Fantasy Superhero Times

[Deathkitten]

Darren​

Darren gave her a small smile, "I feel like putting my mom's number into my phone with you around might be a bad idea. Agas might take it and write horrible notes to her or something." He was joking, of course, trying to lighten the mood. "You shouldn't be so friendly to someone you barely know," he returned, shoving her in an attempt to push her off the bed, "Dork."

"I'm okay. It's just hard to make up my mind, I guess. Obviously her death still bothers me. It's probably always going to. But I've moved on. The hard part is the people that are still alive. My mom is... difficult... but my father is the really intense one," he stretched and sat back up, crisscrossing his legs with his hands in his lap, "My mother used to be a hero like I said. It wasn't for very long, and she stopped when she met my father. He changed her. He's charismatic like that - but I suppose that comes hand in hand with running such a big company. My mom's head over heels for him, and started to enjoy the freedom of villain work. No laws to stop you. You don't have to put up with anyone's crap. All it takes is letting go of your morality. On my father's side, though, his family has been in crime for a long long time. Any of his abilities haven't shown through yet - honestly I don't know if I'd want them to."

Darren started to go through the bag, picking up and folding each article of clothing, "So do you want to do one big load together of laundry? New gear is dirty gear, after all. They use formaldehyde and stuff on clothes, so it could irritate your skin if you don't get them washed first. Speaking of which, though... is there someplace to do it in the hotel? Like a laundromat?" Making a neat pile, he stared at it for a long while in contemplation before he took out his phone and looked at it with a sigh.

"If I message my mother, then my father will have my phone number as well. He'd probably come to the states to get me..."

ManofManyRoles

 

[ManofManyRoles]

Natalie Brenton

"Write notes to her? Nah, Agas can't do anything I don't let her...unless you know, she somehow overpowers me and then you have bigger issues then hate messages." His attempt to push her off the bed didn't really work out, all he managed to do was nudge her a bit. "Would you prefer I be a jackass to you? It's alright for me to be friendly with you, because we're gonna be stuck together for a while, yea?" She sat up, stretching her arms above her head. She listened to him speak, just as she always had and would. "I see. Well, can't say I like the idea. The devil has a silver tongue and all that, yea? And let's be clear on a few things. The law is there for a reason, and I abide it, so I guess there's that. But one thing you'll learn quickly is I will never take crap from anyone, and you shouldn't either. Was that way before I was a hero, it's stayed that way even after I became a hero. Taking crap is optional, and I don't suggest doing it."

"We can do a load of laundry, that's not an issue. There's a laundry room on the first floor that we can hit up, that's not gonna be a problem." Glancing at his phone she mulled the thought around in her head for a moment. "Terrible idea then. If your father shows up, I'm obligated to get involved. And even if I don't, Agas is going to try her damndest to wrest control. Why not write her a letter? Old fashioned, but it works. We can open you a mailbox at the mail center, and any letter you get back would be directed there. That's the best I can suggest to you."
Deathkitten

 

[Deathkitten]

Darren​

He held up his hands in defense, "I was just joking, silly. Geez. I'm all serious and you don't like it. I make jokes and you're the serious one. Can't win."

"Anyway, it wouldn't matter. It probably won't matter soon anyway. Me being a hero is light a slight to him. He'll show up one way or another eventually. That... won't be a fun fight... He's fought angels before..." he explained, eyes dipping down to look at his hands, his smile small but still there, "I'd hate it either way. I don't want you to get hurt, but there's still this part of me that says they're family and I don't want them to get hurt either. OH. And by the way! I'm not saying that their reasoning is sound. Law exists for a reason, like you said. If law didn't exist, then in this world... non-powered people would get hurt so often. It's not fair, and while life isn't fair, that doesn't mean that we shouldn't try to make it as fair as we can for other people. People like us, powered, have like... almost a responsibility to help out. We have extra help. Even if I'm depressed or whatever, I'm still better off than a lot of people."

He sighed, then held his head up a bit more, "So who got shot at, anyway?"

His father was the scary one... and he'd come. Darren knew he'd come. To his father, Darren was just being a rebellious kid, but... being a hero would feel like a slight to the family to him. He didn't want people to get hurt... and his father... he'd pave the streets with the blood of anyone in his way. God he didn't want to get caught in the middle of this. Wasn't this why he ran away? To get away from all that pain? He couldn't help but shudder at the thought. And his father's abilities... he didn't want them. It was bad enough to not feel. That was insanity-inducing enough. If he got his powers... if he got even a little bit... He hoped Agas would put him down before he could hurt anybody.

The answer of who got shot was, of course, Kali, and if he had had a drink he'd have done a spit take. "Oh they made a mistake," he grumbled, "Kali is... terrifying. If she got ahold of me... ugh... She'd toy with me for days to try to make me feel pain. A toy she can't break. It'd be too much fun. I almost feel bad for the sorry sap that took a pot shot at her. Here's to hoping no civilians get in the way."

ManofManyRoles

 

[Deathkitten]

Angela and Jenny​

Jenny gave the boy the sweetest of smiles, and she felt a little bad for mentioning his parents though they were clearly dead. He had this long-winded explanation. Clearly, he was trying to help. But. She didn't feel like there was actually an option.

"Why would that take me a long time to answer, little wolf?" she asked, tilting her head a little, "Why would I ever want to leave my family. Angela needs me. Alexander needs me... Honestly, I think he needs me now more than ever. I don't want to leave, but I'm ever so confused and disoriented. You're the first clear breath of air I've had this whole month. It's like swimming underwater while simultaneously being half-blind. I've got no idea what's going on around me, and it feels so hard to move my body."

"I don't imagine you do, but I'll ask anyway. Do you know why I'm feeling so confused and fuzzed-up? I don't want Alexander to have to take care of me like some dementia patient. It's not fair to him," Jenny looked back to gaze at her husband, "Even now it's like trying to look through fogged glass. I'm sure you can imagine what that's like, little wolf?"

ManofManyRoles Osuka

 

[Osuka]

Xasura Mi'Kael
Location: Alley

To say that he was taken aback a bit by such a quick answer and even more confusion behind his encouragement to ruminate upon the potential consequences of staying was an understatement, and he could only blink as he tried to process just how quickly and rationally she came to her answer. It also left nothing else to do other than to fulfill his promise, though right now, his Wizard friend was likely out on Duty, which was a problem. Looking at his phone to check the time, then closing it and stuffing it back into his pocket, Xasura took a long, slow breath before letting it out and processing her next question.

Would he really have any idea as to why things were so difficult for her at the moment? Xasura couldn't help but squat and rub his maw in serious contemplation while his ears twitched as the cogs in his head churned for some sort of reply. He couldn't help but to follow his little quirks when in deep contemplation, and it even seemed as if the swaying of his tail slowed as he sat hunched in the alley.

"Well," he started as he tried to remember Father Alexander's lessons. "I-it's not the best answer, to be honest, and I might only be speaking off the cuff, but it might be because of how you got here in the first place. I remember when you disappeared on the Queen Mary trying to find something that anchored you to the mortal plane - like a bag or maybe a bone or something, and we found nothing, so it was probably the kind of Magick that people shouldn't be playing around with in the first place. Though I dunno why I'm affecting you in a way that gives you the ability to be more animated. I really thought that maybe it was your daughter or your husband that'd have more of an effect on you since you know them better than a stranger, which only brings up more questions..."

Ruffling his hair in frustration, Xasura shot back up to his full height - which wasn't much considering his age and gave a huff of exasperation.

"Hey Sh- I mean, Alexander," he continued as he looked to the man. "I dunno if we can find my Wizard friend right now, considering they might be on Duty, but I can shoot them a text and see what they know, maybe? Or if they could take a break of some kind to check out the situation. He's young - I mean, older than me, obviously, but he's really smart on things like this and he might have a better idea on how to help Ms. Jenny. His Mentor might even have a spell in her repertoire that could help. Though I might need to know more about what all you guys found when you did the rescue thing. I mean, I can't just tell him Ms. Jenny needs help being mortal again without him knowing how she's here, or it might give the wrong idea."

Still, even with his hairbrained explanation, he was stumped. It was better to leave the explaining to the kinds of people who knew better than he did. Xasura really was out of his depth here. If they came to him asking about a Hero or a Villain, or maybe about the Orphanage or how to help around the city, he'd have a good idea, but Occult Studies was something Alexander only recently began entertaining his questions about, and his answers were picky at best. If only he started asking questions sooner, or plied the right pressure on the Father to get more information more quickly, he could do more, and his ears instinctively flattened as his tail dropped behind him all while he continued to scratch the back of his head in contemplation.

Just how much could he really do here? Was he useless again?

ManofManyRoles Deathkitten

 

[Osuka]

Alexandria Norman
AKA: Machina
Time: 1300hrs

.... And Xiard had been loosed from his incredibly comfortable and accommodating containment. Wonderful. A sigh passed through Alexandria's lips as she looked at the work she had wrought. Just three hours into her work, she had already drawn up plans for the commissioned armor, triple checked her stock of materials, set the plans into her shop's systems, and ordered the rest of the parts she would need for electronics, weapons, utilities, and much, much more! If this didn't make Norman Industries proud, she didn't know what would - but since she was Norman Industries and it did, then to hell with the rest of the Naysayers in the company.

Which was none.

Because she was the only one until she could turn Namina into an Artificial Intelligence instead of a highly sophisticated Virtual one, but speaking of Namina, there was a situation afoot that she had to deal with, and a press of a button on her wall had Namina's floating droid coming through a pipe system she had installed to hover nearby.

"You had called, Dr. Norman?" The cold, digital voice called.

"Yup," Alexandria quipped with a nod. Her hands placed themselves firmly on her hips as she looked at the droid. Her tongue pressed against her cheek before she decided to speak again. "So, Xiard is loose, and he asked for what?"

"Usage of the Simulation facility, Dr. Norman."

Well, that was confirmation of what she thought would happen. The only problem is that he didn't have clearance to the levels in the Simulation that he would probably need in order to get any meaningful training, since those could be lethal even with safeties on. Seriously, she just had to go and create a nightmare room when she decided that she really needed to be pushed, didn't she? And she just had to give permissions in the first place so the first thing Xiard didn't do was cleave his way out. At this point, she might as well just stomp her own foot seeing as, if he was set on getting a warm-up in before he started his day, he was going to have a bad time about it.

"Alright," came a groan from her lips as she re-tied her hair and started towards the door. It didn't take long to find the man, to be honest, since she could just have Namina direct her, and if he had wandered off, she'd be able to find him regardless considering she had access to all security cameras in the facility. One she had, though, she decided to instead keep a respectable bit-further-than-arm's-length distance from him.

"So you wanted to train," she started, then cleared her throat as she gestured. "Instead of find out all the different places you could go here. Because it's a huge facility. With a lot of things to offer as far as accommodations. Why?"

Cam E. Leon

 

[Cam E. Leon]

KALI​

Kali had been calmy walking down the streets of LA, shaking hands with civilians every now and then. It was good PR and gave her many alibis. She was about to head into a store when a sharp pain hit her back and shoved her to the ground. Kalis back was filled with pain as she looked around. No dead civilians, no shooters in the open. Good, she had already begun to rip her clothes off revealing the bodysuit she had beneath her clothes. A mix of high density yet flexible polymer and carbon fiber. Fitted with electromagnetic connectors on her back and hand. "MOTHERFUCKER" she yelled to fake rage, she honestly was not even angry at the bullet, it gave her an excuse to get some exercise. Pressing a button on the hip of her Bodysuit a van pulled onto the street the side door flinging open as a large black box was ejected out crashing into the street next to her. The box opening to reveal four giant long metallic arms that began to light up and connected to kalis back. Swords extending from the box. "Kali All out Assault mode Activated" Kali said as she grabbed the swords. The bodysuit lighting up as the arms grabbed the extra swords.

"I thank you for the meal" She whispered to herself licking her lips in anticipation as two of the arms grabbed the ground and lunged her forward before she landed the arms acting like spider legs scurrying her about the ground closer and closer to the skyscraper the shooter was on. Judging form the angle that the bullet hit her, Kali had determined the skyscraper she was based on. the swords collapsing and folding into the arms she laughed. "Your fight is with me not the citizens!" she said with a fake concerned face. Honestly civilians were so easy. Put on a pretty face and talk empty shit about caring about them and they cheer you on. Even now, just with the presence of kali in her super suit. Barely any of the citizens were running away. Shame since that makes her constrained in how much fun she can have. the front arms grabbed onto the skyscraper and began crawling up incredibly fast. the back arms spinning two swords like helicopter blades as a pseudo shield. Truly. this Sharpshooter was about have a bad day.

Deathkitten

 

[ManofManyRoles]

Natalie Brenton

She laughed a bit, glancing at him. "Nope, never will win. Just gotta accept you're stuck with me now." She didn't seem the slightest bit bothered by the concept of his father showing up, nor the fact he's fought angels before. Ah yes, because fighting Angels is totally the same as fighting Agas. One hundred percent- Her train of thought was derailed by the inner laughter of Agas, who apparently found the thought extremely funny. "Don't worry so much. It'll be okay. If I get hurt, I get hurt, I don't care. Been hurt before, doesn't bother me. Only thing that bothers me is hospital food, can't stand it." Hearing Darrens thoughts on the matter she smiled a bit, reaching over to pat him on the shoulder. "We'll make a hero out of you yet, love. And hey, I can fix depression, it's just gonna take some time and you're gonna have to trust me. I'm tons of fun to be with, and some light in your life does you good." She was thinking...sky diving. But without parachutes. They both could enjoy that, right?

Hearing it was Kali she put on a look of shock, which was horrendously fake that even a child could tell. "Oh no...not Kali. Anyone but her. How would the world survive without Kali...it'd be so awful if there were more shooters, or she severed her spinal cord, right? Such a shame...I hope she's okay." Okay, maybe she let her fantasy slip in there a bit, but she couldn't give a damn about the woman. She didn't even look at her soul, and she could tell just by the scent that she reeked of suffering and pain. She grumbled under her breath, something along the lines of 'hope they're using a large caliber.'
Deathkitten

 

[ManofManyRoles]

Alexander

There wasn't much he could do right now. Watch, listen, pay attention, sure. But he couldn't talk to his wife, as much as he wanted to. He didn't want to interrupt Xasura while he was speaking to her, it'd be counterproductive. His heart ached though when she looked at him and simply admitted it was like looking through fogged glass...but there was a good thing here. She wanted to stay with him, him and Angela. He shouldn't have been so selfish, she deserved the choice to stay here or move on...but hearing her want to stay, that she'd stay and keep their family together, live the life that had been taken from them.

Glancing at Xasura he paused...he hated getting people involved, it made too many connections. But...for Jenny? Absolutely. "I would appreciate that. Please text him...anything to help her. As I said, she was unintentionally brought back with Angela so there were...side effects. The...demon didn't do it." He paused, thinking of the best way to put this. Subtelty wasn't his strong suit, and as a vigilante, Xasura could be trusted, right? "You cannot tell anyone I told you this, I'm trusting you Xasura. We're already working on it...but the OA was somehow involved. That's how they got brought back. I'm trusting you to not tell anyone, if you did you'd cause panic, which is the last thing we want." He heaved a small sigh, eyes still on the young wolf. "...Thank you. It's nice to hear her talk again...really talk. You're the only one she has responded to thus far."
Osuka Deathkitten

 

[Cam E. Leon]

Myriad

Myriad calmly watched as two mages had approached her, One a swordswoman and the other most likely an apprentice. They were probably sent here to negotiate. Either that, or offer a boon as an apology. Yet her expectations were betrayed slightly when the swordswoman questioned her. More like scolded her, for harming the workers and lower class of man that dared to harm the patch of nature surrounding the fairies home. "Daughter of Man, We fairies are unlike you war mongering race. We had placed warnings around the entire home, signs warning of the dangers and consequences of harming these small patches of nature. Unlike others, we will always decree our intentions in protecting our homes. We sat quietly as you tore down the trees and paved over the earth, and yet you still hunger for more. How much will they go to expand their towers of stone. How much of this planets life will they snuff for their ever growing greed. We are simply defending on home. Can you and these nearly mindless workers say the same?" She questioned the swordwoman while she gestured to a sign still intact. She paid no attention to what the apprentice was doing nor did she really care. What could a single young mage do to a champion of the fairies. "I am Fairy Champion Myriad, daughter of Krin, taught by Revel. Now, may I ask if your here to kill me. or to negotiate? "she asked as the grip on her hammer tightened. As the armor was about to stand up, fairies flew about her and began scolding the suit telling it. "Be nicer!", "how do you plan to negotiate when you arent even treating them equal!" and finally "You battle maniac! Just relax and get out of that armor! Your scaring them!" as the fairies scolded the armor its confidence seemed to wane, looking much less imposing then before. Finally shooing away the fairies, the mana surrounding the armor seemed to condense inward. and from the open hood flew out. A small fairy a bit over half a foot in height. Or about 16 centimeters in height

"Geez. Making me get out of my armor....Well! what are you staring at!" she yelled at jewel and fay. Despite being so small she seemed to be using wind magic to amplify her voice to human sized levels. "I didn't want to get out of my armor since you humans tend to treat us like fucking children. Now-" she was about to continue before an acorn launched by wind magic hit her in the back of the head. Sighing she looked at jewel and fay. "thank you for deciding to talk and not fight...." she seemed angry that she was being made to negotiate instead of fight. but the stares from the treeline chipped away at her confidence.

Deathkitten Osuka Aelia Aeldyne Daniel Reaving

 

[Aelia Aeldyne]

Gorzob family - Cypress Hill goblin cemetery​

No death knell for the greenskinned folk; the ringing of metal was alien to their ears - there was silence instead. The hearse had arrived, driven silently as if floating above the roadway. The black vehicle came to a stop as naturally as the wind - it could not be otherwise. The deft movements of its driver and his aides were just as natural, perfected by experience like a stone in a river is polished by the flow. Nine they were, green of skin and grey of hair, small by stature but great by stance. One to lead them, dressed in black and gloved with silver, long and thin fingers prying open the gates of the cemetery with a gentle push - and a misty breeze / And winds heeded the call, woven and weaving at the tips of the singer without a voice, descending to contemplate the souls of the deceased / ran through the lane as the gate creaked open. Eight followed, inkly-black clad and sharp-dressed, pallbearers going by four and four, barehanded palms and clothed shoulders withstanding the weight of carved wood and two lives, and they walked by - and the gravel / After the gentle air came the steady earth, rustling and stirring from its endless slumber, shaped and shaping, firmer under the feet of the mourning, as if saying "I am here", a certainty to anchor oneself to / rustled beneath their feet, the low and solemn pacing of the steps roiling on the mineral shards.

Eight knelt amidst the crowd, their deathly burdens made to be borne by the ground. The ninth - the first - walked back in the same motion, eyes darting left and right to contemplate this sea of people parted only by a line of shattered stone laid bare on the soil of the hill. Two steps outside of the cemetery, and it began.

Threnody, ghastly prayer of the living towards the deceased. The Wailing. No one ever knew when it began, or by whom's voice, but all partaked. All who were of goblinkind, at least. But all could feel it, this communion rippling silently among them all. None had spoken before, none had formed concert - they just knew the right moment. And the greenskins sang, rough voices and hoarse voices, gravelly baritones and shrieking altii. Words of meaning forgotten but intent etched in souls - departure, grief, remembrance. Harsh syllables, ancient tonalities. A primal rhythm and prayer, a send-off for the extinct. Rumbling thrumming humming of a hundred throats, verses of old rehearsed in sorrowful unison.

We who sing for you, we promise shelter in our hearts
We who Wail gazing at the world, we have sworn an oath
Within our memories, we offer you this hearth
And we pray for us both that you enjoy its warmth

There was another sound. Thra-rra-kka. Thra-rra-kka. Thra-rra-kka. Punctuating the verses gravely, the rapping of bone on bone. There was a skeleton here, rhythming the powerful stanzas with the motion of his hands, a forlorn deathrattle. The song deepened, the voices no longer hushed. The skeletal notes had given the perfect echo to the tones, and now emotions swelled and so did the song.

Thra-rra-kka

We who scream at the sky, always we'll remember
We who howl for the lost, in our hearts an ember
Our steel bared from the cradle and borne with grim fervor
And we will have redress, time being of no matter

Thra-rra-kka

We who hail the earth-mother, on your souls put a crown
We who bow before nature in its shades of green and brown
In fire burned, by water spurred, by air healed and in earth sown
We ask the four that in greatness you be regrown

Thra-rra-kka
Thump.

Silence, anew. Of the nine, eight were kneeling still - one had returned bearing items. There was a stone, near the freshly-dug tunnel, round and just as wide as the entrance - but laying on its flat side. The echo faded - it had come from the small bowl that the officer had sharply laid upon the cold surface. Water in the bowl, rippling ineffably. He had closed his eyes - he opened them, revealing the weariness of age. With his left hand, he palmed the bowl - in his right were ten thin wooden sticks, two-thirds black and one brown. Slowly, tiredly, the elderly goblin stepped into the tunnel, disappearing into its darkness. Then, there was a sound of flowing to be heard / Strong water, spurred and spurring by stride and tide, ridden by pale horsemen, flowing to carry them away / then a final drop. Steps, then, and little sounds of prickling. The officer reappeared at the entrance, kneeling shortly to tack his last stick in the middle of the tunnel.

Silently, his gaze ran over the assembled people, and an unspoken order echoed in the still atmosphere. Sounds of steps - one, then two pairs of feet; three, four... ten, twenty, thirty - people coming forth, deposing flowery crowns around the coffins. Some moved not, simply opening their hands, and the wind carried the flowers to their designated place. Then came the last, and silence anew.

Thra-rra-kka

There were no more words, only the pure song - a hundred voices, a hundred wails, crying and praying, asking, begging, demanding - seeking favor beyond for those they had to let go. It was no less sublime - it was archaic, chthonian even, true to itself, true to those who sang it and those who couldn't hear it anymore. A ritual as old as the earth itself, a song of squalls, a prayer of tides, a lament of gravel - an anthem of cinder.

THRA-RRA-KKA

And eight rose to their feet, carrying the deceased to their resting place. Four behind four, stepping aside of the little stick in the middle of the tunnel. The darkness swallowed them for a moment. Eight came out, without burden on their shoulders. Four stood on the left of the tunnel and four on the right. The ninth raised his hand, and the crowns unraveled. Circles no more, they were fleeting threads of flowers, tying to each other till there were all as one. Then steps. The Don was walking towards the officer. None averted their gaze as he reached in his coat, and offered what was in his palm to the officer. A small bud it seemed, of a dark grey hue. Slowly, it rose from the open hand, unfolding, unveiling itself, reaching for the trail of flowers waiting for it to lead them - and it blossomed, black petals of anthracite flaring fiery red - no prayer for this one, it would not heed any. "I am the flame and the ember, I am the ash and the cinder, I am the blaze, I am Fire."



It all seemed aligned now. Whole. True. Perfect. The atmosphere changed. Grief remained, but there was something new in the eyes. A shine that was not there before; not the dull spark of regret, nor the blazing star of hatred. Very simply, the warm light of will, the desire to keep going. There would be no self-pity, only acceptance. Vicente nodded, and so did the officer. Without even a sound, the great string of flowers entered the tunnel in a wide spiral, the corpselily setting ablaze the little sticks disposed in its path - incense, now burning to provide peace to all here. It disappeared within the tunnel, only the shine of the burning petals remained in sight from afar, the perfect blazing star at the center of a circle of darkness.

Four on the right and four on the left hoisted the stone up, walking with heavy steps with their burden in hand. It was fitting like a tee, as expected. In its center a hole, the size of a hand. Through it, the dim red flare was still passing.

Thra-rra-kka-tha-kka-kka
Thra-rra-kka-tha-kka-kka
Thra-rra-kka-tha-kka-kka

Thrice struck, the last verse, ever unspoken for it belonged to the beyond. There had never been words for it, only the feelings that the melody conveyed. Chupacabra was walking down the lane, his feet of bone ever fleet on stone, till he reached the officer. There was no need for words between them at this moment. In the hand of the priest was the bowl, one last drop of water at the bottom. It rose and swelled, stirred to accomplish its duty. From water, it became glass, perfectly spherical, without even the slightest impurity. Skeletal fingers were laid upon it, and with his last steps Chupacabra set the sphere into the hole.

For a second, there was silence, and then the elements answered.

Brisk, gale and squall and breeze, that which heals. The winds howled, and the sphere shone white.

Relentless, wave and flow and tide, that which feeds. All heard the tide crash, even without sea, and the sphere shone blue.

Eternal, stone and rock and foundation, that which holds. The ground murmured, and the sphere shone brown.

Unbound, the one that couldn't be defined, that which renews. Then there was silence again, and the colors were swallowed.

And then came the red, drawn from within, from beyond. The hill rumbled, and the sphere shone black. Little by little, the dirt swallowed the stone, leaving the hillside as immaculate as it had been before the hole was dug. There was there, all could see, a stem, a stalk - pure black, a few sparks flying out, carrying two buds. In three months, they would be ready to harvest.

Thra-rra-kka-kka-thra-kka-kka

And with the last notes of the skeleton, the funeral had come to an end.


ManofManyRoles Kyrenka

 

[Deathkitten]

Darren​

He laughed out loud at her sarcasm for Kali, "The bitch deserves it-Oh! Sorry. Cussed. Heh. Nah, for better or worse she's careful as can be. A simple sniper won't take her down." Darren smiled, his laughter calmed down as quickly as it started, "You're already nice to be around. Even if you've instantly complicated my life, you and I seem to have compatible morals and pretty compatible personalities. Depression isn't something that just gets cured, but you sure help."

Darren sighed as he sat and stretched his arms up above his head, "Okay. So... serious talk time. I guess it'd only be fair to you to actually tell you who my family is, especially if we're gonna have to meet them at some point. Which... if I'm in the news more with a UK hero, then it'll reach them. They'll come over on a 'trip to their international branches' or something like it." He huffed out a sigh again and dropped his arms to his sides, but he was actually smiling now. He wasn't happy about his family's... darker side... but... it felt good to talk about them to somebody. Plus, he had the feeling a fight would happen eventually. It was only fair to have his new friend and mentor be informed.

"The Leash," he stated simply, knowing she'd know that moniker. Torture, extortion, kidnapping - you name it, the Leash have done it. They were in the top ten of largest villain organizations in Europe. Top ten in the world. He gave an almost apologetic smile before he continued, knowing Agas would not give her an easy time, but... this was important for her to know, "The... ah... My Father's family runs the Leash. My father inherited it from his and so on. Now... that's... the villain side. But uh... that's not who you see them as in the public." He swallowed. This was strangely harder than he expected.

"I am... Darren MacAlasdair. Son of Dara and Gabriella MacAlasdair... Heir to... MacAlasdair Enterprises," he almost muffled the last bit, darting his eyes away from her gaze. MacAlasdair Enterprises was a major company, and Dara and Gabriella were its CEOs. The MacAlasdair family had owned it for generations. Among other things, their main industries were pharmaceuticals, medical testing/research, implants and prosthetics, mining, and freight shipping.

"They use the company as a front. It makes them nigh impossible to take down through the legal system. The different industries they involve themselves in, its for back door use. Access to drugs for better torture and intimidation. Access to medical testing and implants and whatnot to better control and enhance their closest workers. Access to mines and freight shipping to control the process," he explained, "So when they come here for me, it'll be with a bit of media fanfare. Even the whole... me being a villain thing, they'll turn to their favor. As far as the media in the UK and stuff is concerned, I'm officially on a trip after the tragic death of my sister. Saying I ran away would look bad on them. Heck. They even killed her boyfriend after she died, so they could better cover up her death as a villain. Claimed it was a boating accident."

"Funny enough, my mother's side of the family - I've never met them - but they're actually heroes. My family never let me meet them. Their viewpoint far too different for them to allow such an impressionable mind as my own be swayed," he continued to explain, and leaned back against the headboard of the bed, "So my mother came from that, was a hero, turned villain thanks to my father. He's a dangerous man. Now that you know who he is, hopefully you actually believe me when I say that. His abilities..." Darren stopped and shook his head, scratching nervously at his arm, "He's just... I don't want to get those abilities. I don't want to end up hurting people as he does. If I did, at least I finally met someone who has a chance of killing me." He gave her another apologetic smile, "My mother, like I said, has durability like me. It's a bit weaker, but she can still get hit by a missile without much more than a couple of scratches."

He needed to actually talk about his father's side. Dara's abilities. He had to trust Natalie and Agas. If he did. If he told them. Fewer civilians would get hurt when his father came to the states looking for him. They'd make sure of it. Even if they couldn't kill him, they'd give him a run for his money. She... No. We could protect them.

"Since... I don't know when he'd come... he's important to know about. Not gonna lie... it makes me uncomfortable to talk about his abilities, since I know I could someday develop them myself, but... you're my mentor. If he... when he comes overseas, we need to make sure civilians are safe. It's like simple research to know about your opponent. That's rule number one," he gave a nervous chuckle. His throat felt dry, anxiety creeping up his spine, but he shoved the feeling back down to the bottom of his gut.

"It's, um... unfortunately a set of abilities that are very corrupting. It hasn't skipped any of the direct relatives of my father's side. My sister didn't have it very strongly, but it's always to some extent. It's like... I mean... I always pictured it as kind of anime-like. Like there's this well inside of him that once he decides to tip it out... he's terrifying. An all-over improvement. Speed. Strength. He's a blur when he's angry. I've seen him crush someone's windpipe like a cracker... on more than one occasion. But he's like a man possessed. I know he only had kids with my mom in the hopes we'd turn out to be really strong villains. Its why he had the highest hopes for me. I can't really be hurt. I'd be perfect," he bit his lip for a long pause, "Those abilities, it's like a faucet that can't be turned off. A constant drip of temptation. Of almost... primal, cruel desires. It's always there, even when he's not using his abilities much. When he's using them to the fullest... he's... he's just not human anymore. He looks different. He feels different. Like... darkness washed over him. His whole side of the family is like that, but he's the strongest... aside from my uncle. They're hoping when I get those powers, that'd I'd be even stronger. It's why my running away is just like me being a rebellious teen to them. I never want the powers. I'm so scared of getting them, and if I do, when I do, I just would rather be killed than risk someone's life."

"But, um... yeah. Recap. He's got a connection to some evil god or something and it makes him cruel and eager to harm and strong. I've seen him... do... horrible things. My uncle ripped the wings off of a... seraphim or whatever they're called. One of the angels with more than one set of wings. My uncle bragged about it in detail. Bragged about... torturing her. Defiling her. Keeping her as a sort of horrible pet. God, she's probably still being kept alive even now. He... likes them with a bit of life. Prefers them feisty. He ripped off her wings and my father and he made me watch. I cried so hard for her and her screams. He peeled slowly like he was trying to deglove them... peeled like it was wrapping paper... just... sorry," he shook his head, stopping suddenly, "I've gone and talked too much. Um. Do you have any questions?"

ManofManyRoles

 

[Deathkitten]

Doll #29​

She watched Kali clamber up the building like a spider, second round already in the gun, though at this point she doubted it would do much good. Her face showed no emotion, dull, bored, befitting of her name as one of his Dolls. Doll #29 stepped back from the edge calmly and set her gun down to the side. Wasted ammo is a bad thing. Even though she was about to be dead, she didn't want to disappoint Mister Ammo with that. At the sight of Kali cresting the edge of the building, she bowed, knowing she was about to be hit.

"Mister Ammo sends his regards, Miss Kali. He does not appreciate your cruel methods used on some of his now-dead compatriots and has sent me as a reminder that a gun can find you easily. Thank you for your cooperation. My mission is complete, and as such my body is free for you to do as you wish. A doll for your needs."

Cam E. Leon

 

[Deathkitten]

Jewel​

Oh, this was gonna be fun... Myriad, huh? She let their whole little squabble go before there was a little fairy in front of her. Oh... she was so cute. 'Course, she couldn't say that, but damn was she thinking it.

"Impressive Miss Myriad of the fairies, we've come to handle matters civilly if at all possible," she said, bowing her head at her and the others, "As fond as I am of your protective approaches, it does cause issues between yourselves and the government. I'd hate to see such a response illicit an even worse one from our government."

Jewel stood again and approached, her grimoire flying forward and opening in front of her. She brought out a small tablet and plopped down beside where the fairies were and motioned for them to move forward, "Alright. So. I know you guys have put up signs, but they look like a child put them there. They need to be more official than that for people to listen to them. Let's look into what they were planning though, alright? Come here. You guys can all sit on my shoulders, arms, head, whatever."

She tapped a few buttons and showed them the city's website.

"Mmk. So it seems like they were planning some renovations. They wanted to upgrade the park area, and... let's see...," she scrolled down, "Put in a new community garden area. So actually, dears, they wanted to plant more plants, not take them away for more concrete. You guys really need to ask first. We'll work with you as long as you go through the right channels. There will need to be some form of compensation for lives lost. The poor workers were just doing their jobs."

Cam E. Leon Osuka Aelia Aeldyne Daniel Reaving

 

[Deathkitten]

Vera and Louie Villin​

Better than if she had killed him, the universe might say.

"Doing as well as I can be, that's for sure. You don't need to go! I still have more thanking to do," she laughed, smiling at the other woman. It was maybe five minutes before Louie, being a child of his age, wanted to show Aia the cafeteria and get some food for everybody. Vera handed him a twenty-dollar bill and off he ran.

"He knows how to buy stuff. He's been here so many times. His father died a little while ago, and he was in the hospital a lot. Ability-related stuff," she explained as she watched him disappear around the corner, "He's such a good kid. We got him tested two years ago. He was so upset that he didn't have any abilities as his father did. He wanted to be a superhero like on TV. He's always talking about it and even without powers, he's got all these plans for the schools he wants to go to and stuff. Can you imagine a little kid like him doing that research?" She laughed, "I've had to help him with some internet searches, but he's a smart cookie. One-track minded. Mm. No. Two-track. Heroes and video games. He never puts them down."

"Were you guys at that weird farm? I'm sorry for causing you trouble. You were probably busy with that. I just didn't see it in time."

Kyrenka Daniel Reaving

 

[Deathkitten]

Jenny and Angela​

“Well, sweetie, I think it might be your voice. It has a sort of... alluring quality to it. It’s calming. It makes me want to listen, and it makes me... more focused,” she explained, pulling the boy into her arms. She turned him so she was behind him and rested her head on top of his. Jenny was now turned towards Alexander, and with the boy here like this, she could even see him and their daughter better.

She gave them the sweetest of smiles, tilting her head with her chin on top of Xasura, “Hiya sweetheart. I love you. I love both of you so much. Even while I'm confused and in a haze, I've missed you.”

For Angela, that started the waterworks. She was a teary mess in .02 seconds.

“Oh Angela... babydoll, I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry I haven’t been able to be your momma. I promise it’ll be okay from now on. Ok?”

ManofManyRoles Osuka

 

[ManofManyRoles]

Natalie Brenton It's time Agas had a chance to have a chat

Natalie grinned a bit, waving it off. "Cuss if you want too, I don't care. I have to make an actual effort to avoid the woman because if I run into her on duty, I can't guarantee things will go well. Hate people like her, self-serving ass-holes who use their public face to hide the monster behind the mask." And oh, how little did she know, how bad this was going to turn. "Hey, thanks. You're a good kid, I don't mind spending time with you, love." Folding her hands in her lap she nodded a bit in understanding. Serious talk, this couldn't be too bad. Wrong. The LEASH? He had to be fucking kidding her. No way in hell. And no sooner had he dropped that bomb did her hand ball into a fist, white buckling. Her temples throbbed, her head ached, her jaw clenched. Not out of anger, not entirely. Agas was done of sitting around it seemed.

-Inside the brain of Natalie-
Agas had the poor brit in a headlock, choking her out. "I think it's time I spoke to him!" Natalie gasped for breath, clawing at the arm that locked her psyche's throat. "You're not touching him-" Her knee gave way after the spirit kicked it out from behind. The spirit's hand grabbed a fist full of hair, slamming the poor brits face to the ground of the mind, which functioned basically as cement would. "Touch him!? I won't hurt a hair on his pretty little head! I just-" CRACK went her skull on the 'ground'. "-WANT TO-" CRACK "TALK!"

-Back to reality-

Poor Natalie heard everything, so to did Agas. But she couldn't really do much. She was white-knuckling her knee through her pants, pale as a ghost. A trail of scarlet ran from her nose and over her lips. She gave a gasp, a choked attempt to breathe. And once he brought up the seraphim, good night sweet princess. "Stay safe, love." Her voice was but a whisper as she fell face-first off the bed, head thunking onto the ground quite loudly. Before one could really process what was happening, her body lit up in a veritable bonfire, like she was transforming. But it was wrong, oh so wrong. Instead of small controlled, it was large, a bonfire that raged into the room and up, kissing the ceiling. The flame was not the color of Natalie's fire, no, green and hissing. Skin melted and burned away, clothes went up in a flame as it went through its 'costume change'. And her skull, oh so wrong, wrong wrong wrong. Instead of the correct tint, it was black as jet. And then came the laughter. Malice, rage, spite, all blended into one terrible noise that echoed through the room. The fire went out, but the skull stayed lit. Slowly, the body stood up, dusting itself off like nothing was the matter. Then came the voice, by all regards it would be classified as beautiful, the voice of a gorgeous woman. But...it was wrong, the way it spoke. There was no kindness there, the only thing it housed was malice, unfiltered rage. "So good to finally meet you, Darren...I think we need to have a chat, don't you?" The skull turned back to look at him, the chain around her forearm dangling low to the ground. Like a viper it struck out, may as well be sentient. The chain wrapped around the poor boy's neck, giving it a tight 'hug'. Blissfully, it seemed the flames weren't there, like it lashed out only to lock into place and the flames retreated. "I'm not going to hurt you...Natalie likes you too much. But you're going to pay close attention."

She stepped forward, staring down at him. "I feel like you've been disregarding me. You prattle on and on about your father and how we should fear him. Let me make it clear to you. I'm not afraid. I'm excited...I want him to come. I want to meet him. I want to meet all of them. I look forward to sending them into a loop of pain and suffering, only to consume their soul. Number two on this list. I am not a seraphim. Do not compare me to them. I exist for one reason, and one reason only. I am vengeance. I am the hand of a Vengeful God, and I take pride in this fact. Number three. I've killed things scarier, and bigger, than your old man. I've been doing this for a long time, your father is going to be another tally mark that I can laugh about. Number four? I'm going to eat their souls. All of them. Your father, your uncle, your mother. Anyone who stands with them too, anyone who allies themselves at their side. I will burn them all to ash. The laws of man don't matter to me, only my Father's will matters to me."

She tugged the chain forward, pulling Darrens chin into her hand and squeezing it. "Now, this is the part where you get to have some conversation. Any questions, comments, concerns?"

Deathkitten

 

[ManofManyRoles]

Alexander

Hearing her speak to him, seeing her register him...he wanted to break down. He wanted to shed tears, of sadness and joy. But he couldn't, he wouldn't. He had to be strong right now, he told himself that. He could cry when they were a family again, he could let it out then. But he had to be strong for now at least. "Hey there Red...Missed you." It felt good to call her that, that stupid childhood nickname that never went away. How she'd laugh when he used to say it...he missed her laughter. He missed her. "I love you too. More than anything, I love you both so much...We'll get this sorted out, I promise. We'll make this right."

As soon as Angela started to cry, his fatherly instincts kicked in, pulling her into a hug. "It's okay...we're going to get this all worked out. I promise, for both of you girls...I'll make this right."
Osuka Deathkitten

 

[Deathkitten]

Shield​

Worry consumed him. How could it not? He had never seen this before. In the same day that Natalie had hoped he would never have to meet Agas, he got to meet her... and she was... forceful. All his concern and worry bled from him like a second skin though. How many times had he been in this position? Gripped by a hero?

"I wasn't disregarding you. I don't know you enough to even try to disregard you. In fact, up until this moment, I thought you were quite cool," he said, voice bored despite his predicament, like emotion turned off for him, "I fear my Father and perhaps Natalie should. You aren't her. No, I do imagine, as you said, you'd quite enjoy your meeting with him. My concern is for what would happen to her, however. Not you. Even if she gets worn out as a vessel I imagine you'd simply move onto the next. Beyond that, I'm entertained that a hand of God seems to care not for the innocent that might get caught in the crossfire of a fight between you and my father. That is also my fear, the casualties surrounding you two. As for you not being seraphim, I neither know nor care what you happen to be. Vengeance. Apparently you're not simply vengeance either, seeing as you likewise seem to have a cruel streak yourself. This posturing is unnecessary. Regardless. Eat their souls if you wish. I'm curious to see how that would go with my mother, to see if you could given our strange abilities. And no, that's not me saying you can't, seeing as your ego seems to be so fragile that you need confirmation on so many things at once. That's me being curious about how it would feel sliding down your gullet."

Should he have such confidence? Perhaps not... but... god he hated her type. Should he have just stayed quiet? She could have asked him to stop at any point before Agas took over. It was important stuff to know.

"I'm concerned that you have the ego the size of the state and it sounds like you have daddy issues. I'm also concerned that you don't seem to care enough about your host to back the fuck off when we were just having a conversation. Vengeance. Retribution. The righting of a wrong. I get it, especially when I was talking about your angelic cousin or what-have-you. I'd much prefer to save them, to right that wrong, but we aren't heading on a trip across the damned ocean right now. What is the point of you being here right now? To waste time and energy on small fry? That's all that's around here right now. Do you think that's what anyone's father would expect, much less yours? Of such a hand of God? Or is he so much of a deadbeat that you feel like you need to hop out at every tiny opportunity to try to get daddy's attention?" his eyes didn't waver from hers. What was she going to do? Hurt him? It wasn't like he could stop her from rampaging or whatever the hell she wanted to do, but if he was even so much as an annoyance to her cocky ass, then he felt successful.

ManofManyRoles

 

[Cam E. Leon]

Rita Quinn (Paradox)
​

Rita was so excited. She had woken up at six AM today, showered, did her hair and everything. Had a full breakfast and even went for a small jog. She was just too excited today, Miss Havoc had plans for her today. She didn't wear her outfit because she thought maybe casual would have been better. it was with her in a backpack she carried. Finally she had arrived with Havoc at the place they were destined, an old foundry. Rita looked around as the walked through before she finally heard Miss Havocs request, to lift that giant foundry cauldron. "u-uh...ill try my best miss havoc." she said nodding gulping a bit of saliva. There was no backing out now, just need to imagine it being lifted. Slowly Rita closed her eyes focusing on the cauldron. on the cauldron and nothing else, and her vision changed to that of her in an empty void with cauldron in front of her. Rita herself couldn't lift it...but a giant Rita could. Just focus on the image of a giant Rita that was big enough to lift it. Just as Rita had imagined it, in the void a giant version of herself slowly manifested and grabbed the foundry cauldron. struggling to lift it. To havoc and anyone else, it only looked like Rita had closed her eyes while mumbling something, and then the cauldron began to elevate at a snails pace. reaching 5 feet off the ground but shakily remaining there. Rita was shaking some as blood dripped from her nose. tightening her fists she lifted it 7 feet in the air before after a mere half a minute she fell to her hands and knees exhausted as the cauldron was released from her psychic grasp. gravity taking its effect and dropping the cauldron with a loud boom. "I-I'm sorry miss Havoc.... I couldn't even keep it up for a minute...." she said almost in tears. She had embarrassed herself and disappointed Havoc, one of her idols. "how am I gonna be a supervillian when I cant even throw cars at heroes...." she was too busy focusing on her failure that she couldn't even notice the blood dripping form her nose or the fact she had managed to lift a giant steel cauldron 7 feet in the air for 30 seconds using only her mind.

Daniel Reaving

 

[ManofManyRoles]

Morgan Adler

The redhead stood silent among the crowd, eyes on the hearse and its cargo and passengers. What was there to say? She couldn't relate to these people, their loss, not personally like they would want. She was here to pay her respects, and that's what she would do. It was so strange...she lived to end organizations like crime rings and mafia's, corrupt corporations and politicians, topple governments that oppressed their people. And yet, she felt a certain kinship when it came to mafia's. Maybe it was her being Italian, maybe it was because both a mafia and herself cared for their members as if they were family. Indeed, Chronos was her family, each person who aided her a sibling. The same could be said of dear Dietrich, an overprotective brother who insisted she drop her habit.

She knew how this funeral would go, she wasn't idiotic enough to not do as much research as she could. As expected, the dirge came forth, goblin folk singing their song for the departed. It was not her place to partake, nor was it Dietrichs, and she made this clear by pinching his hand between to fingers and very softly shaking her head, a motion so subtle one would suspect she had a shiver run through her body. Silent through the ceremony, Morgan waited until it came, the depositing of flower crowns. Silently and wordlessly she moved forward among the crowd, dropping off her own crown, and the white lilies Dietrich had requested they bring as well. She, of course, left Dietrich with the briefcases, it'd be disrespectful to give the dead their flowers with business in hand. Respect from goblin tradition, and from humanities as well. Returning to the crowd she took her place to watch the ceremony in full once again. It was beautiful in its own right, tradition that remained unchanged...what was it about death that brought many together, but tore others apart? What defined unison and discord over death, what jury decided such fate? No matter, the funeral came to its close, and Morgan stayed at Dietrichs side. "May they rest well." The comment was soft, out of nowhere and sudden. An idle thought that came, and went just as quickly as it had.
Aelia Aeldyne Kyrenka

 

[ManofManyRoles]

Agas

The skeleton stared down at him, chain tight around his throat still. She studied him, as if she was debating how to flambe him and what sides to serve him with. But, out of nowhere, came the laughter. Not like before, joyful, happy even...though the chain stayed around his throat all the same, growing tighter with her laughter. "I like you, I do. You've got nerve, I can respect it." Empty eye sockets stayed on him, unmoving. "Do you know how many people have been willing to say what's really on their mind to me? Openly spit in my face? It's excited, to see someone stand their ground. Whether they die or not, they stood their ground." She studied him for a while longer, gently shaking his chin with her hand. "Now...how do conversations work again, it's been so long...right, I return the favor. I don't really care what you think of me, it's fine if you hate me. I wouldn't be scared for Natalie...there's a reason I like her. If lucifer himself, the bastard, showed up and tried to talk to her, do you know what she'd do? She'd rip the tongue out of his head, I promise you that. If she somehow died, you're correct...I have to move on. But between the two of us, while she's asleep...I do like her. And that says something, don't you think?"

She moved around to sit on the bed, a leg-crossing her lap, Darren still dog-leashed. "Innocent is such a strange term, don't you think? How are you so certain that nice gentlemen you met at the Walmart isn't selling drugs to children? How can you be sure that school teacher is getting that girl a passing grade because she's smart? Innocence...such a strange concept, and so hard to apply to humans. You're not innocent, are you? Not bad enough for me to be involved with, but you're not. Innocents caught in the crossfire...hm. I think no one would be caught in the crossfire, really. By the time I ever arrived, the area would have been cleared, and would you really stand by if I came out? No...you'd run and save them. Because that's what you are, a 'good person'...as good as you can come, I suppose." She stared at him, as if him being choked the entire time was a normal conversation. Did she forget he was in the leash!? "Vengeance is cruel. When was vengeance ever kind? If vengeance comes for you, do you deserve kindness? Do you deserve remorse? Did you show those you caused suffering unto either of those things? You spit at me with your anger and indifference, but you fail to see the bigger picture here."

Fingers wrapped on her knee as she continued, enjoying being able to hold a conversation apparently. "Your words don't hurt me, you know. Insult my ego if it makes yours feel better. There's a difference between ego and rage. My self-esteem is fantastic, for what it's worth. As for how it'd go...eating is perhaps a bad way to put it. When I, or another spirit, consume your soul, we effectively remove it from existence. You do not receive hell, nor do you receive heaven. You simply cease to be. You can never be resurrected, you can never suffer or feel paradise. You just cease to be. You don't pass go, you don't reincarnate. But it is not a punishment handed out lightly...but what I know of The Leash, and how you describe your family? I'd say they deserve it."

"It's funny really. You say I have an ego the size of a state, and just a few moments ago you said its fragile. Aren't you saying two things at once? I don't have daddy issues either, unless you consider me loving him so dearly as one. Is it wrong to be a daddy's girl? And yes, we're saving the seraphim, that I assure you. But as you said, we can't travel the ocean right now. I would, but I have to cooperate with Natalie, and she'd just come back here at the moment. As for why I'm here right now..." she paused, a chuckle rippling through her before she broke out in a laugh. "There's a lot more here than smallfry, that much I can tell you. I smell it in the city, in the air. You may not see it, but there are serpents in the grass, Darren. And they will bite your heel should you not watch where you step. Anything else, or do you just want to insult me some more?"
Deathkitten

 

[Deathkitten]

Shield​

Darren pursed his lips a little, almost a pout. He was so unsure what to think of her... but... was she just testing him? His throat couldn't be crushed, even with the chains, so it wasn't a very effective way to restrict oxygen to him. That wasn't her point though.

"Are you talking about the OA?" he asked, suddenly a kid in a candy store, his puppy nature now doubly apparent to Agas since she could see it first-hand, "And no. I'm done insulting you. You're just kind of an ass for saying hi like that. I really wanted to meet you though, even if Natalie didn't really want me to. You make me really curious. I mean, Los Angeles has a huge population of villains, but they have a lot of heroes too. I can't tell who's actually bad or who isn't but I want to learn a way to tell who is or who isn't. That'd be super useful. Plus it'd be helpful to Natalie and you too. If I was out and about by myself I'd be able to tell and then call her."

"What's your like... metric for taking someone out? How bad do they have to be for you to do it? Do kids count since they're not fully developed? Do I really actually smell good to you? What do souls look like?"

"So... I know this is definitely poking the bear, as it were, but... Do you actually think you could kill me? Hellfire or whatever is warm, sure, but it didn't do any damage. Would you actually be able to eat my soul? Or do the penance stare thing to me?" he was a rapid-fire question machine, super curious, and at this point not even angry at her anymore, "If I ever went bad like my father, I hope you'd be able to kill me. I don't want to ever be like him. Honestly, I'd rather be like you and Natalie. You're one-track-minded, but you're motivated and a good person. You help people. Yes, vengeance isn't nice, but you're still helping people by saving them from these really bad people." Darren pulled at the chain a little, annoyed that it was still around him.

ManofManyRoles

 

[ManofManyRoles]

Agas

The woman studied him in silence, and if there were lips to smile, they would. "I'm talking about many things. I cannot put names to scents without something to go on. The OA is one, yes. Ten year anniversary are always something special, don't you think? What's stopping them from making a bigger boom this year? It's all just theory but...I'd love to give them what they deserve." She studied him in silence, he went from hating her existence to asking questions. Humans were so strange. "Who ever said I wasn't an ass? Who ever said I was nice? If you want to judge someone, you're going to have to work on trusting your instincts. They're probably absolutely awful, considering you've never had a real threat in your life."

She paused, thinking. "...There is none. Sins add up, or some are just terrible. I assure you, what I consider 'guilty' and what you do, are probably vastly different. Kids can count...do you think a child who murders parents and sister is any less guilty than the father if he had done it?...You smell like lavender and honey. But...the lavender is withered, it still smells good to some, but it's lost it's perfection. Souls look like balls of energy, and upon each is the etching of your misdeeds and sins. It is not written in font, it is simply there."

At his question of actually being able to kill him she laughed. "Yes. One way or another, I could. I'd probably have to eat your soul, erase it from existence. That is the closest thing to divine intervention I can offer you. And if you do become like your father...I'll do it. Natalie won't, she likes you too much. I'll tolerate you, until you become an issue....One thing to keep in mind. Don't call me a good person, it'll crush your dreams when you know what I'm capable of. Actually...I think I can give you a live demonstration. I noticed it on the way here in the taxi...there's quite a few places I could burn to the ground." The chain slipped from his neck as she stood up, only to go stock still. The fire went out, and she collapsed back onto the bed. The bodies clothes went back to normal, flesh spread out across and her eyes returned, though they were shut. Natalie was laying in the bed, though obviously passed out. Looks like the Brit had enough fight in her to stop Agas from committing Sodom and Gammoragh 2.0.
Deathkitten

 

[Deathkitten]

Darren​

Ahah... hah... Oh my god, what did I just do I just stared death in the face and tried to bite it. Fudge. Fuck. Oh my god, Darren thought to himself as he stared at Natalie's unconscious body. He was actually shaking. This woman could probably find a way to actually kill him. Was this what existential fear for your life felt like? His knees actually felt a little weak.

"Oh God that sucked... I'm so sorry Natalie," he whispered, then let out a slow breath to calm himself. Poor girl. He thought for a moment, then scooped her up into his arms and repositioned her on the bed so she would be more comfortable with her head on a pillow. Darren then picked up the items that were still scattered around the bed, particularly the clothes, and started to gather them and pluck tags off. If she was asleep, then he might as well do something useful. It didn't really cross his mind that she might not know where he went and would worry, but eh.

Laundry. Yaaay. She said there was somewhere to do it nearby. Hopefully, he'd be able to find it. It shouldn't be that hard, after all, usually, hotels were designed with idiots in mind. He picked up a card for the room and headed out and down the stairs. He couldn't get winded, so elevators seemed like such a strange concept to him unless you had a big cart or something. Now that he was alone, though, there was even more time for him to lose himself in thought. She was a spirit of vengeance, sure, but she seemed less like a person and more like just an embodiment of anger. It was silly, but he actually found himself worried about Agas's mental state. He really didn't know much about early Christian stuff, but there was a lot of killing and a flood and like... plagues and stuff, right? Was Agas abused? She said she loved her father, but... did her father really want such violence? Ugh. That fed into more existential sort of questions about the meaning of life and crap.

And then on top of that, was Natalie okay? Why hadn't she said anything? Was she caught off guard? He did tell her a surprising thing, he supposed... If that happened while out and about... how would he get people out of the way of a big scary angel skeleton monster? He wasn't fast. He certainly wasn't strong enough to stop her. Maybe he needed to invest in an anti-angel weapon or two? If... those things existed. They must, though, given Demons... right? He sighed, plopping the clothes down onto the floor beside a washing machine. It had a phone app to pay... that was good. He hadn't even thought of grabbing money.

He was quiet and still thinking to himself as he stuffed the clothes into the washer one by one, turning certain things inside out as needed. Nothing was super bright white, so there was little need to sort. Would Natalie wake up groggy? Did Agas being out have negative side-effects? If she was hungry, he could make her some food... maybe he should have left a glass of water on the side table for her. Ah, crap. He should have given her his number...

He grimaced and pulled out his phone again, staring at the screen. He had never bothered to change the background. It was late at night at home. Maybe... just... check up on mom...

Mum

me

Hey mum...

me

Miss you. I hope you're doing okay.

them

My sister saw you in the Hero registry today. She said she's so proud. I had to cover your stupid petty crime sprees with you mourning over your sister's death. You're lucky she accepted that as an answer. I can't believe you never told us you actually were a villain! Even small crime!

me

Yeah... I was kinda pulled into it by a Hero... It's not like I was doing anything awful... it was mostly just little thefts...

them

Unfortunate. Your Father is worried.

them

You know we don't do that sort of hero stuff. We've let you run off for more than a year now. You've had time to grieve. You've had time to be a rebellious teen. It's time to get serious, Darren. Stop messing around. Stop making your Father's family concerned about you. Come home.

me

Such a great hello... Mum, I don't want to go home.

them

-_-'

them

Lucky for you, we're going to give you another chance to head home nicely. Your father and I have a private plane to the States. We're heading out with your Uncle Tod in a couple of days.

me

NO. Do not come! Mum, you need to stay home. Please. I don't want you to get hurt.

them

It's your Father and Uncle, Darren. Getting hurt was never in the plan. They're doing research on your "mentor" as we speak. So kind of them to make all of this public information. I don't suppose you could tell me her civilian name? It'd speed things up.

me

Mum why would I tell you anything!? I don't want you to come! I just wanted a simple hi, love you, miss you!

them

Hi. I love you. I miss you. I'll see you soon.

Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck Fuck, he had nothing but a broken record in his head. Maybe he could hide it from Natalie? If she didn't meet them, then they wouldn't get into a fight. He wouldn't lose his only family... evil or not... they were his mom and dad. He couldn't kill them. He couldn't see them get killed. Darren turned and slid down the front of the washer until he was sat at the bottom with his knees up near his chest. He wanted to cry.

ManofManyRoles