Realistic or Modern New Oasis: Cosmic Crusade

[azenmannumber2]

GM/Scene Post

SCENE:

Opening Night

LOCATION:

Abandoned Warehouse Park, Yamato Outskirts

PARTICIPANTS:

Cosmic Crusaders (minus Kazu)

Opening Night

Every show has an audience. Though the raindrops were plenitiful and raucous, they would not do. The warehouses, neatly lined up in threes, were too few and stoic. The cold bit and the wind howled like a pack of wolves, but metaphorical beasts made for poor watchers too. Why not the metaphysical beasts, then?

The power surge of the children tapping into the background magic of the universe lit up the dreary opening night. As they plotted amongst themselves, any of the fighters who spared a glance at their leader and could discern facial expressions past the monsoon, her wetted fur, and her smaller features would notice closed eyes. Peacefulness? Memories? Exhaustion? Whatever it was, it was gone when she opened her eyes. And her mouth. She had questions to answer.

Yoko. “You’re a magical girl. Your job is to save the world, kill monsters, and do what I say. Maybe you missed that part while you were fantasizing.”

Moura. Answered by his comrades. Next.

Ken. And also Daichi. “Do you want me to demonstrate? Write up a step-by-step tutorial? Or are you looking for something like an instructional pamphlet? Look, the hand of the big guy in the sky is not its brain. I don’t know why fate wanted these people, but it did. So I had to get them. By any means necessary. You gotta lead with the incentives before you tell them that you’re paying a thousand kan an hour. I’m sure you know.”

Ken had run off already. It was at this point that Moura had to have set Ritsu down into the mud. Yippee. She remained very still to avoid splatter, but the raindrops still stirred up plenty.

Tyrant existing wasn’t a question, but it was questionable. “Clown shoes! Commie! Can’t come up with a snappy nickname for the last one! Have you wrapped it up yet? Look, lady, there might not be enough room in this dump for your ego. Use names. Use humility. I’m the only one allowed to be a hypocrite here.”

One of her fighters was currently getting drunk. Ritsu wanted to ask him for a sip or two. Double dipping vice, hell yeah. “If you can’t plan, I’ll do it for you. I don’t think 2/IC here is gonna back down. And…” Ritsu again flattened down, almost sinking into the mud. Her vanilla white fur was now half chocolate. “Hate to say it, but her idea of a bigger group is solid. I can detect roughly the yōkai’s auras, though. Should be plenty of scouting.” Ritsu again shut her eyes tight, sensing the unbound magical power of their enemies.

Empty.

Occupied.

Occupied.

Empty.

Empty.

…

What the hell even is that.

Startling back and getting even more mud over herself, her eyes snapped back open. “Whoo. Right. We’ll need two groups. I think we have more than that already, so unless someone really wants to be the insurance policy cavalry, we need some mergers. Half these have nothing. Two’ve got some mooks. But that one. You guys see that far one on the right, squeaky clean, no art? That one’s got something. Something I don’t recognize. Too much energy there for me to get a bead on what’s up, besides ‘nasties here.’ I don’t like that. We might need the full might of pack tactics.”

With Ritsu’s plan laid out, silently daring someone (cough cough Junko) to challenge it, she turned away and made to once again bound forward, before remembering the dreadful terrain and catching herself.

“…Someone’s gonna need to carry me again. Just grab me by the sides.”

 

[Misuteeku]

Fukushima Moura

CS Link

SCENE:

Opening Night

LOCATION:

Abandoned Warehouse Park, Yamato Outskirts

PARTICIPANTS:

All Present Cosmic Crusaders (Minus Kazu)

Opening Night

With everything said and done, it was time. With the remainder of the Crusaders transforming, it was now time to launch their raid, as Ritsu put it. Everyone was fired up, from that one crusader that popped out of nowhere, Tyrant, to Ishida-Senpai, whose attitude remained the same from before and after the transformation. "Handa-Senpai, Ishioka-Senpai is on our team." Moura reminded his hot-tempered senior. "I trust that Ishioka-Senpai knows how to handle a firearm safely. Otherwise, why would her transformation have it?" To Daichi's misfortune, Moura did not seem to understand his point of view.

Though back onto the main topic, as Tyrant had suggested with the Ritsu stamp of approval, they would divide up into at least two big groups. From Ritsu's intel, at least two of the warehouses had monsters, while another had a strange signature that Ritsu could not identify. It must be serious, considering that they needed all of them to take one that monster. What could it be in the last warehouse?

"Well, I guess we better get started moving." Scooping up Ritsu, Moura held her in the crook of his arm as if she was a basketball. "Sorry, Ritsu, I'm going to need at least one of my arms to fight in case we get jumped. I'll put you down if it gets too dangerous." That or he would throw Ritsu at the enemy. If Ritsu could bestow them magical powers to defeat the yokai, then Ritsu could obliterate them with a tap of her soft body.

"Let's get going! Handa-Senpai, straight ahead!" Looking over to his crimson-armored senpai once more, Moura shot him a curious glance. The junior felt a little peeved over Ken's unnecessary worry, so he didn't add him as well. It was a bit immature, but as the youngest wasn't he allowed to be childish? "You too Nanami-Senpai! Let's go and kick that Yokai's ass!" It'd be good to add one more person. Looking around Moura smiled and shouted out.

"Hey, Arasaka-Senpai. If you're not in Masao-Senpai's group, wanna join us?" Admittedly, the only reason why Moura picked Kyoko was that she was the first one he spotted in the dark of the rain. He didn't know much about her other than her background, which everybody muttered about when she walked down the halls. Though seeing as she was part of the group, she was probably as reliable as Masao.

Whether she'd said yes or no, the engine in Moura's heart was bursting. "Well, in any case, let's go, Handa, Nanami, Arasaka-Senpai." With Ritsu by his side, Moura began heading in the direction of one of two warehouses. They had a strategy, and while they may have difficulties in implementing it, they just had to improvise through it.

Spoiler: Mentions

Roda the Red PlusUltra

 

[BriiAngelic]

Lady Airi <Masao>

CS Link

SCENE MUSIC:

The Monster Without A Name

LOCATION:

Abandoned Warehouse Park, Yamato Outskirts

PARTICIPANTS:

All Present Cosmic Crusaders (Minus Kazu)

Opening Night

Now that everyone was getting into she was really feeling fired up! She watched as her friends all started their own transformations with awe. She stopped though as she saw Tetsuya unable to transform. That was going to be a big problem! She was glad that he chose to stick with them and was ready to do her best to ensure he stayed safe. She’d seen how deadly he’d been with a shovel before, and while she still didn’t approve she’d be happier knowing he’d have some defense.

“Of course! But please promise to be careful until you can transform okay Tetsuya?”

She didn’t get to say much else before someone she hadn’t seen before was now shouting directions at them all. Oh, that was actually a good plan. She turned it around in her mind nodding along as the girl spoke. Wait she was bleached blonde right? Oh the girl must not be from the same school as them all. No wonder she was calling them by traits.

She should introduce herself.

Oh, but it was more important to reassure Kemari right now. She turned back to her group waving off their concerns. She should probably explain that better later but she was too busy being star-struck by all of their transformations. She brought her fists into her chest before throwing them out in dual fist pumps up in the air.

“That’s so COOL. You guys look AWESOME.”

She stopped though as Yuu waved around her new gun with excitement. She gave the girl a big pat on the back proud of her. She heard Daichi’s voice though and was reminded of how often the other would bully Yuu. She pointed at Daichi before speaking.

“Now’s not the time for your bullying Daichi. You should be taking this more seriously right now. It's very important that we’re all working together.”

She heard Ritsu speak up and focused on her words. Okay, so there were two threats and a third unknown factor they needed more information on. She looked at her group. They were all standing strong. It was a good thing Suzu was in the mood to beat something up because she had a feeling they were going to need to.

“So then, bigger groups. Two targets and one to scout out… WELL! We’re off then! We’ll take the right two warehouses. Stay safe everyone, let us know if you guys need backup and we’ll come running! Yuu, Suzu, MariMari, Suya let’s get things done quickly and safely.”

She didn’t wait long before she started heading to face their first warehouse. Their team was already decided right? So then they were just burning moonlight if they didn’t get this done before they were all exhausted.

ATurei miki Doctor Llamabean Roda the Red Coyote Hart

 

[ThatWhichShouldBe]

Imperator Atlas

- Character Sheet

SCENE:

Opening Night

LOCATION:

Abandoned Warehouse Park, Yamato Outskirts

PARTICIPANTS:

All Present Cosmic Crusaders (Minus Kazu)

Opening Night

AnemoVictorious NimbusWing gxxberkit Nobody Special

The Imperator listens to the little fluffy thing's words with careful consideration, before looking at the various forming groups. He then waves to a few stragglers, gesturing them over, while he himself turns to Shiki and Yoko. And in particular, the imperious-looking Yoko. He replies to her own fury with a wink and a smirk, and a little wave from his waggling fingers. A princess, huh? It suited her perfectly, he supposed. He gives her one of his trademark teasing little grins, as he speaks up, amusement in his voice.

"Ah, the young mistress. I see your transformation is exactly as gaudy as one could expect it. The Gothic Lolita look is a little unexpected, I must admit. But it does make you look adorable."

His face turns a little serious now, as he looks over towards the warehouse with the... unknown that Ritsu had indicated, a thoughtful expression on his face. Yes. Best to see what was going on there before they engaged in force, he figured.

"The other groups can handle the easy jobs. I'm thinking we get together and scout out this particularly troublesome target, see how bad it's going to be, no? If we run into trouble, we can always run away."

 

[Lucem]

KAWAGUCHI KEN

CS Link

SCENE:

Opening Night

LOCATION:

Abandoned Warehouse Park, Yamato Outskirts

PARTICIPANTS:

Cosmic Crusaders (minus Kazu)

OPENING NIGHT

After the huddle broke, Ken let out a low whistle as he watched Moura don his bright armor. He then gave the younger boy a quick thumbs-up at the mention of his mother. "You got it. Make sure you stop by again after all this, yeah?"

Before he could get a response, Ken had his attention stolen by Nanami as she threw her arm over his shoulders. He turned to face her, and unlike usual, he didn't have to look too far down. This was the second time he'd seen her like this, but it still felt a little weird having her reach above his bicep. And that wasn't the only thing about her appearance that caught his eye.

Having his face covered made a number of things difficult, but he was pretty thankful for it right now. The visor did a great job of hiding his wandering gaze as he tried his best not to stare too much at the gaps in Nanami's outfit. Now really wasn't the time for that. He could do this. He was a gentleman with great willpower, and he'd show no weakness. He was just concerned that she might catch a cold. Yes, that was it.

"'Course we will! We got this! Just gotta watch each other's backs!" A small plume of fire shot from one of the exhausts on his suit as he tried to empty his mind and hype himself back up. Thankfully, a welcome distraction arrived to help with that.

When Masao mentioned his little lies, Ken was quick to correct her, pointing in the white knight's direction. "Not lies. Half-truths. Half-truths!" The distinction was very important.

The next distraction was not as well-received. A girl he didn't recognize demanded everyone's attention and gave out a plan of her own, expecting everyone to follow. Honestly, Ken didn't have any big problems with the plan, but he did have a problem with the girl's attitude. Nobody put her in charge, so she didn't have the right to go around barking orders. The closest thing the group had to a leader right now was Ritsu, and if he was going to follow anybody, he'd take the fuzzy ball over the alternative.

Ken would have said something, but Yuuka managed to sum things up pretty well. By the time he turned to get a look at the former team manager, she was already completely covered in pink. The look was definitely princess-like. It was like it came straight from one of the magical girl shows he watched with Chiharu on Sunday mornings.

"Yeah, you look great! Just make sure you only aim that thing at the yokai, 'kay?" While he wasn't as dramatic as Daichi, Ken understood where his friend was coming from. Yuuka probably just got carried away by the excitement, but a safety reminder never hurt.

Eventually, Ritsu rounded everyone up and gave out more information about what to expect. Only half of the warehouses actually had monsters inside, so not as bad as it could have been. Although, the description of the final aura was worrying.

Until now, Ken assumed Ritsu had all the answers, so it was as surprising as it was concerning to hear that she didn't recognize whatever she was sensing. Having everyone together to check it out was probably the right call, but there was an annoying thought at the back of his head that made him question if they'd be enough. Was there something besides yokai to worry about?

Lost in thought, Ken didn't notice Moura aiming for one of the warehouses until the boy was already on the move. Seeing that, Ken immediately sprung into action, sending all the energy in his brain to his legs. "Ah, wait up, MoMo! Na-chan, let's get moving!"

Taking a few steps forward, Ken looked back at Daichi. "C'mon, ChiChi!" His friend was still hanging around Masao's group, but knowing how quick he was, it probably wouldn't take very long for him to catch up.

Spoiler: Tags

angel doe BriiAngelic miki Misuteeku Roda the Red

 

[miki]

BUDDING CARNATION!

CS Link

SCENE:

Opening Night

LOCATION:

Abandoned Warehouse Park, Yamato Outskirts

PARTICIPANTS:

KEN!! & Cosmic Crusaders (Minus Kazu)

Opening Night

Yuuka set the gun back down at her side at Moura’s mention of her. As much as she wanted to bash Daichi with the barrel of the gun, the faith that Moura and surely, Ken to that extent, had in her ability to be a civilized girl stopped her in her tracks.

That was a wise decision, because quickly after Moura, Masao and Ken came to her defense. Plus, as an added bonus, Ken had answered her with a compliment! ‘Yeah, you look great!’—Ooh, that was going in her journal for sure!

As Masao scolded him, Yuuka turned her smug attention right at Daichi.

THIS IS THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!! Hah, take THAT Daichi!!

Now confident in her abilities, Yuuka took in the rest of the mostly-transformed team. Only to find something of critical note.

...EHH!? SHE LOOKS JUST LIKE ME!!

Yuuka’s jaw dropped as she looked at Shiki, who had blossomed into her alter-ego for the first time just as she had. Her heart fell for a moment, but only a moment. Well, it doesn’t matter. As long as I’m the apple of Ken’s eye, it doesn’t matter if we look similar!

Yuuka nodded to herself, unaware about how ironic her statement was. Nanami should have thanked her lucky stars that Ken had a visor.

And then Ritsu started speaking. Yuuka’s excitement was quickly dulled by her worry. Of course—this was a serious situation, but Yuuka felt unprepared. She didn’t know how to shoot a gun, she didn’t know how to fight, and she wasn’t sure if she had the skill to pretend she did know half of what she was supposed to.

But as she looked at Masao, she remembered—having the courage to step up was half the battle. It couldn’t be too hard, anyway. Not harder than figuring out what the heck a contact play was.

But then Masao suggested going to the eerily clean and sturdy warehouse—the one that was supposed to be the most dangerous. As long as she was with Masao and Kemari, she felt safe, sure—but this was Yuuka’s first time transforming. Putting anyone in danger because she was inadequate wasn’t fair, even if she didn’t like half of them. It would make a horrible impression on all these people she didn’t know yet.

So Yuuka took a second to think. She assessed the warehouse before them, taking a moment to think critically. The most important thing she had ever learned from her beloved mahou shojou animes was that walking blindly into a dangerous situation was normally how people got captured. She couldn’t afford that—especially when Yuuka didn’t know how to diffuse a situation by herself.

But there was another option—finding another way in. Some of the shows did that, where one character thinks quick and finds another way in and catches the villain off-guard. And Yuuka was good at being discreet, or at the very least she thought herself to be. She was agile and silent on her feet. She had been climbing things she shouldn’t have been since before she could walk. She could find the way up a window, or smuggle herself in through a small crevice.

This was it—her way to help.

Yuuka walked up next to Masao with her gun gripped in both hands and a spark in her eyes. “Masa… I think I should try and look for another way in. What’s the phrase? The most powerful element is the element of surprise!” Yuuka held a thumbs up to Masao. “I may be new to this, but I promise to give it my best shot! Literally. Teehee~♪”

 

[angel doe]

Black Lily

CS Link

SCENE:

opening night

LOCATION:

abandoned warehouse park, yamato outskirts

PARTICIPANTS:

all present cosmic crusaders (minus kazu)

opening night

Although covered with a visor, Nanami could feel Ken's eyes on her and she looked up with a smile under the assumption he was meeting her gaze, "Precisely~" There wasn't much more she could think to say, so she agreed and moved on, pulling her arm from around Ken's shoulders.

Nanami's attention was quickly stolen by the rest of the group, however, and she watched as the majority of them transformed. Seeing all of their transformations, she could feel herself getting frustrated, her jealousy spiking; she did her best to put a lid on that and bury it. There were more important things to deal with and Nanami's trivial feelings were not one of them.

Choosing to remain silent as things progressed, she observed. The stranger barking out orders caught her attention first, but that was quickly drawn away by Yuuka waving her gun around. Nanami took a step back, only slightly concerned she might try to use it on her and was relieved when Daichi commented on it. Perhaps he was a tad loud and dramatic about it, but Nanami couldn't fault him for reacting the way he did. Yuuka with a gun made her uncomfortable, too.

Suddenly, laughter escaped from Nanami and she had to cough into her elbow to cover it up. Masao's comment about Daichi's bullying and how they needed to work together startled her so much that she didn't know what else to do except laugh. It was the bullying comment that really got her, though, "A bit ironic when you really think about it..." she muttered, shaking her head slightly and trying to find something else to focus on.

The thought of trying to work with Yuuka made Nanami's chest ache. She didn't hate the girl, far from it actually, but she definitely did not trust her. Nana could manage some interaction, but to rely on Yuuka in a situation as dangerous as this?? That was asking far too much.

Thankfully, she didn't have to think about it for long when Ken called for her and Daichi by name and she turned her focus back to him, giving a nod of acknowledgment. Only then did she spot Moura in the back heading toward one of the warehouses, "He sure is enthusiastic!" Nanami mused, giggling softly.

Grinning, she gave a little salute to Ken and knocked him gently on the head, "See ya there, slowpoke~", and with that Nanami was off, running after Moura. Her wings didn't seem to weigh her down in the slightest and her footfall was light, leaving no tracks in the mud; if she made any sound it was drowned out by the rain.

Coming up alongside Moura, she slowed down to match his pace and leaned towards him, "So, which warehouse are we checking out first?"

Lucem Misuteeku Roda the Red

 

[Nobody Special]

APEX [MACHI]

CS Link

SCENE:

Opening Night

LOCATION:

Abandoned Warehouse Park, Yamato Outskirts

PARTICIPANTS:

Cosmic Crusaders, sin Kazu

OPENING NIGHT

Machi spent a decent amount of the planning time… well, standing there. She was listening to what everybody was dishing out, of course– but the suit of armor she donned gave no indication of that. To the others, she most likely looked like some sort of powered-down robot, idly sitting in place while awaiting someone to come over and flip her switch to bring her back to life.

Somewhere within all the spitballing that had been taking place, a fresh new face emerged. The red-clad girl startled Machi ever-so-slightly, though she showed no signs of it. It was like she suddenly popped up out of nowhere and started throwing plans around with the others as if she were there the entire time. Machi squinted at the girl from behind her dark visage. Who… was that? She shook it off for now– she had probably missed her on the walk here. She wasn’t paying much attention until that girl fell down, after all.

On the spur of the moment, a finger was pointed in Machi’s direction. Frantically, she snapped her head to look behind her, and then around her general vicinity– but no one was close enough for the girl’s finger to be inadvertently pointing at her. She was the one who didn’t have a group ready, which was painfully true.

“...”

The embarrassment. Machi could only pray that the limelight wasn’t now on her as she turned her back to the others to face the warehouses they would inevitably have to investigate.
“...Sorry.” she muttered, slowly taking a step forward before she could gain any more unnecessary attention. She’d have to pick one to conquer right now– and whoever followed her, would follow her. “...I’ll just–”

Before she could take another step, the fluffball’s familiarly high-pitched voice resonated within her ears– and her mind, too. She quietly followed along with the information Ritsu provided, taking note of the warehouses with enemies in them– especially the obviously-more-important one that the creature was seemingly unable to properly read. Her dark eyes remained on the farmost building for a bit, and that familiar feeling shuddered throughout her body. Something strong…

Just like that, a plan was in motion. One group started making their way to one of the occupied warehouses, and she remained with the others who had yet to move yet. The extremely tall, white haired monocle-wearing one suggested scouting through the ‘unknown’ warehouse– an idea that greatly tickled the judoka’s fancy. Without hesitating, she took another step forward, this time in the direction of the aforementioned building.

“Yeah. Let’s see what’s in there.” She nodded, clenching her fists in anticipation. Ever since she started working in the family business, she’d had less and less time to experience the thrills of combat that she had grown so accustomed to in her earlier high school years. It was time for her to have that taste she’d been craving.

“...Stay on your toes.”

ThatWhichShouldBe NimbusWing gxxberkit AnemoVictorious

 

[NimbusWing]

Princess Crimson

- Character Sheet

SCENE:

Opening Night

LOCATION:

Abandoned Warehouse Park, Yamato Outskirts

PARTICIPANTS:

All Present Cosmic Crusaders (Minus Kazu)

Opening Night

During this period of time where Yoko - who had now unknowingly transformed herself into the brilliant Princess Crimson - had kept her eyes so sharply trained on her dreaded magician and rival who had stood before her. But in spite of her efforts to state that she was to silence the foolish man where he stood, it was instead the so-called Princess that was actually silenced, at least for a brief moment. Even in spite of the new guise that she was still completely unaware of, there was no doubt about it that it was still the very same Yoko Ishida underneath.

"J-just you wait for half a second, Ryoto!" She protested weakly, extending her hand out to point a dreaded finger towards the magician in question, turning her head away to try and hide what seemed to be a shy blush. Even despite not using any aspect of his newly gathered powers courtesy of his transformation, Ryoto could still go as far as to easily fluster the heiress to the Ishida name with his sly tongue as he could in the classroom. "Gaudy? Gothic Princess? Adorable!? Words that utterly do not deserve to be spouted from your mouth and your mouth alone! Have it be known, I will get to the bottom of this business and shut you up, snake!"

And it was that moment that she yet again turned to face her 'foe', still trying to hide the blush upon her face, but more determined to get to the bottom of the business that she found herself in than she ever did. Luckily, it was at that moment that she did uncover such mystery; one that didn't take a genius to figure out, to be certain.

Upon gazing on a perfectly intact lacy sleeve, Yoko's confident but enraged expression morphed into one of confusion.

"Hold on... since when is this wonderful outfit a piece of my wardrobe? This is not a part of the Ishida's linework of fashion... Just what in the..." Yoko looked down at her outfit, the first time that she had done so as well, only to discover what really was the hard truth. She hadn't just realized it until now, sadly enough. Her perfectly fitted and designed dress, unfettered by the terrible weather that befell her fellow students. And then she gasped.

So it was at that moment she was told the reality of the situation. She had no clue how this happened, or how she even transformed to begin with, but Ritsu's words rung true. She was a kick-ass and drop-dead beautiful magical girl. What said magic was? Yoko didn't know that either, but surely it was something that could have been of some nice merit, right? For now, though... it instilled a new confidence within Yoko even with her prior flustering.

She smirked, gave a flick of her hair, and crossed her arms as she looked over at her two rivals: the utter fool named Imperator Atlas, and the newly transformed Blooming Muse, the woman who was once her artistic 'rival' Shiki.

"Now now, you'll heed the words of moi; the Crimson Princess, Twilight Rose! The Lady of the Night and ever beautiful master of spectacle!" She haughtily cried out with a graceful twirl. "My advice as a Princess is sound and clear. We have no raw knowledge on what this foe is... as such an advisor has already explained, we would need to amass a greater team in order to scout ahead and uncover potential flaws in this enemy before we do battle!"

Was Yoko a tactical genius? No. Was she even a strong leader? Honestly, it was far from it. She was only echoing prior advice that was already given, but thankfully Yoko was getting up to speed... finally.

 

[ATurei]

CRYSTALLINE EIDOLON

CS Link

SCENE:

Opening Night

LOCATION:

Abandoned Warehouse Park, Yamato Outskirts

PARTICIPANTS:

All Present Cosmic Crusaders (Minus Kazu)

From cocoon forth a butterfly.

Along with Masao to the two warehouses on the right Suzume had no inclination for which one in particular to make target for her first assault. There is a thing about the desire to release one’s destructive impulse where finer tastes and preferences cease to matter. After all, she had no wish to kill or pulverize any in particular, only the thought to unleash, explode and relish the first taste of true freedom her limited physique had thus far forbidden. That is to say, she had no hate for the yokai, though it is safe to presume they are detestable creatures, no more than she hates slithering snakes that roam the wild, or the quakes that ever torment her country. Too far removed from her daily life they seemed a thing only of fiction, even as the many natural disasters going on around the world.

For all that reason, it would be very amiss to presume the sudden flash in her glittering eyes upon hearing Ritsu’s assessment of the warehouse was out of any malice or personal hatred. She simply said, “We go for the big one then,” because the stronger the foe, the greater should be the satisfaction of taking them down in one fell swoop! And she had no doubt in her ability to accomplish the task with style, whatsoever. The cautions voiced thus far had even less bearing on her than the harmless cold rain rapping on her floating mantle. And the only type of suggestion she would heed was the kind to add that extra dimension to senseless violence. So with glee, she answered Yuuka, “I like your thinking, Yuu-chan! The only thing funnier than our enemy’s face when we kick down their front door is when we strike from where they least expect. Let us go! Look out for any openings in the walls or roof, so long as we can drop through it onto that yokai resided yonder and give it a good thrashing!”

With both hands she set the cloak aflutter, and from underneath the rippling fabric, she pulled a long sharp shape almost indiscernible to the eyes, as strongly the object resembled the transparency and shifting brightness of the raindrops and the tiny puddles on the ground. A rapier of crystal.

Wielding it with ease, for light indeed it was, though without expertise, she trod enthused steps towards the rightmost warehouse.

 

[Roda the Red]

CRIMSON BLITZER

CS Link

SCENE:

Opening Night

LOCATION:

Abandoned Warehouse Park, Yamato Outskirts

PARTICIPANTS:

All Present Cosmic Crusaders (Minus Kazu)

OPENING NIGHT

There she goes again with that 'bullying' bullcrap, this was nothing new to Daichi, ever since he made it his mission to stop Yuuka's unsavory antics, Masao has for the most part been an annoying thorn to his side, causing the two of them to have confrontations in the past, both of the verbal AND physical kind. The saddest part was that he knew that if it wasn't for that creepy stalker she had for a BFF, the two could've been great friends. But as long as the gyaru supported her friend's creepy antics, their contentious relationship would have to continue as it currently stood.

"I'M NOT- Whatever, that doesn't matter right now, just be careful y'all, okay?" Hotheaded as he may be, Daichi still new that this was a new experience to some in the group in front of him, and a potentially very dangerous one at that (not that he was very experienced himself either) so as unnecessary as it may seem, it didn't hurt to encourage some precaution to the other group. He turned his head around as he heard Ken's calling, it seemed like the group already started to mobilize towards one of the warehouses that Ritsu detected as habitated. He looked back at the other group momentarily one more time. "Duty calls, See you guys in a bit!" Said Daichi as his gloved index and middle fingers touched his helmet, where the side of his forehead ought to be, before moving them forward with a flick of his wrist.

He was a bit behind, so Blitzer put in some effort in order to catch up with his group. He broke into a sprint, an unnaturally quick one at that, namely the main blessing given by his transformation, or at least that's what he was able to understand from it so far. Water splashed in quick succession with a high pitched sound as his feet landed hastily on the muddy, soaked soil. Eventually he reached Nanami and Moura, mananaging to catch what the former asked. He performed a front flip, leaping above the pair and landing in front of them, legs bent and a single palm placed on the ground. "Well! My gut is telling me..." He said as he stood up, throwing his arm back from across his chest, before dramatically pointing at the warehouse on the right. "THAT ONE!"

But then, he turned around, all exaggerated mannerisms from his body language now gone. "But uhhh, it can be the other one if you want" Said Daichi to Moura, now a bit worried he might have accidentally stolen his thunder.

 

[simj26]

Tateyuki Mitsurugi

SCENE:

Opening Night

LOCATION:

Rightmost Warehouse, Abandoned Warehouse Park, Yamato Outskirts

PARTICIPANTS:

????

四面楚歌

Not strong enough. Not strong enough. He buried his sword into the beast again, and again, and again. It was no longer moving, but with every plunge of his blade, he could still feel weakness coursing through his very veins. It had not been perfect, he still hadn't the power to fight against the inequities of life itself. He screamed, he cried, but only silent sobs and shrieks escaped from his hoarse throat. It felt like gravel was shoved down his throat. Power. He needed more power. He needed more to protect everyone else. He needed more to take his vengeance up against the monsters. It didn't matter if it was Yokai, or those damned Oners, he needed power.

He snapped around as the door to the warehouse began to grind open. The light from the lampposts outside seeped in treacherously, drowning the dim one of the hanging fluorescent lights up above him. He could see several figures standing there. He couldn't make out their faces. Exhaustion was catching up to him, and his vision was starting to blur, his head starting to spin.

"Who..." His voice was more akin to a grimy groan, like pebbles scattering across the asphalt, his hair, dyed crimson in the blood that decorated the surroundings and his blade, hung wet and haggard over his face. He shook his head, grit his teeth, summoning his second wind. His sight slowly refocused on the group at the door of the warehouse. Masks, costumes, they were dressed impeccably, almost like...heroes of some sort.

Heroes. Those had powers. They were capable of fending off the evils of the world.

Then why? Why did they not come to help his mother? Why did they leave her to die?

The other people that had powers...those were the Oners. They were just as responsible for her death. He grasped at his sword, the slick wetness of the blood on his hand made him slip the first time. The second time proved more successful, and he wrenched it free from the body of the lifeless creature at his feet.

"You..." he steadied himself, placing his other hand upon the hilt, and gripped it hard. "You don't deserve to live." His sight blurred, and the tendrils of the miring thoughts began to encroach once more on his mind. They should die. They will die. He had to win. He had to become strong. He had to slaughter them all. He was surrounded by enemies, everyone was his enemy, everyone was against him. They would never understand. They could never understand. He would cut them down, all of them down. One by one, two by two, three by three, he would make sure that he was the strongest. Starting with these ones. These vaunted heroes. These Oners. Whatever they were, they will die.

Mother. Grant me strength.

He charged forwards, and thrust his sword forwards into the first figure that was fool enough to stand before him.

 

[Coyote Hart]

ORIO TETSUYA

CS Link

SCENE:

Opening Night

LOCATION:

Abandoned Warehouse Park, Yamato Outskirts

PARTICIPANTS:

All Present Cosmic Crusaders (Minus Kazu)

OPENING NIGHT

Just as Tetsuya inserted himself into Masao's group, the Tyrant spoke up, her suggestion loud and abrasive, leaving no room for dissent. If Tetsuya was a more animated person, he could probably find the willpower to speak up against the idea. Still, given that he had a raging headache, Tetsuya didn't find that idea to be palatable. Instead, Tetsuya turned away from the Tyrant as if he wasn't acknowledging her. It was his way of expressing his own disagreement.

Masao seemed to be under the misimpression that Tetsuya wasn't capable of transforming. For a moment, Tetsuya was tempted to correct her, "No, it's just--"

Whatever. It wasn't worth the effort to do so. Tetsuya just took another swig of his alcohol and stuck his shovel into the ground as he waited for the final kinks of the operation to be sorted out. While he was sure there were better options than the one that Ritsu fielded, there didn't seem to be any inherent flaws and Tetsuya didn't think anybody could think of anything better. He was perfectly okay with going along with it.

"Sorry about the smell," Tetsuya said to Kemari, "I've got some perfume. I'll put on another layer."

From his bag, Tetsuya pulled out a bottle of cheap perfume, spritzing it over himself. He might've been a drunkard, but he was a functional drunkard. He needed to be on top of things, including smelling good enough that people didn't smell the alcohol. That was especially important for the teachers at school. Better for them to think that he was the kind of person to wear four layers of Axe Spray than someone breaking the law to get alcohol.

"Don't you all seem happy and full of camaraderie," Tetsuya noted to anybody who was willing to pay him any mind, "Make sure you all come back in one piece, okay? There's no shame in aborting a mission if it means being able to fight another day."

As he looked around, Tetsuya realized that despite his horror, he was surrounded by a beautiful sight. Shining armor and beautiful outfits adorned each of the school boys and girls. It was like something out of a manga. And all of a sudden, Tetsuya was aware of how he was the sole person who had not transformed. Tetsuya didn't often feel left out, but this once... it felt like he could've been a part of something cool and instead chose to stay home.

And so when Masao began moving her group towards one of the warehouses, Tetsuya succumbed under peer pressure. It was probably less embarrassing than he imagined, right? And if it was just as embarrassing, so what if people laughed at his appearance? He was going to need to reveal himself sooner or later. It was better to rip the bandage off now. Right? Right? Tetsuya could shatter a bottle at anyone who laughed at him. And so, halfway to the warehouse, Tetsuya stopped for a moment and began to chant.

"I call upon the power to change fate," Tetsuya's voice was no louder than usual, but it held a quiet determination. He lifted a hairpin with a cat paw on it and pulled back a lock of blond hair and forced out the rest of his incantation, "...Myah."

From his feet up, Tetsuya's drab school uniform gave way to a flowing white hanfu decorated with red and white roses. The yellow of his hair receded to become red, and almost as if by magic, it seemed to be more well groomed and neat. With a boing!, red ears sprouted out of his head, perking as they got accustomed to the improved hearing. In conjunction, from his tailbone, a sleek red tail emerged, proud and haughty even as it tried to hide between Tetsuya's legs.

"Don't perceive me," Tetsuya demanded when the transformation was over and he lifted his shovel over his shoulders to continue moving. But there was something about this new form that made the quiet rebelliousness against life that Tetsuya displayed vanish. He felt light on his feet, and light in the head. His pounding headache was gone. The drunkedness was gone. He had heard that some drunkards got more lively when they drank... was it like what he was currently feeling? It felt nice. Tetsuya smoothed back a portion of his hair and uncharacteristically grinned at Masao's group, "But if you must see me, be sure to shower me with compliments, myah~"

"Now, I heard that we're breaking through roofs?" Tetsuya asked, echoing Suzume's idea moments ago.

ATurei miki BriiAngelic Doctor Llamabean

 

[gxxberkit]

YOUR SUPREME LEADER: TYRANT

CS Link

SCENE:

INAUGURATION DAY!

LOCATION:

THE BATTLEFIELD! Yamato Outskirts

PARTICIPANTS:

COMRADES! PEONS! STAGEHANDS!

Opening Night

Pshh. Tough crowd. A mixed bag of being disregarded, booed, and… quietly applauded. Like a spoken poetry session, or a golf tournament, the applause was quiet— it didn’t seem like anyone verbally agreed, save for Masao and, despite her best interests, the Puffle.

It seemed like Ritsu’s final plan wasn’t too far off from Tyrant’s, only proving Tyrant’s prowess in tactics. A proud grin made its way onto the dictator’s face, despite being humbled only moments earlier.

She was motioned over by a guy that looked like a failed magician, and, since no one else had invited her to join them, she walked over.

Her eyes scanned the other groups as the magician spoke. One of the other groups had already taken the lead, heading to the powerful warehouse before Tyrant’s group had a chance to move. The third group seemed to just be heading to one of the goon-filled warehouses. Good for them.

Tyrant’s eyes snapped to the princess, followed by a clap in Yoko's face. “Keep up, your majesty! We’ve got another group already heading there. That’s twice the manpower.” She gestured to Masao’s group, who had already made their way to said warehouse— the door was already opening. “And, if we willingly let them go alone, that’s their blood in our hands. Besides, almost everyone else in this group already agreed. We’re going.”

She took a sharp turn on her heel to face the rightmost warehouse. She unhooked her baton from under her skirt and pointed it forward. “Onward, march!”

NimbusWing ThatWhichShouldBe AnemoVictorious Nobody Special

 

[Elenion Aura]

THE HARBINGER

SCENE:

Opening Night

LOCATION:

Abandoned Warehouse Park, Yamato Outskirts

PARTICIPANTS:

Cosmic Cockroaches

CURTAIN CALL

A shadow took shape atop the crumbling warehouse. His silhouette cut a jagged contrast against the pallid glow, as the warehouse park's dim light cast its shadows across the stark white mask, a blank canvas, devoid of emotion, devoid of humanity.

Below him, they writhed. A den of Yokai, spirits of a forgotten world, swirling in a dance as old as time itself.

He crouched down atop the weathered rooftop. Now that he was closer, he could hear the cacophony. Within, they tumbled and shrieked, their unbridaled energy pulsating like a living thing, tangible and wild. A living tempest, a throbbing heart of darkness. Meanwhile... Before him, framed against the dim glow of lamppost light, the obstacles assembled. Bright stars against an endless void.

Anomalous.

Antithesis.

Ignorant.

They knew not that the world they sought to defend was far, far beyond salvation. Nor was it deserving of it.

This wasteland of greed, corruption, apathy. Stewards of the world?

No. Parasites.

Feasting on the earth, eroding its essence with their relentless pursuit of self-interest.

Humanity was a disease, a malignant growth that infected everything it touched with its malice and avarice.

One need look only at the harm they cause—to each other, and to the once-bountiful land that was their inheritance. No.

Humanity has corrupted the earth and, therefore, have forfeited their right to it.

There is purity in chaos.

These were the trueborn heirs.

Of the world, born from it, apiece with its inherent beauty, its magic.

They do not exploit, do not ravage. Harmonious, in a way humans could never achieve. Wild, untamed, yes, yet in their raw nature lies balance, a respect for the natural order of things, an order that mankind has cast aside in his hunger for more.

The only way that the land can heal from the scars inflicted by human hands, is for the blight to be excised.

The rot must be purged.

It is not a destruction, it is a cleansing, a necessary cull to restore balance. To usher in the dawn of a new era, where the world can finally find peace from the stain of humanity.

This is my absolution.

And yet... Their presence like embers sparking to life in the darkness. They were children playing at being saviors.

And yet... Despite his loathing, his gaze lingered. And yet.

The fabric of reality shivered. Not one, but two.

He breathed deep, inhaling the raw essence of the roiling entities below, their wild energy seeping into his very soul. Behind his featureless mask, his eyes took on a newfound fervor, a zeal that imperfectly mirrored the restless energy of the formless tide waiting to be unleashed. The world was sick, he reminded himself, infected by a disease called humanity. It required purging, a purifying fire to cleanse it from its sins.

We are the cure.

His fingers grazed the worn edges of his mask, the cool, water-stained surface a stark contrast against the now-feverish heat of his skin.

As their laughter and easy conversations rang out against the silence of the gloom, the warehouse beneath him quivered. They were blithe in their togetherness, effulgent beacons of misbegotten hope amidst the encroaching wall of night. Their youthful cries echoed upwards, light and oblivious, a reminder of their folly. They dallied, lingered in their own tiny worlds, too enamored of their own play at heroics to recognize the storm that was quietly brewing.

With a cold inevitability, he knew that this world would fall. Its guardians were woefully under prepared.

Without warning he stood tall, a looming sentinel, as a voice that was not entirely his own rang out. "Children of starlight, the path you tread," he began, his words echoing over the rumble of thunder, "leads only to ruin."

He tilted his head, the lamplight catching the edge of his mask. "You brandish your stolen power, believing you can stave off the inevitable. But stars, however brilliant, eventually burn out."

A crash sounded beneath him, unsteadying his feet. The monsters wanted out. They wanted to feast on starlight and flesh. To reclaim what was rightfully theirs.

"Can't you hear it? It is the sound of absolution. And you, with your fleeting sparks of resistance, stand in its way."

The warehouse door rattled violently as he spoke.

"To change, we must shattered the mold that was made for us," he continued, his voice a bare whisper against the howling wind and the thrashing of monsters. "The old world must crumble to give way to the new. It is the law of nature, the rhythm of existence. Your fight is not against us, but against the current of life itself."

He paused, letting his words hang in the air amidst the cacophony of crashes and roars. "The future cares not for heroes or villains, only the course it is set to follow. So, wage your battles, ignite your stars. The storm is coming, and it shall wash away all but the enduring truth: to resist change is to resist life itself."

As the last echo of his unfamiliar words faded into the night, the dilapidated warehouse doors were ripped open as though torn by invisible hands. From within, a torrent of flesh and rage poured forth, a seething mass of eldritch shadows and monstrous forms.

They were creatures of nightmares, forms pulled from the darkest corners of human fears and myth, their shapes as varied as the legends from which they sprung as they advanced on their adversaries, an unnatural sea of snarling beasts, slithering entities, and flitting apparitions, the air heavy with their raucous cries and the thunderous cacophony of their charge.

A beast the size of a large dog skittered out ahead of the pack. Its chitinous form gleamed in the pale lamplight, an array of razor-sharp limbs clicking against the concrete. Eyes, too numerous and too alien to belong to any earthly insect, blinked open, glowing a deep, malevolent crimson. A large, bulbous stinger swung haphazardly above its unsettlingly human-looking face.

Behind it, another form emerged. Long and sinuous like a serpent, it coiled and twisted in an undulating dance, its scales shimmering and flickering with an inner light, as ferocious spikes rippled like waves along its back. A pair of golden eyes, elongated and cat-like, burned like molten metal, fixating on the group with a predatory hunger.

Finally, a larger form lumbered forth, shoving smaller creatures aside, a monstrous silhouette that towered above the rest. A twisted parody of life, it was hulking and covered in a coarse, matted fur. Its head was a skull, crowned with massive antlers, and a pair of tusks jutted from a gnarled snout. Its eyes, a sickly, luminescent yellow, bore an unsettling intelligence.

Around and amongst these three, the creatures emerged in droves, the air around them crackling with potent energy. And all the while, the masked figure stood, the voice of command having left him once-again a silent, brooding, lonely figure atop the crumbling warehouse.