Fantasy New Oasis: Four Heavenly Kings

[AriAriAbabwa]

NPC POST - PEACOCK AND ROMERO SERLING

SCENE:

Serpents Arc 3: Scene 1 [Thicker Than Water]

LOCATION:

Mysterious Black Site, North District

PARTICIPANTS:

August, Damian, Kinsley, Kisara, Kyo, Peyton, Raph, Sab, Shinko

THICKER THAN WATER

"And did you know that 1 in 5,000 north Atlantic lobsters are born bright blue?" Peacock rested her face on her hands, smiling way too calmly for the situation. Her positive reception, though, was short-lived when August continued about their reasons for intruding. That was made notable by her expression's sudden shift into displeasure.

"Ehh!" Imitating a buzzer, Peacock made an X with her arms. "This is our home. We ask the questions, here!" Her hands dropped to her side, eyes glancing to the corner where Sabrina picked an injured Romero from the rubble. "But I've already enough to know that the only way we're making you leave is through force..." She began whistling, and the feathers flew from the ground in vectors. They flew around Peacock in a sphere, increasing in amount until they could no longer see her. The ball jumped into the air, hovering after her friend.

At the spot with Sabrina, Romero was dazed enough that he could not mutter a word. He did not have to wait long in his predicament, however.

Peacock swooped at them both, aiming to grab Romero while a dozen feathers flew behind her to strike Sabrina. Regardless of if the feathers hit their mark, Romero was in her hands. "You promised us we'd hear the end of your story!" she remarked, grinning. They landed a fair distance back and near the door that the now-dwindling reinforcements came through.

Romero returned her smile, raising both his empty hands. "My notebook..."

It was around the fallen shelf, was it not? Peacock glanced over where Romero fell, and it didn't take long for her to spot it. Promptly, she said, "I'll go get it," then had herself encased in swirling feathers again.

It was a short flight that never reached its destination.

Romero watched as the bird was torn from the skies. He watched coldly still; how her body met solid metal and split open like a watermelon. He never thought he'd feel this feeling again: helplessness. The author turned himself, leaning his head against the wall. Again, he failed to keep his promise. Again, he never got to finish his story for a dear friend... This time, he refused to wallow in self-misery like he did with Darcy Morel.

Romero straightened himself, staring into the palm of his hand for a solid while. Then, he opened wide, and bit. Skin stuck to flesh, bound by meaty string tore off. Romero spit out the mess as blood dribbled from his lips.

He planted his hand to the wall, and wrote.

The Monster of the West... was dead. The Enemy proved it wrong; it was no king... it had no power... The author could not help but sympathize. All his life, he felt he was accomplishing everything, only to lose it all to forces far more powerful than himself... His love, Darcy; his career in the film industry; his own life. What good did a second chance do him, he pondered?

The adventure left him as he was in the beginning: broken. A cruel hand was dealt, and in his sorrow he did not realize the Monster's oozing remains flow in veins towards him; following like an obedient pet to its master. The remnants molded and changed to bend to said master's mental form. By the time he realized, he was too shattered to care.

After a bout of silence, at last he observed his new form... and felt an ironic sense of peace. He realized he longer had to live under the reign of his emotions. Nothing more could bind him. He knew the truth: there was no Monster... only himself.

He was in control of his own fate.

Spoiler: Notes

Peacock - #0F52BA
Romero - #088B00 / #B8312F

Right now he's only standing there... MENACINGLY!!

simj26 Doctor Llamabean Coyote Hart QuirkyAngel @WhoeverIForgot

 

[Elenion Aura]

MILO NAGISA

CS Link

SCENE:

New Oasis Arc 3: Scene 1 [PASSERI PARK'S ULTRA PASSIONATE MELODY ONSLAUGHT]

LOCATION:

Central District

PARTICIPANTS:

Florence, Pascal, Gavril, Milo, Dimitri, Jackson

THE HOTEL BETWIX

Regret was a funny thing. Milo had collected a few of them over the years, but the fresh ones always stung a little harder at the moment of their making. Like the fleeting knowledge that maybe, just maybe, it may not be too late.

The tube had dropped him rather unceremoniously to the floor of his chosen level. He landed on his bum, unlike his compatriots who'd managed to do cool rolls and keep their feet. Standing and dusting himself off, Milo piped up, speaking seemingly to no one in particular.

"I— Excuse me! Um, hello?"

Disregarding for the most part the shouting woman's antics or the other two who'd joined him in the Top Five—Gavril and Florence, he thought—Milo looked overhead at the elaborately constructed set-piece. He didn't have time right now to marvel at the construction, or wonder how anyone had managed to pull something like this off in a place as mundane as a city mall, as he was too busy looking for... Well, he wasn't exactly sure. A hidden camera, maybe? A one-way mirror? Microphone? He knew that the game-master was recording this, so he had to have a way to see, and hear, them at all times. Which meant that he could hear Milo right now when he said,

"I— I think I've had enough, now! Could you please, I don't know, point me to the nearest exit?"

A light click, and then a hydraulic hiss. From above, a television descended, and the cameras cut off. The screen buzzed to life, and Miles appeared, now seated comfortably atop a luxurious, plush and overall garish throne. Babysitting. That was another part of his job.

"Comon, kid." He sighed, smugly, and swirled about a glass of something. "Ya' not read the contract before you signed it? 'All participants will fulfil their duties during the run of 'PASSERI PARK'S ULTRA PASSIONATE MELODY ONSLAUGHT', by way of participating in all shoots and challenges so long as they remain able-bodied to do so.'"

He cleared his throat.

"That's what it says, if you forgot. So unless you've got a busted hip, then it's tough luck, sorry. Fastest way out is to along, so get to playing!" He slammed a button somewhere offscreen, and a rain of confetti sprayed out through the hall. "Think of it like a race!"

Indignant, Milo puffed up his chest and made to protest. Screw the contract, he thought without saying it. His friend was out there, maybe fighting for his life, maybe— and he, because of a stupid fight...

"Screw this," he breathed and shut his eyes, resigning himself to see this through and take the shortest path, the path of least resistance, and hope beyond hope that Boltius would be there when he arrived. Them he opened them and was off. His feet kicked up dust as the floorboards groaned beneath the thunder of his step as he tore his way through the maze of halls and doors before at last he skidded to a halt in front of an unassuming threshold. With no hesitation, he pressed onward through it, wincing slightly as he waited for the inevitable hammerstroke to fall. When it never came, Milo took off forward again.

Onward he sprinted, leaving any thought of the competition or the competitors in his wake. He only had one goal in mind, and it was this goal that came sharply into focus when he selected the third and final door, only to be met with blaring alarms and stock, 'spooky' sound effects. As the animatronic ghost sped toward him with its ghastly light, Milo reached into his waistband and removed his sketchpad. He flipped the pages as he ran, recalling the location of the drawing he sought from memory, and tore it out before throwing it in front of him.

For a minute it hung there, suspended in midair by some imperceptible power. Then it changed, elongated, morphed into the shape that he'd penned to the paper the night before as he'd prepared for... Whatever trials the new day brought him. As the nascent engine rumbled to life, Milo was forced to leap into the saddle lest the cherry red motorbike (Milo had referred to it before as The Dreamcicle—only ever to himself, though) take off without him. The two of them, motorcycle and rider, left the threatening illusion in the dust.

The bike burst into a paved circular clearing. He had reached the lowest level of the Hotel of Horrors; he supposed, perhaps foolishly, that this would mean he'd won, despite him spying a pair of conspicuously familiar-looking tubes in his periphery. Jerking the bike's handlebars hard to the left and planting his foot, both Milo and his bike skidded to a halt and waited for the next path to open up before him.

Spoiler: Tags

The One Eyed Bandit
Ambiloquous
The Regal Rper
Anne Boolean
@The Prophet
BriiAngelic

Doctor Llamabean (Milo is thinking about Boltius again)

 

[azenva]

Sophia Ingram

CS Link

SCENE:

Arc 3: Dragons Scene 1 [Securing The Future]

LOCATION:

East District, Tech Expo, place where the amogus -> Display Booths

PARTICIPANTS:

Sophia, Jesper, Kasumi, Amari

Securing The Future

Jesper was already out the door, after a swift refusal of the coffee. But Amari stayed. Allowing her to take the bean juice, Sophia allowed herself the slightest smile, in spite of the situation. Her face soon changed back to its guarded look, ready for work. Taking back her beloved drink, the servant prepared to leave, already turning. But at Amari's touch, an eyebrow raised the slightest bit. What could a little wait hurt? So, turning back, she lingered in the corridor a touch longer. As the shorter maid looked up at her, giving a rare smile, Sophia let herself smile again as well. Even as Amari's expression changed back to its usual, Sophia's didn't. She nodded slightly at Amari's request. "Naturally. Good luck."

Sensing that the other maid would likely turn around to say one last thing (or simply not wanting to walk away from her just yet), Sophia waited a moment, standing still and opening her bottle again. As expected, Amari spun back around. Allowing her hand to be wrapped in the other's, she once again nodded in response to Amari's statements, giving a short response.

"Of course. Remember, I'm available if you encounter any issues as well." Sophia gave Amari one last small wave before finally turning to go play her part. And so, the show would go on, with a new act.

...

Vasya. The first suspect she had pledged to meet with was currently looking over some gadgets. Sophia watched from a short distance as he made a purchase. A gaudy watch, one of the classic "please rob me" objects, now computerized. Some things about the rich never changed. Vasya's behavior seemed too convenient from this distance. Odd tears, and whatever he had almost revealed from his suit pocket.
As he left the stand, Sophia approached him.

"Ah. Vasya. Nikolaev, was it? Please, come with me. I must discuss something...unfortunate, with you."

The tone was inviting, but the message was a demand. Time to get to work.

 

[BluEndings]

MIMI

— CONSTRUCT

CS Link

SCENE:

Serpents Arc 3: Scene 3 [Filth in The Gutter]

LOCATION:

Lab Icarus, North District

ENEMIES:

Jiak, Silva, Laura, Ruriko, Schroeder

FI¿LTH I??N THE S¿UN?

Bitterness welled up in her throat, but only pain escaped. There was hardly any life behind it. Just a hollow gravelly whimper. Yet she refused to accept the offered aid, and hoisted what remained of her body with just the strength in her arm. It was temporary, but enough for her to offer her free hand. The fingers tensed and curled until they were raised and pointed towards the exit to the lot.

It was a single moment, but one that cost enough time for plenty. The world surrounding the group in the loading bay continued to spin with no remorse, and the Dragon’s assault burned a fresh stench just behind each wall. She didn’t know the full extent of the situation, but she did know time was being wasted. No. That wasn’t even it. She was more concerned about herself, and her legs. Legs that had been crushed flat, yet didn’t bleed the slightest bit red. Everyone was in a panic right now, but it wouldn’t last forever.

“...end..”

The word dropped to the floor along with her hand. A single command that was little more than a whisper, intended for those present, and for one other yet. It was her finger that touched the ground first, followed by skinned palms. The soft color splayed into the floor and makeup churned into the crude pavement. As if her words had been received, miniscule cracks began to form from the precise spot her nail had hit. Tiny fissures snaked and circled around the floor creating a crude but recognizable outline of a person.

It was much like the usual, only this time the creation wasn’t nearly so meticulous.

The bulk of the golem’s physique erupted from the ground leaving only its arms to lag behind. Yet even those tore free from the earth indiscriminately blasting rubble throughout the room. What now appeared whole had still failed to reach completion. Instead, two more pairs of arms careened out from the ground before safely attaching to the body.

The seven foot tall mass scanned the room, ignoring both its creator's unconscious form and the remaining serpents. Once it was satisfied, it tore off its excess arms one by one and scattered them across the area. The flung shaped concrete crumbled against the several targeted wooden crates, but capsized the timber into scattered splinters.

The construct took several paces forward, raised its head, and let out a grating cacophony of noise. Only to be crushed beneath the oncoming force of a flaming propelled vehicle.

There was a pause. Then rejection.

The burning, nested vehicle began to rise, and the fragmented shape of the golem beneath revealed itself. Each arm would fail, falling to the side only for new ground to swirl around and take the place of lost matter. Its fingers clawed at the metal chassis, destroying themselves each time until the alloy loosened then bent then fell. Only the pieces did not hit the ground. Each fragment snaked around the golems body until it had become refitted with new legs. It continued to lift the object of its discontent, prying away its outer coating and making it its own.

When the ordeal had finished, what stood may have been considered a demon—a monolith of charred concrete, aluminum, and steel. Burnt with ignited oil with veins of illuminating magenta.

It let out a second clamor of grinding matter.

Its early discarded arms began to shift, and the bagged bodies they had been transporting began to stir.

Spoiler: Mentions

Misuteeku Caffeine_Obsessed

NAVIGATE

 

[Elenion Aura]

ROLAND DREYER

SCENE:

New Oasis Arc 3: Scene 3 [Silence for the Damned]

LOCATION:

Dilapidated Clinic, North District

PARTICIPANTS:

Charmy, Dagger, Guinevere, Jack

SILENCE FOR THE DAMNED

The rifle round impacted the crumbling clinic wall with a sound like a thunderclap and Roland didn't even flinch. Was, in fact, incapable of flinching.

Before long the two interlopers from the adjacent building joined their little pow wow and completed the set. Roland ushered for them to gather closer until they were, the five of them, all confined within the four walls of the clinic.

"Thank you both for joining us," he said at last in a low, even tone. Everything about him was low, and even. Mild-mannered. Even-keeled. As in life, so in death.

Hands in his pockets, he cut more the figure of a community college professor about to kick off a lecture series than an undead former crime-lord about to divulge the secrets of the universe.

"Let's begin." He began.

First lesson.

"What do you feel?" He asked the room as he had asked his one-time love.

Then, as if remembering Charmy's answer in that moment, he nodded thoughtfully before he went on, "The air? Maybe. The wind, the water, the earth. The world. What is the world?" He paused and looked out the window at the pale, dreary sky, the clouds. "To an ant, the ant-hill is the world. To a fish, the pond is the world. To some people, this city... It may be the world. Pull back a little farther, expand your horizons a little wider, get a little higher, and more and more you will see that you have vastly misunderstood the bounds of what is possible. Of what is."

Everyone thinks their world is the only one.

Pieces... Pieces of his mind were floating away. He could feel them, wave to them as they went, but he could not make them stay. He could never take back what he was losing. His time was running out. The boundaries of his own, personal world were beginning to blur.

Focus.

The zombie snapped back to focus, sharp and alert. It asked again of them all,

"What do you feel?"

 

[BluEndings]

AZURE DRAGONS

SCENE:

Azure Dragons Arc 3: Scene 3 [Ripples of Stardust]

LOCATION:

Zhànzhēng Resort, East District

PARTICIPANTS:

Hiram, Kazue, Omar, Ottilie

RIPPLES OF STARDUST

Meeting Spot​

With two… assailants? dispatched and a minor panic avoided, the group ultimately began their way towards the intended destination. Even from a distance the expanse of the resort was carried plenty into the sky and obfuscated the flowing water just on its other side. In comparison, the countless romping individuals that dotted the beach were just that: dots.

The pathway forward was unusually well kept, the grass trimmed finely enough to prevent it from overtaking the pavement until the very same green turned to stone then sand. There were plenty of guideposts in the form of lights, all off, with some even seconded by signs or boxes. The usual amount of ads as well as offered brochures or disposable bags.

As the group’s approach reached the building's entrance a view of disarray and disparity awaited. To call it a line would be generous. Instead, there was what might be referred to as a mob clogging the only visible way inside. There were those who pushed against the human-made stop, and others who had taken to sitting by the wayside. Some were dressed in common beachwear while others held masks, estranged to the environment, tightly against their chests. There was even another, a young man in frayed clothing with his dirty white hair drenched in water, as the half-filled bottles responsible lay by his curled up feet.

Getting in might take a while.

Zhànzhēng Resort | Tour​

Though there was still no sign of the woman after quite some time, Omar was approached.

“I surely hope you aren’t waiting for staff.” The fresh face asserted. “They play the part of the well-mannered host, but let them slip between your fingers and you’ll go as stale as the dishes they serve.”

He extended his hand.

“The name’s Ervin Patricks. No need to think too deeply about it. I was ditched nearby, just like you.” He loosened the muscles on his neck. “It’s a shame really. The place had such a nice unity to it—really felt like a collective family before. Now though… well.. the staff is confused. Split between the wishes of the owner and his heir. Such a shame indeed.”

His gaze turned the corner, down the hall.

“Truthfully, I can’t imagine her returning any time soon.” He retrieved a small key from his person. “Luckily I have this. Just a souvenir from my last visit here. It should get us into one of the offices on this floor, or were your sights truly set on that droll presentation room?”

NAVIGATE

 

[Misuteeku]

Sang-Cheol Man

http://

CS Link

SCENE:

Serpents Arc 3: Scene 3 [The Filth in The Gutter]

LOCATION:

Lab Icarus, North District

PARTICIPANTS:

Darius, Mimi, Orion, Reese, Rutheless, Sang-Cheol, Yuna, Yuto

Sun In The Gutter

The smell of smoke tickled Sang-Cheol's nose.

"Not good." Sang-Cheol frowned at the excessive amounts of noise being caused outside. They were faring well against Aristotle's 'Walking Choir,' and they seemed to deal with them with slight ease. Compared to himself, he had an injured Mimi, a panicked Yuto, and Gerda. As things were, he and Gerda weren't precisely useful in this current situation now that it has developed to this much. A temporary retreat would be a wise decision.

He ignored the ringing sound in his pocket before looking at his fellow gang members. "I think it's time to leave the area, no?" Sang-Cheol scooped up the unconscious Mimi into his arms. Thanks to Mimi's last conscious effort, a golem had arisen and blocked the fiery truck from entering the loading bay. While he didn't know when the truck would explode, Sang-Cheol wouldn't wait to find out.

"Gerda, Arachnid. We're retreating to the second floor." Sang-Cheol made eye contact with both of them. "You can stay behind and fight, to which I don't care if you do, but I have to take Mimi to safety."

There were multiple ways to get to the second floor. Each room within the first level of the lab, except the loading bay, had an entrance that would lead down to the lab. From what Sang-Cheol could tell, the drug production room was the safest location. There was a commotion in the warehouse where Bash was currently, and there seemed to be at least two people in the halls to the left of the loading bay.

"Prepare for a fight; we might head into one." With one simple move, he kicked the loading bay doors open. To his right, he could see a few figures that were not friendly. Sang-Cheol narrowed his eyes. "I guess Rebecca can handle that," Sang-Cheol said as he eyed the clear pipes above their hands. Turning his head to the left, he spotted the door leading into the drug production room.

"Don't die, Gerda." With that, Sang-Cheol made a mad dash to the drug production door. Gerda, on the other hand, turned to face the intruders. Five needles were carried in each of her hands.

The next moment, she threw them at Silva, who was the only one she could see. "This is going to be interesting," Her now dopey expression turned sinsister as she engaged the enemy.

 

[YumenoTsukishiro]

HIRAM ABAYAN

CS Link

SCENE:

Azure Dragons Arc 3: Scene 3 [Ripples of Stardust]

LOCATION:

Zhànzhēng Resort, East District

PARTICIPANTS:

Hifumi, Hiram, Kairong, Kazue, Omar, Ottilie

Ripples of Stardust

With the situation resolved – not necessarily to Hiram’s preference, though he had to admit that Ottilie's far-fetched yet quick-witted cover about a snake was inspired – Hiram approached the men, making a show of checking their vitals while he retrieved the two tranquilizer darts from their torsos. Once the crowd around them dispersed, the Dragons made their way towards the resort.


It was every bit as luxurious as the mission brief described. Hiram could never hope to bring himself to such a place on the meager salary he earned; that, and he simply did not have the time, between tending to the Dragon’s security systems, participating in Ottilie’s research, and his own… backdoor dealings. The day he could sit down for a nice cup of coffee at this resort would be the day all four gangs declared peace.


As they approached, another problem appeared before them, namely the noisome gathering of protesters crowding the entrance to the resort. Getting into the resort itself was no issue thanks to the meal coupon Ottilie acquired from the strange men, but the act of entering presented a challenge in itself. Going through the crowd was highly inefficient, plus it could incite the crowd to greater heights of frenzy. They could backtrack and go through the beachside, but that would take too long, and it may be closed due to the protests.


That left the option of entering the resort through the sides, but there were some fence walls separating the entryway from the other sections. They needed something to get over the fence, like a ladder or… something more creative.


Hiram took out his tech deck from his backpack and began calling to that strange power within him called a Potential. He figured that since hotel security was preoccupied with the protests, they wouldn’t notice what he was about to do. The screen hummed to life. There, on the top right corner, popped up an icon for the Reality Hacker. He tapped on it, feeling his mind reaching out and connecting to something beyond the edge of comprehension. He could visualize the space he wanted to change – a one square-meter surface of concrete next to the fence – and he began typing commands into the Hacker’s console.


Once he ran the commands, a dull pain began spreading from the back of his head towards the front. The surface began to slide upwards, or more accurately it seemed as if a square pillar of concrete was growing from it. One meter tall and equally wide, it was enough for them to hoist themselves onto and get to the other side of the fence.


He motioned for Ottilie as he slipped the tech deck back into his backpack. “Come on, you first, and then Kazue.”


Interactions: Saturn_moon BluEndings azenva Vahn

 

[Coyote Hart]

Peyton Xiong (ft. Damian)

CS Link

SCENE:

Serpents Arc 3: Scene 1 [Thicker Than Water]

LOCATION:

Mysterious Black Site, North District

PARTICIPANTS:

August, Damian, Kinsley, Kisara, Kyoden, Peyton, Raphael, Sabrina, Shinko

THICKER THAN WATER

Aww. What a shame. The Peacock had actually accepted his 'fellow' Serpent's peace offer, even despite Peyton's threat. Despite that being the best solution, Peyton found it a bit disappointing. He wanted violence. He wanted blood. But, since he also wanted peace and he was given peace, he couldn't get neither blood nor violence.

Peyton followed August's gaze toward the behemoth of a monster that loomed within the warehouse. If not for the roof being blown off, it seemed that the monster had hardly the room to stretch. In Peyton's bloodlust filled haze though, he didn't see much of a threat from the monster, much unlike August.

"Don't worry! Kisara's got this! Nobody gets past the Prinz Gyoushi," Peyton gave his new teal-clad Serpent friend a reassuring quip. He had never seen Kisara so filled with anger and violence before, even when Peyton saw her in the fighting rings. She was already a terrifying rival in the ring, but now, she seemed absolutely unstoppable. If her nickname of 'Bull' hadn't stuck then, it definitely stuck now, as she gave off the visage of a raging bull.

Turning his attention back to the Peacock, he could only give a smirk and a shrug when August gave him an almost accusatory nod. Peyton didn't really care who he ended up killing on his way. They were unimportant faceless people. In fact, he didn't know how if he had killed anybody here, and if he had, how many, nor did he particularly care. Human lives had very little value to Peyton.

"Here's a fun fact! In olden English, the words 'silly' and 'nice' had opposite meanings than what they did now," Peyton said, piping up after seeing the look August gave him, "Nice meant that you were a bit of a fool and silly meant that you were a great person!"

Peyton's words were filled with nervous, jittery energy. The sudden sound of Caio shouting from down the warehouse had put Peyton on edge. Peyton didn't want to follow Caio's orders, but he also knew that if he didn't, he would find himself in a bit of trouble, not to mention he'd run the risk of his allegiance being revealed.

"We aren't leaving without our friend Raph! He should be living with us, not in this sad box; that's the natural order of things. And I'll gladly kill and maim all I want to make it happen!" Peyton declared when Peacock resisted August's words, inadvertently allowing some of his Dragon philosophy to leak out in his words. He trained his gun at Peacock, "But once we've got him, we'll be outta your nose!"

Peyton's words worked hand in hand with August's, but Peyton couldn't help but feel that there was something off about August's words. In his experience, the Serpents hadn't been a very personal gang. With so many members, it would be expected that a few go missing every so often. It was just because of the foul-mouthed Raph's importance that he got his rescue mission. At least that was what Peyton thought. Maybe he wasn't even qualified to make such a judgment. After all, he had been nothing more than a test subject until the last few months of his Serpent tenure.

Peyton braced for Peacock's attack only to realize that Peacock's wrath was more focused upon the dark haired gal holding Romero hostage. But moments later, the lanky monster that fought alongside the Serpents tore through Peacock, sending her tumbling through the air to her death. Peyton started with surprise, but other than that, he didn't comment on the fact that someone he had been talking to moments ago was now dead, even though that would be traumatizing to most people.

"Sorry!" Peyton called out to the unrecognizable monster that was now Romero, "Your friend would be alive if you guys had just let us pass!"

Romero's new monstrous form barely bothered Peyton more than the behemoth that was in the fog. But with Romero now standing smack dab in the way of their destination, Peyton had no choice but to cut through him. He just hoped that he could tear up Romero as well as Kisara tore through the monster. Peyton admired Kisara and saw her as a friendly rival from the fighting rings, so he worried that he couldn't perform at the same level as her. But there was no time to worry about that. It was do or die.

"Come on, friend-of-Raph!" Peyton shouted cheerfully. He grabbed August's hand and ran toward Romero, dragging the taller Serpent along with him, "We'll make quick work of this guy! And afterward, you should tell me how you got to know Raphie!"

As he bound toward Romero's monstrous form, a burst of adrenaline ran through his veins, along with something else. And as unfitting as the moment was for retrospection, he thought back to a converation with Damian...

- - -
​

A few days before the raid, Damian and Peyton were sitting in an ice cream shop in the heart of the North district. It was the very same one that the two of them met seven years ago. Impressively, not much had changed. The 99¢ scoops, the milkshakes, the booths that felt like they were from the 80’s, they were all there.

Peyton sipped on a milkshake whilst seated across from Damian in one of the cushy booths. It was barely accurate to call it a milkshake though. He had asked for a milkshake to be made with a sorbet ice cream, but that had just ended up tasting like a very very sugary smoothie.

“So, Damian,” Peyton piped up suddenly. He had not just invited the tentacle monster over to catch up and request his help in joining the Serpents for a mission. After all the logistics of sneaking in with the other Serpents were discussed, Peyton still had a burning question that he had to ask the man. “I know this is kinda random, but what does being a Serpent mean to you?”

"Nothing." Answering between bites of fresh vanilla, Damian looked away from his pile of empty ice cream cups to face Peyton. His response was short and blunt, only slightly indecipherable because of the spoon pressing against his tongue. The zombie's question was just that simple, not requiring any introspection. Peyton snorted a giggle, stifling it with a sip of his smoothie. He felt that the answer was more befitting someone like Darius rather than Damian.

After removing the pink piece of plastic from his mouth, Damian continued, now resting his chin on the back of his hand. "In the first place, I don't really consider myself to be a Serpent. I don't identify with them, and I'm not particularly concerned with their goals. Not unless they interest me." Despite being in the gang for over a decade, he spoke as if he had no association with them.

"I only hang around because it's interesting. There aren't many other places where you can find so many fascinating people and situations. I suppose the other major gangs are an option, but I don't care for how they operate. The Serpents are the only ones who offer what I want without requiring commitment. Unlimited freedom is one of the group's main selling points, and I think everyone there is rather fond of it." After spending nearly half of his life as a prisoner, he preferred to avoid anything that threatened to place restrictions on him.

"The only thing that matters in this world is what I want. Because associating with the Serpents helps give me what I want, I stay. The gang is just a means to an end. Nothing more, nothing less. However..." As he trailed off, Damian lifted his empty container, turning it in his hands. Peyton used that moment of silence to think whilst gnawing on the straw of his smoothie. His head hurt. He had done way too much thinking the past few days, and thinking wasn’t something that Peyton liked to do.

"If at any point the gang stops providing me with the things I want, or if it gets in the way of my interests, I'll have no more use for it. If it has nothing to offer me, then it's worthless. I'll simply throw it away." To illustrate his point, Damian threw his trash to the side, letting it join the growing pile of plastic. He hid nothing, stating his feelings with complete honesty. He didn't even consider that certain members may take his words as treason. Even if they did, it meant nothing to him. All of them meant nothing, their only worth being the value he assigned to them.

"Those are my thoughts, but I'm not sure if that answers your question. Either way, I don't think it should really matter." Looking into Peyton's eyes, Damian leaned in closer, his sewn-on smirk widening. Peyton shrinked back slightly with a blush. He was used to Damian’s closeness, but it was still a bit surprising.

"The only things you should have to concern yourself with are your own desires, not anyone else's thoughts. Only what you think. Only what you want. Those are the only things that will ever matter in your life. The same goes for me."

- - -
​

Desire. Yes, that was what he felt in his veins as he reached Romero, and delivered a savage upperslash with his bayonet. A roar emanated from Peyton's lips. It felt so refreshing to be able to do whatever he wanted without worrying about being a good Dragon. Like Damian had said, being a Serpent meant acquiring unlimited freedom, and Peyton was painfully aware of how much he missed it. For a moment, he almost wanted to return to being a Serpent.

"Heehee, let me see your insides!" Peyton squealed, a deranged expression gracing his face as he faced off with Romero.

Collab with: Lucem
Doctor Llamabean
AriAriAbabwa Beann Kyuubey simj26 QuirkyAngel

 

[gxxberkit]

YONG-YUT SOMSRI

CS Link

SCENE:

New Oasis Arc 3: Scene 2 [The Dragon and the Phoenix]

LOCATION:

Upper Central District

PARTICIPANTS:

Hou, Isaiah, Kanna, Meirin, Ra, Shen,
Helva, Maho, Rin, Vulken

The Dragon and the Phoenix

Relief filled them once the woman calmed down so easily. As the size shifter formally introduced herself, the scarf wrapped around Yong-Yut’s neck lifted upwards and took on a hand-like shape. The ceramic spikes that lined the edge acted as fingers. Yong-Yut kept their focus on the woman as Meirin took the scarf in her hand and Yong-Yut nodded along to her response.

Meirin turned her attention to her own Ace, and Yong-Yut remembered her own Jack. Their eyes trailed over to the bandana-wearing man.

He hadn’t seemed to do anything yet. He was a strange person, and Yong-Yut didn’t always get him. She supposed this was one of those times. She did expect him to be much more chatty, though.

Seconds before Yong-Yut started moving towards Alex, Meirin caught the corner of Yong-Yut’s eye. They tilted their head at the sight of the woman they were just talking to suddenly being on the shoulder of the Dragon’s Ace. Yong-Yut took slow, small steps towards Meirin and the Ace, making sure to not do anything to alarm the latter.

As soon as she got close enough, she came to an abrupt stop.

“Huh?—”

The tiny figure leaped between the two relative giants in what seemed to be slow motion. Yong-Yut’s eyes widened as Meirin made her way over the gap. Once the woman landed, they recoiled, immediately moving their hand to their shoulder so as to not accidentally drop her.

They gave a dumbfounded look when the woman asked what they were playing before.

That’s… a lot of trust to put into your enemy for a video game…

Their stare lingered on the small being, cogs almost audibly turning in their head. They lowered their hand back down, replacing it with the spike-laden scarf. With their now free hand, they gestured towards the scarf. “I’d like it best if you weren’t on my shoulder.”

With that out of the way, and a glance back to Rin, they finally answered. “We were playing Cavecraft. It’s a game you have to buy, though. However, it’s only like seven amestriyen. But if you have it already, you’re welcome to join us.”

She glanced up at the Dragon’s Ace, giving a short wave before turning around. She then made her way over to Rin with the small lady in her scarf. They kept glancing to Meirin as they made slow strides, making sure she didn’t fall despite holding the lady comfortably in her faux limb. Once halfway to Rin, she lifted her hand, beckoning the oni over to her and her new companion.

Quickly, however, her hand stilled.

Yong-Yut’s head was turned to the side, attention captured by violent movements being made by a few Phoenixes and Dragons alike, just a few steps away from her. She recognized the Phoenixes involved—of course she did; anyone Lyric knew, she at least heard of. That was why Yong-Yut was pretty disappointed. Disappointed, but not surprised.

Luckily, Kanna had seemed to notice the quarrel as well, having inserted herself between the opposing groups. A low, concerned hum escaped Yong-Yut. Though however well that may have placated the Dragons, the aggravated Phoenixes could take the opportunity to attack Kanna at any moment. Like idiots.

Yong-Yut glanced back at the Phoenix Jack, the man that was supposed to wrangle those idiots. This seemed like a good time for him to intervene as well, right? They could only guess he found this situation amusing.

They turned to face the combatants again, not daring to move either way. Having a tiny Dragon in your grasp as a Phoenix probably doesn’t warrant the most trust from anyone… At this moment, moving towards the combatants and Kanna could make things worse, and moving back makes her weak. The Dragon's Jack might have it under control, anyhow.

She opted to stand there idly, Dragon in hand. Eagerly awaiting someone else to inevitably add or detract from the situation.

@SilverFlight Lucem @FabulousTrash QuirkyAngel @The Prophet Elenion Aura
@Peckinou The Suspicious Eye EmperorsChosen Nobody Special

 

[gxxberkit]

TENEBROSITY

CS Link

SCENE:

Serpents Arc 3: Scene 3 [The Filth in the Gutter]

LOCATION:

Lab Icarus, North District

PARTICIPANTS:

Darius, Mimi, Orion, Rutheless, Sang-Cheol, Yuna, Yuto

The Filth in the Gutter

The red shapes that traced where Ten’s eyes would be narrowed. Didn’t Ten just say one of them was coming through a window? They figured that would be enough proof that it was not, in fact, an ally. Though… haha, lots of the people in this lab were weirdos. The shapes shifted towards Yuna, pressed crescent-shaped by an obscured smile. They actually really enjoyed the plan she proposed, even if it was dangerous. In fact, the danger was what made them like it. Who cares if they hurt the others? It’d be funny!

Suddenly, the window figure was inside, heading this way.

Ten raised back up, looking at Darius.

“ …We can—”

“D-dairy.”

“ —We can—”

“Dairy.”

An object appeared in an adjacent hallway, and a person popped out of it.

“ —We can—”

“Dair—!”

They were here.

An order was shot at them to get back down, but Ten just responded with a blank expression. Their arm reached out to Yuna, yanking her as soon as Darius moved.

Behind them, objects were being thrown at one of the intruders.

They nudged their head in Yuna’s direction, grip on her arm tightening. They gave her a sick grin.

“We- we- we— we.. we’ll go… outside… and- and.. I can di—rect y-you to… a vent.”

It'd be funny.

 

[EmperorsChosen]

Rin Chiyase

CS Link

SCENE:

The Dragon and the Phoenix

TIME:

New Oasis Arc 3: Scene 2

LOCATION:

Upper Central District

PARTICIPANTS:

Hou, Isaiah, Kanna, Meirin, Ra, Shen, Soren,
Helva, Maho, Rin, Vulken, Varoslav

The Dragon and the Phoenix

Rin watched onward idly. The members of each side seemed to differ in their demeanor. Some were stiff and fidgeted as they waited for--something. Others were as nonchalant as she was. One in particular offered them seats after making one of his own from the ground below, causing a grin to slowly creep along her face. The potential reminded her of one of the other HPs she had encountered and fought in her travels. Still, the chair seemed to come from the ground but turned a gold color, which differed from the one she had fought before. Was he changing the material or creating the material itself?

But, they were supposed to behave here, and as that thought crept back into her mind Rin's grin shifted to slight pout. She let out a long, quiet sigh before her eyes caught the sudden disappearance of the not-pregnant lady, only to realize she was still there, just tiny.

"Huh," She mused before picking up on Yong-Yut waving her over.

However, as the oni made her way to the two, a disturbance in one area of the room made itself known. Rin's eyes glanced over to see a small scuffle between some of the Dragons and Phoenixes, which one of the Dragons intervened with quickly. Glancing around at the rest, Yong-Yut seemed a bit preoccupied and none of the others had stepped in for the birds' side.

Well, she was brought here for muscle right? Certainly not for diplomacy. Posturing, if anything.

"Be back," Rin said shortly to Yong-Yut and Meirin before stuffing the phone in her jacked pocket and approaching the separated mosh pit.

She headed for the middle between the two groups, particularly the few who were still edging closer to the imaginary line that Kanna had drawn. Rin didn't know if they were going to go for a sucker punch, tackle, or just puff their chests out, but she figured they were probably the first to yank back.

"Alright, alright, relax guys." Not giving the few in front the chance to argue, Rin hoisted the two Phoenixes closest to Kanna up. One was hoisted over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes and the other held under her arm like a purse dog as she used her body as a buffer zone to urge the rest of the group back. "Course, if you wanna fight... I'm pretty bored too~" She goaded with the same grin from before.

They weren't allowed to fight the Dragons, but who said anything about each other? They sparred and fought all the time. Better each other than starting another war--or at least, that was the excuse Rin was using.

@Peckinou @SilverFlight Lucem @FabulousTrash @The Prophet Elenion Aura @LXI Nobody Special @L.Amour QuirkyAngel The Suspicious Eye

 

[QuirkyAngel]

Sabrina Felton

CS Link

SCENE:

Serpents Arc 3: Scene 1 [Thicker Than Water]

LOCATION:

Mysterious Black Site, North District

PARTICIPANTS:

August, Damian, Kinsley, Kisara, Kyo, Peyton, Raph, Sab, Shinko

Thicker Than Water

“Wicked, am I?”

Inches before the bat reached Sabrina’s head, the chunk of metal stopped, held still by the magnetic field she manipulated; His strength against her potential. Their struggle lasted but a moment as her free hand reached up to touch the bat. Visible, painless currents traveled from her fingertips to “electro-magnetize” both the weapon and its wielder–just as she had done to the bloodied man whose neck she pressed a metal blade to. “Maybe I am, but you see, I don’t give a damn.”

However, before she could decide whether to simply slit Romero’s throat, fling him back at Miasma, fling Miasma back, or any number of things she could do in the current situation, she heard a whistle as a blur of blue swooped in. Repelling her electro-magnetized opponent without much thought, Sabrina twisted around, Kyoden’s reddened, static-y blade arcing widely as a hail of a dozen or so feathers descended towards her. The weapon sliced through a couple of feathers in a single, fluid motion, but failed to clip the bird and the young woman rose into the air to avoid the rest of the plume projectiles.

Somewhere along the way she lost her hostage.

Sabrina clicked her tongue, but didn’t give chase, partly because Romero hadn’t been a very useful hostage in the first place, and partly because she had more important things to worry about. She charged her body with electromagnetic energy, currents of crackling electricity once more surrounding her as she lifted herself up higher and higher, her eyes flying to the now open corridor. The longer she spent in the warehouse, the more likely she was to lose the amnesiac and their “street thug” Queen. That said, she couldn’t keep her gaze from flickering to the bird that Takaonna tore from the sky.

Or the new monster that formed when Romero melded with the carcass of the old.

Sabrina rolled her eyes. “If I knew he was going to be this much trouble, I would’ve killed him sooner.”

Maybe.

Based on the state she had seen him, Romero was standing on his last leg…but if he was an undead, did it matter? Was he acting on pure emotion? The smarter move, for a human, would’ve been to fuckin’ leave as soon as he made his fuckin’ escape and go to the fuckin’ hospital. But then, perhaps expecting the enemy to be smart–or at least reasonable–was probably a bit too much. Her gaze shifted back to Miasma. Her attempts at “talking” had gotten her nowhere, as always, so her options were as follows: Stick around and continue uselessly fighting people who wouldn’t give her answers or find the answers herself. “You shouldn’t make promises you can’t keep, Shithead. As for me, I’ll be as much of a fuckin’ headache as I want!”

Raising the attraction between the two people she electro-magnetized, Sabrina sent Miasma flying straight towards the much larger monster at breakneck pace. Ideally, it would smash them into each other and keep them stuck together for as long as the effect of her potential lasted. Her main goal though was to remove the obstacles in her way, so she didn’t bother to check the results as the electrically charged woman bolted down the ominous-looking corridor. As she flew down, she touched random objects, electro-magnetizing them and bulleting them Monster-Romero’s way as well. A metal shelf. A crate. A fallen chair. A…nother sword?

Whichever the case, that was the extent of Sabrina’s assistance, as she was fairly sure the other Serpents could handle the rest. Pausing at the corridor’s entrance, Sabrina offered some final words for the crew in the warehouse. “Pinky!! I won’t tell you how to fight, but don’t lose sight of the bigger picture!"

A monster will do as a monster does. Letting her emotions run free during her drunken state was exactly what Sabrina had done during the concert last year and all she’d been left with was regret. Whether the Sable Serpents killed everyone in the warehouse, took prisoners, took back what was theirs, or even took over the mysterious black site for themselves in a villainous quest to regain dominance of the North District, wasn’t something Sabrina cared enough to decide.

She’d only come for answers. “Same with the rest of you Fuckers!!”

And with that, Sabrina descended the unknown.

Beann Lucem simj26 Doctor Llamabean Coyote Hart Elenion Aura AriAriAbabwa Kyuubey

 

[The Suspicious Eye]

MAHO OBERST- PALFREY

CS Link

SCENE:

New Oasis Arc 3: Scene 2 [The Dragon and the Phoenix]

LOCATION:

Central District

PARTICIPANTS:

Helva, Hou, Isaiah, Kanna, Maho, Meirin, Ra, Rin, Shen, Soren, Vulken, Varoslav, Yong-Yut

THE DRAGON AND THE PHOENIX

Looking up at Young Yut as she apologized to Merin on her behalf she listen to the explanation and frowned. "Booo that's super boring!" Maho exclaims, throwing her imaginary popcorn before resting her back flat on the floor.

"Just think how dramatic it would be! Two lovers on warring sides desperate for each other and to hold their clan's honor. He vows unyeilding love for you and your child together. Only to reveal oh! You're destined to fight to the death. Now that's drama!" Tossing and turning into dramatic poses she exclaimed in exaggerated voices. "Oh I love you and your hot bird body all over me! Oh my scaly queen you're my one and only." Creating a hand puppets they began to kiss each other passionately as Maho made the sounds.

As she continued her dramatic display she felt a hand grab her arm and begin to drag her off. "So long my dearest! I only hope you come back to witness the birth of our child!" Waving an imaginary handkerchief with her free hand to the Dragons she let out a giggle as she was easily picked up. "That tickles." Looking over at the woman who plucked her up she stared at her with an eager blush on her face. "Big sis, are we gonna kiss now?" Maho asked expectantly only to have Helva whisper in her ear about causing a scene.

Most of the words seemingly danced from one pigtail to the other, but when Hawk was mentioned she perked up. "Oh you know Master Hawk?!" Excited to actually get to talk about him with someone, she furiously nodded. "Okay. Okay. Okay! I'll stay on my side! I'll be the best on my side." Giving a thumbs up she turned her head, looking over at the Dragons before she shouted out. "I'M NOT SUPPOSED TO MOVE, SO I'M GONNA STAY ON THIS SIDE! BUT LET'S PLAY AGAIN REAL SOON! I WANNA PLAY A LOT!" Turning her head she looked over to Helva with a shining good eye awaiting praise for a job well done. "Did I do good? I told them I'd play again soon! This is so much fun! Oh do you know why Master Hawk likes underwear so much? Is he secretly a cross dresser? I think he's super pretty. He could totally pull it off. Should I give him one of my outfits to try? But that would be pretty short. Eheee" A more perverted look grew on her face as it was pretty clear she was picturing him in the attire. Slurping up a bit of drool that seemed to get away it snapped Maho back to attention. "Sorry! I was thinking about... stuff. Yeah, stuff...." Her words drifted away with her mind as she began to giggle pervertedly.

-------

As the energy between the two gangs seemed to calm down a bit, Maho couldn't stay still for too long. She started hopping up and down trying to get the tension out, only for a song to pop into her head. Grabbing her pigtails she began to bounce them as she started to dance and sing. "O-woa-woah, Dance to the beat. Wave your hands together. Come feel the heat. Forever and forever. Listen and learn, it is time for prancing. Now we are here with Caramelldansen." Finishing the dance by doing a backflip she lifted her hands up to the sky and leaned back into a backbend before falling back onto the floor. Laying flat down she looked up and boldly stated, "I'm bored."

Rolling her head side to side she happily hummed out, "bored, bored, bored." As she sat in her little bubble of boredom, a sound of bustling could be heard. The swish of swings, crackle of power the cries of anger. It could only be one thing, "AH! A FIGHT!!!" Hopping up with excitement she turned to see where the fight was. Seeing the small scuffle a bit away Maho excitedly pulled out as small stick with a skull shaped at the top. Pushing a button the pole's length shot out and the skull spiked into a mace. "I have to help! In the name of justice, I'll purify your souls with my wand!" Scraping the sharp point of the mace against the floor she lifted it up and ran off towards the fight. "You guys better put up a good fight or else I'm gonna make you nice and sweet again real easy!" Running towards the fight she made sure not to cross the imaginary line between the two sides, keeping her promise to Helva.

Spoiler

Elenion Aura Elenion Aura EmperorsChosen EmperorsChosen [IMG alt="FabulousTrash"]https://www.rpnation.com/data/avatars/s/41/41925.jpg?1566839363[/IMG] FabulousTrash gxxberkit gxxberkit [IMG alt="L.Amour"]https://www.rpnation.com/data/avatars/s/86/86030.jpg?1665378757[/IMG] L.Amour [IMG alt="LXI"]https://www.rpnation.com/data/avatars/s/96/96582.jpg?1653369490[/IMG] LXI Nobody Special Nobody Special [IMG alt="Peckinou"]https://www.rpnation.com/data/avatars/s/59/59747.jpg?1655389994[/IMG] Peckinou QuirkyAngel QuirkyAngel [IMG alt="SilverFlight"]https://www.rpnation.com/data/avatars/s/3/3029.jpg?1594925736[/IMG] SilverFlight [IMG alt="The Prophet"]https://www.rpnation.com/data/avatars/s/14/14839.jpg?1643345426[/IMG] The Prophet The Suspicious Eye The Suspicious Eye Lucem Lucem

 

[The One Eyed Bandit]

NPC Post - Glamorous Contestant M

SCENE:

New Oasis Arc 3: Scene 1 [PASSERI PARK'S ULTRA PASSIONATE MELODY ONSLAUGHT]

LOCATION:

Central District

PARTICIPANTS:

Florence, Pascal, Gavril, Milo, Dimitri, Jackson

THE GREAT THRESHOLD

There was a heavy, pneumatic hiss as the tube descended upon Flo. A hefty 'thunk' followed, which the other contestants could hear loud as clear, as she was propelled up and into the pipe, returning into the mall's bleak, twisted guts once more. As before the odd sliver of light cut into the darkness, but, as Flo might have noticed, they came and went much more swiftly than before. She sped through the tube with considerably more force than before, passing by each challenge too quickly to catch a glimpse of them of what they held within.

~~~​

Makoto's ear twitched, and then she spun on her heel. She met Jackson's eye for a moment, before her brow creased and her expression turned stormy. Deep down, she felt a jolt of relief. Now she had something to vent her frustration onto.

"Huh?" She spat, pushing off of the door with a dramatic sway. "Come again? What'd you just say to me?"

Her heels clicked, stark and with intent as she closed the gap between herself an the blonde-haired, blue-eyed, fuck-witted man who'd had the gall to speak to her in that manner, her eyes remaining locked with his the whole time. When it came to this sort of thing, this was hardly her first rodeo. She, by her own proclamation, was a woman who knew how to get what she wanted, and what she wanted right now was to put him in his place.

"Did you hear me ask for your opinion, punk?" She stopped, conveniently, just outside of swinging range, and puffed herself up as large as she could muster, bringing all of her bluster to bare. "Do you know who you're talking to? How about you-"

Midway through the blue-haired woman's rant, that pneumatic hiss returned, and a tube descended from above, dead on the door's center. If not for her single-minded fury, Makoto might've noticed it, just as she might've noticed the thunking of Flo's body against the pipes' interior as she raced through them. What she definitely noticed, though, was the sudden, rapid weight that fell upon her shoulders as a fully grown woman dropped from the ceiling, leaving them both in a ragged heap.

"-keep y-!" Was about all she managed to get out of her mouth before Flo careened into her, knocking her breath from her lungs, and turning her into a soft, but slightly bony landing platform. Stars danced in her eyes, and she mumbled a few offended cursed out of her mouth, her mind struggling to comprehend what had just occurred.

"Whuh- I- What the fu..." She stammered, rolling clear of Flo's landing site, and then just barely getting to her feet. "Fuck'r... You 'posed to be...?"

Spoiler: Tags

Interacted with: BriiAngelic Ambiloquous

 

[The One Eyed Bandit]

Passeri Park

CS Link

SCENE:

Tigers Arc 3: Scene 1 [Where Giants Sleep]

LOCATION:

Heavenly Beast Plaza, Lower Central District

PARTICIPANTS:

Wren, Elias, Kenji, Passeri, Isobel, Ezra

Where Giants Sleep

So she could listen. That was good.

Passeri trod lightly, falling alongside Elias as they trailed after their Jack. He chatted as they went, and as he did best, aimlessly. Though, it wasn't as if she could complain about that too much, considering the amount of jibber-jabber she'd flooded the airwaves with already.

"Really~?" Passeri hummed, matching Elias's lax demeanour with one equally unbefitting of the situation. She smiled thinly and matched her eyes with his. Hopefully, he could catch a hint. "You'd do that for me? I'm not sure if I've ever mentioned it, but I'm not the best with small spaces like this, so..."

In one smooth movement, she wiggled her fingers, and then took Elias's hand into hers. It was the first time her skin had touched his in a long while. If that wasn't a strong enough hint for him to pick up on, then she'd been overestimating his intelligence by a long mile.

Said the woman that had just given one of the shiftiest men she knew an all-access pass into the depths of mind.

She wasn't even sure how his potential functioned, with how secretive he was about it. She cleared her mind, draining it of all but her thoughts in the blind hope that he'd be able to read them as if they were spoken, and things would be simple as that.

"Hi~ Are you hearing this? Give my hand a squeeze if you do." She thought, her expression remaining even, as she led him by the hand. Next, she pushed through an assembly of her memories, recalling what she deemed relevant in a bid to direct Elias in the direction of what she wanted him to know, and not what he was curious about. Certain moments passed through her mind, those of planning and observation, all to communicate the message that she was looking for some alone time with the Jack, and that she was ever so curious as to what she was really up to.

There wasn't a chance in hell she'd led them into somewhere like this on a whim.

"Help me out, would you? I'm sure whatever she's up to will be fascinating." She thought again, and then released his hand as Isobel turned to address them. She wasn't fond of making gambles like this, but Elias was not an element she wanted to leave unaccounted. Whether he was with her or against her, she wanted to know.

"A stalker, maybe?" She chirped. This was something she had experience with. "They'd have to be awful bold to follow us in such an enclosed space... But, just in case-!"

Passeri spun on her heel, and light poured out of her palm. It took a few moments, but soon enough, a rack of vibrant, pink bars filled the passage from which they came, blockading it to whatever would-be pursuers that might've been hot on their heels. She couldn't guarantee that it would hold, especially if there was an HP after them, nor that they wouldn't emerge from some other, hidden route, but at the very least she hope it'd provide Isobel some peace of mind.

Things would've been a lot easier for her if she was just a bit more relaxed.

"That'll slow 'em down, at least!" She turned back to Isobel, and ushered her forwards. "Let's go! If someone is following us, then that might not hold them off forever."

Spoiler: Tags

Interacted with: Saturn_moon QuirkyAngel
General: Kyuubey Stros Lucem

 

[Roda the Red]

CAMILA GASPARI

CS Link

SCENE:

Tigers Arc 3: Scene 2 [The Heist]

LOCATION:

Central District

PARTICIPANTS:

Camila, Ryutaro, Maria, Jennifer, Sylvie, Samira

THE HEIST

Camila focused intently on the words spewed by the Tiger Queen and the rest of the group, their back and forth about their current information, as well as the lack thereof. So, it turns out this wasn't just some mindless robbery in order to recklessly increase Ryutaro's already enviable wealth, but instead the objective was aiming at the top of G&G, dealing with the invasive pest from its root. While the plan felt a bit clumsy by Camila's more subtle standards, especially when dealing with big names like those, the veteran couldn't help but respect her leader's ambition to deal with the issue at hand in one fell swoop.

"Well, this is certainly one step above the petty work I've had to comply with as of late" said Camila as she stood up from the fancy sofa, strutting elegantly towards the plentiful display of masks, briefly scanning for the one that would catch her attention the most.

"Very well, I expect all of us standing here to be more than qualified for this operation" She said as she reached for a specific mask. She stared at Ryutaro, a sly smile forming on her lips and her eyelids lowering halfway as she rested the top of the mask against her chin. "I just hope that afterwards, you keep us in mind for the future, my dear Queen"



The gold scraps were nice, great, even. But the good name that this would put on her among leadership was the real treasure.

joshuadim Beann @Uasal @Shoya @FangS31

 

[Doctor Llamabean]

NPC POST - OLIVER LAWLESS

SCENE:

Phoenixes Arc 3: Scene 2 [Tactical Mayhem]

LOCATION:

CDPD-HQ, Upper Central — One of many Bullpens, 3rd Floor

PARTICIPANTS:

Ashley, Boltius, Eric, Gideon, Inigo, Roza, Tatsuya

TACTICAL MAYHEM

The power behind Ashley’s charge, when it hit him, Oliver’s lungs were stripped of breath and veins bulged on his forehead. He released a sharp grunt of pain, face going red, as Ashley carried him toward the hole in the wall to the next room over, a Detective’s Bullpen, one of many on the third floor.

By now, the smoke flare had died, and the red embers that rimmed the hole in the wall had too.

Ashley pushed and Oliver’s feet stumbled backwards against his will. They commenced a slide when the officer tried to push back, hoping to catch traction on the floor but to no reward. He had a few inches on Ashley but matched him in width, so there was something more at play here, Oliver thought, noticing the crimson rings in the boy’s eyes.

“So, it’s stremph—” He did little to hide any strain in his voice. Nor did he show further intent to elaborate. The boy could read between the lines, that much went without saying.

When the back of Oliver’s knees felt the wall’s edge where the massive hole began, Oliver tightened his grip on Ashley’s shirt and pulled, throwing himself backwards. Together, they fell through the hole and into the Bullpen, Ashley on top of Oliver, and Oliver managed to wriggle his bat between them.

Positioned horizontally, the bat’s metal pressed against Ashley’s throat and Oliver snarled as he pushed, holding the boy’s eyes as if whoever looked away first would surely lose the struggle. His lip, by now, had finished bleeding, only a swollen cut, red around the edges, left in the wake of Ashley’s first punch.

In one decisive motion, Oliver managed to throw Ashley to the side, and he immediately scrambled to his feet, swinging attacks before his knees even left the floor. The bat bounced off the tile here and there, each din of impact playing part in a freestyle instrumental, then he was standing. He lunged. And the two of them danced their dance around the Bullpen, kissing metals, pipe to bat, and trading attacks back and forth.

As they did, Phoenix member Stix arrived on-scene of Dynamik lying unconscious beneath the warmth of Riot’s jacket, and he moved quickly to her aid, cautious glancing in the direction of Oliver and Ashley in the other room. He didn’t have a potential well-equipped for fighting, so he set his mind on getting Dynamik to safety… wherever that was.

Through the windows of the Bullpen where light fingered its way in through open blinds and danced with dust, a massive black wall of pavement rising to surround the building was hard to miss. The CDPD was starting to act. They could win if they tried; there were enough of them.

Two hands wielding, Oliver swung his bat in a downward arc, aiming center for the boy’s skull. He missed. The bat fulfilled its descent and splintered a detective’s desk in two. Its contents sprayed like confetti—pens, pencils, paper, stapler, keyboard of keys knocked loose from the impact. They clattered to the floor and Oliver nearly slipped on a pencil or two underfoot as he pursued the Phoenix, not just attacking with his bat but with punches and kicks, as well. Anything for the upper hand.

OLIVER/POST NOTES​

— —Oliver's Potential: He can absorb impact through objects and convert it into energy, which he can then release in powerful shockwaves.

— —POST RECAP: Oliver and Ashley fight.

Lucem (Interacting w/ Ashley)

BLITZ (Boltius Beckman)

CS Link

SCENE:

Phoenixes Arc 3: Scene 2 [Tactical Mayhem]

LOCATION:

CDPD-HQ, Upper Central District — Second floor

PARTICIPANTS:

Boltius, Ashley, Gideon, Roza, Tatsuya, Inigo, Eric, (NPCs)

TACTICAL MAYHEM

Orange orbs flickered this way and that, seeking stairs to the third floor. He was surrounded by offices, offices, and more offices—a maze, if you will. Every turn took him down another corridor the same as the one before it, and he felt a worm of annoyance wriggling its way up his spine by the passing second.

Is it that fuckin’ hard to find a goddamn stairwell!?

Bolt’s fists ached for something to punch.

On that thought, as if his urges took form and turned against him, something hit him straight in the chest, hard. His cheeks blew up with air escaping his lungs, eyes wide then squinting as he stumbled backwards.

His walkie spoke with the voice of Gideon, but Bolt was busy now.

It wasn’t the speed with which he followed up that was commendable, but the lack of hesitation as he corrected his footing and put his fists up with a forward shuffle before he’d even finished suffering the blow.

Rearing back, his spine arched, knuckles white with a thirst for flesh, and Boltius came down on the man… but stopped barely an inch from jaw at the abrupt: “WAITIWAITWAITWAITWAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTT!!!”

Hearing the clatter of a knife against the floor, Bolt stamped his foot down on the blade and kicked it far behind him, then took two handfuls of the guy’s shirt before him and pulled him close. “FUCK DO YA MEAN WAIT?! YOU JUST HIT ME, DIDN’T YA?! IF YOU GOT SOMETHIN’ TA SAY, FUCKIN’ SAY IT, BEFORE I COOK YOUR ASS!”

The air grew warm then…

BOLTIUS/POST NOTES​

— —Current Temperature: Warming up...

— —What he's wearing (Click) Black Coat over an orange/grey/black Jacket + Matching Shorts w/ black leggings underneath; Orange sneakers; Black flat-bill cap; No gloves, harness, or jewelry as seen in the reference image...

— —Boltius' Tattoo Reference (X) His tattoo is currently hidden/unseen by his clothes...

— —Boltius' Physique Reference, since his face-claim art doesn't accurately depict it (X) (X)

— —POST RECAP: Boltius gets hit in the chest by Tatsuya. The two of them are now in a separate plane of existence. Boltius tries to retaliate but stops when Tatsuya begs him to wait.

— —Upper Sector CDPD Floors:
1st Floor, Visitors Center... The main floor from which people come and go.
2nd, Officers Division... Where officers conduct their work. Includes many rooms dedicated to varying purposes.
3rd, Detectives Division... Where detectives conduct their work. Includes many rooms dedicated to varying purposes.
4th, Dispatch Center... Includes two large, separate offices of call cubicles, one labeled Center A and the other Center B.

When descending from Upper CDPD to Lower CDPD via freight elevator, one passes through a glass tunnel that offers a high-rise view of the underground city.

Nobody Special (Interacting w/ Tatsuya)

NPC POST - ???

SCENE:

Phoenixes Arc 3: Scene 2 [Tactical Mayhem]

LOCATION:

CDPD-HQ, Upper Central — Labs, 1st Floor

PARTICIPANTS:

Ashley, Boltius, Eric, Gideon, Inigo, Roza, Tatsuya

TACTICAL MAYHEM

Gideon began swatting at the butterflies and, gracefully, they evaded him, drawn to the rim of his cup at every gap in his defense. When he pulled out his walkie and regarded their presence as a prank, the butterflies simply perched wherever they could.

That is until came the arrival of a familiar-faced detective, one they’d seen many times during visits to the Central Captain’s office. Eric Evensen, one of the Captain’s team.

Quickly, upon his entrance, the butterflies gathered together and swiftly left the room for other prey, preferably lone prey, for they abhorred the spotlight.

Down the hall, moving northeast of the break room, they happened across something peculiar, the swarm did, and paused their advance. A black, flickering mass with the flutter of hasty wings. And they watched, peeking into the labs at the sight of a butterfly not like one of their own.

Then they moved, entered the lab, and seemed to take the form of a human, a woman, who stepped forward without falter, and took the butterfly in her hand, holding it tenderly in her palm.

“And who are you?” she asked the insect.

OLIVER/POST NOTES​

— —???'s Potential: Butterflies...?

— —POST RECAP: The butterflies carry on.

Coyote Hart Roda the Red Wxnter (Interacting w/ Callista)

 

[Caffeine_Obsessed]

Yuto Nishimura

CS Link

SCENE:

Serpents Arc 3: Scene 3 [Filth in the Gutter]

LOCATION:

Lab Icarus, North District

PARTICIPANTS:

Darius|Mimi|Orion|Reese|Rutheless|Sang-Cheol|Yuna|Yuto

FILTH IN THE GUTTER

Yuto's three eyes trailed after them. Was Mimi going to be ok? He didn't know how much he trusted Sang-Cheol to watch over her. His eyes snapped back over to the... thing that Mimi had created before her lights went out. In all honesty, it did slightly intimidate him. But it seemed for the time being it wasn't going after Serpents...

With an unsteady exhalation of breath, Yuto followed after them, unwilling to get caught up in whatever mess that thing may lay in its wake. If anything- Yuto was grateful Mr Grumpy let them know where they were going. Yuto intended on following them but.. there were already people in the hallway?! He grit his teeth in frustration. Rolling his shoulders, he breathed out his anxieties. Then he smiled.

He followed behind Gerda, eyeing the person In front of them curiously. What were those things floating beside him? Yuto wanted to touch them. His pupils dilated in fascination, a thin ring of fuchsia being left in its wake. He giggled, before pouncing on the nearest wall, his palms and bare feet sticking to it. He crawled up, up, before crawling onto the ceiling, blood rushing to his head. He could feel excitement replacing his previous uneasiness.

Spoiler: Tags

Gerda Misuteeku Silva Doctor Llamabean

 

[The One Eyed Bandit]

NPC Post - Radical Contestant B

SCENE:

New Oasis Arc 3: Scene 1 [PASSERI PARK'S ULTRA PASSIONATE MELODY ONSLAUGHT]

LOCATION:

Central District

PARTICIPANTS:

Florence, Pascal, Gavril, Milo, Dimitri, Jackson

THE CANYON OF SECRETS

"Shah, brah..." Brock rolled over, foam shifting and he turned from is front to his back. His eyes were met with the sight of a shock of blonde hair, skillfully ascending the wall of tricks which he had been oh-so unceremoniously tossed from. It was taking him longer than he liked to admit to recover. It wasn't like he hadn't taken a fall like that before, but, man his spine was not what it used to be.

He hauled himself to his feet in one, two, three, no, four motions, groaning all the while. So much for Spider Monkey. These days, he was more of a... Grounded...? Monkey?

"Dammit!" He exclaimed, and threw his head back. In his voice, there was despair, but more than that, there was passion. "Grounded or no, a Monkey is still a Monkey!"

Brock flexed his knees, which embarrassingly cracked, and then sprung back onto the wall, clinging to it with the vigor of a fresh tube of super glue. His ascent was now accented by a chorus of grunts and huffs, only some of which were from actual exertion. A lot of things had failed him in life, but one things that had always done him right was the classics. He called to mind all of the 80's Rock-scored montages he'd watched and rewatched throughout his life and allowed them to flow through his body.

Traps sprung beneath him, the wall twisted and turned, while comically large props flew in his direction, but this time all they did was slow him down. His body blazed, literally, with the surfer-bro grit of all his childhood, and man-childhood heroes, illuminating his body in a wreath of spectral, cyan flames.

"Watch out, beach-boy!" Brock was getting close to Pascal now, the gap closed by the blonde man's minor slip, but his pace slowed. The flames which surrounded him were now a blaring neon, though the were still cool to the touch, and Brock cast his gaze over his shoulder, towards the opposite side of the Canyon.

"Let's do this!" He exclaimed, purely for his own sake, and then lept from the wall. For a brief slice of a moment, it looked as if he was about to plummet to his foamy doom, but instead, his flames twisted and burst, sending him clear across the gap in a diagonal flight up towards the ledge. He soared through the air magnificently, though he did very nearly flub the landing, only just managing to catch the cliff's edge with the ends of his fingers.

His body slapped comically against the wall, and with all the power that his hairy arms could muster, he had soon hauled himself onto the final precipice.

"I guess you snooze you win, huh!? Power nap! I'll be seeing you around, brohahs!" He called over his shoulder, quickly vanishing into the next challenge. A moment later, there was the sound of something comical, and then Miles's muffled but still unmistakable voice leaked out of the entrance. It was probably a safe bet to assume that Brock was already flat on his ass again.

Spoiler: Tags

Interacted With: @The Prophet Anne Boolean
General: Ambiloquous The Regal Rper Elenion Aura BriiAngelic

 

[Stros]

KENJI & WREN

http://

Collab Post

SCENE:

Tigers Arc 3: Scene 1 [Where Giants Sleep]

LOCATION:

Heavenly Beast Plaza, Lower Central District

PARTICIPANTS:

Ezra, Elias, Isobel, Kenji, Passeri, Wren

WHERE GIANTS SLEEP

As with any and all sorts of respite that Kenji managed to find, the moment of solace was soon interrupted shortly thereafter. Within seconds of closing the blinds of his eyes and relaxing the muscles of his body. Kenji began to pick up the faint sound of approaching footsteps. They weren't what one would consider a casual walking pace as the foot falls were more of a meek shamble than anything. But, he could guess that by that impression alone that it was most likely the rookie, sent to catch up to the pair. His assumption was proven every bit truth, when a few minutes later the man’s voice echoed down from above.

“Well… the prince is here… You-uh… mind getting off me?”

_________________________________________________________________________________________​

Wren took her time standing, those hands brushing at her clothes in an attempt to rid it of the dirt it had collected, even though she’d landed atop of Kenji. A brow was raised, the light of her phone being flicked off so that it no longer illuminated the area. Her vivid azure eyes peered through the dark, struggling to focus without the light. Eventually things started to become shadowy, easier to make out around her. A murmur of disapproval cascaded past partly lips.

“ The prince? “ Wren scoffed, mockingly even as she tried to figure out whom he was referring to. Those words remained down in the pit though, not echoing up towards the arriving Tiger. Wren let her eyes rise towards the voice that called down towards them.

“ I know you were looking forward to a nice long nap. “ She said with a roll of her eyes, hearing that Ezra would be attempting to pull them back up and out of the hole.

_________________________________________________________________________________________​

Once free to stand again, Kenji rubbed at his lower back in a bid to ease his soreness. After a moment, when it was clear the pain would persist, he instead shifted focus to his coat pockets. After a brief pause, necessary to remember which side he had tucked it into. Kenji retrieved the page of note paper that he had put away earlier without much thought. Tearing it in half as instructed, he handed Wren the top half while retaining the bottom.

While ordinarily he would be more than ready to leave the pit behind and continue on their journey, Kenji's attention lingered at the skeleton nearby. While standard horror fanfare for an abandoned mine and hidden tunnel system, its existence provoked the insomniacs' curiosity.

“Go ahead. I think I’ll collect a souvenir.” He stated dryly.

_________________________________________________________________________________________​

At Kenji’s nudge for her to continue without him, Wren cast him a very long side glance. It spoke volumes if he could see it. “ You’ve got three minutes before I jump back down here and come after you. “ She threatened, though her voice was soft and calm. Those eyes had come to a close as she spoke. She hadn’t dared try to sign it to him in case he decided to pretend that he’d never seen it. It was something the man would likely try. Pulling some oblivious bullcrap.

She clutched the half of the paper, immediately feeling the tug of Ezra’s potential until she basically flew back up towards the edge of the pit. Her boots steadied themselves at the ledge, a few steps being taken to put a bit of distance between herself and it, lest she tumble back down like an idiot.

“ Thanks, Ezra. “ Wren began to sign, resorting to her usual means of communication now that it wasn’t just her and Kenji.

“ Kenji says you’re a prince. Is that true? “ Wren tilted her head, blinking towards the baby-faced rookie.

“ Should I have been bowing before you this entire time? “ Wren grinned a little though it was innocent in nature.

“ Find anything interesting on your way? I may have activated a trap of some sort so we should be on the lookout for more if we continue down this path. I found Kenji’s doppelganger down below, though there was one major difference. It was quite the handsome skeleton. “ Not that Kenji was alive and the remains were of a dead person. Nope. She’d gone straight for the straight jab and jest towards her partner in crime. Whether he could hear her or not was entirely another story. Still it warranted a subtle upwards tug of her lips, the amusement sitting there like an easily read book.

_________________________________________________________________________________________​

Falling back into their usual subtle manner of communicating when with others. At Wren's subtle threat, Kenji lazily eyed their surroundings as if to propose the question.

"And where exactly would I go?"

Though, not breathing a word of this he soon after found himself alone among the pit's four solid walls. Eventually releasing his half of the note paper that he had carefully folded into a makeshift paper plane. Watching idly as it defied the pull of gravity and disappeared up into the darkness above him for a moment. With a sneeze and sniffle, Kenji soon turned back to the human remains behind him and crouched in front of it.

He stared for a moment into the black empty pits of its eye sockets as he idled at its eye level. The significance of the husk wasn't lost on him, as Kenji knew the hollowed out skull that he was peering into was no different than his own. It had once belonged to an HP. While the chances of NPs discovering the entrance to the tunnel system weren’t unthinkable. Having the capacity to move the Dragon Statue was out of the question for them.

No. The person had been an HP in nine of ten cases, and they hadn’t come alone. It wasn’t reasonable to assume they would have the strength alone to move the statue, and even if they did there was no guarantee they would be able to escape without assistance. It would be suicide to enter by oneself.

The irony of this conclusion wasn’t lost on Kenji either as he smiled to himself. In either case the adventure had been the death of this unknown individual, and there had been something worth dying for at the end of this underground maze that now seemed more powerful than a mere Relic. Sources of power or wealth often gave hints of their magnitude in the mounds of the dead or conquered that they left in their wake.

Flipping his phone’s light back on, Kenji briefly brought it to bear on the decomposed frame. Inspecting its tattered and deteriorated clothing suggested it had been trapped underground for several decades. Moving from the skull to heels, there were no apparent signs of skeletal injury. Unlike what one might expect, the dead soul had been perfectly healthy and capable of climbing out on their own power.

Raising his dim light at this thought to inspect the surrounding walls, Kenji soon realized the majority of its surface had seemingly been sanded down to a near vertical flat surface. Though, more curious than this was the fact that the walls seemed to be completely covered in crude etchings that had been carved and then dashed over to nothing but gibberish afterwards.

Kenji stood and began a closer inspection of these walls, to see what the cryptic writings may have offered to the fate of the unfortunate hand that had carved them. When after half a minute he noticed similarities among all the engravings, it was soon obvious that they were all a single word. Written a hundred dozen times all around him, progressively in a more manic handwriting and style. There was just a sole repeated word that formed the shape of a familiar name.

Markus​

Whether it was referring to the man of the same name that now led the Albino Tigers or persons unrelated. One thing was certain. That it was very likely intentional, that no one should have discovered the forgotten tomb of the HP.

Kenji's attention was stolen from his thoughts as the paper airplane he had sent above now floated down in front of his gaze. Reaching out a hand to catch it, he took a last thoughtful glance to his doppelganger.

_________________________________________________________________________________________​

After a few minutes of unbroken silence from above, and no sign of Kenji’s return. All of a sudden as if reappearing from the gloom he had originally manifested from at birth, Kenji appeared there on the edge of the pit looking no worse for wear. Though, if one had been paying close attention to his posture and attire, they would notice a bulge in his coat pocket that was previously absent.

…

Her gaze flickered over towards the arrival of the man and she waved a hand about nonchalantly, signing for both to see now. “ Guess I didn’t have to go back down there and drag you up. Thanks for saving me the trouble. Are you done doing whatever it was you were doing down there with that skeleton? “ There was just a little bit of insinuation there but not enough to be picked up by someone who didn’t know her very well. She genuinely was curious as to his observations that had had him remain behind, or rather below, for longer.

She noticed the lump within his coat which brought with it a silent inquiry in the form of a raised brow. What had he found? And was he going to share with the class?

"You know a prince never kisses and tells. Ain't that right rookie?" Kenji answered wryly. Subtly shifting the topic of conversation away from himself.

Spoiler: Tags

Kyuubey QuirkyAngel Saturn_moon Stros The One Eyed Bandit

 

[The Regal Rper]

Gav | Central | Passionate Melody Onslaught

"I wouldn't--" but it was too late. THe door slammed shut and then like that- the maze shifted, gears groaning, doors moving, reality itself recalculating.

There she went. Swallowed up in a heartbeat before he could even caution her not to go through the door.

Gav blinked, his bottom lip curling up and his brows coming down in a squint.

"Damn." Was the sound that came from his mouth as he watched Flo quite literally disappear.

From what he could tell she was leaving wherever they were. He grimaced. They'd be stuck doing this for quite some time if they couldn't figure this out but without anyone in their area for him to target and lock in on, there was no way he could feasibly navigate this place with ease.

Alright then I guess we'll do it this way. Beth" he called to her, "you, I and Milo are now a team." And to punctuate it, Gav stepped towards her and then patted her on the shoulder. "So here's what I'm going to do."

You would have expected an actual explanation, all Gav did was grab her by the collar of her shirt, roughly pull her in and then with his arm acting as a brace he hoisted the screamer up to carry over his shoulder. "In we go-" he said as a warning to Milo, and then charged inside.

Inside they went and immediately right after the door shut behind him or Milo, if the latter had kept up. The place shifted-- and Gav grimaced as he immediately moved towards another path in their current hallway hoping to get something out of ripping the door off its hinges- that was until. Beth made a sound and he was alerted to the presence of an approaching spirit.

Well, 'spirit' as in a ghost.

Grimacing, Gav dashed towards a door not across or adjacent but from where the ghost approached, leaving Milo to his own fate while he took Elizabeth on his shoulder and ran like a mad lad. Flexing his power and using Altaia to extend the arm of his right hand to fire at the door and punch it open that he burst through.

"Damn it!" He grimaced. "There has got to be an easier way to do this."

Mentions: Anne Boolean @The Prophet

Interactions: Ambiloquous The One Eyed Bandit Elenion Aura

 

[joshuadim]

RYUTARO HASHIMOTO

CS Link

SCENE:

Tigers Arc 3: Scene 2 [The Heist]

LOCATION:

Central District

PARTICIPANTS:

Camila, Jennifer, Maria, Ryutaro, Samira, Sylvie

THE HEIST

As the Tigers chose their masks from the selection available to them, Ryu himself walked over to a display case in his office to slide the glass aside and pick out his own selection. He pulled aside an immaculate wood and ivory mask from his father's home of Sankai that represented the oni, a demonic figure in the folklore of the archipelago nation that were known for their ferocity. Most of it was a pale white with carving of black as additional details for the ears and eyes and was then adorned with dark yellow horns and fangs to complete the visage.

He held it in his hands and stared into the voids that were its eyes and took a deep breath. I will make my mark, father. he thought to himself as he turned to face the group. Camila had spoken about how pleased she was to be on a more important job than the usual, and made a not so subtle request for moving up in the ranks. The Tiger Queen smirked ever so slightly, his lip just curling to where it was almost imperceptible. "Should we succeed, I will keep my eye on you Ms. Gaspari." Ryu said to Camila.

In the meantime, Cal delivered earpieces to both Ryu and the Tigers in the room: "I'll be providing intel on the fly as you work your way to the vault. We'll be checking to see if there's any unusual radio traffic, communications, or whatever else might arise." He then pulled aside a large case and handed it to the Tiger Queen. "A thermal drill with a thermite injector. There's enough here to melt through the vault door for you all to get inside. Just be sure not to get any fingerprints on it."

Ryu grabbed the case handle with gloved hands and chuckled. "As if I would." The Tiger Queen then also collected an additional weapon for himself that was on display in his office: a katana with a black bamboo saya (scabbard) and wrapped with a delicate silk cloth on both it and the tsuka (handle).

"Let's go, we'll take my private elevator down to the garage." Ryu then said as he approached the back wall of his space and pressed a button that blended with the marbling. Doors opened to allow the Tigers inside to a swift ride down to the buildings depths. In the garage itself was, as the Queen mentioned, an armored truck belonging to the bank. But as the masked and geared Tigers approached they noticed a driver wearing a uniform of the bank as well. An employee of Poincare-Scholtz, who was now on Ryu's payroll to get them in the bank, sat at the wheel with his fingers tapping away at it.

"You guys ready? I'm scheduled to arrive there in half an hour." he then asked, averting his eyes away from the Tigers. "I gotta book my flight out the country soon anyhow."

"Do your job, and you'll be able to hide in peace." the Queen replied as he swung open the doors to allow everyone to enter. The engine roared to life as it prepared to depart once everyone was ready.

Sylvie (@FangS31 ), Samira ( Beann ), Camila ( Roda the Red ), Jennifer (@Uasal )

 

[Anne Boolean]

Pascal Corbin

CS Link

SCENE:

New Oasis Arc 3: Scene 1 [PASSERI PARK'S ULTRA PASSIONATE MELODY ONSLAUGHT]

LOCATION:

Central District

PARTICIPANTS:

Florence, Pascal, Gavril, Milo, Dimitri

THE CANYON OF SECRETS --> THE HALL OF INSIGHT

The blond looked down momentarily with a curious brow when Spider, short for redundant shortenings of nicknames let out a war cry. It was something about a monkey still being a monkey on the ground. More redundancies, it seemed. Either way, he tried not to get distracted for long, and continue his way up. Pascal looked down once more when he heard the man's voice again, this time referring to him as a beach boy.

"I'm actually fresh wat-" He stopped mid-sentence when he saw the fiery state the guy was in. Oh no. Oh no, no, no. This game show was a test of physical skill, but potential vaporization was not what he had signed up for. Even if the man below wasn't exuding any heat, Pascal's leg still quickly recoiled and he started scampering upwards faster. His eyes now shifted between the distance to the top and the the man below him. He seemed to be making some distance, but to his surprise, fire monkey wasn't following. Instead, the man launched himself off of the wall before using his flames to shoot forth to the opposite wall like an aerial recovery in a fighting game. As such a maneuver was designed to do in game, he landed with his hands grasping the ledge.

"Tch..." Pascal rolled his eyes as the man pulled himself up and bragged momentarily before moving on to the next area. A clownish sound effect followed by Miles's voice, though not clearly audible, brought a smirk onto the blond's face as he finished his own climb. The other's victory was short-lived, and schadenfreude was sweet.

In front of him now hung a neon sign that read "Hall of Insight". Beyond it was what looked to be a path which had its walls lined with mirrors and obscured even more with a mist. Well, Pascal had some what of an advantage here it seemed, as he was able to clear the fog around his general person as he walked by absorbing its moisture. Unfortunately, that didn't prevent him from walking face first into a reflection. He turned with his hands raised in front of him, feeling for cold glass as he continued. There was thankfully no more kissing himself after that.

After a few minutes, he came up to what looked like one of those funhouse mirrors. "Heh..." He stood for a moment as he looked at his elongated body. Continuing on with yet another minute or so passing, he came up to another one such mirror that altered his reflection to short and stout. Another momentary glance followed by another chuckle. There was a third funhouse mirror some steps later, although this one widened his chest and shoulders while slimming his abdomen and legs. Having lost his shirt, he looked like a somewhat cartoonishly proportioned circus strongman.

"Man... guess I could give Gavril a run for his money if I could eat more than instant ramen nightly," the slimmer man commented with a chuckle. Instead of passing by, he felt compelled to reach out and touch the glass. When his palm met his reflection's, the mirror seemed to move back slightly. Blinking, Pascal continued to push it, eventually finding it to be a door. He turned to look at the old path before returning his gaze to the new one. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, he figured, unsure if he was even still going the right way down the regular maze, and then stepped through the mirror door.

Spoiler: Tags

The One Eyed Bandit

 

[Doctor Llamabean]

PIXEL (Cleo Silva)

CS Link

SCENE:

Dragons Arc 3: Scene 2 [Hunting Filth]

LOCATION:

Lab Icarus, North District—Moving south of Loading Bay

PARTICIPANTS:

Silva, Laura, Ruriko, Schroeder, Jiak (NPC)

Filth in the Gutter

Clack. Clack. Clack. Clack. Silva’s metal feet carried him leisurely down the hall, elbows high per his hands behind his head.

Every step rocked the saber-claw blades on his hips—twelve-inch long, J-shaped black steels, handle-wrapped in equally black leather and serrated along the arched spine. Silva loved those blades… He loved a lot of things; most things. But Silva really loved those blades.

Rippling laughter fell through the holes of his mask, something maniacally sinister by the natural growliness of his voice, giving to the idea that he might be a diabolical bastard. Truthfully, he was a goof and found repeated, innocent humor in his recent choice of dialogue.

Carrying on, ever so slowly, his pixels, the millions of them, coated him and his vicinity a cyan hue.

From speakers mounted throughout the building, the likes of which were not within Silva’s immediate sight, a disembodied voice bellowed. Abrasive, it seemed to leak from every corner and crevice, pouring down the walls, and Silva’s hands moved from behind his head to press against the earpieces of his aviator cap.

He looked around, searching for the source, then the building shuddered beneath the blast of an explosion outside.

Briefly, Silva stopped, wide-eyed with pursed lips behind his mask and goggles, and adopted a poor excuse for a defensive stance, more comical than it was combat-effective. He listened, taking in the distant roar of commotion, half tempted to turn back the way he came to see what all the fuss was about. That’s when she appeared. He heard her behind him, calling out in that prickly tone of hers that reached his ears, instead, like drops of warm honey.

“You can’t just fuckin’ charge in with no support!”

Without turning to see her, Silva buried his goggles in his palms and flexed every muscle in his body to control his fangirling. She reached him then, and he erupted with laughter—a typical response from him to just about anything. “AH-HAH-HAH-HAAAH!...” The laughter was cut by a sharp inhale, followed by a slow exhale. “Do you worry for me, hermosa?” he asked in a low voice, accent riding every word, relaxing against the wall like a school boy flirting up his crush by the water fountain. As if they weren’t currently waging war in enemy territory.

As for the looming threat upon the wall nearby, Silva did not notice, for his focus had dwindled until it was but the shape of Ruriko’s outline, and only Ruriko could fit within it.

“If you wan’ to hol’ my hand~” Silva reached a loose hand toward Ruriko. “I do not min’.” His awareness was poor, but an inexplicable tingle tore his goggled gaze, if even for just a second, away from Ruriko and prompted him to peek aside where he locked eyes with a masked fellow who froze beneath the green tint of his stare.

However, Silva hardly realized he was looking at someone, for Ruriko still held the reins to his attention. Just like that, at the same time that the masked fellow tucked tail and ran, an incoming attack from down the hall was lost on him. Two handfuls of needles whizzed in his direction. And Silva? Oblivious. He was turning his head to face Ruriko again and pick up where he left off.

Winning her heart.

SILVA/POST NOTES​

— —What he's wearing: (Click) Leather aviator cap, mask, and green-tinted goggles; Open green jacket w/ open grey jacket underneath (no undershirt); Grey shorts; Fingerless gloves; No shoes because metal feet

— —Silva's hair is spray-dyed green this time around. Due to wearing his aviator cap, Silva's hair cannot currently be seen.

— —He smells harshly of chemicals from the spray-on hair-dye that he uses.

— —Pixels: No current constructs; Pixels floating around him

— —POST RECAP: Ruriko finds Silva. Yuto looms nearby. Silva tries to flirt with Ruriko, notices Darius but not really. Gerda attacks and Silva stands oblivious to the approaching threat.

Beann Vahn @RedArmyShogun @dabberoni Nobody Special @FangS31 Misuteeku gxxberkit BluEndings @First Rose Caffeine_Obsessed (Interacting w/ Ruriko, Yuto, Darius, Gerda)​