The Raven King

[Zer0]

​

There is a wall between realities. Some call this wall Shadow. Most of the time, Shadow keeps each reality from intruding on the others. But on occasion the wall weakens, the barrier between worlds frays, and the things from one universe slide into another.

- Urban Arcana
​

There is one such great occasion that has been anticipated by all espers ever since the Dark Ages, a grand tearing of the wall that repeats every two hundred years called, The Rift.


The Rift begins on the sixth chime of Halloween night and lasts for a year. During this time, unnaturally dense, grey mists appear all over the world, heralding passageways through Shadow. This mist is fleeting and can appear anywhere without warning. In the past, there have been reports of passageways manifesting as great pools of tar, waves of intense darkness, a wave of vermin, or rips in reality. When these effects recede, they leave objects or creatures marooned in our world, from a single glass vial filled with a mysterious liquid, to a blade that glows blue in the moonlight. There are even reports of whole castles and monstrous nightmares appearing out of thin air.


But there is one thing all the esper factions from different nations are looking forward to see: The Raven King. An otherworldly being who appeared to the alchemist, Albertus Magnus, during the 13th-century and gave him the Philosopher's stone.


It has been prophesied that the Raven King will come again this Shadow Rift season to grant one individual the gift of immortality, and thousands are ready to die for it . . .

 

[Zer0]

- Helsalem -
​

​

It was the busy day before Halloween. The streets of Helsalem were festively decorated with glowing grinning pumpkin lanterns, fake graveyards, scary ghosts, and spooky skeletons.


The neighbors seem to be trying to outdo each other on who can scare the kids who'll be visiting their doorsteps tomorrow the most. Everywhere, the malls and shops were full of frantic last minute shoppers all hogging boxes and bags of sweets and decorations, and hurrying their children along who were already wearing their little costumes.


None of the ordinary people noticed that the costumed folks striding along the streets were actually not human. "Wow! Nice costume, mister!" a boy called to a very tall gangly pumpkin headed man, who turned and waved, the magic fire in his pumpkin head burning a bright gold through his cheerful eye holes.

- Country Lane Coffee Shop -
​

The shop was closed today, but it was all a tumble and a rumble inside as the Milson family and all the Libra agents who weren't on missions were all preparing for The Rift tomorrow at six in the evening, and the early Halloween Party tomorrow morning. Despite it's small size on the outside, today the interior had been enchanted to be as large as a warehouse. The coffee shop tables and chairs were stacked against the side wall; all manner of creatures were busy cooking sweets and roasting meat in an extra kitchen that had been recently added through magic; Mrs. Milson and her daughter Lily were baking a ten-foot tombstone cake with a few others, while Mr. Milson was organizing everyone for the Rift.


"The pumpkins have been delivered!" bellowed a manly faunice unicorn with a deep reassuring voice, who entered from the backdoor. "Where are the blade masters?! We've got a hundred pumpkins for you to carve out back!" This unicorn was Bob, Bob was a manly florist from the South District who was an old family friend of the Milson's and was well known in Libra for his bulging muscle pecs dance.


Mr. Milson placed a forefinger on his temple. He was upstairs in his office on the second floor trying to brief the agents assigned to field work tomorrow after the party, but the noises kept on disturbing him. There were about twelve creatures in the room, two of which were his sons Ethan and Klaus Milson who were just waiting for their father to continue.


"As I was saying," continued Mr. Milson after Bob had stopped shouting, "the U.S. president and his daughter, Elena, will be visiting the circus over at central park tomorrow in secret. They have their own Espers in their security detail, but as this is the Rift Season, they decided to bump up security, which is where we come in. Here are your assignments." he handed each one of them papers that assigned them roles best suited to their abilities.


"They'll be coming over the coffee shop after for a quick introduction, then you'll all make your way secretly to the circus."


A faunice black cat in a white suit with Anubis ears spoke up. "Are any of the major factions aware of this, Dylan?"


"The Deathwings and Elder Thirteen do as far as we know, but right now, Salem, most of their resources have been directed to anticipate the appearance of the philosopher's stone. It was never prophesied when The Raven King would exactly appear and who he would appear to."

- Chill Sandell -
​

"Red Ribbon Mall, Central"
​

A tall man with short blonde hair that casually fell over his light blue eyes was carrying a very tall tottering pile of twelve boxes that caused passersby to stare at him. Chill just smiled back at them as they looked at his slightly built arms and wondered how someone as thin as him could carry so many things.


"Clothes." he shrugged at some people who pointed at him. In truth he was actually carrying cakes. The thing with his ability was that he could make not only himself but other objects as light as a feather as long as they didn't weigh more than him all in all. Right now it felt as if he was just carrying a food tray. Because of this, he was mostly sent out to do heavy stuff work like carrying or delivering things.


He didn't pay much attention to people after that as he entered a busy street in Central and had to focus on keeping the tower of boxes from toppling over. "Excuse me --- pardon me --- sorry about your foot there, mate."


Finally he saw Autumn street with its overgrown roof gardens, clear waterways and taxi boats in the distance and made his way towards the nearest canal, when he suddenly slid on a banana peel someone randomly left on the street, sending the boxes of cake flying everywhere.

 

[Maeve Valor]

Serena sat in a chair that was in one of Mr Milson's offices carefully listening to what he had to say. She understood that this was a very pressing matter, but the din from downstairs seemed to contradict the real level of importance this meeting had. It was at this point where she heard Bob asking of the whereabouts of the Libra's blade masters which made her shiver. I will make sure to try my best to avoid interaction from anyone there after this. For some reason Bob always gave her an unsettling feeling. But she assumed it was from his signature dance that made her feel uncomfortable around him.


She looked around the room recognizing about half of the others there, but the other half she had not seen before. Probably the big boys of Libra. Pft, they don't look that tough though.





Mr. Milson's voice brought back her attention as he continued his briefing and ended up handing out each of their assignments. He spoke again going back to where he left off while Serena looked over her given assignment crossing her legs in skin tight shorts to look as if she was intrigued when really she just wanted to start this mission already. It had been quite a while since she was last this impatient for a mission. Usually she wasn't excited like this, but this mission was different. Given the fact that the Philosopher's stone was involved that would decide the fate of many.

 

[Zer0]

<p>


</p>


<div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="font-size:18px;">- Chill Sandell -</span></strong> <span style="font-size:14px;">"Country Lane Coffee Shop"</span></p></div>


<p> <strong><span style="font-size:18px;">W</span></strong>hen there were no more questions and clarifications about the mission tomorrow, Mr. Milson dismissed everyone. There was a general scraping of chairs as everyone trooped out of the office. Ethan was talking to Salem about going to the Black Market to buy some supplies; Klaus went off to get some of his inventions to help with the pumpkin carving. A person who had icing stains and a bit of banana peel on one shoe stepped into the room. "Chill, you missed the briefing." said Mr. Milson, handing him his mission detail. He didn't look very surprised that the arcane photographer looked the way he did. "Yes, I . . . was delayed." said Chill, chuckling as he flicked off some icing on his nose. "Slipped on a banana peel and dropped some cakes on myself. I had to do a ridiculous split to save most of them." he glanced at his papers then spotted one of the only few pure blood vampires in Libra, her reflection non-existent on the ornate mirror behind her. "Hello, Serena." greeted Chill pleasantly, wondering if she was going to give him a snarky response like she usually does to some people every other day. "So you'll be protecting the President and his daughter too? Night detail, I expect?" His expression was very casual, but inside he was apprehensively wondering if talking to her out of the blue when they weren't that close would offend her into drinking his blood one of these dark nights. He had seen her around the Milson's place some nights when he was working late gathering information for Libra . . . she had seemed unapproachable to Chill so he would usually just ignore her. But since they'll be in a mission together for the first time, it wouldn't hurt to get to know everyone he's going to be working with. @Maeve Valor


</p>

 

[Cosmic Cobalt]

Blech, I hate coffee.





Dyani sipped gingerly at his drink, trying his best to ignore the overwhelming bitterness inside his mouth. Still, he kept on drinking. It seemed the "polite" thing to do, anyways. He didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. He knew that some monster a bit sensitive, and he'd rather not have to turn into a big galloping elk in the middle of Mr. Milson's office. That, and someone had noted simply in passing that he looked like he needed a big cup of coffee. It wasn't anything too alarming. Just a little surprising. Dyani was a pretty big night person, after all. Stayed up into the late hours of the night, crashing before dawn and waking up in the afternoon.


He had been up, though. Reading the letters from his sister. Noticing suddenly how they've been getting shorter.


Dyani shook his head and took a generous gulp of the coffee, regretting it as the foul black liquid washed over the back of his throat. He concentrated on Mr. Milson's words, nodding and doing his best to not crack a lame joke.


He was handed a paper, which he folded open gently after putting down his mug. Night patrol. Dyani grinned. It was like Mr. Milson knew exactly what he liked and how he worked. How he did that, Dyani could never figure out. It was like the good man knew more about Dyani than anybody else in the Milson Mansion, which was probably true. He folded the paper again and shoved it into his pants pocket, his elk tail wagging with satisfaction. That was another thing he liked about hanging out here. He didn't have to curl up his tail constantly.


"Thanks, Mils." Dyani said in a playful tone. "I assure you the president and his daughter will be safe. I mean, who's gonna mess with a big, angry elk screaming in the middle of the night?"


Dyani drowned out his laughter with another swig of the coffee. He physically grimaced this time. He had no idea how people could handle this stuff without half a pound of sugar and cream in it.

 

[Zer0]

- Country Lane Coffee Shop -

​

Mr. Milson chuckled at Dyani's expression. "You can go back to sleep, Dyani, you too Serena, Chill, unless you wish to help around for the Halloween party tomorrow."


"I'll be buying some things from the Black Market later." said Chill glancing back at Dyani and Serena as he strode towards the door. "Would you two want anything?" he added helpfully from the threshold.


He realized that this was his first mission with Dyani too, another face he wasn't very familliar with.


@Maeve Valor, @Cosmic Cobalt

 

[Maeve Valor]

Serena crossed her arms with her briefing folder in hand as she rolled her eyes and scoffed at the stupid question Chill made of which shift she would take to protect the target. She didn't even respond to him at that point. But she did wonder why all of a sudden he has started trying to make conversation with her. Serena knew of him and never really cared to talk to him let alone anyone else in Libra. She knew that rumors got around well in Libra and she was sure that by now everyone knew of her behavior towards humans before blood rehab. She was sure that Chill knew as well.


A moment later she heard another person she was familiar with, Dyani. Unlike with Chill, she did have an opinion about Dyani. Serena found his antics annoying. She did not doubt his ability to be helpful out on field missions but she felt that a person under this line of work needed to at least take some things seriously which she got the impression that he didn't. Not to mention how sometimes he had to be the center of attention which she wasn't too impressed about that either.


Mr. Milson responded to Dyani with, "You can go back to sleep, Dyani, you too Serena, Chill, unless you wish to help around for the Halloween party tomorrow." Serena was about to respond to decline and was ever-so thankful when Chill volunteered instead. She very much did not want to help just because she didn't want to be in the same room as Bob. She inwardly cringed at the thought of him, but that had quickly changed when Chill had asked her if she wanted anything at the Black Market. I might as well take advantage of his kindness for now.


She raised an eyebrow and finally made her first direct contact with Chill, "Trying to get on the Vampire's good side huh?" She chuckled a little at him, "I'd like an A positive blood bag, unless you get queezy at the sight of blood. If that's the case, don't even bother, you can just bring yourself and that will suffice." She gave a toothy smile showing her vampire fangs hoping the statement made him at least a little nervous. "I hope you know, I am just messing with you."


@Zer0 @Cosmic Cobalt


(Sorry Cosmic! I personally don't have a grudge against you. But my character given her personality would naturally not get along with him. I hope you understand and plus I love playing the bitchy characters, every roleplay should have at least one to spice things up )

 

[Nano]

Signal Flügel


"The Living Blade"
​

"...have you got the goods?"

"Yeah, right here. You can check the contents to make sure."


Arcana handed Signal a brown paper bag with three tin boxes inside. Opening the bag, Signal peered inside to make sure that everything that he had requested was inside. White needle, muscat grape, and sencha...they were all there. He didn't really know why, but he hadn't been able to sleep very well lately without at least a cup of the particular type of tea leaves that Lute used to use. Since he normally didn't have time to get them as these particular brands weren't available locally, he often had to depend on Arcana to acquire them for him. The only odd thing about their exchange was that Arcana had instructed him to ask about the tea leaves in a particular way and would laugh whenever he did so. He didn't know whether or not Arcana was making fun of him, but since she was doing him a favor, he figured that he should just let her have her fun. Besides, as long as he didn't know what was wrong, it wasn't going to hurt him. Probably.


Soon, Signal found his way back to the Country Lane Coffee Shop. The people inside were already busy milling about, but it seemed that the meeting hadn't started yet. Relieved that he wasn't late for his rather personal reasons, Signal made his way to the second floor where Mr. Milson and eleven others were and took a seat.


When Mr. Milson proceeded to hand out their assignment details after his briefing, Signal couldn't help but frown slightly at what was written on the paper. So, he was supposed to protect the US President and his daughter with several others? It wasn't that he was particularly displeased with having to take on such a job, but he couldn't help but feel slightly uneasy. A vast majority of the time, his job was to locate and evaluate things. Sure, he was skilled with the blade--heck, he is a blade--but he couldn't help but doubt his ability when it came to official fieldwork.


Signal's thoughts were interrupted by a conversation going on on the other side of the room. It was Serena, Chill and...Dyani. So they were on this mission as well? He didn't mean to be offensive, but he couldn't help but wonder about whether or not their personalities would mesh well.


Maybe I just really need a cup of tea...

no slide

no slide

 

[Zer0]

- Chill Sandell -

"Country Lane Coffee Shop"​

Chill just coughed in the awkward silence when Serena ignored him. When he took another brave stab at making conversation, he ended up feeling embarrassed and feeling like the one who was just too keen to be friends with people. His prediction was right. Snarky response. That's one lesson learned: don't talk to Serena.


Chill nodded at Signal in greeting, then left the room with as much dignity as he could muster, which was a bit difficult as he was still covered in cake icing.

- Next Day -

"Halloween Party, Coffee Shop"​

"Dance, dance, dance, dance!" cheered the crowd.


Bob the unicorn stepped onto the small stage at the far end of the enchanted warehouse-sized rom, where he flexed his rippling muscles that ripped his shirt off and he danced his famous pec dance, his chest muscles bulging in beat with the music played by the band of witches and warlocks on stage.


The crowd laughed, some hooted. The kitchen from yesterday vanished, and now there were four long rectangular tables where the agents of Libra and their friends were feasting on all kinds of dishes: succulent roasted pork, crispy fried chicken with gravy, oodles of puttanesca topped with melted cheese, sweet lasagna, tangy milk fish soup, or else taking a slice from Mrs. Milson's ten-foot tomb-stone cake.


There were all kinds of drinks being passed around, some were having drinking contests or entertaining their friends with magic, some members were dancing and singing, but most were talking and laughing. It was all cheerfully noisy. Outside, the shop was closed and innocently silent, having been enchanted the day previously to keep all non-magical folks away.


@Nano, @Cosmic Cobalt, @Maeve Valor

 

[Maeve Valor]

Serena sat in a red riding hood outfit at one of the rectangular tables on a side where there was a people but not as crowded. She gently pushed aside the plate of puttanesca she had away from her feeling the fullness of her stomach. She could deal without the food but she was still attached to some of the ways she had when she was human, like eating really good food. As she adjusted the elegant red masquerade mask she had on she looked around trying to find an alcoholic beverage to calm her nerves. She never was into the Halloween spirit, but at this Halloween party she had a goal. Her eyes landed on a bottle of moscato white wine that was located about a yard away from her left. She stood and walked over to the bottle and poured herself a drink thinking "Calm yourself down Serena, you are just going to mingle with other people. No harm in that right? Tonight, you are someone totally different. People shouldn't even recognize your voice since people are afraid to speak to you." Tonight, Serena was going to test herself to see if she was capable of interacting in a friendly manner with others. As much as she came off as stingy to others she secretly does want to fit in and this was her chance to see what it was like in disguise... if she could pull it off.


Serena took a good swig from the glass she just poured herself and plopped it down before she gave a sigh. She pulled her hood forward to where you could only notice that she has red hair, but not what length it is. "Well, here goes nothing," she then turned around only to be met with the horrendous sight of Bob's signature dance, "-.- Maybe I should quit while I'm ahead".

Serena's Red Riding Hood Outfit!

 

[Zer0]

- Chill Sandell -

"Coffee Shop, Halloween Party"​

Chill was on the dance floor cutting it loose with a random lady dressed as the corpse bride. Chill was wearing a Jack the Pumpkin King costume minus the head and roared with laughter with the crowd when more manly agents climbed up the stage and tried to outdo Bob who began to dance with more gusto.


Chill threw himself on an empty seat beside Ethan and Lily, his face flushed from dancing and began to pull plates of food towards himself and a mug of cool iced tea. He would have loved to drink in the party, but he had to be sober for the President and his daughter who were arriving in two hours.


Salem the cat was in a corner talking to a man in a mummy costume --- or was that a real mummy? On the second floor and leaning against the railing were Mr. and Mrs. Milson having a chat and watching everyone, amused; while Klaus was nowhere to be found. That boy didn't like crowds and was probably up in his father's office reading.


As Chill ate, he listened to Ethan and Lily talk about rumors of the Elder Thirteen and the Deathwings preparing secretly for war.


"What could dragons possibly want with the Philosopher's Stone?" said Lily, through mouthfuls of mashed potatoes. "They can live for over a thousand years and they're one of the richest creatures on earth."


"It's greed . . ." said Ethan wisely. "I'm more worried about the Elder Thirteen . . . rumors say they want to use the stone to find a way to make them immune to the sun and werewolf bites . . ."

 

[Cosmic Cobalt]

"Now this is what I'm talking about!"


Dyani had become quite intimate with the banquet table, stuffing his face with everything that was in reach. "Heck of a spread, Chill." He murmured through mouthfuls of crumbs and food in his cheeks. "Don't ask me why I'm not a vegetarian though, I hate that question." He laughed, spraying bits of food everywhere. He playfully nudged Chill with his elbow. Dyani knee that Chill might have thought his loud nature to be a bit...abrasive, but somebody had to be the laughter in a crowd of seriousness.


The music started up, and Dyani immediately made his way to the dancefloor. His costume wasn't anything too flashy; just a Reaper costume, complete with a fake scythe and painted bones on his face and arms. As he walked toward the dancefloor, his ears perked and he heard Ethan and Lily murmuring to themselves. He audibly snorted, but luckily no one seemed to notice. At a party of all places. Why do people have to talk about such serious stuff? Ah well, guess it was Dyani's turn to be the source of laughter for the group again. On the dancefloor, Dyani let his body loose and flew off the handle, dancing energetically to the music. He wasn't the best dancer, but this was a night where he wouldn't care.


Dyani's eyes made it over to Serena and he laughed. They butted heads occasionally, what with Serena telling him that he joked around too much and him telling her she needed to let loose once in a while, Dyani still respected her. A bit too tightly wound, yes, but she was good on the field at least. Not to mention that teasing her was something that have him much satisfaction.


He waved to her. "Serena," He yelled. "You realize this is a party, right? You look like you're at a funeral!"


He laughed obnoxiously at his joke before he searched the room for another face. He wondered where Signal could be...Not sure where Signal was, he looked to Chill but saw he was still sitting in his chair, flushed. Oh well, guess he would be dancing by himself this time.


@Zer0 @Maeve Valor @Nano

 

[Ensig]

<Blanca>


-Reclusive Mechanic-
​

Blanca rolled her wheelchair over the several tools littered across her room's floor, approaching the exit of her room and eventually arriving at a door with a severe lack of use. There was even dust collecting on the top of the knob... She'd need to program Sebby to tidy the place up later.


Making a mental note to do so, she opened her door and let the music from the outside reach the inside as she rolled out, shutting the door behind her. Usually, she wouldn't leave her room when social events like this one were taking place, but... Given the fact that today was not only her birthday, but also marked a little over the 2 month mark since the last time she left her room, she decided it was best to at least stroll over to Mr. Milson's to say hello. While she was there, she figured she'd drop off one of her newest blueprints too, so it would be killing two birds with one stone. The design wasn't for a new mecha, vehicle, or even a useful tool... It was simply a mask with Sebby's 'charming' face glowing on it.


She had half considered making use of the mask as part of a costume for tonight's party: dressing up as Sebby and rolling about among the crowds... But wheelchairs and dancing didn't exactly mix, so she decided to pass on the opportunity in the end. Still, she had created the mask and it might be useful in some way, given the fact that it could act as an odd headlamp, and perfectly hid the user's face. That being the case, she brought the one and only Sebby Mask over to her benefactor's office, with its blueprint rolled under her arm. Speaking of her arm, its pale-white complexion was bare for the world to see, given the fact that Blanca hadn't changed out of her Mechanic-wear.


For a moment, Blanca wondered whether she should turn back and change, but... She decided against it. The second floor was a bit more devoid of people, and anyone who was upstairs seemed to be watching Bob's muscle dance (regardless of whether they wanted their eyes to be drawn to the spectacle), so it's not like she'd be seen even if her clothing showed a bit more skin than she usually allowed others to see. Mr. Milson wouldn't mind either way, so she arrived in front of his office without any issues and entered without knocking. Instead of finding Dylan Milson, however...


"Klaus, huh..."


Mumbling half to herself, Blanca looked over at the young boy for a moment before wheeling herself into the room and closing the door behind her, approaching Mr. Milson's desk and placing the blueprint and mask on top of it. Once she did so, she turned to the young man, partially interested in what he was doing here, rather than the party downstairs.


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

<p>


</p>


<div style="text-align:center;"><p><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><img src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=http://cdn.wall-pix.net/albums/art-3Dview/00004439.jpg&key=24d9ac0fccd97f4b3cf8631eaec62ba2f0a5c4b44d90b43bc5673920fd033a04" class="ipsImage" alt="00004439.jpg" /></span></span><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-size:14px;"> </span></span> <span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>- Klaus Milson -</strong></span></span><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-size:14px;">"Coffee Shop, 2nd Floor, Mr. Milson's Office"</span></span> </p></div>


<p> <span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-size:14px;"><span style="font-size:18px;"><strong>M</strong></span></span></span><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-size:14px;">r. Milson's office was a cozy room with a warm fireplace at one end and a large television screen on the other that was also a glass window when it wasn't turned on. This morning an episode on lions in National Geographic was showing and Klaus was listening to it through a pair of quality headphones while reading a book on Hydrodynamics.</span></span><span style="font-size:18px;"> </span><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-size:14px;">The room was a bit messy from all the preparations for the start of the Rift Season at six tonight, with papers scattered everywhere and books on the Rift and Shadowkind piled in heaps.</span></span> <span style="font-size:18px;"> </span><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-size:14px;">Klaus looked up when the door opened and became cheerful at once when he saw that it was Blanca. She was the only one in Libra who was as enthusiastic about inventions as much as he was, probably even more. He had admired her work for a long time and studied all of them. He was hoping to become as good as her, but he had never really worked up the courage to ask her to mentor him.</span></span> <span style="font-size:18px;"> </span><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-size:14px;">"Hello, Blanca!" Klaus smiled nervously, just as star-struck fans do when seeing their favorite actor, "Is that a new invention? Can I see? What does it do?" he asked in quick succession.</span></span> <span style="font-size:18px;"> </span><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-size:14px;">@Ensig</span></span> <span style="font-size:18px;"> </span><span style="font-size:18px;"><span style="font-size:14px;"></span></span> </p>


<div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="font-size:18px;">- Chill Sandell -</span></strong> " Coffee Shop, Halloween Party "</p></div>


<p> "<strong><span style="font-size:18px;">Y</span></strong>ou're not vegetarian?" Chill asked Dyani, surprised. "I thought faunice descended from the great hooved ancestors ate only fruits and vegetables . . . I wonder if pig and cow faunice eat pork and beef . . ." he thought loudly to himself as Dyani went over to the dance floor. That was interesting. He wondered if Dyani ate Elk meat and made a mental note to ask him later if he came over again. @Cosmic Cobalt


</p>

 

[Ensig]

<Blanca>


-Reclusive Mechanic-
​

"Enthusiastic as ever, I see..." Blanca smiled warmly at Klaus as he asked a short burst of questions in quick succession. In response, she reached for the mask once again and rolled over to him, stopping a small distance away so that he could see the invention properly.


"It isn't all that special... It's just a simple mask with Sebby's usual face on it." To demonstrate, Blanca touched the surface of the mask, causing a small water-like ripple to cast over its surface. As the steel moved, its shape changed to match Blanca's facial height and width. Once the mask was finished, Blanca removed her finger from its surface.


"It has an alchemical steel plating as its main material, as to make it adjustable to its wearer's face... So long as their faces aren't too large for the metal to to cover, of course." There were also runes designed to supply energy to a small program which would guess the user's facial dimensions with only a touch... But that wasn't too complex -- or so thought Blanca. Turning the mask in her hands, Blanca brought it to her face. As soon as it touched her nose, the metal once again rippled, and a small metallic string unwound from its sides; as if it had a life of its own, it curled around her head and before making a small bow at the back of her head, keeping the mask in place. The wire was soft, despite being a metal, and because the 'string' was set to only tighten to the point where the mask would safely stay in place, there was no discomfort. Once the binding was completed, a neon blue mustache emerged from the mask in its center, glowing a light blue in contrast to the fireplace's amber glow.


Blanca continued her explanation while watching Klaus' reaction -- this time, in Sebby's voice: a gentle, yet masculine tone. "The user's voice is also modified through the same program that lets me speak through Sebby... But it can be turned off." Blanca brought her finger to the right side of the mask, where a small button was located. Upon pressing it, she continued in her regular quiet, wispy voice. "The mustache is generated using micro-clusters of runes, so it'll glow so long as there's enough energy in the air to fuel it... So it'd make a good light source, I suppose."


Undoing the bow behind her head, the alchemical metal rippled and the strings retracted into the mask once again, causing it to fall into Blanca's open hand. With her face revealed, Blanca gave a wry smile as she tilted her head lightly in half-embarrassment.


"Like I said... It's just a simple mask. Even if it could be used as a light source, its purpose is mainly cosmetic."


@Zer0

 

[Maeve Valor]

Serena looked distastefully at Dyani. Of course out of all the people who would happen to recognize right off the bat that it is me in disguise it had to be HIM.


She took off her mask with a scowl, "What do you mean it looks like that I'm going to a funeral?! I'm dressed up as Little Red Riding Hood. I thought it was innocent and in good fun for the occasion." She ruffled her dress to get the point across and then she looked away at the other people on the dance floor having a good time. Her ocular for a brief moment landed on Chill eating, but yet still enjoying himself.


Serena's eyes then wandered back to the embodied nuisance that had approached her "And how did you even know it was me?" She crossed her arms disappointingly. She had really hoped to escape from being herself for just one night. Guess this just goes to show, I really can't escape from being an insufferable prick. Stupid elk. She thought with a frustrated sigh.


@Cosmic Cobalt

 

[Zer0]

<div style="text-align:center;">


<p>


<strong><img alt="1318947_121426_large.jpg" class="ipsImage" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=http://cgimg.s3.amazonaws.com/t/g86/548786/1318947_121426_large.jpg&key=4efa7228a7fc47edec3272a40d2dcf446adc9a6a8bce1a4be8ffd7b56fb5c804" /></strong><strong> </strong>


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<p>


<strong><span style="font-size:18px;">- Klaus Milson -</span></strong>


</p>


<p>


"Coffee Shop, 2nd Floor, Mr. Milson's Office"


</p>


<p>


</p>


</div>


<p>


<strong><span style="font-size:18px;">K</span></strong>laus listened in rapt attention, observing the mask with great interest and was amused when the blue mustache appeared. "It's still cool!" said Klaus in admiration. "Why did you make it a mustache?" he added curiously.


</p>


<p>


</p>


<p>


He liked inventors who added their own personality to their work, which was one of the reasons Klaus never did any freelance work for the companies of the Deathwings, those business people always loved their machines sleek and smooth, but Klaus loved the steam punk design. "Oh, yeah!" he said suddenly, rummaging his pockets for something and took out his smart phone. "Um, I've been working on a prototype for an arcane camera that'll let you see ultraviolet light and magical residue," and he timidly showed her a picture of the camera and some pictures of the design and arcane formulas.


</p>


<p>


</p>


<p>


"That's Parel metal and I used Carspar to make the lens . . . The one thing I'm having trouble with is it doesn't work if it's in the dark . . . The flash overpowers the lens and you can't see the magical residue at all, but it's still works." He looked at Blanca trying to hide his nervousness, "So . . . what do you think?"


</p>

 

[Ensig]

<Blanca>


-Reclusive Mechanic-
​

Laughing lightly at the young man's compliment, Blanca shortly explained her reasoning for the mustache; "It was going to be part of a costume for tonight's party... But I decided against it." After saying so, she watched as Klaus took out his smartphone and loaded up some images, moving her wheelchair and leaning forward a bit to take a better look at them.


After looking over the plans and hearing the device's purpose, she let out a short "Hm..." before resting her back against her wheelchair once again, crossing her arms over her chest and closing her eyes to think. 'If light is a problem, then the only solution would be a replacement of the lens' material for a stronger one, or an alternative method of looking for the residue in the dark... Mhh... The latter would be the simpler option.' Nodding to herself, Blanca opened her eyes and looked directly into Klaus before giving her reply.


"My recommendation is combining what you have now with a different method of detecting the residue when it's dark out..." Blanca raised her hand lightly to the side, as if listing off something written on a blackboard. "For example, you could use Sound Runes augmented with Magic Sensory Runes to emit sounds that bounce off of magic residue; the sounds could be received by a sensor on the camera, and be compiled into a 'partial photo'... It would essentially use Artificial Echolocation, in other words." Lowering her hands and crossing her arms under her bust, Blanca took a short breath before continuing. "In that example, you'd end up with a blank picture with just residue, so making a secondary function to take the 'partial photo' and pile it on top of an image you can already take would work... Supposedly."


Blanca gives a short shrug as she finishes her explanation. Echolocation would work... But it would make moving while taking a picture with residue in it more difficult the further away said residue was. The solution she offered was really only a short-term alternative until Klaus found a better material for the lens, or found a spell that emitted Arcane Light that didn't interfere with the residue the camera was trying to capture. The former would be far easier than the latter, unless Klaus had learned how to make entirely new spells to inscribe on runes...


@Zer0


((Sorry for the delay! Had some stuff I needed to finish.))

 

[Zer0]

- Klaus Milson -

"Coffee Shop, 2nd Floor, Mr. Milson's Office"​

As Klaus listened, his expression became the look of someone who had puzzle pieces he had trouble putting together suddenly being shown where each one fit. "Echo location . . . I never thought of that . . . Thanks, Blanca!"


And he was off into his head, lost in thought as his mind set off to work with this new idea. He began to write formulas into his phone, but suddenly, as though he just remembered something, Klaus blurted out: "Blanca, i-if you're willing, could you take me as your apprentice?" he bowed deeply. "I promise to work hard and I'll never get in your way!"


Klaus remained in that position stock still, his short white hair, partially covering his face. There, he finally said it after all these years. He felt relieved, the courage to ask this was much harder than that one time he had to go out by himself to look for his sister during the full moon. That night, his older brother Ethan, who had been bitten by a werewolf three years ago, forgot to take his Wolfsbane Potion and was loose outside as a dangerous ravenous beast.


(OOC: Totally fine, @Ensig)

 

[Ensig]

<Blanca>


-Reclusive Mechanic-
​

Blanca smiled at Klaus' reaction to her suggestion. The boy had a lot of potential as a Mechanic, so she was more than happy to assist him in his queries if he had them. Fellow inventors needed to help one another out, right? While thinking so, Klaus spoke up again, a hint of nervousness present in his words.


"Blanca, i-if you're willing, could you take me as your apprentice?" Blanca blinked a couple of moments at that request, and watched as the young man bowed deeply and continued. "I promise to work hard and I'll never get in your way!"


Looking at Klaus' face, partially obscured by his white hair, Blanca gave a gentle smile before standing up from her wheelchair and moving closer to Klaus, who remained seated as he continued to bow. Once she arrived right in front of him, she rested partially on the arm of his chair, and pulled his head into her chest, hugging him in the quiet room.


"I've never had an apprentice, you know..." Blanca released Klaus from her hug after saying so, looking into his eyes as she continued, a humble smile and partial blush visible on her face. "Treat me well, Klaus."


@Zer0

 

[Zer0]

- Klaus -

"Coffee Shop, 2nd Floor, Mr. Milson's Office"​

Putong, went Klaus' heart.


"Um," spluttered Klaus, his face turning as red as a tomato from the intimacy of the hug and warmness of Blanca's voice. 'No, this was an older sister's hug, and not a putong kind of hug', he thought to himself firmly.


"Y-yes, ma'am! Please take care of me too!" He'd bow his head again, but then his face would be in the wrong place.


There was an embarrassed pause on his end. And then as though to be polite, he added an awkward hug.


Suddenly the door burst open, and Mr. Milson hurriedly strode in talking about the U.S. President arriving in ten minutes to Mrs. Milson who was following him, straightening up his tie.


"Thank you, dear, could you assemble every --- " Mr. and Mrs. Milson stopped dead in their tracks.


Klaus immediately let go of Blanca, his face now turning a brilliant shade of magenta.


"SON?" asked Mr. Milson, bewildered.


"Mom, dad, it's not what you think." he said calmly, emphasizing with his hands.


Mr. Milson looked like he didn't believe him then glanced at his wife who was beaming at Blanca and Klaus. "Let's go meet the President." said Mrs. Milson, taking her husband's arm and pulling him towards the door.


"But I have to get the ---"


"Shh!"


@Ensig

- Halloween Party -

" Country Lane Coffee Shop "​

The door of the coffee shop opened with a tinkle from the doorbell and six people strode inside the loud room unnoticed, except by some from the partying crowd.


One was a candid ordinary man with his excited daughter beside him, while the other four could have easily been mistaken as tall ordinary men who loved to work out, except that the way that they carried themselves betrayed that they were military.


"Now this is a party." said the father, looking at the crowd appreciatively.


The daughter, a bright young lady in her teens walked up to some of the revelers and asked them where Mr. Milson was.


(OOC: @Maeve Valor , @Cosmic Cobalt, @Nano, anyone can talk to them. The agents who received the security details from Mr. Milson will recognize the man and girl as the U.S. President and his daughter in disguise, together with their guard of Espers in civilian clothes)

 

[Ensig]

<Blanca>


-Reclusive Mechanic-
​

Blanca nodded happily as Klaus responded, giving a small smile while looking down at the boy. When he wrapped his arms around her back, she did the same; perhaps he, too, was feeling as joyful as she was to have a partner to work on things with. Just as soon as she completed her hug, however...


*Pann*





The door opened quickly as Mr. and Mrs. Wilson walked into the former's office before pausing, as if they were turned to stone. Not even a moment later Klaus separated himself from Blanca, breaking their hug and turning a deep red. Although she wondered why for a short second, she immediately understood.


A man and woman together were alone in an office > Office is only lit by the soothing campfire and the television > Woman holds the man's head into her bosom > . . .


"Ah."


As if a lightbulb had been turned on in her head, Blanca understood why Klaus' parents reacted how they did. Blanca had always seen Klaus as a younger brother -- especially given the fact that she was there when he was born. She even remembered holding him as a babe, and inventing a device to cradle him to sleep... But now, he was reaching that age, wasn't he?


'How foolish of me...' With her face becoming a bit red, Blanca silently covered her chest, becoming increasingly self-conscious of the boy in front of her as he attempted to dissuade his parents of any conclusions they may have arrived at. Surprisingly enough, Mrs. Wilson seemed as though she wished to leave them be... Her excuse of meeting the president seemed quite out of place, however. Before she could inquire, Blanca would need to settle the misunderstanding.


"Klaus and I have forged a bond (of master and pupul), so I hope to have your blessing (for him to become my apprentice). I'm inexperienced (as a teacher), but I'll do my best (as his teacher)." Blanca bowed her upper half after saying so, as a means of apology for the misunderstanding before awaiting their reply.


@Zer0


((Blanca's ability at conversation involving things other than machines: -4))

 

[Zer0]

- Klaus -

"Coffee Shop, 2nd Floor, Mr. Milson's Office"​

"WHAT?!" said Klaus and Mr. Milson together before his wife pulled him out of the door. But not before she said happily, "We approve!" and the door was shut.


They could hear Mrs. Milson laughing at her husband outside for overreacting and talking about the first time he asked her out.


"You were so timid at that time, you had your friend ask me out for you." said Mrs. Milson amused, as they headed down the stairs and their voices faded away. Mr. Milson seemed to be speechless. "Our son has a lot of guts --- honey, stop gaping, you look silly . . ."


Klaus too was just gaping at the closed door after his parents. Then he slowly turned to look at Blanca, still a bright shade of magenta. "Um, " he said uncertainly. His mind had stopped working, which was a first.


So that hug wasn't an older sister hug then? It was the PUTONG hug?! Klaus' brain was flooding with panic and confusion. He needed to be somewhere else to think, but he also wanted to be careful not to look as though he was running away so that he wouldn't hurt Blanca's feelings. Because he wasn't running away. He wasn't.


Klaus steeled himself and straightened up to his full height, "I'm inexperienced (in relationships) too, but I-I'm very happy (that you like me)!" he said, now turning crimson. "Blanca, would it be alright if we talked later? I have to meet the president too, but if you want I can stay here and talk right now."


@Ensig

 

[Ensig]

<Blanca>


-Reclusive Mechanic-
​

Blanca raised her head after she heard Mrs. Wilson's approval, smiling happily as she successfully gained Klaus as her apprentice and seemingly solved the misunderstanding as they started talking about when they had first gotten into a relationship. Although the Wilsons could be heard behind the door talking about their past, Blanca simply figured they were doing so because of the romantic-relationship mishap, thus bringing up memories of similar events. Nodding to herself after coming to that conclusion, she heard Klaus make a small "Um" before she turned to face him. The boy paused for a moment, the look on his face evident that he was thinking hard about something.


'Perhaps he didn't expect them to give their approval so easily?' Blanca was partially surprised that the Wilsons had agreed so readily as well, but considering the fact that Klaus and Blanca had been around each other for so long, perhaps it was a natural conclusion?


"I'm inexperienced too, but I-I'm very happy!" Klaus' sudden change in posture slightly surprised Blanca, but she quickly understood that this would mark the end of their formalities of Master & Apprentice initiation, and nodded with a gentle smile before the blushing young man continued.


"Blanca, would it be alright if we talked later? I have to meet the president too, but if you want I can stay here and talk right now."


'Ah, that's right. Mrs. Wilson left so quickly that I forgot to ask, but... The President is here, after all?' Tilting her head and causing her hair to sway lightly, Blanca looked towards Klaus and nodded with a short. "Mhm." as to give her approval for him to move along. She wasn't nosy enough to ask to talk as they walked, and her appearance wasn't exactly up to par for meeting such a person anyways. Closing her eyes, Blanca figured she could simply think of methods to train the young Mechanic in the meantime.


"Perhaps we could do 'that' and... Maybe also 'that' later..." Speaking out loud, Blanca was, of course, thinking of methods on how to train Klaus. But, in the end... "We'll have to speak and do a lot of things in my room later (as I'm it would be best to train with the tools I already have)... We might end up doing it (speaking & training) for a while, so be prepared." Staring into Klaus' eyes all the while, Blanca ended her short speech with "Alright?" before sitting down on her wheelchair and wheeling herself over to Mr. Wilson's desk, where she set down the mask and awaited Klaus' response.


@Zer0


((I'm going to be going to my Grandparents' tomorrow for breakfast n' stuff, so this will be all from me tonight (it's 1:53AM here).))

 

[Zer0]

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<div style="text-align:center;"><p><img src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=http://www.hairspicture.com/wp-content/uploads/curly-hairstyles-for-black-women-pinterest-mjv-art.org--190124-1500x1292-izu-original-girl-short+hair-solo-black+hair.jpg&key=9fc1eb39ad596048b000c25dd1342e7d3ff09826cadf7ce6a8d3c1b1e78da699" class="ipsImage" alt="curly-hairstyles-for-black-women-pintere" /><strong><span style="font-size:18px;">- Halloween Party -</span></strong> " Country Lane Coffee Shop "</p></div>


<p> <strong><span style="font-size:18px;">M</span></strong>r. Milson regained his suave as he greeted and welcomed the disguised U.S. President and his daughter Elena and led them back outside where it was quieter. Mrs. Milson fought her way through the partying crowd and told Serena, Dyani, Chill, Ethan, Salem, and the seven other guards to assemble outside in front of the shop where they were introduced to U.S. President Woods, a portly man with a pot belly and a booming laugh. "Hi, nice to meet all of you!" said Elena cheerfully, shaking all their hands in turn after her father was through with them. She was especially very interested in Serena. "I'm just so amazed, this is my first time shaking hands with a vampire." she told her excitedly. "Everyone, this is Lynch," said Mr. Milson, introducing the most intimidating looking guard who had a broad back, a barrel chest, and a light scar across his face. "He's in charge of the President's security detail. Any questions you'd like to ask, you can ask him. You all know your roles, good luck." (OOC: @Maeve Valor, @Cosmic Cobalt, @Ensig, would you guys like to time skip to the Circus at night after your next posts?) </p>


<div style="text-align:center;"><p><strong><span style="font-size:18px;">- Klaus -</span></strong> "Coffee Shop, 2nd Floor, Mr. Milson's Office"</p></div>


<p> "<strong><span style="font-size:18px;">Y</span></strong>es, the president's visiting the circus in Central Park with his daughter and I'm one of the coordinators." said Klaus immediately, glad for a change in topic, but his relief was only brief. From brave he became petrified once more as he listened to Blanca. How could she talk about something that intimate with such a straight face? And their relationship was progressing too fast . . . Wait, he must have misunderstood something, yes, that's it, he missed something. "Yes! I'll be prepared . . . I'll be really prepared." said Klaus uncertainly. What if he was wrong and that was exactly what she meant it was? No, can't be. He's known Blanca for a long time, she wouldn't talk about that with such a straight face, would she? Klaus didn't understand girls. "See you bater Lanca <span style="text-decoration:line-through;">---</span> I mean, see you later, Blanca!" he face palmed, embarrassed, before walking out of the office. @Ensig


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