Fantasy New Oasis: Four Heavenly Kings — The B-Sides

[BriiAngelic]

Jackson Reese Alessi

CS Link

SCENE MUSIC:

Shinunoga E-Wa

LOCATION:

Peyton's Old Apartment, East District

DATE:

Post-Arc 3 || Two Weeks Later

PARTICIPANTS:

Jackson, Peyton ( Coyote Hart )

Crash and Burn

“Dangerous? You think it’d just be dangerous to visit? What about if I’m passing your serpent crones with a team of my own and we have to fight. What if I have to draw my blade on you. Do you think I fucking want that. DO YOU THINK I WANT TO CONSTANTLY THINK ABOUT HOW ANY WRONG MISTEP AND WE MAY NEED TO KILL EACH OTHER?”

He listened to the delusional plans Peyton made wanting nothing more than for them to be true. To be achievable. He wanted nothing more than to be able to just forget Peyton had betrayed them in the first place. The fingernails digging into the other's back released as he dropped his arms to the side. Peyton’s embrace reminded him of what a childish mentality they both held.

“I don’t want to lose you…but you never really were with us were you? You could have come to me…you should have. I hate that you’re only even fucking offering this because I had people camping out on your fucking coming and going.”

Why was he even here? Maybe he was just hurting them both looking for answers where there were none.

“Do whatever you want Pey, I clearly can’t stop you.”

 

[thebigfella]

Mirka Evensen

CS Link

SCENE:

Homesickness Has No Medication

LOCATION:

Jiseong, A Police Department

TIME:

Post-Arc 3 || June 18th, 2022

PARTICIPANTS:

Mirka, Seo-Ah ( gxxberkit )

Homesickness Has No Medication

Splatters against the window, raindrops drizzled across the glass, they pooled at the windowsill. The gerberas she had been given a few days ago were starting to wilt. Their stems had begun to lose color, and the water grew cloudy. Clouds, the sky was overcast, that’s why it rained. That’s why it was so dreary; that’s why--

…The weather was bad today. It put her in a bad mood. She was always one to be affected by the weather.

“Seasonal depression?”

“I guess you can call it that.”

She could remember when she told him about it; he said it so casually. He always said everything so casually.

She clicked her finger against the top of her pin, gradual, rhythmical. At some point, she had broken it down to a science. One, two, click. One to three, click. Repeat infinitum.

Stacks of books sat beside her elbow, a handful of papers underneath her fingers. They were partially filled out. Her sloppy handwriting in the language she still didn’t fully grasp blemished her otherwise spectacular administration. She had grown used to the comments; what had previously stung only throbbed, and attempts to get better made slight progress. She couldn’t hold pens like she used to anyway; bones that were broken repeatedly eventually didn’t grow back the same way.

Her eyes turned away from the papers before her to glimpse at the photo on the corner of her desk. Four smiles. Their kids were on his shoulders. She had her hands placed against his chest. She could still feel his warmth.

He always had to show off. But he was even worse after the kids started to get older.

He wanted to be strong for them.

Now, it was her, having to be the strongest for all of them.

She sighed, her posture slouching as she let her pen roll across the desk, an open palm cradling her chin, dull purple eyes stared at the nearest wall.

The rain was minor to her current emotions. A much bigger natural phenomenon kept her lost in her thoughts. An earthquake. Despite it happening miles away, it had struck close to home.

She remembered it vividly, a stray news article she saw while browsing her computer. It entirely derailed her the deeper and deeper she dug. She didn’t get any work done that day.

Over the years, she had lost contact. With old friends, with old family, she had thought it for the best. She had yet to learn when she would return. If she would return. If she was left to be forgotten within the turning sands of time, then so be it.

She was a mother first, a cop second. That’s what she had to be. That’s what she was so sure of.

But she couldn’t deny the pangs in her heart. The faces flooded into her mind. The breath that hitched in her throat.

The casualties, Who had been part of them? The recovery. How would it be handled?

The police were full of many capable people, not just them, but the EMTs, the hospitals, the construction workers,… the people of New Oasis weren’t new to any hardships. They would be fine.

But, if she were there…could they be better?

A handful of calls went unanswered. Others were greeted by unfamiliar voices who had no connection to the number’s previous owner. Stamps and empty letters sat in a neat pile nearby. She had sent out a few….dozen letters with the hopes that some old addresses she had in her head still held some worth. But, she had yet to receive a response in any shape or form.

She was always one for patience; many said she could weather the storm and then stick around for the mud to turn back into the dirt. But, she felt herself growing anxious every passing day. How long would she have to stay in the dark? Was she comfortable in the light?

Maverick was afraid of the dark until he was 10; was she about to be frightened of it until she was 50?

She wanted to smirk, imagining her husband laughing at her. Telling her that she was overthinking things like he always did.

But instead, she was left alone with her thoughts, a frown of reality that she had grown accustomed to. Uncertainty dominated her mind, and apprehension followed right behind. If she heard nothing, what would she do? Would she continue living in peace, oblivious, unaware, uncaring?

She didn’t want that. But, if she wished to answer…she would have to get them herself.

It had been a long time since she had her answers separated by plane and sea, but here she was again.

Was she as desperate for a solution back then as she was now? She wasn’t sure.

When she was younger, she had always been sure what to do. My way, or the alleyway, was what she preferred. But now, she couldn’t help but play with her thoughts, rolling them around like drying clay.

She had to consider more than herself now; her coworkers, her family, everything hinged on her decisions; weight hadn’t just grown in her hips but also upon her back.

Troublesome wasn’t the word; vexatious was more fitting.

For this brief moment, she wished she could return to her old self, decide, and stick with it, leaving the world at your heels. Her eyes closed as she tried to remember a time long since past before she quickly opened them again.

There was no point in reminiscing on what was; instead, she looked at what would. She couldn’t talk to her past self, but there was something else she could do. Her eyes moved towards the clock on the wall, checking the time.

She would be in soon, on the dot. She was always punctual, even more than she used to be.

 

[thebigfella]

Brut (NPC)

CS Link

SCENE:

Losers!

LOCATION:

East District, Skate Park

TIME:

Post-Arc 3 || June 11th, 2022

PARTICIPANTS:

Pei, Javi

Losers!

“Alriiight! Here I goooo!”

The bright neon green wheels of a skateboard rolled across the glossed wood of a ramp, rising upward as the perspective swapped to show it going airborne, the shaded view of the underside and its decal of a skeleton within a coffin on the bottom. The sun glistened overhead as the board landed back onto the ground; it rocked and cruised as it landed back onto the cement, the rider bending his knees down to balance himself.

“Wooo! Go, Moe!” An excited cheer came from a nearby group of kids as they watched, a handful of eyes watching him tear it up at the skatepark. Moe kicked off his board, catching it in his hands, a bandaged hand coming up to cockily run under his nose as he grinned, strolling over to his group of friends, a mix of kids of different ages, some with protective gear, some without, skateboards and scooters.

“Been working on that one for a while! Hyuk! Hyuk!” He gloated as his friends crowded around him, praises and questions coming his way as he stood in the middle.

“How did you do that!? Can you teach me!?”

“Do it again! I wasn’t looking!”

“Shouldn’t you be wearing a helmet?”

Slow claps interrupted the congregation, and a shrouded figure approached the group of kids. They barely came up to their knees; as they turned to look towards the source of the clapping, they were left gobsmacked, eyes hanging open.

Standing there was a creature with green-colored skin and a bright orange pompadour on his head. He sneered at the kids as he crossed his arms, “Pretty impressive, kid,” he gave a half-hearted praise before reaching out a hand, beckoning with fingers towards the skateboard, “Lemme see for a second, I’ll show you something real cool.”

A sly smirk drifted across the green creature’s expression, a glint in his eyes as he snickered under his breath. With a brief moment of hesitation, Moe extended the board towards the creature, letting him take it and snatch it.

“Hehehe, now watch this.” He tossed the skateboard onto the ground, “I call this the backbreaker!” He shouted, hopping onto the board and kicking himself towards a nearby ledge; he rolled himself right off it, gravity bringing him downward as he jumped off the board, just to give him a bit more airtime above the skateboard until they both came down with a--

CRUNCH!

Underneath the creature’s feet, the board snapped cleanly in half, the broken parts hanging limply against the ground. A mixture of horror and anger displayed on the faces of the children, staring down at the creature as it relished in its handiwork.

“Keh, what a trash board. Couldn’t even handle that?” He chided, crossing his arms.

“HEY! What the fuck was that for!?” Moe shouted, a fist clenched in anger as he looked upon his split board, blood rushing to his face. Flustered and enraged, he could only stand there and shake as the tiny delinquent turned to look at him.

“Huh? Got a problem?” He glared back at him, “You mad I broke your board, brat? Better suck it up. After all, you’re on our turf now.”

“Our turf?” One of the kids asked. His question was quickly answered by the sound of a series of bike horns; they looked up to see a swarm of toy motorcycles and tricycles approaching, a mixture of different creatures on top of them, from cats with sunglasses to penguins with gakuran, the delinquents flooded into the park.

They drove themselves up the ramps, leaving behind tire tracks. They pulled out cans of spray paint and began to tag and mark walls and slopes. Guzzling down bottles of cola and root beer before tossing them to the ground and letting the glass shatter.

Immediately, the scene erupted into chaos, shouting, yelling, and laughing as the yankees transformed the landscape as they saw fit. The kids were chased out of the park, only left to watch from the sidelines as their hangout spot had been conquered.

They looked on in despair, posture drooping, helmets removed, as they didn’t say many words to each other.

“Let’s go home, I guess…”

The group sighed and turned around, dragging themselves away from the park.

“Surely they’ll be gone tomorrow, right?”







They weren’t.

Every day, the gang of creatures were there; they had turned the place into their hangout spot. Graffiti and litter had come to cover the previously pristine park, and complaints of noise and ruckus had begun to flood in from the rowdies and their behavior. Even as disgruntled parents tried to get them to leave, the monsters would only respond by pelting them with trash and various insults.

Quickly, it was growing into a problem.

 

[thebigfella]

"Quetzalcoatl"

CS Link

SCENE:

Snapped Chains Set Ablaze

LOCATION:

South District

TIME:

????

PARTICIPANTS:

?????

Snapped Chains Set Ablaze

The smoke burns in their nostrils, and the soot stings in their eyes. They struggle to breathe through the blood within their throat; they try to pull oxygen out from the contaminated atmosphere.

Orange light blurs and swirls, and flames roar and dance in front of glossy eyes. The sounds of wood burning to ash, the combustion as plumes of fire break through shattering glass.

Fingers grip against the cement, nails dig into the gravel, palms pressed against the soul. Charred skin cracks as cauterizations tear back open, allowing blood to pool. Flesh burns with phantom heat and the spine tingles with the night's cold chill.

Screams through the air, barely audible above ringing ears. Disoriented focus tries to make sense of it all as mangled legs drag themselves upright, stumbling and shaking.

A brick wall breaks the fall, and its support comes in scrapes across the back. The focus moves upward, and clarity and focus turn the moon from a blurred vision to a clear image. It was only then that they realized.

They were still alive.

The pain kept him from keeping his head up; it was wrenched away from the night, brought back down the earth, and forced to look towards the flames. Everything was on fire: the building that was supposed to be their safe haven, the place where they acted on their own interests, without a care in the world, without a care for the **family**. Now, the family had come to collect their dues.

Bodies across the pavement adorned the front like a garden of guts and blood. There were more inside, being picked off, three by four. A blonde devil and three shadows tied to her back, the judge, jury, and executioner.

Only he had escaped his verdict.

A smile came upon his bloodied lips, a dry laugh an undercurrent to the screams. Strength began to return to his legs, and he began to walk, his body using the bricks as support as he stumbled toward the alley's darkness.

“So long as I’m alive, that’s all that matters…Everyone else can enjoy being fodder,” he breathed, continuing to laugh within his euphoria of survival, a crazed look in his eyes.

“A snake can still bite with its head cut off…The venom still flows...” He whispered a toothy smile revealing his sharpened teeth, as his face was slowly embraced by shadow, and his figure limped off into the darkness of night until he disappeared.

The flames still flared, and the embers still cracked. The anguish sung through the night became dull as the last few stragglers were cared for. Footsteps against the pavement came as a silhouette that stood before the now empty alleyway, peering down it with their hands in their pockets, casual among the chaos. Spiked ears and shimmering jagged teeth upon their face made it seem like the only things missing from their person was a pair of wings and horns. They stared down the alleyway silently, watching the empty space, before turning away and continuing to walk ahead.

“Kekekekekekekek”

Only a tiny cackle left their lips as they walked out of view.

Bison

CS Link

SCENE:

Snapped Chains Set Ablaze

LOCATION:

Casino, West District

TIME:

June 31st, 2022 | | Post-Arc 3

PARTICIPANTS:

Artemis

Snapped Chains Set Ablaze

“Bison! …Hey Bison! Wake up, damnit!”

A sharp slap on the back of his head broke him out of the dream, knocking the hot ash at the end of his cigarette onto the ground. His eyes opened as his figure jolted out of the wooden chair, a hand reaching up to rub the back of his scalp while he turned to look over his shoulders.

“Ow…the hell was that for?” He grumbled, eyes scanning across the familiar figure of the man who was supposed to be his “higher-up”, a muscular brute with large puffy lips, as if he had Botox or had been stung by a bee. He looked at him, barely hiding his discontent as his eyes and cigarette drooped and crooked.

“I don’t see how you’re complaining! You're the one sleeping on the job! You’re lucky I ain’t fucked enough to report you!” The large man shouted, jabbing a finger in his direction. The smoking man clicked his teeth in response.

He could care less about being reported or anything about this whole thing. Unlike every other sad sap in this place, he wasn’t scrounging for cash to pay to try and claw his way out of debt. His owes were voluntary; he made his home within the red.

The cost of changing your name and your appearance wasn’t cheap, but he could have paid it off. Yet, before he could decide to end the exchange, he was made an offer that enticed him. He could work it off if he didn’t have the money.

He wouldn’t have needed to. But he wasn’t him anymore. Bison would. Bison wasn’t someone sitting on cash; he was struggling like everyone else. An average man, an even averager Tiger. A slacker, a carefree son-of-a-bitch who didn’t seem interested in honestly paying off his debt at all, content to work off his years with not much other than the occasional complaint, that’s who Bison was, and who he’d continue to be so long as he deemed it.

“Sheesh, alright, I hear ya, I hear ya,” Bison brushed it off with a nose scratch. The intensity left his eyes, replaced with unphased, uncaring. They spoke of someone who wanted to be anywhere but here, and as such, they drifted away, finding anything else in the room more attractive.

“Tch. I bet you don’t even know what shift you’re on,” The giant man shook his head, crossing his arms before giving Bison a contempt glare, “You’re on guard duty with Artemis; we got some important cargo we’re keeping safe here until one of the bosses comes down to pick it up.”

Guard duty? The thought caused Bison to slouch, a lack of enthusiasm clear on his face as he finally pulled his cigarette out of his mouth, shoving it down into the nearby ashtray, “What kinda thing needs some real people to guard it? Why don’t they just toss it into a vault somewhere else?”

“You idiot,” The big-lipped man responded, his head tilting upward to look down on Bison more as he talked, “This is the only place that something like this can be kept, and for there to be a large amount of Tigers present without raising suspicion. If word of this “cargo” gets out, it’s not gonna be nice. So keep that in mind.”

“Yah, yah.” Bison pushed the explanation off, giving a dismissive wave as he walked out the door, letting it close behind him. He could care less about the squabbles of the higher echelons of the Tigers. A tiny bit of him was interested in the contents they were guarding, something important enough that it could have some localized ramifications, but he didn’t care enough to question it.

The sounds of the casino came from below as he walked across the balcony above, giving him a bird's eye view of the main floor. The lights reflected off his face in a soft glow as his eyes gazed across the waitresses bringing drinks, the dice rolling across the tables, and chips stacking high.

From this height, he wondered if anyone would have known it was him if he spit down to see who it would land on.

He put the temptation to the side, instead continuing to stroll on. He went through halls, walked past halls, and through various doors. He nodded and made small talk with the other Tigers as he went. He wasn’t much of a talker, but he wasn’t about to complain about anything that allowed him to take his time getting to where he was supposed to be.

Finally, eventually, he reached it. A door at the end of the hall and a keypad tied to a lock at the back are reinforced by metal. Usually, this was to keep the significant bit of cash the casino kept on hand in case what unlucky sap would get the payout and earn themselves a one-way trip to the Tiger watchlist, but now it had another purpose. Behind that door was this mysterious cargo that he was assigned to guide.

Though, he was supposed to be joined by someone else. That lil gal, Artemis. He didn't really care for her, and he was sure the feeling was mutual. Though when it came to the both of them, the one who took their job more serious wasn't something that needed to be guessed. He wasn't fond of the mouth she had.

Despite that, he didn’t bother to look and see if she was there. He wouldn't have bothered to notice even if she was right there yelling at him. Instead, he simply laid against the nearby wall, a bored sigh.

Another day in paradise, was it? And he sure was lost in it.

 

[The One Eyed Bandit]

Deirest

SCENE:

The Dead and The Deathless

TIME:

Circa June 2022 | Post-Arc 3

LOCATION:

Vandalized Lot, North District

PARTICIPANTS:

Peyton, Deirest

The Dead and The Deathless

It wasn't listening. She told her arm to swing, but it didn't. She told it to claw, but it didn't. She told it to yank itself out the the chipper man's grasp, but still, it didn't. Her teeth grit, and a black veil of wrath fell from her brow. She wouldn't tolerate it, this betrayal.

"No no no... Don't care... This..." She muttered incoherently as Peyton tugged her along. Her legs unconsciously tread after his, but the bubbling fury in her gut blinded her to wherever it was that he led her. A memory boiling in the inky pits of her mind. She'd been here before. Helpless. Not again. Never again. The fingers on her other arm flexed, gripped down on her wrist, and then if stripping the bark from a tree, tore her flesh from her bones.

The hand that Peyton had taken hold of fell away from her like a discarded glove.

"Aaaaaahhh..." The woman stumbled by, teary-eyed and drunk. The skeletal understructure of her hand glimmered white and red in the moonlight, a tangled mess of bone and stray sinews. Despite it all, she couldn't feel a thing. Whatever foul magic had turned her arm against her, too, had robbed it of sensation.

She needed to keep going.

She readied herself again. Her fingers, this time, dug into the meat of her shoulder. She could feel the warmth of her own flesh wrap around them, but there was no response in return. Her other arm- the traitor limb- still hung limp and senseless at her side. A drunken stumble took her to the ground, but she paid it no heed. None of it mattered. This was an affair between her and herself. No longer did she see the bubbly rifleman. Her vision had turned blurry and dark.

Never again.

Never-

The nameless woman's mind fell away into darkness, bled out onto the concrete alongside the gussets of blood that poured from her open wounds. Death took her once more, and yet, her mangled flesh still writhed.

It would not hold her yet.

Coyote Hart​

 

[Jexon Whells]

Scene Director

...

TIME:

Pre- Outbreak: 2022, July 1st

SCENE:

Agonizing Bonechill

LOCATION:

Littleleaf, East District

PARTICIPANTS:

Jackson BriiAngelic , Yona CasualTea , Lloyd Jexon Whells

Agonizing Bonechill

Well well, it seems now the trio is facing the actual opposition, which has a fiery tenacity it would seem. Yona was the speartip, and almost got her hair scorched off at least, were it not for her quick thinking and reflexes to shield herself and her superiors. She was even able to clear the gas, for a time. But it seems she had not conserved her energy, and now she has to keep herself upright with her blade. Meanwhile, the enemy had just started their engagement and are still quite energized.

With Lloyd following behind Yona, taking some time to clear the hazards she left behind, he was at least frustrated that the newbie - who is under his wing - is now at the frontline, nearly collapsed. Even though, the frontline is where he was supposed to be, just like he said in the beginning. But as Lloyd witnessed the situation, he wasted no more time at what should have been before, but making sure he goes where is should be now. With a violent beastial roar he crashes through the earthen grate, sending rubble flying ahead of him. He lashes out to the first person he sees, and any who follow.

All the while, Jackson was with Yona, shouting at Lloyd to calm himself down to approach more strategically. Though at the same time, he shows concern to Yona's current state, asking if she can still go on or if they need to change formation once more. Isn't this something? Jackson appears to currently be the most responsible of three. Perhaps that is a commendable thing to put in the report once this mission is over and done with.

However, let's focus on the here and now. With Lloyd crashing through the grate, causing confusion, and lashing out at the nearest target, it seems he actually hit someone succesfully. One of the people is send flying back, with multiple lacerations on their chest, only coming to a stop after slide over the floor for several feet and hitting a wall. "Sam!" the other shouts before turning his attention to the large, transformed, and rampaging Lloyd. "You fucking bastard! How about you take one of these instead!" A large earthen pillar is shot from the ground, straight towards the fast approaching Lloyd, which was meant to pin him against the wall behind him, or at least stop him dead in his tracks.

At the same time, the enemy left himself open to attacks from both Jackson and Yona because he was completely fixated on the monster who just sent his friend flying, and likely also dying. Although the opportunity presented itself, what would they do with it? Would Jackson still be adament on getting through to Lloyd? Or would he perhaps take this opportunity to get Yona to a safer distance, if she needs to regain herself before continuing? And what of Lloyd, who is still causing havoc? "We will have to wait and see."

 

[The One Eyed Bandit]

Passeri Park

SCENE:

Calling Amestria

TIME:

Post-Arc 3, Timeskip 1 | July 4th, 2022

LOCATION:

Not-So-Abandoned Storefront, West District

PARTICIPANTS:

Passeri, Dagger

Calling Amestria

Passeri laughed. It was short, bright, and perhaps a little bit rude. A giggle. A breezy giggle escaped Passeri's lips. She smiled lightly, bereft of the painted lacquer of intent that her always-bright visage was usually layered with. It wasn't nice of her to laugh, but how dense could somebody get? She was pretty sure her tastes weren't strange enough to mistake such deadly pieces of steel for a part of the decor, but then again, she supposed this was her fault for being coy.

"No, no... I mean, I'd be flattered if you wanna hang them over your bed or something, but um, they're not for the shop." Passeri's posture stiffened a bit. She hadn't come here today expecting to need to explain. It was starting to feel a little awkward. "It's a gift. A present. They're for you, Dags."

Gosh. Passeri twiddled with her fingers as she explained. She'd done far more underhanded things in her time than a bit of covert gift-giving, so why was she feeling so flustered? It was a good thing that she'd already worked up a sweat, otherwise it might've been suspicious just how red her ears were turning.

"After you gave me that... You know what a bit ago, it got me thinking, you know? We've almost known one another for a year now, so I figured I probably missed a birthday somewhere in there... And Christmas too... And it didn't seem right to just be on the receiving end... And... Um- Ah...!" What was she doing right now? Beating around the bush like this wasn't like her. Or maybe it was, but nervous fretting and hemming and hawing around like this wasn't. Passeri slapped her hands against her cheeks, so to amp herself up, and then plucked the proverbial cat from her non-proverbial tongue.

"I... Want to say thank you. Really. Paid for it or not, you've done a lot for me over the past year, so... Thank you, Elise." Passeri wondered if it was alright for her to use that name. She knew better than most how much weight one could hold. At the very least, she hoped that it made her intentions here clear.

"Sorry if it's um... If it's a bit weird. I wasn't really sure what to get other than a gun or something, and I really don't know the first thing about those, so I figured I'd probably end up buying something rubbish if I tried to get you one of those, and..."...And now she was back to fretting. She supposed it didn't matter anymore. The important part was out of the way.

"...And you've already got so many knives, I mean, it's basically in your name, right? So I thought... Hey! What about a big knife? So I started poking around and came across this nice little place that does custom orders and..." Which, as an aside, meant that they did not do returns. She honestly had no idea what she was going to do with the things if Elise didn't like them. "And... Well, here we are!"

Through all of this, Passeri failed to notice the red flush of the day's activities ebbing out of her skin, returning it to its usual alabaster white. Everywhere save for her ears, at least, which remained almost as crimson red as her eyes natural hue. She was pretty sure she'd had stadium-packed shows that she'd felt less nervous for than this.

"I, um, hope you like them?"

@simj26​

 

[angel doe]

celestine renee cadieux

CS Link

SCENE:

the DEATH of cinnabun??!?

LOCATION:

north district

TIME:

wouldn't u like to know, weather boy

PARTICIPANTS:

takaonna, celestine

the DEATH of cinnabun??!?

Celestine followed Takaonna quickly to where Cinnabun resided within the warehouse, wasting no time examining the small creature. She leaned close enough to listen to the mucus-y and slow breathing coming from the bun, watching as Taka poked the poor thing.

"Taka, Cinnabun is not dead," Celeste informed her with a small sigh of relief, "I believe she is sick."

Celestine carefully lifted the small creature with one hand and pulled a square of cloth from her purse so she could gently clean Cinnabun's face, "Taka, I think we need to take her to a veterinarian- an animal doctor. I am not equipped to care for her in the way she needs to be cared for." She folded the now dirtied cloth and tucked it back into her purse, using her now free hand to gently hold Takaonna's.

"I would be happy to take Cinnabun to the veterinarian if you would allow me to," Celeste took one of Taka's hands gently, lifting it to the hand that held the bunny. She wanted to make sure the other woman knew where her beloved pet was.

"I will handle the expenses and should Cinnabun be prescribed anything to help her, I will come here every day to make sure she gets it." Celestine sincerely hoped Takaonna would agree to this.

AriAriAbabwa

 

[CasualTea]

Jackson Reese Alessi

CS Link

SCENE MUSIC:

Powerful

LOCATION:

East District; Dragon HQ

TIME:

Pre-Outbreak || July 1st, 2022

PARTICIPANTS:

Llyod ( Jexon Whells ), Yona ( CasualTea ), Jackson

Agonizing Bonechill

He heard the shouts for them to be roasted and immediately knew these ones were sent in because they could fight. It was infinitely easier to fight knowing that these were likely not innocent victims. He dove to the floor covered by the ice dome Yona managed to get up with her quick thinking feeling the heat sweltering overhead. The gas filling the room would have been an issue as well if not for the impact created. His hanging back stopped him from the initial burst of it. When this was all over he’d need to thank her for that considering he would be most at risk for breathing in whatever that shit was.

Fuck. He saw Lloyd trying to go in and immediately was concerned. Yona had pushed the gas back but that didn’t mean that it couldn’t have affected them. He should have gathered something to sample the shit and send it back to HQ but he had no time with the beserker actions being taken.

“COOL YOUR HEAD! We’re gonna be in deep shit if you don’t take some time to evaluate!”

He looked at Yona who’d clearly overextended herself and knew he needed to shift to a more offensive position to cover and hopefully reel back in Lloyd. He brought back up his lance and scanned the area.

“Alright we need to get in there. Are you good to continue after catching your breath or down for the count? Be honest I already have to deal with Lloyd potentially needing to be dragged out of there, can’t afford to push an offensive if you’ll also need support, or else you might get caught in the crossfire.”

Lloyd Sorvocah

CS Link

TIME:

Pre- Outbreak: 2022, July 1st

SCENE:

Agonizing Bonechill

LOCATION:

Littleleaf, East District

PARTICIPANTS:

Jackson BriiAngelic , Yona CasualTea , Lloyd (Me)

Agonizing Bonechill

Lloyd continues to go through the tunnels to catch up to Yona, most of the ice spikes now ran off of at least one of the walls to provide a safer passage and less hazardous fighting zone, at the cost of some tripping hazards laying about. Just as he turns the corner, he hears an someone shout, after which flames burst forth towards Yona. For a split second, Lloyd was terrified, Yona would be getting serious injuries. That thought quickly faded when she put up a sort of ice wall that was able to partially redirect the flames around her, and block the rest.

While the heat doesn't bother him all that much, he gets a full hit of the vapors from the now evaporated drugs. Luckily for him, it doesn't work as fast or as hard due to his size, and some physiological changes. Yet, it would still only be matter of time before he, too, would be negatively affected. The last blast, caused by Yona, would push the majority of the vapors away, allowing for some clear breathing room. Though the drugs he inhaled were the least of his worries when he sees Yona fall to her knees and keeping herself propped up with her sword. Right there at the front line, where he was supposed to be, so no one else would have to face the brunt of the attacks that he would be able to handle better due to his Potential.

Immediately, Lloyd springs to action. He charges past Yona at an incredible speed, with a strangely monsterous roar. He crashes through the earthen grate that had been put up by their enemies, chunks of it flying forward haphazardly. Lloyd would then lash out to the first enemy he gets his eyes on through the flying rubble, his claw going through the air with incredible power to lacerate anything in his path. Whether or not he would hit anything or anyone does not matter. Lloyd was not aiming for a specific target. In actuality, he was going berserk, lashing out and charging at anything in front of him that is or would be a threat.

Scene Director

...

TIME:

Pre- Outbreak: 2022, July 1st

SCENE:

Agonizing Bonechill

LOCATION:

Littleleaf, East District

PARTICIPANTS:

Jackson BriiAngelic , Yona CasualTea , Lloyd Jexon Whells

Agonizing Bonechill

Well well, it seems now the trio is facing the actual opposition, which has a fiery tenacity it would seem. Yona was the speartip, and almost got her hair scorched off at least, were it not for her quick thinking and reflexes to shield herself and her superiors. She was even able to clear the gas, for a time. But it seems she had not conserved her energy, and now she has to keep herself upright with her blade. Meanwhile, the enemy had just started their engagement and are still quite energized.

With Lloyd following behind Yona, taking some time to clear the hazards she left behind, he was at least frustrated that the newbie - who is under his wing - is now at the frontline, nearly collapsed. Even though, the frontline is where he was supposed to be, just like he said in the beginning. But as Lloyd witnessed the situation, he wasted no more time at what should have been before, but making sure he goes where is should be now. With a violent beastial roar he crashes through the earthen grate, sending rubble flying ahead of him. He lashes out to the first person he sees, and any who follow.

All the while, Jackson was with Yona, shouting at Lloyd to calm himself down to approach more strategically. Though at the same time, he shows concern to Yona's current state, asking if she can still go on or if they need to change formation once more. Isn't this something? Jackson appears to currently be the most responsible of three. Perhaps that is a commendable thing to put in the report once this mission is over and done with.

However, let's focus on the here and now. With Lloyd crashing through the grate, causing confusion, and lashing out at the nearest target, it seems he actually hit someone succesfully. One of the people is send flying back, with multiple lacerations on their chest, only coming to a stop after slide over the floor for several feet and hitting a wall. "Sam!" the other shouts before turning his attention to the large, transformed, and rampaging Lloyd. "You fucking bastard! How about you take one of these instead!" A large earthen pillar is shot from the ground, straight towards the fast approaching Lloyd, which was meant to pin him against the wall behind him, or at least stop him dead in his tracks.

At the same time, the enemy left himself open to attacks from both Jackson and Yona because he was completely fixated on the monster who just sent his friend flying, and likely also dying. Although the opportunity presented itself, what would they do with it? Would Jackson still be adament on getting through to Lloyd? Or would he perhaps take this opportunity to get Yona to a safer distance, if she needs to regain herself before continuing? And what of Lloyd, who is still causing havoc? "We will have to wait and see."

Yona Kowloong

CS Link

TIME:

Pre-Outbreak: July 1st, 2022

SCENE:

Agonizing Bonechill "The Switch"

LOCATION:

Littleleaf, East District

PARTICIPANTS:

Jackson, Lloyd, Yona

Agonizing Bonechill

Yona's train of thought was going haywire. The more she tried getting it under control, the more out of control it went. As to what sort of thoughts would manifest in her chaotic brain, can just be imagined. It wasn't until her thought process was interrupted by a gush of wind caused by a fast moving object, causing her to stumble a little. She looked up just to see what brushed past her. Although it was blurry, she could still make out the figure. A rather large and monstrous one who seemed to be tearing up the opposition ahead. She could only think of one person who'd do that.

"Lloyd...?"

She questioned before Jackson came to her aid. “Alright we need to get in there." He began. "Are you good to continue after catching your breath or down for the count? Be honest I already have to deal with Lloyd potentially needing to be dragged out of there, can’t afford to push an offensive if you’ll also need support, or else you might get caught in the crossfire.”

To be quite honest, she wasn't feeling well. Not like that wasn't obvious enough already. "Rrrgh.. Just... focus on the mission! We can worry about me--- FUCK! LLOYD!!" She shouted over as she saw the Earthen pillar. But it was too late for her to do anything about it. She can only get his attacker off of him. She manifested her ice into a crude, structurally unrefined sword and threw it at the combatant who seemed to be calling the shots. Wait, calling the shots?

"Song..!" She loudly groaned. "Take care of him, he's probably a ringleader..!!" She uttered with every ounce of strength she had as she started to stand herself up, using the wall as support. "Go...!"

She propped herself up against the wall, her sword still ready and an ice spike sticking out of her arm. She took it out of her arm without too much difficulty but she let off a wince of pain. She'll have to bandage herself up later. For now, she only tore off a piece of cloth from her person and tightly wrapped her wound to stop it from bleeding too much. She'll have to standby for now. At most she'll let herself do is just watch the rear. Other than that, she'll leave Song and Lloyd the frontline for now.

 

[The One Eyed Bandit]

Brandy Baker

CS Link

SCENE:

Captives of The System

TIME:

~2004, Pre-Arc 1

LOCATION:

North District

PARTICIPANTS:

Brandy Baker & Caio Santana Coelho

Captives of The System

Brandy felt like she was going to fold into herself as Caio listed off what sounded like half of the menu to the waitress. Her eyes went wide, and if she hadn't found herself so stunned by the boy's brash bravery, she probably would've asked him to stop.

But she didn't. Definitely not because she sort of liked the idea of getting to try out so many new foods.

"Um... That's fine..." When the waitress turned her attention to her, Brandy went shy again. Her eyes hid behind her bangs and she shrank back into her seat, but the waitress didn't seem to think much of it. She penciled Caio's long list of burgers and burger paraphernalia into her notebook, and left the pair of children to their devices. A part of her wondered exactly how two Northern brats had the cash to throw around like this, but ultimately, she didn't care. She didn't get paid to pry.

"Are you sure that was okay...? They won't get annoyed with such a big order will they?" She really didn't want to get kicked out of the first restaurant she ever went to. "And are we allowed beer? Isn't that just for grown-ups?"

She was really starting to have her doubts about this. What if- even worse than getting kicked out- her parents showed up? They did come here pretty often, after all, what would they say if they saw her eating a burger? What would they do? Would she get grounded? Would Caio get in trouble too?

"Um, actually... Do you think we could get this to go?" Brandy shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "We could have it back at the apartment... It'd be safer, I think..."

BriiAngelic​

 

[The One Eyed Bandit]

Passeri Park

CS Link

SCENE:

Overcast, In Saline

TIME:

Post-Arc 3, July 7th [Afternoon]

LOCATION:

Clemency Private Hospital, Central District

PARTICIPANTS:

Passeri, Eric, Dagger, Kiwi, Dante, Pei

Overcast, In Saline

The plan. The word was like venom in her ears. Ever since she'd stepped into the Tiger's den, she'd always had one, two, three... More than she could remember. Backups for backups. Planning was one of the thing she was best at, and yet as she lay here today, they were all distant.

She didn't know what to do.

"Bit of a work in progress, that..." An understatement. "With all the time I've had to lay around today you'd think I'd be flush with ideas, right? But it's really been all of a blank."

For all the time she'd had, the amount of it that had actually been workable was appalling. Whether she'd been entertaining guests like this, or simply fighting with the addled maze of her senses and memories, she'd been occupied the entire day. It was suffocating, to have both the outer and her inner world kept from her... But still, she kept that typical, gentle smile that she wore plastered to her lips. It was the only piece of make-up that she needed to look her best.

"But I'll puzzle it out soon enough. I figure all of the fuss should be done with today, and then I can take some time to figure things out." For now, she'd remained occupied with other things, such as what this particular fusser had decided to visit her for.

"How about you? You're a busy guy, aren't you? I'm surprised you had the time to check in on such short notice like this." Some of her other visitors she could understand, but this really didn't seem to be Dante's style. A watcher from the shadows, that's the sort of man she'd evaluated him to be.

"As you can see, I'm really doing quite fine... So, I won't keep you here if you're busy." And the less time he spent here, the fewer questions he'd have the opportunity to ask. She was already so, so tired of the dreadful little things.

Spoiler: Tags

Interacted:@The Regal Rper
Relevant:N/A

 

[The One Eyed Bandit]

Young-sook Baker [NPC]

SCENE:

Overcast, In Saline

TIME:

Post-Arc 3, July 7th [Morning]

LOCATION:

Clemency Private Hospital, Central District

PARTICIPANTS:

Passeri, Eric, Dagger, Kiwi, Dante, Pei

Overcast, In Saline

"Is that eye of yours just for show? A smoke, even tar and ash beats the air in this horrid place, don't you think?" Young-sook arched a brow at the woman's sardonic japes. Whatever she thought of the woman's violent declaration, on the other hand, didn't show on her face. One didn't reach her age in this city if they were going to be put out by the mention of a bit of blood.

"And whoever she is, I'm sure she's very grateful for the doggedness." It was more than she could say for that lot that the woman had mentioned. As proud as she was of her granddaughter's success, she'd never thought much of the droves of fanatics that it attracted. She knew that sort of person, and she knew that they were shallow. Neither this woman nor the one she'd spoken with earlier were of their ilk, that much she was certain of. They simply lacked the jubilation; that shameless sense of self-satisfaction to be sharing the same air as the figure they idolized. It repulsed her whenever she saw it.

"Don't figure that talk of butchery like that is very wise in this setting, though." She took a long, deep drag from her cigarette. Prying into things that had no business with was what old crones like her were best at, but still, it was awfully exhausting. She'd always hated small talk. "Can't imagine hearing you've been locked up would be great for your friend's recovery, hmm? Take some advice from an old woman. It's best to keep that sort of thing to yourself."

Part of her strained against this. While she had little faith in the incompetents at the NOPD, another had her reservations about the sort of woman who would so brazenly embrace the siren song of wrath. She'd suspected for years now that Passeri had gotten herself involved in... Some sort of dreadful business involving the city's underbelly, and this woman may as well have been the smoking gun. A proper guardian would've had none of it. They would've called for security and then gone straight to the police.

But Young-sook was hardly feeling proper at the moment.

She'd seen her granddaughter's wounds. She'd seen how her face had contorted with fear as she'd slept. She'd seen it now and she'd seen it all those years ago, when she'd first plucked her from son and daughter-in-law's grasp. Seeing it again made her blood boil. She thought, then, that a bit of butchery might not be so bad.

"I'd hate to see another straw on the camel's back, is all." The downpour beyond the hospital's cover almost drowned out what came next. Young-sook had never been the sort of woman to show her age, but as she watched the cascade of stormwater wash across the pavement below, she looked old and weary. "You ever know which one is going to break it... Keep that in mind for me, won't you?"

Spoiler: Tags

Interacted: @simj26
Relevant: gxxberkit

 

[joshuadim]

DAIGO ASANUMA

CS Link

SCENE:

Anger Management

TIME:

Pre-Arc 1; August 1, 2019

LOCATION:

South District

PARTICIPANTS:

Charlie, Daigo

ANGER MANAGEMENT

The sudden assault from the blue-haired interloper caught the small-time gang off kilter, as the chaos sent those who had been lucky enough to avoid the dumpster in a mad scramble while their boss was shoved with enough force that his mass sent him crashing through a brick wall nearby. The dust and mortar that fell upon him led to a clouding of his impact, but also a general confusion that arose from the low tier goons. This gave the opening for Charlie to reach the kid he had been chasing, but was met with a resounding spitefulness as he seemed more upset than anything.

"I SAID I DIDN'T NEED YOUR HELP!" Daigo spat out angrily as he got up onto his feet, "Now I'm just fucked because of this-"

A sickening crack filled the air as the mohawk goon's bat hit Daigo square on the back, sending him tumbling down to the ground as he clutched at the point of impact with gritted teeth. And Charlie was now assaulted as well as a frog-like tongue wrapped around his arm, yanking him towards its owner; this led to a fist greeting his face, rocking the left side of his jaw as he tumbled back from the impact. A kick from behind also greeted Charlie, interrupting his momentum with a blow that took him off guard completely.

Daigo could take it, he was no stranger to the ruthlessness of the streets, but he didn't want to fight. He was afraid to let loose. All things considered, he had been ready to take the beating and get it over with. At least they'd let him live then. But now this idiot stranger had gone and not only involved himself, but also made things so much worse. Why? WHY? Why does he care!?

Roda the Red

 

[Coyote Hart]

PEYTON XIONG

CS Link

SCENE:

Those in the River

LOCATION:

Sphyx Tavern, North District

TIME:

June 5th, 2022 | Post-Arc 3

PARTICIPANTS:

Peyton, Dyne

THOSE IN THE RIVER

Peyton didn't miss the small teasing smile that curled Dyne's lips. He hadn't thought that he'd be so embarrassed about it, but Dyne's smirk caused Peyton to have the faintest brush of pink on his cheeks. It was as if she saw through the fluff and understood everything.

"I guess if I wanna have a good fight, I could go back. That might be a good way to catch up with them," Peyton said. The frisky people at the Eternal Night Palace, the viciously violent ones that he met on patrol, and the acquaintances that he had made were all going to be his enemies now. That was fine. Peyton was sure that fighting them would be very fulfilling.

Peyton turned his full attention away from reminiscing and back towards Dyne. Her response to Peyton's reason was quite interesting, and after a shameful amount of time, Peyton put two and two together and realized that Dyne was trying to protect someone. She really cared about the men that courted her. Faris and Johnathan and the others were really lucky guys to have Dyne.

In fact, for a brief moment, Peyton had a tinge of regret not trying to court Dyne and join the harem. But then he remembered the reason why he hadn't. There was simply too much competition. He had mentioned as much to Faris.

"I don't think you need to have a flashy Potential to cause some havoc!" Peyton said. He wasn't completely versed in the capabilities of Dyne's Potential, but he did know a bit due to his work as a former Dragon. "But a nice weapon does help kill though!"

And that was the crux of why Dyne was here.

"What kind of weapon are you thinking of getting?" Peyton asked, "I think there's a lot of things that you'd look really cool wielding!"

Damafaud

 

[Peckinou]

Helva Linxal

CS Link

SCENE:

To live in the shadows

LOCATION:

Warehouse, South District

PARTICIPANTS:

Helva, Zulin, Charlie Roda the Red

To live in the shadows

Revernant planned to be relentless when it came to attacking, her main goal was to intimidate and hurt him, the main purpose of the trial was to test him both mentally and physically. Though she did admit that the boy was able to keep himself more composed than she initially thought, an impressive display to say the least, but she still wasn't going to relent and continue her plan as usual. As they exchanged blows Revernant could feel each wave of pain, it felt like she was being hit with a sledgehammer each time, but she was still able to hold her ground until he opted to headbutt her, forcing her to reel back in pain for a moment which the boy instantly took advantage of, forcing her into the air before slamming her to the ground. A move like that would typically be able to knock her out in her base state, but with the shadow armor on, the advantage of the darkness and Zulin with her, it simply became disorienting. Disorienting enough to where Helva felt that she needed to step back and just allow Zulin to take control while she recovered, from the mind-numbing pain that she just feeling, Charlie meanwhile had opted to retreat from the scene, before Revernant could launch their own counter attack. Something that could be considered very unfortunate, for Zulin who was now in control, Revernant quickly bounced back up the stinging pain in their body had grown had elicited a growl from Revernant as they turned towards Charlie.

Revernant looked towards Charlie who had gathered a bit of distance away from them, he seemed to be looking around more than likely for anything that could help them, but this warehouse was mostly filled with crates. Crates that had random items in them, not even Helva knew exactly what was in each one as it was mostly Hiymas work, but searching or destroying them could give a person something useful or something useless. But with Zulin now piloting Revernant he had different plans in mind that involved less tactics and more hurting. Charging forward Revernant raised their arm in the air, it growing in length and soon forming a mallet like hammer at the tip, which Zulin dropped down onto Charlie using all their weight and strength in order to crush him to the ground and using enough force to leverage partially into the air. They weren't sure what effect that it would have on the boy, but they were sure he would be fine if considering how durable he was, but still they wanted to see just how durable he was, and just what exactly his limits were.

 

[angel doe]

celestine renee cadieux

CS Link

SCENE:

a garden of stone

LOCATION:

north district

TIME:

post arc-3 | june 9th

PARTICIPANTS:

melody, ordelia, celestine, sill

a garden of stone

Celestine was lost. She had gone out shopping and somehow ended up... Where was she?

Looking around, Celeste didn't recognize much of the surrounding area. However, she blamed it partially on the torrential downpour that had begun not long ago, making recognizing anything near impossible. The rain was coming down in sheets and she could hardly see a foot in front of her face. At least she had an umbrella, although it didn't do much to keep her dry.

It wasn't long before she heard something through the pouring rain, a quiet 'help' followed by a cacophony of noise, as though someone was taking something apart, that would have been far louder had the rain not drowned most of it out. Any sane person would probably walk away from the noise, but Celestine was both curious and concerned so she headed towards the sounds.

Squinting through the rain, Celeste spotted two people she didn't recognize. They both appeared rather distressed, but she couldn't say for certain whether they were or not.

"Excuse me?" She called as she got closer, pushing her bangs from her eyes, "Are you alright?"

Celestine hadn't noticed the battle occurring not too far from the strangers.

BluEndings miki Peckinou

 

[Jexon Whells]

Lloyd Sorvocah

CS Link

TIME:

Pre- Outbreak: 2022, July 1st

SCENE:

Agonizing Bonechill

LOCATION:

Littleleaf, East District

PARTICIPANTS:

Jackson BriiAngelic , Yona CasualTea , Lloyd (Me)

Agonizing Bonechill

The approaching earthen pillar hits Lloyd square in the chest. He tries to resist the constant push, but the sudden counter had left him unprepared for the impact, which knocks some air out of him. Lloyd gets pushed further and further back until he hits the wall behind him and finally comes to a full stop, getting pinned to the wall by the pillar. However, it seems it wasn't enough to really stop Lloyd, and he would allow himself to remain restraint like that for long.

He lifts both his fist in the air and slams them down on the earthen pillar with such force that not only the pillar breaks, but the reminants of it leave a small crater in the ground below. Lloyd then lets out another mighty roar and immediately charges at the earth using Serpent again, this time, more prepared for what may come at him. Still, this approach is rather reckless, not something he would usually do. But perhaps the situation just calls for it when one of his allies is out of commision already, and he needs to safeguard them, which he does with a relentless assault to keep the enemy's attention.

 

[thebigfella]

Karne (NPC)

SCENE:

Blood Within The Pavement Cracks

LOCATION:

???

TIME:

???

PARTICIPANTS:

Blood Within The Pavement Cracks

A phone rang.

Water flowed through the canals, the surface rippled above the murky depths, debris bumped against the walls and moved along. Dull lights overhead illuminated the rusted pipes, material chewed away by the elements. The oxide's scars leaked down the walls, grafting permanent marks across the curved embankments.

The phone continued to ring.

Roaches scuttled across the ground, crawling in and out of the crevices and cracks. Their antennas twitched and prodded the ground beneath them as they sensed their surroundings. One of them went opposite the rushing water, towards the echoing sounds of ringing that bounced off the twisted walls. Colors decorated underneath its body as it wandered across a distinctive piece of graffiti. The roach continued to walk ahead until its antenna tapped against something it didn’t recognize. Boots covered in muck, white stained by days of slime soaking into the rubber and leather.

The boot rose up and crushed the roach underneath its weight with not even an audible crunch.

The phone stopped ringing.

A gas mask held in the man’s gloved hand, his fingers hooking the strap as it loosely hung against gravity. Dried blood splattered across his white jacket, mixing with the grime. A large gash present within his attire across his chest, showcasing the large bandage wrapped around his chest, bumps of stitching causing a visible indent underneath the cotton.

His other hand gripped a cell phone, its bright glow painting across the right side of his face, cascading a shadow upon the opposite end. His green eyes glowed through the darkness and the light towards the opposite wall.

“It’s me.”

Karne’s voice echoed through the empty sewers; his solitude of survival rang through speakers and through acoustics, both coming through incredibly hollow.

There was a pause, leaving nothing but the hum of running water.

“Still alive. That’s a surprise.”

A woman’s voice came through the other end, even through the crackling and static caused by the signal traversing through the underground tunnel; her acerbity towards the voice she was hearing was clear.

Despite this, Karne’s expression did not change.

“You failed,” the woman continued.

“I know,” Karne replied.

A mutual silence manifested next; Karne had already begun walking, his feet carrying him along, a decision already made.

“I'll kill her.”

“The job is off. We have no need for your services anymore.”

“I'll kill her.”

Karne’s feet resounded through the sewers; each step reached the ground purposefully.

“Any more involvement from you will make things difficult for us. We’ve already moved ahead with our other ventures. Refrain from wasting your time and ours any further.” She commanded as authoritatively .

Karne didn’t respond to authority; he removed the phone from his ear, holding it a away from his face.

“Do you hear me, Vulture? If you continue, we will have no choice but--”

With a click, there was no more annoying buzzing in his ear. He tossed the phone over his shoulder, letting it splash into the water.

He brought his gas mask up to his face, placing it over his mouth and positioning the goggles over his eyes. He pulled his hood up, his face becoming absorbed in its shadow. His hands reached down into the pockets of his jacket.

He had failed; that woman besmirched his name. An assassin who couldn’t finish the job was as useless as an unsharpened pencil, unable to leave a mark on blank white paper. She had survived because the world seemed to favor her.

She chose to walk within the darkness yet still selfishly clings to the light. Favored by the world, she stands for no reconciliation.

Why was he forced into hiding while she could bask in the gazes of many?

Why must he cover his hands in blood to find his place while she gets to do nothing but walk around with a pretty face?

It was thoughts like this, jealousy that kept the flame alive. Even as his body ran cold while blood seeped out of him, the feeling of anger kept his ligaments warm.

He had brought her down to Earth to show her place within the mulch and mud, covered in grime and blood, what someone of her ilk was genuinely worth in this “real” world, but it wasn't enough. The wheels of fate still chose to pick her over him.

Cruel. That's what it was. So he would have to be more barbaric, more bloodthirsty. Crack, split, and snap every part of that timeless wheel that continues to spin in one direction until it can do nothing but hobble the other way.

Passeri Park. She was the embodiment of his hatred of the blessed ones. The chosen few who ascend on nothing but the laurels of fortune. Such a fraud should only exist on the surface, where such vanity has no worth.

If he could kill her, he could finally prove something to himself.

“The surface.” He proclaimed, the word sticking in his mind like glue as his eyes glimmered.

“I need to get back to the surface.”

“Only from there can I truly drag her to hell.”

His figure shrank as he walked further into the sewer before disappearing.

The shot stayed trained upon the empty space before slowly shifting upward. A flashing red blip was visible from within one of the shaded corners.

A shifting light allowed the source to faintly come into perspective. A camera with its lens pointed directly toward Karne’s direction extended and focused in tandem with mechanical whirrs and clicks.

Then, everything went dark.

The Sewers

http://www.google.com

SCENE:

Blood Within The Pavement Cracks

TIME:

July 9th, 2022 | | Post-Arc 3

LOCATION:

Central District Sewers

PARTICIPANTS:

Dagger, Markus

Blood Within The Pavement Cracks

The morning sun cascaded across the destruction of Central. A spot that had long since become devoid of any life. Not even birds perched upon torn rebar; spiders had not yet had enough time to build new homes within the wreckage.

The wind whistled through openings between cracked stones and dragged litter across the torn pavement.

A stirless silence.

A palpable sense of beckoning.

The well had dried up. An empty concave that led to the maw of the ground, a gullet that led to the catacombs of man’s industrialism.

Leaf litter and trash moistened within what little water sat between the rusted steel grates and the depths ahead. Just barely, the sounds of moving water were audible within the unknown.

Within the sewers, there was something to be found. Among the rodents and roaches, there was a simple concept that intended to stay hidden. Its shape changed and morphed depending on who squinted to view it.

Deeper into the sewers was the only chance to claim it.

 

[WhiskeyMarten]

HECTOR MOSES

CS Link

SCENE:

New Royals

LOCATION:

Kaspian's Club, Central District

PARTICIPANTS:

Hector, Tri

NEW ROYALS

“Better us than your coked-up lackeys, and we’ve held control more- shit!” That action said it all. He should’ve beaten some sense into the guy while he had the chance, but now he was holding a metal-coated arm out to deflect the projectile headed his way. It split on impact, spreading smoke along the floor where it landed. Hector wasn’t listening to the rest. He was in the danger zone now.

“You had to ruin a good night, didn’t you?”

He didn’t know what Tri had brewed into the projectile, but anything would’ve been bad, and now the crowd had started to panic. With one last glare towards Tri, he headed the other way, towards a tinted window at the end of the room. Anyone in his way got pushed to the ground as he was desperate to escape. He would’ve liked to drag Tri along with him, to bring the fight outside, but feared any other tricks.

He punched through the window with a metal fist, smelling cold, fresh air.

This isn’t over, Tri.

He jumped to the ground a few stories below.

 

[WhiskeyMarten]

JOZEF DAALMAN

CS Link

SCENE:

Spotting The Wingless

LOCATION:

East District

PARTICIPANTS:

Celeste, Jozef, [NPCs: Flea, Tick] | Keith, Nona-Me [NPCs: Dragons x2]

SPOTTING THE WINGLESS

Jozef shut his eyes as pain rushed his head, whimpering. His knife slipped from his hand, which he couldn’t move thanks to the grip Keith had.

“They’re… Good people!”

A fist struck his face, and he could smell the blood dripping down past his chin.

“Have some mercy.”

His free hand flailed against the attacker, trying to get away, but he was helpless to being thrown further away from his friends.

“Celeste!”

If his composure hadn’t been broken by the combo of attacks, Jozef wouldn’t have called out for Celeste. He had to keep her safe, and she had her own battle to deal with… A battle he was further away from now. He had to get back there. He held his hand, dirty from being scraped along the concrete ground, up to his face, and felt the relief he was so thankful to feel. Open skin closed, bleeding slowed, though he still couldn’t think straight. Jozef knew he couldn’t take on the Dragons, but he got to his feet, hoping to dodge whatever Keith had planned next.

---

The swordsman swung against flesh, but then the air, his target being pulled to the ground. Very helpful. He looked to Nona, grimacing. It may not have been the most coordinated fight, but they clearly had the upper hand, so he just readied to swing again. Before that, though, he saw Nona’s axe, and took a big step back, so as not to get in cleaving range.

Tears welled up in Flea’s eyes as blood soaked through her jacket. She tried to wriggle from the sudden grab, but couldn’t. Her eyes widened as she saw the axe headed her way again, dripping her own blood from the last hit. She had to move, now, and with a slight bend of her knees, prepared to leap back.

In that moment, the axe came close.

Then Celeste came closer, grabbing Flea.

And became the new target by her own choosing.

Flea leaped back several feet, and any who could remain clinging to her would join her. The Dragon did, stubbornly, aiming to tackle Flea off her feet, her main advantage on the others. Unfortunately, she was too late to get Celeste away from the axe.

---

Tick reached a door, and though his hands slipped across the handle, uncoordinated but determined in his attempts to open it, it had already been locked. He then opted to beat at the door with his fists, but those inside were very busy. Tick didn’t dare look back, but did notice he banged on the door with greater force with each hit. Subconsciously he licked what remained of Keith’s blood off of his lips and fangs. It was refreshing.

The door fell off of its hinges with one final bang.

Their customer’s bodyguards stared him down, before looking up at the carnage ahead. Tick disappeared into the building, the door propped up back where it stood.

 

[SpikeyMoth]

Yarne Dragomir

Scene: Acid Reign
Location: West District
Participants: X LazyDaze Babarutthoth Vorifengrous Yarne
Time: Post-Arc 3, July 15th (Evening)

It was late in the day in the western district. The sun beginning to set and the night life was slowly coming alive. Yarne was walking down the side of the street heading to his target’s location.

He was wearing a nice black suit with golden trim along the sides as well as nice shiny buttons. Yarne also had one his favorite pairs of sunglasses on that were tinted just enough so one could barely see his piercing yellow eyes. “I have to say….it isn’t often I have to work with someone else on these types of jobs. Either they think this target is important or they think I’m losing my edge~” he let out a soft chuckle while fishing through his jacket pocket for a pack of cigarettes.

Their target had vanished from the gang’s records for a time only recently resurfacing. Now that they’re back and, probably, alive, it was time to collect some much owed fees. The smell of a noxious smoke began to fill the air as Yarne lit his cigarette before tossing the match off to the side carelessly. “Although they didn’t really give much info to go on other than a name and location….”

 

[WhiskeyMarten]

LAZLO SHEPHERD

CS Link

SCENE:

Office Escapades

LOCATION:

The OfficeTM, West District

PARTICIPANTS:

Lazlo, Kiwi

OFFICE ESCAPADES

“Heh, heh.”

Lazlo chuckled as he leaned back, though appreciative of Kiwi’s comedy, his stomach ached with hunger. He glanced down at his desk, opening a drawer to see if there were any snacks to satiate him. An empty Snickers wrapper, and nothing more.

“Sandwiches’ll be cold by now. Guy wants to take the damn scenic route.” Seeing that Kiwi was getting to work, he leaned toward her, chin resting on his sweaty palm. He was wasting away by the second. Losing all his energy. Her shout jolted him to alertness, and the anger was shared.

“WHAT!”

Lazlo shook his head. Typical Johnny Guy.

“Of course they’ve been taken hostage, cos I can’t have anything nice ‘round here. This city is full o’ FRAUDS and THIEVES.” He tapped angrily on his phone, calling Johnny, but unsurprisingly, he didn’t pick up.

“He thinks he can take our sandwiches. Next he’s gonna think he can UNIONIZE! I just want my steak and cheese, damn it.” Defeated, he slumped back, eyes closed, though he opened one long enough to look at Kiwi.

“I’m sorry you have to go through this. This ain’t like him. City’s been giving him ideas or something.”

He should’ve stayed on the West Coast. Things were simpler over there.

“I oughta go find him and give him a piece of my mind.”

WACKY WILB

CS Link

SCENE:

Office Escapades

LOCATION:

ooooo evil wilb lair ooooo

PARTICIPANTS:

Nice Wilbert, Smelly Costumed Wilb, Johnny, Sandwiches

OFFICE ESCAPADES

“Mrow! >”

”That’s right, Wilbert. This will teach him a lesson.”

A figure stood in darkness, perhaps a human, with feline features- No, just a costume. A hideous, stinky, furry cat costume. In his big paws, a disgruntled cat — real, no costumes this time — meowed malcontently, clawing at the human but to no avail as he was held too tightly for escape, and his claws couldn’t slice through the suit.

”Help! Let me outta here!”

”Oh we can’t do that. Not until justice is served.”

”Justice? I ain’t done anything! I’m just tryna get these sandwiches to my boss.”

”Your boss. Your boss who hasn’t repented for what he did to me all those years ago. Have you forgotten so quickly?”

”What?”

”Mrow. ”

 

[LazyDaze]

X

CS Link

SCENE:

Acid Reign

LOCATION:

West District

DATE:

Post-Arc 3, July 15th (Evening)

PARTICIPANTS:

Xixix, Yarne SpikeyMoth , Babarutthoth Vorifengrous

Acid Reign

X's shoulders for a brief moment loosened up more than normal, lowering with the setting sun. This was truly his favorite moment of the day, sunset. For a moment time stood still in New Oasis, and for a moment it felt like you found heaven and all the peace it would contain. For a moment, the world was allowed to sigh in relief. During the day the denizens of the world take up their struggle, becoming one with the hustle and bustle labeled as everyday life, whatever that means, and then their is this beautiful moment where it all stops. Like a lull in the sea the sky phases into a relaxing peach before the blues of the night are ushered in by a dull green. One by one, neon signs and street lights blot out the stars, reminding everyone just how expansive the jungle of steel and concrete is. Then, almost begrudgingly, life continues. However, lights always cast shadows. Unfortunately for X, he was never afforded the opportunity to choose a life oblivious to the darkness behind the energetic signs and flickering lamps. Sometimes, it seems the brightest of lights were compensating to hide the darkest truths. It was enough to wonder what shadows lie behind the sun. X's shoulders were still relaxed, but not relieved. The moment had passed.

Today he spent his favorite time of the day on an assignment, nothing new for him. He was usually busy with something or another. He even tried to talk himself out of it. Yarne Drago...Yarn...clothes. Yarn Dragon. Yes that was his name. A veteran of the Tigers, but relatively new...well, most people seemed like newbies to X. Despite only being 27 coupled with his rookie status, X couldn't help but feel like a relic of the Tigers. The new veteran certainly behaved like one. Expensive suits, rich looking shades and accessories, that air of arrogance that was not only tinged by the plumes of smoke that trailed him were a window into his motivations and personality. X had seen many like him. Why was X assigned assigned this task with the Yarn Dragger? It was anyone's guess. Backup, babysitting, just something to do to remind X that he was simply a cog in their machine, who knows who cares? X picked up the lighter that Yarn Dagger dropped. It could be useful for something certainly. "Maybe I'm babysitting after all," X said while scratching the back of his head.

"Stupidity, it's probably the stupidity," X said with a shrug his shoulders without elaborating. He was responding to his former statement as to why he would have a partner in this assignment...stupidity was very dangerous. That disease strong enough to be a super power. To be specific, the stupidity of someone who makes it beyond the age of 21. X admired dumb asses and the blissful aura that surrounded them unaware of all the pitfalls and fangs bearing down upon them. Somehow, the ignorant were extremely lucky. It must be a veil of divine intervention woven around their existence to balance their handicap. Stupid people were always the worst ones to deal with because they were unpredictable. They were powerful because their was always a reason they could afford to be cavalier, unaware of how lucky they were. Based on the briefing, this person they were after was probably of that ilk. "If the target becomes hostile...." X started off in a flat, but stern tone. "Protect me with your life. I'm incredibly fragile."

 

[SpikeyMoth]

Yarne Dragomir

Scene: Acid Reign
Location: West District
Participants: X
LazyDaze Babarutthoth
Vorifengrous Yarne
Time: Post-Arc 3, July 15th (Evening)

Yarne let out a small sigh causing smoke to be exhaled from his body. His new companion was talking but truth be told Yarne was only half listening. He had never heard of this ‘X’ before today nor had he met him but despite his lack of info on the man Yarne knew one thing for certain……this man was a touch bit odd.

X seemed to speak in broken sentences, as if he was slowly going in and out of talking in his head. The things he did say however would take Yarne a brief moment to translate what on earth he was talking about. “Mm babysitting you say…?” He chuckled softly at the thought of him requiring a babysitter. Sure he wouldn’t be surprised if the organization kept a close eye on him at times….but surely they did not have the audacity to assign him a caretaker? Yarne took a small puff of his cigarette and glanced over at X out of the corner of his eye. “If you’re as frail in combat as you say….maybe it’s me watching over you rookie~” he said putting emphasis on the word ‘rookie’ as if to not so subtly show off his ranking.

“Nevertheless we should be nearing the target’s last known location. Then we’ll see just what kind of mission this really is. Apparently they have quite a substantial amount of debt built up over the span of many years.” Yarne fished in his pocket for a small piece of paper that had the target’s name and location written out. “Frankly I’m shocked they let that much money go by unpaid for so long….”

 

[Aquarin]

ASTI

SCENE:

Since When Do They Teach Us To Look Up?

LOCATION:

Construction Site, North District

TIME:

17th June, 2022 | Post-Arc 3

PARTICIPANTS:

Celeste, Asti

Since When Do They Teach Us To Look Up?

There was something strangely cathartic about the simplicity of a one-sided beating.

Flesh met flesh as their knuckles continuously painted the victim's body red. Just like an overexcited child would an empty mural with their new crayons. Another recoil, another punch, the sound of crunching bones followed by a pleasant tinge in their own fists. Only when they felt their regeneration kick in and mend their own fractures did Asti stop, their arms lowering in the process.

Pride swelled in their chest as they saw the appearance of the person beneath them. A broken nose, swollen features, eyes glassy from the rush of adrenaline pumping into his system. It looked like the work of a demolition squad going rampage.

Asti leaned forward, putting more pressure on the ribs. Oh, wow. This one felt like it was broken. The thug moaned in pain and moved as if to curl up in a ball. A sweet gesture. Really! But rather fruitless with someone sitting on his chest.

"Where did all your bark go? Stuck in there?" They grabbed his injured nose and twisted it hard as more screams erupted from the man. Just loud enough to have elicited a small giggle from Asti. Technically, they were only supposed to use a few threats to scare off the stray group of ruffians from the site, but, hey, wasn't this method much more effective?

"Let him go, you freak!" A sudden scream.

First of all, rude. Second, who?

The Serpent loosened their grip and turned their head to look at the criminal brave enough to defend her beaten friend. They sneered, "Or what? You'll shoot me with your little toy?" Her hands tightened around the grip in response, one finger resting dangerously close to the trigger. The muzzle pointed straight at them.

"Try it," they shrugged nonchalantly before turning their attention back to the thug beneath them. Shallow breaths raced through his battered body and a small whimper escaped the man's chapped lips as he realised whose attention he once again held. What a way to test someone's endurance. Perhaps they should try his fingers next?

Before Asti could put that thought into action, a sudden flash of movement caught their eye. Dark, silent and definitely not a bullet. Instinctively they shifted aside. Not enough, apparently, for moments later, pleasure blossomed from their hips. Like a dopamine shot straight to the head. Blood began to flow from the open wound as the white of their top turned crimson. The dark, tentacle-like appendage retreated into the shadows from which it had emerged. Leaving only the stains of their blood on the ground few inches away.

Asti's head whipped around, staring at the woman half kneeling on the ground. They caught her pulling her hand from a nearby shadowy area, shaking it as if trying to work out cramps. "So you had a potential. Neat!" Asti pulled off their left glove and grabbed the downed man's wrist tightly with their own. "Me too," they said cheerfully. And then they send a small impulse to activate it.

Blink and you'd have missed it.

Smooth skin replaced the gaping hole as the other person seemed to squirm uncomfortably. Gone was the tingling from their side, but his reaction was also delightful. He whimpered, choking on his saliva. "Shh, not my fault, okay," Asti whispered. They patted him on the head, very reassuringly, before standing up.

Construction dust swirled in the air as they patted themselves down to get rid of crumbs of sand and dirt. Their grin were ever present as they glanced back up at the hooligans, who were graciously waiting for them to finish. Thanks!

It was clear that the group of one, two, three... four standing people! had put all their faith in their HP to finish off the mysterious attacker. But when they saw Asti completely unharmed, with only the hole in their clothes as a visible flaw, their hopes began to fade. Asti could taste their creeping fear in the air. How funny.

The group stood completely still, perhaps frozen in shock or trying to gather their wits. Meanwhile, Asti looked around.

Eyes narrowed to shield them from the glaring sun shining straight at them. They took in all the faces of the strangers and promptly forgetting every detail. Asti was searching for a more familiar face. And one much prettier as well! Perhaps the only other somewhat respectable person here.

Where exactly was their babysitter?

Oh, how Asti would love to see her expression now. Would it be filled with anger, embarrassment or indignation? A Rookie openly dismissing her presence and status must have made her blood boil, right? They did not even give her a chance to speak when the mission's location was in sight, but rather rushed ahead without caring what she had in mind. Any possible words lost in the wind.

A woman like Celeste, so regal and gentle. What would her wrath look like?

angel doe