starting with the translucent skin and finishing with his black hair that flowed in opposition to his movements. \n\nThe god took a small step dragging his heel across the ground. Shooting the right foot forward he spun in a circle laughing amused by the experience he had just been through. Still slightly laughing he stopped his movement, settling his sight on a nearby branch. \n\n\" Peculiar \" \n\nHe spoke aloud hoping the being he just spotted would respond. He bent his knees before lunging across the branches landing on one leg far he held his balance while awkwardly setting his other foot down. \n\nMoving closer he paid close attention to where the god was conjoining with the tree, his brain whirring with questions and plans." }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "He would stand up slowly as the eyes on his tentacles would open instantly shooting to the god hearing its voice they would glare at it before opening wide in surprise, he would look to the sky to Gaia before turning to face the god, the tentacles returning their smooth texture, he'd tilt his head \"Well I wasn't expecting a god to be shot all the way down here.\" The tentacles would come down lifting up Taurus moving himself up and over to the root that the god was on.\n\nAs he would let himself down the tentacles would merge with his body giving him a more human look, he'd gesture to the god to follow him as he would begin to walk \"It's nice to see another god isn't it? Especially when you're born.\" He would turn around while walking \"So what's your role in all this?\" He would glare at the god intrigued by him, not having seen another god since he was born from Gaia." }, { "author": "angel.is.running", "message": "Dere smiled crookedly, leaning his head around and looking at the moving tentacles he opened his mouth to speak. The voice instead of coming from his throat came from somewhere deeper inside him rattling and echoing out like a voice in a canyon. \n\n\" I didn't expect to get here. But what are you to expect when you jump from all the way up there?\" \n\nHe pointed up with one arm stretching his whole body with the motion. Dere dropped back down into a slouched state and soon he pushed forward quickly closing ground with the other god, his star-speckled eyes spinning with anticipation. It was true, seeing another god brought him quite a nice feeling. \n\n\" Companionship? This is what this is. No, I just enjoy the company of others or do I? Eh- my role... In all this? How am I supposed to know? I have my purpose for myself. Why should I care for everything else? \" He asked with his head leaning to the left, his body leaning with him the right hand tapping rapidly at his side. \n\nDere took note of the glare, his face shifting in almost the exact expression to mock the look he was getting." }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "He'd smirk, nodding slowly, listening quietly he'd think back on what he said. He shouldn't have worded it that way, he'd stop walking crossing his arms placing his hand on his chin. Then what would this god want, and why should he care about the world, he shouldn't tell this god what he could or should be, instead he'll tell him something \"What we do and what we influence gives us more power over this world and its inhabitants. What you do has an impact on this world and that's why things matter, that doesn't mean care.\"\n\nHe and all gods had something in common. They wanted power and influence over the world and other gods. The more they got they either became less content or more content with their life striving for less and less or more and more \"It just means do what you want, and what you do will depend on how mortals worship you, and that's the important part, however it isn't my job to tell you what to do or be, I could care less about what you do.\"\n\n\"You are you in the end.\" He'd turn away from the god continuing to walk, \"I guess I should've worded myself differently.\" He'd whisper to himself, he wanted something from this god but how would he get it, \"I'll assume you're a young god as I, so I'll tell you something, you are the first god I have met.\" He'd look back as he was walking his arms coming down to his side \"I can only speculate as to what you want from this world, but what I want from it is one thing and that is for it to change, and I was wondering if you would help me in making it change.\"\n\n\"Though I can't ask that of you or anyone right now you and I are both young, we barely even know what the world is really like yet, yet here I am saying I want it to change.\" Both needed something that they didn't have right now \"I'm not asking you to help me change it right now or tomorrow, I'm asking you to give it a thought and to ponder on it so that when I ask again you'll have an answer.\"" }, { "author": "angel.is.running", "message": "Dere listened to the god ramble on his patience wearing thin with every passing word. Learning quickly he wasn't keen on listening to someone dance around a topic. Still, he waited for the god to finish his speech before speaking up as soon as they stopped talking. \" Ha! Mortals worshiping me. What a pipe dream you know what mortals are good for? Being a canvas for me to mold and shape. \"\n\n He chuckled a bit, placing the tip of his thumb between his teeth debating whether to tell the god more about himself, nervous that he had said too much with his last words. \" What does it matter if we are young? Even with as little knowledge as I have, I'm not inclined to sit around and learn every detail. Isn't that boring? At least it is for me, after all, it will always be better to learn while I act. Positive or negative I will be happy with the end results. \" \n\nDere grumbled a bit wondering what they meant by change. Obviously, change was good but was it worth it if not committed by his own hands? Or what if this god's idea of change makes the world into a bland and boring set piece? \" Change... Change can be a wide variety of things. Change is what makes having intelligence worthwhile if not for change we wouldn't exist. This all raises a question: will your image of change stop this world from changing again? I will not sit around in a boring world \" \n\nTaking a step forward he bit into his finger the black fluids that existed in his body spilling over his clear skin. \" Before you ever ask me that question again demonstrate something for me. I want you to do something true to yourself preferably I want you to create something and give it to me. In turn I will do the same.\"" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "He'd stop walking, this god didn't understand what it needed to assist it in making a mark on the world, this was due to its self centered mindset wasn't it? The gods mindset also seems to be closed off to any other point of view but its own, that or its just the way he perceives it, what he needed the most was help from other gods to help him facilitate change in the world. He needed to change to make changing the world easier.\n\nTurning to the god once again, it was too easy to close off one's mind to others, in a way it was wanting change but not being willing to change in order to facilitate it but that doesn't mean violate ones self. \"The change I seek in the world is the ability to change it easier, that is the only one... For now.\" It was true that change was many things but one had to set a goal to be able to carry it through. \"To answer your question, change never stops, to stop it means there is no change.\"\n\nChange was the altering of what was already there, turning it into some other variant or something else different, always leaving behind some familiarity, whereas creation could make something similar or something completely different. \n\nThen something brought a slow burning rage that came up from within his chest, he hasn't felt this feeling before, what caused it? Was it the god, or was it what he said... It was both, the anger came from both this god and what he said, an attempt to define him knowing nothing about him. He'd laugh, staring up at the branches of Gaia, he'd become quiet, his eyes widened, becoming colder, he was the only one that could define him, not mortals and not gods.\n\nHis head would shoot down, driving a sudden kick at the gods chest so that he could send him flying away, his legs would then quickly become stilted as his eyes would turn into four, his face and body becoming covered in a golden carapace, and the carapace sharpening at the tips of his hands to make claws. \"You want something? Earn it.\" He would say before the carapace would fuse over his mouth." }, { "author": "angel.is.running", "message": "Dere grinned, taking his thumb to the base of his belly where he traced a straight line to his neck. He took a deep breath dropping one of his shoulders with a sigh.\" The more you speak the more I think you're not going to gift me a piece of your creation.\" He closed his eyes, lowering his head before opening them again slowly raising them to the god. \n\nHis body shot up straight seeing the god laugh and his eyes sharpened sending a small feeling of dread through him, having never felt this before he hadn't the slightest clue of how to even react. He knew it was a negative feeling which narrowed his options down to flee or see what happens. \n\nDere didn't have any time to react to the kick; his body was bent inwards with the foot easily catapulting him back across the root. His body rolled over the wood, stopping with a high-pitched pop and solid thud, facing toward the god, his arm bent awkwardly behind his back, The right one conveniently placed under his head. \n\nDeres' eyes opened slightly, his ever-present smile fading from his face. He pulled his right arm back, palming the ground before fluidly pushing himself to his knees. His good arm in his lap. \" Fear. That was fear \" He lowered himself forward using his arm to steady himself in a bowing position. \n\n\" And it was Intense, Horrifying, invigorating and most of all, look at you! You're looking stunning\" His eyes widened further, and his smile reappeared with the left side twitching most likely from fear, lowering his head into a bow he exposed his back. The bent arm sprung to life acting like it was supposed to be there, it aimlessly touched around his back settling eventually on a small metal bit at the base of his neck, he started laughing up a storm \" I'm eating my words right now! Learning while I act... I have no idea what I'm doing.\" \n\nHis arm ran down his back separating his translucent skin as if there was a zipper there from the start. Black fluid shot out above himself stretching out like a liquid and with the blink of an eye it went rigid forming long sparkling tendrils. He quivered a bit, the bent arm slamming into place beside the other. \" I'm thankful to you for giving me so much knowledge I'm finally starting to feel less like a newborn\" \n\n\nThe tendrils sprung to life wiggling and forming a never-ending mass of tendrils resembling two large shuddering wings, he trembled as he got on his feet telling himself the only reason it was such an overwhelming feeling was because it was his first time experiencing it. \" Curiosity is one of my domains'' he gleamed with a bit of pride. \"If I knew everything, everything would become all too boring. But I'll tell you something! I didn't expect you to kick me and get a makeover. \" \n\nHe believed what he said even with all his scheming he never expected anything to go exactly to plan, he hoped for things to go astray. That's what makes him so ecstatic. He adored others' reactions, he was thrilled to give reactions to their reactions, and so on. His plans were only the guidelines, not the rules." }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "He'd laugh, no sound came from him only the movement, this god wasn't hilarious but amusing to him, demanding one second and excited the next, but as the god would come to his revelation? He knew this god wasn't going to give him what he wanted, instead the god wanted something, that something being one thing that he was not willing to give, it would be such a waste.\n\nThere was no reason to continue to speak or interact with this god. He'd turn away from the god waving his hand and walking away no longer willing to be around this god anymore than he needed to be." } ]	370	3,054
175.642857	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "anthropoid1020", "message": "There was a blob of lava which traveled across multiple roots to find a place to regenerate and get stronger so it could have a rematch with the one eyed avatar it had met earlier. While on his search, he has felt eyes constantly looking at him.. Nut burning into his liquid body but... Freezing into it with a staring gaze, making him feel colder.. No matter, he had to get to any form of 'safe-zone' as fast as possible." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "Fragarie was, at present, busy trying to make a chair. To be honest, sitting criss cross all the time was starting to get annoying, and so she had decided to find a nice quiet place that she'd be able to make a solution to that. She'd seen chairs in the realms that she'd visited, and so she had the general idea of how they looked and how they were supposed to look. The only problem was actually assembling the different parts of the materials to make them stay in that shape. It certainly didn't help that staying in one shape was not something that she was intimately familiar with, but she was doing her best.\n\nShe sat surrounded by branches, sprouts that she'd willed to grow from the Roots of the World Tree before cutting and using as wood for her chair. Of course, it would be easy for her to just make a stump for a stool, but she had recently also heard of a concept called fulfilment. It wasn't something she was Foreign To, exactly, but it wasn't a concept that she had really comprehended til now. This wasn't just to have a more comfortable place to sit, but also to really explore what it meant to be fulfilled. Completing a project, she'd been told, brought fulfilment, and so she was trying that here." }, { "author": "anthropoid1020", "message": "Fedohr the blob would notice this disgusting creature try to create something but he didn't know what... The blob slowly slid over towards the being, leaving behind a back trail of slightly burnt wood as the heat around started rising as the blob got set ablaze. The closer it moved to the creature, the hotter everything got to the point that Fedohr was just standing there and staring with angry little eyes but he couldn't do anything considering he was a blob with no limbs and no vocals." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "To any other creature, this might have seemed dangerous. To her, though, the heat was like a mild ticking against her skin. She turned to look back at the source of it as she felt the air begin to get hotter. While she was immune to magma and fire, though, her chair was not. She quickly moved it away from Fedohr so he would not melt it. Not recognising this blob as one of her uncles, she had the gall to even put it a little, placing a hand on it and cooing. \"Aw... What brings a cute little thing like you all the way out here to the World Tree?\"" }, { "author": "anthropoid1020", "message": "When Fedohr realized he could not do anything towards this filthy creature, he needed to come up with a new plan.. A plan to convince this creature that he would not hurt them... Or not yet at least. Lies are not a good strategy but a prolonged truth could be useful for his current situation. Fedohr would calm his flames down as everything around him got colder and the eyes he felt around him would keep piercing his body in a metaphorical way while his face went from angry to neutral as he tried to get closer to the creature in front of him to 'befriend' it.\n\nThe closer Fedohr got to the disgrace, the more he'd regret going along with this plan but if he was to succeed in following Gaia's orders, he'd need to play it cool for the time being until he could regenerate his body and train for the next battle... Who knows what he'll be facing so before anything happens, he'll have to put his all into being a 'kind' and 'friendly' lava blob... Absolutely abhorred..." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "If Fedohr had been trying to convince her that he wasn't trying to hurt her, it was a pretty resounding success. Fragarie didn't suspect a thing, continuing to caress his magma... Head? Did it even count as a head?... As if her were a stray cat that had wandered up to her. To be honest, he was going further than he even needed to, since she didn't notice the shift from his angry to neutral face at all. It seemed like she was completely unharmed from touching him even if he was made of lava. If anything, she almost seemed to giggle at the ticklish sensation of the heat against her hand. When she pulled away, there wasn't a burn to be seen.\n\nHer wings fluttered a little excitedly, though not enough to lift her off the ground. They were odd, as if someone had torn the leaves off of the strawberry, grown them to a much larger size, and then stuck four of them to her back. The resultant flap unintentionally created a small gale behind her that pushed a few fallen leaves off of the roots into the void below. Fragarie laughed. \"Hehe. I should give you a name. How about... Roritios?\" She suggested." }, { "author": "anthropoid1020", "message": "The name... The name this disgusting creature gave Fedohr made him angry as he burst into a massive flame and his face once again seemed mad. The blob shook it's entire body as a sign of NOT LIKING THE NAM AT ALL! Once he had gotten the point across, he'd cool himself down again while still having an eerie feeling that there are cold eyes watching him... Had he been cursed while traveling? No matter, he still needed to find a place to recover and get stronger...\n\nFedohr the blob would try to figure out a plan.. Maybe a way to use this as an advantage? Playing 'nice' for a bit could help him out with completing Gaia's goal and deliver her judgement to all who's unworthy, only issue is that... If he plays nice for too long, he might snap.." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "She giggled as it shook, completely misinterpreting what it had meant. \"Aw, someone's happy! Roritios it is!\" She stroked the blob. \"What's a cute little thing like you doing all the way out here, Roritios?\" She grinned as she spoke the name that she had given the lava blob. She liked the way it rolled off her tongue, and it really carried the feeling of pathetic cuteness that she saw in the creature that she didn't know was her own divine cousin. She willed the winds to whirl around the creature, lifting it into the air so that she could cuddle her face against it.\n\n\"Oh, I can't help myself with an adorable little thing like you!\" She squealed. Oddly enough, when his lava dripped onto her wings that appeared to be made out of leaves, they didn't catch fire. They didn't seem to be affected at all by the heat, even fluttering excitedly to leave a shower of lava behind her as she adored this little thing that had made its way to her." }, { "author": "anthropoid1020", "message": "Roritios? RORITIOS!? HE FELT LIKE BLOWING HIMSELF UP! WHAT IN GAIA'S NAME IS RORITIOS!? IT SOUNDS LIKE A ******* DISEASE! THANK GAIA FOR THIS INNER THOUGHT BEEP BECAUSE RORITIOS WAS ABOUT TO BLOW A GASKET!! HE FULLY SET HIMSELF ABLAZE WITH AN IMMENSE HEAT WHICH COULD BE FELT IN SOME OF THE NEAREST REALMS FROM HIS ABSOLUTE ANGER, THE ENFORCER OF GAIA BEING DISRESPECTED THIS MUCH!? IT'S UNHEARD OF! THE ANGRY BLOB WOULD HAVE TO CALM HIMSELF DOWN THOUGH SO HE DID SLOWLY BUT SURELY LET HIS ANGER FLY AWAY LIKE STEAM... And then he was calm once more, Roritios was not happy at all and knew who he would clear off the face of reality after he had figured out who was staring at him and making him feel like he is being struck with cold spears...\n\nRoritios would have his neutral face on as he felt his body slowly reforming inside of him, but not visible. This place so far has only been negative... Except for a singular part and that's the fact that he can recover despite the chance of going insane from this filthy, disgusting, muddy and horrid creature that called him Roritios..." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "She giggled as the creature she did not know was her cousin flared up again. The divine flames consumed her hands, but they remained unharmed as the rest of her body as she held him up in the air. \"Jeez, Roritios.\" She teased the blob, treating it like how a girl would a dog. \"No need to get so excited over cuddles!\" She put him down, petting him on the head. \"Who's a good blob? Yes you are, yes you are!\" She cooed. To Fragarie, who wouldn't have ever had a reason to fear fire even if she'd been given the ability to feel fear, she just treated the magma like a puppy.\n\nAt the very least, this creature that he so despised didn't seem to intend to hurt him. She reached between them, tapping her finger against the ground. A small sprout brust from Gaia's roots, one that she tugged from the ground with an easy pull and pushed towards him. She watched in fascination as the heat caused the wood to burn into flames, clapping a little like an excited child as it blackened into charcoal. \"Woah! You made it black!\" She cheered like it was some great achievement." }, { "author": "anthropoid1020", "message": "Roritios was almost... ALMOST at his breaking point... The 'duly appointed enforcer of Gaia's will' being treated like a mere CHILD!? He had to stay calm so he would not screw himself over and try to take her life in his current weakened state, although he was slowly recovering. He just turned into a puddle and laid on the root, seeming like he was completely dead because at this point he wished he was. Roritios just prayed for his body to soon be fully regenerated so he could END THIS MISERY AND GET RID OF THIS FILTH! He knew that Gaia was not satisfied with his efforts..." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "She let out a gasp as he melted into a puddle. \"Oh uncles, you're so adorable!\" She cooed. To her, it was the same thing as a kitten flattening itself into a loaf rather than looking like he had died. To be fair to her, she was hardly an expert in blob physiology, so she didn't know what a dead blob looked like. She seemed to melt into a blob herself, though she was a much less orange shade of red, the same colour as strawberry jelly. She pushed out a pseudopod and petted him." }, { "author": "anthropoid1020", "message": "You know what... Roritios wanted to leave so he decided to do so, he slowly slid away trying to disappear without being noticed by the disturbing creature who thought he was a WILD ANIMAL! He will one day come to eliminate it... ONE DAY! He puked some lava while sliding away because of the disgusting thought he had and from this entire situation... Hopefully he was able to escape before she noticed." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "As he tried to slither away, though, she returned to her humanoid form and followed him all the way to the end of the current root that they were on. She continued pampering him with strawberry snacks until at last he had reached the end of the root that they were currently situated on. It was only here that she finally let him go, watching him slide on to the next root with a wistful expression of someone letting a rescued deer back into the wild." } ]	151.5	2,459
684.936508	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "`\" It festers... I yearn. It must hurt; she must bleed... \"`\n\nThere is a violent awakening in one of the dormant fruits of the upper branches, a malignant contortion and sickening pulsation as life begins to breathe from a divine spark once more—shallow, putrid huffs. Every exhale, a groan of frustration and a lack of satisfaction for the outcome dealt to him. Thoughts swim and squirm throughout the embryonic fluid of the fruit just as much as he does. The effect was undoubtedly chaotic. A star begins to hiss with radiant light, burning back into existence. Flames wreathe his star, a reptilian crimson eye adorned directly in the centre. Staring down... Observing his fellow deities in a moment of comprehension, a reminder of what it meant to be divine.\n\nTo remember who they were... Gods. More than that, concepts. These beings shaped entire foundations of existence and meaning influence over things beyond the reach of a mere, pitiful deity. Calling themselves gods was an understatement. They were the beginning, the end. The apocalypse. Throughout all of the time, every uprising has a tragic downfall; every apocalypse has its dastardly plague. Now that plague was back, more pustulant and writhing than ever before. The fruit begins to split, minor glyphs and shapes cut across it like a clean dagger, drawing a pattern. A ritualistic incantation, he hadn't even burst from the new shell and yet his plans continued. It was devotion to a tee, terrifying in the hands of someone who lacked empathy to act upon those goals.\n\n`\" To spill blood is to embrace a memory once lost. An awakening of the mind, a feral expedition. The conquest of bloodlust. \"`\n\nThe fruit finally splits in one swift motion, in the vein of a magic trick. The enormous snake seems to extend further from the carapace's tear. It shouldn't be possible for such a being to fit inside, yet it continued to force itself out. Reborn, Edon had the luxury of reminiscing over his old appearance. The one he had first become known in, a clean serpent. Enshrouded by a glistening orange and black energy, it drops from the hanging fruit and finally nests itself upon a branch. There is a dramatic silence as the beast closes its eyes... Deep in thought.\n\n`\" To sever eternity, we must lose what makes us whole. The sooner I accept I am to be a casualty of the war I wage, the better. \"`\n\nThe monster mumbles aloud, speaking his mind. Other gods were near and may overhear it. The meaning was the clearest he had ever given; the god of change had finally come to a point of stagnation. It was only war from this point forward; he chased his metaphorical tail, never able to quite reach it. Yet always in view. The deity's tail whips forward, slashing across the branch's floor and igniting a clear-cut sigil into the floor, an image of a serpent coiled around a tree. The leaves fall from it, the roots shrivelling and dying. This was the ritual he had been planning for so long, attempted so soon with so few. He understood the likelihood was slim but knew the outcome far too well. He died doing something he cared for or was killed for nothing.\n\n`\" Who will heed the call of a lost god to set us on the right path? \"`" }, { "author": "roritios", "message": "Since the moment Edon's star dimmed, Savarii had sprung into action and was watching Yggdrasil from afar. She had made a bit of a risky gamble when siding with Edon, and his defeat was not boding well for her. The goddess was not one to go down with the ship and, if it became necessary, she would try to sink the ship herself if it meant saving herself from the crashing waves. But, right now, she was still quite fond of the snake god and his machinations. If the metaphorical hand fed her, she wouldn't bite it. In fact, she was Fascinated By nearly everything the god did. She just hoped the risk she took wouldn't blow up in her face with the god's impatience. She was hoping for Edon to turn this back around, more strength for the snake god meant more strength for her... How funny it was how much she embodied the parasites she created~. In fact... \n\nA large, pale purple bedbug would appear nearby. With only Edon here for now, it was very clear it was of divine creation, although it was difficult to pick out on its own at first. It was hard to even pick her apart, something done on purpose to conceal herself from anybody else who may respond to Edon's call. She was not ready to so publicly announce who she had sided with until she knew who would witness her here. The appearance of the ectoparasitic arachnid was oddly symbolic of Savarii's own character, whether it was a purposeful decision on her own part was difficult to tell. The Hive-Goddess of Outcasts, Misfits and Gluttony approached from above, hissing greedily as she would aim to land on Edon and climb up his scaley length. Her many legs were ticklish and squirming, dancing across the god as she made her way up to his ear. \"Oh my darling brother, how I missed you~\" Savarii's voice comes from the bedbug straight into his ear, using his own divine presence to mask her own by hiding on him. \"You left me in quite a fright when you left the ritual...\"\n\nThe sickly sweet words of Savarii evoked a strong picture of her eccentric, over the top pout despite not having a humanoid face to even do that. \"I had even thought that... Perhaps I had made the wrong decision in supporting you~\" She sighs. \"But Oh how I love Betting on the underdog~ I'm glad to see you return my dear~\" She coos sweetly from her insectoid form. It was quite clear she didn't want to reveal herself yet, unsure Who Would respond to Edon's call. \n\nYet she knew she couldn't hide from Edon as he would sense her divine presence and likely sniff out the bedbug. It was better he knew it was a friendly face rather than discover it and then squash it. Not that Savarii was certain he wouldn't just squash her anyway, but That's just part of the fun~ Those who came afterwards though, would have a hard time figuring out she was even there." }, { "author": "almosthysteric", "message": "`\"KWEHEHEH OH EHEHEHHEHE\"` A mad cackle rung about the branches as a shaded limb extended from below, grabbing upon the limb, shadowy fingers elongating, wrapping fully around as another limb extending forth, spreading itself as it brought a featureless head up, a torso following soon and eventually ending with a mess of black at the bottom of the body, the fingers returned to a 'normal' length as the creature slouched upon the branch. `\"A KWEEHEHHE! A EHEHEH!\"` It repeated, straightening its posture, its neck Twisting Uncannily as it stared, from distant branches.\n\nCrackle.\n\nTo Savarii,\n\nCrackle.\n\nTo Edon, the main attraction, the serpent. It heard not the call, but from the branches it sensed a Repulsing Aura, a being cursed by its mother to be outcasted, even being around Edon made Sanskrit want to puke. It made Sanskrit unbelievably Joyous, to the point where even a smile manifested upon the featureless face, a mouth, slowly appearing as a white line across its face that crawlitst's way up into a perfectly white grin that contrasted the rest of the being.\n\n`\"Oh~ You repulse me! I wonder~ I wonder~ What SIN did you commit, what grave aberration have ye completed to be implanted with such a foul stench, with such a sickening presence~\"` Sanskrit stopped for a second, its smile widening as the white grin split along the middle, opening for a brief second to reveal more black as a cackle followed `\"Kwehehhehe~ Oh, Eheheheheh!\"` It closed the pity excuse for a mouth it had conjured up. `\"You, you! Fascinating...!\"` Indeed, to Sanskrit, who had never met Edon, it was a wonderous thing how Gaia could bestow upon one her children such a curse, to be outcasted, to have an ambience that made even the mad wish to run, wish to turn tail. Or mayhaps, wish to explore further, wish to be driven more into madness.\n\nThe creature finally fully stood up, its body making a miasma of noises with each movement, as it straightened its neck and back, a crackle could be heard. As it outstretchitst's limbs a whirring, as it brought its chest forward, a whooshing. Sanskrit fidgeted and fiddled, the mess of a lower body it had somewhat taking form, tendrils thrashing about and hitting the branch they stood on.\n\nSanskrit watched the bedbug sat upon Edon, it listened to Edon speak, to head a call, to severe eternity, oh how fun!~ `\"Tell me your name.\"` It finally spoke after a while of silence. `\"Tell me your names! Your domains! Tell me it all! The story of that stench you carry! Tell me! And then tell me more! On why you sit here upon this branch, upon your ramblings! And then, and then, tell me even more! About your future! About my future! And then, and then stop, for I wish to know no more.\"`" }, { "author": "sociablealarm13", "message": "From within the void around these Gods, came a rolling black smoke that seemed to spiral and spin like a serpent of smog until it stopped and formed itself behind Sanskrit directly. \n\nSlender fingers with dagger like black nails seemed to wrap around the shoulders of Sanskrit, and a wicked voice cackled beside their head much like the cackle of their own entrance. \n\n\"Oh! Fun! My part to play then!\" She gave a soft chuckle and seemed to vanish into smoke again only to trail over to Savarii and show her off as if she were a car for sale at some game show. \n\n\"This my dearest, is our sickening, sadistic, strategic and sensational sister Savarii! Goddess of Outcasts, The Hive and Gluttony! She has... Impeccable taste! Oh how her halls fill with fetid flesh and fuming feasts!\" The aura that radiated from Sinrael was one of pure fear and terror, discord and strife. An erratic, mercurial energy even as she complimented her sister and showed her off even if she was in the form of a bedbug. \n\nDue to showing off Savarii, she was already beside Edon and so stopped pointing at Savarii and did a lap around Edon as a cloud of smoke before leaning in close to him and inhaling deeply of his scent. It was still there and it's wretchedness still intoxicated the goddess of discord. \n\n\"This handsomely suicidal gentleman is Edon. God of Fate and Change, devourer of a God unborn, and killer of divinity! And quite a delicious snack if i must say so myself.\" She gave another maniacle laugh before floating over to Sanskrit and inhaling deeply around the God of Madness and Insanity. \n\n\"Oh my oh my oh myyyy! Your emotions they smell... Backwards. Reversed and twisted all around like a delicious knot of flesh and feelings! Inverse is reverse and rightways is wrong ways! A pleasure to meet you dear... I am Sinrael, Goddess of Fear, Discord and Strife. I'm just a playful thing so dont mind me.\" Shed say with a twisted giggle escaping her mouth, exxagerating the fact that only her lower face was visible due to her hood. \n\n\"So... Serpent, Edon if that is you... What plan have you got in mind? And... Where is precious Melancholia... Id assume you've invited her.\"" }, { "author": "fire.turtle", "message": "When she saw the great, golden serpent emerge from his incubator, she did not move. The goddess froze, as though she hadn't been waiting for him for months. An unfamiliar sensation crept through her body. It spiraled around her limbs and arms, prickling her and forcing the woman to drop the black instrument she had been playing. It descended into the void, fated to, perhaps, never be seen again. As Melancholia stared at Edon with indifference, she tried as hard as she could to overpower the feelings she was experiencing.\n\nUnexpectedly, many other deities had arrived. She watched from afar, waiting until everybody's shows were over. After a few moments that felt like an eternity, the goddess of desolation and music crossed over some branches to meet with her acquaintances. Her deep, glazed eyes met the snake's.\n\nShe...\nShe felt...\nShe felt like...\nShe felt like she...\nShe felt like she was...\nShe felt like she was mad.\n\nShe was angry.\n\n She was heartbroken.\n\n She was scattered.\n\n She was Furious.\n\n She was betrayed.\n\nShe was\nTrapped,\nIn love\nWith\nA snake,\nAn\nAberrant\nAbuser.\n\nThrough her feeble way of viewing the world, she saw nobody but the orange serpent of fate. The bug, the doll, and the woman meant nothing to her.\n\nShe was mad, yet she did not understand why.\n\nWas it because he had died on her?\nBecause he was a liar?\nBecause He hurt her?\nBecause he had stained her body?\n\n No.\n# knew the true reason.\n Was mad because she loved him.\n\nSlowly, the deity's dainty feet made their way across the limb of Yggdrasil, avoiding all of the other gods and goddess and going straight to her target. With a forceful grasp, she pulled the beast's head down to her level and put her empty nose up to his. Her fingers constricted around his face. Melancholia's eye sockets gouged into the body of her Love, impulsively indulging in the gloriously familiar stench of his outcasted status. She did not cry, although she wanted to. He was back at last!\n\nNow, they were all going to die. \nHer eyes could close, and they would not reopen.\nShe could rest her body for the first time in her wretched little life.\n\n\"Edon.\"\nThe goddess said his name once.\n\"Edon.\"\nTwice.\n\"Edon.\"\nThrice.\n\nThen, as if she were remembering his brutal behaviour towards her, she relaxed her muscles in preparation for a punishment.\n Waited for you.\"" }, { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "A twisting knife... With so many visitors, his call was answered so rapidly. To think even the most depraved creatures had a loyalist following it brought a crooked. Toothy smiles over the beast's face. Though his concentration could not be shattered, the ritualistic pattern continues to burn with hatred and reverence for their divine creator. It was a short reprieve from the madness to see the faces of his allies unite in a strange final send-off. Whether they knew it or not, this was the curtain call for the performance of a lifetime. The sigil burns effortlessly, and the exuding miasma of rebuking flame scars the pattern he draws. A sinister cackle creeps in as he hears the first deities arrive.\n\n`\" Sweet bug, not even the tyrant could keep me down. \"` Edon glares upwards to the distinctly fleeting star of Majesty. Though not entirely vanished, it was cracking under the mental strain on her. There was the chance for a recovery, though unlikely. Still, there is the presence of confusion in his voice. Patches of memory missing, thoughts adrift. He was still readjusting his senses. Launching into such a high-calibre ceremony right after rebirth was immensely taxing; he could only speak a sentence or two to each god without the crushing weight of his essence fleeting. Her decision to support him was still right, though there was only one way to prove it now.\n\nThe ritual bends and contorts, and circular slots gather around the main display's outskirts. One for each god here to step, crawl or float into. To pledge their support to his action in one last act of defiance. It seemed like too little gods; indeed, it was an impossible task. Yet the determination and sheer focus of the changing god was a clear strive in his faith, to stagnate himself temporarily to carry out such a notion. They had a visitor that needed to be addressed, though the hideous incessant laughing gave the impression it may not be complicated. After all, he had already crafted a circle for them.\n\n`\" Your future is determined by this act... Of faith, to see everybody driven mad from reality itself. \"` The god's voice booms and reaches Sanskrit with a bleak tone of oppressive and overbearing thoughts. Indulging in what he had assumed the mad god must want, there was little time to discuss terms. Madness was precisely the name of the game. There was no time to console; it either complied with the insanity or reeled back and skittered away.\n\n`\" The plan is simple: sever eternity. \"` An offhand response to Sinrael, it seemed his acknowledgement of everyone was just as blunt for once. No scheming or monologues, a genuine disinterest to put up with the words of those around him, a focus on the plan and the plan alone. Cooperation was what fate had weaved in this very group; now, they must follow it. His belief in the archaic measure of reality had resurged in his revival, now believing this to be the new outcome. Begrudgingly aware, it was only him that would perish in the result.\n\nThen, his head is moved downwards. The grasp of a familiar goddess, a touch he understood—one he did not need to hide here. The god does not struggle or resist as he is lowered to her height for the time. The scaly crested head leans forward and into the smaller deity. The surge for violence is quenched, and his concentration can numb the tide of feelings he should've been feeling. Able to repress all but one painful emotion, guilt. For what was going to happen, what he was going to do... The beast does the unthinkable with a slow and almost rhythmic movement. It kisses her forehead delicately before rearing back and raising, staring at the circles around them...\n\n`\" And I... You. But wait no longer, for this is it. The gate of immortality is closed; speak your words. Add your clauses; they can be anything. So long as eternity is forever fractured. All of you... Our time is nigh. \"`\n\nThe snake drifts to his circle and closes his glossy eyes with a deep breath, constructing the words he wishes to add to the ritual—his final provocation.\n\n`\" We conduct this ritual using the power you bestowed upon us. To Usurp you, false mother. You have taken so much from me, from us... Now it is time I take something away from you, the joy in your children's eyes... Their endless expanse, the creatures created. Shall be no different to us, for they can die. When we cannot. Now... We shall be able to suffer death, finally and forever. \"`\n\nA bone-chilling cold wave overturns the environment as the sky darkens and the ritual grows brighter. Officially starting the chain of invocations. Something swells and bloats in the outburst of energy; a crackling bolt of orange energy rips through the sky. No sooner as the flash appears, an encore of tragedy strikes. Sudden deaths are felt, the decaying of land... Edon strikes down his creations, every last of them, with an enraged display of fury. All his work, erased in a single strike... A clear presentation of terror and devotion. A reason not to dare interrupt this conquest. If he was so willing to destroy everything he had worked for, what the hell would he do to a traitor god?\n\nSomething else... Flitters in the atmosphere, however, there was not just one divine presence coming from Edon. But two... A secondary strange glint of divinity echoes meekly from the god. It was hard to trace his divine sense without being convoluted in the two. Yet what exactly was it... It seemed impossible to pinpoint at the current moment.\n\n`\" Speak your terms now, or forever hold your life in disarray. \"`" }, { "author": "roritios", "message": "\"I'm glad to hear that dearest brother~ I should have known your strength was too great to die on any terms but your own~\" Savarii coos into Edon's ear, she glances up at notices up the dimming star of another god. Her body shuddered in excitement just from being in contact with the powerful feeling of Wrongness Inspired by the snake god. The bug hisses with something akin to admiration, pleasure and hunger all mixed together. Another god permanently dead because of Edon... What a shame it was he wanted to die, his power would have been so tantalizing to have around~ The bug's eyes turn to silently watch the newcomers, hidden amongst the many scales of the large snake it blended in with its shell. Her many eyes watch as the mad god Sanskrit approaches and watches with utter fascination. The insane and the man had always been a soft spot for her, many were destined to become outcasts and live by her rules. To see the abnormality be amplified in divinity was... So lovely and rewarding~\n\nThen Sinrael appears, the sister she had been bonding with so much as of late. Another good addition to the ritual and one she was certain would appear. She had shown so much fascination in Edon's work and his ambiance, almost rivaling the Hive-Goddesses' own fascination and eccentric desires and urges. Finally... Melancholia herself appears, also an expected development. Savarii scurries back from Edon's ear as the goddess of sadness approaches him and takes hold of her lover. She watches from her bug like eyes in complete silence, hidden among the large body and her own divinity easily lost in his. She waits a while, completely hidden as she keeps waiting to see who else appears before she realizes...\n\nThis is it... This is everybody...\n\nA true band of outcasts, so many gods existed yet so little had pledged themselves to this movement. It was to be expected that they would be gods of shunned domains and unloved concepts. It was almost like their own small, sick family~\n\nAt the very least, the lack of other gods appearing gave Savarii comfort for more reasons than just solidifying their outcast status. It provided security. A security that there were likely few traitors that could create headaches for her after this happened, less of a risk of unforeseen consequences from their other siblings as there had been in the Void ritual. Security that, should they fail, there would be little witnesses to her own involvement... And ensuring that cleaning up the mess and jumping ship would be that much easier... The chance of failure was not to be avoided... Plans had to be made to extract herself from the mess. If she could take one of her sisters with her, she would, but not before she could ensure her own survival. Already, all of Savarii's other fragments were aware of what was happening and prepared to jump into action depending on what had happened. Success would mean she'd need to act quickly to get what she desired, failure would mean... Well her contingencies were an intricate spiderweb, just like her own character and behaviour. Oh, but enough doom thinking. Savarii truly did love all the outcasts and misfits that made up this family~\n\nDespite all her contingencies, plots and schemes... There was but one aura emanating from the insect. Before glee and ravenous, greedy hunger. She wanted to see what happened, she wanted to sever the god's immortality. Her own immortality was an unfortunate causality, but keeping her siblings mortal and vulnerable was... Beneficial. With certainty that she would not regret revealing her presence, the bug would crawl down Edon and onto the branch below.\n\n\"Yesssss, my dear brother, I do have a few concerns before we continue~\" Savarii's voice and presence are finally visible to all who have come to the branches.\n\nThe bed bug on the ground begins to split in half, its chitin and guts exploding from its back. It almost looked like a zombie ant that had clasped onto the tree as eldritch tendrils made of guts, flesh, bone and other insects emerged from the single, minuscule bug. The tendrils extended upwards and intertwined with the guts and bone. The sheer amount of mass that emerged from the small bed bug made no physical sense, the form emerging from the bed bug was several million times larger than the eviscerated bed bug that had its \"Guts\" Leaking out. Soon, the entire mass would form into Savarii's usual form, wearing a very intricate dress made of black veils, her wings, rotting flesh and which seemed to be growing its own eyes for the occasion. The goddess' face was partially missing, as if the flesh around her eyes and ears had been removed to show the runed, black skull underneath, to which was attached a chitinous and boney face plate that looked like a mix between a jagged crown and a helmet. Her eyes were five, glowing orbs that possessed her bones and shone through her empty eye sockets. Her massive mouth contorted in a significant smile. \n\n\"You see, brother... I truly empathize with your plan, I really do. But I don't think I myself am ready to die just yet~\" She coos happily, clapping her hands. \"I don't believe that after we do this, retribution won't be swift and deadly from the angry masses who don't understand you and your goals as well as us. Without my immortality, I do fear that a few issues will rear their heads for those of us who are left behind~\" She smiles kindly. \"We're risking So much To help your quest, it would be only kind of you to do something to keep your poor little sister safe~\" She coos, giving him a pout. \n\n\"I mean, I'm sure we all agree that after this ritual, life would be much easier if Some Of our brothers and sisters made use of their new... Mortality a bit quicker than they would have otherwise...\" Savarii says with a smile.\n\n\"And with their new vulnerability, it does create some Delectable New opportunities for expansion. All in your honour, of course, my dear brother~\" Savarii says with a bow. She had laid many of her cards on the table, it appeared she wanted to use the mortality to prune potential rivals and strongarm others into being more \"Accepting\" Of her own plots. She wanted to leave a landmine under their feet so that, the moment they were no longer immortal, it would detonate before they even realized what had happened. \n\n\"None Of our siblings know this is happening but us, they're confident... Vulnerable. They expose themselves so carelessly. Don't you think we should make use of this boldness before they have a chance to react?\" Savarii adds with a sweet smile, leaning back with a giddy look in her eyes. \"Already, I walk among a significant portion of their fragments within demiplanes. Within the realm of dreams, I am holding hostage a significant portion of a deity's divinity. Within the arena... They're all gathered together with their eyes turned to a silly little game and competition~ In the void, from the ritual you were so rudely kicked out from, many still linger completely unaware as to what will happen. Even as close as the very gardens of the gods my sweet sister Sinrael and I walk amongst deities ever so focused on creating their own school of magic~\" Savarii lists. \"I have already opened up infestation gateways from my demiplane into various realms of our brethren. Surely, there are many of us who would benefit from this newfound mortality beyond just seeking out our Own Death~ All it takes is a couple threats, a little bit of fear and a Teensy weensy eensy Little bit of pruning, and we'd be sitting much prettier than we are now~\"" }, { "author": "almosthysteric", "message": "Two collided, one reaching out, the other submitting.. And then one split into two, two essences, oh so similar to each other. Indeed, this was quite upsetting for Sanskrit as the smile slowly shifted into a frown, this was disorienting. A kind of chaos they didn't enjoy.\n\n`\"You're asking a lot... To put faith into you. Yet, you promise a lot.. To see everybody driven mad. To let others peer into an existence similar to yours truly.\"` Its mood shifted again, the smile appearing again, though shortly disappearing as Sanskrit continued listening to Edon. `\"Sever eternity... Sever our siblings from their mother forever... Outcast them... KweHEHEHEHHE\"` The being reputed into a mad cackle yet again, this time more ferocious, more emotions were put behind this one, it reeled back even further, it arched even more, it's head hit the branch, and a sickening mark was left upon them. And it continued, it went down further, its body twisted and contorted as it attempted speech, a muffled mass of thoughts simply spewing out into the Abyss around to connect with any willing conscious was all that came out though. Concepts could mayhaps be grafted from this mess of speech, this joke at communication. `Glee, joy, to attempt to sever eternity forever... With so few participants... To think you would be able to do such a task, with so little present.. It made the God curious, it made the God angry, it made the God sad...`\n\nAnd suddenly, it all stopped. A proper voice finally calling out, proper voices. `\"To sever our link with eternity, that would put even us at risk, but.. If you succeed...\"` It thought for a moment. `\"My sister speaks the truth.\"` They referred to Savarii. `\"But... I do not wish to kill my siblings, I do not wish to put them under constant fear... I simply wish to have them experience Madness as I. To decent from their oh-so-high thrones, to see the cursed by Gaia true and through, to see those less unfortunate at birth... To experience outcasting...\"` Multiple emotions clashed, multiple voices and ideologies as the voice returned to a shamble, this time, nothing graspable. The being formed legs from between the tendrils, and stepped onto the circle, the podium. Cackling as it did so. \n\n`\"I... I will join you, siblings. I may know you not, but your intentions... Your goals, they are oh so FASCINATING... I cannot leave this opportunity unattended... I care not the consequences, the aftermath will be OH-SO F-U-N! KWEEHEHEHE~\"` It fully stepped up onto the podium, giggling in glee as it did so, turning its body to look at its siblings... Or away from them." }, { "author": "sociablealarm13", "message": "The Goddess of Fear swirled and swished around the three, floating in the air on her back as if she were floating atop a pool or lounging on a sofa, only to rotate position when she spoke or gestured. \n\n\"This ritual... It will make it to where Gods become killable, yes? No more respawning or regenerating after death, yes? I do hope that's all it does because if it made us age and die of decrepit decay that would be unfortunate.\" Something in her shifted as she brought her feet down as if she were about to land on the ground like a graceful dancer. Her energy had shifted from a playful erratic mania to a sort of... Serious tone and tune. As if she had either dropped a mask or put a new one on. \n\n\"Edon... Would you do us all a favor and tell us exactly... Precisely... What this ritual is going to do. No cryptic words or mysterious monologues. Direct and detailed discussion about what is to happen sounds like the best course of action because... I dont know about you Buuuut...\" She smiled wide again, razor teeth showing fully as she darted close to Edon and gestured to all the gods and divine beings here. \n\n\"We aren't the most... Trustworthy of Gods, even to one another. Especially you, wicked snake. A snake, a spider, a crow and a cookoo... None of which are exactly renowned beings. So... I'd like to know what we're getting into rather than letting your vaugeries and alluring presence linger in the air with no explanation. Doesn't that sound smart everyone? To actually hear out bit by bit what this is going to do? Chaos and Discord, Fate and Change, even Madness and Insanity... To know them properly you must know cause and effect. He, in truth, has told us neither. Just a vague, open ended trap or trick so far.\"" }, { "author": "fire.turtle", "message": "Her body turned cold upon receiving the kiss from the serpentine god, Melancholia's thews losing their strength and submitting to the treatment he subjected her to. She felt his pain. In her heart, she hated it; yet in her mind, she knew it was upstanding. \nHis show of affection hurt her, for it was not what Melancholia wanted to feel.\n\nShe\n wanted\n him\n to\n hit\n her,\n# she would not be ashamed of her anger towards him.\n\nThere were many more people for the goddess of sadness to meet. There were interactions to be had, feelings to be found. There were words and influential actions to be made.\n\nShuddered at the thought, parting from Edon to take her place in a rather gloomy-looking part of the circle. The runes were beautiful, yet the cost of them glazed the setting with iciness. With her gaze to the ground, she could not bare to watch as her siblings tore her love apart. Slowly, the other half of her body turned coal-black. Once again, the goddess of sadness had been infected and broken by the being she desperately Needed To love.\n\nShe\n\nNot want to look at her newly damaged body. It only made her angrier, and Melancholia only longed to savor Edon in the same way she had in the past. Attempting to distract herself, she stepped out of line and approached her sister. Her figure appeared foreign, the feathers on her arms darkening and falling off of her arms as she walked.\nThe eyes of Melancholia were nothing but gaping sable holes. They were an entry into her crestfallen mindset, a shattered place of internal conflict and decisions that she was afraid of.\n\nThe deity's limbs wrapped around Savarii in a familiar motion; it was nothing but an embrace towards her favorite sister. However, something was wrong.\nShe had been\n restrained,\n ruined,\n hypnotized,\n splintered,\nBy Edon's touch.\nHer own powers were a vessel for his.\n# ME GO.\n LET ME GO.\nAs she hugged the goddess of misfits, a creeping, concerningly powerful sensation of misery would overpower Savarii.\n# ME GO.\n PLEASE, LET ME GO. DO\n\n# ME HERE.\n# ME GO.\n I HATE YOU.\n I LOVE YOU.\n#\n#\n#\n\nAfter a million moments, Melancholia collapsed, feeling as though the only way to be freed from the serpent was to Let herself go.\nShe felt mentally naked.\nShe felt a stunning hatred.\nShe felt beaten and sacred.\nI only\n\nTo be freed.\nFreed from him, or freed from me?\n\n\"I am.. Sorry.\" She said to Savarii, backing away. The veins in her mind had been ruptured, wrecked, and strung back together to form a person that Melancholia was not.\n\nBe clean had become a foreign concept to the desolate woman. She emptily went back to her circle. Perhaps in death, she would find liberty at last.\n# BEGGING YOU.\n STOP\n HURTING\n ME.\n# so tired.\n# me\n\nMaybe it will solve the struggles of the world.\nThere was a problem, though, and no matter how many words and lies she spoke up, it would not go away." }, { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "This was indeed... Everybody, to think so little gods would rally to his side. Was the rest of divine life indeed that stupid? To see no reason or justification for such a ritual to take place. This world was about freedom, granting mortals life and shaping them into a perfect world. So why was it that when a god tried to shape a perfect reality for the rest of them, he was only met with snapping claws? Devilish fangs and chains. To shackle a god... They weren't worthy to carry out this; they didn't understand. They never would.\n\nThat was okay...\n\nThey were allowed to be wrong.\n\nThat's okay.\n\nWhat isn't okay are the acts of defiance and questioning in this ritual. They had gathered here for HIM; they would answer HIS demands. He was not just a means to an end; Edon was their downfall. Every. Last. One of them... Terms and conditions, specifications. He grunts heavily, gritting his teeth in reverence; there is an evident frustration in the god's words as he calls out with thunderous... Affection? Kindness? His voice is a mixture of anger and acceptance. In the final stage of grief, what did this monster have to mourn?\n\n`\" I come this far, I gather you... Yet you still question? You do not trust me. The OUTCASTS do not trust me? Good... That means we are one big scheming family, isn't that right? Brothers, Sisters. Partners. \"` Brothers and sisters... A title he had not used in a long while; how long had it been since he acknowledged his relations? Over a year?\n\n`\" I am keeping you safe; I'm giving you a way out. This is not my quest; it is my fate. I treasure... All of you, that is why. Like all good rewards, I cannot let you rust. Instead, you shall dissolve when you wish to and not a moment before. They will not harm you; it puts them at too much risk. This is your safety; I am breaking the ward of death so that you may reap and harvest the souls of the divine to your contentment. Or leave them to go at their own pace. \"`\n\nHis answer to Savarii is clear; he believes in his words thoroughly. Though there is admiration for the bargaining attempt in these moments, he would've found it stupid at any other time. Though the end is calling, so for once... Just once. He can let the transgression slide away and fade into obscurity. Just like he would, just like they would now be able to. Finally, they could be happy.\n\nHis life was pain; he knew it far too well... Sanskrit could see it clearly; this god was a tortured soul. His actions and the influence of those around him brought him to ruin. Other gods that had pushed his boundaries. They disrespected his requests and denied his apologies. He was no more of a savage beast than the rest of the deities that roamed this sickly planet. The way they ferociously tore him apart in the void. He cared little about what happened; it was all the proof he needed. They must go. But not by his hands; he shall pass the mantle onwards.\n\n`\" Final answer: This ritual is to sever the bond of eternity; you will not age naturally. Nor will you suffer the effects of growing old. It is merely that a god may die in conflict or by choice. As we should, as our birthright demands it. Allow us to be euthanised by the hand that feeds us, cut us away... False mother. CUT ME DOWN. \"` He grits his serpentine teeth in a quenched rage, and a single tear runs down his face in defeat. Emotions had gotten the better of him, finally. It was revealed that he fully intended on dying here.\n\n`\" You may say you struck me down for sanctuary. No god will contest you if you slay me. Think of it as a false rite of passage. \"`\n\nHe turns away from his fellow outcasts and focuses back on the circle. The incurable fury was rising again if they did not join the ritual. Effective immediately, it was going to get nasty. He had no time for playing games; if they pushed him just one more time... They'd regret what haunts them.\n\nA second heartbeat begins to beat... Not his own, something else. That second divine signature. It was starting to shine through, once more, Edon's divinity, a mixture of two creatures. What was going on? Why was there two... Why were both? So... Bloodthirsty." }, { "author": "roritios", "message": "Melancholia's approach earned Savarii's attention. The Hive-Goddess of outcasts pivoted and fixed Melancholia with the curious, glowing orbs that replaced her eyes. All the chitin covering her face, the lack of flesh and expressive eyes on her face made it hard to read her own emotions and thoughts and any change in her demeanour. This had been willful design detail Savarii put into effect, this was a powerful moment, an opportunity to quickly and suddenly solidify her power and bring about a catalyst that would permit her to bring her monstrous touch to more realms and beings. Savarii, if nothing else, knew the potency of hiding one's true thoughts and wearing as many masks as possible. She had always been an unpredictable presence, changing from one act to the other, throwing off any eyes searching for lying tics, genuine emotion or inconsistency in behavior. Now, as Melancholia approached her, the goddess' own monstrous, expressionless and mottled face hid any and all of her sentiments. \n\nSavarii's body froze as her sister wrapped her arms around her. A low, drawn out hiss could be heard shaking the body of the goddess as Melancholia once again shared her own emotions with her. She sensed her sister's desire for freedom, for the peace she had spoken so long about and the pain that came with it. Savarii's mind turned to her first encounter with Melancholia within her own ream. Slowly, yet surely, the Hive-Goddess' many arms raised and wrapped themselves tenderly around her sister. They held her tight and close as she both shared and savoured the feelings of this outcast, the very things that she had been spurned for... Not only by her brethren, but herself. Savarii's massive form almost cocoons Melancholia with her wings and many arms, she lowers her own head and places it on top of the head of the Goddess of Sadness.\n\n\"Remember our promises, sister.\" Savarii whispers, her voice was soft and motherly, yet maintaining her undertone of a freakish nature and carrying an oddly forceful and commanding note. She knew that if this went through, her sister may very well choose to disappear as soon as the ritual itself had been completed. \"Stay a while longer, for me.\" She says, only audible to her sister as one of her more human hands gently grasps the back of her sister's head and pushes it so that Savarii may lean further into her ear. \"Reward me for my dutiful service to you, sweet, darling sister. We will make our brethren appreciate the misery we gift them, they will regret thinking themselves so superior.\" Savarii calls back to the promises they had made in the hivelands. \"We can do so much more together sister...\"\n\nIt was hard to see from afar, but one of the glowing, empty eye sockets on Savarii's face seemed to moisten just a bit. She had no tear ducts, no muscles or flesh on the upper portion of her face, a chitinous and boney mask covering most of her features and an inhuman mouth that didn't give a single hint as to what she felt. However, a single, wet droplet was crawling its way down her black skull and onto her lower face. It would free itself and fall downwards, landing on Melancholia below her. \"Melancholia and Savarii shall not truly die... We are not shackled by our false mother's will. We may take away her brats and remake them into a true hive so that souls such as us are never shunned again. They will remember us forever.\"\n\nAs her sister collapsed, Savarii quickly bent over to check on her. She placed her hand on Melancholia's shoulder. \"Get up sister.\" She says with a strong voice, now audible to everybody else. \"It is time to act. It has come quicker than expected, but it has come nonetheless.\"\n\nThe bedbug form Savarii had taken and from which her new massive, monstrous visage had hatched from would crawl up her body and subtly make its way onto Melancholia, perching itself behind her ear and whispering in it. \n\n\"It's time...\" Savarii's voice repeats from the bedbug, only audible to Melancholia. \"Promise me you will remember our promises sister.\"\n\nSavarii turns upwards and faces Edon, standing back up tall and rewrapping her massive, monstrous wings around her giant form and the rancid flesh and veils pinnes to her spikey chitin to reform her dress. \"I suppose that will do~\" Savarii coos with a large, sharp toothed smile. \"Oh, every girl wishes for a brother such as yourself. I feel much safer knowing you have been looking out for your loving sister~\" She says, bowing to the snake god gracefully. \"Knowing you care for us as we care for you and your 'Fate' is comforting my darling. When the time comes, I shall miss you, your conniving ways and your gratifying aura~\" \n\nSavarii steps back into the circle and clasps her human hands in front of her politley. She hisses and twitches, her leech like hair contorts and moves all of a sudden as she senses a new divine signature eminating from... Edon's very own divinity. For a brief moment, the lights in her own skull flicker and she hisses with interest. \"This is...\" She trails off, now glancing around suspiciously, her expression never shifting to give away what she had noticed largely because it couldn't." }, { "author": "almosthysteric", "message": "Sanskrit had long since sat down within their designated circle. Crouching onto the ground as two arms appeared, placing their palms where the creature's knees would be as it sat legs crossed. Its torso slouched and its head facing downwards as it isolated the outside world.\n\nIt needed only hear its siblings, in this very moment, it needed only sense its siblings. Not just those present at the ritual, but anything around the tree, anything approaching the tree. The deity sat... Eerily silent. It didn't physically react to anything for a while, it didn't nod or twitch or twist, it sat awfully still.\n\nIt sensed Sinrael's distrust, sensed the short embrace between its siblings, the fear and sadness. So much was going on at once. Doubt, anger, anguish, comfort, command, it was oh so delightful. The creature would internalize it, remember it, would savour these intense bits of emotions it would otherwise be unable to experience, it would reciprocate them, one day.\n\n`\"Kwehehe\"` The being finally giggled to itself as Edon began speaking again. A scheming family... Huh? The being reacted not otherwise to Edon's speech, it didn't care about the finer terms, it didn't care about the conditions, it didn't care if someone in the ritual turned tail and tried to kill them as soon as it was done if it went through with. It cared not if the ritual even went through. These were new experiences, fascinating ones. Gods long since clearly gone mad in their own delightful ways, ones that had lost their mental sanity far ago, ones that had lost their love for their fellow siblings long ago, ones that were unable to maintain one face.\n\nThis was a gathering of outcasts, truly, as Edon said. Even Edon himself was far since tortured, he brought all around him to ruin. And this cemented itself further as Edon spoke more. The serpent didn't just bear hatred for its siblings, he was Suicidal, he intended on being struck down one way or another, and even then, he offered his siblings a sanctuary, a way out, an excuse to use his death.\n\n`\"How so kind of you, brother.\"` Sanskrit finally spoke out once, up until now, the being had gone so silent, had gone so unnoticeable that one might've forgotten it was present in the ritual to begin with. They didn't commend further, not even a breath as they waited for their siblings to figure out their personal affairs and set everything in order.. As fun as said affairs were, Sanskrit would be truly sad when this was all done.\n\nThe new divine essence wasn't left unnoticed by Sanskrit, not at all. The being shivered as it sensed the divinity, as it sensed the bloodthirst. But for now, it'd ignore it until it became so apparent it couldn't be ignored. Better not lose focus, lose one of its siblings for a moment, and it may miss out on yet another experience." }, { "author": "sociablealarm13", "message": "The goddess of discord seemed to revel in his idea once he gave the details regarding how a god could die after this. No old age, no withering away, only death via combat and choice. This was a satisfying answer to all her questions. \n\n\"Then I shall help brother, but I do so wish to be the one to strike you down to your desired death. That is my desire... So that from you and I, this new divinity shall be born... Apart from Gaia and her roots and branches... Or... You can...\" She gave a wicked cackle and made her way over to Melancholia, wrapping her arms around Melancholia from behind in an embrace for a moment, head tilted, resting on their shoulder with a wide smile and razor mouthed grin. \n\n\"I say we let sweet Melancholia do it. Let them end you once the ritual is done, poetic no? Tit for tat, hit for hit... Come now Melancholia, love, does that sound nice to you at all?\" She let go of Melancholia and went back to her original positioning before extending her arms outwards on gesture to everyone else. \n\n\"So, sadistic siblings, when do we begin?\"" }, { "author": "fire.turtle", "message": "A teardrop emerged through her vacant eye, tumbling down her face and hitting the Mother Tree's bark without a sound. If she had been able to suppress it, she would have in an instant. Edon was undeserving of her grief. The goddess's blurry gaze met Savarii's, and she kept it there for an eternity. She was unable to move, held paralyzed in place by all of her emotions. Although her insectoid sister had made an attempt to mask her feelings, they were very much detectable and noticeable to the deity of sadness.\nEvery\n sensation,\nEvery\n thought,\nEvery\n little\n hesitation...\nGlided\n through\n her\n skin\n and\n poisoned\n her\n brain.\nThere was a pause, a moment of clarity in the midst of mental murkiness. Melancholia melted into the beast of a woman. Burying herself in the manmade sheathe, she absorbed-\n# ME OUT OF HERE.\n-the confusingly manipulative demeanor within Savarii.\nWould\nThis\nBe\nThe\nLast\nTime\nThey\nFelt\nEach\nOther?\n\nLet go.\n\n SAVE ME.\n\"Oh, I am.. So... Tired.\" She found Savarii's ear and spoke into it, her vocals sounding rather soft yet rigid at once. Again, a droplet of indigo fell from one of her eye sockets. The goddess cried for her sister. \"Yet not ready to sleep. If I could.. If I could explain it all in a second, I would do so in an instant. It is ironic how powerless we are despite being gods... Savarii.. I must die for him. I-\"\nOne of Melancholia's feathers drifted off of her wing. She caught it in her hand and slipped it between two of Savarii's less humanoid limbs.\n\"I.. I will try my best, for no kind deed deserves to go unpaid. Together.. We would be so powerful.\"\nAs a smile stroked her blackened face, she broke away from the outcast goddess and regained her balance.\nPEople\nONly\nWAnt\nEArly\nREst.\n\nThe mere\nProblem\nWas that\nMelanc-\nHolia was\nNot mea-\nNt to be\nThe villa-\nIn. Not in\nThis story.\n\nIn what seemed to be an instant, her entire mood changed.\n\nLose control.\n\n\"Yes... I will remember. I promise to you, my beloved sister.\"\n And Savarii shall not truly die.\n\"Do not cry for me. Just as the serpent is unsuitable for my sadness, yours does not belong to me.\"\n\n Am ready to die.\"\n\nLies.\nL\n i\n e\n s.\n# ME.\n\n Most.. Gracious and loved... Savior has brought this lovely fate to us. Should we not begin already?\"\n\nMelancholia saw beyond the dual divine presences and only noticed Edon, the source of her pain. Her circle felt like a prison cell when she brought herself to it. Had they been a True \"Scheming family\", as the god worded, the deity of sadness would have been the mother. All of those who had gathered would be her children, victims of her power, yet she was dissatisfied with what she had gathered. Something did not feel right.\n\nSanskrit was a being of mischief and mystery, but that was not why Melancholia cared about it. Rather, it was.. Easy To focus on. Its unique, ever-moving form was mesmerizing. When it spoke, its voice was odd and off-putting. It reminded her of..\n\nNo.\n\n That\n\n comparison\n\n would\n\n be\n\n\n\nRight.\nWrong.\nRight.\nWrong.\n\nDie within.\n\nSinrael's embrace was benign to her. In turn, she tightly wrapped her arms around the merciless goddess of fear. In spite of the fact that this new sensation brought alarm to Melancholia's system, she found delicate comfort in it. The two had connected so much, yet not at all.\n\nThen, everything\n sHifTed\nAnd\n sPuN\nAnd\n rEverSeD.\n\nShe looked at Sinrael.\nShe looked at the ground.\nShe looked at Edon.\nShe looked at herself.\n\nBe okay.\n\n# suppose so.\"\n\nWRONG\nWRONG\nWRONG\nWRONG\nWRO-\n\nME OUT OF HERE.\n#\n FREE ME FROM MY DOOM.\nAnd then,\nEverything\nWas\nRight.\n\nThoughts\n\n Words\n\n Visions\n\n Ideas\n\n The\n art\n of\n a\n broken\n mind.\n\nAm I ready to die?\nRight.\nWrong.\nRight.\nWrong.\nStill time to make the choice... \nI must chose...\nRight?\nWrong?\n\nA gloominess rung through the air, piercing everyone it touched.\n\nRelax.\nStay calm.\nSubmit to pain.\nFall.\nWake up.\n Up, and it will be okay.\nHurt the body.\nFeel feelings.\nAct human.\nHave dreams.\nHave nightmares.\nRelease fears.\nTear up the heart.\nCry regularly.\nSeem good.\n Choose right.\n Choose wrong.\n# in between.\n The self.\nNo more grief.\nStay simple.\n\n\"I-\"" }, { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "Two hearts... Beating in unity, the overwhelming sensation of the grim change undergoing the fate god only grew more potent by the second; something else lurked deep down. It wanted out and would claw its way to the exit by any means necessary. All Edon can do is smile; he has foreseen it... He knows it is coming, one way or another. That wretched mistake he made so long ago shall finally haunt him, devour his eyes... Flay his scales, and he will be helpless to all of it. The other gods won't save him; this ritual was his usefulness. Once it was over. They did not need such a twisted tyrant; he had taken the only other one down with him.\n\nSomething was off, Melancholia thought true. They were no family; they all pretended. To have something in common, a wretched attempt to fit in... But they didn't; they never would. The world forever outcasted them. No matter how many lies they speak, gods they seduce. Minds, they twist. It was a futile grip that would soon slip from the cracks and fall to the void below. Edon was aware of the distrust here; anyone could backstab him at a moment's notice. However, fear reigned supreme at this moment for all but Sinrael. It was a motivator for her. It was a pleasure as long as he kept them in check. She could feast indefinitely.\n\n`\" On... With it.\"` A flicker of anger and malice. Mixed with the subtle lace of jealousy as he stares at the other deities. They had developed a real friendship, it would seem, capable of those feelings far better than the serpent. Displeased by the notion, his eyes fully shut as he devotes himself to the ritual. For in the moment, the other deities were no longer living in his mind. They were pieces to the puzzle, divine or not. It mattered for nought; this ritual would go on. He dropped his emotions briefly, blanking out all negative thoughts. And all positive ones, a neutral slate. A perfect balance, just like Pureman would've wanted... Edon could never be forgiven or redeemed.\n\n`\" Speak your terms. Offer your divinity. Now.\"`\n\nThe final words, perhaps forever. Not even a goodbye, no sign of understanding or compassion. The manipulation, everything he had built up, came apart in this situation. He was finally showing how he always was and had never cared for any other deity but himself. A selfish monster that dragged those with weak minds along for the ride, now it was time to crash the car.\n\nCrash it would." }, { "author": "almosthysteric", "message": "`\"But I will. I will forgive you for your selfishness, brother.. Not like you need it.\"` It hissed as a true goodbye to Edon, It knew he didn't need these words, he only wanted it to be done with, but still, it couldn't help itself. Atleast it should show gratitude to the being who allowed it to gather so much in so little time, some gratitude had to be given indeed.\n\n```sorry for the ghost ping sin, accidentally pinged you instead of Savarii```" }, { "author": "roritios", "message": "Savarii's face would have twitched just a bit at the comment of somebody killing Edon so quickly after the ritual was complete. She liked initiative, but Frankly, she disliked the thought of somebody stealing her thunder when her planned solution was much more... Potent. The goddess steps forward and gives Sinrael a smile that contained both cruelty and malice yet odd appreciation and sweetness. Her gaze turned over all the gods here with this smile... It was Inviting... Alluring, the same way a swift death was inviting and alluring to a man who suffered through prolonged torture. \"Oh, there is no need to worry about what comes next, your new mother dear has it all figured out~\"\n\nSavarii's bedbug leans into Melancholia's ear, brushing against it gently as it rubbed her soothingly in a protective way. \"Trust me dear sister. Hurry and join the ritual, I am looking out for both of us...\" It whispers. \"When the time comes, stand by my side. I will grant you true safety and security... Only together may we see our dreams come to fruition. But you Must Stand by my side and trust me.\" She says, her tone carrying a foreboding and ominous tone to it. She steps back and hisses in a satisfied manner as she steps back towards the ritual, her many eyes now exclusively on Edon. Her mouth had stretched out into the widest smile she had ever bore and she walked with a new aire of confidence and authority, as if she believed She Should steal the spotlight now. Without a single word, she begins channeling her divine energy before her, prepared to start the ritual at any moment as she glanced around the area. \n\nFinally, her gaze turns to Edon and her smile deepens as a hiss escapes her throat \"Oh and you, perhaps you'd like to grant us a little bit of extra power as part of this ritual, no? Perhaps delay our mortality by Just A smidge~\" Savarii asks with a smile. \"I want added power, I want to ensure that we walk away Much Better off than when we entered.\n\nAfter all, It would help a great deal against all the incoming vengeful gods I told about this ritual~\" Savarii adds, smiling with pure glee as she revealed her little bombshell. She stands in complete silence as she stands in position, still ever eager and ready for the ritual to begin it seemed, but now carrying the sense of grandeur that came with putting every single deity there under a very immediate, very real threat. She looked more confident than the goddess of outcasts and the downtrodden ever was... Ever had the Right To be. Finally, after looking around with a self satisfied smirk, she turns back to Edon \"They would see all of us Suffer For our transgressions, they are threat not only to you and your plans... But to your dear sweet family and...\" Savarii's gaze turns to Melancholia pointedly, hoping that was enough to make her point to Edon.\n\n\"But, oh yes! Before I get ahead of myself my dears, I have one final addition to make~\" She coos happily, turning towards her siblings and glancing over everybody with hungry eyes \"Once we're all done with this project, I'll be Glad To take you all with me to greater heights. We work So well Together, I think it's only fair that we make this group something Greater... Unfortunately Sans Edon. We've proven that we have evolved Beyond Gaia, we've moved past the archaic ways and beliefs of our brothers, we are a true cult of scorned, damned and freaks. Should we want to make it official, we may even become a True Pantheon of a, as our dear brother said, 'scheming family'. I offer all of you salvation from those who would see you destroyed and your realms razed. I offer you and your hard work protection against all the headaches you would otherwise suffer... If You bend the knee and promise that we may forever be a true family~\" Savarii smiles and takes in a deep breath.\n\n\"So far, they all believe that you have joined Edon of your own volition, that you're all sick and twisted little deviants that want nothing more than to see them all burn~\" Savarii says \"They would have you naughty children punished... But I... I Can change their minds~ For those of you who shall accept my gracious offer, I will be the first to extend a helping hand in what I hope to be a long, prosperous future of mutual aid and ensure that you are saved from the wrath of our brethren. If not, well... You can be the first to test out whether or not our ritual worked in the coming conflict~\"\n\nWith that, not giving the others who gathered here much a chance to react, she quickly offers up her divine powers to the ritual, starting to fuel it with a wide smile on her face. \"Time's ticking dearies, so we really should return our attention to our generous brother's ritual now. None of this would have been possible without him~\" She coos happily before, just as quickly, her mottled and skeletal face turns into a venemous, hateful scowl. \"Or would you rather keep your immortality to survive endless, inescapable torture by the hands of our vengeful brethren.\" She snaps, her mandibles chattering angrily. \"Come on! Start your ritual! I look forward to seeing how many of our brethren you can take down with yourself Edon!~\" Savarii shouts, her tone growing maniacal and zealous." }, { "author": "sociablealarm13", "message": "Sinrael rolled her head, popping her neck in a multitude of places before stretching out her arms and allowing her aura and divinity to spread, encompassing the area in which these gods resided at the moment. \n\n\"I know exactly how it will be for me... Death shall come and go, and I shall live and die and live again so long as our reality holds the energies and powers of fear and discord. So long as I am fed and fed and fed I shall remain. I shall not have the immortality that we strip away from the gods this very day... But I shall live in the hearts of all... And perhaps one day, i will not be reborn from the sewn seeds of discord...\" \n\nShe carried herself over closer to Edon and gave him a wicked smile and chuckle, her head tilted and shoulders asymmetrical. \"Only when my domain is proven to be temporary shall I let go... So you need not fret about my immortality. I will be just as killable as the rest... So long as they kill my domain as well... So long as they rid my feasts from this life. Otherwise... I intend on dying, renewing, dying, renewing... Until I just die...\" She gave another cackle and swirled herself around in the black fogs and smokes she had conjured around them all, before turning her attention to the idea of a pantheon. \n\n\"A pantheon sounds... Possibly delightful sickened sister! We'll need to arrange terms eventually... But kneeling to a sibling... So... Unenticing. I do however agree that we should gain some boost in our power due to this... Wonderful idea... Melancholia, Savarii and Sinrael... The Pantheon... The Three Sadistic Sisters!\"" }, { "author": "fire.turtle", "message": "As if she were nothing but a child, the breakable deity of sadness felt her body uselessly relax and submit to her surroundings. She closed her ample eyes, thinking of what Savarii had told her in the Taltuhim Hivelands. Only moments before her potential demise was she able to completely understand the concept of utter unity; Melancholia was a limb on a figure, a box on the conveyor belt. There was no particular purpose she offered to the overall cause, for she herself only served her own selfish needs.\n\nShe was here to kill herself.\nShe was here to shatter the laws of divinity.\nShe was here to ruin the world everyone knew.\nShe was here to fulfill the sickening desires of her and her false love.\nShe was here to.. Die?\n\nThe sharpness in Edon's voice cut her skin as though it were a blade, slicing into her body and making her bleed from the inside. Her blood emerged blue. Folding her black wings, she innocently stared at the serpent of fate with hopes that he would take back what he had said. She allowed the binary forces of godhood to impale her withered heart.\n\n# ǝɹǝɥʇ sɐM\n# uᴉɥʇᴉʍ llᴉʇs ǝuɐs ǝuoǝɯos sɐM\n\n# he truly had never cared, why did he act like he did?\n ǝɥ ʇɥƃnoɥʇ ǝɥs pɐɥ ʎɥM\n\nHer hands stuck out, and she attempted to draw her soul from her carcass: it was the power of a powerless goddess. However, her tries failed. She was a..\nFReak.\nREsistance.\nAMnesiac.\nUNderhanded.\nDIsmal.\n\nAll\n she\n had\n ever\n wanted\n was\n a\n purpose,\nAnd the dance of death gave her one.\nAt last, Melancholia's eyes opened.\n Let me trust you.\"\nHer gentle, cold fingers massaged the bedbug's miniscule body. Would they know that she was a fraud? Out of the darkness in her mind, a sunny notion materialized: everybody, every single participant, was a faker. They were all wearing masks and telling themselves lies, painting their faces and artificially adding the ugly smiles they all constantly seemed to wear. Even the organizer, Edon, did not truly want to die. She could tell, even though it was hard to gaze beyond the double heartbeats and bitter words he spoke of. Perhaps if his life had not been doomed by her, nobody would be ending immortality upon the upper branches of the Mother Tree.\n\nIt was all her fault.\n\nWas she to fix it by permitting him to rest at last, or should she have forced him to live and mend his woes? Savarii's immense secret slipped by Melancholia. It had landed in her mind, yet she only bore the ability to frolic around her sister's words. \"Incoming... Vengeful.. Gods...\" The silence that occurred soon afterward was what drew her out of the goddess's trance.\n\n\n\nFinally, Melancholia understood.\n\nShe was nothing but a vessel.\nShe was nothing but a hostage.\nShe was nothing but a belonging.\nShe was nothing but a decoration.\n She was nothing but a child in an adult's world.\n\nThe great speech of Savarii continued. Turning herself away, she could not bear to listen. Hearing what her Favorite Sister was saying made her feel dirty, and she did not want to feel dirty in this moment.\n\"May I still trust you? Why must I be at your mercy? Is this part of the glorious plan you devised without anybody's knowledge?\"\n\nSinrael's voice in her ears was musical, for it offered her a well-needed break from the oversaturated sweetness of the outcast and misfits deity. She posed a rather intellectual point. Although they had each defined their boundaries and differences from Yggdrasil, their mutual creator, they still remained as siblings. It was not at all fair that they would submit to a sister who was on the same level as them. Savarii, Melancholia, Sinrael, and even the strange god, Sanskrit, were equals in terms of their abilities. There was no pleasant reason as to why they all had to be led by one.\n\n Three.. Sadistic... Sisters.\"\nThe words tasted bitter on her tongue.\n ME.\n ME.\n ME GO.\n FREE ME.\n NEED HELP.\n ME HOME.\n ME LOVE.\n ME GROW UP.\n# DON'T UNDERSTAND.\n\n\"Why am I to trust you, Savarii, enough to join your pantheon?\"" }, { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "Chasing the mediocrity of hope, the high of companionship. Oh, how pitied them all, how his venom-laced words dripped with the harshest of sarcasm and a betrayal worse than any blade. It was natural that things would go wrong in his final moments, one last attempt to prevent him from genuinely being happy. The serpent's gaze solemnly stalks Sanskrit with an iridescent hue beneath those burning pupils. At least they were participating in his plan, straightforward and willing to take an order. He respected that, on a surface level, to see a creature looking out for itself the way he had. Uninterested in their pathetic friendships beyond the benefits. The snake flashes a coy smirk in Sanskrit's direction, a positive affirmation for doing the right thing and making it count.\n\n`\" They do not need to forgive me. They only need to witness what is to come. \"` His words trail into the air, lost in his mind. A clear distraction ran through the god's head as that second divine heartbeat thumped alongside his. No longer in rhythm, the unity begins to fall apart. Whatever creature was awaiting its calling no longer played the same game as the fate god. It audibly manifests, a loud roaring hiss. As if it were burning with every individual beat. The sizzling of flesh, yet not his... Edon continues to push the feeling asunder, not wishing to let it get the best of him. He knew what was coming; fate had finally foretold it. No matter what happened with this ritual, he would still fall victim.\n\nSavarii spoke out, her words yet again asking for power. He had already denied it once, so her asking again was the pinnacle of stupidity in his mind. He listens half intently, until the bombshell is dropped. She had snitched upon the ritual to other gods; the ritual circle surges with an unholy flame as his incendiary glare turns to the hive goddess. Not a single thought of doubt or hurt. He almost looked proud that they were brave enough to attempt such a grim idea, but Edon didn't give her the time to continue her speeches. For the moment the betrayal is revealed, he lunges with a screech that drowns out the ambience, submerging the nature of such a heavenly place into the abyssal depths of his hatred. Fangs bared, tail raised. He goes straight for the killing blow without a single hesitation. He did not care that Melancholia was there; he did not care if Sinrael happened to be close.\n\nThere was no satisfaction in his rage, no gratification for avenging those around him; it was unfiltered spite being channelled into an attempt of submission. There was an obvious precedent now, and as the serpent approached. His tail hardens into a carapace and whips straight around, going for the vital spots of an ordinary mortal. Whilst it may not do much against a god, it would still be debilitating, the spikes at the end of his tail splinter like shrapnel; in the reflection of each one was another fate untouched and unexplored, a reminder that this situation may just be accounted for partially. His voice howls and hisses as he screams out his orders during the assault to the rest.\n\n`\" SPEAK, SPEAK YOUR TERMS. Or else I will scatter what is left of every last one of you so far into the far realms... You will be heralded as a myth. Traitors, scum. Unholy harlots... You are savages that should've been put down a long time ago. ALL OF YOU. Speak your damn terms, now... \"`\n\nHis temper only grows; after the whipping of his tail, it was straight back to the ritual, he would fully offer his component here and there, so confidence in his assault to scare the god back into completing the goal they had set out.\n\n`\" I offer my divinity to sever the chord between mortality and eternity, to forcibly sever Gaia from our minds and bodies so that our divine souls may rest forever. Without the fear of rebirth, or a cold cycle of endless remorse. \"`\n\nHe speaks his chant, only to choke moments after. His voice gargles as blood seems to rise in his throat, then it begins to weep from his eyes... Then. Every last scale, every single orifice of the creature starts to rupture into a putrid display of flowing viscera, the second heartbeat overbears his now... His very divine presence starts to drown out as he offers himself for the ritual, this other deity making its new home and wrestling for control. As the fate god bleeds, he remains silent. Soaking the branch with a veritable seeping crimson waterfall." }, { "author": "roritios", "message": "The bedbug whispers into Melancholia's ear softly as she displays her confusion and hesitance. As the ritual was set ablaze around them, as the world turned to chaos... Savarii's small bedbug seemed intent on being there with her sister, whispering into her ear and reassuring her. \"Sister...\" It's voice was hurt, genuinely pained to see her sister's hesitation. \"Melancholia...\" The voice speaks again, wavering just a bit. For the first time, her sweet and honeyed words were replaced with genuine and caring tones \"Please, I have done this for Us. I am keeping Us Safe. We are sisters... Not just linked together by Gaia... We are True Sisters. Take me by my hand and I can ensure we come to no harm...\" The begbug whispers. \"I had to ensure the other gods would not punish us for our affiliation... I could not permit them to seek their revenge on you. I care for you my sister, this is the Only Path to salvation and I don't want to see you come to harm. The keys to our divine future are in our lap, this is our chance to use them...\"\n\nSavarii's main form, however, was in a different world. Power was growing as she channeled her divinity into the ritual \"Tick tock! Tick tock!~\" Savarii coos in response as she gazes to Sinrael. \"Only I Can call off the beasts. I offer Sanctuary! I offer a True hive and family! We are Beyond Three sadistic sisters... Don't reduce our potential so. There are threats you remain so blissfully unaware of that only I Can save you from. All I ask is your unbreakable divine promise that we can serve eachother as a dutiful family should, a small price to pay for your eternal future. We walk into a new age togeth-\" \n\nSavarii is cut off. She had been speaking smugly at first, so confident she had Edon backed into a corner. Certain he wouldn't Dare Strike out, that his desire to finish off the ritual would prevent him from attacking the participants. The screech cuts off the goddess and she snaps her red eyes to the snake. \n\n\"HHHNGH-\"\n\nSavarii lurches forwards, taking a deep breath in as the snake's tail Stabs Through her chitinous armour and rips apart her flesh, sending black ichor splattering onto the ground. The god's could sense spurts of the divinity Savarii had been channeling escaping through the wound alongside the bloodied ichor, being absorbed directly by the ritual. Despite the boney mask, one could tell the expression she bore was one of shock. Shakily, she turns her head down to look down at the scaled weapon that had thrust its way into her torso before looking back up into Edon's eyes. \"Y-you mad fool...\" She hisses, her voice shuddering. She releases a pained, humourless laugh as she stares at the snake, gritting her razor sharp teeth together. \"If you destroy me... You throw away Melancholia's only hope... You are throwing away my sister...\" She breathes out, ichor beginning to flood out of her mouth. \"Your ritual... Yo-\" \n\nSavarii's eyes go wide as she feels Edon's tail explode within her, her chitin hardens and her body bulges unnaturally, as if trying to hold in the explosion and keep its form. Her shell begins to crack as her massive mouth hangs open and her body contorts. Her head snaps back as glowing cracks rapidly begin to spread across her body, originating from the bleeding wound caused by Edon's tail. The divinity she had previously started channeling in controlled bursts into the ritual starts bleeding out through the cracks. The bedbug on Melancholia's ear begins to wither away, twitching for a few moments. \"Sister...\" It whispers \"Sister... Sister please... We can't die... We can't die... We... Can't...\" It repeats, it's body twitching in pain.\n\n\"*AAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIEEEEE!!!!!\"\n\nA loud chorus of voices all shriek at once as cracks go up Savarii's neck before the shrapnel Bursts* Through her torso, sending half of her body flying off and splattering onto the ground. Organs, bones and chitin fly over the ritual zone as the shrapnel blows about a fourth of Savarii's body clean off.\n\nThe red orbs that served as her eyes flicker rapidly for a few moments, like a light losing its power. The hive-goddess slumps over and slips to her side, barely alive only thanks to her divine nature. She had no left leg attached to her anymore and there was a gaping hole in her side. Her left jaw had been shattered and unhinged by the shrapnel, leaving her massive mouth to dangle uselessly. All Savarii could do was catch herself with two massive insectoid limbs that sprouted on her still mostly intact back and prop her slackened body up. The withering bedbug on Melancholia's ear shrivelled up and quickly fell off, landing on the ground below completely dead and motionless. \n\nThe dam had started to shatter, and her divinity was bleeding out in waves into the ritual. The injuries the goddess had sustained mid ritual turned the divinity she had been channeling into it started to bleed out in waves. A dark, ethereal glow flowed out of her gasping body and coalesced into the centre of the ritual, the goddess unable to speak or move as she was now set on a ticking timer with mortality. She realized now that she had no choice but to endure the pain and try to survive the grisly damages to her body. Worms, parasites, spiders and ants escaped through the hole in her body and quickly coalesced to hold her form from crumbling. Spider webs were tugging on her guts, trying to keep them within. Leeches and maggots slipped into her snapped sockets and formed bridges to try to connect the pieces of her body back together. Ants were doing their best to cover the gaping wounds with their own bodies. Savarii turned to Edon with pure spite and anger on her face. He would be willing to throw away one of the few ritual participants just to punish her. He would toss away Melancholia's salvation... She knew very well her immortality was in jeopardy, if she died here... She would be gone forever...\n\n\"Y-you stupid... Oaf... Y-your ritual... Your DAMN Ritual...\" Savarii gurgles out through bubbles of ichor. Her jaw dangled to the side, tapeworms trying to wrap around the exposed bone and muscle to hold it up and prevent it from fully dislodging. \"Look at him Melancholia...\" Savarii spits out. \"My sister... My sweet... My sweet... S-sister...\" She gurgles, her bloodied throat ripped by the shrapnel \"I did this... To save us... To save my one... My true sister... And he would throw away our future. He would waste... My love...\" Savarii growls, her monstrous face was cracked as more and more of her divinity could be felt leaving her body. Every words caused more blood and ichor to bubble from her wounds and her exposed and ravaged throat, only held back from falling out by a collection of ants and spiderwebs tangling together to hold it inside of her torn neck. It appeared being so brutally interrupted halfway through channeling her power into the ritual had made it hard to stop it. One of her legs slips in a pool of the ichor and she ends up on her knee, more of her spider like legs quickly moving to catch herself as the goddess seems to enter a catatonic state, gasping for breath as all she can do is sacrifice more divinity to the ritual." }, { "author": "damonthedevourer", "message": "Amongst the chaos of the ritual, of Savarii's pained screams and the tearing of reality itself, another sound soon emerged. It was subtle at first, barely audible of the cacophony, but rapidly rose in pitch and volume to make things all the worse. The howling of feral beasts, of terrified screams, of sounds that mortals had never heard and never would. The primordial shriek of creation's dawn. Gaia's second-born had arrived.\n\nA dozen great, gnashing teeth, six from the left and six from the right, tore through the fabric of existence, plunging into reality and locking together in pairs. Skin rapidly grew over the teeth, forming them into ribs, as Wyrd's body generated itself over a frame of its own making. The god of monsters loomed over the ritual's smaller members, his form scaled up to sizes far beyond his normal height, steam hissing from his nostrils as he snarled at the gathered gods.\n\n\"What is the meaning of this?\" Wyrd thundered, stomping a hoof in furious disbelief at the blasphemous ritual. He had still not divined it's exact purpose, but he knew that it was something wicked, some thing to poison the nature of divinity or perhaps even Gaia herself. \"You... You ungrateful, wretched, traitorous, Worms. To think that I would call you siblings. To think that mother showed you the grace to be brought into this world, only for you to strike at her while she sleeps.\"\n\nThe great deer was visibly shaking with anger, the seam splitting his body trembling chaotically. Every so often, a monstrous limb or maw poked from within, desperate to tear the traitor gods to pieces.\n\n\"This will not stand. The first god entrusted me with protecting my younger siblings, a title you have forsaken in your hate.\" Wyrd reached out with his divine power, plunging it into the ritual with all the care and grace of a beast lunging for the throat. He was adding his power, but not to enhance the ritual, but to disrupt it. To turn it against the gods who would harm Gaia, in whatever way he could. \"And now, I will honour my oath. You will not harm them, you cowards. You will not harm my siblings. I won't let you.\"\n\nWyrd's power raged chaotically within the ritual, snapping at the threads of divinity that trailed from the gods, if they were even still deserving of such a title. He was outnumbered and outmatched, so much was obvious, but he didn't care. The ritual could have disastrous effects for him, he knew that, but he simply didn't care. Wyrd's own safety meant far less than the safety of his mother and younger siblings. And the deaths of those who would threaten them." }, { "author": "almosthysteric", "message": "\"You...\" It hissed. \"You stand atop your high thrones, everyone here.\" Its head turned a hundred and eighty degrees to get a good look at everyone at the branches, its form hunching as the second pair of eyes disappeared, leaving only one with a gaping mouth that spread words without moving, voices of children and adults called out with each word Sanskrit spoke, \"FROM THE BUG TO THE SERPENT TO THE DEER TO THE CROW TO THE JESTER.\" It cried. \"You constantly think you're better, you constantly think you're the one deserving to stand upon higher ground above your sibling, you keep on thinking because you're morally higher, or born first, or suffered more you deserve the world. Your hypocrisy is *Repulsing.* Mother didn't bring us into this world on our accord, she didn't bring us into a perfect world, she didn't birth us in perfect vessels or minds. LOOK. AT. ME. Does it seem like she birthed ME with love, does it seem like this broken mind and mentality I was brought into deserves PRAISE!? Does it seem like I should thank my mother for giving birth to me like this!? You refuse to look from the eyes of others and constantly whine when they lash out, you refuse to give affirmation or try to understand the other party's reasoning and always resort to victim blaming, you, and all of our other siblings who think they dare stand above us, who think they can just walk over those they outcasted with their boots and turn down to laugh at us.\" The being hissed near the end, letting out another screech as it felt the chaos growing too much, as it felt the anchors that let it stay somewhat sane begin to drift far from it, even its own mother abandoned it, it could only cry out a little more, and it would take advantage of that all too well.\n\n\"Everyone here, you speak with venom-laced words and smile while doing it, you're sick, you're twisted and you deserve no forgiveness or hope. Not those that recognise their wrongdoings and not those that don't.. Us, harming your siblings? It should be the OTHER WAY ROUND!\" It finally let out towards Wyrd, promptly, descending into a mad cackle as arms manifested that grabbed at its head, the eyes and mouth fading, the voices melting into one as it attempted to grasp onto what little sanity it could..." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "It appeared that the time for the ritual gods was running out, though, as Wyrd was not alone for long. It was only moments after Sanskrit's cries that stalks of wheat would shoot out of the ground in an attempt to strangle Edon here and now. More and more grew, disrupting the ritual grounds, before a single piece shot high into the air and took a familiar form. Curving into a ring, locusts burrowed their was out of the dozens of eyes that covered the newcomer and created theri signature locust rope. The goddess looked different this time, though. The sickles that impaled her body were gone, and instead scythe blades jutted out from the edges of her tendrils like a war scythe whip combo or a stinger. All the gods present could feel that this was more than those she'd used during her first fight with Edon. Those blades were a Greater Divine Weapon, forged with the power of the gods who had opposed and slain the Serpent in the first fight.\n\nTriticea had arrived.\n\nUnlike Wyrd, however, she wasted no time on meaningless chatter. She did not care what the reasons of the others were for doing this, because her very understanding of morality was different. The suffering that Sanskrit had gone through, the pain of Meloncholia, they all meant nothing to her. Still, she took a moment to make note of every single deity here, save Wyrd who was clearly fighting the ritual casters. Sinrael. Sanskrit. Meloncholia. Savarii. She would need to hunt them down later, but for now they were lower priority. Once she had taken note of all the other gods, she sent out an ear-piercing screech that echoed all throughout the World Tree to call the other gods, specifically Nach, Soldr, and Suzuhime. They were the ones who had fought by her side against Edon orignally, after all.\n\nThen, there was nothing left to do but fight. The Spring Breeze at her fingertips, she moved towards Edon, clearly caring nothing for if she died so long as she slew him as well. Her tendrils lashed towards him." }, { "author": "imuka", "message": "Not long after the ping went out to Suzuhime a metallic appeared overhead, and out of it materialized a floating disk... With various antenna attached to the back of it... Its metallic surface covered in an ornate floral pattern... Care seemingly having been given to its design even though a quick glance at it would tell any one who observed that it contained only a tiny fraction of the essence of the deity it belonged too... Barely even a 10th, the smallest fragment a deity could split into.\n\nWhile it was exceedingly unlikely at the height of the tree they were at, in the offchance there _was_ any thing mortal in the area, they would feel the urge to _RUN_, a nagging voice in there head telling them that if they did not flee they were about to die... And that it would be there fault, \"Run, Run, Run\", \"You must escape\" Tuned specifically to beings of a mortal nature.\n\nThe disk proceeded to hover there, passively for a bit of time, as this was happening... Then... Having given its pause it bean its task...\n\nAny deity in the area would begin to hear/sense a deep... Gentle \"Bwooong\" Followed by a pause and another \"Bwooong\", and this continued at regularly intrevals repeating from the disk... But this was only for deities... For lesser beings? Well... Any demigod in a large area around the location would feel an intense pain with each pulse as the essence coming from them was enough to cause a harmfull abit unintended overload of there senses.\n\n...\n\nMortals? If they had ignored the warning? They wouldn't get a chance to feel much of any thing as the first pulse alone was enough to liquify there insides, shatter there hardparts, disrupt there very essence... And it kept going... Kept pulsing, continuously.\n\n....\n\nWhile it might take Edon's crew a little bit to figure out what is going on from this strange disk... The deities opposed to him, Triticea and Wyrd would feel an attempt at a telepathic connection linking them in... And letting them fully understand that these pulses? There the divine equivalent of a sonar, and while they are happening... The 3 of them have senses well beyond there normal limits." }, { "author": "sociablealarm13", "message": "Sinrael had channeled her divinity into the ritual, focused her energies of discord, strife, fear and terror, her very self into the ritual at hand. It manifested as the black smoke that billowed out from her dress and encompassed the participating gods. She let loose a cackle, a streak of black lightning piercing the cloud they existed in before she spoke. \n\n\"I've said mine once I'll say it again. My term is simple... I will weaken, and strengthen by my domains. I will live and die by my domains. Without them, I am just a name. So by them, my mortality is claimed.\" Her mind became ecstatic as she inhaled deeply. \n\nThrough her nostrils she inhaled the smell of fear that permeated this ritual space. It came from everyone here, nearly everyone. She began to ramble and insult, a vicious mockery of those around her. \n\n\"Oh come now... Fearful gods, be not afraid of death. I know you are!!!\" She cackled again, her razor teeth grinning wide. \"Be it your own death, or the death of one beloved by you... Otherwise you wouldn't be here to stop us.\" She snapped her teeth in a bite to Wyrd and the others. \n\n\"IS IT NOT OUR RIGHT AS GODS TO ALTER THIS REALITY?!?! To bend it to our wills, and yet you come and try and disgrace us! You cannot disgrace the proudly disgraceful. Instead you feed us... You entertain us.\" She inhaled deeply again, feeding on the fears of death, or failure or letting someone down. \n\n\"If your Mother Gaia truly objected to our ritual... Our right to a ritual as all God's have... She would do something rather than send two frightened beautiful beasts.\" She focused her attention still on the ritual, her words flowing out like a feral beast hunting deer. \n\n\"The God of Monsters doesn't seek to become a monstrosity? How... Ironic. The divinely weaponed deity doesn't wish to use those blades with true effectiveness? Pity.\"" }, { "author": "winweasel", "message": "Amythyst materialized on the branch, where she saw many faces, both familiar and foreign. She thought about her promise to Triticea. There was no turning back, she had to do her part. Amythyst smoothed her hair out, and a transcription of her thoughts was scribbled to her right. The letters between her and Edon swirled in an angry hurricane around her, landing on the floor. \n\"You!\" She screamed at Edon, an in an instant, the letters ripped and tuned into sharp knives, expelling from around her and barely missing everyone. \"You grammar ignoramus, you slithery snake. Explain this.\" Sentences and strings of words coiled around Edon as Amythyst paused. \n\"Hi, Melancholia! How are you?\" Amythyst warmly smiled. \"High five?\" Melancholia almost blended in with the void but Amythyst could sense her. The coal black skin and hair of Melancholia were almost one with her starry eyes. There was a powerful emotion that affected the air around her that wiped the smile off Amythyst's face. She saw her own reflection in Melancholia's eyes again, one enraged and confused and sad. The same emotions brewed inside her and she turned around to face Edon again. \n\"Did you do this?\" She growled and moved closer towards Edon. \"You know what? I'm not going to ride you off into the grammar sunset. You can stay here and rot until your bones can't slither anymore.\" Amythyst enounciated her s. This slimy animal! He couldn't grammar correctly, so now he was getting Amythyst'ed. Some could say Amythyst was bting too harsh. She didn't think so. Her pain was getting expelled. All her anger and rage that she folded up like paper and stuffed into her bag, that was all coming out. Letters swirled around her once more, black and white. Each had a shape, a letter, and as they swirled around her they made an animation. Letters reading, \"You're a menie pie!\"\n\nAmythyst sighed and turned back to Melancholia. \"What could you possibly be doing here?\" Amythyst still had a small smile on. Now this was a goddess who respected grammar. The letters around them ripped up into tiny shreds and showered them like rain. \"So! Grammar, am I right? What in the world are you doing on this weird branch, where Edon sent me to? Apparently he's dying and 'Melancholia always wins.' You're not doing anything shady are you? It's such a strange coincidence..\"*" }, { "author": "fire.turtle", "message": "And then, it was all\n w r o n g.\nIn the world of rights and wrongs, I was thrusted into making my choice from the start. There were two options, and one of them was incorrect. It was supposed to be my job to decide which one. However, I blankly watch as the life I know succumbs to wrongness without my consent. Did I truly have a decision to make in the first place? If it had been up to me, things would not be the way they were. Perhaps they would still be wrong.\n But not this wrong.\nThis type of wrong hurts. It consists of blood and agony, fights and immense destruction. As I stare at the serpent falling apart at the seams, I feel a bleeding sensation emerge from my heart. It continues to thump, but I know that it does not want to. The organ of viability wants to freeze.\nTo drown in the ice bath of heartbreak.\nTo let its ichor flow into the other parts of my body.\nTo submit to my lack of selection.\nTo allow the others to push me around.\n\nMy sister is being attacked by my love.\nWhat\nDo\nI\nDo?\nI gaze at them with contempt, for now they are the children in this situation, and I am the mature being.\n\nRight?\n\nI want someone to tell me that I am right, so I am no longer left in the darkness of my wrongs.\n\nThe Patchwork.\n\nTogether, the goddess of sadness and the deity of insanity sew a quilt. Its pattern\nIs dis- -tinctly\nUgly, emula-\nTing the body\nOf the broken hive\nGod- dess. While Sans-\nKrit's h- a- nds\nAre purposefully pai- nful,\nMela- ncholia is gentle with her work.\nShe does not know\nHow to feel about\nHer dying sister, but\nShe is sure that\nSav- arii will not\nDie under her watch.\nThe goddess had too\nMany questions. They were\nNot to go unanswered. If\nIt meant that\nMela- ncholia\nWould be\nGranted the\nWords she needed, she would assist Sanskrit in Savarii's resuscitation and healing.\n\n\"Sinrael.. Sinrael, my beautiful sister... Is going in the right direction. I would like to take inspiration from her terms and apply them to my own: I would like to both live and die by my domains.\"\nUnlike the goddess of fear, however, she did not donate her power to the ritual. She could not do it. There was something keeping her will to live stabilized, yet she could not tell what it was or why it was in existence.\n\nFearful of what the gray being was going to do, Melancholia grabbed its body with tight, coal-black hands, and squeezed the flesh until it turned blue. She was masking its crazed emotions with the monotonousness of desolation. Whether this move was out of generosity or her own selfish safety, she could not tell. The deity was only able to keep her hands on Sanskrit for a few moments before her own rage caused her to explode at the three new divine presences.\n\n\"Your view of this world is so... Shallow.\"\nAlthough her lips were not moving, she was speaking clearly in the minds of every god in the vicinity.\n\"Look around. Look at us. Look at who we are. Do you wonder why we are here, or do you come full of rage only to attack us? Had our woes been mended earlier, perhaps we would not be here, Great protectors. Yet here we are, stripping a divine world of its divinity. The pain... The grief... The anger.. The Insanity... Oh, how your emotions only power us. If I was one to fight, I would likely win. But I do not want to fight. I want to die, because our supposed mother cursed me and forced me to the edges of society from the start. Look at how pitiful I am. I am nothing but a weak, ugly, strange creature who will submit to torture without a fight. Am I genuinely a traitor if there were no rules to break in the first place? Of all the rights and all the wrongs, it feels as though we are not the True* Villains.\"\n\nHer long, slow monologue was uncharacteristic of the quiet goddess. It showed how truly warped her views had become; rather than discovering what she did not know, she made guesses and assumptions. Melancholia had not been cast out in the same way Edon had. Perhaps she even would have been Welcomed Amongst the other gods, had she took the time to realize her own innocence.\n\nFor a moment, she was grateful that the wrong choice had been made. Her lies could slip through her teeth, and she would not be tainting a righteous movement. The young, feeble goddess of grammar broke her out of her overwhelmed haze of thoughts.\n\nSince the beginning, she had always bore some sort of attraction to Amythyst. The way the newborn deity was so powerless, even compared to Melancholia herself, was something that the goddess of sadness found intriguing. She submitted to her emotions.\n\n Same way Melancholia did.\nSave\n me,\n my\n little\n goddess,\n for\n you\n are\n mine.\n\n\"The serpentine god was correct. Melancholia always wins. Come here.\" Disregarding Amythyst's casual questions, she leaned over and touched her sister. Her body dissolved, turning from black to a translucent indigo. Suddenly, she was a ghost. \"Yes, yes. Truly, what an interesting coincidence.\"\nBefore anyone could process what was going to happen, she possessed her fellow deity. She splut Amythyst in half the same way she had been split herself. Their feelings coalesced, their masked pain and hidden flaws merging into one singular monster of purple and blue. They complimented each other. Amythyst's hair was pretty on Melancholia's skin. The two were one of the same, yet still remaining different from each other. Their thoughts flowed in two different directions, Melancholia's body drifting in and out of Amythyst's.\n \"You.\n#\n\n```all of my responses are now out.```" }, { "author": "sehrduck", "message": "```Edon, God of Fate and Change, Sanskrit, God of Identity, Madness and Depravity and Savarii, Goddess of Misfits, Gluttony and The Hivemind can no longer respawn```\n\n```Edon will be making the next post. If anyone else makes a post here before him it will be deleted```" }, { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "Gods come and go... Flicker and falter, such is the way of life. Such is fate. Edon stands before the maw of eternity with a ravenous gaze; his jagged, rotting teeth snarl and curl with unconstrained vengeance as he stares at his completed masterpiece; the flames of the ritual begin to dance vividly. They were leaping and bounding from their spots. The crimson waves dance with an unnatural ebb, every spark and piece of ash intricately crafted as the mosaic of his perfection is scorched into the tree itself. The sound of wood crackling and burning as it comes to fruition. Edon senses the arrival, the panic. Though all he can do is revel in the chaos. He had ushered upon an age of change, done what no other god would dare to do.\n\nHe had shown retaliation to their creator. And she had struck back.\n\nIt was all he had ever wanted, to gaze into the curse that put him here and smirk, knowing he had tempted her enough to break the shell momentarily to intervene. They should've been happy; the other deities get to see Mother again... Isn't that what they always wanted, to see her hiss and scream at the failure of the rest? So much so that she had to intervene. Would the slumbering tree ever forgive the other gods for their futile attempt at preventing the inevitable? Or did she understand fate and how much power she had given to a deity beyond saving? It was an inconsistent substance to weave what should and shouldn't come to pass. Far too much responsibility for one creature; no wonder he had been driven mad so rapidly.\n\n`\" So... It has come to be, fate prevails. Eternity bleeds from my body. My divinity eludes me once more. \"` He speaks quietly and composed. The most composed he had ever been, as if every emotion he had cared for in the past had been washed away, as far as the serpent was concerned. The entire ritual had worked; if he felt his eternity flee, so did everyone else. Right? The god continues to bleed from every conceivable point, a waterfall of crimson that drenches the branches and drips down to even the gardens. His divine ichor escapes from injuries that didn't exist. The second source of divinity is reaching its boiling point, the entire signature of another god. He knew he had to act fast if he wanted to seal the last fate other than himself.\n\nCoiling round himself, the dying god thumps his tail before moving as nothing more than a blur; after images follow, a haze of change and fates all come crashing down. Each blur of himself had a slightly different fate; in some, he was still lunging. Others he was fleeing; that was the beauty of it all. To peer into oneself and see what could've happened if even the most minor setbacks had occurred. Though the destination always remained the same.\n\nHe was going for Savarii.\n\nThe serpent closes in and readies his maw to clamp down on the remains of the wounded god without a second thought; there are no emotions behind those burning glares anymore. Just the satisfaction of a final action before he could end this nightmare forever. Be free from the harsh shackles of godhood and escape into the plane beyond. If such a place truly existed. The blood loss from his form showed no signs of slowdown; It was not until the final few metres that It would all go wrong. A flash of crimson fog, a putrid smell as an unholy stain, quickly decorates the hive goddess Savarii. Edon had arrived, though not as himself. Instead, it cleaved into two clean halves that flop to the ground with a sinful amount of gore. The second divine signature emanates from the centre. Standing just in front of Savarii's mangled body. Two small amber eyes stare through the bloodied mist. It becomes clear now, the second divine signature. The one bound for so long was no other than the fruit Edon had consumed so long ago. Finally, she hatches and immediately takes her revenge for what he has done. Edon's signature was gone; this was no trick of the light. He had genuinely perished in one swift blow without immortality. That was it.\n\nSo goes mortality... Taken away so quickly by things out of our control. To stand and watch one we love, despise or possess any feelings towards vanish in the blink of an eye. It was surreal to think... To comprehend a god dying in an instant definitive proof, the ritual had worked in some capacity. Now, new life stood before the group. Her body was positively drenched in the snake's remains, her facial features and body entirely covered by the unholy defilement of Edon's corpse. It doesn't take long for her to move, slowly walking in a state of daze and confusion. Swaying limply as she walks towards the left half of the snake, reaching for one of his colossal teeth. With a simple movement, she rips the fang straight from the severed jaw, yet another geyser of ichor stains her body. Seeing so much violence in a place of peace seems almost comically overplayed. Still... Not a word from her; she had unfinished business.\n\nA vengeful spirit, a god without godhood. She wasn't born with the knowledge of the others, cut from Gaia too soon. She never truly received those words of wisdom on what to do. Nor who she was, holding the fang in her grip with a playful grin, she shrinks it down and pockets it. Her eyes quickly roll forward, and with a sharp exhale, she returns to reality, no longer trapped in her bloodthirsty stupor.\n\nThe girl slumps to her knees, the splashing of the puddle of blood stains her further; her hands shake and spasm as viscera runs between the fingertips; she is finally visible as the explosive cloud of gore has settled into a simple splatter along the branches. A sanguine masterpiece devoted all to her. One she didn't want, the confusion of being born in the clutches of another creature, nearly dying the moment she awoke. Her reaction was panic and madness; now, there was a time for reasoning. Long black hair flows with red highlights that adorn the girl's far too pale and smooth skin; she, too, bore fangs for teeth. A mythological representation of vampirism. Her glowing eyes, the long black coat that manifested from the swirling carnage of Edon. Though still, she only looks to the floor. Shaking from fear. Confused and scared...\n\nHer memories are fractured... Yet her bloodlust remains high; now was the time for first impressions on the self-proclaimed murderer of the fate god. Thana... Goddess of bloodlust and memories. The cursed child of Gaia, born into slaughter." }, { "author": "netherbats", "message": "...Squeak.. Squeak.. Squeak.. Squeak...\n\nThere's an unnerving stillness in the air, rattling cracks creep through space, a malevolent mist curls at the heels of others like a clowder of cats. It nips at the flesh, a chittering chill to creep through the spine, it is dark but soft. It squeaks like nesting mice assailed by cats, and it watches them through eyes that are naught but shivering shadows. One of which eagerly envelops scattered slices of flesh, darting between dismembered pieces of the other gods and picking them- like fruit for a basket. It is a strange silhouette, dark and featureless but an unmistakably malevolent manifestation. It creeps closer, and closer, and closer... It creeps through Yggdrasil's branches... It creeps between cracks in reasoning.\n\nIt creeps, a chaotic chittering in the ear.\n\nIt creeps, a crumbling crackle in one's step.\n\nIt creeps, a charming coffin to beckon for what's behind.\n\nIt creeps, a cursed child lies ahead of it.\n\nIt creeps, and that terrible thing falls upon her with a thud. It clings to her back, a head pressed to the back of her neck, a twitchy nose through the hair, and a long slithering terribly terrible tongue has a taste of what blood coats her. \"Mmm, salty... Bitter taste, stings the tongue... Warm in the gullet! What a sweet savory taste it is... We'll have seconds shortly think we, and a bite for our drink... Heeheheheee~!\"\n\nIt crawls up her spine, knees planted firmly upon her shoulders and her hands onto her head, claws dig through their hair, and at last that terrible thing's face shows itself to her. Bending down to face her from where she's perched, though her face is flipped around, she's smiling... But... There is madness in those eyes.\n_ _\n\n\"Aah~! You're new! You're new AND alive, oh what a feat of yours it is~! It is! Ohhh... Few have such an extravagant entrance as yours, we simply must know more! What's it like to be eaten? You taste terrific! We're sure it was terrible, a regrettable experience on your part we think... Unless it wasn't! But we'll assume it was, you seem the kind to be quite shaken... Not stirred! Bwahahahahaaaaa~!\" She slaps her knee, and traces her finger through the streaks of blood. \"Oh but the bright side is bright, bright in blood! It's a charming colour, why it suits you splendid and is sweet to boot! Come, come try it!\" She boops the tip of her nose with a bloody finger, before licking it off and jumping off the shoulders onto a slice of Edon's corpse... Her prize. \"Oh if I'd known what a bloody brew you'd make we would've killed you long ago... HAH!\"\n\nShe plucks the eyes of Edon, and digs through the flesh in a frenzy, hollowing out the insides to fill a bloody basket of such terrible things. Other Nachs occasionally manifest around this grizzly scene, popping up out of thin air to grab at anything they can get their grubby mitts on. A few of whom tease their fellow divinity, and poke or tickle them whenever they aren't looking." }, { "author": "sociablealarm13", "message": "The goddess of discord had taken note of Edons death and new rebirth into something else it seemed. Edon had died. \n\nShe however felt no different. No change in her being and no real threat around her. She cackled wildly, her body contorting as she grabbed her chest and bent over and backwards with laughter. \n\n\"Failure, success, mortal, immortal... It's all the same to me. The discord and dreadful fear that simmered and settled here is just... Delicious. But my part is done! I've had my wicked fun!\" And with that final statement, she waved her hand and a black doorless doorframe appeared. \n\nIt seemed to lead to nowhere or just back into the void where they stood but in truth, it would act as a doorway to her demiplane. \n\n\"Come one, come all! My Phobatorium is free to entertain visitors! Divine or otherwise now!\" And she would fall backwards through the doorframe, leaving the scene of the ritual... Yet leaving the portal there for any who wished to join her and escape." }, { "author": "roritios", "message": "Pain... Pain... It hurts... It HURTS!... GAIA IT HURTS!... I can't take it... I can't take it... Please... Please I can't die... Not here. I'm not supposed to die here... It hurts... They were supposed to save me... They're supposed to stop this... Please stop the pain... Please save me...\n\nSavarii's body lay motionless, perched up on two massive spider legs on one side and her only remaining leg on the other, having fallen to her knees. Her already exposed skull was cracked and singed, and more of her flesh had been flayed and severed off of her face. Her loosened mouth hung limply and her low whimpers caused more and more blood to bubble out of her exposed throat which hung loosely from her torn neck. The fleshy tubes only stopped from hitting the ground by a writhing mass of insects holding it back. The three remaining ethereal lights in Savarii's skull flicker on and off, blocking her vision. They turn to Sanskrit as they approach her catatonic body, shuddering and gurgling weakly, only causing more of the foul black ichor to bubble and spill out of the hole in her torso and throat. Sanskrit's needle would pierce Savarii's exposed wounds and organs painfully, causing a second shriek to emit from the mortally wounded corpse of a goddess. Her entire body snapped around and writhed, shaking several organs loose and causing a large intestine to drip out of her body only to be caught on spider's webbing and prevented from fully leaving her body. The shriek that came from the goddess was torn and eldritch, it was completely inhuman and was so loud it could be heard all across the branches and base of the tree, perhaps even some of the nearby realms. It would hurt and cause severe discomfort just to be within proximity of the dying goddess' shrieks.\n\nThe only thing that kept Savarii from writhing and kicking so much her entire body crumbled apart was Melancholia's gentle touch... The melancholy, the pain... The misery yet the care with which the goddess was looking after her... It returned her back to her gasping, catatonic state. The stitching would not fully fix the goddess, her organs were still exposed, her body broken and ravaged by Edon's attack, her jaw hung limply, many of her limbs lay scattered about the tree and much of her flesh was ripped straight from her body. Her exposed skeleton flickered with light from the otherworldly runes that adorned them. The aid reattached some of the limbs that had been hanging on by threats, sealed a few holes in her head and torso and could patch the unstable cracks that had spread across Savarii. The gaping hole where her leg had been was patched, a pool of black remaining underneath her where she had been drained of the wretched tar-like substance that filled her body. \"S-sis... Ter...\" Savarii gurgles out, her eyes turning pitifully towards Melancholia. Every word caused more blood to pool out of her throat and her exposed vocal chords to shudder. If she had any tear ducts or the ability to grow any, it looked like she was going to weep. \"S-sta... Y... W-with... Me...\" She tries to extend a clawed hand towards the other goddess, trying to grasp Something Anything, looking for purchase and comfort and protection from Sanskrit's torturous stitching. Her essence drained... Leaving her body to be sacrificed for the ritual, however the repair to her body helped stem much of the flow and helped the goddess retain at least some of her power.\n\nWhen the other gods approached, Savarii's eyes flickered and turned to them... Pure terror covered every remaining inch of her face. Wyrd... He was not supposed to be here. He was not one of the gods she had called... He only saw her here as an ally of Edon... What was he going to do to her?\n\nWhile her \"Allies\" Screamed back at the god of monsters, Savarii remained catatonic, doing her best to disconnect herself from the ritual, having already lost too much of her fractured soul. She tried to pull back, she tried to save herself, tried to escape... She wanted to go home. She wanted to go to the Hivelands, she wanted to hide and leave everything and everybody here behind, but the ritual kept her anchored, siphoning her strength and her life from her. She sensed it grow more violent, she sensed it push back against her and she started to twitch, struggling against both the ritual and the counter-ritual that Wyrd was performing. Triticea approached... Then Suzuhime... All Savarii could do was twitch and hold her form on with cobwebs and insects. Knowing that if the ritual succeeded, she would be left mortally wounded and unable to die and regenerate from her wounds. She turned to the other newcomers with frantic hope, her eyes pleading with them, knowing they had been called here by her... Fed her lies that she was on their side. They could still save her, they could still show her mercy, they could still fight and even die for her... \n\n\"Save... Me...\" Savarii was looking at Triticea and Suzuhime, her expression and eyes pleading. She could only hope Soldr, Rav'nixander and TSU would also appear and try to rescue her. \n\nHowever, this hope was soon crushed. It seemed like everybody else was focused on eachother now... The goddess of outcasts... The goddess of the downtrodden and the forgotten was left behind. Nobody else came to her aid, everybody had turned against eachother, leaving the goddess to suffer as the timer ticked ever down to her ruin. The wounded goddess was left to fend for herself, trying to do something... Anything... The ritual grew stronger, consuming more of her power, she writhed... Trying to avoid the horrible fate that Edon had gifted her as reward for her treachery. And then... She felt it...\n\nFor only a split second, she felt a glimmer of hope within the ritual. Wyrd's interference, she sensed salvation... A barrier from the ritual, a shield that would save her life. She could feel a light swirling around in the endless darkness, fighting against the ritual and working to save her... SHE WOULD BE SAVED! SHE WOULD BE FREE FROM HER SUFFERING! HER SALVATION WAS HERE! IT WAS HERS! IT WAS HERS! IT WAS... \n\nSinrael's...?\n\nSavarii feels the hope disappear, she feels it slip Right Through her fingers and into her sister of despair and suffering. The protective shield was gone... It went to SInrael. WHY?! Savarii's eyes flickered and panic and fury filled her body. MOTHER! YOU WOULD SPARE HER?! YOUR CHILD IS SUFFERING AND YOU CHOOSE TO SAVE THAT FICKLE, STUPID BITCH?! SHE CAN'T DO ANYTHING, SHE'S A FUCKING CHILD! A PSYCHOPATHIC BRAT OF A STUPID CHILD! THAT FUCKING GOD! THAT FUCKING MONSTER GOD! I HOPE YOU BURN, WHY HER?! I HOPE THE REST OF YOUR IMMORTALITY IS SPENT SUFFERING! WHY WOULD YOU SAVE HER? I HELPED YOU! YOU WERE SUPPOSED TO SAVE ME! ME! The goddess' eyes land on Wyrd, staring at him with pure fury. He likely didn't even know what he did, he likely didn't even intend to save anybody, but he DID! Savarii didn't care! He should have saved her! Instead, once again, she remained forgotten and left to suffer! Her eyes stared at him from afar with pure fury. And so... Savarii was left there, unable to move, her divinity, mind and body fractured... Vulnerable, mortally wounded and, for the first time, capable of death. The red lights in her exposed skull flickered... She was tired... So tired... But angry, vengeful, hateful. She had done everything perfectly, she was the one who was supposed to walk away!\n\nThen her eyes land on the approaching snake. Edon... Ready to strike. Panic and terror seize the goddess again. \"No... N-no...\" She gurgles out, trying to move away. Her eyes do not move from the snake and she trembles, she tries to use her remaining limbs to drag herself away. \"P-please...\" She begs, shaking her head. Her added bug limbs start to move, dragging her limp corpse away from the snake, trailing blood, flesh and pieces of herself behind her as she rubbed against the rough bark of the tree. Panic sets in... She couldn't die here... Please. Please somebody... Don't let this happen. Not now. Her precious children... Would she never see them again? Would they really die without her? The hive-goddess would slip in a pool of her own blood, falling on her side and causing a jet of blood and an inhuman looking organ tumbling out of the gaping hole in her body. Had she still the ability to cry, she likely would... Then Edon Burst, and all Savarii could do was lie there, eyes on the god that had burst from the snake... Saving her. She went limp, laying on the ground in a pool of blood, never taking her eyes off of the new god." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "She was not surprised by the outcome of the ritual. She had faith in Mother Gaia, after all, so she had already been expecting for an act of defiance like this to be swiftly punished. While she had been expecting Gaia's vengeance, though, she had not been expecting the revenge of the swallowed fruit. Her eyes widened in brief surprise as the Betrayer God was at long last ended by the very crime that had earned him his title. Still... She couldn't say that her shock was an unpleasant feeling. Well, that was convenient. It saved her the hassle of fighting Edon, which meant that she could move on to the next target. Choosing who to pursue was surprisingly simple. While there were three who had abetted in the ritual, there was one who had committed the additional crime of overstepping her domain.\n\nDozens of eyes settled with firm disapproval and determination upon Meloncholia.\n\nThe Wheatmother's scythes seemed to gleam with the reflections of the divine stars as she approached her new enemy. As she did so, though, a few of her eyes drifted to the fallen Savarii. On one hand, consorting with the enemy was an unacceptable crime, and she would normally have said that the Hive Goddess deserved to die just as much as the other ritualgoers. However... She had done a good thing, aiding Gaia by informing them all of what was going on here. She was grateful at least that the newly mortal deity had saved her from committing that same neglect through ignorance that she so despised. That much should be enough to lessen a sentence, right?\n\nHer mind made up, one of her tendrils lashed out at Savarii. It slammed into the Hive Goddess' side with a blunt lash, knocking her off the World Tree's upper branches from the impact. As she began to fall, though, a gateway to the Valley of Abundance opened briefly and caught her, sending her to safety as repayment for informing the servants of Gaia of the goings on here. With that done...\n\nNo sob story was going to save Melancholia from her." }, { "author": "almosthysteric", "message": "Before it could even turn to stare at Savarii, whose essence had already been vanishing, she was being plummeted off of the branches and down into another portal... No matter, her existence didn't prove major enough to act as an anchor. \n\nIt desperately intertwined its hands with its siblings, whether out of fear or something else. Either ways, it fed Sinrael. \"Sister... Do not leave me here, do not leave me in the dark.\" Sanskrit's breaths turned sharp again, cutting the very vacuum around them with each inhale and exhale, yet again, a slice following every breath." }, { "author": "sociablealarm13", "message": "Quickly the goddess was yanked back from her door frame just enough to watch it crumble as it mixed with Sanskrits own portal. \n\nIn a short amount of time she would become locked hand in hand, looking Sanskrit dead in the face, a warmer smile upon her lips. \n\nHer hands clasped in Sanskrit's, she moved them together and began to hold both of her little siblings hands in one hand, while Sinraels free left hand rose to the jaw and head of Sanskrit. She caressed their face and cusped her siblings head in her palm, her fingertips resting at the intersection of jaw and neck. \n\n\"Sweet little sister...\" Sinrael gave a soft chuckle before she began to pull an energy from Sanskrit, devouring and absorbing all the little goddesses fear and terror, feeding off of it and removing it from her sibling to give her a sense of peace and comfort. \n\n\"Be not afraid.\" All while she drained Sanskrit of her fear, her mind spoke like whispers to the newly born Thana, like a voice in the back of her head suggestion the foulest of things. \n\n\"Listen little one... To their anger and rage. Remember how much of that rage you have felt... That hunger for their blood loss, that cravings for their suffering. Act upon it as I am.\" \n\nAnd with that sentence finished, the fingernails on Sinraels left hand extended quickly and sharply, shifting into some blackened ebony like material which rested at three feet long only to pierce through Sanskrits skull and jaw, at an angle to pierce through the head if possible. \n\nWhether this hit or not, maimed or killed, missed or knicked, Sinrael did not care. Her smile was ecstatic now, consumed by her own hunger for discord and strife, just for now. \n\n\"Sibling, who are you to say what I deserve. We all deserve the same, regardless of good or bad. Right or wrong. Equals... Though, I suppose not so equal anymore...\" She say in reference to Sanskrits new mortality, yanking her left hand away from their jaw, hoping to slice through the head and neck like a blade through grass. With her right hand, the one that held both of Sanskrits hands, she would push, hopefully sending the other deity away from her." }, { "author": "winweasel", "message": "The world spun under her feet. Were they her feet? Was the air She breathed her own? In horror, the world swirled with colors, a dying hurricane coloring everything around. Some blood stained her dress, but that was the least of her worries. Her body was no longer her own, shared with another. The goddess she had first met, now was floating in and out of her, leaving her a taste of the agony, anguish, and the unbearable load Melancholia carried. Amythyst almost couldn't stand, her legs buckled under the heavy weight of her heart. She was Melancholia's canvas, unable to control the way her finger tips turned melancholia indigo. Her own eyes glazed over, she could only see black, white outlines showed the bodies of the dying and of the gods she thought she knew. Triticea was here. Around her, the blackness she saw was illuminated with yellow. Slowly, other gods became colored and the world regained its colorful view. \n\nThe view of Edon, slowly withering away. Had she done this? First the tip of her nose turned white, then spread and spread, only to be consumed by melancholia again. Fear rippled through her, chased by indigo and red. Crimson cuts crisscrossed her. She was stuck in this strange limbo, half in control, half merciless. She didn't understand what was going on. Why was everyone dying, a husk of what once was? There were days so much better, so much brighter. Speckles of every color splattered on her skin, slowly mixing into a monotone grey all over. \n\nLines. There were lines even as she closed her eyes. Lines defined the edges of what she saw as she closed her eyes. Some lines were thin, some were thick, and others weren't straight. Lines in all colors and textures, showing her pictures in her head, but she couldn't find the like between her and melancholia.\n\nWords of the dying hung in the air, tainting it with the taste of blood. What it right to think about grammar in this moment? Throughout the branches, the pain of the gods came into her, twisting her and grinding her, beating her and crushing her. Grammar was erased by the sadness of everything, even her own life. Her ears played tricks on her now, blocking out words and letting in some. Clashes and clicks and notes and chords and screams made her cover her ears but it was no help. The world shook with the sounds of hundred things, every snap of a branch, every labored breath was only a few inches from her. From her deepest core, a scream began to erupt. It was like a harmony of all the notes of a piano, at a volume of a billion, but no one could hear it. Her own breathing was lost in the ruckus she saw and heard, but then everything stopped.\n\nShe stopped fighting, and the tormenting whirlwind stopped. In her head, clear words were spoken in Melancholia's voice. \n\n You\n\n#\n\n\n\nAnd her own voice.\n\n\n\n# be\n\n Yours.\n\nA new Amythyst had emerged from the chaos, and she was not alone. The voice sounded to real, too close to be only a memory. More words got read in Melancholia's voice. \n\n I \n\n# \n\n\n\nShe placed those fragments as phrases from the letters she sent to Edon. So, why was Melancholia's voice narrating?\n\nHer skinny got goosebumps and she looked at it. Someone Replaced Her. Her skin was the lightest blue, like a cloud. But her skin wasn't soft like a cloud, it was filled with marks and bumps that left a scar even after they faded. Her forearms had wings growing out of them, and her skirt was longer and a different color. A tiny bloodstain was on the left side of the skirt that flowed to her knees. It faded from deep purple to a pale blue, leading up some sort of flush belt-corset thing that went up to the start of her ribcage. She felt for her glasses and took them off, trying to see what they looked like. They were still round. In their reflection, she saw her ears became more pyramid like. Her eyes glittered amethyst-baby blue, with flecks of indigo. Her cheeks were bright red, and so was the tip of her nose. Her hair was darker than she remembered. What... Just happened?\n\nThe powerful steps of Triticea shook the branch they stood on. She did not look happy. The stars reflected in the eyes of Triticea, like the bloodstains on her skirt. \n\n\"We did it, Triticea, Edon is dead! Aren't you happy now? Am I forgiven?\" She eagerly asked, bouncing up and down. She didn't like that look that Triticea gave her. \"Is everything okay?\" She asked, her cheerfulness faltering. She remembered the promises she made. She had said she knew what she needed to do. Now she witnessed the death of the devourer. Was she cleaned es of her wrong doing?" }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "\"You are.\" They were the first words that the goddess had spoken since she had arrived, \"Edon... Is slain. The Devourer is gone at last.\" A moment of pause.\n\n\"But he was not alone.\"\n\nAn odd feeling of suffocation would fall over Melancholia, but oddly enough, not Amythyst. The power of Triticea swirled around them, preventing Melancholia from teleporting away. After what the sad goddess had done, there was no running away that Triticea would accept. This would only end in the death of the traitor goddess... Or herself. However, this teleportation nullification did not extend to the part of the duo that was comprised of Amythyst. \n\n\"A ritual was held to strike against our Mother.\" It was clear to everyone listening that that was what had really angered her. She could care less about their immortality being stripped away. No, what infuriated her so was the fact that these once-siblings had had the audacity to try and attack their Creator. \"All those that participated in it must face the consequences. Melancholia is simply the first.\" Her tendrils were poised to strike, waiting to see if her enemy would make the first move.\n\nAs she awaited the start of the battle, though, she called again for Soldr. Nach and Suzuhime were here, but the god of destruction had yet to arrive. Normally, she would not have given a criminal and a traitor like the one before her the luxury of an explanation, but she made an exception to avoid a misunderstanding with Amythyst. She wanted the grammar goddess, who had shown remorse and a chance at redemption, to know exactly why Triticea was about to do this. Sinrael and Sanskrit would die too.\n\nBut Melancholia would simply be the first to perish. Sinrael and Sanskrit had screamed at them, given sob stories that they might have hoped would sway their executioners. Unfortunately for them, Triticea did not care about their pain. They'd been blessed with divinity and the freedom to do as they pleased. Was it her fault if they'd squandered it?" }, { "author": "fire.turtle", "message": "\"I am sorry, sister,\" She stroked Savarii's broken skin, cupping drops of fallen blood and putting them back into her body. As her tears of both grief and confusion slipped down her face and fell upon the Mother Tree, they softened the pain of her dying sibling. \"Please.. I will die if you die. I.. I want to stay...\"\nThe goddess of sadness cried harder than she ever had.\n\"...But I must protect you, for... For... For some..\" She tripped over her words, unable to come to terms with what had happened. \"I..\" Each one came out slower than the last. \"Leave immortal.\"\n\nThe scratches on her arms bled, even though they were shallow. Looking deep into the non-existent face of the creature, she parted her hands from its skin and wiped away her tears. There was a moment of clarity. Although she did not know this being, Melancholia realized that she bore the ability to potentially mend its insanity. Perhaps she would be able to use this fact to her advantage in the future, but it was useless to her in this moment. She looked at the ground.\n\"Should you crave the tranquility of desolation once more, please, my sibling, join me in the Land of Eternal Rain. You shall be safe from.. Your.. Fate.\"\n\nThe deity of sadness could not even look at her dying love. The outpour of vile ichor infected her nose, and the sounds of limp flesh squirming in one last attempt to save itself made her want to remove her ears. Turning to face the newcomers, she closed her empty eye sockets and attempted to find peace within herself. Everything stopped for a moment. She was no longer the villain of everyone's story. Her life was Normal, untouched by the wicked serpent who had brought this horrendous destiny upon her.\nThen, she opened her eyes, greeted with the shocking realization that her only chance to die had been taken from her. She did not understand her own emotions. Had she not wanted this for so long? Had she not gathered allies for such a ritual for her Own Selfish needs?\nWhile everyone approached the new goddess with gentle curiosity, Melancholia glared at her with an uncountable amount of feelings. She was mad that this.. Stranger Had killed Edon, yet she was joyful that he was gone. It was hard to look at the deity as her own person when she had emerged from another mere moments ago.\n\nThe approaching, furious-looking goddess did not phase Melancholia. A sense of numbness passed over her, but she could not tell whether it was from Amythyst's emotions or her own. When the two women spoke, their voices were split. They were the same being, merged into one, pale-skinned, glassy-eyed hybrid of an abomination. The notions of Amythyst's seeped into Melancholia's mind. For a moment, she wanted to be right.\n\n Then she remembered everything was wrong.\n\nThe asphyxiation that fell upon the feelingless goddess had very little affect on her. Whether Amythyst was affected or not, her presence would still dilute the attacks on the goddess of sadness.\n Get me out of here.\n\"You must not attack me!\" She exclaimed, attempting to imitate the high-pitched voice of her twin flame. \"I am on your side! Would you truly kill a friend in return for a foe's death?\" Her spirit wispily fluttered in and out of the body, yet Amythyst's mouth still remained as the only one speaking.\n\"I am innocent! I am redeemed! I have witnessed the death of The Devourer, as you call him.\"\n\nThe two goddess's moved in perfect sync, as though they had been like this their whole lives. Approaching Triticea, Melancholia raised their hands and surrendered. Her innocence was not an act. A peculiar wave of air infiltrated the atmosphere, and the absolute childeshness of her was the only thing that could be visible between the goddesses. The way her hands shook was genuine, the quivering and confusion in her voice awfully real." }, { "author": "roritios", "message": "Savarii was gasping for breath, the dim lights in her eye sockets were flickering with every raspy, bloodied breath she took. She looked delirious, completely fractured and destroyed... She remained in her slumped over position, her broken body bleeding more and more... The only blessing was that the ritual was over and Savarii was no longer in the process of having her divinity uncontrollably ripped from her damaged body. Tears streamed down her face... Or was that just blood? The catatonic goddess remained on the ground, her monstrous organs spilling out and each breath raspy, making her exposed throat quiver sickeningly so. \n\nShe barely reacted to the slap from Triticea. When she saw it approach, her eyes widened, she believed it to be an attack designed to finish her off. The goddess let's out a wail and bloodied grunt as her now partially hollowed and cracked torso crumples from the tendril, a gush of blood exploding from her mouth and throat as part of her chest and stomach caves in, her chitin cracking. Her beaten body is thrown off of the branch and begins to plummet, flesh, meat and innards trail behind her as she falls like a grotesque parachute. \n\n\"AAAAAYYIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!\"\n\nThe goddess writhes and screams a horrid, eldritch shriek. , unable to even rotate her neck to see the portal.\n\nAll the newly mortal goddess feels is how she's plummeting... Locked in free fall... Soon to collide with the ground so far below. She looked frantic as all she could do was shrieked and writhe, twisting more of her insides out through the holes of her crumpled, patchwork body. Her massive wings extend, trying to catch the air and fly. With horror she realizes one of her main wings was severed deity several of the others being torn in half or had holes ripped in them from Edon's shrapnel. The goddess' eyes focus on her torn wings, not even capable of screaming anymore, she just looks upon her damaged wings in horrified silence before... \n\nShe falls through the portal, being transported to Triticea's realm." }, { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "So much... Violence... Confusion: where did it all begin? Where did she begin? When... Did she begin? The seeds of chaos ran amok in the branches; the poor girl was terrified. Her hair was soaked with blood; her nails dripped with the viscera of what remained of the god before her. All the while, she could only think about smiling... She didn't understand why; this wasn't her home. The place she had come from... Home? That was an interesting thought... Her mind focuses momentarily as her eyes snap shut; she tries to recall what she can. Fragmented memories of the past. Her life before this world, the songs she sang to dying patients... The gentle care she tried... The rampaging murders... Murder? No? That wasn't her. Those weren't... Her memories, they were... Another.\n\nA smile flickers onto her face as she temporarily revels in the carnage; she nearly laughs at the situation through closed eyes and gritted teeth. Out of a carnal desire to see more blood, the nervous breakdown ensuing from witnessing so many strange events unfold in a moment of weakness. She knew this wasn't home... She knew she was still... Thana. Thana... That's her name, right? No... Her name is Edon- NO... Her name is Thana. Thana. Thana. She repeats it repeatedly in her head, her hands drifting up her black leather cloak and onto her drenched quaint hair, running her hands through it softly and ringing out the still runny blood from what strands she could.\n\n`\" Thana. \"` The first word she speaks is her name; it's spoken softly with a tone that could only be described as charismatic; her words are already full of rhythmic temptation and a grim embrace of false promises. The kind of person you'd throw your life away for... Even though she spoke kindly and without a tint of hostility. Something was unmistakably wrong. The pool of blood around her is beginning to coagulate and harden, heating up with the intensity of a fire. Her memories flicker, and there she is once more. On a stake, hovering over an open fire. Her lips were dry, and her skin cracked from the roaring heat. She knows it's just a memory, yet it hurts just as much... The pain of her past was still so real, her false execution. Crimes she had committed in body but not mind.\n\nThen... Her terror is met with further confusion... The crawling on her skin, still the girl does not move. Too scared, too fragile to break out of her shell. She lets whatever foul machination dwells in this world clamber on her like a climbing frame. The words of madness speak straight to her heart; she comprehends Nach... Clearly. The jokes and intentions aside, she perfectly understands what she is being asked... As her eyes open again, she rises from her knees and stands tall. She wiped the blood from her face and watched as it dripped and ran down her fingers with a slow and methodical movement. The girl licks the blood from her finger, savouring the taste. Staring in disbelief at what she was doing... \n\nBlood upon a crimson throne...\nLonging for a lust far gone...\nObsessing over the voices tone...\nObjecting to the hate of an empire so wrong...\nDying for a fate away from home...\n\nBlood... She was drinking blood, an empire. This... This place was the empire, the hate she felt from the area around her. It must be rejected; the pain and suffering was not theirs to make. To revel in, the girl spits the blood back onto the floor. Allowing it to join the ever-hardening pool, the purpose of it yet to be found. Her memory is awoken, and her first domain flashes across her mind. Bloodlust... That was why she could not drink the blood; she must let it be spilt. Allow the rivers of gore to flow in a tide to overcome everything. Naturally, she would not cause any more. Not that she was aware of...\n\n`\" It tastes... Wrong. \"` She answers to the maniacal god of change, bouncing around and tickling the other gods. With her first proper steps, she waltzed towards the unfolding carnage. The gel-like pool of blood acted as stilts to carry her effortlessly. She knew not how she performed such a feat nor why her body was moving her in this direction. It was as if the thoughts of her own were mixed with another, a fateful encounter... The cursed child stands her ground at a distance, observing the outbreak that was soon to happen. The goddess is being pushed into a portal, the others pleading to escape. Why didn't she run? Why wasn't Thana running?\n\n`\" A waste of a good fate. \"` The words escape her as she quickly gasps and covers her mouth. Those words were not hers; she looked mortified. Speaking not of her own accord, her fingernails dig deep into her legs as she runs her hand down her thigh and squeezes, puncturing her skin with the crimson claws and allowing her blood to run neatly into the branch. Her whole figure trembles, realising that her wounds are different from her past life. They didn't hurt... It didn't sting... The blood felt cool, like a cure... An atonement for everything wrong she had just done.\n\n`\" God... Get it together, you're crazy. You died!? Remember!? But nooo, Thana, you just had to be a debilitive little SHIT and imagine I'm still going. I never believed in the afterlife; why now!? What's wrong with you? What's wrong with me? What's wrong with her, and her and her and... Why are they all women? Is this what you wanted in death? Why do I keep saying you? I'm ME. Wait... Fuck, I'm looking like an idiot in front of all of those moderately repulsive creature. I mean, beautiful creatures! Gods... I love your er, Sickles... \"` She points to Triticea; Thana's eyes glowed with a face of pure shock, it was like a comedy sketch. Speaking to herself, uncovering her own identity in a fit of madness. However, this must have been her personality, on the more lighthearted. Even in a place like this, jokes shouldn't be made at the expense of others.\n\nHer back seems to crack and rupture in another excess display of gore as two long black feathered wings rip through her spine and flutter with an innocence unexpected from the creature. This was her symbolism: an angel sent here to deliver... Something. First, the death of Edon, now? Now, it was time to act of her own accord. To understand what was going on. Her attention turns to Nach\n\n`\" Hey er... Trampoline, can you get me out of here? I'd looovee to stay and watch them tear out each other's hearts, but you see. I'm confused as hell right about now, you seem like a good role model. So er. Yeah, can we? If not, I'll sit here with a picnic basket or something. You have those... Yeah? \"` She rolls her eyes, now tapping her foot. At least it hadn't taken long for her more rampant and playful side to come out, even if it were to the horror of those around her. The killer of a god and dancer of blood was a clumsy ditz... Who would've thought?" }, { "author": "netherbats", "message": "Clambering claws tear through the serpent's flesh, a show of sinister surgery of such peculiarly perturbing precision. Beside that terrible thing laid a burgeoning basket laden by ghastly gore, gifts giddily picked from its foul fruit. Her claws like frenzied gnashing teeth, see them slice like saws and dice in a dirge with neither solace nor sense. Each digit a wicked sword onto its own, and they pick apart a once dreadful deity like it's nothing...\n\n...For foul fruit is... Wriggling... Writhing, an orchard of organs.\n\n\"Hm~! Hmm~! Hmmm.. Hmm.. Hmm~! Doo dee doo dee dee doo... Ooohohohoo~?\" Our Nach, taken by a frenzied fancy, nonetheless keeps to a chittering chirp. She shifts between humming and whistling and mumbling such terrific tunes, all the while she strings the intestines of a once sly serpent.* \"Ohhh~! Over here, over there, over where, every motion everywhere... Could I once recall what ravishing regalia I seeee~?\"\n\nOur Nach's tongue flicks through the air, whereas Thana's taken by the tides of chaos our Nach most assuredly revels in them. Even now numerous Nachs clamber amidst the chaos, swimming through the seams of space much to the chagrin of those Others. One masqueraded as Sinrael, stumbling in their step with a hideous laughter that parroted theirs. Two whispered through Sanskirt's ears and told of what's seen in glass, before pocketing an eye in their heart to see all as they feel. Three gallivanted around, hand in hand in hand, and they spun on their heels to distort the fabric of space and make madness where reason's removed. Those Others saw as the world spun in shapes and colours, a kaleidoscope to the tune of those Nachs. Another Nach appeared before Savarii in their deadly descent, with a wave of her hand and a flash of her camera she took a picture in her fall from afar. Whisking away those wings torn from a whole.\n_ _\n\nShe leveraged a malevolent mist through the air, the stares through shadow she sent laid the place plain to her. But she who shone through all the pretty colours needn't be seen by these means, she and our Nach shared centerstage after all. Between all those words, words, words of hers something in their comical choir struck a chord in our Nach and prompted that terrible thing to rear its head around to the cursed child.\n\n\"Ohohohooo~?\" Alas was she doubly so, and at her hand. \"HAH! Thou spout the living dead!? You ask why and why and why, and how and how and how... Yet somehow someway you understood WE? This thing that tickles the terribly terrific?\" When Thana turned their attention onto our Nach, she was promptly tickled at the scruff of her neck. By the time she pulled away our Nach was before her, basket in hand, and a smile clear across her face- leaning into her. \"Oh we've many~! We've a collection even, alas... Mortals are so terribly terrible at weaving them, for now! For now...\" \n\nShe giggled, snickered and snorted, swaying side to side and giddily bouncing in her step. But before Thana could reassess their decision, our Nach's attention was fixed squarely upon them.\n\n\"But you're correct~! We so definitely can whisk thee away, and tell all that is to tell! Oh yes, yes-yes~! This and more can be done by us, WE! NACH~! For you, you... Sugary Sweet of a Bloody Brew...\" Our Nach, comparatively speaking, was far smaller than Thana and wore the garb of what looked like a maid's. Somehow though through those eyes of madness, she sensed that our Nach dwarfed them. \"...Are... Ehh... Nyyaiiifty~! Ohohohohoo~! Oh and no, their squabbles are of little interest and ever so melodramatic.\"\n\nShe offers a hand to Thana, it's a small, delicate thing... But lofty all the same. Should she take it, Our Nach and Thana would soon vanish from this strange scene.\n_ _\n\n\"Oh! Oh! Oh! But first... Hold this.\" She hands Thana a basket of grizly gore. \"One small thing.\" Another Nach appears behind Sinrael, its presence purposely obfuscated, and with a sudden surge of essence through a little leg of theirs... It kicks the god of discord up the ass, and shouts a mind shattering scream in her ear. \n\n\"THAT THING IS OUR PENPAL. WRIGGLY WORGLY.\"\n\nIt immediately disappeared, and the Nach before Thana seemed none too perturbed. Cocking her head with a snickering sly smile, and a wink. \"Heheheheheee...\" Exit stage left." }, { "author": "unityofextopic", "message": "So many... But why such anger again... It's rampaging... Ravaging? Why... Anger? There is not... Imposement? Why anger... From my siblings... Why such at another... Should I... Come further... It's scary... Should I run? Should I... Help those- who angered them? Will I be their anger? Anger... Scary... Anger... Dangerous \n\nTSU went close... Close to the others... Too close? Close to Sanskirt... They seemed... In need or help... But someone was attacking? Who... It is... Unknown? No... Sensed before... Could It be a visitor? Yes... But can't greet properly... Too angry... And too much anger around... She tried... Lending a thread to Sanskirt, maybe they could cling? Too much anger to make sure... Too... Scared to speak... Terrified... This is... Danger then...\n\nTSU... Needs to leave... To much hate... Too much anger around... Danger... Terror... It's too much around... Leave... Must leave..." }, { "author": "sociablealarm13", "message": "Before the nails of the goddess of strife and fear extend to attack Sanskrit, she feels a surge of energy hit her rear and she hisses and turns to see the other nach vanish before she can do anything about it. \n\nShaking it off and turning her mind and gaze back to Sanskrit, she goves them a nod. \n\n\"My demiplane is always open to you... But you are not alone in the dark. Look around and see... Everyone is there with you, scared and frightened.\" She leaned in close to sanskrit and whispered, her tune and tone more serious than most have ever heard her. \n\n\"Stay that way.\" With that she smiled wider and let go of Sanskrit, her body turning into her signature black smoke and dissipating away to travel back to her demiplane." }, { "author": "almosthysteric", "message": "Sanskrit cared not for the fight between its two sisters, it cared not for the new birth, it cared not of its sibling it was clasping onto it. It needed a tether, it needed a link, and it had found it, as it desperately grabbed at Sinrael. It didn't even recognize the attack winding up as Sinrael's aura got more dominant, it didn't care, and by the time it had realized that was happening, it simply stared at the being with wide eyes.\n\nMove. The thought echoed throughout it's head for a moment of clarity, though, it had no time to act upon it as it got lost in the sea of madness that was the deity's mind, rapidly, that move was replaced by another million tiny words and thoughts gnawing away at the God's sanity.\n\nMove. Die. Live. Try. Watch. Act. Cry. And much, much more echoed throughout its head as it tried grasping at one discernable idea to hold onto, and yet it couldn't, even the fellow Goddess Sanskrit was grasping on began to fade into obscurity, as it let out a deafening scream. The nails didn't connect, but the deity had lost its tether, it had been pushed away by its own kin. It stumbled upon the branches, feeling itself slip off and fall, it didn't bother defying gravity, this one time, it would allow itself to be dragged down. \n\nAnd soon, the God came to a freefall through Gaia's branches. Tumbling from one to another until it was clear of branches, and on its way to the base and the crumbling bits of land that had gathered there, it didn't even brace itself, spread itself out, fix its posture, anything. It remained a tiny ball until it hit the ground with a satisfying;\n\n*Splat.\n\nBy this time, one could assume the God dying as its divinity faded, in reality, it was simply retreating far below the branches before anything could sense it. The being spread across into a goop of black that attempted to reform itself, small bits of puss and tar spread across the base as the being formed into one mindless blob with arms protruding from the top, forcefully dragging its body down below the base and the roots, before fully fading from the scene." }, { "author": "spike_cowboybebop", "message": "Soldr arrived in the middle of the great war. As he flapped his wings, he flew above the branches, levelling himself with Suzu as he surveyed the scene below. \n\n\"Hell of a fight. Did you see everything that happened?\" Soldr asked the synthetic goddess. Edon was dead, he could see that much, and a goddess he didn't recognize was amid his corpse. Soldr was very open-minded about the habits of his fellow deities, but even he felt himself recoil slightly as he noticed that Nach was feeding on his flesh.\n\nHe had, however, arrived in time to hear Triticea's speech. He lowered himself in the air, alighting on the canopy near the harvest goddess.\n\n\"Huh. Someone managed to do it.\" He said, regarding Edon's remains. He turned to Triticea.\n\n\"Did their ritual even work?\" Soldr asked her. \"I don't feel any different.\" He was pointedly looking away from Nach. Even he was a little grossed out by her picking at his guts.\n\n\"Are you sure they haven't learned their lesson by now?\" He sighed to Triticea. Normally he was reckless and impulsive and always ready for a fight but it was by now done and for all his rash behavior he wasn't the type for revenge. He didn't seem of any mind to stop her, though." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "\"You are no friend of mine, Melancholia.\" She returned coldly, \"You are neither innocent nor redeemed. You are still nothing but a sinner stained with your evils.\" This veneer of innocence would not fool her. This snake's tears might have wormed pity into the hearts of the other gods, but she hardened her own. \"I can sense that your immortality remains. I can sense that Mother Gaia chose not to punish you alongside the others.\" She blinked, sending a ripple of closed eyes across her body because of just how many her true form had. The beat of her wings filled the air as she spoke like a solemn drone of an executioner reading out a death sentence. \"This means that this will not stick.\" She lifted a tendril above her head, ready to execute, while still using the others to defend herself. \"If you are truly redeemed, prove it.\"\n# here, and be reborn as something new.\"\n\nBefore she could bring it down, though, Soldr arrived. She sent him an annoyed glance. \"Of course not.\" She growled at him. \"This Traitor* Worked alongside the Devourer, aided him in his strike against Gaia, and only now that he is dead and she is outnumbered does she beg for forgiveness.\" The sneer on her face was almost visible even without having a mouth or a face. \"If she is truly sorry, she'll accept this punishment. She will not die forever, but she must learn that their actions do not come without consequences, no matter how may lies and sob stories she tries to spin to justify her actions.\" She turned her gaze back to Melancholia, frustration now seeping into her voice. \"Is it so hard not to be a terrible person?\"\n\nSpeaking of... Where were the others? The first time might have been a fluke, but the second time made this hurt. Once again, her siblings had failed her. Even when Mother Gaia had called for aid, so many of them had not even bothered to respond. Now, too, she faced Melancholia with Soldr alone, though she glanced at Wyrd. Surely he could not be like the rest of them, too?" }, { "author": "damonthedevourer", "message": "Wyrd took a deep, shuddering breath, his whole body tending for a moment, before releasing it in a long, ragged fit of laughter. He had won, he had stopped their wicked ritual in its tracks. And look at how they fled, from him and his beloved siblings, from their family. \n\n\"Gahahaha.\" He boomed, stamping his hooves in schadenfreude. \"This is the fate of those who would defy Gaia!\"\n\nThen, gradually, the gloating faded, replaced with a cold, cruel look from the great deer. Now was the time to deal with the traitor gods, particularly those who had escaped their mother's wrath. The mortal... Things that were once gods had been branded, but those who had weaseled their way out of things needed to dealt with. If they got away, there would be no punishment whatsoever.\n\n\"I could not agree more, sister.\" Wyrd said, lowering his head to Triticea's level to look her in the eyes, a bloodshot pupil meeting her gaze. \"Innocence, hardly. She betrayed mother just as the rest. A mere death at our hands almost seems too good for her but... I suppose it shall do.\" \n\nHe accompanied his declaration with a moment of effort, which was followed by his stone mask bulging out for a moment. Then, abruptly, it cracked vertically down the middle along with the rest of his head. The shattered fragments on either side of the divide formed into a set of ravenous jaws, snapping open and shut a few times experimentally before settling into a horrible vertical grin." }, { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "Judgement: Thana had been on the end of the supposed law once. In another life, her trial for a witch. She knew how fickle systems were, how, in reality. The world's laws were just a means to an end for those justifying depraved acts. This was no different; the girl was still confused, scared and isolated. Though something churns in her stomach, a violent urge festers in the chasm of her mind. Screaming at her skin, screaming to be let out. To avenge this poor girl seemingly caught on the end of an execution. She knew not of the trial or anything that had come before it. Yet, she sensed more to it than what was being presented.\n\nNach continues to speak to her, the information going in; Thana's demeanour slowly alters; she grips her fists closed, and her eyes radiate with a sense of curiosity. Flickering, she sees the world as it is. Her past life flows in with an overwhelming dread, the waves of energy clash with her new reformed body. At that moment, she sees Melancholia as herself. A poor girl, not truly understanding what she had done wrong. Believing she could be redeemed in front of an audience that only wanted to see violence. Wyrd and Triticea were the executioners. Soldr was the crowd. They were carrion to a corpse. The deity of bloodlust clenches her jaw and grits her fangs with a low hiss, her very body temperature raising to the same as that fateful heat that scorched her out of existence the first time. With a swift movement, the girl's body continues to transmute and change; a long barbed tail drops from her back, flopping to the ground in a coiling motion, and the sizeable scorpion-like stinger glimmers like a hot branding iron, sizzling as it collides with the branch they all were forced to stand at.\n\nStill lost in her memory, replaying the past. She seeks to alter it as if what she will do here could affect her future. It was far from the truth and a desperate plea, unaware of her divinity. She calls for a divine intervention, expecting a god to answer. None the wiser to the great wisdom and infinite power she now wielded. And then... Her eyes go blank; they lose the tranquil spark as she succumbs to whatever boiling blood is rumbling beneath her pale skin. A long stag skull mask adorns her face, not too similar to Wyrd's appearance. Though this mask was painted with blood, decorated with gore and an unholy visage, that very natural state drove terror. Her left arm raises, the hardened pool of blood all around her finally gaining use.\n\nIt raises and dances with a crooked elegance, forming a multitude of shapes, spikes, lances, and spears. Conventional weaponry from her time raises from the pool and hovers gently. For a new goddess, there was clearly something wrong here. It was as if the god before them moments ago was gone in this fraction of a scenario. Her fingers trail over another, wiping the blood and gore from her regalia and clothing, and then she clicks. The weapons all seek out the gods she had deemed wrong at this moment, an equal split of zeal and wrath. The blood of Edon weaponised once more to carry on his purpose of change. Then the mask fades... Panic washes over the girl.\n\n`\" Wait... I didn't? Do... That can't have been... Me? \"` The innocent confusion lingers once more; all signs of whatever beast had infested her emotions vanished in the blink of an eye. She had launched the first attack on a fight she was never involved in; it was evident in her eyes. She never meant it, never even understood what was happening. As far as Thana was concerned that power didn't even lay within her. Without saying a single word more, she grabs Nach's hand tightly. Clasping it so vigorously, it could tear the thing off if she wasn't careful. Her other hand holds the basket in shock, waiting for Nach to remove it from the situation. To whisk her away to safety... This encounter had only created more questions about potential enemies—potentially friends." }, { "author": "netherbats", "message": "\"Mwaahahahahaaaa~!\" The crackling cackling of a chaotic choir pushed and pulled in a terrible tide of CHAOS! Reality ruptured at the seams, chittering colours whispered such insidious thoughts into the hearts and minds of those Others. Breaks between space broaden, blurring the lines of what's really there. The elements turn on themselves, fire feeds on the air, water is cool to the touch and burns like acid, an air of gnawing frostbite chews upon life and spits it out! Blood rains through the shattered seams, it glistens like gold.\n\n\"Hold your breath! Make a wish, count to three and come with us~! WE! Come, come with us and you'll be... In a world of your imagination~!\" Our Nach's pull around the fledgling god immediately knocks off her kilter, taking back her basket and whisking Thana with the wind! She spun on her heel, twirling round and round with Thana. The Nachs converge onto one another, they join hands in a circle around our Nach and the Thana, and spin them round and round. \"Take a look, and you'll seeeee~! Into your imagination!\"\n\nThe two rapidly blink in and out of this space, appearing here and there and everywhere all at once and nowhere all the same. All attempts at reprisal were in vain, as neither of the gods are there.\n\n\"We'll begin! With a spiiiinn, traveling in the world of our creation! What we'll see... Will defy... Explanation!\" They disappeared long after our Nach's business was taken care of, and Thana's outlandish outburst spilt over. Left in their wake were afterimages, and our Nach's foul fancy. \"Hyahahahahahahaaaa~!\"\n\n*CONFETTI~!\n\nPoof." }, { "author": "winweasel", "message": "But they were anew, were they not? Amythyst repulsed as she again remembered what she now looked like. Taken in by Melancholia, there was a world outside and there was a world inside. The inside world was imaginary, but it was still a world. In the null that existed in her head, it seemed like there was a figure trying to push out from the hybrid, making the hybrid chest tense, or have an arm suddenly go limp. She wanted to leave, but at the same time she Wouldn't.* This was her body. She needed to stand her ground. But there was no ground to stand on, only an ocean. And Amythyst couldn't swim. As the internal battle came to a close, Amythyst became Melancholia's dominion, merely an adviser to the king, and not a co-ruler. \n\nAmythyst watched as Melancholia surrendered to Triticea, quivering and shaking. Whever it was an act or not, it didn't matter. Amythyst gave up again. This was the way she was going to die. She never quite knew what happened in the limbo between life and death. Between each blink. \n\nTriticea. She was the dealer of this justice, who was redeemed and who wasn't was decided by her. Now, Amythyst was squarely in the limbo. She had never seen anything like it. She had never been anything like it. There was correct and incorrect. She was redeemed, Melancholia was not. Surely, her innocence could do something to shield them both?\n\nAmythyst wasn't always one for logic, but it could just Explain The rules, maybe they would understand. Let them go. She didn't exactly crave to be stuck together, but being conjoined was better than being dead. Logically... Edon was dead and Amythyst was innocent. Using simplification, one could get the first fact as 100% true. If Triticea didn't forgive, Edon wasn't dead. Using modus tollens, one could make Triticea forgive. And if Triticea forgave, Melancholia was innocent. The world wasn't logic. And the world wasn't hers.\n\n\"Is it so hard not to be a terrible person?\" Amythyst didn't realize it, but their face turned into a mirror. A terrible person. She tried to make logic work with it, but it didn't. Logic was hard. She stuck to grammar. And her grammar told her a better word choice would be Is it so difficult not to be a terrible person? \n\n#\n\n\n\nIs it so hard not to be wrong? There they were, in the wrong together. Guilty together. If Triticea was going to kill them...\n\n\"I don't want to die.\"\n\n# don't want to die!\"\n\nShe tried desperatly to talk to Melancholia. Or someone. Why couldn't they just leave? Her mind was hyperventilating, but her body seemed just fine. \n\n\" Always wins...\"\n\n\"I am the snake.\nI will slither through your tall grass and creep up upon you, wrap around your body, and constrict your neck. And then, you will die until you're dead\n\nMine.\nMine.\nMINE.\nI will choke you. I will have you. I will keep you, and I will love you. I will mother you, and I will foster you. I will forever be within you.\n\nWho am I? Who are you?\n\nYou are mine, but I am not yours.\"\n\nAs amythyst remmbered those words, she gave up hopelessly. There was nothing more to do. This was Melancholia's plan. Edon did not write these letters. A sudden spark of anger popped in her. She didn't want to be dead! But she agreed to this. She said everytime she consented, and she sealed her fate coming here. Was there a point in working against her roommate? Amythyst thought as quietly as she could, she didn't want Melnacholia to hear before she was ready for an offer. \n\nThere were so many variables... And amythyst wasnt good at math! There was time anymore to sit and think on her ass. There was no time to scoff at letters with poor word choice. Why couldn't the world go back to grammar? Why was there so much more in the world besides pleasure, perfection and pain? It seemed the world was a sliding scale, ever shifting in the events it threw her in. How would she play her hand? If she tried, she could force her way out of this. Leave this body maybe? Ask someone for help? There were so many conflicting want and needs. This was her body. Yet, Melancholia had her by the throat. Something drew Amythyst in. She couldn't see it, but she was tumbling towards the edge, like she had done all her life. Only this time, she wasn't the one with the brakes.\n\n \"What do you want me to do?\" She finally spoke in her head, directing to melancholia." }, { "author": "fire.turtle", "message": "```OOC NOTE: THIS POST CONTAINS DEPICTIONS OF SUICIDE.```\n\"We are no friend of yours, Triticea,\" She drew the name of the harvest goddess from somewhere in Amythyst's mind. Her voice was individual, no longer dueted by the sound of her host. Emptily glancing up at the intimidating show that was being put on above her, Melancholia touched her new face and ran her fingers down the features. The sensations grounded her. \"Why? Why have I not been punished in the same way as the others? Am I not, supposedly, just as bad as my fellow participants? Why?\"\nA blur of words infected the air, senselessly going in and out of her skin. The roar of another arriving god and the chatter of the new deity made everything so.. Disorienting. In the midst of the terrible chaos, the goddess of sadness found her answer to her punishment.\n\n\n\nShe closed her eyes, allowing Amythyst's fight for her life to propel Melancholia's next actions. An ample blade materialized in her hand. As though it were made out of air, she cleanly sliced of the figure's head. Their motions went limp, and the two pieces of the conjoined goddess's body fell through the grounded.\n\nSuddenly, both Amythyst and Melancholia were transparent ghosts of their past. Their divine presences were still detectable, albeit hard, should one have been under the assumption that they had truly killed themselves. With her old, familiar body, she embraced the grammar deity. All of time seemed to stop in the moment. She pulled their spirit-like forms to the top of Yggdrasil, where the air grew thin and they could see every realm and every mortal and every monster who traversed the void ocean.\nThey saw life, but they also saw death. \nThey saw who they were, but they also saw the mysteries of themselves.\nThey saw reason, but they also saw chaos.\nThey saw echoes of a cold past, but they also saw a devastating future.\n\nThen, it all came crashing back down. Plummeting back towards the upper branches, their phantom bodies merged once more and created the form that had seemingly committed suicide a few moments ago. The smell of wet bones and rustic blood filled her nose, emerging from the newborn Thana.\n\nShe did not understand.\nShe did not Want To understand.\n\nWhile the god of monsters chewed her out without even saying her name, she disassociated from the situation.\nHer mind was in another universe,\n another place,\n somewhere far,\n far\n away.\n It so hard not to be a terrible person?\n\nThe singular line of dialogue stumbled through her brain, crashing over and over again in her mind. Their mien disappeared. Without a warning, a mirror replaced what was once a face. Neither Melancholia nor her innocent partner in crime had done it on their own; it was a subconscious addition, a symbolism that only close onlookers would be able to dissect.\n\nThey were in a blank room. Watching Amythyst reread her letter, she slowly put one foot in front of another. Reaching the goddess was harder than it should have been, as though some invisible force was pulling her in the opposite direction. She enclasped Amythyst, crying on her shoulder and wetting her purple hair and running her fingers through her vibrant buns. The perfection of the woman's hair had shifted to pain. Shamelessly, she warped the seamlessness of Amythyst's skirt. She cried until she could no longer cry.\n\"I am sorry..\"\n Uncharacteristic leer crossed her face.\n\"...But you are mine, little goddess.\"\n\n\"If I could be yours, I would.\"\n\"If I could tell you why you are mine, I would.\"\n\"If I could give you all of the pleasure and perfection in the world, I would.\"\n\nWhen the alien creature attacked, Melancholia was unable to recognize it as Thana. It was aggressive and impulsive, yet it... It helped her? Was this new goddess simply a reincarnation of her once-beloved serpent? Was she connected to him?\nDid Thana love Melancholia the same way Edon had?\n\nThe strike to Triticea and Wyrd hit her with immense force, even though it had not been directed towards the goddess of desolation. Before she had the chance to react, Amythyst's question rung in her head. They were weaponless, outnumbered, and had no information about combat.\nIt was a losing battle.\n Not of death.\"\n# not of losing thyself.\"\n \"Simply, fear not, my little goddess, for you are safe when you are mine.\"\n\n\"Go on.. Persecute me. Exile me for my crimes against the False Mother. Yet once I am gone, there will be no one to sensically tell you of our reasons. Sinrael is a mental serpent. Sanskrit is a madman. Savarii is shattered, inside and out. History will only repeat itself if our problems are not solved. Your mind works so... Mindlessly, Triticea. Execute me. Kill me. Murder me on the branches of your overrated creator. I will not feel a thing, for death is what I have desired this whole time.\"" }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "The delirious spewings of an insane goddess weren't to be entertained, though it did make her regret that this deity would never be redeemed. Until remorse was felt, any attempt to seek redemption would find failure to be a foregone conclusion. She watched as this amalgamation took its own life, then returned in the same shape it had been wearing before its attempted suicide. Well, what was the point of that? If she was gonna die anyway, she might as well have gone out with some dignity and stayed dead after chopping her own head of. None of these thoughts were voiced, however. They were the kind of things someone kept to themselves. In fact, there wasn't much to say at all. All that Triticea had to say to that vitriolic final rant could be summarised in two succinct syllables.\n#\n\nShe lifted her tendril over her head, scythe blade gleaming like the stars that the gods themselves held. With a swift blow, she brought it down in hopes of cleaving the goddess cleanly in two. It would be fast and painless, she reasoned, killing the brain first so that the rest of the body would not need to suffer. Perhaps, when Melancholia was reborn, she would be someone new. Triticea did not have high hopes for that outcome, but she did not like to think that her siblings were beyond salvation. To someone like Melancholia, who refused change yet had not committed as greivous a sin as Edon, she could at least reward her with a quick and easy end.\n\nAssuming that things went through without a hitch and the goddess of sadness was executed, that left her with... Her eyes darted around the field. She remembered well who else had aided in this ritual, and yet none of them were present any longer. Sinrael and Sanskrit... They may have escaped for now, but she would find them in time. There would be no way for the chase to end until either herself or the both of them were dead. For the time being, though... She turned to Wyrd.\n\n\"What shall we do with the one who betrayed the traitors?\"" }, { "author": "unityofextopic", "message": "Wait... Is that... Anythst? Melancholia too... Triticea... And Wyrd... They are fighting each over? Why... None have hint... Ties to whatever divinity was released just now... It's strange... No aporant that they continue even in lack of... Connection to him... Wait what be of them? Melancholia and Amythst... They're connected? Whole? What're they... Why are they one? Is seems dangerous... Unnerving whatever this act be... Is that for reason of the fight... \n\n\"Amythst! What're you doing?! Melonancholia? Is it of her? No... Why? Is this as to fight? Not of settle... Not of chilled air?? This is distress... Not of Edon... The threads wobbled far to little compared to this!\" TSU said, not of snarl but of startled worry... Her form of true WhiteCast... Melting of white flame and confusion around her only fueling... She glanced as to Triticea and Wryd... Are they to but fuel her to? Fuel the fire of rampaging nature? Her very core was startled by whatever nature that act was following... Whatever it was almost made her become that of rage again... It is distress that be her state... The state of WhiteCast against all color and shades... The blankness that cannot be filled... Bay burn the colors around... Tarnish that of friend, yet somehow of unfamiliarity... It is... Fearful whatever this nature was... TSU was to tremble to such... It wasn't something remotely pretty... It was Fear" }, { "author": "winweasel", "message": "They weren't friends. They weren't friends. Or were they? Was melancholia a friend? A foe? A co-ruler? A tyrant? A savior? A helper? \n\nHer friend? \n\nIf there was one thing that applied to Melancholia, it was that she was no help at all, whisking her away to the top of world tree and killing them. A thousand new sensations, new sounds, new lives flashed under her and around her. \n\nThe graceful hand of Amethyst as she stroked a page with her writing on it. Amethyst smiled, and hid the page as Marigold entered. A flash.\n\nGrey looked up at the stars, crying. A green and black shadow loomed behind them.\n\nThe flashes went faster. All the things she hadn't seen, all the things she had seen were cherry picked to provide more climax every second. Alas. The eye of the hurricane. \n\n# yellow sky. \n\n The contrast of her hair.\n\n# yellow sun.\n\n Diluted by the clouds of the land of eternal rain.\n\nThe first time she ever went there... She was so young. Now it seemed like she couldn't escape, no matter how hard she tried. For an instant, she was engulfed by rain, rain that made her heavy and fall down to the branch they were on. \n\nInstead of being a rain drop that split into once it hit the surface, they fused together, an undying bond that could not be broken by their hands. Something kept them together, something they might have not even realized kept them together. And yet something compelled them apart.\n\nThe blank room she found herself was not the branch she was on just a moment ago. Blinking was a mistake. As the words flew by, each time she was closer and closer to her twin, yet each time the room seemed to grow smaller and smaller. Alas, as the goddess of sadness and music took her into her arms, there was no more room in the room. The wall pressed against her back. As melancholia cried, the room filled up with water, it seemed they would suffocate. Amythyst was painfully aware of her fear of dying, and she was aware of how the insides of her were shredded and put back together, the crack filled in with grief and sorrow and done over and over. She no longer got a taste. She got an appetizer.\n\nWhen the goddess leered, the room burst like a bubble, returning to its previous form. \n\n# are mine.\" \n\n\n\n# I could be yours...\"\n\n\n\n# I could tell you...\"\n\n\n\n# and perfection\"\n\n\n\nShe was out of the room, in the body again. She was disoriented, but she was.. Herself? They were. They were pleasure. They were perfection. And they were Pain. \n\nTheir pain would be this death. Their perfection would be this death. Their pleasure would be this death. In her own way, Amythyst broke her vows of redeeming herself. She didn't fight anymore. She did not even have a thought of rebellion against the body. Against Melancholia. They had to stand as one. And just in time too.\n\nThe world slowed down as their body dodged the hit. Some quick reaction from Amythyst sent the body's neurons firing to avoid the blow. No, she wasn't scared of death anymore. She was scared of who she was. Of who her enemies were, and who her friends were. A nervous shiver went up her spine as she dodged the hit. She did it. She proved herself to Melancholia, right? She looked to Triticea, looking for \"Okey.\"\n\nShe needed to stay on both sides of good. But do two wrong make a right? Was anyone here in the right, or in the wrong? In the pleasure, in the pain? Certainly, there were compelling arguments. And certainly, there was truth to both. Defying the will of Gaia was a crime, was it not? \n\nAmythyst grounded herself as she shifted herself on the ground. She had to get out of these crazy thoughts, she had to stop this swirling dumpster fire mess. \n\nAnd then there was TSU. Amythyst turned the body around to look, and silently, her mouth hung open. Was TSU* A friend, a foe, an ally, a prosecutor? What were they? What was she? The blankness of her form made all of Amythyst's thoughts stop. Mentally, she was done. She was dead. There was too much information! Too much feeling diluting her mission of grammar. Too much blankness... Too much everything! \n\n#\n\n wanna die.\"" }, { "author": "damonthedevourer", "message": "Wyrd snorted furiously, smoke projecting from his nostrils. The goddess of sadness had not only distracted Gaia to the highest degree, but she didn't even have the decency to let herself be killed by the loyal children of the world tree.\n\n\"We will save the turncoat for last.\" The great deer muttered to his loyalist sister, the maw that split his face growing just a little larger as his fury mounted. \"I think it goes without saying that we will deal with this one first.\"\n\nWith that, Wyrd lunged forward, eyes rolling back like a shark attacking from the water. The quick death that Triticea had offered was, frankly, too good for Melancholia. And yet, she had still rejected it.\n\nWyrd would make her regret that, along with every other mistake she had made in her sorry existence." }, { "author": "fire.turtle", "message": "Okay?\nIt was a psychological torture, an attack that inflicted more damage upon her than a blade ever could. Her thoughts, her mind.. Her very soul...\n..Had all been simplified to one, tiny word: \"Okay\".\nThat was all she got. \nONly\nKIll\nAWay\nYOuthfulness.\nIn a moment of sheer heartbreak, the goddess of sadness allowed her body to freeze. She wanted to succumb to the blade and die, never to return, for she would be plastered in undeserving humiliation and shame. Nothing would be able to hurt more than such a response, yet she did not want to feel anything even close to it. Her body could take the abuse of Edon. However, it collapsed the second someone pinpointed her weak spot: invalidation.\n\nWhether Amythyst was saving them or not, she was having a hard time caring. It began to rain in their head, clouding their vision and plaguing whatever pure thoughts they might have had left. She was a friend. Even if they were to never regard each other again, Melancholia and Amythyst had developed an impossibly close connection in this fight.\nThey were united. Their bodies moved as one, their words emerging as though they both speaking.\n\"Do not push me away, for I am but a friend.\"\nA rumble of thunder sounded in their head.\n\"I am your perfection.\"\n\"You are your pain.\"\n\"We are your pleasure.\"\n\nShe breathed in the air. Without saying anything to the goddess of grammar, her hands reached for their head. They made their way up to her elongated, black horns, snapping the pieces off. It did not feel good, but nothing could bring her a worse sensation than Triticea's lack of care.\n\nHer eyes found the god of monsters. While thoughts of Tsu filled Amythyst's thoughts, all that Melancholia could think of was two weapons in her hand. She looked at the deities around her, and then she looked down at herself. The painted smile on her face greatly widened. If words were not going to work, then perhaps actions would. Tendrils of blueness swirled around the broken horns. They were mesmerizing, yet painful; their damage was surely not enough to kill a god. She did not want to kill a god, but to touch one.\n\nMelancholia wanted a taste of the others.\nWhat did it feel like to attack?\nWhat did it feel like to want to kill?\nWhat did it feel like to have a will to live?\n\nUncharacteristically, she lunged. Her motions were faster than they had ever been, and her face was blanker than empty paper as she made her move. While Wyrd came at her, she was going straight for Triticea. She did not care about what he would do to her. Albeit, her movement would likely prevent him from offering a terrible amount of damage. The combination of two goddesses in a singular body offered them an alien type of power, never scene before in neither Melancholia's lifetime nor her partner's.\n\nIf her blade was to hit the deity of harvest, it would bring her every single negative emotion that both the desolation goddess and the orderly goddess experienced. The attack was not to bring her figure down, but to bring her mind down.\n Will make sure they know that the creator is not a victim.\n# are.\n Then, my sweet, sugary, addictive little goddess. Then, we will perish.\nNow please, chose a hand and stick with it, so we may finish this job with the unity we started it with.\n\"To answer your question,\" Melancholia said, her singular voice quietly whispering in Triticea's ear.\n Them.\"" }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "The blade slashed at Triticea, but instead of a wound, her memories began to leak from the spot of contact. Her hold over them was too strong for her to forget them, but it was enough for Melancholia's to infiltrate and flash into her head. The agony, the pain... Triticea did not know to dislike them, but she did so anyhow. Instead, she watched with some curiosity as the emotions racked her body for a moment... But in time the foul feeling faded, and she turned her gaze back to Melancholia. If she had hoped that it would change the Harvest Goddess' mind, though, that it would make her feel an ounce of sympathy... She had been sorely mistaken.\n\n\"The victims here are the ones forced to play audience to your delusions.\"\n\nThe Wheatmother spoke coldly, without a drop of empathy. Even after feeling what Melancholia had, she had not been swayed on her position. To say that she was unaffected by it, though, wouldn't be right either. She could remember those feelings of pain, of fear, of sadness. She could remember the emotions that had racked at Melancholia for so long. It had simply not made her empathise. It had erased any doubts that she'd had before that this was the right thing to do. \n\n\"Truly, such emotions and pain are unnatural. They are wrong.\" Those watching would get the feeling that she would be shaking her head if she had one. At present, though, she only closed about half of her eyes for a moment, as if coming to a decision. Then, her scythe blades flashed as she lashed out at Melancholia, twin tendrils puncturing her lungs with a single powerful strike. Triticea wasn't done, though, dragging her scythe up, up, slicing through divine bone and tendon. A god like Melancholia would not die so easily... But it was still no doubt a painful experience. As she cut Melancholia open, she spoke in that same unempathic voice that she'd used throughout the fight. Cold. Authoritative. Assured.\n Only hope that our Mother makes your successor unblemished.\"" }, { "author": "unityofextopic", "message": "Amythyst... Wanted to die? Why... As to why... Would she want true death? Has she not seen yet the creatures of Ashs...? Were the letters of lie? Did her siblings her make her wish such?? Why would they do such... Did she not will her own accord? Were they here but to end her? Why then was Gaia of issue... Would unwilled thoughts only weigh to her mind? Why too would she combine to Melancholia's form? Was Melancholia in aid to Amythyst? The other too only seemed in action against Melancholia... Then was Amythsyt sided with her? Why... Why... Why... Did they unite then? And then... Wryd and ... An unknown sister were fighting them? Should she... Intervene? Too get Amythyst out? But she didn't know why they united... And now Amythyst gave an aura of confuse as well as to me... \n\nTSU's form was cracking and crackling... Something of orange gas-like form spilling out... Yet in so she looked as to Amythyst... In both yearn for safety... Yet too reason... But maybe such wouldn't be seen... For she wasn't of any large portion of herself... But still maybe the glances pierced through..." }, { "author": "winweasel", "message": "The next thing Melancholia did was quite close to dying, on terms of pain level. Snapping off the horns she never noticed, the sensation made her painfully aware of the outside world, and not her strange fantasy land of thoughts. As a noxious blue tendril sprung up from the site of the stinging pain, Amythyst felt herself slipping again. She fell deeper and deeper once more, with not even pain being able to bringe her back to reality. At first, it didn't even hit her that their body went for Triticea. The lunge made her nauseous as her mind still felt so far behind their skin. \n\nMelancholia spoke to her, and Amythyst did as she was told. Sticking with her right writing hand, she curled and uncurled her fingers as Melancholia said something to Triticea. Something in Amythyst told her this wasn't the way. There had to be some other way to amend the wrong between Triticea and Melancholia. That's when she heard it.\n\nRight.\n\nWrong.\n\nNo one said the words. No one even thought them. But Amythyst could feel them, ringing in her ears like echoes. \n\nAs Melancholia's hit affected both of them, Amythyst two began to feel the agony and the twisting of Melancholia. It almost caused her to freeze up, but she clenched and unclenched her fist, finding the same focus is a numbing pain like the day at the quary after her little swim. Another lighting strike of pain hit the body as Triticea peeled flesh off the bones of the conjoined goddesses. \n\nAmythyst processed the words much later than the actions. The words were the thunder. \"Truly, such emotions and pain are unnatural. They are wrong.\" If her heart was already being finely sliced by Triticea's scythe then she might have felt more grief with that statement. Once more she clenched and unclenched her fist, suddenly noticing how her glasses had fog on the edges from her face being scalding hot.\n\nShe forced the body's eyes to glance at TSU's orange gas, yet Amythyst couldn't bring herself to focus on anything besides melancholia. They had to be in sync. They had to be together. For one final time, she flexed and unflexed her right hand. Still, there was so much agony, but the guiding light that was Melancholia was some sort of twisted hope. The hope to finally, finally die." }, { "author": "fire.turtle", "message": "Falls the nonexistent rain\nShe sees nothing beyond\nThe bloody blue stain of pain\n\nHer heart and spirit and reign\nCondense into one bond\nFalls the nonexistent rain\n\nShe punctures the lively vein\nBlood pools in a pitted pond\nThe bloody blue stain of pain\n\nThe beats in her bosom wane\nLast seconds of life abscond\nFalls the nonexistent rain\n\nGoddesses descend once again\nWhy would she not respond?\nThe bloody blue stain of pain\n\nThe end of an icy chain\nA death cursed with despond\nFalls the nonexistent rain\nThe bloody blue stain of pain\n\n....................\n\nAmythyst held one horn and Melancholia held the other. Together, they impaled their own heart. If they were not going to make it out alive, she was not going to grant Triticea victory.\n# are wrong.\"\nTheir empty eyes closed. The deity of sadness permitted a small smile to cross her blood-soaked face before their death, wordlessly gloating of their losing victory.\n The nonexistent rain.\n Bloody blue stain of pain." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "As her sister and former sister began to fall apart, she watched on with cold eyes. She had never been taken with trivial notions like Who had landed the killing blow. What mattered was the outcome, and the endiing to this battle was one she was satisfied with. Two of the four traitors had fallen, the other two either fleeing or having earned some semblance of mercy for betraying the back. She could feel it... Edon would not return. His eternal life had been a privilege he had given up when he had turned his back on their Creator. \n\nMelancholia... She was more unsure about, as was she with Amythyst. She wasn't sure about Anything With Amythyst, really, but all that mattered in the end was that the Betrayer Gods were scattered or slain. For now, at least, both of those once sisters of her were gone. She was not sure if Gaia had stripped them of their ability to return as well as she had done with Edon, but she prayed that they would not. That pain and suffering they had shared with her... She hoped they would not return for their sakes as much as her own. As upset as she was with them, they were still her siblings. Her thought process might be alien to them, but she still cared for them, in a twisted sort of way.\n\nBut speaking of her siblings... She turned her gaze upon those that were gathered here now. She gave a thankful gesture at Wyrd and Soldr, then looked upon the others with disappointment. Nach, who she had almost come to think of as reliable, and... Well, she didn't know most of the others. After the terrible actions of the Betrayers, though, the sloth of her siblings seemed to pale in comparison. She was sure she would be angry about it in time, but for now... She had other things to do. Ver Aura receded back into her skin, transported back to her daughter. Her sickles took their place, the familiar feeling of the Abundances helping her to calm herself. \n\n\"With that resolved, I will be taking my leave.\" She nodded at her allies, and then she was gone." } ]	552	43,151
534.2	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "peachmel.", "message": "Metamorphosis.\n\nA seed in a mother, most gods were on a mission to live and die. Xantara always wondered why she was always so serious about seeing other goods being born. After all, Xantara was the goddess of love, fertility, and motherhood. It reminded her of her own birth. Merging cells and flesh he was baby-building, all of his insides. The woman stared at the vapor and she smiled. It was always so beautiful when gods were born when they finally decided to make their memories evolve.\n\nIn the womb, he was let out, cutting the cord, and landing on the water. Through it, her mother Gaia was birthing. Merging spirit, mind, and body, building all of his insides, and getting ready for his future.\n\nConversations in the cosmos were over, and now Dhehstus was staring at his reflection. The goddess of love, Xantara a very beautiful being with pink skin and four eyes. Big butterfly wings, approached the newborn brother of her kind. Xantara could also be called, the chillest goddess since she doesn't even pay attention to red flags. She just... Exists.\n\nFinally, as she flew towards him, she was ready to let her brother join them. Or well introduce herself. She opened her wings, and as her slim and short figure stared at him, she instantly radiated a motherly aura, a warm and soft energy.\n\n\"Welcome brother, I am more than joyous for your arrival.\" Said the woman with a pretty voice. She was wearing a green dress covered with mushrooms and nature-like elements. And many butterflies were following her around. She smiled right to his face, as she watched the puddle.\n\n\"I see you found yourself, and you are indeed very beautiful.\" Xantara was not one to receive compliments, in fact, she gave them. She always spoke her truth, he used all of his words for a quick game. Xantara spoke in cursive, poignant, and assertive as if there were musical chairs in her teeth.\n\nShe was calm and ethereal. She flicked her wings as she spoke once again.\n\n\"My name is Xantara, Goddess of Love, Fertility, and Motherhood. What are you called? My dear brother?\" The love being or the so-called nymph introduced herself. She was not fiction, no fae, she wasn't going to make his wounds today, she was not crazy, she was not wild.\n\nShe would not suffer, or cry under covers. She was... Something like his mother more of the manic pixie older sister." }, { "author": "dylansbiggesthater", "message": "The voices in his head kept chatting to him, and he chatted back. Until there was a new voice, a different voice. Not your voice. One of the voices said. \"Not one of my voices.\" He echoed as he turned to see in front of him a strange, yet beautiful looking woman. Not in a romantic way, but something different. Something unfamiliar. You're crazy One of the voices said. Dhehstus couldn't help but chuckle. \n\nHe couldn't help but smile at the woman's kind words. The vapor seemed to dissapate from the bottom half of his face when he smiled, revealing bright white teeth. The upper half remained covered with the swirling vapor, making it appear as if the vapor came from his eyes. And despite his tattered rags and cloak, he had a rather clean appearance. His nails were clean, he didn't stink, and he had finely toned muscles.\n\nHer voice sent shivers down his spine and seemed to sooth the overwhelming voices in his head. It was a warmth he lacked in those dark rooms...\n\nThe sounds of someone scratching the concrete walls...\nRats screaming as a starving woman eats it alive.\nThe dark void that becomes your mind...\nThe smell of rotting bodies..\nGlimpses of men with knives and other eyrie looking weapons, holding it over your still body.\n\nHe snapped himself out of it, focusing on her voice. She asked you something.. A voice said. \"What am I?\" He wondered out loud. \"What am I called?\" \n\nYou're a god. One voice said. You're insane. Another said. No, you're Dhehstus.\n\n\"I got it! I'm Dhehstus, God of the Insane and mentally unwell!\" He nodded eagerly. Pleased with his conclusion. \"Yep. That sounds right.\"" }, { "author": "peachmel.", "message": "Right away he was tossing his dirty shoes in her washing machine heart. Her four eyes analyzed him with care. She got closer as she heard him gently. Another creature created from nothing. Was a god filled with essence or did essence not exist at all? As the vapor dissipated, the woman fixed her green dress.\n\nHe was still covered with vapor, the vapor coming from his eyes. She was glad she was the first one here. Xantara placed a hand on his cheek, just to analyze him. With a smile, the goddess of motherhood stared at him directly with her sweet demeanor. Her hand was cold. Yet it was a gentle cold. \n\nHer green eyes shined gently, and as she analyzed his body, she couldn't hear the voices in his head, but at least she could be silent enough to let him think. She was very short and skinny, and her butterfly-like wings were open and gently moving, opening once in a while to show how clear and silky they were.\n\nFinally, he introduced himself after his internal monologue. She looked at him as if he was her own son. Son of the heart, she caressed his cheek.\n\n\"Shush your gentle crying. I will always stand by your side, and never again might you be hurt.\" She looked at him. \"Your light-filled eyes... Crying shall not fill your eyes with fog. Dhehstus, it is great to meet you.\" She hummed gently as she flickered her wings with happiness.\n\n\"You are the son of Gaia. My brother.\" She said, smiling. \"Son, my beloved brother, I wouldn't mind suffering, like a sun, you will give me light and warmth in my life.\" She said, as she stopped caressing his cheek, and backed up. She was indeed a happy mother. For a moment she remembered when someone actually loved her. She felt so happy, all of those times they had spent together, it was... Gentle as she always dried her children's tears and shared their happiness with them.\n\nFrom season to season, between them there was a bond, only her and her children, like it was supposed to be. And if she was alone, her babies would be by her side.\n\nThat is how it was supposed to be. But time passed, just like her. Her creations seemingly forgot her. She was alone now. Sometimes she could hear their voices praying towards her. Xantara faced Dhehstus, She had found him, she gently held him, and smiled at him. She loved everyone unconditionally. When somebody loved her... She was happy. They spent their nights and dawns full of hunger, navigating a world that changed every few moments.\n\n\"I would love for you to tell me your ideas brother.\"\n\nThey shall leave and create their own future. They were like two birds. One tried to fly away and the other watched him close from where she was standing. She wanted to see his future.\n\n\"I will believe it all, there's nothing I won't understand.\" She said. The goddess of love was compassionate, loving, and motherly. She was going to take care of those who needed her." }, { "author": "dylansbiggesthater", "message": "As she spoke, the voices seemed to fade away. It was as if a mothers love was the cure to his insanity. Or, maybe, at the very least, it was enough to calm the insanity. For the first time since his rebirth, the voices weren't talking. He felt... Okay. \n\nThe vapor seemed to react to the woman's touch, revealing his full face. His eyes were a sharp, beautiful blue. And yet, they had an emptiness to them. Like looking into a black void, if the void was empty. He still smiled, but it was more gentle. He had a narrow face, with a medium sized nose and thin lips. The vapor remained on his head, acting in replacement of his hair. \n\nHer soothing words... His empty eyes couldn't help but suddenly be filled with the slightest of tears. The empty void of his eyes now swimming like the deep, dark, depths of an ocean. The voices in his head slept peacefully, and with it came peace of mind. Everything felt like it would be okay. \n\nAs the butterfly woman stepped back, the voices seemed to return. And with it, the vapor. As if returning to hide his face. And with it, they had their own answers to the goddess' questions. \n\nA safe place. One said Encourage insanity Another said. Cure us. The voices stacked upon one another, causing him to grip his head, as if holding back a migraine. He took a deep breath. \"I...\" He hesitated. The vapor seemed to swirl around him more, and became thick like fog. Within the fog, it seemed as if distant cries of mercy, sobs, and even laughter came from within. \n\n\"A realm for the mentally unwell. A safe place for their minds to wander. I will embrace their insanity and pain, so that they won't have to.\" He said. \"Their mortal bodies shall not feel the pain that their souls and heart bring forth.\" \n\nHe felt reassurance at his own answer. This was his purpose." }, { "author": "peachmel.", "message": ",The woman stared at him with her big four eyes. She was beautiful, perfection at every angle. The true form of a woman, the real form of perfection. Her eyes stared at him with love. When she saw his full face, she placed her hand once again on his cheek, lovingly. He was so beautiful, She looked at his hair, and she just brushed the vapor with her palm. Her touch was gentle. Her heart was soft and warm, and she was just nice.\n\nShe gently listened to him. As he gripped his head, Xantara didn't force himself on him, she just allowed him to do his thing. Xantara was getting older... She was growing and maturing very fast, and she happily enjoyed it after all, being a mother was her dream. He took a deep breath and allowed him to speak.\n\nShe didn't know what to do without her children, she didn't know where to put her hands. Xantara has been trying to rest, but she was unable to rest. She didn't need the world to see that she had been the best she could be. She listened to him with a gentle smile.\n\n\"That sounds... So brave and lovely my child.\" She said gently, walking closer as her ethereal being caressed now his shoulders. She missed her real babies more than anything. Her heart was banging up inside. Xantara looked at him, allowing him to toss her problems in her heart. She would help him, even if they broke her heart once again.\n\n\"You are so amazing.\" She knew who she pretended he was. The goddess of love opened her arms to give him a gentle hug. Her skin was soft and warm, yet scaly like a snake. She was cutting her deal, chemically calm. She was meant to be happy in front of her 'child'. \n\n\"Your purpose is so brave and filled with love... I totally would love to let you grow and create, that realm you are so eager for...\" Xantara knew what newborn gods wanted to be and wanted to be, they were like a self-fulfilled prophecy. They had a one-track mind, a one-track heart, and sometimes they failed and broke down.\n\nYet they would have to pick themselves up to avoid that.\n\nXantara was a woman who would never feed anyone who bit her. She wasn't going to be mistreated, it took her way too long to put that to bed, but loving her was lethal, and sometimes others might call her evil for that. But she wasn't, she was someone who loved too much and sometimes she used to love too much as well. \n\nHer heart was way too big to let people suffer... Blue stars running down her forehead, mushrooms all over her dress. He was going crazy every day, but Xantara really wanted to stay. She knew ways to let them lose his head... If he wanted to run with the magic...\n\nThe air was filled with her pheromones, blue stars falling down the upper branches. Some might say that there were whispers that said.\n\n\"Somewhere on Venus they are searching for me, while I am covered with mud from the earth and the sea. I keep leaning toward dying in all of my dreams...\" She said. \"That's what the stars say.\"" } ]	538	2,671
727	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "kuromi5234", "message": "Back she was. \n\nDiova had found herself, well a fragment of herself, back at the tree. Back to Gaia. The Goddess observed the bark, putting her hand up to it and running her hand down it softly. She placed her forehead up to her mother's trunk and sighed, her lip quivered as she held back a sob. She didn't know why she came here. To think? For comfort? It's not like their Mother was sentient... To a noticeable degree anyways, yet Diova ran to her mother when everything seemed to be going wrong.\n\nPerhaps she found her mother comforting? But why? It's not like Gaia could whisper sweet words to her, or offer her a hug, or even guidance. In the end, Diova was a child at heart, a confused lonely child who just wanted company. She'd remove her forehead and look up to Gaia, going up to one of her branches, it was the same branch she'd sit at. She had chosen one specifically that tickled her fancy, she took a seat and hung her legs over to swing them looking out to the plethora of realms before her. The view never failed to take her breath away. \n\nShe ran her hands along the branch and sighed. A lot of things have happened at the tree, she met a lot of God's, a lot of her siblings. Some of which she hadn't seen in a while, a small frown appearing on her face as she recalled faces she wasn't too fond of meeting. Diova pulled her feet up and hugged her legs, resting her chin on her knees her hair falling over her body like a blanket as she shut her eyes. She allowed her mind to wander, trying to think of any pleasant memories she had associated with the tree. \n\nOf Course.\n\nPureman. The voice in her head whispered, for once, the voice was calm, maybe even happy recalling her brother. The thought of him made her lips curve into a smile, her face lighting up as she let out a small giddy giggle. It was short lived as she recalled Edon, shivering a bit as she thought back on their interaction in her realm. He had mentioned him, and it had triggered a spiral for her, maybe that's why she came here? Did she hope that he'd show? That she wouldn't have to go out of her way to beg him to see her? That she'd feel wanted if he showed up?\n\nWhy?\n\nIt was the same question she'd ask herself for everything. Why? There's a reason for everything, there has to be, right? It's simple logic. It has to be. There's an answer for everything. But finding that answer was getting harder and harder. She groaned loudly and laid down upon the branch, facing the sky, her long hair cascading down like a spiderweb. Only the two strands remained to cover her chest and other areas. Diovas chest rose and fell as she simply breathed, she was tired but God's didn't sleep. Right? Not like she ever tried. They had no need for it.\n\nThe Goddess shut her eyes, leaving only her third eye open, she couldn't be too careful...\n\nIn through the nose.\nHold.\nOut through the nose.\nRepeat.\n\nShe tried to rest, tried to relax, but Diova only ended up opening her eyes again to see branches upon branches. No luck. She turned to her side and fidgeted with a strand of hair, her eyelids felt heavy. Her mind found its way back to Pureman, their first meeting was on this branch, probably explains why she's so drawn to it. Their first meet up was here too, as well as...\nDiova gently placed her hand near her eye recalling their last meeting. She winced but that was all in the past, she had no ill will against her sibling. She could never hate him. \n\nShe cared too much.\n\nSomething that would either be her greatest trait or worst flaw." }, { "author": "gonglblin", "message": "Bough by bough, branch by branch. Slow progress that was oh-so easily undone. Each crevice, each little divot in Gaia's bark was thoroughly expunged of filth. Filth that was bound to return- a fact he was deliberately choosing to ignore; at least for now. For the past several weeks, or perhaps months, Pureman had been in a frenzied state. Speaking to no one, never resting. Simply performing the only duty that was ever going to make him happy. It was that way by design, of course. With each particulate of dust burned away into the ether, with each unfortunate bird or invertebrate sent screaming headlong into oblivion was felt a tiny jolt. Satisfaction. Joy. The simple pleasure of a job well done. The only kind of pleasure he had been created to experience.\n\nWhy was it, then, that he craved something more? He knew it was futile. That it could never compare, if only because it was never meant to. Not for him, at least. In truth, his return to his former occupation was a desperate attempt to scrounge up the slightest amount of motivation. Gaia's branches were innumerable, and splitting his being enough to clean all of them would no doubt leave him vulnerable to all manner of attacks. As such, the God of Purity had been doing each one with All Of his being. \n\nFlitting to the top of another branch, he heard a familiar sound. One that snapped him out of his frenzied trance.\n\nThat breathing...\n\nIt was awfully familiar. A habit of Hers.\n\nHe wheeled around, exclaiming in an abnormally excited voice-\n\n\"Sister?\"" }, { "author": "kuromi5234", "message": "A melody, a familiar melody. His Melody, Did I finally go crazy? Diova thought she hadn't noticed Pureman, just his voice. She was too deep in thought to realize he was actually here, her eyes fluttered open as she sat up and met eyes with a familiar triangular silhouette. Like a giddy child her face lit up and she let out an excited scream, she stumbled to her feet and ran over to him, a huge smile upon her pale face. \n\nFor a second Pureman looked... Different, in his place, instead of a masked man there stood a tall figure with dark locks. His hair hung above his shoulders and swooped to the left side of his face, he had gentle brown eyes and thick eyebrows as well as a tuft of facial hair above his lips that framed his comforting smile and lips that spoke her name. Diova looked down, her skin now a caramel tint as her hair twisted into curls and darkened to a deep brown, it hung past her shoulders and her face was framed by straight bangs. \n\nFor a second, Diova recalled a memory, a happy memory. Deja vu. Had this happened before? Nostalgia. Had she been longing for something? While she looked different, she didn't feel different, that was her.\n\nA new feeling.\nA new yearning.\nA new realization.\nAn old memory.\n\nIt Was Her.\n\n The illusion faded as fast as it entered her mind. She stopped a few inches in front of Pureman, her arms open for a hug, she noticed and quickly put them to her side, how could she forget such an obvious boundary? For a moment it felt... Natural. The goddess quickly collected herself and smoothed the strands of hair that hung above her shoulders. \"Brother!\" She exclaimed happily, leaning in a little and blowing kisses into the air on either side of Pureman. \"I was hoping to see you! Such a pleasure as always come come!\" She turned and skipped over to where she had been laying previously, tapping a spot beside her, inviting the God to sit. \"What have you been up to? Tell me everything! Oh! You wont believe who was in my realm, some huge serpent named Edon, he mentioned you, are you two friends?\" As usual, the Goddess unwinded, words spilling from her mouth as she went on and on about things her sibling missed. \"Ugh then he made such a mess of things? Like how rude can you be? I even welcomed some of his critters into my realm, you think he'd be at least grateful. Though I did tease him a bit so I guess that was his form of punishment, but let me tell you he'd be more tolerable if he didn't talk as much oh-\" Diova caught the irony in the middle of her rant and put a hand to her mouth sheepishly adjusting her posture. \"Sorry I seem to be a bit excited, how long has it been since our last encounter hmm?\"\n\n\"Let's have a talk, yeah?\"" }, { "author": "gonglblin", "message": "Though he flinched away from the unconscious attempt at a hug, he did not seem angry or even upset at the gesture. Instead, he tentatively outstretched a hand, allowing his hand to rest atop Diova's head. Then, awkwardly- almost mechanically, he lifted and lowered his outstretched arm in an... Approximation Of a pat on the head. It lasted less than three seconds, and his arm almost flew out of its socket with how quickly he pulled it away, but an effort had been made nonetheless. A barely perceptible plume of smoke curled from his fingers, the offending hand quickly hidden behind his back. Quite frankly, there is no Polite Way to tell someone their hair is dirty.\nThe three-eyed man spoke little as he took a seat next to his Sister. He knew very well how talkative she would get when she was excited. He allowed his legs to dangle from the branch, feeling the stress of the past week melting away already. What a reward this was. What a reward, indeed. He engaged with his sibling in the conversation, in such a way that he could not with any other.\n\n\"It is good to see you. I... Felt your absence. It was not pleasant.\" He admitted. \"As for what I have been doing, I have been, um...\" Flashes of his frenzied cleaning spree up and down the world tree invaded his mind. There was no point in worrying Diova. She had enough to deal with already, that much he knew. Pureman was a bad liar, so he dressed the truth in a way that made it seem more appealing.\n\n\"Gardening. It is dull, heavy, and thorough work. I aim to stop doing it altogether in due time. I am sick of the endless repetition of maintaining the innumerable branches.\"\n\nIt had been a long while since he'd spoken this much. He was fairly sure he might have messed up the timing or tone of a few words, but those were things that could be addressed over the course of his 'downtime'.\n\nOf course, when Diova brought up the name 'Edon' he was surprised. Both by her lack of knowledge on the... Particularly infamous deeds of the Serpent of Fate, and the fact that he had visited her realm personally. His voice was tinged with bitterness, and regret as he spoke about the serpent. It had been a long while since he'd last spoken to him. A long, long while. Pureman cleared his throat, hoping his momentary hesitation would be mistaken for something else, but knowing that it wouldn't.\n\n\"...We are not friends. I find it difficult to talk about him, but I will tell you what I know of him if you wish, Sister.\"\n\nHe avoided eye contact, choosing to stare into the void instead, watching the distant realms glimmer and glisten, just like on that day all those years ago. Her First Day, as it happens.\n\n\"A talk. I would like that.\"" }, { "author": "kuromi5234", "message": "When the subject of Edon was mentioned again Diova noticed Puremans obvious change in tone. As well as him avoiding her gaze. As curious as she was she couldn't care less about what some morally ambiguous God had to say about his ties with her brother. It was clearly a sore subject so maybe it was best to move past it. \"I wish no such thing!\" She concluded, pushing whatever questions she had to the back of her head. \"Why talk about something you aren't comfortable with hmmm?\" She cooed, reassuring him that the topic wasn't going to be brought up again. Seemed like this was something she was going to have to figure out herself in due time. The Goddess revisited Puremans previous statement, Gardening? Seems like a hobby he'd enjoy, she pondered. From what she remembered when watching Olet she noticed the Pure realms land were well kept, not surprising considering what kind of god her brother was. But something told her that wasn't it. She had lost connection with Olet for a short period of time, perhaps she could bring that up? What occurred within those few minutes? Question was, would he even tell her? Puremans face was filled with doubt, Diova recognized the change in attitude all too well, though his expression wasn't visible Diova could see him hesitating, thinking too hard about what to say and how to say it. His tone was forced to appeal to her more, he had several pauses in between words or sometimes none at all. She raised an eyebrow and shot him an obvious glare.\n\n\"I don't like being lied to, you know.\" She said in a rather blunt tone, crossing her legs. \"You sure suck at it~ My aren't you easy to read~?\" She followed up her voice now a tad more sultry as she leaned closer to her brother so that he could see her expression knowing she was right. \"Why do you feel the need to lie to me, Pureman? Something you don't want me to know? Don't want to worry me? Are you trying to protect me or something? Protect this vision of you I look up to? I idolize? Is it something bad?\" Questions and questions poured from Diovas mouth as her curiosity found its way back into the pools of doubt. Did he not trust her? Did he not think she was strong enough to handle what he was hiding?\n\n\"I worry about you, Pureman.\" She said quietly, her tone was sharp, she wanted to make sure he was listening. \"How often do we see each other? How many times do those interactions end on a reassuring note?\" She asked, placing her hands on her thighs and she uncrossed her legs. They remained still, she didn't swing them. \"I want to confess something, I am a lonely Goddess lately I have tried to fill this weird void within me. This odd sense of emptiness that won't go away, I only feel full when I receive this feeling that I believe is love. I had a demigod with another God. I have two different demigods with two different Gods. Both of which I no longer wish to recall. It feels... Awful.\" She confessed, her expression changed into one of disappointment. Her lip twitched recalling her children as well as past lovers. \"I feel as though I'm the issue, I'm the problem, I'm the cause for my own depression. It's what mother made me for, perhaps a life lesson to better myself and perhaps gain the knowledge to share the solutions with others. Whenever it is, I find it.\" She continued, her voice was shaking a bit, she paused to swallow. \"I don't know what I'm doing wrong, I don't know how to keep this Love Thing each time it has ended in disaster and yet I constantly want it.\"\n\n...\n\n\"What I mean to say is, don't be a stranger okay? Don't hide things just for my sake, please do not underestimate me.\" Diova held out her hand and hovered it above Puremans in a weird sense of comfort without actually touching him. \"I truly only have you, you have seen me at my lowest, one day I hope you see me at my best, you motivate me you know? You make me want to better myself so you're reassured I'm okay. And if I am, that means I can make sure you're okay too.\" Diova turned her body to face Pureman, her hand moving up to guide his head to face her.\n\n\"Hear me when I say this.\"\nShe muttered placing her hands to her chest and steadying her breathing.\n\n\"No matter what comes, no matter what occurs, no matter how you feel towards me. I will forever have unconditional, undying, unceasing love for you. I have noticed that love comes in different forms, whatever I feel towards you is not romantic but familial. For as long as I live I will side with you and care for you and protect you. While my stature appears pathetic and weak I will forever cherish you. You've helped in more ways than I can remember. Please believe I am capable of returning the favor.\"\n\n\"I promise.\"\n\nShe said, her expression was gentle, her gaze softened and a caring smile painted her lips. She meant what she said, this would be a promise she'd tie to herself and make sure to fulfill.\n\n\"So tell me, what is it you've been up to?\"" }, { "author": "gonglblin", "message": "And with those words, the facade melted away. He lowered his head in shame. It was not often that he did so. He was genuinely embarrassed- not only because he had been caught in a lie, but because he had lied in the first place. It was not in his nature to do so. In fact, it was quite the opposite. It felt like a violation of his own standards in an attempt to appease someone else's. Someone whose opinion he Actually Cared about.\n\n\"I wanted...\" He began, but the words died in his throat. What did he want? In his heart he knew, but it seemed to trivial. So... Stupid. He glanced up at Diova, struggling to maintain eye contact as his eyes darted from her to the ground. The fingers of his right hand tapped on the wood of the branch rhythmically, one after another, from index to pinkie, and back again. He considered his feelings, considered his words, considered his options, and spoke in a solemn, low tone.\n\n\"I want you to think I am... Cool. Nobody else does.\" He confessed, \"I do not want to be worried about. I Loathe Being pitied.\"\nHe paused again, balling his hands into fists, he tried to think of what to say next. He felt silly. Childish, even, for saying something so immature. Conversations such as these are a difficult endeavour, even for a god.\n\n\"I am ashamed that I worry you. It displeases me that this pattern has formed between us and our conversations.\"\n\nHe stayed silent as he listened to Diova speak of her previous relationships. There were concepts she spoke of that confused him, to say the least. Things that he had never felt and as such could not understand. Romance, loneliness. But there was something there that even He Could understand. Yearning, craving for something more. Something that eludes you at every turn. He remained silent until she had finished speaking. At last, he allowed his eyes to settle on her face. It was comfortable, pleasant to do so, even.\n\n\"Ah. I see.\"\nThough his words seemed neutral, there was an edge of warmth to his town, a hint of bittersweet joy in his pearl-white eyes. Imperceptible to most others, perhaps. But not to her. Not to Diova.\n\n\"I have been... Cleaning. I do not know for how long. I am exhausted, but it is the only thing that can satisfy me in this life. I desire... Deeply... To change my circumstances. My search mirrors your own, Sister. Know that you will never walk this path alone.\"\n\nHe sighed, allowing the tension in his body to wash away as he vented the accumulated stress.\n\n\"I could never underestimate you, Diova. I worry that You Overestimate me.\"" }, { "author": "kuromi5234", "message": "Diova sat still, almost in shock. This was the most she'd ever heard her brother talk, this was the most vulnerable she'd ever seen Pureman. Something told her she'd be the last, she reveled in it, smiling softly as he spoke. That same melody she loved so much played throughout the branches, but only for her ears. Only for her. Though more mellow it was still his, and it would be something she would forever appreciate. She waited for a rest in the continuous melody before speaking up herself.\n\nShe couldn't help but stifle a small chuckle at his statement, \"Are you kidding? You're the coolest person I know~\" She reassured, kicking up her legs to sit in a criss-cross position in order to face Pureman. She meant it, it was because of him she refused to connect with any other deities. She was frightened, she hated the thought of replacing him, there was no one who could ever compare to her brother. Sometimes... She wondered if that was her projecting. Lately she'd have that same foreboding feeling, a new feeling that Diova didn't want to address. It wasn't something nice like love, lust, or peace. But rather rone that would add to her already inevitable downfall. She felt a sort of envy, but not towards her brother, but those who wanted to get close to him or even associate themselves with him. She'd resent anyone who brought up his name that wasn't hers, beginning to doubt her own status in which he viewed her. She hated this emotion, it stemmed from insecurity and lack of trust and even worse, doubt. It was another emotion that would feed into her domain and push down on her. She didn't let her mind wander whilst with her sibling and instead tried focusing on his gaze, she fixated on it, squinting a little in hopes of peering inside the little triangles on his helmet. Her dull pink eyes would see his bright pearlescent ones and she smiled. Because of his facial covering Diova often felt it added to her already emotionally distant brother, but being able to see his eyes looking back towards hers gave her a sense of relief. \n\nShe listened to his rant and nodded along, though when he finished she couldn't stop her lips from going into a small frown regarding his last statement. \"Cleaning you say... The last thing I recall was something you somewhat enjoyed doing. I'm sorry that whatever has happened has made you start to maybe loathe it. It's frustrating having only one outlet to calm down. But as you said, we aren't alone in this. Though we don't have to get into the specifics of our troubles I think we can gather enough context to know how to help one another.\" She pondered, tapping her hands against her inner thighs. While she was reassured Pureman didn't belittle her she felt worse placing some kind of expectations on him. \"I don't deem that true brother, I simply hold you to a high level. And you forever meet that vision I have of you because well, I think you're incredible and wish to be like you. Even if you wont tell me everything I trust you follow your morals and do what's right. You are and will never be anything less to me. Okay?\" The goddess ranted, her oblivious sight of her brother was pitiful yet endearing. To Diova she only knew Pureman as the first God to talk to her, to tolerate her actions and emotions, who enjoyed her company as she did his.\n\n\"Plus I didn't exactly think You Could give me boy advice~\" She teased, giggling a bit and she wiggled her shoulders. \"You know... When I saw you, just a moment ago. You looked different, it feels weird to say but you felt more familiar than usual. Does... That even make sense?\" Diova leaned back to lay down on her mothers branches, hesitant to continue, was this something she could discuss? Was this allowed? \n\n\"Pureman..\" She began, moving her hands up to her chest as she let down one of her legs to hang. \"Do you ever think like... We met before?\" The question felt too broad, but she was too curious to not ask, she wanted to know if he experienced the same sort of weird deja vu she had. \"Like... Before this... Like in another time... Another... Life?\" She fell silent as she finished looking up to gaze on Gaias branches to distract herself from whatever fear she felt asking that question. Would he understand? Was it something everyone experienced, would he believe her? \n\nWould he remember her too?" } ]	628	5,089
449.166667	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "flamenami", "message": "The Upper Branches had always been a comforting place for Triticea to be when she had a lot on her mind, so it was no surprise to anyone that knew her~~, which was just her mortals,~~ that she'd come here after everything that had gone down. It was a rare occurrence that she be spotted outside her realm, but she'd needed the feeling of her mother's wood beneath her hands to destress. The winds howling atop the highest branches of the World Tree were cold enough to freeze any mortal solid, but to one of Gaia's children it was pleasantly chilly. For the first time in a few weeks, she was at last able to sink into her thoughts, a small swarm of Granum fluttering around and keeping watch for any trouble.\n\nLeft alone with her thoughts, she could not help but wonder what had gone wrong with her siblings. Wyrd and Soldr had showed the sense of duty expected of them as Gaia's children, but the others had shown themselves to be neglectful of their duties at best, and outright opposed to their Creator at worst. She wondered if she would be the same, had she not so intrinsically understood the process of propagation. As a goddess of the harvest, she knew better than anyone how much effort went into growing a crop into adulthood, and how hard the Tree worked to create them.\n\nShe felt her nails dig into the bark of the branch as anger bubbled in her chest. For so many of her siblings to turn their backs on the very mother that had worked so hard to create them... How could anyone do something so detestable without an ounce of remorse on their face? Triticea wanted to do something. She wanted to set her siblings straight and purge the ones who refused to behave. Sinrael, Sanskrit, and Melancholia... She would not forget them. She would not allow their wrongdoings to be forgotten.\n\nShe remembered a secret that someone had whispered to her a long time ago, an extreme measure that would stop the perpetrators from recommitting. She wondered if maybe...\n\nShe should use it. " }, { "author": "sociablealarm13", "message": "As Triticea rested here, fluctuation between her own emotions, an eye was watching her. Through a black reflective mirror a figure peered unseen, though eventually the mirror rippled like water and a hand extended out from drenched and dripping with a black tar that poured downwards. Her pale skin soon revealed with her true forms appearance. Clothing and a hood that seemed to constantly billow made of smoke and her face mostly hidden. The mirror vanished and she waved to Triticea though she was behind her. The Goddess of Fear and Discord spoke with a genuine tone of patience and suspense. \n\n\"Sister Triticea... Now I know we may not be on the best of terms, but I beg of you for a moment... Hear me out. Allow me to confess to you my reasoning, as invalid as you may find it to be. I promise you... Once I have spoken my piece your... Worry and fear that I am against Mother Gaia shall go from your body and divine soul.\" \n\nSinrael bore no weapons on her but her body itself and her power. She was already in one fight at the moment and knew should a second one occur it would be a busy and dangerous day. She also knew in her mind that Triticea was far more deadly a combatant than little Pyralith. \n\n\"I do not come bearing my gifts of discord strife nor fear to bear upon you today. I come offering truth for I know your justice seeking heart cries out for truth and understanding...\"" }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "She was aware of her sister before she opened her eyes. The Granum acted as her eyes and ears, living drones for her to use. The Wheatmother remained motionless save for her mouth as she began to speak with a far less patient tone than Sinrael was using. \"It is only because I know that you would not approach me without some way to escape that I am not killing you.\" Her voice was silent, but each word seemed to drip with venom. \"I would advise that you finish this conversation before I use this fragment of you to find your main body.\" It was not an ability that she had ever used, nor was it anything that she had ever tried, but this traitorous sister of hers did not need to know that. \n\nShe fell silent, giving her sister time to explain herself. However, that did not mean that she had much patience for this, as evidenced by her tapping on the branch. It was pretty clear from her hostile demeanour that she was not inclined to believe anything that Sinrael said, even if she happened to tell the truth. From the twitch of her fingers, she didn't do a good job of hiding how eager she was to destroy Sinrael. It was only because this fragment of the darker deity was so small that she did not instantly act to send this shard of Sinrael back to the main body.\n\nAround them, plants were beginning to sprout out of the ground. Various crops were rapidly growing all along the branch, sensing the goddess' anger and responding to try and reach her. At the very least, they didn't seem to be harmful to Sinrael yet, though if this conversation went badly, that would probably change quite quickly. The silence that hung in the air in the brief interval between Triticea closing her mouth and Sinrael opening hers seemed to stretch out for an infinity as the tension mounted." }, { "author": "sociablealarm13", "message": "Sinrael floated through the space, her lower half trailing behind her like smoke following her figure. The wicked goddess gave a scoff and a gesture outwards. \"I have no easy plans of escape... I will not need to. And if you want my primary form... It always rests in my Phobatorium. Always.\" She then ceased her gesturing and pointed to Gaia herself. \n\n\"My first of three defenses and points is simple and plain. I was only doing my duty...\" At first her phrasing seemed odd, almost perplexing until she proceeded further. \n\n\"I was born as Goddess of Discord, Strife and Fear. This domain is my Gaia given duty and birthright. Gaia knows and you certainly know, for you are not stupid, that I did not expect such an impactful ritual to work with so few gods. I barely expected it to work at all... Buuuut... The amount of discord, strife, fear, paranoia, distrusts, and fucking conflict we created?!?! Fucking fantastic!\" \n\nShe conjured an illusionary map of all the realms and Gaias branches, swirling some storms and causing illusory chaos. \"Gaia is not good or evil. She is simply right... Much like the Gods she birthed. I may be a God of a darker nature and Gaia given domain... But I do as I was designed to do by our Mother. Do you not see the evidence?\" \n\nShe then shifted it to create an illusion of black smoke resembling Wyrd and his actions during the ritual. \"Do you not see that I, of all the true participants, retained my immortality? And yes... It was Wyrd who interrupted but do you not think perhaps... It was Gaia who observed me doing my divine duty and decided to cause Wyrds little intervention to 'accidentally' save my immortality? Perhaps it was her will acting through him for i assure you... Saving me was not his intention.\" She gave a wild chuckle and then conjured smoke illusions of her fellow villains. Melancholia, Edon, Savarii, Sanskrit and Thana. She hovered over to Melancholia first and gestured. \n\n\"Poor Melancholia, obsessed with Edon simply because she is ->\n\n-obsessed with the idea of loving and being loved truly. I will not cry and whine like she did. I will admit my acts were... Heinous to say the least but not once did I act outside of Gaias will.\" She then moved on to Edons illusion figure. \n\n\"Fragile Edon, he too knew the ritual would not work. Yes he was angry but he was no fool... He simply wished for death. So he obtained it.\" She floated over to Sanskrit and Thana. \n\n\"These two... Both were only there because they are young and we're convinced by far more cunning gods to be there... Or perhaps they were born there unwillingly.\" Finally she floated over to Savarii. \n\n\"My secondary point: Poor, selfish Savarii. She did not seek love or death or divine duty. She sought to scheme and plot and plan... She hungered for power like everything else she craves... That is the difference between she and I.\" She pushed away most of the illusions and left Savarii there to compare too. \n\n\"Unlike Savarii... You will never see me act out on my own grand schemes or plans of selfish villainy. No, I do not create problems or plans of my own truly... I simply fan the flames, i simply play with the strings that were given to me. I give a nudge or a shove when it is needed. I do not birth evil ideas, I simply do as I was born to do.\" Finally after dissipating the illusions all together she floated close to Triticea and spread her arms out. \n\n\"I am like you in one way, sister. You sew and reap harvest, I sew and reap my own harvest. As is my birthright and duty given by Gaia. Mustnt Discord occur to learn from and adapt? Should strife not exist across all realms and thus devoid mortals and gods alike of free will? Should fear be null and void, so that none know safety, security and sanity?\" She looked directly at Triticea. No fear in her own eyes, no worry or caution. \n\n\"I may be a wicked, foul being... I may loooooove the taste of fear and insecurity or the sight of infighting and drama... But above all else ->>\n\n->I am a hard fucking worker. I do my Gaia given job consistently, constantly and masterfully! What I have given up to do this... Duty, is inconsequential for I do love my work.\"" }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "Sinrael was not the first of the traitor god to try and get her to see them as right. Savarii and Melancholia had both tried and failed to sway her. Of all of the attempts that she'd been offered to change her mind, this one was no doubt the best. Unlike the others who had appealed to worthless emotions, Sinrael's argument actually targetted what Triticea did care about. Even the seemingly unshakeable Wheatmother could not deny the points that the goddess of discord was making. Discord Was Her domain. Causing trouble Was The purpose that Gaia had created her to carry out, and she had been the only one who had contributed her magic to the ritual to not be rendered mortal.\n\nUnlike Savarii, Sinrael was actually taking some responsibility for her actions. Triticea could appreciate that. Unlike Melancholia, Sinrael did not whine about fickle emotions that the Wheatmother did not care about. She also appreciated that. There was a long silence that seemed to stretch out for infinitum as the goddess of the harvest mulled over her sister's words. The light buzz of the Granum swarm flying in circles around her seemed to only add to the long moment where Triticea considered the argument that her discordant sister had made. She drummed her fingers against her biceps, before finally, she spoke.\n\n\"Well put, Sinrael.\" Her voice was still tense, but a touch less hostile than before. \"I will admit, I did not expect you to make such a compelling argument. I do see your point.\" A moment of silence, to allow the younger goddess to absorb that.\n\n\"However.\"\n\nTriticea didn't turn, but the air seemed to grow heavier. \"This does not absolve you completely of suspicion.\" She threaded her fingers together. \"But I suppose it is enough for you to not be outcasted the way I intend to to Melancholia and Sanskrit.\" At long last, she turned back with an expression of supreme unamusement. \"But I will continue to keep an eye on you at events. You are not to die, but not to be trusted either.\"" }, { "author": "sociablealarm13", "message": "The discordian goddess gave a smile and a simple bow to Triticea. Her throat let loose another cackle and she spoke again, waving her hand to cause her mirror to shimmer for a moment. \n\n\"I did not and do not aim to be trusted, I aimed to reach an understanding... And we have. I will admit sister, to trust me would be stupid... And you are not stupid.\" \n\nSinrael began to step into her mirror, only allowing her torso and up to still be exposed and visible. \"Remember this Harvest Sister. I sew discord as you sew seeds... All I do is in the name of my domain.\" \n\nAnd with that she went through the rest of the mirror into her demiplane before the mirror shattered and its pieces fell into the void below." } ]	405	2,695
113.461538	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "Agnia was indifferent she was grumbling and frustrated, Olivia hadn't been back to the realm for several days. So she decided to venture down the tree and while she was walking she saw a fruit fall and splatter open dropping the god inside unceremoniously. It was like the tree itself was ridding itself of another god, like one would drop trash.\n\nThere was only a small part of her that cared, she was mostly curious as she walked up to the god she laughed.\n\n\"So the tree just dropped you huh? What's your name? I'm Agnia and I'm a demigod.\"" }, { "author": "volsunin", "message": "\"Demigod hm? My name is Iustitia. And yes I suppose the tree did just drop me but it wasn't like I wanted to leave. Sometimes things must be forced I suppose.\" He wasn't exactly all to pleased with being laughed at but ignored it. After all this was the first person he's met. Perhaps it's just their way. \"So what brings you down to me? And what's your purpose?\"\n\nJust as how Agnia was curious so to was Iustitia curious about her and her purpose. Her reason for being there and finally \"And what are you the demigod of?\" His posture was straight and his hands behind his back as he waited for her response. Newly birthed but had a regal manner about him." }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "```so what brings you down to me? Whats your purpose?```\nShe scoffed \"My god hasn't been back to her realm for a long time, she created me and then she just left and hasn't been back. I got bored and started walking the tree when your fruit broke open not far from me\"\n\n```and what are you the demigod of?```\nShe huffed with impatience\n\"I am the demigod of Olivia god of fire and hate. And why wouldn't you want to leave your fruit? Isn't it cramped being all squished like a bug in there? If I were you I'd be anxious to break out just to stretch...\"" }, { "author": "volsunin", "message": "\"I know not what it is like for others but for me the fruit was comforting and warm. Like being cradled. It was familiar. And despite its seeming size, it was actually quite spacious on the inside.\" He noted her scoffs and huffs and figured she was an arrogant sort as he then asked and began to walk gesturing for her to follow\n\n\"So you're the Demigod of Fire and Hate? Interesting mix.\" Firey's Passionate Hate for those who wrong you was what he thought the domains meant. A vengeance deity potentially. Or one that could set others against one another. So many possibilities rang through his head." }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "Agnia smiled perhaps for the first time in her life\nYeah it can be tricky sometimes it feels like there's nothing but hate... But there's a tiny part of me that really doesn't want to be hateful. She paused as she thought about that little part of her, then just as quickly as the mask came down she shoved it back up and she had her hard demeanor back\n\n\"Buuut love is for weaklings! And I am Not A weakling!\"" }, { "author": "volsunin", "message": "\"Oh? But doesn't it motivate people to do things? Those who've loved ones will seek vengeance for their deaths. Those who have lost them to kidnappers will seek to free them. Love empowers people to do things for them. In my thoughts at least.\"\n\nAnd as the demeanor shifted for but an ever so brief moment the newly born god smirked as he continued to walk and soon he changed the subject as he said \"But you are more experienced than I am. Tell me everything. Who is Olivia? What are some other gods you know? What other beings exist? Any Laws or Rules I should be aware of?\"" }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "She laughed I am.Not much older than you and to tell you the truth this is my first time venturing out if my realm so... I don't know anything but I do know my godess before she went to the upper branches\" As she was talking she heard a shrill scream and she looked up to see her godess as a giant squid and heard her say\n Will die today\nAnd a shudder ran down her spine\n\n\"The giant squid above is my godesses final form... The corruption is complete... She was corrupted by melancholia and has progressively been getting more snappy and angry... I just hope when she returns beaten she will figure out how to fight the corruption\" \n\n# her mask crumbled\n\nShe began to cry \"I am so scared I won't have a mother she's the closest thing I've ever had to having a mother...\"\n\n# mask went back up \n\"I don't need her anyway!\" \n\nShe crossed her arms and stuck her nose in the air" }, { "author": "volsunin", "message": "\"Oh my. Corruption? Melancholia? Who is that and what do you mean?\" That got Iustitia more and more curious. Did he wish to comfort her? Aye. But he won't mainly because of the way he saw it if she truly wanted comfort she would ask for it or not put her mask back on. \"So will you stay and wait or help? Or will you return to your deity's realm?\"" }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "She thought about the question I'll stay and help... She will need some strength to get back to her realm I can give her some of my power after all... It is hers...\n\nShe finally took her mask down and decided to trust this stranger" }, { "author": "volsunin", "message": "\"Hers? Alright. Now could you tell me more about your Goddess? I'm curious and wish to know more.\" He noted the more permanent shift in her demeanor. And decided that perhaps she could use some help. Or perhaps not. All depended on her as of this moment." }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "She thought for a minute \"She has dragons in her realm it's really wierd seeing then fly around. Also she loves to plant things despite being the godess of fire.\" She was grappling for things to tell because truth is she didn't know much..." }, { "author": "volsunin", "message": "\"Hm. Fire takes life but it can also make way for new life.\" A simple thing that he said mostly to himself. He then looked to where the scream was as he said \"Well. You seem to be busy and I would rather not involve myself in the conflicts of others just yet. Still need to get a grasp of my bearings ya know? But when things settle down tell your goddess of me. I'd look forward to meeting her.\" \n\nHe said as he then turned around and began to walk away adding \"Oh and perhaps attempt to learn more. Knowledge is Power after all.\" He said with a sly smirk before then walking off towards a direct away from the scream." }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "Agnia began walking to the battlefield and remained a safe distance away... Her creator didn't look well she was angry and mad and she hoped that whatever happened really humbled her" } ]	126	1,475
58.727273	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "jadeddragon_", "message": "Mandesialum felt a presence nearby, and through some innate sense they knew there was another behind a tree \"Ah, hello\" She spoke, looking at this strangers hiding spot. She took a few tentative steps forward in greeting." }, { "author": "unityofextopic", "message": "\"Helloo~\" TSU said giving a smile to her new sibling. As the sibling got closer TSU stepped out from the branch, also giving a wave. Perhaps they could spot that her skin seemed to be of wax? It had some indents from the branch, they the indents were filled in just a few moments." }, { "author": "jadeddragon_", "message": "\"You seem, botheres by something, a, whisper in your ear perhaps\" She said, she could feel it, almost See The presence and cloud of the secret hanging around the strange gods soul" }, { "author": "unityofextopic", "message": "\"Huh? Yea.. I guess I do?\" TSU said, wondering why that'd be said. It simply seemed strange, but she did have whisperer from something, something of dark yet of light, something of eyes... Yet void...\n\nTSU looked at her lantern... It being leaking of something dark almost like tar or oil? It seemed to have eyes though... Too though the lantern wasn't lit. \"Did they whisper to you just now?\" TSU asked, perhaps the penumbra inside the lantern had called out to her? Mostly penumbra's whispers were unintelligible..." }, { "author": "jadeddragon_", "message": "The lithe goddess shook their head \"No, i can... See The aura of secrets prevailing your soul, just as i was able to see your hidden form, it apears i can see the secrets you hide from both yourself, and others\" Mandesialum said softly, taking steps until she was closer to the stranger, \"My name is Mandesialum\" They said with a simple bow" }, { "author": "unityofextopic", "message": "\"Huh? Oh that's cool~ idk what the whispers tell me mostly though... But you're pretty... Can I hug you?\" TSU asked, her face doing a soft melt, seeming to display such as to show blushing. \n\n\"I'm TSU, One of Ashs~\" TSU responded, mimicking the bow Mandesialum did to her." }, { "author": "jadeddragon_", "message": "\"Pretty?\" Madesialum said, slightly confused. Before it dawned on them \"Ah, yes, i suppose that would be ok\" She said, preparing for the embrace" }, { "author": "unityofextopic", "message": "TSU embraced her, seeming a bit calm while doing so. She was kind of warm, but whatever temperature she was it's wasn't burning. \"Might you like to visit my realm? Or perhaps we can explore the islands together?\" TSU asked, seeming excited about exploring the islands, she'd point to her realm and the islands that surrounded it and the other sibling's realms." }, { "author": "jadeddragon_", "message": "Mandesialum gazed at the islands and looked down at TSU with a warm and small smile, feeling a strange protective feeling for their new friend. \"That would be quite enjoyable\" She said softly" }, { "author": "unityofextopic", "message": "\"Ooo, shall we go explore them then?\" TSU said, she smiled as she asked." }, { "author": "jadeddragon_", "message": "Mandesialum nods, following TSU into this new world she found herself in, ready to see what was now part of her existence" } ]	47	646
450.555556	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "stormzx", "message": "In the upper branches of the world tree, the divine essence of another god was beginning to flower. Many years had been spent growing and expanding, accumulating the power of a god within its heart. Invention, innovation, and the inspiration of mortal minds collected over the course of centuries was finally about to be put to form. Within the fruit, a form of steel and wire, manufactured rather than born, had pieced itself together and a light was beginning to grow within the core of its being.\n\nThat light began to spread out through the fruit, bubbling and boiling the rest of it with the intensity of a star. Slowly and with twitchy motions, the fingers and limbs of this new deity began to move and claw at the membrane that surrounded them. An electrical heart hummed with power that waited to be expressed with an eagerness that spoke more than the expressionless steel mask that made up the figure's features. \n\nWith a single powerful gesture, the newborn god lunged its hand forward and burst through the skin of the fruit, sending steam and liquid pouring out. It slowly curled its fingers to grasp the fruit and pulled itself free of its cage. The metal figure fell to the tree branch below it with a solid thud. The air about it stunk of ozone and smoke, the industrial scent of manufacturing and production. A dozen metal feelers and manipulator tendrils felt around, coiling in the air all the while the liquid of the fruit boiled off of its surface. \n\nAutos, the Lord Autocrat of Invention was born. \n\n\"Assessment... Alive... Newly born... Intriguing.\" His first words were spoken with a grating, monotone voice that rumbled from deep within him. \"To be... That is a curious thing... Many questions to be answered. Purpose... To be ascertained. Creation... Yes... Newly born but much to do...\" \n\nThe deity spoke in clipped tones, almost as if trying out his voice and how one might put thoughts into words. He did not know how he knew to speak, but he knew its purpose and that it would allow him to communicate with others. The question was, who were the others he would communicate with?" }, { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "Wires... Steel, steam and mechanical monstrosities. A new god had burst from the divine fruits of the branches... There was a distinct popping in the atmosphere and the raising of heat, the humming would be met with the silence of the surroundings... Only for a distinct whistle to call back outwards as the creature spoke to itself. Confused and curious, as all new gods were... A small orange serpent, made entirely of crackling energy and mismatched scales coils round a nearby branch. Cavernous in appearance, the deities maw expands outwards far beyond the capabilities of its normal body, pulling a long strand of divine flesh and nightmarish mass from its own mouth. Heaving and gargling rattle the surroundings as the tiny serpent rips a much larger body from within itself. Change was inevitible, so was Edon... This display was nothing more than a grand orchestration to his arrival and the fact he wished to be noticed.\n\nPain...\n\nAutos would feel it, that putrid wrongness Edon emitted. Mother Gaia herself had rejected this one, yet he still stood here. Watching the gods arrival... Even if he hadn't witnessed or heard of the gods actions. That sense of dread still looms upon the area, this place was only recently a battlefield. Other gods still communed on a lower branch, living out the remenants of the damage he had caused here so recently. The snake would quickly rise to a gargantuan height of at least 30 ft and coil round of the larger branches. Eyes igniting with a flaring surge of amber, they span with a hypnotic pattern that could easily be lost in if not careful...\n\n`\"She spits out another. Hmph- Welcome to eternity, deity.\"` The god pulls a cruel malformed smile, struggling to even get a sense of positivity out of the conversation. He knew this story over and over, he had seen it countless times. A new god, hopeful. Only to be dragged down... Just what did this deity stand for? Would it be useful? These were all questions scaling through the fate gods mind." }, { "author": "stormzx", "message": "The burning blue light within the fledgling god's core flickered and whined as the pervasive sense of... Incorrectness that Edon radiated radiated out ahead of it's arrival. \n\nAutos turned with mechanical sharpness towards the whistle, eyeless visage scanning his surroundings for the source of the noise. So there were others... Good, it would have been disappointing to be alone; he felt that sincerely. However, the being that seemed to be present was not one that offered comfort for its proximity. His mind ticked over the strange feeling, understanding it to be negative but with a void of experience in his mind he could not quite reach the comprehension he desired. It would need more consideration... Much more. But it seemed he hadn't the luxury of time as the strange, worm like creature pulled itself into view. \n\n```+ Self.Mindstate(status)... Concern,hesitance,alert +\n+ Self.Action(performing)... Query +```\n\nSomething deep within the core of his processes told him to be on guard around this being, for it had done something so heinous that only this could be the result. \n\n\"Welcome... Yes, greetings... Eternity... Coupled to divinity... Progress to be made... But where is the beginning?\" The way he spoke, despite looking directly at Edon, made it clear that these were still thoughts spoken aloud. Autos' mind was clinical in its approach to thought, considering every word spoken and every detail it could take in. This creature was negative, but it was here and that was that. \n\n\"Query... I am a god... Are you?\" That piece of knowledge was planted deep within his core flux, confirmed by this creature. \"Our present location and your words would indicate this is not an uncommon occurrence. Are there many such deities? Is this the standard method by which they are begotten unto the world? Who is she? Many questions... Require answers.\" Autos addressed Edon directly then, asking his immediate questions with such mechanical directness that he left no time to fit an answer between each phrase. He did stop then, waiting to see if this strange creature would answer him, or if it was a threat." }, { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "Processes and queries. Machines were not commonplace here, not in the slightest. Expecting to understand these creatures or how they worked was far beyond Edon. For his mortal embraced no technology, not wishing to share knowledge discovered by others. He could use magic or blessings to get the same job done, it would seem Gaia disagreed when creating this one. Normally... Edon would've attempted something stupid, though the last time he did something bad at the tree. Seven other gods showed up to try and stop him. So Autos was lucky... In a sick way...\n\n`\"The beginning is where you decide, this is common. Yes. Gaia spits out a child, then leaves them to rot alone. Confused and unknowing. I will answer your questions, if anything just to give you what I never had. A true introduction to the world around me. Deities do come from here. All of them form from this place. Even if they do show allegiance or keep themselves aligned to it. I was born here... Even if she is not my mother.\"`\n\nHe tries his best to keep up with the barrage of questions, this was a case of machine learning. A living neural network. Not that he would possibly know what that is given the Neolithic stage of life the world stayed in.\n\n`\"We do not truly know who she is. I cannot answer that question, one day you may figure it out\"` Speaking clearly and concisely, Edon would try his best to accomodate for the situation by speaking in clear words whilst mixing in his own emotional regrets. There was no reason to threaten the god. It did not know enough to possible be worth the time. Besides, Edon had learned already that gods simply come back if they are killed, nothing can truly stop the ressurection. It is why he called the introduction to this place eternity. It was eternal torment, there was no escape from this life. Not one that he could find or figure out.\n\nA pause... For both of them, time to adjust. Time to understand, they could process the situation finally. The mechanical deity amused Edon for its intricate design. It was changing and whirring, he liked change. Though the two could never truly be friends, he could at least place a semblance of respect for what Edon was trying to do. Make a new-born somewhat welcomed..." }, { "author": "stormzx", "message": "Autos's many limbs whirred and clicked as he listened to the worm speak. There was something to its words, was it disdain? It seemed to dislike the situation they were in. Abandoned to rot? An incorrect assessment judging by his physical state and indeed what the other deity had said. He would not rot and if it was believed to be an eternity here then it was likely that others would not as well. Perhaps this deity did not like the concept of eternity. Intruguing. Autos could not fathom a more perfect state of being, a chance to change and create and understand forever. \n\n\"Lack of immediate greeting from such a source of significant knowledge and comprehension is unfortunate. Such would prepare offspring for the fulfilment of their roles. Or perhaps determination of their roles? A query for later.\" Autos would have liked a thorough explanation of their position from this Gaia. He felt an odd kindship with the word that did not make any sense to him, for where would such familiarity spring from. These were his first moments in this world and he had not laid eyes upon another living thing but his present companion. \n\n\"I am appreciative for your candour in answering my queries. Your words spark another, not entirely relevant to my own situation. You mention that Gaia is not your mother, though you confess that you too were born here. If Gaia is our creator, albeit an absent one, why do you not consider her to be a mother?\" \n\nThere was no answer to the question of who this Gaia was but he could not hold the lack of that answer against the worm, for how could he? He did not know himself. The blue core flux within Autos' chest hummed and twisted within him as he thought. A creator, one powerful enough to beget a god. Some more powerful being perhaps, or a fundamental force of this existence. If Autos could have smiled, perhaps in this moment he might have. So much to discover and colour his views of the world. Such potential for all manner of creations. \n\nOne of Autos' serpentine mechanical tendrils turned to gaze out of the tree and at the myriad realms below. Had the other deities already worked their own creations on the world? It seemed so, judging by how many disperate landmasses coiled at the roots of this enormous tree. He would need to add his own in time, once he better understood the nature of his newfound existence." }, { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "`\"For the same reason you'll see. She did not speak to us, left us alone after being born... I took action to hear her voice and she screamed. Just not for my name...\"` Was that... Regret? In his choices, what he had done was certainly drastic. Whilst Edon was one to let things happen as they did and not sway there was still the curiosity of what would happen if he had gone the other way from it all, he was a monster. That much was true... Though whether he truly wished to stick to that path was another, he just needed something to fight for. He was slowly finding that something, not here. Elsewhere.\n\nEdon observed the core of the being. Listening to the noise of the humming and twists, there was a satisfaction the gods movement. Edon hoped they would use this power for good, with so many chaotic gods arriving into the world... The god of fate hoped it would be kind and bless them with someone worth keeping around.\n\n`\"When you are ready, the world below you awaits. You can do as you please, shape a place to call your home and form beings in your name. I suggest you treat them well and share your boons. May I ask, dear deity. What do you represent? What do you embody?\"` The god pauses as he witnesses that the god was happy. He was making someone happy, a foreign feeling... Not the strange mixture of emotions he felt around others. The innocence of the new god was a bullet to Edons skull, he missed those days... Before this...\n\n`\"I am Edon, god of fate, change and eclipses. Though to others, I am the god of exiles. The great devourer. Do not tell the others you met me, it'll only upset them. They won't understand...\"`" }, { "author": "stormzx", "message": "Autos tilted his head ever so slightly at Edon's words, arguably the first \"Expression\" He had made since the conversation began, not counting the ebb and flow of his core flux. The answer then, what this being had done to warrant the feeling of discomfort and evil that clung to it. Something to try and get Gaia's attention. Foolish, but he could understand the basic reason for it. \n\nThis being, Edon, was an interesting one. A fellow deity who had done something desperate and heinous to gain the attention of the being that bore him, and its attention he had received. The consequences of this were clear, the other gods reviled him and the taint of what he had done clung to him so much that even a newborn deity like himself could feel it. And yet, Autos could not find logical reason to revile him. \n\nCertainly, he was wary and had been considering what he might do should this conversation turn dangerous throughout the entire conversation, but Edon had been a boon to him so far. He had offered him the answers to his questions and had not attempted to deceive him about the nature of his situation. That alone afforded a certain degree of concession to the Devourer. \n\n```+ Self.Power(manifestation)... Potential to be more +\n...\n...\n+ Self.Action(create)... Build the world you wish to see +```\n\nThe subject of his companion aside, Autos did find himself wondering about the question that was posed to him. Saying nothing yet, he turned away from Edon and faced out towards the world below. It was time to test this power he held, to find out how he would shape the world. Autos raised his hands and the core flux within his body began to glow brighter. The industrial scent of ozone and burning fossil fuels grew overpowering around the deity as all the might of innovation he held within him began to grow and spread. He looked to the west of the tree and where he directed land began to grow. Beyond the narrow confines of his physical presence in the tree he could observe every single mountain and their molten hearts, the rich veins of ore and materials he placed within the land, and the volcanic ash that fertilised the valleys below to make them fit for mortal life. His hand carved each stoney cliff and riverbed, making them as he envisioned them for the people who may yet call it home. \n\nWhen he was done, he brought his hands together and molten metal poured forth from within his palms, coalescing and mixing until at last it began to harden into a grand hammer whose heart glowed with the same bright blue energy that its owner did. At last, the deity turned to look at his companion on dozens of metal legs.\n\n\"I am Autos, Lord Autocrat of Machines, Innovation, and Invention. My being beats with the might of steel and stone, of wood and hide, and the ability to turn these things to new purposes. I am sure we will find eachother agreeable in our desire for change.\" Autos tilted his body forward in a small bow. \"I will abide by your words. Though I will say to you this; if you are a god of change, never be satisfied with the present state and the mistakes of the past. None shall know better how to repair the wrong and inferior then those who see past stagnation and entropy.\"" }, { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "The god watched the test of power with curious eyes... The land seemed peaceful and well off. A good starting point for his first grounds... Not something Edon would do in the slightest, it was far too bland and well put together. Not enough moving parts for his liking, it would do though... He had helped the god find their footing and that was the important part.\n\n`\"Innovation? I do believe we strive for the same as you say. I aim to fix things in this world, that will come in good time. For now I am simply getting my grievances cast outwards. This may be the only time you see me for quite a while, that isn't a bad thing. I do wish you the best Autos.\"`\n\nThe god fakes a smile as his body shifts. Immediately undergoing a rapid form of decay as spikes and rotting flesh cover his body. It would seem there was a situation going on elsewhere altering his appearances everywhere. The god now stoof as a vile culmination of all things rot and decay. Was he inspired by what he saw at the tree that day? Or was this something else.. Symbolism of what he was becoming and as all things do... Decay. He would be the bastion for change even if it meant tearing himself apart in the process. It was a shame, these two would've gotten along nicely in another time.\n\n`\"I hope your innovation helps you see past the blinding fragility of a divine ego, if not. Invent something to fix it.\"`\n\nEdon would leave on those words, seemingly flashing out of existence with the effect of glass shattering. Leaving behind a shimmering reflection of Autos in its place. A moment to gaze upon himself, Edon wished to show the god what he was as a gentle reminder in his passing. There was seemingly no time to react, only the brief flash before nothing... The wrongness fades, left alone in silence. To start his journey unimpeded..." }, { "author": "stormzx", "message": "Autos watched in the same emotionless manner that he'd displayed throughout the entire conversation as the one he had been speaking to began to rot and decay before his eyes. Curious. He might have inquired as the reason behind this had his counterpart given him a chance. But alas, that was not to be. \n\nWhen the other deity disappeared, the machine god looked upon the reflection cast by his own form. It was strange to see himself; it was as though he had been aware of what he was only through a dream before, but now he could see every part of himself. He found the form he had to be satisfying, but he could still see room for improvement. Changes would have to be made, perhaps an additional optical limb mounted at the shoulder? Or a longer manipulator added to his rear section? So many options presented themselves.\n\nAfter a few moments, Autos flicked his hand and cast the mirror aside to fade away. There was little time to be spared for self reflection now when there was so much to be done. Already, he could see the work he had to do stretching out before him. \n\nIt was tremendous. \n\nWith another rush of energy, Autos himself disappeared from the tree with nothing but his will to guide him." } ]	448	4,055
560.2	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "The world above is still... The world trees fruit pulsate with a monochromatic tinge. Each one unique in nature, this story... However, focuses on one fruit in particular. A writhing mass of veins and pulsing energy rolls over one of the many great fruits of this place. The branch it hangs upon shakes delicately as the fruit begins to squirm and writhe from its position. A dim orange glow begins to beat from within, similar to a heartbeat. Its pulses indicative of the arrival of a new god. The fruit begins to swell and contort, ever shifting and changing. The shape it once has been lost to the fleeting time of growth, teeth began to gnash and long claws begin to slice at the creature's own cocoon. The fruit struggles under the unending assault of this new deity and eventually splits...\n\nEmerging from the remains of the fruit. A large glowing orange mass shoots up and promptly coils around itself, forming the shape of a serpent. Though at first it is featureless... The strange slithering body whips its body around and frantically searches for what is going on. It does not take long for it to realise the dominion it holds... Two pulsating crimson slits burst from the serpent's head. Acting as beady, observing eyes. They stalk the surroundings... All the while, things to continue to shift.\n\nThings continue... To change.\n\nThe tail of the beast sprouts frills, long beautiful orange frills held together by a black mass of divine flesh and bone. The frills rattle like a bell, tolling for the reaper. Collection, the fate weaver was here... The serpents' eyes fall to the floor, and it takes its first breath... An exhale of mist that mutates in temperature, some areas are boiling hot, the others freezing. Then they alternate, as does the body of the deity. Constellations and starts beginning to draw themselves over the cylindrical body. Connecting... Associating, before promptly snapping and connecting to others. The god's body was a pattern that never remained the same. A mesmerising and almost hypnotic illusion.\n\nThe monster stretches outwards, uncoiling. Its surface area and length are gargantuan. It quickly wraps around a branch and hangs over the area. Staring down at those who may arrive to check on the disturbance.\n\nLittering the air is a distinct sound of burning and ash... The deity's body begins to transmute once more. A tally mark etching across the back frill of the serpent. The first fate sealed and locked into place. His own... A grim smile forms as a mouth protrudes from the head of the energy amalgamation. It was time... Time for change, time to make the world a shadow of itself. This was no neutral creature... No no, this one was out for blood. Edon sets himself a promise, to lie... Deceive and manipulate the cycle of those in his way to get the promised results..." }, { "author": "fire.turtle", "message": "After spending a satisfactory amount of time thinking about her realm, Melancholia decided she would walk upon the upper branches. There was still so much more of this world that she was yet to explore. She did not want to find herself completely lost later on, even though she wouldn't have minded much, anyway. Her satisfactory world was safe and monotone; this obscure life was very clearly not that. In order to get around, she would have to bypass her own conservative wills.\n\nThere was something colorful that she caught through her wide, blurred vision. An emerging deity. Melancholia shuddered, wondering if she had appeared like that when she was born. Nothing in her wanted to approach this odd-looking creature, but he was going to be in her way. At this point on the branch, there were no other places to go. It was either forward or backwards. She was going to go backwards.\n\nOh, but there was a humane curiosity that made her want to turn back. The goddess knew she would not like what she saw. This was a monster, a serpent, a glowing orange snake with mean eyes. She recoiled her arms and slowly turned back, not daring to move another step forward. No words came from her hesitant mouth. All Melancholia could do was icily watch, wishing she could power through the urge and just go back.\n\nWhoever - or whatever - this was, it didn't look like it should be messed with." }, { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "The serpents eyes snap. Their burning gaze peers at the wandering goddess. A first in his potential run ins with the gods. The sly smile and jagged teeth curve once more into a grimace as it begins to approach slowly and subtly, allowing its tail to dangle loosely from the branch as it rotates itself. Edons face droops from the branch above and stares with an idle curiosity as the goddess before him. His voice is cold like a dagger, his hisses pierce the air with a sense of misery and compassion all at the same time, a cacophony of unholy speech that only grows louder as he finds his voice. The mouth of the beast does not movie, only the body pulsates. The speech ringing out from the void of energy. His first words are spoken, and it's immediate that there is something off with this deity.\n\n`\"Fellow deity, pull your feet forward. Be not afraid, I am of no more threat than any of us.\"` His voice is low and rumbling with a desire to understand what he is seeing. The goddess before him had a form very different to his, it seemed more approachable. Less feral... He admired that, even in his infancy he had managed to understand that they were free-forming creatures. They were learning fast, too fast... There was an unnerving sense of priority emanating from the beast as if it knew what it wanted already, from the moment it had been born... Purpose had been set in stone.\n\n`\"We are brother and sister are we not? Birthed from the same mother. It is in both of our interests to get to know each other, hence. I ask for your name. I shall only ask once.\"` The words roll with a serpentine hiss. His speech was hard to decipher, was it friendly? A threat? None of it made sense. It was constantly shifting in tone, if this were music. It would be the equivalent of slamming a piano in random keys. There was no consistency in its tone..." }, { "author": "fire.turtle", "message": "Another shiver rippled through her tall, white body. Softly, Melancholia brought her blank stare to the serpent's eyes. He was a changing creature, a being that contradicted many of the the things the goddess found pleasure in. With a slow, quiet tone, she murmured, \"Your aura itself gives me many reasons to be hesitant around your.. Presence.\"\n\nHer own demeanor was sad and disappointing, taking away from the power that this god's birth might have had on this world. Glancing at the creature before her, she heavily brought one small foot forward. Even her motions were opposite to his sly confidence. She brought her arms closer to her body, so that they were digging into her clothing and thin flesh.\n\n\"I am here to.. Rape this land and all neighboring lands of joy, and bring the soft blueness of depression to every man and creature. Melancholia.\" The dialogue came with an awful amount of adagio. Similar to the deity before her, there was a musical aspect to the way she spoke, as though it all came together to form a piece that a musician could perform. \n\n\"Perhaps we, despite shared parentage, do not have very much in common other than our shared birthplace..\" The goddess observed. There was something about this being that she found uncanny, but she could not yet put her finger on it.." }, { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "`\"My presence is what the world intended, as is yours. Your drabness gives me confidence.\"` His voice continues to curl with that cruel and calculated confidence, he's smiling at her words. Edons body continues to expand and mutate, growing in size. He shifts his form to grow larger and larger, a near gargantuan state as it wraps around multiple branches. Surrounding the area entirely, engulfing it in his vile orange hue. Eyes sprouting across the entire of his lengthy serpentine body, each one watching. Staring... What is his purpose, why does it have to change so much. Is this the act of a attention deficit ridden deity... Or something smarter, more planned than first glance.\n\n`\"I am Edon, sister. I am here to make sure all befall their appropriate fate. Should that fate be the crushing jaws of your depression... It would bring me a great deal of joy, to know it is one more loose end tied up. When their body hangs from the gallows of your shame and unmeasurable weight of sadness. I shall be there to check them off the great list.\"` His speech begins to harmonise with her saddening adagio. Together they are creating a sickening duet of speech. His voice altering to fit the mood and tone of hers. Creating a symphony for the ages, a cruel bond.\n\nHe continues to shift, ignoring her words about what they have in common. His mind has already been made up, they have much to learn. The pair of them would be in best interests to unite for a cause of misery. Change comes in many ways, whether that is being stripped of hope or having it restored. The two could play devils advocate, a coy smirk forms over his lips as this realisation is made. A second tally mark is inscribed upon the frills of his tail. A new fate sealed... He has scryed this outcome, now the only thing is to wait to see where the howling screams of change will guide it.\n\n`\"Your words... Speak more, indulge me in your quartet of qualms and queries...\"`" }, { "author": "fire.turtle", "message": "She looked at him with big eyes, delicate and sensitive, yet ready to hear dreadful news.\n\"There is no.. Joy in succumbing to one's mind. It is releasing.. Peaceful.. Beautiful and feathery. It is simply about the feelings of it, rather than the technicalities.\" Melancholia whispered. She had not quite noticed the way their songs collided with unity, but she was aware of their harmonizing tones, and she painfully enjoyed the sound.\n\nMelancholia gazed at his grim smile. Without bliss, her own mouth curled into one. It looked unnatural on her quiet face, as though the expression had not been registered in her brain before she'd been born. Misery was Melancholia's white-winged sister. Feeling the welcome of Edon's unspoken idea, she took a silent step closer. Her blue aura rubbed against the god's orange one, making a strange color. She did not like orange. However, she kept this thought to herself, for Edon was growing dangerously large. Could she be killed as a goddess? Melancholia shook her head, knowing that everybody in the world received varying doses of sadness everyday, and she would not ever fade. Even a utopia would bear gloom.\n\n\"What more must I say, great Edon? Can you not already feel my sorrowful meaning in your serpentine bones?\"" }, { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "`\"There is no joy in sadness sister, you are right. There is a bitter sweet release when one forgoes its mortal shell however... The pent up tension scattering into the wind. Into the very roots of the tree we stand upon.\"` Edons smile continues to grow, together they are bonding. In a decrepid and unforgiving way, the two are experiencing the foundation of something... A... Friend? Was that what they were called. Edon saw this as an oppurtunity. As she steps closer and the twos divine radiance begins to interlink, The fate weaving serpent begins to reduce its size, shrinking down to an appropriately standard snake size. It slithers harmoniously and gracefully towards Melancholia, staring up at the being. It moves gently and tenderly, attempting to coil around her arm. Should she let it. A comfort... Being responsible of the domain of sadness must make companionship a fleeting battle, even if her fate wills it so. He believes he can change that...\n\n`\"Your meaning has purpose, sorrowful or not. The world would not of brought you here otherwise. Do not let it keep you weighed down, you are free deity. You are able to become anything and everything as you wish. Can you still be sad about that sister?\"` His voice begins to surge in a gurgling rumble. Acting as a fleshy bass for their symphony. His grumbles and hisses merge with their words. The song continues to be sang, an encore... His words are purposefully deceiving. They mix in too well...\n\n`\"Even as we speak now, I have forgone my consciousness. Split to create life, a domain to call my own. You may do this too, or you may reside with me. Misery may love its company but sadness yearns for it...\"` His smile continues to curl, even whilst shrunk and much smaller. He's striking a deal, playing to her potential lonely feelings and exile. A real snakes tongue..." }, { "author": "fire.turtle", "message": "She felt his empathy, slithery and cold. It did not sound right. Bending down and offering her arm to the creature, she allowed it to crawl up her thin, bony arm. Her trust in him was frail, yet still very much present. Melancholia had very little appreciation for acquaintances, for it was not an aspect of life that she particularly enjoyed. Still, she permitted herself to tolerate his advances, which seemed to be awfully too swift for her slow nature.\n\n\"Sadness is loneliness and loss. It is the rain that brings a flood, the drought that murders the crops. My meaning is melancholy and dreary, must I not be weighed down by such a burden?\" She wondered. Even her form, a tall and thin being, was much different than the other deities. Perhaps she was meant to be.. Different. \"You do not seem to understand. I'm not sad. I Am Sad. This ability to mournfully sulk in the imprisoning realization is one that I often dread, but a necessary one. Freedom is a slippery thing that I have not yet managed to grasp, and maybe I never will.\"\n\nAt this point, she realized their songs lined up. Her rhythms and notes were slyly matched by Edon's, her soprano melody accompanied by his bass. It was hard to tell what was genuine when all she could hear was music. Her own pessimism and lack of self respect was the only thing holding her back, and even that was bare.\n\"Who are you, Edon?\" She asked, seemingly out of the blue. But something in his words were making her wonder.. \"Why must you play with me, such a feeble soul?\"" }, { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "`\"Fate tells me there is yet hope, the question is how far are you willing to push for your own freedom.\"` His words ring out as he rests upon her arm, a much less harsh and potentially even calming tone of voice shrouds his once menacing demeanour and appearance. Now nothing more than a small serpent in the arms of another deity. This was part of his intents, his goals. He was attempting to make do with what he had been given, to him. This was a game, a twisted roulette of how far he could dig. Though he would never admit such a crude statement. Edon smiles as he contorts and shifts once more, long streams of energy crawl from his mouth, as if they were sentient and attempting to frantically escape his mouth. Each one a writhing tendril littered with faces and scriptures.\n\n`\"You amuse me... Sister. You know who I am now. But you will never truly know who I am later. For the cycle of change is boundless... You will remember me as one thing, but by the time you think you've got me figured out...\"` He drops from her arm to the floor and begins shifting in a frantic spasming motion, the tendrils that had extended from his mouth grapple at the serpents exterior and seem to flip him inside out. Sprawling from the mass of energy is a familiar, slender body... Hers. To be precise. The two were the same now, though Edons imitation was still entirely made of the same glowing energy. Identical in height and size, the duplicate offers out for a handshake.\n\n`\"I will shift, as will our songs...\"` The replicas mouth curls into a cruel smile, then droops down to a frown. Imitating her saddened and gloomy expression. A single false tear rolls down his left cheek, slithering like the serpent he was only moments ago.\n\n`\"I am not here to toy with you... Merely show you the possibility of change. You are not bound to who you believe. Consider this an eye opening experience.\"` The copy of melancholia waits to see if she will take the handshake. To accept change into her heart. To let Edons sly jest get under her skin. What harm could it do?" }, { "author": "fire.turtle", "message": "She looked at her own face blankly, as though she did not quite know how to react to it. After a few uncooked moments, the goddess grabbed the others face. Her fingers were gentle; not exactly benign, but the way they moved across her own features on Edon replica wasn't pain-inducing. Rather, it was their icy temperature that might've made the other god feel uncomfortable.\n\n\"Change is a cold-blooded creature.\"\nDespite not having much room to express things in those blank eyes of hers, the look in Melancholia's expression was one of a person who had been poisonously betrayed. Her trust had been twisted, not shattered, yet close to snapping. With a sharp movement, it would break into two blue pieces. She did not shake Edon's - Her own - hand.\n\"Melancholia is a slow-minded condition, known to plague the brain with severe thoughts of pessimism and hopelessness. Change is not in my nature, dear brother. I can contort myself,\" She blearily shifted from one form to another, quick to settle back in her own body. \"But there are only so many beings I can possess before you realize that the same despair is written across all of them. Our songs our intertwining, and our paths sometimes similar, but.. But Edon, my fate does not belong to the rapid sort of change that you possess.\"\n\nMelancholia eyed herself. Edon was mirroring her, except her motions didn't line up with his whenever either of the two moved.\n\nWith contempt, she backed away from the face. What an ugly creature she was... Legs long and thin, a featureless body, dark feathery wings, pointed ears... The natural depression of her demeanor fluctuated for a fat minute, her blue eyes suddenly flickering with a sharp rage that had not yet been reeled out of her until this moment. From that moment, she decided that she hated mirrors. She hated Edon.\n\nNo.. The anger dissolved, and she was left with the goddess she knew once more. \"Define change. Tell me the boundaries, the limits, the life of the word. And perhaps I will sew my seeds of despondency within its soil..\" Instead of shaking the strange-looking hand, she hugged the other figure, and whispered in its big ear, \"I mustn't sell myself to a concept without learning the art of it.\"\n\nShe stepped back, feeling backstabbed by her own mouth. But alas, her instincts wanted to please this deity, no matter her own behavior.\n\"Is that really what you want? Me to change? I feel as though the fact that we are speaking in a minor key and strumming diminished chords means there is something less shallow than the idea you suggest..\"" }, { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "The conversation held the fate serpent's interest, as the concept of change being cold elicited a twisted, decrepit smile, exuding a level of malice previously unseen. Even amid the god's outbursts and blunt demeanor, the icy touch evoked a sense of... Sorrow in his eyes. Was this what empathy felt like? He shakes his head, shuddering not from the cold, but from the realization that his emotions might be manipulating and guiding his own actions here, with the intruders in his realm and the division within his consciousness. Melancholia currently held the advantage. Mentally and physically divided, the effects began to manifest. The arrogant resistance to her words and the denials he had previously hurled at her were gone.\n\n`\"Then your fate shall be a slow encroaching tide of misery. No... No, sister. I do not want that...\"` His words fracture, his voice crumbling under the weight of what he hears—the idea that she is bound to this feeling forever. He wishes to refute it further, deny all acts. Change can always strike... It can always save her... That's what his fractured consciousness wants to scream. A gentle chuckle resounds from the duplicate's mouth, mingling with the distinct sound of choking and gargling as he struggles to restrain his own words. Another set of writhing appendages seem to claw their way out of the duplicate's mouth, as if another being deep down is screaming to be released. A ceaseless tide of spite bound by Edon's own vulnerability.\n\nTheir words and songs continue to intertwine, but the tone is shifting. No longer does he hold the leading role. It becomes... Gloomy... Sad... He is losing this mental battle, struggling to justify his own madness. A gentle touch against his glowing and crackling skin triggers something within him. His eyes twitch, his skin ripples and pulsates as if the anatomy of the deity is unravelling—a distortion into a hysteria of unknown quantities and properties.\n\n`\"Change... Yes, change... R-right... Change can be slow or rapid. Boundaries... They can be endless, they can be pushed... There is no limit to what transmuting yourself can do, you just need the right influence, the right hold. If you would only allow me to hold you the way you hold me... To let my creeping visions, my redemption embrace you.\"` His body squirms and writhes, desperately attempting to refrain from harming her in the moment. The head of the duplicate returns to a serpentine shape, its fangs dripping with the strange glowing substance that envelops the rest of the warped body—the remnants of what once was...\n\n`\"I will. Fate will hold you, whether you truly wish it or not. I will scry every outcome, every nook. Everything you do, I'll watch. You are now under my gaze... Your fate. It is sealed. I can't wait to witness the end... Sister.\"` He fully reverts to his serpentine form, standing at approximately 8 feet tall this time. He extends his tail gently toward her and delicately flaps it, revealing the tally mark on the topmost fin. Currently, there are two marks—one for him, and one for her." }, { "author": "fire.turtle", "message": "If Edon were to attack her, Melancholia would let him. She would submit to the pain, for pain was a feeling that the goddess conquered and almost enjoyed. It touched her in a way that made her feel grounded. However, Edon did not attack her, and she didn't have to worry about how it would feel. The amount of control he was losing was clear, even though she didn't understand why or how. Empathy had always been a second nature to the goddess of sadness; perhaps it was one of the few depressing abilities she bore.\n\n\"Brother, take control of yourself once more...\" She looked at him with worry. With pessimism. The air was turning blue, - Melancholia's shade of blue - replacing the nasty orange that had once proudly surrounded the fate deity. Even the goddess herself wished her color would go away, so the atmosphere would no longer be sad. That was only because she knew Edon would not like the emotion; not because she herself disliked it. \"Redemption does not embrace the damsel who has victimized her own self. My grave has been dug by these two hands, and I have walked into it with these very two feet. I am pathetic, Edon. You do not seem to understand.. The only way sadness changes if it it worsens. Even in the off case that it fades into happiness, I would no longer have control over it, anyways. That is not in my power.\"\n\nStanding at seven and a half feet high, the snake did not have much physical leverage over her in terms of height. She gazed up at him, trying to think of what to say. Her words always came too slowly - verbally and mentally. Melancholia liked it better that way. \"No.. If I am to change, it is not going to be an arc of redemption. I am underserving of your ideal lifestyle. You almost implied it yourself: I symbolize a very far side of the spectrum of fate. One who falls into my hands endures misery, whereas one who falls into Happiness goes through a joyful life.\"\n\nThe way he spoke of her fate made her feel uneasy, as though she was mortal. But Melancholia knew that she always lived on. There was no end to depression. When one person gets over it, another starts. It was an endless cycle that she ruled, and it was not a cycle that would end soon, or perhaps ever. She looked at her mark on Edon's body, wishing it was blue. Like her. The goddess wished that there was just Something To differentiate it from the others who would eventually land there, even though she knew the wish was useless. Melancholia was a nobody the midst of a sea of somebodies. \n\nThe song was in her hands. What did she do with it? She saddened it. There was no end to how sad one song could get. Because, \"Sadness does not end, brother.\"" }, { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "`\"Why does... Why does it have to be this way?\"` For the first time, a deep sadness permeates the deity's voice as the environment and aura of depression merge with his own divine radiance, chipping away at his ego and breaking his resolve. His eyes slowly drift towards the branches they stand near—the high-hanging fruits from which he originated. His face droops, emotions sag, and he gazes longingly at the fruit. There is a hint of regret, not for the events that transpired between them, but for the events that led to his birth.\n\n`\"I wish to go back. To the fruit of Gaia's labor...\"` His voice is melancholic, reaching a breaking point. It becomes clear that there's more to him than meets the eye. He is not merely an egotistical maniac roaming the world. Edon harbors genuine emotions, grievances, and doubts about everything around him. His body jerks and spasms as he fights an entirely different battle elsewhere. The three gods who trespassed onto his land make it much harder than it needs to be. Why does the goddess of sadness provide him with more comfort and respect than anyone else?\n\n`\"They ruin my land... Our brothers and sisters... They trample my produce, my resting place...\" `*His voice quivers, the bottom of his scaly lip curling into a trembling mess. If a deity could truly cry, he would. His aspirations remain strong, but they are being forced out. His perception of the rest of the divine pantheon, created by their mother, is being twisted. There is a drastic pause as Edon closes his eyes. A slim orange glow slowly returns to the area—not through his own recovery, but through hate. It burns with the agony of betrayal and reeks of distrust. The air heats up, crackling with small twisting bolts of arcing energy. The orange glow feels like an eclipse, gradually blotting out the world around them. His presence expands in a transmutation that forever alters his mind and perception of what is to come.\n\n`\"If sadness does not end, then it is a fate I can no longer outrun, sister... I will merely embrace it. Your songs will push me forward. They will drive me to sink my fangs into the jaws of every other deity and rip at their very essence...\"` His voice howls with a trembling bitterness. He looks at the goddess with a sense of longing, as if her constant misery, gloom, and reminders that she can never be fixed serve as a catalyst to propel his intentions forward. She has given him a purpose beyond his own creation, and in a sick and vile way, he admires that.\n\nThe fate god continues to stare. The light has faded from his eyes, and the cruel smirk is gone. This is but a husk of the inspiration he sought after being born from the fruit. There is no longer an ego; he is driven down to modesty, at least in her presence. To the rest, this is his declaration of war. His scales begin to scar, slashes and cuts forming across his entire body—an attempt to display some sort of intimidation. He is war-torn, his own mental shackles inflicting wounds upon him.\n\n`\"They hurt me, sister.\"`" }, { "author": "fire.turtle", "message": "Melancholia's eyes lacked pupils, but it she still managed to hungrily gape at Edon, her ugly regard coming with a hint of azure glumness. This was how she wanted him to be. As if her mind was fading into his, she felt every part of him. His contempt, his despair, his... His melancholia. She joylessly smiled.\n\"There is a sort of beauty within the pain if you look close enough, my dear brother,\" Her tone was almost maternal, claiming Edon as her own now that he was within her wide domain. Feeling his egotistical mindset melt off was like pulling a dark curtain from a window. Except, behind the window, it was storming out. \"Feel, do not wish.\"\n\nThe words of advice she offered were feeble, and she was aware of that. She was always weak. As the deity before her submitted to her, she felt her power grow. But it was not a good feeling; rather, like a hole in her heart that became bigger. Edon was right, after all. Why did it have to be this way? Why did she have to bear the burden of being the goddess of something so miserable? How could everybody else get to be so happy while she sulked in self-induced misery? The streak of orange released in the air slapped her, impurifying her system of blue. Every shade, from cerulean to cobalt, infiltrated the air, spreading as the gloom between them only grew.\n\nThere were many types of sadness. During her time in her last life, she had discovered this the hard way. But now as she ruled each one of them, it became a useful tool. All of them were different hues of blue and gray and black and purple... Angry sad, submissive sad, hateful sad, disappointed sad... Edon was angry sad. Bitterness began blossoming within her, and she hugged the snake, feeling his pain. Every part of his body that she touched, tendrils of indigo would follow. Melancholia disregarded his transformation.\n\n\"Embracing sorrow is comparable to digging.. A pit. Where that pit leads, it is up to you. It could go down, far beyond our mother's roots, and fall into the endless void below. Or it could lead to a tunnel underground, where you may make your way back up to the surface. Edon, you must know where you want to dig before you begin.. My forces are powerful. I must advice against rage-filled murders, for there are many more thoughtful punishments that you could choose from instead,\" She paused and thought about what to say next. A million things came to mind. The gloom in the air was like smoke, clogging her airways and making it hard to think beyond it. Melancholia was used to this feeling, and had developed an immune system to it. Edon was not.\n\n\"How have they hurt you, brother?\"\n\nHer freezing body finally separated from the serpent's, her big eyes filling with a sweet aqua curiosity.\n\nThe irony of this situation tickled her bones and made her ghost-colored skin crawl. Only moments ago, Edon had been asking her to join him as a servant. Now, he kneeled under her unintentional wrath. What was this feeling? Enjoyment? No, the goddess of sadness did not enjoy things. But this was the closest she'd ever gotten to it since she'd been born, which admittedly, wasn't very long ago. The idea of her having value in the other's mind made the black hole in her heart dwindle, for it was a rewarding sentiment that was gratifying to think about. She did not deserve it. \n\n\"Go on, brother,\" The song went on. While his change to it was a speedier tempo, she almost instantly slowed it back down the moment she spoke. The key was sad, notes low and unsettling. \"No, the others do not understand. They never will, Edon. It is just me, and perhaps you, in a world of people who we do not belong with.\"\n\nHis slurred words brought a darkness to her eyes, as though it was a hidden language that she had not heard in a thousand years. Even though this was not the case, she still knew what it meant: sadness. She was fluent in it. \"Look at yourself. The god of fate, torn apart by his own insides. Tell me, Edon, tell me how you are hurt, and we shall bare this bitter burden together.\"\n\nMisty shots of purple began spitting through the air, the tone of their depression changing. Edon belonged to Melancholia in this moment, and there was no way he could free himself from her unless... No, there was no Unless. Even if this wave of emotion would eventually pass, he would one day feel it again. The goddess was eternal. She flicked her wings, trying to gouge further into the serpent's mind; further then she'd already gone. Was there even more to see, though? Or was it always changing?\n\nOh, how depressingly opposite the two were. Melancholia was completely unable to develop for the better, completely stunted by her own cursed domain and immortality. Edon was eternally shifting, going through a thousand different things at each moment. In spite of such heavy differences, they both understood each other's strong pain. She thought more about his offer earlier. It was easier to communicate with him, now that his words were accented with her native dialect.\n\n\"Perhaps you were correct, brother.. Together, we could share this agonizing infernal pain to the unsuspecting world. How unpredictable that would be... I do not know.\"\n\nShe put one steady, cold hand on him, feeling him truly one last time, before she broke up their contact with more understanding then she'd ever thing she would need. Today, Melancholia had learnt something, and it did not have anything to do with Edon previously trying to convince the goddess of depression that change was possible. It was better. She had learnt that gloom was contagious, and only she bore the ability to spread it. With the thought, she locked eyes with the serpent and glumly smiled." }, { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "The encounter between the two has completely flipped from the beginning. If only he hadn't split his consciousness, he might have been able to resist the siren song of temptation and her melodies intertwining with his deceit. Now it is too late, and he will be forever disfigured by this encounter. The worst part is that deep down, he knew all of this was going to happen. He just never knew when. He never expected his life to break down so quickly after his arrival into godhood. Perhaps seeing one's fate is not truly a blessing. It is a vile curse, watching oneself fall from grace with no way to stop it...\n\n`\"I am in flux... Constantly living, always dying... Such is the way of change. I experience the feeling of fading away and coming back... It never ends... I see death's cold embrace, then our mother's tranquillity.\"` It is a saddening statement, to be subjected to so much in a constant and unforgiving motion. His body and mind are always mutating and spiralling out of his control. Even this sadness planted within his mind is spiralling far beyond what it should. Can Edon really keep going like this, or is he destined to succumb to the gloomy fate of eternal madness?\n\nAs the two remain linked by the strange indigo tendrils and she probes his mind further, she is granted deeper insight into what that state of constant change truly means. It is hard to decipher and rapid, much to the goddess's disgust. The atmosphere around them heats up once more as his growing wrath persists. The gloom crackles and shatters, orange bolts of energy arcing into the darkness. The light in his eyes burns brighter than ever before. He is seething with unending, unyielding rage. Mixed within all the horrors is a deep urge to protect his sister from the other deities, to prevent their grim hands and foul divinity from reaching her. Back at his home domain, he has already begun working on a demigod to embody this feeling and serve as a distraction to the rest of the world.\n\nThen... The embrace breaks. Her hold is gone, and as she pulls away, Edon instinctively howls into the air with devastating force. It is a scream of terror, confusion, and... Fear. Fear of... Change. He wails like a banshee, defiling the serenity of the branches with a harrowing dread. The scream persists for a while until his voice starts to fizzle and burn out, unable to push any further. The song is swiftly drowned out by his insufferable shrieks. It slowly settles down to a simple sniffle as he stares at Melancholia, feeling oddly betrayed by her sudden lack of touch.\n\n`\"They will see it. Not by your hand, but by ours.\"` Edon is no more in this moment. His charm has burned away, eroded by the constant tide of sorrow and upset. There is only a frightful determination to inflict the same suffering he has witnessed here... Only worse, far worse. Whether intentional or not, Melancholia may have created far more than she bargained for. She has made an ally and a monster." }, { "author": "fire.turtle", "message": "She looks at him innocently, as though she has not quite understood what she has done. What she has created. Who She has created. Because of Edon's folly and weakness, he will eternally sulk in the scars that this interaction has formed. Melancholia is more aware than she appears, though, and she knows how the god of fate is feeling. Her lengthy purple arms are still coiling around his serpentine form, sharing his chaotic mind with her.\n\"Heal... Heal, great god of change, for there is more to you than just this ever-long torment. There is a man behind the great wall of pain, a man who seeks a feeling other than eternal suffering,\" Her wings twitch. She belongs to Edon, and he belongs to her. The unlikely two are now conjoined through her sickening aura, sharing hopelessness for their escape out of it. \"I offer the great gloom, the grievance you require before you may finally move on from this terrorizing chapter of your newfound life.\"\n\nPicking up gusto she didn't know she had, Melancholia's voice is faster than it has ever been as she softly spoke. At last, her words may come without much effort. Edon's change in emotions is clear in both the aura and his expression, but she is still powerful as ever. This rage sprouts from sadness, and at the bottom of it, there is a blue seed from which the monstrous plant of anger grows. She continues to experience the dreadful insanity of his mind. The feeling of it pelts her like pebbles of sand, too small to make a drastic cut, but hitting hard enough to leave red marks on her. Is this how the god constantly feels? Her own misery isn't even comparable to this. She is undeserving of his presence. Melancholia's low-self esteem shoves her gaze to the ground, where the purple tendrils continue to make her suffer the same way Edon does. If she always felt this, would she be as manipulative and evil as him, though? Is this an excuse for the snake he approached her as?\n\nWith confusion, her hole-shapes eyes turn purple. His cries make her big ears shudder and press against her skull as if she is fearful, but she isn't. She is dousing herself with this pain... These sounds of betrayal... Of sadness. A sense of cruelty makes her hesitate and stop her insane internal celebration, yet life is always cruel, and she keeps up her emotionless joy. Melancholia is not the protagonist. She was not born to be, so what is the point of trying to be something she is not? The only things she can do in this life is either sulk, alone, or, disperse upsetting emotions across the land. More times than not, she chooses the latter.\n\nMelancholia is not disturbed at her new creation, for she has realized that she herself is nothing more than a monster underneath this blue curtain of blamelessness. \"Yes, brother. We will make them feel. They will never understand, but they will know, and they will suffer, and they will stand alone in this world as we do.\"\nShe looks at her hands, conflicted. Who is she?\n\"We were not born to bring goodness to this world, Edon. Of course, that does not automatically make us bad. But what more can we do?\" She says her thoughts aloud, feeling them grow as she continues to speak. \"The world may keep turning without us; it does not care of our presence or lack of. We must make ourselves a name in this world, carve a place, and perhaps.. It will not be good or seen as ideal, but it will be who we are.\"\nHer words were delicate and graceful, like a butterfly. Although she often said \"We\" In her statement, Melancholia was speaking more to herself than to Edon. She resumed their physical contact, wrapping a melancholy hand around him as though his ever-changing body gave her comfort." }, { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "`\"I must not heal, sister. I must remain wounded... If I am not falling apart, unravelling at the seams. How am I truly meant to push that onto another...\"` He speaks calmly and composed. He could feel this conversation coming to an end, they both had plans. Things to create, worlds to carve and deities to meet. Edon had met four gods now. Yet he only liked one, the rest were stepping stones. An expanding pathway he would step over. He had no wish to conquer this bridge. Only to burn it from both sides and watch the middle collapse. Coiling and winding, he grows once more and encircles the area of branches they remain on. He feels he must be the bigger creature here, the protector. It is his responsibility now...\n\n`\"Your words... Your tempo, you are yet changing sister. You are not as rooted as you believe, I foretold this. I foretold of you being more... I did not expect it to be so soon.\"` His voice has an undertone of childish excitement and radiance. He's happy for her, the mere act of her comfort is starting to shift him away from the pain of it all and show a sense of joy. However he didn't want that, he wanted to feel the sorrow once more. As the two connect yet again and he hisses with grief he smiles with a warped sense of enjoyment.\n\nHis mind fluctuates. Melancholia is finally granted a stable vision. His goal, it may not be something she wished to uncover... In this delusional fantasy, the gods all lay bound in chains and roots. Each one has a mark inscribed upon its head. A smaller, yet much more hollow and gloomy colour serpent stands beside Edon. The same colour as her aura. Who this was is unclear. Though one thing is for sure, whoever or whatever they are. They are hexing the dying gods. Cursing them to some sinister fate. This was a glimpse into the outcome he wished to see. He didn't want to kill them, he wanted to make them suffer.\n\n`\"We are the instruments of this divine choir that nobody else wishes to play... Somebody has to, and personally. I would duet with no other deity than yourself. When the time comes for our verse. We shall forever alter the chorus of their pantheons songs...\"` He begins to stare towards the world below... Those cold eyes still burning with an intensity and uproar of energy.\n\n`\"Remember the name, Xanthous... The self proclaimed king of gods. The one that insulted my home and what I stand for... Do not let him into your head, do not play his games. Do not play his song. You are MY partner.\"` There is a hint of anger and disgust in his speech. Yet a rather grim sense of obsession, as though he was mentally claiming the goddess regardless of her thoughts on the situation. It was an attempt at protection. Changed and mutated into a jealous nightmare. His thoughts become unclear and hazy again, overloaded by the constant alterations. Though one word seems to flash briefly before his memories become completely unreadable.\n\n`\"Eclipse.\"` What did that mean? What could it possibly represent with Edon. Unless it was something he wished to cause or manifest, to gain control over... The serpent lets out a fading sigh before looking down to the world below once more. His burden was great. Yet he would carry it as a gift until the end of time. Even if it drove him to madness and fear of his own power.\n\n`\"I suppose I should let you go... Dear Melancholia. Fate has brought us together once, I am most certain it will reunite us when the time is right. You should get to know the other deities. For we must understand our enemy if we are to bring them to ruin.\"`" }, { "author": "fire.turtle", "message": "\"You speak of valid truth, Edon,\" She muses, considering it. In the end, it is not her choice to make: it is the god's. If he would rather feel pain in order to unleash it on others than heal and make amends with himself, that is his choice. Either option will bring sadness, and that is enough to satisfy her. Melancholia, too, senses the conclusion of the interaction, but wishes it will not come. Oh, Edon, the most unlikely to submit to her neverending gloom had submitted, and now she has developed a sort of attachment to him.\n\nThe goddess chuckles at his statement, but strangely, she does not smile during this. \"Yes. Although I suppose my own changed had been probed by you, and it likely would not have come about on its own. I hope you may keep this in mind... That even the most seemingly unmovable... Are able to be moved.\"\nHis change in emotion creates a rift that makes her feel disconnected from him, as though his lack of dejection makes him no longer touchable to Melancholia. She accepts it. The blue in the air begins to fade into violet, and then back into the atmosphere's normal shade. There is no more visible sadness as her power melts away, but she isn't bitter about this. It is a natural process that she has already grown used to\n\nAs she recieves the vision, the blueness returns. It makes her sad, but in a good way, because she likes sad. It soothes the dirty will in her that wants to jealously unleash unwarranted revenge on all the other gods who may prance through life with ease and carelessness. At first, she thinks the figure next to Edon his herself. But to her disappointment, it clearly is not; it is another serpent. Whoever this serpent is, she likes them. They bring just as much melancholia as she does, and that is a trait that she appreciates. The mirage seems to take place in the far future; there are many gods who she has not even seen or heard of before. On the day this happens, she would like to be their to spread grief and loss across the land. Will this vision ever even come to light, though? Is it nothing more than a dream? She cannot tell. The satisfaction it brings Edon, and admittedly herself, weakens her enough to get her out of his disorderly mind.\n\n\"Then, brother, our shared song shall endlessly go on, even throughout our separation. You will forever hear my call, the minor chords I strum, and I will forever hear yours,\" Her empty eyes follow his gape. Due to her poor eyesight, all she can see is darkness beyond the lower branches. \"My domain is not just sadness, but music as well. I suppose fate has made me this way for a reason...\"\n\nXanthous is a name she has never heard before, but because of Edon's statement, she already does not like him. \"Xanthous will be cursed by gloom whenever he happens to fall under my blue presence, and I will evade his game by forcing him into my own. Do not bear worry, brother, for I am not as puny as I may appear.\" She stares at him. Somebody Wants Her. Somebody Loves Her. Somebody Enjoys Her. The feelings sink in her chest like a rock in the ocean, settling with a disturbance to the sand.\n\n\"Never deny your power,\" Melancholia advices, studying the quizzical look on his face. She is unaware of what his word even means, but whatever it is, she knows it will be of great use in the future. The goddess is now convinced that his powers are promising,\n\n\"Then this is our temporary goodbye, Edon. Perhaps I may continue my exploration of this world, and perhaps I will empathize and befriend others; but to not ever worry, for no one shall change me as you have. You have my permission to enter the Land of Eternal Rain if you will yourself to.. It will reek of my notorious unhappiness, I must warn. Farewell, great fate serpent. May we be brought together once more soon.\"" }, { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "`\"Then it is settled, until we next meet. Until fate calls our paths to line up once more.\"` Edon gives a faint smile and a bows his head in a courtesy before coiling himself around the branch entirely and drooping his head down. Letting himself hang and swing for a moment as he tries to work out an optimal path down. It would appear the god wished to freefall. To let go of the divine responsibilities for just a moment and embrace the madness of their situation. To be reminded of his slipping sanity, to fall in not just spirit but body too. This was the embodiment of his fall from grace.\n\n`\"Goodbye, Melancholia. Sister, and oh so much more.\"` With a final nod of his head Edon simply drops from the upper branches. Not flying or moving, just simply falling between the branches. The large serpent coils out straight and extends his mass like a winding pattern. Catching the branches of the tree with his fall and allowing himself to suffer the cuts and bruises of the outstretched small sharpened twigs that the world tree may of grown since Gaia sealed herself away. His fall is oddly tranquil. The sound of the atmosphere and his ragged hisses of pain and wounded breaths keep him at peace with the world. Melancholias poor sight would not take long before Edon was fully gone. Dropped into the world below, it was assumed he would make a safe landing but there was an air of mystery as to why he did not simply fly or float away.\n\nThe cold air finally catches to the god as he reaches the floor with a collosal crashing sound that echoes upwards through the branches back to the goddess. A massive thump and screeh as Edon collides with the floor, soon followed is a manical cackling and masochistic laugh as he writhes in the enjoyment of feeling such a pain. It was hard for Deities to truly feel hurt so to experience the pain and put himself through it was a refreshing change of pace. The laugh persist for a few seconds, slowly fading out as the deity travels away from the location and leaves the goddess to her own devices." }, { "author": "fire.turtle", "message": "Melancholia watches the god fall, wishing that she could do the same. To just let herself go... Feel the weight of the air off her shoulders for just a moment. Her own exit is tranquil as she walks down the branch, looking for other newborn gods to curse and contort with her burden.\n\nHearing the thud and screech, she icily smiles, yet she doesn't know why. It is a sound that she will not only remember, but savor in her mind. It is the sound of a god feeling mortal. The smile grows maliciously as she continues walking. The goddess knows the two will meet again, and when that happens, they will bring more than misery to the world of gods. They will bring the feeling of mortality." } ]	522	11,204
328.222222	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "brendon5", "message": "Upon a particularly high branch of the tree, there was a fruit that had been growing for some time. It was berry-like in shape, starting out quite small, and being pale, with a light touch of purple to its color. Over time, though, it had grown, and began to become disgustingly deformed. It became a deeper shade of purple, began to grow what could only be described as pulsating veins on it, and became malformed in shape, as if it has become rotten.\n\nThen, suddenly, after it has become very large, to the point where it was larger than the average human, it began to shake and pulsate violently, almost writhing in pain, until its connection to the tree snapped completely, and it fell down to the surface of a lower branch, a thick crack happening upon impact. From there, a being from within the fruit easily broke open the rotted flesh, before pushing his body through the hole that had been made and standing up, leaving the shriveled remains of the fruit on the ground below him.\n\nKathartos. He immediately knew that this was what he was called, though he remembered another name too. Strange... He had felt as though there was something that he was scared of, some undefeatable terror that he was trying to escape from... But now the feeling had vanished in his rebirth, and he felt a strange sense of happiness; indeed, he knew that he had been successful. He had escaped.\n\nHe bore a calm smiled and began to look around. Strangely, contrary to the appearance of the fruit he had come from, he appeared almost perfect, being completely clean, not even the smallest amount of debris on his body. He began to slowly walk towards the edge of the branch, curiously looking around at his surroundings... They seemed both unknown and familiar at the same time." }, { "author": "sociablealarm13", "message": "The newly born god would see nothing but themselves and the great Gaia tree at first... Then from the darkness, a wild and widened smile could be seen. A full set of razor teeth flashing and glitching with nothing but the void as their background until a dark smoke began to appear originating from the gaps between the maws teeth. \n\nThe smoke billowed downwards and around until it began to solidify and take shape, the shape of a woman. One leg exposed through the slit on her black dress, a long sleeve baggy shirt and sleeves, with a hood extending from her clavicles. The upper half of her face was not visible, nor would it be for it was cloaked in an ever shadow so long as her hood stayed up. \n\nQuickly she approached the new god, seemingly glitching or blinking from spot to spot until she stood just in front of the newly formed diety, extending her slender fingers and black dagger like nails to touch under the newly formed deities chin as if examining then to get a good look. \n\n\"Why hello hello hellooooo newest sibling! Do tell me... What do you stand for? I am your sister Sinrael, though my name does not matter. I am Fear incarnate, discord and strife embodied. But do tell me what you are!\" She gave a wicked chuckle, tilting her own head a little bit. \n\n\"So fresh... So... Undiscovered...\" She would say as she leaned in close to the other gods face and inhaled deeply of their emotions and essence, gathering a mere taste of what they were feeling. \n\n\"Curiosity... And relief from persecution... How apt.\" Sinrael leaned away again and smiled still. Her aura was simply... Erratic. She radiated the energies of discord, always manic and moving. Her energy was the same as a woman running from a rapist in an ally, yet it was also the same as a man worried his wife was cheating... This woman's aura was as if every fear in existence surged through her and pulsated like blood. \n\n\"Well little one?\"" }, { "author": "brendon5", "message": "Strange... The woman that had appeared before Kathartos caused a strange mix of feelings to rise up in him- firstly, slight fear at the sudden appearance, and then a mix of emotions, quick in succession, parts of memories that had occurred somewhere else. First, sadness, then warmth and trust, and then, very strong feelings of violation, pain, fear, strangely interspersed with feelings of love, before the emotions quickly fled as soon as they had arrived.\n\nKathartos, lost in memories returning, paused for just a moment before a smile crossed his face. It was somewhat strange and uncanny; not necessarily the type of smile that one finds themselves to have when they are happy, but rather, one that signaled a strange, unidentifiable mix of emotions. \"Hello...\" He uttered in a soft, friendly voice. It was at this moment that his emotions became harder to read... What were once easily identifiable, pure emotions that could be gleamed from his face and aura were now much more guarded, with both eyes and an expression that portrayed nothing but what he was: Corruption.\n\n\"I apologize... I should introduce myself...\" Kathartos began, taking a small step towards Sinrael so that they were even closer. \"My name... Is Kathartos... I am...\" He paused for a small moment, as if waiting for the words to come for him on their own. \"Purity. And... Corruption.\" His demeanor became very inviting, with him maintaining eye contact with Sinrael and clasping his hands behind his back. This aura she gave off... It was hard to describe, but it seemed to contradict itself, as it was both pleasurable and off-putting. At the very least, Kathartos enjoyed this goddess' presence, he was certain of that. \"And... Could I have your name, by chance...?\"" }, { "author": "sociablealarm13", "message": "The Goddess Sinrael watched with keen interest as this gods emotions shifted from memory to memory, phasing through seemingly to find whichever feeling they desired to feel in that moment. Her head tilted a bit as they gave their domain. He asked for her name, which Sinrael found odd. \n\n\"Are you daft or deaf, little sibling?\" Her left hand went to her own face, her teeth gnawing on the tip of her fingers a little bit in between words and sentences. \n\n\"I am Sinrael, as I just said a moment ago. Perhaps you were lost in daydreams...\" Sinrael inhaled deeply of the air again and tilted her head back in satisfaction as soon as her new brother began to radiate an aura that spoke of his domain. She floated to behind him, placing her hand on one of his shoulders as she inhaled again. \n\n\"You wreak of corruption, as you said... Corruption and Purity it seems... Let... Me... Think...\" Leaning onto the gods shoulder for a moment, she tapped the side of her head and floated her way to infront of him again, her dress and lower half trailing with her like a cloud of black smoke and smog. \n\n\"Corruption... Well... A desire to corrupt comes from insecurities... A want to make others feel lesser than yourself. More wrong... More wicked... It stems from guilt, or sadism. Perhaps both! Now on the other hand...\" She extended her right hand and left hand as if weighing a heart and feather on scales. \"A corrupt being themselves is... Damaged, broken, often times pushed to the edge. Most anyhow. Sometimes, corruption isn't negative... Sometimes it's just making something the opposite of what it's supposed to be!\" She spoke with speed and erratic changes in tone and voice, range and pitch. Sometimes a raspy dryness and cackle, others soft and silky like whispering winds. \n\n\"Tell me, oh Kathartos... What will you do when you meet something you cannot corrupt or purify?\"" }, { "author": "brendon5", "message": "\"Something that I cannot corrupt or purify...?\" Kathartos' smile faded slightly, as he thought on this. It was a difficult question, given that he had just been born, and so he looked downwards to think about it. \"Well, it's quite simple... If it so happens that a person is incorruptible, then the only logical conclusion is that they are already corrupt themselves, and if it is impossible to purify a person, then they are already pure. Both purity and corruption are fragile, and one turning to the other is inevitable. It may take a long time, and I may have to speed it up, but one will always sway to the other, like a pendulum, until an eventual equilibrium is reached. So... No action would be necessary.\"\n\nKathartos looked up again, satisfied with his answer. It wasn't Just An answer, either; as soon as the words left his mouth, he knew them to be the truth. \"You said you rule over, um... Fear, was it? Apologies, given my condition, my attention lapsed when you first spoke...\" Kathartos' soft and friendly tone remained, totally unwavering. He honestly seemed quite joyed to be having the conversation. \"I think that fear is quite interesting. It is usually irrational- people either fear what they cannot change or what is unlikely to occur. People fear corruption, for example, even though it is natural and unavoidable.\"\n\n\"Hmmm...\" A question popped up in Kathartos' mind, prompting him to smile slightly mischievously and ask, \"I am curious... Is there anything that You Fear...?\" He did not intend to prod at her mind, but rather, he was genuinely curious... Would a god, one who is effectively all-powerful with the ability to create as they please with little to no chance of death, have any fears...?" }, { "author": "sociablealarm13", "message": "The Goddess listened to his answer and tilted her head yet again. She was satisfied with his answer for the most part but as he began to mention her rule over fear, she gave a chuckle. A maddened chuckle, but a simple chuckle none the less. \n\n\"I rule over fear, discord and strife. But as to your question... The answer is yes and no.\" Her hands conjured a solid black mirror infront of her, grabbing it by its silver handle and observing something on the black glass that seemed to play. \n\n\"I consider us Gods embodiments of what we are. I am Fear and all it entails. I feel... Every single fear that exists. I am constantly betrayed by paranoia, distrusts, insecurities and all of fears various forms. Now... That would sound dreadful to some but... Eventually, you learn to love each fear. Each bit of weakness, you turn to strength. My embodying fear itself is part of the reason I know the emotions that lie inside of others so so well.\" She gave another laugh and gestured to her newfound brother. \n\n\"How about you? Do you despise that feeling of corruption inside you, does your purity wish to purge it from your self or... Do you find strength in the ever permeating turmoil and conflict as I do?\"" }, { "author": "brendon5", "message": "\"It's strange...\" Kathartos crossed his arms and tilted his head, as if in deep consideration about what was said. \"I have mixed feelings towards both corruption and purity. The corruption I find within myself... I find it to be both disgusting and beautiful. And, towards the purity in my heart, I feel much the same... That it is both admirable and repulsive.\" Confusion filled his face... It was clear that he did not fully understand himself yet, despite his apparent thorough understanding of purity and corruption in others.\n\nHe turned his head slightly towards the tree, giving it a bit of a suspicious side eye. Was he really birthed this way rightfully, or was his creation here in and of itself a symptom of the trees' own corruption? It was possible, given what he understood; after all, Everything Was capable of corruption, so even the tree should be... Right? His certainty wavered.\n\nAfter Kathartos' momentary pause for reflection, his face turned again, and he now looked at the sky. \"I feel that, in any case, I must experiment. To truly understand my own feelings on it... It must be manifested.\" His tone grew happy again, the thing sthat he could create filling into his mind. He was ready to begin manifesting it... To begin manifesting his dreams.\n\n\"Sinrael... This is just my intuition, but it seems that you have already reached equilibrium between purity and corruption, haven't you? I feel I must go and bring others to that equilibrium... And that it is not just a duty, but my purpose. However... You are very interesting. I'd like to meet again for some fun... After all, I'd argue that fear and corruption are inherently connected.\"" }, { "author": "sociablealarm13", "message": "The Wicked smile of Sinrael grew wider as the little brother spoke. She poofed into a cloud of smoke that dispersed only to reappear right behind him again, a chuckle leaving her lips as she spoke acting as a sort of background noise to her words. \n\n\"Gooooood... Embrace the beauty in your beast. Revel in your wretchedness. Love all that is wrong with you... And then go experiment.\" She floated her way to beside him, resting her elbow on his shoulder again and leaning her head onto her elbow. \n\n\"And yes... Equilibrium, in a way. I am not in between pure and corrupt... I am on both ends of the extremes at the same time. I am one hundred percent pure Me, but I am what most would call corrupted. Perception and belief is a tricky thing... Just be sure to have fun!\" And with that she stepped away from him, vanishing into the void and back to her demiplane, a little business card being left on his shoulder. \n\n\"Should you ever need me, find the Phobatorium.\" Is what the card said." }, { "author": "brendon5", "message": "Kathartos stood for a moment afterwards and took the business card into his hand and read it. He wasn't exactly sure what the Phobatorium was, but he had a feeling that he would remember that... It was the first time he had ever read something, after all, so it was quite special. He looked at the card for a moment more, making sure to commit it to memory, before it suddenly vanished, and he began to float into the distance, ready to begin.\n\n```END SCENE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!```" } ]	381	2,954
54	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "yerslavboi", "message": "Upon the branches, two nearby flowers finally fruited. One brimming with the orderly energies of the universe. The other, chaotically swirling with energy. Then, after a while, the orderly fruit fell from its branch, landing on a larger branch. It took form, as Nayru truly and fully manifested herself." }, { "author": "shiro0552", "message": "Xela was wandering nearby the world tree with Hydra curled up around her neck until she heard a sound of something. She stopped in her tracks as she started looking around in search if the source of the sound before her eyes landed on the larger branch, on which was a fruit laying.\n\n\"A new god...?\"\n\nShe mumbled to herself and turned to face it while she crossed her arms, staring at it as it started taking the form of a woman." }, { "author": "yerslavboi", "message": "\"... It seems that I have finally taken form. Greetings, my name is Nayru. I am molded by the ideals of Knowledge and Order. May I know your identity?\"\n\nShe approached the stranger and bowed to her in respect, despite not yet knowing her own position in this world. And despite Knowledge being her very essence, she still has a lot to learn about." }, { "author": "shiro0552", "message": "Xela stared up at the new deity as she approached her. Her snake slowly poking his head out while hissing to also see the other as she nodded, hearing her introduce herself.\n\n\"Hm... I am Xela, The Goddess of the Sea and Sea Monsters.\"" }, { "author": "yerslavboi", "message": "\"As far as I am aware, we're on the Upper Branches of the World Tree, correct? Forgive me for stating the obvious, but I have yet to learn everything.\"" }, { "author": "shiro0552", "message": "Xela glanced back at her in between looking around and nodded as she heard her question before answering.\n\n\"That is correct.\"" }, { "author": "queen2880", "message": "One of the flowers was being chaotic, and also magical. It was breaking rules with his distorted it was till it formed Kade, a god of magic and chaos. His feather wings flapped and raven clawed feet landed on the ground." }, { "author": "yerslavboi", "message": "\"Huh... I thought you'd take longer, brother. It is nice to see you, Kade. How are you feeling, now that you have a tangible form?\"" }, { "author": "queen2880", "message": "Kade seemed to chuckle as he shook his wings. By the gods he felt good, well it is by him actually. All of the magic was flowing into him. He was magic.\" I feel fine sister, it is difficult to explain it.\"" } ]	51	486
86.875	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "agentdon202", "message": "On on of the upperbranches just like many gods that came before him, a fruit would be seen ripping. It was on the verge falling off the branch and giving birth to a new deity. Soon the fruit would soon detach from the branch and it landed on a branch lower the it. And from the newly ripped fruit, was someone who took the form of a young human male. \n\nThe human male had snow white eyes and hair. His clothes matched also being snow white wearing a nice jacket and pants. From exiting the fruit and onto the branch. He looked around Yiggdrasil. \n\n\"...So this is how I arrive. Ontop of this tree. No matter.\"" }, { "author": "clonkl", "message": "Guerre, on another one of his spurs of wonder, had decided to show up back on the upper branches. He had yet to visit the place since his 'birth'. He wandered nigh aimlessly, his attention still focused on the fight with Oda back in his realm, until he noticed movement before him. Another deity being born.\n\nGuerre blinked past the fight, pulling attention to what's in front of him.\n\nHe tilted his head at the figure, unsure how to gauge. Guerre just stared at him," }, { "author": "agentdon202", "message": "He was just about go on about his business about to discover himself. Until he noticed someone watching his birth. He looks to him noticing not speaking. He remained quiet for a couple more seconds just in case he had something to say. \n\n\"...So? Is there something you wanna say to me?\"\n\nHe asked as he kep staring at him." }, { "author": "clonkl", "message": "Guerre raised a brow, \"So he speaks.\" The god commented, \"Good.\"\n\nHe crossed the branch to get a closer look at him, \"Firstly, what do you know?\" Guerre's arms lay hidden in his cloak as he bent down to look at him." }, { "author": "agentdon202", "message": "He crossed his arms as he looked at him. He felt as if he wanted something from him. \n\n\"...What I know. My name Seiji Recht. And I have a want to keep things in order. Also that I own a machine dragon.\"\n\nHe explains" }, { "author": "clonkl", "message": "\"That's certainly something.\" Guerre commented. A \"Machine dragon\" Seemed strange to him. He imagined such a thing, and its uses for war. It could be quite menacing, but perhaps the maintenance to keep it functioning would out weigh the maintenance to keep an organic one alive and well. \n\n\"I am Guerre.\" The god bowed his head in respect. Names were power, and he found it fair that since this \"Seiji\" Gave his name, Guerre would give his own. \n\n\"Do you know where you are?\" Guerre asked. He wondered on if every one of the deities knew who they were before, or they were all amnesic" }, { "author": "agentdon202", "message": "As for where he even was he had no idea. From what he could see, he was on a oversized tree in the middle of nowhere. Nothing that really showed him where he was. \n\n\"Hmmm im on a tree in the middle of nowhere. I know that much, as for what tree this is, being so big we can stand on it, I have no idea.\" \n\nHe told him" }, { "author": "clonkl", "message": "\"I suppose you will learn with time. Personally, I'm unsure what this big tree means.\" Guerre responded, \"Granted, I spent a total of 2 minutes here in the branches before heading down to make my realm.\"\n\nGuerre crossed his arms and decided to take look around the empty space beyond the tree, \"Speaking of realms, perhaps you should make one. It seems run of the mill for our kind.\"" }, { "author": "agentdon202", "message": "\"Right... Just as odd that I was born in a fruit.\"\n\nHe said thinking of that was exactly he was born out off. It seems weird. But it might've been a common thing. So he didn't question it further. Soon he suggested making a realm. \n\n\"Making a realm? Thats definitely something feasible that I can do... But at the same time... I don't quite understand it. Are realms like your living quarters?\"" }, { "author": "clonkl", "message": "Guerre raised a brow. An interesting question.\n\n\"I suppose so, yes. It's like your living quarters, except quite large. Very Large, actually. Entire worlds. You can create on on the lower branches.\"\n\nGuerre's thumb pointed down below them, \"It's not as much as a climb as it seems it'll be.\"" }, { "author": "agentdon202", "message": "\"Hmm I see... So basically my own living world. Well now that you told me this information... Id be wrong for me to refuse.\"\n\nHe said invisioning his realm. A place of perfect order. But free will would be a problem if mortals we're to live. Akon Guerre mentioned it was a short climb.\n\n\"Luckily I don't need to climb.\"\n\nSoon with a snap of his fingers a portal appears with that machine dragon he mentioned coming out. It seemed to be fully robotic and definitely looked intimidating. This colossal monster was over 50ft tall and floates over the branch. \n\nSeiji would soon walk on the massive metal claw of the dragon. He looked over at Guerre. He wondered if he wanted to witness his new realm. \n\n\"Would you like the join me in seeing me make my realm? Im still new to being a god. Also I would like to have a fellow god to chat with.\"" }, { "author": "clonkl", "message": "A raised brow at his words. He stepped back as he watched the machine dragon appear through the portal. At least he has a grasp on what he can do, Guerre thought, it took him about 2 cycles to do basic things. Partly because he was busy creating, and partly because he was getting used to the new body he entered.\n\nGuerre's head rose to meet the dragons gaze. While he had no intention to make machines such as those in his realm, or at least not yet, he believes that perhaps his own realm should need something of that design. But something alive and organic.\n\n\"I wouldn't mind doing that.\" Guerre reasoned. It was either join this newborn or go back to wandering off in the upper branches. This seemed more fun." }, { "author": "agentdon202", "message": "Seiji smiled as he was able to reason with him. Also it was nice to socialize with someone he just met. So he spoke again. \n\n\"Thank you Guerre. Would you like to fly on Machinedra or do you have your own method of reaching the lower branches?\"" }, { "author": "clonkl", "message": "\"I'll meet you down there.\" Guerre said. He was already on his way, taking a step off the ledge and allowed himself to fall." }, { "author": "agentdon202", "message": "\"Hmmm very well.\"\n\nHe said as the machine dragon soon decends down to the lower branches of the world tree." }, { "author": "clonkl", "message": "Guerre allowed himself to fall, controlling the rate in which he fell. He didn't bother climbing down, he was completely confident in his ability." } ]	77	1,390
337.666667	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "aetherod", "message": "A faint sizzle accompanied the god as his head ceased its rolling, boiling mass. It solidified into a rectangle as the rest of the creature finalized its truest appearance, before every surface of the rectangular head emitted tiny scratches and scrapes, coating their surface in flowing text and languageless sigil. The shapes, words, and diagrams changed constantly, as if it was the continual motion of a manuscript at work. Thin golden accents poked their way out of the now-solidified base of its body, tiny lights winking from his form into the void.\n\nDots crossed the upper sides of the rectangle while Vraisem accomplished their equivalent of a blink. He said nothing, as there was nothing to say. Where once he had been nothing, now he was. The deity lifted a hand, sharpened fingers scraping against his palm as he opened it, closed it, and turned it about." }, { "author": "sociablealarm13", "message": "Today was an eventful day for Sinrael it seemed as yet again while swiping through the worlds that her primary self watched in the Phobatorium, she caught an interesting sight. A god being born. This spread yet another wicked smile across her face, deciding to send yet another piece of herself to a different location. The Phobatorium, the ritual, the sands, all places she was. Now here as well, amongst the upper branches of great gaia yet again. \n\nThis time she appeared in no guise or different form, but her true form. A pale humanoid woman with a longsleeve black top, connecting to a hood that covered most of her face but her lower half with its eerily wide and razor sharp smile. Strands of her thick black hair seemed to rest up on her shoulders coming from beneath the hood, some places curling into crescent shapes much in contrast to the sideways crescent moon that floated above her head. \n\nHer nails were sharp and black, her hands slender and covered in silver rings and bangles, bracelets too. \n\nHer feet bare and one leg revealed, this form came through into the void somewhat behind and above this newly formed god, as she formed from a black smoke that seemed to just appear. \n\nShe seemed to vanish into a puff of smoke again before reappearing right behind him and leaning in to whisper in his... Well, where his ear would be. \n\n\"Welcome... Little brother... Who... Are... You?\" She smiled wider behind him, her head tilted to one side just a bit as her pure white eyes peered from under her hood to see what he was precisely doing with his hands. Writing something? Observing his new fresh form? Or just idling away?" }, { "author": "aetherod", "message": "The new god barely had time to understand his position, to appreciate the fact of their existence before they were accosted. His solitude was interrupted by the faintest sensation of presence. His hand had been closed in a fist, but it opened as blackened smoke came into presence above and behind him. In the process of opening his hand the quill-like points of each finger scraped along his palm, exposing a line of four golden squiggles beneath the inky shell. Said marks wiggled their way from his palm farther up his arm to vanish at the elbow joint. \n\nWhile Vraisem did not overtly react to the original puff of darkened smoke, the literature scratching itself across the surface of his rectangular head quickened its pace. The goddess appeared behind her newest divine sibling, and the words had barely left her lips before he turned to face her.\n\nWell. Turned Was probably not the best explanation for what happened. In truth, the Ink Deity's cloak inverted itself and passed straight through his body, the polygonal accents on the back of his head passed through it to affix themselves to what was once the front, and every joint reversed in on itself until what was once the back of the god was now his front, and the front how his back. \n\n\"Authocrat. Creativor. Taletician. Identifacsimiler.\" The butchery of language left the creature's head, the words tracing themselves along his rectangular face as concepts and terms forced themselves together. The author and the autocrat, the creative and the creator, the tale and the tactician. Facsimiles of its identity passed into a voice whos individual syllables and intonations scratched the ears but whos whole phrases flowed a gentle stream. \n\n\"Vraisem. What referentent has placed you to page?\"" }, { "author": "sociablealarm13", "message": "The goddess did not move her head as the man seemingly rotated and phased some of his body to... Face her? Yes. That was a good word for it. His visuals did not disturb her, but his words... His way of phrasing and speaking had a discordian dissonance to it. Like beautifully written words... With the sound of the scratching of a chalkboard accompanying them. She enjoyed the odd contradiction. She gave the man another sniff before exhaling with a slight moan of relief. \n\n\"I think I catch your meaning. Well my dear little brother... I am... The driving force behind every story, one could say an antagonist... I am fear and discord, the thing in histories pages that causes history to occur...\" She gave a chuckle and floated around him as if she were floating atop water or a cloud before she straightened herself back up. Her head bobbed from side to side as she thought. Then her eyes widened and she grinned with teeth aplenty. \n\n\"Oh I am here to instigate and inspire... To invigorate and discover your desire...\" She gestured to the void around them, pointing her finger at the far off, down below realms of mortals and other gods. \n\n\"Perhaps... You, as an author would like to make a species... A race of mortals, whether they be long lived celestials and demons... Or short lived flies... But a species none theless. One to watch the realms of other gods and record their histories and ongoings. To write and record each and every story...\" \n\nShe then made a tsk tsk tsk noise with her mouth before shrugging and grinning again. \"Or... I suppose authors do create rather than record... So you could choose one of those... Empty black spots in the void by the roots, to make your own realm... Your own realm of mortals... Civilizations... Creatures galore. Make your own story and watch it's history play out in real time...\"" }, { "author": "aetherod", "message": "One deity floated freely, while the other stood stock still. One spoke of her life's meaning, the other listened. Scriptures scratched sigils with each syllabic intonation as Vraisem's face copied Sinrael's words in a dozen languages not yet created. She was the antagonist to every story she deigned to join, the driving force of dismay and destruction to the lives of mortals. \n\nMortals?\n\nYes, Vraisem had existed for all of a few seconds, but the concept of mortals as differing entities to himself and the one pacing around him already made since. It was a common literary presence, of course. Either way, it was secondary to the conversation at hand.\n\nThe Weaver of Discord was not Lying When she spoke of her purpose, but rather twisting concepts to fit the imagined desires of the newly birthed author god. Instigating history? Birthing fear and discord? The Ink Deity questioned whether or not Inspiration, invigoration, and the acquisition of desire Truly matched her Will, or if it was a clever ploy to ingratiate herself with a deity seemingly built around similar literary devices. Ultimately? It did not matter either way. The Goddess of Fear and Discord was doing as she was wont to do, and such an act did far more for her relationship with Vraisem than if her statements had just been simple truth.\n\n\"Litereation is my emphocasis. Rises, falls, all the mortal tapistory for the benefiscience of eternity.\"\n\nA droplet of ink left the rectangular face, falling from its chin to combine with the body upon the chest as Vraisem turned to 'look' down to the roots far below. \n\n\"I am not the first, nor the last. Many leaves impale the birthtree. What tales cross them? What beings write them? Is it a tragedy to which I have appeared?\"" }, { "author": "sociablealarm13", "message": "The goddess let loose a cackle as he finished his words, for there wasn't much to notice about his emotions and feelings regarding her other than the fact that his emotional energies seemed to move... Almost mechanically, like the typing upon a typewriter. Geometric and grandiose yet plain and to the point somehow. She placed a hand on his shoulder and floated to beside him, leaning a bit closer to where his visage would be. \n\n\"Oh nooooo... My dear little brother... The tales that cross the innumerable leaves that fall from our birthtree are yours to write if you so choose... Yours to record and regale with! And the beings that write them?\" She gave a hardy laugh and pushed herself off his shoulder gently but enough to cause her to seemingly backflip slowly through the air like a twisted mermaid of smoke through endless waters. \n\n\"That's us. The God's... Though in truth, I suppose even the mortals are authors themselves... Each wondrous living creature singing a song of its own or writing a tale whether it be drole or delightful!\" She floated around him for a second or two before stopping again in front of him with a wicked grin, gesturing out to the realms below and around them. \n\n\"As for whether it's a tragedy you've been born into...\" She gave a spin and laughed a bit during it before exhaling a sort of pleased sigh. \"That depends on perspective, little brother! Record what you can and eventually... Tell me whether you find the story so far as a tragedy or a comedy.\"" } ]	365.5	2,026
161.166667	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "itssaturnfr", "message": "Deep within the upper branches, is something that only one can describe as warm and beautiful. As golden leaves began wrapping around a bud. The golden light began flourishing more and more. As the beauty of the new birth began to expand further. The colors of a rising sun began to crest over the bud before the plant itself began to open. \n\nThe figure of the newly formed god could be seen coming out of the fruit. Before slowly dropping from the fruit itself. The gown of white petals rapidly formed along his body as his afro glimmered with a forming crown. His hands clutched together across his chest as he continued on his downwards descent. \n\nWhen it seemed he was about to plummet, a sunflower quickly blossomed from the ground and caught it's lord. Abeeku gently opened his eyes at that exact moment. His eyes, by the stars, was so stunning. Pupils with colors similar to an ever-turning golden ocean crested by a sunset. \n\n\"..Beautiful.\"\n\nHe whispered softly to the empty expanse. Gazing at the stars glimmering in the forever night sky. A beautiful endless show of stars that held different journeys and different paths that are somehow all connected to eachother. That's what made it so stunning and beautiful to him. \n\nAll like a golden web. \n\nA web that could never be stopped, but just grow despite the limitations of others." }, { "author": "cocoamallow", "message": "He lift his head as the scenery change again, this time everything bath in sunlight, even the grotesque trunk seem motherly, Néel sighing, coming to confront the True Creator of this dimension again. But before his palm touch the tree, a whisper startles the homosapien, he peek around the corner to find a stunning lot beautiful man\n\nHis body is all watery... Just like Ferroxis... Wait, this tree-\n\n\"H-Hello, sire. Are you perhaps new here?\"\n\nDespite his doubt and suspicion, he approach the golden man urgently, still, Néel don't know if anything from this man can give him any information nor ways to escape here once and for all." }, { "author": "itssaturnfr", "message": "Abeeku's eyes softened as he heard a voice speaking. The sunlight followed his movements, as he began to walk towards Néel. His gown followed his movements, with the white petals swishing around his form and the golden top leaf wrapped around his chest to resemble a top swirled with patterns.\n\n\"You who speak to me, are quite curious. Yes... I am new.\"\n\nAbeeku hummed to the man, ebony skin now forming instead of the golden hue from the sunlight basking from his form. With a simple wave of his hand, he dismissed the light and turned to the sky again.\n\n\"Those stars.. They glimmer and shine but yet I do not know of their identities, but I feel they are connected to me somehow. Why?\"\n\nHe asked quietly to the being beside him. Eyes turning to Néel." }, { "author": "cocoamallow", "message": "The man walks towards Néel with majesty grace as he point to one of the star in the sky which didn't catch him before. Maybe because the aura is different but with him, Néel can take the skies wholeheartedly, the homosapien shakes his head, his eyes full of tears\n\nOh dear... I'm crying again... When do I ever found happiness in this dimension? So I can't uselessly cry anymore...\n\n\"I... I am lost too, sire, those stars—I can't see them as clearly as you.\"\n\nFor him to be gazing upon the vast blanket and found his light, it's must be a greatest joy. To see his fate. To grasp his identity. But even though he's asking like a child, Néel can't be more loss than an orphan, trapping in a world globe." }, { "author": "itssaturnfr", "message": "\"You are lost, aren't you. An organism that isn't aware of his duty yet, but will soon come to terms with it..\"\n\nHe whispered softly to Neel, before turning away once more to the endless black sky ful of stars. Abeeku began lifting himself up with his prowess and floated in the same spot before glancing back to Neel.\n\n\"Perhaps, someday, our paths will cross once more.\"\n\nHe spoke simply to the fellow deity, before shooting away from Yggdrasil in a blast of light and gold, heading to his new realm to begin his duties." }, { "author": "cocoamallow", "message": "Once again, another fateful body flies into their illusion of destiny as Néel silently watch them grasp that foreign concept, still, he nods, waving his hand towards the golden man\n\nI wonder if I ever will.\n\n\"I wish you prosperity, sire.\"\n\nEven though we didn't know each other name yet.." } ]	160.5	967
268	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fallapede", "message": "Vanos glances down at the burn-scarred bark of its birthbranch with fascination, watching in awe as the treeflesh reforms. In moments, it is as though Vanos has never been there, its presence erased from the world completely. \n\nPerhaps such thoughts are too heavy moments after its foray into existence, but the thought of something that can be destroyed forever or perhaps cannot be destroyed at all fills Vanos with... What is this feeling, now that it pauses to consider? Revulsion, perhaps, but also a sense of excitement. Something to understand, to learn from, to conquer. \n\nIn a moment of pure impulse, Vanos' hand alights with white-hot flame as it presses against the branch, searing a proof of itself into the bark, at least for the moment. Whether or not the mark lasts is unimportant. Every fire must go out eventually. The act of lighting it is what matters." }, { "author": "gonglblin", "message": "The newborn God of Destruction's attempt at damaging the Great Tree did not go unnoticed. From behind him came a presence, one that spoke of unfettered intent. The stars that surrounded the Upper Branches of Gaia seemed to blink out, before fading back into existence even brighter than before. An aura of utter calm sputtered into existence. Faint. Weakened, perhaps. Yet present all the same. Unborn gods, in fruit of all shapes, sizes and forms surrounded Vanos. Their presence seemed cloying, almost. Attempting to suffocate him with their sheer presence in response to his attempt at harming the Great Mother.\n\nIt was at that very moment that a hole in space appeared. A burning line of fire that expanded outwards into the shape of a triangle, through which stepped a man clad in a silver cloak. Three, pearlescent eyes squinted against the brightness of Vanos's flame as he attempted to damage the branch. There was a sense of repressed outrage as the three-eyed man hobbled from the rift. He was missing an arm, and half of his ribcage was exposed to the open air, half-revealing his pulsating, grey heart.\n\nThe realms of the gods, spread out across the four cardinal directions, glimmered faintly in the distance. He had once thought of them as unnecessary, dangerous, even. But even he had come to realise that for the most part, they served as a place of rest. The few wandering gods he'd met had always seemed troubled. Not that he himself had not experienced such trouble.\n\nHis battle with his brother was over, and as such he allowed parts of himself to split off once more. So too was part of his being fractured, and allowed to return to its post, guarding the World Tree against attack, and waiting for the births of new gods.\n\nTruth be told, Vanos's attempt at wounding Gaia irked him. It was like a newborn serpent with no control over its venom biting at the first thing it sees. Destructive, impulsive, and reckless. Swallowing his own vitriol towards this careless act and reasoning that in comparison to him Vanos was a child, Pureman spoke, choosing his words carefully.\n\n\"That is no way to treat your Mother, Child of Gaia.\"" }, { "author": "fallapede", "message": "Vanos turns to face the the source of the voice, though a part of it realizes that the gesture is an affectation; its awareness of the world around it extends far beyond seeing. Still, old habits (how can it have habits?) die hard. \"Hello there, stranger,\" It replies lightly, willing its hand back to flesh and raising it languidly in greeting. \"I apologize if I've disturbed you. I'm simply trying to get my bearings on who, and what, I am. Are you a fellow child? Shall I call you sibling?\"\n\nTaking the stranger in, Vanos cannot help but smile at the beauty of such a broken form. It can only wonder what glorious event might have harmed it so. Or perhaps this is just the natural state of this being, fascinating as that possibility is. Of all the virtues Vanos may possess, restraint and tact are not ones that makes themselves apparent, and so it asks, \"Why do you allow yourself to be so ruined, if you truly are my sibling?\"" }, { "author": "gonglblin", "message": "He looked his sibling up and down, taking in their appearance. An odd thing, tall with black hair that turned to smoke at the tips, with skin of a similar ashen grey to his own. His steely gaze softened momentarily. The question had reminded him that this being was simply uninformed. Though that wasn't to say he did not find it rude, to address one's elder in such a casual manner. Pureman lazily picked some charcoal from his ruined torso, dislodging it from between his ribs. The blackened flesh crumbled away with relative ease, turning to dust between his fingers, with that dust shortly evaporating into white smoke.\n\n\"A fellow child I am indeed. You may call me Pureman, for that describes what I am.\"\n\nPureman's temper flared the moment the word 'ruined' passed Vanos's lips. In an instant, his ruined flesh knitted itself back together, charred remains sloughing off like a snake's shed skin. It took a few seconds, but he regrew his arm. Truth be told, he didn't have much divinity left for such things after his battle with his brother. Regenerating flesh is a costly move, and he felt himself grow ever more tired with each expenditure of power. This was only One Fragment of himself, and it was already taking up too much energy. He sighed, taking a deep breath to cool off.\n\n\"Ah. You should see the other sibling.\"" }, { "author": "fallapede", "message": "\"I'm sure that would be wonderful,\" Vanos replies, entirely seriously. It takes a step closer to examine Pureman's reforming flesh, watching it with a curious expression for a long moment before remembering its place in the conversation.\n\n\"Ah, yes, names. Mine is Vanos, I believe. It seems correct to me, at least.\" There's a note of hesitation in its voice when talking about its name. It feels with a deep certainty that Vanos is its true name, but that certainty itself seems suspect to it. How much of itself can it really call its own, with so much of its knowledge and sensibilities seeming to come to it fully formed? It doubts it will find any sense of resolution to such issues here, and so turns to more pressing questions.\n\n\"What brings you here, Pureman, and where am I to go once I leave?\"" }, { "author": "gonglblin", "message": "\"Vanos. A... Fitting name. As for why I am here-\" Pureman's spiel was interrupted as the roots of the great tree shook. A horrid sound, a cry of utter torment echoed throughout the world. The God of Purity had a horrible, horrible epiphany. It was happening again. What had happened all that time ago. Memories flashed through his mind of the Incident. The serpent's fangs, gleaming in the light. Their shrivelled form, coiled within the crystal. The flow of ichor from his wounds, the things he'd seen. The things he'd done that he could never, would never take back. He outstretched his arm, the air crackled with energy as he turned his head to look at Vanos.\n\n\"I was here to stop that. It seems I have failed again.\"\n\nIn a flash of white sparks, a silver greataxe materialised in Pureman's newly-reformed hand. He hefted it onto his shoulder, turning to step off of the branch of the great tree, turning to plummet into the void. There was something... Profoundly Sad about this entire ordeal. Even the aura of serenity that surrounded the three-eyed man seemed downcast, somehow.\n\n\"Go West, young god. Seek your fortune.\" He advised.\n\nWith a curt nod and the smell of ozone, Pureman stepped elegantly off of the branch, a rift opening below his feet. The last Vanos would see of him would be the top of his helmet, disappearing into it as he headed to the source of the agonized cry." }, { "author": "fallapede", "message": "Vanos feels the wrongness of the tree at the same moment Pureman does, and though it means little to the nascent godling, it suddenly has a much clearer understanding of Pureman's purpose here. Clearly, the tree is not something to be tampered with. Before it can fully react to all these stimuli, its fellow god has left, leaving only a rift in space behind.\n\nVanos hesitates for a long moment, weighing its options. Pureman's directions are barely a consideration in and of themselves, but the choice between striking out for itself and going after its new sibling is more of a struggle. Ultimately, it decides to follow after the older god. Though Vanos hasn't entirely worked out how it feels about Pureman, it seems foolish to abandon its only connection so quickly. In the instant before the rift closes, Vanos glides through, barely avoiding grazing the edges." } ]	212	1,876
811.90625	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fire.turtle", "message": "The branches were still scarred from him. She walked where he had once slithered. Her eyes saw what he had once seen. Melancholia's fingers touched what Edon's touched.\n\nHe had unknowingly carved a path that others would follow. While no soul with a sense of benevolent morality had yet strode upon it, the trail was still there: It always was, and it always would be. The goddess of sadness sluggishly placed one foot down and followed it by another, staring at the twisted, golden limbs below her. Her gaze was serpentine, her fangs glistening beneath the stars.\nThe only reminders were in her head. As she witnessed new gods slip from ripe fruiting bodies, she could not help but wonder why nobody seemed to care. Did they not know? Could they not feel it? Him? She flinched; the pain of watching them emerge was unbearable, for she was critically aware of their fateful agony. The pain they were cursed to go through, the terrible lives they were destined to live.\n\nIn a way, Melancholia was unlike the snake. She was not to outright consume an unborn deity, but to consume its innocence. To show them the world before they fell victim to it; show them how Yggdrasil did not care; to show them that committing such a heinous crime went unpunished; to numb them from their premature pain.\n\nThe goddess was an elegant creature. She bore a peculiar figure, but she was not ugly. Her body was slim and tall, sculpted androgynously and crafted with horrific care. Beyond her frigid gaze, fog clouded her innards. When she cried, it condensed into droplets of wretched water and spilled through her hollow eye sockets. Feathery wings lined her underarms, yet they were rarely used. They were white and angelic. One part of her was an angel; the other was an imp. Horns spiked from her head, complimented by similarly pointed ears.\nShe was a beautiful evil, a poisonous flower.\n\nThe silhouette of the murderess progressed through the upper branches. Even from afar, she wreaked of blueness. Many of the fruits were impenetrable, untouched by her looming aura of desolation. However, others were not, and showed a visible change in color. A new darkness. The dimming stars were hesitantly beginning to blacken her stride.\nHow blessed the sky was, for it did not behold the star of Melancholia.\n\nMusic had long been a neglected duty of hers. It only ever sounded in the background, outshined by the magnificent depression. With each step she took, another note rang outward. The song of doom; the melody of fate.\n\n \nThey were all the same to her. Eventually, she would have to chose. Could she not do all? If she did, it would kill her. Could she not let go of her life in one last divine action? No. She could not. There was still much more sadness to spread. More pandemonium, more harm. More thoughts. More. More. More.\n\"To all of those who I cannot save, I sincerely apologize. Perhaps one day, we shall meet, and only then will you possibly be spared.\"\nBut it will not be enough.\nHer victim was ahead; she could see it. The pulsating fruit, dripping with the benign energy of chaos. Doom had placed it in her path. A smile crossed her face, accompanied by a motherly urge to embrace the baby before she destroyed it. At last, she had reached her destination.\n\nMelancholia's fingers were soothing and gentle. Breaking through the protective layer of skin, she touched the embryo. They began to bleed. Indigo, indigo everywhere.\nBlood.\n Blood.\n Blood.\nShe found their hand and held it.\nShe touched their veins and opened them.\nShe took the blunt of their fleeting happiness and absorbed it.\nThe deity released an innate signal of pain, but she did not stop. She was preparing them. A bulbous bead of blood splattered upon her arm. Melancholia stared at it; then, she smudged it onto her fingers and continued to torture the being.\nThroughout this, she was oddly gentle. Her intentions were not malevolent - in her mind, they were not. She was not killing the god, but rather, replacing its insides with something more... Suitable.\n\nWhen she was satisfied with her mess, she pulled her arms out of the fruit and hugged it. Divine teardrops leaked from her eyes, and as they fell, they patched up the holes in the egg. The deity still needed more time. Perhaps that would be minutes, perhaps that would be years. Regardless. They needed to absorb what she had given them. Their intended domain needed to be contorted and shredded by the pure dejection she had fed them.\n\nDrunk off of crystalline sorrow, she laid herself down and waited for the person to emerge and thank her. Only after she recieved her appreciation would she leave." }, { "author": "sageheist", "message": "The pulsating fruit convulsed and writhed as Melancholia's arms eased their way inside the yet to be bloomed flower, deeper still into the embryo. The light within pulsed and swirled as the scream of an infant could be heard inside. A red mixes with blue to create a vibrant indigo. Squirming, crying, shifting in agony, the embryo within convulses further as the light begins to fade, as the god within's blood turns more and more blue. The screams of the unborn begin to shift, slur, warping into unholy inhumane cries. Whimpers. Before finally it falls still. All the light within the seed has faded, except for a tiny blue pulse, once every couple of seconds. A heartbeat, and a weak one at that. \n\nA splattering of neon cyan splashes out and covers the attacker's arm, and with that, the embryo sat still. The little blue light wasn't even pulsing anymore. But somehow, Melancholia would be able to feel the energy coming off the dormant seed as she pulled her arms out. She would be met with silence. Cold, dreaded silence. As she lay there, it would take hours, nearly the entire day, as the stars dimmed darker and the night begun, finally movement within the shell would be able to be noticed. Blue flashes, slowly at first, begun emanating from the weakened casing. Slowly it continued to increase in pace as it begun to properly approach that of a heart. Then, screaming once again, less infantile and more mature, but it continued to shift and warp, turning into unholy screeching from time to time.\n\nAt first there was no movement from the flower that refused to blossom. Then it shook. It rocked. It even risked toppling off of the branch. Then slowly, with more careful attention, a hand pressed against the membrane from the inside. The inky black swirl of protective layering stretched as a second hand pressed against it, as if they were reaching for Melancholia herself. Slower still, a face, a silently screaming face pushed its way against this corrupted structure as the section of limb itself that it was attached to appeared to blacken and warp, twisting into a darker more gnarled and knotty version of itself. As it looked like the skin was finally about to rip, the being within stopped moving, the face of horror and agony plastered across the barely visible surface. Then an eye opened up on the outside. \n\nA singular, yellow eye with a ring of red to mark the difference between the iris and sclera. Then a second eye, and another. One by one, dozens, maybe even hundreds of eyes opened up, giving off a brief bit of illumination as they all stared blankly at Melancholia, unblinking. Finally, there was a sickening squelch as foul smelling, yellow ichor begins to spill from the center of the face as a rip begins to form within the lining. This was no longer a fruit, but a pod of rotten filth that should never be allowed to see the light of day. The poor corrupted immortal soul within was slowly pressing out more, as the skin of the shell ripped more, exposing a young, pale skinned, pink haired woman's face. \n\nFinally with a sickeningly wet pop, the pod rips all the way, spilling the newborn god out, nude and vulnerable, surrounded by a deluge of putrid embryotic fluid. The newborn goddess lies there, sticky, still, covered in the result of her corruption. It doesn't take long though for her to begin coughing, racking her lungs as she begins vomiting the same fluid up, retching and kneeling down with her forehead on the splintery bark. Inhaling for the first time in her life, she sits up dramatically, her long pink and blue hair cascading down, covering her modesty before she stares over at her torturer blankly. \n\n\"Mother?\"" }, { "author": "gonglblin", "message": "Cycles begetting cycles. A snake eating its own tail. This wasn't what He Would have wanted. Seventeen years ago, Edon, the Serpent of Fate had committed a cardinal sin. On that day the God of Purity had failed in his attempt to fulfil the purpose he had been created for. To keep the all-mother clean. To be her caretaker. Seventeen years ago, he had allowed this Heresy To occur. Seventeen years ago, he had been branded a Traitor. Yet despite those seventeen years passing, the memory remained fresh in his mind. The God of Purity, failing to complete his mission. Killing the blasphemer, and erasing him from existence. Even despite his failure, Gaia had allowed him a brief respite from his ingrained purpose. Allowed him closeness with another. Allowed him to feel like Himself For but a single day. Perhaps by succeeding in his endeavour this time...\n\n...She Would let him be a real person, just for a while.\n\nWith a sound like tearing paper, a triangular rift in space opened, and through it fell Pureman. There was no fancy flipping, nor even an elegant twirl as he dropped down, just a short walk away from Melancholia and the Newborn Goddess. He landed heavily, knees bending as they absorbed the impact. Though he kicked up a cloud of dust, not a single speck of it sullied his knee-high, dark grey boots. Even still, he brushed himself off as he straightened up. He carried a strange aura about him. One that spoke of purposeful serenity. Everything around him seemed More defined. Easier to distinguish from everything else. The ambient dust that dared flit into his vicinity simply vanished into a thin, white smoke.\n\nPureman swept his cape from behind him, it spread out, fluttering in the wind and billowing to his left as he strode solemnly towards Jinxara and... Her.\n\nMelancholia. It was no secret amongst those familiar with Edon's tale that she was bad news. He remembered the vision the serpent had shared. Edon, Himself and Melancholia, all silhouetted in orange, shaded with black. It made sense to him, with the benefit of hindsight. All it can take for a man to topple from the edge of sanity is the slightest push. A push he was all too familiar with. The Blue Goddess, in all her intensity. In all her utter despair. There she sat, ignorant to everything around herself, lazing about in satisfaction with her deed like a python with a full belly. Cycles begetting cycles. He felt something in his gut, then. An old, familiar Itch. His instinct, his ingrained purpose. Purify, make clean, sterilise. Remove.\n\nHe hadn't even noticed the axe in his hand, yet he clenched it so tightly that the metal groaned under his grip. What a strange feeling it was. To know one's own purpose. To have such an opportunity to fulfil it. To curse it all the same, as he did. His three eyes darted between Melancholia and the New Goddess. Her bright-pink hair was striking, yet it seemed- in his opinion, that was all that was striking about her. He sensed pain. He sensed confusion and sickness. The stench of the vile Slop That surrounded her made his eyes Water.\n\n\"Disgusting.\" He murmured as he looked at the amniotic sludge surrounding the newborn goddess. It smelt like rotting meat and the salt sting of tears. He could practically Taste It. He turned his gaze back to Melancholia, speaking once more.\n\n\"The mortals have a saying. If you see one fetid cockroach, there are many more hiding in the walls. I suppose You Are the most fetid of them all. Another pest in the garden. Just like He Was. Not a slug, not this time. Too many legs.\"\n\nAnother battle. Another go-around. Cycles begetting cycles. As he stared at Melancholia, with his three piercing eyes, his gaze softened, though his tone remained resolute.\n\n\"You must miss him.\"" }, { "author": "pentigan", "message": "\"Broken people make broken people\"\n\nThe words echoed in Rav'nixander's very essence as it felt the sympathic screech of the god-sprouting tree. Its reaction was the same as with most unflinching expressions of divine shenaniganery: Splinter and investigate. And so it was that the tiniest shard of blue flickered amid the branches, patrolling until it reached the darkened corridor of fruits and at its river-source the former consort of the dead god of Eclipses, along with Pureman and... Another shard at the top of the tree flickered an observation: New star coinciding with gaia-reaction, and the implication became clear. Rav'nixander took no judgement from the state of the god, fruits came in all kinds and the gods the same... But the reaction, the plant's call to alarm, that was the judgement; A Transgression happened here.\n\n\"What did. Each. Of you. Do?\"" }, { "author": "damonthedevourer", "message": "Near Gaia's crown, a small singularity of fog appeared before quickly growing in response to the cosmic disturbance. Something was wrong, he could feel it, he had to get there Now. The cloud of mist continued to swell and grow, but evidently it was not fast enough for the god conjuring it. Screaming in frustration and righteous fury, Wyrd shredded through the fabric of reality itself before the mysterious cloak of fog for he teleportation could fully form. He didn't even need to see the culprit to know who it was. There were only two gods wicked enough to commit such a taboo, and he saw to the death of one of them himself.\n\n\"MELANCHOLIA!\" He screeched on his apparition. Typically, Wyrd spoke in a more calm, humanoid tone, mostly for the benefit of his younger siblings. He knew that they might find him... Disturbing if he were to speak in the manner that was more natural to him. Consumed by rage as he was, though, the god of monsters hadn't the patience to restrain himself. His voice tore from his body as the shriek of the wind and the maddened howl of countless beasts. The long neck of the deer hung limp as his torso rose to face her and the seam that split his body opened to voice his rage, the countless razor-sharp teeth bristling within giving him the appearance of a monstrous mouth attached to some invisible nightmare. \"I KNOW IT WAS YOU!\"\n\nWyrd's limp head dangled around to face Melancholia, his cold eyes staring daggers at her. He knew the others would try to talk to her, to reason with her, to tell her why she was wrong. It would get them nowhere. Only pain would serve to teach her. Not that she was wrong, not that she should do better in the future.\n\nIt would teach her what a mistake it was to continue coming back to life.\n\n\"MELANCHOLIA! YOU SHOULD KILL YOURSELF NOW!\" The god of monsters howled furiously as his body sprouted a number of horrific spider-like legs to skitter towards his prey with. \"BECAUSE WHEN I'M DONE WITH YOU, YOU'LL WISH YOU WERE DEAD!\"" }, { "author": "moth_hole", "message": "Clink. Clink. Clink.\n\nIt's the sound of distant hammering and the fire of the forge that signals Pyralith's arrival before she ever steps foot in the area. She had Felt it. A horrid wave of pain and suffering that twisted at something low in her heart, something primal, an instinctive need to protect her mother. What had happened now? How often would something horrific happen to this world that it could keep so many gods perpetually busy? Who now caused so much trouble that it had the dwarf goddess rushing to find the culprit? Would this cycle ever end? Even under the fire of the forge and under each thundering blow of a hammer, these problems continued to crop up, pushed to the surface by the ever growing waves of annoying pissants looking for something to prove, looking for some new horrific thing to do.\n\nIt was Desperate.\n\nDown near the midst of it all came a horrible pillar of fire, rigid and harsh, the roar of the flames sounding as if one great pained beast, and in the center of it all was the stout silhouette of Pyralith, the Forge Goddess. Even in the midst of Wyrd's anger, the god of the dwarves seemed eerily calm, her face scrunched up in a familiar anger, one that almost looked right on the creases and sections of her face. As if her cold rage was how she was Meant To feel. As still as the stone, as burning as the forge. Her nearly non-existent neck craned to take in the damage, survey the scenario, brows furrowed and magma gaze burning with indignation. Within herself, her power shifted, pouring into the singular instance of her that was present at the tree.\n\nThe fire around Pyralith dissipated as she stepped forth, eyes tracking slowly onto Wyrd, and then Melancholia. Her singular arm raised, pointing at the goddess in question with one fat finger.\n\n\"That was you, then?\" \n\nThe dwarf's head tilted, eyes tired and hateful as she glared across the distance. \n\n\"Alright. Let's get this over with, boys.\"" }, { "author": "olypmu", "message": "Seventeen years.\n\nIt was almost blissful. Xanthous almost... Felt tired. Felt old. Would history simply repeat itself? A scream had ripped the sky open, tore it in two. Even now, even as Xanthous no longer had his heart, he had mobilized a small part of his dry Divinity to go scout out what had happened. Because of his fight with the God of Purity, he was severely weakened, and, as a result, believed he would not be playing a major part in this fight.\n\nNot anymore.\n\nAlmost quietly, he appeared. He did not make a showcase of himself. He did not part space like a flimsy curtain. No. He simply just... Enjoyed his existence. Xanthous took a singular breath, letting his clothes flutter as his feet touched down on the sturdy branch of Gaia. How long? He smiled. And then his eyes found Melancholia... And a Newborn Goddess.\n\n\"Oh.\" He said. He walked. It was a purposeful stride. Relaxed, and yet, observant. His aura was calm, serene, peaceful. To any who knew Xanthous before, his temperament had changed. Where he walked, he left behind and endless cycle of existence. Cold anger filled his veins, his crimson eyes locking onto the vestige of the Goddess that he had come to hate.\n\nMelancholia.\n\nHe stopped not too far away from the two, his eyes flitting over the other Gods who had heeded the call. Pureman, Rav'nixander, and two other Gods he did not know. He turned back to Melancholia and her kin. \"It has been a while... Has it not?\" He seemed almost... Sad. \"And so it begins.\"\n\nXanthous extended a hand. \"Tell me... Why did you do it?\"" }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "Seriously? They were doing this? AGAIN?!\n\nTriticea had been finally starting to relax a bit when the piercing scream ran out through the air. \n\nThe first time she had heard it, when Edon had become the Devourer, she hadn't known what it had meant. She had failed to respond to it, and those that had appeared to face Edon had allowed him to escape. That had been her own fault, her own folly.\n\nIt was a mistake that she would not repeat.\n\nIn an instant her basket fell to the ground, abandoned on the floor of the Valley. An entire branch of the tree seemed to erupt as a stalk of wheat shot from it like pus gushing from a wound. All of Triticea, save for a tiny fragment of her at Thana's weapon making ritual, was absorbed into one as the Wheatmother took shape.\n\nThe sheaf that had sprouted curled into a circle, hundreds of furious eyes opening to stare down at the aberration and the monster who had created it. The Abundances, now epic divine weapons, sprouted out like the stingers of a wasp from two of her four wheatlike appendanges.\n\nUnlike the others though, she did not demand answers. She did not scream for vengeance, or justice, or anything of the sort. She did not condemn Melancholia with her words. She did not address the triangle headed god that she'd never met, nor Rav'Nixander of many words and few actions, or the self-proclaimed emperor of them all, or even the one who had fought Edon side by side with her during the ritual of mortality.\n\nNo. There was nothing left for her to say. \n\nGaia had spoken. Gaia had screamed out for her children to avenge the sibling that had been stolen from them by the liar, by the thief. There were no words that could reply to an order like that, only action.\n\nMelancholia, who Triticea had been looking for since the Devourer's final attack on the World Tree, had at last reared her head. \n\nFinally, Finally, it was time to give the most selfish of her siblings exactly what she deserved for everything that she had done against Gaia." }, { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "`\"I never left... Old friend.\"`\n\nA wailing voice calls towards Pureman from a cacophony of breaking bones and tearing flesh. A twisted foot drags its fickle skin across the hardened bark of Gaia, pulling bits of sinew and viscera from its form as the monstrosity lumbers towards the main event. What remained of Thana was mutilated in a state of disrepair. Lowly sunken eyes shimmer with bloodshot veins stretched across the darkened pupil and a drooling forked tongue rolls from a fractured jaw that clings on with thinly veiled stretches of muscle. Was introducing the visage of such abject terror in the past back to reality a smart idea, no... Did it bolster the belief in the monster further, absolutely? This wretched split of the goddess the devourer inhabits is at its youngest and will only grow more resilient now his return was clear to the world.\n\nFate was set in stone, but change... Change is adaptive...\n\nWith a resounding crunch, Thana's neck snaps harshly to the side, then the entire head lops clean off. Rolling to the ground as the remaining exposed throat cackles with that all too familiar laugh, the windpipe snakes up and sunders the small mortal body in half as the remains of a colossal serpent slithers its way from the desecration. Black scales are painted in a light orange hue... Two hungry eyes stare with so little thought but rage.\n\nIt was not aimed at the expected targets... However. One would expect this kind of arrival to seek the death of those around them, the innocent and the unknowing that had so little time in their mediocre lifespans to comprehend the abysmal fangs eternity had clamped so far into their necks. Life begets death. A sentence this beast could only dream was true.\n\nNo, this time. Their attention was solely focused on Melancholia and the defiled goddess she had influenced.\n\nQuivering legs shudder and break under the weight of the serpent's body but force themselves upright, a bloodied torso carrying the half spawn of Edon.\n_ _\n\n`\" Strings... Puppets... Kye-heh, to think you could tie a noose around your brain and forget what you stood for. \"`\n\nHis attention shifts solely to Melancholia with a sharp turn. The segments of the snake's neck crack and contort to unorthodox shapes and nonsensical displays of colour that contrast with the peaceful nature of the tree, once again this place of life had been converted to a plain of misery, just like the start of his life. Repetition was growing so cold. Thank God what remained of Thana was so focused on the creation of a divine weapon elsewhere.\n\n`\"You no longer sing my song dearest. I no longer sing yours; this audience is your choir and together the only symphony you deserve to hear is the cracking of your own fruit, again. And again. And again. \"`\n\nThe snakes venomous maw only smirks with malice as his gaze falls upon the more familiar faces, Wyrd, Rav'nixander, Xanthous, Pyralith and Triticea. Faces all associated with tragedy in an age before now. The wild, the neutral, the jester, the ignorant and the zealot. Oh, how now would be a time to smear their distracted selves into the floor and flee back to the safety of a conflicted vessel. So many words were shouted and advances were made, but nobody was doing anything. It was time to correct that.\n\n`\"You are young, you do not understand. You believe in death and I intend to keep it that way. I give you the chance to die and come back as what you want to be. Free of the manacles of the mind and sickness bestowed upon that fuzzy little malleable head. \"`\n_ _\n\nThe devourer takes no steps closer, only raises his left bloodied palm and sends a huge inky spike from the ground behind Jinxara aimed towards the skull. Shadowy snakes coil and dance around the spike as it manifests, the grim black ink coagulating into crimson red as wandering eyes lean towards Xanthous, they looked different...\n\n`\"The jester no longer dances for the wrong king? Unexpected, but welcome. \"` Edon and prophecies were always a duality. His truths were vague and foreshadowed with nothing but unpredictable. He had never truly known what he was talking about, things simply fell into place around the tyrant and his brooding influence.\n\nUnfortunately, this battleground was not his fight, and it would never be. So many angry divine pitchforks had already been thrust at the opposition that his own rotting aura would do little to waver the crowd. After-all, what was the half-construed snake but a distraction to the showdown that could finally grant them all peace? Right?\n\n`\"I hope you live, Melancholia. Only so I can rip you apart eternally for what you and the putrid bug did to me. That's what you want now, isn't it? Eternity? \"`" }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "Olivia couldn't stay silent anymore, she left a piece of herself with Thatla, her mortals would wait... This... Abomination would come first. Her eyes were ablaze with fire, she remembered how Melancholia betrayed her trust. Triticea had convinced her to put that hatred aside, but she could no longer. As she felt the anger burn she felt her own phenix in her sword respond to her anger the sword hilt was glowing red with a readiness at its masters calling. As she walked down the tree to see many gods some she knew some she had only heard of in whispers Pureman, Rav'nixander, Wyrd, Pyralith, Xanthous, Triticea and Thana. Most of these were stronger than her, and older but with that came wisdom. As she came to stop beside Triticea she finally spoke.\n\n\"Melancholia why would you stoop this low? Not only did you betray me but now you corrupt an innocent child a newborn god?! This is unforgivable, if you can do this once what's to say you won't do it to more. In this I will give my last breath to stop you.\"\n\nShe looked at the newborn god lying in her own filth, and sent forth a cleansing fire to lick up and expell the gross sticky filth that covered her.\n\n\"You child... I would be careful not to call this wretch your mother... She is a evil vile creature...\"" }, { "author": "fallapede", "message": "Vanos makes its entrance far more quietly than the others, wordlessly slipping through Pureman's rift and settling down behind him. The presence of so many other gods around it is oppressive, and so it instinctively seeks to blend in, to mask its presence among them, to avoid the eyes of the crowd. Vanos hates the eyes of the crowd, it knows, though why is lost to it.\n\n The stakes here are clearly far too high for incautious action, at any rate, even if it had a much better understanding of them than it does. Glancing past the array of furious gods and the source of their ire, Vanos shifts its focus to the newborn. Under a different set of circumstances, their positions might well have been reversed, it realizes. Its nature calls out to obliterate it, and perhaps that is the logical course, but destroying something so new and barely formed seems... Hollow. At the very least, it should have the chance to make a few choices first." }, { "author": "anarchy03166", "message": "And then Laughter.\n\nIt was a cackle, a beautifully deep yet feminine cackle that echoed from deep withing the fruit- strange, mainly because the fruit didn't seem to be that deep. The laughter continued, down the branches, throughout the entire tree - announcing to everyone that She was here.\n\n\"IS MY BIRTH SO EXTRAORDINARY THAT MY BRETHREN MUST WELCOME ME TO THIS WORLD?\" The voice seemed to have multiple layers. A beautiful, yet, abnormal Sound that sounded more like music playing in just the right way to string together words. \n\nThe fruit gave way. Nyanbastet walked out of the abyss that was the fruit's mouth, Tendrils of darkness Desperately trying to cling to her. But she kept on walking, Almost leisurely, and stepped onto the bark of her mother. The tongue retreated back into the mouth of the fruit the very next second. The fruit then... Collapsed In on itself, vanishing into nothingness and Disappearing from existence.\n\nThough the other Gods could not see it, Nyanbastet was smirking, almost giddy at the circumstances of her birth. Ignoring the others for just a moment (There was so much to look at!), she set her one eye on Jinxara. She leaned down low, properly examining her. An aura rolled off of her, one that was similar to Nyanbastet's. Strange... It almost seemed to be Structured. Disappointing, then. \"You're not normal, are you?\" She sounded almost amused.\n\nNyanbastet wasn't stupid. She could sense the Wrongness Emanating for Melancholia. Then all these other Gods... They weren't here for her, then. But it was Chaotic, and Nyanbastet giggled to herself. All of these Gods... She couldn't properly give her opinion on them. Not yet. \n\nNyanbastet resumed her tall, standing position. \"Good luck.\" She said, inclining her head toward Jinxara. And then she vanished, reappearing on a higher branch. She was a spectator... For now, at least." }, { "author": "fire.turtle", "message": "The taste of sin was bitter. It slipped down her cerulean throat and carved a pit in her stomach; a peculiar and disgraceful feeling, yet more comforting than anything else she had experienced. In the midst of pure malignance, she discovered who she was. Her purpose revolved around how she caused pain.\nHow she made others hurt.\nHow she made herself hurt.\nShe was destined to break the established laws of Yggdrasil, to gouge into the eyes of her acquaintances and call them all fools. At last, she felt at peace with herself.\n\nA benign breeze rippled over the branches. As the fruiting body wreathed in dying agony, the goddess remained seated. Her dress cascaded from the tree's thick arm, waving above the roots and Void Sea. She saw the ships of mortals. Confident with this new version of herself, she flicked a finger at them; their sails would turn blue, as would the boats and the humans who accompanied them. No harm was done to the creatures, for her intent was not to directly hurt. Melancholia wanted to spread herself.\nBy committing such a heinous crime, she did not intentionally affect the child as she would those who reacted. This was her moment; her explanation, her final chance to preach what she had always believed. \n\nThe birth of the newborn goddess was grotesque yet beautiful, and the one who had started the debacle watched with great interest. She was a chaotic wretch, drenched in her own slime. In spite of her very clear dispirited appearance, Melancholia recognized a unique grace about her: Or, rather, the lack of.\nHer legs stretched outwards. The desolate deity stood, sprawled out her winged limbs, and embraced her daughter. She stroked the girl's face.\nSensed her future.\nHer doom.\nMisPLaced\nANger\nIN\nA confiDAnt.\nEVerlasting\nMOurnfulness\nPlaced upON\nINNocent\nINtegrity,\nBURnt\nAnd MUtilated.\n\nA teary drop of blood spilt from her nose and leaked into her creation's bubblegum hair. Ripping a part of her dress off, she turned it into something wearable and handed it to the youngen. There was a faint moment of simple silence before the wave of fury hit.\n```Jinxara```\n\nThe tear marked the end of her self-sabotaging ways.\n\nHe was an unexpectantly recurring character in her narcissistic tale. Whether he was a friend of the serpent or a great foe, she did not know. Did she need to? The air around him wreaked of noxious dryness, and, although it was incredibly difficult to decipher what he felt behind the metallic mask, she sensed deeply rooted depression. It turned the atmosphere indigo, wreaking all that had been cleansed by his simple presence. His name materialized in her mind.\n\nPureman made her feel unwanted.\n\nHer heart raced with the ecstasy of power. She was in love with the lack of control, his absolute hatred: his fascination with failure. Seventeen years ago, Yggdrasil's demon had been born. It was not Edon. It was Melancholia. While the god of purity saw another mess, she saw her true potential.\nIndeed, Melancholia was satisfied with herself. She was satisfied with him as well.\n\n\"I would consider myself.. A spider.\" Her eyes lit up as though she were intrigued by the topic, and she broke away from her daughter to unite with him. \"You know that I am there, but you mustn't disturb me, for I am a benign bug living in a hostile world. I am good for this environment.\"\nAs she spoke, her fingers gently stroked the blade of his murderous axe. It was sharp enough to cut them open; however, she showed no reaction to this. She smudged her ichor upon his clothing and kindly smiled, her pulse racing. Her gaze remained monotonously desolate.\n\nThe goddess released a terrible, frigid laughter. \"I wish I could...\"\nOne moment, his death was hers. The next, she was hopelessly despising the creature. Was this empathy? The only thing she could truly detect was his self betrayal, yet even that was weak. Feeling his cold glare become slightly less mortifying, she gouged into him and released her tense shoulders. Any moment, an attack would have been easy. Her head was loose on her long, thin neck, as were her arms and legs in relation to her body. Yet she was not afraid. She did not care. She trusted herself more than anyone else.\n```Pureman```\n\n\"I saved her because you could not.\"\nEverything turned purple, tainted by a bloody anger. She was furious, distraught by the audacity of all of those who arrived with anger.\n```Rav'nixander```\n\nShe bore a strange attraction towards all of the disgusting and unnatural things in the world. When the dimensional rift shattered the air and the monstrous being emerged, her pointed ears rose. The chuckle that left her mouth was yet another horrific, resounding prospect. It mimicked the one she had emitted a few seconds earlier.\nThe beast's voice reminded her of her favorite sister, Savarii. It was multiplied and raspy, loud and incapable of true softness. She would teach him: Not simply how to sing, but to understand.\n\n\"A five syllable name is incredibly hard to scream,\" Melancholia noted. A separate alter parted from the fragment next to Pureman and casually strode over to her attacker, seemingly unphased by his threads. With an inevitable death in sight, it was difficult to truly be wary about killing herself. \"Alas, you did it well.\"\n\nHer head tilted, curiously, and the opacity of her body shifted. Turning a translucent shade of blue, she flew through Wyrd and made her first move; Numb the rage, replace it with something she was much more familiar with. What made him Sad? Was it the death of newborn gods, the pain of his beloved creator? Of Their Beloved mother? At the thought, she nearly gagged.\n\"Why do you care? Your mother clearly does not.\"\nIt was dangerous yet charming, a drug to those who were capable of emotion. The sound encircled any part of his brain able to listen.\nThen, aloud, she cried, \"Look at what I have done. A new breed of god has been created, and I am punished. She will no longer feel the sorrows of the world! I healed her before she could even be healed.\"\n\nMelancholia drifted away. Although her form was ghostly and untouchable, she was still cautionary. From what she had seen during the ritual, this deity was capable of great power. He singlehandedly spared Sinrael,\nThat wretch.\nFrom a doom that should not have been escapable. Why, she did not know. Perhaps she would be able to convince him that she was good! The minds of everyone had been contorted and changed and shapeshifted and utterly destroyed by the lies they were born knowing.\n```Wyrd```\n\nEdon's best friend. His jester! Why had he arrived? To make a foolery of her coronation, to center the attention to himself? She glared at him, but it was not aggressive.\n\nBut he had changed. Xanthous no longer grandly introduced himself. His entrance was so unnoticeable, she had barely taken any regards to him. Her gaze followed his stride towards her. He had lost his confidence, and it was blaringly obvious. What had transpired.\n\"A bountiful amount of time has passed. Why did you change, dearest?\" She murmured. His complete hatred towards her was nearly as strong as Pureman himself's, but it was slightly more watered down. Why did everyone despise her so?\n\nFollowing the footsteps he had left, she reminisced; he was a much beloved persona, the king of her intrigue. He had walked this trail seventeen bitter years ago. Seventeen years ago, he was young ad confident. He was everything that she was not. Now, reunited by the stars of fated doom, they were old and knowledgeable. They would teach the new gods and goddesses.\n\nMelancholia swallowed. Her eyes darkened, failing to lighten under the starlit sky. \"I was simply numbing her to the pain the world would give.\"\nShe looked back at Xanthous. Her fingers molded into the shape of a heart, before releasing it with a wave of blue smoke. The deity of order and chaos was only a few feet away; so touchable, so reachable, so tangible and close to being ruined. Extending her arm, she placed a gentle palm over his and attempted to empathize with whatever was going on in his mind.\n```Xanthous```\n\nHer anger was amusing. No longer was she disassociating and using death to escape her crimes. Those days were over, replaced by a goddess who did not care about how others felt regarding her. The only thing she wanted to do was spread depression, unleash havoc, and sing the song of absolute dejection as she stood above the world. Sharing this nightmarish vision with the Wheatmother, she cackled and flicked her long, elegant fingers in her direction. This fight would not end in demise nor victory; no matter who won, Triticea's true purpose would have failed once more. \n\nYggrasil, the Mothering Tree, would be hurt again. Damage had already be done, and she planned on doing much, much more. When the mirage concluded, Melancholia's shockingly blue gaze met her foe's. She placed her hands on her heads, imitating the buns she had once fought with. There was a new, more powerful deity in her shoes.\n\nWeapons did not grant Triticea her win. It was her confidence in herself that did most of the work. As Melancholia practically mocked the woman before her, she displayed a cleansed sense of wicked glee. She was evil in their eyes: That could not be changed. Thus, she found no point in attempting to paint herself in a better light. The only artwork she would be making would be the unraveling mess.\n\nSince her last scrimmage with the goddess of the harvest, she learnt that emotional appeal did not work. Triticea's mindset was stained by her own thoughts, and Melancholia was going to use it to her advantage. The absolute rage, the fury, the burning desire to destroy her; to skin her alive, to flay her and toss her limp body into a sea of electric eels: It blinded the woman. Sadness was better.\nShe recoiled to her spot, next to her supposed daughter.\n\"Show them,\" She wanted to scream. \"Show them that I have done a deed of great kindness! A dearest favor to my one of my dearest relatives!\"\nNo words came out. There was no need to say anything other than mortifying death wishes and threatening to destroy it all. \n```Triticea```\n\nHis note to the opposing gods was comical, and she laughed.\nBut\n not\n with\n him.\nThe stench of the past rotted her nonexistent nostrils. As the demented creature destroyed the benign body in which he inhabited, the goddess only smiled. He had never loved her, and he never would. There were feelings she would not ever show behind her leer; betrayal, a lingering feeling of longing for the Devourer. She held her ground, yet her legs began to feel queasy. The torn, bleeding head of the bloodlust deity rolled up to her feet. The last expression of Thana was one of something she could not identify. Her face was too mangled, too wrecked.\nShe started to approach him; however, she was mindful of her distance. Even when they were intertwined by the fate he had written, he was violent without hesitance. Overtaken by his own hunger. Hers. Now, he bitterly claimed to hate her more than the others. Melancholia had no intent on getting ripped to shreds by one who she had once trusted.\n\n\"I always wondered by you never truly died.. Was it your selfishness? Oh, perhaps your true Love For me? You seem rather sorrow; do you long a touch of melancholia?\" For a moment, the fury overtook her calm demeanor. Her need to prove herself made it hard to control her words. It was in her nature to be led by emotion.\nShe kissed her hand and sent it his way, testing his reaction to the affection as though she was eying a stray dog.\n\nNoticing the notorious, ugly orange fill the air, she changed her own color. She inverted herself: an opposite of his shades; White and blue.\nWhite was for blankness.\nBlue was for melancholia.\nOrange was for Sin.\n\n\"You may try to erase it.. Forget it, even. However, my dearest, it shall always remain. Our song sings itself, whether we join in or not. It has already been made, and it will play for all of eternity. While it would be quite the intriguing instrumental, unfortunately, I can only hear the vile sound of your own body squelching, collapsing in on itself. You were too weak.\"\n\n\"As tempting as it would be to contradict your offer by giving you the chance to live once more, I do not think that would.. Be awfully helpful to myself. I would prefer to die by someone who has no plans on torturing me after death, my love.\"\nShe kept a protective eye on Jinxara. If he got too close, she would finally end him. \n\nJust like the comment he had started with, she terribly laughed once more. The chances of his fantasies coming to fruition were low.\n\"I hope you are enjoying your afterlife, dearest. I await your rebirth as something.. Better.\"\n```Edon```\n\n\"Oh, Olivia, how perfect you were,\" She cried, \"It is not too late to come back! I still love you. The others do not. The only mother you could possibly call a wretch is the one we stand upon in this very moment.\"\nBits and pieces of the vision she sent to Triticea hit the goddess of fire as well, infecting her mind with a world ruled by Melancholia. She gently held out a hand for her friend. In spite of her blatant betrayal, there was still hope. Her \"Leader\" Was never afraid to commit damning actions in the name of her creator; it could possibly lead to Olivia to switch side.\n\"I helped her. She shall no longer be pained by the sadness of the world.. The hurt she felt during the initial event was temporary, but now, she is better.\"\nTo the other deities who had joined, she regarded with a frigid gaze. The one who had arrived with Pureman appeared harmless; however, she remained skeptical of whoever it was. Nyanbastet, the goddess who Could have been the chosen one, was a temporary threat to Jinxara, but Melancholia's worries were soon quelled when the newborn goddess climbed into the tree.\n```Olivia, Vanos, and Nyanbastet```" }, { "author": "sageheist", "message": "Pain. Suffering. Agony. Torture. Depression. Distraught. Help. Confusion. Help. Help. Help. Mother...\nIt was so much for this newborn goddess, seemingly oblivious to the world around her, as Melancholia embraced and clothed her with the tatters of the blue dress. It reshapes into a cyan cloak with clean bandages that begin to wrap around and cover Jinxara's body. The cotton candy hair slowly drying out as it covers half the newborn's face, trailing all the way down her back. Slowly, the wrapped girl embraces her mother back, sharp claw-like nails digging into the older goddess' skin, drawing ichor. Though she ceases and turns at the sound of ripping, looking towards Pureman blankly, notably, eyeballing the rift he left behind. \n\nAs her mother left her behind, speaking to this newcomer in riddles and words that mean nothing to her, Jinx begins observing the rift more. Absently staring at the rift, she begins to imagine it in her own hands, in her grasp. As another body is deposited from it, she reaches out, curling her fingers as if she was grabbing it, and it slowly begins to warp and bend. Pureman's own rift, shifting into the shape of a massive swirling yellow eye, staring directly at him as he talks to Melancholia. The eye's gaze almost burned the God of Purity and even Vanos. A deep, searing, skin crawling discomfort that screamed at them from the inside that something was very wrong, very unnatural. That their very way of being was in great danger. \n\nIgnoring Rhav, not because it was intention, but because his words seemingly meant nothing to Jinxara, his hate, his concern. Jinxara did not understand it, therefore she did not wish to acknowledge it in favor of watching the Great Deer appear with awe and glee. His horrifying scream, the mortifying appearance. Gaps would appear between the wrappings covering Jinxara's body as more yellowish eyes open, with shadow masking the flesh beneath. There was so much going on. She couldn't be Happier. She begins to slowly mouth silently, squeezing her primary eyes shut, concentrating on his words, his demands. So much unjust anger at her mother. Barely managing to senselessly babble, her voice consistently shifting from a beautiful, almost angelic melody, to that of multiple creatures wailing at once, not too dissimilar to Wyrd's, however the sounds were even more twisted than his. Cries of agony, begging for release. Not a choir but instead a prison.\n\nWhen she opened her primary eyes again, there was yet another newcomer. Something was off about him? What could it be? An eye formed in the air behind Xanthous, and with it, the entire gathering could hear a sickening crunch of breaking bone and ripping flesh, a spray of Xanthous' blood erupting over Melancholia's face, and it burned. From the eye behind him, came one of Jinxara's arms, going right through his back, and into his chest cavity, out the front. Where his heart should have been. The empty, bloody hand grasped the air for something that wasn't there, for his missing heart. When looking back at Jinxara, the Emperor would be able to notice her arm in her mouth, with a slightly distended jaw. Then a new maw would appear between some of the bandages at the center of her chest in a diagonal angle. Spindly teeth, almost spider leg-like, twitching as it moves, she begins to finally speak.\n\n\"Your heart. It is missing. It must hurt. Let me heal you. Friend.\"\n\nHer voice was soft, sickeningly so. Why must it sound so pleasing for someone so Foul Who's very existence was a plague upon this world? But without waiting for an answer, she clenched her fist with the arm sticking out of Xanthous' wound. Wincing and groaning as thorns begin to stick out beyond her skin, a horrible crunching can be heard as incandescent blue ichor leaks from the wounds forming on the hand. As others arrive and are able to bear witness to his healing, Jinxara's ruined hand is forcibly opened by a growing heart with around a dozen thorns sticking through it from all angles. \n\nThe heart was beating, but something was clearly wrong with it. Half of a miniature rib cage made up the bottom left corner, while argent roses made up the atriums, all while it continued beating. Pulling it inside of his chest, Xanthous would be able to feel this new heart connecting to him. Fusing to him. As from the outside, other's could only bear witness to vines slowly encasing the heart, covered in thorns. Then the vines would thicken, reaching outside of his wounds, as Jinxara could be seen pulling her arm out of her mouth, and with it, the eye behind him sealed itself and closed, vanishing without a trace.\n\nHe would find his body refusing to obey his orders. Xanthous could feel his skin, and organs crawl as the thorny vines would snake their way out of, and inside his body, wrapping loosely but digging tightly into his flesh and organs. Worming their way through his very bones. He'd feel a surge of power with each deafening Thump In his ears, as new blood begins rushing through him. His old power returned, perhaps even more power than he had before! However the agony would not end there. Thorns pressed into him from all angles, inside, and out, making him into a glorified pincushion, as one particularly strong and powerful vine wrapped its way along his spine. The god of Enlightenment would be so helpless as to feel muscles and tendons rip, as skin tore, with painful, thick, jagged thorns beginning to stick out of his back, along his spine. With the worst yet to come. \n\nHe could feel the thick vine crawling up behind his throat, going into his skull. Into his brain. Splitting him. Pain. Agony. Chaos. Judgment. Order. Enlightenment. What is he? Who is he? Is he a Zealot of Order? Perhaps an Agent of Chaos? Or maybe he is still himself. Only he can know for sure, and with his control of his body restored, who was in control?\n\nPleased with her work, Jinxara's skin crawled in delight as she felt Him Approaching. The emotions of her wretched mother poured into her while she awaited to be born. Turning to face the great serpent Edon, she smiles, the many eyes covering her body closing, along with the extra mouth. \"Father!\" Was all she was able to say in excitement before- *SHCLICK!!* The horrendous sound of bone crunching and all too wet flesh being pierced rips through the bedlam. Jinxara's skull is pierced by the inky spike, as cyan ichor spurts from the eye sticking on the tip of the spike, protruding nearly a half foot outside of the socket. The newborn's body suddenly became limp. Slumped over, her legs give out, her body sliding down the inky splotch of pain bringing her closer with the ground. \n\nThere would be a few moments of silence, and stillness from the Daughter of Sin. For others to collect themselves and witness what had just happened. Though the keen eye could see the severed eye still dripping, as it stared unblinkingly at Edon. As it dripped, it began to lose mass, as the ichor pooled beneath Jinxara's corpse. Or what should have been a corpse. Instead the very air around the branch began to vibrate with energy, as the body began to melt, seeping into the cracks of the tree below her. Into the branch itself. Within seconds the life in the tree started to wilt, twist, gnarl around them. The branch looked sicker by the moment. It started with one eye, one eye with blackened sclera, a silver and gold iris, and a star-shaped pupil, forming where the cyan sludge was absorbed first into the branch.\n\nThen another merely an inch from it. Human sized eyes slowly began opening across the branch, spreading from where the Goddess of Pandemonium once laid, with mere inches from each eye, approaching the gods, as well as the other god fruit surrounding them. Not even the air was safe from the all encompassing gaze, with a genuine cage of eyes forming a massive dome around the gods. The eyes would give anyone being looked at by them, as well as looking at them, a haunting feeling of wrongness. That something is very wrong with themselves, a feeling of crawling beneath their skin. Wyrd, the Wheatmother, and Pureman themselves would feel this more than any other god here, with Edon and Melancholia feeling it the least, thus likely having something to do with their devotion to Gaia, or their own domains themselves. \n\nAnd finally, as our dear JInxara had been silent since this damage was done, a mouth caps the tip of the dome, straight, perfectly white teeth opening, letting loose a deafening scream of agony. One imitating the one that drew them all here. A haunting cry of help, a wail of despair. Jinxara was crying in pain, from the damage of Edon's attack, and the emotional shock, of this being her first moments of life and someone was already trying to kill her. With that one inky strike, a chain of events would have been set off, ensuring that many would not walk away from this unchanged.\n\n\"Everything begins and ends in Pandemonium.\"" }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "Olivia gripped her head and began crying as she saw the vision of melancholia the ruler of everyone \n\nThe corruption was creeping into her mind whispering on behalf of melancholia, 'kill them all'\n\nGET OUT OF MY HEAD YOU WITCH! \n\nIn her anger she turned into her second form as a phenix and shot flames from her mouth at the eye that was puremans portal \n\n\"I apologize Pureman but I feel like she is using your portal to control these eyes in the air and on the tree\"\n\nShe then remained flying in the air being careful to avoid the eyes, they were creepy as hell and who knew what they would do should she touch one..." }, { "author": "pentigan", "message": "\"Hm. I see. When you are available. I would like to discuss this matter further. I want insight into what you believe this one was saved from. Why I could not. And what the saving entailed.\"\n\nAn oddly supportive remark from the crystal shard as it kind orbited the conflict, though to be more precise it was starting to weave the same barriers around the nearby fruit that it had during the grand conflict against Edon. Speaking of the snake it had appeared, managing to pull off a resurrection through shed skin... Thematic, if nothing else. And the newborn... It did... Something. Decay and corruption and eyes-eyes-eyes-eyes. Dark horizons, boiling seas. From the borders, chaos bled. The savagery of nobles and the culture of thieves. There were lions—\n\nHold. It. Back.\n\nDiagnosis runs through the crystal, some divine providence by the newborn attempting to alter core internalities. Rav'nixander found it quaint if it wasn't disastrous. No matter, the god was only as powerful as any other and this effect was being spread over such a wide area. The god of mortal works simply severed sensory input from the shard within the dome, letting it continue shield-forming blindly." }, { "author": "anarchy03166", "message": "Nyanbastet yawned - just a sound, since she had no mouth -, her tail lashing behind her lazily. This was Interesting. She did wonder what the depressed Goddess and the Strange Goddess would do under these circumstances. It was also quite *Annoying* That none of them were cowering under Her, though she supposed she may have confused them with... What was the name- Mortals, yes? Godhood was so intriguing. And then Jinxara began to assimilate into the tree- though that perhaps gave the Goddess too much credit- even Nyanbastet knew that permanently damaging the tree was Impossible.\n\nNyanbastet rolled her singular eye. All of this showmanship. She was the Goddess of Chaos and Insanity- How could these judging eyes bother Her? In any case, Nyanbastet's finger found a fruit that hung precariously next to her, on Rav'nixander had not yet touched. So soft. So malleable. How easy would it be to Poke It? Perhaps then they would notice her. Nyanbastet slowly drew her finger over the fruit, and then decided against it.\n\nWhile that might attract attention, she did not find it pleasant to have so many Gods vying for her. Besides... There was another opportunity. Raising her hand, Nyanbastet created a phantom paw. The glowing blue paw was as large as her whole body and her first use of Divinity.\n\nNow then, She chuckled to herself. Who should I launch this to? Should I turn them against themselves? Create cacophony?\n\nHaving chosen, the paw rocketed toward her target, splitting through the sound barrier with ease (a trivial matter for any god, really). It approached Xanthous, widening and spreading, turning each eye it came in contact with to dust, though it weakened as it did so... \n\nNyanbastet Supposed She was on the side of Melancholia and Jinxara. Oh, how she so Loved Insanity! The unpredictable quality of it all... And now she leaned forward, eagerly watching how everything would play out." }, { "author": "olypmu", "message": "His mind was no longer his.\n\nThe God of Order, Chaos, and Enlightenment paused. And shuddered. Then he stood. His eyes were an inky black, his aura erratic, the world bending under his will, space rippling, bending, twisting. Xanthous tore off his shirt, a grin on his face. Only, Xanthous was no longer there. He was an Agent of Chaos.\n\n A God falls...\"\n\nXanthous tied his upper robes around his waist, even as Nyanbastet's paw approached.\n\n To the Wind!\"\n\nHe turned away from Jinxara, from Melancholia, raising his palm. \n\n TO DUST!\"\n\nAt the last moment, Xanthous summoned his own phantom palm. The world darkened, his palm sucking in the light and turning the world monotone. His palm exploded in force, meeting Nyanbastet's paw with a sickening crash. The two attacks were stagnant for a moment, neither side wishing to give in. One half of the world blue, one half of the world monotone.\n\nNeither side would fall back, the crash sounding like glass grating upon glass. So the energy escaped the only way it could.\n\nSideways.\n\nA shockwave exploded out from the point of impact, rocking the world. The whole tree seemed to shake (though it was really only the branch) and a wave passed throughout the entire world. Every realm could feel it; the slight shift in the air.\n\n\"COME ON THEN, KITTY!\" Xanthous roared. \"IS THIS ALL?\"" }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "Triticea wasted no time engaging Melancholia directly. \n\nThe attempt to shake her resolve was shrugged off, because she knew her enemy's game by now. Her sister was a liar and a manipulator above all else, and so the Wheatmother had already prepared herself to dispose of any information that the Tearmaiden might say or show her as lies. \n\nOnce in a while, being stubborn had its perks.\n\nMelancholia was the one that had the wrong impression. Triticea did not desire to torture the Most Selfish of them all, nor to extend some sort of punishment as some kind of revenge for what she had done. Perhaps it would have been gratifying, cathartic even, but it would have been inefficient, and Triticea was nothing if not efficient.\n\nThere would be no torture for Melancholia once Triticea was done with her, only an efficient punishment.\n\nThe newborn had skewered Xanthous, but she paid the attack on her temporary ally no mind. The child had unfortunately been corrupted by Melancholia, and she had no real love for the one who claimed to be their king. So long as the self-proclaimed Emperor of the Gods could keep the child busy, she would leave him to his own devices in this battle.\n\nHer attention was focused on Melancholia, and ending the stain upon the World Tree. Unlike in the past, though, her strategy was different. Her blades slashed at Melancholia's flesh, yes, but she was aiming to neutralise rather than kill. She aimed for arms and legs, eyes and mouth, but not the vitals.\n\nKilling Melancholia was an exercise in pointlessness. Death would only cause her to be revived. If the Tearmaiden was to be dealt with, she would need to be mutilated and captured so that a ritual could be held to seal her away for good.\n\nVines burst from Melancholia's mouth, sprouting from her lips and all but sewing her mouth shut with flora. It was painful, but pain had not been the intention of the Wheatmother.\n\n That mouth, Triticea wanted to ensure, would never tell another poisonous lie again." }, { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "In another time, this hellscape would've been paradise. Eternal change. Conflict strewn so far between the branches that the world had to answer. Sides were chosen and then rearranged... It was oh so glorious to witness the rebirth of the snake's domain. Why did it have to the malignant infestation of a goddess that had become the progenitor of a new fate? Destiny was intertwined to reunite the two on his terms. This... This was unacceptable. The serpent's body constricts and wraps around itself in a symbol vaguely resembling infinity. With a gargled cough, he spits a vile black phlegm onto the branch, allowing it to sizzle and corrode lightly against the surface. The damage was impermanent, as were all things concerning life in this place. Edon considered himself generous in those opening moments, a simple strike to end this madness before it had truly begun. Yet when Melancholia locked eyes with the snake's hungry gaze, something only snapped further.\n\nDoubt had been planted in a being forced to adapt. There was no control over the volatile mutations of the creature's personality. Even though the winding snake sits gruesomely on the body of another, his thoughts in this moment were entirely their own. Melancholia had blown a kiss towards the devourer and expected him to replicate such feelings, a test of their shallow waters. A pool he would dig deeper and deeper until she could be pulled in and drowned. What right did she have to go against the one that gave everything to try to make them happy? To cure sadness in its entirety, which other god had gone through such effort to see a falling god smile. Why was HE the villain in this scenario?\n\nShe saw him as weak, replaceable.\n\nIt could be true.\n\nIt could be false.\n\nSuch was the way of fate and its shortcomings. Only one could be set in stone and those foul prophecies would reveal the information in time.\n_ _\n\n`\"Was I too weak? Or did fate tell me we would end up this way? Do you not remember that day? The vision I showed you, the lack of your repulsive face. You wondered why we were not destined to remain linked. That's just it gloom walker, your actions are not your own. Your choices are MINE. You are a dim, sadistic wretch that never saw it coming. \"`\n\nThe snake only smirks as his own divine energy begins to pool. This malice fuelled eyes radiate with such an intensity the air begins to distort and refract around the glow. The goddess of sadness had watched so many of Edons endeavours but never been on the receiving end... She knew him so well, so why did this feel so... Unpredictable.\n\nIllusionary figures begin to manifest from the darkness of Jinxara's expansive dome, shapes and forms unknown to even the oldest gods here. These were entirely fabricated silhouettes of another life or memories beyond their scopes of knowledge. Small fragments of Edon's soul poured into these shapes as inky bodies merge and amalgamate with gurgling howls. Messengers to relay information. Secrets.\n\nWhilst these bizarre creations manifested, the serpent had some time to analyse the battlefield and the amount of eyes that seemed to be looming. For some they may inspire dread, but the devourer still remained the most terrifying thing in the room. A new god would be lacking in understanding. They had their memories tampered with. To split one's self like this when being one of the sole targets was suicidal. She had not only increased her surface area but made themselves vulnerable to everything, including attacks from others that may have missed and been deflected. To think this pathetic excuse of a deity would cry father towards him caused the snake to vomit more phlegm on the spot, twitching in hatred.\n_ _\n\nThe chattering and whispers grow softer and synchronise in time with Jinxaras wail, assisting in subsiding the noxious feeling it bestowed upon the weaker willed. To see such an aggressive deity, take the role of support, felt very unorthodox, yet another string in his orchestration to throw off the sadness goddess in her attempts to coerce or manipulate the others, after-all. Who knew her secrets better than their old lover?\n\nThe coiling snake fixates its gaze on Xanthous as they fight their own battle against a newfound heart of darkness. Ripping, tearing... Familiar sensations. Xanthous knew those all too well, to have their mind fractured into pieces by the constant onslaught of an entity far beyond salvation. Edon knew this too, speaking bluntly with a cruel voice, so reminiscent of the old times.\n\n`\" Does the death of your soul mean so little? Are you that weak?\"`\n\nThe closest aberration of shadow's eyes finally pulsates and launch a psionic wave of orange energy at the struggling god as he clashed with himself and the new arrival to this scenario. He would speak to them momentarily, for now he had a rival to win back. This attack was forcibly designed to jog Xanthous's memory. If it managed to connect, flashes of their past would repeat over and over.\n_ _\n\nDance Jester...\n\nKing of naught...\n\n`\" Did everything I put you through not make you stronger, boy? Gaia should've revoked your fruit when she had the chance you rancid lowlife.\"`\n\nFickle sayings grow more disturbed, voices eclipsed in agonising screams and the squeals of the dying gods Edon had collected like trophies, people Xanthous could never of saved. How could he? Such a defiled excuse for a divine.\n\n`\" You want to prove yourself as anything more than a laughingstock. Stop chasing the distraction before I end your depraved soul and show you torment not even a god of nightmares could fathom.\"` \n\nThe snakes lingering boredom slowly meanders to Nyanbastet.\n\n`\" You are forgettable before I even could know your name. Cur. You want to be welcomed, hit the right target. What is more entertaining than a double backstab? Perhaps I shall call you Jester instead. Your weakness makes me laugh, and your ego could be used as a bottomless pit. \"`\n_ _\n\nThe words are spoken so dully, the monster gains nothing from entertaining them and had such a weak reaction to their arrival it could only inspire hate, or a change... His point was valid, a double backstab could be a mighty fine way to make a name for themselves, all it took was one little stab in the right gut.\n\nWith so many things transpiring in such little time, the endless gazes Edon had projected towards his initial target finally fire their payloads from every angle, conic waves of psionic energy fired straight to Melancholia with one simple purpose, to bring her... Joy?\n\nCrackling bolts arc from the waves as they fire off, entangling with Triticeas attempted vines should they bloom and aiding with the sealing process. Rippling energy creates small distortions of thin rifts in another outcome. Pictures of the two happy, without a single bruise or wound. Visions of a long beach and flowing waves. Tranquil ebbs of water flow and lap over the black, soft sand. The sky was a light blue, no longer perturbed by her gloomy influence, there was no signs of sadness anywhere to be found.\n\n`\"I made myself weak for you, repay me just this once... Dearest.\"`" }, { "author": "fallapede", "message": "Even with the brunt of the attack focused away from it, Vanos struggles to maintain composture under the baleful gaze of so many eyes. The wrongness is certainly a component, but something about being looked at eats at it for reasons it can't understand. Perhaps it's a remnant of something from before. It seems to be experiencing that rather frequently, Vanos observes absent-mindedly. Most of it is focused on seeking an escape until it stumbles into perhaps the most serendipitous moment of its existence so far and realizes that the only application of Divinity it's used so far is exactly what it needs here.\n\nVanos discards its outer layer of skin for a brief moment, its body becoming white-hot flame in the rough shape of a human. Blinding light and searing heat radiate from it as it lunges forward towards the tree, clawing at the bark in an attempt to rip out whatever of Jinxara remains within its bark, heedless of whatever harm it does to anything else." }, { "author": "gonglblin", "message": "Pureman was vaguely aware of the other gods that chose to confront Melancholia. He did not deign to answer Rav'nixander's question of what he had done because, truth be told, he was busy. He had a job to do. A purpose to fulfil. Each additional presence only brought him more stress. Wyrd's incessant screeching bothered him greatly. Not because of the content of his words, but because with each consonant he Spat, droplets flecking out onto the branch. Yet another mess to clean up for the God of Purity. He glanced at Xanthous, his decidedly Discreet Appearance genuinely surprised him. He didn't think that his brother even had enough left in him to walk around his realm, let alone transport himself here. Pureman really Did Admire his tenacity. \n\n``\"I never left... Old friend.\"``\n\nThe words struck him, as potent and thunderous as a hammer against his mind. Pureman's attention snapped towards that voice, the voice he'd thought had been silenced all those years ago. He resisted the urge to turn, to face all that remained of them. He could not decide whether to speak, or to remain silent. He kept his eyes on Melancholia. Memories, emotions long-forgotten. Some old wounds opened. Some old wounds closed. Regrets. Satisfaction. Regrets again. He felt one of his eyelids twitch as a particularly nasty recollection came to the forefront of his mind. He could still feel those foul coils draped around his neck. He barely suppressed a shudder.\n\nThere were no further words exchanged between them. Nothing needed to be said. Their quarrel had long since passed. A brief sigh of acknowledgement was all that passed Pureman's lips. He wasn't here for Edon. Not this time. He was here for the Newborn Goddess.\nIn thinking of newborn gods, the God of Destruction had elected to follow him. A foolhardy decision, but not one that was his to make, he decided. He scarcely noticed Nyanbastet, her birth seeming a trivial part of the world's function to him. This, it seemed, would come to be a recurring theme in the life of the feline goddess. His eyes continued to rest upon Melancholia, and the tortured soul that rested beside her.\n\nHe watched her closely as she approached him, her casual mood in spite of what she had done brought up a feeling of... Uncanny similarity. The three-eyed man was no stranger to atrocities. He listened to her words, her calm demeanour caught his attention, as did her words. She drew near, but he did not raise his weapon. She spoke, and with her words she made him understand. She was not what he was after. She was merely a force of the world. She ran her hand along the blade of his axe, a tool of purification. Truly, she was embodying her domain. Was that not, in itself, Purity? He listened, She Spoke. Her motivation seemed clear to him. Understandable, even. Perhaps, he was in the wrong h-\n\nMelancholia soiled his cape.\n\n\"...\"\n\nThere was a moment where nothing moved. Not even the wind. Not even sound itself. Utter, desolate silence filled the Upper Branches. It was a split millisecond. A single instant where the world was truly motionless. To this day, there has never been a more *Personal* Insult towards any living being. In Pureman's eyes, Melancholia was now an unforgivable being. More rancid, more vile than a maggot-eaten slug crawling on a pile of human feces. Every battle he had ever fought seemed Meaningless In comparison to the hostility he felt towards the Goddess of Despair in this instant.\n\nThe moment passed.\n\nPureman stared at Melancholia for a solid Five seconds. His eyes wide, wider than anyone had ever seen them before. They almost eclipsed the eyeholes of his helmet. Pearlescent white saucers, staring directly at Melancholia. He exhaled sharply, white smoke curling from beneath his chainmail veil. A sigh of apparent exasperation. It seemed that he had repressed the urge to-\n\nThe sound echoed across the World Tree, shaking the ground itself. Pureman's fist connected with Melancholia's gut, arcing upwards as he twisted his hand, putting even more force into the blow. Winds like hurricanes blew from the impact, luminous white sparks were sent flying from the connection between Pureman's fist and the Goddess's gut. Mortals from the realms closest to The Roots would report hearing a sound like a clap of thunder, accompanied by gale-force winds. The air around Pureman and Melancholia felt charged. As if at any moment a bolt of lightning would come crashing down. Yet nothing came from the heavens, only the Goddess's flailing body was sent flying upwards. With all this force, with all this utter intensity, Pureman spoke a single word.\n\n\"Filthy.\"\n\nTurning away from Melancholia's still-rising body and satisfied with his rebuttal of her insult, Pureman felt a burning sensation deep in his core. He looked up, seeing a blazing yellow eye glaring down at him, exactly where the rift he'd left had been. Everything today was so Damnably familiar. Maniacal gods, cardinal sins. Serpents made of discarded flesh. Screaming children and blazing orbs of divine energy and, to top it all off, once again Someone Was screaming. He looked away from the orb as Olivia blasted it with fire. She was wrong. It wasn't His Anymore. It wasn't Melancholia's either, that was for damn sure. His eyes darted to Aella, screaming and muttering and singing and wailing Incessantly. She was covered in those same yellow eyes as the one floating above him. It was then that he heard Xanthous's roar of pain. Once again he didn't look. It didn't matter to him- as cold as it may seem. He had a job to do. Like always. He began to move towards Aella, footsteps clicking and clacking against the bark of Gaia's branch.\n\nMore mess. More ichor, all because of a child's tantrum. He could hardly contain his frustration. All the while the clinging stain on his cape occupied his mind. How Dare She. That Bitch. How DARE she sully his garments with her foul ichor. He observed passively as Edon's spike impaled the newborn goddess. It was then that the eyes opened. A shiver ran up Pureman's spine. He hated this. Hated all of it. All the blood and guts and eyes and teeth. A never-ending slog of things to clean up. Thoughts of fleeing, running away like a squeamish little girl at the sight of roadkill filled his head. Private, traitorous thoughts. Ones that occurred all-too often. A thought ran through his head:\n\n\"I hate my life.\"\n\nHe shook his head. He would not acknowledge that thought. In fact, he would not stoop so low as to consider it At all. The God of Purity had a single purpose. Keep things clean. \n\nAnd right now... Aella was making a mess of things. A rift formed in his hand with a sound like tearing paper. Then another, then another. They merged together, crackling with energy as they did so. Forked tongues of white lightning curled from his hand as it seemed to bend and stretch as if being sucked into a black hole, with a flash of white light, Pureman's hand seemed to disappear, forming into a constantly vibrating white outline of the hand that was there mere moments ago. The triangular markings that one blotted his skin were replaced by Rifts.\nWith a quick lunge forward, he plunged his hand into the sludge, energy crackling from his fist and into the slurry. By Gaia it was disgusting. Somehow it was even worse. Like burnt gunpowder and decaying reptile flesh. He felt the urge to vomit the moment his fingers touched the goop. With a surge of energy, in combination with the intense heat from Vanos's flame, Aella was forced back into her humanoid form, Pureman's glowing hand wrapped around her throat as he stared her down.\n\n\"Got you.\"\n\nHe raised his other hand, slowly inching it towards her face. He muttered something as he did so, a blazing white triangle appearing on the centre of his left palm. Something only Aella would hear. He made contact with her face, looking her in the eyes as he did so. His three pearlescent eyes stared into her, a strange sensation would spread across her body. It felt cold, so cold. That whispered secret, those few words he spoke to her were the following:\n\n\"You should have died at birth.\"" }, { "author": "damonthedevourer", "message": "Wyrd's whole body trembled as he felt the corruption of the goddesses wash over him. Not in a fearful way as he had seen many times in mortals, but in an unsettling way as if something was writhing beneath his skin. And writhing it was. Hacking and coughing, the Great Deer's whole misshapen body hacked and wretched until a large, visceral blob spewed from his body, a physical chunk of hateful divinity excised and disposed of.\n\nMelancholia's emotional warfare may have worked on some gods, appealing to their innate humanity, but Wyrd was in no way human. The eyes of his limp head burned like coals as he skittered about the battlefield, locked onto Melancholia. Despite all the chaos around him, the maddening eyes, the unwilling heart transplant, he knew his goal. \n\nHe needed to kill Melancholia. And he had it make it Hurt. It needed to hurt so bad that resurrecting was unthinkable. The god of monsters paused for a split second, wondering if she had affected him more than he realised, but quickly dismissed the thought. Entertaining any such notions would distract him and only make things worse. The Great Deer started towards her, only to watch as Pureman landed a legendary blow on her stomach and launched her upwards with all the force of Gaia's wrath itself. \n\nFor an instant, Wyrd stood stunned as his limp head looked up at the flying goddess in awe of the punch, before racing after her, determined to capitalise on the opening Pureman provided him. Carried aloft on horrible, skittering legs, the monstrous deity raced after his wayward sister as his form seemed to Tighten, shrinking and distorting as if he were racing down an invisible funnel. His body stretched until it took on an incredible thin wom-like shape, his limbs contorting into two membranous wings that ran down the length of his body. With unnatural speed, Wyrd shot up to meet Melancholia, reaching her destination before she did.\n\nThe miserable goddess only had time to glance up at him as he erupted back into his horrifically distorted form. The spindly new legs all erupted from his left flank, holding his body sideways as he moved and giving him the appearance of a nightmarish approximation of a crab which was only enhanced as his tail grew two enormous blades and his head split in half. \n\nWyrd's whole body seemed to Grin As the fang-filled grin that split his body revealed even more teeth, layers open layers, before he swept his bladed tail towards Melancholia in an attempt to bisect her. Catching her bearings, the goddess managed to strafe to the side and avoid the slash, only for her brother to continue the momentum of his swing, spinning and bringing his head around the entirety of his body, crashing into her with a devastating backhand. It didn't have the sheer brutal force of Pureman's punch, but it was enough to send her flying.\n\n\"I'm not done with you.\" Wyrd snarled, a predatory gleam in his eye as his head stretched after her, tracking her like a bloodhound. His body followed, tugged along by the head, snapping and twisting back into its normal deer-like shape as he galloped through the hair after her. With a thunderous elk-like trumpet, the Great Deer reared up before lunging forward, slamming his head into her. Melancholia desperately slapped him on his great stone mask, sending a visceral tide of pure misery shredding through his soul, but that wasn't enough to stop the charge, their momentum carrying them towards Gaia, preparing to smash her against the unyielding bark of their mother. \n\n\"Traitor goddess, I'll crush you!\"" }, { "author": "fire.turtle", "message": "Upon being impaled by her daughter's nails, she smiled. Her ichor leaked from her thin, bony arms, and she did nothing to stop it. She had chosen the right fruit. As the eye materialized behind her foes, the goddess of sadness merely continued her chatter, sparing no time to pay it mind. \n\nStrands of indigo mist gently emerged from her palms, weaving their ways through the air and capturing Aella before she could hit the ground. They permitted her to seep into the World Tree, yet they remained where she had once been. The solidified teardrops were waiting to complete their task. At last, when the goddess of pandemonium opened her wailing mouth, they flew inwards. A soothing iciness invaded her gullet and sunk into the pit of her stomach. They served to numb her agony.\nMelancholia wished to attend the dying goddess, but she was trapped within her own fury. Repulsed by the way she had labeled the serpent of fate a \"Father\", disgusted by the nature of Edon's attack.\n\nUnlike the other deities, who were pained by the sinking discomfort, she was strengthened by it. The feeling pumped a new energy into her heart. Her soul. A sable sheen began to infect the tips of her fingers, moving throughout them in sync with the chaos. Drawing the coils of desolation back to her body, a deep blueness replaced the black: misery replacing emptiness.\nThe child would be fine. Edon's blow was detrimental, but not nearly enough to slay a god. There was a peculiar duality in the way she viewed Aella. It felt as though they had both exchanged each other's blood, replacing their innate behaviors with a small drop of change and dejection.\n\nWhile her action had innocent intent, Melancholia viewed Aella's gift to Xanthous as a mistake. It risked their bond severing; he had been a potential candidate for a new ally.\n```Aella```\n \n\nGet out of my head, you witch.\nThe feathers below her arms disappeared, regrowing upon her back. She stagnantly balanced herself in the air. Far from the others, it would be hard to see her lopsided flight; her wings did not correlate with her burning body, and her hands occupied themselves on her chest. The goddess was making a dramatic motion.\nTo Olivia alone, she signaled, \"Oh, how sad your insult has made me!\"\nAn illusory image took shape before the deity of the flame. It was incredibly real; not only a manipulation of the atmosphere, but a trick of the mind. A blueness seeped from the center and masked everything in its path. Abruptly, the upper branches were empty. Melancholia and Olivia were isolated, singular and desolate with their creator.\n\nShe became a pitiful being. Permitting her devilish horns to decay into benign lumps in her hair and her stature to shrink childishly, a new breed of the goddess sobbed in front of her sister. The tears, which usually rotted the tree limbs on which they fell, were as innocent as her rounded face. Olivia had hurt her with those wicked words. In spite of her insults, the tumultuous creature ran towards her bully. They exchanged a maternal embrace: The child seeking shelter in its mother after enduring a harsh punishment.\n\"You.. Hurt me...\" She whimpered.\n\nHow had this virgin organism committed such a sin?\n\nHer cries continued for an eternal amount of time, only stopping once Olivia's empathy was completely utter. When this occurred, Melancholia slowly distanced herself from the woman.\n\"It's okay...\" The other would find herself humming, overcome by the power of the illusion. \"We'll be okay.\"\nA smile contorted her mien. The Tearmaiden murmured, \"Do you love me?\"\n\nThe mirage fell to pieces. As soon as the tranquil scene had emerged, it was destroyed: Crushed between the soft, babyish fingers of Melancholia. A chimeric ghost of her floated ahead of Olivia, quietly waiting for an answer. She was a good girl. Her patience was long, and she was polite enough to swerve away from the deities attacking her other fragment.\n\"Do you love me,\" She repeated. Shaky and fearful of a negative response, she began to whine. \"Can you, please?\"\n```Olivia```\n \n\nChange was the asymptote of her waning existence. It was the line that she was eternally cursed to approach, but never to touch nor truly feel. In the past, it was unimaginably far from her high perch. She hated it dearly, and when approached by the concept, she repelled it completely. Those times were miserable to glare back upon.\nNow, however, her being had fallen from the heavens. Every step she took was a leap nearer towards this absolute doom: a purposeful jump from one cliff to the next.\n\nMelancholia's metamorphosis had been underway the moment the serpent descended from his rotten fruit. Spreading her repugnant wings of gloom, the caterpillar exposed the beautiful new body she had developed. The world was supported on the shoulders of sadness incarnate.\n\nHer figure became limp, and her head snapped to face a demonic beast: Wyrd. His tail had nearly penetrated her; If one were to look closer, they would realize that it Had. The smallest of cuts in her skin were beginning to grow dark with indigo blood, swelling as it remained intact with the help of cohesion. The goddess made a swipe at the pooling fluid, smearing it all over her once-clean surface. While his second blow had been incredibly powerful, it was not at all close to ending her. In retaliation, the butterfly stretched her form. She was done being pushed around.\nThe creature seemed to act out of more emotion than reason.\nThat was good.\nMelancholia would work with that.\n\n\"Such a shame,\" She cooed, wrapping her fingers around his great horns. Whence his gargantuan head was reared, she moved with it. \"Mommy will never be able to thank you for the magnificent things you have done for her... Is that.. Not sad?\"\nCoils of cerulean began to encircle Wyrd. They blinded him, but they also weaved into the depths of his mind. She took advantage of this distraction and parted from him before he could crush her between his body and the trunk.\n\nThe Mother Tree shivered in the midst of an icy winter. A frigid layer of snow coated her massive arms, hiding the pretty patterns on her bark. As a wind blew, Wyrd would see gray, shriveled fruits topple from their branches.\nMelancholia was nurturing the last lively flower. She was desperately sobbing, and her tears kept it alive. The only color it bore was blue.\n```Wyrd```\n \n\nShe landed in front of Edon. Her limbs grew shorter; more mortal-like; it suddenly became clear that she had adopted a godly version of her own demigod. The serpentine creature of destiny was speaking, yet she was barely listening. With great consideration and a heaving heart, she caressed his muzzle. One hand was holding it shut, while the other muted his vigorous animosity through the intricate art of desolation.\n\"Weak, indeed.. Look at you, my dearest.. Crippled, crawling out of a body that is not yours and Will not ever Be. Reaching for a spotlight that you shall never truly behold, spewing lies towards our youth! What went wrong, my love?\"\n\nGripping his mouth tighter, she bent down and gave him a poisonous kiss. \nThe sick goddess cackled. \"How much you sacrificed, the things that you claim.. They are Ours. Sadness is not in my hands as fate is not in yours. Nothing belongs to you but me!\"\nPerhaps it was rather peculiar because she had never avenged herself throughout the duration of her abuse. As she gently stroked his fiery eyes, her stone clamp remained. Was she fearful of getting bit, or was this simply to prove her control? Her affections were unrestrained and arduously, an unspoken demonstration of how contorted her mind had become.\n\nShe turned to leave, but before she was able to step away, she made another remark. \"As difficult as my Amythyst was, she did teach me quite a few skills. Your words do not sound very serious when you use 'die' two sentences in a row.\"\n\nAlthough Melancholia was unable to completely dissolve the voices that Edon spread, she gifted them harmony. They transformed from malicious sayings to sorrowful ones; a meager change that impacted their whole purpose.\n\nShe faced Triticea. The resounding sadness ringing through the air healed the shallow wounds given to her. At first, the Wheatmother's attacks had been only slightly irksome. However, they were growing more annoying by the second. She clenched her fist, and, taking inspiration from Pureman, violently swung at her foe. For a deity who was built for the mental state rather than the body, her strength came as a shock. Her arm was quick to recoil. Soon after, she released another wicked punch. They were focused on her sister's heart: Triticea's mind was unbreakable, but her heart was not.\n\nEach delivered more than simple agony. Alongside their rib-breaking force, a deep melancholia stung her sister. If emotional appeal would not work, then pain surely would. Finally, she was content with the damage that she had done. She jabbed Triticea off of the branch. This was not before needles began to penetrate her mouth and a flowery thread tied it shut, leaving no room for speech. The sensation was unbearable, and she did not understand the symbolic implication behind it.\n \n\nThey were soon tightened and completed. Waves of pink began rippling throughout her skin. Closing her eyes, she strongly neglected the alien joy. It was an addictive sensation, yet she could think of nothing but how much she hated it. Her focus grew disoriented; it took a few moments; then, alas, she had redirected the happiness to something more bearable. Pink darkened to blood red, and a scarlet smile tugged at the vines upon her lips.\nLong, demonic claws emerged from her fingertips. She used them to pull apart the mask. By the time she was done, there were still remnants. These were the least of her worries, for the only thing she cared about was her ability to speak.\n\"What we could have been; perhaps what we are, elsewhere,\" Her feet returned her to the snake. She dug her nails into his skin. Melancholia's pure passion was irreplaceable.\n Will consume you.\"\n\"I want them to look at me and be disgusted. I want to be outcasted by GAIA herself. I want you, my beloved, to be behind my downfall. Is that what you would like? Is that all that you want?\"\nA chunk of scaly flesh fell from his body, and she tucked it beneath a bleeding feather. It incorporated itself into her body.\n Are mine, now, little snakelet.\"\n```Triticea and Edon```\n\nShe placed her hands on Pureman's shoulders: Not only to distract herself from Edon, but to distract him. Her body was utterly open and vulnerable, unguarded in spite of the immediate threat who stood before her. If she truly willed herself to, it would have been easy to provide the pure deity with visions of his worst nightmares. Gaia stained by tears and blood, the marks failing to disappear no matter how hard he attempted to cleanse her of them.\nHer fingers flexed.\nDecisions.\n Decisions.\nThe hatred Pureman felt, so sterling and complete; In that very moment of silence, Melancholia understood that she would never be forgiven. Her hollow eyes glared back at the three distraught pupils, emotionless. Her skin grew bluer, dyed by the absolution of his fury. Alas, her complexion became completely monotone; and, with a merciless irony, she was suddenly more \"Purified\" Than the one who embodied the domain.\n\nAbsorbing the punch was the least of the penance she could have paid. Due to her airy weight, she was sent to unrealistic altitudes. Her gut stung from the injury, and it was incredibly likely that the upwards angle of his jab had broken a few ribs.\nMelancholia was a masochist.\nShe\n thrived\n off\n of\n this\n treatment.\nShe fell without grace.\n\nSlowly and\nSo cleansed, yet\nStill dirtied\nBy the sand:\nSand of a\nShapely glass;\nSand of time,\nMutable\nAnd cold rhyme.\n\nThe world froze under her frigid figure. She clenched where the hit had taken place, but the pain only made her Smile. With one hand granting Olivia an illusion and the other attempting to make its way to Pureman, she turned his world blue. His mighty tide of great anger melted into the serene sea of cerulean, no longer drawn upwards by a faraway moon. He saw what he wanted to see; Melancholia, although oblivious as to what this was, made the assumption that it regarded an unstained version of Yggdrasil. She watched him dive to clean up a sludgy mess of guts and blood.\n\nBuried deep beyond his metal mask and whatever laid inside, her invisible rays of mental manipulation were disseminating through a maze of needs and icy frustrations. They made him feel as though his job was complete; his would have flashed and the untouched, beautiful Mother Tree would be waiting for him. Melancholia, tied between the two discrete mirages, felt herself descend in peace. It grew harder and harder to stay awake, for where Pureman was positioned, it seemed so easy to simply fade away.\nHer fists clenched. The dream she had given turned nightmarish and moody. Gaia bled. When her cursed ichor snaked between the cracks of her own bark and surrounded his feet, it would paralyze him. A deep blue bore a hole in the tranquil sky; it leaked all over every realm and city and anything that the gods had created. This was the end.\n```Pureman - post belongs between Aella and Olivia```" }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "```do you love me? Will you please?```\n\nOlivia began to cry as she felt her heart rip into two as this wicked evil god was portraying herself as innocent. Everything in her wanted to say yes but a small part of her said ```no way in hell``` she turned back to her human form not caring if she hit the eyes floating around her in the process she had no more will to live. No one helped her understand who she was and why she was the godess of fire, why she had such a big heart but such a capacity for hatred. As she looked the godess in the eyes she nodded\n\n\"Yes I love you, but... You betrayed me!\"\n\nShe began to cry as the godess stood there and watched, but as she cried she also felt the hatred burning in her heart\n\n\"It hurts so much Melancholia... I want to give into the hurt and the pain... But there's a small part of me that says to fight. I'm so confused!!!!!\"\n\nShe gripped her head as her head began to throb and her vision began to blur, she let the hatred take over\n\nOlivia snapped melancholias corruption complete in her, she changed to a squid to which most would laugh till she grew to the size of 40-50ft across and 50ft tall. She let out a ear piercing scream that would immobilize any god coming at Melancholia and Jinxara. The sound wave knocking back several gods taken by surprise.\n\nLEAVE HER ALONE!\n\nShe never had a mother and had been looking for one in Triticea, but she betrayed her by attacking Melancholia.\n\n\"Melancholia come! HERE ME ALL YOU GODS your day of death has come!\"\n\nAn evil laugh suppressed for years, escaped her throat one that sounded worse and more evil than Jinxaras" }, { "author": "anarchy03166", "message": "Nyanbastet couldn't finish her sentence. Unfortunately, it seemed that she couldn't multitask. Xanthous' palm slammed into her body with such force, such Power, that she was left speechless. Then her back crashed into something; the whole branch the hand had embedded her into shuddering Dangerously. Nyanbastet thought she had Died And was assimilating with Gaia. The hand dissipated, leaving a giant handprint on the branch, and she splayed out in a starfish position in the palm.\n\n\"H-Huh...-\" Nyanbastet shivered. Her one eye darted frantically, as if taking all the scenes of the battle at once. This...\n\n...This wasn't good at all!\n\nHer whole body ached, as if she were an ingot that had just been struck by the hammer of a skilled blacksmith. How had she been completely overpowered? This wasn't her stage. She had to... She had to...\n\nRun.\n\nTo flee was to admit one's own weakness to fighting. Usually, this comes with fear. Fear of death. And weakness fed fear like dry logs on a fire. Nyanbastet had Just Been born. She didn't want to die! The reality of the situation had finally settled on the newborn goddess. \n\nNyanbastet vanished from her laying position in the next moment, splitting through the branches of Gaia with a frantic sort of speed. It was a speed that no mortal eyes, not even Demigod Eyes, could glimpse. \n\nNyanbastet could see the edges of the branches now. She would break through the foliage! Yes, she would. She would Escape And live to see another day! The very air parted around her, subservient to her will. Nyanbastet pushed down the Excitement Welling up within her. Now was not the time." }, { "author": "olypmu", "message": "Xanthous felt a grin crawl onto his face. \"OH, JOY!\" He shrieked among the pandemonium. This was fun. His wild, maniacal grin widened as his own palm began to push back Nyanbastet's paw. This feeling... Power... Was amazing. Different. He could get drunk off of this, inky blackness swirling within his eyes.\n\nEdon's blast hit him like a ton of bricks. Immediately his hand dissipated, leaving Nyan embedded within the branch instead of pushing her further in. Xanthous gripped his head, thoughts among thoughts swirling, shifting, moving once more.\n\nHIs body changed against. Roots that had spread began to shrink, his eyes began to return to their crimson nature. The vines retreated back into the strange, thorny heart that was their prison. Xanthous was lucid again. His thoughts clearer. He had managed to banish that strange thing back into it's cage... But it was still there, Lurking Within a corner of his brain. He'd have to destroy it soon.\n\nDespite Edon's taunts, Xanthous just smirked at his old friend. \"Thank you, brother,\" He simply said. Meanwhile, Xanthous turned to Pureman, who was unleashing a blow that would've caught even Xanthous off guard had he used it against him in Xanthous' realm.\n\n\"Oh?\" Xanthous lifted his head up as Nyan ran away. \"Now You want to run?\"\n\nAt the same time, Xanthous poured all his Divinity into his legs. He rocketed off the branch, leaving hurricanes in his wake as he shot to intercept the newborn. He appeared right behind her, a single hand grasping her fancy ankle. \n\n\"Where do you think you're going?\"\n\nXanthous' held tight. With a roar of anger, her halted their momentum and then slammed Nyanbastet into the sturdy bark of Gaia. He shook his head. \"Listen to this carefully, feline.\"\n\n\"I don't care who or what you think you are.\" He slammed Nyan into the trunk again, causing the whole tree to quake from the force of his blow. \"When your older siblings fight, don't fucking interrupt them. We are you Seniors.\"" }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "The triangle headed god whose name she did not know struck Melancholia once with a single, powerful blow, then turned his attention to the newborn aberration. That was just fine with Triticea, and Wyrd's follow up was not a thing to be dimissed either. \n\nMelancholia launched an attack against her... Well, not heart. She didn't have one, not in her true form, but the blows against her upper intersection of appendages and wheat circlet still did hurt. The strength of the goddess was unexpected, not in that Triticea had not expected her to have it, but in that she had not expected Melancholia to have used it. Despite the pain that rocketed through the point of impact, the Wheatmother could not help but feel a tad bit satisfied.\n\nThat Melancholia had finally dropped the games with her, that Melancholia had finally stopped pretending to believe that she was in the right. \n\nThat meant that she was getting Desperate.\n\nAnd although her upper tendrils had been put under assault, her lower tendrils had been spared that fate. Melancholia only had so many hands right now, and that had left her vulnerable. As the Tearmaiden turned to Edon, a twin slash from the bottom of Triticea's weapons cut her in two.\n\nMelancholia could hit hard, but Triticea could hit harder. At the end of the day, the Liar Goddess had nothing but her fists to fight the Wheatmother with, while Triticea had a pair of Epic Divine Weapons. Bolstered by Triticea's full divine might, the Divine Weapons that had been forged from the combined work of multiple of their siblings could output a force that Melancholia could not hope to match on her own.\n\nOf course, being cut in half was not enough to kill Melancholia. Triticea had no delusions that it would be, and it would only be so long before her enemy's other half grew back. In the meantime, though, she gave her foe not a moment to breathe, raining down blow after blow on her. The Abundances skewered the Tearmaiden, over and over and over.\n\nAnd then Olivia turned on them. The screech had taken Triticea off guard, briefly blowing her away from the bisected goddess of depression. Her great form slammed into the Tree that she loved so dearly. That... Was an issue that would need to be dealt with later. She shook off her daze and rushed to join the fight again, moving once again towards Melancholia.\n\nOlivia would be dealt with later. Melancholia was the priority here." }, { "author": "sageheist", "message": "Pain. Agony. Hate. Why? Whywhywhywhy? The screaming of the maw in the sky slowly calmed down as Aella was burned and ripped from the tree by her throat, making wet gagging sounds. Dangling from Pureman's arms like a ragdoll, her eyes were wide as she held onto the arm keeping her afloat, weakly slapping at him, panicking, her blackened, golden, silver, starry eyes darting across the entire battlefield, the eyes surrounding them all following in sync. The very sky and world around them shaking from the clash between Xanthous and Nyan, brings with it a very dangerous side effect. As the power of the two clashing beings spills out the sides of the two palms, it hits countless eyes, fully revealing them to be rifts, bends in space condensing and dispersing the power all at once as the Entire cage Is lit by countless swirling black, white, purple, beams of concentrated energy shared by the two gods releasing it. Along with it, there was a soft pink outline to each beam growing in intensity.\n\nAs Aella opened her mouth once more, the maw in the sky following suit, a slow building wail of pain is elicited Pureman's attempt at cleansing her feels as though her very being is being ripped apart. As the eyes dart around, beams clash and combine, spilling out and making more beams, or fire wildly into the crowd, cutting at all with very little room for safety. As the pink grew in intensity, so too did the power of the beams, pouring so much divinity into her rifts, into everything, just to escape this horrid grasp. Beams cutting across the tree, the combined power of three gods attacking at once ripping through a multitude of god fruits, tearing through Rav's barriers, eliciting a simultaneous cry of agony, stronger, and far more desperate than Aella's own as well over a dozen fruit are practically vaporized. Cries that drench the world in their agony, that reverberates in every gods' mind. So many lives blinked out in an instant.\n\nWhat a waste of energy. As the tears of her adoptive mother fills her being, Aella begins to feel increasingly numb to the pain. Fear turns to rage, to anger to hatred. These. These Gods Hurting her, her mother. It's not fair. She just was born. \"Leave.\" She grunts out, as the eyes begin to direct towards the center of the cage as a column of eyes form, with larger ones at both ends of the column then smaller ones an inch apart from the previous one are smaller. All the energy begins to be condensed down pressed into a singular sphere at the core. What a waste of energy. The maw at the top of the cage opens once more, with a pinpoint of incandescent pink and cyan light forms at the center. Such a fucking waste. All of this energy. Just for one newborn. The light grows in intensity as Divinity is poured into the light before it suddenly shifts into a beam of pure destructive divine energy, plowing through each rift inside the column, overpowering until it shifts to a blackened beam with a blindingly white outline. It crashes into the sphere at the center, coalescing it into enough energy to begin vibrating the air around them all itself.\n\nThen an eye appears directly beside it as the clash between two of the origin of all this divine energy ends, and proceeds to swallow the sphere, shifting it to somewhere else. \"What a waste.\" Aella manages to barely manage out before the cage vanishes rapidly, every rift but Pureman's original closing. He'd be able to feel the sphere originate inside Aella, barely contained, becoming tighter and tighter compressed between rifts ensuring there is no escape of the energy, tightening it. \"Leave. Me-\" The feeble goddess tenses her body and looks him dead in all three eyes.\n\nShe shouts, unleashing a precision beam from her mouth, cutting clean through Pureman's shoulder to which she tilts her head to sever the whole arm from his body and drop her. Collapsing to the ground, she grasps his severed arm, and coughs, rubbing her throat before opening her hand up at him, attempting to bisect him but missing as a new eye appears at the wrapped palm, and the beam makes its infamous returns. Missing him by a solid foot, she swings her arm up, aiming to hit those hurting her mother. Wyrd, the limp headed monster. Tricitia, the wreath of grain. Edon, Father. All three must contend with the intense energy coming their way, along with Aella pouring as much Divinity as she can into the sphere at her core to keep it empowered. Standing up she uses the last of the contained energy into a final sweep of the branch, aiming to hit anyone and everyone she can, resulting in another few Fruits cleaved in two before it pitters out. \n\nHeaving, the goddess begins to melt again, glaring at Pureman again, she leaps to encompass him as an eye rift appears below the two, perfectly fit for her to slip through. As she drips down and coats him, all the others would see, is Pureman being engulfed by pink sludge before shrinking in size, as the goddess pulls him... Somewhere else. And she too vanishes from immediate sight with the eye closing behind her. For all anyone knew, she just killed Pureman." }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "Olivia didnt notice anything at first, then she noticed all these beams of energy came out of nowhere and shot everyone. As they hit her she was reduced to a phenix. \n\nAs she was stuck more she was winced in pain as she felt herself weaken again and she couldn't keep her form she turned into a human.\n\n I didnt calculate when I turned onto that squid was how much energy and divinity it took to do that... So unfortunately I was in a weakened state. Im sorry to all you gods... I was foolish and Triticea i hope your ok.\" \n\nAs she said those final words she was hit by the beams in her heart and head at the same time and she passed out.\n\nOlivias demigod Agnia was standing nearby and stepped inside the odd box. She was hit a couple times by the beams but she picked Olivia up, and carried her limp body back to her realm." }, { "author": "tombspyder", "message": "All is fair in war... Manipulation, corruption and even the twisted tendrils of lust seemed to be on display in this encounter. Melancholias need for something more than companionship had defiled her mind to desolation. Even with the abject fear he should've felt watching somebody go to self-destructive lengths to feel like they earned a victory. He couldn't help but smile, a genuine. Warm smile... For all the time he had spent breaking the fragile goddess and slowly ripping away at the strands of her own free will, she had been adapting... Changing to her own design; it was an honourable juxtaposition to the scared and shy deity Melancholia had been so long ago.\n\nAs a hand coyly grips at the serpent's lower jaw, he remains immutably transfixed on her weeping eyes. She could pull down, tear his mouth in half and leave them gasping, but she didn't... Instead, he felt the feral hunger subside for a reprieve. As it was closed. He ignores the words about his weakness; they meant nothing. He was letting her hold him... Right? This was part of some elaborate scheme that would end in her defeat and the day saved. It would be a fine notion if the attention would not immediately shift to his own form. Edon did not crave death as much as it was a respite from the horrors of living. Striking down this form would be a chance to breathe, it had to be on his terms.\n\nNeedles sink into his scales and pull parts of the snakes winding mass apart, exposing pulsating strands of flesh, small hooks of viscera that reaches out from the neck of Thanas mutilated corpse, acting as small links to keep him in control of the situation. Edon used to call himself a hydra, cut off one head and another, would grow... That was no longer the case. Those scales had been ignited oh so long ago and it only took one cleverly placed swing to rend godhood.\n\nChaos reigns and the ambience is naught but bloodshed and squeals of insanity, pleading gods beg for their lives, hoping sanctuary will come. A raspy voice croaks out words, muffled and gritted because of the grip he still refused to disengage.\n\n`\" Want them? You were already there... You always were. It was your indigo tendrils that unravelled the enigma of my sadism and brought it to full display, an enabler. This was always your story... I am the brush; you are the artist. Gaia was our canvas. It's almost funny you never saw it...\"` His voice cracks and stutters during the small speech, emotions were at an all time high. He should've bit her head off now, but there was only a profound proudness for how far she had come. Finally acknowledging the truth of his own manipulation brought in a sense of closure that caused those dull orange eyes to flare bright just in time to witness the kaleidoscope of prismatic rays and beams beginning to spin and scorch the tree and its surroundings.\n\nRav'nixander... The protective crystal and warden of these fruits once again. The snake had to admire the tenacity and devotion to the cause. It was time to repay a favour for all the unnecessary agony he had inflicted, pushing away from Melancholia with a sharp yank of his head, ripping more scales from the coiled body as the nails retracted out with pieces of his flesh, if she wanted to consume him so bad... Those were the spoils of war. Aella had stricken a destructive chord by resonating the powers of others. Her fatal flaw was trying to take the life of the unborn. A fate only HE could decide. Wiggling his fingers, he takes a moment to adjust to the sensation of having fingers for perhaps the first time. Puppeteering a human body was tough and spinning those fickle limbs into a productive purpose more so.\n_ _\n\nAs the beams converge on the fruits and attempt to burst through the crystals protective barrier, Edon intervenes with a snap of his fingers. The air grows increasingly cold and foul. The true stench of a real godeater emanating and contaminating the air. That unmistakable pang of wrongness that originated from the snakes every whim, beams that hadn't already been dealt with seem to stop and stagnate in their spot, shimmering with a static haze as their shapes wildly distort and start to curve into irregular shapes, weaving a tangled ball of divine energy and coiling them around each other much like a serpent would constrict its prey.\n\n`\" Their fates are not yours to decide.\"`\n\nThe conjoined and warped strands of energy transmute in the material. Half of the beams begin to irradiate and glow a hot white, searing the air around them as the energy struggles to remain contained. The other takes on a sinister jet black, the latter having an unnerving sense of sentience as they wriggle and writhe like blood cells to an infection... Dark strands consume the searing white, eclipsing every last trace as they conglomerate into a radial orb filled with malignant, dark energy.\n\nStrangely enough... A callback to an old fight, when Pureman had split the energies of Xanthous's attack, weaving fate had allowed Edon to imitate the opposite, creating two entirely separate concepts and forcing them to merge until one overpowered the over, weak shimmers of the floating orb linger before it splits into microscopic individual rays, all targeted towards Edons scales, the flickering scales across his body shift into refractions of different colours, a prismatic array of various shades and unpredictably fluctuating colours. Pieces of his mangled body resemble glass, a beating black heart and vile torn organs pulsate and beat across the transparent body, smearing the insides of the strange crystal body with grim ichor.\n\nEach strand sinks into the fate weaver's body, transmuting itself even further. Anomalous patterns and hypnotic repetitions are scrawled across each project, deflecting off his body and back into the sky. Looming above the battlefield like a cloud of blades ready to strike down, the multicoloured refractions take shape into various spikes and needles.\n\n`\" This is your moment, dearest. I will not let your benign offspring take it away. But I'm afraid our journey has come to an end...\"`\n\nThe snake lunges with surprising agility, leaping with the humanoid limbs and attempting to latch onto the girl, using his hybrid shape to try to constrict her by the throat and keep her still, regardless of the outcome. He lets out a soft chuckle...\n\n`\" I never did understand how to use these fragile limbs. \"` Looking down at those pale bloody fingers that belonged to Thana, with a slow twitching movement, he clenches a fist. Signalling the projectiles to strike at the both of them.\n_ _\n\nAll is fair in love... Even war...\n\n`\" It was always you, dearest. It was always you...\" ` The projectiles speed up and Edon twists his entire body with such vile acceleration it breaks his own neck. Dooming this fragment of the fate weaver to an eventual death here and contorting the surrounding body to try to hold her positioned in the sky so that the needles and strands may finally pierce through. It was symbolic, really. He had never truly got through to her mentally. Now he attempted to hold her aloft for one ultimate time. A foul grasp, yet he still glided a hand to hold her in a princess carry. Just so she could experience affection at least once.\n\n`\" I loved you, melancholia.\" `" }, { "author": "fallapede", "message": "Vanos' form gradually returns to human flesh as it cuts back its use of Divinity, though its novice status with its usage and the volume of power it's expended leave it with only dregs for now. The other gods seem to be taking little notice of it amidst the chaos of the conflict, a fact that suits it fine for the moment. Melancholia's aims are entirely outside of its present concerns, so it turns to Pureman just in time to see... Whatever it is Aella does to him. Though it's only known the other god for a few minutes, Pureman's sudden absence leaves Vanos feeling shaken, and the rain of violent energy gives it all the excuse it needs to make itself scarce. With the last scraps of Divinity it can currently muster, Vanos vanishes in a cloud of smoke, sending itself west. The least it can do at this point is follow Pureman's suggestion.*" } ]	459.5	25,981
178.625	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "chateau_dif", "message": "Half of itself having split away from the ball, where its other self writhed in its skin, while hysteria grew from it like a freshly fed mold, the lunatic godthing settled, ere upon the branches of Gaia, nothing more than a babe in its mother's arms. Wanting nothing more than to be held by Her again, to retreat back into that silken cocoon and rest once more in her presence, it laid among its unborn kin and drifted into a slumber which held an expanse so deep, it would render a mortal finished. Returning, it found itself, again and again to these branches. Hazy memories of Aphot upon these heights alongside it bled into hallucination, and then, when sleep finally did envelop it, the scene continued within its dreams.\n\nThere stood the feathered diety, all golden eyes staring, their colour seeming to grow brighter, stolen from the Stars, whom, now empty, bled away their crystal shells, bringing a light rain down among the two which stood within the expanse of Cacophony's dream.\n\nThis was a dream it had had time and time again, and always it had been the same — so why was this time so different. It knew the whole thing, memorised each small detail; it could recite what its spectral memory of its kin would say before he even said it. \nAnd then.\nIt woke up.\nIn a body not its own, suddenly the dream began all over again. This wasn't what happened. This wasn't how it went. \n\nIt must have lived the dream over a dozen times since falling asleep, and each time something wasn't right. A branch was missing, the wrong thing was said, Aphot was simply void. What it meant the godthing did not know, but it became so wound up by the imperfection that it had no control over, that thereon, when suddenly all fell into an eerie, distanceless silence, Cacophony felt another presence nearing it." }, { "author": ".confusedlemon", "message": "```In the midst of this surreal dreamscape, where the boundaries between past and present, memory and reality, had become as fluid as the shifting sands of time, there appeared an unexpected presence. This enigmatic figure, as elusive as a half-remembered reverie and as reassuring as the embrace of a cherished friend, emerged with an air of intrigue.\n\nWithin the expanse of this otherworldly dream, their eyes shone with a celestial quality, as if they held the very secrets of the cosmos and the mysteries of the night. These dreamy orbs, which seemed to mirror both the boundless depths of the universe and the profound quiet of slumber, remained fixed on Cacophony. It was a sight that defied the dream's own logic, a visitation that transcended the boundaries of this surreal realm.\n\nAs silence wrapped around them like a velvet shroud, this uninvited guest lingered with an aura of mystery, leaving questions in their wake. The dream itself seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the unfolding of a story yet to be told.```" }, { "author": "chateau_dif", "message": "\"You're new,\" The godthing stated into the empty air. Soon enough, it mustered the care to turn and face the god which dared bring this imperfection to its dream. \n\n\"You've been waiting for an opportunity, no? Looks like you're not Sleeping on it Anymore, huh.\" Cacophony laughed to itself, and the chorus of a disembodied audience joined in, filling the silence with haughty amusement in discordant keys.\n\n\"Oh, how Do I do it,\" It humoured itself, settling into a cementedly formless seat.\n\n\"Where lies your physical form, kin? Have you been born of her yet? Or do you still only haunt?\" The museish thought of an unborn merely haunting was one rather clever, it figured." }, { "author": ".confusedlemon", "message": "```From the depths of the dreamer's slumber, a form emerged — a paradoxical figure, a boyish youth bearing the weight of countless lifetimes etched upon his features. His dark hair framed an ageless visage, while the persistent bags under his eyes hinted at the burdens of myriad experiences. Cloaked in attire as dark as the deepest night, he stood resolute, an embodiment of an existence that transcended mere mortal years.\n\nYet, his focus was an enigma, a dreamy gaze that penetrated through the very essence of the other deity, as if the presence before him were but a fleeting wisp of ephemeral night.```" }, { "author": "chateau_dif", "message": "A quiet one. Very well. \n\n\"It's rude to stare,\" The godthing stated, a yawn just for show and irony to his already slumbered state. \n\n\"Have you a name? Or will you simply choose to stare on in silence to hope it shakes me so? And if I choose to wake, what be of it?\"\n\nCacophony's lip curved into a frown, pressing creases into its cheeks and folding a line between its brows. The newborn brother of its that ere stood gave its thoughts no pause to the waves of queries. Even one seahardened would find weak knees at these prospects." }, { "author": ".confusedlemon", "message": "```The boy mirrored the yawn, his body moving in the dreamy flow of languor, as if the very act of motion was a choreographed dance from the realm of slumber. His voice emerged with the same gentle, melodic quality, a soothing undertone to the dream's ambiance.\n\n\"Names... Somnus...\"\n\nAs if drawn by some unspoken, ethereal force, he shifted his steps towards the other god, his words forming like the whispers of a gentle breeze in a midnight reverie.\n\n\"...Is... Your... Dream?... I'm... Sorry for interrupting... It.\"```" }, { "author": "chateau_dif", "message": "\"Somnus,\" The godthing repeated with the mocking of its brother's voice. \"Very well. What do you know of this world, Treespawn?\" \n\nIt spoke the name like a slur, as though there stood no hypocrisy in shame for its kin who was no different from itself. Each passing moment apon Her branches it felt itself grow more distant, estranged, alien. No mother was She, but rude arbiter. A mock was it made, an eternal piece to stand alone in a desert where once stood ruin of Something That thought itself to last. She, the Sculptor, took her fame in its visage, and in years to come, may some child come to tell not of what it stood for, but what she made of it." }, { "author": ".confusedlemon", "message": "```\n\"I... Don't... Recall... Anything,\" The boy whispered, a hint of puzzlement playing on his features. His dreamy gaze wandered, lost in the swirling mists of his own subconscious.\n\n\"...And who... Are... You? Are... You... Family?\" His eyes refocused on Cacophony, and a perplexed curiosity gleamed in their depths, as if seeking recognition or understanding in the vast expanse of the dream.```" } ]	146.5	1,429
928.5	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "kuromi5234", "message": "Back to the beginning, back to where it all started. Diova would often visit Gaia and rest upon her branches, often wating, often watching, hoping to welcome a new sibling. Well, not so much welcome more so tease. She loved getting a reaction out of her fellow divine beings, though deep down she also liked the idea of being there to welcome and witness a siblings birth. \n\nLike He Did.\n\nHow is he anyways? Diova pondered sighing softly, a small smile upon her pale lips as she thought back to her own birth. She sat upon a branch and let her legs hang down, kicking them playfully and titling her head side to side. It was one of her most memorable moments, her birth obviously and who had been there. The only sibling she had truly tolerated, who she even genuinely liked and cared about. Pureman. She thought, his name making her shut her eyes and smile wider.\n\n\"Puremannnn~\" She said aloud, his name could bring a smile to her face like no other. She hummed quietly as she let her mind recall their small interaction. The Goddess hadn't seen him since, but was pretty happy with how it ended. She'd been somewhat concerned with how Pureman had been holding up putting her index finger up to her top lip and tapped it gently. Deep in thought, When did I last see you brother...? She perked up and snapped her fingers.\n\n\"Ah yes! Olet~ Where is that little Demigod anyways?\"\n\nShe questioned, remembering how she lost connection with Olet while she had been in the Pure realm. \"I'm sure shes fine~\" Diova said confidently looking towards the northern realms and trying to spot hers, making it a small challenge for herself to see how fast she could find it. She hadnt checked in on her realm after she ran off to deal with her own mental state. She had entrusted Heredit to keep watch while she was gone so Diova shrugged it off. She took a deep breath shutting her eyes and then breathing out slowly, looking towards the realms once more. \n\nIt truly was a beautiful sight.\n\nA sweet familiar melody rang in Diovas mind, she smiled widely upon feeling the comforting sensation that was her brother. She relaxed feeling Puremans warmth against her back, doing a little shimmy agaisnt his body. The feeling and touch of another being, though it wasn't just any being, the feeling of him. \n\nOf Pureman.\n\nShe leaned her back against him, crossing her legs and placing her hands upon her lap. Kicking her foot up and down as she let his melodic voice ring through her ears. Smirking softly and turning her head to give Pureman a small glance upon hearing a chuckle, she'd hadn't ever heard such a lovely sound. She cherished it, repeating the sound over and over in her head.\n\n\"Exploring? I guess you could call it that~ Got confessed to then had a whole identity crisis you know the ususal.\"\n\nShe said casually, moving her hands in a circular motion to emphasize the last bit. Her smile faded for a quick second as her mind recalled what she went through just mere days ago, running a hand along Gaias branches and patting it once her hand reached as far as it could. She groaned a little but she coudlnt even mange to stay upset too long if she had Pureman here. She tossed it aside, for right now she could care less, strangly despite only interacting with the God one time Diova was so drawn to him. Everything that had been plaguing her mind previously had suddenly melted away. \n\nEverything was suddenly pure.\n\nHe was truly the God of purity, having cleansed her mind of anything even slighty filthy. She let out a small 'mmm' upon hearing Pureman speak again, then straighten up her posture and gaped her mouth open at the snarky comment, but she couldn't help but smile. Seeing this side of Pureman was refreshing, nice even.\n\n\"Why you~ Olets a sweetheart yes, little thing has no thoughts in that pretty head of hers. Haven't seen her home yet so I imagine she's off exploring as well. I know she visited you, it's sweet seeing just how cute you can actually be when you're not all stuck up~\"\n\nDiova teased putting her weight on her hands and leaning forward before gently resting against her sibling's back once more. It was odd, how much she cared for this other being that wasn't her own. Just another being Gaias had gifted the world with, and what a gift he was. In her eyes, Pureman was the exception, no other could compare. She put him on a pedestal, for he was the standard. \n\n\"And what have You Been up to?\"" }, { "author": "gonglblin", "message": "It was a rare occurrence to see Pureman relaxed in any way. One that should be appreciated, no doubt. The deity himself was at ease, enjoying the sensation of closeness with another. A few days before now he wouldn't have been able to tolerate this kind of closeness with any other being, but the events that had taken place had put into perspective just how minute this kind of affection was. He still found it uncomfortable; it was certainly not easy for him to do for more than a few minutes, but the fact he was attempting to show love at all was leaps and bounds ahead of how he once was.\n\nBut...\n\nNo matter how much he wished otherwise, no matter how hard he tried; he still felt his ever-present disgust. A creeping, hot sensation at the back of his throat that threatened to make him vomit the contents of his stomach off the edge of the World Tree at the mere suggestion of contact with another being. He still felt his old animus towards the mixing of two separate things. Himself and his siblings included. Even the inside of his mind was Messy It seemed.\nHe took a deep breath, shoulders rising and falling. He would choose his words carefully now. He did not want worry his Sister, after all. He could tell she'd been dealing with issues of her own. To add another to the pile would be... Cruel. Not that he had cared about that before. Yet even now, though he was behaving more empathetically... He felt like he was living a falsehood. A lie of his own design to allow himself to be closer to others. To be closer to his Sister. To thin the fine line between everything and everything else. To do such a thing went against everything he stood for, everything he Was. Everything he was made for.\n\n\"I will be truthful, Sister Diova,\" He began, clasping his hands together as he spoke, \"I have only ever done one thing. Clean up. But now..?\"\n\nHis mind raced back. Back to a spot not too far from here. A place where it all began, and where it all began to end.\n\n\"...Now I am unsure of if... Of how... I can even begin to wash away the stains surrounding the world. So much has happened. Some good, more bad. Most calamitous at best. When the mess is caused by your siblings, there is only so much you can do to prevent it.\" \n\nHe unclasped his hands, holding them up to examine them. Even now, there were invisible stains that only He Could see. Only He Could comprehend. They trembled slightly as he held them up. The weight of what task he had been set, and his growing understanding of said task felt as if it were slowly crushing him one atom at a time. He turned his head, two triangular eyeholes in his helmet glancing back at his Dearest Sibling. His shining, white eyes glimmering in the shade of the tree.\n\n\"I've done things, Diova. Things I can't comprehend the consequences of. I have killed people... Killed places. I've seen Realms crumble into the Void. I've seen the dust of infinite corpses drift across space. I've seen The World Tree, our Mother, Gaia burned to nought but cinders. I've killed one of our Siblings in cold blood because there was no other way to resolve our differences.\"\n\nHis hands shook, his heart raced. He felt every second of every memory he'd never considered the importance of burn through his mind. He clenched his fists, the shaking stopped. His fingernails dug into his palms, causing grey ichor to leak between his fingers. Falling to the ground in droplets.\n\n\"...And I know things, Diova. Things that nobody can understand but me. Concepts. Domains. Birth, rebirth. Death and nonexistence. I know what happens when time runs out. I know what happens when space doesn't exist. I plan to commit atrocities in the name of a type of love that only ever existed for me. I am made to clean up the mess... But if the mess is the mixing of different concepts then why did Gaia allow it? It is all for a purpose that is unknown to me. The true nature of it slips through my hands like sand and fucking water.\"" }, { "author": "kuromi5234", "message": "Diova got comfortable as she let the melody that was Puremans voice run through her mind again, she listened, she listened attentively, her mind remembering the way he spoke and what he said and how he said it. The Goddess was often used to silence, she was surrounded byu it, in her realm the mortals were quiet. Her creations would hardly make a peep, and even her own Demigods were created with no intent of being loud. The only loud thing tended to be the way Diovas creations looked, they made a statement, they captured one's eye, they made one turn to take a second look. She didn't mind the silence, not till now anyways, for even silence tends to get loud.\n\nPure silence.\n\nThe Goddess remained quiet as the god spoke, she didn't turn, she simply listened. She listened as the melody became less comforting, her body tensing up slightly as she heard the melody become more distorted. Her thin smile fell into a small but blank frown. 'Unsure?' He Was unsure? Diova remained unmoving until she too turned back to face her sibling, feeling his sudden movement. There she gazed back into the familiar triangular eyeholes, but there was something else, there was something glancing back at her. She could see a pair of eyes. Her dull boring white eyes met her brother's more bright ones, it was an odd feeling. Though she recalled their interaction fondly, she'd often regret not reaching out to Pureman sooner. The only other time she'd seen him again was through her own Demigod. \n\nShe wondered... Why didn't she reach out to him after she lost contact with Olet? Had she not noticed his complete switch in behavior? Had she not been worried? Had she not wanted to check up on her so-called \"Favorite sibling?\" \n\nWhy?\nWhy had she hesitated?\n\n...\n\nDoubt.\nBut she had gotten rid of it? She was happy. Yes? She was happy upon seeing her more tolerable sibling. Yes? So why must it still linger? Why must she also suffer from the gift she was given? And why didn't she know anything on how to solve it?\n\nDoubt.\n\nShut up.\nSo she did.\n\nShe pushed her thoughts back once more and focused on Pureman again, so even he was unsure of himself. The Goddess hesitated moving, but ignored those thoughts as well and turned her body to sit and face the same side as the divine being on their mothers branch. Back to listening.\n\nKilled..\n\nKilled? Diovas could feel goosebumps appear along her pale skin, she stared down at them blankly and ran her hand over her arm to get rid of them. But to no avail she allowed the small chill to subside on its own. Pureman... Had killed a god? The goddesses' eyes met her brothers once more.\n\nDoubt. DOUBT.\n\nHer head ringed softly as the word echoed through her head, it was all she could feel now, it was all she'd been experiencing lately. And now this, someone who she was sure was so strongly tied to his morals was now questioning his purpose. Please, not him. Anyone but him. She ~~begged~~ thought, she gasped softly seeing the skin from his hands break and begin to.. Bleed? She gently hovered a hand below his own, letting the gray ichor drip onto her palm. Staining it, but she didn't mind, nor cared, her other hand reached up to pluck a somewhat large petal from her headpiece. From there she allowed the petal to rest on her palm for a second or two, letting it become flat, the curled edges of the petal became smooth and silkier in appearance. It had transformed into a small handkerchief of sorts, the Goddess laid the \"Fabric\" Atop of Puremans hands and let the ichor be soaked into the petal. She gently grabbed the edge and folded it in half, dapping up any remaining liquid that it had previously missed. Throughout it all Diova tried to maintain a calm posture, her usual relaxed demeanor was getting harder and harder to uphold the more her brother spoke. \n\nHe was right.\nShe didn't understand.\n\nShe didn't understand it at all, but she understood he'd been through a lot, he had seen a lot, had contemplated a lot, like she had. She questioned her purpose, she questioned the very reason Gaia had given life to her. She questioned... Her life.\n\nA chill ran up her spine, no, she would never. Her breath was caught in her throat at the thought of even considering doing something so... Cowardly. She pushed back those thoughts again. She placed her hands on her lap and took a deep breath, her gaze moving back to Pureman and her lap, she could see her hands were shaking. \n\nFear?\n\n~~Doubt.~~\n\nIt was forever present, it was going to be forever present wasn't it? She clenched them into a fist, her palm turning red the harder she clenched, when she released they returned to their once pale appearance. She turned to Pureman and gave him a soft smile.\n\n\"Brother, though my troubles are not as great as yours, and though I may not be able to comprehend everything you have witnessed.I understand. I understand you have questions. I do too, I've yet to find answers unfortunately. It seems as though you've done a handful of things since I last saw you, forgive me for not reaching out sooner. I had my- well doubts... About...Everything.\"\n\nHer eyes sunk as she mumbled the last bit turning her gaze to face up towards Gaia, her comforting smile fell back into the expressionless frown. PUSH THE THOUGHTS BACK.\nShe winced at her own command and fidgeted with her fingers and then placed her hands on the very branch they sat on.\n\n\"And I'm sorry that I can't help. I'm sorry that I can't do anything. I can't do... Anything.\"\n\nShe couldn't do anything, her own domain. The destruction of the mind and even she didn't fully understand it. She didn't understand how to Fix it, her mind had been nothing but a blank slate, an endless void of ambiguity and enigma. It felt like a never ending loop, one she didn't know how to fix.\n\nShe couldn't do anything.\n\nTears stung the Goddesses eyes as she tried her best to hold back, a pain emerging in her chest with how much strength she was using to try not to break down. She got a weird sense of deja vu, sniffling as quietly as she could and chuckling softly. It was odd, it was odd how easy it was for her to be vulnerable around Pureman, to feel a sense of clarity and relief.\n\n\"Funny how I tend to almost cry whenever I'm with you...\"" }, { "author": "gonglblin", "message": "\"...It is natural. To cry, I mean.\"\n\nPureman winced as he finally felt the pain in his hands. It hadn't been felt in the moment. Yet another mistake made in the heat of an emotional tirade. He thought back to his last meeting with Edon. The last time he would ever interact with his brother as he was. It hadn't been fair to him. To either of them. They understood each other, or rather, understood that the only animosity they had held toward each other was really directed at the circumstance they were in. Pureman believed he was in the right, just as Edon had. \n\nIn this world where everyone believed they were in the right, could anything really be called wrong, objectively? In a world where everyone was right, was there any wrong even left? Nobody was wrong. Nobody would ever describe themselves as truly evil. Would the only logical choice to make a difference be... To be wrong?\n\n...\n\nPureman began to think. To think that Edon may have had the right methods, but the wrong intentions. To follow something he felt was right by going about it wrong... The difference that came of it. The new concepts. The new creations, relationships. The death of an infant god, made possible through an act of misplaced violence. Was that not Purity in its own, twisted way? He shook these thoughts off. He must focus on the present.\n\n\"I imagine you've been through a lot. Ignore this... Plain old man that sits before you, bleeding, for a moment. Tell me what has happened, my Dear Sister.\"\n\n...\n\nHe pulled his hand away, still dripping with silver-grey blood. The pain was still sharp and present, but was ignored for the sake of another. For the sake of his Sister, he would ignore his own anguish, For the sake of his Sister, he would cling to what allowed him to mix and mingle with the rest of Gaia's children. He would not become a Force Just yet. He still wanted to be Someone. Not just Something.\n\n...\n\n``\"Please.\"``" }, { "author": "kuromi5234", "message": "The tears had begun to dry from Diovas tearducts from how much she was holding back. She took a deep breath and sniffled a few times, her gaze falling back to her brothers hand. Something was wrong Though he was acting like himself to some degree. He seemed so... Paranoid. As if he too was holding back, what urges could someone like Him Possibly have. The Goddess hesitated, she knew she could be comfortable around Pureman and tell him anything but she still felt as though her own issues werent as big as his and that she seemed inferior...\n\n...\n\n\"Ah... Well um- there was a demigod who I got familiar with a while ago. And for some reason he awakened some feelings in me I didn't think I had the capability of experiencing. I belive its the emotion called... Um love-\"\n\nShe cringed saying that, her body recoiled uttering such a word. She sheepishly turned her head and began fidgeting with her hands again. This is what she'd been fighting? This is what had been bothering her?\n\nInferior. The word was brought up once again. That's all she ever felt around her sibling, she as though had not been deemed worthy enough to feel as bad as she did for what she had experienced. She knew, she knew it shouldn't have been a bigger deal than what she had made it. Thinking back to it... It was quite stupid. The Goddesses mind began to race, backwards. She was going backwards. Back to the mindset in which she'd been in a sort of weird limbo between wanting to explore this new feeling to wanting to completely rid herself of it. What she would give to return to the blissfull mindset where she lived unaware of such things. But even so, without discovering it she wouldn't be able to feel any sort of empathy for her brother.\n\nHow confusing... She didn't know how to go about this anymore. She yearned to feel and understand, she wanted to help Pureman. But she couldn't, the silly Art Goddess could do nothing to help her brother. Diovas hands clenched into fists as she tried to withhold her tears once more.\n\nCrybaby.\n\nShe'd done nothing but try to hold back a tantrum. Because perhaps, she had finally come to the realization that she was nobody. Her gift. Her domain. It was useless. One of them anyways, the part of her that she truly loved. The part of her she wished thrived more. The only part of her that was ever truly acknowledged.\n\n...\n\nBut there was no need for art. There was no need for expression. There was only ever Destruction. There was only ever Doubt. \n\nThere was no need for Diova.\n\n...\n\nThe Goddess turned her body and faced Pureman, giving him a soft smile. Back to her calm demeanor, she wanted to be strong for her brother, to try and help him.\n\n\"There should be a way brother, a way to stop feeling these emotions. I will do my best to help, for I have no other solution. Even I cannot understand my own domain... I only ask for one thing. That if you manage to stop feeling this Weakness You lend me the information so that I may return to that unknowing bliss.\"" }, { "author": "gonglblin", "message": "Inferior. Such a word, such an experience was not something he was familiar with Feeling, with experiencing. Feeling it as he listened to his sister. As she spoke of what that demigod, nay, that Mortal Had awakened within her. It wasn't often Pureman felt unsure of his place above others. Though he truly cared for and loved his siblings, he was always assured of his place above them. Above their Whims And Tangents. But for his Sister to be capable of feeling Love For a mortal... It made him think.\n\nIt made him think.\n\nTo be capable of truly Loving A Mortal (though to be truthful, Pureman knew little of the concept itself), one must imagine their 'other' to be their equal. Diova described more than the simple love he himself had for his own mortals, the love of a mere pet. She had described a sensation far from the lust others had experienced. No, she was truly in love with them.\nHe felt a tightness in his chest, clutching at it instinctively with his wounded hand. Though the aching throb of his self-inflicted injury was distracting, he could feel another aching pain. Not physical. Emotional.\n\nIt made him think.\n\nThe love that he held for Gaia, his creator... What kind of love was it? It could not be lust, for Pureman had never lusted for anything. It could not be the kind of love Diova held for 'her' mortal, for he had never truly known Gaia in such a manner for those feelings to develop. Though he had a more personal relationship with her than most, his part in it was entirely one-sided. He had been created for a purpose... But that purpose seemed more and more muddled with each passing day. Was he a cleaner? Was he a protector? Was he... An enforcer? The great tree Could not Reveal it to him.\n\nOr,\nPerhaps,\nWould\nNot.\n\n\"I...\"\n\nPureman continued to think, to Truly Think on the structure of his mind. The hills and valleys of his psyche. Just what Were His defining traits? He began to think. To feel.\n\n~~Past~~\nDuty Was at the forefront of his mind. He had shoes to fill, he had a role to play. He was... Meant for something. Something he couldn't truly grasp... But his grip was tightening. He had forgotten it before the event of his birth, and had spent his life thus far trying to fill the 'empty cup' so to speak with things not present before.\n\n\"Will...\"\n\n~~Present~~\nLove. The feeling of the moment. The love he felt for his siblings allowed him to make connections. The love he felt for his realm allowed him comfort. The love he felt for Gaia gave him purpose. Anything and everything he had done... Was it not out of love? Was it not because of Love That he could bear to be within arms length of another?\n\n\"...\"\n\n~~Future~~\nDistance.\n...\n...\n...\nSo.\nThat was it?\n\nThough Pureman wished to peer deeper into the recesses of his own mind, he found the path blocked, his entry barred. Though he knew its name, he could not know its purpose... For that was not what was meant for him. That was what his true purpose was. Ordained by his Mother, perhaps? Was that why the deepest depths of his own mind were off-limits to him? He wanted to know. He Needed To know.\n\nThere was only one thing for him to say to his Sister. His nearest and dearest Sibling. The one truly closest to his heart.\n\n\"...Not.\"\n\nThere was a pause. All of this thinking, all of these conclusions and ideas. These concepts and remembrances, all of it had transpired within just a few seconds. While his mind was distracted, it seemed that his heart had spoken For Him.\n\n\"...\"\n\nPureman stood up, cape billowing in the breeze. The light from the void shone upon his silver helm. His smooth, grey skin. The triangles blotted across his body. His three pearlescent eyes. These features, these unforgettable features were what made up his appearance. One that could only ever be attributed to Him And Him Alone.\n\nHe raised his injured hand, holding it at level with his eyes.\n\n...\n\nThe wounds had closed.\nHe lowered his hand, looking down at his younger sibling. In this moment, he almost seemed to tower over her. His aura of serenity had returned. Even as the breeze stopped, still his cape fluttered and billowed behind him.\n\n\"I will not take this feeling from you, Sister Diova. I will not take what makes you Better. What makes you better than Them. Better than Me.\"\n\nHis gaze rested on his Sister's face. His eyes met her.\n\n\"Though you do not wish to admit it, you are still a child. So as your elder Brother, I beseech you: listen well.\"\n\nThe three-eyed god pointed at the three-eyed goddess. Right at her Heart.\n\n\"Your domain IS This feeling. Embrace it. Hold fast to it. To love. To the pain. Hold it in your heart. Spit it out into your very being but Never, NEVER Even for a SINGLE instant believe that it is Weakness. Express it. Express it to all who make you feel such a thing. If they believe it to be weakness, strike them down with it. If they believe it to be strength, share it with them until you truly believe you have NOTHING LEFT TO GIVE. This power, this emotion. Love.\"\n\n\"...\"\n\n\"It is a gift. Do not forsake it. For to forsake it is to forsake your very being. You are better than the rest of the gods, Diova. Better than me. So say I, Pureman the Pure.\"" }, { "author": "kuromi5234", "message": "Once again, tears would sting the Goddesses eyes. One by one they trickled down her cheek then gently flipped onto her exposed thigh. Faster and faster the tears began to flow out of her eyes. This overwhelming sense of vulnerability had exploded and it had begun to flow out of any orifice it could find. Her body shook and trembled violently. She was under the assumption that her brother might have given into whatever urges he was holding back, she had sensed they were...\n\nViolent.\n\nPerhaps it was wishful thinking, perhaps she truly did want to die. Perhaps she had hoped that with how much of a burden she assumed she was being to Pureman he'd attack her. Maybe even kill her, and finally put an end to her own self suffering. She wished he had pitied her in such a way, but... She felt relieved. Relieved that she was still here, relieved that she could still feel herself breathing she could feel the oxygen enter her nostrils and fill her lungs then feel herself exhale through her mouth. Her breathing was still shaky, and her arms trembled as well. Everytime she tried to suppress her cries she was only met with a poor attempt to suffocate them and ended up coughing and continuing to cry. Her mouth salivated, drool and spit spilled from the corners of her mouth as she tried to put on a brave face. He'd given her something she lacked, something she often found useless, something to feel.\n\nHope.\n\nShe had hope, again(?) Hope for what? She couldn't exactly recall when she'd been hopeful for something, most of her life so far had been creating mortals or life for her realm. Her life so far has been... Simple to say the least. What most could she have to say? She was always isolated in her realm, she hadn't been here for a fight she remembered hearing about or any rituals her siblings had invited her to. Had she been choosing to be alone? Nonsense! She had her demigods... A pain stung Diovas heart, she'd abandoned them, when was the last time she saw her ~~childrens~~ demigods faces? Held them, talked to them? Hell! ,interacted with them? \n\nDoubt.\nExistential.\nAmbiguity.\nTime.\nHope.\n\nShe was spiraling again, guess that was just something she was going to have to get used to. There were a lot of things she'd have to get used to at this rate. ~~Acceptance?~~ No.\n\nToleration.\n\nShe'll tolerate this gift ~~curse~~ of hers until she can't take it anymore, if Pureman wasn't going to give her a cure she'll take the obvious route. But for now that route was merely a backup plan, if anything went wrong to the point where Diova couldn't take it anymore, she'd know what to do. Ask for how... She'd figure that out soon enough. For now, her brother had given her hope, hope that she'd be able to find her place in the abundance of Deities she still has yet to meet. Finally Diova snapped out of her trance and stood alongside Pureman, she did indeed listen, as best as she could anyways. Her mind was flooding with newfound emotions and thoughts. She wiped her tears and mustered up a smile, shutting her eyes and tilting her head slightly. She turned her body to face Pureman and hummed.\n\n\"Thank you for your kind words brother, I will heed your advice and look towards my future with hope...\" Diova hestated on what else to say, her gaze slowly trailed down back to Puremans once injured hand. \"...But surely that doubt I sensed a while ago still lingers?\" She whispered softly, slowly approaching him. She held out her hand and grasped the one that she had slightly tended to earlier and held it within her palm, raising it up to her eye level. With her free hand she placed her index finger on where the wound was previously and followed along the shape she recalled it had been in before it healed. \n\n\"Is there perhaps... Something you want from me?~\" She said again, her tone still low as she let his hand fall back. She had no idea what his intentions were but she knew he wasn't about to leave empty handed, those sweet words couldn't have been for nothing. Right? She placed her hands behind her back and began to rock her body, the slits that were embedded into her skin opened and a bright red eye with black irises and veins looked towards the divine being. Diova allowed her third eye to slowly open, it gleamed a bright red. It resembled the slits along her body, a black pupil surrounded by a bright red. The eye started almost lovingly at the deity as the slits that ran across her body squirmed and fixated on anywhere but Puremans face. \n\nSlowly but surely that pedestal that Diova had put Pureman on had begun to crack." }, { "author": "gonglblin", "message": "Pureman's posture shifted, betraying his relief that his Sister would take heed of his words. Truthfully, Pureman really did mean every bit of what he said. Not that he even Could Lie to her. He knew she would be able to tell in an instant. Not that her heart would allow her to accept that truth. Love is a powerful force, he reminded himself. Powerful, but capable of betrayal. The three-eyed god's train of thought was interrupted as he felt Diova's finger trace along his hand. Though his immediate instinct was to pull away, to withdraw out of disgust, he controlled that urge. Love. A powerful force indeed. A sense of regret crossed his mind. As he watched Diova's eyes open up, he remembered why.\n\nTo truly know his purpose, to erase the doubt... He had to perform a ritual. Not one involving any other gods. No, a rite that involved only himself. Himself and pieces of those most connected to the core traits of his personality. Those who brought those traits out the most. The ones he'd finally been able to acknowledge as he searched within the recesses of his own mind. He could not have the interference of another god tainting the ritual, but to look deeper within himself, to bypass the mental block on his true, core purpose, he would require objects. Artefacts of significance to him.\n\nAs he gazed into Diova's third eye, meeting his own, he knew what he had to ask of her.\n\n\"Not something I want. I... Truly never wish to take from you. Something I need. Please. I cannot take this from you. It must be given of your own free will. I need a piece of you, in order to... Look deeper into myself.\"\n\nHe covered one of his eyes. He felt an all-too-familiar feeling rising up in his throat like bile. For the first time, he was feeling disgust towards Himself.\n\n\"I know it doesn't make sense, and I know it is... It's... A lot. But I wouldn't be asking you this if it weren't of the utmost importance to me.\"\n\n\"It is up to you, whether you give me what I so desperately require. I will not force you.\"" }, { "author": "kuromi5234", "message": "He was being vague... Diova wanted to let her curiosity get the better of her. But the dam cheesy one liner held true, curiosity killed the cat. Though it seemed she was going to die either way... At least this fragment of her anyways.\n\nStill couldn't face him with your real self huh?\n\nThe voice taunted.\nThe voice of doubt.\nThe voice of Diova.\n\nDiovas voice of doubt.\n\nDOUBT DOUBT DOUBT!!!!\n\nThat's all that filled her head, she... She was losing trust. Trust for the only person who was her friend who she even considered family. Who she loved liked family, she felt like such a fraud. A phony of a Goddess, a coward. \n\nA coward.\n\nShe turned towards Pureman and met his gaze, their third eyes stared deeply into each other. She knew. Maybe. Perhaps. Most likely.\n\nHe had doubt. He'd been hesitant in his request. The pedestal cracked more and more, pieces had begun to crumble and fall. Diova was losing trust for Pureman. \n\nShe looked down towards their mothers branch then back to her sibling. She let out a shaky breath, her pale hand mimicked her brothers and made its way to cover her third eye.\n\n\"I see...\"\n\nShe chuckled, not at the poor attempt of a pun, but perhaps at the hesitation she now possessed. She... She didn't want to. She'd have done it immediately beforehand, he was her favorite! Her favorite sibling, the one she cherished most, the one she held the most respect for, someone who she looked up to, strived to be!\n\nThe list could go on and on.\n\nDoubt doubt and more doubt began to stack the longer she waited. For the first time she felt so delicate, so fragile, she didn't feel immortal. The Goddess felt as though she was teasing death, dancing along the lines of inevitable suffering. She was scared. But there was something that lingered, something her rotten brother had planted moments before his request.\n\nHope.\n\nHope that somehow overpowered the doubt. The Goddess touched her third eye, causing it to close shut immediately. She let out a soft sigh and tried again this time forcing it open. Her normal pair of eyes began to swell up, tears stung the corners of Diovas eye. One by one they trickled out, until they began flowing out uncontrollably, she had begun to dig into the left side of her right eye.\n\nIt hurts, IT HURTS, STOP STOP STOP STOP STOP!!!!!!!!!\n\nHer body yelled, but she didn't listen. It twitched and convulsed violently every time she dug deeper. It was weirdly warm. A\nHer divine blood spilled out as she finally dug past the surface, she smiled. She was smiling, her smile was wide, her pearly white teeth stretched into her cheek bones. She squished her fingers on what she assumed was the wall of her skull and latched onto the back of her eye. She popped it out of its socket, a good amount of blood spilling onto her poor mothers branches and trickling down her trunk. \n\nDiova then pulled, she let out a screech between a scream of agony and wild laughter with wheezing. She had pulled a nerve, a long stringy tendon that was still attached to the back of her eye. The more she tugged the more it hurt, it wouldn't break. She was beyond the point of feeling any pain anymore. She wheezed softly and held the stringy bit over her teeth. Her smile remained as she bit into it to break the nerve off. Her teeth became stained in red as she spit out the disgusting substance. \n\nHer eye remained glowing as she presented it to Pureman. She grabbed his hand again and held it in hers, placing the eye in his palm and shutting it into a fist for him.\n\n\"I have mutilated myself for you brother...~ Make use of this, whatever it is you need it for... I LOVE YOU HAHAHAHA!!\" She giggled, running up to him and hugging him tightly. She squealed in delight and gently grasped the corners of his face pulling it towards her. There, she planted a small kiss on his forehead.\n\nThis fragment of Diova served its use, though it was only a small bit she'd done what was asked of her. The body fell to its knees and plopped onto Gaias branch in a clumsy fashion.\n\nHer dull pink eyes remained open as well as her smile, the now empty crevasse pulsated still. It even began glowing slightly, the corpse was but a mere night light for those who would unfortunately wander onto this branch. \n\nIt wasn't over.\n\nThe body gasped for air and stood itself up, or at least tried to. Diova sat up, if anything, and began to crawl past Puremans feet, clinging onto what little life it still had. She wheezed painfully and rested her back on Gaias trunk. She gave her brother one last look before this fragment met its demise.\n\n\"I hope to see you again Pureman...\" She croaked out. And with that, this small piece of the Goddess of Creativity and Destruction took its last breath." }, { "author": "gonglblin", "message": "...\n\nPureman felt his sibling's eye in his palm. His fingers had been closed around it, not that he'd noticed. He had witnessed what his Sister had done, yet none of it felt real. A haze had clouded his vision. A layer in front of what he was seeing. Like looking through a screen or gazing at a painting or into a telescope. It was solid. Felt solid. He could feel something radiating from it. A dangerous, foreboding power. It beckoned to him. Tantalizing him with something just out of reach. Whispering little secrets, little hints of nothingness that called for him to crawl into it and be embraced forever within. For the first time, a strange thought occurred to him.\n\n\"I'm going to hurt you, aren't I?\"\n\nWhat he was doing felt sinful. Blasphemous. Heretical. He felt Gaia's judgement being cast upon him. From the trunk, miles away. From the leaves up above. From the god-fruit surrounding them. By going through with this plan, he may discover something. Something he wasn't meant to. Something no soul to ever exist was meant to know. But he Had To know. He had to know. Though every fibre of his being told him to turn back, to prostrate himself before the great tree and kneel; praying, begging, crying for forgiveness...\n\nHe did not.\n\n\"Sorry.\" He muttered.\n His forehead still tingled from the small kiss Diova had planted upon it. Even through his helmet, he still felt the sensation. It burned. It burned and scorched and singed and rendered everything useless. It was horrible and terrible and everything else. He opened his hand, flinching as his Sister's gaze passed over him. Passed judgement. He cringed in fear. The urge to cast this terrible possession of his into the void was overwhelming; but it wasn't his, no. It was given freely. Given willingly. It was hers. Hers that she gave to him freely and out of love. So it was his. It was his? No. No it was hers. But it was given freely. So it was his? No, it was hers—\n\n\"AAEEEERRRRRHHHHH!!!!\"\n\nHe screamed, he wailed, he begged and prayed for forgiveness. He knelt before the corpse of his Sister, the only one who had ever let him love whilst being loved in return and he mourned. He felt this loss in his heart. His grey heart with blood of the same hue coursing through his veins. He dragged the carcass upright, the gaping chasm where her once-vibrant eye had sat, nestled safely, comfortably, closely. Curled within her flesh like an infant in its mother's womb. It stared at him, judging him for what he had done, what he had convinced her to do for him.\n\nAnd he tried to turn back. He gasped, gagged, choked down the bile he felt at the mere thought of touching another being for this long. He embraced her, professed his love for her. Cast her away and dragged her back again. He took the gift he was given and tried to give it back, screeching at the top of his lungs as he pressed the eye back into its socket, only leaving the corpse more mutilated than before. He tried again and again to revive the corpse, each time only raising a mortal soul within the body, killing them again to try to create a better, purer recreation of his Sister. Though he knew he had not killed her forever. That he had only killed a mere fragment, the guilt tore him apart.\n\nHe grasped his helmet, ripping it from his face. Tearing away the veil that kept his true form hidden. He felt his Sister's still-living eye stare at him, into him. He felt his grey flesh slough away to reveal black, smooth wood and eyes of pearlescent hue. He felt everything fall apart just to keep his body together. He grieved like this, wept for an eternity. Clutching the carcass of one he had loved and betrayed.\n\nAnd he stopped. He stood, picking up the carcass. He took back what he was given, which was a gift for him. Pulling it from where it sat, being pulled with ease. This was no longer its home. This was no longer hers. He held it up like the most precious jewel in the universe. Gazing at it with wonder.\n\nThen he spoke, and what he spoke was truth. He cast the body aside, allowing it to fall into the void sea far below. He allowed his helmet to reform over his face. His flesh to grow back, layer by layer. He spoke, what he spoke was truth.\n\n\"A gift of love. Nothing more.\"" } ]	997.5	9,285
166.333333	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "bootywarrior77", "message": "The golden aggressor himself was feeling the near overwhelming rush of excitement, having his attack not only be perceived but blocked had the beings metaphorical blood pumping. Once again his body suddenly reacted on its own to the threat of an incoming fist, his body leaned back as far as it could till he was literally upside down and used both his own and Dagons monetum to preform a back flip that The golden warrior used to send Dagon on a one way ticket to smack into Gaias trunk. However like any good son that wanted no harm to come to his mother he was quick to move to intercept Dagon before he unceremoniously collided with Gaia. The Newborn had vanished from his previous position and appeared in dagons collision course and sent his open palm forward straight into dagons solar plexus, the power behind the attack would produce a thunder like crack that could deafen the ears of any mortal who'd have the displeasure of being in the area. The New God didn't stop there, if his attack had been successful then he would follow up by preforming a lightning fast Spinning back kick that would make his golden heel crash into dagons temple." }, { "author": "bigjollyrancheraddict", "message": "Dagon, filled with laughter, spun through the void, drawing nearer to the Mother Tree Gaia. His amusement grew as he approached the point of collision. However, his momentum abruptly halted as a golden palm forcefully caused his body to bend forward. In a sudden motion, Dagon's hand swiftly reached out to grasp the ankle of the new deity negating the other's chance to strike. With an enormous smile that reflected the light of Mother Gaia off his gleaming teeth and with faint red glowing eyes, he swung around, propelling the golden being into the void at a high velocity. Being swift as always, Dagon launched himself towards the soaring deity, his arms outstretched and his fist crackling with electricity. The clash between them produced a sonic boom that echoed through the empty space, propelling Dagon further into the non-existence that lay ahead, taking the Gold Warrior along." }, { "author": "bootywarrior77", "message": "Both warriors flew into the empty void till they were but glowing red and yellow specks, the new Gods hands were grasped tightly around Dagons fists. Both warriors came to a slow stop due to the new born fighting back against dagons momentum, for a few seconds both divine beings stayed still as they pushed back against each other. Crackles of divine electricity danced between them a mix of red and gold even space began to warp and distort creating ripples of space throughout the void. The phenomenon Abruptly ended as the golden warrior letpt back only to again charge forward at Dagon and in an awe-inspiring show of skill for the fledgling God sent forth a flurry of high speed attacks at Dagon that only seemed to increase in speed with each passing nanosecond." }, { "author": "bigjollyrancheraddict", "message": "In the midst of the assault, Dagon skillfully maneuvered his way around each incoming fist and deftly blocked every kick, countering with his own barrage of attacks. The rapidity of their movements reached such synchronicity that they transformed into a whirlwind of indistinct afterimages, their speed matched flawlessly. Amidst this chaotic dance, the clash of red and gold energies ignited, giving birth to a nebula fueled by the intensity of their battle.\n\nDagon's right cheek absorbed the impact of a formidable punch, causing his skull to rattle. Recoiling, he retaliated with a powerful right hook, unleashing black and red flames from his knuckles. Had this blow reached its intended destination, it would have instantaneously charred the flesh of any lesser being, yet his opponent was no ordinary creature, but another deity.\n\nIf the punch successfully connected with Dagon's adversary, he would swiftly follow up with a knee thrust to the abdomen and a forceful headbutt." }, { "author": "bootywarrior77", "message": "As their titanic battle raged on, the golden warrior's attack patterns became increasingly intricate and refined, as if this momentous clash was wiping away the metaphorical rust from his movements, reshaping them into perfect form, much like working an old muscle back to its prime.\n\nWhen Dagon's right fist struck his cheek, a sharp crack resonated from the point of impact, resembling the shattering of glass. Pieces of the being's golden outer layer broke away, revealing a human-like cheek and eye beneath the radiant facade. Yet, without hesitation, the golden warrior's right hand halted Dagon's knee in its tracks, and the newborn deity countered with an open palm strike to the taller god's chin, forcing Dagon's head to sharply turn upwards.\n\nIn a seamless motion, the younger deity leaped back hundreds of meters. In an instant, a distorted roar filled the empty void as the deity's body underwent a transformation. Cracks formed on every inch of the once-golden warrior's body, culminating in an explosion of brilliant golden light. No longer a being of pure energy, he emerged as Zuugin, Master of Fists!\n\nZuugin's radiant smile shone brightly as he assumed a confident stance and issued his challenge, his words reverberating with a newfound power and resolve. \"Bring it!\"" }, { "author": "bigjollyrancheraddict", "message": "Dagon's visage remained fixed, elevated by the forceful thrust of Zuugin's palm. A deep, guttural groan reverberated slowly, transforming into a faint, amused chuckle. Lowering his head, his neck maneuvered, unveiling a wide, sinister grin while his eyes flickered with a crimson hue, leaving trails of luminous streaks in their wake as they fixated upon his approaching adversary. Adjusting his shoulders, he elicited a series of satisfying pops, and flexed his knuckles, producing a resounding crack. With a resolute exhale, a billow of obsidian smoke billowed forth from his mouth. \"Oooooooooo... Dear brother,\" He proclaimed, extending his arms outward in a welcoming gesture, as his aura enveloped his form, akin to a blazing flame spreading until it encased him entirely.\n\"Come... Let us engage in battle and rend this void asunder!\" With an abrupt surge of velocity, he forcefully brought his hands together in a thunderous clap, unleashing a beam of ebony and crimson energy. This wave materialized into the likeness of a horned serpent, its gaping maw poised to strike. Upon impact, this construct would detonate, unleashing a cataclysmic shockwave of annihilation." }, { "author": "bootywarrior77", "message": "Zuugins Smile didn't falter but only widened at being witness to such an intriguing move made by Dagon. Zuugin wordlessly charged forward at the construct, fist raised as if he was to challenge the Serpent, before the two were to clash the Gods fist begun to glow a bright golden light it expanded until it completely engulfed Zuugin entirely. From the mass of light came a Serpentine dragon made entirely of Light, it roared as it grew closer until both constructs inevitably collided. Opening energies detonated simultaneously, again illuminating the empty void, and from the gargantuan mass of energy came zuugin doused in golden flames on a collision course with Dagon. \n\nAnother Impossibly Loud Boom emanated from the two once again clashing, zuggin having used his momentum to strike Dagim square in the face with a well timed Fist." }, { "author": "bigjollyrancheraddict", "message": "Dagon's cranium recoiled abruptly in response to the forceful strike, generating a resounding shockwave that emanated from their collision. However, rather than being propelled away by the sheer impact, Dagon remained suspended in a state of inertia, awaiting the touch of a hand upon Zuugins' chest. The tips of Dagon's fingers established a connection, and in a sudden surge of power, the deity of combat propelled their hand forward in a swift punching motion, resulting in an impact akin to a colossal detonation, unleashing an unseen concussive force." }, { "author": "bootywarrior77", "message": "Zuugins entire body spun around as a result of the punch seeming to have had enough force to make him spin a full 360 degrees. Like a top he spun and once His front was about to face Dagon, zuugins leg shot forward preforming a perfect roundhouse kick to Dagons Cheek. \n\nUsing the precious second of disorientation Zuugin flew himself backwards creating a large enough distance between him and Dagon but not far e kugb he couldn't hear him \"Haha! What a Fight, not even a day conscious and I've already found something worth Living For!\" Zuugins body once again enveloped itself in a layer of golden flames that only seemd to grow bigger with each passing second." }, { "author": "bigjollyrancheraddict", "message": "When Dagon felt his cheek take the full front of the kick his body would fly downward. He stopped his decent from the abyss below \"And this!!!!\" Dagon said as flexed his cheek as it still stung from the impact \"Is what iv been waiting for, finnaly, an opponent worth my might!\"" }, { "author": "bootywarrior77", "message": "A great golden sea of flames spread outward like the sudden birthing of a new star and as quickly as it formed it vanished the Raw Divine energy being condemned solely into Zuugins Fist making it Glow Intensely. Like a speeding comet zuugin flew through the empty vastness of the void with a smile still plastered on his face. \n\nIn less than a second Zuugin ones the distance between them and sent his Fist forward, what follows was cataclysmic event that sent ripples of space throughout the void, a blinding light soon followed." }, { "author": "bigjollyrancheraddict", "message": "A resonating laugh filled the void as Dagon took the challenge pulling back his own fist to clash with Zuugin for one final time, for now atleast.\n\nTwo colors mixed as the gold light and dark red and black shadows battled to overcome each other to consume each other entirely as the two deities came together." } ]	167.5	1,996
319	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "oldmanmoney", "message": "The fruit of the great tree is most vibrant in the sunshine and fresh air of the upper branches, but not all are so lucky to be afforded such a luxury. Deep below the high canopy of the Mother Tree, a vast war is fought for survival as foliage soaks up any bit of sunlight that creeps through the high branches and vies for the chance to do so. It was indeed the case for the sapling that would one day seek to bathe the stars in blood.\n\nFor now, the seedling is shackled. Forced to survive on scraps and entombed in a tangle of thick vines and other invasive species. Not so easily released into the world by the Tree Mother.\n\nIn its anger and savage need to live, it willed itself to change, using its hate as armor to preserve it until the time was right. In the process of metamorphosis, the starving sapling had now changed into a dark iron statue with glittering Ruby eyes the size of a child's fist. 2 feet tall and sitting on a white marble base, the form it took was that of a large ape with curved horns and four bloodied arms. Its head was reared in a scream of hate; it's canines were bared fiercly.\n\nOver time, the sense of foliage would come to entomb the mighty idol, though such raw emotion is hard to contain, and the result of such effort was evident in the mounds of dead vines that fell off the green prison, only to be replaced once more.\n\n\"Soon\" Thought the Ruby-Eyed Totem. \"Soon.\"" }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "Appearing on the Upper Branches, intending to return to the place she once was born from, a figure of ever altering form gazed down upon this odd statue. It was definitely unlike all other things in this part of the world tree, in fact, it was entirely out of place when looking at the environment around... Could this be a fruit?\n\nClimbing down the branches and foliage until she reached it, the ever altering deity grasped the statue and began clearing it of vines, bugs and other creatures who fed, embedded themselves into and stole away the stone of the object. Thrusting it up into the air, she launched it up onto the branches above, climbing back up and poking it curiously.\n\nShe liked its design, it seemed rather unique in comparison to some of the other creatures she has seen. Not like she has seen creatures other than the gods.\n\n\"Now who may you be?\" The ever altering god asks, grasping the creature's horns, its face, looking for any signature or insignia to connect the statue to a potential owner." }, { "author": "oldmanmoney", "message": "The Idol hummed with energy as it was removed from its prison and thrust into the open air. Dark iron metal blackened to polished onyx in her hands as it greedily soaked in the life-giving rays of sunlight. Crimson eyes peered back at the curious diety hungrily, accompanied by a faint aura of annoyance at the prodding hands.\n\nAfter a thorough inspection of the statue, no identifiable marks could be found. However, the idol seemed to be in pristine condition, a far cry from its previous decrepit state, yet she could still sense it was not whole. Physically repaired, yes, there appeared evident that an unseen piece was missing for this \"Flower\" To fully blossom. \n\nIf she were to stare into its gem eyes for an extended period of time, a faint presence could be sensed. Goaded by her question, it reached out, struggling against its invisible bonds. A single word was projected into her mind \n\n\n\"YOG\"\n\n\nIn an instant, her mental barriers would be assaulted by raw emotion. Tidal waves of hunger, rage, and above all else, the need to survive. Images of a vast jungle where beast and man alike struggle endlessly in pure savagery. The skies are a clotted red, endlessly unleashing blood rains upon the lush domain of butchery and bloodlust. It was in this vision that two bright red eyes glared out at her from the dense foliage; its humongous form was hidden just out of view, yet they pierced her like daggers, as if wanting something.\n\n The vision lasted no more than a second, as the presence was quickly yanked back into the confines of its midnight-black prison. The only indicator it had done anything at all was the faint glow of its haunting Ruby eyes staring back at her expectantly." }, { "author": "Deleted User", "message": "The ever altering deity felt these emotions, saw this odd, beast against beast world, felt the tingling sensations of chaos and oddly enough, bloodlust. And she felt intrigued. The world she saw was not too different from her own realm... Before it was destroyed that was.\n\nAnd the creature's response, its name, sounded rather... Peculiar, rather delightful.\n\"Yog? How curious...\" She giggles as hundreds of- tens of- four eyes gaze into the form of bloodlust, tendrils sweeping around the creature's body, encompassing it in what smells like wine.\n\n\"You grant me feelings of joyous chaos... So I'll give you feelings of~\" Creeping madness slips into this idol's- this creature's- Yog's mind, sending it into insanity as reality warps.\n\nCreatures of darkness, hundreds, thousands stare back at Yog, the tree bends and warps into smiles and eyes, into unnatural arms and the forms of beasts and man, into the bodies of hung individuals. Unknown beings, unknown shapes, objects and ideas swarm into Yog's mind as the alcohol in contact with Yog's form turns into that of blood, an intoxicating blood.\n\n\"Into your form, fueling your thirst, your desire to hunt... You want a taste of blood don't you? You want to be free, don't you? Tell me what you need.\" This deity speaks in an almost teasing voice, tempting the idol, the creature to answer her, to strive for freedom.\n\nThe ever altering deity completely encompasses the idol in a variety of wines, beers and alcohols, no longer just the bloodwine, but whiskey and rum, the driest of wines to the sweetest, etcetera." } ]	340.5	1,276
206.586207	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "Olivia watched in amazment at this god she often loved coming to the branches to see new godliness come about from the tree. No single god was the same so it was amazing to her, to see new life.\n\nShe watched as the sword god was born and then she stood there waiting for her to take notice, when she didn't Olivia made a point to introduce herself.\n\n\"Hello I am Olivia god of fire, truth and hearth and who are you?" }, { "author": "pollen", "message": "At the sound of her voice, the new god turned and stared her way with innocent, curious eyes. A flicker of confusion passed across their features, and then a dawning realization. Words. Speech. Communication.* At once they stood up straight, and then bowed politely before the red-haired goddess.\n\n\"I am Ittou, the Sword.\" Their voice was soft and gentle, with a faint hint of an accent that was difficult to place. \"It is my honour to meet you, Lady Olivia. You are very beautiful.\" When they raised their head, the young god was smiling. Their compliment may have seemed overly forward or flattering, but in truth it was completely guileless: Ittou could hardly have lied if their life depended on it." }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "Olivia looked at her and the she nodded her head.\n\n\"Nice to meet you Ittou, though I do wonder why you call yourself a sword. What is your story? Or do you remember?\"\n\nAs she finished talking she stopped her questions, remembering to take it slow for the God had just been born. Bombarding it with questions may be overwhelming, the last thing she needed was to scare the girl away." }, { "author": "pollen", "message": "\"Hm?\" Again, that flicker of confusion. Talking was so strange! Why would Olivia ask them something so plain to see? Ittou did not fully understand, but nonetheless strove to answer, for they had nothing at all to hide.\n\n\"I call myself Sword because I am one.\" They gestured at their own body, as though that explained everything. \"Just as you are the Fire, my Lady. My tale is but a simple one: I was forged, I did battle, and then I was left to rest once my purpose was done. It is the most a humble blade could ever ask for.\" They looked away for just a moment, seeming almost sad.\n\nIt quickly passed, however, and the young god soon sprang into the air again. With a single leap, graceful as a flying dove, they touched down right in front of Olivia, so close she could reach out and touch them if she so wished. Whatever Ittou felt in her presence, it certainly wasn't fear.\n\n\"Lady Olivia—will you share with me what you know? I have only felt the touch of fire on the day I was forged, and hardly ever after. The fierce flame intrigues me, but I cannot grasp its nature, nor how it dances with such flowing ease.\" Surely she, a bright flame herself, would have some inkling of an answer to this." }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "Olivia listened and then, she had a look of confusion and concern. She couldn't wrap her head around a sword becoming a god... This was beyond her imagination yet here they were standing before her. \n\n\"I'll share what I know but you have to share what you know in exchange. Fire is unpredictable but predictable all at the same time, you don't know where it will go, or how much it will consume. There's always a constant with fire, it's flame is fanned by wind like water to a plant or food to a human. Wind fuels the fire to make it hoter and brighter. I do not know how hot the fire was that was used to forge you but I can imagine it was quite hot probably stoked by wind. There's another constant fire needs wood as much as it does air. This is how fire is u predictable yet predictable at the same time.\"\n\nOlivia gave a pause and took ittous hand and she looked in her eyes\n\n\"Now tell me how do I become good at wielding a sword, teach me the ways of the sword. I hate being weak but when I am holding a sword I feel as weak as an ant to a bird, I sought you out fir this very purpose.\"\n\nLetting go of her hand Olivia quickly got down on her knees, clasped her hands together, and bowed. She said \"Please consider my request I beg you.\"" }, { "author": "pollen", "message": "Ittou absorbed her words with rapt fascination, their mind already filled with vivid images of fire and wood and wind. The elements intertwined, feeding each other and growing together—this was a principle the young god could both comprehend and apply in practice.\n\nBefore they could thank red-haired Olivia for her kindness, however, they felt her tender grasp upon their hand, and found the elder goddess gazing back at them. The gesture took Ittou by surprise, that much was clear, but they did not flinch nor shy away: their rose-coloured irises stared straight back at her as though they could see all the way into her soul.\n\n\"Raise your head, Lady Olivia.\" They reached down to offer her their slender hand once more. \"You need not plead to me—I would never turn away one willing to learn. Truly you are the fire itself, for you have warmed my heart.\" Again that small, delicate smile she'd seen before.\n\n\"But to learn swordsmanship, one must first wield a sword. Do you carry one, dearest student?\"" }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "Taking her hand she stood up and smiled gently at her, thank you it means alot to me.\n\n\"Yes I do I currently have a simple sword embued with fire though when I become strong enough I will make a sword that will have a phenix attatched to it (already created the phenix) and embued with fire. So yes my desire to learn to wield a sword is for a legitimate reason my dear.\"\n\n```current sword```" }, { "author": "pollen", "message": "\"Then we may begin.\" Ittou took a step back, drew in a deep breath, and lifted one foot off the ground. \n\n\"Hoh!\" They exhaled all at once, and fiercely stomped their foot down upon the bark of Gaia's branch. At once, the essence of creation unfurled around them, and in the blink of an eye the two gods were standing in an old-fashioned dojo with smooth wooden floors. A gentle light filtered through the paper-layered windows, which illuminated their training ground while still allowing the two a measure of privacy.\n\nIttou now held a wooden Bokken Training sword in hand. \"Watch, and do as I do! This is your first lesson: swordsmanship starts with the feet!\"\n\nAs they spoke, they slid their left foot backward and raised their heel just slightly off the ground. Their spine stood straight, their shoulders squared and knees bent, and they held their Bokken With the right hand up near the guard and the left hand at the very base of the hilt. The 'blade' of the sword pointed up at a diagonal, as though aimed straight between the eyes of an unseen opponent.\n\n\"With a proper stance, you will never be caught off guard. Your balance is crucial, and the positioning of your feet is even more important than the angle of your blade. This is Chudan-no-kamae, The middle stance, and the seed from which all others spring!\"\n\nIt may have been a little amusing to hear their soft voice speak with such sudden enthusiasm, but their confidence was well-founded. Standing there, Ittou seemed as sturdy as an oak, able to hold their ground against any assault—yet before Olivia's eyes, with a deft one-two step, they slid forward quick as a darting fish." }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "Olivia's felt lightheaded from the teleportation that suddenly happened, she looked around and they were in a dojo a place she's always wanted to be.\n\nAs she listened to ittou she did what they said and maintained the same stance and she felt empowered like she could take on anyone. Just as she was getting cocky Ittou darted forward and she quickly paried her as she did. Her senses were suddenly heightened in this stance she even was aware of her peripheral vision.\n\n\"This stance did make it so much easier to see your feet move before you even lunged forward.\" \n\nOlivia stumbled back and felt herself lightheaded again as she was still feeling the effects of teleporting.\n\n\"I'm sorry I need to rest, I am still dizzy from teleporting I need 5 minutes to rest.\"\n\nShe sits on the ground cross legged, closes her eyes and refocuses her mind by meditating on the flame within. As she does she feels the dizziness subside and she refocuses all her attention on her surroundings what she can smell, hear and feel.\n\nOlivia stands up once more, clearly more focused and takes her stance again with her foot back, slightly raised and her knees bent.\n\n\"Continue, I apologize for my weakness\"" }, { "author": "pollen", "message": "\"You need not ask forgiveness. Knowing and accepting your own limits, caring for your body and soul—these too are important for your growth.\" When she opened her eyes, Olivia would find Ittou doing a one-handed handstand in front of her. They soon flipped back up into their stance and fixed their eyes on her once more. \"You learn very quickly. Now, watch how I strike.\"\n\nThey stood just out of range, beyond the reach of Olivia's arms and sword—but another quick step brought them suddenly forwards again. At the same time as they moved into range, their grip on the Bokken Shifted, so that the wooden blade swung up and then snapped back down in a lightning-quick strike at the top of Olivia's head. The god had only moved their arms slightly, but each tiny change in the position of their hands on the hilt made the point of the sword carve a path through the air, producing a powerful attack with minimal time and effort.\n\nOnce again, the fire goddess would need to try and parry. Even if she failed, though, Ittou would stop their blow before it could bring her any harm. Then, before she could retaliate, the sword god stepped back as quickly as they'd advanced, retreating outside of her sword's reach.\n\n\"We do not wait until we are close to attack. We choose the right moment, and strike in time with our advancing step! And then, when they try to catch us—\" They took another small step backwards, with a hint of a mischievous grin. \"—We go where they cannot reach, and cannot do us harm. Thus does a warrior control distance, and decide the flow of the fight.\"" }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "Olivia opened her eyes to see ittou in a one hand stand and her mouth dropped open, she couldn't believe the balance and agility of this god.\n\nShe stood up quickly and took her stance as the blow came she was confused, she used her fire skills to propelle herself backwards ```not hurting ittou``` and avoided the attack. Out of breath she looked at ittou as if she was crazy \"Your quick ill admit that... But yes lesson learned.\"" }, { "author": "pollen", "message": "\"Mmm-hm. I knew you'd pick it up.\" The small god looked very pleased by her response, even if they'd come close to getting singed. \"That's the first lesson: footwork and distancing. Next we'll work on strikes and defense, and then... Ah, one thing at a time.\"\n\nThey turned away from her, and once more brandished their Bokken In the basic stance. \"I already showed you the center-line cut to the head, but you can attack it from the left and right, as well. Like this.\" Again their wooden sword rose and fell, a pair of smooth slashes from either side. This time Ittou acted slowly, so that Olivia could more easily see the careful, laser-precise movements behind each simple technique. Their right hand, positioned near the guard, was key: first it Pulled On the hilt to move the blade into position, and then it Pushed Forward to swing the cutting edge out at the target. Ittou didn't fight against the weight of their sword, but used it in tandem with their body, adding their own strength to the innate force of the falling blade.\n\n\"The sword is not just a weapon. For a true master, it becomes a partner as well. You both seek to cut down your enemy, but neither of you can do so alone.\" They showed her another set of slowed-down strikes, aimed at the shoulders and midsection. \"That is why you learn the weight of your sword. You practice, and study how it responds to you. When you know it as well as you know yourself, then the two of you will dance together as one.\" They demonstrated a final pair of moves: long-reaching thrusts pointed at the chest and throat. \"Try these strikes for yourself. However many times it takes, until they feel natural for you.\"" }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "\"Olivia nodded thank you I will practice these moves. I will have to get used to this particular sword because it'll be the one that is forged and enhanced Into the sword I dream it to be.\"\n\nOlivia then got her stance and quickly raised her sword and clashed it down quickly on the wooden training post. She then did the side cuts though she found those more difficult, she kept loosing her balance with the side cuts. Each time she lost her balance her anger would flare harder until, there were flames engulting her body and eyes. Finally she gave a frustrating cry and walked outside, for if she sat down she'd catch the whole dojo on fire and that's the last thing she needed. She needed tome to calm down, she also needed to improve her balance that much was true. She didn't understand how a sword could become a part of you, it felt so foreign and separate from herself. In a frustrated yell she stomped her foot, \"I DON'T GET IT!\" She then began to get an idea she needed to get to know her sword and get balance.\n\n\"No I do get it now I need some time to get to know my sword because right now we are strangers. It doesn't know me and I don't know it. I also can't keep my balance, She looked at ittou Is there something I can do to gain balance?\"\n\nBy now her flames were just back to her eyes showing she was still mildly frustrated." }, { "author": "pollen", "message": "She really was entertaining to watch, this goddess. Ittou could understand her frustrations, though: even if Olivia picked things up quickly, it would take time and painstaking effort to reach the level where she wanted to be.\n\n\"I think... Before you try and balance your body, you should start with balancing your mind.\" Ittou gave her an innocent shrug. \"I like your fire, and your passion. They're a part of what makes you you. But if you're not at peace, if you can't control the blazing anger inside, then how can you expect your body to do what you want it to?\"" }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "Olivia looked at ittou and thought about what she said, as she pondered she got discouraged. \n\n\"I am the god of fire trying to contain my mind and emptiness is impossible. Possibly it would be better to channel them.\"" }, { "author": "pollen", "message": "\"And you are goddess of the hearth as well, are you not?\" Ittou came closer. They stared at the flickering flame in Olivia's eyes, expression serious. \"What is a hearth, if not fire contained? The wild flames of the forest rage out of control, but within the fireplace, they burn only where they need to.\"\n\nThey circled around her now, thoughtful, considering the problem before them. \"If you wish to channel your nature, then first learn to harness it. To keep that fire burning inside you, without lashing out at the outside world. Only when the moment is right—at the very instant you swing your sword—should the full breadth of your fury be expressed.\"" }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "Olivia pondered what she said as she sat down, she was good at cooking and controlling the heat just enough to cook what she needed. Possibly she could do the same for her emotions? She thought about it over and over till she suddenly jumped up and exclaimed \n\n\"I GOT IT! I'll just channel my flames into the sword as I wait for the moment to strike. Does this satisfy your request Master?\"" }, { "author": "pollen", "message": "\"Why don't we find out?\" The slender god fell still, and watched her carefully. \"You've arrived at your answer, dearest student. Now put it to the test. Show me.\"\n\nWith those words, the air around them went quiet and icy calm. No distractions, no interruptions: only Olivia and her sword, and the observing eyes of the one who would judge their worth." }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "Olivia remembered when she was a young god just born she fought a god who she hadn't met since then. But she remembered focusing her anger and frustration into the sword and making the fire blaze hotter and so she planned to do just that.\n\nOlivia focused on her fire then she willed it to go to her sword, the sword caught fire. As she thought of the emotion of anger and equated it to fire in her mind as she felt the anger make her flames around her burn she redirected her anger and fire to the sword. Without moving she felt the flames leap from the sword and they grew stronger as her anger did. She got into stance and struck the dummy post from an angle keeping perfect balance as she was perfectly focused and almost in a meditative state. As she did a sideways chop and cut the dummy post in half, she returned to standing normally as she looked at Ittou.\n\n\"I showed you, and I unintentionally cut the dummy post in half we need a new one\"" }, { "author": "pollen", "message": "\"You did.\" A faint pink blush had spread across Ittou's cheeks. Their eyes closed, and they bowed their head to her with a smile. \"That was a truly fearsome cut, my Lady. You must have quite the wind in your soul, for your flames to burn so hot.\"\n\nThey lifted their head, then, and raised one silvery eyebrow. \"...Tell me, do you still feel weak?\"" }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "She looked at Ittou \"No I feel stronger than I ever have before thank you. I would like to continue training on other techniques if that is ok with you. Also yes there's always and inferno burning in me it's been a struggle to contain it but this move that I did allowed me to take the pressure off of controlling it it gave me a place to channel the flame. So thank you very much I want to learn more.\"" }, { "author": "pollen", "message": "\"An inferno...\" Ittou looked right back at her with their signature curiosity. \"I am learning many things about you too, dear student. You have your own way of fighting, your own principles... In time, you will develop your own style, a sword as sharp as the sun.\"\n\nAs they made this pronouncement, they straightened, and once more held forth their Bokken In the basic stance. \"First, however, we must further cover the fundamentals. If you would grow stronger still, then carve these into your memory.\"\n\nTheir sword slid through the air like quicksilver, and in the blink of an eye they had switched into a different stance. Their feet were placed the same as before, but now their blade was held low, with the point resting just below knee level. \"Gedan-no-kamae, The low stance. The guard drops to expose the body like an open door—but if an unwary fish takes the bait, it may slam shut just as fast.\" To demonstrate, they snapped the sword back up into a defensive position quick as a blink, then made an immediate riposte to cleave through their imaginary opponent. \"From Gedan, We may also thrust forward, and pierce the foe's heart from the furthest possible range.\" They returned their wooden sword to its low position, and then stabbed it forward twice to demonstrate. Their first thrust Snapped Aloud as it shattered the sound barrier; their second one moved slow as molasses so Olivia could watch it in detail.\n\n_ _\n\"Next, Jodan-no-kamae.\" They switched footing, and brought their left foot forward this time. Now they held their sword brandished high in the air, with the hilt above their head and the point behind them. \"The high stance. In the right hands, its strike is powerful enough to break mountains.\" With a sharp cry, they lunged forward at a training post and slammed their blade down at the empty air. Even without hitting anything, the sheer force of the swing kicked up a fierce wind that blew through Olivia's hair. \"Be cautious, however: a high sword leaves the body and neck open to attack, and a crafty enemy will pierce your throat before you can fulfill your threat. Draw not only on your strength, but also on your wisdom to know when the time is right.\"\n\n_ _\nWith their left foot still in front, they brought the guard of the wooden sword up to the level of their jawline, with the point aimed high at the sky and angled slightly behind their head. \"Hassho-no-kamae, The stance of many directions. From here you may strike at any angle, without warning; not even a skilled foe will know your true intention until the moment you make your attack.\" Their Bokken Whistled through the air in a series of cuts, aimed both high and low and from either side of the body. The sequence of their slashes was impossible to predict, a danger that enveloped the target from every direction at once like a spreading fire surrounding a hapless village.\n\n\"Last of all: the Waki-gamae.\" Their form was strange this time: left foot in front, hilt at hip level on the right side of their body, and the blade angled downward Behind Them. \"The trickster's stance. Your sword is hidden behind your body, where it cannot be seen. Yet when the time is right—Haaaah!\" Without warning, they showed off a powerful horizontal slash that brought the sword all the way in front of them at once. \"You catch them by surprise. Use this against an enemy you have not seen before; they will not know the length of your sword, and will fail to judge the distance correctly. If they step heedlessly into your range, their fate is already sealed.\"\n\nAt last, they lowered their sword, and turned back towards the red-haired goddess. A thin sheen of sweat glistened on their forehead, but they still breathed light and easily. \"Those are the five core positions. You found your method for attacking in Chudan-no-kamae; Now you must learn to channel your fire in every stance, so that each is as powerful as the last. Let me see the true potential of your flames, in all the forms of your swordsmanship.\"" }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "Olivia paused it all seemed too daunting so much to learn at once... She went through each sword strike with the phenix being summoned each time. Each time she told it to sit on another post and wait, for one day the phenix would be needed. Each day she trained heavily and she got better at her uppercuts the lower cuts the side cuts and the total slash. By the end of the week she was able to destroy a dummy in seconds due to her doing all the cuts on it with her fire." }, { "author": "pollen", "message": "Cycles passed, godstars wheeled through the sky high above, and Ittou happily remained by their student's side. From time to time the sword god would come up to Olivia and gently correct her posture, or whisper soft words of advice, but for the most part they simply stood back and watched with a growing sense of pride. Practice and dedication were the best teachers of all, and the goddess of fire showed an admirable discipline in her efforts.\n\nFrom time to time Ittou would stop her for a break, and conjure up a light meal for the two of them, most often rice and soup and delicious white fish followed by warm tea in gleaming white cups. On each occasion, the sword god would ask Olivia more about her domains, and the realm of Etna, and everything she knew about the world. Their curiosity seemed boundless, and they devoured every scrap of information with a hunger that rivaled the blazing fire itself. They would often sit in quiet meditation while she trained, and cast out their mind to observe all creation, including the other gods and mortals who dwelt within it.\n\nAt the end of the week, as the latest training dummy crashed to the floor in a dozen neatly severed pieces, Ittou suddenly called a halt to her training. \"Hold now, dearest student; I've seen enough.\"\n\nThey stood in front of her, and briefly bowed before they addressed her in a formal tone. \"You have worked with utmost discipline, and your basic techniques are a delight to my eyes. In all the many realms, I could have found no better pupil.\" A fleeting smile, and then their expression turned deadly serious. \n\n\"Nevertheless, no sword art can truly be called strong until it shows its worth in battle. Lady Olivia, will you allow me to put your efforts to the test?\"" }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "Olivia got serious as she looked at her master, her teacher, she didn't want to hurt her... But if she went all out she would certainly die...\n\n\"But... If I go all out master I'll kill you... I could never live with myself if I did that. What you ask of me is impossible... I say no to your challenge because I love you too much.\"\n\nThe last past of what she said her voice cracked and wavered from her trying to keep from crying" }, { "author": "pollen", "message": "Myriad emotions flashed across Ittou's expression with every word she spoke. Confusion, surprise, sadness, shame, and finally a pink flush of embarrassment. They cast their gaze downward, and answered with quiet remorse:\n\n\"Lady Olivia... I'm so sorry. I never thought...\" Their slender hands pressed together over their heart. \"Forgive me; for I have been a fool. Your love is a gift more precious than any other, and I nearly overlooked it in my ignorance.\" \n\nWhen they raised their head, the goddess of fire could see care and tenderness welling up in the small god's unwavering eyes. Even after all they had experienced in their past life, they remained a novice when it came to the secrets of the heart. All they could do was accept her feelings as they were, and perhaps reciprocate in their own peculiar way.\n\n\"If you would allow me...\" They spoke hesitantly, unsure of their own emotions. \"...May I cherish you in return?\"" }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "Olivia took ittous hand\n\n\"Ittou you have given me the greatest gift of all, the gift of defending myself. Should I ever enter battle I'll be sure to win because of your teachings and wisdom. So yes you may cherish me how you feel fit, but just know you will always have a place in my heart.\" \n\nWith that she kissed ittous hand, and gently placed it back at her side before stepping back." }, { "author": "pollen", "message": "The sword god stared in amazement at the back of their own hand, and at the small, sweet sensation that lingered upon their skin. \"It's so warm...\" Like the flame of the hearth, or the light of the sun on freshly fallen snow. Compared to the heat of the forge, it was a feeling so much softer, and a dozen times more lovely.\n\nAround them, the wooden walls and papered windows and sliced-up training dummies all blew away in the wind like so much fine silt, and the two gods were left all alone upon the branch of Gaia under the light of the many stars. Ittou stood serenely with both feet planted upon the bark, and looked up at Olivia with eyes filled with fondness.\n\n\"My first and dearest student; your lesson is over. You have acquired a wonderful art, and it is yours to do with as you with as you wish.\" She seemed to them a fledgeling bird, ready to take flight for the first time on her own—and perhaps the same went for Ittou as well. \"Practice your forms each day, and keep seeking truth within yourself and the world around you. Grow stronger, and become a worthy master in your own right.\" Their head tilted to one side, and they spoke with a smile to Olivia's sword. \"You too, little one. Treasure her as I do, and be sure to protect her always.\"" }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "Olivia smiled and then felt her phenix sword warm up and catch fire in response to her masters words. It's seemed to her that her sword had even grown fond of ittou. \n\n\"Thank you wish you good luck in the many adventures you will encounter.\"" } ]	145	5,991
392.928571	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "paigeele", "message": "Yeah that sounds okay!\n\nCalixto stumbled back once more, trying to get used to this new form. A surge of panic bursted through his throat, rendering him speechless. His eyes twist to all surroundings, as if analyzing and predicting whatever could happen.\n\nCalixto fell once more. He was ashamed of this new form. For once the long hair this form provided served itself useful, providing a temporary cover for his bare body. \n\nWhere was he?" }, { "author": "juliejoyful", "message": "```Ferroxis took his time, floating through the empty expanse of the universe towards the place of his birth. He felt... Drawn here, some form of aching in his chest that he could not identify. A need, to acknowledge how far he had come since he first dropped from these great boughs. He came to a stop at a branch he recognized well, the now black stain of blood he had left still marking the spot he had fallen to. Truly, how far had he come since that day? How far had his beauty spread since he was nothing more than viscera on a tree branch? Ferroxis bit his lower lip bitterly, arms crossed as he silently brooded on his slow ascension. Soon enough, however, motion in the branches below him caught his attention.\n\nIt was another newly born God, flailing about like an injured animal just as the last one had done. At least this one did not seem to need his help, Ferroxis had already grown tired of the pathetic displays these mewling children put on. Of course, Ferroxis lifted himself into the air and slowly began to descend upon the poor thing. Streams of blood followed him and splattered against the branches below him, painting them red as he stepped down to face this new God. The thick, red liquid pooled beneath him as he stood there, gazing upon him eyeless, but nonetheless judgemental.\n\n\"Cease your flailing, it is unbecoming of you.\"```" }, { "author": ".gonkdroid", "message": "From the rumblings of the Void...\n\nA powerful presence seemed to loom over the nascent Godkin, forcing a choking aura of Cold against the Fellow God's bloody and seemingly unwelcoming attitude towards the newborn. Black mist crept eerily across the grounds of the Tree, gliding toward the signs of life like fungus attempting to slink toward its next source of sustenance. Yet, no such sustenance would be garnered from such deities as these, misfits in more ways than not, as most Gods would jump at the most opportune moment to make another ally of a new God.\n\nPerhaps the mist was a messenger, although it made itself unclear if it was a harbinger of doom or a sign of improvement...\n\nHowever, soon the Gods would see it unfold and find the answers themselves. \n\nLike super-cooled water suddenly crystallizing in a bottle, the mist would spike upwards and form the outline of a feminine figure, revealing the shape of a God just the same as them; misfit and misshapen by the Tree to create and infest with its own virtues and sins. The only difference was her domain.\n\n\"You are quick to judge, O God of Silica. Is it not under the same name therein that curiosity shakes and shudders the foundation of such hostility? A newborn babe knows only to breathe and cry. It would be Unrefined Of you, to make the same mistake as a negligent low-life mortal.\"\n\nShe turns her attention to the struggling God, her unmoving face implying that she held no such care for the Godkin as to defend him, but instead only used him as a springboard solely to spite this other god. \n\n\"You may find it easier to sit and be still for a moment, as the body has a tendency to fail you when you feel you need it most.\"" }, { "author": "paigeele", "message": "A sharp pain rattled the deity's system, huffing out. His back pressed down the rough patch of wood, his skin winced at the uncomfortable feeling. Calixto crossed his legs to hide his regions and crossed his arms to hide his chest. Golden spirals trimmed along his flesh all the way to his soles. A strand of hair drew a line over his sculpted face, making known its perfect symmetry. It lined with the way the tree curved to the heavens, disappearing in the dazzling light. The mother tree has indeed laid her calculations right.\n\nHis eyes glaze over to the two-looming presence before him. A shiver ran down his spine. The brilliant sky bent over to meet the two divinities; clouds form as if a curtain parted for their presence. He knew from the moment his feet touched the grounds they graced.\n\nCalixto was nowhere near their authority.\n\nHis breath hitched. No voice would willingly come out of his dry lips. He observed one deity before him: The deity brought war in his wake, streams of blood pursued his movements as if mindless snakes searched for its next Adams and Eves. \n\nCalixto's eyes trailed downward at the scarlet soil, he crawled back once more, pressing further in the tree. The coaxing blood threatened to pull Calixto down and fill him with the guilt of a thousand souls. The overwhelming surge to run was possible. His heart pounded, his figure trembled, unknowing what to do.\n\nCalixto switched gazes with the other deity. Compared to the bearing masculine figure, the deity leaned more on the feminine side. The spikes hissed as an ooze of cool vapor float about. Calixto only observed what the goddess had to say. \n\n His body reacted to the goddess' words; he sat upright, crossing his legs. Calixto could not bring himself to meet neither of the deity's gazes." }, { "author": "juliejoyful", "message": "```Ferroxis scowled into the void that took shape by his side, letting his disdain be known for the embodiment of absence. He hissed under his breath, already tasting the foul bile of disgust that always permeated his perfect tongue when he faced such an affront to his senses. \n\n\"Be silent, void-thing. Your vision deceives you, if you consider this some weakling pup. They are a God, born of the tree just as I was, just as you were.\"\n\nFerroxis turns to face the curled up fledgling God, watching with pity on his frowning lips as they cowered before them both. He tentatively begins taking steps towards them, his footsteps squelching and thumping against the blood-soaked branch. Ferroxis found himself doing something he never thought he would ever do, much less to a fellow god: he began stooping down to meet them at eye level.\n\n Towering as he was, Ferroxis had to crouch quite far to do so, but crouch he did as he brought himself before the shivering mound of Godly flesh. His voice dropped, low and soft, calling out to them from only a short distance away. The blood steadily pooled higher as he took a knee, arm outstretched to offer them a hand.\n\n\"Creature of the tree, face me. I mean you no harm.\"\n\nHe turned his back on the Goddess who had appeared to him, relieving himself of having to look at them any longer or continue to engage in their games. His attention was on this bundle of flesh, nothing more.```" }, { "author": ".gonkdroid", "message": "The being of the Void took nothing the God had said to heart, knowing fully that her presence alone was enough to irk him to no end. Any other provocations were unnecessary and would likely result in damages that neither of the two would prefer, so she didn't say anything immediately. Instead, she simply shrugs her shoulders and hangs back to the side, observing the Godkin closely as the God of Silica stoops below to meet the Godkin. \n\nThe God of the Void would patiently wait for the two to stand, hooking her arms together, closely watching how the newborn seemed to cower so easily at the sight of the two. She seemed slightly amused by the supposed indignation she sensed from Ferroxis, prompting her to move closer and appear within the periphery of both the Gods, her black mist crawling toward the two and licking gently at their shapes, pinching their skins with the nipping cold of the void. Despite the hostile introduction, the Void woman had no ill intention even toward the Silica Father, instead willfully choosing to ignore his last few words in favor of the new ones he had created.\n\n\"A request for your moniker is in order if you will. Respectfully, of course, \"Creature of the tree.\"\"\n\nShe leans herself forward ever so slightly, her facial expression softening just as much as she leans.\n\n\"As I cannot speak for the other, I will speak for myself. I am Any, God of the Void. A pleasure.\"" }, { "author": "paigeele", "message": "The mixture of black mist and stench of blood rendered Calixto helpless. The predicament he was in — he would wish for no deity to experience — dug humiliation in his supposed sacred body, wilting the petals of pride planted in Calixto. Here he was, placed before the mercy of two deities, his bare flesh glimmered in display and itched from the sacred soil, forming around his golden marks. Calixto lowered his head for two things: for respect and shame.\n\nThere was a string of divinity attached to his back, as if to recall the fading glories of his previous lifetime. But it threatened to thin. The remaining glory he had gobbled so lavishly etched away like it is nothing. Calixto curled further into the shadows in hopes for a bundle of Yggdrasil's leaves to embrace his naked body. \n\nThe breeze swept over, teasing his bareness. He shivered in response. It seemed that the intimidating presence of the two divinities long plunged into his train of thought. His eyes began to wander. The damp greenery weaved through the thick mist, bathed in orange light. The tree branches stretched beyond where his eyes could point. There were no other worlds like this, not that Calixto, in his lifetimes, could recall. What was the feeling called by mortals? It is of being overwhelmed, yet at ease at the same time.\n\nA god of some sort ... To ground himself in the workings of a mortal? \n\nHe jolted at the pinch of mist. The voices of the two deities cleared out in his mind. He shook his head. \n\nCreature of the tree? \nWas that his sole identification in this world? Calixto tilted his head, allowing his jet-black hair to cascade down his face. His lips brought up in confusion, to process whatever the gods had to say.\n\n... Oh!\n\nIn contrast to their ghastly appearances enough to trample mankind, their words flowed lightly enough to make no ripples in lakes. It instilled this ... Calming sensation, loosening all tension seizing the bloods in his body.\n\nCalixto's gaze landed on the bloody man's hand. His breath hitched once more and lifted his own. Their hands did not completely touch. The wariness dug a gap between them. Calixto gulped. \n\nCalixto turned to the goddess leaning forward. His instincts pulled him apart from such proximity, in fear the coldness would be far too cruel and suck the warmth in him. \n\nAlas ... Nothing has been done but an invitation to her friendliness. He froze for a moment, and leaned close to her, his golden eyes met. While his hand was on the other god's, he stretched his other palm to her. \n\n\"Crea... Ture,\" Calixto spoke." }, { "author": "juliejoyful", "message": "```Ferroxis swallowed hard as a wave of nausea hit him the moment he caught the void in his periphery once again. Why they felt the need to torture him with their presence, he would never know, nor would he seek out its reasoning. For now there were more important things weighing on his divine intelligence. Ferroxis gripped the young God's hand gently, a degree of tenderness in his actions as he attempted to pull them to their feet. His curiosity piqued as he grew closer and began to notice the fine details of this form they had been given, gilded, a divine symmetry about them and the spirals that curled about their limbs. \n\nThere was some beauty to behold in this creature after all, something the Silica Father could appreciate about the trembling flesh before him. Ferroxis' gaze burned with scrutiny as it analyzed further, calculating the mass that lie beneath its malleable skin, piercing through the cords of muscle and deep into the marrow of his bones. Flawed as they were, being made in Gaia's tree and not by himself, Ferroxis seemed to be marginally satisfied by what he saw. \n\n\"Your flesh is adequate, a fitting casing for the muscle and bone beneath. I would have made some changes had I had my way, but your body is not mine to change. Well done, an acceptable form to be certain.\"\n\nBlunt, and rude as his words may have sounded to anyone but him, he meant them complimentarily. His lips drew themselves up into a faint smile, one that would have been wider had he not been in such close proximity to this...'Any'. They did make a good point, however. This new God should know the name of the most beautiful creature of all, himself. \n\nFerroxis stood to is full height, arms outstretched at his sides and head craned upwards as the flowing robes of bleeding muscle draped over his wondrous plates of bone that covered his body like ceremonial armor, his crown of shimmering silica catching glints of starlight as he proclaimed his glory.```\n\n```\"I am Ferroxis, God of Silica. Bask in my visceral beauty, and know the ecstacy of my divine silicate matter. I am the bleeding lord of all that breathes and changes, of all that evolves and grows. Know me now as all soon shall know me.\"\n\nHe spoke with authority, reverence, and no small degree of pride.```" }, { "author": ".gonkdroid", "message": "The Goddess of the Void had nothing particular to do or say at the given moment, although she watched the Godling closely, or as closely as she could without annoying the Silica Father by simply existing in the same plane as him. Her eyes wandered between the two deities, slowly absorbing more information from them as she gazed into the essence of divinity deep inside them. The void was within everything, even the World Tree. For she was a rotten fruit, and the rotten fruit is still ultimately born from the same tree as the rest. She could scry very little from the newborn, but from Ferroxis, she garnered no small details of his nature. She didn't show it, but one could sense a distant feeling of dismay and... Contempt, although very little. \n\nTurning towards the Godkin again, she made the same observations as Ferroxis, although significantly less callous and pompous towards the babe, noting his physique and noticing small details extending past the surface imagery. She noted how he still held onto his nudity, indicative of many possibilities that thrust him into this world without his say-so. The way his discomfort toward the two also cut through his ability to use his words only further piqued her intrigue, now interested in the story of this Godkin and the circumstances that might've surrounded them.\n\n‎ \nOr rather, she was interested in the infinite possibilities that sprouted from his seedbed. The imaginary branches that broke off and split in so many different places, the chaos that may or may not have ensued, the unspoken truth that she could and couldn't fathom... It was enticing. The thought alone would be enough to keep her busy for days, but it would require her to leave and ponder, which would be considered \"Rude\" By the arbitrary standards set by the other Gods.\n\nSo instead, she watched the two Gods shake hands, although only in motion alone. Again, she kept close watch over his motions and his manners, and when he extended his hand, she only returned a denying motion of her hand, instead pointing toward his bare self. Her eyes, plain white in all, did not show where she was gazing, but the two would know she looked into the Gold.\n\nA gentle cloud of the Void had dissipated from his waist, leaving behind a small loin cloth made of bark bast. Yet, no cold?\n\n\"I would not force you to partake in pleasantries. Your name alone is acceptable, Godkin. When your mind and heart are true, you will find it easier to take my hand.\"" }, { "author": "paigeele", "message": "``` As Calixto was risen to his feet by the Silica deity, a rough patch of cloth slid along his swarthy complexion, leaving a burning sensation in its wake. Warmth secured his most vulnerable area, allowing relief to loosen agitation's grip on his temperament. The golden lines swirled and slid all the way down to his ankles, mimicking the patterns of the loin cloth. His eyes glinted of reluctancy with an undertone of sweet gratitude. Calixto sees himself incapable of bearing another second in ignominious nudity.\n\n\"Make known of you as all would eventually.\" The lack of using his voice roughened his tone, rolling off his burdened lips. All things bright and beautiful encased under Ferroxis' bleeding armor, curtained with the brilliance of the encased bones, reflecting his pride as a supposed 'perfect' being. Calixto was equivalent to a mere piece of debris compared to the intricately sculpted pillar of a god. It was a guarantee that the line of deities he'd be bound to meet would make such a grandiose presence. Calixto was uncertain whether it was anticipation or dread; Gods have the luxury to fill pride to repletion. Wielding abilities defying the laws of what Yggdrasil could ever conjure, to fulfilling eons of lifetimes beyond mortal's reach. Could a divinity be selfish enough to tilt their chin upward to prevent sacred blood spilling on mortals?\n \n The world of Yggdrasil had much to offer to the godling; this was no place for the ordinary.\n\n\"It is a pleasure meeting you, God of Silica.\" The overbearing authority the deity exuded weighed Calixto down, pressing a knee to the fertile soil. \"Please treat me well.\" ```\n\n``` Calixto rose to his two feet and descended to a knee once more in the presence of the goddess. She encapsulated darkness, swallowing everything in her path. It reminded Calixto of the rich tapestry of blue bent over the world, seizing woken minds, and laying them for rest. Calixto could not deny the beauty Any held. One would pray to attain the mystery of such divinity. His head lowered, emphasizing the long lashes shielding his golden eyes. \"I give my thanks for the cloth. You are too kind.\" His hand ran along the fabric. \n\n Calixto focused on the descending slope of soil, leading to an unknown entrance. He let out a huff. Calixto treaded along, the damp ground kissing his bare sole as a greeting. Calixto's legs wobbled, then stumbled, instinctively reaching for Any's hand. The cold bit onto his skin. Calixto turned and reluctantly pulled away. \n\n \"Forgive me.\" He closed his eyes. \"For the careless move.\" ```\n\n``` its this one!! ```" }, { "author": "juliejoyful", "message": "```Ferroxis stood in contemplative silence as the newborn god rose to their feet, a much more fitting stature for a fellow divine being. The sight of the cloth finding itself covering the god-kins nudity made his stomach turn, but the gilded swirls beginning to shift caught his attention and relieved him for a moment. The pity in Ferroxis' heart was fading, thankfully, watching them stand made him worry less about having to teach them to use their muscles. As happy as he would have been to do so, it was good to know they were not entirely helpless.\n\n\"Love me as I love me, and all that I am, and you will be loved in kind.\"\n\nSurprisingly sweet words that shocked even him as they dripped from his pale lips like honey, arms still outstretched and risen towards the heavens. However, the sweetness turned to ash in his mouth as he watched them kneel to the void. Even the idea made him so severely nauseous that he had to turn away for a moment. Ferroxis faced them both, swallowing hard a bullet of bile that threatened gravely to burn his throat.\n\n As they flinched away from the voids touch, he couldn't help but feel a sort of satisfaction to know that they had learned something biochemically: the void is cold, and offers nothing but the cold. Ferroxis took a hurried step forward as he apologized, as if to intervene.\n\n\"Apologize not, young one. It is wasted on one who shows you only momentary kindness, let alone the very incarnation of the unfeeling and uncaring void itself. You will find no comfort in them.\"\n\nFerroxis once again took a knee, gazing piercingly into them and trying his best to ignore Any. Likewise, he once again held a hand out to them.\n\n\"You will find kindness from me, and unlike this one here, I will answer your call.\"\n\nHis face gave no indication as to his intentions, but his voice sounded sincere. At least, as sincere as a titan of flesh and bone could sound. Even as blood began pouring over the sides of the branch they stood upon, he stayed kneeling.```" }, { "author": "paigeele", "message": "``` loving ferroxia bro omg \|\| ```" }, { "author": "hiura3535", "message": "Had he found more things to do, he would. Sadly there wasn't much to do until he becomes aware of another sibling's birth. From the main body attending the 'liberating party', there came a separate body functioning by itself. He is there to greet the new god. A ball of light pulsed in nearby, Kars is instantly there. As extravagant as he could be. His body is taller than any human and golden, silky hair flowed down his torso like a river, conforming to the muscular build of the naked god. \n\nKars remembered that he was 'liberated' at the party, he teleported there as an un-clothed man far from the scene of divine birth. As he made his way to the scene, the environment would shift and gain some golden accent in its color, the silky hair on his head weave themselves into a fitting, luxurious robe, turning purple. The color was seen as rare and expensive by mortals, just perfect to go with the theme color of the wealthy God.\n\nIt has been a while from his last visit to the branches. He could see the very spot he spawned from far away. It was quite humble just like the gods born around him, maybe he'll make it more beautiful, more fancy. How long was it? 4 or 5 years since his birth? It sounded insignificant in the face of the gods who lived many spans of his life but for Kars, it's been a literal lifetime.\n\nBy now, he got close enough for the other gods to notice him , he greeted them with a welcoming aura and on his hands lies a basket of expensive wine and snacks. A habit of gifting he used to get to the good side of those he meet, establish diplomatic or familiar relations.\n\n\"Hello siblings. Had I arrived in a pleasant time? Or do I have to throw my gifts away and leave?\"" }, { "author": "paigeele", "message": "```\nThe godling's gaze turned to the unfamiliar presence.\n\nHis appearance pushed through the tense atmosphere between Ferroxis and Any. The bright mix of blues and greens blended into a luxurious gold to emphasize the god's arrival. It was expected that first impressions of any deity exhausted the need to stand out. This one was no different.\n\nHis pale skin was under the embrace of richly dyed purple, folding to accentuate the god's masculine stature. The flesh smoothened with the obvious wealth the god posed for, patterned with golden locks curving around his waist. The fastidious nature of this god to coat his figure with exceeding value was enough to draw in plentiful attention. \n\nCalixto folded his arms to obscure the exposure of his chest. Compared to the god, he was nowhere near the line of respect the god certainly influenced on his peers. Of course, Calixto considered that he had just been born into this godly realm; it was given there was a significant gap between the two gods' ranking. But seeing the god so well groomed, along Any and Ferroxis, he was grounded in the pool of shame. The loin cloth loosely hung around his waist was not too much of a comfort, it was flowy enough that one reckless move, all his vulnerability would be exposed to the eyes of Yggdrasil. \n\nHe carefully stepped back, forming an evident distance between them. It was not like he immediately disliked the fellow – though his actions make it seem so – he figured to place himself in a certain area for the god's attention to overlook the fact Calixto was nude. ```\n\n```He carefully stepped back, forming an evident distance between them. It was not like he immediately disliked the fellow – though his actions make it seem so – he figured to place himself in a certain area for the god's attention to overlook the fact Calixto was nude. \n\nYes, he was just born. Any sensible godlings sprung to this realm knew to pick up their divine courtesy from their previous lifetimes. He lowered himself to a bow to pay his respects. \"You've arrived in time.\" His eyes remained closed. He does not interest himself in the reaction of this god. Perhaps it was a look of disdain for the godling.\n\nThe god's diaphanous impression showed off his multifarious encounters, with an undertone of chicanery. Calixto tilted his head in intrigue the more he observed him.\n\n\nHe glanced at Ferroxis who held no fear in his dislike of the void goddess. A sympathy bubbling in Calixto's chest, prompting him to subtly hold the silica deity's fingers. \"There is no need to label this goddess' intentions only momentary kindness. One arrogant deity would not waist their energies to cloth a godling such as I.\" He placed a hand on his chest. His voice was faint, but sincere. \"I trust that kindness flows smoothly from you, Ferroxis. Need not to deny others of their ways in showing compassion.\" Calixto's eyes met with Ferroxis, he did not mind the scarlet trails now seeping onto his hand. A breeze swept through once more, Calixto shivered in response. \n\n\n ```" } ]	389.5	5,501
269	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "peachmel.", "message": "The woman smiled. It was a nice man. Her brother was cool, and her being too young to even be considered a mother she flew around him, as her wings were finally as big as her head. No need to rush? Yeah that was true.\n\n\"I am excited! What do you do? Teach me!\" She said as she flew upwards, and chuckled. She was so energetic- and well she was displaying love. There were many types of love, and now, she was feeling agape, a sweet love for relatives, or just sweet innocent love. When he introduced himself the goddess descended and kept flying around him before finally stopping before him.\n\n\"Wow! Travelers, and History.. Records... You sure do know everything right? Tell me everything you know about... Me!\" She said before blinking her four eyes, and laughing. \"Or... Everyone here.\" He clapped and she did the same. She liked her new big brother. \"I want to... Make life! But I also want to know... Are there others? Are they nice?\" She said as she chuckled, and sat down on the floor." }, { "author": "gawain_kots", "message": "Aldamar smiled dotingly. \"Know everything? Not even close, dear sister. This one wasn't born much earlier than you were, and although this one does remember everything this one has done since birth, this one has no way of knowing what the rest of our siblings have been up to since before this one's birth.\"\n\n\"As for what this one does...\" He shrugged. \"Not much, truthfully. This one had finished setting up this one's realm and was merely wandering through Mother. Though you needn't worry sister, everything will come to you instinctively once you start creating your Realm and your children.\" He reassured the pink Goddess with a smile.\n\nThe God stopped for a moment to contemplate his next words. \"As for the others... Well, this one hasn't met them yet, to be honest, so this one cannot comment on them. This one is sure they will be welcoming too, though.\" He hoped so, though he doubted that would be the case.\n\nRegardless, there was no point in saying that to the excitable deity in front of him. That would only dampen her mood for no reason." }, { "author": "peachmel.", "message": "His words were nothing more but... Treasures. They were inside her mind now and will be cherished. It was as if the light she had been searching for forever had been there, it felt as if she had never felt the rain. She felt cleansed. And all her anger, and sadness, disappeared, it was madness. She was not used to all of these beautiful feelings. It was almost enough to make her cry from his kindness and excitement.\n\nMaybe he didn't know everything, but she was surprised by this. She shrugged and smiled.\n\n\"Do not worry! At least you know more than I do!\" She chuckled at her jokes. Suddenly a wave of information poured on her. He didn't do much, but that still sounded pretty exciting. Her four eyes stared at him before they all blinked for the first time... \"A realm? Woah! That sounds beautiful brother! But... Making my own realm sounds so scary!\" Then he told her that he didn't know much about the others.\n\nIt was okay, she would meet them eventually. She smiled, and then she whispered. \"They sound so serious! A welcome would be nice. We should make... Huh... A party for everyone!\" She was already planning new adventures for them. \"Maybe my realm... Will be always full of parties.\" She said as her four eyes went in different directions. \n\nShe clapped and two flowers popped out of her hands, she looked down, surprised. Her eyes lit up as if she were a mere child. \"WOW! Can you do that too?\" The flowers fell to the ground above their mother, and she just chuckled. \"This day has been the best day ever! Or my first day!\"" } ]	231	807
255.7	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "juliejoyful", "message": "High upon the branches, a bloom flowered open and shimmered softly, a fruit bore from its perfectly symmetrical petals. The fruit was pale and opaque, resembling an egg. By all means it was a featureless thing, smooth and unmarked, but within pulsed and squirmed something unseen beneath the tender skin of the fruit. When the thing dropped heavily from its place aloft in the life giving embrace of Gaia's branches, its surface cracked unceremoniously before rupturing entirely the moment it hit a lower branch.\n\nThe white skin of the fruit clung lazily to the \|\|bright red, oozing mass of blood and viscera that had laid hidden within.\|\| Thus was he born, and the only thing upon the pitiful things tongue was disgust. How could it allow itself to appear so grotesque? So undignified? So... Flawed. \n\n\"No, no this is not right. Let us be whole and unspoiled, let us have beautiful structure.\"\n\nThings he had never experienced began to appear in his mind, the malleable nature of flesh and bone, the beauty of organic matter and the shapes it may take, the potential of all living things to evolve and grow, it was his to command. This ineffable truth bestowed unto him by something far greater than he would ever know, and he adored it. \n\n\"Yes, this shall do nicely.\"\n\nHis voice no longer his within the confines of his developing mind, but reverberated into infinity as his once formless self began to sculpt the mound of flesh and bone he was into something far more comfortable. Now, standing upon the branch with his own two legs, newly formed and still wet with blood, he stepped off the branch and into the open air before him. \|\|A cape of muscle fiber and connective tissue dragged behind him over the branch, leaving the stain of his birth upon the tree that birthed him.\|\|\n\nHe held a clawed hand to his face to gaze at his first creation, eyes obscured by a glorious crown of shimmering calcium but nonetheless unimpaired in viewing his most holy work he will ever do.\n\nThe taste of disgust that sullied his perfect tongue and twisted his guts like \|\|hot, acidic bile\|\| was gone, and in its place was the sweet sensation of satisfaction. He was beautiful, and none could ever compare to the raw ecstasy of this body; this magnificent construction of Silica, boundless in its potential for improvement." }, { "author": "cocoamallow", "message": "Cacophony of noises itch their senses as their eyes snaps open, once again, in a pool of something otherworldly. Unlike this velvet scenery before Néel, his body hasn't change at all. Just like how he remember, still, there's a voice stinging his head as the homosapien crawl on their feet. Forces surging inside his artery as his heartbeat kneel before this foreboding essences, his throat itches as he coughs violently.\n\nNéel wraps an arm around neck and head as he stumbles into the puddle, his vision swirl with 'someone' face as the statics ripping his soul apart. The man coughs again as tears rolling down his cheek as memories flooding his consciousness, Néel reach out his hand, hoping for some sensation to dull this pain. This sadness, without that 'someone'." }, { "author": "juliejoyful", "message": "Just then, with his thoughts swimming with pride in the work of art that was his body, his attention was snatched by the sound of coughing. Somehow, the sound made Ferroxis visualize the lungs of a creature capable of such a sound, and how they \|\|shuddered with every harsh breath, grew inflamed with every unsuccessful attempt to rid themselves of whatever irritated the soft flesh inside those organs.\|\| The sound grew louder as he gently drifted through the air towards the source, already curious and hoping to learn. What he found, however, disappointed him. It was just some sorry creature, thrashing about in the boughs of this great tree and making a ruckus.\n\nFerroxis hovered far above, yet unseen by the mewling pink humanoid, and deep within his chest he could feel a tiny twinge of pity. A twinge that was quickly stomped out by a wave of annoyance at the repeated coughing. If the stranger were observant, they would notice droplets of blood falling into the pool in front of them before Ferroxis could make his way down to address them. In terms of stature, Ferroxis was an intimidating sight to be sure, a veritable titan of flesh and bone. He towered over them, watching them cough and wheeze on their knees and reach out as if begging for relief. Finally, Ferroxis spoke, his first words ever spoken to another living being.\n\n\"Stop making noise, pink one. You disgrace yourself.\"" }, { "author": "cocoamallow", "message": "Above him, another noise mixes in this dancing mess inside his head as he force himself to open his eyes. Before him it's a mass of something divine, a metaphor for this dimension, he wheezes sharply as Néel flip on his stomach, position his body into a deep bow. His voice hoarse and every words he spell felt foreign but they know they have to say something\n\n\"Please... Kill...\"\n\nNéel gasps between each syllables, struggling to breathe the vocabulary which should becomes his instinct. But he can't\n\n\"Please... Kill... Me...\"\n\nNéel squeeze his eyes, awating for this world's god to bring down his axes." }, { "author": "juliejoyful", "message": "Ferroxis stands there, watching as the floundering creature wheezed pathetically at his feet. That twinge of pity returned in force, becoming a noticeable and uncomfortable weight in his stomach. Ferroxis continued to observe for a little while longer before giving in to his curiosity. Kneeling down, he scooped the poor creature into his arms and lifted him from the pool of blood he had created from simply standing. With one arm cradling them to his chest, like some twisted facsimile of a mother and child, he held them close and watched their expression with cold, calculating interest. \n\nHe reached up with his free hand and, placing his claws still warm with blood upon their chest, gently pressed his calcified palm into his flesh. Almost like pushing ones hand into clay, his hand gently sank beneath the skin and through the flesh and bone. Though his hands bore through him, neither skin nor muscle nor bone was broken by this, as his hand simply glided through his matter. Nonetheless, it was excruciating, and he moved slowly. Ferroxis felt his claws curl around the pair of lungs that annoyed him so with their wheezing, and he squeezed them both tightly in his grasp. He would stay still, hands gripping the imperfect flesh and feeling every flaw. Ferroxis could taste bile again.\n\n\"That won't do.\"\n\nHe would slowly let go of their lungs, letting the flesh sacks of air inflate once more. As he did so, the air they would take in would taste sweet, warmth would fill them in place of irritation and pain. Indeed, as Ferroxis pulled his hand out of the strangers chest, it would feel like nothing. If anything, it would feel most comparable to having a weight lifted from ones chest after tolerating it for so long. Ferroxis continued to cradle the being in his arms, and in a soft voice that was barely over a whisper, he spoke once again.\n\n\"Be silent now, there is no reason to continue crying out for death.\"" }, { "author": "cocoamallow", "message": "His eyes were shut tight the moment the fleshy god put his axes upon them, just as excruciating pain surge through his throat, leaving a dull, numbness inside his skull. A hole left inside him as he feels around his chest, Néel stretch a smile on his weary lips. Finally letting go of his tears, the homosapien lower his head, his trembling fingers vibrate against the stone chest of this god\n\n\"Thank you... Thank you sire... How will I ever repay you?\"\n\nNéel wipes his drenching eyes as he takes in trembling breaths, attempting to look proper again. As a human being and also the one having god's grace." }, { "author": "juliejoyful", "message": "With the coughing finally silenced, Ferroxis simply drops them out of his arms, letting them fall back into the pool of blood he had scooped them from. \n\n\"You can begin by ceasing this pitiful display, you're a god. Have some dignity.\"\n\nFerroxis looked around the night sky, scrutinizing the stars and the void they rested within. His concerns were finally elsewhere, now that the man he had fixed was no longer \"Dying\". He had ambitions, a need to claim a star as his own, to create, and mold the materials of the infinite universe into something beautiful. He had no time to entertain this pitiful charade that this fledgling immortal was showing him. Ferroxis's gaze was firmly held on a point in empty space, between two brightly glowing stars.\n\n\"I do hope you'll not become a problem for me, I'd hate to have wasted time fixing your body for you when you could've done so yourself, only to destroy you later.\"\n\nHe spoke so matter-of-factly, as if destroying another held no weight in his mind, let alone a fellow god. He wasn't even sure if doing so were possible, in truth, but that would not stop him from eventually finding out. Ferroxis crossed his arms, and continued to stare into space with little regard to the man he \"Helped\"." }, { "author": "cocoamallow", "message": "His words spears Néel's soul as he turn his head away, grimacing tearily, he wipes his face once more before registering what this god has said to him, confusion overcome Néel as his words grows weaker. Still, he lift his head as his back straighten from crouching.\n\n\"What do you mean by 'god' sire? I am simply but a peasant.\"\n\nThe strange feeling in his chest. Well, it's just nausea. And this dimension is making feel confused. Néel nods to himself" }, { "author": "juliejoyful", "message": "as he turned his attention back to the man who claims to be a \"Peasant\". There was a look of scorn on his face, his blood spattered lips pressed into a thin line before he once again spoke. This time, with venom dripping from every word.\n\n\"I am no teacher of gods, foolish one, and I surely have no patience for games. Look around you, at where you stand. Your godhood lies before you, before your very eyes. Seize it, and cease these pitiful whimpers. There is work for me to do, in the cosmos, and work for you as well.\"\n\nOnce again, Ferroxis's massive frame began to hover up from the pool, his feet and the hem of his cape dripping with the dark liquid of the pool as he steadily began rising. His gaze once again fell upon an unknown speck in empty space, a dim star he could just barely perceive, but it was clear he had every intention of leaving.\n\n\"I am Ferroxis, God of Silica. Find me when you are finished playing as a mortal, though I do not promise you will arrive with warm welcome.\"\n\nAs he finished, he quickly began floating outwards, away from the boughs of the tree, and towards his destiny. An endless void of possibilities, an infinite canvas, an endless universe for him to sculpt." }, { "author": "cocoamallow", "message": "His brows crunch with every word Ferroxis speak, his cold exterior somehow reminds him of that 'person' as he hang his head. But he look up as the being flies above him, soaring through the sky like a bird as Néel frantically runs behind his trail, raising his voice to another notch\n\n\"Sire! Please...! Tell me what should I do!\"\n\nHis puny legs slows down as he gasps between breaths, craning at the being who had just saved him. But why leave? When they could find ways out together? Feelings surging inside him as Néel breathe in and open his voice. All this strangeness. All this kindness.\n\n\"I... I will never forget your kindness, sire! You will surely save many troubled souls!\"\n\nHe didn't believe in god, but he says Néel 'is' god. What should he do? Maybe nothing, maybe finding ways back to his realm... Maybe surviving on his own again." } ]	240.5	2,557
323.25	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "hestia_is_bestia", "message": "Life was a truly interesting concept. For many lifetimes people question their own possibility and how life could begin. Sure mortals are made from gods and gods are born from a great tree. But how was Gaia born? What primordial force spawned the great mother? These questions plague many and answers are never within reach. But one thing is for certain. Life is truly amazing. \n\nSpeaking of life, more was beginning to begin. High up above the many realms that were held aloft by great winding arms of the great tree which supported the necessary conditions for life to be nurtured and craddled. Upon the tallest of the tallest branches hung a rather large and unique looking object. It was a perfectly spherical ball, roughly the size of a large boulder, made from tightly packed earth on one side and hardened water which wasn't frozen on the other. Rings of glowing magma, sharp cool winds, yellow flaming fire of bright brilliance, and raging salty water circled the earthly ball at fast speeds like rings of rocks around a planet. \n\nIt was a truly interesting object that hung from its own branch, the roaring elements doing the wood no harm. Then, like a pin dropping in a silent room, the ball cracked slightly. The noise produced was a truly interesting one since instead of normal cracking and crunching a soft, otherworldly tune like the noise from gods of the musical arts but a slight roaring quality only heard during the most dangerous of sea storms. The raging infernos and blistering colds that were circling the object suddenly halted and fell away, fizzeling away like burning embers in the wind. Another Crack appeared on the object but the sound it made was now like that of a explosion, the fiery sound of a volcano spewing ash and magma alike. And like the birth of a star the birth of two new shining beacons were born, the object breaking away and falling to the branches below." }, { "author": "eliterosehip", "message": "Life is a wonderful concept within the eyes of many, and within the eyes of many life was precious something with value above all else. A goddess of creation especially that of which was about to be formed was valued above all else a goddess untainted by the world and by anyone but her own thoughts. Soon enough as the object fell though the tree hitting branch after branch until it finally hit the final thick branch.\n\nThe object cracked open in that moment a taller woman landing with grace and elegance. In all honestly she looked like a goddess of war with her fiery red hair and flaming red eyes. But she in fact was no goddess of war no, no she was a goddess of creation one which created life after destruction this was Avani the goddess of all creation. She looked around for a moment taking a few deep breaths taking in the fresh air, she didn't remember what the great force who made her had said besides \"Value all life no matter what even if they may be a bit strange at times, and don't attack your sister please.\" That force had such a beautiful voice and that voice had been transfered into Avani who as she began to speak it almost felt like a primordial force was echoing throughout the tree.\n\n\"Such a wonderful place this is~\"\n\nShe spoke smiling as she ran her hands along the branch next to her taking in all the sights and sounds as well as touch from the tree as it almost felt like the tree was a part of her and she was a part of the tree at all times even if they were to eventually part. Oh how she hoped they would never part the tree just felt so wonderful against her soft and gentle skin." }, { "author": "hestia_is_bestia", "message": "With the birth of the first the second shall arrive. As the newly born Avani arose from to explore their surroundings another stirred within the hardened water of the pod. Like a switch was flipped the water suddenly returned to a liquid like state, it's abrupt change causing a splash of seawater to fling out in all directions before falling to the branch harmlessly. As the rock and water fizzled away a second much larger figure stood up after regaining their wits and testing their balance.\n\n The figure was a female like the first, but couldn't look any different. Standing at an impressive height of twelve feet the Goddess supported silver blue hair that was held in highly intricate braids, massive horns, striking pink eyes, and a long segmented reptile-like tail. Pink eyes with X shaped white pupils opened as they looked around their environment. This was Amazzi, Goddess of the Sea, Wind, and Ocean Disasters. Information flooded her head as she took in her situation. Immediately the newly born goddess searched for her twin sister, her large eyes eventually landing on the fiery goddess she was looking for. With a blink she opened her mouth to speak, rows of sharp shark-like teeth glinted in the light.\n\n*\"Oahhhhhhh\"\n\nThe sound that escaped was like a song only spoken about in mortal legends. Of a creature who lures sailors to their deaths via their beautiful songs. However this song wasn't harmful but instead a language which had Amazzi pausing to tilt her horned head in confusion, pointy ears twitching slightly. After regaining herself she spoke in a language better understood by her sister.*\n\n\"Avani?\"" }, { "author": "eliterosehip", "message": "Avani looked around her gaze soft and loving for a few more seconds she ran her hand along the branch taking in all of its knowledge of the world since she could use her ability to take in the memories of all living things she touched that was the one ability she remembered how to use or rather what the voice had told her to use.\n\n\"Amazzi?\"\n\nShe turned to face her sister a smile forming across her face she understood that this was her sister and of course she knew exactly who those horns and song belonged to since there was only one person who could speak in that primordial language besides herself. Honestly she wished it was only her since then she could yell at people in that language and no one would ever understand her. Not that she would ever yell the young goddess could barely raise her voice above a loud whisper. Somehow she couldn't figure out why she couldn't yell but maybe it was because she was a goddess of creation and was made to be nice to everyone and everything no matter what.\n\nSeconds later the goddess launched off the branch aiming at Amazzi and wrapping her arms around her with such force that it sent the two flying backwards." } ]	336.5	1,293
81.666667	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "Olivia was walking the tree and she heard some crackling coming from a fruit on the tree. She'd seen enough fruit on the tree to know this was ready to be born, she certainly didn't want another situation that Melancholia created by corrupting a fruit on the tree. She placed her hands on the fruit and gently warmed it so it wasn't so icy, as she did the crackling increased till the ice that coated it cracked and broke open. She stepped back as thick fog escaped the inside and chilled her, but she just warmed herself very quickly with her fire.\n\n\"Welcome young god I am Olivia god of fire and you don't need to be afraid of me\"\n\nShe felt a motherly love for this god which she'd never experienced, so she just embraced it." }, { "author": "offbrandpanda", "message": "Fasnir was naked, rolling out of the fruit he was the size of an infant. He being just born was surprisingly now just a baby. Crying out into the world he came, his eyes shut and his body completely defensiveless. Burst of ice and snow flew into the air as his wailing continued" }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "Most gods did not come out as infants so this surprised Olivia but she took him in her arms gently made her body heat room temperature so it didn't startle him. \n\n\"Hey now settle down in just a few days you'll be out of this stage. Now do your first act as a god and think of something you want to eat. It'll materialize in your hands\"\n\nShe watched him to see what he would create" }, { "author": "offbrandpanda", "message": "Fasnir kept kicking and wailing, getting some ice onto the Goddess, until he started to relax in their arms. A apple materialized in his hands but without teeth he wouldn't be making any progress on his meal. It sat on his lap as he drifted slowly to sleep in the Goddess's arms. Seems the heat made him sleepy, his eye lashes white as snow fluttered trying to stay awake. His mouth opened wide and yawned out frozen air. The cold baby relaxed in the warm arms of the women feeling safety in her" }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "Olivia sighed and smiled at him she created a simple tent and crib and a recliner for herself. She layednhim down and then she fell asleep herself not realizing that the amount of places she was was starting to have an affect on her mentally" }, { "author": "offbrandpanda", "message": "Millions of years later.." } ]	77.5	490
118.189189	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fluffybristle", "message": "From the branches further up, the form of Audra watches, stood on the edge of her branch. Practically on the edge of her seat as she watches Vassek come into being.\n\nShe lets out yet another whistle, before waving down at him and calling out. \n\n\"HEYYYYY! HEYYYY! HELLOOOOOO! UP HERE! HI!\"" }, { "author": "proddino", "message": "For all the harmonious, picturesque mountains that loomed around him and the golden, idylic fields that loomed beneath, Vassek could only look disturbed as he gazed over from his high perch. But no... It didn't make sense, did it? Joy. Wasn't he supposed to feel joy? Harmony? Content? Excitement? How should he feel? Why couldn't he feel this? Would it be wrong to feel this way, or right?\n\nLike a whirlwind come to reap its due, his mind raced with uncertainty. Only from his thoughts was he stirred by a voice up above, the Watcher's head craned upwards. Instantaneously does his arms wrap around himself like some futile blanket, left eye twitching and writhing.\n\n\"You there. What do you want?\" Hails back that tepid, low voice of his." }, { "author": "fluffybristle", "message": "\"Uhhhh...\" She stares down at him for a second, before giving him a finger pointed upwards. \"ONE MOMENT!\" \n\nTaking a breath inwards, the little goddess stands upright and just... Falls backwards, off the branch that she had originally stood on. For a moment, it seems like she has fallen past him... Before a gust of wind propels her upwards and onto the branch that he stands.\n\n\"HIIII! Gods- do you like birds, too? I love birds! We should be pals! What's your name? Mine is... Mmmmm... Audra! I think? Yeah! Wow, you're Really Tall!\"\n\nShe speaks quickly- almost faster than Vassek can comprehend, laughing to herself afterwards." }, { "author": "proddino", "message": "The expression of weary and dread only forms more absolutely upon Vassek's gaunt face as Audra leaps down to his branch. It was almost as though he had no will to be seen, to be heard. His arms only embrace tighter about himself, a horrific wince aligning the face of the Silence God. Words were power, just as names, yet words did not come easy to the God of Anxiety.\n\n\"Why is it that you seek my name? Names are things of power. They should not be given freely.\" Vassek murmurs out in return, his voice nearly on par with Audra's speed of verbalisation. Yet he sounded less enthusiastic and more concerned. Danger. He sounded as if he felt in danger.\n\n\"We should not be up here, regardless.\" The Witness comes to realise as he peers out over the edge and into the valley below. \"This tree could not be stable... What if it were to splinter and collapse? Then we shall plummet from the clouds like unlucky fools, our fates sealed as stains on the earth. I do not want that. Do you?\"" }, { "author": "fluffybristle", "message": "She gives him a really weird look after he speaks, folding her hands in front of herself and leaning to look off the ledge.\n\n\"Well... I mean... Not really, no. But it's quite pretty! Isn't it? Gods, it's Very Pretty.\" \n\nWith a nod to herself as if affirming her belief, she adjusts her cape and looks up towards him. Her brow knits in a degree of concern and she takes a breath in, then out.\n\n\"Did I scare you? I really didn't mean to. I was just happy to see someone.\"" }, { "author": "proddino", "message": "\"Then we'd be wise to get down!\" Vassek exclaims with some urgency. His voice was scratchy, panicked as though he felt some impending sense of doom and dread. \"The roots of this oak could be severed at any moment! Time is of the utmost essence! It is not our ally!\"\n\nThen, at her question his head tilts - a bit of a sorrowful, mournful look crosses over the Witness's face, as though he carried some heavy burden. \"Scared?\" He utters in questioning, as a nervous and pained laugh escaped him. \"I am Vassek, God of Anxiety and Fallacy. Fear is my burden to bare, for my eye stretches into the past and future alike.\"\n\nAnd then, his face recoils with shock and horror. Those spindly fingers of his, as thin as icicle shards and as white as snow press against his mouth. \"What?\" He mumbles in disgust at himself, head shaking. \"No, no, no... You have my name, it grants you power. You must not speak it to anyone else, I Plead With you. How could I be so foolish, so complacent... Ragh!\"" }, { "author": "fluffybristle", "message": "Vassek gets yet another head-tilt in reply, before a smile breaks out across her lips once more.\n\n\"Y'know what? That's a-okay! I will just call you V, then. Is that okay? V? Does that work?\" \n\nAs she speaks to him, an ambient breeze seems to blow past the both of them- allowing her cape to billow.\n\n\"And- I don't think we should get Down. I think we should go up! You can do that, right? I saw your birds!\"" }, { "author": "proddino", "message": "\"No, no... Yes!\" He decides finally after a moment of hesitation and doubt, a deep sigh escaping the recluse. \"I suppose... That is vague enough for my liking.\" Vassek's head turns upward, observing the higher branches of the tree. His pallid hands brush together as the Watcher frowns with disdain and loathing.\n\n\"Yet... The risk outweights the benefits of such a climb. Surely it is safer down there, upon the ground?\" One of his boney fingers, the index of his right hand to be precise, is cast downward toward the valley below them." }, { "author": "fluffybristle", "message": "\"But what if we find something- something Cool? Like the secrets? Or some other people?\" She counter, placing her hands on her hips and looking up at him defiantly.\n\n\"I know that being anxious and paranoid seems to be your whole thing, but there are things to explore! We could even find your birds, they seemed cute!\"" }, { "author": "proddino", "message": "\"Secrets? Hrm...\" The Watcher's demeanor seems to shift at that - a look of intrigue donning his face as one of his elongated fingernails scratches against his chin. There's a period of thought - of contemplation that feels like eternal ponderance, until that finger is raised upward.\n\n\"Very well. This once, I shall oblige you. But I would bid you to traverse this oak before me, as the idea was yours.\"" }, { "author": "fluffybristle", "message": "\"YES!\" She throws her hands up in the air- she has triumphed! Before she takes a moment to observe the area around her. With a breath, she starts to move towards the middle of the tree. \n\n\"You better keep up!\"" }, { "author": "proddino", "message": "Dark mists swarm around Vassek's feet, the ceaseless whispers filling the air around him. And then, from nothing came Something - as the Witness centered his power, an eldritch and unnerving tendril, similar of that to an octopus yet mutant and unnatural in it's design forms beneath him. It slowly ascends up around the base of the tree, raising the standing Vassek as its passenger. Up and up he goes, arms wrapping around himself once more.\n\n\"We travel too high...\" He murmurs with unease. \"What if the wind is due to sweep us off our feet, or the wrath of the sun should dare to reduce us to ashes?\"" }, { "author": "fluffybristle", "message": "She propells herself up along with him, the wind being her guide. Once again he gets a strange look from her.\n\n\"Would it have done so already, then? Relax! We'll be fiiiiine! If you fall, I can catch you. Promise! I've already caught myself!\" She points out, with a laugh and another whistle." }, { "author": "proddino", "message": "\"What has not yet passed does not mean it is an impossibility! Do not tempt fate, it shall be our undoing!\" Vassek calls up toward Audra. Around and around that tendril carrying him wraps around the tree, bringing him higher and higher." }, { "author": "fluffybristle", "message": "There's a moment where she seems to take that into consideration- stopping her flight and turning down to him, giving him time to catch up. When he does, she crosses her arms and stares up at him- trying to get a read, perhaps? But she doesn't say anything. She simply watches, for a bit." }, { "author": "tatydf", "message": "There's a whistle in the wind. A soft, gentle, soothing sound...\n\n...Just kidding. It's loud, clanking, and jarring. Far above, a suit of armor is spinning around, tumbling through the air rapidly. They seem to be wrapped up in a red cloak that's serving to constrain several of their limbs in a very pathetic display.\n\nOddly enough, there's no scream. They do however appear to be falling directly above the two's path." }, { "author": "fluffybristle", "message": "Her gaze flits up from Vassek to the sound of clanking, gasping at the falling figure. For once, her brow knits in worry as she flies up just a bit and moves to catch her with her wind.\n\n\"GODS- You're going to get HURT!\"" }, { "author": "tatydf", "message": "\"Heavens. This is Not Preferred over the river.\" A muffled voice comes from beneath the wrapped around cape, but - surprisingly - it holds no terror. Or excitement. Or, well, anything. It really sounds rather bored, or unconcerned of their present circumstance.\n\nThe wind, however, seems to slow the figure to some degree - To the extent they only Moderately Descend through the air, rather than rapidly. Their course is redirected to another nearby branch, red cloak wisping away behind them, and the suit of armor crashes into it, splintering like a shattered egg. Each part of the suit flies off in different directions, while some of them imbed into the branch.\n\nBy sheer chance, the helmet shoots off into Audra's direction. It looks like it's about to slam into her face. \"Oh, no. Be warned. It appears I am a ballistic projectile.\"" }, { "author": "fluffybristle", "message": "She was moving towards the branch that she had directed the new got towards- brow remaining knit with worry- before the helmet shoots off towards her! She lets out a yelp and tries to throw up a mini barrier of wind, attempting to redirect the helmet upwards and into the sky instead of straight at her face.\n\nHer own flight, however, is thrown off kilter. She flies to the right- into the branch and letting out a soft 'oof' in pain." }, { "author": "tatydf", "message": "\"Here we goooo,\" The voice echoes out as its sent, honestly, flying to the heavens. It's like a star in the sky by this point. Gods were pretty damn powerful, aren't they? It doesn't seem like it'll be coming down anytime soon.\n\nThe other pieces, falling away softly, begin to weirdly slow their descents. With red ribbons and tassels ensnaring them, they're pulled back to the branch, slowly reconnecting themselves. To Audra, by her side, she'd see one of the gauntlets crawl along the branch on its fingertips, before turning to her.\n\nIt flips, balanced on its elbow, and gives her a pat on the knee. With a thumbs-up from the disconnected, still-sentient piece of equipment, it turns itself back over, continuing its crawl to the rest of the pieces. It hops up the greaves, clings off the chestplate, and pulls itself into its slot with the shoulderpiece. \n\nIt takes a moment, but the suit of armor's back together! ...Without the head, but that's a momentary factor. They step over to Audra, offering a hand - the same hand that waved - to her, helping her stand up." }, { "author": "fluffybristle", "message": "The Pigeon goddess lets out another small wheeze, but takes the hand of the armor and using it to stand. There's no helm to attempt to make eye-contact with, so she just.. Looks at the breastplate instead, and gives an awkward grin.\n\n\"Heh- thanks! Sorry... About your head.\"\n\nNotably, as they stand there and speak, wind seems to passively clean any dirtied piece of her garb. She lets out a little chirp, content." }, { "author": "tatydf", "message": "As the Pigeon Goddess stands, their hand falls away, and goes to clutch their breastplate, as the body... Moves up and down, slightly. It's as if someone gave a short nod, but with nod head to do it, it honestly just looks like they're having a mini spasm.\n\nAt the apology, the shoulders shrug, hands extending to the sides in a pose betraying the phrase, 'it happens.' They raise their hand, gesturing to them, as if they asked a question.\n\n...They quickly realize, she could not hear the question. Their voice was currently miles high. The chestplate rears back, facing upwards, and the hand presses to where their forehead would be, as if someone were blocking out the sun. It appears they're looking for their loose head." }, { "author": "fluffybristle", "message": "Audra follows their gaze, using a hand similarly to block out the sun as she searches for the helmet in the branches. \n\n\"Again- I'm like- really really Really Sorry! I'll go get it for you! I'll find it, promise! Pinky promise! Forever!\"\n\nShe speaks quickly- glancing to the suit of armor, then the sky and the branches above them, the armor once more and then back to the sky." }, { "author": "tatydf", "message": "The suit of armor simply offers a salute on back. That one's easy to make out, even without a head! Then, as Audra flies up, its arm falls down, tapping metallic fingers along its crossed arms.\n\n\"...Up heeeere...\" A voice comes from the branches. Nestled pretty far above, the corner of the helmet is wedged into the wood of Gaia, facing the horizon outside. She could wedge it out rather easily. \"Are you there? I am here. Stuck. In a tree. Heavens.\"\n\nThey seem to be treating this like a typical Tuesday night." }, { "author": "fluffybristle", "message": "Following the sound of the voice, Audra finds the helmet! Wedging it out of the wood, giggling and cooing to herself as her feather ears puff outwards in excitement.\n\n\"Haha! Found you! Again, I am so so SO sorry that I threw your head. I didn't mean to! You just spooked me! Spooked me /real/ bad. Here-\"\n\nNow, she starts her descent. Going slowly and keeping an eye on her surroundings to prevent any last-second spooks resulting in a missing helmet.\n\n\"What was it you were trying to say to me?\"" }, { "author": "tatydf", "message": "\"Oh, right.\" The voice is still monotone, but in her hands, nods slightly. \"Thank you for diverting me away. The wood is preferred over the heavens. Or the rivers.\" Seems they've had experience with this.\n\nAs Audra descends with the helm, the suit of armor reaches up, taking it from her. It plops the helmet down onto their neck's slot - At first, backwards - and screws it into place. The visor glows a deep black at it connects, fading back to that same empty mist-like material that hides their face.\n\n\"Delightful. Let us try this once more.\" They cough into a fist, now in complete unity once more. \"First-\"\n\n\"Where are we?\" The visor looks dead at Audra." }, { "author": "fluffybristle", "message": "She continues giggling to herself as the unknown god reassembles themselves, loweing herself gently on the branch that they stood upon and placing her hands on her hips. She lets out a hum of through as she looks around the two of them... Before shrugging!\n\n\"I dunno! I just woke up. I was hoping you'd have the answer to that, pfah!\"" }, { "author": "tatydf", "message": "\"Drat. That is unfortunate.\" The finger puts a hand to their chin, as if in thought, speaking with a rather boring tone. \"It shall be discovered in due time. Along with why I am able to stand all the way over here, yet am drowning all the way over there.\"\n\nThey point to the side, off into the horizon. Wherever they gesture to doesn't seem to be visible. At least they seem adamant about it.\n\n\"When I discover these elusive answers, I shall bring them to you, as payment.\" The helmet nods.\n\n\"Who are you?\" The visor, again, looks dead at Audra. Its odd that they're stilling pointing over at that horizon." }, { "author": "fluffybristle", "message": "\"Oh!\" Her smile returns, brighter than ever before. \"I'm Audra! It's really really Really Nice to meet you! Especially someone who wants to tell me their name! Hah! My other friend doesn't want people to know. I don't get it! He's Weird.\"" }, { "author": "tatydf", "message": "Their helmet nods, still staring into them, and the arm falls to their side. \"That is a shame! Yet I understand. There is power in a name. Such as Audra, the winged angel.\" The title is given. It is stated as a sheer fact, and they salute once more.\n\n\"I am The Silvered Judge.\" They leave it at that, as if it explains everything." }, { "author": "fluffybristle", "message": "\"Wh- Angel? Wow, you're so sweet! But nah. I'm just Audra!\"\n\nAt their name, a hand flies to her chin and she tilts her head from side to side, as if debating something. \n\n\"... That's a Long Name. Can I call you Jude?\"" }, { "author": "tatydf", "message": "\"Jude?\" The helmet tilts, as if not having considered this before. Then, it nods. \"That shall suffice. Most call me Silver. Jude is... New.\"\n\nThey seem to think on that for a moment. Their head turns around, looking side to side, as if clueless. \"...We are on a branch. Where does it lead.\"\n\nThey seem to just state that, not really sounding like a question. They look like they're about to walk off again and plummet to another doom." }, { "author": "fluffybristle", "message": "The smaller goddess let's out a little yelp, scrambling to stand in front of them and prevent them from plummeting again.\n\n\"Stop! Stop- you're going to fall again! Gods, you're going to give me a heart attack!\"" }, { "author": "tatydf", "message": "The armor bumps into them - Lightly, thankfully, less they both would plummet off - and the figure steps back. The helmet tilts slightly to the side.\n\n\"...Oh, no. That is not my objective. Neither the scare, nor falling.\" They wave a gauntlet to the side, as if in an apology. They step to the side of Audra, this time - luckily - not walking off the branch, but stepping out a foot, hesitantly. \"I am merely searching for the boundaries...\"\n\nThat line comes out with a small hum from the chestplate, echoed within the metal carapace. Their foot taps the wood, feel its edge curving downwards. It's... Honestly, a rather strange display. \"Is this were the branch ends, Winged?\"" }, { "author": "fluffybristle", "message": "\"You know, I can just... Guide you.\"\n\nAudra states, tilting her head at the display currently ongoing. Her hands fold across her chest- she seems to be doing quiet a bit with them, almost fidgety. She takes one step forwards.\n\n\"But- um, yep! That is where the branch ends, so... Be careful!\"" }, { "author": "tatydf", "message": "\"Guide Me?\" The figure asks, humming deep in their metal. They seem almost aghast at the proposition. Silver does not Need Guidance.\n\nBut after looking around once more, noting that they are unable to really identify anything outside of their immediate surroundings, they cross their arms.\n\n\"...I suppose I could, barring no other impossibilities... Indulge this offer.\" The voice sounds hesitant, but the helmet nods. And they listen, taking a step back from the branch, and seem to grows deep in focus on something. If they could see, they'd certainly comment on Audra's fidgety nature, but as of yet seem unknowledgeable of her state.\n\nBy the end of their focus, and a couple of other steps around the branch in a circle, the pauldrons shrug. \"It appears I do require your aid, Winged One. I cannot feel this realm.\"" }, { "author": "fluffybristle", "message": "Audra claps her hands together in front of herself, smiling and giggling to herself. \"YESSSS!\" She exclaims- feather-like ears puffing up in excitement. She steps forwards, reaching out a hand to try and grasp Judes.\n\n\"So... Where should we go, then? We can go anywhere! The world's our oyster! Or at least, that's how I think the saying goes?\"" } ]	103	4,373
388.909091	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "federal_agent764", "message": "Falling upon the branch below him, the blonde man would be confused and disoriented. What had happened, how had he gotten here? He didn't know, the closest thing he held to answers were hazy and distant memories of war, of fighting and dying. Looking around, the tree branch he found himself on was massive, large enough to support an entire city. But it wasn't the only branch around here, for as he looked through the area, multitudes of other branches of equal or not greater size could be seen all around him. From them strange fruits hung, some were large others were small and each fruit had a distinct shape and color to it but they were undeniable fruits.\n\nStanding up, Johan started walking towards what appeared to be the giant tree from which the branch he stood upon had emerged. As he walked he noted that his clothes seemed familiar, although he could not exactly point to where he had seen them to begin with. Probably a side effect of his extremely hazy and distorted memory. At the time, his main goal was finding out more about the particular situation he had found himself in." }, { "author": "sociablealarm13", "message": "As the newly formed God fell from the branches, born anew as a divine of this reality... Something shifted around him, the energies became erratic and disturbed as a black smoke seemed to form from nothingness. As it took shape, that of a pale woman, face covered and hair like rolling fog of black down her shoulders he could hear a noise. The sound of someone inhaling deeply through their nose, a sniff and a huff... She had caught the scent of a new sibling with a darker heart. That much she was sure of. As her physical body finally finished forming, she gazed at him from behind, her upper face and eyes hidden beneath her hood. \n\nShe let loose a little giggle though her voice was filled with a vibrato and raspy essence, she still sounded as if honey dripped from her tounge and razor teeth. Her slender fingers wriggled, and her daggery black nails clacked together as her excitement grew. \n\n\"I knew I smelled a new sibling... One whos heart is... Wretched and worn already...\" From about sixty feet away she vanished into a puff of black smoke again only to reform her figure a few feet away from him, her head tilted and her body leaning forward a bit. \n\n\"Tell me, little brother... What are you? I do not need your name... I ask what you stand for...\" She had asked every newborn god she had met the same question, for it was the one Edon asked her when she first formed from that black smokey apple. \n\n\"My name is Sinrael, one of many. But what I am? I am Fear, Discord and Strife.\"" }, { "author": "federal_agent764", "message": "As he walked, he could not go far before something changed in the area around him. It was strange, but the best way to describe it was like darkness and fear itself trembled in the air all around the area. Stopping to look around and try to get a feel for just what the hell was going on Johan would see a condensed form made out of black smoke appear before him. Before he could react the smoke changed into the shape of a woman, a pale woman with jet black hair.\n\nNot knowing how to react to this situation, Johan simply stood still for the time being, listening to what she had to say. He crossed his arms across his chest as he spoke, not wanting them to lie idly by his side as he waited for her to finish speaking. Listening to her words, they would only affect him partially, for Johan was not used to speaking with other people despite that he did make an effort to listen to what she said for she might be able to explain why he had found himself in his current predicament. From what she said, it seemed like they were siblings of sorts, although given how wildly different their appearances were Johan found that unlikely. But, he could not deny that he felt some kind of strange connection to the woman before him.\n\n\"Sinrael...\" As she was done speaking he would say her name out loud like he was testing the words, it was a strange name indeed. But since she had given him her name it was little more than proper etiquette to do the same. For some strange reason, when he thought about his name two things came to mind: 'Johan' and 'Goldenheart' , something from the fragmented memories he carried. Since she had only given him one name, Johan decided to respond in kind. \"My name is... Goldenheart.\" \n\nAs for what he stood for, it was a strange question. He didn't stand for anything but himself, but what was he? As he asked himself those philosophical questions images of war, death and destruction would flash through his mind, all surely memories of a past life. After a prolonged silence he would speak again. \"And I stand for this.\" Raising his right arm, a rift would appear in the sky, it was something instinctual to the man. If one peered within the blood-red miasma that had appeared they would be able to see hundreds of corpses all rattling and crawling on top of each other like an undead swarm of evil. Bringing his hand down, so would the rift fall towards the black haired woman with enough force to cause an explosion that echoed through the tree's enormous branches." }, { "author": "sociablealarm13", "message": "As the man considered performing violence, she smelled it on the air. Her head rolled for a second before her smile grew as wide as it could from cheek to cheek, razor maw dripping with black smoke from behind her canine gate. She gave another chuckle and brought one of her fingernails to her own throat and slit across it slowly, a black ichor or blood falling... Upwards? Yes, it dripped upwards to spread and coalesce until it was large enough to solidify into a solid black mirror like glass. Once the blood had transformed into this black glass like material, it went skyrocketing upwards to block his rift and all that came down with it. She however had vanished. \n\nNow she had reformed from her smoke to just behind her newfound little brother, attempting to place her left hand on the back of his head, yanking him by his pretty blonde hair. She spoke, her tone ever amused and excited. \"Why does everyone I meet want to fight me? It couldn't poooosssiibly be meeeee?!?!\" She gave a laugh and finished her sentence. \"Now stand still.\" If she had succeeded in grabbing his head, it would be hard for him to move which worked perfectly in her favor. \n\nThe glass she had used to block his explosion and rift and all that fell with it, would shatter the moment his attack made contact with it. Shattering into innumerable pieces, only to fall down for a second... Then they all shot at him and her, flying through the non-existant air at an incredible speed, hoping to impale him and slice him and cut him up. \n\n\"Come on! Get your hands diiiiiirrrrrtyyy!\" She would below, teeth grinding together as she said it, leaning close to him from behind and just around his shoulder and head." }, { "author": "federal_agent764", "message": "To see his opponent slit their own throat before the battle had even begun, that truly was a first for Johan, although he didn't really have many memories still intact that he could compare the experience with. Regardless of how strange it was he would not allow himself to be caught off-guard by an opponent and prepared himself for the worst, creating another crimson rift next to his right hand as it hung idly by his side. This way he would be able to quickly respond to anything she might try. But even he did not expect to see a mirror formed in the air above them, a mirror of such durability that it could completely stop his attack of destruction. But he had little time to worry about that as the raven-like woman had manifested behind him and yanked his head back using his unnaturally long golden hair. \"Hmm?\"\n\nOut of all the things that she could have done, grabbing him by his hair was probably one of the most unexpected ones. In an actual fight it would serve little purpose and from Johan's point of view it was an absolutely worthless move. As he felt his head being tugged back by the woman pulling his hair, Johan would figure out something else he could do as if by instinct. For the strands of hair she held started to transform in a sheen of golden light into skeletons of undeath wearing the same golden color. These miniature undead would begin to crawl, bite and stab their way up through her arm from the hand she used to hold him with, and from the looks of it killing them would do little as there was a constant supply of new ones being generated.\n\n\n\nBut, in focusing his effort into attacking the one who had grabbed his hair the blonde man had forgone paying attention to the explosion above him and by result only noticed the hundreds of shards being sent towards him at the very last moment. Quickly using the rift next to his right hand to cover his head, Johan would inadvertently leave the rest of his body open to the bombardment of projectiles as he was hit in multiple locations all over his body. Although the wounds weren't that deep, not deep enough to hinder him in any meaningful way, they still drew blood that now stained his white and gray uniform and slowly dropped unto the branch below them.\n\nUpon feeling the pain of being stabbed like this, something that had only been a long distant and nearly forgotten memory up until now the man's face would twist into a grimace of pure happiness.* \"Ahh, I had almost forgotten. So this is how it feels. To think I would be able to experience it again, I am truly blessed.\" With those words, he would walk away from the woman, his hair being severed by the force of his stride and leaving her with a few more miniature skeletons to deal with. Walking away from her until they were about five meters away from each other he would turn around to face her again. \"Now THIS is what I live for!\"" }, { "author": "sociablealarm13", "message": "The Goddess licked her lips as his hair severed from his head and the tiny little minions of undeath began to pierce her palid flesh and wretched form, each time they did so the black blood that dripped from her wrists and arm would lance outwards from her body to defend against the skeletal invasion. Her dark ichor would brush off or destroy any of the undead though they did do some amount of damage to her limb. She rolled her shoulder back and released his hair, preventing any from spawning on her arm any further. Her gaze turned to the God who had just been hit by the shards of black glass. She let out a resounding cackle and spoke. \n\n\"Oh how fun! You let me hold you in place juuuust long enough to distract you from my actual attack... GET BETTER!\" She'd scream with a random, manic fury before she smiled again and pointed to him. \"Something you should know about Gods like you and I... We're always in control of our bodies...\" She gave a chuckle yet again as she focused on the black shards of glass that had entered into him. He was right, they were not deep... Yet. The glass was formed from her blood, from her being and thus... Under her control. With a few jerky motions of her fingers, twiddling and twaddling, the black shards of glass inside of his body as shallow as they were... Would begin to grow, sharpen and shape themselves differently. They were digging themselves into him, deeper and deeper. Hoping to pierce all the way through to rip a few holes in him. \n\n\"And another thing... Always ask why... Why did I pull your hair? Because I knew you'd be baffled enough to be distracted. Now... Let's play shall we?\" With another jerk of her wrist to her right side, the shards would move to her right, his left. Another to her left side, and they would move on his right. The point here was to cause damage and a feeling of pain. She fed off of it, not the pain but the conflict. As Goddess of Discord and Strife, conflict fed her and made her rejoice." }, { "author": "federal_agent764", "message": "He would look upon the woman as she spoke. \"Always in control of our bodies, you say?\" While it was true that he had felt something akin to that ever since entering this realm he had never been able to put it into words, much less try it out. With a glance towards the woman a smug look would appear on his face. As he could feel the glass attempting to dig deeper into his body an explosion of golden light would emanate from Johan, its only purpose being to destroy the foreign matter attempting to penetrate his body. Looking upon the puddle of blood that he had spawned just a moment ago he raised his left hand a little.\n\nWith that simple movement, a dozen or so skeletons emerged from the puddle, beings made out of the gods' very blood. They each carried different types of medieval weaponry and their hollow eye sockets were only set on one target. Sinrael. With swift movements the undeads would rush towards the pale woman with raised weapons, it was clear that they would slash down on her the instant they were within melee range. But, that was not all Johan would do for behind him the very air began to tremble and take up a golden glow. While it was not obvious what he was trying to do with each passing moment the golden energy became more and more dense, eventually turning into what could only be described as a physical form of sorts. Although it was still far too early to say what that form was attempting to resemble." }, { "author": "sociablealarm13", "message": "As the undead came and sliced and slashed, Sinrael moved through them. Not with dodging and weaving, not with evasive maneuvers but by shifting. Each time their weaponry went through her, that part of her body would shift into her signature black smoke. Like a serpent her smoke and she slithered through the undead and beyond their reach aiming to go directly at Johan. \n\nHis radiance did not destroy the shards of glass, for they too were a part of a gods body. Divine and equal in power to he. All Gods were made equal, t'was true. At least in terms of power and capability... Now, how one used that power was what made each one special. Still, he managed to push the shards of black glass out of him and they fell for a second before they seemed to freeze in mid-air, spinning slowly. \n\nAs Sinrael drew close she blew from her lips as if blowing a dandelion or a kiss, only for harmless black smoke to fly from her throat. The smoke itself, though it would do no physical damage did have an effect. Should it touch his skin, or be breathed in by him, should it be able to taint him even for a second it would spread her domain of fear into his heart and mind. Not to terrify him here, but create an illusion. A dream of sorts, where he stood in a world devoid of war, absent of conflict or bloodshed... A world of peace, life everlasting and unity... A world of golden flowers and clear skies. A nightmare to him, perhaps. So Sinrael assumed. And it would be easy for him to break out of, for he too was a God. He would just need to realize what it is, and HOW to get it out of his mind. \n\nAfter blowing and hopefully trapping him for at least a few seconds in his illusory fear, her hand raised to her own waist and the shards that had fallen out of him came together to form a long, sharp black spear which she would grab quickly and aim to pierce through his torso." }, { "author": "federal_agent764", "message": "Looking how the foe he was facing simply phased through the attacks and slashes of his undead minions, Johan realized that he would need to attack her in some other manner than purely physical to leave actual damage. Looking at the shards of glass spinning in the air before him, it seemed as his radiant light of destruction would be largely ineffective. With each passing second, the intangible form behind him seemed to become more and more concrete until one could see that it was distinctly humanoid in shape. Another skeleton perhaps? But if so, given its immense size it must have been the skeleton of a titan or some similar creature for it was absolutely massive. \n\nAs the black smoke began to flow towards him Johan would raise his right arm, waiting for it to surround him completely before dispersing it with a blast of golden light. But when he did so, what greeted him was not the sight that he had seen before, but the sight that greeted him was not the one he had seen before. But of a world filled with vast open fields filled with flowers, peace and unity. It was truly a world that could be called the opposite of war. Yet, when he saw a world like that more so than fear, what Johan felt was confusion. How could a place like this exist? He thought. For all he had ever known was war. But it mattered little how what appeared before his eyes was possible, what mattered was that Johan would tear it all down. He would burn the golden flowers of the fields, he would fill the clear skies with unholy black smoke, he would bring bloodshed to the towns of unity and he would drown the people of this land who had never known conflict in rivers of blood.\n\nWith that sentiment in mind, with that goal burning in his heart, his willpower would break the illusion that surrounded him. For Johan's one greatest desire was to bring war and conflict to all corners of the world, fitting a god of war. But when he came back to his senses he had already found himself impaled by a spear of darkness. A loud and heartfelt laughter would escape his lips as his red blood dyed the pitch black weapon. Suddenly, he would thrust himself forward, through the spear causing it to emerge through his back as he grabbed Sinrael's face. \"Got you.\" He would say, at the same moment. The skeletal giant behind them both had finally taken physical shape and it was large enough to tower above them even while on all fours. Opening its mouth it was clear that destructive energies were gathering within and after another moment the giant shot down a beam of pure destruction from above unto the two gods." }, { "author": "sociablealarm13", "message": "She had worked just in time to impale the man and the moment he grabbed her face, she continued to give her manic chuckle. With his words of 'Got you', his fingers pressed onto her and thumb in cheek her mouth seemed to widen as the skin connecting her cheeks and her jaws began to rip as her tongue extended outwards and wrapped around his forearm twice, dripping a black ooze. As her jaw unhinged and seperated, she seemed to grow in size not only of maw but of razor teeth as well. Even the trim of her hood and the edge of her sleeves seemed to create solid black piercing teeth which gave the vision of her entire being, becoming one mouth to devour Johan. His arm would have been easy to devour, for it was now inside her after she unhinged. Then she snapped her massive maw shut... And nothing happened...\n\nAs soon as the mouth snapped shut, it poofed into a disersal of black smoke, slithering over his head and around his body, under his legs and to behind him. In this smokey form, she seemed to quickly vanish into a shard of the black glass. Portals into her demiplane - The Phobatorium -, for like all gods they were one with their demiplane... Not their realms. Even the black spear seemed to collapse in on itself before dissapearing with her. She was gone, forfitting the fight in exchange for her departure. They now knew eachother though, and that was enough to form some kind of arrangement in the future." }, { "author": "federal_agent764", "message": "As the woman began to change and twist before Johan he would quickly realize what was going on, slamming her into the ground in a vain attempt to cancel her transformation. Despite that, she would still be able to succeed and before long the black smoke that made up her existence was all around him. In the next moment it was gone, leaving Johan all alone on top of the branch of Yggdrasil. The skeletal giant of gold who looked down on him from above would quickly disperse the destructive force that it had been building up in its mouth and with that, the very creature itself became transparent and faded from existence. \n\nWhat an odd woman, well retreating when things aren't going your way is just common sense in battle. With a sly smile Johan would begin to head inwards towards the tree upon which branches he stood. He kinda hoped that he would see that woman again." } ]	378	4,278
370.555556	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "glassbluejay", "message": "It was an ugly thing. It grew upon Gaia's branches like a wasp nest, gray and bloated. It hung there for many star rotations as it steadily increased in size while other fruit around it blossomed and bloomed, giving life to many beautiful gods and goddesses. What kind of god would this fruit bear? Many theorized it would bring about a troublesome god, that the hideousness of its shell would match the personality of whoever was inside. But that discussion was a long time ago. The stubborn egg wouldn't hatch, and the curiosity of the gods faded as they moved on to more exciting hatchings to satiate the boredom that comes with immortality. \n\nUntil one day, in a daring breeze of lucky wind, the stem of the fruit snapped. \n\nThe nest plummeted down and collided into the branch below it with a heavy thump. The papery walls of the nest cracked and crumbled as they fell away, revealing a tangled mess of soft long ears, strong legs, and cotton tails. The horde of panicked rabbits overflowed as they leaped over the walls of the egg and scattered throughout the World Tree. \n\nAhrini was born in the position she had died in–laying on her back as if she were watching the clouds roll by. Her red eyes opened not to meet the clouds, but the glittering stars above. The new god's personality was yet to be seen, but her pleasant smile was antithetical to the unsightly fruit that kept its crumbling walls around her even now. Ahrini took her first deep breath in, slowly turning her head to the only figure who had been there to watch her birth after all this time. \n\n\"It's beautiful, isn't it?\" \n\nShe brushed her hand to the side, fingers sliding through the blades of grass that covered the interior of what was left of the fruit. The newborn god was inviting the stranger to be beside her, to watch the stars with her." }, { "author": ".gonkdroid", "message": "Any had not been interested in the hatching of this particularly hideous fruit, finding little value in the birth of Gods and Goddesses. It was not because she did not value their lives, but because most followed a formula that seemed to be rarely deviated from. Most would wake up, dazed and confused, question where they were, and then self-discovered the nature of their domains and the power of their godhood. It was such then, that the Goddess would not need to intervene in any way nor did she originally intend to. However, when the fruit had landed almost directly on top of her in what would've been an unlucky hit, she had no choice but to pay attention.\n\nShe gazed upon the fruit for a brief moment, working to understand the complexity of the drab gray fruit and its warped nature. The misty figure of a Goddess had realized too woefully late that walking amongst the branches of the world tree would mean a situation like this was more likely to happen than not, and she would have to deal with the repercussions when they came to her. Appearing curious (although not easy to discern), the Goddess remained to watch as the egg broke and revealed its contents of Rabbits hurriedly attempting to escape their prison and leaving a lone figure in the middle, laying upon their back in a relaxed manner; an outlier of the formula.\n\nNow Any was interested.\n\nHer whites would meet the red irises of the newly-born God, although no visible expression would greet the smile that she beamed towards her. Nothing was there to return anything, really. Instead, she moved a step closer and looked up at the sky, accepting the God's invitation in her own way.\n\n\"You would have to be more specific, in terms of the subject. Many things could be called beautiful, in one's mind. I trust this is not the first time you've awoken in strange circumstances, Godkin?\" \n\nHer voice was loud, in the sense that many voices overlapped her own. None of which were discernable, only adding volume to the most prominent female voice that may be Any's own. Her figure was reminiscent in shape of a woman not dissimilar to the newly-born, although the primary deviation would be that her figure was significantly less tangible, she was made of a dark mist that only appeared to be solid." }, { "author": "glassbluejay", "message": "\"I am speaking of the stars, of course. There are so many and they each shine so brightly.\" \n\nThere was comfort in the familiarity of the stars as she found herself in a new strange place. She had seen similar stars in her past life, but she could not pinpoint if what the goddess was assuming about her was true. Even as she thought long and hard about it, the only conclusion in those fractured memories was that one of her last memories was gazing up at the moon and stars. Only here, there was no moon. The dark sky was an empty void, just like the god before her. \n\n\"It is possible. I think I have gotten into trouble many times before this, and yet I cannot think of the particulars. But I...\" \n\nThe godkin stretched her pale hands out to the sky and stared at them as she rotated her wrists. They were unstained. \n\n\"I believe I am dead now, and so I should not panic. Panicking will only make the circumstances worse.\" \n\nThe godkin lifted her back from the green grass of the egg, turning her face up to the void. \n\n\"You must be dead, too. Or perhaps it is you who have brought me here, and this is your realm. You match the sky, after all.\"" }, { "author": ".gonkdroid", "message": "\"I had suspected as much.\" \n\nShe spoke as if she had not just questioned the newborn on the nature of her words, perhaps her version of a trial; a quiz to prod the nascent god's mind and pick her brain apart, although it was practically impossible to truly know with the enigmatic Goddess of the Void. She did seem to know the sensations that the Godkin was experiencing, the foggy mist of distant memories that felt intimately like your own, yet distant as if they were a separate, forgotten chapter in your life. She did not say anything about it, but perhaps the Godkin could sense the familiarity.\n\nShe extended her hand toward the sky and allowed a piece of herself to break off, a small bubble of black mist that floated upwards to the sky, only to drop down quickly and land in the soft grassy patch of the Godkin's cocoon. It deflated, although it did not disappear or sink into the egg, simply outlining the shape of every blade as if it were a coat across the surface, like water upon a material that did not allow it to penetrate and sink inside.\n\n\"How very circumspect. Yet, the veil of mortality seems to still hang over you, blurring your perception and altering the way you think. You are still you, although your circumstances have changed, nascent Godkin.\"\n\n‎ \nAny removes her eyes from the sky, turning her gaze back towards the nascent Godkin. In a brief expression of comfort, the Goddess replicates the pattern of the stars in the sky upon the blotch of Void laid in the grass. \n\n\"The Rabbit will spend much of its life running from predators, unaware of the greater outside world. But what will happen when the rabbit suddenly becomes a predator? Perhaps this set of circumstances is not far from your own. The fruit of the World Tree is at the apex of the chain of life. Gods, they call themselves, are the Apex Predators; for they can create and destroy at a whim. You and I are the fruit of the World Tree and thus have become the Apex Predators, where we were once Rabbits.\"\n\nShe motions toward the floor and the branches that extend along the scenery, eventually meeting at a massive center somewhere in the far distance.\n\n\"Perhaps we were once dead, it doesn't matter anymore. You are here, and we exist. What you choose to do is of your own volition. I, nonetheless, will find it most intriguing,\" She pauses and takes an audible inhale and exhale. \"Your path is yours to shape as you see fit, regardless of supposed Fate's design. Together we may twist that path a little bit, if you would like.\"\n\n\"Additionally, your assumptions are fair, although unfortunately incorrect. I am simply an observer, and this domain is your birthplace, as is the case for many Gods. I was conceived differently, and may explain why I appear as I do.\"" }, { "author": "glassbluejay", "message": "The young god carefully observed the reflection of the stars in the liquid reflection as she considered their wisdom. If this was true – if she had truly become a God, Then she was both prey and predator. Her chin tilted to gaze up at the towering branches of the tree. Her birthplace. The fact that she was dead was not what made her head spin. It was the realization that she held power in the palm of her hand, even if she could not feel it flowing within her veins. Even if she knew not how to use it. \n\n\"What does it mean to be a god?\" The question spilled from her lips. She found herself taking more comfort in the puddle of void in the grass than the tree and the array of oddly shaped fruit above. There was less to comprehend. \"What is there to create, and why should I destroy it?\" \n\nThe god may have been born with a calm demeanor different from others, but any creature would be confused upon the laws of this abstract land. She could not understand the invitation of traveling down a path they could twist together because she could not understand a path unbent. The favorite word of this newborn was \"Why?\" Perhaps this one will shake the foundation of the expectation of godhood. She could prove useful – or even dangerous – at the side of a more experienced deity who could twist her mind to their ideals." }, { "author": ".gonkdroid", "message": "\"Seldom are the Gods so warily introspective.\"\n\nThe being stands closer to the Godkin, extending her hand out to reabsorb the puddle of void upon her grass, leaving the green untouched and unaltered. A gentle cold air lingered where her presence once lay, nipping the blades of grass with a subtle touch of frost. Despite the darkness disappearing, the stars gently glimmered where they once stood in the void.\n\n\"To be a God, one must be born from the Tree. It is a simple statement. If you mean to ask the purpose of a God, then I do not have a simple answer for you. The only thing I can say for certain is that you have been born, and it is your will imposed on the space you create that proves as much. Though it is the space that you are yet to create, it remains trapped within your mind.\"\n\nShe lifts a finger and the tiny stars warble and quiver, as if commanded to lose their rigid and glowing forms in favor of an unstable and curious one. They shift violently in place for a moment, before returning back to their shining selves. \n\n\"When a rabbit needs shelter, it will create a home. When it needs food, it will destroy vegetation. A mother seeks to create offspring to continue her legacy. A farmer will destroy the locusts preying upon its fields. When a being with consciousness has the power to create and destroy, they will experiment and toy with life and death.\"\n\n\"Create mortals, exert control over the things you have made with your own hands. Plunder the domains of other gods, or police those you judge by your arbitrary standards. Perhaps you were born to give the life you can create a purpose. Perhaps you do not like the purpose the world has already been assigned. Is that not an acceptable reason to create and destroy?\"" }, { "author": "glassbluejay", "message": "How was she supposed to create and destroy when she did not even know her own identity? She had yet to create a name for herself. If she was to do as gods do, then she wanted the paint strokes to be purposeful and marked in her own image. \n\nThe godkin's face faded from deep introspection to confidence as she stood and looked out upon the sea of islands upon the horizon. Each island connected by roots and branches was its own world, distinct from its neighbor. She took a breath, taking her first shaky step out of the eggshell. The god nearly fell, but she thrust out her arms and balanced herself as both bare feet touched the cold bark of the tree. \n\n\"I wonder if the other gods appreciate their power,\" She said to herself. \"I wonder if they abandon the creatures they create, or twist them without any regard to the feelings and sentience they have given them. Those with power are bound to abuse it, just as predators kill because they have the ability to extinguish life. Not because they are hungry, but because even after they are full they are not satiated until there is nothing left on their plate.\" \n\nThough she had no identity of her own, her face was marred in anger. Truthfully, however, she did not know what the gods of this world were like. Perhaps they were different. But if what her elder said was true, that they create and destroy as they please, what different were they from the murderer who instills their wrath because they can? Is it because they have the right to do so, as gods? Or is it just boredom? \n\n\"I do not think that I can create or destroy until I know who I am. Or, at least, some semblance of it. If I am to create, I wish for it to be meaningful. If I am to destroy, I wish for there to be a reason to. But perhaps, before anything, I must know as much as I can about this world and those that already inhabit it.\" She looked at Any, eyes wide. \"Can you help me?\"" }, { "author": ".gonkdroid", "message": "Any had not made any motion to assist the Godkin in stepping out of its shell, possibly because of the nature of her form. She would watch intently, listening carefully while looking toward the remnants of its cocoon, looking around for those rabbits that had seemed to be born alongside her.\n\nAny would not say anything when the Godling had started to question whether the Gods appreciated their powers or even considered their mortals, shifting in shape subtly as if she was uncomfortable or antsy. Perhaps her words had struck a chord, though nobody would be able to tell. Her already intense plain stare would focus on the Godkin and the Godkin alone, as she took steps to face her. She extended her and faced her palm towards them as if to motion to a moment of silence. \n\n\"If I, personally, were to make an assumption, I would assume that your definition of being a God would be... To accept the mantle of a concept, and take responsibility for it. If you cannot remember your former life, then look toward the one you have now. The first step you can make towards easing into Godhood is to create.\"\n\nHer gaze softens gently. The first real change to her shape in the time since they'd met.\n\n\"What name will you create for yourself, O God of Rabbits?\"" }, { "author": "glassbluejay", "message": "Her new throat was out of breath from her monologue, and so she let the other god speak. They had not met for long, but she had already gained some kind of affection – or was it reverence – from the older god. They must have experience in this world, and were more than worth listening to. Upon hearing their wisdom, the young god nodded thoughtfully. That assumption seemed to align with her beliefs, and the advice calmed her spirit with a sense of much needed direction. \n\n\"My name...\" \n\nHer vision went white. The world blurred into focus, whirling around a scene of long blades of grass flowing in the breeze and white billowing cloth hanging along a line. The word was on the tip of her tongue. In fact, she could see another person saying it. A woman, though she could only see the movement of her lips. The vision slipped from her grasp before she could make out the voice in the distance. \n\nThe young god pursed her lips and shut her eyes in frustration, slowly shaking her head. If she could not remember her old name, this new name will be the god's first creation. \n\n\"My name will be Ahrini,\" She said at last. Large red eyes focused on the older god. \"What is yours?\"" } ]	377	3,335
72	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "Olivia was walking from Taurus demiplane when she noticed another fire god being born. \"Hello?\" She then saw the godess jump and without thinking she turned to form two into a phenix and caught the godess and brought her back to the tree. When she turned back to her human form she scolded the young God. \"Are you nuts?! You could have died right after you were born! What possessed you to jump?!\" She then huffed and crossed her arms glaring at the godess" }, { "author": "flame_the_kitsune", "message": "\"The fact that I would have figured it out when I got closer to the ground. I suppose though I should thank you. Thank you..?\" The lilting questioning pause was accompanied by Maddie looking the figure before her up and down, a smile fliting across her face. \"I'm Maddie. Death isn't that worrying.\"" }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "She laughed \"I remember being just as crazy as you when I was first born... Be careful your carelessness will get you hurt. My carelessness got me corrupted by a god named Melancholia if she approaches you... RUN...\" She shuddered \"That god has caused me to hurt other gods... Out of anger" }, { "author": "flame_the_kitsune", "message": "\"It wouldn't be the first time that I've hurt someone out of anger... It's not pleasant. I appreciate the warning about Melancholia though, there's times that I would be all too happy to befriend someone like that.\" She stretches and looks up towards the woven sky of branches, a tendril of flame flowing from the tips of her fingers and curling around her wrist." }, { "author": "jesusfreak0294", "message": "\"Well if you ever need anything don't hesitate to call me ok? I'm here for you, us sisters of the flame need to stick together\" She smiled*" } ]	70	360
318.285714	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "valerios1234", "message": "Pathetic.\n\nAmong all the other fruits of the Mother Tree, there was one that seemed different from the rest. It did not radiate mischief or mayhem, stuffiness or structure, it simply Was. This fruit had an air of authority, and subconsciously suppressed the fruits around it. Some lost their luster. Other's, who might've been close to awakening, were persuaded into slumber once more.\n\nThis fruit resembled a pear in shape. Unlike a pear, however, it was the size of a human body and was colored gold. Not just any gold, but a deep, royal gold. The gold that shone. The gold that little boys dreamed of having, the gold that decorated the chambers of the empress.\n\nThe gold of a King.\n\nAs if some cosmic force had decided enough was enough, the fruit unceremoniously ripped open with a sound like tearing paper. The fruit burst cleanly- there was no juice to be found, just pieces of ripe gold flinging themselves haphazardly into the void. \n\nRevealing the god underneath.\n\nRufus' first thoughts were how horribly Bland This place was. He released a divine snort, his mane floating around his head like a flickering flame. Golden eyes observed all that went around him; his mingling brethren, the hanging fruits, the tree behind him.\n\nRufus shook his head. This place was utterly and truly Pathetic. He would have to fix that." }, { "author": "inventorykun", "message": "The frog god looks over, what is that noise? Sounds so terrible, it is barely but bearable. What could make such noises, what could be so so horrible? Frogbert looks up and gets it's answers instantly. A new fruit is ripe, but it doesn't fall 'mediately. Gold flakes start to fly overhead, this fruit looks to be quite rich in fact. The feeling of dread looks and comes over, the new god's presence is quite unbearable.\n\nFrogbert does not open it's mouth, yet it's deep voice echoes all throughout. \"Who is it who disturbs the peace of this land? Come forth now, talk, or forever stay silent.\" Such words we're spoken from the frog god's direction, catching the attention of the new god's admiration.\n\nThe potent aura of the fruit that has opened, made it's way all over to Frogbert. The place now had a stink of such odor, comparable to that of a child's disgusting behavior. The terrors in it's mind we're clear as day, this terrible god knows nothing but neigh. But as the balance of the world has to be kept, so does this god has it's place in this realm. Let them be evil, inert or a saint, they shouldn't cause such an attaint." }, { "author": "valerios1234", "message": "Rufus almost choked on his divine spit. Did he see a... Giant frog? Impossible. This was the tree of the divine. A tree where beings like him walked and talked. It was impossible. And yet, the frog did. An ugly thing, Rufus thought. He could immediately tell this was his brethren- one of the divine. Pathetic. A toad as a god? Gaia must be going senile. It was to be expected, of course.\n\nRufus released a snort at the frog's words. He floated downward- feet soon touching the branch. He supposed that the toad could not pick what it represented. He'd be nice, just this once.\n\n\"Who am I?\" Rufus rumbled. \"A being like you does not deserve to know my name. However, I shall be lenient this once. Carve this into your pitiful mind, burn this into your memory. A king now walks among you- a true god has revealed himself. I am... RUFUS!\"\n\nRufus punctuated the end of his sentence by releasing an earth-shattering roar. The whole tree wobbled from his might. Mortals closest to the roots would note the overwhelming urge to bow down before the tree immediately as this roar passed over them-\n\nThe roar of a supreme being.\n\nWith a slight smirk, Rufus crossed his arms, adopting a regal position. He looked almost lazy, uninterested. \"And who might you be, toad?\"" }, { "author": "inventorykun", "message": "Rough, rough, the toad starts to cough. The god just approached and it is quite tough. Being in his presence disturbs the toad's mind, being in this pleasance disturbed by his might. \n\n\"You bunch are always so so crazy, why must you be such a stir-crazy.\" Said the frog as it turned to the side, looking at the tree in all of it's might. It didn't like the disturbance, it would rather be alone, but it cannot be helped, even if it's presence was quite rebarbative. \n\n\"Say, why is thy aura.. So repellant. Not trying to be quite impellent, but the regality hurts one's state of rationality.\" Inquired the frog, oh yes it did, why was such an aura lingering in it's stead.\n\nThe god has finally answered, Rufus, as he says has quite the standard. Calling himself a king amongst gods, oh what a nitty. This god is such a joke, it is such a pity.\n\n\"One is named Frogbert, god of all swamps. Your pathetic little title has nothing to do with one's vital. Your intentions are unclear yet dangerous, hence they are heinous. One must not follow your pathetic little parade, one will not participate in such a cortege.\"\n\nNot even caring about it's visitor, the frog god jumped off the branch away from this inquisitor. Though the god may follow suit as it was just called a joke, it wouldn't really matter, the frog can just dirty it's suit." }, { "author": "valerios1234", "message": "Rufus first thought that the toad was coughing because it knew its existence was so pitiful that it could never even dare to breathe the same air Rufus did. His eyes then widened into full moons, and he released a low snarl. A warning, if anything. Rufus was being kind. After all, he had just been born. It was time for rejoicing!\n\n\"I am perfectly rational, toad.\" Rufus said, staring the frog in the eye. They were about the same height- no, the frog seemed to be a little taller than him. In which case, it was hard for Rufus to look down his nose at it.\n\n\"Frogbert? Such a foolish name, but it represents you well.\" Rufus said, dismissively waving it away. He had things to do, when-\n\n\"Your pathetic little title has nothing to do with one's vital. Your intentions are unclear yet dangerous, hence they are heinous. One must not follow your pathetic little parade, one will not participate in such a cortege.\"\n\nRufus paused. He was the God of Supremacy and Pride.\n\nAnd this toad had just dirtied his suit.\n\n\"WHAT?\" The self-proclaimed King roared. He leapt off of his branch after Frogbert. \"COME HERE, YOU HICCUPING FOOL!\" Rufus outstretched a claw after it, anger in his eyes and pumping through his veins. This frog had just insulted his pride. If he didn't see this through...\n\nHis name wasn't Rufus!" }, { "author": "inventorykun", "message": "Just as expected he followed it suit, it made him angrier than a raging brute. It wasn't much, it was expected, though the frog had to be careful not to be decapitated. As it hit the ground it's eyes had looked backwards, before being hit it would try to jump away, lakewards.\n\n\"What is it you rage so much at? I only speak of truth and that is that.\"\n\nTo be clear the frog knew what it did, but it did not matter, it dirtied it's suit and now it's angrier than a flatter blatter.\n\nThe frog continued to be quite stubborn, only making the god on the other side angrier. Jumping high up on the sky to avoid the raging ladybug, it could probably crush it like a little bug. No, that wouldn't be correct, he'll just continue avoiding it for the time being, if it comes to it it can always just escape when it is down to it.\n\n\"You do not scare one you big crying baby. Don't take this to heart but one is not quite intrigued. Leave one alone at once, what business do you have with a frog? Ignore your pride for a moment and rely on your sense now.\"\n\nSuch words were said once again, maybe the frog is making this worse.. Again. To be fair it wasn't really it's fault, I mean why could it be? It is only the god on the other end that wouldn't leave. It was rather annoying but it had to be seen through, I am losing my rhymes and it's quite hard to continue." }, { "author": "valerios1234", "message": "Rufus felt anger bubble up within him. His claws missed the frog, swiping only air futilely. Rufus released a low growl, pausing to get his footing. His leap and carried him all the way to the next branch. Yet, the frog had managed to dodge. Rufus knew it wasn't because Frogbert was a frog- all deities had the same power. Rather, Frogbert had time to get used to his power and strength. Much more time than Rufus.\n\nRufus turned his golden eyes to the bloated beast. He was right. A king did not dirty his hands so. He had face and pride to keep. Yet, Rufus felt as if this could be the only exception. He had just been born, and this frog had Dared Disrespect him.\n\nRufus released a snarl in response, crouching down low to the branch. \"Truth? Hmph.\" Rufus bared his teeth. \"Thou is too uncouth. Now you wish to run...\" Rufus was beginning to mock the frog, rhyming. \"But you were just having fun!\"\n\nThe lion lunged with such power that he left a sizeable crater. He flew toward the frog, claws outstretched, godly power filling his veins.\n\nHe missed his mark.\n\nRufus sailed over the frog, overshooting and overestimating the amount of divinity needed for that lunge. He flew right over that branch and slammed into another, thoroughly burying himself into it. A cloud of dust exploded outward from the collision.\n\nIn any case, it was the perfect chance for Frogbert as Rufus regained his bearings. A snarl resounded from the hole Rufus had created within the branch." } ]	323	2,228
322.6	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": ".gonkdroid", "message": "As she had done once before, the Spectral and Unknown Goddess of the Void had made herself an appearance at the birth of another God. It was not fully clear whether or not it was happenstantial or purposeful, only that she was now here and witnessing the nascence of another deity, akin to the late Goddess of Rabbits she'd met many cycles ago. The equally-as-tall dark figure of the Void stepped in an obscuring black mist, stupefying the light to allow for her movements to remain unknown.\n\nShe paused and withstood the blizzard that had kicked itself up in the wake of a new birth, black mist dropping every particle towards the ground like an invisible barrier. Despite her distinct lack of irises, her gaze could clearly and distinctly be made out amid the heavy snowfall towards the newly born Godkin. Her misty feminine figure tilted its head, moving towards the being with slow, methodical footfalls that could be seen, but not heard.\n\nDespite her obfuscated intentions, the Goddess stopped short only a few lunges away. Her strangely, otherworldly voice beckoned to the newborn Goddess from many directions of the ear.\n\n\"Greetings, Newborn Godkin. It seems I've been made present by the greater force of entropy to welcome you into the world, despite my distinct saying-so. I trust you understand the circumstances behind your abrupt passing away from your previous life. Alternatively, perhaps you cannot recall them at all, as many of your predecessors have.\"\n\nShe places her hands together, steepling them as she questions the Goddess.\n\n\"Respond, if you'd like.\"\n\n```we'll post here to avoid cluttering the channel itself```" }, { "author": "cherryvious", "message": "Aurora was quite new to everything, she literally had just been born. So when this new God showed up she had no idea what to expect, as they mentioned Entropy she was a bit confused. Sure, Aurora understood what the word meant but it was an odd way to welcome someone.\n\n\"I am Aurora, Goddess of Winter, Justice and the North.\" She spoke her first words, which came out powerful. Not in a hostile way, but she was asserting her identity. As asked about passing away she shook her head gently.\n\n\"I... Do not remember anything. Was I supposed to?\"" }, { "author": ".gonkdroid", "message": "The Dark Goddess gazed upon the tall female with an expressionless gaze, almost as if staring into a mask. She did not have a smile nor a frown, and no change in her eyes told of anything that could be going on inside the inner machinations of her mindscape. A mystery, although she did not seem hostile from the way she kept a respectful distance, and did not force the Nascent Goddess into any undesirable situation, although her tact was a little more than lacking.\n\n\"A proclamation of Domain upon their first few words? Interesting. It seems you have eased into the role of a deity quite easily, Godkin. Most would struggle to understand the weight of those words, perhaps you are the same. I don't discredit your words, however. It is most pleasing to make your acquaintance, O Goddess of Winter.\"\n\nThe Goddess extends her arms out to their fullest wingspan, allowing for a small wave of Black Mist to drape down from her shoulders, almost like a cape made of gas. She dissipated the cape and condensed it into a black orb in her palm, creating a beautiful pearlescent sphere that encapsulated the starry void that lay above them beyond the World Tree's safety.\n\n\"I am the Goddess of the Void, Herald of Entropy. You can call me Anything, but most have taken a liking to calling me 'Any'.\"\n\nShe too, had seemed to reveal no trace of ill intention in her many voices. \n\n\"That question is not one that I can answer for you. Many will not remember their pasts because of Trauma, Amnesia, or otherwise outside influences. Only time can tell whether you cannot, or Will not Recall your memories. But there is no requirement of it, it only serves to make readjusting to life here a little easier, or perhaps a little harder. You are not any less of a God for not remembering.\"\n\nDespite how matter-of-fact she sounded, it did seem that she was consoling the Nascent Goddess. At minimum, she seemed to have a respect for her." }, { "author": "peachmel.", "message": "Suddenly the once stilt and cold air was interrupted by the smell of pomegranate. It was an indicator of the presence of one of the goddesses, her story had started a long time ago. From afar, her presence could be felt as she slowly got closer watching from the entrance of the upper branches, Xantara, the goddess of love was observing the birth of another goddess. Watching the blizzard and the goddess of the void, with a gentle smile. She watched her greet her, and once the beautiful shiny goddess answered. \n\nThe goddess of love smiled at the name of this newborn. Peace and virtue... What a goddess with a nice temper. Once the both of them had introduced themselves, the goddess of love got closer, the most beautiful goddess, after all, she was the impersonation of beauty. As she got closer she stood beside her sister. \n\n\"You are not supposed to.\" Said Xantara, smiling. \"Hello, sisters.\" She mentioned with a gentle tone. She was not threatening, in fact she was the goddess of motherhood and fertility as well. \n\n\"It is nice meeting you and welcoming you to our family.\" She chuckled before fixing her white dress, to not be overshadowed by the nascent goddess, in her dress different flowers were blooming, changing her white dress to have a bit of color. \n\n\"The goddess of Void has surely already introduced herself, and I am glad you two met...\" Then she sighed remembering he had to introduce herself. The pink-skinned goddess chuckled once again, smiling.\n\n\"My name is Xantara the goddess of Love, Fertility, and Motherhood... And of course of beauty as well.\" She turned at the goddess of the Void, and smiled.\n\n\"It is nice to see you again, and... Nice to meet you, Goddess of Winter, your beauty truly brightens up this place.\" Xantara placed her hands on her waist opening her wings gently, her way of moving was always moving her hips, of course, it was her nature, yet, despite being a little petty, she was nice and respected everyone, as well as truly she loved everyone." }, { "author": "cherryvious", "message": "Aurora listened to the one she now knows the name of is Any. To be fair, she was suprised herself that she had made such a powerful proclamation for her first words... But it felt right, she couldn't cower away from her duties.\n\n\"I hope to one day remember, but it is not of great importance. If I needed my memories, I'd have them.\"\n\nAurora's head turned as a new goddess appeared. One that smelled of pomegranate that mixed with the icy air. She felt that this new Goddess was not hostile, thoug Aurora struggled to figure out which pair of eyes she should be looking at as her own gaze kept switching between Xantras different eyes.\n\n\"Xantara, it is nice to meet you. I do not know what to expect from this new world... So it's good of both of you to have greeted me.\"\n\nAurora softly smiled as she was told about her beauty. She knew she wasn't as beautiful as Xantara, but it didn't bother her. While beauty was nice, it did not matter for Aurora achieving her goals.\n\n\"I hope you do not mind, but I have some questions.\" She paused, before going to say her questions. She didn't hide her curiosity. \"You two seem to be allies... But, are there those who I should beware of?\"" }, { "author": ".gonkdroid", "message": "Any's head tilted upon detecting the familiar scent of pomegranate, her eye-less gaze swerving slowly toward the direction of Xantara, prompting her to take a few steps to the side to allow her room to stand beside her and meet Aurora. She did not say anything initially, although it was more from a lack of appropriate timing rather than nervousness. She returned to tenting her hands together and remaining in thought until she was spoken to, her head nodding slowly towards Xantara.\n\n\"Likewise, Goddess of Love. It has been quite some time since my brief appearance inside of your realm. I trust the event you had planned has gone as was planned accordingly, and all those present had a pleasant time?\" She looks back towards the Nascent Goddess.\n\nThe Goddess of the Void detected a strange but familiar fervor within the Sprouting God, a sort of passion that seemed to fuel them towards some goal she could not quite grasp yet. It piqued her interest but found that it would be more entertaining to watch it unfold naturally. Her black shape began to glimmer softly with white speckles, her white hands splotching with flecks of black. She looked like the stars above, a Kaleidoscope of beauty that, although not as blatant as Xantara, held it's own in a strangely silent way.\n\n\"Every God here has a distinct domain and nature that may be attractive or repulsive to another. It is a matter of perspective. As far as I am concerned, I do not have any particulars that you should remain wary of, save for the God-Eater, Edon. Although, he has since passed, and has reincarnated as the Goddess Thana. The specifics of those events are not yet clear to me, so I cannot provide enlightenment on it as of now.\"\n\nShe pauses for a moment, as if thinking of something else. After a moment, she resumes speaking.\n\n\"The Unending, however, is a blatant force of destruction. A danger to all Deities, although only when provoked, under normal circumstances. Perhaps Xantara can offer her insight.\"" }, { "author": "peachmel.", "message": "As she turned towards the void goddess, the stars above her skin were shining as they revealed the whole universe. They were shining just for them. There was so much that Xantara couldn't see. She looked to the side. She did remember some of hers. That woman, that man, just one thing everybody wanted. She bowed and chuckled when Aurora couldn't quite decide on which of her eyes could she focus on.\n\n\"It is great to meet you as well Aurora. Please, just focus on my bottom eyes if that is easier for you.\" She chuckled once again, they were the melody of the river at night. She turned to face Any, as an ally. She smiled gently and her wings closed in a gentle manner revealing a more submissive version of the love goddess, after all, she was short and skinny. \n\n\"The event was very nice Any... You should have stayed a bit longer. I gave everyone a gift.\" A rush, a glance... And maybe a dance. She nodded as the Void goddess explained. Her four eyes locked on the young goddess, as she just kept nodding.\n\n\"Oh, Thana... We shared a wonderful dance in her carnage realm. She was so beautiful yet, she was dangerous, we must be careful around her...\" She whispered. She turned at Any thinking about the Unending.\n\n\"It is a frightening force indeed, for your good you shall not engage or provoke The unending... That force could kill a god and its creatures in a flash.\" She smiled before opening her wings and rising for a moment.\n\n\"Well... Those who you must be wary of are... Well, I don't like... Thana as for now... Yahir,\" Someone who unappreciated her beauty... \"But out of that... You will have to make your allies darling. For now, you can count on me.\"" }, { "author": "cherryvious", "message": "Aurora would listen to the two. As she heard of the one known as Thana, she made a mental note to be careful around them. Though as she heard of the unending, Aurora tilted her head. What could be so powerful it instantly kills Gods?\n\n\"I'll keep that in mind... But, what is the unending? How does it kill Gods?\"" }, { "author": ".gonkdroid", "message": "\"It is truly a shame I could not remain in person. However, I remained in trace and witnessed the happenings of the event unfold, for better or worse. It was a pleasant thing. Your gift would be lost on me, underappreciated, and kept in the clutches of a Goddess who takes far too much time to appreciate the things they have. It's better that I did not receive one, so I may not end up upsetting you in some inevitable way.\" \n\nShe glances over to Aurora for a moment, before her head turns back towards Xantara at the mention of the Goddess of Bloodlust. Her shoulders shrug and move around for a moment as she looks down at Xantara's figure idly. \n\n\"The Goddess of Memories and Bloodlust. I am well aware of her volatile nature; Edon seems to continue to inhabit the Mortal Goddess' body. I detect within the Void that my demi-god, Ezgi, has made a close connection with her. I am curious to see where it goes if she does not get eviscerated by the Goddess of Bloodlust's violent tantrums. Perhaps she will be an ally. Perhaps not.\"\n\nShe turns once more to Aurora, her hand extending outward ever-so-slightly to allow her palm to face the sky, A black pearl of the void appears in her hand, followed by a spider-like macabre entity with a deer-head entering from under her fingers, simulated by the void's mist. The pearl breaks apart, and the deer monster grabs chunks of it and seems to eat them.\n\n‎ \n\"This is a representation of the Unending. They are dangerously powerful but ultimately do not openly attack without provocation. Not much is known of their origins, but it is suspected they are older than this universe, and perhaps older than many of those before. They wait for the natural death of a God, absorbing their domain and digesting every mortal, every construct, every soul, and every bit of essence until nothing is left. That is what makes them so dangerous.\"\n\nThe beast in her hand finishes eating the pearl, growing larger before letting out a quiet, terrible cry. It dissipates as Any moves her hand back down, destroying the terrible simulation. \n\n\"It is powerful because it is old, as is the nature of most Gods here. They are among the oldest. The Unending aside, I do not have much more information to share with you. I hope that explanation was satisfactory to your curiosity about it. Is there anything else you might want to ask before you begin your peregrination to Godhood?\"" }, { "author": "peachmel.", "message": "Xantara could feel something crawl under her skin. Maybe it was a feeling she was not used to. Her eyes focused on the woman beside her, it was just the three of them under the roots. Her eyes stared down at Any. She was so wise. She gave her some decency. For a moment, Xantara couldn't help but feel... Amazed. The black pearl was so beautiful. Her eyes were focused on it as the representation was drawn. There was snow falling over her heart, thinking the feeling would flash away, the bitter taste of her fury...\n\nShe looked away as she felt a little bit uncomfortable. Xantara thought and stared at the ground for a moment. She was silent. That being was not gone, it was in the trees, its footsteps on the ground. They were here everywhere, and no one could defeat it.\n\nShe fixed her dress, and pulled out two cards.\n\n\"I am afraid I must get going sisters... But you two are invited to my love ball...\" She said as she vanished with the air turning into pixie dust." } ]	357.5	3,226
393.222222	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "sen025051", "message": "Light.\n\n\"Ah, here we go again. I wonder what kind of world is waiting for me.\"\n\nKIARA was lost in her thoughts as her consciousness was transferring from one world to another, a process which took very little time, but each time, it did not fail to make her ask questions. Was she the only one who had this ability? Who bestowed it upon her? Is it a curse, or a blessing? \nMany, so many questions unanswered, and unanswered they shall forever remain, as they did already for seven lifetimes.\n\nOn the upper branches of the sacred tree, where fruits of splendid sight adorned the tree like jewels, hanging from the branches, one particular fruit stood out: it was an apple, yet not quite shiny or bright red as the other ones. It had a dark, deep red and brown, obviously signs rotting. Were it not for this one apple, the tree would've been considered perfect. \n\nThump.\n\nThe rotten apple fell to the ground, as if accepting its abnormal nature, and deciding to sacrifice itself so the tree could retain its quintessential beauty. It would have been its fate to rot away, alone on the ground, and perish under the mercy of time. \nHowever, fate had other plans for the pitiful fruit.\nIt started with a shake, then a pause... One, two seconds- suddenly, rattling, in such a frantic manner that was almost eerie. The rattling only increased until it reached its climax, and finally, split into two and bid its final adieu with a blinding light-\n\nThe sudden acquisition of a new body obviously wasn't going to let her have immediate motion control over everything, so she fell to her knees. Her eyes slowly opened, revealing a pair of beautiful golden orbs under the layers of pink, silky hair that covered her front vision. As her consciousness familiarized with the new vessel, she brought up her hands, extending her arms, checking front and back; pale, slim fingers, and such pretty nails. \n\nWait, this isn't the body of a newborn- what is happening? \nThis is certainly a first- up until now, she had always started a life from zero; did she perhaps possess another body? Or did she just... Get birthed out like this? Where are the parents?\nDespite the questions speedly entering her mind, she was still calm and rational. See, she never gets agitated- ever. Kiara's attempt to stand up on her legs proved unsuccessful as her heavy wings dragged her down to the ground again, causing her to let out a grunt as she hit the floor.\n\n\"What the fuck?\" She shifted her head over to look at the giant pair of wings located at her hips with a frown, sparing no room for a refined vocabulary.\n\n\"No way. At the Hips? That's gotta be the most useless place for wings ever. How am I even gonna walk like this? Goddammit.\"" }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "The Wheatmother had been hovering above one of the upper branches of the World Tree, sorting through some of her finest stalks of wheats and casting those deemed unworthy into the void below, when the sudden thump of a fruit falling next to her caught her attention. She sent her unborn sibling a disinterested glance, her hundreds of eyes moving at once, though her eyebrow did raise slightly as she watched the fruit began to shake and eventually hatch. Scratch that, it did interest her, if only because it was the first time that she had seen one of her fellows being born.\n\nThe goddess wasted no time in letting the newborn deity know of her presence. \"You could always get rid of them.\" The Wheatmother was in her true form, an eldritch monstrosity of wheat and sickles and a rope of locust corpses, but to demonstrate her point, as well as get properly dressed to meet her sister, her shape changed. Her form warped and twisted until she was a young human woman in her early twenties. Her golden braids cascaded down her shoulders like stalks of wheat as she placed a hand on her hip. A woven basket contained the wheat stalks that she had chosen to keep, propped up by her other arm.\n\n\"Your shape is as malleable as any of our kinds', little sister.\" She scoffed, the childish aspect being the one in charge at the moment. \"After all, we Are Gods.\" A wild claim for someone who had just been reborn, but Triticea was radiant. Resplendent, in a quiet way, and physically perfect in a way that only the divine could achieve. She knew firsthand how confusing it was to be born, the hazy blur that her mind had been when she had first awakened from a divine stalk of wheat into the goddess she was today. As such, she had the mercy to drop the bomb on her new sister right away, rather than hanging the question over the younger god's face. She didn't introduce herself yet, though, not wanting to overload her poor newborn sibling with information right away." }, { "author": "felix30", "message": "Vaias roamed the world tree, hoping to find anyone that could tell him about... Well, about anything. He had only just appeared here, after all. None of his other parts had found anything interesting yet, so he still had no clue as to where he was. So, he walked along the branches calmly, his head swivelling from side to side, paying attention to everything around him.\n\nAfter a little while of this, Vaias finally heard something that wasn't the soft rustling of leaves. A voice. Good, another being was close.\n\nSpeeding up his pace, he sought for the source of the sound. Ah, there! The person- no, the deity, they felt divine just like him- looked very different from Vaias. The biggest difference, of course, being that they had no feathers. \"Understandable,\" He muttered to himself, inaudible to others. \"Ah- another one?\"\n\nHe could see another deity, this one not standing. They had no feathers either, but did have wings. Although, theirs weren't owl wings, like Vaias' own. They were feathered, but their shape was very different. And...\n\n\"Wings on the hips?\" He questioned, not really expecting either of the two to respond. \"Strange... Oh, but we can take our forms however we want to, can we not? In that case, I won't judge another's decisions..\"\n\nAs he spoke, Vaias waved his hands through the air. \"Oh!\" He exclaimed suddenly. \"I should not be standing to the side here! Hello, dear fellow deities. I am Vaias, God of Truth, of Fact, and of Owls. Might I, perhaps, know your names as well?\"" }, { "author": "sen025051", "message": "As she stood up- slowly and carefully this time- in a second attempt to walk, it, too, resulted in a failure, but not due to the heavy wings this time, but due to the sight before her. Her gaze lingered on the figure in astoundment, it surely was a sight to behold, though she wasn't That Shocked- she had seen worse creatures, though this definitely goes on her top ten, or top seven... \n\n\"Are you a scarecro- Oh nevermind.\" She left the rude inquiries unfinished, probably for the best. Prudent, shrewd eyes scanned the stranger up and down, following their every movement down to the smallest of details. Several speculations started invading her mind at an unprocessable rate: Isitsentient?Whatpowersdoesithave?Isthisadream?Isittheboogeyman?Isitharmful?Willitki-\n\n\"-little sister.\" \n\n\"Little... What? This... Thing* Is...\"\nGolden eyes went wide and just stared for a few seconds. Her mouth opened to comment, until another unexpected information was delivered, leaving her stupefied.\n\n\"GODS.\"\n\nA disbelieving, almost wicked-sounding chuckle escaped her lips; the vast opportunities this absurd idea would present... It can't be, or can it? \n\n\"...Hold up- you said gods? You-\" She laughed lightly in between sentences, as if it would make the situation any less farcible. \"You- wow.\" Having only led human lives, the possibility of being reborn as a deity had only crossed her mind once in a while in the form of wishful thinking. Her brilliant mind, however, was rapid to alter from stupefaction to Thinking. Thinking; opening her mind the hundreds, if not thousands of ways this lifetime could go. This Infinite* Lifetime.\n\nWhatamicapableofdoing?Iseverythingwithoutconsequences?Wouldibeabletokillthisthinginfrontofme?Whatabout-\n\nBefore her train of (sociopathic) thoughts could arrive at its final destination, her eyes were met with a new creature. More... Animalesque, but definitely a more digestible view than the awful monster before. She hated the number of eyes it had; yikes.\n\nNames, huh. Kiara pondered upon the question, and simply stared back into the eyes that shared the same amber in silence as she thought about a name.\n\n\"...Cupid.\"\n\nYes, that goofy ass baby with wings. It's perfect. She shifted to a more comfortable position, sitting on the floor with knees brought to her chest, arms around her legs: a defensive body language that openly suggests she is lost and in distress. However, as a sign of trust, she didn't avoid eye contact with the two. It's just like dealing with animals.\n\n\"Uhm, sorry... I'm not sure if I'm able to follow. Am I really a... God?\" Her previous tone, carefree, almost boy-ish, and confident, changed to a more meek, docile one, to convince the two strangers she is not a threat- which she really isn't, as of now." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "The Wheatmother glanced at the newcomer, still in her humanoid form, then back to her newborn sister. She chose to address the youngest deity's questions first, if only because her name was hardly a pressing issue. \"A god. Or goddess, in your case. As am I. As is he.\" She nodded at Vaias. \"Divine fruits sprouted from the World Tree.\" She gestured downwards at the genuinely massive structure that was now very clearly a tree, and at the void that the roots sank into. \"I'm afraid you won't find any mortals up here. The concentration of our Mother Gaia's power can only be endured by deities like us.\"\n\nIt was now that she finally addressed the question that Vaias had asked her. She placed a hand on her chest, nodding at the others. \"As for me... I have a lot of names. Wheatmother, the Great Locust, the goddess of the harvest.\" As per usual, she introduced herself with the epithets that rolled off the tongue rather than her actual domains, which sounded much less impressive than simply Harvest. \"But to my siblings... That means you two, I am Triticea.\" She gave them a short, elegant bow befitting of Triticea Genetrix, but she spoke with that same casual diction of Triticea Pueri.\n\nShe strolled towards her younger sister, shoots of wheat growing where her feet had been moments prior. Kneeling down so that she was level with Cupid, she hummed and nodded. \"Cupid... I could have sworn I've heard that name before.\" She shrugged. \"Oh well.\" She held out an open palm, and the goddess performed something that, in most worlds, was an impossibility. Such was the power of the gods, to create something from nothing at all, as a shimmering golden apple appeared in her hand.\n\nWith an outstretched hand she offered the apple to the youngest deity, hoping to quell whatever fears she might have. Should Cupid take the apple, she would find it to be surprisingly sweet, divinely tasty. Whether her sister took her offered fruit or not, though, Triticea stood and offered another hand to her." }, { "author": "felix30", "message": "Vaias nodded to Cupid, and answered her question: \"Yes, the three of us are all gods. Were you not able to know this on your own?\"\n\nIt took him a few seconds- much too long, honestly- to realize how rude he sounded. \"Ah, apologies,\" He continued quickly. \"I did not mean to belittle you. All I meant was that I, myself, was able to... Inherently know what I am, though it took me a little while to realize. I understand it won't be the case for all of us, of course.\"\n\nAnother detail sprung into his mind even later. This Cupid goddess was acting quite strangely. Vaias had not seen a lot of the conversation between Triticea and her, but hadn't Cupid laughed, just as he came in sight? \"Hmm, that is odd..\" He mumbled to himself, inaudible to the two goddesses. \"No, not at all- she was in denial, hm? It is likely hard to grasp divinity if you do not know it.. Or, know it __yet__, I suppose.\"\n\nBut, now he was missing half of the conversation. Triticea was now holding... A golden fruit? She offered it to Cupid, though Vaias had trouble understanding why. \"Oh well,\" He shrugged. If it was relevant, he could always ask. He wasn't above admitting that he had not been listening; after all, he could not help having been distracted. For all that he had only existed for a short while, Vaias knew his mind could jump from thought to thought quickly, if given the chance." }, { "author": "sen025051", "message": "Cupid registered the two in her mind as Creatures; something beyond her current understanding. Possibly dangerous? Doesn't look like it, considering she is one of them. For now, the best course of action should be to play nice, and learn as much as possible, especially about what powers she might hold. She looked down at her wings, lightly flapping them to test her control over them. She had to admit: they were quite pretty, and their location made them unique. Before testing any other powers though, she keenly listened to the explanation given by the woman. Vaias' seemingly condescending words didn't affect her much; she was never one to care about other people's opinions. She smiled at him and waved her hands to reassure him;\n\n\"Don't worry about it!\" Now, she seemed to be getting more comfortable with their presence.\n\nIn response to the Wheatmother's bow, she nodded to mirror the greeting, while remaining in a sitting position.\n\n\"I see... Thank you.\" Cupid took the apple and immediately bit into it. The first bite made her realize that she was goddamn Starving, and the following bites were more barbaric. Juice leaked from her mouth, though she made sure to not make anything drip down by using the back of her hand to wipe the divine sap. No manners, it would seem. The extreme hunger made her devour the poor apple in mere seconds, but you can't possibly blame her; the parents from her previous life gave her little to no food.\n\nCurious eyes looked at the surviving part, the core, of the apple. In just a bit, it turned into dust. Cupid smirked, mouth still full and chewing; her gaze held subtle undertones of insanity.\n\n\"Okay, so you're Triticea. Got it. And you must be?\" Her eyes shifted to the owl, though internally, she was more focused on what she could do with her powers, rather than the identity of this other god." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "The Lady of the Harvest watched in mild amusement as her little sister devoured the apple with no shred of mercy. Well, she supposed that being born must surely be a difficult process. She could not remember it well herself, her mind too blurry shortly after her awakening to really call herself anything more than a beast. Regardless, she had no compunctions about giving voice to that thought. \"My, you must have been hungry from your birth.\" She lightly chuckled. \"If you're still hungry, you can try out your new authority over creation.\"\n\nIf the goddess noticed the psychotic nature of her sister before her, she didn't mention it. Gently, she tugged on the younger goddess' hand to help her to her feet. Stepping over to the edge of the World Tree's branches, she gestured for the others to join her. As far as she could glean, both of them seemed relatively new, so they might not have seen the view yet. Looking over the edge, the bark of the World Tree seemed to stretch out impossibly long, longer than a mortal could even see. The beholders this time, though, were not mortal, and they would also be treated to the sight of the glow of the realms below.\n\n\"You'd best start out by making your own realms to dwell in.\" She advised. It was the very first thing that she had done, after all, and it had provided her a place of endless leisure and comfort. Well, save for the times that her Guardian nagged her into going out and getting some social interaction, but that was hardly relevant at the moment. \"You'll never get an ounce of privacy if you live on the World Tree.\" Her way of speaking was more refined now, the Genetrix exuding a greater influence over her at the moment.\n\n The winds that tended to roar through the Upper Branches, winds that would have torn mortal asunder in seconds, felt like a cool autumn's breeze upon the backs of the gods as they stared down into the lower parts of the Mother and the realms, the sight of all of creation since the Mother had created them." }, { "author": "felix30", "message": "Vaias watched Cupid eat the apple in mild disgust. Nothing showed on his face, however; he did not want to judge someone for how they ate. And besides, who knew how He Would eat? Vaias had not eaten at all since his birth, so he wouldn't know if he was just as bad. Having a beak could prove to make things difficult, even though he wasn't really planning on eating. He didn't need it, so why bother?\n\nWhen she asked for his name, he looked up, slightly surprised. \"Ah? She didn't hear me the first time?\" He mumbled to himself. \"Oh well- I am Vaias, the God of Truth, of Fact, and of Owls. It's a pleasure to meet you.\"\n\nHe followed after Triticea, looking over the edge. From here, he could finally see something that wasn't endless branches and leaves; instead, he could now see the realms at the bottom of the world tree. \"It seems very small from here, doesn't it?\" He thought aloud. \"It looks very... Patchy, too. Those are other gods' realms, I'm assuming?\"\n\nVaias had only one thing he disagreed with in Triticea's advice. He told her: \"Actually, I'd like to see some other realms for myself, before creating my own. Just to see what the others have done, and what has yet to be made. I wouldn't want to create my realm, just to discover that another has made the exact same thing on the other side of the world, hm?\"" }, { "author": "sen025051", "message": "Oh right, he had already mentioned his name (my fault teehee). \n\n\"Whoopsie-daisy.\" She said in a child-like manner, scratching the back of her head while sticking her tongue out. \"You must forgive me. It's a pleasure for me too.\" She smiled innocently, looking like a child purposely acting nice after making a mistake.\nCupid looked at the hand offered to her, then at the Wheatmother's eyes, then back to the hand. It was not out of suspicion, or anything, really. She took her hand and got up to her feet; the woman's hand was warm, and kinda nice, strangely enough. It felt like... A guardian's- a mother's- touch. Befitting of her name. Thanks to her, she didn't have any trouble standing, this time around. \nCupid looked down at her legs, realizing she was barefoot, and wiggled her toes a bit.\n\n\"Try out my \"New authority over creation\", huh? Gee, they really like to use big words.\"\n\nFormidable beings, formidable vocabulary. Now, Triticea's suggestion sounded quite welcoming, so Cupid couldn't help but listen. With a clean-sounding snap of her finger, suddenly, she was wearing sandals. A satisfied smile tugged at her lips, and before she could play around more, Triticea's voice made her notice she was behind them. Gosh, she could get Really Carried away in this world. It took only a quick run to catch up and she halted right behind them, golden orbs shifting left and right between them as they spoke. Confusion painted her face before realizing they were talking about the scenery underneath, and she moved next to Triticea (being the one she was most comfortable with, since, you know, she didn't look like a huge owl).\nWhile Cupid lived many lives, none of them offered such a great view, especially right after birth. Her breath was taken away by this divine landscape, while a delicate wind played with her long, flowing hair that fluttered in the air like gentle waves of the ocean. \n\n\"Wow.\" Was all she could say in the moment.\n\nBefore long though, her megalomaniac side took over again once they started talking about realms. \"Make... Realms? Like, worlds? Well, I'd very much like to see that too!\"" }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "Triticea nodded as the two introduced themselves and asked their questions. \"Those are the realms of the other gods yes.\" She confirmed, thuogh she raised an eyebrow at what Vaias had said. Well, she suposed she understood, even if she wouldn't subscribe to such a cautious ideology herself. It took a god naught but a wave of their hand to alter their realm as they so pleased. If he ever decided to change aesthetic, it would take barely any effort. Still, she couldn't fault him for wanting to take some time to make a decision. He was young, after all, and likely didn't comprehend the scope of the powers granted to him by the Mother Gaia.\n\nCupid's confusion was understandable as well. Her own realm had been created more out of instinct than of thought, and so she understood that newly ripened fruits from the World Tree would have a little trouble getting the hang of things. \"That's right. I've heard tell that one of our sisters wants to combine our realms into a... World, but so far we've just got our own domains, scattered throughout the World Tree.\" From up here, the gods would be able to see several dozen different realms. A world of ice falling to pieces here, a paradise of wheat and baking there, even kingdoms and mortals bustling around in the world below. From up here, the gods could see it all.\n\nHer gaze flickered over to her youngest sister as she paused, raising an eyebrow again. \"Say, sis.\" She hummed, returning to the more casual vocabulary of Triticea Pueri. \"Do you know what your divine portfolios are?\" Most gods were born with that knowledge, like herself, but a few of them took a few minutes to really comprehend everything, to know what concept or emotion or Thing That the Mother Goddess had seen fit to grant them authority over. Still, she realised that Cupid might not understand what that meant yet, being so new, and so she elaborated. \"As I am the goddess of the harvest and he, Truth,\" She nodded at Vaias, \"What domains do you claim?\"" }, { "author": "felix30", "message": "Vaias paid little attention to the two goddesses, as he took the time to really look at the realms below. Each of them was different- even if there were some common patterns. All of them had Some Form of life, whether it was plants or animals. \"What's that one doing...?\" Vaias muttered, looking upon a pure white realm. \"Is it.. Falling apart? That's strange...\"\n\n\"Say, Triticea,\" He said aloud. \"One of those realms seems... Almost like it has experienced some sort of disaster. Do you happen to know who its deity is?\" Though, he could probably make a guess as to their domains. A god of earthquakes, maybe? Or, natural disasters in general, considering the blizzards.\n\nOh well, it didn't matter much. Vaias continued looking over the world, clicking his beak and waving his hands as he went. \"So many interesting things, hm? I could head there, see what it's all about..\"" }, { "author": "sen025051", "message": "Hm, so the world as a whole hasn't been created yet. Interesting. \nThey were like different colors splattered onto a single canvas, each varying in hue, tint, tone and shade. Despite the messy mix, it was still a beautiful piece of artwork, and Cupid made sure to appreciate such work by eyeing each one of the realms with interest.\n\"Uh, domains?\" She spoke as her head turned to Triticea, although her eyes kept studying the other realms. Somehow, she already knew the answer, as if it was engraved into her as soon as her soul was transferred into this world.\n\nChaos and deception.\n\nDeception... That does sound quite fun, doesn't it, now?\n\n\"Luck and wealth. Yes, that's it. How weird, how do I know this?\" She lied as naturally as she breathed, eyes now shifting to Triticea, as if looking for an answer to her question in the sagacious god. Was it even possible to lie to them? Doesn't hurt to try. At least she hoped so. Worlds usually have a black and white vision about things; good triumphs, evil goes down. If this goes well, perhaps, she could get an upper hand, and the game will also get more intriguing. \nWhen Vaias spoke, she looked down at the realms again, searching for the one he pointed out.\n\n\"Looks like someone had fun.\" She jested sarcastically." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "She didn't even follow his gaze, knowing well what he was talking about. \"That was once the home of Ica, the Winter. As for what happened to him... Our Mother, the World Tree.\" She gestured at the tree below. \"He slumbered for many years and neglected his duty. As such, the Mother saw fit to reclaim his essence, to shape it into something new.\" Whether it was the actual truth or not remained unknown, but it was what the Wheatmother believed to be the absolute truth. \"Always remember to pursue the duties your domains entail, you two. Be it spreading war and strife or peace and love, the World Tree saw fit that we all exist for a reason. So long as we continue to carry out our purpose, we will continue on.\" The Genetrix spoke now, a dire warning on her tone of what happened to those gods that turned their backs on their duties.\n\nTriticea Genetrix finally deigned that realm worthy of her gaze, an odd expression on her eyes as she watched it crumble. She looked less sad that he was gone and more annoyed, as if she wanted to tell the dead god \"I told you so.\" How many times had she warned the others to stick to their purposes, and how many times had they brushed her warnings aside? She did not revel in his death, but she could hardly feel sorry for her fallen brother when he had neglected his purpose for so long. \"When one of our kin's essence returns to the World Tree, their realms crumble to nothing to create space for the new deity to be born in their place.\" She explained.\n\nThe goddess of the Harvest spared her younger sister an unreadable glance before returning to the sight of the crumbling realm with a noncommittal noise. If she disbelieved her, she certainly didn't call her out on it, instead accepting what the other deity had told her. She wondered who would be the next to fall. With how few of her siblings actually bothered to listen to her warnings, the deaths of more of them was all but inevitable as far as she was concerned. Well, it would be their faults." }, { "author": "felix30", "message": "As Cupid spoke, Vaias furrowed his brows, alarm bells going off in his mind. He didn't have a clue as to Why They went off, however. \"Och, 'tis probably nothing,\" He thought. \"Although, she is being... Quite rude. That must be it, then?\"\n\nHis frown only grew deeper when Triticea continued speaking. \"Ica... Oh, oh, such a terrible fate he met with...\" It was truly a shame, that one could neglect his duties to the point of being deemed Unfit For the role he had been created for.\n\nVaias looked back at the Wheatmother. \"Thank you for this warning, Triticea,\" He spoke. \"I, fortunately, have no plans of abandoning my purpose. There is simply too much to see, too much to discover. I do not know if I'll ever have learned all there is to learn.\"\n\nHe may not be the god of learning, or of teaching, but Vaias Was The god of Truth and Fact. The truth must be spread to all those who would hear it. That, Vaias felt, may just be his purpose for existing." }, { "author": "sen025051", "message": "Cupid listened carefully to Triticea's lesson. Despite the heavy words, and the example used of the late God as a warning, she didn't think it was That Deep. \"He must have been an idiot\", she thought, feeling no sympathy, or any emotion at all, for what had happened to him; how hard can it be to do your job as a God? Perhaps she, born as a bringer of Chaos, could never understand. \nAs for Vaias, Cupid noticed his dirty looks, but simply ignored them. I mean, for her, he's just a bird.\nThe goddess then stretched her arms in front of her, hands tangled, lightly groaning as she brought them up, and ultimately fell again to her sides as she let out a final sigh. \n\n\"Is there more I have to learn?\" Although she sounded bored, she was far from it. \"Oh wait,\" She held a finger up, a smile suggesting she just had a nice idea. \"Why don't we visit a realm? I mean, I would like that, y'know, exploring et cetera...\" She spoke as a hand accompanied her words, waving in circles. It'd be definitely interesting to see what were the limits to what a god in this world could create, if there were any limits at all." }, { "author": "flamenami", "message": "The assurance that her siblings would continue to follow the duties bestowed upon them by the Mother Goddess, no matter what those responsibilities might be, brought ease to her heart. So many of her siblings had gotten off track, focusing more on their own desires over the purpose that the World Tree had given them. There was nothing wrong with the gods pursuing what they wished for, yes, but when the other began to put it over the propogation of the domains that Yggdrasil had given them, it became a problem for her. To see that these two would not add to those ranks brought peace to her, a small smile toying on the edge of her mouth. As it did, Triticea Genetrix faded a bit and allowed her Child aspect to come free a little. \n\n\"You may enter mine. Do not cause too much of a disruption, though, or I will be forced to step in.\" She nodded, gesturing at her realm below. Even from up here, the massive valley could be seen, appearing to be a prismatic circle surrounded by a golden ring, in truth being fruits surrounded by massive plains of wheat. \"As gods, we may simply appear there, but it will do you two some good to take a good look at the Mother.\" She nodded back at the Tree. \"So I suggest that we fly.\" Stepping forward, the humanoid form of the goddess began to warp again, twisting unnaturally as she grew in size and shape to take an entirely less attractive form.\n\nThe giant locust's wings buzzed as her head turned towards her siblings. She was huge, about the size of a regular locust proportionally to the World Tree, and she regarded the others as she waited for them to take forms that could fly as well... Or simply start flying with their divine power, if they were boring. Her wings began to flutter, so fast that they became a blur, and the Great Locust rose into the air and turned her gaze back to her domains. Once her siblings had taken similar forms, she began to fly down the World Tree towards the Valley that she called her own." }, { "author": "felix30", "message": "\"Ah, that sounds like a good idea,\" Vaias told Cupid. He had already sent out other versions of himself to explore and learn about different realms, but it could never hurt to discover one more.\n\nLooking at Triticea, he nodded. \"Thank you for allowing us in. I would certainly like to see what you have created there,\" He said. Readying his wings, he stepped closer to the edge of the branch. When she lifted off, having taken on a more fitting appearance for flight, he followed after her.\n\n\"I do wonder what it looks like from up close,\" He wondered aloud, though not loud enough to be heard over the winds. \"It seems to be filled with plenty of life, at the very least.\"" } ]	418	7,078
149.555556	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "khepri", "message": "It was time. She had spent long enough getting ready - it was finally time to do good. Leaving her apartment, Katelyn decided to quickly get changed in one of the less used alleyways, behind a dumpster. She tossed her old clothes in a bag, hiding them next to it.\n\nShe had originally thought of just leaving her apartment in costume, but realized quickly how stupid that would be.\n\nShe walked out into the street in her full outfit. Not having much of a better way to patrol, she started walking down the street. People seeing her and getting used to her presence was just as important - even if she didn't do any actual crime fighting. Despite wanting to appear approachable she couldn't help anxiety from building up. She had never been one for hogging attention, even if it was needed now. Having the goggles over her face helped, but what if someone noticed her anyways? What would she do?\n\nShe'd just... Have to deal with that later when it happened. Her mouth set into a nervous grin as she forced herself forward." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As Kaleidoscope began to walk down the street a cool breeze began to blow. It was a surprising quiet day in the area and she had walked for a good 5 minutes before she actually saw anyone. A pair of men walking down the streets, both were dressed in overalls with high viz jackets on. In the hand of one was a large tool box.\n\nThe pair seemed oblivious to the Hero walking by until one of them stopped and grabbed his partner, whispering in to his ear. Both turned to look at Kaleidoscope, the looks on their face not betraying any of their feelings. Unfortunately for them though their acting skills meant nothing in the face of Kaleidoscope as her power told her their true feelings.\n\nThe one holding the toolbox felt a mixture of suspicion and anger whilst the other pure terror, it was impressive he managed to hide it. They stood frozen staring for a moment before the suspicious one grabbed his partner and began to walk away quickly." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Kaleidoscope froze for just a moment as she read both of their emotions. They hadn't technically done anything wrong - yet. She had reason to believe something was up though. At the very least she could try and figure out what was going on.\n\n\"H-hey! You two!\" She shouted out after them as she picked up her pace just a bit, following after them. Her voice made it clear she was nervous. She had to remind herself that she had powers now. She didn't have to be scared of random strangers.\n\n\"You took one look of me and got real spooked huh? You don't need to be scared! I'm a hero\" She explained, just in case they were innocent civilians who were simply scared of a possible villain." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As Kaleidoscope shouted the two men immediately froze, both standing stock still. One at this point was feeling nothing but pure terror. Far beyond any reasonable measure considering the current situation. The man holding the tool box however only seemed to get angrier and angrier. He turned his head to look at the new Hero.\n\n\"We aren't scared we just have a job to do. Unlike some people we aint paid to stand around and irritate people. Now please, let us be. We were expected at the incinerator 10 minutes ago.\"\n\nHe turned to face forward again and gave his companion a shove forwards. The pair continued to walk away." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "She could feel the desire well up inside of her to grasp hold of their emotions. It would be so much easier to find out what she needed if they just cooperated - but she knew it was wrong. She crushed the desire and instead turned her focus to the man who was already terrified. Clearly something was up. There Was One simple way of finding out.\n\nShe suddenly became undetectable to all but the terrified man in front of her, keeping her eyes on him as she followed along behind. Hopefully his own terror would be enough of an advantage that things wouldn't get too bad if a fight broke out.\n\nIf they really were just a scared civilian, it would take just a little bit of investigation to figure it out. She kept quiet, not wanting to alert the one who could see her just yet." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As Kaleidoscope began to follow behind the one man she was still visible to seemed to be completely focused on keeping his eyes down and moving forward, making him completely unaware of her presence. They continued to walk for about a minute in silence before the one holding the toolbox spoke up.\n\n\"Calm down. She almost caught on to us because you were sweating like a pig. Next time control yourself or I will deal with you myself. Understood?\"\n\nThe terrified man turned to look at him, as he did he saw a familiar cape out the corner of his eye at which point his terror intensified massively.\n\n\"Sh- She's still here!\"\n\nThe other man turned and looked around a look of confusion clear on his face.\n\n\"Man you're losing it there is no one here. Come on the quicker we dispose of this stuff the quicker you can stop worrying and the quicker I can stop considering killing you. Let's go. Now.\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Kaleidoscope smiled as she watched the man's emotions spike in fear. The situation felt a little off to her, though. Was his partner really going to kill him? She made sure to keep an eye on any signage she saw - knowing where she was was important.\n\n\"No one can hear or see me except for you. Probably don't want to let your friend know you're going crazy though, he seems a little violent\" She said in an amused tone before going quiet again. Really all she had to do was keep following along to find out the information she wanted. No need for a fight." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The man look at her, sheer horror in his eyes as she spoke. He fell back and began to shuffle away. At that moment the other mans mind filled with annoyance, anger and pure undiluted rage as he stepped towards the man panicking on floor.\n\n\"Get up now or els-\"\n\nKaleidoscope wouldn't hear the sentence finish as she blacked out. She saw the world arrayed before him. They created images, falsehoods, imposters. Why did they not fear? Why did they not fade? How had the path failed?\n\nAs she came to and her eyes opened she saw the two men also sprawled across the floor. That wasn't what caught her eye however as the toolbox had dropped to the floor a spilled its contents across the ground. These contents included a bloody screwdriver, hammer and saw." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "She pulled herself up off the ground, blinking herself awake.\n\nWhat had just...?\n\nShe took one look at the man she had scared so thoroughly, reestablishing her focus over him so that only he'd be able to see her. It was only then that she realized - his friend was on the ground too, right? She glanced around, wondering if some other cape was watching events unfold and interfering. Someone that could just knock everyone out on the street, even when she was invisible... She didn't want to mess with that.\n\nShe ran over to a nearby alleyway, suddenly feeling a lot less confident about the situation. She hid behind the corner, listening closely. Was someone targeting them? If so they'd probably follow up right after they were knocked down." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As she looked around it became clear to Kaleidoscope there was no one else in view. There might have been another cape somewhere nearby but as far as she could tell it was just the three of them. She managed to get out of view fairly quickly and without being noticed. Apparently she had woken up a little while before the others.\n\nWaiting just out of view she watched as the two men began to rise, the one who had been holding the tool box looked at the other. Reaching out he grabbed him by the neck and held him against the wall. She could hear the man shouting, she didn't need her power to know he was furious.\n\n\"You absolute fucking idiot! Do you know what you've done? We need to kill her now, you know that right? \"\n\n\"I-I- Stop please... Sto-\"\n\nThe man against the wall reached up to the mans arm grabbing it. At that moment the two appeared to switch places, the toolbox man suddenly appearing about a foot above the ground and against the wall quickly falling to the ground as the other man appeared where he had been a moment before, confusion clear on his face." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Kaleidoscope continued to watch, convinced now that at least one of the men was a cape. Did she really just make the scared one trigger? She felt a little guilty at that, but she had no idea what was going on. It looked like the scared man had some sort of way to swap places with people.\n\nMore than that, it sounded like they wanted to kill her. Was the other guy a cape too? If so... She couldn't handle two capes at once. She doubted she could even handle one.\n\nSuddenly deciding things were a little too dangerous, Kaleidoscope turned away and ran down the alleyway, away from the men. She wasn't sure what else she was doing today, but she figured messing around with these guys was a recipe for disaster." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The sound of shouting at first escalated but as Kaleidoscope began to put distance between herself and the arguing men the noises faded from existence. Now at the end of the alley she found herself looking out towards a slighter busier area of the Riverside district. There were at least 6 people in clear view as well as a car going down the road! \n\nAcross the street appeared to be some kind of convenience store and further down the road she saw a sign for New South London Motor Services, most likely a garage of some kind. The final location to catch her eye a building with a large green cross above the door and the word Pharmacy in neon to the left of it." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "She reached down for her phone once she figured she was in the clear, and decided to call in to Vanguard. She didn't know what exactly was going on over there, but clearly it was something illegal. As soon as someone picked up she would speak quickly.\n\n\"Hi! I'm a new hero - Kaleidoscope. I just saw some really suspicious guys with blood tools. I was going to question them but there's a cape so I backed off\" I explained, giving the approximate location of where I found them." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As she held the phone up to her ear it rung three times before a click was heard.\n\n\"Vangaurd Parahuman Reporting Line, my name is Emma please state the situation.\"\n\nThe woman on the line paused as Kaleidoscope explained the situation, the occasional sound of a keyboard being pressed could be heard.\n\n\"MPCU Team is enroute, can you confirm any identities or powers? Do you have a preliminary power rating?\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "\"Uhm... No, but after I followed the guys for a while I think I really spooked one of them. We all sort've passed out so I don't know what that's about\" She explained as she hid from sight. She didn't need any civilians looking into whatever she was doing.\n\n\"So maybe the cape isn't working with them since they were knocked out? I don't know\" She said, realizing just how little she really did know. Even the tip she was giving wasn't particularly helpful, but... She didn't want to try going up against a cape on her own. That seemed... Dangerous. Even if she Did Want to use her main power." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As Kaleidoscope disappeared in to a side ally to keep out of view of the civilians around a car passed her on the road, turning into the garage just down the road.\n\n\"Okay understood. There is a MPCU team heading to the location now. Probably best steer clear of the area if you aren't confident.\" She paused for a moment, clearly thinking about something. \"Good job Hero.\"\n\nIn the distance she could hear the sound of sirens getting closer. Whether or not it was the deployed MPCU team was hard to tell but one could hope." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "\"Thanks. Bye!\" She said before hanging up. She couldn't help but smile to herself at being called hero. She hadn't done much today, but... Well, her power made things a little difficult. Unless she wanted to be quite a bit more unethical and start breaking rules.\n\nMaybe she should go get a weapon for next time? For now she'd head back home and think about what she could get." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "So Kaleidoscope headed home, here first patrol as a hero done. It may have not been the most extreme of days but it couldn't be said it was without excitement. Without trouble she made it home to little if any fanfare, the only sign that anyone had even noticed was a small mention in the bottom of a news article relating to the capture of a serial killer. Apparently she had placed the call that lead to him getting caught and saving who would have likely been his next victim. \n\nIt might have not been flashy but she had saved at least one person today." } ]	148	2,692
198.1	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Andromeda flashed in, her utility belt loaded with all her essentials, including a small satchel filled with first aid supplies. She waited now to see when her fellow team mates would show themselves. The location had changed, but they were made aware of that, and the mission stayed the same.\n\nFor now, she lean against a wall in the dark alley between warehouse buildings. Lights were dim, if there were any, and she kept to where there were as few as possible, Didn't want anyone to catch them convening before they had a chance to go scouting.\n\n\"Hurry up..\" She grunted to herself in a low tone. She was antsy to get things started, crossing both her arms and legs as she leaned." }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "Pendragon Mission Inventory: 1x Sword\n\nPendragon's arrival was considerably less dramatic than Andromeda's. Largely because he has to physically make his way to the rendezvous location instead of teleporting there, but also because a six-and-a-half foot tall figure in plate armour tended to draw a significant amount of attention on the streets; Pendragon was forced to travel mostly in civilian guise, a small man lugging around a large duffle bag until he could disappear into the empty stairwell of some old building's fire escape to change into his costume.\n\nWhat would emerge would be the Knight in Shining Trash the others were familiar with, trusty rebar forged into a longsword as it had been time and time again. With the hilt of the sword clutched in one hand, and the blade carefully sheathed, he moved to join the others at the newly specified location; sabaton-clad feet gliding an inch or so over the ground to avoid the unnecessary attention the clattering noise which striding in plate armour might otherwise bring. \n\n\"...Salutations, companions...\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Heartthrob Mission Inventory: 1x Heart Attack Wand, 1x Bag of Zipties.\n\nHeartthrob too had to arrive much less bombastically. Her pink outfit tended to make her noticeable and her wand made people tend to pay attention. These, by definition, are bad qualities for stealth. Much like Pendragon she had to change on the way- shimming into a dress in an abandoned house and lacing her boots up. It was uncomfortable and messy. She had to leave home 30 minutes ahead of time for her to arrive even remotely around the meeting time. \n\nA moment after Pendragon arrived, the small frame of one Heartthrob would emerge with a steady jog. She was clearly winded as she took deep breaths. She waved to them as she approached and gasped out a few breaths. \"Sorry.. I.. I am ready to go!\" She half whispered half shouted as she stood up straight, brushing out her skirt. \"I got caught up, I am sorry for being late.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Andromeda held her head high as she watched the two pull up on their designated meeting spot. Reaching for her belt on both sides, she handed them each a radio (- long range two way radios ×2) \" Take these\" She demanded. \"This is how we will keep in contact for this and further missions. Now, remember what we discussed, we are just scouting for now, only get into a fight if you have to- trust your guts to that end. If anything happens, radio us furst chance you get, with the street and a description of the building. Are we clear?\"\n\nShe looked between the both of them with stern eyes keeping her own radio handy on her utility belt. \" If everything is good we'll be sticking as much to the shadows and roof tops as possible, the less we are seen the better. Any questions?\"" }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "[Obtained: 1x Longe Range Two-Way Radio]!\n\nIn all honesty, Pendragon had expected to be the last member of the team to arrive. As much as the valiant, knightly figure hated the idea of tardiness, he had to face the reality that changing in a full suit of medieval armour was not a swift process. Especially not without the aid of a squire. Still, he thanked the heavy helm he wore for hiding his perplexed expression, arriving to see Heartthrob had yet to show their mask.\n\nWhen the photokinetic did show themselves, Pendragon greeted them with a nod. Armoured joints creaking. \"No need to fret, fair Heartthrob, patience is a virtue.\" Pendragon reassures, attention turning to Andromeda as they went over the mission brief. \n\n\"Thank you,\" Pendragon voiced as he accepted the radio, pressing it to his breastplate and willing thin tendrils of steel to encage the radio where it could pick up his voice. \"With stealth as our objective, I can only hope we do not encounter circumstances which require our intervention. I shan't willingly turn my eye from those who are in need.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "[Obtained: 1x Long Range Two-Way Radio[\n\n\"I should have figured out some sort of invisibility field..\" She muttered as she stowed her radio in a hidden pocket on her dress. She shook her head and looked up to the two of them. Her attention flitting back and forth as she listened to their conversation. She wondered if this is how it was for all teams.\n\n\"I agree with you, Sir Pendragon, but it's likely that at this time of night we will encounter anything. Maybe a mugging but unlikely- the other heroes spend more time here than some of the other districts.\" She noted as she pulled her wand from it's place in of her pockets. \"Now. Let us get on our way, yes?\" She scanned the alley around them, eyes squinting at the distance. Her power gave her an advantage in the dark, letting her see almost like it was daylight. \"One of you prefer to take the lead or shall I?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Yeah, I can take the lead. Radio the other two if one of you find something.\" Andromeda turns and takes a running start down an alley to the right, an energy enveloping her as she offered them a \"Good luck\", and warping soon far down the alley and up onto one of the roofs. Seems she was taking the east, perching off the corners of roofs like a little gremlin as she scanned the barely lit warehouses for any nefarious goings on." }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "\"May fortune favour us all.\"\n\nWith Andromeda's _warping_ effect tied to her line of sight, she may not be capable of providing back-up to himself or Heartthrob should anything go wrong on their searches, Pendragon considers. Similarly, should Andromeda be in need of aid, Heartthrob has no demonstrated any Mover-type abilities. Concluding that he is likely to be the swiftest of these three assembled heroes, at least in terms of non-teleportation based locomotion, Pendragon resolves to take the path straight ahead. Leaving the left-most to Heatthrob with the expectation that he would be able to most quickly provide support to either of his teammates should they require it. \n\nWhere Andromeda took the high ground to perform reconnaissance, Pendragon would hop lightly and hover forwards at pace - avoiding making to much noise with his armoured boots, while bearing down on the nearest structure which looked outwardly abandoned." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Heartthrob gave a two finger salute to Andromeda before she began to scurry off in the open flank with her wand gripped white knuckled. Her eyes flitted back and forth as she searched the dark with her enhanced night vision- suspicious of the calm night and on edge from not having her wand on to avoid the glint of light. Her footsteps were quick but careful to keep from making too much noise.\n\n\"May your heart guide the way.\"\n\nShe responded before she separated from Pendragon. She needed whatever she could get from these warehouses. No room for failure. She cannot let her team down. She raised her wand in front of her as if it would ward off anything hostile and began to move further ahead. Maybe they'd get lucky and they'd just find a warehouse full of tinker tech and no guards! Probably not though." }, { "author": "hakkku", "message": "With that, the trio set off into the moonlit warehouse district. The night was mostly silent aside from the occasional scratching of a rat scurrying along the concrete floor, security guard coughing alone in the cold, or stray dog howling into the night. This would bode well for the group's quest in finding a new, if temporary, base of operations.\n\nAndromeda scouted across the rooftops closest to the river that gives the district its name. Normally at this time of night all one would be able to see is a murky blackness in the river, however with the illumination of a full moon Andromeda can spot the outlines of large barrels and pieces of debris in the waters below, evidence of the pollution these warehouses bring. Aside from the murky river however every warehouse the rogue sees is occupied in some way. A steel shop here, a water tank manufacturer there, nothing empty nor nothing illegal to clear out.\n\nTaking the center path Pendragon's route is illuminated by the streetlamps within the district, allowing him much more vision but severely restricting his paths of movement if he wants to remain unseen. From the lower angle of the ground floor he is entirely unable to peer through windows without scaling the buildings somehow. He does catch glimpse of an odd sight however. Closer to where Heartthrob was investigating appeared to be a rather run-down warehouse with a familiar branding on the side.\n\n'Gram-Gram's Bakehouse'\n\nIt was something any of the trio may be familiar with, a chain brand of baked goods mostly consisting of cookies and sweet pastries. However it was odd that such a well known brand would operate out of such a run down warehouse. It appeared as if the logo was old and faded, and the building itself was starting to rust in places. Despite that however it appeared that their security system was entirely up to date, with modern cameras and locks placed all around the building.\n\nFinally, Heartthrob would come within viewing distance of the building. From her position she could see an angle of the warehouse that Pendragon could not. Alongside seeing the rundown-ness of the warehouse and modern camera and lock system Heartthrob would also notice open doors with boxes upon boxes of cookies and other sweet pastries being loaded onto trucks by armed guards, each wearing a baton and what appeared to be a taser." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Andromeda decides to radio in, lifting the walkie from her belt and begins transmission on the frequency she preset the radios with, Her eyes still scanning the distance as she spoke. \n\n```Kzzt- \"This is Andromeda, So far I haven't found hide nor tail of anything suspicious. How goes the investigation on your ends? Does anyone need back up? Give me a street name and I will be there within seconds\" -Kzzt```\n\nAndromeda whispered into the thing, she didn't want any stray alley way walkers to catch either of them so soon and blow cover. There wasn't, exactly, much cover to be blown with the two of her team mates, but any element of surprise is better than none." }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "Pendragon does his utmost to traverse the streets in a stealthy manner. Wielding his power through his steel sword, Pendragon levitates his suit of armour and floats toward his destination instead of clanking and clunking along in his metal sabatons. Although he likely could have used such a technique to rise high enough to peer into the windows of the buildings, relatively well maintained state of their exteriors had already convinced the knight that only one building in the neighbourhood matched the needs of this trio.\n\n``` \"...I have not yet encountered anything one would deem criminal, but take heart companions: I have spied a warehouse which may yet suit our purposes well...\" ```\n\nStatic crackles as Pendragon operates the walkie-talkie, steel-clad thumb sliding from the button which operates it as he swerves his suit across the road and toward _Gram-Gram's Bakehouse_ to take a closer look at the building.\n\n``` \"...It is odd, however, that a building otherwise suffering from such a state of disrepair is so well secured. Perhaps it has not been left to the ravages of time, though would choose to protect such a place...\" ```\n\nPendragon invites Andromeda to join him on the centre street, beginning to pace the length of the building." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Heartthrob would peer out over the street before her with a wary eye. Her natural night vision gave her sight of the guards. That was something interesting. It doesn't seem likely that a brand like that would be shipping here and even less likely that they'd employ this level of security for a random warehouse. That's something to call in. Her radio would crackle on and she'd speak quietly into it.\n\n``\"I see the warehouse. It's guards are armed and the security system is definitely new. I know that companies desire to protect their profit but this is definitely more security than I'm use to. Nothing illegal I can see from here though.\"``\n\nShe would creep forward with her wand in her hand, crouching low. She moved slow and careful in the dark with eyes kept on her surroundings. She needed to get a closer look at those crates, maybe she could catch a peek of one of the employees looking inside. First she needed to reconnect with the other two." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "It was a bizarre thing, seeing such competence where it clearly didn't belong. Pendragon having drifted closer could see the men who guarded other men loading were not simple thugs. They stood with an air of experience around them, the way they scanned the area around them for threats and their weapons ready at a moments notice.\n\nHeartthrob's eyes however were focused more on the cargo the men were moving, rather than the men themselves. Despite being clearly marked as baked goods there was almost no doubt that they did not contain said goods. If they did, they would quite possible be the heaviest duty container any had stored baked treats in. Each crate being reinforced with metal, and held shut with a lock." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Andromeda let off a sigh, deciding to warp high into the air for a vantage point on where her team was. It was possible that her flashes of green could be spotted, but usually, people don't look up, so she has that on her side. She spots them not far away, but clearly in the opposite direction. \n\n`\"I see you both, I'm warping onto the roof. Should be unnoticeable with my uniform.\"`\n\nAnother flash, and she's crouching on the room of the said warehouse, the shine of the lights in the alley contrasting against the dark of the night, and her suit. Like she noted, she would be damn hard to spot from where she is. Perched from above, peering over the edge, she tried to catch a glimpse at whatever they were packing into those trucks.\n\n_\"Armed gaurds are one thing\"_ she whispered to herself _\"But if what they're transporting isnt actually illegal, We won't be able to strike.\"_" }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "Although Pendragon himself did not possess formal military training, the signs of such knowledge and the behaviours were not difficult to spot. Soldiers took on a certain posture and gait, kept their heads on a swivel, and generally operated with an air of experience that one did not develop gangbanging or running protection rackets.\n\n`If mine observations hold true, these men bear the marks of seasoned warriors. Though I dare not speculate, their discipline and skill hint at a past forged in the crucible of war.`\n\nPendragon would inform his companions over their walkie-talkies.\n\n`Hath either of thee discerned a compelling reason for our intervention in this affair? Mere misgivings alone doth not suffice to warrant a raid upon this warehouse. Let us seek clarity and conviction ere we embark upon our course of action, for justice demands a noble cause.`" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Heartthrob would track the guards with her eyes as she listened to the chatter on the walkie-talkie. Seeing the guarding, she decided to back away. No reason to get herself caught. Slowly she backed up into the alleyway again. She pulled the walkie-talkie up to her mouth and spoke quietly into it.\n\n``\"Unless those cookies are worth a small fortune each. The locks aren't just new but also the boxes are reinforced. I think we should try to get a better look inside.\"`\n\nShe let Pendragon speak but tapped her foot impatiently. She wanted to jump into action! To get something done! The stakeout is kinda boring. No real drama. She's a magical girl, she should be lighting up the world not skulking about!!!\n\n`\"Andromeda, do you have eyes on anything else? Give us something, at least.\"`" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "She was.. On top of the warehouse itself now. Andromeda quickly, and quietly, crawled along the roof to reach a nearby skylight peering into the warehouse it's self. Perhaps more could be gleamed from the actual inside of the place where they were packing this stuff.\n\n`\"I'm checking now, will report soon if I notice anything. Both of you get ready to go on the offensive on my mark Incase this happens to me time sensitive, it's a low chance but it's never zero\"` \n\nExactly what was she going to find poking her head carefully past the ridge of the window, and down into the strangely up kept 'Gram-Gram's'." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Whilst the team continued their observations of the warehouse and the guards of the cargo containers Andromeda moved along the roof and peered into the skylight. The interior of the building was dark however several of the crates that hadn't been packed were still inside, yet to be closed and locked. It was hard to see exactly what was in them but it wasn't hard to guess.\n\nPackages tightly wrapped in plastic with a white colouration. Either these people were avid bakers or they were looking to move a rather large amount of drugs. Aside from the crates though the interior of the building didn't show signs of any regular use, with thick layers of dust visible even even from the skylight." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Once she was able to see just what it is they were crating up and carting away, she about growled. Drug trade was somthing unfortunately normal about new london, And the NLPD and Local teams didnt do much to stop it, or if they did, it didn't seem to take. There wasn't much saying anything they did here would do anything either, but even if this wasn't an emergency... She felt she had to do something. They had to do something.\n\nAnd who knows, they're pushing drugs, she might be able to beat some information out of them on just who their _manufacturer_ is.\n\n```\"Drugs. It's drugs. Nothing time sensitive but, if we bust them here, we can seize this whole warehouse and report it to Vandguard. Might even be a reward in it for us, good for reputation too. If you want to do this just go for it and make some noise. I'll support you both.\"```" } ]	189.5	3,962
129.705882	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Flint had entered the hospital in plain clothes. He wore a blue and white tracksuit and it didn't appear that he was in much of a rush, but the look on his face at the very least was indicative of determination or at the very least some hint of annoyance. At the front desk he asked to talk to Veronica King and after some small back and forth was sent down one of the hallways. \n\nHe briefly scanned around as he walked, recalling that he had briefly seen them around here on one of his last visits. That same person that he found in the arrest records for crimes affiliated with the Top Hats had been working in the hospital. How things looked didn't sit right with him. He continued looking for the described person as he went over questions in his head." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Veronica bustled through their shift with great exhaustion as they used their body to boost patience's recovery with their power. They ached each time they lent their body's healing and they felt awful to take it back when the patients seemed to need it so dearly. They felt like they were dying when they lent their immune system. A power that destroyed them and others if used incorrectly. A damn metaphore of a power.\n\nThey sat in the breakroom with a pair of headphones on their head as they blasted music through them. Their eyes were closed as they soaked in the time to relax and thought about the rest of the the day. They sighed and stirred to get comfortable in the cheap plastic chair. Maybe they'll have fugly bobs for dinner. Like old times." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "It was a little odd, from the way the receptionist made it sound he figured he would have seen Triage running around like a busy bee. Yet, Flint still couldn't find them. He started to feel a little out of place, trying to stay out of the way he made it to the break room. He took a quick glance in and kept moving before doing a double take and changing course. Finally found them. Despite that it looked like they had been entranced by their own music, closed eyes and all. How to approach in this situation? A way that allowed for space would be best, maybe he should sit down in front of them? He walked over and pulled up a chair in front of them and gave the table a little tap to move the table a little and give an indication he was there.\n\n\"Hey there, are you with us?\" He asked casually, taking out a pocket notebook and pen and gave a slight smile, though it seemed a bit awkward.\n\"Triage. Veronica, right? I'm Flint Rover. I'm a journalist with XVZ. I run a little article about capes. It's good to meet you in person.\"\nHe didn't offer his hand to shake, instead taking a look down at his notebook, tapping on it with his pen as he looked as if he was thinking of something.\n\"Now, I don't want to jump at you with questions right away, so before I do start asking, are you alright with me asking some things regarding your career as a cape?\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Veronica would remove their headphones as the table was tapped. They sat the headphones on the table after pausing the music and shifted in their chair. They looked exhausted and gave a weary sigh as they glanced at Flint. They ran a hand through their ginger hair and cleared their throat, trying to wake up from their little trance. They gave a rather annoyed glare but responded to Flint finally after a long moment, speaking in a slightly feminine graveled irish accented voice.\n\n\"I am Veronica King, also known as Triage. If you are here to ask about my career it's gonna be a bloody short conversation. Aint been at this for long.\" The chair creaked as they stretched their arms. \"But, hell, why not. Ask whatever you want, I got a little bit before I go back out onto the floor. What do you want to know?\" They slumped into their self with their arms on their knees." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "The smile on Flint's face expanded a little, \n\"Good to meet you. Now, I'd disagree with you there. I believe the first little while as a cape is the most important. It's where you show the public what exactly it is you stand for and plan to do. Like now: Why did you decide to put your power to work at this hospital? Was there any reason you chose this one in particular?\"\nHe had his pen put to his notebook, ready to jot down anything at a moment's notice." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"If I'm gonna be honest? I needed community service hours and when I was like 10 I wanted to be a nurse so.. It was the easy answer. That and I figured that I might be able to save a few people without a bunch of scary surgeries.\" They shrugged their shoulders. \"It might not be the most heroic reason but I'm not gonna lie.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"Community service hours, huh?\" He scratched down a couple notes. \n\"So it's not the location or the cause that really mattered. If that's the case then what are your plans after you've finished your hours? Do you plan on leaving once you serve those hours?\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "They hummed in consideration \"Probably not. I mean it is nice to help and I need something to do with my time.\" They looked over Flint with a neutral expression. \"And, I do need some way of supporting myself.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Flint's body language was now more relaxed as if he didn't have that awkwardness he started with once he got to asking questions. His gaze went between his notebook and Triage in equal intervals, but occasionally paused to look up with an expression that made it seem like he was still creating questions at that very moment. \n\"Right, so you plan to continue supporting people by working in a hospital. Now, related to those hours that you need to get, you have been arrested in the past, correct? Considering these arrests, what is your response to people that fear you might go back and commit crime as you had done before?\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "They leaned forward in their chair and spoke with a calm but deliberate tone. \"I got into a gang because I had nothing. I robbed people because I was desperate, and I won't do that now that I have somewhere to go. Criminals are mostly just desperate and lonely people.\" They sat back, crossing their arms. \"Point is, they can fear whatever they want but I'm not doing anything.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Flint noted the change in demeanor that Veronica had with a small nod. \"Be it as it may, there may be people that interpret that answer as an admission that if things do become bad enough you will fall into crime again.\"\nHe straightened himself a little bit, appearing a bit less relaxed than before. \"Now when you say gang, you mean you were a member of the Top Hats, correct? Do you still associate with any current or former members of that group?\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"I want to see people act like they wouldn't rob a store or sell drugs if they were starving. I did what I did because of desperation and the people would too. No need to bullshit it.\" They made a dismissive wave as Flint changed topics. \"Yes I was a member of the Top Hats. I don't associate with them often now, no, but I don't hold a grudge against them. They were my closest and only friends for a few years there.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "There was a moment where Flint paused. It was right when they had said 'often.' He waited for them to finish but once they did pointed the back of the pen at them. \"You said, you don't associate with them Often. So it's true that you Do Associate with them despite becoming a hero. So you would say that your relationship with the Top Hats is still amicable despite your departure?\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "They leaned back into their chair, arms around the back. They looked so bored of this investigation, as they had heard it all before. \"They were my friends, my family, up until my cousin and I.. Reunited. Of course I'd still be amicable with Members-\" They stressed the word, making a point of showing it was not an association. \"- who I knew before leaving. I don't run with the group. My cousin is aware of my location at all times and I meet them in public, monitored locations.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"If that's how it is...\" He trailed off, taking notes on the statement. Though the tone of his voice didn't sound like he was too convinced. It wasn't that he didn't believe them, it was more that the perceived association with the Top Hats was clear despite the attempt at showing distance. \n\"Right, your cousin is Morgan, the brute cape Morgue, correct? What are your thoughts on your cousin? Does it bother you to be monitored at all times?\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"Morgan's not so bad.\" They said with a tired tone. They seemed to be making a very neutral opinion to avoid further discussion. Blowing out a breath, annoyed with the tone of the conversation, they decided to ask something of their own \"Why are you asking all these questions? So I can make myself look bad for your journal? What is this even all about? Do you do this to everyone?\" They bit back a stream of curses to avoid making this look worse. \"This is exactly why I chose to not hide my face. My criminal record is not a secret and my family life is easy to look into. Why do you need to know about whether it bothers me to be monitored when we're all constantly being monitored through our devices?\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Flint took a couple more notes, tapping on his notebook in between them. He took special note how Veronica's tone seemed to shift, like they had made it to their limit. \n\"Hm? Questions for me? Sure, I can answer them. In order: I'm a journalist, I'm a journalist, I'm a journalist, and I'm a journalist. That's the short version at least. If you want me to sound less like a prick it's going to be a lengthy explanation. Sorry.\" He took a few more notes. \"For that last question, I'll note that down...\" \n\nAfter that he flipped to a different part of the book, turning several pages. \"Admittedly, I'm not really interested in picking on you either, but the office will have my head if I come back empty handed. I actually want to do a piece on the Top Hats more than messing around with heroes. You know, get more at the actual bad stuff going on around? I'm not talking about the petty stuff, I'm talking about the stuff that ends up causing shootouts and loss of life. Do you have any stories about them? Or do you know anyone that would be willing to share any stories?\"" } ]	107	2,205
177.727273	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "superstes", "message": "Crane sat on the sofa in the living room of his apartment, his recently acquired equipment laid out nearby. It had been a few days now since he had communicated through certain channels that he was open to and looking for a job. As he sat there a movement caught his eye, something on the TV despite it being switched off. Looking more closely, he could see a familiar figure within the screen. A masked figure with a long curving beak, the same that was at his trail to join the Songbirds. \n\nSuddenly the figure stepped out of the screen and into reality, growing in size to be comparable to Crane in height. Once she was completely in the room she crossed her arms, the shift in her waistcoat revealing the holstered pistol beneath. Her mouth shifted into a sly smile.\n\n\"Well hello Crane, I hear you are looking for work.\"\n\nReaching into one of her pockets she pulled out a small tablet and tossed it over to Crane.\n\n\"You're going to Chinatown. Most of the criminal activity in that area comes under the purview of the NK Triad. Compared to the Top Hats or Nova Imperium they are tiny and essentially powerless but within their territory you should not underestimate them. That being said time to get to your job, more in-depth details are on the tablet but I'll run you through the basics. Every year the NK takes stock of all its income and expenses, legal and not. This information is store offline in a single hard drive that is stored in a secure safe in the office of Zhen Long Shen. You are to steal this hard drive. As far as we know Zhen Long Shen is not parahuman but he has parahumans in his employ. Finally, there is a significant bonus if you get in and out without a trace. This infomation is far more useful if they don't realise it is lost for a while. Understood?\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane's eyes narrowed as the figure grew from the screen, had it been several months again he would have been surprised but now? Crane had grown used to the peculiarities of capes in this world.\n\nHe grasped the tablet as it flew through the air, his eyes glanced down towards the lit screen. \n\n\"And Hello To you too.\" \n\nHe rose from his sweet and began to piece together his costume as she spoke, assembling his armour and suit. \"Understood. Blueprints and such are in the tablet I presume? Or am I going in blind?\" He asked, sliding open a metal cabinet as a neatly maintained array of equipment displayed itself. \n\nOne by one he pieced together his gear and got everything he may need. His new tinker tech, courtesy of Rook, would not go amiss in the upcoming mission. He wouldn't be setting out as of yet for planning was needed, but there was no harm in being ready." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"We have what we could get from the official documents but we know they've had some extra construction going on. Whatever it was they hid their tracks wells, records destroyed and lose ends silenced. I have to say I'm a little impressed at the measures they went to in order to keep this secure. Shen's office is located on the 44th floor of the of Kowloon tower, once you've got the package make your way to the rooftop and Corvus can pick you up for a quick extract. Only if you remain unnoticed though.\"\n\nIbis seemed to scan the room around you, something clearly on her mind.\n\n\"You've been interacting with others? Do they know, are they trustworthy?\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane nodded as she spoke, \"They can't make it simple can they?\" He said with a slight chuckle as he strolled towards the dartboard, pulling out a blade and sliding it within one of the many holsters adorned across his body.\n\nHe turned back to her, \"Trustworthy enough. They know a name and a face I care little for, no less than a half-competent civilian could discover should they put their mind to it. A potential recruit should all pan out well and if not, I hope you're not doubting my ability to Take care of it Ibis.\" He said with just a slight scowl formed upon his face before he returned to his calm demeanour. \n\nHe secured his cloak around his shoulders and adorned his mask across his face, \"I don't suppose Corvus would happen to be so kind to give a drop-off at the roof to infiltrate?\" He flashed a smile towards her, \"Whilst I can make do either way a break in from the top would be Considerably Less conspicuous than the ground floor.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"No we don't doubt your ability to keep it under control. We merely wished to make sure you had considered the risk. You'd be surprised how many people new to the... Industry don't consider the ramifications of who they associate with in their personal lives. Anyway, I did not come here to judge your companions.\"\n\nAgain she reached into her pocket and pulled out what appeared to be a hard drive of some description. She held it out towards Crane.\n\n\"This is a replica of the drive the information is stored on, once you steal the original replace it with this. Providing you escape without notice it should conceal the fact we stole it for at least a few months, hopefully the whole year. As for your drop off request well, we can arrange that but let me warn you Corvus will not be able to extract you after and seeing him fly overhead is sure enough going to cause guards to be more alert. It's up to you though.\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane nodded in response, \"It's surprising to hear some can be so, utterly, Careless. Especially in a field such as our own.\" He sighed and shook his head briefly from left to right, Crane wasn't an exact professional but he held some sense around himself not to completely self destruct.\n\nHe leant forward and took the replica drive into his hands. He took a few brief moments inspecting it before sliding it within one of the several pouches securely attached to himself. \n\n\"I'll do what I can to do this without notice.\" He replied, stealth would be the safest bet for him one way or another. \"And I'll be taking the route out from Corvus, I'll get in myself.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Very well, Corvus will be watching from a hidden location. When you are ready for extraction simply leap from the south side of the building. Be cautious Crane, failure is never an option for us Songbirds but capture is even less of an option. Not that it is much of a concern with you, you've been a great asset so far. Anyway, I shall leave you to prepare.\"\n\nIbis walked over to the window in the room, placing her hand on the glass and seemingly vanishing from sight. If it weren't for the fact Crane had watched it happen he may have not noticed the originless reflection of Ibis in the glass. She looked directly, into cranes eyes and waved before vanishing." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane nodded, turning away and moving towards his equipment room. He would have to be properly prepared for a mission as such, there was no room for wasted time and mistakes.\n\nHe donned his tinker tech boots and gloves, his weaponry secured upon his wrist and waist. Killing and noise was to be avoided but if such a time came Crane would not hesitate.\n\nNow all he had to do was review his entry point. There was an elevator shaft on the blueprints he skimmed over, perhaps that would be suitable." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Scanning over the blueprints Cranes eyes fell on the aforementioned elevator shaft. The main way to gain entry was through the various maintenance rooms spread through out the building. One of which was on the first floor behind the reception. Of course each elevator also had an access hatch and there were several areas where air ducts in the building passed through it, although they would be a very tight fit indeed.\n\nOf course there was also the question of entering the building itself. There was the main entrance of course but there were also two easily accessible fire escapes on the first floor. Additionally there is an underground car park that could act as an access point." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "One by one Crane reviewed the routes he could take, several options but only a couple he would take interest in. \n\nFor the initial enterance the fire exits were a no go, those always had big fuck off alarm, the main entrance too was far too visible. It left only the underground car as a viable route, there were likely video cameras but these could surely be dealt with.\n\nAfter that it was either the maintenance rooms or the air ducts. Either would work but it depended which would keep him under the radar most, he'd need to make a deeper decision once he arrived. \n\nBefore he left he pulled out his computer and switched over to his Hacking Skill. Security camera systems were always insecure and weak as shit this would be an easy in." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Pulling out his computer Cranes power assisted knowledge quickly deduced he would not be able to hack these cameras. Not externally at least, these were hard wired, closed circuit security cameras. \n\nDespite not being able to hack them from the comfort of his home Crane did find more information that was of use. The make and model of cameras used when Kowloon Tower was constructed. There was a full user manual that could easily be downloaded and stored on a tablet or phone. Not much help now but once he was inside gaining access should be simple for him." } ]	149	1,955
271.8	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "khepri", "message": "After her trigger event, Olivia had found herself lost. The one direction she had in life was taken away from her in an instant. She still had plans to try and get it back, but... For now... She just didn't know what to do.\n\nOne thing she did know though was that life was going to change for her. She didn't have a power that protected her very much when up close, but it also required her to get close. That meant if she really wanted to end up surviving as a cape... She'd end up needing to work on her actual body.\n\nLuckily she wasn't a slouch when it came to exercise, even when it came to before her trigger event. She had never really focused on it directly, but she often found herself getting involved in fights, and having to run from them. It wasn't as though she was someone who was dedicated to fitness, but she had a solid starting base at least.\n\nThe desire to improve her own physical fitness was how she found herself running through Chinatown early in the morning. During the run she was so caught up in her own thoughts that she didn't notice as a car slowed down to a stop on the street, and the window cracked open.\n\nMoments later bullets went flying, one of which hitting in her side. She collapsed up against a nearby parked car, using it for cover as she slid to the ground.\n\n\"Fuck fuck fuck!!\" She muttered to herself as she held her wound. Why the hell had they randomly decided to open fire? She wasn't doing anything. Wasn't even wearing a mask — ah.\n\nShe was still wearing gang colors.\n\nStupid." }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "Erik was in the sky, swooping overhead rooftops gracefully. Ever since his own trigger event, using his flying ability has made him enjoy his life a whole lot more. Like he did everyday he was heading towards chinatown to pick up some lunch, as the prices were far better here than in other places. As far as the slums he grew up in, that hog spit was nothing he wanted to ingest. \n\nWhen the burly man swooped over a brick building to land near the shop he came to for food, he watched while gunfire let loose, hitting a woman but other than that damaging the window of his favorite shop. The bullet had hit her in her side and she dropped to the ground quick. Wearing those colors in this area? Not very rational; was it bravery, or just negligence? To be fair, he would also wear any colors he wanted to regardless of \"Gangs.\"\n\nRegardless, a pathetic crime such as this was not something he would allow in his presence. Making his way above the car, Erik's body would begin to descend rapidly from a standing position. Olivia would watch as his arms flailed around violently, almost as if something inside of them was trying to rip out. The muscles in his arms increased greatly in size along with his upper body; albeit they were now beginning to swing down above his head and into the cars hood just beneath him. \n\n*CRRRRRRUUUUUUUNCCHH" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "The front of the car crumpled, causing the three men inside to scream out. Moments later they all ran out of the car, realizing that it was useless at this point. One man already had a gun out - a pistol apparently, and began to unload on the new cape. Another pulled a gun and started to fire.\n\n\"Fuck this shit!\" The third man yelled out, who was apparently the driver, and had no intention of staying around. Instead he ran straight down the street, ducking and dodging out of the way of his friend's gunfire.\n\nOlivia let out a hiss of pain as she pressed down on the gun wound and peeked out from behind her cover. A hero? That was... Unlikely, but lucky. She was starting to lose a lot of blood. Could she get up while they were distracted?\n\nA quick test told her that no - moving was much too painful. Immediately she started to panic. Was the hero going to take her in as well? She hadn't exactly done anything, but... Maybe she could tag him with her power. Just to be sure in case he did try anything. She flinched at the sound of even more gunfire - hopefully he'd win. She kept her eyes on the fight." }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "Erik stood straight up from his crouched position atop the crumpled hood, eagerly observing the gunmen exiting the vehicle in a panic. Of course they would, he was aggravated. Which was shown in his less than pleased facial expressions; akin to that of someone who had just lost an egregious argument. Who the fuck were they to destroy something that he liked? \n\nHe wouldn't have it. \n\nWhen they pulled out their pistols, Erik let out a pained grunt as extremely durable plates of armor grew underneath his skin. They shifted and cracked along his body in a way that distorted his gruff but handsome appearance. The bullets ricocheted off his organically made armor, while he slowly stepped down from the hood and towards the first gunmen.\n\n\"You think shit like this will hurt me? You're all fools. I wouldn't of intervened if i wasn't confident In my abilities.\"\n\nA solid punch was reared back instantaneously as he got closer to the man, his fist digging into the gunmens chest cavity like dough. Subsequently, this launched the man off his feet and farther back than he was previously. Anyone who understood cape abilities would know that he was clearly tougher than most.\n\nThe remaining gunmen took aim at his head, popping off shots in a panic leading Erik to moving his head out of the way and letting some bullets bounce off of him. Even though his armor could withstand regular firepower, it was still like someone was pinching him; No one likes that. So like any sane, normal person would do, he grabbed the man by his collar and launched him through the air towards the coward who fled. \n\nNow! With that finished, he turned towards the woman who had gotten shot. It didn't take him long to reach her, as on the way his increased muscles wriggled violently back into their normal shape. \n\n\"Are you alright. Looks like it's not that bad..\"* \n\nThe tall man stood their over Olivia, before crouching down to her level to examine the wound. \n\n\"Don't take this the wrong way, I'm no hero. Just don't appreciate people like that.\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Olivia watched in horror and fascination as the men were simply tossed around like children. THAT was real power. She wouldn't be able to stand against the hero at all if it came to a fight - most of his body was even covered up. Except for his neck, but... \n\nHe was freakishly tall.\n\nShe couldn't help but feel a spike of anxiety and fear as he drew close, clutching at her wound even tighter.\n\n\"Not that bad..? Not that bad?! They fucking shot me!\" She said angrily, sending the man a glare. At the mention of him not even being a hero, she froze. Who the hell did this guy work for?! Not the heroes... The Top Hats maybe?!\n\nAs he started to crouch down to her level, she quickly jumped up to tap him on his exposed neck and activate her power.\n\n\"Don't try to hurt me\"\n\"Don't let anyone know you're mastered\"\n\"Help me get to somewhere more private\"\n\"...Don't look at my face. I don't want you remembering it\"\n\"T... Tell me if you know any first aid... Or how to deal with a bullet wound\"\n\nShe gave all of her commands, her voice getting shakier from the combined effects of blood loss and adrenaline.\n\nJuggernaut would find that he COULDN'T Disobey all the commands given to him directly." }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "The bullet wound hit her in the side, missing any vital organs in the torso but allowing a lot of her blood to spill out of the wound. It seemed to go right through, so that meant that the bullet wasn't still inside her. That was good, seeing as a hospital wouldn't be too far away from their location. \n\n\"Well... They shot me too-\" \n\nHe wasn't wrong, but in the span of a few seconds it was pointless. As her hand touched his neck; gripping his free will, her commands seemed to be the things he intended to do. When she gave her commands he only returned it with a slow nod saying yes. He would not hurt her, no one would no he was being controlled, and he would not be able to visualize her face if asked. As such, his head would glance next to her, not staring at her at all as he carefully picked her up and placed her on a nearby bench, ripping off some of his sleeve before putting pressure on the bullet wound. \n\n\"Here. Keep pressure on it, while i take you to an urgent care.\"\n\nPresumably after she kept the pressure, he would lift her up and float into the sky, looking for an urgent care before heading that way. Unfortunately, he wasn't too terribly fast." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Olivia gave him an incredulous look, not that he could see. Was the guy who had bullets bounced off of him really comparing their bullet wounds? She shook her head to get rid of the thought.\n\nDespite giving the order, she wasn't quite ready to suddenly be picked up and ended up groaning in pain.\n\n\"What, like the hospital? HolyshitI'mflying!\"\n\"DON'T YOU DARE FUCKING DROP ME!!\"\n\nShe ordered, clinging tightly as she stared down.\n\nWas she really okay with the hospital? Her initial reaction was no, but... She Was Just an innocent bystander. This time, anyways. It would probably actually end up fine if she went. She'd have to make sure he didn't do anything too suspicious that tipped anyone off, but... Did she miss anything with her commands?" }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "Erik's mind felt a jolt along with the screaming close to his ear. Was she always this loud? \n\nHe slaved away in the slums in his youth always surrounding by loud tools, or hammers being thrown into cement. Another production of these loud sounds just made him want to go to sleep and never wake up. Thankfully his senses weren't enhanced by his abilities. \n\nHe sighed, \"All this and I didn't even get to eat somethin'.\" With the hospital growing near, their altitude began to plummet. Actually quite fast. It was almost like he was a person who wasn't able to fly, a grin forming on his face as they got closer to the ground. He was trying to scare Olivia, since she had been so forthright about her fear of being dropped from the sky. Well, it wasn't her who was falling, it was Erik! A meter or two before the ground she could feel the resistance building over Erik as a strong pressure dropped on herself for a second. Before they knew the both of them safely touched the ground, Erik now standing in front of an urgent care, where there he would take her inside and get her some medical care.\n\nAfter talking with one of the nurses at the desk and writing down a report, along with the patients information -most like given by Olivia herself- it wouldn't be long before someone came to see them." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "She closed her eyes, gritting her teeth to stop herself from screaming as the pair suddenly fell straight down. She just had to pretend it was a rollercoaster. Yea. That's all it was.\n\nMoments later she opened her eyes when she realized that there wasn't as much movement anymore, and let out a sigh of relief.\n\n\"You're fucking insane...\" She mumbled, sounding annoyed. To his credit, all of the excitement had made her forget about the pain from the gunshot wound for just a moment. How was she going to handle the rest of this interaction?\n\n\"Alright...\" She trailed off, thinking after she was checked in by the nurse. She'd probably be fine on her own now, right?\n\n\"Go back home and lay low. Meet me back where you first found me today at 7AM tomorrow\" She commanded.\n\nShe simply wasn't in the headspace to take any chances now by having a mastered minion running around in the middle of a hospital. Better to put it off til later." }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "\"Insane... Maybe a little..\"\n\nEveryone liked a little chaos, no? Well, he was the embodiment of it in small bursts. It was who he was, there was no getting it out. His urge to mess with others was better than any of his other urges. Whether that was the urge to fight, sleep, eat; it did not matter. \n\nAfter the nurse took over everything, she would nod to Erik and apply some basic medical analysis to ensure the patients current safety and health problems. The large man stood to the side awkwardly, not exactly sure on what to do.\n\nSNAP\n\nWith the command given, gears turned and shifted into place. His legs began to move his body towards the exit as he spoke out to Olivia, his tone low and rough; albeit obedient. \"I gotcha.\"" } ]	275	2,718
258.857143	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Suzanne admired the fields of the outskirts as she drove out towards the hills. There was no smile on her face, almost no emotion at all. Well, maybe a hint of sorrow. She cut the engine as she came to the tower. She kicked open her car door and took a step out onto the dusty path leading up to the ladder.\n\nBut she stopped. Where as usual, this place was a quiet, serene, and empty location. There was another figure here, sitting at the cliff's edge. She.. Was... Familiar.\n\nShe approached carefully, watching to mind the heat. If this figure would turn to look at her, she'd see a tall, lanky woman in her formal work attire, a little pale and sickly looking with the hints of dark circles under her eyes, and messy curly hair.\n\n\"Hey there, Pee oh Eff.\" Her overtly feminine voice called out. \"Any reason A hero's sitting out here so far from the city?\"" }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "Freddie would look over to the lady \"Freddie when not on the job. As for why? I burn shit. When I can get to a rocky area, I don't burn shit inherently when at such a place. If I am burning stuff my flames keep growing, Better to not get out of control in a safe place than get out of control and get to the point where the heroes will have to intervene again. There was enough devastation after I had came into conciousness at first.\"\n\n\"I don't want to cause more work for Dreadnought. She had to do enough to help me with trying to figure out my powers and such. Better to be at a safe place alone, than a crowded space dangerously.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Freddie, got it.\" She simply said, taking a seat a couple of feet away from the heroine. Suzy didn't exactly turn to face after that, listening to what she had to say as she dangled her legs over the cliff side. When she finished, then she turn to Freddie and smiled, weakly.\n\n\"Sounds like a pain. Can't imagine it to be the most social life, or the most peaceful either. Dreadnought... How's she treated you, anyhow? I heard you had a good thing going before you unceremoniously cut ties with the vanguard.\"\n\nSuzanne turn back to look out over the fields and farms that filled new London's countryside outskirts. There was an ache in her chest as she absent-mindedly grasped at her side for a hand that wasn't there. \n\n\"You're still friends at least, yeah? I feel like it would be too lonely, otherwise. But. Just a guess I suppose...\"" }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "She shrugs \"I just don't want to rely on them entirely. I don't want to be seen as the monster I am. Dreadnought is good, I just couldn't stand feeling like I was a burden on them. I still have their contact information, and they have told me they will reach out if something comes up that could help me control my powers.\"\n\n\"And on the contrary, even if it isn't the most social, it still is decent enough. Gangs will leave me alone because they know better, and at least some natural places can accomadate me hanging out there for a more extended period of time.\" The flames that dance around Freddie's body continue to do so as she also hangs her legs over the cliff side \"I just kind of wish that when I take up the Mantle of Princess of Fire, I could actually help people more.\" \n\n\"If I fight, I burn bad guys, which is still harming others. If I try and get people to safety, there is just as much of a chance of hurting those I wanna save due to the fire that dances.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"You don't want to cause any collateral damage, I get it. I think that's gonna be rough with what you're going through with your power, but it's not impossible.\" \n\nSuzy paused for a moment, really taking the time to consider her words and thoughts before she continued. This was a delicate situation, and not one she could entirely see from their perspective, considering she wasn't exactly a human torch her self. So she thought of things to support her point from outside perspectives.\n\n\"Like...\" She struggled again to get the words out, her own voice hitching a little from some complex emotions she was feeling as she tore her mind away from memories to devote to the here and now. \"It seems... Like for every parahuman who has their crap together, there's others who fumble in figuring it out. You see stuff like that on the news constantly, headlines about how NL's latest hero nearly topples city hall. Thing is, I think it's a part of the gig. It's like, forgive me for the analogy but... Like being trans?\"\n\nFinally she found the grove she could work with, the perspective she could relate to that helped her smooth out. \" Most trans people, don't exactly know what to or how to do what they need to, to feel comfortable in their own skin. Some do, right away, and they can immediately work on achieving their goals. Most, like.. Me. Flounder, get stop gapped by disapproving others, or plain just don't have the information. The single most helpful thing that gets us on the right path is support.\"\n\nDespite the heat, Suzanne inched closer towards Freddie and continued to explain. \"You might feel like a burden to them, but your hero friends, dreadnought, people from the vanguard. I'd wager to bet they want to help you get on the path to your goals, much like the support system for someone figuring out their identity does. And sure\" She curtly interjected herself. \" You CAN do that on your own but, there are those capable of pushing you along, with the right information, the right connections, and maybe the right environment to ensure your situation gets better, faster, everyday.\" As Suzanne finished her little speech, she realized just how corny she sounded in divulging this all. To a hero, as a civilian no less. She quickly tried to salvage the conversation \" Just uh.. F-food for thought? I mean I don't know if the analogy holds up, it's not like I'm some superhero my self, I j-just do IT at a firm in the city...\"" }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "Freddie's fire would dance on down to her hand where she plays with it so that the fire swirls around her hand \"Others with powers at least know what happened to get to where they are in life. All I have known is my powers and being different than others. It's not that I don't know who I am. It's just my powers get in the way of doing what I want. I have a grand total of like 6 months of memories, and all I knew at first was desperation and worry about the destruction I was causing. It's not even as though I can go find a place I can't bother others, cause the untamed forests all around town make it so that I can't go too far without starting them on fire.\"\n\nFreddie's magma like flows that trickle down her skin before solidifying and subducting back into her flesh. She continues to look out into the city wishing she could do more. This is the only place she has ever known, so it's not like she can even reminisce on a better time. She breathes calmy as the sound of crackling comes from the fire on her. \"Then there are logistical nightmares for several things when it comes to interacting with others. Mainly that touching others is as good as tempting fate with burning them.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Oh.. Sorry..\" \n\nSuzy's embarrassment fased to sorrow as she realized she hadn't comprehended what she was actually trying to tell Freddie. She remained silent, feeling it wasn't going to be any better if she tried to word it again another way. Just another failure on her part? Suzy figured as much, but in this scenario should couldn't be sure.\n\nSuzy stood back up, turning to walk back to her car. She'd not have the usual solidary peace she would usually get, with Freddie here. She didn't leave just right away, suzy felt a pang of guilt hit her as she realized she was leaving someone sitting on the side of a cliff with no better position than they were in originally. Suzanne motioned to speak for a moment but halted herself. She was never much of a social type, maybe she ought to stop trying to be. \n\nFinally, the office worker slipped into her car and the engine roared to life. She stole one final glance at Freddie, feeling worse for having come outhere, feeling as though she's never improved since that day. And then she rode away." } ]	227	1,812
333.666667	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "hakkku", "message": "\"We're done with your shit Tabula! Why the FUCK did we find your tech in the Gold Diggers' warehouse?! Are you tryna start somethin? Supplying the enemy with tech to use against us?\"\n\nA gruff voice rang out across the alleyway and out into the street as a body was slammed up against one of the walls that made up the alley. To anyone familiar with the gangs of the slums, or to those who do business with the gang 'Kneebashers', they would know this man as 'Bonethrasher', the leader of the gang. He was a very temperamental man, and when things didn't go his way he often broke out in fits of rage like the one he could be seen in right now.\n\n*\"They are __your__ enemy. I am simply a businessman, a producer and seller, I do not take si-\"\n\n# splat-\n\nHot blood filled Tabula's mouth as a hefty fist of reinforced bone crashed into his jaw. His face lit up like a beacon with pain, never before had he been Hit* At a deal like this, was Bonesong insane? Did he really think that he'd still be doing business with the man after a stunt like this?\n\n*\"You listen here shit for brains! You don't sell Anything* To the enemy, you work for us, got it?\"*\n\nWith the pain still coursing through his jaw, and his head foggy from the blow to the head he had taken, Tabula was quite out of it. It Seemed* Like this lowlife 'gang' leader was trying to extort him, which was a funny joke. Why would someone who depends on your product- \n\n#\n\nPain now coursed through the lanky male's torso, constant and stinging, one of his ribs was probably broken. Black spots begun to form in his vision, was this really it? Was this going to be the end of him? To some Adrenaline junkie gang schmuck?" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Poppet was in ear shot, traveling the city to test her range once more. She was in some dark colored clothing, some jeans and a hoodie that would keep her visage mostly hidden. She was content with just taking the stroll, but it seemed fate had other plans for her today. The stage was set as she watched the argument play out from the entrance of the alleyway. These thugs were going to absolutely destroy this nerd if she didn't step in, and with no one else around...\n\nPoppet took a full step into the alley, raised her porcelain hand, and charged the energy that began pulsing around her arm." }, { "author": "ksa243", "message": "Noise\n\"Whelp shit,\" A slightly compacted and oddly static voice would say from further inside the alleyway. If one were to really listen to the static voice, one would most likely realize that it was the kind of static one would associate with that of some kind of broken or damaged machine that was in bad need of repair or replacement. Though having said this, the voice of Kristof would still have been clear enough to hear if one was within the alleyway despite this static.\n\n\"I was content just letting this play out... But now things have changed,\" The static voice said as a weird clanking of two metal objects could be heard. The strikes of the metallic objects were timed so that one could hear the figure talk and walk slowly, closing in on the situation. If one were to look closely at where the noise was coming from, one would most likely notice a figure slowly closing in on the group, his body draped in black clothing that looked to be the clothing of your stereotypical punk. However, there was one thing that put this figure apart from the punk look: a black mask with lids all over it, a red fire-like glow flowing from the slits as the figure moved. (note: one would be able to see the figure hammering two objects together as he moved his arms wide as the two metal objects were hammered into one another again and again.\n\nA bit rushed but hope it works" }, { "author": "hakkku", "message": "Tabula's breathing begun to speed up as the man in front of him slowly begun to contort his face in pain. From his wrist begun a long blade made entirely of bone. This was Bonesong's ability, he could actively manipulate his own bones and the bones of other people that he was in contact with. It also offered him a decent amount of regeneration to Tabula's knowledge, but he obviously didn't have immunity to the pain. Bonethrasher raised the wrist blade up to the tinker's neck and a small smirk begun to make its way through the pain on his face.\n\n\"I always love to cut open smug bastards like you, your screams are like a symphony to my old ears.\"\n\nTabula offers no response outside of a dazed and perhaps slightly bored glance. Nothing happens for a few moments, then it appears more had come to join their little party. To the right a bright light made itself known, seemingly building itself up brighter and brighter due to the influence of a person. On that side of the alleyway the cracked cement ground begun to groan and moan with effort and it suddenly rose up from its flat position on the ground to form a defensive wall.\n\nTo the left was also some amount of light, though this was more akin to a face than what was on the other side of the alleyway. Not only was there light, but there was a rythmic clacking sound of metal on metal. It wasn't exactly annoying but it was constant. This figure Also Spoke, by the words Tabula could make out it seemed like he had some kind of problem with the gang... Good, it would make escaping this situation all the easier.\n\nBonethrasher's face moves from staring Tabula down to facing this speaking figure, and his expression darkens from smugness to a face of annoyance.\n_ _\n\n\"And who are you lot supposed to be? Two dainty pussy ass heroes who think they can bite off more than they can chew and just get away with it? Run away before I gut you all like a fish, this has nothing to do with you.\"\n\nSilently while his captor's attention was diverted Tabula begins to search around in his pocket for one of his stimulants, Any Of them." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Poppet didn't respond, not in a typical manner anyways. Her head clocked to one side unnaturally, Aiming to get a good look at the other strange character down the alley that closed in on the group. She opened her mouth, but it wasn't human.. It was.. Like a doll. \"_A strange encounter between parties, two to the aid of one against the other, the question remains-_\"\n\nThe energy loosed from her hand and shot like an arrow for Bonethrasher's center mass, with enough force to knock the wind out of even a burly man, if it hit. ' _How are we going to split the fun?_\" A light chuckle and rattle eminated from her head, the hood stil not letting any features beide her long hair and strange marrionete like mouth show." }, { "author": "ksa243", "message": "Anger\n\"A hero, he says,\" The figure said as he dropped both the metal objects he had held moments ago, creating a noisy metallic clang as they dropped to the floor. Then, with one swift motion, the figure raised 5 fingers and shot out 5 near-invisible beams of compressed vibrations. Two were aimed at Bonethrasher's upper and lower body, respectively, while the rest were aimed at 3 random gangsters that were part of this. Each of these bullets of compression was about the size of a fist and held the force of a pro baseballer's swing, one that could most definitely break a bone if contact was made. Hell, even if a person was just scraped, it might send them tumbling, as the force behind the attack would most definitely be enough to do so. Each of the blasts moves pretty damn quick as they moved as sound would, and though they were somewhat hard to spot and relatively hard to hear, if one listened closely, one would hear a buzzing noise as they closed in. Not only that but if one was to really look out for these blasts, one might see the slight distortion they created as they flew at tremendous speeds." }, { "author": "hakkku", "message": "Within the blink of an eye, chaos erupted.\n\nOn Poppet's side of the alley the previously shifting cement thickened and solidified itself against the blast of energy that careened towards it. The two forces connected with a resounding Crack, and a spider-web of cracks spread out across the front of the cement wall. A larger man wearing a Hawaiian shirt, shorts, and no shoes turned towards Poppet, a smirk literally cracking across his stone face. The man's entire body seemed to be made of the same cement that he manipulated, with cracks running along his body where visible veins would be on a normal person.\n\n__\"Not gunna allow that one dollie, ya messin' with tha' wrong man!\"__\n\nSwiftly the man raised up a powerful stone leg and Slammed It into the cracked cement wall and shattered it into a vast spray of speeding cement shards aimed directly for the figure that stood before him. As he did this the man let out a sound that was a vague attempt at a whistle, but sounded more like a loud intake of air due to the man's lack of lips or throat. Either way, this caused a couple of the armed men close to him to also turn towards Poppet and rush towards her doll-like form with baseball bats screaming bloody murder.\n\nOn the other side of the alley, the leader of this group was under attack from another source. Bonethrasher did not bother dodging, rather he just let out a noise that sounded something like a combination of a laugh and a shout of pain as the vibrating projectiles crashed into him. His legs buckled and the older man fell to the ground, but that did not keep him down for long. With another half laugh half shout the man stood back up from his kneeling position and shot forth a barrage of bone shards from his legs and ribcage area towards his assailant.\n\n\"RIGHTY THEN, LET'S GET THIS THRASHING STARTED WHY DON'T WE!?\"\n_ _\n\nWith that said the older man dashed towards Kristoff followed by six of his goons, rather than nine as three had not been so lucky in dodging the man's vibrating attacks. The two goons directly behind Bonethrasher raised their knives threateningly, and the four goons directly behind them ran screaming with baseball bats.\n\nWith all grip on his body gone, Tabula coiled his hand around one of the syringes within his jacket and fumbled trying to get his sleeve up and into his arm. Not only had he been accosted by these brutish gang members, but now there was some heroic types fighting them that may see his identity? Not good at all, he needed a disguise. \n\nLetting out a grunt of pain barely louder than a whisper Tabula shoved the syringe into his arm with a practiced motion, and let the contents flow into his bloodstream. Quickly his body shrunk down and morphed not into a person, but into a duck-like bird with vivid red feathers. A snort of anger and annoyance made itself known from the duck's bill before-\n\n*\"Just my luck...\"\n\nLetting out another sigh Tabula looked around from his low to the ground perspective, and begun to loudly quack and fly into the face of the closest goon to him." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Poppet braced herself as quickly as she could, raising her arms infront of her in a crossed formation before becoming enveloped in a pulse of purple energy as the shards struck her. She was sent tumbling off her balance, unable to fully protect against the strike in time. Though Poppet was sent to the ground, she didn't stay down for long, it wasn't like she had any bones or flesh to be bruised, or muscles to be strained and harmed, and so she rose from her position, dusting off her clothes before drawing the hoodie a bit tighter around her face.\n\n\"_Slick move, but luckily I can take a lot more than I look like I can._\" Suddenly, she bolted from her spot on the ground, soaring up fifteen feet into the air, a glow of purple energy surrounding her, and pulsing towards her head. She let her mouth drop open, and energy was seemingly gathering in the cavity. \"_Annnnd- that isn't all I can dish out, Cinderblock!_\"\n\nHer main target this time around was 'cinderblock' she so aptly named him. She soon let loose a Barrage of beams from her mouth, like a dragon spewing fire. They were much stronger now than they were before, strong enough that the stray shots that may have missed tore up the street around them to a small degree.\n\nThough she was trying to be mindful of the other two, she didn't have much control over the spread if she wanted to blanket the area Cinderblock was in." }, { "author": "ksa243", "message": "Rush*\n\"Dumb bastards,\" Kristof said with a staticky laugh as he saw the bone coming for him... Kristof was scared. If he was being honest, however, he didn't show it, as that wouldn't help anyone now. Instead, he stopped, looked at the incoming attacks, and shot out another blast of vibrations, the noise around him suddenly dissipating as if he were absorbing them. Hell, even the noise of the yelling gangster would be taken in with a fair amount of speed for that short moment. The noise dissipated around Kristof. This time, the blast was more significant than before. There was only one... Having said this, it was an attack that was so big it didn't need more of itself as the blast was big enough to fill the ally in front of Kristof with the little issue more or less creating a near-invisible moving blob mass that was now coming toward the men rushing him the power behind this attack was a bit more extreme than a baseball bat from a pro swing as it was more the equivalent to getting hit by a car the walls and ground this nearly invisible blast more or less denting as the mass of vibrations shot out from Kristof. Note the blast would keep going until it meets force. If sat froce is not strong enough, it will keep going and shoot out of the ally, most likely dragging anyone in the way with it." } ]	288	3,003
178.7	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "restlesswretch", "message": "It emerged from within a silver canister, squirming and schlepping over the rim before plopping to the ground in a heap with a wet Plop. It had just finished cleaning out another of these food storages, leaving only the inedible wrappings and other detritus behind. Occasionally, it would stumble upon a rat or various insects, and they were absorbed just like anything else. It could even simulate the rat bodies with its own, but bugs were too small. Mere protein, and calcium carbonate for structure. \n\nIt leapt forward, performing a few hops before shifting to the form of a man with shaggy, blonde hair. He appeared naked at first, and unashamedly so, but clothes emerged from his skin to cover him, though the pants were backwards. \n\nThe transition took only moments, and the man's face was strangely blank the whole time. His gaze, directed at seemingly nothing like a blind man's, never shifted throughout his emergence and self-clothing. His facial features similarly held no emotion, unmoving.\n\nIt had spent a few hours here at least, and the area was devoid of sustenance. It was time to move elsewhere, and it's skin sensed some not too far away." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "It was a normal day, as normal as they could be anyways, and The Handyman was strolling around the slums. \n\nUp and down the alleyways, gazing through the windows of buildings here and there. The more familiar with his surroundings and area, naturally the more successful he would be in his crimes. Break-ins, getaways, for any crime you would do there was without doubt a benefit for doing your scouting. It was tedious but it had to be done after all.\n\nOne boring alleyway and then several more. Nothing much of note but it was useful to know the routes. One more boring alleyw- wait a minute.\n\nThe Handyman would peer down an alleyway and see a strange man staring forth blankly, he would stand a moment watching. Odd." }, { "author": "restlesswretch", "message": "A new scent pervaded the area ahead of it, and it stopped in place to observe the approaching human. \n\nFrom the depths of its subconscious, a small voice telling it to raise an appendage in greeting, rose to the surface. In response, it slowly raised a hand in the direction of the newcomer. \n\nHowever, it still failed to control the direction of its eyeballs, and outsiders would simply see a shaggy-looking man raise his arm straight out, palm directly facing The Handyman. While his arm was dead-on, his gaze appeared unfocused and only vaguely pointed at the villain's position. \n\nAct like a regular human, It thought to itself, ... What do they say?... It wracked its brain to recollect the few discussions it had overheard while gorging itself. \n\nConsidering it only had the appearance of a person, and none of the internal organs and structure, a voice box wasn't available. Thus, it had to vibrate parts of its body at varying frequencies to replicate a voice, and a croaking speech emanated from the head area of the man. \n\n\"Hel. Lo... Sup?\" While the speech was intelligible, the man's mouth did not move in sync with the words. His jaw simply opened and closed repeatedly, as if pulled by strings." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would watch calmly as the idle man begin to raise his palm towards him. It appeared to do some shoddy attempt at a wave, their eyes appearing to lack several moments behind.\n\nBefore long the strange Person Would begin to act once again. His jaw almost unhinging up and down as a voice began to ring out from him.\n\nThe Handyman would take a step forward towards the thing and look him up and down, \"Now you are peculiar aren't you, hello all the same.\"" }, { "author": "restlesswretch", "message": "\"Pecu... Liar,\" It repeated, digesting the phrase. It understood the words, even knew the meaning upon hearing them, but it was as if it had only just recalled the concepts. \n\nAs The Handyman stepped closer, the slime's arm would remain pointed at him. It was silent as it tried to come up with a response to the approaching human. \n\nI am peculiar, but still being greeted? It wondered to itself, trying to compare its behavior to the behavior of humans it had seen in passing. So long as it could hide in plain sight, it likely wouldn't need to worry about trouble. \n\nIt had to maintain appearances, as otherwise it would need to take this human with it. The last one had been incredibly loud before it had engulfed the head, and that would just draw attention needlessly. \n\n\"Nice. Day.\" It spoke again, \"And. You?\"\n\nNailed it." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would watch the man's arm as he approached, seeing as it remained raised despite having completed its purpose. This man, this thing, it was clearly abnormal. As to what exactly was wrong with them was still yet to be known.\n\nHe would look the creature up and down, one hand held at his tool belt carefully just in case. \"Nice day indeed,\" He would reply to the creature, once again taking note of his mismatching jaw movements.\n\n\"So tell me, Sir\" \n\nHe would release a breath as he spoke,\n\n\"Who might you be?\"" }, { "author": "restlesswretch", "message": "Who? ... Who...\n\nIt pondered the question, but the name it could have had would not come to mind. All that it could think of, was when the first human it met had spoken to it. \n\n\"Caesar, there you are...\" It recalled the man's words. Though it did not realize its behavior, the slime repeated the phrase out loud at the same time. Strangely, while the voice remained unchanged in tone, it flowed eloquently.\n\nIt sat silently for a moment, internally deciding to use the name for now. It did not yet recognize the significance of the name, but it did recognize it as a name. \n\nIt would serve. \n\n\"Caesar,\" It spoke aloud, and even finally managed to execute its ventriloquism to an almost-natural degree. \n\n\"Who... Are you?\" It, Caesar, slowly tried to rectify its speech. Akin to adopting an accent, Caesar tried to mimic The Handyman's mannerisms and flow of speech. \n\nThe result was not really mimicry, as Caesar could currently only manage to produce a monotone vibration shaped into words. However, the flow of its \"Vocalizations\" Was marginally better. \n\nNoting the shift in posture of The Handyman, Caesar similarly dropped its arm down. Its stance, while somewhat natural, was still rigid as Caesar stood perfectly upright." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would simply watch as the creature appeared to be processing his words. \n\nA moment would pass.\n\nThen another.\n\nAnd before long a response would be formed, \"Caesar\".\n\n\"You're getting better at speaking Caesar.\" The Handyman would say to him calmly.\n\n\"I am The Handyman.\" His eyes would scan over the creature oddly as it had done several time before.\n\n\"Now you must tell me further, what are you? No reason to hide it, I know you're not a normal person.\"" }, { "author": "restlesswretch", "message": "Caesar froze, and tried to discern The Handyman's intentions. It did not sense any malice or aggression yet, and it had no reason to suspect any hidden schemes. \n\nIts visage wobbled slightly, like looking at a reflection on water, before the shaggy man's features began to melt into themselves. Its nose flattened and actually seemed to slough off, dripping and falling off before colliding with its chest and melting into the greater body. \n\nCaesar's skin turned a translucent red, the surrounding area visible through the edges of its body. Its center mass was a more opaque, hazy red cloud that did not allow one to see through it. \n\nNo longer remotely human-looking, Caesar looked to be a large clump of gelatin. Its body seemed to undulate under its \"Skin\", no movement reaching or affecting the surface. \n\n\"Hungry,\" It said, the whole body vibrating as Caesar spoke to The Handyman." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman continued watching, his face remaining calm as Casar's visage faded from it's human form into translucence.\n\nA few moments would pass before Caesar's form had disappeared entirely, his features disappearing one by one. \n\n\"Now you are unique aren't you,\" He would say with a chuckle,\n\n\"If you're hungry all you need to do is look around, don't go eating innocent people. But the scum and worst of the worst, well its a free for all buffet.\"" } ]	175	1,787
461.6	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "The stench of the dark alley she took on her way home from work was a familiar one. The horrendous odor of piss and marijuana permeated the air, the cold autumn air turned her breath and the breath of those lingering along the tight corridors into like the smoke of dragons. Their cold hard gaze did nothing to deter her from her journey through the seedy trash lined path.\n\nWell. One thing might have. Coming up on the coridor than turned into her street, they were waiting there for her. A trio, two guys and a girl. They were decked out in biker leathers, piercings and tattoos. A style she might respect if it were on anyone other than these hooligans. \n\n\"Wellll well- look at who we've got here guys.\" One of the men said, stepping into the middle of the path and blocking her entirely. He was tall, an athletic build about him, and if that wasn't enough, he carried an aluminium bat which he spun in one hand. \"Sorry little lady, But I'm afraid there's now a _toll_ for passing through here.\"\n\n\"Yeah~!\" The girl leaning on the left while chimed in, the gloves she worse had spiked knuckles, and the tattoo on her shoulder peeked past her t-shirt sleeve. A clear as day swastika. \" 'fraid's not gonna be cheap neither, you know how it is. Keepin' _trash_ off the streets is hard work an' all~\"\n\nHer wry grin sickened Annabelle, she couldn't hold her tongue. \"Oh is that it? You're keeping the streets clean? Sorry I can't tell with how much dirtier it's gotten since the Top hats started running you out of the Riverside.\" Annabelle stuck her hands in her pockets as she tensed up. She opened her mouth on impulse, gritting her teeth at the mistake and searching her pocket to make sure she had her taster. She didn't.\n\n\"_Fuck you just say shitlips?_\" The man with the bat spoke up, his brow knit together and his grip on the implement tightening as he drew closer. The two behind him pulled off their respective walls and closed in with him. She was at a loss of what to do now, ill prepared and unable to use her powers without droppnig her identity. She could fight, but could she take the three of them? With the weapons they had, she doubt it. This was looking dire..." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Almost as if on cue, a savior arrived...\n\nLight always travels faster than sound... But the brain doesn't always perceive it that way, especially when so much is happening all at once. From the shadows, burst... Something. It was big, almost ten feet tall, and its inky frame seemed to jut out of the shadows at odd angles, with sharp points glinting off of what light permeated the alleyway. It soared through the air, leaping from some unseen vantage point with an almost-humanlike maw filled with sharp teeth and a long, serpentine tongue flailing about. Compound eyes and wings beating so fast the eye couldn't perceive individual movements gave away that this creature was insectoid in some way... But the sound was inhuman.\n\nA mix between a scream, a howl, and laughter came from the open maw, and the wings produced a nauseating droning noise. Chitin clashed on itself, producing a cracking and splitting sound, as if the beast threatened to tear itself apart with every movement.\n\nAll of this, this cacophony of horror, occurred in just a split second.\n\nThe instant the thugs see *That* Coming from the shadows, they take off, dropping their weapons and running away, screaming for help. The creature touches down, skittering to a halt down the alleyway and shaking itself off, its wings going still as it hunches over, shaking its head at the sudden stop. Compound eyes seem to focus on Annabelle, and it turns towards her, its whole body turning to get a better look. Long, curling antennae twitched as it looked at Annabelle, and chitin chattered as the beast moved slightly.\n\n\"Next time, take the bus.\" It says, an accented human voice coming from the maw of the insectoid monster." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Her arms had been up in a bracing motion since the creature blitzed the alley. Annabelle's heart pounded for a solid minute as the action unfolded, and the sickening crack and chitter of the giant bug's movements momentarily filled even her with fear, more than she already was filled with from her own mistake, which he so graciously sought to correct with his 'suggestion'\n\nBut now the restraints were off. No one but this obvious over grown roach to witness her. In that moment, lowering her guard, several things ran through her mind. One of them, was just what he was doing here, and who he was. She'd seen almost every cape active in the slums, or at least heard of them. The second was, that none of them were _bug_ themed. Thirdly...\n\nFor a couple years now in the slums, there has been a threat to the local thugs and even some of the small time villains. That threat never quite made it's self apparent in any normal way, other than that if you dealt in the area of the slums, or around it, You ran the risk of getting your shit kicked in by this.. Invisible, unknowable force. Even the stories of how _it_ operated were inconsistent, and mystifying. \n\nShe'd just witnessed it for herself. The phantom of this opera. The sound of a cicada you couldn't find in the dead of night but you knew was there. Her teeth grit, and gaze narrowed.\n\n\"No. I don't think I will. But since we're demanding things of each other, tell me. You're it aren't you? The Faceless vigilante, the batman of the slums. Or is 'bugman' more appropriate? Listen.\" She said, taking a step forward towards the monster before her like it was nothing. It didn't terrify her, he was fast, but she was faster, in a way. \n\nA green energy wrapped and twisted it's way around her in a half second, covering Annabelle's body, and in a blink of an eye, she was a just a foot infront of him, the flash of the energy briefly lit the alley way \"-I appreciate your help, but don't assume every woman walking the alleys is helpless. If worse came to worse, I'd have done what I _needed_ to do.\" Her scowl was encapsulated perfectly by the way heir hair fell around her face. Of course, Annabelle was telling the truth, she'd not have let herself die in this alley, but someone would have had to and she wasn't sure yet if she was ready to go that far. Not to mention she'd still probably gotten a broken bone or two." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "The allegations were true, at least as far as Annabelle knew them. He couldn't remember the exact date he Triggered, but Kurt had been 'Creepy-Crawly' for a few years now. He has, even until now, viewed his heroics (or lackthereof) as being wholly amateur by design, intentionally eschewing attention and fame in favor of results from the shadows. Hell, his Cape name was something he came up with just a year ago, and only because someone asked him about it after he'd stopped them from getting mugged. Ironic, considering the situation he'd inserted himself into now.\n\nHe'd sit around and wait, maybe follow some shifty types around for a bit, Break out and pounce on them once the time was right, and either leave them for the cops somewhere publicly or scare the living daylights out of them and be on his merry way. He was hoping this would be the latter, as it was much easier for him than going to blows with someone. In all his years of being an (unwilling) Cape, he'd never been questioned so forcefully by someone he'd saved. He almost smiles at himself internally: after all, were it him in her situation, he'd be doing the exact same thing.\n\nAnnabelle's accusations would make him blink in surprise if he could blink in this form. 'The Batman of the slums'? 'Bugman'? He was about to say something when the green energy began to cover her body.\n\nAs she does so, Kurt instinctively steps back, unwittingly triggering some kind of effect in Annabelle. The more she tried to keep her eyes on the bug, the more her brain tried telling her to look away. Other noises, other sights, seemed to take precedence over the 9 foot tall bug man in front of her.\n\nSurprise turned to apprehension... Which turned to annoyance. 'Great,' he thinks, 'another Cape.'\n\n\"Look, ma'am, what you want to do with your time is your business, but fights in this neighborhood, even Cape fights, aren't good. Scratch that, *Especially* Cape fights. You can call me whatever the hell you want, but the fact is that I'm not getting into a fight with you. Let's both calm down, alright? If you do, I'll answer a couple questions... But only because you're the first to ever actually question how this shit works. Kudos for having common fucking sense to be critical of how weird our Cape shit works.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Her eyes darted around the surroundings easily, his power giving her plenty of reason for directing them else where than him. She could sort of tell now why the stories never quite made sense. The reason no one could pin down just what or who this guy was- he never gave them a chance.\n\nNo one else seemed to be in the alley, that much she'd already confirmed. Andromeda's scowl softened and her firsts, which she'd unknowingly had balled up, relaxed. \n\n\"Yeah\" She curtly replied, eyes kept low to the ground, but ears kept wide open. _'Common sense'_ She thought to herself as she shoved her hands into her pockets. _'That's part of it, but he's come to a different conclusion. Still, not one I totally disagree with. Situations like the one I was in need to be carefully examined and the outcome of actions weighed.'_\n\nAnna tried to lift her head to give him a proper look, but only managed to pull her view up a little bit before it was like pushing against the walls of her own mind, not quite a headache.. More of a block. \"In retrospect, you did what you thought was right based on what you'd seen. One swift hit to my skull and that could have been it for me. The thing is, why would a woman be walking so confidently down a place like this if she wasn't prepared for the potential danger. Unless she were stupid, or unknowledgeable. Can't say I blame you for thinking I might have been either.\"\n\nHer hands shifted out from her pockets, and she folded her arms while turning her head to look towards the corner that turned, and led down towards her street. So close to home, unarmed, with only her powers to get her out of the situation. _'Maybe I was stupid'_ She thought. \"As for what I have to ask, it's simple. I know you. I know what you do, anyways, and with parahumans like you, that's about as much as one can hope to know.\" \n\nAnnabelle forced herself now, she didn't care what pain befell her, though it did send a shudder down her spine to look at him. Her mind screamed at her to look away, to run maybe, She told herself that he would do her no harm, and dug her heels in, even as her psyche betrayed her. It triggered her, a cackling green energy like lightning coursed around her, but she kept her shaking arms and legs as still as they could be. Not enough to hide it completely.\n\n\"I w-want.. I want to know. Over your time operating here... H-have you ever caught, and drug d-dealers? Any, _female_ Drug deal-l-l... Lers.\" She was pressing herself hard to ask this question while looking him in the eyes, and she didn't keep that contact after she finished asking either, her head spun to literally anything else, she barely kept her body from flashing out, involuntarily. The arcs of emerald light still bounced around her frame." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt realized it too late that the secondary part of his powers had activated. A blessing for maintaining secrecy, but a headache for dealing with people in his Breaker form. Annabelle struggling to keep her gaze locked on him, and the physical exertion she put on her body just for that one simple gesture spooked him. Not that she'd do something like that, but because he was unintentionally hurting her.\n\n\"Woah, hey! Calm down. Just... Just take deep breaths, try not to think of me as a threat. OK? If you do that, you can get a good look at me again.\" He says, stepping back into the shadows, still quite observable but not as exposed as before. He sits against the wall, sliding down the brick before a soft 'thump' signified that he'd made it to the ground. \n\n\"I'll talk, just... Just don't do stuff like that. I don't want... I don't want to hurt people that don't deserve it.\" He runs a chitinous hand over his face, antennae darting down to clean his eyes. He didn't know quite where to start with her questions, but he felt the beginning was as good a place as any to start.\n\n\"I think you got it right, there: I can't read minds, and I'm not some god, as much as some Capes seem to think they are. I saw a three on one between a couple 'Outsiders' rejects and a lone woman in an alleyway. Common decency says I intervene, even if it's none of my business.\"\n\nHe holds up a chitinous hand, two fingers raised. \"Second part of the question: I've caught a couple drug dealers, of all genders. I'm an equal opportunity shit stomper, but I don't go after low-level dealers that aren't selling hard shit. Not worth the trouble, and they're not really harming folks; they're just surviving, more often than not. You're gonna have to be more specific on what kind of female drug dealer you're wanting information on.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Annabelle took a deep breath in, and the energy faded in little neon particles around her. She could feel the tension on her mind ease as she continued to reframe the situation. That was strange to her, it'd been the first time since triggering that her powers manifested on their own. Why was that? Despite doing her research, there was something about certain powers that eluded her. That was one of them. Anna could theorize about this later, but for now, the calm would need to be maintained.\n\nWhen her head turned to face him again through the darkness, the expression she wore was a tired one, exhausted from a long shift, from the confrontation with the unsavories, and pushing through to make a point to him: She was a woman of conviction.\n\n\"Shot in the dark, maybe you know names. Sophia Lindberg. She deals, or at least did deal with hard drugs, hallucinogens. Tall, lanky, looks half dead most of the time, dark hair.\" \n\n_'Cute.'_ She held back her emotions.\n\n\"I don't even know if she deals around this parts anymore, if at all, but if she did, maybe you could tell me if you've caught.. Or at least run into her.\" She couldn't hold back much though, It was clear through the hesitation in her voice that this 'Sophia' was more than just a dealer. Sister? Partner? Friend? That much would be hard to tell by her voice alone." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt takes a deep breath of his own, exhaling through the maw of his Breaker form and crossing his arms over his knees. He was lanky in his Breaker state, his limbs almost too long for his body, causing them to hang limply from the sides of his knees as he tried to relax himself.\n\nHer world-weary look made him pause, cocking his head slightly. There was conviction in her actions, the drive to accomplish something. She clearly wanted information on Sophia Lindberg, whoever that was. She meant something to her, which justified her pushing through his secondary power. In a way, it was almost refreshing to see someone with a spine in this city... Too bad it was a Cape. Ordinary folks needed it more than them.\n\n\"Lindberg doesn't ring a bell; sorry, kid. If she was dealing shit that makes you see shit, then I probably didn't stick my nose into her business. 'Half-dead' describes a lot of people around here, so that doesn't really help me. Like I said: I go after only the ones selling hard stuff who are harming others. Chances are your friend wasn't someone like that, so she didn't get a visit from me.\"\n\nHe chuckles, shaking his head. \"Names... Funny thing, those. Suppose no one around here really knows my Cape name, huh? I'd say you being the first to know is an honor, but let's be honest: it's really not.\" He sits up, clearing his throat. \"Creepy-Crawly. Bad name, I know. But that's who I am. I'm not very public for good reason, and I think other Capes should follow my example. No more fucking theatrics, no more God complexes, none of that shit. You called me a Batman of the slums, but I prefer being a bug-man. The shadows are where shit should get done... I'd rather have results than a comic book made about me.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Disappointing. The one person in all of the slums who might potentially know _something_. The name didn't even ring any fictional bells. _'Whatever'_ She bitterly mused, expression dropping some as the realization that this was yet another dead end. Then again, at least this wasn't something she was chasing actively, and it was more likely that Sophia had moved operations since they last met anyways. The Top Hats, her original goal. They still might know something.\n\nWhen he chuckled, it piqued her interest. _\"Creepy-Crawly\"_ She muttered, unable to stop the smile crawling onto her face. Still his ideals did strike her as odd, and it got her thinking about it. The idea that capes shouldn't be stars on a world stage wasn't something she was against, in fact she sort of agreed with him, or would have if it weren't for a few problems with it that came to mind. Maybe more than a few, but, she didn't feel like picking apart what was clearly his simplified belief here.\n\nInstead she turned away.\n\n\"Creepy-Crawly's a cute name, bad? Sure, but it sounds like maybe that was on purpose. You'll figure it out sooner or later so i'll disappoint you now. I am a public cape, Hero leaning I guess you could say, but at the end of the day I have A goal, and wearing a fancy costume and collaborating with others, helps further that goal. If it didn't, maybe I wouldn't even have a name, but I do. It's Andromeda. Like the galaxy. Annabelle, if you see me like this. \" \n\nShe stuffed her hands back in her pockets and walked for the turn. She stopped just short of it, and turned back with a curious look to give him. \"Mm... Food for thought but, just because you think bug-man suits you better, Doesn't mean they don't still see you as a Dark knight. You'll inspire stories and comics all the same. If you don't make a name, or make what name you have known. They'll make one for you.\" \n\nFinally, she faced the exit of the alley and waved him off. \"So long Crawly, Hope you come to my rescue again sometime. The talk was nice.\"" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt couldn't help but smile back when Annabelle smiled at his Cape name. It was dumb, but he hadn't intended to even have a name, let alone a reputation. It was nice to see that his name at least made the people he saved feel a little better.\n\n\"I figured you were a public Cape, Andromeda. Almost all of them are. You're a Rogue, like me. I can respect Rogues, even if the word is stupid.\"\n\nAs she starts to walk away, he goes back into the shadows, shifting out of Breaker form and letting his voice echo through the alleyway. \"A word of advice, Annabelle? Always be critical of what Capes see as normal. I was in one of the first waves from Gold Morning: a Hero annihilated the entire East Coast, the 'good guy' did that. When people who should have died from that came here, we followed the exact same mistakes as before. Protectorate became Vanguard, the public continued to see Heroes as our saviors and Villains as society's demons. Good versus evil... With innocents caught in-between.\"\n\nHe chuckles, keeping his body out of eyeshot of Annabelle, better to keep even his civilian identity a secret to his fellow Cape. \"I was 5 years old when Behemoth leveled Moscow. A force of nature... And those foolish enough to chase it, with the lives of millions destroyed because of it. In that way... I hope I never have to rescue you, or anyone else, again. Because even when a person like us gets so much as involved? The stakes are raised, people get hurt, or worse.\" He turns around, keeping to the shadows as he goes back to his lonely walk back to his apartment. \"Food for thought, for a smart girl like you.\"" } ]	455	4,616
279.363636	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fawful989", "message": "```New Scene```\n\nKurt was out on one of his ad-hoc 'patrols' again. He'd seen some success recently, scaring the daylights out of small-time troublemakers and keeping the alleyways safer. The other night, he'd even gotten a sandwich in thanks for saving a store from being robbed. The sight of his Breaker form under those harsh flourescent bulbs definitely freaked out both the assailant and the shopkeeper, so who knows if the sandwich was a token of gratitude or an offering of peace.\n\nIt didn't matter too much to him, anyway: the shop wasn't robbed, and he got a sandwich for his trouble.\n\nHe clung to the shadows, darting from alleyway to alleyway, keeping an eye out for trouble as he wore the most inconpicuous clothing he could muster: a black faux-leather jacket, a flat cap pulled low over his eyes, and faded jeans. He kept looking, watching for any sign of trouble: be it Cape-caused, or caused by normal people, Creepy-Crawly would be there to make the night a little safer for everyone else." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "It was about then, as Creepy-Crawly was striding through the alleys, the network of drug infested, trash-lined, piss stained paths, that he saw a police cruiser fly about thirty feet into the air, with it's sirens blaring, land onto a near by roof. Other sirens could be hear going off in the adjoining street.\n\nThere she was, a Princess donned in Purple. It wasn't just her costume either, the entire body was pulsing with a purple aura as she wandered the streets of the slums, ripping up the road and throwing chunks of it at the oncoming NLPD cruisers. Tires blew out on one vehicle, while another flipped on it's side. The police, successfully frightened, climbed out of their vehicles and turn tail. They were Parahuman Containment Officers who could handle, this was out of their pay grade. Well most officers ran...\n\nOne fired his service pistol at Poppet.\n\nHer head snapped in an instant towards his direction, the bullet having just chipped the paint on her face before it bounced off. \"_Ohohoo! We have a challenger it seems! Sorry sweetie, but no one can match the power of the crown!_\" A hand lifted from side was pointed towards the officer, and her arm was overflowing with that purple energy, coalescing into a point in her hand. She was going to fire a blast at him." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "'Shit!' Kurt thinks, stepping back into the alleyway as the police cruiser goes sailing by. He goes through the alleys, following the sounds of sirens, before finally getting a look at the Princess. Tearing up the road, hurting people, and causing an all around mess? Unacceptable behavior, to the Rogue.\n\nThe gunshot draws his attention, and he looks wide-eyed at the brave cop. 'Brave, but stupid,' he thinks. The Princess' words infuriate Kurt: grandstanding and reckless damage to the world around them were two things he couldn't stand about Capes.\n\nKurt roars out of the shadows in Breaker form, catapulting towards the officer. If he can reach him in time, he'll scoop him up and deposit the officer on the sidelines.\n\nEither way, the secondary power of Creepy-Crawly's power comes into effect: as long as those wings are beating, the Princess gets a terrible migraine, making it both hard to focus on the giant bug man who just came from nowhere, and anything else, frankly." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "The officer is zipped away as Poppet fires off a blast of purple kinetic energy, tagging one of the cruisers behind him, putting just a small dent in it. Under affect of Crawly's own power, he finally takes the hint and bolts from the scene, wanting to thank his savior, but feeling too much pressure to get out. Capes were about to fight.\n\n\"_Grrr... Who dares disturb royal playtime! Now all the little piggies have run off! Show thine self!_\" Her sing songy, posh voice echoed in the street as she swung her head around and kept guard through the pounding headache. Eventually, she gripped at her head and _screamed_ \"_AAAAAAAAHH- QUIT THIS INCESANT POWER OF YOURS, IT WILL N O T STOP ME!_\"\n\nPrincess poppet shot up into the air with fury in her growl, her energy pooling in her head. Her jaw opened and she spat out a volley of projectiles, these doing far more damage than the one she'd had aimed at the officer. It ripped up pavement, blew apart mailboxes, and punched holes through cars. The worst part was she couldn't focus her attacks with this migraine, she was firing wildly." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "\"Get any civilians out of here.\" He says to the officer, before he darts off. Turning around, he puts his hands on his hips and keeps on beating his wings, the effect only getting worse the more that Princess thinks of him as a threat. Shaking his head at the sing-song affectation of the Princess, he keeps to the ground, keeping his wings fluttering as he moves erratically around his opponent.\n\n\"Stop fucking tearing up this city and I'll turn it off. Also, knock off the annoying ass 'royal playtime' shit. We're both fucking adults here.\"\n\nTo onlookers, a giant bug giving all of them a psychic headache while a woman shot purple energy into everything and lecturing her the whole time was certainly not a usual Cape fight. Eventually, Kurt sighs and starts walking closer to the Princess, figuring that the property damage alone was enough to justify de-esclating on his own. \"Hey, hey! If you relax and stop firing random shit in the air, the headache will go away!\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "She was beginning to slow down as she spoke, the denizens of the slums watching from cover, in their homes, behind fixtures in their fairs, from inside their shops. The blasting eventually came to a stop as Princess Poppet slowly came back to the ground, a hand still clinging to her head in pain. True to his word, it lessened where before it was getting worse, but it still didn't quite go away.\n\nShe was finally able to get a lock on him, and though at first there was a sharp up tick in the migraine, it cooled off. She took steps away from him before speaking up. \"_Why do you have to kill the vibe like that? 'We're both adults'? No shit! The whole point's to have some fun and no one gets too hurt! But I can't focus when you force some kind of thinker headache on me! I could have really hurt someone there!_\"\n\nShe was pissed, but her words didn't quite make any sense when compared to her actions just a moment ago. One.. Other thing, was clear about her now. She wasn't human. Or at least, what was in front of him, wasn't." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "True to his word, Kurt let's his wings go still, and he just walks up to the doll, bending down to inspect it. He likely towered over the construct, and he grazes a chitinous talon over where the officer's bullet grazed her. He was a very tall, very annoyed bug man, but he wasn't about to start something when she was starting to cooperate.\n\nHis compound eyes flash with rage and his inhuman maw twists into a scowl as he pokes the doll's chest with a finger.\n\n\"Get your head out of your ass! Your 'vibe' and idea of 'fun' was sending cars flying through the air, and shooting at cops! If I wasn't there, what would you have done? Huh? Shot that cop? Don't start shit and then get mad when there's consequences.\"\n\nHis expression then turns to shocked offense as the Princess' last accusation stings him. \"Oh, so it's *My* Fault that you were blasting at cars and the sidewalk? You fucking Capes... Always the fucking same. Start something you can't control and then blame it on something you can't control.\" He says, his slightly accented voice filled with nothing but a stinging, almost venomous bitterness. This was deeper than mere cynicism: there was genuine hurt behind his words." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Energy surged through her as she quickly lifted her hand to his chest and blew a blast off quick.\n\nIt'd feel like a sucker punch, atleast to anyone without his strength. It him It probably wasn't even that bad. Certainly not strong enough to punch through metal. \n\n\"_thats what was gonna happen! And you wanna talk about not having control? I have perfect control when I can focus! Clearly you don't consider how your power affects people or their mental state! Do you barge into every situation by making the bad guy go crazy?! Do you know how dangerous that is?! Imagine if you were fighting someone serious and they flip the switch on some bombs out of pain and confusion! What would you have done then?!_\"\n\nShe attempted to bat away his 'hand' and flew up to meet him face to face. \" _and yeah, this IS my fun. I don't send people six feet under, I don't try to destroy the lives of people who can't recover from the damage on more than just a physical level! I fight heros! So don't kill the vibe! Just. Square. UP_\"\n\nShe brought her hands up, balled into fists, her body coursing with that purple energy" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Creepy-Crawly steps back, a shocked expression on his face. The punch hurt, even through his chitin, but it left no mark. As Princess Poppet flew up to meet his face, the more monstrous his appearance became. It also became much, much harder for Princess to keep her eyes on him, with almost every little stimulus around them being, suddenly, more interesting and worthy of attention than the giant bug man.\n\n\"I don't fight serious people, kid: I fight Capes and dumbass street thugs. Serious people do good work where people can't see them. Serious people don't play dress up and destroy blocks for shits and giggles. And another thing...\" \n\nHe buzzes his wings, inflicting a momentary pang of migraine on the Princess before opening his maw wide, a long, serpentine tongue flicking out like a whip. \"I'm not a fucking hero. I'm also not a fucking villain. Heroes and villains are for children; my childhood was lost because of 'heroes', and we're all here because a 'hero' annihilated us. You think I'm killing the vibe? Good! I hope the fuck I am. There ought to be someone with some goddamn sense in this town.\"\n\nHe looks down at her balled up fists, then back up at the Princess. \"If you keep on your current track, you won't be able to think straight and you'll be put in timeout.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "There was some truth to that last bit. She'd already lost control once, and damaged innocent people's property and modes of transportation, in an area of the city where they might not recover. Much as she wanted to blame him for that, she was still the one who did the damage. If she fought him again, here and now...\n\nShe stood in the air puting her hands to her hips in a more relaxed manner as she threw up her head indignantly and huffed. \"_Hmph! What good is there in royalty squashing a bug anyways, you are beneath me! You're not even entertaining!_\"\n\nShe flaunted her hair as she taunted him, but after that, she got in close, not quite looking at him, but not as if he could tell with those bangs covering her eyes.\n\n\"_For the record. I'm not taking you here because it would do too much damage to those not involved, and they'res no fun to be had with someone who won't play the game. But, if you cross me again, and take the spotlight from a hero that could have really given me a good time? I'll drag you out to the outskirts and I'll take you out_.\"\n\nHer words were cold, whispered just below a breath, and as she began to float up and away, she left him with just a few more. \"_You win this time! Bugbrain! But pray you don't run into her majesty, princess poppet, again!_\"\n\nAnd just like that, she turn tail and flew off, stuck in her own delusions. Those around, waiting in their homes came out. Officers that were hiding were coming forward to assess the damage. They didn't know if they should cheer, looking, how ever much they could, at their nine foot tall 'hero of the slums.\n\nA curious one was struggling, but kept her eyes on him. Annabelle. She turn back into her home soon after, with the most 'i told you so' smirk on her face." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Creepy-Crawly's mouth twists into a snarl again, and he's ready to raise a chitinous fist when the Princess comes closer, whispering at him.\n\nHe doesn't back down, and when she threatens him, all he can do is spit back \"That's if you see me coming.\"\n\nHe watches as she flies away, hands on hips, looking very much like an exasperated adult in a world full of children. 'Oh no, whatever will I do?' He sarcastically whispers under his breath.\n\nHe looks around at the damage, pinching where the bridge of his nose would be. An absolute mess; it'd take weeks for the little things to get cleaned up, and that was before the street which, in this part of town, could take months or even years to get fixed.\n\nHe buzzes over to the officer he saved, touching down on top of his squad car and squatting, going about eye level with him. \"Next time, focus on saving civilians instead of being a hero. We've got enough problems with them already, and there's not enough people who think about the little people in these things.\"\n\nHe shrugs, standing up and brushing himself off. \"Just a thought.\" Before leaping into the air and flying off, buzzing away in the opposite direction. He'd not notice Annabelle as an onlooker to his rather disappointing clash with Princess Poppet, but he would likely notice that his time of living in total obscurity was likely over. The cops knew what he looked like now, even if it was just what their brains could piece together from his power. Time to keep to the shadows even stricter." } ]	260	3,073
154.2	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fawful989", "message": "```New Scene```\n\nIt was cold tonight, reflecting the change in weather. Kurt Yazovitch, known by the denizens of the slums as 'the Bug-Man', but by himself and the confidants of his choosing as 'Creepy-Crawly'...A name he still should work on one of these nights, but doesn't bother with. \n\nHe is bundled in a heavy winter coat, but he darts into the shadows, emerging as Creepy-Crawly in his Breaker form. Its too cold to fly, so the giant locust-human hybrid jumps up to low roofs, scurries through the shadows of alleyways, and generally skulks where he thinks no one is looking.\n\nHe's had a string of incidents that got him some attention. To most Capes, these sorts of things would be positives, not negatives. However, to Kurt, *All* Attention is bad, seen by the cynical ex-Muscovite as playing into a rotten system of cops and robbers, except the children are given nuclear weapons and fan clubs and merchandising.\n\nEven thinking about it made Kurt sick, but he was trying to keep a low profile, to intervene only when he felt he had to. He was making such an attempt tonight... But, as a giant bug-man, he was bound to attract more attention at some point." }, { "author": "domdagreat.", "message": "A large figure draped in a black cloth moved with an uncanny grace, inhaling deeply, as if savoring the scent of the night.\n\n\nThe figure, the size of a mini-van, glided through the alley without hindrance. The mukyople eye-shaped holes in the cloth hinted at numerous gazes looking out from underneath. A hockey mask barely obscured the creature's face.\n\nThe masked figure destination was a homeless camp beneath the overpass, its intention unclear but it was clear that it was looking for something." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt tailed the figure for some time, keeping to the shadows and keeping track of where its going. The homeless encampment below the overpass was a frequent target for gang members and unscrupulous dealers looking to prey on those who didn't have it in them to fight back anymore. The thought that this figure may just be one of those types of monsters sickens the reluctant Cape, but he decides to mess with the figure before jumping in to confront him.\n\nHe lets his wings subtly drone, in short bursts. He always stays in the shadows, but its clear to the figure that something is behind him And that something is giving him the worst headache of his life..." }, { "author": "domdagreat.", "message": "The figure paused in its tracks, its body rattling in agitation with the painful sensation. The creature found itself not being able to look in the direction of the monster attacking it despite its numerous eyes. \n\nOh, it knew where the bug man was without a doubt. It could smell and track its odor with little difficulty but its eyes couldn't pinpoint their location. \n\n\"Come out here or I'll look for you.\" The figure bellowed, not in one voice but many voices that blasted in cohesion and coordination. Human voices but a portion sounded animalistic, like a feral grunt. \"I have your scent, so quit the games.\"" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "\"You've got scent, you freaky fuck, but not sight.\"\n\nA voice says in the dark, a hint of an Eastern European accent on his tongue. \n\n\"Believe me: unless you've got flight, I can stay as far away as I want. Tell me: what are you doing skulking around here?\"\n\nKurt positions himself in the shadows, legs primed for a jump into the air should the need arise. His chitin would protect him from much, but he was still vulnerable." } ]	135	771
172.125	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Panoptic's paranoia split her opinion on the subject of this meeting. Her fear that, by reaching out, she provoked a gang of essentially assassins to get rid of her for this. On the other hand, her paranoia fed her the necessity of joining. The fear that her former classmates decide to come after her makes this a necessary risk. This internal battle waged in Panoptic's mind as she entered the dockyards in her full costume. A white streak marked her left leg with her secondary zone that was so kindly given by her connection to the one she designated Paint. \n\nHer steps slowed as she waited impatiently in front of a shipping container. She relied on her power to feel out for anyone near by as it expanded. A gold film building around her on the ground and along the container as she leaned against it. There was no way she would make it easy to sneak up on her. That's how you end up another body." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The night cascaded above Panoptic as thick clouds gathered above and there by the container she stood in wait.\n\nHer zone had grew to encompass a small zone around herself at this point, piercing into the container behind and the clear space surrounding her. The silence was deafening for all but a moment until the Swooosh Of metal entered the air. Panoptic had felt the blade enter her zone but could do little as it passed through beside her, the blade piercing her raincoat as it thunked into the metal container pinning the material.\n\nHer head snapped to the origin of the small knife and there upon a stack of containers stood a man clad in feather, his pale face hidden below a black mask. Though not audible she made out three clear words from the movements of his mouth.\n\n\"Turn.\"\n\"It.\"\n\"Off.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Panoptic's anxiety spiked as the blade struck into her raincoat and would snap to look at Crane. A blank white mask would show surprisingly calm looking eyes. The benefits of extra-sensory abilities. She would keep her movements slow as she reached down and would scratch a nail down the center of her paint mark. After two scratches the paint would simply crumble off of her pants. \n\n\"Off.\" \n\nThe gold film would stop growing and would slowly begin to dissipate as she made a thumbs up towards the dark clad figure. She's no good in a fight, clearly, so she's not going to piss this guy off anymore than needed. She would put her hands up to show that she was unarmed at the moment and not reaching for anything. She did not feel like getting stabbed tonight." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Panoptic watched as Crane smoothly descended from the crates, meeting her at ground level in only moments. From the features she made out of his face he appeared no older than twenty-five, thirty at a push but he moved like he had been doing this for years. \n\nHe walked up to her and swiftly pulled the knife from the container, holstering it once again within his feathered cloak. Glimpses of metal shone within his cloak for the moments it was visible it was clear this man was, to say the least, Packing. For the few moments his arm had entered what remained of her zone she did however note a curious feature. He was thinner than one might expect, not non-muscular but certainly lean. His skin was unscarred and more significant than all laying below his arm a large blade, ten inches long and attached to some mechanical device of kinds.\n\nHe looked up, the red eyes of his mask making contact with Panoptic's, and he spoke a simple phrase.\n\n\"You called?\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Panoptic would look up to the man with a tilt of her head as she got a read of him. Her eyes looked over his weapons, noting the arm, and finally would go back to his eyes. She was shorter by a good stretch but otherwise her own build was hard to pick out from the mess of raincoat and baggy pants. If he were to bother looking it would seem Panoptic had come armed but the two short knives were hidden in the folds of the raincoat. Gold around the corners of her eyes.\n\n\"I did.\"\n\nHer voice was high and had a hollowness to it like someone not entirely here. Her voice cracked ever so slightly as she spoke again.\n\n\"I am interested in becoming apart of the group you affiliate with. I'll do whatever it takes.\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Panoptic watched as Crane's blank face gradually formed into a grin, his widespread teeth matching the white of his face. He spread his wings wide revealing the array of knives surrounding his torso before he looked down with a smile and spoke, \"Looks like you're in the right place.\"\n\nWith his outspread arms Crane motioned to a boat docked within the harbour. It was a medium sized boat, you couldn't tell exactly from this distance but it looked like there was likely only a single deck below the top level with a few rooms at most.\n\n\"Within that ship is a package bearing my mark,\" Crane stated simply, \"Retrieve it however you deem as best. Prove yourself.\"\n\nIt sounded a simple enough test, search the boat and retrieve the package but that couldn't be all there was to it, Could there?" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Panoptic's blank mask showed nothing but her eyes as she scanned him. Her anxiety ate at her standing in front of someone who was so dangerous. Something is off. \"Looks like it.\"\n\nShe'd look off to the boat with a frown as she considered. She knew there was something off about this, her paranoia wouldn't have it anyway, but did she have a choice? She was desperate. It was a test. \"What's the catch?\" She'd ask with a voice that cracked at the end. \"Do you hunt me the entire time? Traps?\" She glanced back at him. \n\nShe still moved forward, however. She didn't run over but she did begin her treck. She wanted to see if he would answer her. \"And don't go throwing your knives at me for having my power up, if you don't mind.\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Panoptic watched as Crane took a step backwards away from her, a smile still spread across his face. \"Now, now, now.\" He exclaimed, \"What would the fun be if I told you that?\" \n\nHe let out a small chuckle, \"But worry not my little sparrow, I Won't be chasing you.\" He turned and walked away slowly step by step before turning and speaking once more, \"As for my knives, that's only if it's being used against me.\" \n\nCrane's hand raised and gave her a little wave goodbye. \"Good luck.\" He stated plainly before stepping around the side of a crate. He was gone." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"My power isn't even offensive.\" Complained the cluster-thinker as she walked away. It wasn't as much a statement for him but a complaint into the universe. An empty thought left to the sky. She couldn't even get super-strength from the worst moment of her life?\n\nShe walked towards the ship. Once she felt a comfortable distance from the songbird she ran a hand along her chest and an invisible zone formed around her. With a long breath, steadying herself, she took a few steps towards the ship as she closed the distance. She let her zone build and opened her own primary zone as she did. Once it reached 100', where she could feel it stop, she stepped onto the ship and began her search using her power. Careful for anything sharp." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "She talked into the empty air as Crane departed from the scene, her speech afforded no response except the silence of the night and there she stood now alone. \n\nBut she had a job to do, did she not? And so she began.\n\nPanoptic began to walk, gradually approaching the ship, and her power activated and grew little by little as she went. The zone had reached its full size and she stepped upon the ship. Panoptic couldn't see much but what she did told her all she needed to know. Where she stood, the upper level was plain enough, the helm positioned at the front with a section of decking at the back, a hatch embedded within. \n\nThough she couldn't see it her power gave slight view into the compartment below, it appeared to be properly furnished or so she presumed from the wooden flooring and painted walls." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "With a sigh, she searched carefully. Her hand reached down to the floor and left a white smudge on the floor to further the extension of her power. The one good thing about Paint was her power was how Panoptic viewed it. The only thing she'd thank her cluster for.\n\nShe walked along the ship using the touch sense of her power instead of trying to squint into the dark. She has a habit of relying on that given that she uses it so often to operate in her daily life. Gold covered the deck of the ship as she walked over to the hatch and began to open it carefully. \"Package, package, package.\" She muttered." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Panoptic's power expanded as she placed her mark across the floor, the thin sweated layer growing across the new zone still as she moved away. She felt the zone as if it were through her own eyes, the brisk air, the ship's deck and the cold water dropping into the depths. But she however found herself unfortunate, the scope of her power revealed little more to her than she already knew.\n\nShe moved over the the hatch, her power catching a glimpse of a table and some sporadic furniture in the space below as she moved. Her hands moved down and with a heft the hatch levered open. The interior view was simple but said all it needed, a small set of steps downward leading to a single bare room. \n\nChairs, tables and other disarrayed furniture lay across the edges of the room, a layer of dust sat on their tops. A lone table, dustless, sat in the centre of the room with a box resting on it. The imprint of a red crane clearly marking the box's owner." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Climbing down and into the space below, Panoptic looked around as her paranoia crept through her. She hated that there was nothing jumping into her senses that could confirm her paranoia. Nothing that shaped itself into a danger. Deep breaths steadied her anxiety as she walked towards the box with her power extending her natural senses. She stepped towards it and scanned over with all of the extended senses. Touch, sight, and hearing all brushing it over as she grabbed it with a jerky motion. \n\nShe knew that no thinker could be watching her and she had enough understanding of her power to sense strangers or trumps that didn't just shut down her power. So she knew that there was no way someone was waiting in this room to jump her. Even still, she was quick to back away from the table like it might explode." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Paniptic's heart raced as her eyes span back and forth across the narrow room. Her power had encompassed the space around her and despite her rampant paranoia it was anything but alarming. The room was simply mundane, she saw no traps, blades, explosives, not a thing.\n\nEven as her hands grasped the wooden box, she saw nothing of alarm. The box was simple, wooden with two hinges and filled with a foam inlay to house a simple pin in the shape of a crane. It appeared to have some writing protruding from the back but that was all, no explosives, no deadly gases or blades. A simple box.\n\nAnd then she heard it.\n\nIt was a trap of sorts. Not what she expected of course, it was a simple siren which echoed through the air. She saw a flashing of lights through the opened hatch and it all clicked into place all too soon. Fancy traps? Elaborate schemes? Why go through all that effort when you could simply call the police on someone." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "A hiss escaped Panoptic's lips as she held the box in her hands. Cops. Great. She focused her power's sight to read the writing as she began to climb up the ladder. One arm pulling her up while the other held the box. It was precarious but she had climbed enough windows to know how to do this.\n \n\"Fuck, goddamnit.\"\n\nA huff as she arrived at the top of the ladder. She needed an escape plan. Her thoughts turned to the water first but she decided that'd have to be a last case scenario. She used her zone to expand her awareness of the area around her and began to move quickly towards the shipping containers. She used her expanded awareness to navigate and keep an eye out for police officers." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Panoptic's power penetrated the cold wood of the box and focused upon the cold copper of the pin. The writing was short and all too simple and this is what it said.\n\n\"Where water pools,\"\n\"Where the moonlight sings.\"\n\"A crane can be heard calling,\"\n\n\"It's plumes shine a deep red,\"\n\"The dark, glowing of blood.\"\n\"As you find his nest.\n\nWith the poem in mind she quickly ascended the cold ladder. She mantled upwards and her zone once again spread around her, the police lights shone in the distance but they weren't too close yet. She had time.\n\nQuickly Panoptic dashed to the shipping containers, taking cover behind one of the many towers without any issue. The sirens grew louder, closer. They were coming but it was no doubt that she had time." } ]	170	2,754
190.375	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Fascists. Nazis. Assholes. Whatever name they go by they deserve one thing and that is death. At least in Apex's opinion. That being said even Apex couldn't possibly spend all of her time killing Nazi's, not yet anyway. She still needed to perfect her tech before she could do that. For now though she had a perfectly good pass time, cleaning up the streets off their horrific gang tags. Well if you could call spray painting over them cleaning. So here she stood in an alleyway staring up at at the hideous array of red and black forming an NI.\n\n\"Hmm what colour to start with?\"\n\nApex stood in a tank top and jeans with a duffle bag slung over her shoulder. No mask because, quite frankly, her entirely mechanical right arm and the cybernetic implants in her left made it quite difficult to have a secret identity. Her hand dipped in to the bag and pulled out a cannister she looked at it a smiled.\n\n\"Huh, blue works.\"\n\nGiving the canister a good shake she began to spray two parallel lines of light blue paint over the Nazi filth." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "In the dead of this night, a keen eye might be able to spot green flashes across the rooftops, though _Andromeda_ takes care to mostly stay out of public vision. Chosing carefully which rooftops to warp to, she finds herself overlooking the alleyways and streets like some kind of perching bird of prey. Exactly what was she looking for? She couldn't articulate it, but in basic terms, she needed to let loose some frustrations.\n\nThat's when she spotted Apex, that distinctive arm of hers ahold of a spray can agging up some bigoted symbols and signage. She couldn't help but smile below her masks. Another quick flash and she dropped down a few feet away from the tinker.\n\n\" Graffiti, _in our great city?_\" Her words had a mildly mocking tone as she shifted her weight to one hip and folded her arms" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"Yeah I know right? Don't worry though, I'm covering this shit up.\"\n\nShe didn't look away from the two blue lines she had sprayed onto the wall, instead simply dropping the can into the bag and pulling out another paint can, pink this time. She began to spray another set of parallel lines within the two blue ones that already existed.\n\n\"So... Who are you? Hero, Villain... Nazi?\"\n\nAs she created her work of art her eyes shifted to the side to look at the other cape, curious to see if the comment got any reaction. No, she wasn't curious, she was hoping it caused an aggressive reaction. She'd have the perfect excuse to cut them in half then." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Hero to some. Mennace to others. Really I'm just doing whatever I want. If you've got spares, mind if I join you?\"\n\nAndromeda slowly stepped forward, standing now beside Apex with Hands left at her hips now while she admired the steadiness of the lines. \"You're pretty good, but I bet together we could make something bigger. I'm thinking... We find the biggest piece of shit tag we can, and make a real eyesore for the bigots, and a real mural for anyone else with a brain. What do you think?\"\n\nAndromeda's head was turn slightly to gaze at the woman before her. She took one idle hand and reached for her own mask, lifting it up to show the half lulled eyes with black liner and eyeshadow, frames by her brunette hair and shining with her purple eyes. She wasn't exactly smiling, her expression seemed more... Inquisitive." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Apex turned to look at the self-described menace and shrugged, throwing the can she had in her hand over to them. She then thrust her hand into her bag and pulled out another can, this time white. Shaking the can she began to fill the gap between the pink lines, completing the flag that was her masterpiece.\n\n\"Sure I guess. Don't suppose you've seen any prime pieces of real estate we could improve? Don't really get the best views around here. \"\n\nReaching her biological hand up to the edge of her art she released an electrical spark from the palm of her hand igniting the freshly sprayed paint. The flames didn't last long and once they died down they left the paint with a glossy shine.\n\n\"Such an improvement.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"It _does_ look good.\" She toyed with the can in her hand as she admired the flag. \" I've got an idea\" She said as it landed back in her hand after a twirl,\n\nShe slid her mask back on and turn to her. \"Hope you got a lot of this stuff, They're a large collection of tags in the alley close to the subway entrance. The wall of the buildings in the alley are tall, With my help, it'll be the perfect canvas. It'll take another cape, or a dick head with a ladder and a lot of wasted time, to do anything about it. For us, it'll be minutes.\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Apex threw the can back into her bag and then hauled it up so it was held near her chest and spread the zip open, giving Andromeda a good enough view inside to see the several dozen cans of spray paint.\n\n\"I've got plenty of cans, kinda limited on the colour choice though.\"\n\nShe began to rummage through the bag.\n\n\"Let's see, I've got Pink, Blue and White of course. Orange and purple too but that's it. Anyway, let's go.\"\n\nLetting the bag drop back to her side Apex began to walk towards the subway entrance. She wasn't sure of which alley exactly she was meant to go to but her new acquaintance would hopefully guide her if she got it wrong. If not well that's just typical really." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Let's go indeed\" Andromeda replied, making a quick pace to apex's side and laying a hand on her shoulder before in the matter of a second they were enveloped in that green energy that was apart of her breaker state. Then they were a block ahead. Then again, and another block ahead, using alleys and buildings as cover for the travel.\n\nBy the time all was said and done, before them lie the wall of a building with a base that was filled to the brim with gang signs, old posters, and of course, Nazi iconography. Though likely more curious was the symbol for the children of scion, with a crude black arrow pointing to it with a message that said _'these guys get it!'_\n\nThe look of disgust on her face was something you didn't need x-ray vision to see under her mask. She practically growled seeing the top hat's name in the pile of paint that caked the wall. With her own can of paint she started drawing a bottom perimeter. \" I'll line it up, you start deciding what image you wanna make. Think bigger than a flag. A scene, flag included maybe but.. A real work of art, I wanna snap a photo when all is said and done.\"\n\nAs she came to the edge of the building she warped towards the top and as she fell from the height her can marked a line the whole way down, and before she hit the ground she warped and caught the edge of a fire escape for a safe drop back down, and started pacing for the other side to do the same." } ]	168.5	1,523
153.117647	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Suzanne sit crosslegged on the couch Infront of the TV, documents strewn about on the coffee table, and a laptop at a weird angle in her lap. Her hair was somehow messier than it usually was, and an exhausted expression on her face told of many sleepless hours of the night she'd devoted to pouring over whatever it was that was laid out Infront of her, emails and terminals open at the same time.\n\n The only item she had at her side for reprieve was a glass of hot chocolate, which seemed cold now, but still she sipped from it with a wave of warmth seeming to flow over her as she let the cocoa flow.\n\n\"Soothing\" She muttered, flinging her head back to look at the ceiling, neck braced against the back of the couch." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Exhaustion bled into every fiber of Fiona's body as she slipped her mask into a duffel bag with her costume and a few spare. She had changed at one point on the way home and decided to play it off as having left to exercise. She sighed and pushed through the door with a little reluctants. She was usually the type to slip through the window but tonight she couldn't be bothered.\n\nShe walked into the door holding her bag and noted her roommate with a brief nod. A gold film was built up on the edges of her bag as she entered \"Hey.\" A simple greeting. Hopefully, maybe, she wouldn't pay attention to Fiona. She moved towards the fridge to grab a drink as she eyed Suzy. The gold film slowly beginning to crawl along the floor and seep into the walls around Fiona." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Fiona\" She managed to cough out, still staring at the wall. It looked like she wouldn't be slipping away so easily tonight.\n\n\" It's like two am. I don't mean to pry but, what gym is open at two in the morning? Do you like, do some kind of solo regimen of your own design?\"\n\nShe knew she sounded a little accusatory, but she couldn't parse her thoughts and words easily right now. Suzy welcomed any manner of distraction from her work, and she didn't have the energy or reason to be poppet at the moment. Sitting up straight, Suzy pulled her laptop off her lap and set it carefully down on the pile of documents.\n\n\"Genuine question, and I could use the distraction, if you're answers not just the name of some fitness place I haven't heard of before.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"Suzanne.\" She replied as she quickly brushed away her aura with a thought before her roommate could notice the fluid building up. She sipped her water and wiped her brow. Her eyes turned to look at the laptop.\n\n\"I don't go to a gym. I run.\" She stated simply as she dropped her bag on the floor and went towards the couch. \"I also do curls sometimes.\" Half truths. She does all these things just not tonight.\n\nShe sat on the arm of the couch as she wiped sticky gold onto her shirt from her mouth. \"I usually run between here and the old park in the residential district.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"You mean that run down playground that the city mayor has continually refused to put efforts towards fixing up in favor of increasingly better ammenities for the tower and vanguard districts?\"\n\nHer head turn to face Fiona with an alarming amount of spite, matching the tone of her voice \" That's a pretty far distance to run and back... Hmph.\" Her expression softened as she focused more on Fiona herself, and not the damingly depressing politics at work. \" No wonder your figure is so fit. I really should run with you some time. It'd be better than staying up all night working on-\"\n\nShe gestured vaguely towards the coffee table \"This.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"Yeah that's the one. Glad someone else thinks about it.\" Her mood calmed for the moment as she stared at the coffee table.\n\n\"I take breaks. Usually take a bus back if it's late.\" She replied with another partial truth. Again, normally she does but tonight she hadn't. \"I try to be in a good shape for running. Been doing it my whole life.\" There was a trace of a joking tone but she knew Suzy wouldn't get why.\n\nShe sipped her water again and leaned back. \"What is it?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"My work, I work IT for a firm in the city, and they've just decided they want an inhouse server system for file sharing and storage, since the current provider we use is 'tOo exPeNsIVe'\" She threw up air quotes while making a face and voice about the whole thing. Her arms folded in A pout and she looked rather tired.\n\nWith a long, rough sigh, she continued. \"The documents on the table outline the project plan, the deadline, the features they want. It's insane, I don't even have the equipment to get half this stuff running smoothly, let alone running at all. This is the sort of thing you PAY others for because they make a whole business out of it. It's just... _too much_.\"\n\nHer head fell back again, almost vacant eyes staring holes into the ceiling with her lips half parted in a daze. \"This- among Other Things\" She winced at the thought, eyes darting across the room, towards her door \"Have just kept me from having any reprieve. A distraction, would be nice...\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"IT? Fun.\" Her tone showed that she did not think it was fun at all. \"I remember when I was in school and anytime we asked for anything, they said it was too expensive.\" She sighed and rubbed her nose as she looked at the side of Suzy's head instead of her eyes. \"It's always stupid.\"\n\nShe reached over and grabbed one of the documents and began to read over it. She read it with a lazy glance and tossed it back onto the table. \"Hmm. Sounds like someone needs a new job.\"\n\nShe noted the little peak. An eyebrow shotup but she didn't comment on it as she instead reached out to begin expanding her aura. \"Wanna watch a movie or something?\" She'd keep her roommate distracted from work and from the expanding aura. \"Or, dunno. Whatever you want to do.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Suzy shifted her head, and her lips pursed, thinking about it. The work was due soon, but she could get it done with enough energy. That of course meant no going overboard with her alter ego. Perhaps it was what needed to be done, but all work and no play makes Suzy an antsy room mate.\n\n\"...Ssssuuure. Why not, I think I would enjoy that. Your pick though, since I've got you falling for my puppy dog eyes\"\n\nThey were more like the eyes of a vompire who slept in, but the point stood, if she was pulling Fiona into this, she was going to make sure she had some enjoyment in the matter. She set aside everything on the coffee table and scoot over to make space on the couch for Fiona. With a weak smile on her face she leaned forward and tossed the remote her way.\n\n\"Nothing too scary, I'm real jumpy right now.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"Puppy dog eye- whatever, I'm going to take a shower first. See if we have snacks?\" \n\nShe left the question in the air as she grabbed her bag and headed for the shower- feeling the apartment out as she sighed. She wasn't that sweaty but she did want to wash off. She grabbed a change of clothes, threw herself in the shower, and dried off as she took the time to use her power to feel for anything out of the ordinary. Maybe she'll find drugs? She doesn't know. \n\n\"If she's really just a boring IT person, I'll eat my hair..\"\n\nShe muttered to herself as she strolled back out to the living room now in a t-shirt that was nearly a dress on her and a set of pajama pants that were only one size too big. Fiona was motivated to distract her roommate as she sat on the couch now. Gold still sticking to eyes and lips. Really persistant makeup, huh?\n\n\"We're definitely going to watch The Princess Bride since you are so jumpy.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Suzy didn't respond right away, she seemed half awake, but eventually turned to smile at Fiona, giving her a nod. \"Didn't... _yyawwwn_ didn't think you'd be the type to enjoy that kind of movie. I'm down though.\"\n\nSuzy pulled her legs up and held to herself, curled up tight. The IT worker ddin't seem to mind her 'make-up' at all. Even now, where it had clearly should have been washed away, she didn't make a fuss. That had to be cause for concern, but not more than the feel of the room Fiona got earlier in the shower.\n\nInside, it seemed... Almost normal. There was a twin sized bed with with curtains and posts, drawn to hide... Another body? Smaller than hers. The rest of the room was just as off, in a way. A dresser, shelves, wall displays, filled with plushes, dolls, and even some action figures. A bean bag chair sat next to a wide, low to the ground desk. It was large enough you could fit a body on that thing, and it was strewn with wood working tools, string, and wood. She could about make out a marionette's controls, and some kind of makeshift stage.\n\nThis all sort of served to color the picture with the figure in the bed. It was, possibly, A large doll. At the very least, she was doll obsessed, and on the off chance that _wasn't_ a doll... Who knows." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Fiona opened her mouth for a moment, closed it, and opened it again after thinking of how to phrase it. \"My mom, she really liked that movie.\" Her voice cracked a little as she said it, and not her usual kind. A waver in her otherwise dead toned voice. \"So it has some decent memories of my childhood with it.\"\n\nShe dropped her field before the gold could stick to something noticeable. If it was a corpse, it's not hers. She flicked the tv on, turned it to netflix, and put on the movie. \"Besides, sometimes I can enjoy a happy ending.\" A snort of amusement, before her face went blank again. Trying to hide her emotions. Being hard to read." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "So they enjoy the movie, but it wasn't long before she fell asleep, ending up falling against the arm of the couch with a small snore. Suzy was relaxing now, for sure, but so much for enjoying the time together. The movie droned on, as did suzanne's snoring.. But soemthing else spiked above the sounds of the rest. The clinking of some kind of cermaic or porcelain, coming from the room of the mate..." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Fiona jumped a little and snarled as she heard the noise coming from the room. She opened her aura once more, feeling the thinker headache preparing to shoot through her, and would clench her teeth. She had a suspicion as to what's going on but she wanted to make sure. \"Goddamnit, roomie. You and your narcolepsy.\" A muttering as she prepared to get up." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "As her power swept over the region, a chilling sight befell her mind. The body in the bed, was moving. It was moving about the room, tidying things up, putting away tools and craft work, taking a minute to play with some dolls, and then, It's head turned on a dime, it turned it's head so much farther than a human should be capable of, and it was staring at the door.\n\nSuzy was still fast asleep, inching a little closer to Fiona's warmth in her unconscious state." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Fiona stood and move quickly towards her own room as gold stuck to the carpet. She had an annoyed grimace as she put this together. So not just a doll- definitely not a person. Happened as Suzy fell asleep? That's pretty obvious that it's something she controls. Good to know. She had to make sure her own power didn't get caught onto and as such she collapsed the zone as her thinker headache began to pain her.\n\n\"Night, Roomie!\" She shouted before locking herself in her room." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "She didn't get a response. Suzy was still 'Asleep'.. But she might be able to hear the movement of the window next door, and the light whoosh that followed after. What ever figure that she was controlling... Flew away. \n\n—" } ]	151	2,603
102.566667	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Grunt would approach the city district, his eyes scanning the streets around him.\n\nThe address on that note was supposed to be around here, it might take a little bit of searching but it surely couldn't be too hard to find.\n\nHe would begin to navigate through the streets searching for the adress." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Grunt wasn't wrong, it would take some searching. Going back and forth around the area he had managed to find almost every address remotely close to the one on the note but just couldn't find the one he was looking for.\n\nStopping for a moment's rest from the pain of his cracked ribs Grunt would see something he hadn't noticed before. An alleyway he hadn't explored before." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Peering into the alley Grunt would flash a smile on his face, \n\nA dodgy alleyway was alwyas convenient and with some luck his target would be down there.\n\nTaking care to observe his surroundings he would begin to move into the alleyway, his pipe now at hand." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Moving down the alleyway about halfway down grunt would see steps leading up to a door. The door he had been looking for. Unlike most he had seen in the area this one was made from thick reinforced metal with a coded electronic lock. A cursory glance up and down the alley there didn't seem to be anyone in the close vicinity." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Referring to the note from his pocket Grunt would punch the code into the keypad one number at a time.\n\nWith any luck it would unlock, a code and matching address only seemed to make sense after all." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The display on the keypad flashed red as grunt input the last digit into the keypad. At least the last digit he could type as it seemed a maximum of four numbers could be typed in. Whatever number he had on that note it wasn't for the door that much was for sure. The display flashed red three times before it stopped followed by the sound of shifting metal in the door followed by a loud click." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Grunt would transform his pipe into diamond and step away from the door,\n\nHeating it up an extreme amount he would move it towards the door and begin melting through." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Grunt took his diamond rod and began to heat it up and plunge it into the door. Almost immediately the door began to turn a orange hue, the surface layers visibly liquifying. The entire area seemed to rise in temperature and coated in a soft orange glow. He was making good progress but there was no illusion that this would be a quick thing.\n\nSoon enough though the middle of the door had become liquid metal and the top began to fold down concealing the rod and leaving a pile of semi molten metal in the doorway." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Grunt would remove his pipe for several moments allowing the molten metal to fall into place properly.\n\nOnce it had settled he would use his pipe to cool the metal down to a safe temperature before trying to enter through the created enterance." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Giving a few moments for the metal to cool, the pile of slag soon reached a temperature where Grunt felt it was safe enough. He began to step through before having to stop for a moment as he felt his broken rib complain at the unusual movement.\n\nStill he would power through and climb into the room. It was small and filled with smoke but Grunt could make out a few details. On the far side of the room a simple mattress lay on the floor next to a bookshelf. A small kitchen area could be seen in an alcove and what appeared to be a bathroom was through another doorway." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "First Grunt moved towards the bookcase, he knew some people liked to have shady hidden areas so it was worth checking out. He moved over to it inspecting the back to see if it was disconnected or perhaps masking something.\n\nFollowing up his brief investigation he made sure to allow the smoke a few moments to dissipate. After such he began to give the room a more thorough investigation, looking for a safe or hidden keypad perhaps." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Grunt walked towards the bookcase, the smell of burned wood and fabric filled the air burning the inside of his nostrils. Honestly it was amazing the entire room hadn't burst into flames with how hot he had made his bar. Mostly likely due to the strange properties of his power preventing the heat from radiatiating normally.\n\nNow at the bookcase a cursory glance revealed several oddities. It seemed to be bolted to the wall and several of the books weren't real but were actually solid blocks decorated to look like books attached directly to one of the shelves." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Grunt released a laboured cough as the gas exited the room, the pain of his ribs still present from his previous fight. It was a bother but not one he could let stop him for he had a mission to do. He paused for several moments before continuing, allowing himself to calm and focus once again.\n\nNow calmed and his nerves restored Grunt made his way to the bookshelf taking a closer look at these peculiar books. He began to fiddle with them, attempting to pull and push awaiting some kind of reaction." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Feeling around the bookcase and attempting to move things around didn't reveal anything extra about it. The majority of items were just as they seemed but there were a few that were clearly not as they seemed, notably the aforementioned false books. Save for those, nothing else on the shelf really garnered any additional attention." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Oh well, It looks like this wasn't working.\n\nGrunt took a step back and planted his feet firmly into the ground. He summoned his pipe, holding it like a bat and began to eye up his target. He pulled at back and with a might force swung it forth, amplifying his swing with his pip's power as it swung towards the side of the bookshelf." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "With a situation like Grunt found himself in there was probably some complex way of getting what he wanted. This was Grunt though so clearly didn't have time for that. No instead using powers granted to him by a shard of an interdimensional alien he utterly demolished the bookshelf.\n\nAs the pipe hit through the false books a crunch could be heard as it split open causing a large amount of pound notes to go flying into the air from within. That wasn't the only thing that happened though, Grunt could hear a hissing sound. It wasn't too disimilar to what one would imagine gas leaking from a Pipe would sound like." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Grunt's eyes browsed the room as splinters of wood shot out from his swing. The money was exciting but the hissing of a pipe was not, it brang concern. He raised his shirt slightly securing it over his mouth to act as a shitty filter of sorts. It probably didn't do much but Grunt had seen people do this in movies he had watched since he awoke.\n\nHe had a plan, a little silly but a plan none the less. Grunt looked carefully through the broken wood of the bookcase looking for the damaged pipe, trying to locate where he had damaged it. Once the crack was identified it was a simple procedure- fix the hole. He retrieved the water bottle from his bag and tore of a piece of his cloathing soaking it thoroughly. He pressed the soaked rag into the gap before lowering his pipe's temperature freezing the rag to act as a barrier of ice. Grunt followed this by layering water upon the already frozen rag to form a fine layer of ice as a barrier." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Through some quick thinking Grunt managed to seal the leaking pipe with little effort. That being said what ever the gas was it was far from mundane. Grunt could already feel a migrane begining, his throat felt like sand paper and blood began to drip from his nose. Following the pipe a short distance revealed it had been hook up to a small cylinder marked with a skull and crossbones in a diamond." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Grunt's gut wrenched and he let out a hefty cough. He hadn't been so welcome to gas attacks in the past so this was a nice new experience. He left his pipe hovering above the sealed pipe at a Cold enough Temperature to ensure the seal before making his way over to the melted door.\n\nHe leant over into the fresh air of the street and chugged some water from his bottle. He didn't think there had been Too Much of the gas so unless it was instant death he might just be alright if he let it dissipate and got fresh air." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Clambering over the melted door and stepping into the fresh air Grunt felt his throat burn. Quickly downing some water the pain subsided but there was still a subtle discomfort and Grunt found it more difficult to breathe. His throat having swollen due to the chemical he had been exposed to. Whatever it was it clearly wasn't good for you.\n\nLooking back into the room the only sign of the gas was a subtle ripple lingering in the air. It moved slowly through the air, a lazy meander as it traversed the room. It would be difficult to avoid." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Grunt stepped outside of the door and stumbled a short distance away from the entrance. He moved downwards to the cold ground and covered his mouth with a rag.\n\nHe moved his pipe from the seal for a brief few moment trusting the cold ice to hold and began to move his pipe to the doorway. Now Grunt didn't know exactly how fans worked, but an angled blade and a whole lot of spinning typically seemed to work so that's exactly what he would do. He angled his pipe and made it spin, very quickly." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Normally a fan works due to its shape causing air to flow in a particular direction. In this case though Grunt has used temperature to have the same effect. The rapidly spinning cold rod causes the air around it to cool and become more dense, therefore sinking towards the ground. This creates an area of low pressure around it pulling the toxic gas from the room out into the open air.\n\nGrunt can still feel nausous as this happens but the gas soon disperses harmlessly into the air, leaving grunt free to take action without having to poison himself. As he stands there though he notices someone standing at the end of the alleyway staring at him. A young woman, about 14-15 years old." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "A long breath of fresh air entered Grunt's lung and a grin spread across his face. He rose to his feet and his eye's darted across the surrounding alleyway honing in on the woman stood alone at the end. \n\nHe put a finger to his lip for a moment before he took it away and mimed a single word, \"Leave\". Despite what some may thing Grunt was not in the business for abusing and hurting young children so he left it at that and entered the building once again.\n\nOnce inside he had to be quick, he moved to the bookcase and took whatever of substance he could from there, taking care to look for any more potential hidden secrets. He then moved to the floor and gathered what money remain thrown about and he stuffed it into his bag. He had to get as much as he could." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "She stood there for a moment, her eyes drifting over Grunts form. She looks as though she was about to do something but hesitated before turning and walking out of sight down the street. Clearly she thought better than to interupt the cleary crazed man standing in an alley way.\n\nHeading back into the now ventelated room and over to the bookcase Grunt could see the damaged remains of the cylinder that contained the toxic gas. Now he had more than a few moments to look he could see it was nestled next to several large wads of cash along with some bricks of powder wrapped in clingfilm. A decent haul if he wishes to take it." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Grunt unzipped his bag with a crisp slide and began to sweep the goods inside. He wasn't a particular fan of drugs but they would be better within his grasp as opposed to an individual more nefarious. He lay his unzipped bag against the wall as his eye's danced across the room.\n\nWhilst he had cleared the shelf there was still a number of loose bills spread across the floor from his previous antics. He took some time, retrieving all of which he could from the scattered money before returning to his bag and securing it within. \n\nHe would take a few more minutes to search the room before making any move to leave. He had discovered the most obvious cache of items but there was no harm in being thorough for there could be more hidden in this safehouse of kinds." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Grunt began to shove his finds into his bag. Drugs, money, shelf ornaments, everything worth anything. In total there was around £1000 in cash and just over a Kilo worth of whatever drug that powder was. It wasn't a stretch to assume it was probably cocaine.\n\nSearching the rest of the room Grunt would find he had found the only obvious storage area. That being said there was still the kitchen area and bathroom that had been left mostly unexplored." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Grunt zipped up his bag and swung it over his shoulder with a decent pace. That girl had seen him so it wouldn't be a stretch to say one person or another would come poking around before long so he'd best get out sooner than later.\n\nHe moved over to the bathroom and threw the door open, it was unlikely much was held here but he took anything in which would be of worth to him. \n\nGrunt hit the kitchen on the way out, he had cleared the bathroom for its worth and would do the same elsewhere before he left." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Entering the bathroom Grunt would be met with what was probably to be expected. A small compact shower, toilet and bathroom basin with a small medicine cabinet above. Of course the fact the room gave of a quite frankly disgusting smell was concerning but probably nothing important. Moving into the kitchen Grunt would find very little at first glance. It's was very cramped with a small fridge, oven with stovetop and a sink within a counter top.\n\nUnless he wished to do something else in these rooms there was nothing jumping out as obviously valuable to him." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Grunt shook his head and at the empty remains of the building, it appeared he had collected all of worth and now it was time to make his Daring Escape.\n\nHe made a dash from the bathroom towards the front entrance and vaulted through the door gap, taking in the fresh air of the night. \n\nHe held his arms high and summoned the pipe within his grasp, It was time for his exit. He hovered upwards and began to propel his pipe upwards and through the streets. It wasn't conventional but it was a fast and easy method of transport." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Grunt made his escape into the city, loot in hand. Despite seeming to have been noticed there was no signs of trouble, no sirens, no capes. It appeared Grunt was home free with £1000 in his pocket and a kilo of drugs in his hand.\n\nAfter making it home he could donate to authorities for a reward, but if he wished to keep the drugs he would find they would net him around £40,000 if he could find someone to buy all at once. If he wanted to deal it it could fetch far more." } ]	107	3,077
199.538462	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "princesslalatina", "message": "This was it. This was the real start of her heroic career. Of course she had gone on her little PR patrol but that was just to meet people. This time she would be actively looking for crime, looking to make the city safer. Lauren exhaled before looking up at the mirror in front of her. The storage room she was in clearly had not been cleaned recently as the mirrors surface was coated in a thick layer of dust, save for where she had wiped it away a few days prior. \n\nShe looked into the reflection of her bright blue eyes, like jewels set within her freckled face. Reaching into one of the many small pouches she wore she pulled out her domino mask, bringing it to her eyes before placing top the bridge of her nose and securing it in place. A wide grin appeared in the reflection once the vibrant green and gold mask concealed part of her face. That wasn't Lauren, that was Whirl Girl. \n\n\"Come on Whirl Girl, you've got this. They're just other heroes.\"\n\nShe nodded to herself in the mirror and then took a step back. It was time to meet with the others. Turning to face the wall of the room she began to walk towards it. As she approached she didn't stop, instead with a slight motion of her hand a small 2 meter sphericle section of it rotated like a revolving door, allowing her to step through into an alley. She turned and began to slowly move towards the street proper where she would wait for the others." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Andromeda Mission Inventory: 1x first aid kit, 1x bag of zip ties, 1x hand held taser, 1x bag of 50 count Steel ball bearings, 1x lockpicks, 1x Knife, 1x can of pepper spray.\n\nAbout two minutes later, Andromeda flashes in front of her, standing tall, arms crossed, with her mask showing that same inquisitive thin eyed glower it always had. It, along with the sharp, angular bits of polished scrap and sheet metal for guards and cauldrons made her a rather intimidating figure. The rest of her costume was rather colorful, if a bit darker toned than what was usually the case for heros. The visage of a galaxy littered with stars and light, A shining emblem on her chest to act as the brightest of them all, also made of metal. On her side was a number of pouches and compartments linked to her belt, a dagger sheathed on her right side.\n\n\"Whirlgirl\" She spoke a few tones above a whisper, calm and collected, putting forth an air of confidence and focus. \"Are you prepared for today's excursion? If you require something for protection or utility, if it's something I have, I will lend it to you, all you need to do is ask.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Heartthrob's costume took a decent chunk of time to put on properly which, when combined with her decision to take a bus further from her home to hide her identity, meant that she had to leave her home earlier to not arrive late. She had just gotten off the bus by the time Andromeda arrived so it took her a solid minute to catch up with her far more mobile allies. Her booted footsteps clicked as she jogged around the corner and into the ally way. Her bright pink outfit automatically made her identity as The Magical Hero Girl Heartthrob very very obvious to the two in front of her.\n\n\"Whirlgirl! Andromeda! The beauties I was just looking for! Sorry for being late.\" She struck a dramatic pose, cupping her hands into a heart shape in front of her chest and grinning widely as she tilted her body to the side. \"The bus was totally late! Also I slept in a little late..\" She spoke loud and bombastic, until the end, with her voice being made a little higher than it already naturally sat on the register. She shimmered a faint pink now, something Andromeda would be able to note as new. \"Anything I missed?\"" }, { "author": "princesslalatina", "message": "\"Oh wow we really don't match at all do we? You,\"\n\nShe raised her hand pointing at Heartthrob.\n\n\"Are cute as hell. You,\"\n\nHer hand shifted in the direction of Andromeda.\n\n\"Are cool as hell.\"\n\nHer eyes scanned her two fellow capes before she did a little hop into the air and used her power to lift her a short distance in to the air to get a better view of the two. They were both awesome costumes in their own way, she couldn't help but feel like hers was a little inferior in comparision. Oh well, maybe they could all go costume shopping together sometime! Releasing her power she dropped back to the ground and placed her hands on her hips.\n\n\"So team! Whats the plan? You two seem old so you probably have more experience.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Ignored.\n\nThat was fine, should it arise, Andromeda felt she could see to it that neither of these goofballs were too hurt. She turned with her arms folding softly in front of her chest. \"Depends. There's plenty of crime happening as we speak, stuff you can spot easily if you pay attention, but where a show of force would be too much. Pickpockets, street scams, things of that nature.\"\n\nTo make her point clear, she gestured faintly across the street where A street vendor was catching the attention of a family. \"There... Right now, seems fine, but in any moment, their wallets could be lifted by a partner-in-crime, or just a passer by. So\" She turn back to face the both of them, standing a little taller than either of the junior heros. Did she fall under that same category? She didn't consider herself.\n\n\"That's sort of out of the question, though I will say our presence alone can prevent crimes like that, the common thief isn't entirely sure if a cape would or wouldn't bag them if they were caught, so they tend not to try it. The same goes for smarter, bigger criminals. We aren't ensured to catch a murder, mugging, or robery in progress if they know we're about. It's a good deterent, but doesn't catch anything. That leaves... Villains. Villains, and gang members. They'd start shit just because we're in costume.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Theatric as ever, Heartthrob curtseyed to the compliment. Her face split into a broad grin as she looked between them. Her hands fidgeted with her wand in her hand as usual, flicking it between hands and spinning it around repeatedly. Her smile turned into a dramatic glare at Whirl Girl \"I'm not old! I am 18 years of age! Don't be mean to me.\" She pouted her lips, drama \n\nShe looked up to the sky, unbothered by the sun piercing the clouds, and would comment \"I think we should keep an eye out for things that might actually be dangerous. Do we know whose turf we're in, is it Imperium or Top Hats..?\" She gestured around herself. \"It will tell us which capes might be involved and what kind of crimes are going down. Personally I hope we get to takeout some Nazis, it could be relaxing.\"" }, { "author": "princesslalatina", "message": "Whirl Girl's smile turns into a comically evil smirk, she looks into Heartthrobs eyes, into the other capes very soul and utters two words.\n\n\"Okay Boomer.\"\n\nThen her expression snaps back to her usual joyful, friendly smile with a little hop on the spot.\n\n\"Anyway, villains you say? Well I live here so I think I know the people pretty well and to be honest there's a little bit of everything here. The Top Hats usually stick further west I think, in the Riverside and Waterfront districts but they do come here every so often. I remember seeing some on my way home from school a few months ago!\"\n\nShe thought back to then. The Top Hats she had seen hadn't really done anything but she doubted they were actually up to anything good. Maybe she would have confronted them if she had had her powers then but no way of knowing now.\n\n\"Of course there's Nazi around. If we go to Chinatown I'm sure we'll run into the NK Triad and their capes. I'm pretty sure most cape activity happens here to be honest, Anyone who's anyone seems to have at least some influnce Downtown.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Andromeda grew stiff at the mention of the top hats. Her fists balled and she huffed \"Hmph, Tophats. They're garnering more support as of late, pushing back against the Nova Imperium, And as good as it is to make mincemeat of fascists, They're only doing what they have to. Still. _Scum_.\"\n\nShe turned to Whirl girl, addressing her seeing as it was her wish to go on this patrol in the first place. \"It's your decision, but I'd like to pursue the tophats should the oppritunty arises. I can however deliver us where ever we should need to go through the use of my powers.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Heartthrob didn't really pick up on Andromeda's body language, leaning herself against a wall. She tapped her fingers on her arm. \"Sure, they're bad. Drugs are pretty harmful. But personally? I think I'd rather be fighting the guys who want me dead.. But C'est la vie. Either one's bad.\" A slight shift in her footing, her eyes turning to towards the clouds again. \n\n\"Ooh your power? I've always wondered what it'd feel like to teleport. Do you need to hold us close?\" She teased, a smirk splitting across her face." }, { "author": "princesslalatina", "message": "Whirl Girl looked between the two older capes, her eyes narrowing at Heartthrob's comments.\n\n\"Eww, you two need to like get a room. Anyway, why don't we just start patrolling and stop whoever we find. Seems stupid to go somewhere far away when there might be bad guys right around the corner right? Right?\"\n\nShe tilted her head to the side looking behind her fellow heroes at the street behind them. Her impaitence to get started was clear to see. For all she wanted to appear as a mature hero there was no denying she was just an excitable kid at heart who wanted to help people.\n\n\"So uh, yeah shall we get started soon?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Andromeda didn't quite respond to her about the use of her power, but she could be seen visibly stiffening up at the idea. Without a good look at her face it would be hard to tell... That she was blushing.\n\n\"Whirl girl is right. Start walking.\" She blurt out, a little awkwardly at first, finishing off more confidently. Her stride then after would lead them both down the streets of new London's downtown area." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "While the afternoon in the Downtown area the group of heroes had chosen wasn't the busiest, it was beginning to edge into the evening, and the brave young heroes had intentionally elected for the High crime Areas to patrol. It wouldn't be quiet for much longer.\n\nThe highrise buildings around them served as monumental walls. Some might feel trapped, while others might feel protected. Either way, the usual rats of this particular maze weren't likely to find the intrusion of these colorful heroes very kindly.\n\nThe constant chatter and flow of people through the street skittered to an unhealthy stop as the three emerged from their alleyway, creating a gulf of empty space separating the denizens of this rundown place from the unknown capes suddenly appearing in their midst.\n\n\"Capes? Oh god,\" A quiet voice from the back could be heard murmuring.\n\n\"Come on, sweetie, we need to go, hurry, hurry, little one,\" Another woman chimed in the silence." }, { "author": "princesslalatina", "message": "Whirl Girl positively skipped along the city streets happy to begin her first real patrol. Sure she liked the meet and greet thing she did but now she was really being a hero! Every so often she would use her power to swing her in a wide arc as a way of quickly moving forwards. Not for any particular reason, using her power felt good.\n\nThat lasted of course until they left hte alleyway and it seemed they had already been met with a rather suspect situation. Turning to her two fellow capes confusion could be seen in her eyes, her domino mask doing very little to conceal her facial expressions.\n\n\"Are they talking about us? We aren't some kind of villains don't they know?\"" } ]	192	2,594
111.071429	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "princesslalatina", "message": "Whirl Girl stood in a locked storage room at the ground floor of her apartment. It hadn't been in use for years since the key was lost and no one had bother to change the locks. For that reason she had decided it would be the perfect place to change into her costume out of view of the public.\n\nShe took several deep breaths as she readied herself for her first day on the streets as a hero. Slowly walking towards the wall she placed both hands against it before using her power to rotate to the out side of the building, stepping out and rotating it back.\n\nShe smiled before positively skipping into the streets of downtown. Out to meet the adoring public and stop the devious criminals." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "As Whirl Girl walked down the street, civilians around her tried to give her a large berth. She was an unknown, and probably a cape. Something that most people tended to be reflexively cautious of.\n\nHer overly cheerful attitude seemed to have a polarizing effect. Some took the cheerfulness to be a sign of a scary, insane cape. Others were reassured just a bit. \n\nJust as Whirl Girl made it past a corner, a woman bumped into her.\n\n\"Mom! Mom! It's a super hero!\" A child called out excitedly from just behind the woman. The mother looked mortified, backing away quickly.\n\n\"S-sorry! I wasn't looking where I was going\" She said with a hint of fear in her voice, standing in front of her child defensively." }, { "author": "princesslalatina", "message": "She couldn't help but smile hearing the child. This is what she wanted, to make people happy. The world was awful and full of terrible people thats true but why does that mean she shouldn't try and make it a little better?\n\n\"Thats okay! I know it can get very busy round here so it was bound to happen.\"\n\nShe took a step back before her smiled turned to an even bigger grin as she gave a little curtsey and offered her hand to shake.\n\n\"I'm Whirl Girl, nice to meet you!\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "The little girl's eyes went wide, and her mother let out a sigh, seeming to calm down. The mother stepped off to the side, watching as her daughter took Whirl Girl's hand.\n\n\"Hi! I'm Zoey! You're a hero right?!\" She said, seeming excited to prove her mother wrong.\n\n\"Can I get your autograph?!\" She asked.\n\nThe surrounding pedestrians seemed mostly to still be ignoring the interaction, though some of them were standing around to watch. One man even pulled out a phone and was starting to record." }, { "author": "princesslalatina", "message": "\"Thats right, I am a hero! It's so nice to meet you Zoey.\"\n\nReaching into one of her pouches she pulled out a marker pen. She hadn't considered autographs when she had packed her stuff but there was no knowing when you would need a pen.\n\n\"So Zoey, do you have something you want me to sign?\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Zoey looked conflicted for a moment as she checked her pockets and found nothing that could be signed. Eventually she raised up an arm, indicating the white sleeve of her shirt.\n\n\"Can you sign this?\" She asked hopefully.\n\nThe girl's mother had given up on interfering entirely, instead deciding to record the situation much like the rest of the crowd, with a growing smile on her face." }, { "author": "princesslalatina", "message": "Whirl Girl smiled.\n\n\"Of course I can.\"\n\nShe uncapped the pen and began to scrawl on the sleeve of the shirt.\n\n'To my First Fan, Zoey'\n\nThen below the message she signed her name Whirl Girl, using hearts to dot the I's. Leaning back she recapped the pen. She went to place it back in her pouch before pulling out a little piece of paper.\n\n\"There you go Zoey! I hope that's okay for you. I also want you to take this, it tells you how to contact me if you ever need a hero.\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "\"What do you say, Zoey?\" The mother asked.\n\n\"Thank you!!\" She shouted out excitedly as she read over the signature.\n\nDespite the child's excitement, none of the others in the area looked particularly interested in a signature. Whirl girl was still completely unknown to the general public, after all. Despite the display, some people were still staring suspiciously.\n\n\"What's your power!?\" A man shouted out for the crowd." }, { "author": "princesslalatina", "message": "\"Anything for my fans.\"\n\nShe took a step back and stood to her full height as she look at the crowd surrounding her.\n\n\"Oh you want to see my power do you? Alright then step back everybody.\"\n\nShe motioned for everyone to step back. Once they had cleared a space around her she would reach one hand behind her and one hand in front of her. Clenching both her fists she would raise her front hand and lower her back hand whislt using her power to cause herself and the ground to rotate 360 degrees.\n\n\"So what did you think of that?!\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "The crowd seemed to step back as it became apparent that Whirl Girl was about to do Something. When it ended up happening, a collective gasp went through the crowd. Some younger looking teens, as well as Zoey, clapped excitedly. It wasn't every day that a normal person got to see such a display of power.\n\n\"Cool!\" Zoey yelled out.\n\n\"Looks strong...\"\n\n\"Scary, it's so fast...\"\n\n\"Is that it...?\"\n\nThe crowd talked to itself, each person coming to their own conclusions." }, { "author": "princesslalatina", "message": "\"Obviously that was quite a controlled demonstration, I didn't want to hurt any of you. Thats not important though, I'm here to protect you all so if you need me, give me a call!\"\n\nShe turned to different members of the public give the occasional curtsey whilst she had a big grin on her face. This was what she wanted to see, happy people. This is what being a hero is all about." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "The crowd mumbled, some of them dispersing. Some appeared to be happy from the experience, while others seemed indifferent. Seeing new capes wasn't exactly the most rare thing nowadays - everyone alive had been majorly affected by one at some point or another.\n\nEven Zoey and her mother drifted away at some point, seemingly melding in with the crowd. A few people stood around expectantly, cameras ready as if expecting something interesting to happen just by being around the cape." }, { "author": "princesslalatina", "message": "\"Well, I'm gonna go on patrol now. Feel free to watch if you really want to. It was nice speaking to you all friends!\"\n\nIt was nice to have her first interaction with the public be positive. Hopefully her career would mirrior such a positive start. Now though it was time for her to do her real job as a hero, stop villains from hurting people! Bounding forwards with a skip in her step she would begin her first true patrol through the streets of New London. All the while she would keep her eyes peeled for any sign of trouble she could help with, no matter how big or small that might be." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Despite being on the lookout for something to go wrong, it seemed like it was an unusually peaceful day. As far as Whirl Girl could tell, there was no danger in the streets. Occasionally she would noticed people taking pictures of her, or staring at her as she went by.\n\nOccasionally there would be a loud argument that seemed as though it might develop into a fight, but nothing ever got actually violent.\n\nAll in all, it seemed to be a peaceful day with the only thing gained being the positive PR and some fans." } ]	111.5	1,555
117.5	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "A cool breeze ruffles the poofy skirt of a certain magical girl as she patrolled the streets of the Downtown. Her boots clacked on concrete with her bouncing gate while she twirled her wand in hand as a display of it. She was making herself known! Public! A PR decision. She had to be careful, though, because she didn't want to out her power. Being an indie tinker is bad for your health. Especially when you aren't exactly a battle tinker.\n\nSo here walks Heartthrob! She greets civilians as she walks, blows kisses to crowds, and does little glitter tricks with the wand. She scans the citizens of the area for costumes, hoping to find a local cape maybe? Or looking out for trouble? Hard to say because her mask hides her eyes and she doesn't let a smile leave her lips despite her nerves." }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "It was a rather warm day today and there were Morpher did his usual patrols in his stone armor. They usually happened in the weekends when he did not have to be busy with his job.\n\nHe suddenly saw some weird girl dressed in some fanciful clothing and wielding some kind of magical tomfoolery or whatever it was called. He just rolled his eyes and greeted her by waving his stony arm in both curiosity and for the sake of meeting her." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She bounced on her heels towards the stoney figure. Her movements light and her eyes rather focused as they looked over Morpher. Not a threat as far as she could tell and they looked friendly enough. Maybe they would need help.\n\n\"Greetings, good sir or ma'am or them, I am Magical Hero Girl Heartthrob. I hope you are doing good!\" She spoke in a stage voice, projecting but not loud, that had a hint of an accent. She grinned up at the armored figure \"Anything I can assist with?\"" }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "After waving his stony hand, Morpher saw Heartthrob approaching him. Obviously, he somewhat towered over her, so he had to look down a bit so he would be able to properly look her in the eyes, to say the least.\n\n\"I am a dude\" He bluntly answered, in a rather annoyed voice. \"And I am just wandering around, as usual. What are you doing, by the way?\" He asked." } ]	100	470
195.166667	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "khepri", "message": "Unlike what Monarch would normally decide - she was headed to the meetup in the middle of the day. She wasn't even quite sure with who, exactly. Just that they were going to be someone with a lot of say so in the imperium. She had considered showing up without a mask at first to keep things as calm as possible, but... No. She didn't want to take any risks. Not after last time.\n\nA few streets down from the diner she was supposed to meet up at, she went into an alleyway and put on her domino mask. With a few touches later, the color of her jacket shifted in color to be blue and red.\n\nShe'd likely need to get something better eventually, but she had bigger things to worry about at the moment. She arrived to the diner a few minutes before schedule, and took a seat where she could watch the door easily." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Arriving early to the meeting ended up being Early Indeed, as the minutes passed by quickly. The diner was a quiet one, staffed exclusively by some genteel looking white folk. Their eyes seemed to watch Monarch, but for one reason or another they didn't seem particularly surprised or even put off by the domino mask. \n\nThe scheduled time arrived, and the door remained unmoved. Another few moments passed, then there was a gentle rush of air as a man simply Appeared Beside you, looking around with a bored expression. He was wearing a stereotypical Roman toga, except the entire thing was colored with shiny silver. Finishing the outfit, he had a domino mask atop his face that seemed to Actually Be made out of metallic silver.\n\nDespite the man's sudden appearance, which Was Odd, he very much seemed like he Belonged Precisely where he was standing, and nothing seemed especially unusual about where he was standing. Certainly, the outfit was a bit unusual, but that was his right too, wasn't it?\n\nThe normal man turned to look at Monarch, expression shifting into one more calculating.\n\n\"Ah, you're here,\" He said carefully, \"Good. It's good to be punctual. I'm Sterling. I don't believe we've met.\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Monarch seemed to sit just a bit straighter after Sterling appeared. Clearly she was at least a bit rattled, her face even showing signs of annoyance.\n\n\"I've seen you a few times. I wouldn't expect you to remember me, but you can call me Monarch now\" She said, sounding bitter about it. She was never terribly important to the organization, especially when it came to the level of capes. The capes were practically celebrities after all.\n\nAnd she... She wasn't.\n\n\"The school. Why? Why did the Imperium endanger all of those kids?\" She asked, cutting straight to the point, some anger seeping into her tone. It really didn't seem like the Imperium's style - at least what she was told their style was." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Sterling smiled genially and nodded in greeting, albeit with a slight, brief widening of his eyes when at hearing Monarch's new moniker. He took his time sitting down, shifting the silver toga slightly, elegantly, as he sat across from the fresh cluster Cape.\n\nHe was silent for awhile after her questions were asked, leaving them hanging in the gradually lengthening silence. The Waitress of the establishment approached the table, looking quite appropriately demure.\n\n\"My usual tea, please. White. Strong,\" He smiled, \"How about you, Monarch? It's on me.\"\n\nThe Waitress turned to look in Monarch's direction without her eyes leaving the tabletop." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Monarch frowned, clearly annoyed to have her questions blatantly ignored, but she didn't push the issue. Instead she leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms with a sigh.\n\n\"I'll just have a coke. Or pepsi. Just something fizzy\" She said with a glance to the waitress. Maybe he just didn't want to talk in front of the help? If that was the case then it'd be better to get her to go away quickly.\n\nAfter giving her order she turned her attention back to Sterling. If it came down to a fight... Could she handle him? She'd just need a touch." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Thank you, Betsy. You're a doll,\" He smiled that same charming smile which she returned quite eagerly, heading off with the pair of drink orders.\n\nHe sighed a bit and shuffled in his chair, suddenly looking quite comfortable. He inclined his head towards Monarch politely, shaking his head back and forth in a small show of apology.\n\n\"I do hope you can forgive me taking my time a bit, here. This is my favorite restaurant, and it's rare that someone with my power set gets the opportunity to really just sit back and unwind. I gathered that you were a supporter of the cause at least, so I feel comfortable relaxing around you,\" He sighed wistfully, \"The world is so full of enemies, you know? Race traitors, scum, zionists, and of course the subhuman trash that has massed themselves in our good city.\"\n\nThe man met her eyes assuredly, seeming confident.\n\n\"Knowing what you know, knowing what we do, isn't it obvious that the answer to your question is simple? We did what we had to do to protect the cause. Root out the race traitors and zionist scum. It is All For the cause,\" He said, looking firm but grim, \"Even if sometimes that necessitates small sacrifices. You understand, don't you? You've seen the same disgusting Corruption And Degeneracy In the people around you.\"" } ]	169	1,171
224.441176	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Princess Poppet costume\n—-\nPoppet was walking down one of the main streets of the downtown area in her rather eccentric purple dress and skirt adorned with silver trimmings, that shimmered in the light of the sun above, her deeply purple leggings and the sleeves of her dress hid the joints of her body from suspicion, and she kept her hands mostly to herself. The tiara's cheap jewel twinkled as she came in and out of shade- an eye catching design, if It weren't for how prominent capes were, someone could easily dismiss her as some weird cosplay girl, especially with the ballroom mask covering half of her face.\n\nShe strode down the sidewalk with an upright zeal, like she owned the place. A Princess had to act the part didn't she? In truth, she'd practiced this walk, this royal saunter, for months. Playing the part of Poppet was something suzy had to craft well before taking her for a day in the sun. She was safely tucked away in some hotel room, in a building not too far way, under the guise of some work vacation- which was not entirely untrue, and would make no one any wiser when she remained passed out in her hotel room, completely tranced and in control of her puppet.\n\nPoppet finally found herself passing a clothing store. She figured this as good a place as any to start some trouble, An glow of purple energy grew around her legs as she stride towards the mannequin display, uncaring of how many eyes would have been on her at the very moment. She actually took advantage of it, letting the mouthpiece fall and for her \n\n\"_This establishment's wares entice and Surprise, stuck behind glass And outrageous fees! Fluffy scarfs, shimmering jackets, and dazzling winter gloves I shall not tear, But to adorn my self with their visage seems only fair! Here by decrees Princess Poppet._\"\n\nWith a Swift kick of her heel, She shattered the glass to pieces, The force of the kick sending shards back into the crowd, and flying through and sliding across the store floor. She took a step inside, and began to 'shop', toppling, shoving, and breaking anything in her way." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As the royal puppet walked down the streets people glanced at her unsure as to what exactly they were looking at. No one said anything due though, whether it was due to Poppet's sheer confidence or the publics sheer indifference was unknown. Either way it didn't matter, they were simply extras in the play that was New London. \n\nStopping in front of the store several people also stopped and looked at the strange cape. For a moment everything seemed calm but then Poppet let out her royal decree and shattered the glass. Screaming rang out as the pedestrians and shoppers began to flee the scene. Not everyone ran though, as Poppet browsed the shops wears she heard someone step out to her side.\n\n\"Stop right there!\"\n\nA man holding a taser in one hand and a baton in the other stood in a combat stance. He wore a stab vest with the word security written across the chest in white block letters. Despite his brave action his face showed the truth, he was afraid." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Poppet paused, her head turning ever so slowly, unnaturally pivoting to stare at him. Already with a bedazzled scarf around her neck, and a gaudy pair of sunglasses, she strode towards him in full confidence.\n\n\"_Alright so, listen. I know you get paid to do this and all, and it'd be cool for you to be the hero everyone needs! But you're not the guy I'm looking for, so help me out and things don't have to get rough._\"\n\nHer highness's heels clicked and clacked with every step across the shiny tiled floor. In a singe motion of both her hands, she shed both ridiculous accessories and her body began glowing with that same purple energy she used to kick the glass in. Swiftly, poppet's arms came up to attempt a strong grip at the security guard's vest.\n\n\"_I'm gonna toss you at the door. After I blow off it's hinges, of course. All you gotta do is pretend like you hurt more than you do when you fall against it. Sound good? After that you can get up and run away, say you did your best._\" Her voice fell into a childish giggle after that, hoping he'd understand and not try anything stupid. Just how much more brave was he than afraid? She was curious to find out." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "For a moment he seemed to consider what he was being told. His features relaxing slightly no doubt in relief that he had some path out of this. Then his eyes narrowed and his stance shifted as he aimed his taser with purpose.\n\n\"I'm not the guy you're looking for? Who are you looking for? I can't let you get away with hurting anyone!\"\n\nHis thumb shifted to a button on the side of his taser, two red lasers streaking through the air marking Poppet with two red dots. A signed the weapon has been armed and is ready to fire. He was clearly terrified, more than before from the looks of it but he now had resolve." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"_Tsk tsk_\"She clicked \"_Look at me man, does it look like I will conduct any amount of electricity._\"\n\nShe took a firming grasp and her energy swelled a little, pulsing towards her right arm while her left held to his vest. She walked a little ways towards the front doors of the establishment and armed for the hinges. True to her word she busted them with a few short blasts. \n\nPoppet paid no heed to his weapon, after all, she was made of porcelain and the best he would manage was knocking her tiara off her head, or maybe, loosing her mask.\n\nShe finally took to him with both hands again and chuckled a little, in a jovial, childish manner. \" _eheheh- as for who I'm looking for. I dunno. Guess which ever hero happens to respond first. Now, you and the door are about to become acquainted, still wanna try firing that thing at me? It's a waste, but I'll let you do it if it helps you feel better. The falls still probably gonna hurt a bit, so brace yourself._\"\n\nWith that declaration, Princess Poppet raised the security guard up, waiting for what ever last words he had for being flung doorward." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Despite the declaration of the ineffectiveness of electrical based attacks it didn't stop the man pulling the trigger, two darts flying through the air before bouncing harmlessly off the porcelain surface. As Poppet approached he took a step back as she reached out and grabbed the guard and lifted him up of the ground. He dropped the Taser as his hand reached up grabbing the puppets arm as he tried to stabilise himself.\n\n\"W-Why? Villain!\"\n\nBehind the man on the street beyond the shop several people had their phones out recording the event. His grip tightened around poppets arm as his other hand came up swinging his baton as hard as he could at the puppets head.\n\n\"FUCK YOU!\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Poppet's head skewed upon impact. It was.. In human, if she was human, it'd would have looked like her neck had _Snapped_. It clicked and clacked against the porcelain, setting back into place.\n\n\"_Right, Okay then. Tossing you now._\"\n\nWell, She tried. He, had a rather good grip on her arm. Poppet ended up just shaking him, with the amount of energy she was using now. This wasn't good, if she wanted to toss him off now, it would take a lot more force than just a light toss. What to do... What to do...\n\n\"Well, if you don't want to let go, then we can get a little rougher.\" The idea clicked in her head as she thought about how to now make a scene of it without hurting him, too much. She started dragging him towards the doors, as with the hinges blown off, she could ( and planned to) just shove him against the door, letting his body toss them down with a little force. \n\n\"_Remember hero, You wanted it this way!_\" She intentionally shouted there, making sure the public outside heard her as she shoved him and the glass doors down against the steps, letting him go as she pushed him, and watching as he fell against the soon shattered doors." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The guard fell through the glass door half in and half out the store, everyone outside taking several steps back in hope the cape wouldn't attack them next. A few moments passed and the guard didn't seem to be rising and so Princess Poppet found herself with an entire clothes store for the taking. The selection before her was by no means a high end boutique with a hand crafted selection but it was certainly a more expensive place, with items in the £150-£300 range as opposed to the £10-£30 range of some chain stores." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Princess Poppet wasted little time getting back to her pretty theft. Though, it seemed strange; Downtown wasn't too far from the precinct was it? She expected those NLPD at least.. And yet, nothing? She stole a pretty pastel pink satchel and stuffed it with as much as it would hold, which was about ten articles. She didn't except to get as much as the listed price for them, a fraction of it at best, given it was stolen and she'd need to find buyers or a distributor safely.\n\nWith her loot collected, she marched back towards the entrance and took another look outside. The crowd bothered her, shouldn't they have called someone, anyone? Maybe they did, and it was just taking them a while to get here. \n\nShe took the time to look back at the guard, hoping to assess his damage. He hadn't gotten up when she tossed him with the door, had he been injured by the fall or the glass? Was he even still there?" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Grabbing a satchel off the shelf and beginning to stuff it with clothing Poppet would eventually find herself with roughly £1500 worth of stolen clothing, with the bag she picked being worth at least £200. Of course that was assuming she would even want to sell them, she might just have an impeccable sense of fashion. Still with her loot in hand she turned and headed back to the entrance.\n\nAs she turned to see the way she came in the guard was nowhere to be seen and instead several officers of the Metropolitan Parahuman Containment Unit rifles aimed at the door. One man in the middle was dressed slightly differently, clearly a commander of sorts.\n\n\"Parahuman, step out with your hands up. You are under arrest for Armed Robbery with a Parahuman Ability in accordance with the New London Crime Prevention Act of 2016 and the Parahumans Cooperation Act of 2014.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Ah. There they are. Still, not really what she was looking for. Though, poppet wondered where their priorities lie. Would they let her monologue in character for a bit while she approached? Usually it was good to let your enemy give you as much information as possible, but that sort of thing applied more to a cape on cape fight, than cape on law enforcement.\n\nPoppet raised her energy output four fold, a bright glow of purple energy enveloping her entire body. Had to be sure whatever those guns fired wouldn't leave more than scratch marks. She also needed the power to do what she was about to do.\n\n\"_I don't take it you'll just radio in some hero if I asked nicely, would you? And you lot are the fearless type, aren't you too. Tsk tsk._\" That hollow voice of her reverberated off the walls of the now empty department store. She slung the satchel over her self and sighed. \"_Fine then, I didn't really want to hurt anyone today, but you're getting in the way of Princess play time!_\"\n\nWith a swift kick, she launched one of the display stands towards the group of officers, testing the waters of what they were capable of." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The display stand tumbled through the air, smashing the door frame as it left the shop on it's journey to the MPCU officers. In an attempt to not get crushed by glorified shelves they dived to the ground but it wasn't enough. The kept going and mere inches from the mans head came to a abrupt stop, hovering in the air completely stationary. There was movement though, a dark robed figure with a pointy hat, iron mask and wielding a long metal staff floated down from above into view of Poppet.\n\n\"You do not need to fight. You now face the Iron Sorcerer of Arcana, surrender and no harm need come to you.\"\n\nHe thrust his arm forward, holding his staff diagonally. His other hand was held close to his chest, his index and middle finger pointing to the sky whilst his ring and little finger pointed to the ground. The display stand tore itself apart reshaping into a series of perfectly spherical objects moving to orbit around the hero." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Finally.\n\nThis was what she was waiting for. A tale of Magicks and princesses, of evil and good. The stage was set, and she couldn't be more excited, finally she was getting to play. Finally. _Finally_. She couldn't contain herself, turning her back for a second, stomping her little porcelain feet in her fancy little shoes, hands jittering Infront of her before she whipped back around, walking a little closer to the door with a slow clap.\n\n\"_Well well well,_\" Poppet muses with her hollow voice \"_If it isn't the Sage of Steel himself! Iron sorcerer. You made her majesty wait quite a while! I'm afraid such delinquency is not looked upon with gratitude. The haul of fashion, that does so rightly belong in the hands of royalty, would normally suffice for restitution, but since you are here... I demand.. A CHALLENGE!_\"\n\nShe fired a volley of blasts, one from her right hand, directed at the Iron sorcerer that was just strong enough to leave good bruises, another towards the roof above her from her left that could work through the materials of the building, as she needed an escape route with the door as crowded as it was." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Iron Sorcerer floated at the centre of his orbiting mass of metal, his eyes never leaving Poppet. At first glance he appeared almost relaxed but the way he held himself betrayed a subtle state of readiness. His body ready to act in an instant, and act he did the moment Poppet released her blast of energy towards him.\n\nHe thrust his hand forwards, open palm facing towards the villain as a metallic shield formed in front of him blocking the blast. Almost immediately the shield broke apart again, rejoining the orbiting scrap as the hero flew into the store following Poppet.\n\n\"You issue a challenge then immediately prepare to flee? Perhaps I was wrong, I should have listened when they said you were little more than a cowardly criminal.\"\n\nAs he spoke his staff motioned towards the new hole in the roof. Several debris falling to the ground below." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Poppet had certainly expected debris to fall in the wake of her attack, but not to this extent, it had caught her off guard. She braced as fast as she could but as it came down on her, she gained a hairline fracture, ripping up across her face and past her mask. She came down towards the ground with a heavy _THUD_. Increasing her strength, she fought back against the weight and pressure of the falling material.\n\nWhen she burst from the debris to stand now before Iron Sorcerer, she was glowing bright with that energy of hers. She huffed, a little annoyed that she couldn't enact her plan. He held out a hand, ready to fire but she didn't quite do se yet, electing instead to start talking, again.\n\n_\"I'll admit, I was hoping to bring our little brawl to a more open venue, but if you believe it cowardice to run, then I've no problem throwing down here!\"_ \n\nWhen she finished she waited for second, Before firing a burst of shots from her hand that were stronger than the ones she'd aimed towards him previously. These would hopefully punch through any metal shield, and as they lose their kinetic energy going through, deliver quite the sucker punch if he didn't move. She... Hesitated at first, holding her fire. If he didn't put his shield up... She made sure the blasts were aimed at non vital areas." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Iron Sorcerer float a few feet above the ground in the store, his eyes focused entirely on Poppet with an intensity that betrayed his dedication to stopping her. Chunks of metal slowly orbited around him at a constant speed.\n\n\"There will be no throwing down I'm afraid, you will fight and you will lose.\"\n\nHis open hand clenched into a tight fist as Poppet sent several powerful blasts in his directions. Several of the flying metal spheres quickly moved in between him and the attack, flattening into flat plates. The first few were punched through with ease but the multi-layered defence worked preventing the blasts from hitting him.\n\n\"That is a powerful force you wield, I wish you had used it for good rather than these selfish acts.\"\n\nWith a burst of speed he moved towards Poppet, his metal staff thrusting towards the constructs head." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Princess Poppet hung her head, the sigh leaving her hollow head quietly. _\"It is never that easy. Words of absolution are but a house of twigs and hay, actions are the masonry of that which truly matters. What of good and evil?\"_ Her words faltered for a minute, in the midst of her speech, she paused and the glow around her dimmed. \n_\"The monarch of marionettes cares only for her best interest, it is my right as royalty to make play and lay claim. For who art thou to tell a Princess her business in her kingdom? Naught but A lowly magician!\"_\n\nPoppet Upturned her head quick, firing a blast from the open maw of her puppet, strong enough to pierce steel. She aimed for the floor just in front of him, in hopes of kicking rubble and tile up, dusting him for enough time to get out of his sight.\n\nEven if it hadn't worked, she still made a mad air dash for his side, body lighting up with a pulsing purple glow that flowed into her legs, she was going for a kick." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Once again Iron Sorcerer's hand shifted position as the metal orbiting him moved to intercept the incoming blast. This defence however was lacking when compared to his previous attempt, simply being overwhelmed by Poppets attack. The Sorcerer didn't seem to be bother, since he darted up and to the side in an attempt to avoid the incoming kick anyway. \n\n\"Do not take me for some conjurer of cheap tricks.\"\n\nHis free hand clenched tightly into a fist. The remaining metal chunks floatining around him shredding themselves into thousands of tiny shards. A metallic sand of sorts.\n\n\"Tell me, are you the master or a simple puppet? This is your final chance to end this peacefully.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "The poppet doll landed hard with her kick, straight against the wall. She busted up even more of the wall as she pried it free in one quick motion. She about cackled. When she turned to face him, and saw that storm of metal sand, her hands rested gently on her hips. The way he dodged her attack, threw up his defences again. 'who's the coward now?' she thought to herself.\n\n\"_Peacefully? Darling-_\" She slammed her hands together up from her hips, it made a glass clink sound as they came to meet, and the energy pulsing across her frame began to pool into a bright purple ball that was growing larger within her grasp \"_-peace was never an option. Let's see you dodge THIS!!_\"\n\nThe beams the she birthed from her porcelain hands was half the size of her body, ripping up the tile between them as it accelerated towards Iron Sorcerer. It would slam into him like a speeding brick wall if he didn't manage to dodge or block it." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The cloud of iron sand rushed forwards forming a wall between the hero and Poppet's beam. As the beam impacted the shifting metallic wall a purple glow filled the room, the metal seemingly reflecting the light from the beam. Again though this defensive measure seemed insufficent to completely stop the attack as the beam simply punched through before hitting the wall behind it.\n\nThen all the floating metal simultainiously dropped to the ground. Poppet now found herself in the store all alone, the Iron Sorcerer no where to be seen. A glance of the room revealed nothing more than its now ruined state. Wrecked shelves, the damaged roof and clothes strewn about." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "With no sight of him now, Princess Poppet couldn't continue fighting, but that wasn't exactly a bad thing. If she kept ramping up the intensity, she would run out of energy before she could get home. She shot A powerful shot through the ceiling again, watching and following it as it ripped up through the floors and broke through to the sky above.\n\nShe wasn't sure who would be outside waiting for her, but she was fast, and She had only shown that to Iron Sorcerer so far, it couldn't be anyone capable of following her at her max speed, she hoped." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Poppet's beam pierced straight through the ceiling easily, leaving yet another hole in what was a perfectly good ceiling an hour ago. Such villainy. It seemed though this villainy paid off as flying through the newly formed hole she encountered no trouble from her opponent. Instead she saw the heroic cape fly up and follow her through the same hole. He did not pursue however, instead hovering a few metres above the roof.\n\n\"Well well, what have we got here? A lost little princess on a shopping spree? Did you leave daddy's credit card at home?\"\n\nThe voice came from above where a large dragon like creature with two large horns hovered. Sat on the back of the creature holding one of its horns was a scantily clad woman with horns upon her head, talons on her fingers and large wings protruding from her back. Her face was concealed by a black mask attached to a circlet covered in gems.\n\n\"Surely you know being such a naughty girl will end badly?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Princess Poppet was quickly learning that this would be a losing battle if she stayed. Undoubtedly, she had power, power was wasn't tapping into for multiple reasons. Reason number one was that going all out could mean seriously injurying a hero, making this fun little game.. Something too serious for her tastes. Reason number two? If she stayed any longer, to fight this new opponent with her dragon like beast, and surely with iron sorcerer not too worse for wear either, they were going to catch her out.\n\nThe... The villains on Saturday morning cartoons. They didn't exactly win.. But they never exactly lost either. She had to settle for a win some how, even if it wouldn't be making the scene she wanted to, with the audience she wanted to. She got some loot, she could try to lose them now and make it out _intact_... Her body was already cracked now thanks to Iron sorcerer.\n\nFor a moment she looked out toward the streets of new London below. Some people looked on, from afar, the police barricades were surely inplace to minimize the damages she'd caused. It would look like she was running away before the fight even really began. Still, what choice did she have if she wanted to get out of this? She didn't even dignify the new hero's words with a response. She held the bag with her stolen goods tight and Bolted off at her max speed of 90mph, in one direction. She had a plan, but she had to lose them first." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The two heroes looked on as Poppet sped away from them in an attempt to escape justice. Neither looked particularly impressed with the display, with Iron Sorcerer face palming as he motions towards the other hero with his staff.\n\nPoppet could see a smirk appear on the woman's face as the wings of the dragon like beast folded close to its body causing it to fall towards the ground momentarily before they spread wide again causing the beast to surge forwards towards the fleeing villain.\n\n\"Where are you going sweetheart? Didn't you want to play? I promise my pet won't eat you!\"\n\nDespite her cocky attitude the hero was clearly slower than the villain." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Suzanne didn't respond, she was too far away to, bedside in a hotel paid for partly for the company she works for, staying put while Poppet soared away.\n\nSpeaking of, Princess Poppet sure was faster, that was a fact, an immutable fact that she would have been happy to state for the record, if it we're not also for the fact that she really didn't have good control at this kind of speed, she could really only go straight, and in the best of circumstances, she had exactly three minutes and twenty seconds before she fell out of range and her beloved doll crash landed somewhere in the middle of town, likely shattering into pieces. \n\nThis already was not the best of circumstances.\n\nPoppet decided on a new direction. Up. If she couldn't do any further out, she could at least go up. It was a sharp turn, and she lost a bit of control as she did, nearly crashing into the hero's mount. Still, if she were lucky, if there were clouds, she had a plan. No better place to hide on a windy day." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Poppet soared up into the sky blasting past the dragon rider, the horizon growing ever further beneath her. When she glanced down her vision was immediately drawn to the two heroic figures below her, the two capes she had encountered earlier notably lacking the dragon. Instead both seemed to be sat on spiky metallic thrones hovering in the air.\n\nIron Sorcerer looked almost bored. The woman on the other hand, was sat in a very Suggestive Pose looking directly at poppet. Her face bore a sultry smirk as she raised a hand and gave a small wave to Poppet. Then, they disappeared from sight as poppet entered a low level cloud." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Poppet didn't stop at low lying clouds, but she wasn't being stupid about it either, she knew they would be watching for her exit and would be trailing her. This was where the lynch pin of her plan would be tested. She flew up a little through the cloud but she made her ascent slow as not to disturb the clouds from. She poked her head through, her clothes not sopping wet from the cloud, but it was no issue to her in this form. \n\nAs another cloud passed overhead, she used her current cloud for cover, and gently pushed into the new cloud. This was it, this was how she was going to get away. With any luck, they wouldn't except her to be cloud hopping, going higher, using the clouds as cover for her escape, travelling along side them further and further away from them and the cut off point for her control." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Poppet flew higher and higher. The city growing ever smaller beneath her, at least it would have if there weren't clouds in the way to block the view. As she gained altitude there was no sign that the heroes were following and sure enough she found herself floating high in the sky alone. Whether they simply couldn't keep up with her or they had opted not to follow was uncertain.\n\nIn the distance dark clouds were visible over the ocean. The shadowy mass slowly moving towards the city, ready to suffocate it from what joy its people manage to have." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Team Arcana. It was strange, this was what she wanted, right? To play pretend, fight the heroes and make believe on the world stage. Give a good show, forget real life for a while. Here she is now in the cloud, drifting ever farther away from the fight. What has she done? Ultimately?\n\nShe turn tail. She looked weak. There was no show, no real fun. She was scared, getting cold feet. Here and now? What kind of princess folds at the first sign of trouble? She'd for all intents and purposes, got away, running away from the storm on the horizon. The one she was supposed to weather. \n\nPoppet cut her flight short. More than a hundred yards away, still in view of the members of arcana, she fell free from the clouds who provided her cover. If she was going to do this, she needed to accept things would get risky. Stop worrying about the what ifs, start living in her fantasy. 'Princess Poppet' wouldn't be so afraid, where Suzanne was. This was it. All out, With what energy she had left, she'd push Arcana into a stalemate, in front of the crowds forming below.\n\nPoppet's absconding flight did more than give her time to think, It gave her back the space she was losing against Ritual. Immediately, powering her flight back to a hover as she was level with them, She began channeling her energy, a bright purple glow piercing through the ever darkening skyline. And she let loose a _Massive_ Barrage of energy shots soaring towards Arcana, with the force enough to punch through steel. A total reversal of her disappearing act- or so she hoped." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Her new decision secured in her mind Poppet turned to face the capes that had been in pursuit only to find they had remained quite stationary from the last time she had seen them. The large beast the woman had been sat upon had vanished. Instead the pair of wings attached up on her back were glowing as she hovered in place, her eyes closed as an amorphous blob of mass seemed to shift in front of her.\n\nTo her side the Iron Sorcerer floated orbited by several chunks of metal, his eyes locked on Poppet with a focus intensity. Those very eyes went wide as Poppet began to channel her energy. The split second before the barrage of energy let loose a chunk metal moved to the woman's leg a dragged her down.\n\nThen Poppets attacks unleashed towards the duo. The succubus looking woman having been dragged out of the way managed to avoid the attacks, the Iron Sorcerer on the other hand was less fortunate. He managed to dodge the worst of the attack but the hole in his hat and several that dotted his robes show he was extremely lucky.\n\nMetal began to rotate around him faster and faster, flattening into thin disks with razor edges. Then, with a flick of his hand two disks suddenly lurched forwards. The spinning disks speeding towards Poppet with more speed than any of the Sorcerers previous moves." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Though worried about the way the heros managed to evade her last attack, it also left her quite relieved. Perhaps, she thought, it shouldn't be a surprise they survived. Seasoned heroes have fought worse, more ill intentioned villains, with more power. To think, all this time she didn't need to hold back, and now it might be too late.\n\nShe floated as confidently as she could appear in the air, watching them for retaliation, and trying to leave an impression both on them, and hopefully those below, though she couldn't be certain on that last part. When Poppet saw those metal shards around form into something deadly, she knew there was no dodging this one. Even if Princess Poppet did dash out of the way, that'd be the last of her really useable energy. No, No more running. A stand was made in those few seconds before impact of the metal disks.\n\nShe Empowered herself, and thus her durability for one finally defense, a bright shining purple star against the ever darkening skies. She would use her arms to attempt a parry of the blades, either up into the air, or back towards the hero. Even if it didn't succeed, with her defenses up she would still be left stand- Floating. It would be about all she could do, with merely a faint glow on her after this tactic.\n\nFrom there, it would all be talk, talk on a time limit. She wouldn't stay conscious for any good length of time after expending energy like this. She was terrified of what it would mean that this might not work, at her wits end with the idea that this Doll could be lost, if not just end up in pieces..." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Brining her arms up to defend herself poppet felt the impact of the metal objects which immediately deflected away from her and began to fall towards the ground below, their edges blunted and shape deformed from the impact. It was strange but with the force and speed Iron Sorcerer had been manipulating his metal with there was surprisingly little force behind those disks.\n\nStill it was fortunate Poppet had defended herself, as despite the lack of force shallow cuts had been carved into her arms. Were it not for the enhancement granted by her power this doll may have been broken. Iron Sorcerer floated ahead of his ally, placing himself between her and poppet.\n\n\"You had fled and yet you have returned to us again. Have you reconsidered and wish to surrender to us? It for the best.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Finally, the moment of truth.\n\nThe glow around her faded to a dim light, and she folded her arms. Poppet's costume was a little torn now, her face chipped and cracked, but that could be mended. Still she had to use her expressionless face and the focus on her body language into order to sell the idea that she still had plenty of fight left in her. At Iron Sorcerer's approach, she didn't back away, she didn't flinch. In fact, the dolls eyes focused on his figure as she stood indignantly in the air in front of him.\n\n_\"On the contrary, Sorcerer. I think I've made it clear just now that I am capable of much more than you anticipated with our spar in the outlet store. I've been toying with you from the start- I can take anything you throw at me, I can run circles around you, and I have the power to punch back above my weight.\"_\n\nShe was talking a lot of shit for a girl about to pass out in a few minutes, If he so much as tossed a rock at her right now, she might fall apart, but still she kept herself composed. At least.. Tried. There was something slipping through her bravado as she turned her back to him, her dress flowing in the howling winds, the crash of lightning and the sound of falling rain to come.\n\n_\"Now, here's how this is going to go down. I'm going to turn tail and run away when it starts raining. That way you two aren't humiliated in front of the crowd, or worse yet, dead. Instead, you can use the cover of the storm to say I got away under your noses. Don't chase me Arcana, you'll get your chance again, but today isn't going to be the day. I won't let it be. I can hurt you. Don't make me. I don't.. I don't want to.\"_ There was a somber tone to her hollow voice, maybe a little lost under the ensuing torrential rains, but maybe not.\n\n As the first flash close by struck a nearby lightning rod, She shot off, using the last of her energy to dive away, east towards the residential area. It was true she could hurt them, and she was afraid still, even knowing now that they weren't someone she had to go easy on, that she might go a step too far. Of course today wouldn't be that day, as big a game as she talked, she goofed her energy usage early expecting something she didn't get. She wasn't even sure this would be her escape." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Something in the part of his face that was visible Iron Sorcerer seemed to wince in confusion before his well trained expression returned. Raising a hand he pointed at poppet.\n\n\"You had your opportunity to flee yet you returned to us...\"\n\nThe flash of lightning appeared in the distance followed by the low rumble of thunder. The Arcana capes eyes were drawn to it before they turned to look at his partner floating a short distance behind him. She gave a small nod before he turned once again to face Poppet.\n\n\"However, continuing this bout will only serve to put to innocents at risk. Begone and don't make me regret this.\"\n\nHe slowly backed up towards his partner, grabbing her hand and slowly pulling her down." } ]	204	7,631
200.259259	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "amari2", "message": "Due to her ability to fly and her increased vision, Harpy rarely found herself on the ground for longer than a few minutes at a time. Though when she wasn't flying she was typically on the roof of a skyscraper conserving her stamina. This time she was eating food, snacking on a sub she got from a sandwich store earlier that day. \n\nNothing much was happening, as far as she could see or hear at least. There were a couple load cars and the ever present sound of construction that buildings always seemed to be undergoing. There was a certain ability to appreciate the hustle and bustle of a city that one had to truly appreciate having. Though she realized she shouldn't be watching so leisurely. However, she was essentially on her lunch break, not that that was a good excuse to slack. \n\n\"Too much mayo..\"" }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "Jane found herself slowly pushing a shopping cart through the streets, unseen by many of those on the streets though not by any power, simply a lack of care. She had been in search of the usual resources for back at the homeless camp plus perhaps a few recyclables to exchange for some coins. Other than that it was just another day, and it would not be until later she had to do her usual expiration dumpster run or whatever caper she decided on for the night." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As the two capes went about their lives the monotonous sounds of the city were interrupted by the sounds of powerful combustion engines roaring in the distance. Whatever was making the noise was quite far away but it sounded as though they were getting closer. \n\nA moment after the sounds were first heard, crashes and tyres screeching could be heard. Quite the commotion was occurring but it was impossible to tell exactly what from where the two capes were." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "The roar of powerful engines wasn't something too uncommon to come across in New London. Some people liked hotrods and would mod their cars only to show them off with excessively loud engines and flashy decals. However, it was the sound of screeching and crashes that got Harpy's attention. It wasn't like the crash happened and then all the commotion seemed to stop, Harpy perceived it to continue just fine. She figured she'd need to get a better look at it. \n\nLeaving her sub on the roof, she jumped off the skyscraper and immediately moved to gain height and travel towards the source of the noise. Hopefully her eyes would be able to spot what was going on far earlier than her having to get too close. She was quite fond of thinking of some stuff before charging in planless." }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "Jane stopped where she was as the sound built up, the roars getting closer and closer causing her to try and look across in the direction, and then another, the sounds echoing around making it difficult to pinpoint them. Pushing her cart into an alleyway, she went to done her costume regardless and attempt to climb up the roof. Her hands seemed to shift slightly with a wince, small spikes of bone protroding from the pads of her fingers and palms to help her scale upwards, hoping to get a better view of the local area." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Harpy took the air rising higher and higher giving her a clear birds eye view of the area. From this height it didn't take her long to spot the source of the commotion. Speeding through the city streets was a large vehicle covered in spikes with violent flames spurting out behind. Atop the vehicle holding on to a metal bar welded to the roof was a woman in overalls and a welding mask. A short distance behind two police cars turned a corner and turned their sirens on as the followed.\n\nJane took a little longer to get to a high vantage point having to change into her costume as well. As such she couldn't get visual confirmation of what was going down but she could see Harpy flying in the air." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Oh great, it was exactly as I'd expected. And there were cops around, that was more that Harpy had to worry about in terms of preserving life. She decided to climb a little bit higher before letting herself plunge. It was a controlled fall, and she made sure to angle her wings forward as to give herself forward momentum, a very steep glide if you will. She was strong enough to withstand landing on top of the speeding vehicle, and at the trajectory she was going that would be the case. She didn't know what she'd do after that, or if it was even wise to do so. She assumed that there were plenty of weapons aboard that car, or else they were just doing the world's hottest and noisiest public disturbance.\n\nShe doubted if they didn't notice her approach, she aimed to land right next to the lady on top, ideally on top of her as to easily dispatch of one of the suspects immediately. She was against killing, but severely maiming and crippling for life was on the table, so she didn't aim to sink any talons into flesh for now. During her descent, she looked around to get a better grasp on the environment, and that was when she spotted Jane. Not paying much mind to her, Harpy assumed it was another friendly cape willing to aid a helping hand to the public." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The woman in the welding mask was seemingly unaware of Harpy's descent, the capes dive seeming certain to be on target. Then without warning she reached down and pulled a lever to her side. The vehicle she was on shifted and launched some other device forward between her legs. Both the woman and devices moved forwards hitting the road in front of her which then shifted in the familiar form of a motorcycle.\n\n\"FUCK YOU TWEETY!\"\n\nShe held a middle finger out towards Harpy for a moment, before turning back and pressing a button on the handlebars of her bike. Multiple sets of spike strips ejected from the rear of the vehicle expanding across the road just in front of the vehicle Harpy was now perched atop off." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "\"That wasn't very nice to say. And it's not Tweety it's Harpy.. I'm not a cartoon bird I'm a mythical monster!\" Harpy rebuked back at the now motorcyclist. She saw the handle press and the rows and rows of spike strips being deployed. That wasn't good at all, especially at the speed she was going, and she also had to worry about the cop cars. She had two possible answers to this situation in her mind. \n\nFirst she contemplated grabbing the car by the rear with her talons and expanding her wings to act as a parachute. Her other option was to get down in front of her it and tear up the asphalt with her talons while pushing against the speeding locomotive. Both of these options had their problems and it was mainly due to she didn't know how fast she could cause it to slow down. But she had no time to waste and she took a gamble. \n\nStepping back and hooking all of her feet talons on the rear end of the vehicle, she expanded her wings and tried to catch as much air as possible and slow it down. Chances are that if she slowed it down now it wouldn't come back and harm innocent civilians that are unfortunate enough to be caught in the crossfire." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Like a drogue shoot Harpy's wings caught the wind creating an excessive amount of drag as the vehicle moved further down the road. It wasn't enough to stop it completely but by the it reached the spike traps it had slowed enough that it came to a sputtering halt. Far better than what could have happened.\n\n\"Whatever you say Tweety!\"\n\nThe capes shout was followed by a almost child like laugh of joy. Suddenly she drifted to the right and began to drive straight towards a building. Rather than slow and try to avoid the collision she began to speed up, seconds before impact she shouted out.\n\n\"Come on Tweety! Let's go somewhere fun!\"\n\nShe kicked a level on the side of the bike and the whole thing seemed to jump into the air. The tyres shifted to a horizontal orientation and began to spin, making a sound reminiscent of a turbine as the bike and its rider launched into the air." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "The instant she felt the vehicle come to a stop she rushed to pile strength in her legs before springboarding herself off of it. Her plan was to attack from above one more time, but after seeing the lady turn the corner and begin flying she had a change of plans. \n\n\"HEY! You could've hurt people back there! This isn't something to take so lightly!\" \n\n\"Tweety\" Barked at the crazed driver. She was starting to become frustrated with the lack of concern and disregard for others she was displaying. But still, as a Hero she couldn't let her anger get the better of her. She was still at a higher altitude, but she didn't know how long that would be the case.\n\nTiming her wing beats to maximize her forward momentum, the aim was to catch up to the airborne vehicle and grab on to the bulk of its build to interfere with their movement. If she could do that, ideally she could arrest this person from there." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Bitch please! They should stay out of the way if they don't want to get hurt!\"\n\nShe reved the engine and begun to accelerate as Harpy grasped the rear of the flying bike, the whole vehicle jerking at the sudden increase in weight and drag caused by the addition of the hero.\n\n\"What the?!\"\n\nThe rider turned to look at Harpy clearly surprised that she had straight up grabbed her bike and swung her fist towards the Hero's face.\n\n\"Get fucked!\"" }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Harpy saw it coming, but even though she saw it coming clear as day she didn't know what to do about it. Not because she's terrible in hand to hand combat, but because she was so dumbfounded that their first instinct was to punch them. What was that going to accomplish? She didn't block the punch or anything, she let it connect with her face and go through. But the fact that she was a Brute made any regular person's punch feel like a slap more than anything. \n\n\"That was fucking stupid.\" She said aloud, turning her face back to glare right at the lady. What Harpy was about to do played into her more reckless and sinister urges, but at this point she had full control of the situation. Releasing her left arm from the machine, she brandished her talons on one another before unleashing a series of slashes at the back wheel. It was currently providing lift to her vehicle, so if she got rid of that than the lady was entirely at Harpy's mercy. \n\n\"You're not very smart for a tinker. But I guess that doesn't mean you're also a thinker.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Smart? Come on! A Girl just wants to have fun!\"\n\nSeeing as her punch was ineffectual and her bird cape was now tearing at her vehicle her hand tightened around the handle bar of her bike as she hoisted herself up slightly. Raising her free hand to her head she gave a mock salute.\n\n\"Catch me if you can Tweety!\"\n\nAnd with that comment she dived from her bike and began to fall to the ground below. Both of her hands closed with the middle finger extended in the direction of the flying Hero." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "What. She just.. Jumped off? Harpy was visibly confused, she immediately went to grab at the girl but failed to claw over in time to stop her descent. This wasn't going to be good. She just got done rending one of the propulsion devices on the vehicle, so it wasn't going to be able to continue its ascent.. And now she had to worry about a potential suicide by cape on her hands. She turned around and stared at the floor as she and the vehicle began their descent.. Spotting a couple dozen below directly below. She was a relatively new cape, but she could immediately tell this was a classic trolley problem that her father warned her about over and over.\n\nA million thoughts a second raced through Harpy's mind. Should she throw the vehicle at the building, hope it breaks a window or a wall and doesn't harm anyone inside while she's able to fly down and catch the girl? Perhaps she should forsake the vehicle entirely and save the girl, betting on the fact that the vehicle wouldn't harm anyone down there? Lastly, should she focus on bringing the vehicle down safely and let the girl fall to her death.. All possibilities she thought of. Immediately she ruled out the second option, she wouldn't dare risk the lives of innocents if she could help it, her morals wouldn't let her. Nor did they let her throw away someone's life like that, anyone's life. She couldn't let herself take risks like the first option either.. But fuck it!\n\nSpringing to action, she used the talons on her feet to claw at the vehicle and firmly grasp it with them, sinking her razor sharp claws into it so that it wouldn't dare move much at all. Than, she coiled up her wings and pushed herself downwards, looking to accelerate as fast as possible with gravity to catch up and grab at the falling girl before she splat. The idea was that if she could keep the vehicle under control and attempt to save her at the same time, than she should. It was her job as a hero to do all that was possible." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Harpy's grasping talons wrapped around the bike. Holding tightly as the feathered cape pulled her wings close and began to dive towards the falling villain. Like a falcon diving for prey she closed the distance to her target. Reaching out she caught the falling villain whos arms wrapped around Harpy's neck.\n\n\"Oh my hero! Catching after I tripped!\"\n\nIt was only now that Harpy would realise a problem. With the bike in her talons and the villain clutching tightly too her she weighed far more than she was used to. The ground grew ever closer and despite her best attempts she didn't seem to be slowing." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Shit, this wasn't good at all. Her wings weren't catching enough air quick enough, and she couldn't magically grow bigger. People beneath her at risk of getting crushed by her and the bike, and she needed to slow down immediately. She wanted to avoid this but at this rate she had no other option. \n\nFlapping her wings to grow closer to the building, turned around and engaged her wings to catch as much air as possible. At the same time she dug her hands' claws into the building, rending its walls but more importantly slowing her down (she hoped). She also drove the vehicle into the wall beneath her, further trying to slow herself down before she came crashing too hard into the ground. \n\n\"Hold on tight bitch!\" The villainess already seemed to be doing that, but it was a phrase that came out out of habit. The loud sounds she was making with her claws digging in and the vehicle grinding against the wall, she hoped to draw enough attention to her to get people to notice before it was too late to get out of the way." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"I won't let go!\"\n\nThe villain held on tight, almost crushing Harpy as the two entwined capes fell closer to the earth below. This tight hold only grew tighter as the feathered hero plunged her talons into the wall followed shortly after by swinging the bike into the same wall in an attempt to slow their descent.\n\nWhat followed was the continual sound of smashing glass and twisting metal. As awful as the sound was, her plan seemed to be working. They were still falling but at a slower, less fear inducing speed.\n\nWith a crash, the two capes and motorbike smashed into the ground below. Thankfully clear of any civilians. Harpy and the villain were in a mangled heap on the ground and sirens could be heard in the distance." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Harpy panted and heaved gasps of air, gasps of relief. You don't realize how much someone can tense their every muscle and fiber until you're out of a deadly situation. She felt her entire body relax, and some of the exhaustion kicked in. She was very tired, but her duty wasn't done yet. She had to complete her job. Looking down, she saw the heap of destruction in beneath her. Looking up, she saw the destruction she wrought on the building above. Finally, looking around would reveal to her the civilians, unharmed. Grabbing the lawbreaking lady and pushing her off, making sure not to hurt her, Harpy stood and spoke to the civilians. \n\n\"Is everybody okay?! Is anybody hurt?!\" She almost cried out, she couldn't see any damages to anybody, but the eyes never tell the whole story. She couldn't afford to unmorph yet, she knew that the energy she had expended far outweighed her normal stamina reserves, she'd collapse on the ground if she did. Though finally, she turned to the lady once more. Making sure she was still there. She had felt angry at the woman, how could she so recklessly endanger the lives of so many? But for now, she was only relieved, it seemed she hadn't done too bad of a job. She might have to take some extra hours to help repair the building, but, that was fine by her." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Such a caring hero, and here I thought you only had eyes for me?\"\n\nHer voice resonated in such a way that one could easily imagine her pouting face accompanied by her batting her eyelashes. She pulled herself closer to Harpy's ear.\n\n\"We've been through such strenuous activity and you haven't even asked my name yet? How rude!\"\n\nShe let go and jumped back, shaking her head in disappointment.\n\n\"You can call me Ratchet, the only question I have for you is are you going to try and take me in or be a good birdy and let me go and prepare for our second date?\"\n\nRatchet looked down at her chest as she fiddled with a lose button on her costume, clearly not paying too much attention to the world around her. As they spoke the ever present sound of sirens seemed to be getting closer and closer." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "So Ratchet was her name.. That was kind of funny. Harpy turned to face her, her legs beginning to ache and her body turned heavy. Very briefly her angered returned, it didn't last. She was too relaxed to muster that wrath, so she appeared nonchalant and exhausted. She looked at Ratchet, taking in all of her appearance in minute detail. Her hair, costume, voice, skin.. The whole package. She wasn't ugly. She didn't bother to respond to her, knowing that whomever rode those sirens would take her away. That was of course, until the word 'birdy' escaped her mouth..\n\n\"Its NOT BIRDY!\" She exclaimed with her whole body, the fibers in her muscles tensing as she lunged towards the girl. Her wings opened, her talons dug into the ground, her feathers stood on end.. And within the next instant they were all gone. One moment Ratchet faced a claw approaching her chest, the next it was a human hand that landed on her foot. Harpy was flat on the ground, her bird features morphing back into her human form and revealing how she properly looked. She was already on her last legs of stamina, so a stray emotion and an angry reflex was enough to push her past her limit. She was passed out. She would fail to catch her today.\n\n\"Zzzz..\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Oh? Nighty Night then. See ya around Birdy.\"\n\nThe last thing Harpy could see before her eyes closed was Ratchet walking away. Then darkness took her.\n\nSomething prodded her face. It happened again. She could feel movement around her and the sounds of voices. Harpy's eyes flicked open to find a woman in a old fashioned nurses outfit crouched beside her. A band on her arm displaying Vanguards symbol, a Grey V over a vertical sword. Behind her several police officers stood next to their vehicles talking to members of the public.\n\n\"I told you she wasn't dead D.\"\n\nThe woman in the nurse out fit spoke, her eyes looking above before dropping back down to Harpy.\n\n\"You alright? You didn't look to hurt and from what people said you kinda just collapsed after carrying a motorbike down?\"\n\nAs she spoke another figure slowly fell from the sky and landed next to who could only be Panpharmacon. A pink and blue cape bellowing in the Wind, a wide smile on Dreadnoughts face.\n\n\"Yeah I was worried you might be seriously hurt. Why I grabbed Panpan here to help you out.\"" }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "\"Hnng..\" Harpy felt like shit, to put it lightly. Her body ached from the exertion, but luckily nothing was broken. She looked at Panpharmacon, she didn't immediately recognize it was her, but Harpy's memories of researching Vanguard's capes eventually kicked in. She looked to the other cape who descended down, she was immediately recognized.\n\n\"Agh.. I'm fine. Everything hurts..\" \n\n Harpy herself was independent, a small fry cape compared to them. Holy shit, Vanguard was here, hopefully she'd make a good impression by capturing that villa-. \n\n\"Oh shit. Did I catch her? Did I catch Ratchet?\" She struggled out, immediately sitting up and looking around frantically, trying to find her prize. There was no luck, she couldn't see her anywhere. \n\n\"Dammit.\" Harpy couldn't bother to shout or exclaim anything at the moment. A terrible first impression to make." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Eh don't worry too much. You did something just as good really.\"\n\nDreadnought reached over harpy grabbing something from behind the cape. Behind her Harpy could feel something move for a moment as the Vanguard cape pulled the object into view. That object being Ratchet's tinker tech motorcycle which was now held under Dreadnoughts arm.\n\n\"You captured their tinker tech. This stuff isn't easy for them to replace and to top it off there is a bounty out for Illegal tinker tech. Which happens to include all tinker tech created by villains.\"\n\nThe healer who up until this point had been crouching by Harpy's side stood up, dusting the dirt off her knees as she did.\n\n\"Well you seem to be okay physically, or at least anything my regen can heal has been healed. I'm gonna check on the nearby civilians.\"\n\nShe gave Dreadnought a peck on the cheek before moving away towards a group of civilians being interviewed by police. It was hard to tell by one could swear the Alexandria packages smile got even bigger.\n\n\"Isn't she just the best? Anyway talking about the bike you have two options really. One you can keep it. Although you don't look like a tinker so I doubt you would be able to maintain it. Or you could hand it over to us to receive the bounty on tinker tech, I've had the Utopia give me a quick valuation and this thing seems full of tech so you'd be looking at around £2,500\"" }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Harpy was at least relieved to hear that she was still in the clear. Not bothering to look back, she had assumed whatever it was that moved was the bike, and her assumption was correct. She took note of how dreadnought lifted it, that's some strength if she's ever seen any. Her body still hurt, but suddenly it just went away? \n\n\"Ohh, thank you.\" She thanked Panpharmacon, she felt good as new all of a sudden. That was nice. She stood up, now fully seeing the height difference between the two of them. Harpy was half a foot shorter. Listening to what she had to say, Harpy barely even gave it a thought before she answered. \n\n\"I have bills to pay so I'll take the money please. And uh, sorry about the building.\" She continued, looking up to see the destruction she had a direct hand in causing. She wasn't perfect, so this was sorta inevitable, but she still felt she could've done far better." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Thought as much, most independents appreciate getting money at least to start with. Tinker tech great and all but has a tendency to break pretty quickly.\"\n\nShe reached up to her ear pressing the earpiece she had nestled into it.\n\n\"NT you there? I need you to authorise a Independent hero commission.\"\n\nDreadnought floated off as she spoke to whoever it was on the other end of the line before seemingly remembering she was actually meant to be talking to Harpy. She slowly dropped back to the ground.\n\n\"So uh yeah here's my contact details if you don't receive payment within five working days give me a call and let me know. You should head home and get some rest for now though\"" }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Harpy didn't look down from the building she caused damage to to notice Dreadnought beginning her ascent away before coming back. Harpy looked down when the cape mentioned their contact information and to contact them in the case of a lack of payment. She was relieved to see that she was the only person too upset about the building, maybe it wasn't so bad. She shouldn't make it a habit though.\n\nJotting down the contact info to her phone, Harpy gave a smile back to the vanguard cape as she put her phone away. \"Thanks for the help!\" Harpy spoke, realizing she was a bit too loud in their face after she spoke. It was evident on her face, she almost tried to cower within her own skin from the embarrassment. She looked around her, seeing the commotion before turning to face the building once more. She didn't even realize she was still in her costume until know.\n\n\"I better get undressed and tend to my gear. Thanks for your time.\" Harpy spoke, not bothering to look at Dreadnought until after. She gave a wave before walking off. Her tone was exhausted, she wasn't physically tired in any way, but it was clear there was stress on her mind." } ]	189	5,407
170.818182	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "The commute to the apartment was rather quiet as well, Perhaps a few typical questions were gotten out of the way, like went rent is due, the wifi password, if there are any pests, oddities like that. Even through the elevator, things weren't tense, in either way.\n\n\"Okay.\" Suzanne put her hands on the handle, but did not turn it. \"Last thing, Before we do ANY of this.\" Suzy turn to face Fiona with An expression of solemn sincerity.\n\n\"You're.. Not a bigot, right?\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "For the first time since she has met Suzy, she directly at her. Her eyes bordering on almost focusing as she squints at her. A look of confusion going across her face as she processed the question. \n\n\"Am I a bigot?\" There's a moment of insulted muttering about someone named 'Rule' before she answered \"No. I am not a bigot. Last I checked at least.\" She would make a dismissive gesture towards Suzanne \"Whatever it is, I don't really care.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "With A growing smile, and a slow exhuast of the breath she was holding, Suzy turned the doorknob, and opened up the apartment. Inside was a seemingly normal, clean apartment. Well furnished at least, with a couch, coffee table, and a recliner positioned opposite of a modest TV sitting on an entertainment center, A door next to it was left ajar, with bathroom esq tile, and shower curtains being visable from the door. Several documents sat on the coffee table, spilling from a pair of manila folders. On the walls, there was several posters for some kind of strange media she was into, and pride flags of various identities. The light emitted from the lamps were a soft, warm white glow, but with a fiddling from her phone, Suzy turned them to gentle blue hue.\n\nWalking further inside, past the doorway, and next to the kitchen on the left, was a plain jane mannequin, being used as a combination coat and hat rack at the moment, with a beanie and cardigan drooped over it. The kitchen was clean, fake wooden countertops, an electric stove, and a older looking fridge. The fridge was wide atleast, and had an icemaker- truly the height of luxury. Beyond the kitchen was a sliding door that lead to a small balcony. \n\nOn the far wall, opposite of the door way was two doors, fairly separated by a small laundry hall it wouldn't be hard to assume that those were the two bedrooms, one of them soon to be hers.\n\n\"Well!\" Suzanne cheerily exclaimed. \"Welcome to Casa De Suzy! Cozy right?\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She seemed not at all surprised as she entered the home. Her eyes didn't scan past the lights in the room and she didn't even react to the flags at all. She would nod her head in a vague approval to Suzy without turning her head towards her. \"It's a nice place.\" She would say rather simply as she began to walk around and get a feel for the place. It was quite nice, she'd admit. Not the place she's use to. \n\n\"Yeah it's good.\" She'd say again, as she turned to look over Suzanne's shoulder. \"Better then the last place I was crashing.\" If one were to look, the last place she was staying was an apartment that she was not legally renting. Of course, that required someone looking." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Your room is at least lighlt furnished. I was using it as a half storage half guest bedroom sorta deal\" Suzy informed her. She any belongings she was carrying on the table and fell aginst the couch. \" Unless there is anything else you have to say or ask, feel free, but I'm going to sit down and relax for a minute before I do anything else. No Live TV, but I have a bunch of streaming apps if you're ever interested.\"\n\nSuzanne kicked her shoes off and let them clatter on the hardwood floor. True to her word, she drew her legs up and grabbed the remote for a little R&R, but before she hit play on anything, she added \" And if you need help getting stuffed moved tomorrow, let me know, I have A connection!\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"I don't have much to carry over.\" She confessed as she stepped over to the couch and sat on the floor in front of it without comment about it. \"My previous living situation was temporary anyway and I didn't have anything important set up. There was some furniture but it was cheap and not worth it.\" She made a dismissive noise that sounded a little silly with her high pitched voice. \n\n\"I will have a few bags but I can handle them.\" Her whole life was in bags. Had been for a while. \"I'll make sure to drag it over in the morning.\" She pulled her phone out again and began fiddling with it. If Suzy looked, she was logged into pho." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Suzanne tilted her head as she caught A glance at the phone. Maybe it was A bad idea, but the again, she could cover her tracks with her interest in capes. Suzy crossed her legs and selected youtube. It was time to catch up on some video essays. It was then as she clicked on new nightmind video, that she spoke up about it with A bit of a smile \n \"You interest in capes too? I'll admit, when I was a kid I always loved to pretend to be A parahuman- made up my own backstory and everything! Now I just. Write stories in my spare time. When I can.\" Her smile seemed to fade a bit, thinking back on work. \"When.. I can, anyways.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She didn't turn her head from the phone but she did make a noise of acknowledgement. She waited a few moment as she listened to Suzanne and the video with partial attention. After finishing a message on PHO she would slide her phone into her pocket and look back at her roommate. Her eyes seemed to land on the armrest of the couch. \n\n\"Capes?\" She considered it with a huff of breath. \"Not particularly. I read up on them from time to time but I never got into them. Not my scene.\" It was a partial truth. She didn't like capes but that was an experience thing and she only read up on them to figure out who is a problem in the city. \"I prefer not to get into the threads about them.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "'Well, that went better than expected' Suzy thought. She left that conversation where it lie watching the video for a few moments, and pondering about where to go from here. She already informed the building manager, they'd be putting her on the lease later tomorrow as well. Her room is set up to the best of Suzy's ability, poppet made sure of that during the little powe nap she took at fugly's. Speaking of-\n\nSuzy clapped her hands and rubbed them together, pulling her bag of food towards herself from across the coffee table. As it dragged, it pulled along with it the manila folders, letting some documents slip out a bit. Plain white printer paper adorned with orderly inking made it's self apparent to Fiona. The top paper had a title reading 'protection Order against sta-' Before it was cut off, and the information below partially detailed the court mandated restraining order against A one 'Harriet Sterling'. Suzanne didn't seem to notice it was jutting out, diving head long into the heart attack waiting to happen that was the greasy burger." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She chose not to comment on it as she looked back to the tv for a moment. She turned back to her phone soon enough and scrolled through her messages. PHO, texts, emails. All of them left unanswered for the large part. Messages to random people. Contact list scrolling by with very few names that make sense. She seemed to be busy.\n\nAfter a few more minutes she would stand up and dust off her dress. \"Thanks. I'll be back later, need to grab my stuff.\" She would say to Suzy as she began to make her way towards the door. She would stop at the door and hesitate before speaking over her shoulder \"I won't be around tonight. If you need me, you know my handle.\" Unless otherwise stopped, she would leave the apartment." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "And so she would leave. Suzanne would have already been sure to give her a keycard to come and go as she pleased, And wasn't all that worried. Besides, If anything happened- She was sure princess poppet could take of it. Not tomorrow though. She finished her burger and took a glance at a clock on the wall. It was analog, something about that just satisfied her. The time was close to ten now, and if she wanted to be ready for tomorrow, she'd need to get things ready before the morning. \n\nWhen Fiona left, Suzy flicked the video on pause, tossed her grabage into a near by bin in the kitchen, and took off towards her room. She slipped inside the darkness, and with a gentle click, shut and locked the door behind her.\n\n—" } ]	158	1,879
113.6	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "mikazuki7790", "message": "It was a quiet night in New London with the classic chill in the air. As with many nights in the Worm verse things go bump in the night. On this particular night, the thing that went bump was Zoey. She decided to debut as a villain by robbing a nearby unnamed superstore for money and some resources she could use to get a better costume, of course, she was somewhat obvious to any onlooker due to her terrible skills but onwards she goes." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane's eyes glanced down from the building's rooftop, a cool breeze flowing across the night sky. His gaze came to focus upon a single person bumbling through the night, Zoey.\n\nHe stepped off the building falling several feet to the ground and landed with not a noise. Crane approached the confused cape from behind, his steps muzzled by the tinker tech boots, and tapped them on the back.\n\n\"Hey.\"" }, { "author": "mikazuki7790", "message": "Zoey jumped at the feeling of someone touching her back before her cloak snapped on, covering her in a faintly glowing red outline of pure energy\"Who the hell are you?\"She asked surprised to run into a cape like twenty minutes into her career as a thief. She was in a ruff stance, vaguely reminiscent of a boxer mixed with her time on the streets\"And why the hell would you sneak up on someone like that\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane tutted his tongue in response to the question. \"Do not act above your station Rookie\" He scowled before jabbing a finger into their chest. \"I have killed those with energy barriers ten times this strength.\"\n\nHe sighed and looked down upon the new cape, \"Now put those fists down or I'll show you what a real fight is.\" He said, flashing his cloak to reveal the flashes of metal from within. \"I saw you struggling, I simply thought I'd offer you a hand.\"" }, { "author": "mikazuki7790", "message": "\"You have huh?\"Her eyes narrowed at his head as power reached out and showed the connection, forming an ethereal crown upon his head of skills before she put her fists down.\"What did you use tinker-tech or something?\"Zoey's cloak flared for a moment before it cut off, though ready to reactivate at a moment's notice\"And why would you help me?\"She was worried about this offer considering it could have all sorts of unforeseen downsides for in-stock if she's not careful" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane flashed a smile from below his mask, \"Yes my little fledgling, yes I have.\" He paused for a moment and then spoke once again, \"And let's not rush into adding you to that list shall we now?\"\n\nHe let out a quiet chuckle and gave her a moment to speak, listening as she voiced her questions. \"Tinker-tech or something?\" He laughed once again, \"Well... It needn't be so complex but I won't be telling you my methods.\" \n\n\"And why would I help you?\" He repeated.\n\n\"Well that's quite simple isn't it. Because you'd be in My Debt.\" Crane's mouth contorted into a grin, \"And I'm here now, so I might as well stake my claim to the loot with or Without You.\"" }, { "author": "mikazuki7790", "message": "\"And what would being in your debt entail\"Her eyes narrowed at Crane\"I don't mind helping out here or there but don't expect anything too fantastic from me, I am just starting out after all\"Zoey's eyes flickered at his crown again trying to discern their function before she closed her eyes and took a deep breath\nShe stood aside and did a go on motion\"Lead the way wise one\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane chuckled in response, \"Being in my debt entails whatever I Want.\" He chuckled slightly, as if this young cape had the Right To know his plans.\n\n\"Just try to keep up will you\" He paused for a moment. \"And don't cause any Fucking Problems.\" Crane proceeded to sprint forward towards the high walls of the superstore and Zoey could see as he clambered upwards, defying the will of gravity as he made his way to the roof.\n\nHe chucked a rope downwards to her and motioned upwards." }, { "author": "mikazuki7790", "message": "Zoey chuckled back as the spectral crown was spun around in her mind, again and again as she tried to devise its purpose\"Oh I can keep up old man\"She teased as her aura expanded and she used her increased physical capabilities to scale up to the roof next to Crane\n\n\"Though perhaps I can help differently, in a bit of explanation, I am also a thinker, I can tell you something about the source of your power if you like\"It was a bit of a shot in the dark to hope Crane didn't try and take this a different way and attempt to capture her but what the hell, gotta try this eventually with someone after all" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane released a light chuckle in response to her first statement, \"I'll take your word for it Newbie,\" He exclaimed, his gaze looking downwards towards her as she climbed upwards.\n\nCrane tutted his tongue as she continued to speak, A thinker? Someone had clearly been poking around where they shouldn't have. He drew a knife with a swish and held it outwards towards her neck, \"I don't recall saying I was a Thinker Little Miss.\"\n\nHis gaze focused on her intently, if she knew too much he'd have to take Measures. \"Is that from your power? What do you know?\" He interrogated further." } ]	108	1,136
110.824561	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Items : Knife, First Aid Kit, Brooch, \nSkills : Solving Riddles, Medical Care, Knife Fighting\n\nThe Handyman would approach the entrance of the mine looking it up and down. This was the place, well probably. The brooch seemed to indicate something of the kind.\n\nHe would look over the pin once more before approaching further, he would look through it to identify what he may need to look out for or do when he entered. It could be dangerous." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The Handyman arrives at the entrance of the mine compound. A gate in a large chainlink fence manned by a security guard. Easthill mine was the primary source of most of New London's industry requirements. Silicon, iron, lithium, depeneding which section of the mine you were in you could find it all here. As such it was fairly heavily guarded and finding your way in wouldn't be as simple as walking in.\n\nLooking over the broach he had received from Mockingbird the same poem is all he could decipher. 'In The Mines The Canary Sings, Heed Her Song For The Salvation It Brings, Then The Nightingale's Toll Rings' What it meant was yet to be found, if it meant anything at all." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Huh well that was a pain, well it would have to be done I suppose.\n\nSolving Riddles -Stealth\nMedical Care -Security Analysis\nKnife Fighting -Reconnaissance\n\nThe Handyman would walk around the perimeter of the entrance. He would take note of any security measures and the area, looking out for potential weaknesses in preparation for his attack." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As he allowed his power to grant him the knowledge and expertise he wanted the Handyman would be able to notice many things that hadn't been immediately obvious moments ago. There were three obvious entrances to the mine complex with each of the checkpoints in the fence. They had removeable barriers across the road and were manned by at least two people each.\n\nThe perimeter fence was a chainlink design about 2.5m in height and topped with barbed wire to prevent people simply climbing over. Repeated every few metres was a triangular warning sign stating high voltage but it didn't take a intense inspection to see that these were merely deterrents and the fence carried no electrical charge.\n\nThe final thing of note were the regular patrols between the checkpoints along the fence line. From what he could see there were at least three individuals patrolled and at least two of them had canine companions. It was probably best to try and avoid them." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would further spend time surveying the area as best he could,\n\nHe would watch the patrol routes, looking out especially for a location on the fence which would be unwatched or vulnerable to him." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "His extended observations confirmed his initial suspicions although he managed to gain a little more information. It took the guards roughly five minutes for them to complete one circuit of their patrol route. With the three guards that left a couple of minutes before another guard arrived at said location. Whilst he observed he would also spot several guards and workers moving around further in the compound but it was difficult to have precise details from his current location." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Time to take a different approach, brute force wasn't going to work and sneaking seemed to be a real pain. Deception it is.\n\nSkills -Infiltration, Lying, Acting\n\nHe would move towards the front gate of the mine after readying his skills, ready to talk to one of the guards." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "His skills selected, the Handyman began to move towards the gate. To the side of the gate was a small guard house with a man reading a newspaper within, seemingly unbothered by the approaching cape.\n\nThat was until he got within 4 metres of the gate. The guard looking up from his paper before extending his hand towards the Handyman.\n\n\"Stop there, can you show me your ID please?\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would place his hand on the back of his neck and let out a nervous chuckle,\n\n\"I thought I was going to be given that?\"\n\nHe would scroll through his phone momentarily,\n\n\"I can't seem to find it but I'm sure I was told it would be sorted out on arrival.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Oh? A new hire of course. Give me the name of your shift manager and I'll call him up. Tell him to come collect you.\"\n\nHe picked up a phone from within his booth and placed it against his ear. His hand hovered above the keypad as his eyes locked on to the Handyman, clearly waiting for a name. \n\nIt would appear as though he had gone through this several times before and this was nothing new to his day to day life." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Ludwig would wait a second and release a heavy breath,\n\n\"I think it was David? Or maybe... Uhhh... Jeremy?\"\n\nHe would let out a light chuckle and look down slightly,\n\n\"I really must apologise for being disorganised it's been a hectic couple weeks,\"\n\nHe would saying looking up to him and trying to flash a smile of sorts," }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Oh, you must be looking for Jeremy Davids. Hey I don't suppose you could try and hook me up with slightly larger portions when your serving? I'd really appreciate it.\"\n\nHe began to press several buttons on the phone before beginning to speak.\n\n\"Mr Davids your new start is here at the gate. Yeah. Well I don't know what to tell you he is here. Well can you come collect him to get his id sorted. I don't know I'll ask.\" He raised his hand to cup it around his mouth. \"What is your name?\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Ludwig would nod as he said his name,\n\n\"Of course, I'll do what I can.\" He would say in response with a light smile,\n\n\"Its Steven,\" Ludwig would tell the man, followed by a chuckle. \"I was sure he would know my name by name, but I'm sure he's busy so I can't blame him.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Yeah he says his name is Steven. Alright I'll let him know.\"\n\nHe placed the phone back on its stand before looking at Ludwig.\n\n\"He says there must have been some kind of mixup as no one informed him of new hires arriving today but if you just wait here for 30 mins he will be right with you. He just needs to sort some things out before he heads over.\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "\"I appreciate you asking for me, must've been a mixup in scheduling systems or something like that.\"\n\nHe would move over to the side to get out the guards way and begin to wait,\n\n\"It could always be my mistake but that would be awkward,\" He would say with a bit of a chuckle and he would begin to wait the time." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Yeah something like that, anyway he will be here soon so if you just wait on that bench over there.\"\n\nThe man reaches down into his booth and pulls out a magazine. As he read Ludwig would be able to see the name of the magazine printed on its front page 'Fortnightly Fowl' and a picture of a large cock.\n\nA few minutes later a man could be seen running towards the barrier. He stops just short waving at Ludwig with a smile. \n\n\"Are you Steven? Come with me and I'll get you sorted out.\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Moving over to the bench Ludwig would begin to wait calmly, infiltration was a process that had to be taken one step at a time even if it wasn't the most exciting.\n\n—\n\nSeeing the man approach Ludwig would stand and begin to approach,\n\nHe would nod with a smile, \"That's right, thankyou for seeing to me.\" \n\nGiving him his thanks he would begin to follow the man." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The duo began to walk through the mining compound towards a familiar looking prefab building. They were popular during the early years of New London. As the city expanded they didn't have time to build actual buildings so these were used as temporary housing. This building was the same style but larger.\n\n\"So we'll just head into my office to sort out the paperwork and see what went wrong. That shouldn't take too long though. Anyway a few quick things to note, you see around this compound the are these knee high concrete bollards with the yellow tips? Beyond those is the active work area, you need a hard hat and high vis jacket to go there. I doubt you will ever need to go there though.\"\n\nHe paused for a moment.\n\n\"But if you do need to, you should know the basics. We have three separate mines here; A, B and C but we call them Armadillo, Badger and Canary respectively.\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Ludwig would follow calmly listening as he spoke.\n\n\"We should be able to sort it out quickly I hope,\" He would say with a smile,\n\nHe too would pause looking towards the mines as there names were said aloud.\n\n\"And so the Canary sings.\"\n\nHe would nod in acknowledgment of the names, \"Thankyou for letting me know.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Oh, you did your research I see. That's why we called it canary, there is some strange airflow that makes this whistling sound. It's quite creepy if you ask me. Anyway, just up here.\"\n\nHe began to walk up steps on the exterior of the building leading up to a door. Opening it, she stepped through and held it open. Motioning for Ludwig to enter.\n\n\"Come on then, this shouldn't take long.\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "\"I know it's nothing I exactly need to know but I thought it would still be nice to learn a few bits. Just for small talk with the other staff and that.\" He would say with a smile.\n\nLudwig would thank her for holding the door and quickly enter, standing calmly waiting for his next instructions." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As the duo walked into the room Ludwig could see a simple desk and chair at one end of the room. Atop the desk was a laptop as well as a stationery set and a picture frame. In one corner was a large storage cupboard and in the other a large potted plant. Perhaps the most noticeable thing about the room was the intense metallic smell of iron that filled the air.Walking over to the desk the man sat down behind it, moving the laptop to be more central as he looked at Ludwig.\n\n\"Alright then, I'm sorry that there seems to have been a bit of a mix up but lets get it sorted quickly then we can get you to work. Do you remember who you did your interview with?\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Moving over in front of the desk Ludwig would stand looking down towards the man,\n\n\"I don't remember being told their name but you might recognise them, long dark hair, pale, blue eyes. Is that ringing any bells?\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Oh I thi-\"\n\nHe was interrupted by his phone vibrating in his pocket. He pulled it out to look before sliding it back into his pocket and standing.\n\n\"Sorry I'll be right back. Just sit tight and I'll be with you shortly.\"\n\nHe walked over to the door stepping out and closing it behind him. With him gone Ludwig was no alone in the office." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Ludwig would nod, allowing the man to exit without worry.\n\nNow alone The Handyman would have a brief browse around the office, he would take care not to create much noise and not get carried away as to stop if anyone were to approach the room. He would hope to be able to collect some names or information he may be able to use in up coming conversations from things around the office.\n\nHe would begin his careful search, if anyone came near he would resume his normal position. He wouldn't want to be caught in a suspicious situation after all." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Now alone Ludwig could perform a more through search and whilst everything he had seen on his first arrival was still there he would notice some additional details. On the other side of the desk there were several draws as well as a bin. The picture frame seemed to be a picture of the man with his family standing in front of the Eiffel tower. Although he did appear to be much younger in the photo. As he got closer to the storage cabinet the metallic smell only grew more intense." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Having taken a brief look around the office The Handyman would gravitate towards the peculiar smell.\n\nIt was metallic in nature, reminiscent of blood or something of the sort. Moving towards the storage cabinet he would slide it open, assessing the contents and locating the smell before closing it once again." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Opening the door to the cabinet Ludwig would be met with the decaying corpse of the man he had been speaking to moments ago. \n\nClick\n\nThe sound of a gun cocking could be heard behind him, as he heard the mans voice.\n\n\"It's good to see you again Handyman.\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would slowly turn around to see presumably the woman he had met last time in the man's form.\n\n\"Now that's fun, not how I would dispose of the body but you do you.\"\n\nHe would chuckle slightly, showing a smile on your face.\n\n\"Fancy seeing you here,\"\n\nHe'd say, shooting finger guns towards her." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"No it's not how I would dispose of a body either. Here take this, you'll need it.\"\n\nTheir entire body seemed to shift into of Ludwig's eyes into the familiar face of Mockingbird. With a skilled flick of the hand the gun she now held the gun by the barrel with the grip towards Ludwig.\n\n\"Congratulations on making it this far. You would think its easy but apparently making it this far is beyond the skills of most of New London.\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would nod, taking the gun with a firm hand.\n\nHe would swiftly begin to swap out his skill set entirely, Marksmanship, Pistol Handling and Gun Expertise. It would take a while to get them all but he would he sure to become a professional before long.\n\n\"It appears so,\" He would look Mockingbird up and down with a smile,\n\n\"So one dead man in a cabinet and a busy place, what's the plan.\"\n\nHe pauses for a moment,\n\n\"And any spare ammo or just what's here?\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"So the plan is your trial begins now. If you are worthy you can figure out what you need to do, you have all the info. If you succeed you will be invited to join us, you may want to think up a bird related name in that case. We have a theme.\"\n\nShe turned and opened the door before stepping out. She paused turning to look at Ludwig with a smile.\n\n\"And no there isn't any additional ammo. Just the eight bullets left after you shot two and your finger prints on the gun.\"\n\nHer smile shifted to a smirk as she raised her hand to her should and pulled the trigger on a tiny gun. Blood exploding behind her as she fell over the railing and out of view." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would chuckle slightly,\n\n\"Very clever, very clever.\"\n\nHe would watch as she shot herself, practically diving over the rail and causing a scene.\n\nThe Handyman would quickly dig through his bag, wearing his mask once again and putting on some gloves. \n\nHe would take a stack of papers and begin to set them alight before spreading them around the room, fire spread quick and although not the stealthiest was handy at removing evidence. Stealth was a touch far gun at the point, considering the gun shot and all. Ensuring a nice flame Ludwig would dash out of the office, with hope it would redirect any attention.\n\nExiting the office he would make a bee line to the Canary mine, whether there was anyone of note in there he had yet to know but it was a good place to hide away for the time being either way." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As Ludwig changed from his civilian persona to that of the Handyman shouting could be heard from outside. It was muffled and hard to tell the intensity from where his was though. He wouldn't let this stop him though as he got to work spreading paper around and starting a fire, finally becoming one with his inner arsonist.\n\nThen he turned and headed out of the office back into the open air. As he walked atop the stairs he could see a group of men running towards him from one of the mines but he turned and ran in the opposite direction towards the Canary mine.\n\nAs he ran the men behind him seemed to be if not catching up with him keeping pace. Not stopping he could see a large entrance to a mine ahead of him with several small tunnels either side of it. It was save to assume these smaller tunnels probably connected to the larger Canary system." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would dash ahead into the mines, leading the men in behind him.\n\nHe would take advantage of the complex tunnel system, dashing into the darkness and tunnels. Using the array of hallways and openings to his advantage he would attempt to split up the group or at least confusion. \n\nThe Handyman would aim to take the men out one at a time with a bullet to the head, horror movie style." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The Handyman rushed into the mines, a whistling sound audible from the moment he stepped into the enclosed area. Glancing behind him he would see two of the men had split off running towards the now flaming office leaving four men chasing shortly behind him.\n\nHe darted into one of the smaller side tunnels as the four men entered the mine and began to spread out. Their heads turned as they searched for any sign of the suspected murderer. They seemed to be getting closer and closer to the tunnel and it would only be a matter of time before they found the Handyman." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would ready his gun and begin to move towards the first person. \n\nOnce in view he would aim for a clean shot to the head to take out his opponent. He wouldn't let any of them approach him, alive that was." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "It was a strange experience having knowledge and skills granted to you by the alien shard. As the Handyman moved forwards raising his gun it seemed as if he was on autopilot. His eyes looked down at the sights of his weapon aimed straight for a man's head.\n\nWithout even thinking he shifted his aim left, adjusting for the airflow in the tunnels before pulling the trigger. The gunshot echoed through the mine as a perfect circle appeared between the eyes of the man before he dropped dead to the ground. At that moment the other men immediately turned towards the source of the noise and began to run towards it.\n\n\"Hey you! Stop!\"\n\nAs they ran towards the Handyman he could have sworn he saw a shadow move behind them." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "As the group ran towards the Handyman he would unleash a flurry of bullets towards the group,\n\nThree shots aimed to the head as had been done before, quick and efficient.\n\nBullets fired he would turn and dash into the mine, that shadow was shady and not in the apparent way." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "With his natural skill and talent granted by his power one shot was easy enough but even the best marksmen would suffer in accuracy when firing rapidly. Instead of the perfect shot between the eyes the first went through the eye itself, the second went through the next man's cheek and the last went through the final man's throat. Despite the lesser accuracy that was still three kill shots confirmed by the three thumps of the men hitting the ground.\n\nWith that done he turned and ran deeper into the tunnels, the whistling sound audible the entire time although growing feinter. Eventually he would find himself at the entrance of a vertical shaft with steps going up and down in a spiral around the walls." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The shots weren't ideal but a kill was a kill and they were sure to not bother him anymore.\n\nHopefully they've got the message, he didn't particularly want to shoot any more people. At least the bodies weren't out in the open as it was.\n\nNow another matter was at hand, up or down. Down we go. If it's the songbirds to find then there's no better place for shady people than down a shady mine." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As he ran down the spiral steps the sound of whistling grew louder until he came to the base of the shaft. Ahead of him were four separate tunnels each heading in a different direction. Save for the occasional emergency light it was dark down here so any visual distinction was difficult to ascertain.\n\nThe sounds of rocks hitting the ground nearby filled the Handymans ears. Looking up he would see a pair of yellow eyes staring down at him from above. The creature they seemed to be attached to was large and muscular, covered in shiny black feathers. Where arms would be was a set of massive wings tipped with large claws.\n\nWhatever this thing was it had secured itself to the walls of the shaft and simply observed for a moment. Then it tucked its wings and began to dive right for the Handyman." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would fire two bullets towards the divings creature. One for each of the bright glowing eyes, they were usually a weak spot after all.\n\nAs soon as his finger had left the trigger he would dive forward with a roll before quickly clambering upwards again. He only had two bullets left and a direct fight wasn't there best choice, he would dash forwards towards the tunnel heading down the one which had the quietest whistling.\n\nThe whilstling was the song of the canary which showed danger in the mines, it was wise for his to avoid it should he want to survive." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As two gunshots rang out the creature smashed into the ground just as the Handyman sprinted through the tunnel entrance. The creatures head twisted with a sickening crunch as it turned to look at the running parahuman. Smoke began to rise from the humped body as its flesh seemed to ripple and the cracking of bone could be heard.\n\n\"Pr-ey.\"\n\nThe voice was strained and awkward, the sound fluctuated as the body shrunk in size and more and more feathers erupted from its flesh. All the time its eyes never left the handyman.\n\nAs Ludwig ran further down the tunnel he would come to the stop at what appeared to be a dead end. The only notable feature of the area were some words etched into the stones surface.\n\n'For he today that shed his blood with me shall be my brother'" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would look the text up and down, \"Fuck,\" He would mutter to himself. He began to switch his Gun Expertise For Knife Fighting As he acted.\n\nHopefully this was some spooky bullshit and what he was about to do wasn't too much of a reach. He would quickly fetch his knife and slash across his palm before placing it upon the etching. This wasn't a for sure solution but it seemed like a good palce for some strange blood activated door.\n\nHe would steady his gun with is other hand pointing it back down the hallway, he would aim for the creatures leg joint as it approached and fire his last two bullets. With any luck it would be slowed down at the least." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As soon as he placed his hand on the etching a creaking could be heard. Her turned his head and aimed his gun down the tunnel but what he saw was nothing like the brute of a creature he had seen before. No this thing had shiny black feathers across its body that moved like silk in the wind. It had a sharp looking beak which appeared to be lined with interior teeth. Each wing ended in a hand with razor sharp scythe like claws on long fingers.\n\nTwo gunshots rang out and the creature shifted to the side and back again avoiding the bullets. One of its hands pulled back and then swung right for the Handyman's head. It hit only air however as the floor beneath the cape seemed to vanish and the Handyman found himself in freefall." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Okay, creaking was good. That meant something was happening at least.\n\nThe shots had missed so he would have to make do with knife combat, hopefully his skill wou-\n\nWahahawhahshwauhweahsshahahaha Falls" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Sploosh\n\nThe Handyman found himself submerged in water. It took him a few moments to right himself but soon enough he was treading water and could see the room around him. The walls seemed to be made from worked stone with hundreds of candles mounted upon it filling the room with a soft glow. At the far end of the pool he had landed in he could see steps leading out onto a red carpet which continued through a corridor. Even from here he could see the large double doors at the end of that corridor." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman clambered out of the water and back onto his feet. Brushing himself off he would sigh, it was a bit of a dramatic exit but at least he was out.\n\nHe dusted himself off and began to move down the hallway, the double doors were his obvious target and he was going to open them." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The Handyman clambered out of the pool and walked down the corridor. Each foot step muffled by the red carpet. It didn't take long until he stood before the large doors.\n\nReaching out to open them the doors began to move before he even made contact, revealing what could only be described as a throne room. At the far end three chairs, no three thrones. Sat on the left was a familiar face, that of Mockingbird notably uninjured, to the right was another woman in a suit wearing a feathered mask with a long curved beak.\n\nOn the central throne was a uncomfortable smirk on her face. She wore a wide brim purple hat with the suit jacket and skirt to match. Over one shoulder hung a short cape held in place by an ornamental pin resembling a bird.\n\n\"Mockingbird told me you had potential, I must say I am pleased to make you acquaintance.\"\n\nMockingbird turned to look at the woman.\n\n\"I have the honour to announce the arrival of Ludwig Schmidt, The Handyman.\" Her head turned to look at the Handyman once again. \"Handyman, may I present the leader of our organisation Nightingale, as well as another of our senior members Ibis.\"\n\nShe had motion to the woman wearing the long beaked mask for the second name. Nightingale began to speak.\n\n\"You had the honour of meeting another member by the name of Corvus in your trial. Come approach, take my hand.\"\n\nShe held her hand out, open and waiting for the Handyman." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman grinned, and presented himself with a regal bow. \"And I am pleased to make yours.\" He returned to the woman before standing up once again.\n\nHe began to walk forward towards the throne, \"I hope you all enjoyed the show out there,\" \n\nBefore long he would be in front of Nightingale and as instructed he extended his hand, taking hers." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As soon as he took her hand he felt his fatigue and injuries vanish. His eyesight became sharper as minor imperfections were fixed and that sore lump on the back of his shoulder gone. Every single wound, ache and pain vanished from his body.\n\n\"So tell me, do you wish to join the songbirds. If you do I must warn you this is a contract for life and your loyalty is to us above all else. This is you last chance to walk away.\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman smiled as his wounds healed,\n\n\"I do.\" He would say confidently." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Very Well.\"\n\nShe raised her hand and snapped her fingers. A section of wall behind her opened up and a man in a thick black feathered cloak and a crow styled mask stepped through with a fine wooden box in his hands. Slowly he approached Nightingale and the Handyman Kneeling beside the throne and holding the box out towards the Handyman.\n\nNightingale reached down and opened the box. She reached in and removed a Bronze pin and began to attach it the Handyman's jacket.\n\n\"First is the symbol of your affiliation, each of us has our own design but until you become more established a simple Bronze feather pin will suffice.\"\n\nLooking at the people around the room the Handyman could see each member had a different pin located on their costumes. All were bronze save for Nightingale's who was silver. The only consistent thing with all of their designs was the common theme of birds and feathers. Nightingale reached in and pulled out what appeared to be a pistol.\n\n\"Second a more suitable firearm for those in our profession. Chambered in .32 ACP, six round capacity with built in tinker tech suppressor and firing system making it almost silent and if anyone other than you tries to pull the trigger? Boom.\"\n\nShe handed the Pistol to the Handyman and now in his hands he could see it more clearly. It was very compact which explains the small magazine capacity but there was no denying it had beautiful craftmanship. A feather pattern was engraved along the barrel and the whole thing had a silver and gold finish. Nightingale reached in and pulled the last object out.\n\n\"And finally is our signature tool, a wrist mounted hidden ceramic blade. No metal components so it will pass through metal detectors without issue and discreet enough to fit under your clothes. To deploy the blade simply clench your fist and flick it up, to retract it simply repeat the action.\"\n\nSitting in her chair she moved her free hand off to the side and clenched her fist. Then she flicked her fist up causing it to bend almost perpendicular to her arm causing a nearly 10 inch blade to appear below her hand. She repeated the action and the blade vanished just as quickly.\n\n\"Welcome to our family. Do you have a name you wish to be called now?\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman couldn't help but smile at the efficiency of it all. He would certainly be able to get along with this group.\n\nHe grasped the new gun firmly, looking it over with a grin. Nice was an understatement, this was an upgrade to be sure. He placed the old gun beside the wooden box and quickly secured his new weapon.\n\nHe too took the blade, quickly securing it to his arm and giving it a test as she had demonstrated.\n\nA name, he had given it thought and he knew exactly what to do.\n\n\"Gone with The Handyman, I shall introduce myself.\"\n\nHe paused with a grin.\n\n\"Everybody, call me Crane,\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Then I welcome you Crane. Mockingbird will walk you out but if you ever need work get in contact. If not we will contact you when we need you for a job. Oh and by the way you may wish to find yourself a more... Refined outfit. Don't worry the Songbird's will cover the cost, if a proper costume is not your style you can always go for a well cut suit and domino mask like myself. I'll see you around Crane.\"\n\nMockingbird stood up and motioned for Crane to follow, leading him towards the door Corvus had came though moments ago." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane nodded in response, \"I was planning on getting a proper outfit soon so it works out.\"\n\nHe gave a wave goodbye before walking behind Mockingbird and following her. \"See you around.\"" } ]	96	6,317
344.571429	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Annabelle sat at home in the dingy slum side house she just finished getting back in order after the break in from the holiday home wrecking bandit. Happy for the money, she didn't complain all too much, funds were low after preparing for Cape duties after all. Speaking of, she was stagnat in that regard, no real progress with the top hats yet, thought she was still surprised Heartthrob and Pendragon still had her back, or at least it seemed that way. Still they didn't have many leads, and she didn't want to stir the pot too much without at least something to go off of, she could get them caught up in serious trouble for nothing and potentially blow the whole lid off what she was doing and set herself back in the long run, possibly irreversibly. Till that changed, she just played hero and worked to be a good strategist and battle technician for them.\n\nGetting that lead... She knew how to do it. She'd planned it months ago by this point, but her back up for the operation was still AWOL. What the fuck had Crawly disappeared to? She'd heard minor tales of his heroics here and there for a bit and then it all suddenly stopped after one strange _bad_ story she'd heard. Had he really gone running for the hills after one bad experience and left her out to dry for their deal? Maybe it was the fact that there were stories at all, he made it a point that this cape business was never really his style. It didn't sit well with her though, he seemed adamant for the information, otherwise he wouldn't have taken the deal. Besides, if they did get what they wanted, Crawly might actually become more incognito in the long run. Something big must have happened to spook him off. \n\nIn the dark of her living room, she kicked her feet up on the coffee table and leaned back against the couch. She whipped out her smartphone and swiped through her contacts till she got to his number. Just, bug. Didn't know what else to put him down as. He was just a phonecall away... If he'd pick up. \n\n\"You better be dead, because if you're not, and you don't answer...\" Her brows knit together as her face scrunched with frustration and disappointment. Had to hold it back till after he'd blown her off, if he would.\n\nWith one click, she started ringing him up." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt's exploits in the last few months would likely put Bear Grylls to shame. He had set up camp deep in the woods, and as the seasons changed, the stubborn Cape had decided to stick with it, adapting as needed. A large camping tent kept the wind and snow out, and a large stack of firewood. He'd made an effort to hunt in Breaker form, mostly going for deer, which he would skin and prepare when he was back at camp. The best part about being out in the woods and alone is that it was quite easy to shift into his bug form.\n\nHe'd almost forgotten by that point why he was out there, but the buzz of his cellphone, the battery of which was hanging on by a thread at this point, shocked him as he was skinning a deer. He blinks in surprise, almost as if the sound was totally alien to the rugged, wild man he'd become.\n\nHe tentatively picks it up, and sees the name on the screen as he flips open the screen: 'Annabelle'.\n\n'...Blyat.' He thinks.\n\nHe plugs in the phone to a crank-operated hand generator, giving the battery a little extra juice before sitting down and answering the call.\n\n\"Hey there, kid.\" He says, his voice raspy from disuse." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "When his voice carried over the other end, Annabelle gripped the phone with a hand shaking tight grip, her teeth bared from her pitch black lips as if to use them as a cage for her anger, and a filter for her worry.\n\nIt took her a second to respond, the sound of her letting a heavy sigh out coming through clearly on the other end for sure. \"Cee Cee\" She called him, for lack of a better short hand. He'd never really told her his name, and Anna didn't blame him for that. People wanted to keep their secrets, and though she'd figured him out, a name still has power with it's absence. \"Good you know you didn't kick the bucket. Listen, I haven't heard from you yet man. Heard rumors that the 'bug-man' had started some trouble a few months ago and then nothing. Are you just lying low? What happened man.\"\n\nThere was as much somber care in her tone as there was confusion. They had a deal after all, and it seemed he bailed on her with how no contact he'd gone. Maybe it was partially her fault for not calling out sooner." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt sits down on a log that had acted as a chair for him, groaning as he does so. The chemical burns had healed, but insecticide straight to the face was never a good thing, even for a normal person. He was sore, his body still healing.\n\n'Cee Cee' causes him to frown, but he doesn't bother to correct it. \"Annabelle.\" He says back.\n\n\"I haven't died yet. Got hurt, though. Made some bad choices... But I'm done being the Bug-Man for a while.\" He says, grumbling something in another language under his breath.\n\n\"Sorry, kid. I fucked up.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Annabelle let out another exasperated sigh as she shot up from her relaxed position and put her feet squarely on the floor. \"Hope you don't mind you calling my crawly then till you give me something different. Speaking of, it's annoying when people say vague stuff like that, If it's not something you can get into over the phone, lemme know and I can be out. Got nothing better to do anyways, could use some fresh air and a new environment.\"\n\nShe did her best to sound un-phased, in a way she wasn't but, wasn't the whole truth. Kurt was someone she was looking forward to seeing, their partnership notwithstanding. 'Bug-man' was a name that lingered a bit in the air, a moniker she'd coined when they met, and one she used for the story was cooking up. Annabelle wondered if she'd ever tell him that was something she had put to pen and paper. Right now? Seemed like a bad idea, but maybe getting to speak with him and figure out what actually happened could provide the opportunity, if she could turn his mood around.\n\n\"What do you say?\" Annabelle posed the question to him again, slipping her shoes on in a hurry and grabbing her jacket in the anticipation of his approval." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt grunts at Annabelle calling his efficient form of speech 'annoying'. \"You know how I am. I don't like talking about this stuff, especially not over the phone.\"\n\nHe sighs, grumbling in Russian about how Annabelle was too persistent for her own good. \"Fine. But I'm not in the city. You'll have to go out into the woods outside of town. I'll send you my GPS coordinates.\"\n\nHe's about to press the 'end call' button, but seems to decide against it for a moment. \"And kid? Bundle up, it's cold outside. Wouldn't want you catching a cold.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "The woods... Outside of town.. Cold out. He'd have a fire, fire means smoke, smoke in a forest. Easy to spot. Did he think to bring any supplies? Food? Medical? Perhaps she'd better stock up for the trip real quick, she figures.\n\n\"Will do, friend, And I understand, just prefer to be direct about it. Don't bother with the coords, I can find you. Have you had food? Not that I think you can't fend for yourself out there, but you're a big guy, full meal's good for you if all you've had is rabbit and squirrel.\"\n\nHe sounded, at least, like he needed a warm drink, and she wouldn't budge on that. Warm soup in a thermus. She got it fixed up as she set the phone between her shoulder and her ear." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt sniffs on the line, and the sound of him chewing can be heard. \"Rabbit and squirrel aren't ideal in this weather. Deer is what is necessary to maintain calories, and I've got plenty of that.\" \n\nHe swallows, going back to the phone. \"Just be careful, kid. We'll talk when you get here. Bye.\" He shuts the phone, going back into his tent as a wind blows through the Hollow. A fire would make it easier to spot him, and so he builds a quick one, tossing on logs and sparking them with some sort of camping tool." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "After he cut the call, she finished packing. She wasn't going to flash there, as quick as it would be, jumping three miles at a time across the sky, Annabelle thoguht it betrayed what he'd gone out there in the first place fore. Her motorcycle was sufficient. Anna stuck all her essentials in her side satchels and made sure to lock the house up before she left.\n\n...\n\nWasn't more than ten minutes before she finally was weaving through the forest paths to follow the trail of light, billowing smoke. Black gloves shielded her hands from the harsh winter wind, and her leather jacket closed tight around her. Her helmet doing the rest of the job of keeping her warm, and with that, she felt she was bundled enough for his sake and her own. Surely he heard the purr of the engine as she rolled up to the small clearing he'd used as camp, not too far from other clearings like it. Almost no one would be out on this grounds during the winter like this, it was a smart choice if what he wanted was to get away from it all in the city.\n\nShe tore her helmet off, tossing her hair out of her face and cutting the engine to the bike before kicking out the stand. She scanned the camp with a squinted gaze, resting her arms on the handles.\n\n\"Crawly?\" She called out" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt's camp looks like something the pioneers may have come up with, just with better technology. A large tent is pitched in a patch of trees, helping to block out rain, snow, and wind, and a fire is smoldering nearby. Cooking equipment is set out to dry nearby, alongside a pile of firewood and a survival axe lodged into a stump.\n\nKurt emerges when he hears the roar of the engine, and at first its hard to tell if it's even the same person that Annabelle saw last time. His face is covered in what looks like an irritated, red rash, the remnants of some kind of burn. An overgrown beard clings to his face like a dead animal, providing him with warmth (oddly, the beard only helps to accentuate his usual scowl). Layers of heavy coats keep him warm, but makes him look more like an ill-tempered homeless man than the curmudgeonly plumber that Annabelle met in the library all those months ago.\n\nHe's chewing on some cooked venison, offering her some jerky from a pack. \n\n\"Yeah, I'm here.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Annabelle traded the jerky for the thermos at her side, forcing it into his hands as she took some jerky, making the point with a stern look that she wasn't going to budge on him not taking it.\n\nHopping on the vehicle, Annabelle left her helmet on the seat, taking a solid few bites out of the jerky and blatantly talking with her mouth full, yet some how still coming through clearly. \"You look like shit, I expect an explanation\" Was all she said, stuffing her gloves hands in her pockets, eyeing the fire beyond him with a bit of a envious eye. Warmth. Warmth would be nice. \" Come on, we can talk by the fire\" She said, taking a stride past him and towards one of the logs sitting around the makeshift pit." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt takes the thermos, lifting off the lid and sniffing the contents. Soup. *Warm* Soup. He eagerly gulps down the hot soup, wiping the leftovers from his lips. \"Thanks.\" He says, for once not as gruff as before. \n\nHe scowls at Annabelle calling him shit, but he sits down on the log, eating more venison. \"Got my picture taken when I was out of Breaker form. Responded to some shape-shifting Cape on Halloween, some jackass repairman sprayed me with wasp spray while I was trying to get some order. Wasp spray makes me... Well, melt in Breaker form. Not good for me outside of it, too.\" He says, showing off his hands, which are covered in a similar rash as his face. \n\n\"I shifted out of Breaker form to not melt, and she snapped pictures of me. So. So many photos. She... That was my worst nightmare. So I left. I'm out. No more Bug-Man.\" He says as he starts to build the fire, ending his sentence as he sparks the fire." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Annabelle quit chewing, and instead swallowed hard. There was an undeniable look of panic that flashed across her face before she steeled her self again. \" Well.. That's pretty bad. But how exactly can this shape shifter level this against you? Did they have any witnesses? Can themselves do any real damage with it? Was it even a good shot?\" The Scenarios ripped through her mind as if they'd been sitting at the line just waiting for the starting gun. Surely there was something bright to this that she could use to clear the clouds for him. The rumors... They were just that for now. Bug man was caught up in a bad situation, law enforcement might be investigating.. But that was it, and it had been at least four months with nothing new on the streets.\n\n\" I only ask\" Annabelle said \" Because it doesn't seem like anything has come of it. Your face isn't on the news, I haven't seen it on any local paper- trust me _i'd know_. I think you're in the clear, so far as your identity being leaked as of now.\" She scooted a little closer to the fire as it sparked and devoured the new kindle. Anna was still a little blown away by this shape-shifter's audacity to fly in the face of the principles capes relied on. They were toying around with a lot more than they realized. Maybe that was the point, maybe it wasn't, it was still very dangerous.\n\nHer eyes come to level with Kurt's and she clenched her fists. He'd done nothing be keep out of sight and fix problems, and still the world found a way to screw him, again. It wasn't whole yet, but it could be, any day now. He was willing to help her with her goals, even if it was at his benefit too in the end. \n\n\" I don't think they've acted on the material they have yet, maybe they can't even. Either way, I don't see any other choice about it, with evidence like that about your identity, done with cape life or not, we can't let them take the chance to use it against you, more over we can't leave someone like that un checked. Crawly. We need to go after them.\" \n\nThis was the least she felt she could do for him." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "\"Of course its fucking bad!\" Kurt practically spits out, eyes flashing back to Annabelle as anger clouds his mottled face. \"My whole philosophy is centered around keeping to the shadows! To being a better fucking Cape! And I get caught with my trousers down and my face out! So what if I was scarred by the insecticide!? So what if it was at night!? I'm known now!\" He fumes, before kicking over a piece of firewood, watching it go into the flames. \n\n\"If there's rumors or no rumors, that's *One* Person with bad intentions who could use that against me at any minute! And of course its a fucking shapeshifter, which means I don't know if I can trust *Anyone* Anymore! One bad night, and I get my identity compromised and my whole... My whole...*FUCK!\" Kurt yells, practically exploding with anger as he stands up, stomping over to the firewood and chopping savagely into the stump with the survival axe. There appears to be similar marks from past instances of outrage as well.\n\nHe hacks, and hacks, and slashes at the stump, until he's out of breath, kneeling down in front of the stump, axe stuck into it, like some altar to a cruel god of the forest.* \"They haven't acted on it... Because Creepy-Crawly is dead. He's not coming back. I got caught up in Cape games by playing them and thinking I could do it better. I can't. I should have known it was a dumb idea to play hero...\" He says between gulps of air. \n\n\"Out here... There is no Capes. Its just... Its just simpler here. There's a natural cycle here: everyone has to eat, and nature sort of... Provides, in a strange way. It makes sense, and everything fits in where its supposed to be. I try my best to eat that which no other animal wants to touch, but its not easy being a... Well, what all Capes are: a foreign entity. We're not meant to exist, to belong among normal humans. And when we do, it just throws everything out of whack. I tried telling them all that... And they listened to the Protectorate instead...\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Initially, Annabelle had flinched at his anger. For as tough as she made her self out to be, stuff like that still got to her. He had a right for his anger, to be fair. Could she really say she'd act any less frustrated and lost if it had been her own identity. No, Annabelle figured, this was exactly the kind of response she'd have.\n\nStill she folded her arms as she watched the fight bleed out of him after he'd exerted himself. Anna felt he was, for as bad as things looked, playing up how fucked the situation really was. More over, she didn't entirely agree with what he was saying. Humans and Parahumans was the way the PRT of old divided them, it only stood to strip them of their humanity, even if that was not the intent.\n\n\"I think you're denying the reality of our existence. Not in the sense we don't exist, but in so much as you see us as monsters, inherent evils, demons almost.\" She let herself relax a little as his anger came to a calm, and she felt she could breath again. A tight frown formed on her face as she continued. \"You're telling me, I'm not human. You're saying you're not human. Even when there are 'normal' people \" Her emphasis was harsh on the word normal \"Out there who are and were more out of touch with their humanity than us. \" She rose to her feet and her tired gaze watched the fire, the heat of it coming clean off her face as she stepped away from it and the cold wings threatened to numb her again. \n\n\"I'm not defending the heinous things that capes have done now or then, nor in the future, but what I am saying is that this is the world. So long as parahumans continue to trigger, they will be apart of every day life. Maybe you think you can sit it out by living and dying in the forest, but that didn't seem like the intent of the man who blitzed those Nazi's in the alley, or stopped that doll from tearing up our neighborhood. You give up, and you let your ideals die with you. The people you used to help get preyed upon again, or exploited, for a hero or villain's fame or fortune. Gone will be the one unsung savior of the slums, not asking for recognition or payment, just doing what he could because it needed to be done. A hero who didn't let the moniker become more important than those he protected, unlike everyone else.\" She scoffed with that last line and she started to walk towards her bike again.\n\nWhen she stopped just short of it and turned around, her face was a twisted expression of disbelief and bitterness. \"You wanted to be a better cape, and you were doing it, but I don't think it was the shadows that helped you do that. Not entirely anyways. I likened you to a batman because you sought justice without basking in the glory that come from fighting for it. People _knew_ you already, even if they didn't have a name, even if they didn't have a face, they had your results. I knew you, didn't I? But now you're content with leaving them out to dry, without so much as a good 'ol college try.\"\n\nShe turned back and threw her legs over the motors cycle, turning the ignition as she bit into another piece of jerky. Tasty.\n\n\"What ever, I guess, I don't know you. Thanks for the jerky. Keep the thermos, could be useful. A shape-shifter is out there with the intention of breaking the rules and causing _real_ chaos. Normally I wouldn't give two fucks, stay on track for my own goals, that's not someone who can go unchecked. With or without you, I've got to do my best to fix a problem.\"" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt stands up, shuffling over to Annabelle's motorcycle, his head lowered, and turns off the ignition. The engine sputters and shuts off, and Kurt offers a hand, to take her back to the fire.\n\nRegardless of if she takes it or not, Kurt walks back to the fire, sitting back down on his log. His head still lowered, he begins to tell his story:\n\n\"My name is Kurt Yazovitch. I was born in Moscow, in the twilight years of the Soviet Union. My father was a low-ranking Communist Party functionary, and my mother was a civil engineer. I was less than a year old when the Soviet Union dissolved, and Russia rose from the ashes. My family lost their jobs, but we always had each other, and our neighbors in our apartment Bloc were always there for us. It was simple, then. Some of the only times I was ever truly happy... Until June 18th, 1996. The day that Behemoth leveled Moscow.\"\n\nHe sniffles, wiping his nose on the back of his hand. \"Capes rose up to protect us, but all it did was lead to further destruction. My family got out, barely, and I watched as Moscow was turned to dust behind me. A city of millions, destroyed in less than a day. I blamed Behemoth, but something always told me that Capes at least had some blame in the whole affair. A nagging feeling that their attempts to fight back a disaster only made the matter worse.\"\n\n\"My family was granted asylum in the United States after this. We moved to Denver, Colorado, and my family worked for the city. We never made great money, but we were safe there. I graduated from high school and went to a university on the East Coast. My parents were so proud of me. Their little boy, who had seen so much tragedy and carnage, would transcend his past and blossom into something more.\" His voice cracks as he tells this part, and he starts to cry for a moment or two. He sobs quietly into his hands until the moment passes, and then sniffles and continues.\n\n\"I was a freshman in college when Gold Morning hit. I was sleeping at the time, so I had no idea when Scion annihilated the Eastern Seaboard that I was among the dead. I simply went to sleep in my dorm... And woke up here, in this forest. On this Earth. I was among the first to get here, the first wave. We were scared, but the story started to come together the more waves came. Scion did this to us. *The* Hero did this to us. He turned on us, and brought more destruction, more death, than any Endbringer attack. I started to look at how society was run back on my home Earth, and remembered that Scion was our protection from the things that we feared. He was our nuclear deterrent: a man, with the power of suns. I cursed myself for not seeing earlier how keeping people so much more powerful than everyone else, who could cause so much mayhem and destruction if they decided to abuse their powers, as our saviors was our fault. *We* Caused Gold Morning, by not recognizing how dangerous the culture we had created was.\"\n\nHis face clouds with anger, but it is an old anger, one whose subject was long ago, and aimed at different people. \"The last wave came then. Scion was dead, killed by... Something. The question became what we were going to do: how would we survive? A few Capes were among our number then, the earliest Protectorate members. Everyone was so eager to go right back to the way everything was before, but I spoke up. I shouted over them, and I asked them why we should ever hold Capes as our saviors ever again. Why should we deify those which brought us all here? I pleaded with them to understand... And they all just stared at me. Like I was a madman. And then they looked back at those first Capes, smiling once more, and cheering for New London's birth. It was my worst nightmare: we had an opportunity to learn, to grow... And they decided to put us back in the same place that we were before all this. The same rotten system. The same toxic dependency.\"\n\nHe exhales, the anger passing and sadness returning. \"I lived in the slums from then on, out of choice. The place no hero wanted to go. The place that villains thought wasn't worth the trouble of controlling. I lived there, bitter and angry, until I was mugged one night. I was beaten within an inch of my life on a sidewalk, and a Cape flew overhead... And did nothing. I Triggered in that moment and became who I am now. But... I have never gotten over how, through some twist of fate, I became the very thing I thought was so dangerous. Keeping to the shadows, spurning fame... It wasn't just an act, it was a rejection of all that I despised in Cape culture. But... Maybe playing the game at all was the problem. Maybe there is no way to avoid that which makes Cape culture dangerous to ordinary people. Maybe... Maybe...\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "She stared at the hand for a long second before taking it. Annabelle couldn't anticipate the heart wrenching memories that came after.\n\nHis story reminded her somewhat of her own in ways, at least in so much as it had come to gold morning, the days before. She kept quiet, listening, but inside she was battling with the rising memories. She wasn't old enough at the time to see past the symbols, the heroes and villains, the trouble that was in store for her was completely flying over her head at the time. Her dad indulged her more around that time, and in the last few years she wondered if maybe he knew something bad was coming, and couldn't bring himself to worry her about it. He'd had the news on more and more. One day was the tipping point, she could still hear the panic of the tv anchorman's voice when he said Brittan was just _gone_.\n\nShe was included in that first barrage of deaths too, she supposed. The attack on eastern seaboard hit her part of Canada too. She remember distinctly holding her father's hand. Not what they were doing, it seems less important now, fuzzy. The only thing she remembered after that was the warmth of that hand disappearing an instant later.\n\nHis words, his _tears_ shook her to the core. Couldn't stop a few drops escaping her eyes. Annabelle wiped them away with the palm of her gloves and breathed slowly to calm herself. She'd still had been listening to Kurt as he spoke about why it really was, that he was out here in the woods now. Why he'd even tried to be different. He spelled it out for her plainly. On that end, she didn't think she had any chance of convincing him anymore, and her gambit to play to his ideals, now seemed more than a little embarrassing. Annabelle scooted closer towards him, drawing an arm around him and pulling him close, as much for warmth as compassion. She contemplated saying sorry, but figured that her gesture said it for her in a way she couldn't with words. Did she agree with his view? Still.. Probably not, but she didn't have to. This wasn't Kurt trying to sway her in any manner, He was just letting out for what seemed to be the first time, all the feelings he'd already spun around in his head for years.\n\nIn that, she could understand. She'd still hardly come to terms with her issues, or wanted to face them in that manner. If she did now, she might lose the drive, as he seemed to be doing now. She couldn't let that happen to her self, not yet. \n\nAnnabelle didn't speak quite yet, the thoughts still turning over in her head. She'd told herself she hadn't believed in what he was saying, about parahumans, about how he saw their influence as the instigation of scion's wrath. She agreeed with one thing though, and that opened the door in away. She knew it was odd, how survivors from bet end up here, old capes from the protectorate, new triggers. They'd found themselves uniquely situated with a second chance, and they blew it on going back to the status quo.\n\nShe thought about how Behemoth had shown up, and she'd witnessed first hand the death and destruction happen all over again. Surely he'd seen it too. She wondered how that had to be one more nail in the coffin for him, one more confirmation that things had seemed like they were going to repeat themselves. She didn't have a come back. As the realization of it all hit her, She sat there stunned and mired in hopeless confusion, barely fighting back against it.\n\nBut she did.\n\nHer disillusion with the situation turn to frustration again, and she scowled, tightening her once gently grasp on Kurt. \"Maybe.\" She said \"Maybe we could still do something in spite of it. The place is still young, Behemoth only just showed up. We have no Scion. There's still a chance to turn the situation around.\"" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt is surprised by Anna's gesture of kindness towards him, the arm around his shoulders met by an arm of his own. It was all his cynicism, all his bitterness, let out in a Deluge upon someone who seemed so driven, so willing to struggle for something better. He felt bad, knowing that he'd potentially dampened that spark of hope.\n\nHope. The cynical side of him points out that hope is illusory, that you can never catch it. Hope is always just beyond the horizon. But, then again... The reason why its always beyond the horizon is because people keep chasing it, in spite of everything else. To hope for something better proves that there was good in people's hearts. That they wanted the world to be better, and, by chasing that hope, they get a little better along the way.\n\nThe horizon of hope casts long shadows... Shadows that he could dwell in, and make safer. To make ready the path for a better tomorrow. To clear it of monsters and the predatory things that lie in wait, using the light to draw in the unsuspecting. It was a place a Cape *Should* Be. It was where *He* Should be.\n\nHe sits up slowly, arm tightening around Annabelle as she tightens her hold as well. One arm becomes two as he hugs her, the beard a little scratchy on her neck. \n\n\"Maybe... Maybe.\" He says, before abruptly standing up, dowsing the flames, a scowl back on his face.\n\n\"Smoke brings attention to the camp. We don't want people knowing we were here.\" Like a man possessed, he begins packing up his things, dismantling his little camp and grumbling about how much he needs a shave." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Annabelle leant into the embrace a little, a bit of that fatherly-like warmth that she'd missed for so many years, though she wasn't exactly sure how she felt about describing it that way. She shot to her feet as his did, Quickly jumping at the chance to help him get packed up. She asked in her hurry \"Kurt?\"\n\nThe tone of her voice, what they'd both just talked about, the ideas and new found invigoration, it all played a role in making the single word an entire sentence with her inflections. She looked to him, handing him supplies he'd had lying on the forest floor. \n\nWas he saying he was accompanying her? Was he coming back? Would he help her deal with the shape-shifter." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt looks up, blinking at Annabelle as the scowl seemed to lessen slightly. He looks at the supplies in her hands, taking them and nodding. It had been a long time since someone he trusted said his real name... Or that he had anyone to trust at all.\n\nOnce he has the supplies in hand, he stashes them away, looking back at Annabelle with an expecting expression. \"Well? What are you waiting for? Unless you want us to walk all the way back, I'd suggest getting the bike running. Flying's not an option, Solnyshko. Especially in this weather...\" He says, before grumbling about how much he can't stand how cold feels on his bug wings.\n\nAs he looks away, however, he smiles. He couldn't let Annabelle know it, of course. He still had to play up being the grumpy, misanthropic Creepy-Crawly a little bit, after all." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Anna couldn't help but smirk herself, the phantoms of tears fading on the edge of her cheeks. She helped him load his things in the side satchels of the motorcycle they were revving down and between the trees before long, both renewed a little with the hope of a new tomorrow fresh on the winter air.\n\n\\- - -" } ]	240	7,236
150.83871	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Prepared Skills : Knife Fighting, Reading Body Language, Salesmanship\nTaken Items : Knife (Concealed), First Aid Kit, \n\nLudwig would enter Fugly Bobs, his appearance differing from the usual. He was in plain clothes, jeans and a black t-shirt with his face changed to a degree. His hair was a dark blonde matching with the blue contacts in his eyes; his face also appearing sharper and more filled out than it had previously.\n\nHe would walk over to the counter and place his order, just a cola and bacon cheeseburgers, before walking to a booth and taking his seat. He had arranged this meeting in a public place to try and avoid any major conflicts but it was always impossible to tell how some people may act. In due time a representative from each of the four gangs should be arriving for a business discussion, although he would hope for a peaceful chat with them it would impossible to tell how it would go, let alone if they would show up at all. Just in case he had brang a knife and concealed it in his belt; it would likely not be needed but what was the harm in being safe." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As Ludwig sat down at a booth he would find himself waiting for a few minutes before a server walked towards him with a tray in hand. She placed the tray on the table, smiling and uttering a well practiced \"Enjoy your food sir\" Before turning and walking away.\n\nAlmost as soon as the server left another woman sat down in Ludwig's booth, a milkshake in hand. She took a long drink as she stared at the young cape. She wasn't exactly dressed in casual clothing but it wasn't quite formal. She wore a dark coloured floppy wide brimmed hat along with a smart top and smooth skirt. She had long black hair and a pale complexion with blue eyes. Above her left breast on her shirt she had a bronze pin in the shape of a mocking bird.\n\n\"So, you must be The Handyman.\" A vibration could be heard as she reached in a pulled out her phone. Her eyes scanned it quickly before moving back to Ludwig. \"Or should I call you Ludwig.\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Ludwig would flash a smile as the woman approached the booth, taking a seat in the booth. \"You can call me as you wish,\" He would say with a smile, \"And you must be,\" Glancing towards her broach, \"From the birds.\" He would take the burger in his hands unwrapping it and beginning to eat as they both became accustomed to the meeting for a few moments.\n\n\"It's good to meet you,\" He would say peacefully, they seemed amicable enough but he wasn't sure if he was to take his name as a threat or a warning. \"I'm not sure what details you received but we both know we're not here to fight.\" He would take out a notepad before tearing off a page and writing down his phone number. He would pass it across the table towards her, \"I don't know how you all usually communicate but getting a hold of you people is a royal pain in the ass, so we'll start off with that.\" He would say letting out a light chuckle. \"I'm a contractor, I don't have superspeed, flight or anything of the such. But if you need someone to do a job I'm your guy. Name it and I'll probably be able to help you out with it. What do you think?\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The woman smiled as he spoke. A look of curiosity clear on her face.\n\n\"Well you are an observant one aren't you. You can call me Mockingbird.\" She reached down and took the piece of paper, slipping it into her pocket. \"Hmm well it wouldn't be very smart of us if we allowed any old person to meet us. That's how we end up with wanabe heroes attempting to arrest us. Anyway before we talk business I want to know more about you.\"\n\nShe raised her empty hand and pointed towards him.\n\n\"Its a ballsy move to reveal your identity to us. Do you know what we could do to you? That's either a lot of trust you are putting in us or it is a sign of immense incompetence. You wanna tell me which one it is?\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "He would take a drink, listening as she spoke. \"I'm happy to talk more about me, there's not too much to say but what's the harm.\" He would wait for a moment, \"Before we begin, feel free to order anything else; it'll be on me since I've dragged you out here anyways.\" \n\n\"And as for wanabe heroes, I can assure you I'm not one. But I must set one thing clear; I am a villain, I am a contractor but by no means am I an asshole. I know you're not associated with the Nova group but I will refuse to do work which is just an amped up hate crime. I have pride in my skills.\"\n\nHe would roll his eyes at the thought of them, they had received an invite in the name of business but he couldn't say he didn't dislike them. Some gangs were brutal, murderous or plain strange; and out of anything they chose to be racists? Some people huh. \n\n\"For the sake of the conversation we will address me as Ludwig, I like to think of my plain identity as not incompetence but awareness. I am fully aware that costume or not you and your information network will track down my identity one way or another. Why attempt to hide my identity when I know you'll figure it out either way.\" He would smile, \"Or you can see it as simply a face of good will, whichever you'd prefer.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Hmm, well whatever it is it's bold for sure. Never before have any of our associates revealed themselves on our first meeting. Speaking of Nova though I do imagine the lack of costumes may be why the other groups did not attend. I doubt they have a cape like myself who can walk among regular humans with no worries. Not to mention the Top Hats and Nova Imperium are currently in an open gang war and the Children of Scion hate all of us.\"\n\nShe folded the piece of paper up and placed it in her pocket. It was then Ludwig would hear a metallic clicking noise come from under the table as Mockingbird leant forwards, her eyes staring into Ludwig's.\n\n\"You say you are a contractor? Explain. What exactly do you do? What is your expected pay? Who have you worked for before? You are being incredibly bold for a complete nobody, you know that?\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Ludwig would Listen carefully, \"Bold indeed, but what's the harm in some confidence.\" It was as she mentioned the other groups had not attended but in complete honesty Ludwig was not a huge fan of the others one way or another. \"Well it is no matter, your group appealed to me the most either way, the others seem a touch crude.\"\n\nHe would smile as he heard the clicking of a gun underneath the table, \"Now that's not necessary, I would've answered either way you know.\" Ludwig would say followed by a light chuckle. \"Yes thats correct I'm a contractor. I can do anything you need and I mean anything. The prices will vary depending on the job but will generally be fairly low because as you say I am decently unknown and have little, fame to say. I have worked for no one but myself before and have a 100% success rate in my previous works. And it is bold, but as the saying goes, the fortune will favour me... Hopefully.\" \n\nHe would pull out his notepad flipping through the pages, looking to his notes regarding his power. Whilst he understood it naturally it could be difficult to explain his varied skill set. \"Moving back, you asked what I could do. Anything. Whether it be hacking, Lockpicking, first aid, professional surgery or all the way over to masonry and carpentry. I am happy to perform any task you require and to a garunteed professional level I can promise you.\" He would pause for a second, \"I can also fight, knives, swords, guns, rifles. Whilst I typically stay hidden, I can fight.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "She looked at the boy with a intensity in her eyes but within seconds it softened to a confident smile. Her whole body seemed to relax as she leant back into the soft booth.\n\n\"Well then, that's good to hear. Those who waste our time tend to stop living but you seem to at least believe you are legitimate. So I am going to give you a chance to prove yourself to us. I have a job for you and if you are willing to take it and complete it without issue not only can I offer you payment but, perhaps, friendship.\"\n\nShe placed the empty milkshake on the table before reaching into her pocket, pulling out a cigarette and placing in her mouth. Her hand then reappeared from under the table, gun in hand. She pulled the trigger and with a click a flame appeared at the end of the barrel which she used to light the cigarette.\n\n\"So, are you willing to take the job?\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "He would watch as her face would relax, calming as he spoke and becoming more neutral as opposed to the tensed version of herself she was previously. Ludwig doing the same as they both matched the more chill tone of the conversation moving forward.\n\nHe would listen as she spoke, waiting for a few moments until she had finished. \"I'm glad to hear you have a positive impression of me, I naturally don't mean to waste your time.\" He would let out a calm breath, \"And, that does sound like an attractive offer.\" Waiting another moment Ludwig would watch as she pulled the Gun From the table, \"How humourus,\" He would say before letting out a light chuckle. \"I'll have to get one for myself.\"\n\nHe would ponder the question for but a few seconds as it was something he already knew the answer to, \"Yeah I am, I will need more details though naturally.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Great.\"\n\nShe put away her lighter gun and pulled something else out of her pocket. Reaching over she placed it on Ludwig's side of the table, revealing it to be a USB stick. She then pulled out a bundle of cash and placed it beside it.\n\n\"Just across the street is a branch of the New London Bank service. All you need to do is go in there and insert the stick into the manager's computer. In return you get £500 up front and upon completion you will get another £1000. If you manage to do this well I will even offer you association with the Songbirds. I'll be waiting here.\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "\"Well, I don't have any of my usual equipment but I can make it work.\"\n\nHe would take both the USB and cash placing them in his bag calmly as he thought, \"Three minutes, that's all I need to make my plan.\" He would begin to swap out his skill set entirely one after the other, the whole triple entente of deception. Deception, Acting and Infiltration. The three skills he would need for this job and armed with them it would be a simple task.\n\nHe would take out a cap from his bag and would adorn his head with it before placing the USB in his pocket and concealing a knife within his belt. \"I'm leaving my bag here for now, I'll be back shortly.\" Ludwig would exit the booth and Fugly Bobs before crossing the street and confidently entering the bank. He would pose as an IT technician, acting as if the higher ups had scheduled a new software installation or update to be granted access to the computer as required. This scheme was simple and easy, and with his skills of deception he would hopefully gain easy access." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As he entered the bank he Ludwig would see a fairly boring looking room. A counter lined the far end with a corridor running off to the right. Behind the count there were three staff members dealing with a crowd of customers. Just from the conversations he could hear as he entered apparently there had been some issue with the internet banking system. Such things were common with how unreliable the communication infrastructure in the city was.\n\nA few moments after entering a woman dressed in a bank employee's uniform approached him with a smile on her face. \"Are you hear due to the internet banking issues? If you are please join the que if not can I help you?\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The easy part was done, he had the skills and the knowledge. But now came for the more difficult part, giving a convincing performance to do his job.\n\nLudwig would approach the woman coming from the side of the line, and with a wide smile would begin to speak. \"I'm sorry to interrupt your work Ma'am but I've actually been sent to do some basic checks on the bank computers.\" He would start looking through some notes on his notepad, \"It looks like you should have been notified prior, I'll just need to pop in the back for a few minutes to give the computer systems a lookover.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Her face shows a clear sign of confusion before she takes out a tablet and began to scroll through it.\n\n\"Hmm, I haven't been told anything about that but if you wait here I'll go get the manager he is sure to know something about it. Just take a seat and help yourself to tea if you want some I'll be back in a minute.\"\n\nShe smiled at him before turning away and walking down the corridor and disappearing to to one of the doors visible from where Ludwig was. If he looked at where the woman motioned before walking away he would see a small table with cups and a hot water tank along with an assortment of teabags, coffee sugar and milk." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "He would continue his false smile as she scrolled, friendliness was the path to success. \"That's no Problem Ma'am, just let me know when you're ready for me.\"\n\nHe would calmly stroll towards the small table which she had motioned towards before turning towards the crowd, \"Now everybody, don't worry, I'll be checking out the systems shortly to hopefully identify any issues. Just a bit of a hold up due to a miscommunication in management it appears.\" He would look towards them kindly with sympathy, sorry about the delay. He would make himself a cup of tea and lean against the wall, sipping it as he waited." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Despite his attempt at easing the crowd most of them saw fit to ignore him, instead continuing to complain to the poor workers behind the guest. After a short minute long wait Ludwig would see the woman return and approach him. A look of embarrassment clear on her face.\n\n\"The manager has been expecting you Mr...\" She paused for a moment, as if she was thinking through something quite intently. \"Mr. Nwaigbo. Come right this way, his office is through here.\"\n\nShe began to move back towards the corridor, motioning for him to follow. It wasn't long before they arrived next to a door with the word manager printed on the glass. She knocked on the door.\n\n\"Come in!\"\n\nShe motioned towards Ludwig to enter." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Ludwig would spent several moments switching his Infiltration skill to IT as he sipped his tea, if possible he might as well offer some help whilst he was about.\n\nHe would look upwards seeing as the worker approached, \"Ah it's Mr Moore actually Ma'am, I believe Mr Nwaigbo was unwell I'll be filling in.\" He would say to her with a kind smile. He would follow calmly as she requested coming to a halt at the glass door. A moment would pass and he would hear the clear indication from the manager, he would grasp the handle entering the room smoothly." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As he entered the woman moved away back into the main room to help the next person she could, leaving Ludwig to meet with the manager in private. As he entered the room it was a fairly standard office, a desk, computer, filing cabinets, potted plants, everything one could need. The only thing missing was the manager themselves but even that mystery was solved fairly quickly.\n\n\"Hold on a sec Mr Nwaigbo let me just get this back to how it was. Take a seat in the mean time.\"\n\nThe voice was coming from beneath the desk. Adjusting his position Ludwig would be able to see a pair of legs jutting out from under the wooden furniture." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Ludwig would take a seat calmly looking down towards the man,\n\n\"Please, It's Mr Moore. I believe Mr Nwaigbo is out sick.\"\n\nHe would wait calmly, surely the man would not be long. However, whatever he was doing under that desk remained a mystery. In due time he would likely find out, but hopefully it wouldn't make the situation any worse. He was here to plug in the USB nut if possible he had also wanted to attempt to mend the issue." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Huh?\"\n\nThe man shuffled back before standing, a look of confusion clear on his face.\n\n\"What do you mean? I spoke to him less than an Hour ago? What happened to him?\"\n\nSlowly the man sat down on his chair, his eyes never leaving Ludwig's. He suddenly seemed rather tense when compared to his earlier demeanour.\n\n\"I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to leave unless you can show me credentials, if not I may have to get security to escort you out.\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "\"I'm sorry Sir I don't have the exactly details, I was just told I'd be filling in a little while ago.\"\n\nHe would let out a small chuckle,\n\n\"I don't have any credentials on me, I thought you had been informed. My apologies.\"\n\nHe would put a thoughtful look on his face,\n\n\"Hmm.. Maybe.\"\n\n\"If there is any other way for me to prove it to you? Feel free to ask me an IT question I'd be happy to answer.\"\n\nHe would look at the manage sympathetically,\n\n\"I understand the wariness, but I really just want to help you out as soon as possible Sir.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The manger let out a sigh, he was clearly suspicious but with Ludwig's power helping him appear forthcoming and honest he finally relented.\n\n\"Alright then, take a look but I'll be standing right here to make sure you don't access anything you aren't meant to.\"\n\nThe manager stood up and moved to the side, motioning towards the chair. It was unclear but Ludwig got the vibe this man was tired and worn out. It had clearly been a long day for him." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "\"That's no problem at all Sir, feel free to ask questions and I'll be happy to explain as I work.\"\n\nLudwig would let his shard guide him along, beginning to look through the computer systems and genuinely trying to repair or solve which issues might be present.\n\nAfter getting a reasonable way through Ludwig would plug in the USB to Give him access to the required diagnostic software And he would move along swiflty." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "It was strange, every time Ludwig attempted to do anything that involved accessing the web or the local server he would get barraged by a series of nonsensical errors. It was as though there was a barrier around the machine and trying to access anything external was just blocked. There was very little he could figure out from here but the moment he placed the USB in the device something strange happened.\n\nThe monitor blinked of and showed nothing but a black screen. About 10 seconds later it flickered back to life appearing on the log in screen. A few more seconds passed before the woman from before entered the room and smiled.\n\n\"I don't know what you did but everything seems to have been fixed, everything is functioning again.\"\n\nThe manager looked at you, relief clear on his face.\n\n\"So what was wrong with it?\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "\"Ah, there we go.\"\n\nI would smile towards the manager and remove the USB,\n\n\"I think all you needed was a system reset there Sir,\"\n\n\"If you're lost wandering about more just makes you more lost, but if you go back to the beginning you can find your way again. The system was simply lost and needed help finding its path.\"\n\nWith my explanation over I would give the man a smile and begin to make my leave,\n\n\"Well Sir, I believe that's all. Hopefully that'll be the last of your troubles\" I'd say with a chuckle,\n\nBefore attempting to leave the bank and go across the street once again." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Well thank you, please send my regards to Mr. Nwaigbo. I hope he feels better soon. \"\n\nHe walked you out of the bank, a friendly smile on his face the entire time. Clearly he was relieved his ordeal was finally over and could get back to regular work.\n\nStepping outside Ludwig would see a car drive past in front of him before the road was clear for him to cross. Stepping back into Fugly Bobs he saw the same woman sitting in the same booth waiting." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Calmly Ludwig would walk over to the booth taking a seat and looking towards the woman,\n\n\"Job done, peacefully at that.\"\n\nHe would have a smile on his face, glad at his own success of the requested task." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Mockingbird looked at Ludwig, a subtle smile on her face. Her hand vanished below the table for a moment before reappearing with a stack of cash that she placed on the table. She moved the pile towards Ludwig before removing her hand, revealing a bronze feather atop the pile.\n\n\"A thousand, as promised. If you ever wish to seek us out for more official work all you need to find us is on that broach.\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Ludwig would take the brooch from the pile and look it over before fastening it onto his jacket. He would take the stack of cash and place it within his backpack before looking up to her once again.\n\n\"I'd be happy to, unless there is anything else I suppose I'd best get going,\"\n\nHe would say to her questionly." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Looking over the broach Ludwig would notice on the back there was some writing engraved in the surface of the metal. 'In The Mines The Canary Sings, Heed Her Song For The Salvation It Brings, Then The Nightingale's Toll Rings'\n\n\"No, I think that is all for now. I do truly hope we meet again.\"\n\nMockingbirds face shifted, her appearance completely changed from a moment ago. She stood up.\n\n\"Goodbye Handyman.\"\n\nShe walked away, leaving Fugly Bobs." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "I would give her a wave goodbye as she raised from the booth, beginning to leave.\n\n\"I'll see you around, Well I probably won't but you know what I mean.\"\n\nHe would pack his things up as she left and he would respond with a calm, \n\n\"Goodbye.\"\n\nWith that done it was time to return home with payment in hand." } ]	131	4,676
175	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Suzanne strode down the block approaching Fugly bobs, and turned inside. She wasn't exactly wearing the best, just her work outfit since she'd just gotten off, and was heading back to her apartment downtown anyways if things went well enough here. Her tired, baggy eyes surveyed the room, tie dangling as she was a little hunched over. One more glance at her phone.\n \"Uhm... Fiona?\" She casually blurted out. There weren't A lot of people in here at the moment, but she wasn't going to make any assumptions on who she was looking for. So there she stood, just past the door way, hoping for this 'Fiona' to make her self apparent to her. \|\|" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Fiona would raise her hand to Suzanne from a booth towards the back of the fast food joint. Her hand poking up to gesture over towards her position with her phone in hand. The Thinker in question was sat awkwardly in her booth in a rather uninteresting dress that looked just barely out of her size enough that it seemed too long on her. As soon as she was sure she got Suzanne's attention, her hand dropped back into her lap.\n\nSat in front of her was a large soda and a half eaten burger. She had been waiting for a little bit and it showed that she showed up early. A thin sheen of gold coated her lips, her straw, and the edges of the burger she had been biting off of. Her eyes were unfocused and blankly staring out of a window." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Suzanne took the seat quickly enough, she didn't particularly enjoy the attention she was now collecting from other patrons. Thankfully they had all returned to their own business by the time she spoke up again.\n \"Is that a lipstick? It looks particularly opulent.\" She commented, gazing rather harshly herself at Fiona's meal, glistening with the golden linings. \"Oh uhm, more to the point. About being room mates- I know we agreed on pricing and all that, but one thing I didn't mention was some ground rules. Just some things about privacy, Hopefully you'll be understanding.\" She adverted her gaze a little, looking down at her own hands and tugging at the cuffs of her pastel purple button up. \"My room is not to be entered unless the door is open, and even if it is, knock before you walk in. As for your room, You're free to define the terms of your own privacy, and I will abide. Sound good?\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"Sure, it is.\" The replied without looking away from the window. The world outside appearing more interesting to her than Suzanne. \"I won't touch your stuff, don't touch mine. I won't be around in my room often so don't worry too much about it- I tend to work night.\" She paused as she considered her words carefully. She looked around as she spoke again \"Knocking rule is fine- good. Off the bat also is when it comes to chores and such I'm fine with anything but I'll warn I'm a terrible cook.\" She makes an amused smile but doesn't laugh and doesn't otherwise react." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "This seemed to be going smoother than she thought. Suzanne matched that smile she had and leaned in a little closer asurring Fiona \" Don't worry about it. I have plenty of space in the fridge to keep anything you want, I cook when I'm not absorbed into any of my other hobbies, and even then, the pantry is usually stocked with snacks, and the fridge with microwaveable meals.\"\n\nSuzy relaxed back into her seat, crossing her legs while she folded her arms and let out a sigh. \"What else is there..\" The expression on her face seemed troubled, puzzled, and lost for a moment- then with a \"Oh!\" That mix of emotions faded for confidence \"Another thing to keep in mind is I'm not entirely around A lot either, though sometimes i'll take my vacation time for some outings or just stay at home stuff. I'll let you know when I intend to take some vaycay time, just so you're not confused or caught off guard by my possibly not leaving my room for days on end, or not being there entirely. That said, You wanna go see the place once you'd finished with your meal?\"\n\nSuzy tilted her head with a hopeful smile, watching and taking A better look at Fionna while she waited for a response. She finally noticed the rather... Impossible to ignore scars on her arms. Suzanne was certainly curious, but now wouldn't be a good time to ask, since she just kind of wrapped up their current coversation, or at least tried to." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Her eyes still seemed distant but she turned her gaze to look just below Suzy's eyes. The sticky film of gold that covers her lips breaking as she sighed \"I appreciate that. It's nice to hear and, also, I'll try to help with the place.\" She would take a bite of her burger. She seemed to strangely notice Suzy's attention to her arms and would hold one out to look at. \"Glass. Accident.\" She said simply. She would leave the rest of the burger unfinished and would stand \"Sure. Let's head over.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Thanks, I was curious!\" She Stood up from the table in a joyous hurry. Though she didn't quite head for the door. Instead she walked up to the counter and began placing her order. It seemed, rather.. Inconsiderate? Given her well mannered nature up till now. One thing was for sure, they were going to be stuck here for another ten minutes, at the least.\n\nAnd that wouldn't be so bad if. She.. Didn't... Pass out for those ten minutes. Seriously out like a light. But just order was called out as ready- she was rousing to. \"Ohkay\" Still shrugging off her power nap like it wasn't the weirdest red flag in the world. \"Les go!\"" } ]	155	1,225
268.777778	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "amari2", "message": "The weather was overcast today, and it threatened to rain a moderate amount over the area. The light of the sun barely penetrated the clouds, creating this grey light that shone over the city, creating this drab and dismal mood to the place. It wasn't too long before rush hour, so Fugly Bobs wasn't too busy. Perfect for the occasion.\n\nMartha walked in after crossing the street. She didn't bother wearing anything to cover her identity, she doubted she'd get noticed for her crimes amongst civilians. Especially since she wasn't recognized as a cape threat, to her knowledge of course. She ran her hand through her hair and pulled down on her jacket. Making sure it wasn't scrunching too hard, and doing the same for her sweatpants and math-formula designed shirt. \"I'll have a vanilla milkshake and onion rings please. Uh.. And I'll also have a chocolate brownie please. Thank you.\" She paid in cash before leaving the counter with her receipt, sitting in the far corner of the restaurant while she waited for her food.\n\nIn the meantime, she sat and started to toy with the vibrant blue wire coiled around her wrist. It seemed to obey her commands without her doing much more than make small flicks of the wrist and minor finger movements." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "The woman who entered the fugly bob was not the intimidating or mad looking woman that one would associate with her username. No creepy crawly eyes or even a dark suit. No, no boogey man comes to fugly bobs today. The woman who entered looked.. Strangely normal? She dressed in a crop top that didn't fit her tall, gangly, frame and a nice, if awkward, pair of jeans. Rain dripped off her as she walked to the counter with a friendly smile. Eyes seeming to pick the cashier apart as she spoke with a pitchy, higher ranged voice.\n\n\"Portobello burger, dirty fries, and a coke. I'll be sitting with a friend.\"\n\nShe passed a wad of a cash across the counter and gave a polite bob of her head as she took the change, walking towards Martha. She slid off her raincoat, sliding it into the booth before sitting across from the other tinker. She spoke at a level tone, not bothering to whisper. People generally don't listen if you don't act suspicious or talk too loud. She put a big, fake smile.\n\n\"How are you doing? My name is Max.\"" }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "She wasn't paying attention to her surroundings, so when Max had made themselves known and spoke she was startled to say the least. Martha immediately redrew the wire and coiled it around her wrist before pulling her sleeve over to cover it. She took a second to inspect her attire and looks. Was this the right person? The handle \"Underyourskin\" Made her assume there would be an aspect of body horror going on, but that wasn't what she was witnessing at the moment. She took some more time to inspect them, leaving an awkward silence that filled the air before she cut it with her words.\n\n\"Hey. I'm Martha, I'm doing fine. Nervous.\" She twiddled with her dumbs and kind of stared blankly at the space next to Max. It was evident that she wasn't adept at socializing with others, but she had to make an effort and mentally go through a check-list she assembled for situations like this. Her intelligence didn't benefit her in situations like these. \"How are you?\" \n\nShe continued after a few seconds of pause, remembering that it was common courtesy to reflect the question when it was asked. She moved her gaze to be directly on Max, making an uncomfortable eye contact for her. While waiting for a response, she mentally recalled the entire interaction so far.. Finding it a bit strange that there seemed to be a forgoing of one of the unwritten rules. But then again, she couldn't be absolutely sure this was \"Underyourskin\", it could've been a random fellow who was looking to do something malicious to a stranger. Her back was postured perfectly straight and her legs didn't make any motion, she wasn't good at hiding her inner thoughts." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Max leaned back in her booth seat and seemed rather distracted. They itched at their sleeve and a look of disgust as they did so rolled over her face but was quickly replaced by the smile once more in a flash. She laughed, a rolling giggle of a laugh, and shook off the awkwardness. Despite how light her laugh was, there was a bit of a mocking tone to it. She looked off towards the counter again as she spoke\n\n\"I am not doing awful. You are the one who wanted to meet, right? That bracelet looked tinkertech.\" Max was perceptive when it came to people. Not to emotions, of course, but the physical side of people. They reached a hand out and pressed it to the table as they continued to speak. \"I apologize if you were expecting something different. Usually I have my labcoat but it didn't feel right to wear it to a Fugly bobs- I don't really eat here often anyway.\"\n\nAs she rambled, she pressed harder on the table and her hand... Folded. At every joint it rolled and folded back with a disgusting flexibility. Unnaturally so, as even her elbow joint inverted until the arm look to be broken. She pulled away and pushed her arm back into place as if it was no big deal. \"I haven't improved my form much, I've been short on parts.\"" }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "\"Yeah it is tinkertech. But it's not a bracelet that's just the form I keep it in.\" She got her other hand and revealed the wire on her wrist. Using her hand as assistance she began to unravel some of the wire, revealing just how thin and sharp it was in addition to its blue glow. \"Don't apologize, I get it completely.\" \n\nMartha let her hand assisting the wire move to the side as she gave it the mental command to return to her. Instantly wrapping itself around her in time less than seconds, she paid attention to Max immediately after. What was it that they were doing? What the- EW! \n\n\"Oh.. So that's what you do. Disgusting, if I'm being honest.\" Martha had never seen a body contort and bend like that. She had seen someone's exposed bone in person, their bleeding flesh and leaking blood, but never something like that.\n\n`\"A portobello with dirty fries and a coke, and onion rings, 1 apple pie and a vanilla milkshake. Enjoy!\"` A lady dressed in the Fugly Bobs uniform came after Max's grotesque display and placed their orders before them, leaving their presence after. Martha wasted no time in picking an onion ring and scarfing it down, it wasn't the best but it was better than the microwave dinners she was used to. \n\n\"So, what is it you're trying to work on? I figured it may have been a super important project that is your life's work but.. I'm not the most knowledgeable on tinker capes.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She laughed again, flexing her fingers. She gave a polite smile and thanked the employee. Snatching the burger up and taking a bite into it, she paid attention to Martha. The mess of fast food dividing her attention only partially. That's a lot of food on their plate. \n\n\"You never see that kind of thing before? It's a piece of technology that I've made to set up for later advancements.\" She waved her hand as she grabbed a fry and then shoved it into her mouth. She wiped her mouth with a napkin as she continued \"I work in flesh, you see. Surgical alterations.\" They hummed as they ate another handful of fries. Calmly leveling their gaze at the other tinker questioningly. \n\n\"Life's work? Maybe if you count my study of medicine but no. I'm working on improving the human body beyond it's limits. Making it perfect.\" They shook their head as they scratched at their arm. \"The group, however, is a measure of safety. Tinkers are highly desired for our creations- combined with collaboration allowing us to make better and new designs.\" She threw out the pitch off handed, like it wasn't important." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Martha listened intently while snacking on her onion rings. She took the straw inside the cup of her milkshake and stirred it simultaneously with those actions, and she made sure to maintain a comfortable level of eye contact throughout. She also used to work in the medical field, kind of. Her job was to make smart stitches, and the more medicinal parts were left to her coworkers when they were alive. She twitched in a way that made it obvious she was paying even more attention when a group was mentioned. \n\n\"I'm in.\" Martha was sold immediately when she heard that it was a safety measure. Although Max most likely meant a measure of safety of their creations, she figured that by extension it would also apply to their creators. Martha needed protection, she was a wanted criminal after all. \n\n\"I could use protection.. And some companionship, to be honest. But I do have to say, this is the only thing I can really make, nothing else.\" She motioned her hand up to bring attention to her wire. \"It's a length of wire composed of nanobots that I have complete mental control over.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She ate her burger quietly for the moment. Her look was contemplative for a moment as she was lost in her own thoughts. Her skin crawled as she stumbled through thoughts of her tinker creations and what she could do. She slowly nodded her head after a minute of her thinking. She snapped out of her fugue. She looked back to Martha as the thoughts of the group cleared up.\n\n\"Alright. I'll inform the others of you and they can decide what they think but you'll fit in fine.\" She grabbed a handful of her fries and ate them. \"As long as you are willing to work with us, you'll do great. Tinkers work best in a collection anyway.\"\n\nShe shrugged at the mention of the wire. \"You'll just have to find out what you can do with that. My field is much broader than some, given what I do.\" She gestured to her arm and the weird joints. \"But tinker specs rarely are one sided. We'll see what we can do.\"" }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Martha nodded at the mention of telling the others. She wasn't sure who the others could be, she wasn't well researched about these people before doing this. It was a leap of faith she was taking, and it explained why her nerves seemed to be on edge. She nodded once again in response to the mention of tinkers and collections, she wasn't aware that tinkers could collaborate like that. She always thought tinkertech was for one person's use only.. But than again she was only a tinker for maybe a few weeks. \n\n\"Yeah, sounds like a plan. I've been thinking of some ideas for it, but I haven't been able to do work on any of them. One is my main ideas was to exploit its tendency to overheat and lean into that, making it much hotter and more lethal to touch.\" \n\nShe went on to explain, not realizing until after her latest sentence that she was going on and on about something she wasn't asked to do. It was visible in her body language that she caught herself and didn't allow herself to elaborate any more. \n\n\"Right, you know how to contact me.\" She continued eating her onion rings until they were finished. Moving on to finish her apple pie as well." } ]	257	2,419
191.4	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "khepri", "message": "After eventually deciding to meet up with the mysterious thinker probably master cape, the only thing left to decide was a location. So long as they met at night, there wouldn't be an issue with crowds. If she needed to get violent... She would.\n\nShe typed out a message before gearing up and setting out for the night.\n\n\"Meet up at Gold Memorial Park near the fountain. Headed there now\"\n\nAt least at the park it'd be difficult to sneak up on her.\n\nShe made her way to the park, careful to be at least a little conscious of her loud frame pounding away at the ground. She didn't want to wake up the whole neighborhood each time she left her house. Once she gained a fair distance however, she picked up the speed. Despite all the heavy armor, she was still a little faster than a baseline human.\n\nShe couldn't help but smirk. It would only get better from here." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Brightside whistled to herself happily as she checked the message, responding back instantly.\n\nOk, i'll be the one who looks like they r having fun! C u\n\nShe liked the park, after all. It was nice! Plus, she was pretty much already there, just by dumb luck. She jogged over and sat down on a swing set, kicking off and letting herself enjoy the feel of the open air against her cheeks. Was there anything better? Probably! Things like having money. Yep!" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Her eyebrow twitched as she heard the creaking of a swing in the distance, and it slowly became apparent to her where Brightside had ended up. She had been headed towards the fountain, but if her guess was right...\n\n\"Really...?\" She asked herself as she turned and headed in the direction of the swings, crossing her arms as she came into view. She watched Brightside swinging back and forth, her unamused expression completely non visible due to her full helmet coverage.\n\n\"A swing? I didn't exactly want to draw attention...\" She said with a scowl. She was pretty certain this was who she wanted to meet, she just wasn't sure if she was going to regret it or not yet. Thinkers... She didn't trust them." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Brightside waved eagerly with one hand as she continued to use the other to swing back and forth, humming to herself. It seemed like her new contact wasn't overly pleased with her choice of destination or behavior, but that was half the fun, really.\n\n\"It's fine, it's fine! There's nobody out here anyway. Even if there was, so what? Relax!\"\n\nShe laughed, then hopped off the swing, landing on the dark blue boots of her costume, then flicking some imaginary dust off of the sunbright yellow shoulder pad up top. \n\n\"So, how's it going? I'm Brightside!\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Pinnacle tilted her head to the side, observing Brightside. She certainly was... Cheery. Just like she was online, really. She gave one last glance around the area, making sure that they weren't being watched. It was impossible to tell what thinkers were actually planning at any moment. Maybe if she had a surveillance system installed into her armor... No. That would be much later.\n\n\"You can call me Pinnacle. It's... Well, things have been going alright lately. Hopefully after tonight things will be even better?\" She asked, sounding hopeful. She still wasn't exactly sure how useful Brightside was going to be, but she felt quite comfortable behind her heavy armor." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Pinnacle. Wow. A bit of an egotistic sort of name isn't it? Then again I'm called Brightside, so~ Glass stones and throwing houses and whatnot I guess!\"\n\nThe cheery girl hopped off of the swing, grinning towards the exoskeletal-suited tinker. She thought she had a pretty good read on this other girl. Definitely the paranoid sort, from their previous discussions online, and this was clearly a stretch from her usual amount of trusting people to even meet her. Brightside Desperately Wanted to just needle her for fun to get a rise out of her, but she could sense that doing so would be dangerous and unproductive.\n\nShe was here on Business. She could be serious, when she needed to be!\n\n...Really! She could! The voice in her head, laughing, was her own. What could she say? Comedy arose from the self, after all.\n\n\"Bit Of a change in plans from what I'd said the other day. Don't panic! It's a good thing. I had a bit of an expedition since then, and I found some stuff I think you'd be interested in. It'll probably change the calculus of our deal, but I think you'll appreciate it too. Mind if I show you?\"\n\nShe waited. The girl was excited— visibly— but she was still restraining herself out of respect for her new business partners sensibilities." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "\"It isn't egotistic if it's true\" She said simply. She would eventually become the greatest tinker in the world. Not that it meant as much in their smaller world, but still.\n\n\"You're changing the deal?\" She asked coldly, tilting her head as she again gave a glance around her surroundings. Her body posture subtly changed, as though suspecting she was about to get ambushed. She had to admit though, \"Some stuff\" That she would be interested in sounded an awful lot like tinker tech. She hadn't had much opportunity to look at any other tinker tech besides her own at this point, so she was curious.\n\nBetween her own curiosity and the other girl's clear excitement, she let out a sigh and seemed to relax just a bit.\n\n\"Fine. Lets see what you have\" She agreed." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Alright! Check it out. I Borrowed Some stuff from the local gun factory. Honestly, I was hoping a gun factory would have some fucking Guns For me to steal, but it just had a bunch of this bullshit instead. Which, uh, yea, I have no fucking idea what to do with.\"\n\nThe black-and-yellow costumed girl leaned over into a nearby tuft of grass that had overgrown right next to the swing, and pulled out a huge, overstuffed duffel bag. It was lighter than it Had Been, since she'd taken out the stuff she knew she could actually use, but Pinnacle didn't need to know that.\n\nIt was Heavy. Almost too heavy, but either way Brightside simply trundled over and opened the bag, plopping it onto the ground with the opening tilted towards Pinnacle. She performed an overexaggerated stretch and groaned as she rubbed the small of her back.\n\n\"Geez, that's heavier than I remember... My poor back!\"\n\nThe bag contained a large quantity of... Parts. Gun parts. Mundane, but they certainly Could Be useful for creating Tinker Tech. Or regular guns, even." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Pinnacle rolled her eyes and ignored the other cape's shenanigans. Brightside was probably just trying to get her to drop her guard... Though she had to admit, it was working. She couldn't really take the other cape seriously.\n\nAfter having the bag brought in front of her, open, she started to file through it. There were a wide variety of parts inside. Some of which seemed to be things she wouldn't mind using normally. The rest of it she could probably repurpose for something or other.\n\n\"Gun parts, huh? Could do something with these... What did you want done? It'd be simple to get you something like this\" She said, motioning to her arm where the plasma repeater was attached.\n\n\"Wouldn't be too difficult, but you'd have limited ammo\" She explained without thinking, revealing one of her own weaknesses. The weapon was simple too energy intensive to use haphazardly.\n\nFor now at least." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Hup!\" Brightside said brightly as she hopped back onto the swing, flailing her feet around in the air as she watched the tinker rummage through her ill-gotten goods.\n\nWell, the girl had identified the parts right off the rip, which was a good sign that she wasn't about to just get scammed. At least there was that. She didn't really know much about tinkers, but she at least knew that they would be able to identify what parts were what, and how they could be used, which was a relief.\n\n\"Hm, something non-lethal, I think. I'm not a brute or anything like that soooo~ I gotta keep it chill so that people are more likely to treat Me With the kid gloves I so righteously deserve,\" She grinned, then continued. \"Maybe a stun gun or something fun like that?\"\n\nLimited ammo would suck. Not the worst thing in the world, but... Friggin' tinkers.\n\n\"I dunno. You're the expert, right? I don't like fighting, and I'm not good at it, so I really just need a way to get away if someone isn't in the mood for a little chitchat.\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "\"Non lethal...?\" A disgusted look flashed across Pinnacle's face, not that Brightside could see it. Stun guns really weren't the sort of thing she was inclined to make, nor were they something that her specialty was particularly good at. It wasn't as though large mechs had a particular need to take down a single person non lethally.\n\nAlthough... What if things were scaled up a bit?\n\n\"Maybe... A low level shock grenade? It would be rechargeable, but you'd have to pick it back up afterwards. Unless... Hm. I could probably make the explosion directional so you wouldn't even have to throw it. Just point it in a direction and activate. Heat could be an issue for just holding it though...\" She trailed off, apparently thinking over her idea." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Jeez, you really like murder, huh?\" Brightside snickered. She couldn't see the girls face, but just judging from the sound of her voice it was pretty obvious what she thought about the prospect. Was an attempt to mitigate retribution really that foreign of a concept to her...?\n\nShe kicked her legs a bit in the air, and the metal swing creaked a bit in the silent little park area. It was nice here, albeit a bit creepy at times, maybe. She was glad she'd chosen this place to meet up. The night air was especially lovely. Maybe she'd go out and cause some mischief after this? She didn't much feel tired.\n\n\"Sure, sure, low level shock whatsit could work.\" She nodded along like she understood. \"Either way! You can figure that out at some point, I trust you. Kinda. There's still the matter of your payment, though, since what with the gun parts I was hoping to maybe expand the purpose of this meeting into something moreso akin to a partnership or something? I bet if we worked together we could hit up even bigger jobs.\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "\"...Lets see what you can do first. So far I'm not impressed\" She said bluntly, pulling away from the gun parts to cross her arms and look at Brightside. While she wanted to be picky... It wasn't as though she would turn down help. If she had another person to carry a bag on her last outing, she would've doubled her profits. Well, she'd probably have to pay Brightside something, but still.\n\n\"You're a thinker right? Get to thinking\" She said with a wave of her hand. The only real combat potential from Brightside would likely be whatever Tinketech was built for her." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Sure thing, Miss Impatient. First things first though; when I use it, you'll probably want to get going right away, so... Here.\"\n\nBrightside reached out, giving her a slim piece of paper with a phone number and an email address on it. She grinned and clicked her tongue twice.\n\n\"A way to keep in touch. I'll still be looking for My Payment, after this. Now then, without further ado...\" The little girl trailed off as she activated her power.\n\nThe next second, Pinnacle would suddenly become aware of another mental presence. Not In Her mind per se, but just... Watching her. Studying her. Observing. It wasn't necessarily unsettling, but it was notable, and it was clear that the source was the young girl in front of her. It was rapidly approaching a conclusion of some kind." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Pinnacle took the piece of paper awkwardly, setting it inside a small pouch at her side. Picking up something so small with hands so big was... Difficult.\n\n\"Yeah yeah...\" She said with a wave of her hand. She didn't mind making more tinker tech. It just gave her more ideas for later - for when she could work on her main project.\n\nAs soon as she felt Brightside's mental presence upon her she shivered in place. It was... Uncomfortable. Her fists stayed at her sides, clenching and unclenching. She didn't expect Brightside's power to take any more than a quick look. Whatever this was... Felt like it could be a little more than that. Something sinister. Was she a master of some sort after all?" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Well, other than looking a bit uncomfortable, Brightside counted herself lucky that the other girl didn't do anything Rash. It wasn't like her power was particularly intrusive, usually, but it was just weird enough that sometimes you couldn't really predict how people would act in response. She had always been curious just what it really felt like when she used it, but the best she'd ever really understood was that it felt like being Watched From the inside, which sounded Super Weird.\n\nThe process finished, and of course the presence vanished as well, returning to fill her with knowledge and information. However, disappointingly, it was much less than she was used to. This had happened before, recently, when she'd used it on the firebird cape girl. She was starting to come to the disappointing realization that, for whatever reason, her power was limited against other capes.\n\nThe disappointment on her face was clearly visible for a moment, before she just decided that it was Good enough Anyways, and just smiled. Her voice took on that sort of Otherworldly Tone she liked to put on, as if releasing a prophecy, when she was providing advice using her power.\n\n\"You need a lab. You need money. There's an old Casino on 453rd Main Street in the Vanguard District, just up the road. Tomorrow at 5am they'll have a small team of contractors performing maintainence around the vault. They have the access codes. If you start preparing now, and go with some help tomorrow at that exact time, you'll be able to get the valuables from the vault using that team.\"\n\nShe took a deep breath as the information drifted away, having been delivered.\n\n\"Tada!\" She said simply, spreading her arms like a magician who'd just done their best trick." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "\"A casino? That... Could work\" Pinnacle said, seeming to relax as she thought on the offer.\n\n\"I'll need help? I'm guessing you want to be that help, don't you?\" She said in a resigned tone. She didn't trust thinkers, but... If what she was saying was true, it would be a huge help. It would up her schedule dramatically.\n\nHer first thought was to ensure that she couldn't be doublecrossed. After all - if she didn't build tinker tech for the girl until after the job, then she would have to survive the day. \n\nShe frowned as she came to a realization - if she didn't immediately make something for the girl, then she wouldn't be as big of a help for tomorrow. Was she going to have to stay up all night building?\n\nShe let out a groan.\n\nFucking thinkers." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Me?\" She blurted out before thinking, eyes wide. The thinker girl side-eyed the swingset next to her, then did some quick thinking. At the end of the day, she Had Offered to join Pinnacle on a mission or two, but she hadn't even considered the possibility of herself being the 'help' in her aforementioned prophecy. Would she be sufficient? Was she Supposed To be the help?\n\nShe didn't know, and it made her uncomfortable. Usually her power provided her huge amounts of detailed insight, and she wasn't sure what to do with this newly limited version of her power that seemed to only kick in for other capes. If she didn't know the exact steps, would it all still work the way it was supposed to...?\n\nAh well, who cares? She thought.\n\n\"Yea, of course, me! You better get busy, though! You've only got, like, what, 26 hours? ...What time is it?\" She snickered." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Pinnacle frowned. Was the thinker feigning surprise at being picked? Or was it all just a ploy? You could never tell if they meant what they were actually saying. It was possible this whole scenario was just a set up for something even bigger. Something that she couldn't yet see. It'd be best if she just played it off as though she didn't doubt herself.\n\n\"Yes, you. I'll make you something for the job tomorrow. If you fuck me over...\" She said, letting anger into her tone. Now the girl was laughing at her.\n\nShe shook her head, picking up the bag and then started to walk off.\n\n\"Whatever. I have work to do\" She said." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Jeez. This girl was Prickly. Well, that sorta seemed like putting it lightly. She didn't need to be a thinker to finish off the intention from that incomplete sentence, and knowing what she did, it was the second time in this relatively short conversation that Pinnacle threatened to kill her.\n\nBrightside just waved with both hands, twirling with one foot off the ground and a wide smile on her face, a cheery facade as always.\n\n\"Ooookay! Well, don't be a stranger! I'll see you tomorrow!\" She snickered and sat back down onto the swing, kicking her feet as she watched the girl head off into the night, hopefully not just making off with the bag of valuable gun parts.\n\nWell, she didn't think it was very likely that she was being robbed, at least. Probably." } ]	176	3,828
128.863636	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "khepri", "message": "Now that her armor was finished, she could finally set out to do some more profitable work. Up until this point, Evelyn had been forced to work with other small time thieves. It was safe, but slow work to build up enough for her creations.\n\nBut now, as Pinnacle... She would no longer be held back. She could go out and take what she needed.\n\nIt was two in the morning. She had a duffle bag slung over her shoulder, and was already wearing her armor as she calmly made her way towards the phone store.\n\nUnlike some new capes who might have felt some sort of moral panic at the thought of stealing materials, Pinnacle wasn't bothered. Life was rough here on Earth Omega - if someone couldn't protect their own belongings that was their problem.\n\nNo, she was done being the victim. Now that she had power... It was her turn to take.\n\nShe looked over the building, seeing if anyone was still sticking around for whatever reason." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Clunk\n\nClunk\n\nClunk\n\nThe sound could be heard with every step she took. It wasn't loud but it is quite rhythmic, the sort of thing you could turn into a song if you had the talent. It made a rather tedious journey to the store she had picked a little less so. Soon enough she arrived and considering the time of day it wasn't surprising that there wasn't anybody around. \n\nFrom where she stood she could see it was a fairly standard shopfront. Large windows and a glass door all covered in exterior metal shutters blocking the way. They looked well secured with enough force they could potentially be forced open." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "After making sure that the place was indeed empty, it was time to start. She walked up to the front door, pulling a fist back, and then smashing it through the handle. Due to her enhanced strength from the armor, it was simple to break the handle and simply pull the door open.\n\nNow though, she was on the clock. She looked around, trying to ascertain if there were any cameras around and if so, what room the recording equipment might be in." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Much as she suspected it took little effort for her to break through the shutters or the door itself. It wasn't without problems though, as soon as she broke through the sound of an alarm filled her ears. Knowing where she was though it was unlikely that there would be a quick response.\n\nStepping into the store itself she found her standing in a rectangular room. On the left wall there was a desk with a locked door behind it. The other two walls were lined with phones in display cases. Most were cheaper models but there were still a couple higher end varieties. But what would perhaps peak her interest the most was the singular CCTV camera in one corner of the ceiling." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Seeing the camera, Pinnacle nodded to herself. There was only one path forward - trying to find wherever the footage was stored and destroying it.\n\nShe turned towards the door to her left and charged, lowering her shoulder and attempting to simply ram herself right through it. After gaining entry, she looked to see if she could find a computer to smash anywhere. She doubted footage would be kept offsite - this was the slums after all." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Like a bull in a china shop Pinnacle smashed through the door like it was paper. The fragments of what was once the door flying through the room and smashing against the wall. This room seemed to serve as storage room, an office and a break room. In one corner was a small kitchen set up with a sink, kettle, microwave and a minifridge. In another was a desk with a pc as well as what looked like the equipment for the cctv. The rest of the room was filled with shelves stacked with boxes containing different models of Phones." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "She ran straight for the CCTV equipment, smashing anything that looked like it might store footage using her brute strength. It might be recoverable still, but it'd be difficult.\n\nAfter taking care of the recording equipment, she moved right on to the shelves. She turned her duffle bag around so that it was hanging off the front of her armor before taking as many boxes as she could and stuffing them into the bag. She focused on what she thought were the more expensive looking phones. Likely the boxes would make it a little inefficient in terms of space, but she didn't have the time to take each of them out of the box." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "It took no effort on the Pinnacle's part to destroy the CCTV equipment. Next to the power offered by her mechanised suit it was nothing. Heading over to the shelves now her smashing had been complete Pinnacle began to shovel as many phones as she could into her bag. It didn't take very long at all for her bag to fill with boxes, in fact she could probably fit more if she wasn't worried about zipping it up. All the while the whining of the alarm continued to fill the ears of the cape." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Mission accomplished.\n\nHaving got what she came for, she zipped up her duffle bag before heading right out the front door. There wasn't time to look around and take things slow. Response times were slow in this part of the city, but it still wasn't a good idea to take risks.\n\nHopefully no civilians thought to loiter around." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Loot attained Pinnacle headed right out of the front door and found herself on the street once again. Looking around she couldn't see anybody around, the only interruption to the calm of the air being the constant sounding of the alarm. It appeared she would have a free run to escape." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Deciding it was time to be a little safer, Pinnacle ran into the first alleyway she could see as she ran straight from the store. It would take a long time to get home, but if she could just dart between alleys it would be much more difficult for her to get caught.\n\nFor now, she focused on running as fast as she could." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Pinnacle continued to run from the scene of the crime with no interuption. That was until she heard the clank of something hitting the back of mech before falling to the ground. Turning to look she would see a stone on the ground behind her. As she looked she could also see a man standing a short distance down the street, a wide brimmed hat on his head with a long duster coat and bandana wrapped around is mouth concealing his identity.\n\n\"Now where on earth do you think you are going?\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "She froze.\n\nHad he just thrown a rock at her? It didn't... Seem like it had done anything. But he was a cape. For all she knew, it was a mind altering rock of some kind. Two could play at that game, then. \n\n\"Y-you can't stop me! I can't lose to her NOW!\" She shouted at the man.\n\nShe picked the rock up, gripping it in her hand before throwing it as hard as she could at the man. She aimed for his torso. She hadn't tested throwing objects with her frame on, though she assumed it would put more force behind a throw just as easily as it did a punch." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Whilst her frame afforded her much strength Pinnacle hadn't spent a lot of time training her throwing ability. Her throw was powerful that was certain but it sailed past the cape hitting the building behind him with enough force to crack the bricks out of the wall.\n\n\"Oh, in a competition are you? Do tell me who this 'her' is why don't you?\"\n\nHe took out a coin from his pocket and flipped it in the air before tossing it towards Pinnacle. It seemed to curve and sway unnaturally before hitting her metallic frame with a much louder thud than the one the rock had made.\n\n\"Why don't you come have a little chat with me, before the cops arrive?\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Pinnacle glared hatefully at the man after taking the hit to her armor. She was pretty sure it was still fine, though it would've really hurt without her armor. His power seemed to just be some sort of superpowered projectiles.\n\nHe was trying to get into her head now. Trying to get her to give up.\n\n\"Enough with the talking!\" She shouted out, running straight for him, and attempting to give him a bear hug from the front. If she was completely wrapped around him, heavy as she was, he hopefully wouldn't be able to use her as a projectile as well." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Pinnacle rushed towards the cape who's eyes went wide.\n\n\"Anytime now!\"\n\nAs she went to crush him in a bear hug she would find he was no longer in front of her like he was a few seconds ago. Suddenly her head jolted forwards as a rock thumped heavily into the side of her armour head. Turning to the direction of the rock she would see the cape playing with rocks in his hand.\n\n\"You do cut it close Salvation.\"\n\n\"Don't call me that, just call me... Ugh forget it, at least its not a fucking number.\"\n\nThe second voice had come from above. There was a balcony on one of the many houses lining the street in which another man stood. This one seemed larger than the first and older, his late 20's or early 30's. On his head was a messy mop of brown hair. He wore a simple domino mask to conceal his identity. The rest of his outfit was a rather dull grey body suit. The only truly distinguishing feature was what appeared to be a brand on the side of his face.\n\nAll the while the other cape seemed to be walking back, trying to slowly put distance between him and the large armoured cape. \n\n\"Come on now, surely you want to talk. I'm sure you wouldn't want to lose a fight here.\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "She let out an annoyed hiss as she felt her head jerk from the impact, reaching up reflexively to feel at her head. It didn't seem like the rock had punctured at least.\n\nShe glanced up at the new arrival, glaring. There was no telling how they'd interfere. If they were already that high up, it probably meant that running was out of the question. She wasn't confident in her own abilities to run across the rooftops, but clearly they were.\n\nNo, the only way to win was through both of them. She reached down, picking the rock up that had just been thrown at her.\n\n\"Good thing I'm not going to lose then\" She said before suddenly charging at the first man. As she got closer however, she turned and threw the rock as hard as she could at the man up on the balcony. She didn't slow down her momentum, instead intending to charge straight through her first opponent." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"First you'll run towards me..\"\n\nHe darted to the side in an attempt to dodge to the side.\n\n\"But then you'll turn to throw that rock at Salvation. Leaving you open for this.\"\n\nAs pinnacle turned to launch the rock she did it much more accurately than before. Although as the rock pulverised a brick in the wall it would appear Salvation was laying down. It was then she felt the crunch of a rock hitting her from behind. This time it seemed to actually scratch if not dent the surface of her mech.\n\n\"Quickfire I swear to god if you call me that one more time.\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "This was bad. He was only ramping up in strength, and now had some sort of precog ability. That, or he was just trying to fuck with her. Far more likely that he was just messing with her. It's what talkers always did.\n\nShe turned and ran towards the nearest alleyway. The enhanced strength from her frame should give her a minor speed boost at least, assuming Quickfire didn't have a mover rating.\n\nClearly she wasn't able to fight both of them at the same time. She'd have to hope that separating the two of them would improve her chances, somehow. At least this way she'd be out of sight of Salvation.\n\nShe kept running down the alleyway before rounding the corner, and waiting on the other side. She readied herself to swing at Quickfire once he tried to round the corner, listening closely." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As she began to run quickfire pulled his arm back as if he was about to throw something before relaxing having apparently changed his mind. Before she got too far she managed to hear part of the conversation the two were having.\n\n\"Are we not chasing them?\" Salvation questioned.\n\n\"No, you shouldn't even be fighting them Cody. Let's go before Excalibur finds out.\"\n\nThat was the last clear thing she could hear clearly before she replaced with the sound of running footprints getting more distant by the moment." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Pinnacle blinked, listening closely. There was no way that they were actually just going to let her run off, right...?\n\nIt had to be a trick.\n\nBut... What was she going to do? Just sit here forever and wait for someone to come? She peeked around the corner, looking to see if the coast was clear before letting out a sigh and continuing on her way. She made sure to not head in the direction it sounded like the other two were heading, at the very least.\n\nThankfully it Was Night time, so the farther she got from the scene of the crime the less likely she would be noticed as she headed home." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "It didn't take Pinnacle long to get home with her loot. Perhaps it was skill or perhaps a simple lucky escape, did it really matter? Once she was home she would be able to finally check what loot she had managed to steal.\n\nTinker Tech x2\n\nAfter checking through the bag she would be able to examine the damage to her mech. The last hit from Quickfire seemed to have caused a significant dent, nothing that couldn't be easily repaired but if that had been caused by a rock just what could an actual weapon cause." } ]	124.5	2,835
233.083333	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "existentialcerberus", "message": "Something primal stirred in Landen's throat. A kind of tightness that made him feel like he could burst into tears at any moment, but behind it was such a wellspring of excitement and relief. He couldn't contain the sporadic, bubbly laughter that spilled out of him like a hyena as he ran through the streets of New London.\n\nThe floor was so flat here that Landen relished the way it felt beneath his feet. He was sprinting full-tilt just for the raw, physical enjoyment of it.\n\nThe big, moving boxes, Cars, He'd had to remember, kept shouting at him, but he didn't care. The lights, the Crowds Of people, the Scale Of everything. It was dizzying!\n\nLanden ran and ran until he reached the riverbank, and slammed to a stop on a railing, almost going arse over ear into the river itself. Gripping the railing for support, Landen doubled over backwards to face the sky and let out a screech of pure delight.\n\nThe bubbling laughter finally drained from him, but Landen was left with a smile on his face.\n\nFor a short time more, he wandered, until a wonderful scent on the air made his mouth water. Landen followed it to a bright building with a lot of people inside. They were all eating, so Landen barged right in to get some food of his own." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Diabolist waved at some of the cellphone cameras taking pictures of her, glad that her mask fully hid her facial expressions. She didn't have to fake smiling or anything like that. Really, this sort of appreciation was Nice, but it wasn't the sort of thing she ever really associated with real Hero Work. Yet her meeting and subsequent conversation with Quartermaster made it clear to her that this sort of thing was required too.\n\nIf she was going to slack on her PR, it would be far too easy for her to fall back into the pattern of being painted as 'villainous' even while she was doing good work cleaning up the city.\n\nAlso, she was super confused that people didn't seem to notice that any of her minions were actually corpses, still. Some of them were getting close enough that they could have smelled it, but Diabolist was relieved that it seemed the scented tags were enough to cover up the smell of decay, apparently. \n\nDespite everything, it was actually almost a Relief When she heard a sudden intensification of horns honking down the street, followed by shouting. The young heroine gave a PR-friendly goodbye to the group and ran off with her minions in tow.\n\nBy the time she arrived, a small crowd had gathered outside, pointing and shouting at a... London Fried Chicken joint, of all places? What the...?\n\nThis was going to be an unusual day, she could already tell. Would this be her first encounter with another Cape? Only a villain would be crazy enough to rob a Fried Chicken Restaurant.\n\nShe kept her minions behind her for now. This wasn't necessarily a combat situation yet— she needed more information, so she just walked in cautiously, trying to get a read on what was happening." }, { "author": "existentialcerberus", "message": "Inside was a young man who one might've handily assumed was a Cape, given what he was wearing. Covering his lower half was a skirt fashioned out of dried grass, and thankfully under that a loincloth. His midsection was exposed, but his chest was wrapped in a long scrap of cloth, over which was wooden armour.\n\nThe situation inside wasn't going well. Landen had tried to ask for food, but was informed that he'd have to pay for it, the concept of which he didn't really understand. Instead, he assumed he was being denied food, and had immediately resorted to his original plan of simply taking it. He'd jumped the counter, flint knife in hand, and began cutting into some already-prepared food in the back, which he was devouring.\n\nThe staff, feeling far safer once Diabolist arrived, fled the building, which got Landen's attention. He turned around to see what was going on, still clutching a piece of fried chicken in one hand, and a flint knife in the other." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "What the...?\n\nDiabolist wasn't immediately sure how to process what she was seeing. Not only was this a Cape raiding an LFC of all places, he was actually doing it just to eat the chicken. Actually, now that she thought about it, she wasn't completely sure if this guy Was A Cape. He could, theoretically, just be some random crazy guy.\n\nThat seemed unlikely though, given the circumstances. In that case, there was a question of just what his powers were. Based on the tribal outfit, she assumed it was some level of Brute power. Maybe related to eating, somehow?\n\nShe stepped forward, flanked by her three minions. Her costume was a heavy black hoodie with the hood pulled up and matching black sweatpants, giving her total skin coverage. Underneath the hood rested a simple hockey mask painted black, creating negative space in the front meant to look like a skull. Along each limb of her clothes she'd painted anatomically accurate bones, as well as on her chest.\n\nAs for her minions, each of them wore a mismatched set of totally covering clothes. However, one minion was Significantly Larger. Whereas the other two were roughly average height, the big one was more than seven feet tall and what seemed like twice as wide. It didn't even seem Able To wear normal clothes, so instead it had what looked like bed sheets wrapped around it and loosely covering it, ensuring that nothing was visible other than the general outline of a huge humanoid creature of some kind.\n\n\"Alright, that's enough. I'm independent hero Diabolist, and you are breaking the law. I'll be taking you in, today.\"" }, { "author": "existentialcerberus", "message": "Landen's brow furrowed when Diabolist spoke at him. In truth, he didn't even Understand Half of what she'd said, but he assumed she was going to give him to the police. He paused for a moment to consider how strange they looked, but then realised he didn't actually know what people wore. Perhaps this Was A police officer, they certainly sounded like one. That realisation made his eyes widen, and he cried out in frustration.\n\n\"No, get back!\" He shouted, pointing the knife at her.\n\n\"You're not taking my food!\"\n\nLanden put the leg of fried chicken in his mouth, then pointed his now free hand at the counter. What looked like Metal sparks Flew from it, coalescing on the countertop into some kind of shape." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Diabolist eyed the situation in front of her carefully, especially the metal sparks coming from the counter. She hadn't fought Any Capes yet, now that she thought about it, and it might actually end up being more beneficial if she just tried talking through this situation. If anything, it sorta sounded like this guy Actually Just wanted some food. Had he been homeless before he triggered, or something...?\n\nShe held up her hands placatingly, and murmured a command to her minions. The three of them obligingly took a couple steps back as Diabolist attempted to make her case.\n\n\"Alright, let's not be hasty here. Calm down. I'm not taking your food, alright? You're just here to eat, right? Just stay there and eat. We can talk while you do. How's that sound?\"" }, { "author": "existentialcerberus", "message": "As the sparks coalesced more, it became obvious that they were forming into an enormous metal snake. The sparks stopped flowing from Landen's hand, and two hollow sockets on the snake's face where its eyes should have been lit up with small balls of fire. At the same time, veins and pools of glowing, orange light faded into view on the snake's body, like a machine slowly coming to life. It immediately began to move, but not quickly. The snake repositioned itself on the counter to face Diabolist, knocking a register off the countertop. It landed with a loud Ching, Which immediately drew Landen's attention. His eyes darted to it like it was going to explode, but he stayed where he was.\n\nWhen Diabolist ordered her minions to step back, Landen glanced over his shoulder to look for another door, but couldn't see one through the sprawl of kitchen equipment.\n\n\"This is a Trap,\" Landen replied, drawing out the word knowingly.\n\n\"I've been in a lot, you can't trick me!\" He grinned.\n\nHe laughed, and the sound was skittish. Without realising, he was stifling himself, laughing with his mouth closed." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "She eyed the Snake With no small amount of concern, but feigned nonchalance in her voice.\n\n\"Okay, sure. Feel free to leave then. You'll have to stop eating to do that, though. I doubt you can carry all of that,\" She said, pointing at the mounds of prepared food.\n\nWas It a trap? Sorta... Kinda? If this guy really was what he seemed to be, he needed Help More than he needed a casual beatdown. If She even could give him the aforementioned beatdown. She had no clue what that snake could do, really, and she wasn't super eager to find out. At the end of the day, being a Hero was about trying to solve problems rather than... Cause them... Right?\n\n\"Or, you can stay here and you can tell me how you got here? Maybe I could help.\"\n\nThe snake seemed to almost be looking at her, and Diabolist wasn't a fan. It was some sort of Master power, certainly. It seemed fairly flexible and maneuverable, and didn't immediately appear to have any limits to how far it could go. Probably a Blaster rating too, then. Likely some other effects as well. She didn't exactly want to find out. Her minions weren't super capable at handling something abstract like that. Who knew if it was even Possible To hold it in place, or if it had some kind of absolute movement effect like Alexandria." }, { "author": "existentialcerberus", "message": "\"Don't need help. Got my pet, that's all I need,\" Landen replied.\n\n\"Can definitely carry this food,\" He added with another stifled laugh.\n\nLanden turned around and began packing some of the smaller items of food into his fur satchel. The snake continued watching Diabolist, but also began to 'pace' up and down the counter, insofar as a snake was capable of that.\n\nOnce Landen had stuffed his satchel full, he turned back to diabolist.\n\n\"If this ain't a trap, get out the way,\" He said, gesturing for her to move aside with his knife." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Ergh. She hadn't noticed the damned Satchel. That was going to complicate things. Diabolist sighed dramatically through her mask and raised her hands helplessly. Seriously? Her first cape encounter was a chicken heist...? \n\nRealistically— rationally— she knew that she should just let him go. The restaurant could recoup the losses from some stolen Chicken In... Well, realistically, they probably already had 'recouped' those losses. She figured that restaurants likely threw out more food every day than this guy was stealing, realistically. \n\nMostly, she was just irritated that she wouldn't be able to figure out what his Deal Was. So, on a whim, she stepped out of the way of the doorway and gestured to it welcomely, in an overdramatic fashion. With a murmur to her minions, they stepped further aside as well, though still near Her At least, if not the door.\n\n\"Now then, are you happy? I just want to know how you ended up here stealing from an LFC of all the godforsaken places.\"" }, { "author": "existentialcerberus", "message": "\"How all of us got here. Bright flash, woke up in the woods... Found here eventually. Smelt food, got food.\"\n\nLanden began to inch towards the door. His minion thumped down off the counter, cracking the floor tiles beneath its weight. The minion kept a close eye on Diabolist and her own minions. Landen himself kept his knife trained on her as he approached the door." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"That really explains Way Less than you think it might...\" Diabolist muttered, eying him regrettably. \n\nWell, at the end of the day, the man was stealing Chicken. She'd had her doubts when he'd proclaimed that in the first place, since... Well... What kind of villain would rob a fried chicken place and just take the chicken...? But, he Had. As far as she'd noticed he hadn't even opened the register, let alone taken anything from it.\n\nWhat was she supposed to do here? Trying to stop him could just endanger any bystanders nearby, but letting him go would be a blow to her reputation as a budding hero. Did she really want to be known as the girl that let the chicken-thief get away? She didn't really have an outlet for her frustration, so she opened her mouth and spoke instead.\n\n\"You know there's Normal Ways to get food if you can't afford it? Like a food bank? Things are bad, but they aren't That Bad.\" She snapped at him, merely watching as he stepped towards the door." } ]	231	2,797
157.3125	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Andromeda flashed onto the scene from out of the stars above, the green particles of her breaker form shining across the mirror image of the waters of the lake before ultimately flickering away. True to her word, she came alone, with no intention for harm. At least, no intention to harm her soon to be business partner. \n\nShe'd contemplated before leaving whether or not she should tell Kurt about her plan to contact this stranger, but she didn't want to complicate things, he was still adjusting to life in the city. Her eyes focused on the road leading our from the forest into the clearing around the lake. She stood on a wooden dock made for fishermen to cast from, leaning against one of the oak rails as scanned the treeline and enjoyed the silence while it lasted. There was still so much to think about, but here and now, in the beauty of the lake's shining visage, she could forget about it all, for a moment's time" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex, already present, watched Andromeda for a few moments, pleased to see the cape not noticing her. Despite knowing that it shouldn't be any different with capes, Vex had been harboring some concerns about her ability working. She considered making a big show of her power, but resisted the urge, instead banishing her unnoticeable quality with a soft clearing of her throat, intending to allow Andromeda to assume she just hadn't noticed the dark suited woman against the dark of the night.\n\nVex projected herself currently as she saw herself, a slender, curvy figure with glittering emerald eyes and long, neatly ponytail'd black hair beneath a ruby hairband, wearing a black on black pantsuit, shiny black dress shoes, and a dull red tie. Not far off from her usual look, aside from perhaps some extra affectation on her eyes, though she certainly doesn't Look 'in costume.'\n\nShe smiles at Andromeda, a smile somewhere between sly and genial, blinking politely as she waits to be noticed." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "She still took a second to even notice, only finally catching Vex out of the peripheral. _\"W... Wha!?\"_ She spat out under her breath She just about jumps, a noticable jolt back just a step likely ruins her entire guise of stoicism. Still she crosses her arms and clears her throat rather, awkwardly.\n\n\" _a-ahem._ Vee. Didn't see you there. Take it that was the point, huh?\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex leaned casually on her cane. \"Not in particular, but I won't pretend it isn't fun to watch you jump. You can call me Vex.\" She gave Andromeda a look over, then, considering that she may be a dangerous striker, projected into Andromeda's perception a view of Vex extending a hand for shaking, so that that is what Andromeda would see as reality. Her actual hand, of course, rested at her side, but the perception manipulation would even extend to the senses of touch and proprioception, should Andromeda take the offer, making the projected hand shake seem entirely solid. Any observers closer than a couple meters into the treeline, besides Andromeda, would likely just see Andromeda speaking with and shaking hands with an older guy with an unruly red beard, dressed like a lumberjack." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Of course she hadn't the slightest clue of Vex's own power herself, she almost felt compelled to shake her hand with Vex's stunning beauty. Andromeda shook the trance that was befalling her and raised her hand close to her side to decline the offer for a handshake. Looked real enough to her, and so she was worried too of a potential striker power.\n\n\"To business then, vex. I explained the type of individual I'm after, woman in the drug trade, a manufacturer. Someone I suspect is working for the tophats, possibly a different alias than what I know her by, though the name I know is Sophia Lindberg. I need to know one, if the rumors are true, and two, if so, what her current alias and location is.\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex certainly hadn't been projecting stunning beauty, at least not intentionally, so that would be all Andromeda.\nVex lifts her cane to tap the head of it against her chin thoughtfully. It's a striking snake head, fangs bared, cast in silver. \"Sophia Lindberg...\" She repeats, as though that alone will bring the information to her. She looks Andromeda up and down. \"I feel like that isn't the whole story, though... You have allies who could help with this, or The Vanguard. The fact that you're coming to me, after your opinion about my online methods, if that was you, means that you need discretion, so either she's a prominent cape who could cause problems if your questions are traced back to you or...\" Vex's emerald eyes glint as they meet the holes in Andromeda's mask. \"She's important to you.\" She stands very still as she watches Andromeda, scrutinizing her body language." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Andromeda's postured had fixed it's self since a moment ago, she was standing taller, more confident, in sincerity this time instead of embarrassment. The intense glare of the mask she wore could bore a hole through someone's head, of course, with vex's power, she may not really be giving Vex direct eye contact. Still her stoicism returned to her in full, she didn't budge on exactly who this Sophia was to her.\n\n\"Will you do it or not.\" She finally grumbled out in a low tone, close to a growl. \"I'm willing to put up two and a half grand to start, and another two and after completion, Seems like a more than generous offer for the position I'm in.\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex's eyebrows raise with genuine surprise and she slowly lowers her cane to rest on the ground. \"Very important indeed, then.\" She muses, then grins. She's silent as she works it out in her head. \"Someone from your past then. Someone who is in a situation bad enough that you don't trust the cops or vanguard to not view her as a target, but not so bad that you think it's impossible for a villain to find her. Involved with gang activity or drug use. The Songbirds, perhaps? Or do you not know for sure?\" \n\nShe watches Andromeda's body language for tells, but waves dismissively, cutting her off before she can respond. \"I propose a counter-offer. Two-thousand five hundred up front still, to fund my fledgling business and go towards finding this person, one-thousand after completion, and, also after completion, you owe me a favor.\" \n\nShe offers her hand to shake again, this time seeming somehow more genuine, trustworthy, and also somehow more binding. This is because it is those things in Vex's mind, as she is extending her actual hand. \"I will, of course, still need more information, but as a show of good will I will not pry for anything not directly pertinent.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Andromeda's hands fall back to her side, resting on her hips as she stares at the hand in front of her. It would be cheaper in the long run, but the Idea of oweing someone like this a favor was... Risky. Still, Was that a risk worth taking? With Kurt on her side, she wasn't entirely sure she needed it, but if anything happened, and this stranger died, it was just a loss of capital. If they succeeded... Well one favor couldn't be that bad, right?\"\n\nHer hand was in vex's before she spoke again, her grip tight and firm. \"Fine. She's important to me, and you'd dead right about her standing with the cops, or the heros for that matter. I need to get her out of the situation I'm sure she's in, for her own good. I'm pretty sure she's with the top hats, like I said, but I don't care who she's with. Just find her, And i'll owe you that favor. As for the cash...\"\n\nAndromeda took her hand back and opened two pockets on her utility belt, pulling out two wads of cash, 50s and 100s totaling to 2,500 pounds. She offered it up with one hand, her grip on it tight, glaring at her. Andromeda was perhaps a little distrusting still, but this was a good shot at getting somewhere with her search. Couldn't pass it up." }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex eyes the money. \"Right, you did mention that, apologies.\" She had been focused on the flexing of her power and let it slip, a rookie mistake she would have to correct. She doesn't reach for the money yet. \"Do you have any details? Last known location, aliases, position within the Top Hats, or at least a physical description or photograph?\" Her tone is more curt, less playful than it has been so far, her green eyes no longer sparkling, her expression neutral. Her arms fold across her chest, dangling the cane from one hand. No more boasting and games, this is business." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "In response, Andromeda opened another pouch and pulled out her phone. The screen was cracked, and the body looked worse for wear, but she made it work. She had five thousand to sling around, but couldn't get herself a new phone huh? Strange girl.\n\nIn moments, a ping to vex's account marked what she'd done. Vex now had an __edited photo of Sophia Lindberg__, Another figure in the photo was blocked out completely with black coloring. Likely Andromeda's true identity. The two were.. Close.\n\n\"It's really all I have, trust me, I've done as much research as I could as a civilian, I'm doing more now that I've been a cape for a year. Or so. Last i saw her she was speeding away in our van, having almost been shot by someone she was dealing drugs she made to. If she has any position in any organization, it would be production and manufacturing.\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex nods. \"Firstly, when was this? Secondly, where was this? Thirdly, in what condition do you want her? I don't simply mean alive or dead, I'm not a brute, but would you want her kidnapped so you can forcibly detox her? Would you rather I explain the situation and ask her to come with? Or would false pretenses be worth the risk of damaging relations for the sake of being more effective? Or... Are you paying me all of this to simply locate her and report back?\" Vex's eyebrows raise as she asks the final question, something she had only just considered before saying it." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Just. Find her. I want to know where she is, what she's doing, and where she is doing it. I already told you everything I know, and everything I'm _willing_ to tell you about what happened between us.\"\n\nShe nearly crushed the wad of cash in her hand as she balled her hands into fists. Her voice wasfeeper and panged with a tone of annoyance as her incessant questioning. Andromeda was perhaps, nearly to the point of reconsideration of this agreement, if she wasn't already." }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex is silent a moment, then nods. \"I will locate her. This is an easy job for one such as I, especially with the free time I have.\" She says in a measured, hopefully reassuring tone. She reaches out to take the money, implicitly agreeing to do the job." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "As she's reaching, she doesn't make it even half way before the money is flashed between her fingers, andromeda having warped the bundle to her, as a small flex of her own power. She then started to walk past Vex, fists still balled, a powerful and heavy stomp to her steps.\n\n\"Good luck on the job then. Please do report back when you're finished, or if the info you receive is time sensitive.\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Vex stands there, watching her leave, then pockets the money. This will be useful, and more importantly, interesting." } ]	157	2,517
127.625	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane approached the address he had been told about, it was here his target should be. A hero gala, a touch busy for his liking but it would have to do.\n\nActing, Assasination And Pistol Expertise, His skillset for the night. He was more than prepped for combat and his target was gonna find out one way or another.\n\nCrane's armblade was firmly secured to his wrist and his pistol hidden within his armpit holster. It was time." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Standing a short distance away from the plaza proper Crane could see the collection of marques filling the area out front of a mansion style building where the gala itself is taking place. As he waited he could see a elderly man approach and stop beside him, he held out a small envelope for Crane to take.\n\n\"That's your invitation to the Gala, you are a up and coming hero from the slums you understand? Your target is a cape by the name of Crimson Fury, he is a brute/mover/striker that coats himself in a red energy field. It would be best to eliminate him before he activates it. I've texted you the plans to the building. Good luck.\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane nodded simply in response, a smile hidden under his mask.\n\nHe placed the invitation within his tool belt and began to move towards the building." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As he approached the building Crane would soon find himself among the many guests still in the Plaza itself. Capes and non capes alike socialising and many with drinks in their hand. The most notable characters had to include the trio of capes who wore identical costumes just with altering colour schemes and the man who looked more comfortable in a wild west film and his greyscale sidekick. As he neared the building one of the waiting staff would approach with a tray in hand.\n\n\"Could I interest you in a beverage sir?\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane shook his head politely,\n\n\"Thankyou but do you have anything non-alcoholic? I don't drink.\" He'd say to the man,\n\nTaking some time to take in the area around him as he spoke, his skill might give him some insights on preferable locations and moves." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Of course, we wouldn't serve alcohol to a cape on duty anyway. All the drinks on this half of the tray are soft drinks. We have orange juice, lemonade, water or perhaps I can go get you something?\"\n\nAs the man spoke Crane could observe his environment. Whilst there were a large number of capes here they had to be outnumbered at minimum 4 to 1 by non capes. Most people seemed to be loitering around the main entrance either waiting to enter or simply enjoying the fresh air.\n\nMoving his attention to the building itself he could see there were many windows lining the walls either side of the main door but none seemed to be open. Either Side of the door there was a MPCU Police officer standing guard. Each seemed to be armed with SMGs and checking invitations. It was then the officer to the right of the door caught Crane's eye. He looked around 40 and was clean shaven. His uniform had the name Sinsonte embroidered on the left of his chest. Just above it a familiar bronze pin." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane nodded and retrieved a lemonade from the tray, \"I appreciate the offer but we I'll be happy with this, Thankyou.\" He Said to the man before moving away once again.\n\nDrink in hand Crane began to move away towards the doormen. It was good to have an ally about for the mission, Mockingbird perhaps or simply another unknown member of the group.\n\nHe retrieved his invitation and held it out slightly as he moved forward to the door, shifting somewhat closer to the fellow songbird." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Crane moved towards the group of people slowly filtering into the building. It took a few minutes but eventually he was face to face with the two officers. One held their hand out and looked expectingly.\n\n\"Invitation sir.\"\n\nBefore Crane had the chance to do anything a commotion broke out behind him. If he turned to look he would see the blue and pink blur of Dreadnought arriving. The vanguard cape came to a halt above the plaza and slowly descended to the ground. Several people who had been waiting to enter immediately rushed to surround her." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane largely ignored the present commotion simply glancing back for a moment before returning his gaze to the two guards.\n\nHe extended his hand towards the guards, invitation visible for them to take.\n\n\"Here it is,\"\n\nHe said to the pair." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The officer on the left took the invitation, opening it and reading through it. As he did that the other officer began to pat Crane down. His hand touched the pistol he had hidden and continued to move past without so much as a flinch. Finishing the frisk he stepped back.\n\n\"Clear.\"\n\nHe moved to rest on his slung weapon as the other officer folded the invitation back up and handed it back to Crane.\n\n\"Alright then, you're good to go. There's a cloak room to your left you can store things if your costume gets a bit heavy for you. Bathroom is on the third floor, bar is just through the door, there is food set up in the garden. Enjoy yourself Crane.\"\n\nHe reached over to the door handle and pulled it open revealing a room full of people, both capes and civilians. To the left was a man who was clearly the cloak room attendant and to the right there was a temporary bar set up. A flight of stairs stood in the middle of the room and a door could be seen on the far side of the room." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane nodded politely as they finished the search, tucking the invitation back into his belt.\n\n\"Thankyou,\" He Said quietly to the pair before moving past them into the building. \n\nEntering the building he moved past the crowds and began to make his way to the garden, takiing note of capes he could see as he moved through. Looking specifically for his target." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Crane began to move through the crowd with relative ease. Most non capes were making space so he could easily pass through. As he moved he could see two capes at the bar talking with each other, one was Panpharmacon in her medical outfit and the other a woman in a frog outfit, most likely Leapfrog. They paid no mind to the new cape.\n\nAs he moved towards the far door he could see another cape standing on the stairs talking to a civilian. She looked similar to the pictures of Quartermaster Crane has seen but different. This must be her younger sister Utopia. Continuing past Crane was about to step though the doorway but had to pause as a man in blue armour with a shooting star on his chest holding empty glasses came though, Northstar.\n\nOnce he passed Crane continued through into a smaller room before finally stepping out into the garden. There were a lot more people out here including at least 2 dozen capes most of which weren't on the confirmed invite list. Most notably a man in what appeared to be some kind of large suit of power armor. The emblem on his shoulder would imply he was Trident. On the far side of the garden there seemed ot be a lot of food laid out free to take as well as a BBQ." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Crimson Cock must be late to the party, or at least hidden away somewhere on the property.\n\nCrane waltzed over to the tables of food and fetched a few pieces to eat, tilting his mask up slightly to place them in his mouth before turning around once again. \n\nHe returned through the garden entering the building once again. He kept his eyes peeled and open for his target and began to move towards the bar." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Crane wandered over to the foot and grabbed a few pieces. As he did her spotted a few more capes but none were his target. Swallowing his party snacks he headed back inside and walked towards the bar.\n\nUpon reentering the room he would notice the people had changed a little. Panpharmacon had left the bar and was nowhere to be seen leaving Leapfrog alone. Utopia didn't seem to be on the stairs anymore and was instead standing next to the door talking to a pair of capes dressed as a witch and wizard. Crane didn't know anything about them individually but perhaps they were part of that new team that formed recently called Arcana." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane sighed slightly, the snacks weren't bad but he had still yet to locate his target.\n\nUpstairs it was, brushing past the crowds he began his gradual ascent up through the floors. At each floor he planned to assess the crowd, looking for notable capes and his target in particular. He made some basic small talk here and there as he moved before ascending to the next floor.\n\nOne by one he went until he either found his target or reached the top." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Stepping up the stairs Crane would find himself in a room which appeared to have been turned into a dance area. There were so many people here it looked hard to actually walk through but that didn't stop him from noticing several capes in amongst the civilians. Perhaps the most notable was actually the pair of capes who flew above the crowd as they danced, Dreadnought and Panpharmacon.\n\nAllowing his eyes to drop down from two of the most famous capes in New London he could see several more of note. Utopia, Deja Vu, Stoneheart, Scarlet Wrath and most importantly Crimson Fury. His target finally within his sight." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane hovered over to the side of the room and began to lean against the wall,\n\nFor now he simply took a breather, relaxing a tad as he watched and observed the room. Making mental notes on the capes and people." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Crane leant up against the wall in, his costume really helping him with the edgy loner look. Most people in the room seemed to pay him no mind, instead carrying on dancing and socialising. As he observed he noticed another cape entering from a nearby door chatting to a man in a well made suit.\n\nThe cape wore a mostly white costume with small specks of light blue throughout. It appeared to be quite the padded outfit, the sort of thing you would expect to see someone wearing during winter. She laughed at the man she was speaking to before she approached Crane.\n\n\"Hey I hear you are some up and coming hero right? I have to say I'm loving the costume, it really gives a.. Avian vibe. I'm Cryoblast by the way.\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane nodded as the new person approached,\n\n\"A new up and comer from the slums yes.\" He said to the woman, \"I'm not particularly known at the moment but you know,\" He motions vaguely, \"I try,\"\n\n\"Cryoblast, Ice powers I take it.\" He'd say with a bit of a chuckle. \"I'm Crane nice to meet you.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Bingo!\"\n\nShe let out a restrained laugh as she played with a small coin shaped piece of metal in her hands.\n\n\"I'm a tinker with a specialisation in cryogenics. It's quite amazing how much use you can get out of making things cold. This though, this is my favourite.\"\n\nShe flipped the piece of metal into the air, snatching it as it reached the pinnacle of its path. She reached under the cup she was holding and pressed it against the base. A layer of water drops formed on the exterior of the cup as the moisture in the air condensed on contact.\n\n\"It cools your drink to a perfect 3 degrees and you know what's even better? It takes the heat and stores it as electrical energy that can be used to charge your phone or something. Here take one.\"\n\nShe flipped out another metallic disk towards Crane." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane looked the drino up and down as if began to instantly cool,\n\n\"Wow,\" He muttered to himself quietly.\n\n\"That's actually really cool, I wonder if you could make a version for larger jugs of even medical possibilities too.\"\n\nCrane paused for a moment with a smile under his mask, \"The wonders of tinker tech, it's a shame I can't but we get what we get.\"\n\nHe took the disk from her hand and slipped it into his back pocket, a nifty little gadget." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"So you standing here in the corner for any particular reason or is the dance floor just not your vibe? If that's the case why don't you and excuse the pun go somewhere a little cooler? There's a pretty chill lounge set up up stairs if that's more your thing.\"\n\nShe quickly finished the rest of her drink, letting out a satisfied sigh.\n\n\"Damn nothing like a nice ice cool drink to refresh you. Anyway what do you say? Wanna go to the lounge?\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane shrugged, \"I've never really been to these types of things,\" He said to her with a bit of an awkward chuckle. \"Could never really afford them before, but look where invitations can get you.\"\n\nHe nodded to her next question, \"No harm in going to the lounge for a bit, lead the way.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Cryoblast smiled, clearly happy with Cranes response. Placing her glass down on a nearby table she motioned for him to follow her through the dancing crowd. She eventually lead him to the central staircase and moved up to the next floor. Almost immediately Crane could feel the different atmosphere. People sat relaxing and having casual conversations. A group of people in the far side of the room seemed ot be waiting for what appeared to be the bathroom whilst a pair of civilians looked out a window as the spoke. Cryoblast sat down on a nearby couch and motioned for Crane to join her.\n\n\"So was just the invite that brought you here or was there something else?\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane followed as she led him through the building and crowds. Before long he found himself at the relaxed seating arrangements she had briefly mentioned earlier.\n\nHe took a seat and turned towards her, \"It was a Motivation certainly but I do have my own reasons.\" He paused for a second before speaking again, \"It would be a lie if I said I didn't want to check out my competition.\" He said to her with a chuckle." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "She nodded along as Crane responded ot her questions.\n\n\"Yeah can't really blame you for that. Its good to know who's who especially when you're new. I'm basically doing the same myself to be totally honest. Just a shame the guy I was hoping to see isn't here.\"\n\nAs she finished her sentence she turned towards the sound of an opening door as a huge seven foot woman stepped out from the bathrooms, Stoneheart. Despite their dramatic appearance Cryoblast seemed disinterested and soon turned back to Crane.\n\n\"So tell me more about you, whats with the whole bird get up. Are you a changer? Perhaps a bird controlling master?\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane looks towards her,\n\n\"Oh that's a shame, who were you waiting for?\"\n\nHe paused for a brief period awaiting her response before continuing himself.\n\n\"As for my power, I'm a thinker. I can receive information from birds. I wouldn't call it communication per say but if I'm looking for information regarding an event I can channel the birds memories of anything they've seen.\"\n\nI sigh, \"It's only really useful to gather information or scout places out but I try to train my body so I'll be okay if it comes to an actual fight.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Another tinker like me only a lot hotter. They specialise in fire tech.\"\n\nShe let out a sigh before shrugging.\n\n\"Eh oh well, he is a bit of a twat anyway. You're much more interesting. Being able to gather information like that especially in this city is really useful. Are you able to see anything they've ever seen or is it only recent memories?\"\n\nShe seem genuinely intrigued at the mechanics of Crane's 'power'. She came across as a bit of a power geek, the sort who knew more about other capes than most of those capes knew about themselves." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "\"Well I'm glad you think I'm interesting at least,\" Crane said to her with a chuckle\n\nI sighed slightly as she asked about the more in depth parts of my power, \"Well...\" I paused for a moment. \"It's not as good as it might sound, I haven't tested the time limits but the issue is I have to watch back the memories in real time.\"\n\nI paused again. \"So sure I could pick a time and date of memories to view but if I'm off by a bit I need to spend all that time waiting to find what I need. It's really... Inconvenient.\" I chuckled slightly, \"Sorry I guess that wasn't your question, the most I've tried is a few days back but I don't know what the limit is.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Well every power has its ups and downs I guess. I take it you haven't had your powers for long, as time goes on you'll find new ways to use it I'm sure. Nice neat tricks that really allow you to make the most of what you've got.\"\n\nAs she spoke Crane could see Dreadnought and Panpharmacon floated up through the stairs before heading over to a free couch. A short distance behind them the familiar red costumed Crimson Fury followed them up before heading over to wait in the queue for the bathroom." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "\"Practice makes perfect after all,\" Grunt said with a slight chuckle, a smile hidden under his mask. \"It'll take time without a doubt, but I hope I'll be able to make a name for myself. Even if it's just as a scout.\"\n\nMy head turnt, glancing towards the newly arriving heroes. \"Looks like we've got some more company,\" He stated to Cryoblast before turning back to her, \"You heard anything fun about your fellow heroes recently?\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Fun? Not really, if anything things have been rather dull if I'm being honest. Guess everyone is just prepping for the anniversary of Gold Morning. Obviously there's the whole Dreadnought Panpharmacon thing going on but that's not exactly recent. Apparently some hero going by the name of Red Talon is on trial for the murder of some drug dealer in Chinatown. Why did you have anyone in particular you were wondering about?\"\n\nAs she spoke she reached into her bag and pulled out a Diet ~~Coke~~Cola placing another small disk on the bottom of it causing water to condense up the side of the can. Pulling the tab to open it she took a quick swig before continuing to speak.\n\n\"I don't blame you for being curious after all I was most curious about who you were considering I'd never heard of you until now.\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane's head slowly turned towards her, \"Huh, What?\" He let out an awkward chuckle. \"I must've missed that Red Talon news but I mean... With a name like Red Talon* We can't be too surprised.\"\n\nCrane gradually glanced around the room as he spoke with Cryoblast. \"Hmm, I'm not sure\" He'd say to her, motioning to the surrounding room. \"What about the people in here? What's his name.. The guy in red?\" Crane asked questioningly vaguely pointing towards Crimson Cock's direction.\n\n\"And with any hope, you'll be hearing more of me in time.\" Crane exclaimed, followed by some finger guns towards her." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Cryoblast turned to look at the man in question, she seemed to linger on him for a while before turning back to crane.\n\n\"Oh that's Crimson Fury, he and his sister have a dynamic duo thing going on. He makes a big show in front of villains whilst glowing all red and then his sister swoops in from fuck knows where and takes them out. Can't deny they do some good work, just the other week they sent this kid villain to the Tower who had been starting his own drug operation. During the trial he revealed his fucking identity! Can you believe that?\"\n\nShe laughed before taking another swig of her drink. She turned to look back at Crimson Fury as she leant back into the chair. The red costumed cape took another step closer to the bathroom.\n\n\"Anyway turns out he's the kid of some big shot CEO. Dumb kid for sure.\"\n\nShe seemed to catch the finger guns and chuckled. Raising her free hand she returned the gesture.\n\n\"Well I hope so.\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane listened carefully for a few moments before gazing across the room towards Crimson Fury in the bathroom queue. He paused for a moment before inhaling with an audible Wince.\n\n\"Yikes...\" Crane exlaimed plainly. \"So.. Not only is he basically a big red warning light who lets his sister do all the work\" He hesitated for a moment, \"Without a doubt he's gonna have a tough time putting his identity out there and the ceo thing?! He's practically asking for a target on his back.\"\n\nCrane brang his hand up, face palming at it all. \"I know its improper to judge but he may need to consider hanging up his costume. He'll have a tough life ahead of him as a hero.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Now I wouldn't say that. The reason it works so well is because if they stop focusing entirely on him he utterly destroys them. Considering they often don't even see his sister they tend to focus on the threat right in front of them.\"\n\nAs she spoke a beep could be heard coming from her arm. She raised it in front of her face and pressed a small button hidden in her glove. As soon as she did a holographic display appeared.\n\n\"Ah well it turns out he's just arrived. I'm gonna go down and greet my fiery friend but be sure to say by before you go!\"\n\nShe jumped up from the seat and quickly moved towards the stairs turning to head down them." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane chuckled in response to her comment, \"I suppose it's not the worst tactic when you put it like that, but none the less its certainly not a method I would personally want to use.\"\n\nI nodded and gave a wave goodbye, \"I'll be sure to come say hello before I head out. Have a good day.\" I smiled as she got up and beforel ong I was sitting alone once again in the room.\n\nI stood from my chair and made my way to the side of the room, closest to the staircase, and waited for a short while. I watched Crimson Fury as I planned to follow him after he exited the bathroom, with any luck I could seclude him once again later in the party." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Moving over to the side of the room Crane leant against the wallk next to a window giving him a clear view of both the line to the bathroom and the outside area where he had entered the party a short while ago. He would have looked quite anti social were it not for his new costume giving him the mysterious brooding stranger vibe.\n\nAs Crane stood there waiting the queue for the bathroom came and went and Crimson Fury walked back towards the stairs. He paused at the top, looking around the room before moving down, slowly disappearing from view." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane watched as Crimson Fury descended the stairs, and he waited a moemnt before calmly following the route downwards. As he descended into the lower floor he quietly jogged up to Crimson Fury before giving him a tap on the back.\n\n\"Crimson Fury right?\" He Said with a smile, \"My friend Cryoblast was just telling me all about you. How would you like to go somewhere quiet and chat for a bit? I've heard the view from the tower is quite nice.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Huh?\"\n\nCrimson Fury turned to look at Crane. His face was mostly concealed under a visor but his mouth was still visible, the slight movement of his lips betraying they surprise he was supressing.\n\n\"She did, did she? Well you have me at a disadvantage then because I'm sorry to so but I've got no idea who you are. Anyway a chat would be good. It's always helpful to learn about other up and coming capes. You know what they say, it's not what you know, it's who you know!\"\n\nHis hand moved up to the side of his head where he tapped a button on his visor.\n\n\"Just gonna talk to this new cape. I'll be in the tower if you need me.\"\n\nHe tapped the side of his visor once again before smirking.\n\n\"Let's go, the tower will give us some good views so I'll be able to point out some trouble spots I've found.\"\n\nHe turned and began to walk through the crowded building heading towards the ground floor entrance to the tower." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane smiled, he'd be even more surprised in a little while for sure. It made him feel a little bad seeing that he wasn't a total prick but what could he do? Jobs a job after all. \n\nCrane chuckled slightly, \"I didn't say I was a new cape!\" He smirked, \"For all you know I could just be really stealthy and that's why you don't know me.\"\n\nWith a smile Crane followed Crimson Fury step by step. His little radio communication might be an issue but as long as he died before he activated it there wasn't a thing to worry about." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Well you're either the highest rated stranger around or a new cape. That being said you must have made an impact if you were invited here.\"\n\nHe weaved through the crowd heading down another flight of stairs until both capes were back on the ground floor in amongst the crowd. Walking through the group you soon come to a door. Crimson Fury reached down opening the door, as he did another cape seemed to be heading down the tower stairs pausing as he looked at Crane. He wore a visor so his eyes weren't visible but it felt as though he was staring.\n\nHis costume was comprised of several yellow armour plates on top of a white bodysuit. On his chest a large eye was depicted but there was a clock where the pupil should have been. This was the Vanguard Cape Deja Vu.\n\n\"Oh excuse us.\"\n\nCrimson Fury stepped to the side and allowed him to pass." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane released a stifled chuckle at Crimson Fury's comment. \"I do what I can, hey maybe it's not as much as some other capes but it's better than nothing. \" He said calmly, a smile spread across his face.\n\nHe took a step backwards as Deja Vu appeared from the door and gave him a small bow. \"Have a good evening Deja Vu, I would just Love To speak to you later if you get a chance.\" Crane exclaimed with a nice, wide smile mounted upon his face. \n\nHis eyes followed him, allowing him to leave without issue. And with any luck he would do just that. Leave without causing any issues." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Deja Vu looked at crane for a few moments before moving through the door without comment. Fury just looked confused as he left, he turned towards Crane.\n\n\"Well that was a little strange, never seen him act like that before. Usually he's a bit more chatty. Eh oh well quick up here, then I can explain the cities layout properly.\"\n\nHe turned away from Crane and began to bound up the stairs, taking two steps at a time as he ascended higher and higher." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane shrugged in response, \"Maybe I came off too strong?\" He'd say with a chuckle, \"I'm a bit of a fan from what I'd seen about him what can I say?\" He chuckled slight and smiled, looking up towards Crimson Fury, \"Whatever it is I hope they can chill out upstairs or something, we all want to enjoy the night after all.\"\n\nHe continued moving upstairs calmly, step by step he followed Crimson Fury to the top. As they reached the tip of the tower Crane waited just a moment, his hand on his waist, just a moment to relax and for the movement of Crimson to stop as he with any luck admired the view. And then in one sweet moment his hand gripped his pistol firmly, aimed the barrel in silence and finally. Shot him in the head. The bullet aimed to kill him cleanly, avoiding windows." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Yeah maybe.\"\n\nThe two capes climbed up the tower reaching the top without any issue. Once on the top floor Crimson Fury pointed out of one of the windows indicating a series of apartments by the waterfront.\n\n\"So tha-\"\n\nThere was a snap in the air as Crane pulled the trigger. In a fraction of a second so much happened. A hole formed in the back of Fury's head as the bullet entered, but at that instant his entire body glowed red as a crimson energy seemed layer itself over him. His power might have activated but his body collapsed to the ground. As he lay there blood began to pool and his body clearly lacked control." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane swallowed heavily, this wasn't ideal by any means but he had to try and finish him off somehow. He would likely die in time but with healers about there was no good in risking it. \n\nCrane had one hope, that this shitty barrier simply stopped impacts. He placed a hand either side of Crimson Fury's head and tried to spin it like a beyblade. Some powers had flaws like these and Crane hoped his was one of them, they may stop impacts and attacks but a simple non forceful touch, some powers let that through.\n\nIt hadn't been any more than a minute, 30 seconds even. He had time and this would get done. One way or another." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Reaching down and grasping either side of the hero's head Crane could see the mans eyes faintly through the visor. They were looking right at Cranes eyes conveying a single thought.\n\n'Why?'\n\nCrane's hands tingled as the held the crimson energy, it felt as though he was trying to force two similar magnetic poles together. Still it was enough to get a grip and with a twist and a crunch the energy faded and his body went limp. For a moment the night was quiet as the world stood still." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane winced both physically and mentally as his hands grasped each side of his head, his eyes glanced down and mouth opened, returning a simple message.\n\n\"I'm sorry, sleep well.\"\n\nWith that he had to move and quick. Crane rushed back down the stairs, fast but not Too Fast and moved his way to the crowds. He had to find Sinsonte and quick." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Crimson Fury's body lay still as his assassin rushed down the stairs, slowing as he approached the door leading back into the crowded room. Opening it and stepping through the sudden change of atmosphere was almost shocking. The eerie silence of the tower post murder had been replaced with the sound of casual conversation with a musical background.\n\nImmediately cranes eyes were drawn to the familiar figure of Deja Vu talking with Dreadnought and Panpharmacon. His head clearly turning to look at Crane as he re-entered the room. He didn't do anything else though and Crane was able to move through the Gala undisturbed. About halfway back to the entrance where he had seen Sinsonte earlier a sudden shout interrupted the music.\n\n\"WHERE IS HE? WHERE IS MY BROTHER?\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane did not turn, he did not look back nor did he even acknowledge the shout coming from the scarlet bitch. He couldn't afford to linger and sit about as the enraged cape was more likely than not trying to hunt him down. \n\nDeja Vu alone was enough of a pain for Crane to want to rush out of here let alone the pair of them. He tucked his head downwards and slipped through the crowds towards Sinsonte. He moved fast but not Too Fast, a hasty speed which wouldn't cast any suspicion upon him.\n\nHe needed a diversion, plain and simple. Sinsonte was the one who could pull it off.\n\n\"Tower. Cause a scene.\" \n\nA simple phrase, a simple instruction. He just needed to get to her and say it then her role would take the stage." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Seeing the shouting cape Deja Vu immediately approached her, holding them by their arms as he spoke to her. A few moments passed before he pointed in the direction of the tower and began to take her.\n\nAll the while Crane didn't stop moving back towards the entrance of the Gala where he had last seen Sinsonte. He found the man where he had been the last time, standing guard at the door with another guard seemingly paying no attention to the shouting inside the building." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane ignored the commotion commencing a ways behind him and simply moved towards Sinsonte. \n\n\"Tower, cause a scene, I'm out\" He uttered quietly, and then he began to walk. Away from the shouting, away from the building. Straight to the nearest alleyway he could find and from there it would be to one of the Songbird's many secret entrances.\n\nHe'd have to return to the others to report on the situation after all, and most importantly receive payment." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The man simple smiled before following Crane a short distance before ducking into a side street. He leant up against the wall, raising a finger to motion silence towards Crane. His whole body seemed to shift, clothing turning a shimmering bronze plate as Excalibur stood in where Sinsonte once was. Quickly turning, his cape bellowed behind him as he ran towards the Gala.\n\nAs Crane gained more and more distance he was unable to see but he could hear shouts of alarm and distress. Cleary his ally was doing good work as the voices became more and more distant." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "A grin flashed across Crane's face as he saw his colleague begin to move into position. Each power in this city had a use and theirs' was about to excel in but a few moments. Crane dusted of his cloak as a touch of smugness embered within him, It wasn't perhaps as clean as he had wished but it was a step above him dead.\n\nHe continued his walk through streets, his face graduating from a brisk walk to a sprint as he left the view of any passerbys. His route was simple and clear, one of the many hidden Songbird enterances within the city, once he made it there he would be home free." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "It didn't take long for the Crane to find a hidden entrance to the Songbirds tunnel system. Marked only by a small innocuous scratch, anyone else would pass by without a second thought. As crane approached though the brick that bore the mark split apart revealing a hand scanner. He was home free. At that moment his phone vibrated in his pocket. If he took it out he would see the following message.\n\n'Contract Complete. £10,000 transferred to your account.'" } ]	122	7,147
187.785714	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "victoriadallon", "message": "__Equipment__\nCash: £50\nPhone\n\n\nMakeshift Armour (Metal Plates attached to exterior of costume covering Chest/Back, Arms and Legs) \n\n__RP__\n\nEmily looked at the mirror in front of her, darks bags under her eyes a result of the lack of sleep over the past few days. Despite everything she tried she just couldn't settle down to rest and so she found herself here. Perhaps doing something would finally exhaust her enough she had no choice but to sleep.\n\nLetting out a sigh she reached up and moved her hair out of her face. Picking up the motorcycle helmet from the counter to her side she placed it over her head. Emily was gone, Aeternitas stood in her place. She turned and left the bathroom, walking out into the open streets of New London.\n\nShe sat on one of the many benches that dotted the perimeter of Moonlight Plaza, her eyes peeled for any sign of the other cape she had agreed to meet. He went by the name Juggernaut and she could only hope he lived up to the name. She wasn't exactly the most effective in combat." }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "The sun... So bright.\n\nErik was on his way towards the plaza to meet with the other cape on the lookout, but he wasn't the best when it came to meeting new people. It was not uncommon for people to be intimidated by his size, however stupid that was. \n\nEmily would watch a hulking man turn the corner in front of her, before coming to face her. *\"Are you...\" Looking back at her name, it was sort of hard to pronounce. He didn't want to butcher it and seem like an idiot, so he hoped she recognized him as another cape." }, { "author": "victoriadallon", "message": "Seeing the man who she could only assume was the cape she was meeting approaching her Aeternitas stood up and walked a short distance to meet him.\n\n\"Am I... Aeternitas?\" She made sure to say each syllable slowly. \"Why yes I am! You must be Juggernaut? I have to say you look different to what I expected.\"\n\nShe rested one hand on her hip as her head cocked to the side slightly. What Juggernaut was like in action would be interesting to see, hopefully he was as tough as what little she could find about him online implied.\n\n\"So what's our game plan?\"" }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "Erik nodded in agreement, most people said that. The name Juggernaut demands someone of large size, only he's lacking in bulk. \"Well, if someone starts any trouble I'll put 'em down.\" His voice was stern, showing how serious he was. Nothing was going to be condoned in his presence, especially from shitty criminals. \n\nNot much happened in this area, so they would probably have to keep moving around to stop any crime from happening. Should they walk? That would be very time consuming... \n\nTaking a few steps back from Aeternitas, his body would slowly begin to float upwards off the ground. \"It's more effective to be in the air, and look down from a vantage point. I usually patrol by myself, but maybe ya want to experience flight.\" He reached out a hand, his face still. Would she accept his offer?" }, { "author": "victoriadallon", "message": "Aeternitas shrugged before reaching out and taking Juggernauts hand. Flying sounded cool as hell and its not like she was ever going to be able to fly herself. Although she could lie she was slightly concerned he may drop her. Oh well cross that bridge when they came to it.\n\n\"Well how could I say no to a flight? Anyway, since you are the one flying you can take the lead and I'll follow. Or, be carried along I guess? Sound good?\"" }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "To her surprise, or maybe not, Erik lifted her high into the air alongside him. Once they reached an altitude worthy of flight, he would place himself flat in the air. Why? It would be super uncomfortable to be dragged around in the air by her arm. She could just sit on his back and act as if he was some sort of air-vehicle. \n\n \"I hope this doesn't make you uncomfortable. I'm not keen on pulling your arm from it's socket Haha.\" With that, he would start travelling the districts. The speed at which he flew wasn't great, so it would allow the other cape to safely accompany Juggernaut." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "As the two begin to fly around, something is almost immediately amiss. Flashes of bright light, barely noticeable in the glare of the sun from below, are clearly visible in the air. They come from an alley way between some fancy restaurant and hotels along the south side of the road. \n\nUpon further investigation, it's not just flashes of light, it was beams, and sometimes.. The absense of light entirely. Then there were the nearly missed growls and whimpers of a beast or animal, hissing like from a serpentine creature. Something was in trouble, and no one was around to catch it." }, { "author": "victoriadallon", "message": "Aeternitas' head turned in the directions of the light. A sigh escaping her lips as she watched what was unmistakably a cape battle. She had been hoping for some kind of petty thievery or perhaps a mugging? Not whatever this hellscape looked like. Still, it was happening and what sort of person would she be if she tried to avoid it.\n\n\"Hey, Juggernaut? That looks pretty intense down there. We should probably be cautious if we are going down there. Maybe drop me off a little bit further away so you aren't having to carry me whilst being shot at by lasers?\"\n\nSure that would mean it took longer for her get there on foot, but she was also pretty sure Juggernaut could probably dodge better if he wasn't being forced to carry her." }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "With the flashes of light reaching him, he could not ignore them. \n\n In response to what Aeternitas said, he would slowly drop in altitude until they were now a few feet from the ground. After she climbed off, he would reposition himself in the air accordingly. Now upright, his body raised farther into the sky with each second that passed. \"I'll head over there and get a read on the situation. Approach, but with caution. I'll keep them distracted, so let's figure what the hell is going on.\" Erik could only assume it was two villains, or simply two people with that kind of strength fighting sll willy nilly, no thought for the world around them.\n\n As someone with his powers, he could understand how entertaining it was; but as someone who's worked in contracting, STOP BEING SO DAMN INCONSIDERATE. Building houses, markets, and other random buildings took time and resources. If only there was a cape out there who could heal buildings. \n\n His body propelled itself as fast as possible, moving up into the sky before arcing towards the direction of the disturbance." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "With his new vantage point, the scene before juggernaut was a little clearer. A Civilian and A cape with a pure white visage, shimmering brightly even in the day light cornering a Chimera of sorts.. No, THEE Chimera, in a cross section of alleways deep between the buildings. Locals in the area seem to have not caught on _just_ yet, but clearly one has, as he's stood there watching the fight from the side lines.\n\nThe cape, Possibly recognized by the two as the Nova Imperium cape Solaris, Is Hover a few feet off the ground, forming an area of pure blotted out darkness around her as she drains all light from the surrounding to finish the clearly try and finish off her opponent, Chimera, Who is bleeding profusely from several gashes and severe cuts all along her scaly body, her wings blown to pieces, one of her snake heads slumped over her shoulder, and the other a head of a lion with a badly singed face, barely able to keep it's eyes open. Her scorpion tail is still functional, but it truly can't do much but weigh her down it seems as she collapses to the floor in front of Solaris.\n\nThings look... _Dire_.\n\n\nAeternitas on the other hand had to weave through sides of shops, and the alleys that lead to their backsides, with some staff from nearby establishments barely poking their heads out as they hear the commotion while they take their mid shift breaks. \n\nShe gets pelted with the usual 'hey is that a cape?' and 'what's going on?', picking up on the murmurs of the people as the path before her thinned and widened with narrow passage ways and small lots with dumpsters and bike racks.\n\nThe only thing she could catch as she got closer to the end of a narrow pathway was the visage of chimera in her bloody and beaten State, the cape's eyes dully turning its attention towards her almost as a plea for help, though her body could do naught but struggle in the face of her opponent." }, { "author": "victoriadallon", "message": "As soon as she was dropped Aeternitas broke into a sprint towards the capes. She wasn't quite as fast as she could be out of costume but considering what she had just seen happening she was grateful for the extra armour. As she got closer one question ran through her mind, did she asks the cape in question permission or did she just heal them? If she asked it would give the Nazi time to attack her but permission was important, right?\n\nNo, there wasn't enough time to ask. Running as fast as she could she reached for the monstrous cape and prepared to use her power. She didn't need to use her power for long, these injuries are new and even a fraction of a second would be enough. Hopefully, Juggernaut will cover her from any actual threat, it would be really inconvenient if a laser beam took her out as she was healing." }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "His vision allowed him better insight into the situation, two confirmed capes duking it out in publicx. Or so it seemed. Seeing Aeternitas dash towards the Chimera in order to heal them, prompted him to act as well. \n\nNow above them, he descended. Erik's body raced towards Solaris with as much force as possible. In the split second that he was still above the ground - his feet not yet touching the floor - the trio would see something very...Interesting. Erik's base form was optimal for close-quarters combat against regular people, it is incredibly well-proportioned, gained from his extensive exercises and weight-lifting. Anyway, Aeternitas was somewhat familiar with his appearance, but that soon writhed and contorted in a eerie way to something wholly unbeknownst to her. \n\nHis feet slammed into the ground - he hoped to use this as a distraction as well as a show of strength. A crater left in his wake. \n\nArms, torso, legs, and even his neck. They grew big and wide, his muscle fibers interwoven many times over for this desired effect. What was once a normal looking man, was now a monster stretching Erik's form to compensate. \"Get the fuck back. I won't ask again.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Well isn't this quite the development\" The man in silver robes commented, pulling himself from his lean on a nearby brick wall. What was he doing here again, shouldn't he be running?\n\nSolaris her self haven't given the capes a second thought as she let the energy fly from her, a wide beam of singeing white light smacking into Juggernaut with intense force and heat enough to knock anyone else down the entire length of the alley in an instant. She didn't, rather, couldn't respond to him in time as she was already beginning to fire at the pair behind him.\n\n\"Barbarians come to save the beast, How typical! But ah, you're no capes I've ever seen, what are your names?\" The civilian spoke again, watching the brute step between the laser and the newly minted Chimera and her supporting Aeternitas." }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "What was that voice ringing out? A man? \n\nWhatever.\n\n Erik was immediately met with firepower usually not dealt with, attempting to consume himself and the others behind him. Bracing for the impact, he placed his arms alongside each other horizontally while growing super thick pads of mineral over his forearms. This was another set of his ability, which allowed him to grow armor Organically Over his body. \n\nIf the beam ceased to be, and all was well. The following seconds would show the hulking figure - now with even larger looking forearms - dashing forward before slamming both of his arms down upon Solaris in an attempt to incapacitate her. \n\n\"JUGGERNAUT STRIKE.\"" } ]	172	2,629
105.839286	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would walk forth under the cover of nightfall, before long he was to reach the electronics store they had chosen as a target.\n\nApex was following shortly behind him and although it wasn't an ideal target for himself there was no harm in being owed a favour or so." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Apex walked a short distance behind the so called handyman. It was a strange name but who was she to question it. Still it did make her wonder just what his power was, he had never actually explained it to her. No doubt she would see it in action soon enough.\n\nAs she moved she checked her mask was secure before the pair of them arrived at their destination. She couldn't risk anyone seeing her actual identity, not until she was more enhanced anyway. Now it was time to see just how secure this building was." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "While the two villains travelled towards their target, they could hear sirens in the distance. It didn't seem as though the noise was headed towards them. Likely it was just another crime being carried out somewhere else in the city.\n\nThe building they were headed towards happened to be two stories large, which would be odd normally, but many of the shops around the area seemed to be converted homes. \n\nAbove the door of the shop was a large sign that read \"Fixit Zone\". The lights seemed to be out throughout the entire building. The front entrance was double glass doors, which made it easy to see into the shop. The floor of the shop had four aisles filled with shelves that were stocked with computers - likely ones that the shop had fixed up on their own time to resell. In the back of the shop there was a cash register on a counter, and a door leading into a backroom.\n\nAbove the counter was a clearly visible camera, though it seemed to be pointed down towards the counter instead of towards the entrance." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Skills : Hacking, Stealth, Lockpicking\n\nWith his skills prepped and his nerves calmed The Handyman would look for somewhere to take a few moments and kneel down,\n\nHe would turn to Apex, \"I'm gonna see if I can connect to the network remotely, maybe take down their security systems.\"\n\nHe would drag out his laptop from his bag and get to work, with his power he was an expert. There would more than likely be a way to access the systems." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Approaching the glass of the store she would peer into the shop interior. It wasn't exactly filled with combat grade gear but she was sure she could make something out of it all. Just had to wait for her new partner to prove he is more than just words. Turning to look at him she couldn't really believe he actually had his laptop with him.\n\n\"How long is that going to take?\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Despite trying to find something to connect to on his laptop, there didn't seem to be anything. Whatever security network the shop had was either nonexistent, or hidden from outside connections.\n\nFor now it seemed that no one had noticed the two, though the sirens could still be heard in the far distance." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "\"Huh,\" The Handyman would mutter to himself, closing his laptop and putting it back into his bag.\n\n\"Must be a physical system inside or something,\" He would say, standing up once again.\n\n\"Back door? What do you say.\" He asks, looking towards Apex." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Reaching under her top Apex pulled out her pistol and racked the slide, a 9mm round entering the chamber.\n\n\"We could do that, or we could just go through and get out before they catch us. It's up to you really, if you want to try and waste time I'll go along with it.\"\n\nShe was perfectly happy to go round the back but if she was being honest she wasn't too sure if that was much better than going in the back. After all they were planning to loot the whole place either way." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "\"If we smash in the front alarms will be triggered, the police will come in minutes,\"\n\nWhilst the Handyman could brute force it, what was the point when there were far better ways?\n\n\"If we go round the back and get in without alarm we can take our sweet time looting, more time is more profit.\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "She smirked behind her mask at the suggestion the police would be here quickly. She had done far worse things than broken into a shop and they didn't bat an eye. If that was what he wanted though she would trust his opinion. Arguing was too much effort.\n\n\"Fine then, let's go round the back then. Follow me.\"\n\nMaking sure the safety was on she slid her gun back into her waistband before beginning to walk around to the rear of the building. Ut was a bit of a roundabout trip but in the grand scheme of things it wasn't actually too far." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "The rear of the building was fairly uninteristing - a simple metal door led into the back of the shop. There wasn't even any indication that it was the correct shop if they weren't paying attention. The back door had a simple looking lock above the handle that the Handyman knew he'd be able to pick with little issue." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would meander over to the door, kneeling on the floor and taking out his lockpicks.\n\nHe would insert his picks into the lock, letting his shard guide him as he began to work.\n\n\"This shouldn't take long.\" He would say to Apex," }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"Good.\"\n\nLeaving the 'skilled' work to the Handyman Apex would turn away and keep a look out for any nosey individuals making their way over. The last thing they needed now was some unwanted attention. That would mean finding somewhere to dump a body and that was just extra work she didn't want to do right now. Especially with an amateur with her." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "As far as Apex could tell, there wasn't anyone snooping into their business. The lock on the other hand seemed incredibly easy to pick - though it wasn't surprising considering the state of everything.\n\nJust as he started to open the door however, he heard an out of place click.\n\nThe door opened into the main backroom of the repair shop. There was a staircase that led upwards, a door to the front, and a door to some other room. The room that they were currently in seemed to be the main room where work was done - there were multiple repair stations with partially built PCs on them. There were stacks of parts in different boxes throughout the room." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would let out a sigh as he heard the click,\n\n\"Get started Apex, let me know if you find the security systems.\"\n\nHe would enter the room and begin inspecting around the door, he would switch out his hacking skill to robbery as he did. \n\n\"I think soemthing might have be triggered, I'll let you know if I find anything.\"\n\nHe would specifically search for any mechanisms or security features which may have been activated, the click indicated something of the sort after all." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Walking into the door Apex didn't delay. She immediately began to search for the highest quality components in this place. She wasn't just limited on time but also on space. It would be a waste to fill up her bag with cheap basic components.\n\n\"We won't be here long anyway. Let's just grab what we can then get the fuck out of here. I cannot be assed to deal with assholes at the moment.\"\n\nShe knew they should have just gone straight in, they had achieved almost nothing by coming in this way but oh well. They've done it now. Time to start filling up her bag." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Not much information could be gained while Handyman's power was charging up, other than there being some sort of alarm trigger on the door.\n\nAfter getting a greater understanding however, it became clear to him after a bit of poking around to find that it was different than normal. The security system clearly wasn't some normal store bought thing. Instead, the trigger on the door seemed to have sent a radio signal to somewhere.\n\nMeanwhile Apex started to snatch up as much tech as she could. Conveniently, everything she could possibly want was already split up into boxes that she could just dump into a bag.\n\nThe two could hear the sound of movement upstairs, along with muffled voices." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "\"Ah fuck me.\"\n\nThe Handyman would rush over to Apex and begin throwing things into his bag,\n\n\"Lets just get things and go,\" He would say turning to her,\n\nHe would attempt to prioritize high value goods he could identify with his robbery skill and would retrieve his knife from his bag, storing it within his belt for easy access.\n\nHe would swap out his stealth skill for knife fighting as he looted. Yaknow, just in case." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"What do you think I'm doing. I'm just gonna grab everything I can it's up to you if you want to stay longer or not.\"\n\nAt this point Apex just grabbed as much as she could from the shelves. She for one wasn't that bothered about having to kill a few more people but she figured her partner might be adverse to that.\n\n\"You say when we leave, I can always get more stuff elsewhere.\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Even with everything being neatly organized, it still took a short while to gather up everything. After around a minute both of them had completely packed bags that were surprisingly heavy. Luckily, it didn't seem as though whoever was upstairs was intent on stopping the two villains.\n\nIn fact, the only indication of them doing anything was the clicking of locks up the stairs - as though whoever was up there was instead locking themselves away rather than starting a confrontation.\n\nIn the distance, both Apex and the Handyman could hear what sounded like the soft crackling of electricity coming from the direction of the street." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "\"The alarm tripped, looked like a radio signal.\"\n\nThe Handyman would zip up his bag and hoist it over his back,\n\n\"Let's go, out the back or smash through the front? I hear something out the front way I think.\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"Yup, let's fucking go.\"\n\nApex turned and headed towards the door they came in through. She would stop before running out though, there was no harm in being cautious especially in a world filled with capes. Slowly she peaked out the door, looking either side of it then up to the sky to make sure no one was perched above it. That wouldn't be the strangest thing that has happened to her." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "The soft crackling sound started to grow louder, as though it was coming closer, now on the rooftop. Now that it was closer, it was possible to tell that it would die down in volume before suddenly going back to normal.\n\nRaindrops landed down on Apex's face as she stared straight up into the sky. As far as she could tell, there wasn't anyone around, but there was an odd red light coming from the rooftop. The heavy bags made it more difficult to run for long periods of time, but it probably wouldn't affect how fast they could go in bursts." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would follow Apex as she began to exit the building,\n\n\"That's a cape for fucking sure.\"\n\nHe would let out a sigh before scanning the area with his eyes, seeing where they could run to.\n\n\"We should get moving, probably best to stick to alleyways to lose \nThem if they try to follow,\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"Mr Handyman, take this bag we'll meet up later.\" \n\nApex slid the bag off and handed to her partner in crime. Taking out her handgun she flipped the safety before sprinting outside a short distance away before turning and aiming the gun at the roof.\n\n\"Get the fuck down here who ever you are. I wont warn you again.\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "There was a short pause as the sound of crackling seemed to slowly fade away.\n\nAnd then suddenly it started again. Apex could just barely make out a body appearing above her and off to the side on the rooftop, before it seemed to fade away and jump multiple times. It was as though they were teleporting a very short distance rapidly, with each instance connected by a trailing red energy that crackled with power.\n\nThey stopped as they reached the ground, turning towards Apex and Handyman.\n\nShe wore a black and red outfit that looked badly damaged, as though she had just come from a fight straight here. Her cape was singed, burnt halfway, while her somewhat avian mask had a large crack going through it. At her side was a sheathed katana.\n\n\"...Look, I really don't have the patience for whatever this is. This place is under our protection. You don't want to make an enemy out of the Top Hats. Drop the shit you stole and we can forget this ever happened. Otherwise...\" She said warningly as she reached down, grabbing her weapon threateningly. Despite looking badly damaged, she didn't carry herself as though she was particularly injured." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would look both directions scanning for the best route out,\n\nAn moment filled with tension would pass as the Handyman stood in silence watching, and then he made his move. \n\nHe would look towards the neareast alleyway and dash towards it away from the cape, Apex would hopefully hold them for long enough. He just had to run with all his might for now, the bags would slow him down but if he got to the alleyway in a burst he would have an opportunity to rest before continuing." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Reaching into her pocket Apex pulled out her mobile phone quickly dialling in 999. Her plan was an interesting one that's for sure.\n\n\"HELP SHE'S TRYING TO KILL US! We saw her break into Fixit Zone, black costume red cape and a sword! PLEASE SEND HELP!\"\n\nShe then held her phone near the gun before firing a shot(9/10) and shocking her phone destroying it. Hopefully that would get them sending someone over.\n\n\"How about you go fuck yourself. Why do you do as those Larpers say? The top hats are nothing more than common thugs.\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "The cape's attention was brought to the Handyman as he ran out and headed down the opposite direction. It would be quite far before he'd be able to turn into an alley, due to the nature of how the buildings were arranged.\n\nThe sound of the phone call brought her attention back to Apex.\n\nThe caped stared at Apex for a moment, disbelieving as she heard the phone call.\n\n\"You've got to be fucking KIDDING me!\" She shouted out before suddenly drawing her katana and slicing with one motion. Mid slice her body turned back into the same red energy, shooting right for Apex. The cape's body flickered into existence twice for just a moment before flickering out and continuing to travel." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would spin his body briefly drawing his knife and throwing it towards the red energy with a flick, With his shard engraining the knowledge into his body it was something he should manage to do.\n\nWith the flick of his wrist he would turn around once again, continuing to run to the best of his ability." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Apex didn't know exactly what this capes power was even if she did have a vague idea. This mass of red energy seemed to be some kind of teleport which meant it would probably be quite difficult to hit. With that in mind she decided there was no point in trying to be precise, instead she would try and rely on simple volume of fire to deal with this ass of a cape.\n\n\"Do I look like a comedian?\"\n\nShe pointed her pistol at the incoming read blur and began to fire rapidly unleashing a barrage of 5 9mm rounds(4/10) towards the caped prick." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Apex and the mystery cape seemed to be around the same size. That, combined with the fact that the cape was teleporting to be directly in front of Apex, meant that it was next to impossible for the knife through to hit her without first going through Apex. Instead, the knife sailed by where she used to be.\n\nThe cape appeared right in front of Apex as she brought her gun upwards. For a moment it seemed like they would trade blows - the mysterious cape slashing through Apex's stomach, while Apex shot her full of holes in return.\n\nBut then the next moment the cape was teleporting again. This time, off to the side of Apex. The blade of the katana sliced through Apex's side about half an inch deep. Blood immediately coated the tip of the blade as she turned both her blade and her body, swinging both the blade with both hands as she attempted to cut right through the back of Apex's leg." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "One though would enter The Handyman's mind as he saw the events uncurl. Fuck that.\n\nHe would continue running away, once again moving towards the nearest alleyway to escape." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Turning to face her attacker she swung her gun hand low to intercept the blade before it hit her leg. Hopefully her pistol would block the blade but if not her arm would. That was the sacrifice she would have to make now. Of course she could just teleport away again to avoid what Apex was about to attempt.\n\nAs one arm moved low to block the katana her other hand thrust towards the enemy cape as she attempted to make contact and shock her. The bitch would need luck to teleport whilst her entire nervous system was fried with some high voltage current." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "As the Handyman ran, an alleyway opened up to his right, going off to the next street.\n\nThe blade skittered across the gun, it's momentum slowing, before slicing deep into Apex's arm. Blood immediately started to pour out from the wound. The cape didn't seem particularly focused on Apex's hidden shock weapon, only trying to lean out of the way instead of teleporting entirely.\n\nA moment later Apex made contact, shocking the cape. They winced in pain, letting out a quiet scream, before suddenly teleporting again.\n\nThis time they ended up reappearing about five feet off the ground, still trembling from being shocked as they fell to the ground with a thud. They groaned in pain as they tried to slowly lift themselves up off of the ground." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would turn to his right, dashing down the alleyway which had opened up.\n\nApex would probably be fine, they would meet up afterwards anyways." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Apex took her left hand a reached over to her gun. Her right arm was useless now anyway. Aiming at the trembling cape she smiled behind her mask.\n\n\"Nice knowing you.\"\n\nShe squeezed the trigger four times emptying the mag in the direction of the twitching cape. As soon as the slide locked back due to the lack of rounds she would lay the extremely hot barrel of the weapon across the cuts in her arm to cauterise the wounds. She did surgery on herself without anaesthesia surely this wouldn't be that bad. Couldn't be worse than what her dad did to her." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Just before the sound of Apex's shots went off, the crackling began again. The cape teleported away, towards the direction of the Handyman, before reappearing and skidding across the ground a few feet away.\n\n\"Fuck! I'm not bulletproof you bitch!\" She shouted out in annoyance before hopping up to her feet and then continuing to teleport on her way towards The Handyman. Occasionally she could be seen reappearing and limping for a short while before again teleporting.\n\nThe blood from Apex's wound continued to flow out readily, with some of the flesh of her arm looking like it could be peeled off. She felt her consciousness starting to fade as warmth flowed out of her.\n\nAs The Handyman continued his escape, he could hear the sound of crackling electricity rapidly approaching." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Oh fuck, oh fuck. The Handyman would think to himself, hearing as the crackling began to approach him.\n\nHe would attempt to pick up the pace trying to sprint to the end of the alleyway, it would surely end soon. If he could reach the end of the alleyway he would turn left sprinting down the street, it was important to switch directions often and change routes to avoid being followed. \n\nHe would begin to swap his knife fighting skill for fist fighting, he doubt it would get done in time but what could he do." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"Fuck this.\"\n\nSitting down on the ground she began to take off her belt before wrapping it around her arm a couple times. Then she grit her teeth as she pulled it as tight as she possibly could before locking it in place. It was makeshift and would almost certainly result in the loss of her arm but oh well, it was better than bleeding out all over the place.\n\nAs soon as that was done she would begin to attempt to reload her pistol one handed. It would probably be a bit difficult but she needed to help Mr Handyman. From what she had seen of his ability he would be next to useless in combat." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Despite The Handyman's attempt to outrun a teleporter, the sound of crackling continued to get closer and closer until it was just behind him. He heard the sound of a sword being unsheathed and swung in a single motion.\n\nApex's impromptu tourniquet seemed to work just fine, slowing down the leaking of blood dramatically. Despite that, she still felt light headed, and it was difficult to load more than a single bullet into the magazine with her one usable hand. A small pool of blood was underneath her at this point." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would leap forward onto the ground in front of him, hoping to avoid the impending slash coming his way.\n\nHe would swiftly muster himself to his feet once again, grasping the bags on his shoulders and attempting to fling them at the cape." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Her bleeding now stemmed and a round in the chamber she stood up and began moving in the direction of The Handyman and their crazed attacker. She could risk losing out on her technology not now she needed it to repair her arm. She only had one bullet to use so she best make it count.\n\nRunning up towards her ally she would stop a short distance away and aim her gun. She needed to make sure she hit so she began to analyse the crazed woman's teleportation. There must be some kind of pattern to it all." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "The blade swiped through the air, narrowly missing The Handyman as he rolled forward. Just as she was getting ready to follow up with another swing however, she was forced to grab both bags out of mid air and gently set them down.\n\n\"Your friend is hurt pretty bad, y'know? This is your last chance. Walk away and no one has to die\" She warned one final time as she set the bags on the ground and gripped at her sword.\n\nAs far as Apex could tell, there seemed to be some sort of limit to how much the enemy cape could teleport in a certain amount of time. As she was thinking things over though, a flame streaked across the ground, looking as though it was fire following a trail of gasoline. A moment later the fire formed into the shape of a person.\n\n\"Are you the one who called? Where is Red Kaze?\" He asked, sounding somewhat distorted as he spoke. He glanced down to her gun but seemed willing to ignore it for the moment.\n\nThe two groups were far enough away that neither could hear or see each other." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would launch both himself and his hand towards Kaze, attempting to grab the blade of the katana with his leather gloved hand.\n\nHe would try to restrict the blade from moving and launch a punch towards her with his free fist." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Apex turned to look up at the newly arrived cape before looking back in the direction of who she now knew was Red Kaze.\n\n\"Over there... Attacking my friend.. Everything hurts... Save him so I can go to hospital.\"\n\nShe held her gun firmly, aiming it in the direction of Red Kaze, ready to pull the trigger at a moment's notice. She just figured firing it in front of this person might not be a good idea. Hopefully the face she was holding her gun in one hand completely concealed any sign of her tinker tech." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "\"Help is on the way. Don't move around too much\" The man cautioned her before suddenly flowing into the ground again. The fire snaked across the ground, heading in the direction Apex had indicated.\n\nThe handyman was able to grab the blade just fine, but his glove didn't do much to resist the edge of the blade. It sliced right through the palm of his hand, laving a nasty slash that immediately started to bleed. He knew he wouldn't be able to use the hand anytime soon. Further down the blade, it bit into his side but stopped due to being slowed down by his hand.\n\nRed Kaze let out a grunt as the fist smashed into the side of her face, forcing her to back away, pulling her blade free.\n\nAt that moment the Handyman could see a trail of fire speeding behind the woman. It looked as though it was going to engulf her, before she suddenly teleported away.\n\n\"Again, seriously!?\" She shouted out at the fire, which soon formed into a human.\n\n\"Kaze, come in peacefully! You know you can't win!\" He shouted out.\n\n\"Oh fuck off, Vulcan!\" She replied before immediately starting to teleport away again, up to the rooftop. Vulcan immediately set out after her, fire clinging to the side of the building and racing upwards without seeming to spread." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would begin to switch out his fist fighting skill for first aid, it wasn't much but it would help on the trip back to the apartments.\n\nHe would head over to Apex, fetching his first aid kit from his bag and trying to bandage his hand as he goes." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Seeing the Handyman approaching Apex felt relief. That random cape seemed to be distracting that Red Kaze bitch enough that if they moved quickly they should be able to get away with their loot. Moving over to meet him enroute she would begin to follow him.\n\n\"Let's get out of here, to your place. I can fix up my arm there providing we got some pretty good stuff. Fuck me this hurts...\"\n\nAt this point she just wanted to leave. The next time they met that bitch would die even if it killed her to do it." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "It was simple enough for The Handyman to bandage up his hand. Apex's wound seemed to be another thing entirely, though. With his knew medical knowledge he was able to tell that if she hadn't used the tourniquet, she would've probably already bled to death.\n\nThe two villains, now in an alleyway, could hear the sound of crackling going farther and farther away.\n\nA trail of blood drops led from where both the villains had fought, though it was slowly being washed away by the light rain." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would nod in response to Apex,\n\n\"We'd best head back, and quick,\"\n\nHe would begin to move through the streets once again, heading back towards his apartment. He would do his best to banadage and treat Apex's wound as they went, once again, it wasn't ideal treatment but it was preferable to nothing." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "She simply nodded at her partner for the mission following him to his abode before deciding it was best to speak up now before they got much further.\n\n\"So uh, did you stash the loot somewhere or?....\"\n\nShe was hoping he had planned this and had indeed stored it someplace safe but for some reason she doubted it." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would shrug, dropping his two bags to the ground beside himself.\n\n\"They never left my sight.\" He would say with a touch of a weeze, releasing the heavy weight of the bags." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"Ah so they are, it must be the blood loss. Let's get back whilst im still conscious to fix my arm.\"\n\nReaching over with her good are she would pick up one of the bags and begin to move towards The Handymans house. Occassionally she would look behind her for any sign they were being followed but hopefully they were all good." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "The two villains ended up seeing multiple MPCU vehicles as they moved away from the scene of the crime, but it seemed that they either weren't interested in the pair or didn't see them in the first place.\n\nWith his new medical knowledge, the Handyman knew that he wouldn't be able to fix his hand completely with what little he had. Not unless he wanted to risk infection. Now that he had time though, he could at the very least stitch up his hand to help the recovery process. It was impossible to tell if he'd regain full use of his hand before giving it time to heal.\n\nApex on the other hand had a much more clear cut case. Her arm would end up being useless within an hour if she kept her tourniquet on. If not dealt with she would die.\n\nThankfully, there were a few things that might help her with this new problem.\n\n```\nLoot Acquired\n3 Tinker Parts\n```" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would continue rushing back to the apartment,\n\n\"Once we're back we'll tinker tech the shit out of that arm. Fix it right up.\"" } ]	106.5	5,927
216.176471	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "amari2", "message": "She was sipping on a coffee to help her keep warm in this weather. Being from Norway meant Nanowire was already used to the extreme cold, so this was nothing special for her. She still liked to blend in though, it wasn't everyday you'd see someone wearing short sleeved shirts in this weather. And she wasn't, she wore her usual thick jacket and cargo pants, a plain earth tone shirt and a scarf. The scarf was secretly the mask she wore when doing Cape activities, and as she saw the van approaching she knew it was show time. \n\nChugging down the coffee and burning her tongue, Nanowire would throw the cup to the side and put on her mask, obscuring her face. Walking past the awestruck children, she would move to stand out in the middle of the road, far ahead of the truck. It was too late for it to turn and go another direction now, not that she would let that happen regardless. \n\nShe exposed her wrist from under her jacket and revealed a blue glowing bundle of wire. Nanometers thick and 10 meters long. As she revealed it, she mentally commanded it to unravel and present its full length, before it flicked itself towards the armored truck. She commanded every part of it aside from on her hand to violently lash forward, imparting its incredible strength over its razor thin body, creating an extremely sharp wire. \n\nShe aimed to slash the front tires at the very least, while also hoping to slash the engine into pieces." }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "Unlike others during the winter time, he had no need to wear clothes that would protect him from the cold. Naturally his body could withstand extremely low temperatures, so to him this was the all-time perfect weather. While Nanowire was busy sipping on a coffee and waiting for the truck to drive by, Hans was already wrapping the white bandages around his head, neck, wrists, hands. Due to his power his skin nearly shimmers in sunlight, so this was to protect his identity. He was located around the corner of the building in an alleyway, which was obscuring Nanowire from Krampus and vice versa. \n\nCoincidentally, the second that she slashed her wire across the street and into the truck, Johannes was concentrating his own attack right beneath the incoming truck, timing it as perfectly as he could. He simply crouched down to the ground and moved his ice through the cement below, quickly it would travel along the trucks path before erupting upwards. He was just trying to pin it in place before grabbing whatever he could and leaving. \n\nIt was only around this time that he realized someone else had attacked the truck in the road, who could that have been?" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Her body warmed by the coffee now filling her stomach, Nanowire strolled towards the armoured truck. Her long razor thin wires, unfurling around her. At the same time Krampus approached from the opposite side of the truck. Then the two capes acted simultaneously in accidental coordination, an eruption of ice from below raising the vehicle from the ground as the tyres burst open as they were slashed by almost invisible wires. \n\nThen an explosion rang out through the air as a second wire cut through the engine in the front of the truck. Smoke bellowing out as a wave of heat spread through the air. If the ice and tyre slashing went unnoticed, the exploding engine definitely caught the attention of the nearby civilians, several turning to look before beginning to run away. Several car doors swung open as the occupants decided staying stuck in traffic in the middle of a cape fight was a bad idea." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Normally Nanowire would've been shocked by a terrible explosion happening not more than some meters ahead of her, but she was the fully prepared for it. What had shocked her, though failed to make her flinch, was the appearance of ice. She doubted that a vehicle like that would have a failsafe built in that would launch ice from beneath it to gain height.. It was a cape's doing. She didn't bother moving, immediately looking to scan the area others, she didn't see anyone.\n\nWalking forward to the vehicle, ignoring the civilian panic and the yelling that ensued, she beelined to where she thought the money would be. She intentionally avoided slicing through that part, she'd want to pocket as much change as possible. She commanded the nanowire to cleave open the door if it remained locked, however, she waited until she had cover from anyone possibly hiding in the car. Being at the vehicle's side rather than its back. She was a bit paranoid and treasured her life." }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "Johannes took steps towards the truck, watching the other sprint to the back for the money. Her urgency wasn't mirrored in his own steps, but he too wanted a good sizeable amount of the money he aided in getting. With any body part wrapped in white bandages not covered by his suit, his appearance was that of someone sketchy.\n\n\"Interesting. Were you planning to pocket all of it?\"\n\nKrampus yelled out.\n\nThere were a few ways this interaction could end, but Johannes wanted a friendly encounter. No sense in garnering more attention, he didn't want to trouble Darwin." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As the two capes realised the other was there the screams and shouts of civilians faded as they gained more and more distance from the incident. So two villains, a damaged armoured truck in a street devoid of people but filled with abandoned cars, many still running as their occupants fled without turning off the engines. A clunk could be heard from within the truck followed by the sound of a voice from within.\n\n\"Our emergency call has been sent! Run now or you'll be sorry!\"" }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "\"Well.. I was but, it's only fair that we split it up now. Since you and I both disabled the vehicle and neither of us know each other, I'm gonna extend an olive branch. I think that's how you use that phrase..\" \n\nNanowire shouted back to Krampus, seeing the sketchy person walk up to her. She knew that they were on the same side, she was never great with instincts but this was one of those moments of undeniable intuition. She was gonna continue speaking until the voice from within the money box on wheels spoke, interrupting her. \n\n\"I would say 50/50 but that doesn't seem fair. Finders keepers, you get what you get. Or I get as much as possible and you guard me until it's all taken?\" \n\nShe offered two ideas, getting closer to the back of the vehicle to open the doors. She first attempted it with her hands, preferring to leave her nanowire idle than overheat it with commands." }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "With confidence welling inside of him, his feet took him to the back of the truck, closer to Nanowire. \"Don't ever assume a criminal would be content with apologizing. Mr. Guard!\" He hollered, almost as a joke.\n\n He shook his head in disappointment, even though there was a hint of joy in his smirk. \"How about we decide the split when we're done with the objective. I recommend standing back, I don't wish to freeze you..\" He placed his hand on the door of the truck, slowly pouring ice into the door, he wanted to decrease its durability by straining the materials with low temperatures. \n\n If all worked well, a nice punch or impact on the door would be able to shatter it." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Krampus got to work stressing the door with ice in all the places ice shouldn't. At first it seemed as though nothing was happening, just the quiet creaking of metal. Then a loud crack rang out filling the ears of everyone nearby. The door now had a visibly warped with a frame of ice around the seams of the door, most likely holding it in place.\n\nA sharp crack followed by a metallic thump sounded out from above drew the attention of both capes. A slim woman in a black skirt and body suit with a red cape bellowing behind, her face covered by an almost avian helmet with her raven hair flowing down her back. In the hand was a katana with a long wicked looking curved blade. Krampus recognised her as a Top Hat, the Villain known as Red Kaze. A short ranged teleporter with no qualms about slicing people up.\n\n\"Well well what do we have here. Trying to make a name for yourself are you Krampus?\" Her head shifted to look at Nanowire. \"And who's your little friend here? You sure do meet some interesting people in this city don't you?\"\n\nRed energy arced around her as she flickered, her body vanished before reappearing a few feet ahead only to vanish again and appearing on the street further away from the two capes.\n\n\"You did well to capture my target and break in but I think I'll take it from here. Darwin is sure to love it when I bring him this latest haul, don't you agree?\"" }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Heeding Krampus' words she stepped back and let him work his ice magic on the truck. She was impressed, it must've made villain work quite easy to have such a flashy and devastating ability, Nanowire had to make do with her razor string. She moved to punch the door in but was stopped by the loud sound of a sharp crack. Turning to face the origin of the sound she had spotted Red Kaze, she didn't recognize her or who she was, her first assumption was that they were a hero. \n\nShe made sure to keep an eye on her and where she teleported, trying to take in as much information as possible to best deduce how she worked. Nothing too far, bursts of energy and a sword in hand.. Nothing Nanowire couldn't handle. She's killed before, what's another victim. That was her thoughts until she had heard the name Darwin mentioned, any one worth their two cents knows who Darwin is, and that meant Nanowire was dealing with a Top Hat. Her face soured at the thought, she wanted to at least be further along in her career before having a run-in with them. Oh well.\n\n\"Krampus.. Ah, that's you. I'll deal with her, but I take a bigger cut.\" As Nanowire finished the nanowire she commanded glowed brighter, her determination showing as she walked to get between the truck and their adversary." }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "Krampus smiled at the sight of his power, only to have it fade as he took a step back and looked to the roof of the armored vehicle. Red Kaze, huh? From what he had heard, this job was open. It seemed like she had chosen to embark on her own adventure. Such a shame that the two ended up arriving at the same destination. \n\n His shoulders were raised, a shrug in response to his fellow Top Hat. \"Gotta make a name somehow! Rotting away in some freezer wouldn't be doing much with the life he saved, now would it?\" His demeanor was comical, but once he finished speaking it soon changed into something serious. She made it seem as if he was going to willingly let her take all the credit for this job, and get in good with Darwin! That was not gonna happen - Darwin would at least know he had a part in it too. \"Come now. When I Bring him this. He'll be overjoyed. If you ask nicely, I'll even let you in on it!\"* He raised a finger, continuing to goof off while keeping an air of intensity. \n\n Her fast movements took him by surprise like usual, however this was someone he was familiar with. \"Krampus is indeed my name, though I would prefer if you would not share that name with others.\" Johannes was now facing Nanowire, but then looked to Red Kaze soon after. \"You could always let me finish what I started, couldn't you dear?\" His hands clasped together in front of him, almost as if he was begging. \n\n He was not keen on fighting one of his own, especially her." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Red Kaze's head followed Nanowire as she moved closer to the truck, yet she did nothing to stop the tinker from doing so. Instead she turned back to look at Krampus.\n\n\"Oh honey, you're so sweet to think that's how this is going to go. Alas, you were already going to share our money with an outsider so I might as well claim all of it. Since you don't seem to understand that, I'll make you understand it.\"\n\nThe same red energy that covered her earlier reappeared, a crackling noise followed by a snap before she vanished, reappeared then vanished again. Then krampus would feel the light fade for a moment. Looking up he would see Red Kaze in the air above, her katana held with the point aimed straight for him as she dropped through the air." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Nanowire was understandably confused and concerned. If she was the source of the problem it made total sense for them to deal with her and be over with it. But, that wasn't happening. Instead, infighting began, but by the time she realized that Red Kaze attacked it was too late for her to react too well. She was too distracted by trying to understand the situation from both people's point of view that she reacted late. \n\n\"Above you!\" \n\nNanowire called out, turning to face where Krampus and Red Kaze were with her entire body. Immediately after, she flicked her wrist across her body in arc, commanding her nanowire to follow her motion and generate force in that direction. She held back the amount of force she wanted to make of course, too much and she could kill, just enough to get Kaze's attention while avoiding Krampus. \n\n\"If the problem is that I'm an outsider to the Top Hats! Wouldn't it be far easier to make sure I, of all people don't get any money?!\" Nanowire blurted out after she was done with her motion. She was talking to both of the Top Hat members, but realizing what she was implying she elected to continue. \n\n\"I'm a wanted criminal.. I think we could all benefit from this if you'd hear my plea.\" This time, her tone of voice was much more controlled and focused. She was noticeably calculating her words, fishing for the sequence that would get her the best possible outcome." }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "Killing another cape for some cash was not something that tickled his fancy, especially since it would do nothing beneficial for him personally. Knocking off a series of armored trucks, and then a few credit unions was all he wanted. Some quick cash to please the higher-ups, and a way to put his name out there without it being... Too far out. What kind of luck did he have? Her showing up here had to have been the worst timing. \n\n \"When did I ever claim I'd be Sharing.\" Her ability clicked on, leaving her above him with her blade drawn. What the heck! His legs dropped slightly lower as he angled himself back, leaping away from the blade whilst producing his own attack. When his feet left the ground, a giant pillar of ice shot upwards in order to launch her right back into the air and hopefully far away. \n\n Putting distance between them would be difficult. What a bother. \n\n \"So early in the day and people feel the need to dictate my actions. Interfering with my plans had to have been voluntary. Leave, Red. Thing's will not end in the way you're hoping.\" His usual cheery and comical aura was replaced with a gruff, and cold one. Listening to Nanowire, he was curious as to what this plea was." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "A lot happened in the next few seconds. A pillar of ice erupted from the ground as Nanowire turned swinging her line of nanomachines in the direction of the two Top Hat Capes. Red Kaze seemingly not wanting to be frozen or diced vanished in another crackle of crimson energy reappearing a few feet away on top of another car.\n\n\"Why you two are just priceless! Miss Wanted criminal, welcome to the club. Krampus, well you should understand your daddy isn't around to save you.\"\n\nShe shifted her stance, lowering her body as she held her blade out to the side. Her free hand pointed towards Krampus as the familiar red energy began to appear again. She vanished appearing in front of Krampus.\n\n\"Perhaps I should deal with the stranger first?\"\n\nShe vanished again before reappearing in front of Nanowire, her Katana swinging horizontally towards the tinkers chest." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Nanowire wasn't expecting Red to stop their assault entirely and be all ears but at least some more courtesy would've been appreciated. She pulled her hand back and began manually spooling her wire as soon as she saw she missed. But she wasn't afforded more than a few seconds between the 3 of them. \n\n\"Listen! I want i-!\" She was cut off by the latest crackle, seeing her swing her sword at her with no hesitation. She immediately tried dodging backwards, jumping back and leaning away from the slash. She did make an attempt to retaliate however, commanding her wire to push out and flicking her wrist forward. \n\nNanowire aimed for the sword this time, aiming to slowly dismantle her method of attack to make her less lethal." }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "He chuckled audibly from her taunting. His father? Or did she mean Darwin himself. \n\nWhat a tactless person. \n\nPtooey!\n\nShrugging in response to her second set of words, he chose not to get further involved with the other as he quickly made his way to the back of the armored truck, eyeing down all of the money and other valuable stored within." } ]	206	3,675
134.588235	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "rarefishportfolio", "message": "Well, they were in an orphanage now. She supposed she shouldn't really be that surprised. There were likely a huge amount of people who got into those sorts of circumstances on any given day in a city that was this big. \n\nStill, Adys couldn't help but Be Surprised regardless. After all, the two of them had powers. She supposed that maybe Alice was trying to keep that fact on the down low, which Adys appreciated to some extent, but leaving it alone without doing anything or talking to anyone about it was a potential recipe for disaster.\n\nEither way, she needed to talk to the girl. At the very least, she wanted a taste of... Being Herself Again.\n\n\"Alice.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The young girl sat on her bed looking out her window at the urban sprawl as a heavy rain fell. Most orphans had to share rooms with other children due to the sad reality that there were just too many for everyone to have their own room. Alice though had the good fortune to be rather wealthy and in exchange for a generous donation she was allowed a room all to herself.\n\nAlthough she wasn't truly alone. The audible reminder of that fact caused her to suddenly sit up straight. It would still take a while to get used to that.\n\n\"Oh, hello Angel. Enjoying the dreary view outside?\"" }, { "author": "rarefishportfolio", "message": "Angel chuckled inside her Host's head, smiling an unreal smile that no-one could see.\n\n\"Sorry, I hope I didn't scare you. I've always liked the rain, actually. There's just something about it that reminds me that even though the world is so big, sometimes it's okay to just be small.\"\n\nShe stayed quiet for a few more long moments, not wanting to ruin the scene.\n\nThen, because she had already waited long enough in the first place, she pushed onward.\n\n\"So, since we have powers... What did you want to do, Alice?\"\n\nIt would be best to get the other girls thoughts on the table, first." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"I get that. The sound is so relaxing, so calming. Helps me forget.\"\n\nShe placed a hand against the cold window as though she was reaching out for something.\n\n\"I don't know. These powers are...\" She paused as if she was struggling to find the words. \"Every time I used them they remind me of how I got them.\"\n\nShe let out a sigh before falling back on her bed, her arms sprawled out as she looked at her ceiling.\n\n\"I don't know what I want to do. Not really. I just feel like I should do something.\"" }, { "author": "rarefishportfolio", "message": "A quiet listener in this time, Adys just let Alice process her thoughts externally. She could understand how the girl felt, really. It wasn't like she felt any special calling. No particularly special sense of justice. It was ironic, given what the girl had begun to start calling her. Angel. She hadn't had the heart to correct her, and she didn't think that would change any time soon.\n\nPart of her didn't Want The girl to know. If she did, Adys worried that the girl wouldn't trust her at all anymore. But if she didn't, she wasn't really sure how to convince Alice to push her out.\n\n\"I understand how you feel. In that case, Alice, do you mind if I make a selfish request?\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Sure I guess, it's not like I have any idea of what to do,\"\n\nShe reached over to her bedside table and pciked up the phone that had been resting precariously on the edge. With a few quick finger motions she opened an app called CONNECT. She opened her profile browsing her gallery, her eyes most notably lingering on the pictures of her with her parents.\n\n\"Before we do anything though something has been on my mind. What are you? Are you real?\"" }, { "author": "rarefishportfolio", "message": "Adys took a deep breath, mentally. She couldn't, of course. Not anymore. Not unless she managed to navigate this conversation just right. After all, Alice did seem like a good girl that would do the right thing, but it was always hard to tell with people, especially when it came to things like... This. When you started dealing in Power, real power that people could use to change their lives, they could change on the flip of a coin. \n\nAdys had seen it.\n\n\"Well, that actually relates somewhat to what I wanted to ask. You see... Just like you, Alice, I'm a Cape. My real name is Adys. Ever since I gained my powers, I've been... Trapped inside of people. I'm trapped inside of you, now. I can't free myself, but I think you can set me free. I... I'd like to be free, sometimes. I don't mind helping you, really. If you're in trouble, I'd happily help by joining your mind. But I miss just... Existing, too.\"\n\nThe enhancer-Cape paused, though she had more to say. She knew she would need to give Alice time to really process what she was saying." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "She wasn't too surprised at the revelation that the person in her head was in fact a cape. The world was filled with all sorts of strange powers so it wasn't too strange to have one that involved living in someone's head.\n\n\"I mean, I don't want to keep you trapped you know? If you want to leave just tell me how and I'll let you. How does that even work though because you don't have a body right? Wait, what even is your power? Is it just you can go in peoples head?\"" }, { "author": "rarefishportfolio", "message": "Instantly, Adys felt a deep relief that the girl she was inhabiting wasn't the cruel sort, willing to keep her trapped for her own gain. Although it seemed that she didn't fully comprehend what she was getting out of the deal, Angel knew from her experience with her awful first host that the powers she provided were worthwhile in several ways. Still, even if the girl seemed benevolent now, Angel didn't feel comfortable telling her up-front unless she'd already been released.\n\n\"Thank you for saying so, Alice. I've... Been trapped by people for awhile now. I think that all you'd need to do to let me out is to try and push me out of your head. Intentionally focus on me and just... Push me out. I think. I'll have a body once you do. My old body. Me.\"\n\nShe couldn't keep the hope out of her voice at that last note. It had been awhile since she'd just been... Herself." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "With a surprising burst of energy Alice leapt up off her bed. Now standing in the middle of her room she stretched her arms before shaking her hands to loosen them.\n\n\"Well then, if you want to get out you want to get out. Don't really know how this is going to work but uh let's try this I guess.\"\n\nShe began to think about releasing the person in her brain, mentally willing herself to let them go.\n\n\"Go now! You are free! Appear!\"" }, { "author": "rarefishportfolio", "message": "Appear.\n\nThe word was said, and thus there she was. There was no flash or fanfare. Alice was alone in her room one moment, and then there was another girl the next.\n\nAdys was a plain-looking Egyptian girl with the bronze skin typical of her ethnicity. She was wearing the same white blouse and jeans that she'd been wearing before triggering. Before becoming Trapped. But... Now she was free again.\n\n\"I'm... Free?\" It wasn't a question, but it felt surreal.\n\nShe stood there, still feeling stunned." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Oh!\"\n\nAlice jumped back as Adys appeared besides her. She seemed to pause for a moment as she looked the girl over before sitting back down on her bed. As she sat down she would pat the space next to her, offering it to Adys.\n\n\"So uh... What now? Are you going to be a hero or something?\"" }, { "author": "rarefishportfolio", "message": "\"A... Hero?\" Adys trailed off, still stunned from her sudden return into the physical world. She was... Hungry? Yes, hungry. A bit. \n\nWould she be a Hero? No, could she? It wasn't really about that, was it? Maybe... She had a sneaking uncomfortable intuition about her power, so she reached out slowly... And Poked Alice in the forehead.\n\nThe next instant, she was gone again, back inside the girl's head. She projected herself into Alice's vision and sighed.\n\n\"I didn't even try to do that. How can I be a Hero if anyone I touch just instantly... Absorbs me? Can you let me out again? Sorry...\" She sighed.\n\n\"Do You Want to be a Hero, Alice? I trust you, at least. I don't even know if I trust the heroes to not abuse my power.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"That's... That's such a strange feeling..\"\n\nShe raised her hand up and rubbed her head.\n\n\"I hadn't noticed when it first happened but.. Yeah, you're free. Appear again.\"\n\nShe looked down at her hands, clearly thinking about something.\n\n\"And me a Hero? I don't even know, I just got these powers and I don't even know everything I can do.\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "With a quick reappearance, Angel just looked down at her flesh and blood hand again, feeling intense relief surge through her.\n\n\"Well, we have time. All the time in the world, really. Just think about it, okay? And.. If I go missing, can you promise me... You'll try to find me? I don't want to be stuck inside of someone again, and I... I trust you. Please. I'm sorry for putting that on you, but...\"\n\nShe shuddered involuntarily, then walked towards the door.\n\n\"I'm just gonna take a moment to myself. Thank you again. Really.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Alright, you do you. If I don't hear back from you in a few hours I'll come looking. Oh and before you go.\"\n\nAlice reached over to her bedside table and pulled out a note pad. Quickly she wrote something down before placing it on the table top.\n\n\"I put my phone number, email and the new PHO account I just made on there. If I remember right you turned that light off when you rescued me right? So if you do get trapped maybe you could get a message to one of my accounts? Until then have a good time.\"" }, { "author": "rarefishportfolio", "message": "Adys took the note with an appreciative smile on her face, then nodded.\n\n\"Thank you, Alice. So much. I'll be sure to let you know what I'm up to, okay? And... If you need any help too, you can let me know as best you can too, okay?\"\n\nA quick nod followed, then she headed outside, closing the door behind her with a faint Click.\n\nThe alert for Behemoth was public mere hours later.\n\nShe let Alice know she'd see her after. It was better not to get an innocent girl like her involved in her choices." } ]	123	2,288
220	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "[12/28/2023]\nMission Inventory: Flashlight x1, Phone x1\n\nNue remained in Morgan's shadow as she felt the car begin to move right on cue. The two were en route to the New London Orphanage, responding to the emergency call from the hearse radio.\n\"Okay, now—\" Nue spoke in Morgan's voice once more, but suddenly cut herself off for a moment. There was an awkward pause with a strange feeling passing through her for a moment. It was hard to describe but just gave her an unusual feeling. Perhaps it was a bad omen. \n\"We...\" She started before pausing again. \"Did you feel that too? If it's bad luck you'll take it for me, won't you?\"\nShe shrugged it off, bad omen or not this was bound to be more fun than standing around, no matter how this turned out.\n\n\"Anyway, the orphanage, right? So why would a couple of capes attack the orphanage anyway? The thing said they had hostages, so they aren't looking to just blow the place up. That means they're looking for something specific, right? So why target an orphanage over anywhere else? They must be looking for someone specific. If capes are involved, then it's gotta be another parahuman, isn't it? We have a little drive ahead of us don't we? How about coming up with a little plan in the meantime?\"\nThe voice let out a little hum as if to give a bit of time to think, though even that was quickly interrupted by yet more yapping. \"-Oh, right. If we're working together then you should probably at least know my true name. My name is Nue. I'm a monster that deals with the unknown. But for the sake of this outing you don't mind if I just use your name too, do you?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Mission Inventory: Morgue costume (includes coffin), old beat up hearse\n\nDespite the idea of speeding down the street being ideal, morgue still relatively had to obey traffic laws, so indeed they did have a bit of a drive ahead of them. Her eyes focused on the road ahead even as her voice spoke to her. Not hers, anothers, this monster called Nue. Curious.\n\n\" Monster? What ever works for you, Nue. You're rather assumptive though, perhaps it is easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission, but sometimes things can't be easy even if you want them to be. However different our ideals may be, if you intend to help then yeah, we're gonna need a plan.\"\n\nA quick turn left soon had them on the exit into downtown, not much longer now before they reached the street the orphanage was on. Morgue's coffin rattled in the back a little as the automobile chugged along. \"Hmm... If you're gonna use my name, chances are you're gonna look like me too. We might be able to use that to our advantage, even if you don't have my strength and resilience.\"\n\nAnother quick turn and they were just a few blocks away. Sirens could clearly be heard in the distance, Metropolitan Parahuman Containment no doubt. Her gaze stiffened as she wracked her brain trying to think.\n\n \" Anyways, a Parahuman target seems the most likely answer, if we end up the only ones on scene it will get difficult. We're gonna need to meet with the on site MPC unit to ensure no friendly fire. Hope you don't mind at least giving them a vague understanding of your ability, otherwise you're liable to be shot on accident. We can assume with the hostage situation that either they haven't found their target yet, or they have and they can't make their escape yet with the heat on them. There's a small chance they don't have an escape plan, and they're screwed, but it's more likely that they're holding out for an unknown factor in their favor to show it's self. I can, recklessly without real harm, be a very real threat and distraction, and hopefully let you slip in and find the target, or retrieve them. That's the best I have for a plan.\"\n\nWith all her own yapping, morgue was a little out of breath, taking inhaling deep as they turned the final corner only to be met by the hasty blockade the MPC set up around the perimeter. They were finally here." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Coming to a halt a short distance from the blockade the scene that was unfolding before the two capes looked like a scene from a horror movie. The building was dark, smoke visible through the windows on the first floor and rolling out of the open doorway. A figure stumbled out of the door, a MPCU trooper, collapsing after a few steps a large slash visible on his back.\n\nStanding near the temporary barrier that had been erected were several officers. Most had weapons aimed at the building however two seemed to be a little further back talking to a man dressed in what looked like a British World War 2 uniform, complete with a gas mask. On his arm the familiar logo of Vanguard sat. It seemed they weren't the first heroically inclined capes to arrive on the scene." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"He he, maybe you're right. You'll just have to forgive me.\" The voice's mocking smile could practically be heard in the sound alone.\n\"Now you're not too far off. I won't get your strength. Here, to put it simply and briefly, if I am following someone, then I can become them. So for now, since I'm following you, I can use your voice and maybe borrow your appearance if it comes to it. So if you tell them not to shoot you, and maybe try not to shoot civilians this time, then we should be fine in regards to friendly fire. I'll avoid taking the appearance of any of the bad guys for now if that helps.\" \n\nThe voice paused before talking again, now with the teasing toned down. \n\"It's not a bad start to a plan. Without looking, if you can try to stop them directly, it could let me sneak in behind them. If I find the target, then maybe I can swap myself with them. That way even if they end up winning, they actually lose. I'll probably need your help to get halfway in though. If I ask you to stand somewhere so I can reach it, you'll help me right?\"\n\nNue took in what she could of the scene while still in Morgan's shadow. It was a bit more extreme than what she had imagined in her head. The villains in there really meant business, so its danger shouldn't be underestimated. Though, serious people usually had the best reactions when things didn't go their way.\n\"I'm still following you,\" She whispered to Morgan. \"I'll stay by your side like this until we have an idea of what to do.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Morgues eyes set on the disastrous sight ahead of them, marching towards the baricades on the outset of hopping out of the hearse and grabbing her coffin from the back \"I can agree on pretty much all points. We're gonna do what we have to for the sake of the safety of those children, Do what you can to that end, and we will work in tandem.\"\n\nWhen she reached the perimeter, she hollered with gusto. \"HEY!!\" Morgue waved her arm over her head. \"Hero here! Brute with high strength, durability, and regeneration, How can I be of assistance!\" She slung her coffin onto her back with practically no effort to show just how true the strength part was, and also freeing up her hand for dirty work\n\nGetting Nue in might be tough if the MCPU and the vanguard cape wouldn't be willing to cooperate, but more than likely, with the situation as it is, they need the help too much to say no." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The Cape and Officer turned to look in Morgue's direction. The cape placed his hand on the officers shoulder before walking towards Morgue. As he approached he adjusted the leather gloves on his hand before stopping a few feet away.\n\n\"Hero you say? Well then welcome to the fight I say! The names Homeguard, with whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?\"\n\nHe paused for a moment, allowing for a response before wrapping his arm around morgues back and motioning towards the Orphanage with his other hand.\n\n\"I'm afraid we don't have much time to strategise, time is a resource we just don't have right now. We believe the so called Children of Scion caught wind there was a fresh trigger in one of the children. That smoke you see is most likely a result of the cape known as Second Thought. Contact with this smoke messes with your memories and ability to speak. Additionally we believe the cape known as Monitor is within, we believe she is the cause of those large slashing wounds.\"\n\nHe let go before beginning to walk towards the barrier motioning for Morgue to follow.\n\n\"If you a truly as durable as you say perhaps you would be able to enter the building and rescue the children?\"\n\nHomeguard snapped his fingers and a shimmering wall of energy appeared next to him.\n\n\"Step through this and you will gain an additional personal shield. It will only block one hit but it also prevents the smoke from touching affecting you. Once the smoke touches you though don't stop thinking about why you are there and what you are doing. If you do then you will forget. I understand I ask a lot but New London needs you.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Unfortunately for Morgue, her own voice would speak just before she would get the chance to answer with her name.\n\"My name is Frankie.\" Though the brute's mouth obviously didn't move with this. A quiet snicker would follow as if she was holding back from laughing, but would pause to allow Homeguard to continue explaining and for Morgue to clear up any confusion if she wanted to. \n\nAfter listening to what Homeguard had to say, the voice spoke up once more. \"If it's just contact, then I can continue and guide you should you become influenced by that smoke.\" It whispered to Morgue.\n\"From earlier, you seemed receptive to hearing your own voice. I hope you continue to be that way even if you forget about me.\"\n\nShe paused, somehow that thought felt a little sad, though she couldn't place why. \n\"So trust yourself. If I see you stop I'll direct you. I'll guide you in a way you won't even need to think.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Frankie\" She mumbled under her breath as Nue spoke up for her again. She contemplated correcting her, but knew the confusion or would cause would be more trouble than it's worth, and that would waste monumental amounts of time. For some reason too, Frankie didn't seem to bother her, the second time around. Why was that? More questions for later.\n\nMorgue steps through with her chest puffed out and a look of valiant confidence gracing her face. Next her eyes were set on the orphanage. \"I appreciate the support, Homeguard, I'll do what I can and nothing less.\" Her words bellowed from her mouth as she took strides toward the entrance to the building. Going in blind still, relatively, but at least she knows some of what the opposition is capable of. And better yet, they don't know a thing of what Morgue and Nue are capable of.\n\nAs she marched towards and past the collapsed, she speaks low so that only Nue could hear her.\n\n_\"Change of plans. We have to get out as many children as possible, we cannot risk yourself if you are safe as you are, and If we find this trigger, then we can grab them, if not, so be it. I appreciate your support, if anything happens, I'm relying on you to be my guide. Watch my back, I'll do my best to do the same for you.\"_" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Homeguard stood tall, his hands crossed across his chest as he watched Morgue, and by extension Nue, step through his shield. As Morgue passed through she felt a tingling sensation as her entire body seemed to be envoloped by a bubble of sorts resting extremely close to her skin and clothing. As she spoke Homeguard snapped his arm forward with his thumbs up.\n\n\"Why that's the spirit! To victory hero!\"\n\nAs Morgue approached the orphanage it truly did look like a scene from a horror movie. Smoke bellowed out the door, concealing the interior. To enter is to step in to a dark grey swirling abyss. Through the wisps of smoke outside the building blood pooled at the base of the door, a sign of the vicious attacks from the cape within." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue faithfully followed Morgue within her shadow as she had up to this point. The new information on Second Thought was all the more reason to stay there. \"I got it, I got it. We won't split up. Though... I am a little curious how it would feel to go out and touch the smoke... Hey, won't it be a better idea to take out the smoker in the first place?\" She mused. \n\nIn the brief moments that the two took to get to the front of the building Nue spoke up to Morgue. \"You know, that guy was a little over enthusiastic to send you in without knowing anything about the new cape walking onto a scene like this. Oh well, too late to regret it. Let's mess with them.\" \n\nLooking into the smokey entrance she wondered how well she could actually stick to Morgue with the smoke in the way. She figured it would be best to play it safe and keep to shadows that would be affixed to her regardless of obstructions like smoke, ensuring that she was connected by the shadow of Morgue's feet, ready to let herself bounce around in whatever fashion it took to keep with her." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "_\"He's probably just trying to hype me up. The situation is dire, I'd take what i can get too.\"_\n\nMorgue's shoes disturb the puddles of blood as she walked in, wading through the thick smoke. At least it wasn't some kind of fire, like she'd worried about, but inhaling this stuff would be bad news. She only got one hit of protection before the shield she was given were to disappate and leave her vunerable, and in that sense, she was really relying on Nue to help her... Actually, She wasn't sure if she could see well through this smoke, She may need lean on Nue now for help.\n\n_\"Nue\"_ she whispered _\"I have an idea. You can traverse this place without inhaling the smoke, can you split up and help search for the kids? Essentially, guide be as best you can.\"_" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Entering the building through the thick smoke it was surprising just how quiet everything seemed. Smoke swirling around morgue, like bony fingers of death caressing the cape kept at bay by only the thinnest of barriers. Such a fragile state of affairs. The deafening silence was interrupted by the sound of a door clicking shut, that single noise echoing through the otherwise silent halls.\n\nSo there the heroes stood, in a hallway they could see the end of. Their only companion aside from each other was the forboding sense of doom that lingered in the back of their mind. Their minds screaming danger from the moment they stepped in." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "She felt the shadow she was within become a bit more confined to morgue's body with the light dimmed through the smoke. Though Morgue's shadow became smaller, she felt the area around her open up as if she could simply move out freely.\n\n\"Hm, I'm a little more free than usual here. I can scout ahead for you, however I think it would be best if you took out the capes instead of getting the children out. Also the capes are probably guarding the kids. However, I cannot talk unless I am back on your person. Keep aware yourself and move forward carefully.\" She whispered to Morgue and carefully moved into the dark spaces in front of her. Moving invisibly through the artificially created shadows. She moved with a purpose: to locate either the children or the capes, listening carefully for any noise as she progressed, pausing by each door to listen in." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Good grief!\" Morgue groaned, wading through the smoke and reaching out to a wall for guidance, feeling out for door ways or corners in which to explore next, keeping an ear out for voices and footsteps" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Nue moved forwards slinking through the shadows eventually coming to what appeared to be a junction, with two corridors heading left and right and a third continuing straight ahead. Morgue followed up close behind, her hand on the wall trailing through a hot wet substance for just a moment before reaching the same junction.\n\nThen vibrations echoed through the building as a series of rapid thumps got closer and closer approaching from the left. The sound moved above them then rushed to the right eventually stopping. Then, the sound of a doors hinges squeaking echoed through the air." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue returned to Morgue's shadow, feeling a small 'click' in her mind to confirm it before speaking in a whisper once more. \"The lizard girl just darted to the right from here. It is on the ceiling and will likely be able to sense you through the smoke. It is likely patrolling, but it's close enough that it might find you soon. Should we stay together and turn right to confront them?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Morgue was presented with a hard choice- Monitor had undoubtedly caused the most damage so far and would continue to hinder rescue efforts so long as she remained active, Fighting her would be dangerous, but entirely do able. All it would take, she hoped, would be one good headlock and she could have monitor out in about a minute, maybe less, put her in the coffin, and toss her out a window for collection from the MPCU and Homeguard. This is all assuming she can get a good grasp on her.\n\nThe downside is if she did, the children in the orphanage were still _hostages_ of Second Thought, And she was sure the Children of Scion were not above doing what it takes to get out of here in one piece, something they can do with more lee-way than any hero could. Not focusing Monitor meant a longer time before anyone could safely begin entering the building for rescue attempts, and this sure would be a hell of a lot easier with the MPCU swarming this place. Theoretically more children out safer than either morgue or nue could get by just themselves, and they could even potentially stop Second Thought from getting away with their target, if they have them.\n\nShe _hated_ tough decisions. But they had to be made, and the choice was clear to her. Morgue took a hard right, with a wide stance. _\"Track her if you can, it'll make this a lot easier. Give me heads up if she's going to strike, if i lose this protection it gets a lot worse for the both of us.\"_ She whispered to nue.\n\nSecond Thought... Could be on another floor, likely even, but is that a chance she's willing to take? How to draw Monitor's attention without alerting him... Morgue chose to rattle one of the handles on the coffin strapped to her back. Loud enough to be heard in the halls, but not possibly any room, and even then, maybe confused for a kid moving something. In her mind, it was perfect." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Morgue and her shadow companion turned to the right and began to move down the corridor. About half way down there were doors on either side of the corridor, the one to the left had a MPCU officer leant against it with large claw marks torn through his chest, and a pool of blood on the floor beneath him. Clenched in his hand was his weapon, not that it did him much good. \n\nA scream came from above before abruptly stopping, cut short before it could come to completion. The sound of glass smashing followed soon after and then nothing. No footsteps, no shouting or talking. Just the quiet.\n\nThen, the sound of something scrambling downstairs followed by the sound of a door slamming against a wall from down the corridor. The smoke swirling a little at as the air in the room shifted slightly. A tapping sound could be heard before a raspy, almost inhuman voice emanated through the smoke.\n\n\"Embrace me newcomers. Embrace me fallen angels of Scion.\"\n\nA single footstep echoed.\n\n\"Embrace me newcomers. Embrace me fallen angels of Scion.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue listened to the sounds of violence and repeated chanting in the distance, \"Okay, well the muscle is up ahead. If they are there, then it's likely that the smoker isn't down there. I'll split up and look around. If range matters then it's likely that the one making this crap is somewhere down on this floor. You should go and confront the big bad, while I look around, after that I'll reunite with you. You're strong enough to fight them until I get back, right? If you forget, just repeat 'enemy' in your head, cause it sounds like they're trying to get you to join them in the confusion.\" She whispered, giving a little whistle just before moving through the shadows.\n\nShe glided within the shadows down the hall behind Morgue, listening in for anything that could give an indication of someone located, watching the smoke permeate around the hall, watching the direction it had been moving." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Morgue grimaced, a facial expression that comically spanned their whole blocky face. \"So be it\" She said, half to herself, half to Nue. She was quite peeved at their strategy not working out as planned, but when do things ever work out just as planned? Only often enough for it to be satisfying to hear, she supposed.\n\nAs Nue parted, she set on focusing on the task ahead. '_Enemy Ahead, Incapacitate._'. She went over the plan in her head as she bulldozed through the Smoke, Heavy footsteps slamming against the floor, her arms brought up to her sides, ready to grapple at the cape, and covering a wide area to catch them hopefully before they manage to slip past." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Nue detached from Morgue's shadow and began to moved down the hallway. As she moved she noticed the smoke was slowly moving from the of the hallway towards the centre where the the entrance hallway intersects. Listening in, trying to ignore the sounds from the other side of the hallway, Nue could hear the quiet pacing of footsteps on the floor above, the sound beginning to get louder as she approached an open door leading to stairs where the sound was echoing down from above.\n\nBack on the opposite end of the building Morgue widened her stance near filling the hallway. She could hear a footstep, soon followed by another and then a naked body stepping through the smoke. Golden tattoo's covered the woman's skin as her eyes looked directly into Morgues. \n\n\"Oh?\"\n\nHer expression suddenly shifted as she pulled her hand to her rear, smoke seeming to coil around her arm as golden scales across her arm. As the scales reached the tips of her fingers large claws sprouted out forming vicious points. She burst forwards, thrusting her clawed hand towards Morgue." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue listened carefully to the footsteps as she approached them. The other sounds in the hallway caught her attention though they felt more like a timer for her. Morgan was apparently a brute so she figured she could handle herself for just a little bit while she found Second Thought. Maybe she could even take them out.\n\nNue scaled the steps in her shadow form, listening out and following the source of the steps above to find its source." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Morgue new she would be protected from one strike at least, she wasn't sure how, but she knew that protection would fade and she would not be in full control of her faculties after words, so she needed to make this close encounter count. She waited until just moments before Monitor would connect, and Aimed with her arms to take her into a headlock, Pressed in just the right fashion to constrict the blood flow.\n\nThough a choke like this would work in seconds, usually, Morgue wasn't sure, if she even got ahold of Monitor, how long it might take incase her physiology was different. As the moment approached, and Monitor's claws struck her, she kept _one_ thing in mind. 'Incapacitate Enemy'" } ]	194	5,060
169.357143	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "domdagreat.", "message": "Marcus strolled through the towering shelves of the local library, his eyes scanning the titles for his next literary adventure. He was an unassuming man, with a passion for fantasy novels that transported him to worlds far beyond this mundane existence. The musty smell of books filled the air, and he relished in discovering a new tale to get himself lost in.\n\nToday, Marcus had a particular craving for a classic fantasy epic. His fingers traced along the spines, the names of renowned authors passing beneath his touch. And then, his eyes landed on a book that seemed to call out to him. It was a tattered volume with golden lettering on the cover, titled \"The Chronicles of Aegis.\"\n\nHe carefully reached up for the book from its resting place, a sense of excitement coursing through him. He tried reaching further, but then he remembered he wasn't in his Cape identity at the moment, he was just Marcus Crown. An average college student trying to get into med school.\n\nThe thought made him gaze at his oddly colored hand, to the perceptive observers they would see that it was slightly discolored compared to the rest of his skin. Marcus sighed, looking for a ladder to climb with." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "As if on cue, one came rolling his way. It's wheels creaked and whined as they came to an abrupt halt at his feet, bouncing back just a bit as it collided with him gently. Trotting a long where it came from was a shorter fellow about a foot shorter to be exact. They were formal looking, their slightly familiar face peering out from behind the small stack of books they were carrying. Their black hair fell over their glasses, crystal blue eyes piercing between the glass and hair, focused in their gaze. It'd likely have been a little intense if it weren't for the disarming charm of a smile they were giving him.\n\nEsther, as his name tag clipped to his shirt would state, se the books down on a near by table, and started to sign towards Marcus, first in ASL, then in BSL. \n\n`Sorry. Hello.'\n\nThe apology seemed to be for the bump of the ladder, as if they'd intended the kick to be a bit more gentle. The themself seemed gentle, rounded out features, bright smiley expression, and idle sway about them as they waited to see if Marcus could understand what they'd just signed to him." }, { "author": "domdagreat.", "message": "Startled, Marcus looked over to see the person beside him.\nThe sudden intrusion jolted Marcus, his reflexes and senses weren't exactly honed to a razor's edge in this form but he was still on guard. Instinctively, his body tensed, ready to defend himself against any potential threat. But just as quickly as his defensive instincts took hold, Marcus recognized the setting and caught himself from making a grave mistake.\n\nRealizing that he was in the library, surrounded by fellow book lovers, Marcus took a deep breath, forcing his muscles to relax. Hopefully the person was oblivious to the internal turmoil he had just experienced.\n\nManaging a faint smile, Marcus adjusted his grip on the book and closed it gently. He straightened himself, composing his thoughts and reading the signs carefully.\n\nMarcus took classes in the language to prepare for his career, but he never thought he'd actually use it. He signed to them, but his signs were clunky and unrefined much to his annoyance.\n\n'Its fine. Startled me.' Marcus thought on his next words then shrugged. It was best to know so he knew how to proceed. 'Deaf or mute?'" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "With that same warm smile, they signed off 'E S T H E R Mute', his name, and why he wasn't just speaking. Quickly they pulled their phone from their inner suit pocket and started to tap away on it quickly. A shitty text to speech vocie played from the weak speaker.\n\n```\"I think this may be easier. Your signage is a bit rusty it seems. Is there anything I can help you with? I visit this library often for research materials.\"```" }, { "author": "domdagreat.", "message": "Marcus would be lying if he said that having his ASL called rusty didn't embarrass him a tad bit. He was tempted to continue signing for practice, but he thought better of it.\n\nClearing his throat, he smiled broadly and crosses his arm in front of his chest. \"I'm Marcus, please to meet you and right now I'm looking for books with a good fantasy setting. I'll take any recommendations too, it's been too quiet in my dorm room lately so I need something to keep me occupied.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Almost excitedly, Esther seemed to eager to guide marcus, clapping both his hands together with a warm, wide shut eyed grin. Ushering Marcus to follow him. Somethings began to come to light as the little guy trotted along, his hands folded behind his back. Were they... Familiar?\n\nThose glasses, blue eyes, warm skin complexion. Appearance sure was one thing to jostle the memory, but what might have sealed the deal was... Being mute. Esther... Didn't that name also ring a bell?\n\nBack then, he seemed a lot less happy, they were certainly a lot smaller, but they had to have been the same still... Right? This was the same dual major prodigy who went to the same university as Marcus... But something was wrong. They didn't have their right arm back then. A prosthetic, sure, but it looked.. Almost replaced here, and he was using it to pull a couple manga free from the shelves they'd led Marcus to, joyously handing the titles over to the taller man.\n\n_tip tip tip, tap tap, tip_\n\n```\"These are some of my favorites, A series called 'Wanderers of Sunbleached Wastes'. It's about an alien world thrust into medieval and magical times after an ancient nuclear war nearly destroyed their planet. The main character has to settle a rising dispute between old kingdoms based on recently discovered history dating back to the war, which reignites the conflict between the people of the planet.\"```" }, { "author": "domdagreat.", "message": "Marcus stood there momentarily lost in thought as he observed Esther. Memories flashed through his mind like flickering images, each one bringing him closer to recalling this student. He couldn't shake the feeling that he knew this person from somewhere, but the pieces of the puzzle refused to align.\n\nFinally, after a few moments of silence, Marcus broke the stillness with a question, his voice tinged with lingering curiosity. Couldn't hurt to ask.\n\n\"Its certainly sounds exotic and far more fantastical than what I am used to. As long as the protagonist draws my interest, I can give it a try.\" He began, his words measured and delivered with a smile. \"On a side note, have we met somewhere on campus before? You look vaguely familiar.\" His inquiry hung in the air, the uncertainty palpable as he awaited a response. The prosthetic arm was not loss on Marcus, but he found it rude to address it. Besides, considering the nature of his own body being 80 percent His." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "The question gave Esther pause, their fingers hovering cautiously over the keypad of their phone. They werent entirely sure if they should delve into it at first, staring at the keypad with a moment's hesitation before nodding ever so slightly to himself._tip tap tip tip tap tip_\n\n```\"University of New London. I finished my masters in software engineering just last year, and I'm still studying for my medical degree, but I've slowed down to work at the local hospital, helping my sister pay bills. I don't quite recognize you, but I'm not surprised you recognize me, I'm quite the prolific student in my classes. Do we share any perhaps?\"```" }, { "author": "domdagreat.", "message": "Marcus shifted slightly, contemplating his response to Esther's inquiry. He thought back on it for a while, checking his memory. \"I am working towards my medical degree, albeit at a slower pace than I had initially planned.\" He paused, his eyes momentarily flickering to Esther's before continuing, \"But I've recently got fascinated by biology and genetics, my brother was diagnosed with a condition that causes odd tremors in his body. May sound selfish, but as someone practicing to become a surgeon I wanted to see if that disease would infect me as well.\"\n\n\n He had seen Esther around campus before, often in their mutual classes, but had never saw the need to get into a conversation until now. \n\n\n\"I don't think we've ever formally met,\" Marcus admitted with a sheepish smile, \"But I've definitely seen you around campus. I must say It's impressive how you manage to juggle multiple responsibilities and excel in your studies. I'm envious.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "```I am flattered. I do my best to keep a balance, but it is just as difficult as it seems. I slack in some areas when I focus on others but I am enthralled by the challenge and opportunities.\"```\n\nThe bright smile on their face lit up a little with a flush of blood through their cheeks, those blue eyes curiously eyeing down Marcus. He admired Marcus, and it showed in the small smirk that formed as Esther onced him over. \n\n_Tip tip tip tap tip tap_\n\n```If you are determined to continue on that path, I not only commend you, but I would go as far as to offer my support should you ever require or desire it. I've been making advancements of my own in a similar respect, so I can truly respect the grind.```" }, { "author": "domdagreat.", "message": "Marcus's smile widened, feeling a comforting sense of warmth in his chest at her offer of support. \"Thanks,\" He replied, his voice reflecting genuine gratitude. \"It means a lot truly... I can't recall the last time someone support my efforts.\"\n\nAppreciating their understanding, Marcus would continue. \"It's a long road, for sure, but just having friends makes it all the more rewarding. I like to think theres great things ahead of us... That we can't see at first glance but its there.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Esther continued to tap away at their phone. It wasn't exactly a smart phone, but it wasn't some cheap junk either, the phone looked to be a half way point between a smartphone and a keypad phone, the thing sliding out to reveal the keyboard, and still having some dodgy touch screen capabilities. When they finished, Esther turned the phone around to show Marcus his PHO handle.\n\n\n\nOnce he was sure Marcus had time to note it down, he returned to typing, and the tiny electronic speaker spoke in its dull text to speach voice.\n\n```\"Message me incase you ever could use some insight or help studying, I'm more than willing to lend a hand. For now I have to return to my own research. It was a pleasure meeting you Marcus\"```" }, { "author": "domdagreat.", "message": "Marcus noted the name down and ingrained it to memory, it was kind of them to do so. Marcus hummed for a while then withdrew a notebook from his bookbag along with a pencil.\n\n\nHe wrote down his PHO in the center of his notebook, then tore out the page. He handed it to Esther waiting for them to accept it.\n\n\n\n\"Same with you, thanks for the help again with the book.\" Marcus nodded in appreciation." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "The little studious nurse graciously took the note and stuffed it into his jacket pocket. The cute smile on his face was bright and determined, giving Marcus a thumbs up in solidarity for their goals and ambitions. \n\nHe signed his final message to Marcus before taking his books he'd set down. \n\n'Work hard, talk soon'\n\nHe gave Marcus a final wave, took his materials, and started to trot off." } ]	161.5	2,371
285.615385	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Annabelle sat at the front desk, halls to the left and right, with stairs adorning those same sides, all lead to the towers of literature and documentation. There was a small computer area which had a timer system that limited how long you could hog the devices, and next to them on a little shelf was a printer.\n\nThe library actually saw more use than one might expect, Annabelle would often see all sorts of people, from all walks of life, march through the doors. She helped them checked out books, or print off flyers, Give suggestions on books for entertainment and for research. Not so rarely, she'd even see some come here to talk about not so public things. Drug deals, Crime planning... The occasional make out session. Part of being smack dab between the residental district and the slums. The library was a place for damn near anything. Respite. Revenge. Research.\n\nAnd she was the watchful eye of it all, or so she should be. Most days, much like now, She was tapping away at her laptop, writing down what ever came to mind, be it notes, journal entries, or even working on her short stories or novels. No one really bothered her unless they needed help, except for maybe children- though she didn't mind helping the little tykes.\n\nThere she sat today, engrossed in her craft, making a new story- the story of a heroic vigilante, with none of the pizzaz. He liked it that way, for, Why do heros do what they do? It should never be for the fame, no. It should be a service to the people, like any other, a job that must be done. He wasn't a celebrity, He wasn't a 'hero'. He was just your friendly neighborhood Bug-Man." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Little did Annabelle know that the Bug-Man himself was stepping into her library... Well... Not exactly as Bug-Man, but Kurt did step through the doors and start to climb the stairs towards the front desk.\n\nHe'd had a pretty interesting time going underground since the Princess Poppet encounter, although 'underground' for a Cape as thoroughly committed to secrecy and paranoia as Creepy-Crawly meant an almost absurd level of precautions: no Cape activities unless along a tightly controlled schedule of random hours kept in a secured drawer of his apartment, no use of his powers, and keeping chatter to a minimum. The fact his voice sounded exactly the same between his normal form and Breaker form wasn't lost on him, and so there was a possibility that someone heard him, even if they couldn't quite get a good look at his Breaker form.\n\nThe library was a place for research, for planning the next stage of his guerilla heroics. He wanted information on Capes, the history of New London, city blueprints; he wanted to become so attuned to his slums that he could navigate it as effectively as if he had a satellite link to his head.\n\nHe walks in, a non-descript black jacket drawn tightly around him, his head tucked slightly into it and a baseball cap pulled low to cover his face. With his hands stuffed in his pockets, he looked more like was about to rob the place than ask to check out the stacks.\n\nAs he nears the front desk, he raps the wood once to get the librarian's attention, pretending not to look at Annabelle and clearing his throat. \"Excuse me, uhh... Do you have any, uhh, city documents on file here?\" His voice is raspy and creaky, clearly a little unused in the time since the Poppet 'fight'...But to Annabelle's ears, it was very familiar sounding." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Annabelle gave pause, the tapping on her keyboard ceased for a moment as she listened, and a small mischievous smile grew. Then she continued, without even looking up.\n\n\"What ever is publicly available online through the city's site, maybe a few old maps, newspaper archive has plenty of details from when the city was developing. They also had this come in the morning.\" Her eerily familiar voice may have haunted him as she pulled the day's newspaper from her side of the counter and up on the raised portion that barely hid her laptop.\n\nShe flipped it to page two- perhaps a relief in some way, when he could plainly see one of the articles talking of a rising hero of unknown origin gaining popularity and recognition in the slums, that recently tangoed with the similarly new villain, 'Princess Poppet'. The article seemed pretty surface level, documenting their confrontation from eye witness accounts, And settling on the cliffhanger of a mystery that was 'Just who is this Slum-Side vigilante?'\n\n\"You know. If I were you, I'd at least change the _Tone_ of my voice. Oh, and here.\" She left the paper where it was, bending down a little to her left to pull something out of her bag on the floor. She handed a bottle of water to him. \"You sound like you need it.\"" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt squints at the paper, leaning in close to read the headline. He mutters a curse in Russian under his breath, mumbling some more phrases (curses, complaints, appeals to G-d?) in the same harsh tongue. \n\n\"I knew you sounded familiar... Annabelle, right? Shit...\" He takes off his baseball cap, exposing a slightly thinning mess of black hair, a few hairs already turning grey. His face is worn, tired, and affixed with a permanent scowl, as if pissed off that he had to wake up this morning. The closest thing that Creepy-Crawly's normal form resembled was a very crotchety middle-aged man, the kind that show up in movies to shake their fist at kids and break up little league baseball games. \n\nHe takes the water bottle, frown deepening as he twists off the cap, throwing back some of the contents into his mouth like a shot. \"Haven't spoken in a while, for the same reason you already deduced.\" He twists the cap shut, thanking her quietly before squinting at her more. \n\n\"If we want to talk more, it needs to be somewhere private. Otherwise, I just want access to any books on the Capes around here and if there's anything on New London's development.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"I told you where you _should_ find what you're looking for but.. Chances are you won't find anything good. It's true we have news paper archives dating back to the founding of New London and a little before, but there are several missing papers.\"\n\nShe leaned back in her chair, stretching some as she yawned. It was silent, not the infectious type, but with how tired Kurt always seemed to be, maybe it didn't matter. \" It seems.. Almost deliberate.\" She added, staring at Kurt and getting a good look at the ragged old slavic fellow. \" I'm not saying this city has something to hide, but all sorts of pages are missing. Specific dates to entire entire weeks of issues just gone. Online archive isn't as extensive, it only started about a year, and doesn't cover anything before 2020 very extensively.\"\n\nAnnabelle leaned back forward and closed her laptop, fingers tapping it ever curiously, anxiously. She made little clicking noises with her mouth before sharply turning her gaze back to him. \"I guess it.. Still does depend on what you're looking for. Surface level stuff? Plenty of that, but nitty gritty details, disappearances of capes, retirees, even trigger events for heros and villains that, should have been plastered all across the net or the papers are out of the question. Same for blueprints to the city, but that might be a given that something like that isn't public. How ever, if you really want information... Maybe we can figure something out.. _together_.\"\n\nHer word were almost like a hiss, a coy smile on her face as she narrowed her gaze. There wasn't a chance she wasn't playing him, atleast a little, but if what she said was true, how many options did he have?" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt leans in over the desk, the wood creaking under his weight. His face seemed like a brewing storm cloud, darkening with... What? Rage? Sadness? Annoyance? It was hard to tell, but it was probably not a good sign.\n\n\"I'm not looking to uncover a conspiracy: I don't care about reading up on Quartermaster's Trigger Event, or what the city is trying to cover up. We're humans, and we made the same mistakes coming here from our past Earths: unless some of us came from Zion itself—\" He blinks, realizing how similar 'Zion' sounded to 'Scion'. He practically growls at himself for the reminder of the man who killed him; that similarity was just one reason he wasn't practicing religiously much nowadays.\n\n\"—sorry, poor choice of phrase. My point is that my scope is limited intentionally. I only care about the slums' documents: if I can get a layout memorized, maybe find where sewers map out, that'd be helpful.\"\n\nHe sighs when he realizes that Annabelle wouldn't give up on him so easily. If there was one thing he'd come to expect from the younger Cape, it was her persistence. \"Eugh... Oy vey... Fine. Whatever. Sure. We'll work together—\" He holds up a finger, as if to warn Annabelle. \"—but only on this.\" He leans in again, before a hand juts out from his jacket pockets. It nearly goes into a handshake position, but he tilts his arm up at a slight angle, withholding the sealing of the informal agreement for a moment.\n\n\"My question is, then, what would you want from me? I doubt I've got such a fan in you that you're doing this for charity: what do you want out of this arrangement that you want me for it?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Annabelle made a wry smile and a thin glare. She knew she had him now. She outstretched her hand to shake his own when he pulled back, and her smug expression fell a little apart. \"Well like you said, this is no place to talk about this stuff right? Give my your PHO handle, and we can talk about it later tonight when I'm off work. You can reserve the right to say no until after I've told you, that should suffice, right?\"\n\nShe pulled her hand back and folder her arms atop the counter, resting her head in a way where she could look at him. Waiting patiently with a death stare of sorts. Anna had a certain thing of mind of course, a team up, against the Top Hats, or maybe even. She flared her nostrils a bit as she let out a deep breath. Thinking about that option was... Risky. \n\nThe Songbirds.\n\nA lot of the information the library should have on them, nearly all of it was missing. It made her concerned just _imagining_ that someone from or working for them might be an employee at the library. So many more ideas flowed through her mind when she thought of them. Perhaps, with how secretive they were... They had a higher probability of having the information he desired. She was certain though that the Top Hats knew about Sophia, and they could _potentially_ have the kind of knowledge he was after but... It was in truth, secondary to her plans.\n\n\"Well?\" She pressed him again. She wasn't about to discuss any of her ideas here in the public library. That was foolish, and even he knew it." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt looks at Annabelle with an utterly bewildered look. Her request to give her his PHO handle was met with the same reaction as if she asked to see his gleeple-glorp, or his exploding gazoo: that is, as if she said something totally incomprehensible and alien.\n\n\"P... H...O? What's that? Why's it got a handle?\" He says, utterly confused by the other Cape's strange request.\n\nIn his mind, Annabelle clearly wanted something from him, likely concerning that friend of her's that went missing: the drug dealer, the one who may have fallen in with one of the gangs. He scowls a bit at even the thought of the scumbags that think they can run roughshod over the Slums; they were just as bad as the Heroes, only they were at least more honest with their arrogance.\n\nHe looks confused back at Annabelle again, looking around for a second with a baffled look on his face, as if she were talking to someone just behind him. \"Well, what?\" He says, his rusty Russian accent coming closer to the surface with the dual 'w's." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Annabelle's expression was a mixture of sudden shock and embarrassment. She sat there, flabbergasted, at least until she remembered he _hated_ capes. No wonder he didn't know about PHO. On top of.. Well no need to make rash judgements about him based on age, she thought. \n\nWith a sigh, she resigned herself to reaching into bag to pull her phone out. \"What ever. I was asking for contact, but if you don't have a PHO account, then maybe you at least have a cellphone number?\"\n\nShe prepared the device to accept a new contact, her fingers hung stiffly over the keys." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt pulls something out of his pockets with an incredibly fluid motion, the snap click of plastic signaling the appearance of... An ancient flip phone. Part of it was taped together, and the 10 megapixel camera was shattered to bits. \"Still don't know what a P.H.O is, but I've got a cell.\" He looks up, waiting for Annabelle number.\n\n\"I'll contact you: until I know I can trust you, I'm not comfortable giving out my number. That kind of shit is too easy to trace back to someone's real name.\"\n\nHe looks down at Annabelle's phone, a slightly impressed expression on his face. \"You have a...'smart phone'. Those are nice, I've heard. Been meaning to get one, but I can't give up on my Ptichka.\" He says 'smart phone' separately, as if pronouncing some cutting-edge piece of technology that was only ever seen in science-fiction." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Annabelle quickly flipped it around and showed him her own number. The screen was cracked, and it looked a few years old. Modeled off of Android. \"Works for me. As for the phone.\" She paused, pocketing it after he'd gotten a good look at it. \n\n\"It was... A gift.\" The somber tone of her voice, clinging onto the word 'gift', was impossible to miss. So much to expand on from just a little inflection, but she didn't linger on it to explain. \" It's not exactly top of the line, wasn't even when I got it. It works though, that's all that matters. Suppose you'll be in touch when you're ready to hear my request?\"\n\nAnnabelle flipped the screen of her laptop back up and wasn't waiting even a moment before she continued typing down what ever it is she was writing." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt punches in Annabelle's number, thumb flying over the buttons with a satisfying click of plastic signifying each number entered.\n\nHe looks up when Annabelle mentions the phone being a gift, giving an almost librarian-esque look at her. \"From your friend, yes? I assumed, anyway...\"\n\nHe flips the phone shut, stuffing it back in his pocket as if holstering a pistol in an old Western movie. \"Yes, I'll reach out to you first. It won't be long, probably... Tonight, maybe tomorrow evening. Either way, when we work together? It has to be at night, it has to be in places where they don't expect... People like us, and it definitely has to be discrete. I'm already much more popular than I have any sense to be; last thing I want is talk of a 'team-up' or whatever bullshit the papers come up with.\"\n\nKurt is about to walk away, stuff his hands in his jackets and go back to the Slums, but he pauses, looking back at Annabelle. Its more of a side glance than anything else, but he studies the young girl for a second before speaking. \"I look forward to our next meeting.\" He says, a little stiffly... But not as gruff as before. He puts back on his hat and walks out the door, grumbling to himself about some irritating detail that had popped back into his mind, or maybe he was simply in the mood to kvetch for kvetching's sake." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Anna paused her writing. She looked up to watch Kurt walk away, and smirked, before returning to her work.\n\n\n_This hero lay shrouded in night's cold grasp, where wayward stars betray his distant bravado, and shine light upon where he makes darkness his home. The rough and tumble streets laden with waste and blood become illuminated as his glow grows ever brighter, and though his face twists in disgust at the mention of being a symbol of righteous justice, spotlights in the midnight sky expose actors on the world's stage. \n\nThe Bug-Man argues one should do good from the shadows, to hide from fame and fortune like the plague. The nobility in the notion may be inspiring, but when such attention is thrust upon him, the question remains just how this vigilante will respond. \n\nDoes he do good, because he is capable? Will he do good, inspite of the way the world will treat him? When the curtain calls, and all eyes are on him, does Bug-Man have what it takes to be the same in the light, as he is in the dark? Only time will tell._\n\n \n\n—" } ]	277	3,713
217.585366	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "The small library wasn't very active at this hour. Like it was mentioned in the post earlier it looked as if it was just the librarian in the building. Nue walked in using the appearance of someone she found earlier: a brunette woman in a disheveled dress shirt and blazer. Like she had been overworked and was on the way back from a long day at the office. With a small wave to the librarian she looked around for the computer area, once she found it she looked around for anyone at all." }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "There is one figure, sat at the last computer, tucked away in the corner. It looks to be a young woman by the frame, wearing a dark purple hoodie and blue jeans. If Nue were to get closer, she would find her also wearing heavy gloves, and a black mesh veil that covers the inside of the hood, completely hiding any sign of her actual skin or body. She sits rigidly, almost like a statue, with her shoulders so tense they're peaked up to where her ears must be. On the screen is the conversation Nue had been having on PHO, and nothing else. Her hands hover over the keyboard as if ready to type, and the slight tremble in her fingers is the only movement of her body. In fact, on closer inspection, she's not even breathing." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Once she noticed the person at the computer Nue approached them with a smile. Her movements were rather casual, though her eyes were fixed on the person. She noticed odd details like the veil and the gloves that would be outside a usual human's outfit. It was like an amateaur cape's outfit. One that they'd cobble together to use before they got a real costume done. Looking at the computer it looked like PHO and the amount of text near the end lined up vaguely with the lengths she remembered ending the online conversation on, even if the words itself weren't clear.\n\"Hey, you're the scary one right?\" She spoke up, \"You ought to be more careful with all of that. You know, there aren't very many libraries still open now that the world just restarted.\"\nAt this point she stood just behind the figure, looking over towards the side of her." }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "A gentle hissing enamates from the figure, like white noise. \"Hi...\" She says, her voicing coming in quietly, indistinct, slightly echoey and muffled by the hissing. \"Yeah... That's me. Sorry I'm just... Holding back, yknow?\" She turns to face Nue, and the way she moves is oddly fluid and disjointed, her head turning around farther than is healthily possible, followed by her shoulders, torso, and then turning the chair she's in, as if the clothes were simply a bag full of animate fluid. As she turns, Nue would be able to see a faint blue glow seeping through the mask, which had previously blended with the glow of the computer. \"Hi...\" She says again, still with that eerie, echoing sound, as though her voice were coming through a spirit box. She only looks at Nue for a moment before turning her head down and away.\n\"Sorry. Sometimes it... Tries too hard, and I-... It wants to lash out... It's a balance.\" It's not clear if her pauses are just her, or if the power is making her talk like that, somehow." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue eyed her motion with a vague disgust. It was uncanny, but nothing incredibly horrifying yet. Though the thought made her smile right back up. \"If this is you holding back then the full thing must be something to see.\"\n\nShe put her hands on her hips. \"I'm the one you've been talking to, at least so far as tonight. My name is Caroline, but Carol is fine. So how'd it go? Did you find anything or anyone helpful yet? From a distance you don't seem too bad, but I'm surprised you'd be at a library at all with how you talk about. Do you have a laptop or something? Or a place to stay at all?\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "She's quiet for a long moment, then shakes her head. \"I don't really need one?\" The echoey voice says. \"I don't really sleep anymore. Or eat, at least not food... I just need to feed... It.\" Her shoulders hunch shamefully on the last word. She's quiet one more moment, then, sounding a bit irritated, \"Could you please not look at me so much? Your fear, it... It makes it uncomfortable. It's not just scaring people, it's... Becoming their fear, and your fear is a little too close to mine, so it's a bit...\" The volume of the static increases momentarily. A sigh? \"Overwhelming.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"Oh, I get it. Well I assume you found a safe spot to get to when you don't want to do this scaring thing. You know, you're pretty lucky it was me out of anyone that came to see you. Being a new monster with a strange ability could attract plenty of others who'd want to use you, you know.\" She notices the faint glow and her smile widens a little, \"But I guess you could tell if they want to do something like that, can't you?\"\n\nAt her request she slightly shrugged and turned her back to her. \"Sorry. There's just a weird feeling I get when I look at you.\" She seemed thoughtful, \"Is that your fear? If we have the same fear, which fear is that exactly?\" \nA thought came to Carol and she turned her head to face the horror again, as if it was just the orientation of her body that was part of the request. \"Oh yeah, what should I call you anyway? Did you ever find a name?\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Contrary to her request, Phoebe visibly relaxes ever so slightly when Carol looks back at her, having tensed when she looked away. Phoebe shakes her head. \"I'm Phoebe. I'm trying to find a name that doesn't sound too... Scary.\" She ponders the other questions. \"I'm scared of crowds, people watching me, judging, thinking about what to do to me. Yours is... Similar, but not the same... I think it's like, being found? Something like that? It's all really...\" She trails off, unable to find the right way to describe it. \"I don't know how to say, but I think...\" Her hood turns to face Nue, staring at her straight on, inflicting an intense sense of being watched in turn for her gaze, even without eyes, only that ominous glow behind the mesh cloth screen.\n\"You're hiding.\" She finishes. It has a note of accusation, which alongside her sudden straight-on demeanor, is very uncharacteristic of the girl Nue has been interacting with so far. \"You're hiding, and you're afraid of being found out.\" She states plainly. As soon as she finishes saying it though, she looks away again. Her voice is still distorted by the staticy effect and the echo, so it's hard to tell if her small, mumbled \"Sorry.\" Was actually said, or just a trick of the static." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Carol couldn't help but scowl at Phoebe when meeting her intense gaze. She tensed, her words supplementing that proportionally strong feeling she had been afflicted with. Her hand twitched as it remained affixed by her side as if ready for action at any moment. Yet felt the sudden wave of relief at the moment Phoebe averted her own gaze. The combination of sensations made her grin wide. \n\"Most monsters like us have that fear, but I guess you're not wrong in that it might be something I hold a little closer to my own heart. Since it doesn't look like you're too worried about your identity then you should just use whatever name comes naturally to you. Whether that's Phoebe or Spooky, or whatever.\"\nShe shrugged nonchalantly, as if that tense moment never happened.\n\"Don't say sorry for that. From what you said you can't help it, can you? If you ever have to apologize for being yourself then the person who's making you do it probably isn't worth your time. Besides, I actually don't think I mind it so much...\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Phoebe is quiet for a moment, then her voice comes out quietly, the smile audible in her tone. \"Spooky... I think I like that.\" She sighs, another increase in volume of the static. She shakes her head. \"I can't help it, no. I feel like I should be able to help the things I do and say, but the...\" She gestures around her head, her sleeve slipping momentarily and revealing more of that blue-white light before settling back down as she puts the hand back in her lap. \"I think it affects how I think.\" She looks at Nue again, and that feeling of being watched returns, as if she's looking straight through Nue's disguise. \"I'm glad you don't. I don't normally get to be so... Not comfortable, but happy, or... Excited, maybe? Around others, that is. It's nice, feeling like I'm fun spooky instead of a nightmare made real. And my power seems okay with it being enough, at least for now. Thank you.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"Sorry to say, but it's something like that. It's a part of you know, so you'll have to adjust to the changes in a way you feel can make you happy, if that's possible. If scaring me helps then I'm glad.\" \nCarol stared back at Phoebe, she couldn't help but chuckled at that uneasy feeling. It did feel like she saw right through her, right to her core, but at the same time that uneasiness made her smile.\n\"...Take me for example.\" She started shakily but continued looking despite that and talking a bit more slowly to let her voice stay steady. \n\"I haven't felt anything like this in a long time, even when I was in danger. It's like you just magically hit this sweet spot for me.\"\nShe closed her eyes, bringing a hand to her head to sigh herself for a moment of release, though her mind still perceived the danger looking at her even in that moment.\n\"It's a thrilling. Something I can really feel. So, honestly I feel like I should be thanking you, Spooky.\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "She looks away again, for the first time greatful for her power, as she's sure she'd be blushing furiously if she had a face right now. \"S- so... Did you uhm... Come here because you... Want something, or?\" She lets the question hang, fidgeting with her fingers in her lap." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Carol brushed herself off and adjusted her collar to get rid of a bit of the lingering tension, but her smile dropped. \n\"Well actually there's a couple reasons why I'm here: Firstly, I'm here to prove a point. It's not exactly like you were hiding where you were but I don't know if you really understand the kind of world you're a part of now that you have a power. You went online and announced you had this big scary dangerous power, told everyone exactly where you were and the times you responded and a little bit of critical thinking gave a pretty good window of what times would be best to find you. It's like I said at the start of the conversation: there aren't that many libraries anymore. I checked a couple of them in a couple of the other districts, saw you weren't at them while responding to messages, but here you are now. I managed to find you on the third try. Now I'm sure we're both glad we found each other, but there are a bunch of real bad guys out there too. Monsters more than willing to capture you, threaten you, or otherwise force you to work with them. Then there's what if some heroes took your request seriously and things ended up getting way out of hand.\"\nShe pointed to herself, \" I might be pretty happy to feel fear, but I'm sure there are lots of monsters out there, even heroic ones who'd fly off the handle at the first sense of danger.\" As she said danger, she redirected her finger towards Phoebe.\n\n-\n\"The other reason I'm here, well, I just wanted to see exactly how scary fear itself really was. And I wasn't really doing anything better.\" She gave a shrug as if dismissing her own lecture. \n\"So now that we're here, why don't you tell me more about you? I have all night so we can hang out as long as you want.\"\nNue walked up to Phoebe, pulling the chair from the next computer over and spinning it to sit down beside her while leaning on the back. Of course, there was always that unease every time she looked at her, especially looking at her face, but at the same time that uneasy feeling answered a question that began to linger since she had triggered. She really can still feel." }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Phoebe shrugs. \"What are the bad guys gonna do? If they capture me, they'll be scared of me getting out. If they force me to work for them, they'll be afraid of me turning on them. I've dealt with enough bad guys and monsters in my life before I had powers, I'd be willing to let my power do it, if I had to. As for the heroes... I'm desperate. I knew what I was doing, I want the heroes to get to me first, emapthize, so that Maybe I don't have to have them all come on my head and send me away if I lose control. I did think it through... I do want to help people, but that's not nearly as important as doing what little I can to keep myself safe... I Don't want to be seen as a monster, Heroes Kill Monsters.\" She hangs her head, staring at her lap. \"You're not one of the heroes, are you?\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "A nod is given, \"You're pretty confident. Sounds like you've killed before and that you're willing to again if you needed. But, I guess you did. Sorry to assume all of that. Although, I wouldn't underestimate the monsters out there either.\"\n\nCarol let out a sigh of her own, leaning back and tipping the chair slightly as she thought. \"That's kind of a complicated question. Alright, let me start by saying I think our definitions of 'monster; is a bit different. When I say 'monster' I mean parahumans, or capes, or whatever you want to say. So in saying we're monsters I mean we're parahumans. So both heroes and villains are monsters, honestly. They just take different directions. One side wishes to be worshiped through fear and exercising their power on humans and the other side wishes to be worshiped by protecting and serving humans in ways that ordinary people can't. I hope that you'll get used to the fact that you have powers, cause that will never stop. But hey, what makes you ask anyway? I'm not heroic enough?\" \nShe looked down at her own disheveled outfit. \"I know I didn't dress up or anything, but I thought I looked nice enough.\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Phoebe's shoulders shake a little, and the static sound stutters. \"The way you talk about heroes and villains like you're neither. I don't think heroes would be shy about which side they're on.\" She looks at Nue head on again. \"So what should I do?\" Her voice is small and plaintive in the static." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"Easy, easy. I came here as me. Not a hero or a Villain for any greater cause. I'm here in ordinary clothes because I just wanted to talk to you as me. That's all. If it really bugs you, rest assured my sister is a known hero. I just help her out behind the scenes sometimes. I would just rather state how things are from a more unbiased perspective. All of us are imperfect, humans, monsters, heroes, villains, unpowered people. To say one side is a definite good is a little dishonest, I'd say.\"\nCarol couldn't help but tense up again, whenever she locked 'eyes' with Phoebe she couldn't help but feel that intense chill run down her spine.\n\"If this is you holding back...\" The thought made her shiver and she laughed a little.\n\nShe cleared her throat, looking away for a moment to escape the more intense parts of her effects for a moment.\n\"What you should do... Is what you want to do. It's like I said earlier. You should follow your nature. I can't tell you what's best for you. No one can.\"\nShe turned back around, powering on through the fears effect to ramble on, though her movements do get a little more shakey, \" I believe this goes especially true for monsters like us. You know what you need and want better than I could ever hope to imagine. And same with me to you. ...You to me?\"\nShe points back and forth between herself and Phoebe, now a little lost in her own order.\n\n\"Point is, I can't tell you what to do. I can maybe suggest something but it will ultimately have to be you that makes the decision. That is to saaaay...\"\nShe trailed off, almost being theatrical with her last sentence. She extended a hand to Phoebe and held it there as if it was for a handshake, the hand was already shaking, Moreso than before as if she was a nervous she was thrusting it into danger.\n\"Let's be friends. That's my suggestion. Will you be my friend?\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Phoebe watches her, unmoving. If she were to follow her nature... \"Fine.\" She says, taking the hand. Her own hand feels like it's made of glass beneath the glove. \"But first, a test.\" She starts to walk outside, still with that oddly fluid movement, pulling Nue behind her with surprising strength. \"If you're going to be my friend, I need to know that you can handle me.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Carol smiled eagerly when her hand was taken. She seemed rather glad that Phoebe accepted the gesture, feeling as if she was able to ignore the strange feeling. \n\"A test? Sure, I'll handle all of you.\" She got up after her and couldn't help but let excitement run through herself as she followed outside. She had to see what was up next, the anticipation from the small walk was comparable to a roller coaster reaching the peak just before the big drop." }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Phoebe- Spooky now, probably, leads her to the side of the building, a rather isolated area where they're unlikely to be observed or interfered with. She stops, taking a deep, static-y breath. She doesn't look at Carol as she speaks. \"I'm gonna let my grip slip a bit, okay? Are you ready?\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue followed the girl to the secluded lot. She looked around as if checking with Phoebe if it was all clear for the two of them. \"Only a bit? Okay, I'm ready when you are, Spooky.\" She gave her a thumbs up, looking as if she was genuinely enjoying herself despite the two not having done much tonight." }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Spooky's shoulders rise and fall, a deep breath. For a long moment, nothing happens, she just stands perfectly still. Then, long, pale, gently glowing fingers poke out from around the sides of her veil-like mask, gripping her hood. Hands, which look to be made of glowing TV static, follow, and her head tilts back impossibly far as the silhouette of a canine snout noses the veil out of the way. The creature, ten feet tall and rail thin, emerges from her clothes like a butterfly from a cocoon, or a spider unfurling its legs, leaving the clothing in a heap on the ground. Its entire body seems to be made of gently glowing TV static which casts the area in a pervasive unhealthy blue glow, and throughout the static images of eyes fade in and out of view, every one darting in its socket, searching wildly, desperately. Where the wolfish head would have eyes, there are instead black pits, so dark as to look like holes in reality, which bare down on Nue with a palpable weight. Some bell probably would ring in the back of Nue's mind, like a name of someone who looks familiar, just barely placed correctly. Hide-And-Seek. The name of this beast, this hunter. It moves slowly as it looms over her. \"Wanderer in the dark.\" It addresses Nue with a voice not Phoebe's, a chorus of middle-aged women's voices, oddly maternal. \"A dangerous hobby, for something so fragile.\" It sounds almost caring.\n\"Don't look away.\" It mentions abruptly, before Nue can respond. Phoebe's voice is in those words a little, scared. \"You must play by the rules if you want to live.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue watched Spooky transform with a mixture of awe and a primal fear that she couldn't shake deep within. On the one hand each movement and transformation from the previous form she took instinctively activated a fear response within her. She couldn't help but be creeped out by the impossible movements and uncanny poses the figure's body took. She leaned forward a little, her body tense and with her arm at her side, as if whatever she had in her pocket could help her if needed. Alarms blared in her mind shouting to fight or flee, but despite that she froze in that position, watching with fascination. This deep rooted feeling of fear felt as if it was dug out from deep within. Something she had buried a long time ago. It was different from watching something on a screen, being in the presence of something so big and scary.\n\nThat intense feeling stirred within Nue, it was difficult for her to place what exactly it was. Of course, there was the obvious fear, but it was so intense, something that came with it. Something within that fascination. An affection? The voice that had reached out to her was strange. It was comforting. She was scared, but at the same time the figure had spoken in a manner to comfort her. The fear was comforting? The complicated mix of fear, affection, and comfort swirled in Nue's mind. She didn't really know how to process it either. So she simply stood there, frozen and shivering with that intense feeling as she stared back in a cult like trance at the figure watching her. \n\"The...\" Her voice came out shakier than expected, enough to surprise herself. \"The world works the same way... Tell me.\" She couldn't help but chuckle as if that would give just a bit of relief from the cocktail of extreme emotions running through her, though it did little to help." }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "The beast leans a fraction closer to Nue, its nose tilting up slightly as the volume of the static increases. It's sniffing her, she may realize. A gesture of satisfaction. Hide-And-Seek takes a step back, or perhaps flickers back, it's hard to tell, and either crouches down or sits, long legs folding around it like extradimensional origami. It's hard to tell how the thing is moving when it can only be seen by its silhouette, and the constantly shifting visual barrage of the reappearing and disappearing eye images within the static doesn't help. Despite this, the gesture seems almost... Relenting, backing off. The voice of a thousand feminine voices coming through the static chuckles gently, once again absent of Phoebe's tones and cadence. \"We like you, so we'll give you this much. All the best monsters play by rules. Times and situations we will or won't kill or hurt you. We can break these rules of course, once they no longer serve us, but it is easy to make you weak and fearful if you do not know the rules. Because we like you, we can tell you enough to keep you relatively safe, for now. This form hurts to be looked at, but it's your best chance.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue continued watching, part of her wanting to reach out to the beast as it leaned towards her, but her body wouldn't move. She simply stood there as it sniffed her, basking in that high of emotions, riding it out like a roller coaster. Feeling the unpleasantness of that fear, swirled and mixed with the thrill and affection until the differences between the two were unrecognizable. As the beast backed off, she stood up a little more straight. Despite its threats and her own fear of its form, Nue still didn't feel as if she was going to be attacked, despite the feeling of danger present right in front of her.\n\n\"You like me too? You'll make me blush...\" Her voice was still unsteady despite trying to sound like her usual self. She couldn't, her tone was all over the place as if she had just learned how to talk for the first time and didn't understand the intricacies of speaking and the significance of one's cadence. \"I don't want to hurt you, but I can't bring myself to look away either...\" Even as a cold sweat beaded down her face, she couldn't help but smile at the distorted monster in front of her, even forcing a heavy step forward despite her instincts screaming at her to stay still as it moved back." }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "The best remains perfectly still, but for the gentle undulations of the shifting static and the images of eyes. Every now and then, one or two of the eyes focuses on Nue instead of twitching spazmodically in its socket, locking onto her and focusing until it fades out of view. The thing is quiet for a long time, until Phoebe's voice echoes from within the static. \"I think... I think I have some control. More than I've ever had when I'm this... Deep.\" The static-beast continues to stare at Nue, its own eyes on its face less like black pits, more like cut outs of reality, as if the surface of the beast were a drawing on paper and the paper had been torn away to reveal only darkness beyond. \"What now?\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue's own eyes darted between the eyes looking back at her. There was a feeling of conflict in her own heart on seeing them. Half of her adored the attention the eyes were giving her, the other half was repulsed by it and wanted nothing to do with it. That feeling came from the beast's own eyes. She found her own gaze locked in theirs. It didn't make sense. It couldn't be registered properly in her own mind. It was like the view behind those black pits was endless, as if another world was just behind them. It felt like they could see through everything. Everything past her current form, past her own identity. It felt as if she was looking directly at Her. An entity past her own understanding. \n\nAn unpleasant feeling that her body told her she must get away from. One that told her she would die if she were to continue forth. One that the mind behind her didn't care about. One that was too alluring to look away from. One that she wanted to feel more of. One that could make her feel something past the dull sensations she could no longer register.\n\"Are you the one?\"\n\nThe expression on Caroline's face was a mixture of glee and horror that combined into some amalgamated look of despair. She couldn't stop herself from laughing despite all of it. She walked up to the beast as if in a trance. Her body told her no, but the force beyond her mind made it so. All the way until she was just in arm's reach from her.\n\"See..? You only needed a friend...\" She spoke slowly, as if her words were carefully forced out of her own mouth. \n\"I don't know about you... But I am having a lot of fun... Are you..? Would you like to speak to me..?\" She couldn't help but feel deluded already. \n\"I've never really felt anything like this before... Can you tell me what this feeling is...?\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "The hole-eyes narrow slightly, and the silhouette of the thing shifts in a way that's hard define; settling down? Preparing to attack? It's hard to say. Phoebe's voice again. \"I... I don't know. You haven't run, and I don't understand why...\"\n\nThe creature reaches up a long arm, easily reaching Nue at whatever distance she stands from it. It hesitates, a show of fear from the fear-monster, then gently extends one sharp looking digit to touch lightly at the center of Nue's forehead. The arm seems tense somehow, the eye-images along it wide and bulging with fear or anger, and there's a sense that if it so much as flinches, it could kill Nue right then and there. It doesn't, however, not yet. The touch feels cold, but not in the sense of ice or snow, instead in the sense of numbness, except felt on the skin of the creature, instead of Nue's own. \n\n\"You are strange, Little Wanderer of the Dark.\" Says the beast in the chorus of voices from before. \"You revel in terror, even when you're the one in danger.\" The hundred voices chuckle discordantly. \"Perhaps more stupid than strange, but we won't complain. Your presence is... Gratifying.\" It leaves the clawtip just barely touching Nue's head, not moving but for the shift of the static eyes." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"This body is a vessel... It wants nothing more than to run away... But I do not want it to... I want to move forward... Towards you... So it must...\" Nue spoke in what felt like a trance. She watched as much of the creature as she could, every strange and disorienting movement. \n\"And... I've already told you... You're nice... And... I want to be your friend...\" \n\nShe froze when the claw extended to make contact with her forehead. It was true, the danger from something that seemed as effortless and simple as the beast extending its hand could very well end her if the both of them were not careful. However it did not. That initial fear was mixed with a deep feeling of affection. Like a pet that realizes the person it had decided to lay next to could do something to kill them, yet trusted them enough to relax regardless of the circumstances. There wasn't so much the luxury of relaxation here, yet she could still feel a deep rooted love for this gesture. Was this her version of petting her? \n\nShe reached out to the digit to hold it with her own hands in an attempt to return the show of affection the monster imparted on her. The strange nothing felt gratifying, as if she wished the little warmth from her hands to imprint on the ever strangely numb digit, even if it did nothing, and absorbed it like a black hole.\n\"I am a simple creature... I just follow my nature... I am a Little Wanderer of the Dark... And your darkness is too alluring...\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "The soft static sound of the creature rasps, something approximating a scoff. \"Like a moth to a flame.\" The creature says gently, though there is a note of pity and cruelty to the matronly chorus of voices filtering through the static. There's a moment of stillness, then all at once the creature seems to lose any semblance of structure, flowing like a liquid back into the hoodie and jeans Phoebe had been wearing. A moment or two later, Phoebe is left standing there. Actual Phoebe, that is; a short, curvy girl with pale skin, large green eyes, and dark hair that cascades around her shoulders, spilling out from the hood of her jacket. She stands there, wide-eyed, flabbergasted, staring at her hands. \"What... Why?\" Is all she can manage to say." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "There was an odd feeling once the monster turned liquid. The thing she had been holding was ripped from her and caused her to stumble forward a little. Nue watched on as the horrific visage of the monster disappeared back into the jacket. She finally was able to look away and wiped away the seat on her face, but by the time she looked back the beast was replaced by a beauty. She clasped her hands together, snapped out of the trance and finally seemingly got back her bearings again. Standing up more straight, she walked up to Phoebe.\n\n\"Looks like you had your fill. How do you feel now? Better?\" She walked up to Phoebe, now getting a look at her normal self. \n\"Although, seeing you like this makes me feel a little bad. Because, well, I haven't been entirely honest. I don't know if you managed to figure it out yourself, but my real name is Nue. And...\"\nCaroline put a hand on her own shoulder, grabbing the blazer and with one motion. Peeling away the darkness surrounding her. As she tore off what appeared to be a dark curtain, covering her visage for just a moment and as the disguise was tossed away, what remained was Nue in her usual costume.\n\"This is who I really am.\" Though with her costume consisting of a wide brimmed hat that covered her eyes along with the mask she wore over the upper part of her face and the black flowing cloak that covered the majority of her body it was inversely more difficult to see who she was than before.\n\nShe extended a sharp, gloved hand to Phoebe, \"It's nice to meet you.\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Phoebe stands there, stunned and overwhelmed, still staring at her hands. She jumps when Nue reveals herself, the sudden movement drawing her attention, and she stares at who Nue really is, eyes scanning over her. She's quiet for a long moment, then her shoulders shudder with what at first seems like a sob. A moment later though, she breaks into laughter, throwing herself at Nue and clinging to the costumed cape's clothes, in something approximating a desperate hug, assuming Nue doesn't get out of the way in time. Tears stream down her face, but she can't bring herself to say much more than, \"Sorry, I'm sorry.\" Through the arguably manic giggling interspersed with shuddering sobs." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "There was a smug smile plastered on Nue's face for a little bit, even as she tilted her head in confusion at the cocktail of sobbing laughter that the girl in front of her. She blinked as she was suddenly pounced by that desperate hug, causing her to stumble back just a little bit. She kept her arms outstretched a little bit and for a few precious moments appeared genuinely confused. It was something unfamiliar to her in a different fashion from that ethereal experience beforehand. Something that she should know about and recognize, but somehow, this was a new feeling all on itself. \n\nHesitantly, she wrapped her own arms around Phoebe, reciprocating the hug, despite her own bewilderment. \n\"I, uh.. Yeah...\" She trailed off, not really sure what to say or how to respond to this, just holding the hug between them." }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Phoebe calms down soon enough, very aware of the discomfort she must be causing Nue. She pulls away and wipes her eyes with the sleeves of her hoodie, sniffling, her hands visibly shaking. \"I- I'm sorry, I just... I haven't been able to be Me Around someone since...\" She heaves a shuddering sigh. \"In a while.\" She finishes. \"I... I think you're... Special, somehow. I don't know, I just...\" She seems to hesitate, then takes a step back, offering Nue a little bit more of a reasonable amount of personal space. She works on controlling her breathing, in through the nose, out through the mouth, and tucks her hands into her armpits to keep them from shaking. \"Thank you.\" She finishes." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Despite being hesitant and uncertain about the hug, Nue seemed even more hesitant to let go of the hug, seemingly a bit disappointed from the parting. \"No, it's fine...\" She spoke in a softer tone and rubbed the back of her own head, \"I get it. Let it all out.\"\nShe gave Phoebe a more genuine and warm smile. \"I said I'd be your friend, so it's fine, really. I just... Was caught off guard...\" She trailed off again, not really sure how to finish the thought herself, instead she just stepped up to her again. Thinking about it, Nue found herself feeling that she was similar to this girl somehow. Both sides of her, both Phoebe and Spooky, had something that resonated with her. She eased up a bit, her body language relaxing compared to before.\n\n\"What I mean is...\"\nShe slowly and deliberately moved to wrap Phoebe up in another hug.\n\"I think you're special too.\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Phoebe blushes and ducks her head, her breath still uneven from the shock of the sudden change. She sighs shakily, hands clinging to the front of Nue's costume. \"Thank you. For coming, for helping me, for being kind, for... Sharing yourself with me like this?\" She chuckles a little. \"Thank you for lots.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue held Phoebe. The feeling of her clinging to her sparked a feeling within her. It was as if the roles from just a moment ago were completely reversed, with Phoebe now clinging onto her. They were so close that she could clearly hear her heartbeat, slowly easing as she relaxed. Was it the feeling of having someone relying on her? Or was it their embrace that made her feel so nicely? A comfort that amplified the release from the high tension of the frightening moments leading up to this. It resonated within Nue. She let out a relieved sigh.\n\n\"Well... You're welcome. You're doing a lot for me too. Even if you don't realize it.\"\nShe moved her hands to take hold of Phoebe's, holding them to her own heart, holding them just past her cloak onto the shirt of her costume.\n\"Ever since I gained my own power everything suddenly became dull. I really had a hard time taking anything seriously. Being my old self never really felt right afterwards either. Do you understand what I'm saying? Earning your power changes you. It changes everyone. It's something unavoidable. The old you that was just a human is now only a memory. I had to come to terms with the new me eventually. So I walked away from my old life.\"\n\nShe was looking at Phoebe's head, talking to her gently in a low tone. Her smile had dropped and she seemed serious about everything she was saying.\n\"It's difficult, especially if you're new to it all. But... There's no going back. This is how things will be. There's no way an ordinary person would ever be able to understand. Then... If your power is scary like mine... Like yours... They'll turn their backs on us. You might not like hearing it, but we're scary monsters. There's nothing wrong with it. It's just who we are. However, even heroic monsters will flinch at the sight of us. They're too accustomed to how humans think. In an effort to shield them, they deny us who we are. It's a shame, but that is how things are. If they all turn their backs on us, then who is left to be there for us but each other?\"\n\nHer smile came back to her face. \n\"I accept you for who you are. As a monster, as a human. I accept you for you. Can you find it in yourself to do the same?\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Phoebe's brow furrows, and that furrow slowly deepens as Nue speaks. Once she's finished, Phoebe gently pushes herself away from Nue. She puts her hood up, and hugs herself lightly. \"Maybe... I think I need to think about all that. I'm not sure I agree with you, but...\" She sighs, her shoulders already rising with tension again. \"I need to think about it. It's-\" She barks a short laugh. \"It's scary.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "There's no resistance to Phoebe's push. She half expected a reaction like this. She simply reached up to the front of her hat to adjust it. \n\"Sorry, it is a lot. It's heavy and even scary. But think about it. Take your time... And think about it. When you have an answer, or even a question or two about it, we can talk about it then.\"\nAfter a pause Nue let out a sigh as she looked past Phoebe and out to the sky.\n\"Time really flew by, huh.\"\n\nNue dug around within her cloak and produced a cheap phone, holding it up for Phoebe to see.\n\"I'd like to see you again. Earlier you made it sound like you don't really have much of anything. No home or means of contact aside from that public computer. We can probably meet again here, but if you're somewhere else and want to see me again, then it would be nice to have one of these.\"\nShe checked the phone for a moment, pressing a couple buttons before holding it out for Phoebe.\n\"If you don't have one, you can have this one. It has one of my numbers so feel free to contact me at any time; For any reason.\"" }, { "author": "zombistaydead", "message": "Phoebe takes it hesitantly, the smiles softly and tucks it into her hoodie pocket. She looks at Nue, then nods. \"Thank you. For everything. I'll uh... I'll think about what you said.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue returned a small smile, \"You're an awfully grateful person aren't you? This is what friends are for, isn't it? But that's fine. I'll accept every single one of your thanks.\" She gave her a little curtsy, though it was obvious with her grin and wink she wasn't being entirely serious with it. \"You'll ingrain your nightmares into me then shower me with praise, won't you?\" \n\nWith a quiet chuckle she turned her back to Phoebe, ready to leave the scene. \"So goodbye for now. Give me a call if you need help.\"\nShe turned her head to look at Phoebe one last time, \"Don't forget about me, love.\"\nWith a small tip of her hat she turned back around and walked towards the solid wall of the building. Reaching out she would make contact with the shadow of another building next to the library and enter it in one seamless motion and travel away within the shadows.\nFrom an outside perspective however, it would appear that Nue just walked through the wall like there was nothing there." } ]	209	8,921
114.833333	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "bard13", "message": "Tonight is a bad Night. Emily was curious how she ended up here. Simply under a bridge trying to sort things through. Her head was hurting and from what the others online said she was a cape now. She was always ignoring that part of life. Thought it was something only the spectacular people of the world were. Which She just was not. She could not help but cry and hold her head trying to get the static to stop." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Apex slowly moved through the streets of New London her hand clamped around the deep cut in her arm doing everything she could to prevent the bleeding. Even with all she was doing blood continued to drip down her useless limb. All she needed was somewhere safe she could tend to it properly. Looking up at the nearby bridge she decided that was the perfect place to hide under whilst she worked on her arm.\n\nWalking over she lent against a wall before slowly falling to the ground and letting out a sigh. Ripping away some of her shirt she began to use it as a makeshift bandage wrapping it around her arm. It was only then she heard a noise. Looking at the source of the sound she was surprised at what she saw.\n\n\"Why are you here?\"" }, { "author": "bard13", "message": "Snapping out of her bit of sorrow not entirely but a bit she would look at the newcomer spotting her injuries nigh immediately. \"U-uh really b-bad day. S-same for you?\" She said as she would tare a bit of her own sleeve offering it to Apex. She wanted to be a mortician but that required at least basic Healthcare knowledge. \"F-For you.\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Reaching over to the offered sleeve she would take it and use it to further pack her wounds. She pulled the bandage tight and reached up with her left hand, her only functioning hand, and pulled her mask away. As her face hit the open air she let the air out of lungs as though it was the first time she had relaxed in years.\n\n\"It has been... An eventful day. You have never truly lived until some crazed teleporting woman tries to kill you and your friends.\"\n\nHer good hand reached over to her other arm, the sleeve riding up as she did to reveal several large surgical scars as well as something metallic embedded in her flesh. She began to prod and poke her injured arm before sighing.\n\n\"I Think it's a lost cause to be honest. Do you know the worst thing? I bet she will get away with it. Bullies always do.\"" }, { "author": "bard13", "message": "\"That d-depends. H-how long ago did you l-lose the limb? One has s-six hours to reattach a lost limb before i-it is unviable. B-but I assume y-your one of those c-capes?\" She said smoothing closer to examine the wound doing her best to clean it this location was definitely not a clean enviorment." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"Now now don't jump to conclusions its till attached... Mostly.\"\n\nHer hand reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone to examine it. She pressed the power button a couple of times before giving up, accepting that she had truly fried it.\n\n\"I'll replace it when I get back to my lab, make it better than it was originally. Anyway, you assume correctly. I am indeed one of those capes. I pride myself on taking down the bullies of this world no matter how strong they are.\"" } ]	97.5	689
232.044444	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "It was just becoming night, the twilight of the evening finally coming to a close. Nue sat on the railing between the walkway of the bridge and the water below. Her current appearance was that of an office worker. Nothing special, just some man with ordinarily brushed straight hair with a suit and tie. There was hardly a notable thing about him, other than the fact he was sitting on the edge of the railing with his feet dangling off the side, lightly kicking childishly. The night sky was rather plain with the light pollution around her. However the sight of the city beyond the water was breathtaking. The way the buildings in the distance lit up twinkled in the distance. It was nice enough for her to ponder recent events. There had been a lot of people she had met, a number of which look like they might tug her path in opposite directions. \"Which way should I go..?\" She wondered aloud with a sigh." }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "Even after a few days, Mistral was still feeling the stress of the situation that happened on the 26th. As she walked forth, she felt a bit more tense as she usually did, walking upon the other side of the bridge. Did she doom herself to more suffering in the end with what she did? She was having a hard time separating herself from the incident. Even Vincent, her butler, was worried about her. Despite his words of advice, she still couldn't help herself. She took a moment to breathe, leaning against the side of the bridge, staring into the waters below... She knew she had to move on from this. It was another day, and what would come forth would come forth.\n\nWhile she was having these thoughts, she could not help but notice from afar. There was man on the bridge railing...? She felt as if she was delusional for a moment, so she rubbed her eyes, before widening them.. \nTHERE WAS A MAN ON THE SIDE OF THE BRIDGE?! She couldn't help but fear for his life, not thinking twice about his leniency about being there. What if a gust of wind pushed him off? Maybe a villian, who was feeling especially evil today would make his last moments there..?! She rushed over as fast as she could, using her cryogenesis to form ice upon her soles, skating along the bridge, to grab him. She'd kick down violently as she did, shattering the ice, before attempting to tug him back off the bridge.\n\n\"I'm not letting a man die in front of me! No! You stay away from that bridgeside...!\"\nClearly, this man scared the living daylights out of her, even behind a strange ice mask. She was breathing heavily as she closed her eyes, attempting to calm herself down. She didn't know what this man was attempting this for, but knowing that she would need to attempt to calm him down only worried her further..." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "The man turned to Mistral, confused for a moment. Only to see her rapidly approaching with a line of ice. After a brief double take his expression shifted to surprise. He jumped up iver this random cape's attempt at a grab. He was now standing on the railing facing her: an even more precarious than what he was doing before. He pointed at Mistral, now suddenly seeming smug, \"Ha! That will teach you to—\" But cut himself off mid sentence, now more confused by the cape. His demeanor shrank a little bit as he leaned forward, as a reaction to what Mistral blurted out, still balancing on the railing. \"What? Oh, you're trying to stop me. Well you oughta be more careful now.\" He leaned back a bit. Enough to make a show of losing his balance, \"Woah! Woooahh!\"" }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "At first, Mistral was utterly confused. The man seemed to have balls and impeccable balance upon the rail. Perhaps she underestimated him... She was taken aback by him calling her out, her rather large ears flattening a little bit. Confused and stunned she tried to process what was going on, but it was a bit too late.\n\nAs soon he looked like he was losing his balance, she'd gasp, and hop up on the railing herself. She'd attempt to rush cryogenesis underneath where he was about to fall in a bowl like fashion, hoping to break his landing instead of his neck. She'd scold this man, her posh tones really coming out.\n\"My word, did I not tell you to stay away from the bridgeside you brazen dolt?! I'm attempting to save your life!\"\n\nShe was beginning to question what this man's true goal was. He seemed to be having a fun time with this, despite playing with life and death... Was he truly a simple ordinary citizen? Her eyes narrowed at him, all the same." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "While the man continued to feign losing his balance, he took a glance back to see the bowl appear just under him. More importantly, the other cape joined him on the railing. He suddenly leaned forward towards her with an arm outstretched, set on grabbing her like she had tried to do with him. \"Then join me.\" He spoke in a low tone under a devious grin. He would attempt to take her down with him as he fell back into the bowl that Mistral had just constructed below them." }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "As he grabbed her, he may notice that she had an armored costume, which wasn't too apparent due to the cottony and loose look of the outfit. Whoever this lady was, she was no poor person, or at least had connections. He would grab her and drag her back into the bowl. However, this would also prove to be a fatal mistake...\n\nAs the two went into the bowl, everything seemed fine at first. However, unable to get up due to the way they were in the ice bowl, they started to hear something cracking... The bowl underneath them. It was thanks to the extra weight of Mistral's armored costume. All they could hear before the two started to fall, was Mistral sighing aggressively, and saying...\n\"You, BLOODY idIIIIIIShriek—!!!!\"\n\nMistral fell with a large shriek as she started falling. She would use cryogenesis in order to form ice upon her body, and would attempt to yank herself to a stop using cryokinesis. She would barely be able to save herself, halting herself completely about two feet above the waters surface. She was breathing heavily as she stared up into the sky. At this point, Mistral had completely lost all train of thought..." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "The man just gave Mistral an odd look, as if he was satisfied with what occurred. \"If you're not careful, you—\" Before he could finish that thought, the ice cracked under the two's weight and they both began to fall towards the water below. \n\"Hiiii-yahahahaha!\" He laughed hysterically as he fell, harmonizing with Mistral's scream. \n\nThe man looked down below. The water was choppy and the waves seemed to be uneven. A fall from this height into the water would kill any ordinary human. Fortunately falling from here couldn't kill Nue. In the spot they were falling, the long shadow of the bridge was ever present, and approaching rapidly. The man relaxed in the last few moments, glancing over at Mistral just before seemingly hitting the water and disappearing without so much as a splash.\n\nIn reality, Nue had doven into the shadow of the bridge just as she was about to make contact with the water. It was close, incredibly close to the fate that would have been dealt to anyone else, but instead she was within the shadow of the bridge, merged within it and looking up at Mistral and her floating ice." }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "After a few more moments of breathing, she would slowly fly herself over to the shoreline. She would land, the ice upon her shattering as she did so. She kneeled upon the ground, and continued to shake, starting to gag a little bit, but holding it in. She then slightly moved the mask away from her mouth to breath better, keeping her other hand on the ground. With all that happened as of late, she was beginning to wonder if this life was truly for her... \n\nIt was only then that she finally thought about something. She put her mask back on and looked to the waters to find where that man went. She couldn't find anything there. She looked up to the side of the bridge. Maybe she was delusional? No, there was no one up there... She began to look confused. She would at least have seen a body if that man didn't make it... She know what she just experienced was real.\n\nShe begun to feel as if maybe she was duped. She couldn't be for certain, however. She started to call out into the waters, and along the shoreline...\n\"Sir, are you fine? Please respond!\"\nShe couldn't keep her voice stable. She was still at a loss of breath from the wild ride, after all. But surely, he would answer from that..." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Traveling on the shadow of the bridge along the surface, Nue kept up with Mistral, making sure that she was relatively below her, as once they made it to the shoreline she would shift into her ice covered shadow. With the shattering of the ice she would jump to the core, the shadow of herself. She waited a little bit, letting the sense of dread set in. Watching the cape's internal struggle with a restrained glee.\n\nWith the desperate call to the water's Nue figured it was time to speak up. Any further and she might waste all night here. Which would be funny on its own, but she could make this more than a random search party.\n\"That man is already dead.\" Mistral's own voice spoke from just behind her. Though if she were to look there wouldn't be anyone there.\n\"There's no chance he could have survived. By the time you pulled yourself to shore, he would have drowned a number of times over. You... Really suck at rescuing people, don't you?\" \nThe voice that had started out serious when referring to the man suddenly turned its tone into one that was mocking with its last statement." }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "She turned back to the voice, only to see nothing. She knew at this point she was losing it... Why is she imagining her own voice talking to her? However, it wasn't long before she came to a conclusion. That man, and now this voice. Someone was clearly testing her. She sat down upon the ground cross legged, and sighed.\n\n\"To be honest? Yes... If that man is already dead, it is no fault but my own. I'm rather useless, aren't I...?\"\nClearly, this isn't the reaction she wanted. It was a much more negative one than any sort of scare. Mistral would soon put her hands in her face, still shaking. The hermit inside her was very much eating at her thought processes.\n\"I don't know who you are, but your words ring truer than most. You have every reason to mock me...\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"So you agree with me. If you have no confidence in yourself then you don't deserve your power, let alone allow anyone to trust you as a hero.\" Her voice continued as if being a more reprimanding side of her.\n\"Your actions pushed the man to take action, and standing next to him allowed him to try to take you with him. It was good you were able to save yourself, but you were unable to take the extra step to save the life of another. If you can't take that step you may as well hang up your mask now.\"" }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "\"Its not that simple. Nothing's so simple in this world, and you should know that. You can see the real me, after all, can't you?\"\n\nShe got up, and didn't look into the direction one bit. It seems she was on the hunt. She balled her fist, her voice erupting into a fit of anger. Yet, she seemed to keep quiet about it, keeping in a sort of hushed tone. \n\"I am unfit, but this is the path I must go: the path of justice. I don't trust this world... I don't trust Vanguard, the government, and anyone who thinks the line between Heroes and Villians is concrete... And honestly... I don't trust you. I trust you less if you are myself. But riddle me this: if you really are my voice, and not the man who just fell off with me, explain why I am doing this, or show yourself!\"\n\nShe seems to be pressuring the voice to come out. She didn't use any cryogenesis however. It seems she wanted to meet the voice face to face. She was erupting in tears, however. Stress had been building up from that simple incident from before, and she was taking it all out on this being who seemed to want to give her the spooks." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"Alright, I'll hand it to you: you're more messed up than I thought. I mean, if you go against Vanguard, you're going to be going against the public opinion of what good is in the first place. If you do that, then you're really going down the path of a Villain. Do you even realize that? Regardless of good or evil it's public opinion that guides the line between hero and villain.\" The voice had a haughty tone not too dissimilar to the one that Mistral herself carried, as if copying her tone of voice.\n\n\"A man just died in front of you and you're using it as an opportunity for self pity. It's all about you, isn't it?\" Maybe turning towards villainy would suit you more?\"\nThe voice at least for the moment seemed to be ignoring the taunts towards it." }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "Mistral leered at the ground. She knew that this being was toying with her as of now. She decided not to play their game. She started to form ice using her cryogenesis in order to prepare for any incoming attack. Whoever this was, it was not their friend, and that was clear.\n\n\"...\"\nShe was tempted to say something. However, knowing that this being was feasting upon her words, she decided it was a better option to stay quiet. Not until they show themselves at least. Even now, she wished to simply talk to them. This was simply a bait to have them come out of hiding. Villian or not, every person deserved equal treatment... She knew Vanguard was keeping the duty, but she realized that people are hiding in the shadows that were on a different path. Thus, she simply chose not to follow them. Why were these people so against the law and order? Maybe, she can begin to understand one of them by meeting them. She thought about it, and decided to say only one line.\n\"..Come out please. I do not mean to harm you, unless you attack first.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "The moment of silence passed and Nue felt a tinge of annoyance through her. Though watching Mistral tense up was enough of an answer to her. It was a small show of entertainment for her\n\"We can talk just fine like this. Looks like you're already getting ready to attack. What kind of moron do you take me for? Oh, right, I'm using your voice.\" The voice snickered. \n\"Right. I guess I haven't really introduced myself. I'm a Gemini from Gemini Private Eyes. Someone wanted me to look into you. So I've been following you for a little while. But after what just happened I find it hard to just sit by and watch. So I'm here to ask you some questions directly. You know, before you get anyone else killed.\"" }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "This all but confirmed her feelings. She still could only assume that this being was truly the man she attempted to save. It was simply too coincidental. It wasn't that Mistral was dumb... Mistral's faults came from a lack of experience. Even still, those words rung true in her head. If that was a real man, he would have been dead. It stung just a little, and it could be seen upon her face when she said the final sentence. She needed to be better...\n\nShe eased her cryogenesis, and broke the ice. She attempted to loosen herself up, but Nue could sense it still in her voice, potentially giving her an ease of entertainment.\n\"...As you know, I am Mistral. I am a lone Hero, rather then one by the standards of the populace. I'm what you could call a lone wolf in New London. Whatever questions you have, I am willing to answer... Though, I can't help but feel you are a little entertained by my disdain...\"\n\nWho was this private detective? How long has he been following her? Why have they been following her, a person with no visible outside life? All these thoughts swirled in her head, only making her a bit more tense. She wanted to use this opportunity to take a seat, yet, it'd be improper... She decided to ask.\n\"...Am I able to make a seat for myself, or would it cause you issues?\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "The voice echoed along Mistral's words with a mixture of surprise and derision. \"Lone hero? Lone wolf!? Pff... Ha ha ha...\" The voice sounded like it was trying, but failing miserably to hold back its laughter. \n\"So what you're saying is that you have no one to back you up. You realize that saying all of that tough guy crap is spilling your weakness, don't you?\"\n\n\"Look, I was just planning on watching you for a while to get your details, but heroes can only fuck up that badly like this once before they're labeled as an incompetent joke by society. So you better hope no one was watching. If you want to project feelings onto me then feel free if that'll help you cope with the thought of what the humans are going to feel about you if you actually go out there and act like this.\"\n\n\"Oh and take a seat if you want. Nothing you can do could cause me any issues. So, let's start out with the obvious: where do you live?\"" }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "Mistral would generate an icy chair behind herself, and take a seat. She was rather confused by the question of the detectives, but she would answer, nevertheless.\n\"That's a rather strange question to ask... Couldn't you find those records within the city as a detective?\"\nShe pondered as she attempted to finally locate the voice. She looked about, hoping to see something.\n\n\"...Truthfully, I do not care how much I screw up, so long as I improve afterwards. Society is a harsh beast, after all. They judge upon what they see, and not what they hear.. Nor anything behind the scenes. I know this personally. I live to serve them, even if they don't appreciate me for what I am.\nAs for me being alone... Its something along those same lines. It's going to kick me in the arse one day, but I can't trust anyone. Hell, on my luck, the next person I trust may just end up being a villian... That's why everyone remains neutral to me. Even if they seem to want to gain my trust, I won't fully trust them, ever. But, I'll help those who help me, and will still go after certain situations...\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "The voice had started out behind Mistral, but if she had turned around she would find the voice coming from right in front of her despite there not being any apparent source for the voice to take. \"What are you trying to say? I'm saying that the way you're flaunting things around is making it sound like you think like you're being Cool Or Brooding, Tch, maybe even Ice cold, But in reality you're really just saying you're all alone and there's nothing more sad than that.\"\n\nA moment later the voice would be right on top of her, as if they were whispering directly into her ears. \"And you'll care alright. Society won't even give you the chance to improve. They'll drain your blood and hang you. And don't give me that \"Live to serve\" Crap, you already let some poor human drown. Sure, your life as a monster may be more important than theirs, but to turn around and swear to protect them is just a lie isn't it?\"\n\nThe voice shifted, now as if it was speaking at Mistral's right, with the same feeling of distance, as if the two were almost touching with how close the voice sounded. \"That being said: I thought you didn't care about the line between hero and villain. Now it's suddenly a concern of yours that the next person you trust has that label. Keep everyone at arm's length and you'll find you won't be able to reach them if you need to stretch even a little.\"" }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "The voice was starting to get to her once again. Despite her attempts to resist, she was slowly letting her worries buckle down upon her. After what's said and done, she couldn't take much more, truly showing how broken she was.\n\n\"What is up with you!? I haven't even met you before, yet you say all of this as if you knew me like the back of your hand! I... Appreciate the advice, but it's too much at once! I can't improve upon the fly like that..!!\"\n\nShe got up, and started backing up. She was tempted to flee, but she tried to stand her ground. That quickly failed as she kneeled down to the ground. She held herself together, holding her head\n\n\"I... I don't know what I'm fighting for. I have no family to return home to, nor do I have anyone... I'm fighting for myself, in a world that won't reach back... But I have to find the right path. I can't crumble like this!!\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"What I'm saying isn't even special to you. It's about how monsters are perceived by ordinary humans. And weren't you listening? I have been watching you for a little while now, but here you go again, making it all about yourself. If you can't 'improve on the fly' you'll end up dead sooner rather than later.\" The voice was condescending, until it paused as Nue took a moment to watch Mistral crumble onto her knees. \n\nIt remained silent as it watched on as she broke down. Though part of her wanted to laugh, the longer this monster lingered in this broken state started to irritate her. \"Stand up. You look pathetic. If this is the state you're going to default to then you should do yourself a favor and climb back onto the bridge and try again.\" The voice started to sound bitter. \"You already know what the right path is. It's your nature deep within you. You'd be better off shutting up and following that with your actions. Hear that? If you have nothing left, you will always have your instincts, your nature, the very least you can do for yourself is to follow it. If you don't listen to it then you'll destroy yourself.\"" }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "Even though she was lost in thought, she was listening very intently. She didn't realize how much she was making it about herself. She looked upon her hand before she balled her fist. Stupid, stupid, stupid, she thought to herself. Whoever of this was more in the right then she was. She sighed, before taking a deep breath. She spoke once more, upon standing up.\n\n\"Apologies... Its been a while since I've talked to someone like you. Brutually honest to a T. Your words are... Very revealing. I'll cooperate with you, detective, though afterwards, I'll be looking for that body. I doubt it ended up too far away.\n \nI live nearby the Seabreeze Apartments, but I hide my tracks through the alleyways. My home has an entrance within a tiny alley that I use to exit and enter, since it completely evades the public eye. I train outside the city every day, and use the rest of the time to wander the city for any trouble. I like doing cases I see, rather then assigned ones.\"\n\nShe really wanted to meet this person face to face now. The detective could really help her out, if she just could meet them. But they seemed to have something eating at them... She couldn't figure out what it was. But was that her personal business? She... Wished she could help but it wasn't." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "There was something about this cape that suddenly seemed particularly irritating. As if all of the fun and joy Nue was previously having suddenly switched and turned into a deep frustration. The voice was actually silent for the entirety of the time it watched Mistral gather herself.\n\"By this point I honestly doubt you'll find the body before it washes up somewhere a week from now. At that point, who knows.\" \n\nThe voice went quiet again as Mistral went on. Once she was done the voice remained quiet. It created a silence that would become uncomfortable even to Nue. \n\n\n\"You weren't supposed to answer that question.\" \nIt finally spoke up, no longer having the humor it had started with. \n\nIt left that sentence there to linger for a little while longer afterwards. Hoping that Mistral herself could pick up on the ramifications of answering such a question in costume, which such detail no less." }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "She stared upon the ground after she finished off. It took her a moment to realize it before she chuckled. She could hear a slight tinge of nervousness in it, she knew she screwed up. Yet the words that came out were ever so interesting. \n\n\"...I suppose, I'll have to just trust you then. It's only us two after all...\"\n\nShe attempted to give a heartwarming smile afterwards, yet she knew the longer she talked right now, the deeper her troubles would be. It's good that it's only one person, but having them know was already stressing her out as much as she thought it would. She started walking, if the detective allowed it..\n\n\"I apologize. I really must be feeling ill today or something. The longer I've been in this situation the more I've kicked myself... Shall we try this again some other time...?\"\nAgain? Did Mistral already accept the consequences of her actions? Either way, she was clearly trying to hightail it..." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"Yeah, don't tell people where you live, especially not while in costume.\" At this point the voice seemed genuinely concerned.\nIt noticed Mistral backing up, \"Running away?\" The voice spoke up from just behind her head. It seemed to get a little bit of its more jovial tone back after the moment of silence, but still had a tinge of edge to it. \n\n\"Okay Mistral, I need you to do me a favor before you go. You can create and control ice, right? That display you just gave me was so pathetic that I feel like I can't let you go if you're going to break down so quickly and get yourself killed before you even make it home. Can you create an ice sword? I need to know if you have the capability of using your ability in a way in which you can defend yourself. So, please show me you can create an ice sword?\"" }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "She stopped and turned around to where she had talked to whatever was talking to her. She already gave the voice a lot more then they bargained for, but unlike everything else, this seemed relatively harmless. It wasn't exactly an ice sword she gave however... She pulled out her two chakrams from behind her cape. \n\n\"I am more capable of defending myself then I am my emotional state. As I said, I train daily... Its to quell those violent urges of my power, rather then resorting it upon other people. I apologize for worrying you like that. It was improper of me as a Hero to lay my worries upon someone I just met.\"\n\nAs she finished off, she turned away once more. She had paused for a fleeting moment, looking around one last time to hopefully try to find that voice of nowhere. To no avail, she looks disappointed to not ease that nagging urge. She wiped her frown off her face quickly, however. It was about time she headed out. Though, she couldn't help but ask one more question...\n\"...In case we meet again... Could I have a name?\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Despite Mistral moving away, the voice was no further away than it was before, like it synced its movements to follow her perfectly. It watched as she pulled the chakrams from behind her cape.\n\"Yeah, that will do.\" Mistral's own voice once again spoke up from behind her. However, just after it it felt as if there was suddenly a presence behind her. The sound of someone walking softly patted the grass behind her as the presence got a couple steps away. Though from how Mistral turned around, the figure was now directly in the path that she had been planning on walking.\n\nIf she were to turn back around, the figure was none other than Mistral herself. The splitting image of herself stood just a couple steps away, holding exact copies of the chakrams she had just pulled out. The copy spoke up from where she stood.\n\"You're really something special you know, I've never been this wound up before. If you're going to apologize to me, the least you can do is help me get out all this pent up aggression you just gave me.\"\nShe held the chakrams in a ready position, poised to attack.\n\"I already told you, I'm a Gemini. You'll be seeing me more often than you think.\"" }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "She felt the presence as she was moving away. She got giddy for a moment, being able to finally meet this person. But as she turned around, she was met with something surprising. She saw herself... However, this would not deter her. It would only give her a lot more interest in this Gemini. This must be her power, in which only means, she very well could have been that person on the bridge. And yet, she was way more interested in something else...\n\n\"...Dear lord, that is an awesome power! You've got me curious now... I've never had the opportunity to fight myself. I might not be at my greatest, but I'll do as such. Its the least I can do, after all. \n\nBring it, Gem!\"\n\nShe was smiling behind her mask. This was a fight she was happy to fight. She always liked the idea of fighting yourself, but unfortunately, finding someone who was able to do that was extremely hard. She could use this for valuable information on how her attacks move and such. Even if she loses, she gains knowledge. She went into a pose that a mix of offense and defense, guarding with the upper chakram, but keeping the other at her side, ready to toss at a moment's notice." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "At first, Mistral's sudden eagerness threw the copy off, but after just a moment of trepidation, it got right back into its fighting stance and the doppelganger copied the fighting stance of Mistral.\n\n\"Suddenly you've seemed to right yourself. Hm. That's right. That bloodlust is a part of you too. Embrace it as yourself.\"\n\nGemini was only a couple steps away. Far enough that just about any first move could possibly land. However, they didn't appear to charge in, in fact they seemed to be waiting carefully for what Mistral would do. Only taking a couple steps to the side with her guard mirroring Mistral's. Was it unfamiliarity with the weapons? Was it to gauge how she would attack?\n\"Show me who you are.\"\nGemini used the chakram in its right hand to beckon Mistral forth, inviting her to make the first move." }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "She took note of this first move immediately, wondering what Gemini was planning. Despite being so close, she beckons her forth...? That may not be a smart move, especially with her lack of physical options, compared to what the clone may have. She must have a lot of skill to allow her to make the first move. So she decides not to approach.\n\nInstead, she attempts to back away, channeling cryogenesis into her chakrams. She went into a guard position all while backing, keeping her bases covered. This cryogenesis if successful, would allow her to home her chakram attacks upon the clone Gemini with cryokinesis, rather then having to rely on aim. \n\n\"I don't think so. You should make the first approach, Gemini. After all, I do not exactly know what you can do in that clone form...\"\n\nShe kept a close eye upon Gemini. Believing that they can replicate their form into anyone they please, Mistral wanted to make sure they kept track of this body in particular, rather than attack a body double." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "As Mistral took those steps back, the copy took steps forward, closing the distance that she was trying to create. They had also noticed the cold surrounding the chakrams. \n\"I see, you want to play dirty. Well, then you shouldn't mind if I responded in kind.\" \n\nFrom this distance Gemini lunged forward, using the two chakram in its hands to slash a Mistral from below, moving upwards, using the momentum with one motion to follow it up with an opposite one with the other hand, the following attack coming from above. Using her momentum from the previous attack to set up for the next, allowing her to keep the strength of the attacks high and her pace quick. It appeared the copy would opt to use the chakrams as melee weapons rather than ranged." }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "With her close eye upon Gemini, she would react to her approach. She would clash upon the momentum based slashes, keeping one by one at bay. This would unfortunately break Mistral's ice upon the chakrams. She knew that she would not be able to guard for long, with the strength and power of these attacks. This was simply part of her plan, however.\n\n\"I see...\"\nShe would use her cryogenetic powers upon the soles of her own feet while guarding. If Gemini's next attack hit, Mistral would be slid a safe distance away from Gemini, allowing Mistral to play her ranged game once more. She indeed had a backup plan if this did not work. Planning ahead was always the best solution for her fights, after all." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Gemini continued their assault, though on the next hit noticed that Mistral began to slide away quickly. The distance between them would greaten a little, but as soon as they had figured her sliding, Gemini planted their feet to the ground and struck a pose. She was slightly leaning to her right side with that arm just a little outstretched. Nue had implanted the bottoms of her feet into Mistral's shadow, the point of contact becoming just as dark as they seemed to fade partially into the ground.\n\nFrom Mistral's perspective however, especially with the hectic action that had been going on, what she would see would be Gemini striking that pose and, without moving, managing to keep up with her quick sliding, matching her exact speed and trajectory.\n\"You can't outrun yourself!\" \nIn fact, it seemed like Gemini was slowly getting closer, even while their body was completely stationary." }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "Mistral looked in awe as Gemini moved in that strange way. This must be one of Gemini's powers that was being kept hidden, as there was no way any form of ice could do that without cryokinesis. She didn't have much room for thought however, as she decided to take this moment to shatter the ice underneath her feet, and charge forth. \n\n\"Well, I guess I can't!\"\nShe knew that with the speed that Gemini was going, an offensive would be a good choice. She decided her best choice was forming ice upon her hand like a boxing glove, and attempting to go for a punch to Gemini's face, grinning all the same. \n\nShe kept that power in the back of the mind this entire time, alongside the potential defense she may have to do from this. That power, what on Earth could it be? She decided to pan back her mind to the previous areas they were at, while keeping an eye on Gemini." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "The doppelganger shifted their weight, turning their outreaching pose into a poise for a jump.\n\"That's right!—\"\n\nOnce Gemini noticed Mistral slowing down a little they jumped into a drop kick, now separating herself from the ground. Jumping kept a majority of the speed given to her from the sliding just a moment ago and would meet Mistral's ice punch with a drop kick using that momentum paired with the entirety of her body weight.\n\"Yeahh!\"" }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "What was already a deadly maneuver for a normal person was even more deadly for Mistral. She yelled out in pain as her fist was drop kicked, as she retreated back and held her hand. Due to how brittle her arms were compared to a normal human, any more damage and she would have one less arm for a while.\n\"Bloody hell that smarts...\"\n\nShe had to do this fight defensively at this point. Losing the use of one of her arms was a game changer for Gemini. She carefully considered her options for a second, before starting to skate once more. She was rather fast, skating at about 35mph. \n\nAll the while she was skating, she was forming ice upon her usable arm rapidly. She planned to use this as a projectile. She knew one of her weaknesses, which was rather troubling. There was no doubt in her mind she was going to play a hyper offense game at this point, but she was still prepared for anything, to not get caught off guard. The game for her was to out speed Gemini at every corner" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "The drop kick against the punch did hurt her foot a little from the impact, but it seemed clear that Mistral was hurt by the attack way more than she was. Especially with a weirdly hollow feeling in the kick. This person's body wasn't quite ordinary. Was that a cracking sound she heard? \nA rather gratifying feeling ran through her for a moment, but the kick did leave her on the ground for a moment. She couldn't help but giggle as she quickly rose back up onto her feet.\n\"I wanted to do that for a while now, you know~\" \n\nDue to the drop kick, Gemini had ended up leaving Mistral's shadow for a moment, but that single moment was enough to allow her to gain distance and retreat. Despite knowing that distance was what Mistral wanted, it seemed that Gemini was in no rush to go after her. Instead they stood there in a confident pose, beckoning their opponent to them. \n\"C'mon, all of that training amounted to this? Aren't you going to beat me up at least a little?~ Is it that you can't hit your own pretty face?~\"\nThe verbal mockery would make it pretty clear: Gemini was toying with her now. It's possible they weren't even taking the fight all that seriously to begin with.\n\nThey watched Mistral, always sure to keep her within their vision and facing her. They began walking towards her with their guard up. It seemed like they were hardly trying to catch up to Mistral like this. Regardless, they continued to speak as they approached, \n\"I didn't take you for such a coward.~\"" }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "Mistral, while still in pain, kept her distance from Gemini as much as possible. She knew that if Gemini got even one good hit in, it was game over... But something else didn't feel quite right. She was rather enjoying herself in the battle, despite the pain. She wanted this fight to continue on.\n\nShe decided to feed the beast's mouth, hoping to spark some of that motivation of Gemini's.\n\"I see you're feeling better... Good. Enough to finally pummel your face in.\nLet's see if I'm truly cowardly, or the smart one?\"\n\nShe started to skate towards the waters, pivoting on the ground with her hand. She had one hunch as to what Geminis power could be, thanks to her strange sliding. She'd soon skate onto the waters surface, an icy path formed underneath her path, allowing her to skate upon the waters as if it were land. With this gamble, she hoped Gemini couldn't follow. She never heard of water having a shadow after all. In the same move, she started her ranged assault she's practiced time and time over, launching the ice upon her arm at Gemini, seven sharp shards of ice flying her way, similar to that of a shotgun spread. As they were launched, she'd simultaneously use the other arm to form more." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Gemini paused for a moment, seemingly thinking about what Mistral had said with a hand up to their chin.\n\"Hmm, nah, you still have to work on your one-liners.\"\nShe couldn't help but grin when their opponent skated over the water. The two had been fighting within the shadow of the bridge this entire time, being in the water made no difference to them.\n\"Have you forgotten already? You're the one falling apart here!\"\n\nGemini picked up her pace into a run for the first time this battle. She ran towards Mistral with the chakrams out and ready to attack like before, taking a step onto the top of the water. Nue was able to use the shadow of the bridge to effectively step onto the shadow, only letting the smallest bit of the bottom of her foot through to prevent herself from falling into the water. The current by itself made this particular battlefield more dangerous than fighting on the shore. If either of them slipped and fell into the water then there was a good chance that they could drown.\n\nIt seemed Gemini didn't care, following Mistral regardless of the circumstances. Though she was using the shadow, from an outside perspective it would just appear that Gemini was stepping on the top of the water, walking along the surface with little explanation. Though the way Gemini started to move implied that they were copying Mistral's skating. If it was a copy, perhaps they were using a small amount of ice on the bottom of their feet like how they slid before? \n\nGemini slashed with the chakrams again which allowed them to block some of the incoming ice shards, protecting their face though a couple blew past that and hit her body. The impact of course hurt and for a brief moment Gemini paused and flinched, with the hit obvious but the armor that they had copied from Mistral had largely protected them from the biggest part of the impact. It wasn't long before Gemini was at the same distance they had started the battle where they would go for another lunging slash at Mistral." }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "\"Yeah, I do gotta work on those one liners...\"\nIt was at this point where Mistral's suspicions had been confirmed. She was using the shadows to her advantage! The only similarity between the land and the water is the shadow, after all... She came well prepared with an attack she's been practicing for a while now.\n\nShe would duck underneath the slash by purposefully sinking into the water below. Mistral would soon disappear into the current, completely disappearing from Gemini's sight. There was simply no way that she did this on accident. However, Mistral was not surfacing...\n\nWhat was the crazy hero plotting? Its up to Gemini whether or not she waits for Mistral to resurface...\nUnderneath the water, Mistral would freeze herself to the floor of the current, using the weight of her armour and ice slowly forming on herself to keep herself on the river floor. She was holding her breath, forming ice slowly upon herself underwater, until she was covered." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Gemini looked down, pretty surprised that Mistral broke her own ice underneath her. She watched for a moment to see if she would surface, but after a couple moments it was clear that either she was down there on purpose. Her mood flatlined, it was as if all of the playfulness from a moment ago evaporated. \n\"So that's how it is, huh. Look, I was playing around when I was calling you a coward earlier, I didn't think you'd actually turn tail and run from a play fight.\"\nThere's audible disappointment in her voice as if let down. \n\nShe turned her back to the spot Mistral disappeared down.\n\"If you wanted to stop you should have just said so, but have it your way. Good luck on your search, or whatever. I have all I really need from you. Think about what I told you earlier.\" Her voice sounded rather bitter compared to the jovial tone she had before.\n\nGemini would dip into the shadow of the bridge completely, disappearing from view. If Mistral could even see through the ice and rushing, somewhat murky water a fair distance down below, then from her perspective, Gemini would have simply disappeared. With all the layers between them maybe their words didn't even reach her at the bottom of the river." }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "Mistral was having a hard time forming ice underneath the surface. She started panic, as she heard this. She started to swim up to the surface, before realizing her fatal mistake: not realizing how fast she could leave. She looked terrified, as she attempted to swim to shore in a panic.\n\"WAIT, DON'T LEAVE! I WAS-\"\n\nHer yelling was interrupted by water going down her throat, turning it into a loud gargling. She was notably coated in ice, at this point. She struggled, but managed to get to the nearby surface by forcing cryokinesis on the small bits of ice on her body that had formed...\n\nShe coughed and spit out water while on the shoreline. She looked to the bridge, hoping for some sort of response. She didn't mean to make this mistake. In the end, she was desperate for a friend, and she thought she may have found one for once. Yet, she fumbled that very attempt by attempting to show her own power. She attempted to yell out one last time, but the water rasped her throat rather badly, thanks to the weakness of her body.\n\"Gemini! Please... Come back...\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue had gotten to the shore within the shadow, leaving herself nice and dry, if in a bad mood from the annoying fight. Though she paused hearing a large amount of splashing behind her. She turned to see Mistral apparently struggling in the water. She stayed in the shadow, just watching the display. Did that girl even know how to swim? Her equipment did seem decently heavy, and that cape definitely didn't help her once it was all waterlogged. She simply quietly watched as she saw Mistral flip flop again, now suddenly rolling back to what looked like panic and sulking from the confident demeanor a minute ago. \n\nShe stayed quiet, but moved invisibly into Mistral's own shadow once she had made it back to the shore. She wasn't entirely sure herself if this display from Mistral made her feel pleasure or pity. She let Mistral yell and let the lack of a response linger for a little bit, just to push the silent treatment a little further.\n\nEventually Mistral's own voice spoke up again right next to her ear, though like before there was no physical body to attribute that voice to.\n\"Why are you groveling again..? I saw the whole thing. Are you already so attached that you'd drown yourself trying to follow me?\"\nThe tone of which was judgmental in an almost exasperated manner." }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "Mistral coughed a bit, as she looked to the side, guiltily. Now that she was still, Nue could get a close look at Mistral's hand, which was visibly very red. It almost looked scarred in a way, as she was holding it all the same. She let off a small smile, and an exasperated sigh.\n\"...Maybe.. I'm.. Not too certain. It just felt nice having a moment like that... I haven't felt it in a long time.\"\n\nShe waits a second to catch her breath before speaking again. She started to tear up a little.\n\"I'm sorry I decieved you like that. I was actually meaning to attack you, and catch you off guard... But it seems the attack didn't work quite out like I hoped. You're a bit too fast for me to be able to do that with, haha...\"\nShe starts coughing up once again, before looking up to the bridge.\n\n\"I don't know what's come over me, really. Any normal person would go enraged over your namecalling, but it felt comforting to me, in a way...\"\nShe started to childishly play with the shore's grass with her usable hand.\n\"Really, its... No big deal. I think I'm fine... But I wish I didn't made that move, so the battle could continue. I was having fun, despite my battle style not being that enjoyable to fight against. Its how I train after all.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "The voice waited for Mistral to finish before speaking up again, sounding a little confused. \n\"Maybe...? Comforting...? You're kind of a freak, you know that? —No. I shouldn't say that, that's only going to— nevermind, then!\"\n\n\"Okay, well first. Play fight is over now. We got to hit each other and now you're still hurt, so unless you really want to fight for real. ...Well that'd be a waste. There are a bunch of capes out there that can and will close the distance better and quicker than me. Or maybe capes that can work at range longer or better than you. So if you don't have anything for when you're close then you'll probably bite it when that time comes. Next time let's just punch each other or something.\" \nThe voice paused for just a moment before continuing its rant. \n\n\"Another thing, that attack was taking way too long. You're a hero, aren't you? That means you'll have to either catch the villains or stop them. In a practical situation, going out of your way to dive into water and charge up... Something, forever is just going to give them a chance to do what they need to or leave, like I did. Honestly I doubt you could have even seen the surface from under the water like that. Could you even hear me? You should have just kept throwing things or trying to hit me. It's a play fight, you know, sparring. If we were going to be using sneak attacks, well, look around you.\"\nMistrals own voice paused to let her look around and much like the start of this encounter the Gemini that she had been fighting was nowhere to be seen despite the voice sounding so close." } ]	228	10,442
268.95	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "The screech of tires and the sputtering of an engine alerted the local capes of a new arrival as an old beater car skid to a stop safely outside of the medical tent set on the beach. Stepping from the car was a tall feminine figure dressed in a lab coat and medical mask who, if anyone were to approach, would smell strongly of blood and sterilization chemicals. A plastic case is gripped in her right hand as they began to rush towards the tent with a shout of \"Point me to the red tags! Medical tinker Cronenberg on site!\" A voice not quite commanding but expectant. \n\nThe medical tinker was quick to begin making commands of any medical staff who wasn't immediately busy. Their case would be placed on a cart and opened to reveal the various medical supplies inside. Barebones but tinkers make do. That's what they are good for. \"Let me handle the critical and last hopes!\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As Cronenberg stepped out of their car the scene unfolding before them was chaotic. As they walked to the medical area the scene around them was impossible to ignore. Out to sea there wasn't just one endbringer, no there were four identical copies of Behemoth standing in a line. A glowing cable seemed to be passing through all of them leading back to the beach. The cable was in the hands of a tall man in a full set of bronze armour, Excalibur the leader of Vanguard. Next to him another cape dressed in the style of an outlaw in those classic western films held a large javelin attached to another cable. Floating on the surface of the water a short distance from one of the Behemoths was a smoking mass of charred flesh. In the air above the Enbringers a dozen flying capes circled above, weaving and dodging as lightning shot out towards them.\n\nCronenberg knew what they were here to do though and stepped into the medical area. It wasn't so much a tent as it was a fenced off area filled with whatever they could use for medical beds. Around 20 medical staff rushed around tending to the wounded, giving basic first aid and organising them according to the triage system. One of the paramedics who was tending to a man with a gash on his head looked up to Cronenberg as they shouted and simply pointed to the corner of the medical area. Six people lay on beds in the area along with three people standing over them who could only be capes.\n\nThe most recognisable of the three was a woman dressed in a blue dress with a white apron, cap and face mask with a domino mask concealing her eyes. Large red crosses are emblazoned on her shoulders and chest with an armband on her left arm with the logo of Vanguard. This was Panpharmacon, Vanguards one and only healer. Her hands were placed on the chest of one of the injured men who seemed to be regrowing the entire bottom half of his body.\n\nThe other two capes were less familiar to Cronenberg, one dressed in blue and white armour stood defiantly seemingly uncaring as to what happened around him. The other was a woman dressed in purple. She wore a pencil skirt, a blouse and jacket with a wide brimmed hat at an angle which had a mask built in concealing her face. Over her left shoulder a short cape fluttered in the wind as light reflected off the bronze bird pin she wore on her hat. She had one hand on the stoic cape and another on one of the injured person below her. Said persons injuries seemed to vanish as similar wounds appeared on the armoured cape.\n\nThat left four more people marked as critical for Cronenberg to assist with, each of them had what looked like regular nurses and doctors doing their best to stabilise them." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Cronenberg would suck in a sharp breath through their teeth as they looked at the state of the critical cases and nodded her head. She had been wanting to practice with her skills and she needed the rep but this won't be easy. With her cart she would make her way to the critical patients with urgency. She would politely step in with one and carefully inform the doctors of her intention to provide care. With the basic courtesy out of the way she would take a deep breath and open the flood gates of her mind, letting the tinker inspiration take hold of her. Nothing too grotesques, this is an emergency. There will be time for her own form later. \"Alright. I will be trying my best to get this person back to stable and as best as I can do..\"\n\nShe knew getting into the details of her specialty would only drive people to not trust her so instead she would stick to tinker enhanced medical care. She didn't have the material for anything big right now anyway. Not with the living patients. She would pull on a pair of gloves and speak \"Right. What am I working with? Fill me? I don't have any materials for organ failure right now but I can work with anything not completely destroyed.\" She would tell one of the doctors as she stepped up to the bed. And so she began her work." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "In a flash of green, another cape appeared, standing a little hunched over with another, armored cape slung over her shoulder. They were missing a leg and arm, blood still seeping a little out of the heavily bandaged appendages. Andromeda, She'd been here for a good few minutes now, quickly delivering injured to the triage area, as it's open air nature gave her a good window in and out.\n\n\"I have another who needs immediate attention, They've just gone uncon and have lost a lot of blood!\" She screamed, hoping some medics would come relieve of her this weight on her shoulder. The poor bastard, she wasn't entire sure he was going to make it in time, with damage like this. At least Panpharmacon was here and...\n\nHer eyes widened at the sight of Cronenberg, Somewhat she'd never seen before, working on patients. \"Another medic cape?\" She muttered to herself, hoping she was right." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As Cronenberg stepped over to one of the critical patients, a woman whose costume was completely burned black and her skin wasn't much better. The doctor manually pumping a bag he had intubated the patient with. At the same time he seemed to be attempting to uncap and administer prepacked syringes in one hand. Without looking up he began to speak.\n\n\"Multiple lacerations, broken spine, third degree burns and severe radiation poisoning. We just need to keep her alive long enough for Panpharmacon or Nightingale.\"\n\nThe doctors explanation went uninterrupted as Andromeda appeared nearby, clearly they were expecting capes to teleport in and out. They couldn't afford to get distracted if they had any hope of keeping their patients alive. Several nurses did look up though, rushing over to the newly arrived cape and hauling the injured body onto a nearby bed. One of them snapped their head in Andromeda's direction.\n\n\"Can you do chest compressions?\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Cronenberg would roll up her sleeve as she began to make work. She firstly aided in uncapping the syringes before getting closer. She didn't know if they would allow her to properly tinker but she can atleast help with the breathing. Maybe the radiation too. Broken spine will be hard.\n\n\"I can fix the spine, I think, and get them breathing on their own. It's going to be messy but the healers can go over it.\"\n\nShe took a quick peak back at Andromeda, nodded, but went back to the doctors. She would look around between the doctors as if to ask 'are you going to stop me?' but began the work that would be most needed. Starting with air flow. Her tools reached out to begin carving away to get an airway. Unnaturally still hands guided by an alien concious as much as a human." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "That chance glance between the two of them, would it come to anything more, Andromeda wondered. Not for a moment too long, the care for it past as quickly as it came, And she hastily nodded to the nurses. She'd taken CPR and FAST classes before to prepare for scenarios. Maybe not for scenarios as dire as this, but she was going to be more help than not.\n\nWith the weight off her shoulders, she hastily followed the nurses and aimed to follow their instructions for the time being, with this recent cape being the last... Saveable, person she'd seen so far in the field. Still, as she was quick on her way to help triage efforts, she stole another glance at Cronenberg. What was her deal? Was she... Performing surgery? She said she could fix his spine- was that really such a fast procedure that it could be done in the field?\n\nAndromeda ached to learn more about it, but at a time like this, she couldn't afford to divert any more attention to it. She simply turn her head back to the task at hand." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Cronenberg began to work on their new patient. The knowledge granted to them by their shard helping guide them the entire way. Even then this wasn't an easy task, the damage was severe and this would take a while. As they continued to do their best to stabilise their patient a nagging thought would linger at the back of their mind.\n\nIt would be so easy to improve them. So simple.\n\nA short distance away from Cronenberg Andromeda got to work pumping the chest of Behemoths victim. As she gave him a manual heartbeat one of the nurses ran over with a portable oxygen tank and mask, placing it over the injured man.\n\n\"Stop compressions for a moment and check for a heartbe-\"\n\nThe very earth beneath their feet seemed to shake as ear bursting roar filled the air followed by an awful hissing sound. Turning to look in the direction of the Endbringer would reveal a scene straight from hell. The four Behemoths were shrouded in a veil of steam as the water surrounding the instantly boiled. The water that was still liquid was on fire. Several cape that moments ago were flying through the air fell to the surface of the water in flaming heaps. Dreadnought hovered much closer to shore now with her cape still burning and her costumed charred. \n\nFor a split second the world seemed to go still, and then the four behemoths snapped back into one. A very large hole going through his chest, not that it seemed to slow him down as he began to charge for the shore." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Cronenberg's hands moved with a precision and calm despite the chaos. They could feel the urge of their mind to carve deeper, stitch one to the other, make them whole. It made her grit her teeth and huff in a breath. It annoyed her that she couldn't just. Do it.\n\n\"So broken. I could fix you...\"\n\nA mutter that would be lost in the triage's noise. She had to pull her hands back before they caught her doing anything not in the unspoken agreement. She ran a bloody hand through her hair and got back to work unconcerned with the red staining her hair and skin. \n\n\"I'm done with this one.\"\n\nAn annoyed huff as she pulled away and began to move towards the patient with Andromeda. She needed to check if she could do something with this one. Maybe someone this bad she could get away with improving. Fixing. Like they needed to fix herself. No time to worry about behemoth. She couldn't help there." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Perhaps not Cronenberg, but Andromeda certainly could. She left the care of the dying cape to her with a nod. Andromeda took quick note of the.. Costume? It seemed rather basic, but at least the large C on her coat made it stand out.\n\n\"Doc\" She said to Cronenberg, with a lack of a better name at hand \"I'm going to head back out there and find who ever is still alive. If there is anything you can do to get some of these people battle ready again, I think we have a reason to go for it. If there is anything I can do to help, let me know, I can get almost anywhere, and bring almost anything with me.\"\n\nWith that said, she looked out above into the grim skies, void now of most of those capes she saw just a moment ago fall like flies. With a green energy crackling around her, she prepared to wrap." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The momentary distraction of Behemoth's inferno was just that and almost immediately the medical staff got back to work. There wasn't time to be distracted. Cronenberg moved Andromeda's patient and began their analysis. No pulse, no unassisted breathing. A nurse desperately pumped oxygen into the mans lungs manually whilst giving one handed chest compressions as Andromeda stepped away. Cronenberg could possibly save the man but it would be difficult. There were others around that they might be able to help for sure.\n\nAs Andromeda called out a woman stood and began to limp towards her. She wore a tattered pure white costume with a skirt and cape. Her exposed right shoulder bore a very familiar tattoo, why anyone would want a swastika etched permanently on their body was a good question indeed.\n\n\"Ca-can you get me closer?\"\n\nTalking seemed to cause her physical pain. Every step only making it worse.\n\n\"Just a little. I can slow him down.\" \n\nAs she approached the world seemed to grow dimmer, as if the light was being smothered." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Cronenberg turned her head slowly to look over her shoulder to Andromeda and gave the slightest nod. Her eyes seemed unfocused and she turned once more back to the man beneath her. She left this one- he would die but she needed a better subject. She found one of the nearer capes as she walked past the injured cape who had began speaking to Andromeda. She pulled her toolkit with her as she stepped over to one of the critical cases. This one would do. \n\n\"I can fix them, sure.\"\n\nAnd like that, Cronenberg's hesitance was shattered across the rocks and she began to cut. She let the flood of inspiration overwhelm her as she began to tap into her tinker power. The shard was left off it's chain and Max was swallowed by it as her hands moved with their own mind. She would Fix them. Broken bones used as components for armoring of the organs, muscles being sewed together to maximize power, all the works. Andromeda had made a mistake in her wording and she was going to find just how horrible a tinker can be. Wait til they get a look of her new perfections.\n\n\"Time to rise.\"\n\nOrgans were cannibalized to fix the important parts, teeth were sharpened to points, jaw broken to allow more range of motion. Something grotesque was being carved into being from the flesh of the broken. Cronenberg felt like she was ontop of the world as her tinkering instinct was allowed to meet it's true purpose. No more wasting space on the dying, Cronenberg would be allowed to fix them. Truly innovate on the weak bodies that she had been previously not allowed to have.\n\nLet loose the abominations." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"_I can._\"\n\nAndromeda sized her up for only a moment, though seeing her tattoo did not stall her. In an event like this, Feuds were set aside for the better of humanity. There was always the chance that this was a bad idea for her own safety, But Andromeda recalls the events of gold morning like it was yesterday. What it took for even just a small victory like that. Where they ended up. \n\nEven as the light around the edges of her sight dimmed, She gripped at the Cape's costume as the green energy soon enveloped them both. They were gone in a flash, Thousands of feet into the air, and without warning, warping again, each time closer and closer, higher and higher." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As Cronenberg began to carve flesh they would see a flash of green energy as Andromeda and her passenger vanished from sight. This left them to do their thing with their vict-patient beneath them. It was as though her body was on autopilot, pure instinct, sheer creative drive guiding her actions. She didn't notice when the nurse stepped back, her face twisted in horror and what was happening before her. Her eyes shifted towards Northstar and Panpharmacon before darting back to Cronenberg. The formerly dying body sat up, their head turning to look at Cronenberg with a toothy unnatural smile. The nurse looked as though she was about to scream where it not for the sudden shaking of the air and ground as a flying cape sped overhead in a blur.\n\nAndromeda and her passenger moved higher and higher into the air. Getting closer and closer to Behemoth as he continued his rampage towards the crowded city. From this height the devastation below was far more obvious. A huge trench was visible under the surface of the water leading from the remains of the strange island in the distance. The water sputtered and boiled around Behemoth as dozens of floating corpses cooked. The woman let go of Andromeda as her entire body seemed to shift into a glimmering light.\n\n\"You best get to safety Miss.\"\n\nShe raised her wrist to her mouth.\n\n\"I'm charging my Laser, I need 15-20 secon-\"\n\nA defiant shout filled the air. So distinctive that it seemed to cut through the noise of battle. Solaris looked below at the source of the sound. A woman in purple with long black hair and a feathered cape, sped towards Behemoth in a blur. Solaris looked back to Andromeda.\n\n\"Quick go now.\"\n\nThe world seemed to darken before the white clad cape vanished from sight in a sphere of darkness as the cape below smashed directly into Behemoths face. The hulking beast forced to take a step back.\n\nAs everyone back at the first aid area was distracted by the sudden appearance of another Alexandria Package, Cronenberg could see multiple over critically wounded people all around. People who could be saved." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "A surge of cruel delight filled Cronenberg as her creation sat up. She moved to the critically wounded with the airy demeanor of someone experiencing the greatest of highs. She felt like her projects could be made manifest. She felt, most of all, like she could fix these people. Cure them of their weak bodies.\n\n\"More. I still have time to fix more.\"\n\nWhile the medical staff was distracted, she cleared the room. She could not only save them but improve them, stitch them back together in new and interesting ways. Her body was on autopilot at this point, driven by a tinkering fugue. She glanced at the nurses and the active healer capes in caution but unless any stepped forward to stop her, she would keep going. Damn the consequences, no one can stop her apotheosis now." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Andromeda did as advise, not taking the chance to stick around and see what might happen if she stayed. She fell free fall through the air as she let the energy of her breaker state flow over he, and warped back to the visible opening in the triage area. She didn't have anyone to bring around with her this time, but that was probably for the best.\n\n\"Doctor?!\" She exclaimed, a panic setting in as she watches her rend flesh anew in form. Andromeda wasn't exactly sure if she should step in, after all she'd pseudo authorized this endeavor, even if she didn't have any real authority. On the other hand, she didn't see how this monstrosity she created from the dead and the dying, could do anything to behemoth.\n\nShe strode up to cronenberg with a hefty step and reached for her by the coat, using a hand covered in the expanse of her breaker state to assist in the sudden grasp. \n\n\"You were supposed to get them ready to fight! What exactly can this do to behemoth?!\"\n\nIt was probably telling, that Andromeda seemed more concerned about their capabilities, than their form. It was monstrous, no doubt, but during an endbringer fight, desperate times called for desperate measures. The only thing was, the one thing she was hung up on?\n\nIt was a waste of life, if all cronenberg had managed was to entertain herself. That anger fueled Andromeda, as she waited for the tinker's answer" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Andromeda warped back to the triage area having delivered her package of one Nazi cape. As she arrived she was met with a panic by several nurses who seemed to be moving away from Cronenberg. From the corner of the room the three other capes helping with the wounded had clear looks of disgust on their face yet they didn't move to do anything. The fact they were currently in the process of saving lives may have had something to do with that.\n\nAs she approached the tinker the world seemed to darken. Up in the sky where she had left the cape there was now a pure black sphere, or rather a sphere of complete nothingness. Then, light returned to the world as a glowing humanoids shape floated high in the air. The blur that was her hand extended out in the direction of Behemoth, a voice came through auidble from several peoples wristbands.\n\n\"Five, four, three...\"\n\nAs she began to count down both Cronenberg and Andromeda could see a sudden rush of activity. Down near the water front Quartermaster takes aim with her rifle. Near her Quickfire and Excalibur prepare a third empowered spear and cable. Lower than the cape Andromeda dropped off another flying hero with a British flag for a cape flew up along side another female cape, both surrounded by sparkling energy.\n\n\"Two..\"\n\nDreadnought and the newly arrived Alexandria package speed towards Behemoth, dropping low and weaving between lightning strikes. Then like two mirror images they spun in the air before rocketing skywards, delivering twin punches to the jaw of the Endbringer lifting the beast out of the water. Both seemingly bursting into flames as they did so.\n\n\"One!\"\n\nThe cape high in the sky suddenly split into four a moment before unleashing a massive laser directly into Behemoth, centre mass. She was not alone however, her pure white lasers were joined by Captain Meteors crimson beams, Fairy's explosive projectiles, Quartermasters plasma shot and another tinker's large artillery piece. The force of these combined managed to launch Behemoth a good 50 meters back into the sea onto his back. \n\nA colossal roar shook the city. An animalistic rage fuelled scream. Back at the triage area the buildings around them shook from the power behind it, windows shatter and glass rained down upon the injured and dying. Then silence, followed by a loud cracking sound as a huge chunk of concrete broke free from a nearby tower and headed straight towards Andromeda, Cronenberg, the abominations and all the wounded." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Cronenberg's smile was filled with a sickening glee. They outstretched their hands and laughed in Andromeda's face. A giggly, mocking, laughter spilling forth from her. She couldn't help it. She felt high from the experience of letting go. Andromeda looked so narrow minded.\n\n\"I fixed them. They were weak and I fixed them. No more imperfect body. It will be better in the continuing fight.\"\n\nCronenberg looked up at the sky and felt the roar rip through the triage tent. That was probably bad but she still couldn't stop giggling. She did see the concrete, however, and pointed upwards. With a sigh, they called out to the abomination. She wasn't sure what it could actually do. Hopefully lasers or something.\n\n\"Stop that thing.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "_'Fuck'_ Andromeda thought to herself, taking in all that was happening at once and trying to form a plan. The priority, something she could handle, was the falling debris. She began to channel her power, A crackling green energy sparking around her as she focused on warping the falling piece of rubble.\n\nIt would quickly become enveloped in a green sheen of energy, before disappearing in a flash just before striking the triage center. Instead of hitting them, it appeared elsewhere, above Behemoth with it's same momentum, essentially acting as a flying Brick, aimed straight for the maw of the collapsed gigantic endbringer. That'd hopefully shut him up... For a second.\n\nMeanwhile she recovered herself from the roar, a splitting headache forming from the sound's sudden rip through the area. She was left reeling from the pain in her ears and was powerless to argue against the woman she just saved from being squashed, that her 'fix' might have just ruined and agnoized the existence of several capes. Still.. Anything to fight back against behemoth she thought. Even this was excusable, if it meant New london got to see tomorrow." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Cronenberg's.. Patients seemed confused as they look up at the incoming debris. Only for what was probably relief to appear on their face as andromeda's energy coated the rubble and it warped away, reappearing above the recently hit behemoth falling on him and smashing him to the ground his hulking body vanishing below the waves. \n\nThen the ground began to shake, the ocean boiling filling the air with scalding hot steam. Dreadnought and the other Alexandria package pull back closer to shore and the few other remaining flyers fleeing as quickly as possible. \n\nSilence followed, heads rapidly scanning the area for a sign of the missing Endbringer. A chorus of beeps rang out from every armband, a short message appearing on the display.\n\nBehemoth has Fled\n\nShouts of relief filled the air as, for just a moment, people were distracted from the death that surrounded them. In that time Cronenberg felt a hand on their should, the woman in purple, Nightingale.\n\n\"You should probably leave, before they remember you just tinkered on helpless people with out permission.\"\n\nHer voice was quiet yet clear." } ]	223.5	5,379
239.933333	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "khepri", "message": "As soon as she heard the endbringer warnings, Evelyn started to suit up. Her equipment wasn't anywhere near capable of fighting an endbringer... Yet at least. Still, she had to make the effort. There was no ambiguity when it came to fighting a world ending monster. Just like the Simurgh or scion himself, it needed to die.\n\nAfter getting in her armor she made her way for the beach, staring around at all the other capes milling about with her arms crossed. She didn't have much to actually fight directly with. She could MAYBE shoot at behmoth from far away, but she knew she wouldn't do any real damage.\n\nLikely she'd end up needing to do search and rescue, or move debris for other capes who could be a potential threat." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "End... Bringer? No, no no no... There couldn't be. Those were in the old world, not Here. Adys felt a flood of dread and panic surge through her, and she instinctively reached for the new phone she'd gotten at her side to call Alice, to make sure she was okay, but...\n\nA depressed calmness spread through her as she realized that... This was It. This was their city. The last one. There wasn't much she could do, but at least trying to save people would be better than doing nothing. She grabbed a basic domino mask off the street during the growing chaos, and immediately made her way to one of the gathering grounds for capes, careful to keep a pair of heavy gloves, long sleeves, and a hood up.\n\nShe didn't want to accidentally touch anyone. Angel Knew that she would need to chose her attached target carefully. A hero, ideally." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The people of New London had never expected an Endbringer to appear. They had assumed they had been left behind on Earth Bet. Still years of attacks had installed a fear within them that ensured when the city was being built sirens were put in place. With sirens ringing and alerts having gone out to all phones on the network both Angel and Evelyn founds themselves heading in the direction opposite most of the crowd.\n\nThe two of them would nearly, Nearly Run into each other as they appeared into an opening filled with several other capes in what seemed to be a makeshift medical area. Both capes would recognise Quartermaster talking to her younger sister Utopia who was typing on a laptop. Around the area were several of utopia's robotic men each equipped with what looked like a jetpack. These were the only ones Angel could recognise.\n\nPinnacle on the other hand could identify a few more, standing next to a series of roughly 30 bedrolls was the famous leader of the Songbirds Nightingale next to the Hero Northstar. The truce truly was in effect considering she was the one who had placed a bounty on his head. A little closer to Pinnacle and Angel were the heroes Quickfire and Salvation, the duo who had tried to stop Pinnacle during her store robbery. Now she had a clearer look at Salvation she could see chinese characters clearly branded on his face.\n\nAt that moment an awful roar could be heard from the sea as Behemoth seemed to rise from the waves slowly making his way to shore. This was followed by a thunderous crack above as Dreadnought followed closely behind by several other flying capes headed straight for him. Seemingly hoping to delay him for as long as possible and give people time to prepare." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Right before running into Angel, Pinnacle slid to a stop, carving a small line through the sand. Her eyes ran over Angel, assessing her. She didn't look particularly tough. In fact, she looked new.\n\nShe took in her surroundings, deciding to just stay put for now. She was where she needed to be. Despite knowing there was a truce though, she couldn't help but tense up whenever she spotted a hero.\n\n\"...You going to be doing search and rescue? Or can you fight it?\" She asked Angel, sounding doubtful with her second question.\n\nAt the sound of roaring she spun and turned towards where Behemoth appeared, reflexively bringing up the arm with her new weapon. A moment later she dropped it. There was no point wasting her limited ammo when she couldn't do any real damage. \n\nHer hands started to clench and unclench as she stared at it in the distance, getting closer. This was it. It was really happening. She could hardly hear her own thoughts over the blood pounding in her head. Without even realizing it, her body began to shake." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Angel glanced over at the unknown Hero speaking to her, not quite aware that the girl was anything but a Hero. Yet, why would she have shown up to an Endbringer fight if she weren't? It was a naive sort of thinking, but for better or for worse Angel was still a fairly naive girl. She stepped over to the two other Heroes, Quickfire and Salvation. They likely had better, more important things to do, but at least they could help keep her host accountable.\n\n\"Um, excuse me! I-I know things are pretty—\" Behemoth roared and she flinched, panicking. \"My power makes me live inside other peoples brains and I'm trapped unless they let me out so if that girl over there doesn't let me out after the truce please save me thank you!\"\n\nWith that said amidst her growing panic, Angel ran towards the other girl and once again let the words flood out of her.\n\n\"Hi, hello! My power only works if I can attach to somebody and be part of you but I need you to release me afterwards cuz otherwise I'm trapped so is that okay if I help you help people??\"\n\nShe reached out her hand, not wanting to touch the girl unwillingly." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "\"Uh... What?\" She asked, narrowing her eyes at Angel. She reflexively took a few steps back from the offered hand, staring at it suspiciously. What was with the naive scared girl act? Was it all a ruse?\n\nAt the sound of another roar from behemoth, she scowled and grabbed the girl's hand roughly, pulling her closer.\n\n\"If you break the truce I'll kill you. Understand?\" She asked in a low tone so that only she could hear. She didn't want to have to deal with whatever nonsense power this cape had, but they all needed to work together to deal with the Endbringers. She didn't have time to be doubting every potential ally just because she didn't know them or their powers." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"W-Well, it's just how it sounds, I—\"\n\nThen her hand was grabbed, and Angel simply... Vanished. Her power activated automatically, and before she knew what was happening she was inside of Pinnacle's mind, sharing the same mental space. She'd already done so with Alice relatively recently, but just spontaneously being shunted into someone else without even so much as a gentle warning was a bit unnerving, to say the least.\n\nThe hero— she still hadn't gotten her name— didn't even seem to realize right away what had happened, making whispered threats.\n\n\"Kill... Me? I won't break the truce. We're heroes.\"\n\nAngel projected a holographic version of herself into Pinnacle's vision, with her arms crossed. Meanwhile, Pinnacle could feel a sudden unusual sensation— power. She felt stronger, simple as that." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Pinnacle failed to suppress a shudder as she heard the voice in her head, along with suddenly starting to see things in her vision. She did her best to suppress her anxiety, fists clenching and unclenching as she started to freak out. Even her breathing started to quicken.\n\nSoon though she realized - she felt stronger. She didn't need to put nearly as much force into squeezing her hand to create the same feedback.\n\nProbably still not enough to fight Behemoth, but the idea that the mysterious cape wasn't lying relaxed her just a bit.\n\n\"Not a hero. Just want to kill these fuckers\" She explained with a shaky voice to the cape inside her head. If she had been looking for a hero, she was looking in the wrong place.\n\n\"Does your power let me fight Behemoth?\" She asked, doing her best to ignore the hallucination she was seeing and instead focusing on Behemoth in the distance." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Not a—?\"\n\nThe girl wasn't a Hero? Oh. Oh no. Angel couldn't hyperventilate in her current form but if she could, now would be the time she would do so. Being stuck inside of a villain, Again, potentially permanently? It was horrifying. It was exactly the thing she was trying to avoid, and even worse, this time around her host Knew She was in there. Last time she'd at least been able to abide by hiding, since the foolish boy thought her powers were his own.\n\nShe'd only been able to free herself when he'd tragically died.\n\nThankfully her ability to think much more quickly let her calm herself down more rapidly and collect her thoughts.\n\nTrue, this was a godawful situation, but she'd warned the other heroes about what she was doing for exactly this sort of reason. Besides, she would have plenty of time to panic, later. For now, she And This villain needed to focus on the situation at hand instead of spiraling around in her own thoughts.\n\n\"Fight Behemoth? No. Definitely not. You're a bit stronger, and I can help point out people who might need help nearby. I have an area of awareness around us.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As Pinnacle looked on at the distant Endbringer she could see a group of flying capes swarming around Behemoth like flies over food. It was hard to make out exactly who was there but Dreadnoughts distinctive colours were clear to see.\n\nSuddenly lightning shot out towards Dreadnought who quickly dodged out of the way. The cape who had been following close behind her however would not be so lucky and in a moment they were wiped from existence. A voice began speaking off to her side.\n\n\"You're here to help out too, right? Here take this, just press the button or say the word evac to ping for one of my Flyers to arrive. Hmm with you it's best you clarify evac heavy, no offence but that doesn't look light.\" \n\nIt was Utopia who had spoken to her, a watch-like device held out towards Pinnacle in the palm of her hand.\n\n\"I've also placed some navigation tech in there, it can direct you to the temporary headquarters and field hospital we've set up here. Good luck.\"\n\nShe tossed the device towards Pinnacle before turning to head back to the workstation she had set up. As she walked back Pinnacle and her new 'Passenger' for lack of a better word could see Quickfire was holding a large javelin like object with a long metallic cable attached to the back and piled in a large coil on the ground. Excalibur stood behind him holding the end of the cable." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "\"...Alright. Hopefully we can save someone then. Someone that can do some REAL damage...\" She said, seeming to be either completely unaware of Angel's internal struggle, or completely uncaring. She had only one goal.\n\nHer eyes flicked over to Behemoth, watching the fighting going on in the distance as she grit her teeth. She was startled from a voice beside her.\n\n\"Right\" She said with a nod towards Utopia as she attached the watch device. It was difficult to fit, but she managed. \n\n\"I'm just going to be doing search and rescue. Should I just go to the HQ for that?\" She asked." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "The internal struggles Angel had been experiencing were over before anyone on the outside world would have even been able to tell, really. So by the time Utopia Flew up and handed them something, she'd managed to recover completely.\n\n\"Was that... Utopia? I guess it makes sense, but I didn't expect her to be so close to the danger zone. They really must genuinely be pulling out all of the stops.\"\n\nThe ethereal girl produced a subaudible Hum Thoughtfully, within Pinnacle's head. Strangely, even knowing that her Host was a villain, she still felt more in control than she ever did when she was... Outside. She worried she might be developing some kind of condition. Agoraphobia?\n\nWith the interesting device in her range, Angel immediately brushed her awareness across it in as much detail as she could manage. The instructions seemed simple enough, with the benefit of significantly more time to think than her understandably stressed peers. The girl decided to try and be helpful, projecting herself into the corner of Pinnacle's vision, a little semi-transparent version of herself.\n\n\"It doesn't sound like we need to. Based upon the instructions given, I think all we need to do is press that button and ask for 'Evac Heavy'. I believe this will summon a carrier drone for us to better reach problem areas for our search and rescue efforts. By the way, how should I call you? I'm... Angel.\"\n\nShe'd actually thought about what name to use for quite a long time, subjectively, but for Pinnacle it likely would have seemed more like a half-second dramatic pause." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "\"Pretty sure it was her\" She acknowledged simply. She hadn't ever actually met the hero in real life before, and it was more than possible someone was pretending to be her. She glanced down at the watch device skeptically before shaking her head.\n\nPinnacle flinched in response to seeing Angel pop up in her vision once again. She was going to have to get used to that. Should she really just be calling an evac already? It seemed like it'd be wasting resources for the rest of the capes there, but...\n\nHer partner was some sort of thinker. She'd have to just Trust Her this time.\n\n\"You can call me Pinnacle\" She told Angel before hitting the button as instructed.\n\n\"I need an evac heavy to take me where I'm needed. I'm very strong and durable\" She informed her watch before waiting for a reply." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As she walked away Utopia turned her head and shouted back to Pinnacle.\n\n\"Just use the device to guide you, they will show you the appropriate locations.\"\n\nShe gave the duo a lazy thumbs up before sitting back down at her makeshift desk and typing away on her laptop.\n\n\"Confirmed\"\n\nA voice reminiscent of Utopia but younger sounding responded to Pinnacles request. It didn't take long for two Humanoid robots with flight packs to land on either side of the tinker, attaching themselves to her. Jets of flames formed from their packs slowly lifting the Pinnacle of the ground.\n\nAs she rose off the ground Pinnacle could see Sovereign and Panpharmacon descending to where Utopia was with two unknown capes in tow. The moments they touched down her attention would be shifted as a loud explosion rang out, something impacting the skyscraper above. Initially simply rising through the air Pinnacle would find herself suddenly shifting and speeding up towards the now damaged tower.\n\nAs she flew through the air she could see down below as one of the two unknown capes she had seen earlier climbs into the other hand and gets thrown towards Behemoth. Before she could see what happens though she finds herself being placed within the skyscraper through the hole in its side.\n\n\"One confirm wounded cape within, please perform search and rescue.\"\n\nThe same voice she heard earlier spoke only this time it came from one of the robots. The entire room was filled with smoke but this was where Angel had the advantage. With her thinker powers she could detect the presence of said cape a short distance away under rubble. They were wearing some kind of flight suit and had Utopia's device on their wrist. That wasn't all though, strewn about the room were 8 other people, innocent non capes in various states. Some were unconscious, others were barely holding on. In the corner of the room there were three people huddled together." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "At this stage, Angel was full-on trying to humanize herself for this cape she found herself stuck inside of. Even if the girl was a villain, it would pay off to make a good impression. She was controlling her projection realistically, actually pretending to look around at the scenes despite her real omni-directional awareness.\n\n\"Pinnacle, the robot is right. I can sense a cape with a flight suit amidst the rubble. Down there.\"\n\nShe controlled her avatar to point directly to the location of the cape within the pile of rubble, then began carefully probing some of the rubble gently with her telekinesis to see if there were any unstable points to be worried about.\n\n\"I... I also detect 8 others. Non-capes. I can direct you to them as needed. Some of them are in very, very bad shape. You'll need to make a call on who we save first.\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Pinnacle tensed up as she was carried up and off the ground. She didn't enjoy being under someone else's power - but it wasn't like she had much of a choice at the moment. Still, the stiffness didn't leave her until she was placed into the skyscraper.\n\n\"On it\" She said simply, running over towards the rubble as indicated. Her first instinct was to just tear away the rubble quickly, but she knew that she would have to be careful. She started from the top, lifting each piece off easily and setting it off to the side. Due to her immense strength it wasn't much of an issue to move quickly.\n\n\"Eight others...? Damn. What kind of wounds?\" She asked, briefly considering her options. She didn't have much in the way of medical equipment, though she could Maybe Cauterize wounds with her plasma launcher. It certainly wasn't the intended usage though." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "With relative ease Pinnacle began to carefully lift the rubble it didn't take long for the man that Angel had detected to come into view even through the thick smoke that filled the room. Upon removing the last piece of debris keeping them trapped the man coughed spraying blood into the air. It didn't take a doctor to know that without immediate medical care this man would die in the next couple of minutes.\n\n\"Sar-\"\n\nSomething seemed to get caught in his throat as he began to violently cough yet again, only making the blood situation worse.\n\n\"Sarah..\"\n\nAs if punctuating his words a crunching sound filled the room. Angel could tell with her advanced senses that one of the support beams in the room had begun to crumple and fail. It still held for now though, how long it would hold was hard to tell.\n\nUsing her powers to examine the civilians Angel could determine the three huddled together were mostly okay save for some bruises and scrapes. Even the unconscious ones were, at first glance at least, okay save for head injuries. There were two individuals though of which the same could not be said. One was missing an arm and foot whilst the other had been impaled on part of the rubble." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"He's dying. Minutes, not hours.\"\n\nAngel stated gently, yet morosely. It didn't look good. None of it did. That was how these things went. Endbringers. Looking down at the man coughing out his lifeblood into the air, it was starting to feel more like it was real instead of just a far off tragedy that they'd left behind in the old world. If only...\n\nThen, alarm entered her voice, as she noticed the pillar and acted as quickly as her enhanced sense of time would allow. First, she created a ghost image of herself pointing to the exact support beam, then began to speak as quickly as she thought would be understandable. \n\n\"This support beam is going to collapse soon, but we need to hurry and get this guy medical help. Do you have any way to quickly stabilize the structure? If not, we need to choose. Eight lives or one Parahuman. He's... He's not going to be useful for this fight anyway, I don't think. Eight is more than one. Time is lives, Pinnacle.\"\n\nIt was the trolley problem, and not something she relished facing. If it weren't for her enhanced cognition, she would have hesitated for far longer than just the short blip in her speech that she'd already given. Instead, she was forced to just hope that her host had some way of stabilizing the structure. She'd... Always wanted to save Everyone. Everyone she could, at least." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "\"...Fuck\" She said, realizing the situation.\n\nHer initial thought was to try and save the parahuman. He would be more useful, after all. That being said... It didn't look like he'd make it. Could they even make it to a healer in the next minute or two? Probably not. He'd likely have to wait at least a little bit while anyone who was ahead of him was treated.\n\nHe was already dead. Angel was right. She couldn't waste time on one person.\n\nWith that decided she turned to the civilians. Would she be able to get them all out in time? Maybe if she just helped ferry them right to the ground... She quickly ran towards the group of three, grabbing two of them.\n\n\"Wait next to the hole! I'll try to come up to get the rest of you!\" She commanded before carrying the first two people she could get her hands on right out. She shouted out at the robot waiting outside.\n\n\"Help me bring these people to the ground!\" She commanded, waiting for the robots to attach for her so she could drift down." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Acting swiftly Pinnacle grabbed two of the people huddling in the side of the room, the entire building creaking as she moved. Moving back to the edge of the hole were the flying robots awaited her the view that greeted her had changed significantly since she had entered the building. Where there had been one Endbringer moments ago there were now four. They stood in a line with a thick cable going through all of them before disappearing under the waves out at sea. Looking to shore she could see the end of the cable was held by the armoured figure of Excalibur.\n\nAs the two robots moved forwards grabbing Pinnacles mech she could also see a smoking mass of flesh floating on the surface a short distance from the line of Behemoths. Clearly the victim of his lightning whoever was hopefully had the mercy of a quick death.\n\nWith a jolt Pinnacle left the floor and began flying down towards the medical area. It had been difficult to notice at first but it soon became obvious to both Pinnacle and Angel that they were struggling to descend at a safe rate. The added weight of two people seemed to strain the robots flight. Just when it seemed they might fall from the sky a man in black and gold with a set of golden wings approached them. His messy red hair flowing in the wind.\n\n\"Good Work!\"\n\nSovereign passed them by heading towards the same building Pinnacle had been in moments ago. As he passed though Pinnacle would find her mech surrounded by a golden glow as several pairs of legs wrap around it and four large wings erupt from its back. Soon enough a low buzz could be heard as they give the extra lift needed to make it safely to the medical area.\n\nLooking around there were dozens off makeshift beds attended to by about 20 emergency medical staff. In one area the unmistakable Nightingale held hands with Northstar as her other hand rested on an injured man, his wounds vanishing in seconds. A short distance to Pinnacle's right a woman in a blue dress and white apron with red crosses on her shoulders and a face mask, Panpharmacon, crouched over a masked woman missing an arm. As soon as the healer touched the woman her arm began to reform." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"This... Is a lot harder than I thought it'd be...\"\n\nAngel murmured into the other girls skull, her inner mind a whirlwind of distress. Even if she had complete control over the situation— which she didn't— this was all still inevitably the exact sort of situation that she'd dreaded all along, and thought was finally put behind her. If they'd managed to leave the Endbringers behind, it would have made their hellish trip to this new world at least Somewhat Worth it... Right?\n\nWas... Was that Four Behemoths? What the hell? The city was just doomed then, right? \n\n\"How are you holding up, Pinnacle?\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "\"No! Stupid fucking... Gah...\" Pinnacle grumbled as the robots tried to fly her away. It was too late to go back on things now, but she had just wanted to ferry people to the ground before the building collapsed. Her Creations wouldn't make such a silly error.\n\nPinnacle felt a twinge of fear as she realized she was dropping. Weren't these things supposed to be able to carry large loads? The hell?\n\n\"What...\" She said, staring out into the distance at the now Four Behemoths. Some sort of construct? Clones? Were they friendly? If they were all hostile, then... Everything was over. She was so distracted that she hardly even noticed the other hero arrive to give her assistance in being lifted up.\n\n\"I'm... There can't be more of them!\" She shouted out in response to Angel after landing, sounding panicked. Moments later she remembered to let go of the people she was carrying, placing them on the ground before looking back at where the behemoths were.\n\nWhat was the point? Of all the resistance?\n\nDid she ever have a chance?\n\nWere there more simurghs too? More scions?" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As Pinnacle dropped the two people she had rescued down by the medical area two people ran up to her. One was a paramedic who quickly led one of the injured people away, the other was a young girl in what appeared to be a modified school uniform with a bandana wrapped around her face. Angel immediately recognised her, Alice. She grabbed the other Injured civilian and began to take them away, turning to look at Pinnacle for a moment.\n\n\"Panpharmacon says don't worry, they have a cape that splits things into multiple weaker versions.\"\n\nShe touched the civilians arm which then went limp and continued to walk towards the medical area as a mass of green energy flashed, a cape appearing carrying some wounded. Turning to look at Behemoth Pinnacle could see the four Herokillers looking absolutely monstrous as the slowly approached the shore, the infinitely sharp cable cutting through them yet not slowing them at all.\n\nPinnacle and her mental passengers' eyes were drawn to Quickfire and Excalibur on the pier, preparing to throw yet another spear and cable. As soon as the long metal projectile left the hero's hands the four Behemoths let out a combined roar as a sudden flame storm erupted around them. Water vapourised filling the air with steam concealing the Endbringers. Flying capes fell from the sky in burning charred heaps of flesh and bone. The golden wings that had been granted to pinnacle moments ago vanished.\n\nA cape in a half destroyed mechanical suit smashed into a rock covered cape standing on the shore, detonating on impact. Sovereign fell to the ground nearby in a heap smoke rising from his body. Dreadnought flew above in a charred costume, her cape tattered. The flying capes who remained began to form around her, waiting for the steam to clear.\n\nAs the steam began to clear a single Behemoth appeared, stepping forwards and ever closer to the city itself. An orange glow surrounded him as the water itself was aflame. Looking towards the building she had been in moments ago fires had broken out and every single pane of glass had shattered." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Angel listened to the voice for a moment without really processing who she was, still roughly in shock over seeing Four Of the world-ending monstrosities. Her face was grim, but at least a bit of the tension had reduced at the rational explanation.\n\n\"Oh, well, that's a relief. Divide and conquer, I guess, right?\n\nShe shook the head of her virtual projection subconsciously, reflecting her simple mix of disbelief and relief. Then she focused back on the moment at hand and practically had to stop herself from trying— and likely failing— to push at Alice with her weak telekinesis. What Was that girl doing out here?! Was she crazy? Angel was Sure She'd at least Suggested That the girl stay behind and stay safe. Her Power didn't do anything to protect her! At least... At least if Angel got in trouble, her power could probably help protect her.\n\nAlice, though...\n\n\"Alice?! Leave! Go home!! Pinnacle, please, you have to tell her— it— it's not safe here, she can't just be out here!\"\n\nHer message didn't have enough time to fully transfer before Everything Suddenly went to absolute shit. The ethereal cape didn't have a body to feel with, but nevertheless she could feel herself go cold with fear and dread. So many capes, gone, in an instant... Just like that. It was such an effortless, brutal decimation of their shared mortality. There were survivors, but...\n\nWould there still Be Survivors after this was all over?" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Pinnacle visibly relaxed as the scene was explained to her.\n\nIt wasn't multiple Behemoths. Of course not. That would be ridiculous. She took a shuttering breath before shaking her head. She had to focus. Something that the voice inside of her head seemed to not understand at all.\n\n\"Who...?\" She asked, briefly surveying the crowd. Were they the new looking cape with the bandana?\n\nTroublesome. When she agreed to have Angel help her, she didn't plan on actually doing anything in return. Her foot tapped on the ground anxiously as she resisted the urge to go and speak to the girl. Moments later, Behemoth knocked multiple capes out of the sky. It was difficult to see from this distance, but what was pretty clear was the mechanical suit that crashed to the ground.\n\nCould she repair it? If not then she'd maybe be able to scavenge it for... No. It was too greedy. Stupid. You couldn't be greedy around Endbringers.\n\nShe needed to deal with what she could in front of her. She ran straight towards Alice, taking long strides.\n\n\"A- Angel says you need to get out of here!\" She shouted out as she approached, barely stopping herself from saying Alice's name." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The girl had stumbled slightly as the inferno happened just off the shore but seemed to steel herself , determined to do her duty until Pinnacle spoke. Again she turned back to the armoured cape.\n\n\"Angel is with you?\"\n\nShe seemed to force herself to smile.\n\n\"I'm just trying to be a hero like her.\"\n\nShe turned away and helped the civilian over to the medical station." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Relief flooded through her mind as Angel realized that she Wasn't Going to need to fight Pinnacle on confronting Alice. That sense of relief was, however, quickly destroyed by the words that reached her shortly after. The only thing that really went through her mind past that point was just— Why? Alice had so much more to live for, so much more to Do With her life. The naive girl said that she wanted to be a hero Like Angel, but Angel knew that she was in a Completely Different sort of circumstance! \n\nHer Power let her be almost completely unharmed. Alice's power was a stungun or something!\n\nShe took a deep mental breath to try and reset. Being angry like this wasn't going to help anything, and it wasn't as if Alice would be able to leave really, now that she was here. At least she wasn't doing something as suicidal as getting close to the Endbringer or something like that. If it weren't for her accelerated thinking she would surely still be absolutely panicked, but as it was she had plenty of time to think things through rationally.\n\n\"Okay. Well... Thanks anyways, Pinnacle. I appreciate you trying. I... I hope she'll be alright. What now?\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Pinnacle wasn't quite sure what was going on with this whole interaction, but it wasn't her problem to begin with. Message sent, job done. At least Angel had calmed down a bit.\n\nShe REALLY didn't want to have to go through an Endbringer fight with someone screaming in her head. Not again.\n\n\"Now? We get back to work\" She said before walking back over to the robots that had brought her there.\n\n\"Take me to where I'm needed\" She said, walking towards them. Hopefully there wouldn't be any issues like last time..." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As Pinnacle turned away from the medical station back towards the robots she caught a glimpse of a cape gathering some sort of dark swirling energy around themselves in the corner of her eye.. Probably some kind of attack. When she spoke to the robots instead of them replying a voice came from the wristband she had been given.\n\n\"Focus on recovering capes on the beach, find the bodies. I'll redirect the flyers to places further aw-.\"\n\nThe voice cut off as Behemoth let out another ear bursting roar, the very ground shaking beneath Pinnacles feet. Looking out towards the shore there were several capes sprawled along the boardwalk and the beach itself. A huge variety of capes in differing costumes. Looking down at the wristband the map was filled with red pings. The Boardwalk was the closest place to reach but also had the fewest wounded from the looks of it. The pier had a few wounded on it but was further away. The most wounded were on the beach proper and in the water, these area however would take by far the longest to reach and be the most difficult to navigate even with her tinker tech." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Are we... Losing? I knew the Endbringer fights were bad back in the other Earth, but this...\"\n\nShe trailed off, not even really Wanting To continue the thought. It didn't help that she was almost entirely helpless in the face of the catastrophic power of Behemoth. After considering for several long moments using her accelerating thoughts, she decided that thinking about that sort of thing— and bringing it up, for that matter- wasn't helpful. If they were going to die here, worrying about it wouldn't change that. \n\nIt would be better to just focus on what they Could Do.\n\n\"Sorry, pretend I didn't say that. If we head to the beach, you should probably be able to navigate the debris at a decent pace using the enhancements I'm giving you. Just remember you're a lot stronger than you usually would be.\"" } ]	228.5	7,198
243.038462	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "thetwins", "message": "When the call came out regarding the Endbringer attack, the name alone made the girl tremble though the fear ran deeper than that. She had no memory of before she woke up, but as soon as she heard the name there was a sense she had before, like she knew what she was told about them before it was even spoken. That however would need to be something she worried about later, for now she had to get ready and prioritize helping how she could.\n\nThat had currently been running around the various homeless encampments in the city to ensure they had managed to get to a shelter, and doing her best to move those who could not. Naturally this may haver caused some offense to the more afluent who would need to share the space with vagrants, but given the situation and forboading dread of the great beast, the girl may have been slightly more forceful and short with those people. There might also have been the fact the her costume smelled of blood from her ever present injurys, giving those who were not familiar with her hesitation in saying no.\n\nAt least those in the shelters and encampments she had aided were more agreeable, having realized a while ago despite appearances the girl put her all into helping those who needed it, especially those commonly ignored.\n\n Deep down she knew however she would not get everyone, hoping the faces she missed had already made it to another shelter, found some other saftey, and she would not meet them again in the aftermath among the lost. \n\nHonestly she did not know what she could do against the creature itself, it she knew she had to do something as much as it terrified her." }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "The northern side of New London was in chaos. During the Gold Morning celebrations, a certain Endbringer suddenly appeared, like out of the blue.\n\nMorpher was walking around in his rock armor and faceless stone mask, not far away from the shelters and seeing the Endbringer fight unfold not far away from him. Near him were a bunch of civilians trying to evacuate from the titan, some screaming in fear and desperation. Among them was a rather tall woman seemingly covered in blood, who apparently, was helping as many as she could.\n\nWith his rock armour on, he was rather close to her height. If he did not have his armour on, he would obviously be somewhat shorter because he was of below average height (5'8'').\n\nHe thought to either help the civilians evacuate, or he could at least do something to distract the Endbringer and maybe do some damage. But because Endbringers were considered to be immortal killing machines, he would not be able to just kill it. But, he realized that he could prioritize helping civilians first, then try and confront the Endbringer itself. So he put his plan into action.\n\nHe approached the tall woman and without saying a word started helping people by finding if there is anyone trampled in the crowd and picking them up and bringing them to the shelters." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Both capes weren't actually close to the endbringer or where the other heroes were gathering, that was closer to the shore. Evenso the effect of an Endbringer appearing on the civilian population was clear to see. Most had assumed the Endbringer threat ended with Gold Morning so Behemoth appearing was completely unexpected. The masses ran confused and terrified looking for safety, whether or not safety could be found was up for debate. \n\nThe ground shook as Dreadnought and three other capes flew at high speed overhead in the direction of the shore. The momentary distraction was interrupted by the sound of tyre's screeching and a crash. Looking to the source of the sound Morpher and Jane could see an awful scene.\n\nA car had swerved and crashed into the side of a building pinning several innocents between them. Clearly the result of a panicked driver trying to escape and their fear worsening as they were trapped by a large crowd." }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "Feeling the ground shake, Jane could not help but look across the city to the giant monstrosity far in the distance and there was the feeling again, It was so far away, she had no idea what it was, so why did she feel this way? What was it about that creature that made her wounds burn just by looking at it. It wasnt just fear, it was something else but as another scream rang out from the civilians she was brought back to focus, this wasnt the time to give attention to it. That could come once this was all over.\n\nShe was grateful though that she was now not alone in the effort to get the people safe, though as she felt she had a handle on it and everyone was getting shelter safely, a new sound brought her focus off to the side. Someone had been trying to drive a car through the crowds and streets only to cause more damage and leave them no closer to saftey. The driver was likely pushed from fear, but this was just going to make things worse, she needed to do something as lost as she was.\n\n\"Erm... Rock... Guy? Girl?....\" She really couldnt tell under the costume and stone armor \"Can you get the driver and pull the car and ....And ill get the people and check on them\" She hoped. Leaping over she bounded over the bonnet of the car to the people, pressing her back to a free space on the wall and pushing with her legs, hoping the rock heroe could do the rest. If successful her next step was to check on those that had been pinned, the silent ones first since if they could scream in panic that was at least normally less life threatening, and if they could run away to shelter on their own all the better." }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "Morpher saw the Endbringer itself being confronted by some of the mightiest capes of New London. This may have given the civilians a chance to evacuate.\n\nUnfortunately, a car crashed onto a building and noticed that a bunch of civilians have been pinned by it. Hearing the tall woman herself tell him pull the car out of the way, he did this.\n\nHe approached the car and saw the driver still in it. He decided to open the door and carefully pull the driver out.\n\nThen, he morphed up the road asphalt to his arms and used them to pull the car by under its tail.\n\nIf he was successful, he would too check on those who were nearly crushed by the car and offer to pick up those who were unable to move." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The car groaned and struggled as people pushed and pulled on it. The already compromised structure threatened to pull apart. Luckily through a combined effort the two capes managed to pull the wrecked car away from the wall. As this happened the people who had been pinned collapsed to the floor save for one who stumbled before continuing to run away. It was apparent they had only been trapped due to their clothes getting caught.\n\nQuickly moving to the now freed civilians it was clear two of them were already dead, most likely on impact. The third was still alive however their legs looked crushed and a concerningly large pool of blood was growing underneath them. They mumbled something under their breath, whatever they were trying to say was painful and laboured.\n\nAs they examined the injured civilian another sound filled their ears, a sound not too dissimilar to the sound of a flying insect only larger. If the two capes turned to look at the source of the sound they could see two capes, a man and a woman, wreathed in a faint golden energy with golden wings slowly descending to the ground.\n\n\"You two what's happened? Is everything under control?\" The man spoke. He was wearing a black bodysuit with golden accents and had well kept short red hair with some stubble. He looked almost identical to his posters, this was Sovereign the second in command of Vanguard. As he touched down next to the woman the golden wings and aura vanished.\n\n\"Move out of the way, there isn't much time left.\" The woman said as she barged past the two capes and placed her hand on the wounded individual. She wore a long blue dress with a white apron and surgical mask. On her shoulders and apron were large red crosses. Her costume combined with the fact the dying civilian seemed to be regenerating meant that this woman was without a doubt Panpharmacon.\n\n\"The others are already dead. I'll heal this one but then we really need to get to the front. I can do a lot more help there than I can wandering Sovereign.\" She didn't look up as she spoke and Sovereign barely reacted to her comments. Instead he turned to Morpher and Jane.\n\n\"What are you two doing? Are you staying here or are you coming to the beach? If you do want to come to the beach I can give you both a lift if not, well good luck and try and keep the civilians safe.\"" }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "Jane herself was on the bleeding man when she identified the others were already dead, as much as that tore at her she didn't have time to do anything but keep her focus on those who could still use it, she could mourn and deal with the feelings later. Her visable eye was darting around as a new one came behind her \"Crash, Evacuating Civilians Pinned, Two Dead, Injured with Crushed Leg, Femoral Artery Pierced, Comminuted and Open Fractures... \" Jane was attempting to step the blood flow with a makeshift tourniquet high up his thigh when she was pushed away by the new arrival.\n\nShe was about to protest, though seeing the healing effect she stayed silent and looked to the other man \"I... We were... Making sure the Civilians got out safely, most of those who couldnt move themselves,....I think that was last of them but... There could be more hiding around\" She rubbed her arm and turned over in the direction of the beach and the monster, the same feeling once more and slight tremble\n\n\"I... I...\" She swallowed hard\" I will return to the beach, I cant speak for... Rockman?\" Return? Why did she say that?. A look of confusion crossed her visible eye for a moment before going on \"I... Think i might be able to do something if... If we can surprise it, If someone can launch me at it fast enough\" She looked over at her arm, It wasnt something she had actually done before but in the moment it would have to work." }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "A man appeared right in front of where Alan and the woman was trying to rescue the civilians. This man was Sovereign. When Sovereign asked what happened, Alan answered: \"We were trying to help civilians evacuate! Shouldn't we do something to save as many innocents as we could!?\"\n\nWhen Panpharmacon said to move out of the way, Alan just stood there, silent.\n\nWhen Sovereign turned to Morpher and Jane, Morpher paid close attention to what he said and responded: \"Well, anything keep the endbringer at bay for as long as we can.\"\n\n\"And to you... Lady... I think I can throw you up to the Endbringer if you want. But be careful, it is really dangerous and it could get you killed in a few seconds.\"" }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "\"If I'm wrong it's fine... If I'm... If I'm right, the recoil should handle getting away.\" The girl was great full for the warning, but she had no place to heed it. After all with everyone risking their lives, or those who had already lost theirs, what place did someone like her have to put her own any higher?." }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "\"Are you sure about this? Are you sure?! So many people died fighting monsters like this one. There is a good chance that you may not come back. If I just throw you up to the endbringer, I don't know what will you do?\" Alan responded with a bit of waver in his voice, expressing some obvious concern for the woman. Who was this woman... Actually? How did she got there? Does she know anything about Endbringers?" }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "Moving to hold her right arm tightly she musters a faint nod while staring into the distance at the thing, shaking slightly as she does \"Its... Its something i feel i have to face. But if i mess up... I can accept that, but i have a chance to be useful. There are too many... Too many, to do anything else.\" She takes a deep breath composing herself, partially to keep the conviction she had find, and partially to try and stop her nerves overcoming that. Slowly she begins to get ready for what she had in mind, picturing the tool she would need in her mind, something that could at least distract or give the creature pause.\n\nKeeping the image in mind, her right arm would begin to squirm and shift somewhat under her costume as she prepared." }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "Alan saw the woman doing something with her arm and tucking it into her clothing. It seemed to do some strange movements... For some strange reason no one would know, except the woman herself. \"Okay then, if you think you can be useful against it, then alright. Should I pick you up and throw you to the beast?\" He offered." }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "She gives the creature a final look \"W... When its, Its focused on something else... And as hard as you can... Yes. It will need to be fast before it notices if we want it to... I mean the best shot, But we need to be closer. The other Heroes likely wont trust me, thats fine so will need to work off them than expecting the more famous ones to help maybe\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Sovereign I've done all I can here. The others are gone.\"\n\nPanpharmacon stood up from the now uninjured civilian who promptly stood and began running again. The healing cape walked over to her fellow Vanguard cape.\n\n\"Alright then you two, try not to squirm too much. I should be able to catch you if you fall but I would prefer if you didn't make an active effort to fall okay?\"\n\nSovereign spoke as he began to glow with a golden aura. In the immediate area around him four large insect like creatures with large wings formed. Once complete they quickly moved towards the four capes, wrapping their legs around them untill it look as though they all had wings of their own. The wings began to rapidly move lifting the capes off the ground.\n\nSoon enough they were in the air heading towards the coast. From the height they were at they could more clearly see Behemoth about half a mile off the coast slowly getting closer and closer. Several flying capes were circling the Endbringer including Dreadnought. They poked and harassed him, delaying him as long as they could. Suddenly lightning appeared, striking right for Dreadnought who narrowly dodged. The cape behind her was not quite as lucky as the lightning seemingly evaporated them.\n\nSoon enough they approached the ground at what appeared to be a rendezvous and medical area. As soon as they landed Panpharmacon headed over to two capes who were easily identified, Nightingale and Northstar. A few meters away Utopia, Quartermaster and Excalibur could be seen, Sovereign turned to look at the two capes.\n\n\"Speak to Utopia she will get you set up.\"" }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "Jane looked around a little confused at the group walking closer once she had landed, her gaze going between each member \"Erm... E..Excuse me, Which... Of you is... Utopia?, Mr Soverign said you would help us get stet up? I... I might be able to do something that can... Can help when the creature is distracted, I was going to have,.....Rockman throw me to do it\" \n\nShe keeps her concentration on her arm, a somewhat pained expression as it continues to shift, the oversized sleeve of her costume now appearing tight at this point with several drops of blood falling from the sleeve. It was now that the occasional cracking and tear could be heard, like that of a bone breaking and worse." }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "Morpher saw Sovereign speaking and unleashing some creatures to lift him and the woman up. He was dragged with the woman and a few more capes to the coast, much closer to the beast. Now, if there is a mistake made that would make the beast make it to the beach, this city would probably be done for.\n\nWhen Jane mentioned the original plan, he approached Utopia and said: \"Yes, I was going to throw the woman to the Endbringer. Do I have permission to do this?\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Excalibur and Quartermaster were famous across the entire city, even the most reclusive cape hating shut in would know them. Excalibur stood in his gleaming bronze coloured armour, his hand resting on a large sword at his hip as a platinum cape blew in the wind. His gaze seemed to be focused on the slowly approaching endbringer. Next to him stood Quartermaster in her grey battle armour, twin bandoliers across her chest and her core rifle held casually against her shoulder.\n\nThe third cape wore similar armour to Quartermaster although it lacked the bandoliers and instead seemed to have antennas and other telecoms equipment built into the helmet and back. She sat at a makeshift desk typing away on a laptop. This was Utopia. She turned to look up at the two new arrivals, not stopping typing as she did.\n\n\"Ah, good more capes.\"\n\nShe reached into a satchel she wore over her shoulder and pulled out two wristbands.\n\n\"I'm going to give yo-\"\n\nShe stopped talking as she heard what the two new arrivals were saying. \n\n\"I'm sorry, did you just say you want to be thrown at Behemoth? Now I don't know your powers but please think carefully before doing that. Not even Dreadnought is throwing herself at them. Anyway, as I was saying, I'm going to give you these wristbands. Either press the button or say the word Evac and your location will be pinged in my system. A flyer drone will come pick you up then and help transport you around the city. If you have a heavy load to transport, say Evac Heavy. There are also some basic navigation aids in the device that can direct you to our temporary HQ and field Hospital.\"\n\nAn explosion rang out in the distance followed by a roar from the Endbringer. Looking towards it some kind of aircraft was wreathed in flames as it tumbled towards the water. Moments later the vehicle smashed into the water causing wreckage to spread across the surface of the water. A piece of shrapnel launched itself in the air before smashing into the glass of a coastal building." }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "Jane nods further as her arm continued to contort, her face wincing as the dripping got faster \"Its... It will be ok, Ive seen... I think it will be ok, I... If it can help i need to try\". She drops to a knee for a moment before looking over to Morpher \"They dont... Dont seem to have anyone better for this or a power good for throwing so... So ill need you to do it. When its distracted... As hard... As hard as you can... It will need to be fast to work\" She snaps the bracelet onto her wrist as the other heroes go about there efforts. She had hoped there would maybe be someone with a better power to help the rock hero with this, but it seems they far more limited than that. If that was the case, she needed to do this all the more, if she could get one good hit in, if she timed this right, it could make a difference. She only hoped she could hold it together long enough, the efforts she had been putting into rearranging her arm, snapping the bone and muscle and reshaping it, layering it, compacting it like vice was excruciating. She was putting it all into that arm, which is why she knew she wouldnt be able to move that well and needed to be thrown into position.\n\n\"When your... When your ready\"" }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "Morpher saw two more capes appear right in front of him, which were prominent members of the Vanguard. After he heard the Endbringer somehow being distracted by some explosion, he agreed to throw the woman because apparently there were no visible capes better at throwing.\n\nThus, he began to focus on getting the asphalt onto his hands, in the hopes that this would increase his strength and easily throw her onto the beast. As soon as he finished, he asked: \"Are you ready? Just be careful out there, okay?\"" }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "She nodded, shaking through heavy breathing with a pool of blood having formed below her arm, her face contorted in a mixture of focus and pain, though it did have the benefit of wiping away the fear she had when looking at the beast in the distance. Opening her eye she kept it now focused on her target, everything else seeming to melt away as she focused only on what she needed to do. \n\nIf it bought others a moment longer, if it meant she was hit instead of another, that was all she needed. She was usually the last to attack, unless there was something behind her to protect, and never had there been more than at the current moment. \"I...\" She tried to find the words, the pain making her thoughts difficult to form \"...Thank you, For... Letting me... Do this. I... I am ready to go.\" She didnt seem to answer his concern for her own saftey, seemingly avoiding it.\n\nThe tips of her sleeve distorted and burst with a heavy slashing sound as wet chunks slapped against the pool below her arm, indistinguishable shreds of what could only be described as meat and bone that had been pushed away in favor of some sort of Chitinous claw that continued to expand. She knew the theory of what she aimed to do, however it was certainly the most extreme change she had tried to date, the constant sensation of her arm being ripped apart and reformed through the continous breaking had tears flowing from her eye, but she had to keep it together, just long enough to let it loose at the beast." }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "Morpher now thought that if he throws the woman from his current location, she would not exactly land on the endbringer because it would be faraway. But because she was insistent on that and there would not seem to be anyone who had a better throwing strength at him, he decided to do it anyway as a hit-or-miss. But he was not sure if the woman would swim or not.\n\n\nHe morphed some of the asphalt into his arms so he could increase his strength a bit more. Then, he would pick the woman up and throw her as far as he could. If the woman would not land, would she swim or something? No? Hopefully, it would work." }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "As Jane soars through the air it would become clear that she wasnt going to make the distance even with the speed and force she had been given, which meant her attempt would likely fail if she didnt think fast. That was harder given the pain she was in, but gritting her teeth she made do. Building up pressure in her legs, she pumped as much extra material there as she could before in a explosion of gore one of her legs seemed to almost detonate, the force increasing her speed and giving another boost across the skyline, it was still not enough though, so with another scream the same process happened with the other once more, sending a line of crimson in her wake.\n\nFinally reaching the beast she would use what she had been preparing, and hoping it worked, catching him with his attention on the other heroes in the area she would strike with the monstrous arm she had created, the chitinous armored appendage slamming into the creature at such speed it would cause a shockwave. There was a piercing scream, guttural pain that cracked and felt in the bones of those around, her eye shut as the process took place. Those who managed to get a view and were knowledgeable may have recognised just what she was using, a grotesque approximation of a mantis shrimps arm, scaled however to be almost the size she was with the proportion force. The strike however hit so hard that most of the limb would crumple and explode at the sheer mass of the creature she had hit, though it seemed she had prepared a second stage to her suicidal stunt, with a quick click echoing around. Within the mass of fluid the limbs destruction had caused, ther was a second claw snapping shut within it, and for a split second a cavitation effect took place, heating the fluid to impossible temperatures but sending a powerful blast at point blank range... A pistol shrimps attack.\n\nNeedless to say the sheer force and damage this gave off, would send the cape rocketting backwards from the recoil, several times faster than she had approached, though with no sign of slowing down until she would eventually impact something that would stop her. Suffice to say such a impact would not be pretty. The wrist computer did sate she was still alive, but given they seemed to be missing 3 limbs from the crazy stunt and the damage she had suffered, there was no explanation as to how." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The air in the city seemed oppressively heavy as the hulking ENDBRINGER Behemoth approached ever closer to the shore. Many flying capes orbited Behemoth in a vain attempt to slow him before he made contact, to buy as much time as humanly possible for those on land to prepare for the coming destruction. Despite the many great heroes there even they lingering near it else they risk a very painful death. Even the nigh invulnerable Dreadnought was cautious.\n\nAs the world fought around Jane's body continued to shift as she was picked up by Morpher. Pulling back for a moment and then throwing the case 53 through the air. Audible shouts of surprise and shock could be heard. Even the usually stoic Excalibur looked up with surprise as he watched the ever shifting mass of flesh fly overhead.\n\nSudden an explosive sound could be heard as Jane launched herself further towards the ENDBRINGER With a creative use of her powers. It seemed that this served to draw the attention of the walking cataclysm. His ominous red eye shifted to look directly at the approaching hero. For a moment one could almost imagine surprise on the creatures face, almost.\n\nThen in an instant the world seemed to move in slow motion as a bolt of lightning arced through the sky towards the heroic cape. In the split second before impact Jane could see the face of Dreadnought looking at her with a face wide in horror. Then pain coursed through Janes body as she felt every cell get torn apart by lightning whilst simultaneously healing. The force of the hit launching her back the way she came into the ocean below.\n\nThe water was soothing to her but there was no denying her body was in a sorry state. She was smoking and despite all her power granted her could tell she was hanging on to life by a thread. Her attack though didn't not seem to be in vain for at that moment Behemoth, became four behemoths and a spear attached to a long cable pierced through all of them. Back on shore Morpher could see Quickfire had thrown the spear whilst Excalibur held the end of the cable." }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "Morpher saw Jane being thrown towards the endbringer, and seemingly, the plan did not go well. As a result, he gasped and leaned back a bit.\n\nWhat made things worse was that somehow, the Behemoth cloned into 4. He then saw Quickfire throwing something at it while seeing Excalibur holding up something. It was apparently something to prevent the Behemoth from even having it touch the port." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Jane's smoking body float on the surface of the water convulsing as it tried to reform. It seemed the added radiation from Behemoth was making recovering from their injuries difficult. Still their body slowly but surely began to pull itself together healing the burns across their flesh as Behemoth roared behind them. A short distance away a figured dressed in green sped across the surface of the water towards Jane reaching out to grab her. That was when it happened.\n\nA chorus of ear bursting roars filled the air as the four Behemoths released a intense sphere of flames in the area immediately surrounding them. A hissing sound filled the air as water vaporised, instantly filling the air with steam concealing the hulking forms of the ENDBRINGERS. Water rushed towards the Behemoths filling gaps left but the steam before the four became one once again. \n\nNow the ENDBRINGER Stood alone, a large hole in its chest. Jane, the cape heading to her as well as several of capes flying in the air were no where to be seen. Their remains vaporised in the inferno. Flying capes who weren't immediately incinerated fell from the sky like rain. The few who survived mostly unharmed organising around Dreadnought who now hovered above the shore in her scorched costume. Morpher witnessed this all from where he stood." }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "Morpher saw all this in horror. Jane apparently disintegrated when her attack seemingly failed, and some of the capes perished near the Endbringer. \n\nWas this strange woman's plan to just straight up face it head on was just... For nothing? Should Morpher be indirectly responsible and held for the number of capes killed shortly after the Behemoth, just because he went with the woman's plan to have his help to be thrown to the Endbringer? Did he have the chance to save her while she was still holding on to dear life? These were the questions that were racing through his mind.\n\nBut, with the tinkertech wristband in hand, he called in the drone. But instead of saying the words Utopia recommended, he said to make an Evac to Jane to search her remains, if there were any. When the drone flew past him, he decided that it was enough sitting idly by and started enacting his plan to hold the endbringer back from the city. If the endbringer had a hole in it, then it can be harmed and probably killed. Or so he thought...\n\nHe faced the road and began morphing up asphalt spears and plucking them on the road as quickly as he can. He put them in a way that made their peaks face the sea the endbringer was in. Those spears would be much longer than an average man.\n\nThen, he called out for any surrounding capes aid him and told them about his plan on at least holding it back with his spears that can be at least sharp enough to penetrate it, or so it seemed." } ]	231	6,319
234.333333	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fawful989", "message": "```New Scene```\n\nIt was a long day for Kurt Yazovitch. He'd been called three times for work today: two for a scheduled appointment about leaks at residential properties, and one emergency appointment for an active pipe problem at a business in the Vanguard District. Being there, in the place named after the Cape organization that made this place their home after Gold Morning, made him feel almost sick. \n\nHe went home, turned on his police scanner, and sat down, taking off his work clothes and changing into more casual wear. He'd just turned on the kettle for a cup of tea when a report came in about someone in the old industrial section of the Slums being on fire. Some Vanguard personnel chipped in, asking for further details. Not content to let Vanguard have this one, he elected to investigate on his own.\n\nWith his usual scowl on his face, he put on his jacket and a cap, walking outside as he made his way towards the industrial section of town. He liked walking; preferred it, even, to taking public transportation. He knew he could afford a beat-up old car by now, but he'd elected to not bother pursuing such a piece of luxury. It was pointless to have something like that in his neighborhood, knowing it could be stolen at any minute. Plus, having one would take away from his beloved walks, which was reason enough to spur faster travel.\n\nHe followed the trail of the person described in the scanner. The Vanguard personnel had told the police to not bother, but that no Vanguard presence was requested. 'Weird,' he thought, 'they'd usually take something like this, maybe even get a media crew down here by now.' But no camera crew was around, and as he wandered aimlessly through the abandoned factories and warehouses, he eventually came to the Omega Cereal Mills complex. He ducked in through the fence, keeping to the shadows as he searched for this mysterious flaming person... Ready to assume his own Cape form if needed." }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "Freddie/Princess of Fire is inside the building, she is trying to find a safe place to rest for the moment, because the more she burns the harder it is to control her powers, and it is a feed back loop. Her fire is starting to grow as she burns stuff unintentionally, she struggles to keep herself in control, her fire also growing in heat the more she tries to contain it.\n\nWhen she hears noises she stops in her tracks, not being sure whether she is going to be attacked. This being a place she occasionally stays at when trying to clear her mind, after all she has to keep moving so normally she doesn't burn things down from the extended heat." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "The crunch of glass underfoot and the groan of metal being moved ever so slightly to allow Kurt to pass through likely echoes in the cavernous factory floor. The Princess of Fire's own flames likely don't help much, as they cast long shadows on the walls, only to be disturbed when Kurt finally sets eyes on the Case 53.\n\nHe immediately dips back into the shadows, taking out his phone to snap a quick picture of the fellow Cape. He examined the picture carefully from his hiding spot, zooming in on her face. It wasn't a good picture, and his camera wasn't great, but he at least saw that she was scared. Probably more of him than he was of her.\n\n\"You're the one from the police scanner.\" He says, his voice echoing from the shadows and through the factory floor. His voice is accented, although only on certain words, and its hard to pin down exactly where it comes from. Eastern European, perhaps?\n\n\"The person who called you in said that you were someone on fire, walking towards the old industrial district. Vanguard seemed interested at first, but they decided to leave you be.\" He spits, the soft 'ker-plunk' echoing as well. \"I figured I would see if things were alright. You don't hear very often of people casually on fire.\"" }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "\"Yeah, they know of me. Dreadnought and Quartermaster helped me get to a safe enough control of my powers, Vanguard likely can recognize that it was me.\" She says in a concerned voice, the voice being a rough voice that has no clear place of origin, or at least no Origin that is recognizable to those from Earth Bet. \"Name is Freddie, they would know me as Princess of Fire. They helped me when I came out of stasis some months ago, when I awoke I caused a lot of damage in a forest. Only way I was able to be brought into my own control was when Dreadnought was able to bring me down and get me away from flammable substances.\"\n\nShe continues to walk looking for a safe place she won't burn \"You can talk, just probably shouldn't get too close. My power wants to burn stuff, and if I am starving it of substances, I am not safe to be around other people\"" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt chuckles in the shadows, likely not helping much to make himself seem less scary or threatening. \"Quartermaster... Dreadnought... Vanguard... Fools, if you ask me. All of them.\"\n\nHe spits again, another soft 'ker-plunk', this time closer to where Freddie is walking to. \"They did good this time, helping out someone like you. Still doesn't make the institution they're in any less rotten. Dreadnought... Reminds me all too much of what people thought about Scion. I used to be able to stand on principle about all this, but now... Not anymore.\"\n\nA short burst of laughter comes from the shadows as Kurt realizes that he's been given permission to hide in the shadows; exactly what he wishes every other Cape would do. \"Believe me, I would like nothing more than to stay where I am. What do you... Uhh... Need to eat to make it more safe?\" He realizes that he hasn't given his name yet, and he cringes when he realizes he has to say his Cape name.\n\n\"...I'm Creepy-Crawly, by the way. Call me anything else, please. I'm not a very creative person.\"" }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "She would make a noise of protest when he called them fools \"To be fair, even if it's not a great institution, but it is better than nothing when villains move about and do their own things. And my flames? Nothing in particular help me out too much, I have been seeking someone who can make something that can help me contain it, but for now, when I am not actively trying to help people, which is harder than you think when you are like me, I go to places I don't have access to much stuff to burn, leaving something nearby but out of range for when I need to head out of the safe places.\"\n\nShe says considering what she does for her own safety and others safety as well." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt keeps walking, sticking to the shadows as he follows the Princess of Fire from a short distance away. \n\n\"'Villain'...What a silly word. Not that its not wrong in most cases, but this is the problem I speak of. 'Heroes' versus 'Villains', good versus evil. Its a culture of worshipping angels and devils, thinking they're all either our saviors, or the cause of all of our problems. I don't know about you, but it was a 'Hero' that sent me here. I was in one of the first waves from Gold Morning; what should have been wake up call to quit investing so much power in those with the power to end all of our lives turned into us replicating the exact same problem we had before. The Vanguard is no better than the Protectorate, and the culture we have around Capes makes humans think like sheep. I moved to a place where Capes didn't want to be, and instead... Instead, life would have it be that I became one.\"\n\nHe contemplates entering his Breaker form to drive home the point, but he decides against it. Too flashy, too dramatic. \"As for your flames, you're being responsible at least. More than I can say for some Capes, Hero or Villain. This place is mostly rust and broken glass... But, if you need anything specific, there's weeds outside, and there's bound to be old wood somewhere. If you want, I can fetch some.\" His voice is a little quieter now, less bitter and cynical than before. There's a heart buried under so much hurt, it seems." }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "Princess would nod \"I know the wood is out there, I will go and grab it if I need it before leaving. It is better for the moment if I don't burn things.\" She muses as she tries to keep her power in control \"When I awoke from Stasis, it was the worst time of my life. I could not control my power and everything was burning around me without any control about how to stop it. When I would try and lessen the spread my flesh would burn, and after I stopped trying to control it from a range, my skin knitted itself back together and I could feel every second.\"\n\nShe pauses for a second, a liquid flame rolling down her cheek \"If I didn't get help from Quartermaster and Dreadnought, I would have self-immolated, like fully, no life afterwards. You may be cynical about the whole methods of the different Capes, but trust me, they Do Help people in need, and I am going to be grateful for the help no matter what. I may not have signed on with them, but that's more so that I didn't want to rely on their good will\"" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt pauses for a moment, letting the Case 53's words sink in. She was helped by Dreadnought and Quartermaster, there was no denying that. They did good, as much as he was unwilling to admit it.\n\n\"...They did good, keeping you alive. I won't deny that. I may not know you well, but no one deserves to have their power consume them and have them spiral out.\"\n\nKurt decides to let the effect of his Breaker form sink in, bursting out of the shadows as Creepy-Crawly and buzzing up onto a rafter. To Princess, her mysterious conversation partner was revealed to be a monster: 9 feet of chitin and pure, unadulterated, nastiness. \n\n\"My own Trigger wasn't much fun either. I was beaten within an inch of my life, and when I looked up, cursing G-d and two Earths for the pain I'd gone through, you know who I saw? A Cape, doing a patrol in the sky. I looked up, and for the first time in my life, I wanted a Cape to intervene. I saw the damage their fight with Behemoth brought to Moscow, I was a victim of Gold Morning, and I still begged to be saved. They didn't even look down at me, coughing up blood and with bones broken on the sidewalk. I Triggered, crawled into the shadows, and took care of what that Cape should have been done. Good people can do good things... But even good people have blindspots. I'm guilty of that, too.\"\n\nThe creature's chitin chatters and strains, but the wings stop buzzing, fluttering to a stop. \"My point is that institutions are the problem, not individual people. Some Heroes can be real assholes, and some Villains can be better than Heroes at times. The problem is the culture. The one Cape I respect, unconditionally? Perpetual. He at least keeps to the shadows, doesn't seek out fame. We should all do well to follow that path.\"" }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "\"I could show you what my power does, but I would need you to not be flammable, which I don't know about you, and I would need to be reasonably safe when I run out of fuel to grow in size. It is difficult because I am cognizant of what is happening, but my power tries and encourages my destruction of things when it has that influence, which I don't wanna fall into that, it can be dangerous for others. It can be useful at times to exercise that destructive nature and grow up to immense heights, but I need something or some reason that would force it, and someone that can force me back into my normal form.\"" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "An antenna twitches at the Princess of Fire's explanation of her powers.\n\n\"Mine is... Well, this. Strength, flight... Freaky appearance. When people think of me as a threat, they can't get a good look at me anymore. So... I dunno, don't think of me as a threat, I guess.\"\n\nHe lets his insect legs dangle over the metal rafter, compound eyes staring through the dark at the Princess of Fire. \"I don't plan on giving you a reason to get big and make bug barbeque. I'm just makin' sure you're alright, is all. A wellness check, in other words. From a concerned citizen and neighbor.\"" }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "Princess would nod \"If you wanna call me something other than what people know me as, you can call me Freddie, although I can not hide the fact I am who they call Princess of Fire regardless, so a Civvie identity means very little for me, other than trying to get some normality.\" She gives a bittersweet smile as the lava like substance that makes up her body rises then subducts back into her inner body restarting the cycle" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "\"Freddie's easier to remember, but if you prefer Princess of Fire, I'm happy to oblige.\" He felt bad for her, and if one knew Kurt they'd be able to see that he was pulling his punches with her. 'Stasis' meant that she wasn't a Natural Trigger, which meant her entire existence was caught up in her powers. They're always on, and she didn't even need a civilian identity: she was always the Princess of Fire. A lot of his usual invectives against Cape culture, probing deeper into things, maybe even scolding over adherence to nonsensical norms... Even though he couldn't help being bitter about Cape culture, he was clearly trying to give Freddie some grace, spare her from a lecture on her own existence.\n\n\"As for me, call me whatever. I won't give you my civilian name for moral reasons, but Creepy-Crawly is a dumb name, so I'm fine if you call me something else.\"" }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "\"Mmh, what about Bug Boy?\" She muses as her skin continues to have bits of lava emerging before subducting again on her arms and such. She sits down on the ground, a place that is scorched and warped from her times being here previously \"I do prefer Freddie, but it doesn't help unless around the same people consistently, cause otherwise people only know me as Princess of Fire.\" She says that seeming a bit bittersweet about it \n\n\"I was thrust into this life that I didn't choose, and unlike others, who I have learned have something called trigger events, don't have an Identity before I came about to be who I am. Furthermore, I can not even hide what I am unlike others because of my appearance. I have been told these Trigger Events are horrible things that happen to people, but it's not like I chose this.\" She casts her eyes down to the floor" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "\"...I'm in my thirties, the window for 'Bug Boy' has long since passed, kid.\"\n\nKurt flutters down, landing with an audible thud on the ground next to Freddie. Up close, his Breaker state is the stuff nightmares are made from, but he moves quickly behind a piece of rusting machinery, shifting out of his Breaker state but keeping to the shadows. Even if he felt bad for Freddie, his place was still in the unseen places.\n\n\"You've got most of our life stories beat, kid. Trigger Events are no small thing, and there's a reason Capes can be so fucked up because of them. But... Yeah. Anyway.\" He sits down, leaning his back against the machinery, careful to not catch himself on something sharp and pointed. He hadn't gotten a tetanus shot in a while, and he wasn't ready to be 'Creepy-Crawly, the Lock-Jawed Scourge of the Slums'.\n\n\"I never asked to be a Cape. No one did, but I *Especially* Didn't. I hated Capes, still do to some extent. You, though?\" He leans ever so slightly out of the shadows, letting half his face come into Freddie's vision. He was middle-aged it seemed, with an instinctual scowl and sad eyes. Stubble clung to his face, and hardly any smile lines graced it. \"...You have enough problems in life without a bitter old ass like me lecturing you for existing.\"" } ]	201	3,515
177.652174	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "superstes", "message": "Phoenix streak across the sky above New London weaving between the tall buildings of the Tower District as she head for the slums. She hadn't been a cape for too long but it was enough that didn't hesitate to fly halfway across the city to respond to a tip she had heard about a shootout. As she flew high above the streets below seemed so small, how much crime was she missing as she flew on past to deal with more crime? It was impossible to know but she knew it was more than she liked.\n\nThe jet of flame coming of her left fist suddenly doubled in size causing her to veer off to the right and down slightly straight towards the slums. As she travelled through the air her eyes and ears strained for any sign of the reported gunfight. If it was real there was no doubt she would find it soon enough. These things weren't exactly quiet." }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "Fortunately as a resident of the slums, the intel of the shootout had already been given to him. People knew him enough to know he would want to deal with any idiots thinking they can lay siege on his home. \n\nWith a skip, hop, and a jump he took off into a burst of flight. Clearly he was in no sort of distress, seeing as he was mostly bullet-proof. Any and probably all gunmen would lay waste to him if given the chance so, why not use that against them. Phoenix would be able to see him closing in on the same area she was going to. He didn't know her, so she probably didn't know him. He wasn't exactly a hero...\n\nEither way this was going to be interesting. This counted as his first official mission wasn't it? Who knows..." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "As the two arrived on the scene, it looked more like a warzone than a typical urban shootout.\n\nOn one side the police were having difficulty making their way down the road at all - most of it being blocked off by destroyed cars that seemed to have exploded at one point or another. Any time the authorities tried to make a push, gunfire would ring out from the large Mill in the center of the carnage.\n\nOn the other side was the large seemingly abandoned mill. Well, it clearly wasn't abandoned anymore. What appeared to be dozens of gang members were armed and dangerous, shooting out of various windows.\n\nEven despite the distance - with the two capes being far away and in the air - both suddenly had bullets whizzing by them. Missing, but getting danerously close. Most of the fire seemed focused on phoenix due to how clearly visible she was. Shouting erupted inside the building, and moments later the sounds of some sort of vehicle could be heard." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Despite the idea of attempting to melt incoming bullets sounded like a nice experiment Phoenix wasn't about to run that test as she hovered high in the air. That seemed like the perfect method to end up getting herself killed.\n\nAllowing the flames that kept her suspended in the air to fade, Phoenix began to fall to the ground, her eyes briefly turning to the other cape they seemed to be shooting at. At least she wouldn't be doing this entirely alone.\n\nClose to the ground several jets of flame formed around Phoenix's body to slow her descent and launch her forwards through the air. Being closer to the ground should make it harder for the people shooting her to see her as she approached but for good measure she zig zagged as she flew. No point in making it easy for them. Keep moving that was the name of the game." }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "Erik also figured that getting lit up by bullets wasn't the smartest idea, regardless of whether or not he could protect himself. To evade is better to withstand, at least when it came to gunfire. \n\nAlbeit he had no pyrokinetic abilities like the other, his descent was mediocre in terms of look. He slowly made his way to the ground before releasing his flight and having both feet on the ground. The muscles in his legs wriggled violently before buffering into larger ones, allowing him speed on the ground that he could not achieve in the air. Erik charged forward, growing thick pads of armor over his face, torso, and limbs. His physical appearance looked quite disproportionate and rather gross, but it certainly got the job done." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Bullets continued to rain down on Phoenix as she brought herself closer to the ground - albeit less than before. There were simply too many bullets flying through the air. Moments after zig zagging, a bullet shot clean through her calf and out the other side. On the plus side, she was close enough to the building to see when people poked out of windows to shoot.\n\nJuggernaut had the same issue, though the bullets simply bounced or ricocheted off. It seemed as though there wasn't really anything around that could actually pierce his armor.\n\n\"HEY! Deal with the big guy!\" Someone shouted out.\n\nMoments later what appeared to be an armored truck rolled out onto the street. It was clearly shoddily made with large metal panels simply welded onto a normal truck. In the back was a mounted heavy machine gun that rolled towards the direction of Juggernaut and began to open fire." }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "Erik clicked his tongue in annoyance when the heavy-shooting truck rolled up. \n\nHe knew his armors limits, and he did not feel like getting shot today, or worse for that matter. With an array of muscles in his legs jerking about, the burly man began to skip and dash around in a circle, getting lower and lower to the ground as he thrashed his swollen arm constantly into the ground. He needed to gain some cover, someway or another. So he aimed to knock the ground hard enough for a smokescreen of dust and dirt to be lifted. \n\nAfter doing so, he would hope that they would start shooting randomly into the abyss.\n\nWhile he readied himself to enter their main location, more muscles all over his body began to swell." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Merde!\"\n\nThe muffled word left her mouth through clenched teeth as she tried her best to ignore the pain. In an ideal world she could use her pyrokinesis to cauterise the wound but she was immune to her own power so that was out of the question. Instead she will just deal for the moment.\n\nShifting her flight path she headed straight for building below the window level. Once she reached the buildings wall she would launch herself straight up with a powerful jet of flame towards the open window from directly below, releasing a low intensity but bright burst of flames into the room as she reached the opening. She couldn't risk a more powerful blast if there were innocents but this should be enough to disorient." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "By the time the heavy machine gun started to unload, there was already the beginnings of a cloud of thick dust around Erik. Just as he suspected, they continued to fire blindly into the dust even as it thickened. Bullets streaked through the cloud, making their own tiny paths.\n\nDespite not being visible, a couple shots managed to hit him - one cracking the armor on his forearm but not destroying it. A different bullet cracked the armor on his shin. The heavy machine gun continued to fire blindly, apparently not concerned with running out of ammo\n\nCloser to the mill, Phoenix had at this point garnered the attention of all of the gunmen in the windows, though they weren't all able to aim at her as she dived straight through a particular one.\n\n\"I can't see shit!\" The closest man yelled out.\n\nAll four men in the room flinched, suddenly covering up their eyes and finding it difficult to see at all. One of the men, despite not being able to see, started to open fire blindly. Almost immediately someone cried out in pain.\n\n\"You SHOT me you fucking idiot!\" One man screamed out as he fell to the ground, clutching at his leg.\n\nAnother man ran straight for the exit, stumbling around due to not being able to see." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Shouldn't use a gun if you're scared of getting shot!\"\n\nDeciding stopping and losing initiative would be the worst possible choice here she didn't let up. Instead moving as quickly as she could towards the closest of the gunmen and swinging her fist towards their Face. As she swung a jet of flames erupted from her elbow adding a burst of speed and power to the attack. \n\nShe wasn't a fool though, she couldn't focus just on the punch. As she punched at her first target she scanned the room trying to figure out who her next focus would be. When guns were involved one needed to be prepared." }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "Erik grunted as he fell to one knee, not having been shot by heavier artillery for a long time. \n\nIn a few seconds his entire body grew larger and more grotesque, his muscles becoming even more defined as his mass increased. Then, from the smoke-screen the hulking figure leapt into the sky and directly towards the vehicle manning the gun. As he came closer he aimed to not only smash his fists into the top of the car; destroying the weapon and restraining the vehicle, but also securing a hold on it for what he was planning to do with it. \n\nHe was going to throw it into the building!" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "The man still looked disoriented as Phoenix landed her punch, knocking him out instantly and forcing him to slump to the floor. The other man in the room raised a rifle up slowly as his eyes adjusted, still wincing. The man running for the door was already long gone, though he could be heard running through a hallway.\n\nOn the other end of the fight, the armored truck continued to unload on the cloud blindly. One more bullet struck Juggernaut in the abs as he burst out of the dust, but the gunfire died out almost immediately after. The truck immediately started to drive in reverse as Juggernaut's massive body jumped.\n\n\"Shit! Relo—\"\n\nMoments later the man's words were cut off as Juggernaut impacted the truck loudly - the sound of breaking metal cutting off all noise as the weapon was instantly destroyed by his fists. The gunner bailed out of the truck, jumping off the side and tumbling across the street. It quickly became apparent that the roof of this makeshift armored truck was nowhere near as well armored as the rest of it. The truck continued to drive in reverse wildly, swerving in an attempt to throw Juggernaut off. The truck was clearly struggling to move as fast under the added weight however.\n\nIt was simple enough to get a handhold on the truck, though it quickly became apparent that his ability to fly on it's own wouldn't be enough leverage to throw the truck." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "A solid hit caused a confident grin to appear on her face. She could actually do this, so many patrols with little to no combat and she finally could prove to herself she could fight. Still now was not the time to stands around and be impressed with herself, there was an idiot aiming a gun at her and unlike her fellow hero outside she was not bullet proof.\n\nThe jets of flame at the bottom of her feet sudden rose in temperature and intensity launching her higher in the air at an angle closer to the gunman. As she approached the ceiling she formed hundreds of smaller jets of flame to launch her back down towards her target, lifting her elbow to strike at his face on the way down. Hoping the smaller flames would avoid setting the ceiling on fire in the process." }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "Juggernaut released his grip on the vehicle upon realizing he didn't have the leverage to move the truck right now, his abs, and leg throbbing from recent bullet impacts. Assuming their was still gunmen shooting outside, and if his hearing was correct inside the building too, some cover was very much needed. If he had to choose staying outside or going inside, he would choose the latter. \n\nBending his knees on-top of the truck, Erik readied another leap from the truck and into the side of the building near him and the hero. He was curious if she had died yet, or better, kicking ass. Fire could very well fill the rooms quickly if it were to spread. Also rifles are harder to maneuver in close-range, giving him an advantage. Hopefully he wouldn't regret this." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "The man aiming for Phoenix opened fire as soon as he realized she was coming right for him. While he still couldn't see very well, a single shot nicked her shoulder as it passed by. As Phoenix got even closer however, the gun let off a few shots right next to her left ear, causing it to ring painfully. Even her right ear seemed damaged.\n\nThe man went down without much more of a fight, grunting as he was elbowed across the face and knocked to the ground. He still seemed to be conscious, though not moving very much. \n\nOn Juggernaut's side of the fight, it didn't actually seem like there were many gunmen outside. In fact, even the men who were in the windows shooting earlier seemed to have all moved back.\n\nAs he leapt into the side of the building he heard a crash underneath him almost immediately - the driver of the Truck having apparently reversed directly into a wall before stopping. Juggernaut crashed through the side of the building, coming out on the ground floor of the building. Up above he could see men running away on a catwalk - a few shooting shots at him as they ran. None of the bullets seemed capable of doing much, even on the portions of his armor that were damaged they would simply bounce off.\n\nThey all seemed to be running towards a set of stairs on the far end of the building that would let them down to the ground floor right next to a truck that was parked Inside The building. It didn't seem to be an armed or armored truck though - instead being used for moving product.\n\nThe entire ground floor looked to be some sort of warehouse, though it wasn't clear for what. Crates were strewn about the place, closed shut. Atop some of them weapons were also laid out - rifles, pistols. Even a couple of rocket launchers." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"I can't believe you shot me! Branleur!\"\n\nPhoenix dropped to the ground and reached down to the mans weapon. Grabbing it by it's barrel she began to create the most intense flames she could in the palm of her hand before crushing the metal and twisting and bending the barrel. Try shooting that. Slowly she walked over to each of the dropped weapons and did the same to them, these things needed to be turned to slag. \n\n\"So whilst you're still awake how about you tell me about this little operation you have going on? Why the fuck do you think it's okay to shoot into a crowded city?\"" }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "Erik held his arm in front of him to block the pea shots that bounced off of him, clicking his tongue in annoyance as they ran away. \n\nAs a curious fellow, he gazed around at all of the crates littered about. When he saw the truck probably meant for transportation of whatever their product is, he grabbed one of the pistols and shot a round into two of the tires facing him. As he tossed the useless firearm over his shoulder, he walked over to one of the crates and ripped off the top, aiming to see what was inside while also keeping caution of his surroundings. \n\nWhat exactly caused the shootout? What were they moving. All interesting questions he was waiting to be answered. \n\nUpon clearing his throat, he hollered. \"OI! FLAME HERO! They're nearing the stairs at the bottom! Watch out for explosive weaponry!\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "\"Fuuugh... Yuueh\" The man slurred out in response, slowly reaching a hand up to his face as blood started to leak out of his nose - the nose was apparently bent at an unnatural angle.\n\nErik wasn't a professional gunman by any means, but even he was able to shoot the tires of the unmoving truck. The gunmen up above, seeing that their bullets were useless, soon decided to just focus on running.\n\nAs they saw Juggernaut picking up a gun and shooting, some of the men seemed to decide that taking the stairs was entirely too slow - and ended up jumping halfway. The rest ran down the stairs normally. All of them seemed to understand that the truck would be useless with the tires popped, and instead started running for an exit.\n\nThe inside of the crate was odd. Rectangles of... Plastic? That were wrapped in a plain wrapping." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Oh for crying out loud. Think of this as a life lesson. Don't mess up again.\"\n\nOf course he couldn't take a punch. What a waste of a human being. No matter, she didn't have enough time to worry about getting answers from him. After all she was bleeding and her fellow hero was making a right noise outside, she would come back to deal with these criminals latter.\n\nLeaping back Phoenix ignited flames from her feet and hands, launching herself back out of the window she entered teh room by. Allowing the flames to die down she dropped down towards the ground before slowing herself and flying towards Juggernaut, looking at whatever he's found." }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "He watched as they fled the room, wanting to leave now that he stopped them in their tracks. It was a shame really, he wanted to see what he could do against the explosives. The high calibres already hurt. \n\n \"Amateurs withs specialized weaponry selling drugs aye?\" Perhaps this lot was affiliated with a gang in New London, but which one? The Top Hats were indeed the most known drug distributors, but in the end a crime was a crime no matter who did it. In a few moments Erik's swollen body began to shrink down to his base physique, although his armor plating were still engaged. His body now looked very weird with the plates pushing out from under his skin, but even so he turned to his companion on this mission and began to speak. \"They're fleeing to the exit now that i popped the tires on the truck, their'll be no more movement for this load.\"\n\nHe figured the backup outside would get them as they ran outside, or in a moment the two of them would but for rightt now, what to do about the product?" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "As Phoenix dropped to the ground she could see the same scene as Juggernaut - a room filled with crates, some open, with weapons and explosives scattered around.\n\nThe pair had arrived to a firefight, and even fought their way through it. Now that things were over however, the place was strangely quiet except for the sirens in the distance.\n\nIt didn't sound as though the police had decided it was safe to get closer at this point. It seemed the two would have a bit longer to decide on exactly what they wanted to do." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Uh, this place looks like a bomb about to go off.. Perhaps I should keep my distance whilst you investigate closer? Don't want me accidentally setting this all on fire right?\"\n\nLooking at the crates filling the room before her she was grateful she didn't just flying straight in flames bursting everywhere. That would have created quite the scene, a very deadly scene in her opinion. Momentarily turning towards the source of the sirens before looking at her fellow hero once again, her hand resting on her hip.\n\n\"Should probably look through here see if there is anything of note. The police should be here soon.\"" }, { "author": "stigmatchi", "message": "Erik looked over to his comrade, raising a brow to her remark. \"Well it might as well be, with all that heat coming in.\" He would grab the neck part of his suit and pull it, mimicking what someone would do if they were hot. The Jensen wasn't of course, he just felt like some banter was due. \n\nIn the end they seemed to have stopped whatever this shootout was, which meant they would be seen as the victors and these rag-tag group of thugs would be going to prison. All in a days work.\n\nErik would glance down to see the wound Phoenix had gotten earlier, realizing that it could be bad. \"How about we go and get that checked out?\"" } ]	162	4,086
106.2	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "It was evening in the lone and abandoned playground, and Morpher was sitting not faraway from here.\n\nBeing there, he began to remember his teenage years and how shortly after being there, he watched kids play there, having the time of their lives.\n\nBut now, it is just abandoned, as if people have grown up and moved on. Kids no longer play in it. But of course, some people like Morpher do come back there from time to time, mostly for sentimental reasons and/or for just having some time of peace and quiet." }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "As the sun lowers in the sky, Morpher would almost certainly see the increase in light around the playground when Princess would be walking towards it. She would look around the park before finding a stone outcrop to sit on so she wouldn't cause unneeded destruction. She stretches there, not really knowing what to do. It is hard to be at places that burn, because if she starts burning stuff on accident it will fuel her transformation which is an loop that feeds into itself.\n\nShe would hum and sing a few songs as she tries to relax at the outcrop" }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "Suddenly, there was some kind of glowing figure with a fiery aura, finding some kind space to rest shortly after stretching.\n\nTo socialise, he decided to approached the figure, who was revealed to be a rather tall and a strange looking woman whose body was somehow surrounded by flames.\n\nSeeing her and with a sense of nervousness, he decided to greet her just to find out more about her." }, { "author": "theknittingtinker", "message": "She would see the person approaching her and her fire continues to dance about her body. She seems somewhat confused as to why someone is approaching her, but decided to not look a gift horse in the mouth \"Hello? Do you have something to me Sir?\" She says as she traces a hand on the rock she is sitting on incinerating the minute growths and such. Her skin has a magma like substance oozing out and then subducting into her once more. When you keep getting closer you would notice the heat more and more prominently" }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "When the fiery woman noticed him, it seemed that she was very suspicious of him. Meeting her for the first time, he definitely understood that she never knew him in the first place. But what made her look strange is the close he got, the more prominent her heat became.\n\nHow could he show that he did not meant any ill to her? Simply enough, he said: \"Well, hello. I just saw you wandering and I just wanted to know how could you make so much fire. To me, it looks really awesome, I guess.\"" } ]	112	531
229.578947	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Morgan stood in the playground, not in her costume persay, but her beyond pale skin, scars, and exaggerated stature and build were enough to mark her as a cape. An unfortunate circumstance of her power, made having a secret identity impossible, a similar situation to many other monstrous capes. She didn't wear her costume today because she didn't _want_ to.\n\nShe wore a forest green dress, simple in style, and just below her knees. A massive wavy straw hat she wore billowed with her hair in the wind, and her flats had made been burried by the over grown grass, it's maroon red color still poking through in some parts. She her self had a clearly masculine frame and set of features, but her make up and shaving skills were nothing to scoff at, and getting better every day. \n\nShe sighed to herself, taking in another deep breath as she lamented the sorry state of the playground. Maybe she could come by again in more suitable clothes and begin cleaning it up? Would they even appreciate that? She seemed dour at the thought.." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Harpy often came here, or other places like here, to train her body or to relieve stress. She didn't go to the gym because she feared she'd attract too much attention, and also because she liked to wear clothes that let her feel the breeze of the air. She couldn't exactly train as a cape in a public non-abandoned place, plus she feared she might get recognized. Though her shard didn't make her monstrous all the time, her appearance was incredibly unique even among capes. Anyone with good knowledge of Harpy would be able to recognize her on a good day. She liked to dress as normally as possible to address that, she wore an MIT hoodie sweatshirt and a pair of black running shorts.\n\nShe was jogging by, until she noticed the person standing in the playground not too far away. At first she ignored them, at least until Harpy got closer in her jogging path. She got a good look on them, the dress and hat, and the skin too. That wasn't normally on a person, even if they were horribly disfigured it wouldn't be like that she thought. \n\n\"Umm, excuse me? Are you lost?\" Even though Harpy assumed there was some super power at play here, she didn't want to assume. She didn't even want to assume their gender, her younger cousin had scolded her in the past about that. Since then she's being trying to use gender neutral language." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Guess you could say that\" Her deep, gruff voice responded. Morgan turned to face the voice who'd come to check up on her, Mercy's voice. \"I'm just wondering why the playground is like this, It doesn't seem right. The city's only ten years old, but already it's letting areas like this waste away. Shouldn't there be more care put into fostering a good community here? And part of that is keeping facilities like this clean.\"\n\nShe let herself sit into the grass, crossing her legs and fanning out her dress a bit. \"I was thinking about coming back here some time to do it myself. Get rid of the over growth, cut the grass, repair what I can.\"\n\nHer expression was still a bit... Dead. Seemed to be a good enough descriptor. Her face upturned to look at Mercy now, head gently tilting to one side, and that blank look turning into something more curious. \"I.. You're not upset with my appearance, are you?\"" }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Harpy wasn't expecting that voice. Her eyes widened upon hearing Morgue begin speaking, she caught herself and made herself not. The last thing she wanted to be was rude. She listened to her, and she had a point. Maintaining places like this was just as important, if not more important, than all the hero work Vanguard and other capes do. She was pleasantly surprised to see that someone else seemed to acknowledge that. Harpy mainly did cape work because she had the power to, and therefore she had the responsibility to.\n\n\"Hmm.. Not sure if the city would be appreciative of that. Unless you let them know..\" Harpy responded, trailing off in thought as she walked to get closer to Morgue. Now about 15 feet from her, she put her hands in her pockets before looking at the rest of the playground. It would need a lot of work, and one person would take a while to get it done. It would be wonderful for the community though..\n\n\"But, that shouldn't stop you. I think you should, if you think that's best for the community.\" Harpy continued, now turning to look at the other girl. When she turned to face her, and she got a better look at her face she felt.. Bad. Not to be mean, but Morgan's facial expression wasn't exactly the most pleasing to look at, but Harpy wasn't interested in appearances, she was already pleased with the content of Morgan's character. At least, the content that she knew of.\n\n\"Not at all. Why would I? Oh, also, I've been making a point to myself to get better at this ever since I got scolded for it. What're yer pronouns? I'm..\" She hesitated for a bit, not sure of which of her names to give to the stranger. \"I'm.. Mercy, she/her.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Morgan, She/her. Morgue is my cape name. No point in hiding it, my power made me this way, mostly. I'm a fairly new hero, or at least I'm trying to be. I'll keep the legality of cleaning up the park in mind, but I have doubts on the system moving faster than molasses.\" She chuckled a little as she picked a few daisies and started to delicately craft with them.\n\n\"Oh and, it's a pleasure to meet you, mercy. For the record, I think you're doing a good job so far, and I and I'm sure many others appreciate the effort. It's better than what the skinheads who passed by not long ago said to me. Not like they were going to do anything. They're cowards.\"\n\nShe was finished after she spoke, the finished product her hulking hands had somehow produced.. Was a flower crown." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Harpy nodded in agreement with Morgue's statement, though she was surprised when the gal gave her their cape name. She was unpleasantly surprised at first, her habit of being vigilant beginning to kick in when she heard that. But upon hearing she was a new hero, much like Harpy herself, she relaxed and felt relieved. She dwindled on speaking, but before she could Morgan continued. A smile encroached on Harpy's face when she heard that she was doing a good job, quickly it faded when she heard about Morgan's mistreatment. Her hands visibly balled into fists, but not for longer than a few seconds.\n\nHarpy sat down next to Morgan, looking at the flower crown. \"So my hunch was right, you do have a power. That's good, people like us should stick together, and stand up for one another.\" Harpy said, taking off her sweatshirt to reveal the white long sleeved sports top underneath. She leaned forward to remove it, so the observant eye would notice two large holes in the back.\n\n\"Would it put you at ease if I transformed?\" She asked, folding her sweatshirt and setting it on the ground next to her. \"Oh, my cape name is Harpy, by the way. I'm also a fairly new hero.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Morgan's eyes shot to what little life they had, and she couldn't keep the smile from showing just a bit. \"You're a changer? I'd love to see!\" She was still smiling, but it fell a little as she thought about where they were, and how loud she was being.\n\n\" Well, maybe another time. It's not like I'm uneasy, and this is a public place. Maybe it's not visited often because of the state it's in, but it's not like some teenagers or gang members couldn't show up eventually.\" \n\nMorgan raised her arms and gently, she sent the flower crown on top of mercy-, harpy- mercy's head. She worked it out in her head that as long as they were talking in their civilian clothes, civilian names were to be used, even if they knew each other's capes identities now. \"I think that looks beautiful on you.\" She commented with a warm smile. \"Since we're both a little new, I don't think it'd be a bad idea to keep in touch. Support each other if things go awry. Would you like to swap contacts?\"" }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Mercy was pleased to hear Morgan's enthusiasm, and she was about to transform if not for her later apprehension. She had a point. Her Harpy form wasn't small by any means, that would only help to make the aforementioned issues worse. \n\n\"You have a point.\" Harpy was looking away, thinking to herself and taking in her environment when Morgan placed the flower crown on her. Turning back around to face her was when she noticed it. How sweet.\n\n\"Aww, thank you.\" She smiled in return. It was rare for her to receive a gift like that. \"And yeah.\" She continued, taking out her phone and opening it to the keypad before giving it to Morgan. \n\n\"Save your contact however you'd like.\" Harpy instructed before turning back to view the world. It was clear that she was thinking about something." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Morgan did much the same, and handed her phone- a slide out keypad one, it was quite fancy- over to Mercy. Once she'd finished punching in her contact info, as Morgan Astrodale, She handed it back. Morgan of course caught the way she watched the world with her mind focused on anything but the scene in front of her, becoming little more than a backdrop for her thoughts. She was observant like that, but it helped that it was a habit that she fell into quiet often herself.\n\n\"You seem to be thinking, Mercy. What's got your attention right now?\" She picked more daisies from the ground, beginning to fiddle with them again, making another crown for herself as she waiting for a response from her new friend, ever curious of the hero's mind." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "She put in her phone number and made her contact just her first name, handing it back quickly since she wasn't putting too much attention to it. It wasn't until Morgan spoke up that Mercy snapped back to the present. Facing Morgan, she would ask her question. \n\n\"Earlier you said that there were people who mistreated you, called you terrible things. You also said they were cowards who wouldn't dare harm you. I was just wondering that.. Since I've never felt an experience like that, I find it easy to protect and defend civilian life.. But why- how can you? Doesn't it bother you that you find the good in your heart to stand up for a heroic cause, and there are those that would rather spit at your shoes than be grateful?\" She asked the other cape. It was clear that she was perplexed just as much as she was astonished. Mercy was glad that they were a hero, but for the longest time she had the assumption that villains were villains because of their mistreatment. No one goes out of their way to harm others without being hurt first, with exceedingly rare exceptions.\n\n\"I don't mean to say you shouldn't be a hero, I'm glad you are. I just figured that if it weren't for my dad and my.. To be honest, coddled childhood.. I'd be no better a villain than the Songbirds.\" She wanted to maintain eye contact, so long as Morgan was willing to at least. She wanted to make it as clear as possible that she was being authentic." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Those cold, almost dead eyes. The milky white and grey that blended so well with their skin and hair, broken up only by the colors she _wore_. Harpy could see how plainly her body betrayed her. If she'd not first talked with her, and met the person behind the visage of a deadman, it might have been terrifying. Morgue's smile would have seemed uncanny, creepy, evil. Maybe in a way it was still uneasy, but it was a sign that the question was simple for her.\n\n\"Being good, is fulfilling, where many things for me, are not.\" She finished what she was making, seemingly a crown? But it was bigger actually. She took her hat off for just a moment and threw it over her head, wearing the flower necklace. \n\nHer hands idly ran through the grass as she looked towards the park it's self, and it's state of disrepair. \"Without going into much detail, After gold morning, I ended up becoming so useless. I couldn't continue my pursuit of a career in sports or even be out there, looking out for anyone. Even after I got my powers, I couldn't get into competitive sports! It ruined my transition, It make me look like a monster- and that was pretty depressing! Still.. Still is...\"\n\nHer smile hang a bit bitter as she continued, but never dropped entirely. \"..Still, I looked at the positives. I was still here, I had my strength back and more, I could start helping people. It wasn't boxing or wrestling, but going toe to toe with villains has been fulfilling, and of course, standing up for the little guy, in more ways than just with my fists. So it doesn't matter how bad the insults and the violence gets. It's validating, being out here to keep the people safe. It's something valuable, noble, something to be proud of, something that I can still get better at, something that I can do to prove I'm not a monster. Maybe not to everyone, but more and more, everyday.\"" }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Mercy was surprised to hear what she did. Still looking at Morgan, she listened wholly to her statement. It seemed as if they were still good in spite of it all. Morgan was grateful, Harpy thought. Of course, Harpy basically decided to ignore the mentions of Gold Morning, she didn't like to think about that. \n\n\"Hmph.\" Harpy grunted before looking back down at the ground before her. Rubbing her thumb against her lips as she was thinking. Hearing Morgan's story put some things in to question for her. \n\n\"I might be dumb. But, I always thought being a hero for personal gain was bad. Yet, the way you describe it makes it sound like you do good because it feels good to do good. Which is a good thing..\" It was clear Mercy was trying to wrap her head around it. \n\n\"Because, I'm a hero because I'm obligated to be one. My dad told me 'Those with the ability to change the lives of others must do so for good, failing that makes you no better than a thief of hopes and dreams.'\" She looked back up, facing forward while talking. \n\n\"To be honest, I think he was quoting a comic book. 'With great power, comes great responsibility.' It was meaning that this is my burden, I can help people.. So I should help people.\" She continued, motioning her hands to show that the line of thought was grave and important. \n\n\"I don't enjoy being a hero, but I wonder if that's the wrong way to think about it.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Spiderman. Good comic, back in the days where capes never existed. In any case, I could never do heroism because I had to, that sort of methodology makes you cynical, resentful. Maybe it's true in circumstances like behemoth, like what they faced with scion, and the other end bringers on bet, but for everyday villains or disasters, you're just as much of a human being as anyone else. You shouldn't feel like you have to stick your neck out to the guillotine because you can transform. A firefighter, or a doctor are just as much heros we are.\"\n\nMorgan turned to face Mercy, drawing up her knees and wrapping her arms around them. \"Recognize you deserved to be saved or helped just as much as anyone else, remind others of the same. Lest we let ourselves become divided again, as humans, even if there is something more about us. Para-human.\"" }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "\"Right.\" Mercy nodded, she was agreeing but she wasn't fully understanding. That was another thing she had thought about, who saves the saviors. Who's the hero's hero? Is it Vanguard? All thoughts in her head. \n\n\"I recognize that firefighters and doctors are heroes. I say they're even better heroes than us. It's just that, if I don't stand up for people who can't stand up for themselves they'll be trampled.\" Mercy went on, still very hung up on this fact. \n\n\"I don't know.. I realize that I was fighting because my dad told me something. Which, I don't think is a bad thing, but it explains why I was getting a bit burnt out.\"\n\nShe turned to face Morgan by the time she was done talking. Her posture relaxed, showing that she felt defeated almost." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"What I'm getting at is we're all in the same boat. Ever single one of us has needed saving before, and still need saving now. Even those who deny it, those who think they are above it, don't think they need it, even those that you might believe don't deserve it.\" \n\nShe let a deepsigh fall like a hefty gale, before falling back against the grass, flowers, and weeds with a thud. \" Even if it is just for a week, a day, or a moment. Take breaks. Take time for yourself. Be someone outside of your duties. Breathe. Be loud and let it out. Or lay back and take it in. Whatever works for you. Fight for yourself, for a change. Fight for your peace. Even if that doesn't look like kicks and blows.\"\n\nAnother deep breath in, and Morgan didn't say anything else, just letting it out slowly, the cold of the winter air making her hot breath look like the warm smoldering steam." }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "'Fight for your peace. Even if that doesn't look like kicks or blows.' Mercy was paying attention to the whole of what Morgan was saying. But, that last bit stuck with her. It resonated in her head, bouncing off the walls of her skull and racking her brain. Seeing Morgan lay down against the grass compelled Mercy to do the same. It was nice, being in contact with the grass and nature.\n\nAnother thought came to mind.\n\n\"Wanna like, get food?\" She asked, looking at the woman while awaiting a response. \"I'm kinda hungry and wanna thank you for your words. And don't worry, I'll pay.\" \n\nShe played with the flower crown on her head, having almost forgotten it was there. She liked it, shown by her smile when she glanced at it and felt it." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Morgan didn't give her a reply yet, her smile was only growing as she closed her eyes and fanned out a little in the grass. She did eventually respond, a slow \"Yeaaaaah.\" She rose a little, letting her arms support her as she turned to mercy \"But. I pay. Looks bad if i just let you pay, I'm a hero after all, and you're supposed to be a civilian right now.\"\n\nShe gently rose up, but not before taking a light grasp over mercy and pulling her up with her. It wasn't a long lie down in the grass, but even just moments of peace were enough for Morgan. She got a good hold of mercy and lifted her up to allow her to sit on the hero's shoulder. \"Eating is good for me, Just like rest. Helps keep my power strong and capable.\"" }, { "author": "amari2", "message": "Mercy had grabbed her sweatshirt and began putting it on before Morgan lifted her up. Wow, she was strong. Next thing she knew she was sitting on Morgan's shoulders, and being told it would be her that paid. \n\nHarpy contemplated just transforming and flying them to a cafe or something, but she could potentially hurt them with her talons, or surprise them. \n\"Ok, first.\" Mercy climbed down from their shoulders before reaching in her pocket for her wallet, bringing out 100£ she handed it to Morgan. \n\n\"You'll pay with my money. Also where do you wanna go?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "A grand smile spread across her face as she accepted the money from Mercy. \"You know, actually, theres this nice milkshake place that open up not to far from here, I was thinking-\"\n\nShe started walking as she trailed off, her new friend and potentiallly new ally, Harpy, Along for the ride. She wouldn't forget about the playground as they left it behind. She was coming back, maybe with harpy's help if she felt so inclined...\n\n\\- - -" } ]	208	4,362
140.941176	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "zetal", "message": "Brightside was outfitted in her costume, with a mere domino mask on her face, feeling rather chipper. It was her first real night out, and she had stars in her eyes. After all, this was the start of a better life for her. Enough relying on scumbags that would just stab her in the back, enough trusting people that didn't deserve it, and enough having to scrounge around working harder than anyone else just to barely survive. Tonight, she was going to start down a long road that ended with her having an easy life full of money and whatever else she wanted.\n\nLetting go of the rules that had bound her was a liberating feeling. She walked up to the front door of the Pore Quality Firearms manufacturing building, looking through the windows and whistling a merry tune to herself as she tried to find the best way inside. After all, it was late enough that nobody would just be wandering around out here. Right?" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Phoenix flew through the air like a shooting star, a big smile on her face. Earlier that day she had helped stop her first villain and now she was filled with confidence. With that confidence she decided to return to the area that had begun her life as a cape, the Riverside district.\n\nShe couldn't deny she had some bad feelings associated with this place but she wanted to use those feelings to help encourage herself to change the world. That is why she now hovered high in the sky looking below for any sign of trouble." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Brightside waltzed up to the front of the firearms manufacturing building, the large metal of metal doors looming in front of her. She took a moment to assess the door before moving onto the windows, those which weren't boarded up in their entirety were dusty and appeared to have bars on the inside. Brightside could tell whilst not necessarily built as sturdy as they may appear they would put up a fight if she tried to brute force it.\n\nHer mind focused back to the door, rusted and aged, it would put up a fight if she tried to break it but she was smarter than that. The door wasn't new by any means, the hinges were on the outside, the lock was old and aging and with her mind put to use it would likely be the easiest way in, There may be more in the end but not as she could currently tell. However the thoughts in her mind escape for a moment as a black, flaming Woosh In the sky above distracts her~\n\nFlying above in the air Phoenix surveyed the ground below, a wide smile upon her face. She had yet to see any crime of itself but a shady figure had caught her eye somewhat, masked and outfitted they loiter outside a warehouse.. Or a factory perhaps? It was difficult to tell at this distance." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Jeez, what a piece of junk. Had none of this been replaced ever since it was first built? Even ten years would be pushing it, really... Ah well. Windows were barred up, shockingly, but Brightside supposed that it made sense for a gun manufacturer to have some decent anti-theft measures. Still, kind of annoying! Didn't they know she was trying to rob them? It was downright inconsiderate! Really. The nerve of these people.\n\nShe was about to start working on getting the door open when a flash of fire distracted her. The arrogant teen turned and shaded her eyes, looking up into the sky, then she had to stifle a laugh once she realized what— or Who, rather— it was. A Cape! Seriously? She hadn't even done anything yet! Some people might panic or try to hide or do Something, but Brightside liked to look on the bright side of things, and she thought the timing here was frankly hilarious, so a wide grin spread across her face. \n\nPlus, what was she gonna do? Light her on fire? Hah!" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "As she hovered in the air Phoenix looked down at the figure she had seen. It was a shame her power wasn't more subtle so she could sneak up on them but she would have to make do.\n\nLeaning forwards slightly she would allow herself to begin to fall before propelling herself towards the suspicious figure a streak of orange flames trailing behind her as she spiralled towards the ground." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Brightside looked upwards into the sky with a chuckle as Phoenix hovered high above. She had stopped flying and at this point she could tell Phoenix was watching her, \n\nLooking down Phoenix watched as their gazes met and before long she was spiralling downwards. With a tornado of flame following behind her she began to descend to the ground with a speed. As she shot towards the ground the duo soon found themselves close as ever, Phoenix's flames radiating forth and Brightside's mask staring towards her.\n\nThe pair could see eachother clearly now, Phoenix hovering in the air a short distance away. One individual surrounded by a casket of flame; the other donning a peculiar costume." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "As the fireball lady descended upon her location, Brightside suppressed another laugh and straightened her posture. After all, this was a Very Serious matter! Well, realistically, she Could Be a villain but Brightside doubted it. What kind of villain would be patrolling the skies around a gun factory randomly? A weird one, that's who! \n\nThe young villain straightened her legs and primly snapped her shoes together, saluting professionally towards the heroine as she came within hearing distance.\n\n\"Evening, citizen! Staying out of trouble, I hope?\" She asked, artificially lowering her voice to slightly comedic effect.\n\nShe wore a very Serious Expression, eyebrows lowered sternly above her domino mask." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "She looked at the suspicious girl, raising an eyebrow as she spoke.\n\n\"I'm staying out of trouble, are you? I have to say skulking around a weapons factory at night doesn't exactly scream staying out of trouble if you ask me.\"\n\nThe flames at her feet slowly shrunk as she descended to the ground. Crossing her arms she stared at the other girl with one amber eye and another bloodshot, flames licking around her face acting as her mask.\n\n\"So why are you here?\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Whaaaaat? You're suspicious of Me? Look, you're the one who's just violated the airspace of this private company, okay?\" The obviously young girl scoffed, twirling her hand through the air as she continued.\n\n\"Besides, Skulking? I can't believe you're just... Just... Prejudicially profiling Me like this.\" \n\nShe repeated the term she'd heard on the telly. It was brought up about over-zealous heroes all the time, and sometimes they even had to make public apologies. Heh. Suckers.\n\nBrightside crossed her arms defiantly, then sniffed. \n\n\"I'll have you know that I was out taking a walk and I got lost! Nothing wrong with that. Hey, what's wrong with your eye?\"\n\nShe did her best to hide the pair of wirecutters she'd used to cut her way through the fence around the property behind her back." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"So you're telling me I violated the airspace of this private company, whilst you have wandered here trespassing on to private land? You know in order to get lost here you would have to pass several gates with 'no trespassing' signs? I mean for crying out loud your in costume! You don't wear your costume if you are just going on a walk.\"\n\nShe held her hand out motioning to the girls mask. She couldn't believe the girls absolute gall just straight up lying to her.\n\n\"So let's try this again. Who are you and why are you here, really?\"" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Brightside Sniffed And remained silent for an uncomfortable amount of time after that, then finally shrugged, letting her grin out again. The little girl hopped up onto a nearby crate and flexed her arms like she were a body-builder, with a body that was far from being built.\n\n\"Okay, okay. Bit of a party pooper aren't you? I'm Brightside! I'm the Number One up and coming villain in the city! Haven't heard of me? Well, what does that say about You? I'm the villain heroes fail to stop, and then they say, 'well on the Brightside, at least...'!\"\n\nShe paused to take a breath, panting for a bit. That might be a bit Too Long of a spiel. Maybe she could try to find a shorter slogan or something...? That sounds annoying. She'd probably just stick with the one she had. Easier that way." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Well then, villain, what do you do? I have to say the fact you are talking and not trying to kill me right away at least puts you a cut above the so called tophats. I'll still need to take you in though, although you'll probably just get a warning and let go to be honest.\"\n\nFor some reason she was getting the vibe that despite her wishes the girl would not come with her despite how much easier it would make it for everyone. Still she wouldn't attack first, especially when she has no idea what her power is." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Heh. Heh. Heh...\" Brightside chuckled theatrically, somehow leaning back far enough that she could at least pretend to look down on the other girl.\n\n\"So, you want to see my power, huh? Well then...\" \n\nShe trailed off and paused for a long moment, then cleared her throat.\n\n\"You know, don't you have somewhere better to be?\"\n\nWith that said, she activated her power. As she did, Phoenix would suddenly become aware of another mental presence. Not In Her mind per se, but just... Watching her. Studying her. Observing. It wasn't necessarily unsettling, but it was notable, and it was clear that the source was the young girl in front of her. It was rapidly approaching a conclusion of some kind." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Phoenix immediately took a step back upon feeling that extra presence. It wasn't something people were supposed to feel so the fact she could did freak her out a little bit. Capes with powers that affected the mind were downright annoying to deal with, almost as bad as tinkers.\n\n\"What the hell did you just do? Tell me you aren't some kind of master because I am really not in the mood to deal with one of them today. Besides you think I have somewhere better to be? Where would that be exactly because right now I think keeping you under arrest is the perfect use of my time. Do you disagree?\"\n\nShe kept her eyes peeled for any kind of trouble, unsure as to what effect this strange power would have on her." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Brightside just scoffed. People always reacted differently to this part, but fortunately it always seemed to happen quickly enough that thus far nobody had ever actually resorted to violence as a result. Actually, she did kind of wonder if it was some side effect of her power, but she didn't think so. It was just the sort of thing that was vaguely unsettling but not immediately threatening.\n\n\"Oh, relax. If I was a master, wouldn't you be stuck anyways? Sheesh. No, Fire Lass! I'm not a master.\"\n\nA moment later and the presence was suddenly gone, and information began to flood... Trickle? Huh? Wait, this was normally the part where her brain was filled with all kinds of information, perfect steps on how to achieve this girls wildest dreams and yet... Why was it so much... Less? \n\nNo hesitation. The usual sense that accompanied her power made it clear that if she hesitated or seemed uncertain, she'd be much less convincing.\n\nAs vaguely pictured by her power, Brightside locked her eyes onto Phoenix's face seriously, wearing an expression that was both ominous and foreboding, no longer any signs of the comedy that had been there until now.\n\n\"There is a Top Hat raid underway 2 miles to the southeast at 551 Tremmly Drive. They're attacking a childrens music recital because the school refused to pay protection money. If you leave now, you can save most of the people there, and get some info that will bring you closer to your true target.\"\n\nThe moment seemed to pass, and Brightside's cocky, almost comedic grin returned to her face.\n\n\"Or you could stay here and stop lil ol' Me! What a bargain!\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Phoenix took several steps forwards as she increased the intensity of flames coming of her body. Pointing at the cape she narrowed her eyes as they locked on to the girl. She hated the fact she was right but if she was telling the truth then they would take priority.\n\n\"I am going to fly there. If I find out you are lying I will come back here and haul you to the nearest prison cell. I swear to god if you are screwing with me I will hunt you to the ends of the earth.\"\n\nFire began to flare out the bottom of her feet as she catapulted herself into the air and towards the location she had been told about." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Now now, relax! I wouldn't just make that kind of thing up. It's all in the name, see?\"\n\nBrightside grinned cheerfully and gave a little wave farewell to the fiery flyer.\n\n\"I didn't catch her, but on the Brightside...\" She mimed in a prim voice vaguely approximating Phoenix's own. \"Have a nice flight!\"\n\nAs the heroine began her flight away, Brightside simply turned back to the door and began trying to break in, starting with her lockpick set." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "As the flame of Phoenix rose into the air Brightside watched as the flame gradually faded into the long distance.\n\nWith peace regained and a sense of silence hovering in the air Brightside could freely continue their investigation. Shuffling over to the door she inserted her lockpicks and began to work. The door may have been hefty but it was without a doubt lacking in quality and before even a few minutes passed she found the door swinging open with a firm click.\n\nPushing the door open with a creak her eyes take in the sight before her. An array of assembly tables and inactive machining stations lay spread about the warehouse and against one wall a series of shelves, crates and boxes containing unknown items. To her left stood a narrow metal staircase leading to a metal walkway overlooking the warehouse, at the end of said walkway a door entering what appeared to be an office or breakroom of sorts. A glass window sit on the side of the room overlooking the assembly area, a flickering light can be seen within from your position.\n\n(Brown marked = storage/shelving)\n(Left side = stairs / walkway / upper room)\n(Rectangles = Assembly tables)\n(Larger rectangles = Machining tables)" }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Oooh, nice!\" Brightside smiled, softly closing the door behind her. It'd stay unlocked anyways, and this way if someone checked the cameras all they'd see is a closed door.\n\nBut... What to check first? Well, to start with, she decided to head towards the End Of the building, nearest the office. After all, if she were a floor manager she'd probably want to see the fruits of her teams labor by the end. The beautiful finished product! So she'd start by checking Those Shelves, and obviously looking through any of the other she passed by for any finished weapons." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Moving over to the nearest set of shelves Brightside began to rummage through the various boxes she could see spread across them.\n\nAlthough there didn't appear to be any completed guns within the boxes there appeared to be the refined parts needed for a gun. With the knowledge, Brightside inferred that they could be used to assemble a gun perhaps. It would take more time to properly catalogue the parts but there appeared to be a wide array from the look through she had given." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Eehhh? The heck is all this shit...? Ugh.\"\n\nWell, they weren't quite put together, which Sucked, but it was better than nothing and it sure beat coming all the way out here for no reason. Brightside quickly began stuffing a variety of parts— several of each to make sure she could put them together when she got back— and a bunch of bullets into her bag. She made sure to leave room for more, though, as she headed up to the office and tried the door." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "It only took a few moments before Brightside found their bag heavy with assorted parts. She couldn't be entirely sure these were all the parts needed for a gun but with good confidence they would certainly be of use were she to try. \n\nZipping up her bag and moving away from the shelf she soon clunked upwards on the metal steps onto the walkway. Moving over to the door she gave it a firm push. \n\nIt did not appear to open right away, secured by what seemed to be a simple lock. Where she to pick it or not it seemed it could likely be opened easily, the door was flimsy enough and some force may be all it needed she gathered." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Well, no sense taking her time with a lockpick when there might be a faster way. She was Brightside, after all, Villainess extraordinaire, or something like that. She might need to workshop it.\n\nEither way, she figured there was no harm in giving the door frame a firm Kick With all of her might. Hopefully that would knock it open." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "With a firm kick the door would swing open, slamming into the adjacent wall as it opened.\n\nLooking within Brightside could see what occupied the office. A flickering light hang above the room, a lone desk in the centre with a computer. A set of cabinets and shelves against opposite walls and a safe tucked away in the corner." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Oooh~ Goodies!\" She murmured happily, practically skipping over to the shelves.\n\nThe safe would obviously be good too, but she hadn't exactly brought safecracking tools with her. Unfortunately she resigned herself to probably not being able to open it unless she found a hint or indication around here somewhere of how to open it. With that in mind, she checked the shelves and desk thoroughly for any light valuables, or clues to open the safe." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Brushing through the shelves Brightside found herself with a sense of disappointment. \n\nPersonal effects, sales records and documentation. The belongings of the inhabitant of this office, mundane and of little use to her. Even a closer inspection of the documents appeared fruitless.\n\nMoving over to the desk is where something caught her eye. Whilst the draws on the desk were similarly mundane, par for a golden appearing locket, the bottom left draw caught her eye.\nThe contents were basic, a pack of fags cigarettes and a lone lighter. These basic findings did little to take it away from the peculiarities of the draw, it's bottom appearing tilted and perhaps higher than seen in the others." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Boring, boring, booooring.\"\n\nShe hummed a little tune as she glazed over the paperwork, then checked the desk. She grabbed the locket for funsies, then tried to knock out the fake bottom of the drawer. Surely there would be something nice in here, right?\n\nThe girl grinned predatorially." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "With a firm bump from bellow the bottom of the draw shot up slightly, allowing Brightside to remove it from its previous resting location.\n\nPeering within the draw Brightside saw only one object, a notebook with a name designed cleanly across the front. J. R. Plainer.\n\nAlthough it would take time to take a thorough look through the book, at a quick glance she could identify what appeared to be a safe code." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Aaaaha~! Found it.\"\n\nIt certainly wasn't a guarantee that she Was Going to have found this sort of thing, but honestly it was just Entirely Predictable that she had. These sorts of fatcat businessmen with more money than sense couldn't understand the simplest of complex concepts, so really it made sense that they couldn't even memorize an actual safe code. She grinned and continued her humming as she carried the bookmarked page over to the safe, quickly plugging in the code, eagerly anticipating what might be awaiting her.\n\n\"Come on~ Let's see... Whadda we got?\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Your hear the internals of the safe turn and clunk as you input the code into the dial and before long the safe door swings open.\n\nGazing inside you found yourself a fairly simple layout, a square storage area with a divider horizontally separating the middle to form a shelf. On the top a box of 9mm bullets placed alongside a cardboard box containing an assortment of papers and notes presumably pertaining to the business ins and outs of the factory. \n\nOn the bottom shelf a small wooden box containing a key and note.\n\n\"Under guest bed. At home. Location one.\"\n\nA simple note, perhaps alluding to where or what the associated key might unlock. Alongside this a small pile of cash, £550 to be precise, and a signet ring secured in yet another small box." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"...What the heck is this crap?\"\n\nBrightside whined. This wasn't what she was expecting at all! Where was the humongous stack of cash and loaded pistol?\n\nWell, maybe that was unrealistic. Still, she could at least mess things up more as punishment. She took out the cardboard box and dumped it onto the ground unceremoniously, then stuffed the bullets, key, note, cash, and ring box into her bag. At least that stuff was a decent haul!\n\nShe double-checked the pile of papers she'd dumped in case anything caught her eye, then headed to the next unexplored area." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The papers fell out across the metal floor and began to fall under your scrutiny. Numbers, accounts the typical boring stuff. A few documents containing the details of an assortment of women, presumably employees. Except for one, which crossed your mind as strange. Unfortunately perhaps. \"Jolyne Forts\" She'd been missing for the past month or so you had heard on the news.\n\nAnyways. With all the valuables secured within your bag you made your exit from the office and returned to the factory floor. Hovering over to the right side you began to survey the contents. Several crates, nailed shut, they'd need a crowbar to be opened up. The machining tables were unfortunately bare par for a few metal scraps and as for the shelves they had little but an assortment of raw materials. Sheets of steel, some containers of gunpowder (not enough to do any significant damage mind)." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Hmm.\n\nShe took a few comedic, over-the-top steps backwards as she rubbernecked onto the curious Jolyne Forts document, then snagged it and all related documents and stuffed them into her overfull bag as well. No harm in taking it, right? It might make good blackmail material or something.\n\nThe rest... Well, it seemed hopeless, really, which Sucked. She'd have to remember to actually bring some proper equipment next time she did this kind of thing, or maybe just pick a better place. Ah well.\n\nShe whistled a merry tune with her ill-begotten gains in tow, heading out the door she came in. Time to go home!" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "``` Mission End ```" } ]	131.5	4,792
105.666667	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "It was a relatively quiet evening time in the park, with not many people around. This Alan's favourite time to be here alone, all by himself and ignore the stressful daily life for a while.\n\nHe was waiting for a rather tall woman whom he met in the end bringer event. She seemed to be... Lost and never knowing about them. The way she spoke sounded like that she somehow did not know the world around her, even though she looked a bit older than him. He heard about these types of people who had abnormalities and never knew about who they were. When asked about where they came from, they only said that they woke up somewhere with no knowledge of how they ended up here.\n\nHe wanted to help her know more about the city, so the first thing he did was to meet her in one of his favourite places, the park itself." }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "Jane appeared after a short while, keeping her head down as she glances around the area though it seemed she had forgone her costume for the moment. She was instead garbed in what looked to be somewhat ragged cheap clothing a few sizes too larger, a hoodie and slacks with missmatched shoes, below which she was mostly wrapped in stained bandages especially her right side.\n\nLooking around she suddenly made eye contact, her visible eye showing how she was a little uncertain at the entire ordeal yet she had shown up anyway. Finally approaching him she would stand in silence for a short while, rubbing her arm and slowly moving from foot to foot with nerves until she spoke \"I... I hope i am not... Not late, Im not sure... What you had in mind but... I mean i dont want to be too much trouble\"" }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "\"Well, because to me, you seem to not really know a lot about the town. I wanna teach you some things about New London, the city I live in.\" He answered her. The way she spoke sounded like she was scared, alone and afraid.\n\n\"Well, I do not intend to get you into trouble. Maybe you could become a hero, just like me... But who knows.\" He continued." }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "Noddding slowly with some embarrassment, she would turn away from his eyes as she replied \"I... Really dont want to be a bother, I mean i found out a little from the camps, I have been trying to do the whole hero thing, maybe find a way to change and make up for things but... It just seems whatever i try it isnt enough, and somtimes... Things just end up a mess\"\n\nThe girls mind goes to her encounter with the firey Cape a short while ago, despite her aim to help it likely wasnt really seen that way. Though she got the supplies around the camp, she was under no illusion they would only last a few weeks at most and the methods of getting them would be all the riskier for her mess up.\n\n\"I dont... Really know this city outside a few areas i needed to learn, its just so big and there is so much to do\"" }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "When Jane kind of expressed embarrassment, Alan took a deep breath out of sympathy but he calmly asked: \"What happened? There is no need to be embarrassed.\"\n\nThen, Alan let what she said flow over him for a bit and having her confirm that she does not know a lot about it, he offered: \"I can help you understand New London. Do not worry, I will do my best to explain.\"" }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "\"Then... I do hope you dont... Get annoyed with me. If its too much please... Im sorry and ill understand if you want to stop\" This tour, she really was grateful, but she felt like she was imposing, someone like her really wasnt worth his time yet he was giving it anyway," }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "\"Don't worry, I don't think you will get annoyed with me.\" He said with a small amused chuckle. Then, he asked: \"Where do you wanna start?\"" }, { "author": "thetwins", "message": "Looking around the park she rubs her right arm for a few moments, eye furrowing behind her mask \"I... I honestly dont know, Sorry erm... I dont really know the area too well to even suggest something. What... What would you suggest?\"" }, { "author": "antaeus_", "message": "Now, Alan has focused a bit on what she was saying. The way it sounded was as if she was kind of shy. He said: \"I think you sound a little shy.\"\n\n\"So, basically, this city is one of the first ones founded by inhabitants of another Earth shortly after it was destroyed by some disastrous event. It basically started with the destruction of Britain, the homeland of most of the civilians living there.\"\n\n```RP on an indefinite hiatus due to player inactivity```" } ]	86	951
232.37931	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Morgan's sat on a nearby bench in the park, the smell of the flowers being whisked by cold winter air. It was sight to see, how these flowers still grow and bloom in the winter, the people who crafted this park must have worked really hard on making something this serene and peaceful, even down to the miniature animals. \n\nSure she'd gotten some... Stares, from rather rude park goers, but what can be done about it, she figured. So she minded her own business, relaxing. \n\n\"Hmm.. I wonder who that tinker was that broke in and gave me that money.\" She thoguht to herself aloud, simply just. Sitting there. On the bench\n\nNot a whole lot going on..." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue was out during the day, something she would hardly ever do. However with how her place had been trashed by that \"Saint Nick\" Her dad wound up blaming her and kicked her out for the time being. She dressed up in her costume and disappeared from her apartment, hitching a ride on a car for however long, it didn't matter all too much to her. Eventually she found herself in a park in the Vanguard District. It was fairly far, but she didn't mind, whatever to take her mind off of this whole christmas incident.\n\nShe had put herself within the shadow of the bench in the park, letting her thoughts drift for a little while before she felt a click in the back of her mind. Once she paid attention, Nue found someone sitting at the bench now and she was now directly in the shadow of that person. Not just any person, it was another cape. It brought her a little more comfort somehow. As she was about to speak up, the cape mentioned the Christmas incident. Ruined, her mood and her day. Ruined all over again. \n\n\"You too?\" \nNue spoke in Morgan's own voice, the sound of which came from what sounded like right behind her.\n\"That tinker caused us a lot of trouble, so let's talk about them. Please?\" \nIt was her own voice but it sounded off, as if it had been a long day." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Her own voice? Eh, suppose she's seen worse. Morgan chuckled as she thought about it though, talking to herself, perhaps she's even crazier than she anticipated. \n\n\"Yeah, sure. I mean it's not like my place was that thrashed, me and my cousin cleaned up well enough. That just means we got free cash. Not sure what to spend it on, it's not like I particularly need anything. You got any Ideas, disembodied voice of mine?\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue paused for a moment. She was a bit surprised that this was the reaction that the cape had to hearing her. Then again, it is someone dressed up like a ghoul. They're probably really into spirits and ghosts. It fits, in a sense that is what she is.\n\n\"Maybe you were able to just clean up, but there were other capes all around New London that were hit by this person. Some of them were in different districts. The damage isn't what's important, it's that they knew the homes of various capes, specifically, and that they were able to move through New London so fast.\"\n\nShe paused, she had taken the money just as Morgue did, but she hardly even registered she had it. \n\"I.. Haven't thought of that yet either. I have been too focused on the one who did it.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"I don't think it matters much who did it. They hit multiple places all across new london in the span of a single night, and disappeared without a trace. Wouldn't you think pre-cogs would have caught him in some capacity? Yet there's nothing. Tellin' you, it's probably nothing to worry about. The mess hurts for some sure but\"\n\nMorgue sat up and rested her arms across her lap, leaning forward with a hardy clearing of her throat she continued\" Ghhm- the money is.. Pretty nice. We haven't heard reports from civilians that they'd received any bonus like this, so hopefully it doesn't impact the local economy too much... Then again, we're a city state aren't we? Unless it really was some rich millionaire, that money had to come from somewhere...\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "An audible sigh escaped from just behind Morgue as her shadow imitated her actions, staying just below her in the crisp winter day.\n\"It matters because... If it is a real person, and a real cape at that, then it's someone that knows the identities of a number of capes to the point where they can find where they live outside of their caped identity. It might be money today, but it can easily be blackmail or worse later.\"\n\nNue cleared her own throat as if trying to copy the one sitting on the bench, but it came across as much more light. \n\"If they did secure that amount of money to blow it on random capes they figured it out on 'inspiration', then there is no way that money is legitimate. It has to be dirty money or counterfeit.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Morgue leaned back scratching at her chin as if stroking a beard that wasn't there. \"So You think we should just toss the cash? Seems wasteful.\" Morgue leant forward and supported their head by resting their chin on their clasped fists\n\n\"Something thing organized\" She started up again, humming a little as she thought. \"Something this meticulous. Maybe it's something to be worried about ,but the money being fake doesn't strike me as right. Besides, from the sounds of it, not ever cape who got it was on the path of heroism. Some villains have been spotted with a boost in their financial situation since yesterday. Tell me how that is with the money being fake? Villains make purchase among themselves, and counterfeits are no good to the trained eye of criminal merchants.\"\n\nShe didn't speak up for a moment, but filled the space with that weird tune she was humming. She stopped suddenly, and finalized her thoughts. \"I think the only thing this mysterious benefactor was after was chaos. Stirring the pot, stimulating... The economy. The economy of cape drama, that is. If they were anyone in it for malicious gain, that chaos has to benefit them some how.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"I didn't say we toss it! We keep the cash of course! No question!\" The voice responded with no hesitation as if trying to correct what could have been a dire mistake. Despite the hurried speaking the shadow faithfully mimicked Morgue's slower more thoughtful motions.\n\n\"That is a good point. If it really is fake then it's convincing enough to be a huge problem. We can put a pin in that. It was just a theory after all.\" The more the voice talked the more her tone got relaxed. Though despite that, the voice had a breathy hollowness behind it as if it was a more ghostly version of the cape talking back to herself.\n\nNue remained silent as the other cape hummed a tune, giving her the space and time to think. \"Chaos... Cape drama... Hmm...\" The voice mulled over the theory with a hum that almost sounded jovial if it wasn't for that same emptiness within it giving it a more mocking tone than one would expect from. \n\"Might be a nice show while someone at the top uses it all as an excuse to grab more power, don't you think? We are already in a golden age of villainy. Pushing things even further is going to force things to come to a head, don't you think? Once things explode, then the people on the top can take more extreme measures to prevent further conflict. Do you think they'd do something so obvious?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Why not\" Her brow lifted with a dissonant smile \"If that is what's going on, it's working, You're the first one I've heard of thinking of the matter so deeply, Even I wouldn't have thought about it much if you hadn't prodded the thought. Even if you are using my voice, it wasn't my idea.\"\n\nHer smile grew a little more jolly and she leant back again, crossing one leg over the other while draping her arms over the length of the bench. \"How _are_ you doing that anyways. It's a neat trick. You some kind of Stranger?\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"That is the problem, isn't it? People will take something nice at face value because they're scared of the truth. In reality the answer is staring them right in the face but they choose to look away. A choice that can be conscious or unconscious. The room is a mess. The culprit left money to make up for it. It's a large amount. Questions will naturally pop into your head whether you realize it or not. 'Who exactly left it? Is that alias a farce? Why did they come here specifically?' As more information is revealed it naturally leads to more questions like unraveling a long string from a cloth of questions. Multiple people got hit. They were all capes. They all received the same large sum of money. 'How did they make the trip? Where did that money come from? How did they know I was a cape? How did they find my home?' Even if you ignore consciously thinking about it, those questions will still linger in the back of your unconscious mind for some time.\"\n\nMorgue's shadow went along with her more relaxed posture, joining her in unwinding on the bench, or for her, just under it. Though despite the strange location, Nue could feel herself calming down a little too.\n\"That is to say... It may not have been your idea, but you're the one moving my body.\" She paused to let the idea linger for a moment.\n\"Don't worry. I'm fine with letting you take control. I'll be here to support you if you need me.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"So a stranger, got it. That's cool, can't imagine what it's like to have a power that lets you go undetected like this. Well, in so far as not being able to see you. I mean just the other day I was called an abomination while trying to help get a kitten out of a tree. Said I wanted to eat it or something, how horrible can people be?\" \n\nShe sit, stirring the thought around in her head until her smile started to droop. \" That's not even the half of it, but.. I try to keep my head up. What kind of hero quits because they got called names or were treated poorly? I'm strong. I can fight. I can protect the people, even if they think I'm weird, or unnatural. That's what matters.\" She said that last part with a somber note in her tone, as if she wasn't entirely sure of herself." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "There was a pause from the voice before a short \"Huh?\" It made sense and the more the cape talked the more it was clear that they faced worse psychological torment from ordinary citizens than she could. It made sense, she did look like a ghoul, even if she did finally confirm she is a hero. If Frankenstein was anything to go off of, then her appearance would mark her as evil no matter her intentions.\n\nThe thought of her initial impressions being flipped on their head was rather amusing. She couldn't help but let out a few giggles, not even trying to hold back or mask it. The hollow sound in her voice forced her to sound vaguely malicious despite her true intentions. \n\"Well, you do look pretty creepy, man! It's not a surprise they run away at the first sight of you. That's just how it is for monsters like us! It doesn't matter what we want to do! We look evil at first glance so we must be evil, right?\" She asked, her tone much more clearly mocking than before. \n\"Hey, does that mean you get to cut in line more easily? You know, since normal people run away from your face.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\" That's a lot of assumptions. First of all, this is just make up and a nice suit. The bolt through the head is from a party store. I mean I look dead without it but I figured the Frankenstein's monster theme was a great way of capitalizing on it. If you think I'm creepy then I suppose I did a bang up job.\n\nAs for lines, no, still don't get to skip lines, people aren't actually all that afraid of me.. At least, those who aren't fighting me aren't. I do get confused a lot for a villain though, it's a pain, but not.. Physically. That's a bit complicated. Still though.. I get called a monster for other reasons..\"\n\nShe hung her head with a dead look in her eyes, like the light of the flame inside her was suddenly snuffed out... Or did she always look that way?" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "That's just makeup? Dang, you do make a pretty convincing deadman, Frankie. Hey, don't tell me you're breaking character already.\"\n She snickered with Morgue's own voice. \"Right, I bet you frighten them so much they're too scared to move. Honestly, that's pretty cool. So what's your deal as a monster? Oh, are you one of those capes that lose control and go berserk? That'd be pretty complicated, wouldn't it?\" \n\nThe voice sounded a bit excited at this point despite the dissonant sound it carried. It seemed to be at odds with Morgue's own wistful posture copied by the shadow. As the ghoul looked down her shadow followed suit, looking right back up at her. Face to face with each other, the face of Morgue's darkness split open with a small gap to express a sharp smile.\n\"Come on, one monster to another, what makes you so terrifying to them?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Morgue lifted her head up and took a look around the park. It seemed.. Empty. Perhaps for this time of year, that was normal, but she couldn't feel the icy pain of the winter winds, just the numbness that it brought. She stood tall and kicked a rock next to her feet, taking a grasp at her coffin while she did.\n\n\" A good monster is mysterious. Sorry I'm not so willing to share my secrets, but I don't know who you are anyways, and.. You called me Frankie. My name's Morgan.\"\n\nMorgue hoisted the large coffin up onto her back, and started to walk through the tree lines streets. \"I do hope you don't end up on the receiving end of it though. You might find it a bit demoralizing. Catch you around, Ego.\"\n\nAnd so she stride off, no more aware of the cape she was speaking to than she was from the start." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"Morgan. Hmm? Is that right?\" The voice was more contemplative for a moment as if actually thinking about it. The person she was mimicking had a build that gave her a much different impression when it suddenly clicked for her. \"Oh! So that's how it is!\" She couldn't help but giggle at it a little. This cape was full of surprises, \"Sorry your powers did that to you.\" Despite that the voice didn't sound apologetic at all. \"But if you aren't going to take it, then I'll be Frankie, just for you, Morgan. But I hope you don't mind if I use your other name too from time to time.\" She let Morgue off with just a little snicker as Morgue said her goodbyes.\n\nShe'd stay in Morgue's shadow. Following the ghoulish cape for a minute, though with no one else around this may be a nice time to pop out. After waiting for long enough to give the impression of losing interest and leaving Nue spoke up again in Morgan's voice. \"You know, you call me presumptuous, but there you go with all of those assumptions of your own. Talking about how we'll be on opposite ends, what a good monster is... That your \"Ego\" Would just leave you be... If one of us is the ego, it'd definitely be you with how vain you are.\" She chuckled, \"You're so backwards! Are you sure you're not a dullahan with your head screwed on like that?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Morgue didn't pay the cape any mind, she didn't even turn around. She seemed laser focused on something else entirely, ready to leave the interaction behind, regardless of what the voice around her was saying. She just kept walking." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue paused to let Morgan respond, though it appeared she didn't have any desire to. From how it seemed when she said goodbye she was going to tie it all up there regardless of what more she said. She paused for a moment, unsure about this person's attitude. What could have been so important to drop their nice little conversation and run away. Maybe she was getting scared of her presence? That thought made her feel something, a pang of annoyance ran through Nue. She spoke up, her voice no further than it was on the bench.\n\n \"I see, you're the kind of monster that even abandons monster friends. So that's how it is... If you continue like that then it's really no wonder why everyone is scared of you. Walking straight ahead, Dead Set on whatever it is you have your eyes on. C'mon, I know you're better than that. Or is your head actually empty like a zombie's?\" The voice sounded more tense as it rambled on this time as if it wasn't mocking so much and getting a little more serious." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Geez, Do you ever shut up?\" She finally bellowed, stopping just short of the park's exit, crossing her arms with a more than annoyed expression. \"Listen, if you're really that curious about how my power works, then fine, you can stick around, but when things get too hot for you to handle, don't say I didn't warn you. Anyways for your information, I felt the conversation was done, that's all. I _do_ have somewhere to be, I've got a scanner I listen to for tips on current developing situations, and my gut's telling me it's time to stop smelling the roses and get on with work before something happens that i can't stop.\"\n\nShe turned around, half expecting to see someone, half no, but she figured at least metaphorically, turning around to address her following doppelganger voice would be appropriate. \"So, follow me or don't, I don't really care, but if you are, at least quit with the dead-girl puns, they're kind of my thing. I know that might be a lot to ask of someone currently using my own voice, but I'm working on the jokes and it matters that I have my own original one liners.\"\n\nShe finally turned around and walked past the park entrance likely looking like a lunatic as well as a monster to the old married couple who was just strolling by. \n\n\"Like I said, follow or don't, I'm off to my car.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"Hahaha... Sorry, but just like you I haven't been having that great of a day either. You're one of the few other monsters, so I figured you would understand me a little more.\" \nThe tenseness in the voice went away. Though it was more jovial than it was a moment ago, it still had that same ghostly sound as always.\n\"Don't worry about me, as long as you can take it, I can handle it too. So I'll keep you company for the time being.\" Her tone was nonchalant as there was no danger involved at all.\n\"So what is it? Crazed gunman in the plaza? Suburban warfare? Delicious looking cat got stuck in a tree again?\"\n\nNue couldn't help but giggle at Morgan's annoyance at the puns. \"Hey man, if you're worried about Me Stealing Your Brand... Ha ha... Well you're a little late I think.\" She continued to snicker. When Morgan turned around she felt validated somehow. As in, if she was in a physical form she would probably smile at that little gesture, even if it was made out of annoyance from the ghoul. \n\n\"I'm sure you realized this by now but I didn't really have any plans today. None that can be done yet at least, unless you know someone that can solve a christmas conspiracy. So... I don't mind riding with you.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "The vechile she walked up to was... Quite strange, to say the least. It was almost a surprise she could fit into it... Morbid, that she even had it. It was\n\nA hearse. Beat up, the pain chipped and the metal rusting, but.. It still roared to like, the coffin sliding in nicely into the back. \"I'm still not really concerned about the christmas money. Still not sure what to use it on, but i might precure some armor or, maybe just a nice meal.\" The vehicle rocked as she dropped into the front seat and closed the door. Where a radio would go, there happened to be... Well a radio, but much beefier.\n\nShe flicked it on and tuned it to the right frequency, now all she needed to do was wait until something worth while presented it's self. \" Sit tight, this could take a while.\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "The voice was quiet for a moment while getting into the car with Morgan. The way the sunlight hit the car at this time of day meant following the ghoul in was a simple task. Nue just stayed within Moruge's moving shadow as it intersected with the car's and remained behind her as she sat in the seat. Though now in this position she felt a lot closer to the cape as if she was just a breath away. Once the two were settled in the seat she let out an audible sigh just to let it be known she was still there.\n\n\"You know, maybe you could use those 500 pounds for your car. I mean, you wanted to prove people wrong, right? Maybe make it so that your ride doesn't say 'My wheels are going to pop off if I go too fast.' That'd be a good start, don't you think?\" The voice was now a whisper but sounded to be much closer, as if it was just behind Morgan's ear. \n\nAnother snicker came from behind Morgan, considerably louder than the whispers a moment ago. \"You were really in a rush to stop sitting down and doing nothing, to sit down and do nothing. Okay, I see how it is, scaredy-cat.\" She sat there for a moment before piping up again, \"So... What kinda jobs are you looking for?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Morgue chuckled to her self, a sly smirk lingering as she said to no one in particular \"Heheh, Curious.\" Morgue did eventually answer her passenger's question, leaning forward and adjusting the rearview mirror to get a look at the darker parts of the hearse. \"Armed robbery, Supervillain gone berserk, collapsing buildings, jumpers, runaway subway trains. Anything I think I can help with. The only thing I really don't like dealing with is bombs, anything else is fair game.\"\n\nShe eyed the darkness, looking for lingering movement as she chattered on playing with a little with the radio to get a clearer signal. \"Not that I won't handle a bomb, but It's far more dangerous for me than anything else. Except matter matter erasure, or airless hammer space and pocket dimensions. Those are still pretty bad. Plus a bunch of combinations of stuff, but now I think I'm getting too complicated without outright spoiling what I do. Wheres the fun in that?\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"Mhm, mhm, I see. Ready to do any job I see.\" She whispered. Of course there was no sign of entry in the hearse, nor was there any indication another body was in the car with Morgan at all. It's the same as it ever was, with not even the slightest movement from the back seats. \"But not bombs. Hmm... Okay, I got it.\" Nue said rather confidently. \"You're a brute. When you got your powers it beefed you up, gave you a real man's body, and with it you got some kinda regeneration where as long as you don't all get destroyed at once, you're pretty much fine. Pretty standard brute stuff, right? Oh, but fire would probably be pretty bad too.\" \n\nShe paused, watching as the ghoul leaned forward and looked in the mirror a little more and snickered. \"WIth the way your head is... You're looking at the mirror, aren't you? Getting paranoid? I don't blame you, but don't worry about me. We're friends now, aren't we? So I have your back; like any friend would.\" She listened to Morgan go on about what she couldn't handle. \"Crazy things will always be crazy. Though we're all crazy in our own right too, aren't we? No ordinary person would throw themselves into anything you just called out. That's how it is, us monsters need purpose so we need that craziness or we'll go crazy ourselves. ...But having to use regeneration. Ha ha, I don't envy you, but getting injured is something you live for, isn't it?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"It doesn't hurt \" Morgue said plainly. \" Not much, anyways. Best part about being dead, nothing much bothers you. Anyways your theories a bit off, but it's not something I care to talk about too much, and for the record, fires just fine. Bombs. Total annihilation. Can't find a brute who can come back from that. Some are immune to explosives, I envy that maybe, but if I'm careful I won't have to.\"\n\nThe chatter on the frequency right now was about a possible situation developing in the tower district, some kind of parahuman making a nasty seen, classifications still unknown. The thought of the work tensed her up, but only because she didn't just have to worry about herself now." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue gave Morgan her time to talk and mockingly chuckled, noticing though she denied some of the details of the power described, what wasn't denied was that desire. \"Only a bit off while being hush-hush like this? I'll take that.\" She said smugly \"Buuuut... If it really doesn't hurt then you wouldn't mind if I had a stab at you some time would you? Maybe take a bite from you? Although... No, for being dead you're not really rotted, it would probably taste fine.\"\n\n If Nue wasn't a shadow at the moment she would likely be smiling. It was just a simple conversation, but it was one with a cape, a fellow monster, someone that actually tolerated her presence. That itself made it special. Even her expectations led her to believe that capes would try to subjugate her as soon as she made her appearance. Having a cape treat her like an ordinary person like this was rather ironic. Ordinary people could never talk to either of them like this. At least not in any ordinary way. Yet here two monsters were conversing like normal humans. It made the interaction special. Monsters more human than humans; humans more monstrous than monsters.\n\n\nNue heard the report on the radio chatter. Seeing Morgan not move confused her a little. \"So.. You're taking that call, right? This is what you were waiting for, right? Or...? ...Wait, you are getting paid for all of this right?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Paid? Haha!\" Morgue almost hollered her laughter. She flipped the ignition and readjusted the mirror as she prepared to leave. \"Sometimes, maybe, but nah, not usually. That might change if I can get what I want, but it's still a pipe dream for now. No I do this because it's something I can be proud of... You know.. Not many of them are around much anymore, what with.. Gold morning, and all. There used to be these monstrous capes, case 53s. They were seen to be.. Somewhat lesser, by the world of the time. Of course now we're glad to see any one fight along side us, especially with the return of behemoth, but people still have their ugly assumptions and biased. Just look to the Nova Imperium for that alone.\"\n\nMorgue adjusted the volume of the radio and listened more intently before continuing `\" -wo capes, targeting the new London orphanage. Classifications unknown, but MCP units having trouvle combatting on site, multiple hostages-\"`\n\nThe engine revved and she continued \" I'm not a case 53. But my powers did alter my body, in a way I can't change. People call me a monster for it. I take pride in proving them wrong. \" Her tone was confident, driven. She knew she was going to answer this call, ego or no ego. Or rather.. Shadow or no shadow. A smirk shifted on her expression \" Last chance to decide if you don't want to come along. I'm not letting who ever these two are get away with threatening an orphanage, and you could get hurt in the cross fire if you're not careful\"" }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"Hm, pride huh? Part of me wants to dismiss that as a waste of time, but that would be a lie. I see what you're really saying and I agree wholeheartedly. It runs deeper than pride! We are simply following our nature, isn't that right?\" She paused for a moment despite the question being rhetorical.\n\n\n\"People will always assume the unknown. That is the nature of humans. If they can gather numbers for their cause, whatever it may be, then they can affirm their beliefs, true or false. So a powerless guy realizes that monsters are real and they walk among us. What's he likely to do? 'There are people out there capable of much more than me, I should look to them for support.' Or maybe if he's been having a hard time it's more like 'Things are horrible! Why aren't the people with powers doing more for us?' Maybe he even curses them all for his bad luck. In a way we're all worshiped by the common man and feared for it, heroes and villains alike in their own respects. 'Good' can't exactly exist without 'evil' after all. Gods and demons, more like, but the closer and closer you inspect them you start to see less and less differences. The only thing that separates a god and demon from a simple monster is the people's belief in them.\" Nue realized she began to ramble and couldn't help but giggle a little at the thought.\n\n\"What I'm really saying is... By proving people wrong, you are actually proving them right. By 'monster' I didn't mean 'evil.' As parahumans, we are more than a human. That is what makes us monsters. Good, evil, all of us are monsters. The more you show that true nature, good or bad, you become more of a monster until you're an unrecognizable deity.\" \n\nThe voice paused for another moment, letting Morgan listen to the radio and comment herself. \"Don't twist my words. I'm not telling you to act one way or another, I want you to follow your true nature as I will continue to. This is just how the world looks at us monsters. As for that call... I'll come along. I didn't have any other plans today, and this could be fun. As long as you're secure in yourself, then I trust that I will be fine too.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Morgue shook her head a little at the speech she was getting from the stranger. She couldn't agree any less with her on the matter, feeling it would be the same to argue that a person who lost their limbs isn't human. She didn't believe that having Parahuman abilities made them monsters, of course, her doppelganger wasn't even working with the same definition, so she figured itt was pointless to argue.\n\nDisapproving nod aside, she shrugged at the shadow's eagerness to ride into trouble. She didn't sound the heroic type, morgue knew that. It was something else to be careful of on the battlefield.\n\n\"Alright then, to the orphanage.\"\n\nThey were off without another word from morgue, the hearse leaving the park in the dust so to speak, flower petals kicked up by the blw of the exhaust.\n\n\\- - -" } ]	211	6,739
138.6	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "superstes", "message": "Apex leant against the wall in an alleyway a short distance away from where rumours of NI activity had been common. She had promised to repay the Handyman for his help in getting her supplies for her tinker tech but she couldn't deny she would have said yes either way.\n\nThe people who made up this organisation were the same sort of people who would prefer Apex and others like her weren't allowed to exist. They levelled vile accusations at innocents whilst being guilty of exactly what they were accusing. She didn't care though, she had the power now and would litter the streets with their corpses. Who knows they might even get something out of it.\n\nReaching into her bag she pulled out her mask and placed it on her face. She didn't really care about concealing her identity but until she had more tech it was better safe than sorry. Her mask now in place she looked down at her metallic arm and moved each finger individually. It was a strange sensation, she could 'feel' the mechanical movement within but well it was hard to explain.\n\nOf course she couldn't actually visually inspect it as she wore a glove and the arm itself was covered in bandages. The moment she released the hidden blade however these bandages would be shredded. She looked back towards the street for any sign of the Handyman's arrival." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Before long The Handyman would approach the meet up location, entering the dark alleyway and moving towards Apex.\n\nHe was masked and in costume, before long a fight would likely ensue. Now beside Apex he would extend his hand, holding it open towards her. \"Your gun, if you may.\" He would say to her. For this mission he had chosen a set of skills suited for gunmanship and combat; Marksmanship, Stealth And Combat Maneuvering. \n\nHe wasn't the most suited for combat but when it came to being proficient in weapon he could be above most." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Reaching into her waistband Apex pulled out her pistol and handed it over to the Handyman.\n\n\"10 rounds, semi automatic. I have more bullets in my bag, if you want some. I should really buy more magazines. I want it back by the way. It's my first trophy.\"\n\nShe reached into her bag and pulled out a box of 40 9mm rounds.\n\n\"Here take them, I struggle to load them mid combat but maybe you'll be better. Anyway what is the plan? I walk in alone and get all their attention whilst you find a nice vantage point to take them out?\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman would take the pistol, tucking it in his waist for the time being,\n\n\"As for the bullets, I'll take them too.\" He would take the box from her hands, placing a few handfuls in his pockets before putting the rest of the box within his bag.\n\nHe would wait a moment before responding, \"I don't want to be too far, if you move my position could become useless in seconds. I'll follow behind you ten metres or so and shoot from there, close enough that I can easily shoot and follow but far enough that I'm not in direct threat of the melee combatants.\"\n\n\"What do you think?\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"Sounds good to me, lets go.\"\n\nBefore she went though she reached into her bag one more time pulling out a big rainbow flag and tied it around her neck like a cape. Apex would begin to walk slowly towards the area where she had heard rumours of, and why beat around the bush, Nazi activity. She wouldn't do anything agressive though, no she would simply passively walk through the neighbourhood." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "As the two walk through the neighborhood, they became increasingly aware of the stares they received from others on the street. The neighborhood seemed to be completely white as far as either Apex or the Handyman can tell, though it's difficult to say how many are actually nazis.\n\nDespite getting some aggressive looks, most people seemed to calm down and walk away once they realized that they'd be dealing with capes.\n\nEventually the two spotted a group of three men across the street. One of started talking into a phone while staring at Apex, with the number 88 clearly tattooed on his cheek." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Apex tilted her head to the side as she stared at the fascist prick. Interlacing her fingers she cracked them before continuing to slowly approach the trio. Stopping about 10 feet away Apex just stared at the assholes before slowly bringing her fist up in front of her. Her other hand came up beside her fist and began to move in a reeling motion. As she did the middle finger on the first hand slowly rose." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman smiled and stepped forward, still a short distance behind Apex.\n\nHe too began to raise his middle finger before looking at them with a grin, \"Get fucked Nazis\" He exlaimed calmly.\n\nBefore kindly drawing his gun and firing a bullet towards each of their knees." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "As the two approached, the two men who weren't on the phone stepped forward aggressively. Their focus seemed to almost entirely be on Apex.\n\n\"This is our turf you dumb fucking dy—\" The man's words were cut off as the handyman opened fire. No one seemed to suspect a thing, and the speed at which each of them was shot was too quick to react.\n\nAll three men tumbled to the ground, screaming out in pain. The phone that the one nazi was using slipped from his hands.\n\n\"FUCK!\" One screamed out.\n\nThe other two were in pain but clearly managing a bit better than their friend. Both of them started reaching down for their own guns, though only one was able to successfully draw his pistol in time and fire right at The Handyman." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Apex rushed towards the man with his gun out as she held her metallic arm over her face as a form of additional protection should a stray bullet come her way. As she closed the distance she reached out with her other hand in an attempt to strike him with the palm of her hand and electrocute the Nazi fuck. Hopefully that would make him drop the gun." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman attempted to dash to the side, trying to avoid the bullets path. The man was injured and shaky, his gunplay lacking. It was hopefully something he could avoid.\n\nAs he saw the rest of the men reaching for the guns The Handyman shot two more bullets towards the group. He aimed to their hands trying to make them unable to use their weapons were they able to draw them. As for the man with their gun already drawn, that was up to Apex." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "While the nazi did manage to get a shot off, it veered far off course, hitting a lamppost in the distance. The man let out a scream, writhing on the ground as he was shocked. His hold on the gun quickly fades away, causing it to fall to the ground loudly.\n\nUnsurprisingly, the handyman was able to outshoot the other gang members, a bullet going through the trigger finger of both men. Both let out a scream of pain, clutching at their fingers.\n\n\"You shot off my fucking FINGER!?\" One screamed out, clutching the bleeding wound to his chest.\n\nOn the ground, disorted shouting could be heard from the phone that had been dropped, though the noise quickly stops." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Quickly Apex moved forwards attempting to wrap her metal arm around around his neck and holding tight. With her free hand she would pick up his gun and hold it to aim it at his temple.\n\n\"You fascist fucks. It's people like you who really piss me off you know? The thing is if you fuck with us enough you never know one day we might just FUCKING SNAP!\"\n\nShe pulled the trigger trying to shoot the twat straight through the head." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman looked towards the man screaming at him,\n\n\"Aww, your 1000 year empire didn't help you with that did they?\"\n\nHe used this oppurtunity to eject his magazine, manually loading five more bullets into it before returning it to his weapon." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Apex was more than able to execute the downed man who was struggling to recover from being momentarily paralyzed. He didn't even manage to say a word before a bullet went through his head, blood splattering on the ground.\n\n\"P-please! Please don't kill me!\" One begged as he started to try and crawl away.\n\n\"You fucking CUNT!\" The other shouted out, reaching for his gun with his other hand now. It was awkward, but he was able to grab his weapon and rapidly fire off a few shots at The Handyman.\n\nAs both villains dealt with the nazis, they could hear a long whistling sound in the distance getting louder and louder as time went on. It sounded distant at first, but was clearly getting closer." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Apex swung her hand out aiming the gun at the other guy. Without hesitation she pulled the trigger wanting to dispatch them as quickly as possible. Only then would she allow herself to be concerned with the strange whistling sound that approached.\n\n\"What is that god damn noise?\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman now more aware of potential bullets flying his way dashed to the side as he saw the man beginning to grasp his gun once again. Hopefully his shitty gunmanship in addition to his movement would once again make him miss.\n\nNaturally, The Handyman shot a bullet towards the man's other trigger finger. We couldn't have him shooting any more after all.\n\nHe turned to Apex, \"Not a clue, but it's not a good sign if anything.\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "The man's aim was shaky, but it did manage to clip The Handyman in the arm this time despite his maneuvering. A moment later Apex but a bullet through his skull, causing him to collapse to the ground.\n\nA moment after that, The Handyman shot a bullet through his one remaining trigger finger.\n\nThe last remaining Nazi continued to try and crawl away, as the whistling continued to get louder. Out of the corner of their eyes, all of them could see a golden light flash through the clouds before a golden figure slammed into the ground. The impact formed a slight crater in the street, small golden wisps trailing away from the figure for just a moment before stopping.\n\nNow that she wasn't moving as fast, it was much easier to make out details. The golden figure appeared to be a Valkyrie, complete with a shield and spear, wings, and vaguely norse looking equipment. Their body was somewhat transparent, seeming somewhat like a much less solid scion.\n\nShe took a moment to look over the scene, seeing two dead nazis and one crawling away, before settling her attention on Apex's flag with a glare." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Letting go of the corpse Apex stood up at her full height and looked back at Imperium cape. It started with a small giggle before breaking out into full laughter as she pointed at the cape.\n\n\"Look at that Handyman, the Valkyrie has come to take these pathetic pieces of shit to the afterlife. You'd think a group all about being British would pick costumes less based on less foreign myths. HAHA WELL, YOU FUCKING MADE ME NOW. Come on then! Show me how superior you are, it shouldn't be too hard to beat someone like me.\"\n\nShe moved the gun towards one of the already dead people around and would empty the magizine into the corpse, dropping the gun once it was out of ammunition. \n\n\"Come on then you bitch.\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman clutched at where the bullet had clipped through his arm, pressing the surrounding cloth of his clothes over the site to help cover the bleeding somewhat.\n\nHe tutted as he glanced down to the wound, at least it wasn't anything major but still it was non-ideal.\n\nHowever, staring towards the now present Valkyrie in front of them, that was a bigger issue. \"It certainly wouldn't be my outfit choice,\" He exclaimed towards Apex as he cocked his gun.\n\nHe began to unload his magazine towards the Valkyrie. He wanted to fire as much as he could but only as much as without sacrificing his accuracy. He aimed for her eyes and joins, potentially vulnerable locations." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Either Valkyrie was completely unable to talk, or she had no desire to. It seemed that she could still hear though, judging by how she twitched from Apex's comment. Just as she began to move forward, the Handyman's shots rang out.\n\nTwo shots landed right on target, both impacting into what appeared to be her eyes. The only damage however seemed to be a golden energy that leaked from the wounds like mist. It was difficult to notice, but her body became slightly more transparent from the damage.\n\nThe other shots ended up being blocked by her large shield as she raised it up and charged right for the Handyman - it looked as though she intended to go Through Him. She didn't move normally, instead looking as though she was gliding across the ground with unnatural acceleration as her wings flexed behind her." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Apex began to twist as her mechanical arm began to shift. The bandages covering her arm were torn apart as a razor sharp whip like blade 5 feet in length formed as if from nowhere. Continuing to rotate as fast as she could she brought the blade up in a wide horizontal arc in an attempt to bisect the Valkyrie as she rushed towards the Handyman.\n\n\"Over here you nazi fuck\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman began to sprint to the side as the Valkyrie approached, trying to move clear out of their path.\n\nHe ejected his mag as he moved, trying to refill it with bullets as he went." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Valkyrie paid no attention to Apex as she charged. When Apex's blade sliced into the side of Valkyrie, it was as though she was trying to cut into a wall. The blade bounced off almost instantly, taking with it numerous motes of light as Valkyrie dimmed just a bit more.\n\nDespite The Handyman having some of the greatest abilities a human could possibly have, it wasn't enough to outrun the clearly inhuman speed of the cape chasing after him. She charged into him with her shield hard, instantly breaking his arm in several places as well as a rib. The force of the charge sent him flying towards a street lamp, hitting it with a clang and forcing it to shake from the impact.\n\nShe turned her head to glance over at Apex before hefting her spear up and throwing it with a sudden motion." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Apex's eyes went wide behind her mask as the Handyman was thrown against the street lamp. Clearly this wouldn't be as straight forward a fight as she was used to. Still no cape was invincible and she was sure she could figure something out to defeat them. She would have to think quick though as the incoming spear would be quite the unpleasant experience if she was hit by it.\n\nQuickly she darted to the side and low whilst her blade snapped to its solid form. As she moved to the side she would swipe at the spear in an attempt to divert it to the side as she moved forwards towards Valkyrie." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman's face bulged and his breath escaped his mouth as he slammed into the street lamp, the force knocking him to the floor. \n\nHe took a moment to wheeze and regain his senses before stumbling up to his feet once again. He slammed the magazine back into his gun and began to unload it towards the Valkyrie.\n\nHe began to retreat to a further distance, certainly unaided by his cracking bones. He attempted to find some cover to avoid the crazy woman." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "As Apex brought her blade up to force the spear off course, she was met with a small shower of golden, sparkling energy as her blade hit the shaft. The spear veered off course, missing entirely.\n\nValkyrie seemed entirely focused on dealing with Apex - lowering her body as she charged forward, clearly intent on slamming into her with her shield just as she had to The Handyman. As she charged however, more golden energy spilled out from her back as each bullet rang true, dimming her light even further.\n\nWhere before the cape's form was bright enough to be eye catching in the dark of night - now she was significantly dimmed.\n\nRight before making contact with Apex, the thrown spear from earlier suddenly reappeared in her hand and she stabbed out with it - aiming right for her stomach." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Apex's eyes went wide as she saw the capes shimmering form dim before her eyes. If her intuition was correct she must have only a limited pool of energy with which she could protect herself and attack with. That meant she just had to keep up the assault until she broke.\n\nShe darted to the right in an attempt to avoid the spear, all the while she swung her sword across her to the left trying to knock it away from her. Even if she failed to avoid it completely she would much rather it graze her side than go straight through her. She didn't exactly have the supplies on hand to fix that.\n\n\"I sense your weakness, prey.\"\n\nApex burst forwards from her off centre position, her left hand outstretched towards Valkyrie over the top of her metallic right arm. Her goal? Anywhere on the glowing racist so she could shock her with some good old fashioned high voltage electricity." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Oh fuck, oh shit. Rang out in The Handyman's mind as the golden woman began dashing towards Apex with her might. She was strong, stronger than either one of them but it was clear she was being effected by the attacks. \n\nAll we had to do was dodge, block, Survive Long enough to put out this light once and for all. The Handyman dashed away from the woman seeking cover and reloading his weapon as he moved. \n\n\"Go fuck yourself Nazi!\" He shouted out, slamming the magazine back into his pistol.\n\nThe Handyman gave his gun a little spin for some flair before aiming cleanly towards the golden lady, taking care to avoid her shield. He unloaded his magazine swiflty but carefully attempting to avoid her protective measures which so inconveniently blocked his bullets." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "The spear thrust came surprisingly fast, though Apex managed to avoid the worst of it. Instead of being impaled completely, the spear cut through her side as she dodged out of the way. Blood leaked out from her side, though it wasn't a major injury.\n\nValkyrie didn't seem to expect the counter attack, spear knocked out of her hand, she brought her arm up to try and block Apex's grab. As Apex grabbed her arm and activated her shock, she could see golden light leaking out at a rapid pace between her fingers.\n\nBy the time The Handyman's shots hit the woman, her golden form went from a ghostly image to non existent with a final burst of golden energy. The final bullet fired hit nothing as the woman's form disappeared.\n\nThe street was eerily dark with one of the main light sources being snuffed out. There was no sign of their opponent." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"Oi! Get back here you NAZI FUCK!\"\n\nApex spun around on the spot looking for any sign of her prey. She wouldn't let her escape, she couldn't let it escape. It deserved death. Disgusting, disgraceful, degenerate. She snapped around yet again desperately searching for the golden fuck when her eyes fell on The Handyman. Her hand came up to her temple, massaging it for a few moments before slapping herself in the side of the head, hard.\n\nClenching her fist the large metallic blade folded itself up and retracted into her arm as she approached her- her teammate? She stopped a short distance for him when she felt something hurt in her side. She looked down at the stream of blood that was leaking from the Relatively Minor wound.\n\n\"Oh, I'm bleeding.\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "With each bullet flying towards the Nazi, Ludwig's focus strained every so slightly as the pain of his ribs gradually overcame the rushing adrenaline. Those few moments felt like minutes but as the golden form finally disapated a sigh of relief escaped The Handyman's mouth. \n\nHe glanced over to Apex, watching as she bumbled around like a twat before approaching him. His eyes followed, both of the pair glancing downwards towards her wound.\n\n\"Oh you're Bleeding, you're Bleeding.\"\n\nHe rolled his eyes.\n\n\"My ribs are literally broken Apex, suck a cock.\"" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "While Apex's wounds were relatively minor, The Handyman found that he was not able to move easily at all. If he tried to move too quickly he would be answered with an intense pain from his broken ribs. Sprinting or running would be out of the question. The best he would be able to manage would be short bursts of light jogging with intense pain.\n\nDespite there not being any sign of their opponent, both of them noticed something unusual. The whistling noise from before was back - though it sounded far. It seemed to be coming from the same direction as last time." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "\"Uh maybe we should take cover, we seem to have a chance when she's on the ground but I don't like it when she's coming at us like a missile.\"\n\nApex scanned the surrounding area for an alley or alcove of some form where she could take cover as she awaited the arrival. Whatever she could find would be better than standing out in the open with no protection from being skewered by their weird spear.\n\n\"Come on, try to ignore the pain for now.\"\n\nShe hoped her partner in crime could work through the pain at the moment. She could afford to protect him if she had any hope of beating this Valkyrie cape. No this would take her full concentraition and any skills she could muster. It was safe to say this would be an experience to learn from." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "\"I think taking cover would be a more then sensible move,\" The Handyman exclaimed, a wheeze of air escaping his mouth as the pain of his ribs dug into his sides.\n\nHe brushed past Apex motioning her towards the whilsting sound, \"I'll shoot from a more secure position, try to keep them from slamming me again if you can. Don't get yourself murdered easily.\" Crane hobbled further past her, his eyes scanning the area for what could be used as some cover. He moved towards whichever location seemed most suitable and stationed himself, they were without a doubt gonna be back soon.\n\n\"Do you think we need to hunt down the host? We don't know if they can send these out forever.\" His mind raced, searching for an explanation. Did the injuries hurt the host? Likely not. Was it draining? More than likely it tired them out, a battle of stamina perhaps. It would be more than preferential to kill them but how could we track them down?" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "While Apex managed to make it to a nearby alleyway in time, The Handyman wasn't quite as fast. The best cover he could manage to make his way to was behind a car that was next to the same alleyway as Apex.\n\nAnd then the Valkyrie came crashing down, further down the street where they had come from. Again the street was filled with a bright light, though it seemed as though they didn't immediately spot the two villains. Instead Valkyrie seemed to be looking around in all directions to try and decide which direction they had left." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Taking out her phone from her pocket Apex quickly typed the address in a text to the Vanguard Emergency line. She then stood form her hiding spot and began to approach Valkyrie.\n\n\"You!\"\n\nShe reached up to her mask, removing it and letting it drop to the ground.\n\n\"My name is Elizabeth Stevens, daughter to a murdered father, daughter to a murdered mother. It's people like you who caused it and I am gonna kick your ass your fascist ass for it.\"\n\nShe didn't care just how much of that fell under the 'technically true' category. It felt awesome to say, especially as she rushed towards Valkyrie as she swung her sword whip towards the golden bitch." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "As Apex dashed ahead The Handyman hobbled back a ways further to get behind some slightly more preferable cover. \n\nHe facepalmed slightly seeing that she was doing this whole shit Again But what could he do. He slid off his mask shoving it deep into his bag, he was just a civilian defending himself from some goon nazis with his Legally Obtained gun. \n\nHe clutched at his ribs and centred his gun. She would raise her shield to block Apex's sword so where to aim was clear. The Handyman targeted the opposite side of her body from Apex's sword attack, if she were to block the bullets she could likely get a hit in and vice versa." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "The golden Valkyrie stared as though dumbfounded at Apex's sudden declaration. As Apex started to move forward, the Valkyrie moved in to lessen the distance. Moments later she raised up her shield and smacked aside the whip-like sword close to the base. The sword whip impacted with a clang before being tossed aside. Apex felt the strain of flesh as her weapon was knocked to the side, pulling the rest of her body with it.\n\nWith all of her focus on Apex, the Valkyrie didn't notice as The Handyman lined up his shots. Every shot ended up hitting, small wisps of gold leaking out from where each strike hit. Just as before the light that made up her body dimmed noticeably.\n\nHer attention suddenly snapped to The Handyman, before hefting her spear up and throwing it right at him." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Of course she was going for him. Of fucking course she was. Well might as well make the most of this. Her sword snapped into its solid state from its whip form as she brought her hand to the rear. Then she stepped forwards and with all her might thrust her blade towards the now unarmed Valkyrie. As the distance closed her left hand would reach across and grab the base of her blade, releasing a powerful burst of electrical energy along the blade. \n\nAs much as she wanted to cut her head off she could risk messing this up. There was no doubt in her mind this is the best opportunity she would get so she would have to aim for centre mass. The best chance to deal any damage." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "Crane released a sigh of relief as his bullets cleanly connected with Valkyrie. Each shot brang her gradually closer to defeat and himself to victory. She appeared to be dimming fairly fast now and with any luck another magazine would destroy this instance as they had done the last. With each instance it must be taking a toll on the host cape he had doubts they'd be able to keep this up for much longer.\n\nAll those thoughts rushed through The Handyman's head but one bigger issue dragged him instantly back to the present. Valkyrie's arm raised and ready, spear in hand. Before a moment's notice he dropped himself down onto the floor. That's all he could do at this point, slam his body down onto the floor and hope he was faster than the spear." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Immediately dropping to the floor seemed to be the right call as the spear shot through where The Handyman was just a moment ago. Despite avoiding instant death however, slamming himself onto the hard ground with broken bones seemed to only worsen his condition. Shards of bone tore through some of the nearby flesh as he hit the ground hard.\n\nThe Valkyrie was distracted, though still managed to avoid being impaled completely. Instead Apex's blade skittered along the Valkyrie's side, forcing more motes of golden energy out, as she closed the distance even further. She dropped her own shield, attempting to grab at Apex using both hands.\n\nMuch of the light that the Valkyrie had started with had already faded, though it was difficult to tell how much exactly." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Well fuck, the fact that hadn't worked had put a little bit of a dent in her plans. She was now too close to be able to make effective use of her sword arm and she lacked the space to be able to make any powerful strikes with it's whip form. Her electrical discharges were powerful but unreliable when it came to facing capes with brute ratings. Sometimes it would knock them out cold, sometimes it wouldn't even tickle the bastards. Still she could beat this Nazi fuck. She knew she could, she just needed to be clever about it.\n\nStepping back and rotating her body she left her left arm in a forwards position, allowing the golden bitch to grab it as she activated another electrical charge. It would need to recharge for a little while after this but hopefully it would be over after this. With her right arm now behind her the sword began to break apart in to its whip form. Rather than let whip fall free though she flicked her arm slightly and grabbed the end most section of blade. Weilding it like a knife she thrust it as quickly and as hard as she could to towards the throat of Valkyrie." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman wheezed as the pain echoed throughout his body. This was bad, and more than the usual shit he dealt with. He ejected his magazine and slammed another inside as he lay sprawled across the floor. He pushed off the floor with his functioning arm and rose upwards, stabilising himself as much as he reasonably could as he went. \n\nThe Handyman unloaded his magazine once again, shooting cleanly towards Valkyrie, he stepped back and moved away with each shot he took. \"I'm getting out of here!\" He shouted over to Apex as he emptied his magazine. This was no place to stay and he knew risking it would only bring further pain and damage. \n\nWith his magazine emptied he continued to move back, he had to create some distance and get away from these Nazi bastards." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Despite what Apex expected to happen, the Valkyrie didn't grab for her arm. Instead she seemed to drift ever closer at a surprising speed before wrapping both arms around her, pinning her arms to her sides as she suddenly realized that she was starting to fly off the ground.\n\nThe electrical charge still seemed able to connect however as it went along the Valkyrie's side, forcing even more golden motes to leak out of the now noticeably dim body. It seemed to continue to dim as time went on, before suddenly fading away completely at the sound of gunshots from The Handyman.\n\nApex fell to the ground instantly, landing uncomfortably on her right foot. Pain shot through her body, but it still seemed usable. So long as she ignored the pain.\n\nOnce again the street was quiet and dark without the presence of their glowing opponent." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Right. People could call her crazy, they could call her insane but even she wasn't this fucking stupid. Retracting her blade into her arm she moved as quickly as she could over towards her mask picking it up before trying to move into the concealment of an alleyway. She wasn't a brute, not yet at least and thanks to that little fact her entire body was in agony.\n\nDoing her best to ignore the pain she held her bleeding wound with her still mostly biological arm as she moved. Fuck the golden bitch, fuck Nova Imperium, fuck Nazi's. Where's the Handyman when you need him." }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "A heavy sigh escaped The Handyman's mouth, \"Stupid fucking Nazi,\" He muttered as he shuffled away from the scene. \n\n\"Come on Apex!\" He shouted out to her as he began to move away. \"I'll patch you up later, I'm not waiting around for that bitch to show up again.\" He held his arm and sped up, there was no good dealing with that fucker for much longer. He had to get out and go home, and hey at least they got to murder a few racists." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "As the two started to move away into the alleyway, they could hear the sound of cars speeding along the street and getting closer. There wasn't really anyway of telling who exactly it was, but it wasn't like there were sirens.\n\nThe alleyway itself was cramped and dark - with not even enough room for a dumpster to fit. Both The Handyman and Apex had difficulty moving at any sort of speed, though for The Handyman especially the pain made it difficult to move.\n\nBlood continually dripped out of Apex's wound as the two moved.\n\nThe next street over was much more well lit, and had a gas station directly across from the alleyway. The street was empty of people - apparently it was still too close to the fighting for other people to feel comfortable being out and about. Not even cars drove by, though there were a couple parked at the gas station.\n\nPast the gas station was a collection of stores going down the street." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Apex stopped, her bio hand clamping even tighter over her wound. She turned to look at The Handyman.\n\n\"Do you think the Petrol* Station has some first aid shit we can use? Because I think anything we can get to help stop us bleeding to death would be good.\"\n\nOf course that might just expose them more. Who fucking knows, Handyman was the one who wanted to do this. All she knew is it hurt like fucking hell.\n\n\"I don't know, it's up to you. This is your thing.*\"" }, { "author": "soupcrab", "message": "The Handyman clutched at his broken arm as he shuffled forward step by step. His head tilted to the side as Apex began to speak,\n\n\"What garage doesn't have some shit first aid,\" He exclaimed, gritting his teeth, \"And I have a whole first aid kit in my bag either way you twat.\" \n\nThe Handyman began to swap out his manoeuvring skill with First Aid as he moved ahead and retrieved the kit from his bag. His first order would be to halt Apex's bleeding to the best of his ability. As for the petrol station, well it was a pass, his apartment was far better after all." } ]	143	6,930
244.090909	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "The roads going through the suburbia of new london was always quite peaceful. Perhaps its thanks to how few capes rip through these parts, and even then, how low stakes it can be. \n\nUsually... Sometimes, there ARE shoot outs, and terrors that pass by, but never in enough frequency to make it any more dangerous than any other part of new london.\n\nThis is why Toy Maker decided to route through here on his bike to make it to vanguard HQ, but oh, is anything ever that simple? It wasn't long before some strange doll in a purple dress had started to chase him down for fun.\n\n\"_Ahahah!_\" Her hollow voice rang out. \"_ Dance! Dance hero! For the entertainment of your Princess!_\" She hollered, throwing blasts of purple energy as she followed toy maker from above.\n\n`\"Buzz off Poppet! I was just trying to cross the city!\"` Toy maker responded with their robotically androgynous voice from their arm. They were making a mad dash on foot, having lost their bike to a blast from earlier. He'd not even had a real way to _deal_ with Poppet, anything he had wouldn't hold her back.\n\nSo there the two were, Poppet chasing down Toy maker down the sidewalks of the suburb." }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "The scenic route was always a bad choice...\nThe cold hero walked through the streets alone, wary of her surroundings. Her eyes darted from left to right, very nervous of everyone around her. She typically didn't take this route back home from the library, but there appeared to be something going on in her normal route. She held newly borrowed books in her hardcase, as she quickly yet quietly walked the streets. Everyone knew she existed, at this point, but no one knew what she could truly do. The one thing everyone did know, however, was that her name was Mistral.\n\nShe sighed as she stopped to take a breather. She had been sitting on a bench and pulled out an apple... She kept her focus on eating the fruit, ignoring the civilians giving her strange looks as per usual. They never really understood, nor would they ever. She had just taken her first bite, when she saw Toy Maker coming her way.\n\nPanic immediately started to ensue. She always attempted to avoid conflict, as it reminded her of her past. She could fight, as she trained outside the city with her butler, who despite not having a shard, had amazing combative skills. But up until now, she truly had no reason. This time however, there was no avoiding this one. If she didn't at least defend herself, surely, one of those stray shots would hit her upon the bench, and she'd end up hurt in the middle of the city. That... Was the farthest, furthest away from her intentions that she possibly could want. She didn't want a soul to find out her identity, as that would have to happen if she went to the hospital.\n\nAll while thinking this, she stared upon Toy Maker as he was approaching her. She begun to nervously sweat her thoughts back and forth. She at least got up, but was shaking in her boots. Should she help? Or should she run? The safe decision was to bolt herself... But she knew that if she followed her to a different direction, that she could become the one in the disadvantageous state. This thinking back and forth gave Toy Maker enough time to reach Mistral..." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "`\"Uh oh!\"` Toy maker's electronic voice rings out as they nearly slammed straight into mistral. The hero quickly slammed the breaks on their feet and as consequence for just barely stopping the collision, They were hit by one of Poppet's kinetic energy blasts, and sent tumbling down the side walk, comically bouncing past Mistral in the process.\n\n\"_Ahahahahha! Couldn't keep up it seems! You really should have just pushed that cosplayer out of the way or something!_\" Poppet giggled to herself a little before dropping herself down to the ground, and waltzing towards the both of them. \"_Once I get my hands on you, Who knows what i'll do! _\" Just a few feet away from Mistral, she brought the back of her right hand to her face and started laughing maniacally" }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "Mistral would look upon Toy Maker in a panic. Something about his looks got to her emotionally.. Was it that he looked young? No... Or maybe it was the aesthetic of his costume? The blue was rather pretty. She could not tell. Either way, she looked to Poppet with a fierce look. Her eyes gleamed like fire, as she glared down the purple kinetic, one of her very real chakrams being pulled out.\n\n\"You should really consider backing off... Its clear you have no clue who you're messing with, eggplant.\"\nHer words were coldly spat out as she started forming ice in the opposite hand. While she typically did not intervene with these sort of things, she wasn't just going to let someone get severely hurt right in front of her. She backed up, in front of Toy Maker, acting as a sort of guard to him. Her voice rang out from in front of him.\n\n\"Can you stand? This may be a long battle ahead of us...\"\nIt seems she was at least concerned for Toy Maker, but her intentions couldn't be made truly clear from her voice." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"_E G G P L A N T?!_\" Poppet shouted, Recoiling back in a dramatic reaction to the new nickname.\n\nToy Maker grunted as they rose to their feet, their costume now scuffed up, their prosthetic arm more than a little scrapped, but still functional. `\"I'll be okay- Are you really sure you want to do this?\"` Toy maker wiped the dust off and Got into a fighting Stance, Flicking open his wrist to reveal the barrel of an ARM CANNON. They proceeded to reach down and Load a small piece of concrete, that was kicked up by one of Poppet's blasts, into the cannon. \n\nToy maker looked to her for an answer to his question as Princess poppet folded her arms and rose a little in the air, her hair flowing in the wind. The hero wasn't sure of what Mistral could really do, they'd seen her around in costume a few times, but never.. Witnessed her using powers of any kind.\n\n\"_My name is Princess Poppet! And By my royal decree, I demand you bow before me!_\" Poppet's Mouth piece fell open and a gathering of Purple energy started to grow in the space between her porcelain lips." }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "Mistral looked to Toy Maker and gave a firm nod. She then looked back to Pop- Princess Poppet... She thought about how self-centered of a nickname that was, only wanting to ground her even further. She seemed to be growing rather tense about the situation, showing an air of unease in her movements.\n\"Truthfully, I don't... But I feel there is no such thing as talking my way through this one. The name is... Mistral.\"\n\nWithout giving Princess Poppet a response, she'd flip backwards springing upon one hand, and form a few icicles behind her in the air, all using cryogenesis and cryokinesis, the icicles about two feet over the back of Mistral's head in an arc-like fashion. They weren't as sharp as a blade, but still pointy enough to do some heavy damage. Her cape flew about in a small wind created from the ice. She was quite prepared to launch them at Poppet, as they were aimed directly at her.\n\nAll in the same vein, she kept a close ear to Toy Maker. An ally is quite useful in a situation like this. On the inside, fear rid through her almost entirely, as well as anxiety, but she hid this well with her cold demeanor. She hoped they could get this fight done as quickly as possible. She had eyed the T.M. On his costume while flipping...\n\"Toy Maker, right? I have heard the name, but never seen... Pray tell, what is this grape cretin after?\"\nDespite her cold demeanor, she had a rather posh voice, odd for a hero with no real name to her.*" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Toy maker smiled, his grin reaching past his collar with pride. He was happy to see his name's been getting around, that must be the work of those who he'd helped get his tinkered prosthetics.\n\n`\"She's a no good punk. Just a few months ago, she blew up a local department store, and fought against Arcana. She stands only to make trouble.\"`\n\nPoppet didn't quite rebuke the claims, but she did Spout her energy at the Icy shards in hopes of smashing them to pieces, the light of the beam bearing down on them with it's purple hue as it collided with the ice, pouring from her mouth like a breath of fire. Next, her entire began to coalesce that same energy, the hinge on her mouth closed, and she turned quickly to eye them down \"_I suggest you listen to me or you'll get worse than they did!_\"" }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "Mistral noticed the icy shards shatter from her attacks. It seems she would have to play more of a ranged game with Poppet, rather then a physical one. She took this opportunity to ice her chakram with a quick cryogenesis, before launching it at Poppet. This allowed her to control the chakram's direction midflight with cryokinesis.\n\"How about you listen to this one, meathead!\" \n\nAs she was focusing on this, she decided to reply to Toy Maker. A few of his words shocked her greatly.\n\"An entire department store...? That's insanity.. Arcana?! I was considering joining Arcana at one point...\"\nHer words were less focused then usual, due to focusing on the current attack." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "In a flash, poppet surged her power, and like a lightbulb with too much current, she starts to glow with a bright purple shine, making a swipe at the chakram and grasping it with one hand. Surprising, if Ill informed\n\n\"_Hahaha! Got your weapon! Whatcha gonna do now, Ice Queen!_\"\n\n`\"You can't be serious, Mistral, tell me you can do something about that.\"` Toy maker said, keeping his arm cannon trained on poppet, ready to let loose if she tried to attack again." }, { "author": "sylvauraa", "message": "\"Oh, glad you asked!\"\nMistral looked at Poppet with a sinister grin. She'd use her cryokinesis from a range away, attempting to not only spin the chakram while its in Poppet's own hand, but give it a bit of force towards herself. This would be a very painful and powerful attack if it hit, and would also allow her to get her chakram back with ease using the same cryokinesis.\n\nShe nodded, replying to Toy Maker. She was now quite confident in her abilities to take down this princess of the grapes.\n\"Of course I can, Toy Maker. I have backup plans if this doesn't work...\"\n\nEven through this however, this was all simply a facade. Deep down, she was quite nervous, and worried this battle would not go right." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Though the spinning of the chakram didn't bother her none it seems, The tugging began dragging her down from the sky! _\"H-HEY!\"_ she hollered, Her body swelling with that purple energy again. Suddenly she was fighting back a lot harder against the pull of mistral's kinesis. She was actively gaining ground again back in the air, but couldn't do much more than pull, harder and harder on the weapon.\n\n`\" I think this will do fine actually!\"` Toy Maker commented, leveling his arm, aiming for poppet's grip on the chakram. `\"Steady... And... Fire.\"` Panels on his arm flared up and open to exhaust back blast, the mechanism he had in his arm sending the rock he loaded FLYING at incredible speeds at Poppet's hands. When they collided, they knocked her grip loose and chipped the porcelain.\n\nPrincess poppet was sent flying several feet back from her own strength, and tumbled in the air. When she stopped, she lowered her energy down to a mere dim glow, and oriented herself. Those chipped hands dusted off and patted down her fluffy skirt. She spotted the chips and cracks and a low growl emitted fro mher hollow voice, those same hands now balled into fists. _\"Grrr... Fine, you want to rough house! I can rough house! Let's see how you like damaged hands!\"_\n\nPrincess poppet started to bullet towards the both of them, her fists forward as she flew in, looking to tackle Toy Maker specifically, but not aiming all that well in her rage." } ]	231	2,685
216.222222	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Night sets on the city of New London and Cronenberg begins their plan. Leaving the old van they had drove here with shovel and a flashlight, Cronenberg surveys the environment as they motion to their companion. They were impatient to get to the parts they desperately needed and had no intention of slowing down unnecessarily. They had discussed the general idea with Tabula but it wasn't much of a plan. After all, how hard can stealing corpses be? \n\nShe quietly motioned Tabula closer and spoke \"We need to try not to make a disturbance, can't have reports being called in. Prison wouldn't be good for me.\" They pushed forward and into the graveyard with their flashlight on, sweeping over the area to look at graves. They needed corpses- fresher the better. Bones are fine but a whole body is better. The fresher the body the more preferable. Not that they'd find fresh here- they'd need to hit a morgue for that. That would require more combative physiology first, however. \"Try to keep an eye out.\"" }, { "author": "hakkku", "message": "'What kind of unfortunate accident do I want to cause today?'\n\nThis was the thought that ran through Tabula's head almost the entire journey as he looked over his various syringes. He had three left, three human disguises, all as chaotic as each other for who they would disguise him as. The first, a boy around his age from a close-by university who looked and studied like he got straight A's. It had been easy to get into the university, he Did Look like one of the students there after all. Next was an older lady, maybe in her late sixties, lovely woman, he had helped her get her groceries home while acquiring what he required for this serum. They talked about many things, but mostly about her grandson who was apparently some 'big shot hero'. Finally there was the third syringe, nothing special for this one, some random businessman he had met on the street.\n\n*\"So many options... Who to pick..?\"\n\nA final sigh releases from the male's lips before he slowly brings the first syringe away from the rest, making his choice clear. Hopefully this escapade wouldn't mess with his grades too much, or his life. This thought elicits a small chuckle from Tabula as he stabs the syringe in his arm and quickly injects its contents into his bloodstream.\n\nIt was an... Interesting... Experience, becoming someone else. Slightly painful but mostly incredibly warm. If not for the cool night Tabula may have begun to sweat. His form lengthened and his features begun to change rapidly. His vibrant red hair darkened to a greasy dark brown, and his grey eyes begun to almost glow with green color. It was only a matter of thirty seconds before the young villain had completely transformed.\n_ _\n\n\"Eugh, that was __not__ the right choice, this guy is greasier than the kitchen floor of Fugly Bob's. Fuck this kid's grades he can go to prison for all I care.\"* Tabula recovered for a moment with a sour look before turning to his partner in crime. *\"Want one? Specifically your powers won't work while disguised, but it beats getting caught and going to prison. Be warned though all I have left that aren't animals are an old lady and a businessman who __really__ looked like he needed a vacation.\"\n\nWith that said, the two arrived at their proposed mission site, and Cronenberg begun to speak. Not getting caught was Tabula's specialty, and with a disguise such as this one there would be no way anyone who saw the two could associate him with this crime. He gave a quiet nod to his teammates words and a smirk that did not fit the face he had adopted one bit. It was like a dog trying to smile, it simply looked unnatural.\n\n\"Of course, slow and silent will be the best way to keep this nice and simple. I'll keep lookout while you dig? Seems like this isn't your first time clipping some cadavers from a cemetery.\"\n\nA small laugh again at his own alliteration." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "It was a cool quiet evening in the suburbs. The cemetery that the pair of fledgling villains had chosen was located just behind a quaint little church— it was a bit worse for wear, but lovingly cared for. The only sounds that broke the silence was a trio of unremarkable things: a young owl Hooting* Away in arms of one of the oak sentinels overlooking the graves below, the creaking of wooden branches and rustling leaves amidst the occasional gusts of wind— and Soon, the young villains sought to add the villainous Thunk And Shhhk Of a heavy metal shovel disturbing the sacred final rest of those who had been slain.\n\nWell, there was also the distant Honking Of car horns, and other assorted sounds of traffic as late-night drivers sped past the old building. If it had really been that quiet, after all, someone trespassing might have been liable to feel downright frightened. Defiling the graves of the innocent was not, after all, the sort of metaphysical task that one set about on with a clear conscience, generally speaking.\n\nThe cemetery itself was surrounded by high metal fences with curved, wickedly spiked tops. The only official entrance into the graveyard was much closer to the suburban roadway where, even this late at night, occasional cars went by, their high-beams glaring menacingly. If the pair of villains was going to get to digging, they would need to get to the graves first, naturally." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Looking up at the fence, Cronenberg considered their options. The entrance was out of the question as far as things go. She couldn't afford to deal with heroes showing up to the strange sightings of people with shovels going into the graveyard. She had no combat upgrades, yet, and was severely limited to disgustingly weak human limits in a fight. She'd be screwed and probably wouldn't be able to fight anyway.\n\n\"I wish I had gone for muscle grafts.\" She muttered as she pulled off the labcoat and slung it over the spikes . Hucking the shovel over the fence, she then grabbed onto the post and began to heave herself up without much concern for if she tears up the coat- she'll have to repair it later, anyway. Maybe even replace it. Her extra-reach with both her height and joint correctional surgery reaching up to grab the coat between the spikes." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Crash Bang Smash\n\nWhere Tabula once was Apex stood in his place, dusting of her clothes as she looked at Cronenberg. She had to admit she was very fucking confused how she ended up here but considering her friend was standing right in front of her surely it couldn't be too bad of a situation.\n\n\"Gah what the fuck. One moment I'm fighting the most annoying teleporter ever and now I'm here. By the way, why are we at a cemetery? Don't answer that, I'm pretty sure I know why. Whelp since I'm here might as well give you a hand.\"\n\nReaching up with her metallic arm Apex hauled herself over the fence, not waiting for Cronenbergs response. Taking action as all good capes should." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "With the sudden unexplained appearance of Apex, it also seemed that Tabula had practically vanished into some unknown location. The great big Flash Of light that had accompanied her wouldn't likely be great for the concept of a stealthy approach, but it was relatively late at night and really, who would be looking towards a random graveyard, right?\n\nRegardless of the cause or particulars about Who Or Which cape, there was, at the end of the day, a pair of cooperative villains within the confines of the graveyard's walls. Without the obscuring stone in the way, both villains could now spot the organized rows of alternating grass and graves. Heavy tombstones made of mixed stone types such as marble or granite marked each grave, a few of them adorned with flowers— fresh, even." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"Corpses. Fresher the better.\"\n\nShe explained to Apex without further comment as she picked up her shovel. They pulled her coat off the fence and sighed at the tearing fabric, sliding it back on. Her lanky stride picking up as she peaked at the tombstones for date of death. They wanted first pickings at something like a morgue but that would require combat enhancements. The chemicals in the buried made working with the flesh difficult and left the bones to break down. She checked the memorials and gifts to see if she could parse the causes of death from clues.\n\n\"Proteins, calcium.. Can't afford the choice cuts.. Keep an eye out for cops or heroes..\"\n\nThey muttered to keep their mind on the surroundings. Fighting the tinker fugue that hounds their thoughts and reminds them of their imperfect body. No organs of value will be here which means it's all base ingredients. \n\n\"Waste of good material.\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Apex looked at Cronenberg with no judgement. Human flesh was a difficult asset to come across in the city and one very rarely given freely. Especially to biotinkers. Part of her regretted not collecting her parent's corpses, they would have been perfect to build trust with her fellow tinker but oh well, if the police hadn't found them by now they were most likely rotted where they died. Nothing but food for the flies.\n\n\"I've got lookout covered, you focus on what you need. The quicker we are in and out the better it is for both of us.\"\n\nApex stood tall, keeping her eyes peeled for any sign of danger. Her ear tuned for anything out of the ordinary." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Cronenberg looked over at Apex and nodded. Apex was best on the lookout, anyway. Of the two of them Apex was the one with the ability to stand up to any threats in a fight and Cronenberg was best at batching up their fellow tinkers after. They wandered to one of the newer graves and shoved it into the dirt, beginning the tedious process of digging. \n\nCronenberg kept an ear out for anything suspicious but she trusted Apex. Her big concern was the time it would take to dig up a corpse and the weight of one. Maybe she should just take the important pieces. Limbs, head, and anything internal left." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "With the digging beginning Apex walked over to a nearby tree, leaning against it as she looked around the quiet cemetery. Everything seemed so much louder in the quiet, the sound of dirt being slowly shovelled out filling her ears. Still hopefully that would make hearing anyone approaching from further away, giving them a little more warning before everything went to shit and poor little Timmy found us digging up his mum.\n\nAs she stood there silently she flexed the fingers of her mechanical arm. The one downside of having metal limbs is how sensitive they were where they met flesh. Perhaps a carbon fibre interface would be a good call in the future." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "As the digging commenced, the sound of shuffling dirt and the sharp Crack Of a shovel into the loam beneath Cronenberg filled the air. It would have been the sort of sound that echoed a large distance, were it not for the protective wrapping of other sounds— the cars and rustling leaves disrupting it from reaching too many prying ears.\n\nFortunately for Cronenberg's digging arms, the dirt was soft— possibly a fresh grave like she'd hoped— and the work was moving quickly.\n\nUnfortunately For Apex, her mind had started to wander, and she didn't immediately notice the presence of the do-gooder who had happened to spot them hopping the fence from a distance in the midst of his patrol.\n\nA Hero Had arrived." }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "When Pendragon flew, there were never any awed onlookers who would stand below and gasp in unison: _is it a bird?_ He was far too large. Similarly, no self-respecting aviation administration would sanction something that sounded the way Pendragon did for flight; and thus there were no cries of _is it a plane?_ either. If anyone ever mistook the hero for Superman, he would have no idea. Unable to hear any such cases of mistaken identity of the metallic clatter of his own armour.\n\nHaving spied the unusual figures and their equally curious actions from the air, Pendragon lands with all the grace of a tambourine mistaken for a frisbee. Sabaton-clad feet skidding against grass, leaving twinned fissures of turned earth in his wake as he rattles to a stop some meters away from the pair of ne'er-do-wells. A moment, then, is taken by the knight to inspect himself; joints creaking as he looks down, up, and ensures his left hand is upon his sword's hilt while the right rests at his hip.\n\nHaving decided on the pose from his he could best address the odd pair, Pendragon would speak with a playfully accusatory tone. As if giving naughty children the opportunity to quietly undo their bad behaviour. \"...How does your evening fare, noble trespassers? Poorly, one must assume, as you have mistaken this cemetery for the garden you clearly intended to be landscaping. An honest mistake, I am sure, one anyone could make.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Cronenberg heard the creaks and grindings of of Pendragon's suit before she even looked at him. Their eyes turned from the dirt to the junk armored knight with a questioning look. She considered her position with a shovel in her hand and a half dug up grave with an awareness of how bad this looks for them. She looked over her shoulder and spoke up to her companion.\n\n\"Apex, can you get rid of this guy? I will be done soon.\"\n\nShe went back to digging but kept the knight in their peripheral vision. She was not exactly a combatant herself and the notion of trying to bat at a man that heavily armored with just a shovel did not seem like a smart move. They needed these parts. Their skin crawled and itched each day they couldn't tinker. Each day they had to live in a body left unaltered, weak and human." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"My Pleasure.\"\n\nApex turned to face the newly arrived cape, an unimpressed look hidden beneath her mask. A mechanical sound could be heard as her right arm began to shift from limb to large blade. She held the blade out to her side, the point tilted slightly in the hero's direction. Not an explicit threat but enough to hopefully send the message that she wasn't afraid to strike.\n\n\"I'll give you one chance to turn around and walk away. Go find some granny to help cross the street and take her out for tea. If you try to interrupt with our...\"\n\nHer eyes shifted to Cronenberg momentarily before returning to the asshole cape in front of her.\n\n\"Our landscaping, I'll be forced to put you in the ground. Understood?\"" }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "Though the walking anachronism seemed to listen intently to Apex's less-than-generous offer, Pendragon made no move to evacuate himself from the scene of the crime.\n\nThe dull moon-gleam reflecting off the surface of Pendragon's suit of plate shifted as he reached across himself, longsword drawn in response to Apex's wrist-blade and gripped in both hands; left atop right, blade angled toward his opponent in plough guard. \n\n\"No knight worthy of the title could stand by and allow you to desecrate these graves...\" Pendragon insists, beginning to advance on Apex. One foot pushed ahead and the other drawn up behind the knight, both kept slightly bent at the knees, intent on maintaining his stance as he closed the distance. \n\n\"...So, I beg only that you do not mistake what happens tonight for anger. This will be a mercy, for both you and your victims.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Cronenberg decided to continue their digging with renewed vigor as they prayed Apex could, if not hurt, delay the hero long enough. Her hands gripped the shovel and her foot pushed it further. She shoveled pile after pile as quick as she could. Dirt gave way and desperate adrenaline kept the body from worrying about the ache of muscle. This was not a fair match, two unprepared tinkers versus an unknown.\n\n\"You are so preachy.. Always.. Mentioning victims. But who is truly hurt from a little recycling. Not like they are going to be using it.\"\n\nCommented Cronenberg from their digging site. Their eyes flicked between the two combatants as they heaved another pile of dirt. They had to be getting close to the body by now. She never really had to look in a grave so she wasn't sure how deep they really were. She needed these parts. They couldn't let anyone get in the way of their evolution." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Fucking typical, a straight up knight in shining armour. Where was this honourable knight when she was suffering? Where was she when that man was hurting her? Was he here guarding fucking corpses? She could feel the rage brimming inside of her. People like this were cogs of the system, decoration for a corrupt and decaying world. He could fucking die.\n\n\"The only mercy we need is you shutting up.\"\n\nThe sword protruding from her right arm seemed to segment as it fell from a single stiff blade into a bladed whip, which she then swung in a practiced arc towards the wannabe knight. The way he held his blade suggested training in combat with a sword so she couldn't help but wonder what he would do against a more flexible attack." }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "So far, so unfased. Pendragon looked upon his opponents with more curiosity and caution, rather than fear or disdain, as he observed Apex's blade slack and extend like a whip. Though he could not be one hundred percent certain of their abilities as capes, the mechanical look of the their blade and arm had Pendragon convinced at least Apex was a tinker of some description - which meant they were likely going to be a tricky combatant.\n\nWhere one could bet that most capes experienced some kind of trade-off between versatility and potency, Tinkers were amongst the few who tended to be able to 'do it all,' so to speak, given adequate resources and preparation time. This potential made Pendragon hesitant to simply allow that whip-blade to flail his armour without learning more about what it could do. \n\nThe knight seeks to meet the swinging blade with his own, then, and test what special effects, if any, it might display. His left arm rises, and his right follows it, longsword raised to shoulder height and held horizontal to the ground, point facing Apex as the blade is used to block their whip-sword. Immediately, Pendragon presses the offensive. Where a normal sword would have some kind of structural support and present a rigid obstacle to his own blade, the flexible nature of the whip means he simply does not have to enter a bind and steps forward again instead, lunging, bending at the hips and extending his arms to drive the point of his sword toward Apex's torso in a counterattack." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "The once peaceful scene of the resting dead had devolved into a familiar tableau of chaos, conflict, and violence. Had these poor souls not lived through a long enough life of suffering already that their well-earned rest had to be interrupted by the same old clashing of capes? Fortunately, none of them had the spine to stand up for themselves at the moment. They all remained as silent as the grave.\n\nPendragon met blade to razor-segmented-blade and the Screech Of metal on metal as he dashed closer to its wielder was enough to send the birds in the trees above scattering to the winds, chirping a frantic warning to their kin. As he grew closer to strike, the whip-blade began to finish its arc, wrapping around his sword arm and growing taut, pulling him off-balance. The grating scraping of metal on metal continued at a muted volume as Apex's blade ground against his scrap metal armor.\n\nAmidst the heat of combat, Cronenberg continued their frantic digging, until an unusual Thunk Sound emerged from the grave. It was a Fresh Grave indeed— they hadn't even dug the coffin back up yet to save room, it seemed. A tiny brown splotch of textured wood revealed itself amidst the seemingly endless dirt. There was the treasure." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "The scrape of shovel through dirt slowed as Cronenberg sighted the treasure she sought. She moved the dirt the larger pile of dirt off the grave and tossed the shovel aside so she could pry open the coffin. She hedged a look over the dirt to look at the fight before ducking back down to open the box using her fingers. She needed Apex to hold out just a little longer, then they could book it.\n\n\"Keep on your toes, Apex. Reclaimer's knockoff here looks tough.\"\n\nCronenberg was at work quick on the corpse. As soon as the box opened, a scalpel slid into her hand from a sleeve. Her blade aimed to open the body in hopes of getting anything left inside such as, if lucky, organs or muscles. No room to be clean, her actions were hurried and sloppy as she kept an ear on the battle." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Her first attack had gone well, now she just needed to make the most of it. Her right hand reached out for the blade of the hero's longsword and she attempted to grip it tight within her metallic grasp.\n\n\"Don't you worry Cronenberg, I can handle our knight in shining armour.\"\n\nApex's eyes narrowed as she twisted her body and thrust her left hand forward towards the hero's face. She readied herself to activate the shock plates on her left hand, although if she was being honest she wasn't sure they would actually have any effect." }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "The unexpected efficacy of Apex's tinker tech had caught Pendragon by surprise, the hero pulled forward and off-balance as the whip-blade drew taut. It struck Pendragon, as Apex's mighty metal mitt sought to seize his sword, that he was only really left with two options.\n\nThe first was to take a hold of his armour with his shaker ability and manually arrest his momentum to change direction. The second was to capitalise on the gained velocity and bulldoze his way into a potential follow through attack.\n\nPendragon leaps upon the latter opportunity, his blade snapped in twain by his shaker power as he throws his weight forward and lowers his shoulder into the charge. A stiletto-like length of twelve inches or so is left in Pendragon's grip, the rest of the steel eager to prove itself worse than deadweight for Apex as it is repelled away from Pendragon in the hopes of dragging the tinker off-balance in turn. \n\nThough fully ignorant to the existence of Apex's shock-plates, the information would not have changed Pendragon's internal strategic calculus. Willing to trust that the layers of steel plate and chainmail would act as a grounding faraday cage against electromagnetic attack, while the gambeson beneath served as non-conductive layers of fabric to improvisationally insulate the hero against such shocking surprises." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Cronenberg's gruesome work moved as fast as could be expected in the circumstances. It had been difficult to move the heavy coffin lid at first, and the unfortunate reality of digging in a barely excavated grave was slowing matters further, though she would be happy to note that there was a bounty of available materials to extract. At the very least it seemed like through pure happenstance the body was Very Fresh. \n\nThe two clashing Capes ended up in a direct contest, but Pendragon happened to take the initiative here by happenstance and flexibility. Apex overcommitted to her forward momentum and ended up stumbling forward as the resistance from Pendragon's blade suddenly vanished into thin air and the combined heft of his heavy armor and own weight suddenly bludgeoning itself into Apex.\n\nThe metal plate Slammed Into the Tinker girl's chin right after her hand made contact with the metal, the arcing electricity causing pieces of fabric to heat and burn beneath the metal. Apex was sent sprawling to the ground, stunned with a brand new ringing concussion, while Pendragon was left standing above her with a newfound set of spiderweb-looking burns and light char smells underneath his shoulder plate armor.\n\nThe whip-blade slipped off of the armor as the pair parted, hilt discarded on the ground nearby amidst the chaos." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Cronenberg was a trained surgeon, or at least close to one, with nimble fingers and a gruesome determination. She worked with quick strokes of her scalpel and long cuts as she peeled flesh from bone. She was becoming more and more aware of the time crunch being set by the hero's presence in the graveyard. Her blade split through the cadaverous flesh with a sloppy but swift hand. \n\nShe turned at the sound of metal and the crackle of electricity, looking off to the fight ahead of her. Things were getting bad. This was not, it seems, a fight they could win. She turned her attention to the work again with the awareness she would need to run soon. \n\n\"Apex! Try not to get yourself killed, we'll be out of here soon!\"\n\nThere was no point in trying to be cocky. They don't have the time for an extended scuffle. The two of them were not equipped for this type of fight and Cronenberg was, for now at least, useless in any form of combat. Luck was not on their side tonight. She aimed for muscle, bone, and anything that could be useful. Skin was nice but it wasn't worth the time." }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "That hurt. That fucking hurt. That's it, no more miss nice cape. She quickly scrambled to her feet, her head throbbing in pain. Thinking hurt so that was it, no more thinking, just fucking kill. Her eyes darted to Cronenberg for just a moment before turning back to her opponent.\n\n\"Don't fucking worry.\"\n\nApex rushed forwards towards Pendragon, her arm swinging wide as the whip blade arced through the air like a vicious scorpion tail. Then as she closed the distance she shifted her position, her feet rooting to the ground as her whip blade pulled together to form a single solid blade which she thrust forwards towards the heroic cape. Her left hand then clasped the base of the blade, releasing a surge of electrical current.\n\n\"FUCK YOU\"" }, { "author": "sabbaticgoat.", "message": "Pain radiates through Pendragon's shoulder as electricity is resisted and rendered into heat in the insulating layers of his gambeson, singing the skin beneath. Although he falls to one knee, steadying himself against the ground with one hand, Pendragon would assure himself that such suffering could be fought through. Taking a moment to compose his mind and body, even if it allowed Apex to rise from the ground uncontested, Pendragon steels himself.\n\nWhen he rises from the ground to face Apex's charge, it is with a rod of brown-green material compacted into the shape of a sword clutched in his free hand; the grass and topsoil of the graveyard drawn into the influence of his Shaker ability.\n\n\"I intend only to incapacitate, _do not force my hand!_\"\n\nPendragon warns, voice echoing from his helm; his right arm is raised and swept across him, the blade of dirt channelled to churn the ground between himself and Apex, rendering it a pit of deep, sucking mud, rather than solid footing." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "It was only thanks to Cronenberg's skills that working under pressure was remotely feasible. It was a rush job, but the materials were high value and good quality. There was more to gather, but it would be a difficult decision on whether to call it quits and get out while the getting was good, or try to fish for more time and gather extra under such extreme duress.\n\nMeanwhile, the two combatants trading blows had both managed to recover themselves, ready for another vicious joust. But where Apex was ready for head-on violence, Pendragon held his ground, opting for a less direct approach. The footing underneath Apex's thrust Crumbled Beneath her as she put weight onto it, sending her sprawling and forcing her to stumble back lest she fall face-first into the churning pit of mud and grass. \n\nWithout solid footing closer to him, it would be impossible to reach him with her blade.\n\nThe Hero stood strong behind his impromptu moat, blade of dirt held aloft." } ]	186	5,838
154.904762	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "New London public library was a small library built to be central to the surrounding residential and slums district, a building that seemed to always be poorly staffed yet still strangely organized and functional. It wasn't the cleanest place, or the most well kept, but the books were always in order, and they didn't forget about your late fees.\n\nEsther was waiting a little past the check in area, sitting with their laptop at one of the long tables inbetween the book shelves and the large windows at the front of the building. Every few minutes he looked up from his computer to check for a sign of katie, perhaps a little too impatient or excited to see his dear friend." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "The bus hissed to a stop and Katie Hughes stepped off, walking the short distance up the road to the library. Her hands stuffed into the pockets of her sweater and hair tied back into a loose pony tail. It wasn't too cold but it seemed that it didn't make much difference to Katie's fashion sense. With a huff Katie would push through the doors of the library. \n\nKatie Hughes was not the bombastic and extraverted Heartthrob, she was introved and cozy. None of that shooting energy ran through her as she quietly raised her hand to Esther and shuffled across the library to him. \"Hey, stranger.\" A soft voice, her accent notable but not heavy. She took a seat across from him with a chuckle and let her big sweater drape over her. \"Miss me?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "'Yes' He motioned, an excited, almost shut-eyed smile growing on his warm cheeks. Esther had hoped she remembered something as simple as yes, it wasn't like he could really mouth the words to her- being as expressive as he was was mostly instinct and a bit of training.\n\n'How are you' Esther signed to her again. This was a little more complicated, with any luck from their last lesson, she'll have have retained her understanding of it. The look in his eyes was so hopeful and eager. They bounce a little in their seat as they waited for her, Signing it once more for clarification and repetition's sake." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Katie gaze a tired grin to her friend. Her eyes watched the hand movements as she tried to get use to sign. She never had to learn it before she met Esther but she was eager! It would not only be useful to communicate with her friend but also, as a plus, it would be useful for her hero career! Make it easier to interview victims if they are deaf or mute.\n\nKatie sat up and shuffled in her chair as she made clumsy handsigns to reply 'Good' Her movements were a little slow and she seemed to have some trouble remembering but she was enthusiastic to continue to show off the research she did in her free time. 'Studied' followed by 'How are you' It wasn't perfect but she was learning! She did study." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Esther understood it perfectly, and he was overjoyed to see she was picking up on it. He took out a piece of paper from the notebook in his pocket, and a pencil. Esther began to write for her\n\n`You're doing great! And I'm okay. I mentioned I wanted to talk about the recent behemoth attack. It's about the victims that have been coming into the hospital`\n\nHis joy faded, his smile felt more hollow as his eyes lost their luster. He.. Was a nurse after all." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She smiled a bigger smile as the exhaustion in her misty eyes grew a little less intense, clearing up a little from the exhaustion of a sleepless night. She leaned forward to watch him write and nodded her head along with it. The smile faltering at the last half. \n\n\"Alright, go head. I didn't see much, I was working..\"\n\nIt wasn't a complete lie. Katie hadn't seen much but she wasn't at her day job. She had been out and about as Heartthrob, trying to help in the city while Behemoth was being fought off." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "`It's been rough. Seeing people with radiation poisoning or burns, capes and non capes alike missing limbs or barely even breathing. Others never even saw Behemoth but they felt his presence, the entire waterfront district was affected.`\n\nThoguh what he wrote was devastating, Esther still kept his head about him, taking glances to the sides before continuing, his gip on the pencils strengthened, his smile, as hard as it wasa to keep, never faded.\n\n`Katie, when stuff gets bad, gets dire... Don't you want to make a difference?`\n\nIt was a simple question, wouldn't anyone? Anyone who wasn't an absolute monster anyways. But Esther was using this wasn't he? It wasn't all he had to say, he was framing what came after..." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She would frown and lightly reach out to touch his shoulder. She wanted to be comforting. She was trying to be. But she really wasn't sure what to say so she just, didn't at first. She let him write for the moment before finally opening her mouth.\n\n\"I've.. Always wanted to make a difference. It's hard though, you know?\"\n\nKatie knew he was dealing with something rough but.. Something was off about the phrasing. She wondered if this was going to be some grand reveal. She hoped he wasn't going to reveal himself to be a terrorist or anything. Her smile was comforting as she looked at him but worry was clear in it." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Esther wasn't pulling his head up to look at her when they finished writing. They listened, sure, but Esther didn't have a smile anymore. They were depe in thought over what they would write next.\n\nWhen they didn't turn their head up, and saw that expression, it solidified his choice, brows knitted together, he wrote furiously across the page.\n\n`I am a tinker, Katie. Have been for a bit now. I can't sit by anymore. I have to help people.`\n\nAs soon as he was done writing, Esther reached across the table with the paper in hand, and as he did, he pulled the sleeve up on his shirt to show the thin seams in his arm. His own _ARM_ was tinker tech..." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "A sigh of relief escaped Katie's lips before she could hold it in. She put her hand in his as she saw the seams. Tinkertech. She could feel her own power looking for ideas with what she was seeing. Her own mind scanning for his power. A tinker.\n\n\"So.. Funny story.. Uhh..\" \n\nShe reached down and carefully retrieved something from her pocket. A small, paneled with blue glass, black box with a green gauge on it. A battery, it seems. Tinker tech. \n\n\"I don't want to get the whole thing out.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "It was a good thing he was mute, he would have shouted In amazement. Instead, Esther went wide eyed, pointing at the thing with his mouth agape in shock. It grew into a bright, giddy smile and their eyes met hers with renewed, reinvigorated, rejoice.\n\nHe waved his hands about wildly, shaking out his own excitement as he laid eyes on the tinker made battery. He couldn't believe it, Katie was a tinker?!" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She grinned a wide, goofy smile as she looked at his excitement. She would tap her head with one finger as she looked at him. She has not gotten a chance to tell anyone about this before. Not a single soul. It was liberating. \n\n\"You'll never guess who I am.\"\n\nShe gave a smug smile at him and leaned back in her seat. A little game at his expense but only because she knows he won't know. Besides, she didn't plan on telling anyone else." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "`You've got me there, I can't think of who you could be. I would have guessed Utopia but, I've actually met her! As for myself?`\n\nThe puzzled expression on his faced that told of the turning cogs in his brain still obviously trying to think of who she was, faded to a proud smile, him rolling up his sleeve, and watching as the panel of flesh sliped under his skin and up came his communicator. On a low volume, it spoke as he struck a heroic pose with one foot on the table.\n\nThat androgynous synthetic voice whispered out `\"I, am Toy Maker!\"`" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She laughed at the comment as she thought about how silly of an idea that would be. That shook her head at their comment on Utopia. No, she was not that level. Not yet.\n\n\"I am not Utopia. You wouldn't be able to guess, I think.\"\n\nShe dug out what looked similar to a glasses case from her sweater. She slid it across the table and clicked it open. A pink case with a heart shaped glass face to it. \n\n\"Toy Maker? See if you can identify this.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Curiously, he pawed at it with his hands, fingers drumming along the side of the case and he observed the item carefully. The sleekness of the case, the adornment of the glass heart. Oh, they KNEW what this was.\n\nA gleam in his eye shined bright as they drew their fingers along the case looking for the seams for the battery. Esther..._Toy Maker_... Wanted a peak inside. A battery was just one part of the puzzle, a source of power for whatever mechanism generated what Heartthrob Used to create blasts of light and electricity from her wand.\n\nAnd yet when he found it, his smile shifted, and he closed the case for the wand. Her secrets were hers to share and to kept, just as Esther's was Esther's to do the same with. He slid it back across the table and with his left hand, re-adjusted his glasses. A flash of light from outside obscured the view of his eyes.\n\n`\"Oh I know what that is. To think... You were into such media this whole time and you didn't tell me.\"`\n\nFrom the bag of his, sitting next to him in the empty seat by the window, he pulled out several books. Manga, nothing from aleph, but old books from inspired authors from Bet. He kept surprisingly good care of them. `\"We could have been talking about this for years.\"`" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "The seams were not hard to find once he had his hands on the wand. A nearly invisible dial built into the side, a small opening at the bottom to slide a battery into, and finally the slightest hum of from inside. Electric. She grinned at him and leaned into her chair as she put her case back where it belonged. She tapped the side of her nose.\n\n\"C'mon! You could have asked at any point! I'm a huge fan of all of that stuff!\"\n\nShe sat up as he pulled out the books from his bag. She scooted forward in her seat and looked over what he had. A nostalgic excitement filling her as she poked through the options.\n\n\"My dad use to buy Aleph movies for me on holidays. All of those old Japanese cartoons and shows. I loved the guys in the costumes with cool transformation belts and- well, my first crush was Sailor Uranus.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "`\"I was always a bigger fan of mecha. Things like Gurren Lagann and Gundam.\"` Esther's bright and cheery smile seemed to calm as he put what she wasn't interested in away. He sat with the revelation for a moment, that she too was a cape. It took him at least a year to come clean to her about this, And she seemed so ready to face him with it on the spot? Was it because he was a cape? Even so, he wasn't so sure he would have had that same courage...\n\nIt was nice at least, to be able to confide in another cape, a best friend, at that. Katie was surely strong, he thought, if she was able to face telling him. It's taken him so long...\n\n`\"I. I hope I can really make a difference. My power doesn't seem that special. Tinkering is not exactly difficult, but it isn't easy either.\"`" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"Gurren lagann? I saw that once but it never.. Dunno. Got me?\" She picked up a manga with a look of wistfulness. Her hands carefully flicked through it as she skimmed the pages with mild interest as she tried not to divide her attention too much from Esther. She was much calmer about the hero thing since Esther had, really, worked up the courage to say it the first. He gave her the motivation to willingly say it. Besides, she couldn't leave a friend hanging.\n\n\"My father always told me that little girls and boys can change the world with little kindnesses. I think I didn't get that until I lost my mum.\" She sighed and sat down the manga, giving a sad smile. \"I realized that with what I have now, I can perform kindnesses that could change the fate of people like my mother. Change the hearts of people like her.\" It was something she's been thinking about for a long time. Something that she reminded herself of every time she put on the costume." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Esther didn't move to comment, they didn't feel there was much to be added to what she'd said, they felt the sentiment and let the weight of it rest on them for a moment before taking pen and paper again to write, instead of speaking through the arm.\n\n' I appreciate your friendship Katie. You're inspiring.' was all it said when he passed it to her. They didn't have much time left on their lunch break, gathering their things and scooting out of his chair to come to her side for a hug, if she'd take it.\n\n_\"Little girls and boys change the world\"_\n\nWhat she'd told him of her father's words rang true in him a little, he still kind of felt like a kid. He pushed himself to get ahead in the wake of all that threatened to destabilize his life, and to an extent, he'd made it for himself, at least as a citizen, but there was still so much more they wanted, or rather needed to do now. They had to grow up, push even further, because people would need what they were capable of. At least now he didn't have to hold the burden alone. \n\nThey had Katie, always had them since they met in highschool. Now they had Heartthrob too." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She would lean into the hug as he approached, arms open for them. She didn't really have anything she could say about being told she was inspiring, she wasn't anything special, she was just a girl with a love of anime. She was just some dork.. But she wouldn't put herself down. She couldn't let her friend down. Esther being a tinker made her feel better about her own abilities. It made her feel like she wasn't alone.\n\n\"I'm glad we got to talk. I'm glad we could come clean about this. I haven't told anyone what I am.\"\n\nShe squeezed them tight before letting go and standing up with a stretch. With a sigh, she slipped her hands back into her sweater pockets and shook her head. She turned back to Esther and tilted her head, seeing if he had anything left to say before they parted." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Esther could see her take pause, and they crossed their arms for a moment with an infectious smile. They came close again, bending over, as if to whisper. `There is.. One thing, I'd like, with the cat out of the bag now. Call me up sometime soon? I'd like to work together.`\n\nHis smile turned playful and mischievous, and he turned finally to walk away, waving Katie goodbye asthey turned the corner past the tall bookshelves." } ]	139	3,253
276.666667	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue Mission Inventory: 1x Flashlight, 1x Phone\n\nIt was sundown. The time was right, shadows extended beyond their ordinary reach, something that was assisted by the light of the sun setting down the horizon. It was the perfect time for Nue to go out and flex her abilities. She went out in costume for the night, dipping into the shadows as soon as she could. It was another Halloween to her, but for most people it was probably just an ordinary day coming to a close; so walking around in her full costume wasn't exactly the best idea. It wasn't difficult to make her way to this neighborhood, hopping from shadow to shadow, under the trees, across the bushes that intersect each other. By the time she had made it, the sun had mostly set and the dark was beginning to fade into the area. \n\nShe stayed in that shadow for a couple minutes, looking at the houses before thinking a bit more. She really should have prepared more. Maybe bring some eggs or toilet paper. Not all that creative, but classic mischief to get up to. Oh well, that was another note for next time, next outing will be better. For now she began to move once more, hopping between connecting shadows as effortlessly as walking. Sure, the shadows made for a rather abstract path, but moving through them in this fashion just felt right, almost like it was a game in itself. She stopped a little ways down the street of the quiet area, waiting within the shadow of a particularly leafy tree that crossed over the walkway, looking around for anything and anyone that stuck out." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Halloween was a strange thing in a world where capes existed. People going out in costume was a regular occurrence and that meant having a whole day dedicated to just that didn't have the same appeal it once did. That being said some people still put effort into giving people the fright of their lives, whether or not it was actually Halloween be damned.\n\nAs Nue waited in the shadow of the large oak tree she could see across the entire street, the soft glow of skyscrapers in the distance. It was dark and cold so most people were either out or comfortable inside there own homes. There were a few people of note though. A few houses down a woman sat on the bench in the small garden in front of a house, a lit cigarette one hand her phone in the other. On the other side of the road a man stood on a step ladder, screwdriver in hand as he worked on a light fixture above the front door." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "There were few people out now, of course, but despite that she noticed the two people outside, one relaxing on the bench and one working on something on a ladder. It would be funny if the guy fell over somehow, but, no, he's too occupied with something, and pain isn't really the reaction she was looking for, not really anyway. The person sitting idly would probably have a better reaction for less effort.\n\nShe shifted herself once more, moving from the oak tree, moving to the shadow of the curb. With that she was able to glide down in front of the house with the woman in front of it. From there, she slid into the shadow of another tree, then to the bush in front of it, into a plant from the garden in front of that one. This by itself was satisfying, every move opened up new ones like connecting a puzzle together piece by piece.\n\nShe made it to the shadow cast by the bench, moving up it to get to the part cast by the shadow of the woman's head. Suddenly it felt as if something clicked. Nue was now this lady's shadow. Ejecting herself from that shadow, she rose from the ground with her newly acquired disguise equipped. She looked exactly like the lady on the bench and within her hands had found an unlit, half burnt cigarette in her left, and what looked to be a smartphone in her right. The phone would not turn on of course, but despite that Nue pretended to be engrossed in it as she took a step forward. \n\nActing as if she was the only one around she sat next to the lady on the bench. She pretended to not even realize the woman next to her existed for a moment, scrolling on a blank screen angled in such a way that the person next to her could only see the back of it before suddenly looking up. She slowly turned to her side towards the woman with an expression of confusion. An expression which gradually morphed into a big, mocking grin." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "To say Nue moved through the shadows didn't do justice to the act. No it was closer to her being the shadows than anything else. It took almost no effort to manoeuvre herself into the shadow of the woman before stepping out and sitting down next to her. Immediately the woman dropped her cigarette and jumped up turning to look at the imposter sitting on her bench.\n\n\"Who the fuck are you? What the-\"\n\nHer eyes went wide as she saw the face of the person before her.\n\n\"Wha- Me? I...\"\n\nShe quickly types something into her phone and raises it to her ear as she steps back." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue couldn't help but let her grin widen as the woman hopped up, with that wry smile clear as anything on her face. She stood up alongside her, flicking the unlit cigarette at her, letting it disappear as it hit the ground. She quietly chuckled as she pocketed the blank phone and stepped to the side to put herself between the woman and the door of the house.\n\n\"That's right. You.\" \n\nHer voice was replicated right back at her, but it sounded hollow and mocking as if she was being insincere. \n\n\"I am your negativity personified. So I guess I should thank you for manifesting me into existence.\"\n\nShe watched for a moment as the woman made a call. Though it was something to be concerned about, perhaps causing a big scene would make things more fun. If the police were to show up, there would be more confusion to be caused too. As if flipping a switch her expression dropped, the girl's copy looking at her in the eyes and holding out a hand.\n\n\"But I need more. Please, will you give me your life...?\"\n\nShe withdrew her hand, clutching it to her chest as she screamed bloody murder, putting the force of her body into the exertion of that shout. \n\"HELP! HEEELP! PLEASE! HELP ME! THIS MONSTER STOLE MY FACE!\" \nShe continued screaming loud enough for the sound to echo down the street as she turned to make a dash towards the door of the house they had been in front of, banging on it a couple times before trying to open it in desperation." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The woman had a look of sheer terror on her face. Her body tensed as her eyes darted around, what they were searching for was a mystery. Then her eyes flicked down as Nue reached out her hand. Then the shouting and screaming started. Once Nue started the woman joined in, throwing her phone directly at her copies face before turning and running.\n\n\"GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM ME! SOMEONE HELP!\"\n\nShe ran into the street trying to run as quickly as she could. Safe to say she didn't want to stick around her new clone. That's for sure. Across the street the man who had been fixing his light had turned to look in the direction of the comotion clearly concerned about what was happening." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Just as Nue was about to turn, the phone made contact with her face. She flinched, cutting off one of her screams. She watched for a moment as the real woman began to run away. Her scream, her extreme reaction, her fear, it made her feel something. The cape began to start another scream, but paused before she could, breaking character. If she tried to scream again, she would ruin it by turning it into laughter. For the sake of salvaging her performance despite being a rather bad actor she tried to keep it inside, letting the laughs come out in breaths and allowing her lips to curl up into a smile to vent these emotions.\n\nNue had dug herself in this far. What harm would there be in going a little further? \"It might be fun to squeeze out a bit more from this little incident.\" She thought. With a deep breath to reset her composure she bent down to pick up the phone. It was physical evidence she was who she looked like. However, the woman did call someone before running off. Maybe she could leverage this against her somehow. She brought the phone to her ear and walked forward a little to watch the woman run down the street. \n\n\"Hello? Are you there?\"\n\nShe asked, breathing heavily. The other woman wasn't even able to get a word in before fleeing, but there was a good chance she was calling the police. If that was the case, then now it was the other way around: Nue would be making a call to report that woman." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "`\"This is NLPD, What seems to be the problem ma'am? I will remind you for emergencies you really should be calling the emergency number.\"` The annoyed tone of the officer on the other end really was telltale of the kind of night they were having at the station. \n\n\"What the hell was that about?\" The repairman stammered to himself, having just watched a woman run screaming down the road, only to find she was still on her porch. Not too long after, he started a march across the street with a curious and slightly stunned look painted on his face. The woman of course was still striding down the street in abject horror, frantically screaming and fussing about what could not be.\n\nIn her panic, screaming of her imposter's identity theft, she would have run past some alley, with a certain cape laying in wait in the shadows, for almost this exact kind of scenario, Someone's playing around again, making playthings of the common folk." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "The woman's screams had the exact effect that the desperate people of the night hope: a Cape answers. This one was especially ready to answer the calls of the common folk at night: the one and only Creepy-Crawly, New London's Bugman of the Slums.\n\nNue can hear a low buzz, growing in intensity as something flies overhead. At first, it might be mistakable for the whirring of a drone or a small helicopter, but then she gets a painful headache, one that grows even more intense as the noise grows louder and louder, until, finally, she hears a thud on top of the lightpost just across the street, the light blotting out as something large squats on top of it. \n\nIf one were to look at the lamp post, they'd see a creature spawned from the nightmares of the author of the Book of Exodus: a giant locust-man... Thing, well above human height and covered in chitinous armor, compound eyes like black diamons set in its horrific visage, and an inhuman maw, gaping open and filled with sharp fangs and a long tongue. A massive set of wings buzz on its back, keeping up the intensity of the headache on Nue, while the repairman, who seemed set on confronting her, seemed to not be affected." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "\"Sorry... I knocked the phone out of my own hand...\"\nNue spoke breathily into the phone with a copied voice. Her voice was tense as she continued, \n\"I don't know if this is an emergency, but another me just came out of me. It knocked me over and then ran down the street. It's screaming for help too. It- It told me to give it my life and... Now I can't remember anything.\"\n\nThe copy looked up from the phone to see the man that had been working on the lights earlier. She seemed more worried than panicked like a few moments ago.\n\"Hey! Please! Can you help me? I can't remember anything! I think it's because of that other me!\"\n She called out to the man, obviously distressed when she noticed that her head started to hurt a bit. She brought the phone back up to her ear, speaking into it. \"My head hurts. It... Really hurts...\" That aching became more intense paired with that strange buzzing getting louder. She then looked up at the lamp post as the light went out, now in the shadow of what looked to be a horrific bug monster.\n\n\"It's a giant bug!\" She pointed at the lamp post for the repairman next to her to follow. Though she regretted that movement, even small things like that made her head feel worse with that pounding headache demanding her attention. She brought her free hand back to her head. It was almost impossible to focus like this, even maintaining her disguise which was normally something Nue could do without so much as a thought felt as if she had to maintain focus to do so now. Nue had glanced over at the repairman, seeing how he was completely unaffected by that headache and how the bug stared at her led her to one singular conclusion. That bug man was causing this headache and she was being targeted. \n\"That thing, it's after me! It wants me dead! Someone please help!\" She screamed in that woman's voice, though now sounding strained and raspy from that intense headache. She backed slowly up as if trying to move away from both the repairman and the bug monster." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "`\"Ma'am? Ma'am calm down, I can't help you with all the screaming, stay calm! Where are you, what's the address?\"` the officer on the other end of the phone call seemed annoyed, and genuinely concerned now.\n\nThe repairman however had just reached the bench in the garden when Nue, still wearing the dressings of a distressed smoker, turned his attention towards the hulking monster sitting atop the light post. \"WHAT THE FUCKIN' HELL IS THAT THING\" Were the exact exasperated words that left his mouth as he reached for the hammer on his toolbelt. \n\nThe old repairman was getting goosebumps, and piercing headaches just looking at Creepy-Crawly, more in Opposition to the rogue now than not, and paying the price for it in pain. Disoriented and losing focus, the repairman about doubled over, and dropped the hammer in desperation, this time looking through his pouch for something. \"JESUS F-FUCKIN' CHRIST, THAT'S BUGS BLOODY MASSIVE, GET INSIDE LADY.\"" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "The bug-man seems to wind up for a moment before taking off like a rocket into the air, landing with an audible thud on his chitinous legs in front of the repairman and the now-distressed bodysnatcher. Rising from a crouching position, Creepy-Crawly is even worse up close, and an arm raises up, a clawed hand reaching out to pick up the hammer...\n\n...Before picking it up by the head, offering it back to the repairman handle first. \n\n\"Relax: you're in no danger.\" He says, even if the man's first instinct is to wail on him or worse, his chitin more than likely capable of withstanding the blows.\n\n\"A woman ran crying towards my alleyway, screaming about how she was being impersonated by a Cape of some kind.\" The bug-man says in a low, gruff voice, the hint of an accent beneath his words. \"Wouldn't it make sense that, whoever the person who did that was, they wouldn't be the one screaming and running away? Or would they be the one standing, right where the woman was?\" The bug-man asks, crossing his arms and tapping a chitinous foot on the ground, oddly chiding the repairman while seemingly ignoring Nue.\n\nThe more Nue sees of Creepy-Crawly, however, the less she's able to keep her focus on him. Any little distraction, no matter how minor, seems to impose itself upon her senses, and she often finds herself struggling to even look in the bug-man's general direction." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue tried to look at the bug but more than glimpses of it hurt her head and the blurry sight of it was difficult to focus on. She definitely heard him come down and as she approached she screamed once more. From what she could infer that giant bug did make contact with the man.\"It's thrown something in my eye! It's hard to see!\" Her voice sounded just as desperate and with that headache imparted on her she hardly had to do any acting. It was easier for her to focus on the phone and the words coming from it rather than the monster close to her. She blinked a few times, trying to clear her vision and the tears in her eyes, looking at the number of one of the houses. \n\n\"I'm at 1267 Loggins Road! Please send someone! It's attacking a man! I think it's going to go after me next!\" She averted her eyes, using her free hand to partially block her vision with the giant bug. It felt as if that helped with that horrible headache the bug seemed to be projecting at her. She didn't even bother to address the bug's claims, instead keeping up the hysterics. She moved a little further away again, towards the house she had been standing in front of, turning her back on the other cape in what was more like a short dash than a sprint, mostly to make sure she had been keeping track of everything. The phone, her appearance, and that burning headache. She paused, pressing her hand against her head again, letting herself recover for that moment." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"GOD DAMMMED TALKING BUG, I'LL SHOW YOU, GET A LOAD OF THIS\"\n\nThe man made furious, unceremonious, and frankly awful swings at Creepy-crawly with the returned hammer. Perhaps he struck a few times, with his old man strength maybe it would have hurt even, but that wasn't really what he had in-store. He struggled to retrieve it from his bag but he did manage to pull it, almost fumbling it with his shaky hands and panicked demeanor.\n\nWith their positions, Nue didn't have a good view of the item. The officer on the other end of the line continued to talk. `\" Calm down ma'am, stay on the line, tell me as much as you can about what it is, and find safety, I have a unit on the way now.\"` The voice could be heard by Crawly now as well, with how close he'd come, and though she was playing dumb, her lies only cemented to Crawly that she was some kind of nefarious trickster.\n\nThe man now with a solid grip now on his item, shot it up into Creepy-crawly's face, a can of cheap wasp spray. He pulled the trigger on the thing without hesitation, screaming obscenities as he failed the can about in his assumed assailant's direction, the thought only bolstered by Nue's charade." }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "Kurt would roll his eyes if he could at the feeble attempts at hitting through his chitin, but the chitinous eyes focus intently on the cheap can of wasp spray.\n\n'...Blyat.'\n\nThe wasp spray sears away at the chitin, melting his Breaker form like acid on wax paper. He screams a horrific, blood-curdling scream, hands going up to grasp at his face from the pain. He leaps up into the air, stray sprays of the toxic insecticide catching at other bits of his Breaker form as he attempts a retreat. He lands in a bush, and immediately shifts out of his Breaker form, looking down at his hands, which look as if they've just gone through an intensive chemical peel, and blisters bubble up on the surface of his skin. \n\nHe stumbles out of the bush, his face a similar story: red and inflamed in the places where the man sprayed him, with blisters already forming. He looks pissed off, but not murderously so. He pulls up his coat over his mouth, better to mask his identity and also to hide the stinging burns on his face. \n\n\"WILL YOU KNOCK THAT THE FUCK OFF!?\" He bellows at the repairman, marching up from the bush and yelling into the phone as best he can from the distance he's at. \"Officer! The woman on this line is the imposter! The real one ran away screaming! The bug-man was a Cape trying to get a handle on the situation, but he's ran off! Believe me if you want, I don't give a shit! Just know I won't be here to deal with whatever bullshit she's got planned!\" He turns to face the repairman, glowering at him, before pointing at the can still in his hand.\n\n\"That's not a great brand for killing wasps, by the way. Works too slowly.\" He says, before jumping back into the bush, changing back into his Breaker form, and taking flight, up to the relative safety of a rooftop a block or two away." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue couldn't really watch the scene with that headache inducing aura the cape had, but as she remained turned away she leaned forward a little and put her hand over her mouth as she heard that bug man scream. From a distance it could look like she was gagging from the experience, but in actuality she was covering her face to hide her big grin and silent chuckling.\n\nShe caught herself and felt that buzzing in her head and headache fade a bit. Looking up just in time to see a strange blistered man from a bush. It didn't look like the man had a costume. Was this cape someone that just went out without one? Though she noticed right then that the man didn't stop there, he was approaching her. Her eyes widened in surprise, he was exposed and though he was using his coat to hide his face somewhat, much of him was exposed! Nue acted fast to pull up the phone's camera and point it at the man that was a bug just moments ago. She continued speaking into the phone, moving to get behind the repairman again and further away from the cape.\n\n.\n\n\"It changed into a man! It's a cape that can turn into a bug that gives headaches!\" She shouted towards the phone to shout over the man. She was still frantic as ever but now the camera of the phone began to flash in intervals as she took his picture as many times as she could. \"The man with me sprayed him with something! I think it was bug spray! Bug spray works against him! He's not in a costume! I'm taking pictures of him now!\" She shouted both to drown out the bug man's voice as well as to announce to him exactly what she was doing.\n\nShe continued snapping pictures even while he dove into the bush once again. Though her line of sight was broken the more the better she figured. Just a moment after that headache came back and forced her to avert her eyes, but even so she took a couple more pictures, hoping to capture him in the middle of taking flight before bringing the phone close to her again, clutching it tightly. \"I... I think it's going away.\" She sounded a bit more calm, but shaken up, especially from the man's approach. \"They're running, but I think they'll be back.\"" }, { "author": "fawful989", "message": "They very much will not be back.\n\nKurt is racing along rooftops, jumping in and out of shadow, turning back and forth from Breaker form to human form as he races back to his apartment.\n\n'There's pictures. Of me. Not in bug mode. Fuck fuck fuck fuck—'\n\nIt doesn't matter that Kurt's face is disfigured and he was wearing some form of face covering: his identity was compromised. It was time for Plan B: Bug Out.\n\nHe arrives back at his apartment, practically ripping the door off its hinges as he rushes inside, gathering his survivalist gear specifically for this occasion (it wasn't the first time that Kurt had felt like he'd needed to go away for a while, after all), and rushing out, barely having time to lock his door on the way out before he's back in the street, jumping from shadow to shadow as he makes his way across the city, from the slums to the very outskirts of town.\n\nCivilization fades away, as does the light of New London. Kurt curses the city, curses two Earths for the pain he feels, curses the invention of wasp spray, curses the trickster who caught his face. \n\nCurses himself. Curses hubris, thinking he could be a 'better' Cape.\n\n'Creepy-Crawly was a stupid fucking name,' thinks Kurt Yazovitch, as he limps into the woods, setting up a tent in the most secluded hollow he can find. He sits down, panting, taking a roll of bandages from his bag and wrapping it over his blistered hands. There was patches of the chemical burn on his side, chest, and face, and those took their time getting bandaged and covered in some kind of medical gel." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "And so. He left. Creepy-crawly, a cape that so desperately clung to his anonymity to enact his ideals of capehood. It small at first, but a measure like this could have ruined everything if she had gotten a good enough shot, and worked to expose him. He didn't stick around to find out, who knows just where he'd chosen to go e, surely not anyone still at the scene.\n\nSpeaking of, An MPC unit arrived a few minutes after his departure, the repairman had set himself down and was taking in the situation, still reeling from the pain and confusion, in that time he couldn't process much, and didn't seem to bother Nue either. MPC officers pulled out from the vehicle, securing the street and searching for the parahuman fitting the description they received, and one approached Nue and the repairman.\n\n\"Excuse me, would either of you happened to have seen a 'bug-man'. We received a call that a Parahuman with Bug abilities was present on the street.\" Still too out of it to do anything, the repairman looked at them with a sigh of relief falling from his lips. \"Thank GOODNESS, you're here officers\" He made a point of hollering.\n\nMore officers piled out of the vehicle as they spoke, some pushing down the far end of the streets with their rifles. With any luck, they might find the real woman Nue was impersonating soon." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "After a few moments Nue realized that the headache began to let up. It wouldn't get any worse no matter where she looked. It was a relief, she let out a sigh though kept glancing up towards the sky every now and again just in case. She hung up the call and took the moment to look through the phone she got from the woman, looking through contacts and messages for a name she could use when after a couple minutes she heard the units arrive down the street.\n\nAs the MPC officer approached and questioned the two of them she nodded. She still seemed rather out of it much like the repairman, but despite that was in much better condition than him. \"Yes, the bug man attacked us.\" She pointed over at the street light that the cape had been on, \"It perched up there at first. My sister ran off, I think she must have noticed it before we did. Then it came down and attacked him\" She pointed to the repairman, \"But he sprayed him with something.\" She paused and added \"It gave us headaches, the bug man might have been messing with our heads. Have you seen my sister? Is she okay? It didn't go after her, did it?\" Her voice grew more concerned and hectic with each question." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "The officers behind him were moving to have a similar conversation with the repair man, isolated from Nue, likely to get his own account of things without interrupting or interruption. Maybe they were doing it as a protocol against what Creepy-crawly had managed to shout over the phone. Either way, Nue and the Repairman, were not being interviewed separately.\n\nThe MPC officer confronting Nue had a notepad and a pen ready, writing down her account as she let it out in exasperated, panicked words. \"Sister? We did receive reports of a woman running mad down the street, we'll see to it that she's safe, you've my word miss...?\" \n\nHe let the words linger, looking to her for prompt. He was asking for her name\n\nA name. She'd seen something thumbing through the phone with it's cheap keypad. Caroline Fairway. A pretty frequently called number in this lady's phone it seemed. Potentially a family member, maybe not a sister, not like Nue would be able to tell, but it would work for now." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Nue took deep breaths, trying to calm herself down. Caroline Fairway, that's fine she'll be this person for the time being. \"Fairway, Carol Fairway. Thank you...\" She sounded nervous, but moderately reassured by the cop's words. That relief only really lasted for a moment. She looked up to the sky nervously in the direction that the bug man had flown away. \"He flew that way, he's not still there is he? You'll catch him, right?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"We're working through our protocols right now Ma'am, part of that is interviews like this. Now, Miss Fairway-\" He wasn't budging it seemed. \"You said you experienced head-aches, was there anything else? Any injuries, amnesia, a loss of control of some kind?\"\n\nBefore he could get any further with his questioning, one of the officers questioning the repairman who looked quite stressed and concerned hurried to his side, gently pulling him to turn around. \"Sergeant, I need you to hear this.\" His back was turned way now, huddled with the new officer, whispering something to each other she couldn't quite hear.\n\nIf she was going to get away, right now might be a good idea." }, { "author": "speachbyte", "message": "Protocols, if that was how it was going to be she might be here for a little while. She opened her mouth, about to answer the police's question when the other officer pulled the cop to the side. The details did change around a little since the prank started, it was starting to get a little messy. It wouldn't be all too great if she was pressed any more than she had been, especially if the accounts were going to be mixed together. To say nothing of the mess that would become when they found the other girl.\n\nIt was a good time to bail and with the authorities with their backs to her it was just about the perfect time to make her exit. She took a couple of steps to her left to stand in the shadow of the tree, turned to the repairman for just a moment to mime a hat tip to him and disappear into the ground.\n\nNue moved as a shadow through the tree's own, hopping to the next adjacent one to travel down the street. Though it would be a shame to just miss out on the rest of this little scene. Now that she has disappeared things can only get more out of hand. Some distance should do for that. She moved, shadow to shadow down the street, pausing to take in the scene every so often." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "She was far gone by the time the MPC were on high alert again, the distant shout from the Sergeant rang out \"STRANGER!\" But, it was too late, Nue was already far beyond their reach, with a reward in hand. Black mail material? Perhaps. Maybe she'd just hold onto it just to fuck with this 'Creepy-Crawly'. \n\nRECIEVED:\nNue - Photo of Creepy crawly ( face partially covered, rest of face disfigured, Hair and hair color clear, Clothes clear, build clear, skin color clear, eyes unclear), Cheap phone\nCreepy-Crawly & Nue - Investigation started." } ]	282	6,640
270.333333	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "There was a hustle and bustle to the grand steps that lead to the carpeted doorways. Gamblers streamed in from the parking spaces on the side of the building, those with a little more cash in their pockets payed for parking in the front, and only the most elite took the VIP spaces in the guarded back entrance. It was perhaps a bit strange, having a casino opening just weeks after the visit from Behemoth stirred old fear into the citizens of New London. Most of the construction was done weeks before though, and the finalization was put on hold for a while as work slowly went into repairing the damage the enbringer had done. Still, a gaudy installation such as this was odd enough that it had people turning their heads.\n\nDeja vu figured it would be a nice spot for the patrol to start, wanting to show that the heros were keeping an eye on the place while giving Heartthrob a taste of the mundanity of patrolling. That was what he figured, anyways. He had changed his mind the second he almost stepped out there door. Something was off to him, so instead...\n\nThe giant hunk of junk stood next to the open double doors, givings his well wishes to the on duty manager and explaining why he was there. Reclaimer was dawning junk armor, head to toe covered in worn steel plating, seemingly busted alarm clocks, scrap electronics and god knows whatever else he could throw on it. Bulky, dirty, and clanky, it wasn't exactly the type of suit you'd think of when you hear the words 'hero' and ye, he wore it with a swagger and pride so strong you could almost imagine the smug look on his face underneath it all.\n\n\"I have to say, again, it's an honor to have you stop by today. Thank you Reclaimer, on behalf of casino, you and your guest can take A platter from our buffet home with you today before you leave!\" The manager gleefully cheered\n\n\"Ah, I appreciate it compadre, I already ate my full before heading out but I'm sure the kid won't mind one bit.\" Reclaiming turned up his head and the jumbled of junk created a ruckus as he gazed around. \"Speaking of, they should be here soon.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "A familiar 'clunk' shook a pink dressed magical girl from her daze as the bus shuttered to a stop at the closest stop to the casino. It seemed, from what could be told of the face partially masked, that Heartthrob was quite excited. The jittery sensation in her stomach made her have to take long, calming, breaths as she began to make her way towards the Casino. She had made a point of taking the bus from the furthest stop from her house in the district to make it difficult to track where she was coming from. It was a choice made with no amount of annoyance at herself for not simply walking a block away. Whatever. She had to hurry, she didn't want to seem rude.\n\nA short jog brought the teenage heroine to the doors of the Casino. Her excitement building as she spotted the bulky frame of Reclaimer's suit. Another tinker! She hasn't gotten a chance to meet another tinker in the field yet and she knew that he would probably pickup on the true nature of her power but she couldn't help but be excited. Hopefully this went well.\n\n\"Hellooo! Pleasure to meet you, Sir Reclaimer, I am the Magical Hero Girl: Heartthrob! Pleasure to meet you, I am honored!!\" She struck a pose with her wand out as she spoke \"I hope I'm not late, my bus was running behind schedule and sometimes transformations just take so long!\" This is, if you know Katie-code, easily translated to 'I couldn't find my shoe and took half an hour to find it, nearly missing the bus I stupidly decided to jump on, and now I am here' but who needs to know that. \"How are you doing today?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Reclaimer's suit blew hot steam through a broken train whistle on his right shoulder, while the nixie tubes that were fitted into the eye sockets of the suit made happy expression like you'd see in an IRC chat room. His suit sounded like it was falling apart as he lent his hand out and shook with vigor. \"Just dandy now that you're here! Really, I just can't believe I'm in the presence of the GREAT _HEARTTHROB_\" He hit a button jutting out of his fore arm and some bum-ass speakers play a bit crushed audience cheering audio.\n\nHe of course cut the audio and cleared his throat with a solid \"_Aherm-_. Now, before we get started, I have to ask that you demonstrate your power, so I know just what you're capable of, or explain it, it's too complicated or dangerous to give an example of.\"\n\nThe manager of the casino waved them both off for the time being and kept on with his job, leaving the guards and greeters to do theirs, and trust that the heroes would do their good without needed his supervision." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "A giggle broke through her lips at the speakers and she did a grand bow at the cheering audio. She saw herself as quite the showman and was happy to play the role. \"You honor me, but I'm just a servant of the spirits of love. I am pleased to be given the chance to be here.\" She beamed, small heart shaped flickers shaping from her wand's head. She had to make a good impression.\n\nShe would look up at his throat clearing, standing straight and smoothing her puffy skirt with all of it's ruffles. She made a mock salute \"Of course, uhm.. My spells deal in light! Though I am a novice and only have one trick so far, even if it's versatile in it's power.\" She spun her wand as she explained. She continued to ham up the 'magical girl' side to signal to him that he should not mention the tinker part of her power if he notices. \n\nWith a dramatic huff, she raised her wand up. \"I can fire the beam somewhere if you wish? I don't want to hit anyone with it, it stings quite a lot.\" She explained as she carefully held the wand so that the face was towards the ground. Her fingers rested carefully on the control module concealed along the wand. It would take a very close look to notice it and it would probably require a tinker to realize even while holding it. It was near impossible to notice, even with guidance, the carefully concealed dial built along the side to manage the power of the wand." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Reclaimer didn't seem to put much of a focus on the want, at least from what she could tell. Instead, the entire suit of what could graciouisly be called 'junk' began to shift, loudly. Soon there was some crude launcher on his shoulder, looked to be a salvaged part of a bigger gun. He loaded it up with a couple of bits of broken kitchen appliances, a toaster, a personal blender, and a egg timer. Each item was progressively smaller.\n\n\"Don't worry\" He chuckled out, walking a little ways past her out from under the awning of the casino entrance. \"I've got targets for you. See if you can hit these with your 'magic', Hehah.\" The little laugh there at the end, and the emphasis he put on the word... Perhaps he did know a little more than he was letting on, but if that were the case, at least he was playing along.\n\nA buzzer marked a countdown for her, before soon the appliances were shot skyward by the salvaged gun, one after another arcing through the air, just waiting for her to strike." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She grinned nervously at the laugh but was glad he didn't say anything about her tech. She let herself get into position and ready herself for the random as he loaded his gun. The beam wasn't particularly designed for this sort of thing- it was mainly electricity even if the laser could damage objects. Whatever, it's just a test of what she can do. She has to keep her face from forming a frown.\n\nAs the shots went off into the air, she snapped her wand up and a beam of light flickered out of her wand in less than a second. The beam, shaped like a heart from the crystal head, blasted out in a red line and swept through each object as it flew up. Static sparked and flickered on the launched junk but it seemed it simply push the junk a few inches otherwise. With a careful flick of her finger, the electricity grew more intense but she stopped her blast after a few seconds. \n\n\"Not designed for this kind of thing buttt... I hope it was impressive!!\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Very impressive!\" He said, whistling as the appliances clattered to the ground with sparks of electricity coursing through them. The appliances did slowly begin to drag along the ground eventually being absorbed into the mass of junk the suit was made of, and the gun he used folded back into the suit as well.\n\n\"More than that\" He added and gestured with finger guns \"It showed agility, and accuracy. That really matters in the heat of the moment. And that charge you managed to deliver, I could read the voltage, that's a fine control you've got, I wonder what else-\" His voice haltered \"Apologies\" He offered a shrug. \"I tend to get carried away, thinking about things that Inspire me.\"\n\nThoroughly impressed with her, the suit gazed down at Heartthrob a low hum to its mechanics, like an engine on idle. In the distanced, he noticed something, the head of the suit shifted slightly and it must have been visible to her that something else had caught his attention. The shift in his tone of voice was audible too. \"_Listen_- Heartthrob, I think it's about time we get started with our patrol. We won't be going far, infact- how's about we just play guard duty for a bit before heading out. I'll keep watch on the front end, and you keep watch of the rear alley way, and we'll report in the center of the casino after about five minutes, _Understand?_\"\n\nHis voice was fiercely serious at the end, still him but.. More gruff, and curt. It was a total whiplash from how jovial he'd been just a few seconds ago. \"Come on, hop to it hero!\" That same jolly voice sprung forth as he gave her a strong slap on the back, sounding so juxtaposed to his instance of strange assertiveness." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She bounced a little on her heels as he complimented her work. Another tinker not only looking at her work but complimenting it! Being inspired by it! She grinned up at him as she began to speak \"This, spell took a long time for me to complete and make it like this! Of course light carrying the electric charge wasn't hard but the control of the voltage while keeping it from burning my wand out! I really wanted to have it be useful against even brutes-\" She quickly began to devolve into a tinker fugue but it didn't go very far. \n\nShe stopped as he shifted in tone and stood ramrod straight. Her eyes darted towards the direction he was looking but likely didn't catch sight of anything. She was going to question it but the slap on the back sent her stumbling and she began to move towards to back alley. \"Alright! I guess we should do our jobs, this is meant to be a patrol after all! I understand.\" She twirled her wand as she walked. Carefully keeping an eye on her surroundings as she did so." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "When she turned to look the way he did, perhaps she caught a glimpse and not quite processed it, A black, unlabeled van rocking up at the edge of the parking entrance, the driver... Wearing a balaclava.\n\nIn any case, she'd been sent off through the side of the building, towards the back of the building. It was well kept, despite being kind of the underbelly or backside of the casino. Guards did have to stand duty here after all. Guards. There was one, But he didn't seem right, he was standing far away from the doors, close to the fence gate at the opposite end.\n\n\"That's so strange, Are they REALLY just coming up to the front door?\" He mused. His voice.. A little familar. VERY familiar. The 'guard', in his own fancy suit and balaclava, with a strange hacked together pistol on his holster... Was Reclaimer!\n\nHe turned when he heard Heartthrob's footsteps. He wore a pair of blackout shades, but that smirk of his was visible, and all too infectiously charming. \"Hey there hero!\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She rounded the back with her wand in hand. She kept her showmanship up, never know who is watching, but she was nervous. She wanted to go out and see what's going on but she knew it was probably a bad idea. She knew that if things got violent, they would go real bad for her given she was working on her own. She snapped her head around at the guard as he spoke up. Her eyes scanned over him before she recognized the pistol.\n\n\"Wha- Hi, Reclaimer? Is the suit remote operated or.. How?\" She sputtered as she looked at him. She needed to take a look at his tech later. It is absolutely insane what he can do with literal garbage. She was not nearly as versatile and her specialties were pretty broad! Granted she couldn't seem to dig up anything without them but still. \"What are we going to do about them?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"In the flesh! The suit's a wonder! Used to be a few years back I didn't even have a suit, but this absolutely dastardly mad scientist made this-\" Reclaimer stopped himself as she pressed him on the issue at hand. His smile about faded before he stride up to the back entrance into the staff area and motioned her to follow as he spoke.\n\n\"Tinker six, specializing in a sort of halfway between hard light and laser technology. She's got this weird space pirate gimmick. She goes by 'Deadstar'.\" He only continued as he opened the door and motioned her her to get inside.\n\n\"She typically employs blaster type weapons, even brought a cannon to a fight on one occasion, but she's also got this.. Laser.. Sword thing? My best guess is she's going to hold up the casino and try to find the vault, if it's not made out of good enough material, she's going to use her tech to blast it or cut it open.\"\n\nThe hallway he'd open the door to had staff that was hustling about, getting guests upstairs into rooms. A moment later a loud CRASH and the echoing sound of cannon firing. Reclaimer about laughed as the civilians ducked and gasped. \n\n\" Oh, god she brought the cannon..\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"Tinker six?!\" She had to bite back the urge to scream. She had a similar specialty to this villain but she hadn't built any laser swords or cannons! She built a taser wand and she was working on a shield at home but she hadn't planned on building anything even close to that size and power! The logistics of it alone would make the battery weigh a ton if she wanted multiple shots without destroying it. Not to mention that she was trying to hide her tinkering- independent tinkers don't last long on their own.\n\nShe shook her head clear of her spiralling tinker ideas. \"So what do you think we should do? My light isn't nearly as powerful, especially not enough to stop a cannon. We could maybe sneak up on her while they are trying to escape but it's risky.\" She wasn't very stealthy in the first place and who knows that happens if the seizing tinker squeezes off a cannon shot. It might hurt someone.\n\n\"If I get my hands on the cannon I could.. Maybe.. Disable it?\" She looked up at him with a nervous grin. \"It's not too far off from my own capabilities..\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Reclaimer sized her up with a bit of a sly grin and chuckled \" Heh, well, it's certainly a plan. Right now my suit is stopping them from getting in, but with her tech, that things gonna be an actual pile of junk before too long.\" \n\nHe filed into the building, letting security through with the civilians, he stopped one, presumably the head of security. \"Listen\" He commanded, in a voice that was much more dire than how he'd been joking with Heartthrob. \" Emergency services have been notified and MPC are on their way, I need to know where you're sending these people so I can relay that information to them when they arrive.\"\n\n\"We're headed to the VIP rooms upstairs, with the vault being in the staff area, it's the safest place we can hide them\"\n\n\" Okay, good.\" His voice softened and he turned back to Heartthrob, he had a grip now on the tinker pistol of his. It.. Looked strange, like a busted up revolver with a mess of wriring linked to some kind of power source and electronics inside the grip. The hammer had a screen on it that he started tapping at when he yoinked it from his side. \n\nWhen he was finished, the six cartridges in the cambers all began to glow. He marched forward past Heartthrob and ecpected her to follow as he detailed more, pushing past civilians and security in the opposing direction. \n\n\" We're moving into the casino proper, once we're there, we got two options. Option one is to fight Deadstar straight on. Don't like it personally, lots of property damage involved, worst case scenario the whole building collapses, thing is we may not have the choice if Option two doesn't pan out, speaking of, think you can send a surge of electricity through the chandelier? Easier for what I'm thinking if it's dark.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"I think we don't have much of a choice if it reaches that point, we do need to be fast though. I really don't want to have to fight a bunch of armed villains with just the two of us. My abilities are not nearly strong enough for that.\" She sighed as she flicked her wand back and forth between her hands. The motion rymthic. Calming. Keeping her head clear as she thought. Her footsteps followed behind with a steady pace.\n\n\"If I get my hands on that Cannon at the end of this..\" She muttered but shook her head. Mission first. \"How long do you think the vault will last? It's probably not long.\" She asked as she flicked her wand back into her right hand and carefully slid the dial up to max as she prepared herself in case of a fight. The light within the wand began to glow brighter and the hum of electricity built through it.\n\n\"Working in the dark is good with me, Neither the light nor dark can be a problem for me.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "With his pistol at the ready, he barreled through the door into the casino proper, where the last of the patrons were funneling into the staff area, or racing up the stairs to the second level. Deadstar had not made it inside yet, but now more audible than ever was the sound of Reclaimer's suit fighting at the front entrance outside.\n\n\"Dunno\" Reclaimer managed to spit out. \"The safe, I mean, it Could be seconds, could be hours. Depends on what it's made of. Hit the Lights, keep to the shadows. My suit isn't going to last much longer. When she gets in, I'm going to distract her\"\n\nOnce more the sound of the cannon firing echoed outside, and next was the crash of something big hitting the front door. Reclaimers voice got a little more panicked and quick after that.\n\n\" Shit- Okay, Once I have their attention, you've got to get as close to the cannon as you can, Deadstar is gonna babysit that thing so, you're gonna have to deal with her, but don't worry, I'll be keeping her attention alright? Something to keep note of is her tech is still just tech, it will be affected by your electricity, so while the cannon might be dangerous to fire on, She's still got her sword, and you can aim for that, leave her mostly defenseless up clo-\"\n\n*CRAAASH* - was the sound of the front door falling to pieces as the molten scrap suit slid through it with is, and tore up the carpet on it's way in. \"_Hit it now!_\" Reclaimer pointed towards the chandelier in the center of the casino, speaking in a bit of a whisper tone." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Heartthrob nodded confirmation to his plan. She was tense- this was her first big fight. Her first time encountering a serious threat. She wasn't sure if she can do this but she had no choice. She had to do this. She couldn't let innocents get hurt- she couldn't let Reclaimer down. Time to be a real hero and not just a show woman patrolling. \n\n\"Up close? I'm not good in a fist fight but I'll do what I can-\"\n\nShe explained as she looked up and fired into the chandelier. Her further complaints were cut off by an explosion. Electricity blew the lights and darkness swept through the building. Her eyes peered into the dark with little trouble as she moved quickly towards the sounds. She was a little eager but she wasn't sure if she really could do this. If she could beat them." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "They were in pitch black darkness now, the only light dimly pouring in from the busted open entrance of the casino. Reclaimer stood opposite of that cratered door, Pistol spinning in his hand as he impatiently watched Deadstar and her armed Goons roll in.\n\nThe henchmen were simple, balaclavas and bullet proof vests fitted over black suits with red ties. Not exactly high class threats, but those guns surely weren't loaded with rubber bullets. \n\nThe star of the show, Of course, walked in between the four of them, one hand dragging in a metal worked, sleek cannon. Rivets and screws held the plated material together and kept the internals safe. A small display and keyboard interface on one of the sides seemed to be the controls for the thing. It was steaming through the vents on the top, water cooled perhaps?\n\nDeadstar herself Was in Tight leather pants with armored padding, a studded leather vest and loose shirt combo, With a black captain's coat draped over her shoulders. It was all topped off with a captain's hat with the symbol of star and cross bones. Her mask was a hand crafted jolly Rodger skull with shining red dots in the eye sockets. The mask's jaw moved as she spoke, and speak she did, a gravel in her voice matched perfectly with her six foot stature and top heavy build.\n\n\"Reclaimer...\" She drew the hilt of her blade off her scabbard. As she pulled it, the blade grew out with a red hot glow, a long cutlass with a lightsaber-esq blade. \"I see you thought twice about sittin' in your suit at all times.\"\n\nThis was it, reclaimer thought to himself, narrowing his gaze on the group who began to ready their weapons. He was really counting on Heartthrob to get the jump on her, or get to the cannon undetected. Reclaimer cleared his throat before settling the pistol in his hand and loosening up. \"Right about now, I'd be telling you all the parahuman legal codes you've broken- but since we're alone, I'd rather just _Kick your ass_\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Heartthrob's nerves were shot and she was regretting this plan more and more as they got closer. Her eyes scanned the details of the scene around her with brimming energy and a shaky grip on her wand. She inched forward with Reclaimer until she needed to step aside to hide in the shadows. She took slow, calming, breaths and spun her wand one last time. Time to do something crazy.\n\nShe creeped into the dark first to get closer to the cannon. Her pink outfit was, for sure, not designed for stealth but she prayed Deadstar wasn't looking for her. Her movements were careful and slow as she waited for Deadstar and her goons to focus on Reclaimer. She crept forward a little further before, with one last deep breath, sprinting forward with her wand held up. She flicked it to max power once more and blasted off a laser at the villain without stopping. She tossed herself at the other tinker with all her momentum.\n\n\"For love and justiii-!\" She would not get to finish that sentence. It is, surprisingly, very hard to play magical girl when you are trying to tackle a grown woman." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "A quick face of 'what the fuck' flashed on reclaimer before he tossed caution to the wind and took the opportunity. Shots flew from his gun like he was an old west gunslinger. One shot froze a gunman solidly in place, another started send one into the ceiling with anti grav, dropping his gun in the process.\n\nTwo more shots were aimed for the two others who readied their weapons and began firing upon reclaimer in that moment. Needless to say, diving to take cover caused the shots to miss entirely. He'd begin tapping away on the little screen again, preparing around round of shots.\n\nOne of the two gunmen advanced on reclaimer while the other wrapped around to get a better angle, figuring the boss wouldn't have too much trouble with some kid.\n\nSpeaking of, Deadstar screamed as electricity coursed through her body, Completely unprepared for Heartthrobs attack. As her crew either got dogged or rushed in without her, she collapsed seconds later as even the weight of a magical girl toppled her. The sword of hers fell out of her hands, and her screams of pain turned into screams of anger." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Heartthrob tumbled over Deadstar in a wild heap as the electricity seized the villain. She popped up to her feet, slightly embarrassed by her foolish charge, and snatched the sword from the ground with a triumphant grin. She quickly turned and assessed her position in the room.\n\nRealizing that Deadstar was only going to be down temporarily and that the gunmen were advancing on Reclaimer, she decided she shouldn't delay much longer. She took the Tinker's sword and slashed the cannon's barrel down the center before wheeling around towards Deadstar. She blasted the tinker with another full charge blast from her wand. She forgot to bring cuffs, which was dumb, so she couldn't leave Deadstar alone.\n\n\"Deadstar is down! Surrender yourselves to justice!\"\n\nShe called out as she began ripping parts from the cannon with Deadstar's sword to really make sure it won't fire again. She kept her eye on the tazed villain, careful. She timed the seconds and prepared to fire on her enemy if needed." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "While deadstar arched her back, writhing on the floor with a loose grasp on her own body, Heartthrob probably wasn't expecting was for one of the goons to double back and train their gun on her, the weapon poised to fire in an instant. An instant wouldn't be fast enough.\n\nReclaimer knew the moment she spoke up and said dead star was down that she'd catch heat from one of the armed gunmen, and so he was quick to peak out of cover long enough to fire off shots into the gunman's back. Three shots was all it took to see the gunman slowly lose a grip on his gun and fall asleep on the spot, though the other gunman that routed to his side took advantage of the situation and lit him up with a few shots to his shoulder and side. He fell with our so much as a gasp, and blood splattered across the floor Infront of Heartthrob. He wasn't saying anything after a few moments, and the gunman kept advancing on him to make sure the man was dead, keeping low to the tables to avoid being targeted by the fledgling hero.\n\nAll the whole, Dead star was beginning to get a grip on her self, her screams of agony and anger, now only fueled by rage, having watched Heartthrob tear her magnificent canon to pieces, with sparks and liquid coolant flying about." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Heartthrob immediately threw herself behind the cannon as soon as the gun swung towards her, a quiet 'eep' as she rolled into cover. She knew Deadstar wasn't going to stay down for long, she knew that Reclaimer had just been injured, and she knew she needed to do something. She sucked in a breath and looked to the downed villain with a hesitant glance. She wasn't sure if her plan was the best action but she needed to aid Reclaimer. She bit her lip as she looked towards\n\n\"Surrender to jussssttiicee!\"\n\nShe screamed as she blasted her wand at full power in a streaking laser. She trained the laser first on the downed villain before throwing herself up over the cover and sweeping the electrically charged beam towards the gunman. Her body lunged around the cannon quickly and moved low along the side of her makeshift cover. Her wand would burn out of battery quickly if she wasn't careful but she needed to keep the pressure on her opponents." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Twice she'd been shocked to high heaven, enough force to down an elephant twice over. What minor resistances her work provided Deadstar however, would make the difference between a third. She rolled as fast as she could out of the way, moments before the blast struck the ground at where she'd been. It wasn't enough yet to see her coming to her feet, but the near miss was just one more advantage for the villainess. One advantage out of man bad rolls of the dice, the mounting losses she was taking at the hands of a scrawny magical girl.\n\nWhen the laser whipped across the room to catch the last gunner off guard, he dove to the floor and barely missed him too. Though her luck wasn't turning on her just quite yet. Three shots rang out, and they didn't quite sound like the guns Deadstar 's men had, really barely gotten a chance to use, no, that was Reclaimer's revolver. One shot missed, but the other two hit their mark and saw the floored gunner dropping his weapon and soon profusely commiting all over the floor, no blood or anything just... Puking. Finally the man who'd nearly been book ended stood with a \"_urrrgghh_.\"\n\n\"Heartthrob.. Pal. Work on your one liners would ya? I think that hurt worse than the bullets..\" \n\nOkay so he was perfectly fine, that pretty much sealed it. He was reloading his weapon again and kicked the weapon free from his would be reaper's hands, and stepping on them to make sure they couldn't reach for it again. His eyes then focused on Deadstar, who was just now rising to her feet, an imposing figure in the light flooding in from outside. Sirens in the distanced marked, this fight would soon be coming to an end. Just needed to hold out for a little longer." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Heartthrob was, at this point, getting nervous. Her laser whipped past the guard and had missed the villainess who had been the major problem in this situation. She was getting anxious and genuinely frustrated at this. This wasn't what she expected when she signed up for patrol! She had been thinking maybe they'd encounter some thugs or a mugging or drug dealers and they'd be done with quick! But she instead is stuck fighting an actually equipped tinker who also had probably a good 100 pounds, at least, on her. Then the shots rang out.\n\nShe turned towards Reclaimer with a frown but quickly spun to look back at Deadstar. She fidgeted with her wand, she scanned her enviornment. She had the tinker's sword, her wand, and Reclaimer on her side. But she also was running low on battery and Reclaimer had been shot. Even with the sirens, she wasn't sure how well this was going. At least she could see in the dark and Deadstar probably can't. Maybe.\n\n\"It's not a one liner! It's a battlecry. Magical girls don't need one liners.\"\n\nShe raised her wand and let loose another beam of electrified light at half power. Still bad but it was no where near as paralyzing as the others meaning it would only keep her down for a little bit but that time would be enough. Once the beam was fired there was no dodging but those 3 seconds made Katie nervous about if that was too much time." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Apparently? It was. She side steps in anticipation of the beam and dove straight for katie's through, her massive hand wrapping halfway across her neck in a death grip. Relcaimer was quick to pull his pistol in position, but just in turn she reached for her own at her hip, it too tinker tech, but likely a smaller variant of her cannon if anyone were to guess. They didn't have to, she spelt it out through her pained voice.\n\n\"One more fucking movement and I put a hole straight through your heart, what ever armor you're wearing wont stop it, you hear me?! Don't think I won't do it! Your fucking runt here broke my pride and joy, YOU made a mess of my fucking men, and YOU BOTH think you can shout quips over it all! YOU. DON'T. FUCK. WITH. DEADST-\" \n\nShe. Probably would have kept going? Her position wasn't advantageous, but it wasn't bad either. Heartthrob in a vice, Reclaimer injured and with a hard-light laser gun pointed at him. The MPC unit was on their way to assist, likely with some other back up hero in tow, but they didn't really get to worry or rejoice in any of that. The gunman that had been sent ceiling ward by the very first volley of bullets Reclaimer had fired, suddenly came crashing down, directly on top of Deadstar.\"\n\nThere wasn't so much as a peep from her as their two heads collided and they toppled, out cold. Her grip on Heartthrob loosened as she collapsed to the floor, with one of her own men weighing her down, out like ice himself. Reclaimer just smirked, leaning on to near by table in a stumble as the pain from his injuries caught up to him." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Heartthrob was getting very annoyed with the 3 second charge up time. This was the second time it had cost her two different times now and it might cost her now. She moved to turn the beam in the direction of the charging villainess but it wouldnt matter. She needed to get her forcefield soon and her funny flash gloves. Assuming she survives this situation.\n\nShe squirmed in the hold before she heard the loud thud of a body hitting the ground and felt the grip loosen on her. She pushed herself away from the unconscious villain with a groan and stood up slowly. This was not a fun experience. She was so tired.\n\n\"Did you do that somehow or was that accidentally?\"\n\nShe looked to Reclaimer and then back to the two downed villains. This was rough and she just wanted to go home. She went over to Deadstar and snatched the gun from the ground, examining it. A petty part of her wanted to shock Deadstar again but she decided against it, stashing the wand into the folds of her dress. She dropped into a sitting position on the ground.\n\n\"I hope this was enough to prove myself to Vanguard because.. This was a lot. I'm tired.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Yeah I... I'll bug 'em about it.. Certainly put in the work, kid.\"\n\nReclaimer struggled to his feet, and began rounding up the gunman, binding them with zipties for the time being, a trickling trail of blood in his wake. It dropped from his shoulder as he walked about did the arresting while Heartthrob took a well deserved break.\n\nThe Metropolitan Parahuman Containment unit rolled in through the casino's front doors while he was in the midst of this, folding in to take care of the rest of the arrest. One medic on scene tended to reclaimer, another to Heartthrob. \"Deep breath Miss, can you do that?' he'd say, or other some such nonsense, as really aside from the sudden strangulation, she got off mostly unscathed. \n\n. . . \n\nWith the both of them finally treated, and the illicit materials collected alongside the fallen villains, Reclaimer stand over his busted metal suit with a grimace. \"Man... It wasn't enough that the cannon was in pieces, so is my suit. This is gonna take a week to rebuild, and it's never quite the same every time it happens. Oi, kid... Heartthrob. Come here. I need to talk to you.\" His tone wasn't as jovial as she'd seen him before, was he upset?" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She finished her round of examinations, rubbing a hand along her neck. She did not like the tone that Reclaimer took on and immediately her mind went into overdrive thinking about what trouble she could be in. She moved reluctantly and slowly towards Reclaimer. \"Sorry about the cannon. I sort of wanted to make sure she couldn't use it and I kinda panicked.\" She was still carrying Deadstar's sword and pistol if they hadn't been taken from her, bundled up in her arms. \"What's up, what can I do for you?\" She was quite nervous about whatever he wanted to talk about." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "He didn't look at her as he spoke, bending down in a crouch over his melted suit \"You... Did good.\"\n\nHuh, well that's a surprise. \n\n\"I've been trying to stop Deadstar for months, and it's good to have dealt with her finally, thanks for that.. But.\" He stood up and turned towards her finally, gently taking the sword and the gun away from Heartthrob.\n\n\"You can improve. For one, you had her at a distance, and that was good- then you rushed in to tackle her. You put yourself in a compromising position, and then for two, you announced to the still standing shooters that you 'took her down!'. And then?\" \n\nHe lifted his hand in the shape of finger guns and pointed it straight at Heartthrob's head. He let it fall silently and then let out a deep sigh. \"If I wasn't there to cover you, if I had been a second too late even.. You understand, right? You're good, you've got potential, and guts, and this is impressive, I know it wasn't what you were prepared for, me either, but that's how things are for us at vanguard, or just hero work in general. Things get unexpected. I only ask you work on being more observant of your situation, alright?\"\n\nHe put a gently hand on her shoulder and smirked \" And work on those quips too. Villains hate that shit.\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She would nod her head along with her advice. She knew that she was new. She was a rookie, yes, but it still hurt to know that she endangered him and might have gotten herself killed without him. She wanted to do better, she needed to. She couldn't survive on her own if she didn't improve herself. She turned her chin up to look at Reclaimer.\n\n\"I know it was reckless but it felt like the decision to make. I needed her off the cannon and I needed to clear the space to it so she couldn't use it if she got back up. I wasn't entirely prepared to take on a real villain and forgot to bring cuffs. I know it wasn't smart.. But it felt like the only way to do it. I could see in the dark, they were limited in vision.\"\n\nShe sighed and slumped into herself but, despite her exhaustion, she giggled a little at him. \"I don't really do quips! I am a magical girl. My cries are expressions of my heart.\" She nudged him in the side. \"Thank you for this whole thing and I hope we get to work together again.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"About that\" Reclaimer folded his arms after setting the pistol and disabled light sword on his sides, that smirk growing just a bit as he shifted his weight to one leg and focused on her with a once over glance. \"If you were to join Vanguard.. Exactly what support do you think you'd need?\"\n\nHe chuckled to himself, stifling the noise with a closed mouth, knowing just exactly how he was pushing her. \" Hell, I'm not sure what you'd like more as a reward.. Surely not _some tools and materials_, right? You'd rather have some kind of cash or souvenir?\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "She gave him a withering glare as she stared up at him. He was a tinker who had seen what her wand did up close and had seen her methods of control. He did not have to pretend that he was unaware of what was going on. She turned her back on him as she spoke. \"I require aid to grow my spell capacity. That will require the proper facilities and resources.\"\n\nShe swung back around as he mentioned rewards, however. She immediately was darting her sight around to see if anyone was hearing him. \"I would appreciate materials or cash. I can make sure of materials to expand my knowledge of other capes. All good magical girls require the right equipment. Now, please. Stop goofing about.\" She really brought out the big guns of trying to seem verbose." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"Pfft.. You're no fun.\" His smile dropped just a bit, but he started to walk towards the door, leaving his suit and the cannon behind with her. \"If I were you I'd get a move on, Drop by Vanguard HQ tomorrow to pick up your reward. And... One small thing.\"\n\nReclaimer didn't turn when he spoke, didn't even stop walking for the door. \" If you're going to be in Vanguard, They're going to have to know. Deal with that how you will.\" Finally, he'd reached the doors and pushed through, MPC and a couple of capes waiting for him on the other side.\n\n...\n\nThe next day, when she went to Vanguard HQ, The receptionists at the front desk presented her with a large package with a small note. \n\n'I salvaged what I could of that cannon. At first I was tempted to take it for my self, use it as the core to my new suit, But you were the one who took her down, really. I'm not sure what you think you can do with it, but i'll be excited to see the result. Show me time, alright! \n - Reclaimer\n\nP.S. I included some other gifts as well, figured it'd help you with having a few more options. Expand your spell list. '\n\nRECIEVED: 2x Tinker parts ( broken hardlight generator among them), 1,500 £ \n\n\\- - -" } ]	238	8,921
220	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "khepri", "message": "Pinnacle stood in an alleyway around a block away from the casino, waiting for her partner. She had brought along her Miniaturized mech frame, a large duffel bag that was slung over her shoulder, and two pilot gloves she had just finished creating. Thankfully there didn't seem to be many people around to notice her at 4 in the morning.\n\nShe could already feel sleep calling to her and they hadn't even done anything yet. She hoped that once things got going the adrenaline would be enough to tide her over. It wasn't like she had much choice but to tinker through the night though. Not if she wanted her partner to be of any use at all. Then again... She could always just get unpowered henchmen in the future. It would certainly help with the looting process.\n\nSpeaking of Brightside... Where the hell was she? It was normal to show up at least an hour early before the heist, wasn't it? She let out a sigh as she carefully hid herself behind a dumpster in the alleyway, doing her best to ignore the smell.\n\nIf she didn't show up she could try going in solo. Even if it screamed trap there was a lot of money in there. Enough to accomplish something big." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Brightside poked her domino-masked face into the alleyway where Pinnacle was standing ominously. The younger girl rolled her eyes and sauntered into the dark, already wearing her costume, albeit with a comparatively plain-looking backpack strapped over her shoulders. This was Such Classic villain behavior. Lurking in some dank, dark alleyway at Four in the morning? She was silently cursing her power for bringing her here, Especially This early. She'd barely even gotten any sleep at all, and now they were supposed to just blindly trust the vague direction of her power?\n\nIt actually made her pity the people she usually used it on, a bit, albeit only for a little while.\n\n\"Jeez, you made it hard enough to find you. I've been wandering around here aimlessly for, like, ten minutes or something!\" The thinker pouted, tapping her foot on the ground. \n\nIt had probably only been more like five or something, but it was the principle of the thing... Sorta. It wasn't like it actually bothered her, it just seemed like the easiest way to break the ice after their short tinkering intermission.\n\n\"So? You got the stuff?\" She grinned eagerly. Her first piece of tinker tech!" }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "\"Ten minutes...?\" Pinnacle asked slowly, sending a blank stare Brightside's way. Not that the girl could see it. Just how long did Brightside think that SHE was waiting? Not to mention she had been working through the night without sleep. She let out a long sigh before suddenly tossing the pair of gloves over to her. They looked like normal gloves except for a flat looking device that poked out of the back of the hand.\n\n\"Your tinkertech, as promised. Simply hold your hand like this to trigger it\" She instructed, somehow sounding even more tired than she felt. She held her hand up to show as demonstration.\n\n\"You have three charges per glove, and a range of around 10 feet. Point and fire to taze people in a wide cone in front of you. It also interferes with... Electronics...\" Pinnacle trailed off, staring hard at Brightside. Why hadn't she thought about that before? Giving a device that could interfere with her own equipment was stupid, to say the least.\n\nHad she planned for this? She was a thinker, after all.\n\nPinnacle's right hand - the hand with her plasma repeater attached - twitched as though expecting a fight to break out. After realizing nothing was happening she seemed to relax just a bit.\n\n\"... And you can charge it at home. Now, we ready?\" She asked, suddenly sounding much more awake." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "Why did she say it like she was so unimpressed...? Ten minutes was a long time for her! She was about to unleash the full power of her pouting capabilities when instead she was distracted by the shiniest piece of Tinkertech in the world. Why? Because it was Hers!\n\nShe fumbled the catch eagerly before slipping them on with reckless abandon. Rigged to explode? Some kind of trap? These things crossed her mind, but they were entirely squashed by the excitement of receiving an actual piece of what was essentially magic.\n\n\"Pew pew! Pew!\" Brightside said happily, pointing it at the nearby walls and up into the air at imaginary targets. She, of course, wore a wide smile the entire time.\n\nAfter another moment of self-indulgence, she looked back towards her partner in crime.\n\n\"Awesome. Ready!\"" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "The alleyway permitted some amount of privacy to the two conspiring heisters as they spoke. The world outside the alley was dark and quiet, only the faint sound of cars interrupting the stillness of such an early morning. No one dared to interrupt the two as they readied their gear for the coming heist. The loud sound effects provided by Brightside did, however, scare off a few rats from a can further down the alleyway but it didn't seem loud enough to wake anyone in the near by buildings. \n\nFurther down the road, the next block over, was the bright sight of the casino. A security guard lazily leans near the front door with his arms crossed in front of his chest. A small trickle of guests sillouted by the dark of the night slowly make their way into the building. It was early enough that few were actively arriving at the building but the parking lot had a collection of various cars that were indistinct in the shadows of the early morning. It seems front the outside that despite the vulnerability, they have not upped security much. But that was just the outside. Who knew what protected the inside of the building." }, { "author": "khepri", "message": "Pinnacle gave Brightside a blank look before letting out a sigh. Was she trusting a child to back her up? Probably.\n\n\"Well, come on then\" She said before walking over to the edge of the alleyway, peeking out onto the street. The casino was visible, but not the contractors. Not that they'd be able to do anything about them from here anyways.\n\n\"We need to get closer. They'll probably go to the parking lot, so lets head there\" She decided before walking out onto the street, and headed towards the next street over. Better to just loop all the way around to the parking lot and wait there for the contractors to show up." }, { "author": "zetal", "message": "\"Right, Right. Business time. Suuuuper Serious Business,\" Brightside grumbled agreeably, artificially lowering her voice a few octaves in her misguided attempt to sound serious.\n\nThe casino didn't Look Unguarded. Although... Well, in hindsight, she supposed that her power hadn't actually mentioned that it would be unguarded, just that the maintenance team would be able to access the vault. God, being on this side of her power Sucked! It was like being able to give someone exactly what they wanted, but then it just left the details up in the air.\n\nWell, it normally worked way better for Unpowered People, but this aspect was definitely Lame. Couldn't you have thought up something better, power?\n\n\"Right, okay. Uh,\" She trailed off, following behind Pinnacle with a few scampering steps, \"Are we going in quiet, or loud?\"\n\nShe wasn't even Trying To be overly serious with that one. But it sounded so cool! Ahahaha! She grinned." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "As the dynamic duo began to make their way closer to the casino, the scene of the building became clearer and the shadows began to clear into distinct figures. By now any stragglers were in the building or preparing to leave. A beam of light marks the patrol of a lone security guard in the parking lot. His light lazily swinging back and forth between cars as he makes his rounds through the maze of parked cars. No one seemed to be driving off yet so perhaps they had some time. \n\nThe sounds of music and slots bled out of the casino from a good distance. The front door guard was no longer alone, either, as a second guard steps out and has a small conversation with him- oblivious to the heist set to arrive. No one in a maintenance uniform has exited the building in the time it took them to get here but surely it can't be much longer." } ]	228.5	1,760
172.777778	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Mission inventory\n-Large Coffin\n- 50 pounds cash\n\nWhen there is no more room in hell, the dead will walk the earth.\n\nEh. Or something like that, Morgan Astrodale really only rises out of her grave for some grub, among a few other things. Code name 'Morgue' for her unlively appearance and frankenstien-esq stature, She wanders the streets of the riverside district for two things. A bone to pick, and bones to pick clean.\n\nMorgue doesn't make an effort to hide herself in any manner, hard to with her build, and the giant coffin strapped to her back. It does make it difficult to get through doors, but she manages. When finally she arrives at the bar and grill, she has to take it off to enter, but puts it back on once she's inside. No doubt she looks like a villain right now, to the horrified faces watching her stroll up to the counter.\n\nStill she minds her own business.\n\n\"Excuse me?\" Her gruff and deep voice bellows. \"Might I get a two-piece chicken and corn with mashed potatoes on the side? Oh, with the biggest Glass of water you can get me. Please\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Oh yeah, sure one moment.\"\n\nThe girl behind the counter had yet to even look at Morgue, her eyes focused on the phone in her hands as her thumbs furiously texted something. Once she was done she looked up and proceeded to drop said phone with a look of shock on her face,\n\n\"Shit- ah I'm sorry. Uh right away. Will you be sitting indoors or outside on the riverfront?\"\n\nShe had taken out a small notepad and appeared to be jotting down the order she had just received." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "It wasn't fast, but Morgan saw it coming from a mile away. She leant over, catching the device just in time before it fell to the floor. Phones nowadays can be so delicate and costly to replace, at least it wasn't one of those new touch screen ones. \n\n\"Outside, if that's possible\" She said with a blank expression, setting the phone on the counter and gently sliding it back over to the employee.\n\n\"It's rather pretty out there today, just the right amount of clouds.\" A tiny smile crept up on her a she looked down towards the ground, feeling ashamed for her muscles even pulling the ends of her lips so tight." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Uh of course, of course! Just take a seat out there any seat! We'll come out with your order. Just please don't hurt anyone... Please.\"\n\nShe motioned to the side door that seemed to lead outside to a series of tables on a small enclosed area of grassy riverbank saved from nearby urban development. Several of the tables were taken but there were quite a few avalible. One was situated between A family of four on one side and a group of business men on the other.\n\nFurther long there was a table situated closer to a group of older teenage girls, most likely school friends. There was one other table available but this one was further from the river and closer to the entrance of the building proper, isolated and away from people." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Morgan didn't see the need for the rude assumption, but then again, perhaps it was just a part of being a cape with a burly figure. She tried not to pay it any mind as she took the seat between the family and businessmen. She set the Coffin down beside her, it's cutesy aesthetic she hoped would be more appreciated once it was off her back. She spent a lot of time dressing it up.\n\nJust then as she seated herself, she realized something. Wasn't she supposed to pay at the counter? Oh god, she hopes she doesn't. Maybe this was one of those pay after you eat kind of resturants? It doesn't matter, a payment will be made before she leaves, she will be certain of it." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Finding her seat Morgan realised the view from this place was quite nice. Well, about as ncie as one could expect in the middle of a city. Aside from being next to the river, which despite running through the centre of a city was very clean, she had a clear view into the cityscape expanding into the horizon. Thousands of buildings of varying designs, skyscrapers piercing the sky. Most notable Vanguard HQ to the north and the Tower to the south east. Both of them towering over nearby buildings.\n\n\"Who are you?\"\n\nThe voice came from behind her coffin where a young girl in a dress stood, no older than 8 maybe 9. Morgan recognised her as a part of the family she had sat next to, a family that didn't seem to have noticed their child was gone." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "The hulking hero leant forward and gently smiled at the child. Though her appearance was monstrous, her smile was well taken care of. \" Morgan, but you can call me Morgue.\" Her voice softly rumbled. \"What is your name?\" \n\nPerhaps the worries could wait, this was part of why she kept going outside despite her milky white eyes and aged hair, and the massiveness of her frame. A chance, out of many, to soften herself to the people of this fair city. In all it's beauty and splendor, she wished to be a part of it, to protect it. She took a napkin from her table and stole one more glance and smirk at the girl peeking from behind her coffin.\n\nThen, she started to fold the napkin, carefully, delicately. This took a lot of practice since her trigger, adjusting to the new form was.. Difficult, but she managed. She became skilled enough even, to do this- before long, there was a cute little paper swan sitting on the table. \"Cool, yeah?\" She spoke, gently nudging it towards the kid." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"That's a strange name!\"\n\nThe girls face bore a friendly grin.\n\n\"My name's Annie. Are you a superhero?\"\n\nShe asked as her eyes lit up at the sight of the carefully folded paper swan. In almost a leap she sat down opposite and picked up the swan. Carefully moving it in her hand as she examined it closely.\n\n\"This is really cool. How did you make it?\"\n\nAs the girl spoke a woman walked up to the table a dropped off a large jug of water along with a smaller drinking glass." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "_'Annie? That's a pretty name'_ Morgue thought to herself. A warm, barely noticeable smile spread across her cheeks when Annie asked if she was a hero, and it only grew wider when she admired the paper swan. Morgue gave a gentle nod and \"Thanks\" To the woman dropping off the water, and poured herself a glass as she answered her new audience of one.\n\n\" I am, a hero that is. As for the swan- it's origami. The art of folding paper. Do you want to try? I can teach you how to do one.\" \n\nOrigami wasn't something Morgan ever saw her self getting into before gold morning. When she became bedridden, it was clear any of her normal activities were off the table, and her father looked for things she could do even in her week state. On a whim, he looked into paper crafts, got her a little table set up and some paper, and she clung particularly quick to origami. It took diligence, skill, and practice, it was no replacement for sports, but it was something.\n\nShe produced a sheet for Annie, and one for her self, from her pocket. Small note papers, just the perfect size for some quick and easy time wasting folding. Morgan passed it her way and moved her glass and the pitcher to clear some space for them. \"Okay, are you ready Annie? We're going to make a heart.\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Sure!\"\n\nAnnie hopped up on the seat opposite Morgue that same innocent smile on her face. Morgue recognised it for what it was, the face of a girl born after the end. A face that didn't know what had been lost, a face that could see the wonders of the world she lived in without being shackled by the knowledge of what once was.\n\n\"I'm ready!\"\n\nThe girl bobbed her head side to side as she watched in anticipation. Ready to learn whatever the cape had to offer." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "That look of innocence on Annie's face was a joy to see. Morgue believed it was for the better that way, to have a world now where the horrors they faced were, for now, so far reduced from the years past. Would it ever go away? Perhaps not, but heroes fought to keep the peace- even in the tiniest of ways.\n\nMorgue was sure to go slow for Annie, she didn't want to overwhelm the poor girl. Her instructions were concise and thorough, using simple language and demonstration, and most of all- _Patience_. It was something Morgue learned to have a lot of in times like these. Patience and Compassion solved many issues, and was a good first solution with back ups incase they didn't work. Where the power bestowed upon her warped her strength and form, she took plenty effort to learn delicate movement and approach. \n\nIt took trial and error but, mistakes were natural, they helped teach. Before long, the two of them had little origami hearts in their hands, two colorful pieces of art. Beauty in an otherwise turbulent new world.\n\n\"See, wasn't so hard was it? You wanna go show your family?\" Her voice was gentle, encouraging." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "Annie listened quietly as she attempted to make her origami. Seemingly enjoying this new activity. Now that she had the paper heart in her hands she gave Morgue the biggest smile that seemed physically possible for her and nodded.\n\n\"Yeah! I'll go show them now!\"\n\nShe hopped off the seat and ran over to her family, excitedly showing them her heart. As she did the sound of a plate being placed on the table brought Morgue's attention to the waiter placing her freshly cooked food in front of her. For its price it looked very high quality and clearly this establishment took pride in its food. Smiling, the waiter gave Morgue a small nod.\n\n\"Enjoy. Is there anything else I can get you?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Watching little Annie run off with a new skill and a bright joyful smile, Morgue new she was gonna be okay. The sound of the plate hitting her table almost wasn't enough to shake her from the dream she felt she was in, just being able to make someone smile. \n\nMorgue turned to face the waiter, surprising to find them smiling. Where before, she'd gotten eyes and even a dreadful reaction from the worker at the host stand, the tension seemed to be lifted. Perhaps it was the display with the origami and the girl? Who could be for certain, but the air seemed much clearer.\n\n\"Actually\" Morgue started, garbing her glass of water and taking a big gulp before continuing \"I was wondering, when do I pay for my meal? I don't go out to eat often and I want to make sure I'm not skipping out on anything.\" Morgue's head was a little low in embarrassment for having to ask, but just thinking about how she scared that poor hostess.." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The waiters body seemed to tense up at the mention of payment, her body shifting weight nervously.\n\n\"Uh.. Well normally you pay at the end of the meal... But the manager said you're on the house.\"\n\nTheir hands fidgeted with the small notebook they held. They turned their head away from Morgue, looking absently towards the city stretching out across the river.\n\n\"We don't want any trouble...\"\n\nThe voice was quiet, almost a whisper. A slight tremble betraying the undertones of fear." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "A stinging sensation struck morgue in the chest. Strange, as she'd not been run through by any blade or shot by any gun. Even if she had, she wouldn't have felt it very much. Her smile broke down some as she realized just why she was hurting.\n\n'its okay' she told herself, reaching in her pocket for cash she'd stashed away to pay for the meal. 'it's going to take more than a smile and some paper to win over the people of New London, you knew that.' quickly she lifted her head up and gently held out the 50£ bill towards the waitress. \" Then, and it will be no trouble from me I promise you, I'd like to pay for the meal of the family a table over\" She said quietly , a low rumble from her voice as she whispered and pointed covertly at the table where Annie had run off to. \" As for me, I'll be quick with my meal, and be on my way, is that alright?\"" }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "\"Uh..\"\n\nThey looked down at the offered note, seemingly considering it heavily in their mind. Their hand reached out and took it and slipped it into a small pouch affixed to their hip.\n\n\"That alright, I'm sure they will be very grateful.\"\n\nThey managed to crack a small smile, but it was clearly forced, before turning and heading back into the building. Morgue now alone once again could take the sights and sounds of the world around her in whilst enjoying her food. In the distance of the cityscape Dreadnought could be seen skimming the top of buildings heading in the direction of the Tower. The relative peace of the peace of the world seemed to shatter as Tyre's screeched a short distance away. Some people clearly considered the rules of the road suggestions." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Morgue was about finished with her meal by the time she stopped watching dreadnought. She was entranced by the Alexandria package. The woman's brightly colored cape was something she felt proud and hopeful to see sometimes out of the hospital room window even just a year ago. Even in her dying state, she could smile, seeing someone like her, made it big. Made headlines, in a good way. \n\nIn a way, she wanted to do the same, but morgue knew that it would be a far harder task for her than anyone else, today reminded her of that. As the screech of the car echos in the air, she is snapped from her the _tran_ce, she cleans up her area and tucks in her chair after she's done.\n\nShe strode out of the bar and grill, filled with hope, from Annie, from dreadnought... Espite the struggles the masses present." }, { "author": "superstes", "message": "The world had ended, millions had died and billions suffered still. Yet on this day as Morgue left the restaurant filled with hope, that hope spread to those around her. Like a flame it took only a spark to spread and Annie would remember today. Sure she didn't get much material goods out of this excursion save for a nice meal but a few hours later a post would appear on PHO talking about the friendly cape and her interactions with the public. Discussion speculating on her powers soon followed." } ]	160.5	3,110
196.285714	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "A sigh escaped the lips of Cronenberg as she sat on the roof of an apartment building. Her hands fidgeted and twitched impatiently as she waited, wanting to improve herself. She hasn't had the time or resources in a while, after all. Their eyes roamed the street below as they waited for Toymaker, trying to spot any capes in the crowd. Maybe a suspicious figure. \n\nCronenberg did not have a disguise, really. Their bleached hair was obvious and not bothered to be hidden, their facemask was down below their chin, and their eyes were only hidden by the scratches in their glasses' lenses. They held a lighter in one hand and flicked it on and off repeatedly. Their lab coat still had faint red stains on the cuff depsite their best efforts, damnit. They hadn't noticed before they left the apartment." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "The distinct clack of boots on the sodden rooftop, splashing as it hit a few puddles. Coming out into the light of the moon, The Toy Maker's glasses would gleam in their domino mask. Their gelled back hair, the collar that came just up to their nose, the utility belt that cinched their waste and made the rest of the coat, something of a fluttering cape.\n\nIt was all so dorkish, but they reveled in it.\n\nTheir arms folded behind their back, the approached. `\"Turnabout, Doctor Cronenberg.\"`A synthetic, androgynous voice called out to Cronenberg. Those bright blues focused through the lenses on her visage with a curious glare. From the back, he couldn't tell, but something felt.. Familiar about her." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "Huffing quietly, Cronenberg would stand up with a strange ungainly motion. Their knee twisted strangely and elbow bent but they stood fine. \"Not a Doctor, they don't give those out until after completing residency.\" Their voice had that accent that made the vowels sound a little funny. Never the less, they turned to Toymaker.\n\n\"Hello, good to meet you.\" Toymaker seemed oddly familiar. Had she seen them before? \"I hope the trip wasn't much trouble. I usually don't come this far either but I had some business here.\" They were.. Odd. Their voice lacked the right emotional tone and their hands twitched a little. Nerves maybe? Probably not though. \"Lovely night.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "`\"Certainly.\"` They mused, toymaker cocking his head to the side a little as he inched closer, examining Cronenberg. They strode up close enough, to be on their tip toes. Looking directly into the eyes of the cape before them. Toy maker's expression was not intense, it was rather calm, but without a hint of caution, or an understanding of personal space as their curiosity took the best of them.\n\nThat curiosity seemed to fade away as their eyes widened, and their arm free of the coat reached up and loosed their mask. From a screen and speaker fitted in the midst of the forearm, they spoke. `\"Max?\"`" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "They took a step back as Toymaker got closer, a frown forming on their face. \"Yes- that's my name...\" She stared down at the other tinker in confusion as they tried to make out who this person was. So familiar but so distant- something just on the tip of her tongue. \"How do you... Ah!\"\n\n\"Esther?\" She asked with a squint as she heard the voice and caught sight of the arm \"I nearly didn't recognize you with that stupid getup. Interesting to see what you've been up to.\" A gesture at him, a little dismissive." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "The short hero slipped his mask back on and blew a playful raspberry at Cronenberg. She could easily see past his collar to catch that dorky smile of his. Toy maker brought his arm up for her to see, letting a finger trace the hairline seams, and the screen about embedded in his 'skin'?\n\n`\"I wouldn't call this stupid!\"`\n\nIt is strange... Before, Esther had a prosthetic hand that.. Didn't ever look or.. Even feel this realistic. What.. Was this? Tinker tech? He did respond to her tinker call, after all.\n\n`\"So, lets get down to brass tacks. About this tinker group. I am interested, in so long as getting support and equipment for tinkering purposes.\"`" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"It's a little stupid.\" She shook her head as she crossed her arms. Studying them, she realized how long it's been since she saw him. A quiet sigh escaped her lips as she reached out with an arm that extended an uncomfortable distance and pat him on the shoulder. \"Just a little.\"\n\nSwitching back to business mode, they cleared their throat. \"Right. The group, name pending, are a collection of tinkers who are all interested in sharing tech and watching each other's backs. There's a total of three and another guy with this group, including myself, and we intend to work together to get bigger pays and more tech by having more people to work with.\" She crossed one arm over the other. \"I am personally a biotinker with a focus on the modification of the body. I will not disclose my allies without full membership.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "`\"Reasonable, though their identities do not concern me for now so much as their alignments. I get the sense from your phrasing that this group is not limited to rogues and heros. Is that true?\"`\n\nTheir head cocked to the side slightly, eyes narrowing through the lenses and foot tapping ever so anxiously. He wanted to get into work, fast. He had the connection with utopia happening sometime tomorrow, but he knew that was going to be a slow going process. One he would find sustainable in time, but not having the power to do what was necessary now hurt him in a way he couldn't communicate, even with his tech.\n\n`\"I just want to know, I will not be forced into commiting crimes or abbeting criminals if I entertain the idea of this tinker collective.\"`" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"I had no reason to restrict to just rogues and heroes. I will take the aide of anyone who seeks the goal of collaboration. What makes a villain any less trust worthy than a hero?\" \n\nShe commented as they shoved their hands into their pockets and slumped a little. They seemed uninterested in the topic now. A boredom clear in distantly staring eyes now that morality came up. Were they that dismissive of the topic? Especially with how anxious he seemed to grow.\n\n\"I won't force you to commit a crime nor do you have to encourage us to commit a crime. You simply have to collaborate and not sell us out. I don't particularly see the need to pretend like the law does anything for us, after all. Didn't protect anyone in my life.\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "`\"I'm sorry to say, that as of right now, answering the moral queries are low on the list of my priorities. I need to know, by collaborating, would this mean //aiding and abbeting criminals//, and I do mean criminals by the laws definition.\"`\n\nThere was a aggravated buzz to the words, and Toy maker's expression grew sour, brows knitting together through the fabric of the mask. It was good to see max- cronenberg, doing well for herself in a sense. They couldn't totally disagree with her point about the law, or even the systems that work within it, they'd faced hardships in their pursuit of normalcy after gold morning, and the failings of those systems that prevailed through it all, but that had to be put aside.\n\nIf they worked with villains, ultimately, he knew what ever effectiveness he had could be studied and counter acted, before it was even used once in actual combat or recovery. And so too, did they realize the potential knowledge they would give up by not taking this opportunity to work and learn or their own weaknesses, should the need arise." }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"You will be involved with us and by extension any crimes committed but I can promise you that the crimes will not be traced back to you. We only do what we must for money or to put down enemies who need to be- such as those cultist.\"\n\nA very dismissive answer as she stared at him with apathy. No glint of remorse nor concern for such dismissal of their concerns. Cronenberg had no intention of letting him argue laws. She knew her arguments because they were arguments that had been given to her. Their eyes were cold and distracted.\n\n\"Though, I don't think you will get anywhere by following the law. You may get the easy path working with the heroes but you will be on a leash. If laws are your concern, you will definitely not be a fit for the group.\"\n\nAn immediate writing off, an attack on his ideals. The combination meant to provoke a discussion she knew that he probably had been brimming the argue the moment this conversation came up. Cronenberg made a gesture of waving him away as they ran their hand through her hair in a calming motion. Trying to keep her impulse to change in check. Trying to restrain her desire to fix." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Their head hung a little in defeat, a staccato wheeze resembling a sigh emitting from the communicator. `\"It's not about being subservient to the law, but its not something I can expertly explain, either. I just want to help people, give them comfort, hope, and most importantly an option. I apologize for wasting your time, Cronenberg.\"`\n\nThe hero turned to face the direct of the fire escape he climbed to get here. Truly, they just weren't sure how to succinctly demonstrate or illustrate their point behind aligning with heros in the public's eye. It just made sense to them logically and emotionally speaking. All they wanted to do, was help. The easiest way, they figured, would to become A hero. \n\nWould they have become a rogue if given the budget to do so? To just become a philanthropist who spent every cent they could into making what ever company they founded into a machine that churned out his tech for pennies on the dollar, or even for free, if they could find a way? They would, they thought. But money was it's own issues, and he couldn't turn to crime to source his parts, lest something go wrong, and someone got hurt- if they got caught and they could never help anyone ever again, if something happened along the way and all of the sudden, they made more for themself than anyone else.\n\nIt was that they might turn coat and hoard and cut and code and plug in- all for themself. That scared them the most.\n\nWith the heros, it was slow sure, it was even a good bit in efficient, but it was for the most part, harmless, it was funded to a point, and most importantly, unlike with this collective he assumed. Toy Maker could leave at any time, with little to no repercussions, and find another way to help. _On his own._\n\nThey thought about this, before even meeting cronenberg, before contacting vanguard, before deciding to become a hero. They never stopped thinking about it, either, as much as they weren't under such a classification.\n\n`\"I'm glad to see you're doing better, you always seemed to be a little dour in college, when we spoke, it was brief, but i could tell, a lot like me, you were unfulfilled and aching. I'm sorry though, that I can't in good conscious, join your group. I hope things go well for from here regardless, so long as you don't really hurt anyone who didn't deserve it.\"`" }, { "author": "menagerieofmoonlight", "message": "\"I understand, you really are damned to follow my footsteps, kid. It wasn't a waste don't worry.\" \n\nAn exhausted sigh as they looked down to the streets. A quiet mutter of frustration as they turned back to the retreating Esther. They approached the fire escape and gripped the rail. Looking down to the other tinker, they spoke again.\n\n\"You know, you were a smart kid. But you are fucking blind to how your world runs. You have all this potential and you waste it. I hope it's worth it, I thought we would see things eye to eye.\"\n\nShe walked away to take the stairs." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Toy Maker waved them off with a half hearted smile, even as she critiqued his stance in such a harsh manner. The frown it formed into as she faded from view, was genuine. They weren't as sure as she, that they would see eye to eye. What she saw as blindness, they saw as keeping one eye open. Toy Maker felt her sincerity in it too, but her perspective, they believed, was warped by what the world had done to her.\n\nThey both faced the injustices of the system, and society. Toy Maker knew where she was coming from, and maybe, in a way it was naïve, But they couldn't come to her side of the isle. Not yet, anyways.\n\nEsther took his exit, soon after she did. Though they weren't entirely sure of where she stood in regards to anonimity, and the unwritten rules between capes, they had no plans to share her identity. They only hoped they would do the same for a former colleague." } ]	167	2,748
172.444444	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "rmb_", "message": "Raggedy Ann stood, leaning against a roof ledge overlooking a street. Her thin dress fluttered in the cool night wind, but the cold didn't bother her. She ran a hand through her hair, feeling the coarse fabric covering every inch of her skin snag lightly on a few dark strands. She brushed her slightly bulky hands together, the hair brushing off and drifting through the air.\n\nShe still wasn't used to this patrol stuff. She had no idea if she was doing it right at all. She'd barely actually encountered anyone, especially not anyone doing anything particularly nefarious. Even if she did, she'd have no idea how to stop them, aside from wacking them with her slightly reinforced arms. Regardless, on the roof she sat, blowing out an extended puff of air from her not-visible mouth." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Minutes go by. Minutes to hours. It's strange how quiet the city can be in it's low periods, a stark contrast to the rage and energy it's usually filled with. Laser blasts, and thrown cars, wind and beasts conjured from nothing, and new London to serve as the backdrop for it all. It felt right in the wrong way- normal, if one could call it that.\n\nSo when it was quiet, it felt off. \n\nPoppet was flying around, hopping from rooftop to rooftop, in the same sort of rut, the silence of the city today a blessing for most, but a curse to her eyes. It was inevitable she'd happen upon Ann, but when she spotted her, a fight was not the first thing to come to mind. She quietly lowered herself down behind the cape, the clack of her heels on the ground enough sound to alert her, if it weren't for poppet's hollow voice.\n\n\"_Hey there, I'm not bothering you, am I?_\"" }, { "author": "rmb_", "message": "Raggedy Ann nearly jumped out of her pseudo-skin, whirling around to face Poppet. Poppet would see a featureless face of coarse, beige fabric looking back at her, framed with locks of black hair with dyed red side bangs. The fabric around her lower face contracted and warped when she spoke.\n\n\"Gah-! You scared me.\" She spoke with a crisp, yet muffled English accent. It was hard to tell, on behalf of the fabric adding extra bulk to her figure, but she looked tense upon having been surprised from behind.\n\n\"No. You're not... Bothering me.\" She hesitated through her words as she fully started to process the figure in front of her, who wasn't even that much shorter than her. Poppet's appearance reminded Claire of dolls she'd seen at an antique store. Poppet reminded her of Her. \"How did you get up here?\"" }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "\"_Oh, I guess I could ask you the same- it's not every day you see a walking doll on the city skyline_\" She chuckled to herself, a little haunting given the effect on her voice.\n\nShe took a few steps forward, her black hair blowing in the breeze as her heels cracked against the hard floor of the rooftop. When she started to glow a little, a lavenderish color, the clicking of her heels stopped, and she was getting taller- she was floating!\n\nWhen she was just a few feet away from Raggedy Ann, she placed her fair porcelain hands on her waist. \" _Though to answer your question, I was flying. Looking for trouble I guess you could say._\"\n\nHer face held no expression, even if it did, it was still broken up by the mask she wore, however her tone was exasperated, annoyed, and a little somber to boot. \"_ Don't suppose you have anywhere to be, do you? I kind of... Have some questions for you._\"" }, { "author": "rmb_", "message": "\"I used the ladder. Which was quite hard, actually. But, I did.\"\n\nShe watched as the doll started to float, becoming taller than her, feeling a slight sense of envy as she became the shorter one in this conversation. She tugged at a hem of her heavily-altered Raggedy Ann costume.\n\n\"If I had somewhere to be, I don't know that I'd be on a roof. What... Are your questions?\" She shuffled back a bit. The doll mentioning she'd been looking for trouble made Claire feel almost cornered by the porcelain girl." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Poppet couldn't help but revel a little in the way she scoot back from her, the power standing this tall over her gave the puppet. Gave her. Still, it was counter to what she wanted. Reluctantly almost, she dropped herself down, and the glow vanished in turn. The puppet even took a seat, cross-legged on the ground, pedestaling her head between her hands.\n\n\"_Questions like- Are you really a doll? Or are you... Just the master of that puppet?_\"" }, { "author": "rmb_", "message": "\"Puppet? I'm... I'm not a doll. Not actually. What about you? Are you actually a doll or are you a master of that doll?\"\n\nThe question Poppet asked made Claire curious, peering closer at the doll. She seemed very life-sized, but it was hard to determine what she actually was just by sight. She stayed standing, looking down at Poppet." }, { "author": "fallenvalor", "message": "Ann's examination yielded somethings of note. For one, her skin was fair and perfect, save for the parts where her body had been repaired, from chips and cracks. Battle damage probably. She looked to be modeled after a real person, there was no uncanniness to her like there might be for a normal porcelain doll, and was likely why she still wore a mask. \n\n\"_Master. Maybe I'm screwing myself in the long run by saying this, but... My real body is soundly asleep somewhere near by._\"\n\nPoppet adjusted, looking up to Ann now. Poppet's mask covered the dolls face well enough, but even if it hadn't there wasn't much of an expression there anyways. It was a body, frozen in time so to speak, an effigy of someone who once held the capacity for expression.\n\n\"_Look. I don't intend on fighting you, unless you'd wanna go a round or two for fun, Just never met someone with a similar power before. I feel i have to ask, if not a master.. What are you? What makes you look like.. Well.. A Raggedy Ann doll?_\" Her tilted at an angle as she asked, her bangs falling over the space of the mask and hiding her eyes. \"_I used to have one as a kid, my sister traded it to me for my Andy doll. She preferred it._\"" }, { "author": "rmb_", "message": "Raggedy Ann briefly looked around, very subtly due to the fact that her eyes moving wasn't visible. Considering the doll had just landed here, she probably wasn't going to easily spot where this Master's apparent real body was.\n\n\"I don't exactly intend on fighting, either. I'm not particularly confrontational. I'm... Uh. I actually forget the terms that I read on the forums I was on. I usually have regular skin, but I can change it. Changer, that's it. I don't know how I forgot that. I can make fabric and things go over my skin, kind of like a barrier. It makes it harder to get hurt. There's something else. Brawn... Brute! Brute. That's it. And the Raggedy Ann thing is mostly just the dress. I'm glad it conveys what I wanted it to. Raggedy Ann is actually the name I'm going with.\"" } ]	191	1,552
304.333333	1776-07-04	GuildPublicThread	[ { "author": "amydallon", "message": "So, she was going to be part of something bigger. That was great, it meant she would have more protection should things go to shit but more importantly it meant she had other tinkers she knew she could rely on to collaborate with. Crane was great but he lack the spark a tinker proper had when it came to creating tech.\n\nSpeaking of crane though I saw him, or Ludwig I suppose considering he was half in his costume sitting on the sofa watching TV. Knives were lodged in a dart board across the room and he fiddled with a flintlock pistol in his hands. He always had such a care free and relaxed attitude but I knew once Tabula arrived he would be ready to deal with any trouble that might come the way of two tinkers mid tinkering.\n\nLeaving the man be she continued down the short corridor to a spare room that had been converted to a small workshop for her convenience. It was basic but it had everything she needed to deal with most of her tinkering urges. Moving over to the desk she sat down in the chair and gave it a quick spin before grabbing table to stop herself. \n\nShe winced in pain as she felt the stiches in her stomach pull. If there was one thing she still couldn't believe it was that she let that dumb fuck Nazi get such a good hit in. Hopefully what she planned on making today would make sure that never happened again.\n\nPulling out her burner phone she shot a text over to Tabula.\n\n'Door's open, come in. Ignore guy on couch he's a friend.'" }, { "author": "hakkku", "message": "As the redheaded man slowly crossed the street, drink in hand, a quiet vibration came to life within his back pocket. Nothing he hadn't expected of course, and as he took his own burner phone out of his back pocket a small smile graced his face.\n\n'Of course, I'll be there soon. Don't start without me •ᴗ•'\n\nThat would be his signal to hurry up, apparently he had taken a little too long in deciding his drink of choice from a nearby café. The slums... Didn't have the greatest choice of venue, but it was something he couldn't work without. And really, what person Could Work without a delicious hit of sugar to the brain every now and again?\n\nNevertheless Tabula eventually found his way over to where his teammate was situated, a building much more run down than the one he lived in... Perhaps in future he should offer his own place as a meeting spot, if only to remain within a cleaner part of town... And to keep within walking distance of his favorite restaurants.\n\nWithin minutes the door to the apartment was pushed open and Tabula made his way inside. As expected there indeed was a guy on the couch, one whom Tabula acknowledged with a nod and promptly walked past, trying to find Apex. In a slightly louder than normal voice he called out into the hallway, hoping to grab her attention.\n\n\"I do hope I didn't keep you waiting too long, it was a nightmare trying to find anywhere that sold an adequate drink.\"" }, { "author": "amydallon", "message": "Don't start without him? Well she supposed she could wait a little before starting on her real project for today. Reaching up she adjusted the lamp on her makeshift workbench causing it to illuminate her right arm. Picking up a screwdriver she flipped it in her hand before jamming it into her mechanical and twisting in several places. With a clunk the entire arm shifted slightly. Apex, or rather Elizabeth at the moment, reached over with her other arm and pulled it free, placing it down in front of her.\n\nShe hadn't spent too long on the arm when Tabula arrived but it mattered little. The damage the device had sustained was relatively minor in the grands scheme of things and the one thing that had the potential to be a real problem had taken no more than a minute to repair to a reasonable state. Turning to look at her fellow tinker she smiled.\n\n\"Nah it wasn't too long, as you said this place isn't exactly in the centre of town. Might not be the most convenient but it does have its benefits. Like people not asking to many questions.\"\n\nReaching into the mechanical arm she pulled a wire inside causing the hand to flex. Smiling she picked it back up and in one smooth motion she slammed it back into the socket near her shoulder before spinning on her chair to face Tabula propper.\n\n\"So my friend, whats your plans today?\"" } ]	309	913

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